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LI  B  RAFLY 

OF  THE 

U  N  IVLRSITY 

Of    ILLI  NOIS 


823 

\T71b 

v.3 


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THE  KHJG23  Ci"  TH.K   HOAD. 


[CLATTOE  DUVAL'S  PECCLIAJt    ADVENT  UliF.J 


CHAPTER  DCCCXXXIX. 

OT.&UDK   DUVAL  13  IN  TIME  TO   PREVENT    THE    PERPETUA- 
TION  OF  A   FOUL  WRONG. 

That  sucn  a  mistake  as  tho  one  we  have  just  described 
should  take  place  .is  not  at  all  wonderful,  for  by  tho  old 
nan's  manner  it  seemed  as  though  he  had  been  for  hours 
expecting  the  approach  of  some  one,  and  seeing  Claude,  as 
it  appeared,  about  to  stop  at  the  gates,  he  jumped  im- 
mediately to  the  conclusion  that  the  person  he  expected 
had  arrived. 

This  was  the  solution  Claude  himself  put  upon  it,  &aA 
as  he  did  so,  this  difficulty  arose  in  his  mind : 

The  failing  eyesight  of  the  old  man  might  have  disabled 
him  from  distinguishing  a  stranger  from  the  person  ho 
txpected ;  but  the  voice  would  be  another  matter. 

&.->.  173—  Biack  Bkss 


When  Claude  spoke,  would  not  the  deception  be  at  ucoi 
discovered  ? 

"Oh,  Master  Jack,"  he  continued,  addressing  him,  «ud 
walking  on  by  the  side  of  his  steed,  "  I  have  been  watch- 
ing and  waiting  for  you  so  long — watching  and  waiting 
until  I  have  grown  quite  weary,  and  when  1  heard  you 
approach  my  joy  was  so  great  that  at  first  I  could  not 
move  !  Oh,  it  is  time  that  you  came  back  to  yoiw  ownl 
If  you  only  knew  how  much  your  father  regrets  hie  ha*wu 
treatment  of  you,  you  would  forgive  him.      He,  too,  lo»gfl 

for   you;  but    the  dark  spirit  is  at   wock,    aud You 

understand,  Master  Jack?" 

Claudo  made  a  murmuring  jound,  which  he  fefped 
wr.ui«i  be  significative  of  assent. 

The  old  man  took  it  so,  and  continued  with  thf  gar- 
rulity of  old  age  : 

••  Your  cousin  is  there ;  he  is  with  him  bow  in  Ws  bed- 
room, sitting  at  the  side  of  his  dying  bed.     He  does  not 


No.  178. 


Trice  Onk  Halfpenny. 
No.  174  will  be  Published  next  Thursday. 


1378 


BLACK.     CESS  ;     Oft 


know  that  my  eyes  have  been  upon  him,  but  they  have — 
they  have !  Ho  has  been  importuning  your  father  to 
sign  a  will  that  will  revoke  the  one  he  has  already  made, 
and  alienate  all  this  fine  property  from  yoti  and  bequeath 
It  to  him.  But  your  father  has  held  out  till  now,  though 
he  is  weak,  very  weak,  and  his  ear  is  st'dl  poisoned  by  th»t 
false  tale  which  your  bad  cousin  fabricaisd." 

Still  Claude  was  silent,  and  tho  old  iaem,  turning  10  him, 
said  :  fc    . 

"  Why,  how  quiet  you  are,  Mastel  JacR. ;  •-*  ja  don't  say 
a  single  word.  But  I  don't  wonder  at  ycur  sileaec~-I  can 
account  for  it.  Your  heart  must  be  heavy  iudeod.  In 
a  day  or  two,  though,  you  will  be  able  to  tell  me  all  that* 
has  occurred,  and  to  glad  my  poor  heart.  And  bow  is 
Miss  Ellen  now,  and  the  little  one?  Yo«  seo  I  call  her 
Miss  Ellen  still,  although  I  ought  not  to  do  so  ;  but  the 
familiar  name  came  to  my  tongue's-esd  before  I  was 
aware  of  it." 

"They  are  well — very  well,"  returned  Claude,  pur- 
posely speaking  as  huskily  as  he  could,  so  that  it  should 
be  hard  to  recognise  the  exact  tones  of  his  voice.  "But 
my  heart  is  indeed  heavy,"  he  continued,  "and  you  must 
not  ask  me  many  questions  to-night." 

He  waited  with  considerable  anxiety  to  see  what  would 
be  the  result  of  tbis  speech. 

If  he  could  pads  muster  on  this  first  occasion,  ho  would 
have  good  bopes  of  being  able  to  sustaiu  the  deception 
sufficiently  long  for  him  to  secure  his  own  safety. 

He  noticed  with  some  misgiving,  however,  that  the  old 
man  started,  and  turned  his  eyes  inquiringly  upon  him. 

"  Why,  Master  Jack,"  he  cried,  "how  strangely  you 
(speak — how  your  voice  has  altered  !' 

"Has  it9"  returned  Claude,  with  greater  confidence. 
H  Perhaps  :.i  has,  and  so  have  I  changed  in  my  appear- 
ance, if  you  could  but  seo  me.  It  is  very  many  years 
now  since  we  met,  if  you  will  recollect." 

This  was  a  bald  assertion,  but,  fortunately.  Claude's 
guess  was  tolerably  correct. 

"Yes,"  was  the  answer,  "  to  you  it  may  appear  many 
years,  yet  to  me,  wt:<">  have  lived  on  this  earth  so  much 
longer  than  you  have,  it  seems  a  mere  nothing.  But 
parting  is  over  now,  I  hope." 

"I  hope  so  too." 

"It  will  be  a  glad  day  when  you  take  possession  here. 
The  people  will  regret  your  father's  death,  but  they  will 
rejoice  when  they  find  your  cousin  is  not  heir,  for  he  is 
universally  detested." 

Claude  was  again  silent,  for  ho  could  not  tell  exactly 
what  to  say,  and,  having  been  successful  so  far  in  his 
guesses,  he  was  unwilling  to  run  the  risk  of  discovery. 

"  The  sympathies  of  all  are  with  you,"  contiuued  the 
old  man,  "and  with  Miss  Ellen.  They  are  all  sorry  for 
Miss  Ellen,  and  while  they  blame  your  father  for  his 
harshness,  yet  they  cannot  help  pitying  him  for  being  so 
led  away  by  Ralph  Davids." 

"I  am  glad  of  that,"  Claude  ventured  to  remark. 

"Well,  now,  dear  Master  Jack,  just  toll  me  what  you 
intend  to  do.  Will  you  not  walk  in  boldly,  and,  in  spite 
of  all  obstacles,  make  your  way  to  your  father's  chamber  ? 
He  will  be  glad  indeed  to  see  you,  and  your  scheming 
cousin  will  be  quite  discomfited." 

Claude  reflected. 

"No,"  he  said,  at  length.     "If  you  could  get  mo  int/* 
the  house  quietly,  I  should  prefer  it." 
•    "Why  so?" 

"  Because  then  you  could  lead  me,  perhaps,  by  some 
unfrequented  route  to  the  chamber  where  my  cousin  is. 
1  should  like  to  witness  what  takes  place  v/ith  my  own 
eyes." 

"Then  you  shall  do  so,"  was  tho  answer  ;  "and  per- 
haps it  will  be  better  so.  You  know  the  ivay,  Master 
Jack,  a3  well  as  I  do." 

"  Yes,  yes ;  but  I  will  leave  my  ho??e,  ana  tsen  you  i 
can  accompany  rue.  I  am  so  agitated  and  troubled  to-  J 
night  that  1  feel  as  though  I  must  have  you  with  me." 

The  old  man  seemod  very  pleased  and  grateful  fr^r  tbis 
speech.  fe. 

"  If  you  wuh  .your  arrival  kept  a  secret,  we  will  fasten 
your  horse  to  this  tree,  and  then  creep  slowly  towards  the 
house." 

"Just  eo,"  returned  Claude,  and  while  ho  spoke  he 
slipped  from  the  saddle 

His  horse  was  secured  to  a  tree,  and  then,  with  cautious 
footsteps,  he  followed  his  strange  guide  across  the  lawn, 


On  his  way,  he  reflected  a  little  on  the  tingular  poal- 
tion  in  which  chance  had  placed  him. 

For  the  present  he  had  no  doubt  that  he  was  perfectly 
safe. 

The  officers  might  search  for  him  as  long  *j  they 
liked— they  would  never  find  him. 

It  was  impossible,  however,  for  Claude  not  to  feel 
giatcful  to  the  old  man,  who  had  so  unintentionally  be- 
friended him,  and,  from  what  ho  had  heard,  he  could 
easily  surmise  that  without  6ome  active  interference  a 
great  wrong  would  be  perpetrated. 

That  active  interference  he  resolved  to  make. 

He  had  no  longor  to  trouble  himself  about  his  own 
position.  ila,  should  be  able  to  direct  all  his  energies  to 
tho  one  object  before  him. 

These  were  tho  reflections  that  occupied  his  miud  &£i 
he  followed  the  old  man  to  tho  house. 

He  was  careful  then  to  keep  in  the  rear,  for  he  had  not 
tho  /emotest  notion  of  where  he  was  going. 

In  a  few  minutes  afterwards,  the  old  man  paused. 

Claude  wished  that  he  could  learn  his  name,  so  as  to 
address  'dm  by  it. 

But  it  was  scarcely  likely  that  he  should  hear  it  pro- 
nounced, although  tho  old  man  might  consider  it  singular 
that  he  should  never  call  him  by  it. 

Opening  a  little  side  door  in  the  mansion,  he  passed 
through,  and  stood  aside  for  Claude  to  enter. 

He  crossed  the  threshold  quickly. 

The  door  was  closed  behind  him,  and  he  found  himself 
in  perfect  darkness. 

"  Take  my  hand,  Master  Jack,"  cried  the  old  man. 
"  There,  that  will  do — I  can  lead  you  now.  I  do  believe 
that  I  am  more  familiar  with  thi3  old  place  than  you  are, 
for  I  could  find  my  way  anywhere  aoout  it  in  the  dark." 

"  Yes,  yes — don't  trust  to  me  in  the  least,"  murmured 
Claude.  "I  feel  so  completely  overcome  that  I  am  not 
capable  of  taking  the  lead  in  anything." 

Slowly,  so  as  to  avoid  making  any  sound  that  would 
discover  their  presence,  the  old  man  advanced. 

A  flight  of  stairs  was  descended,  a  long  corridor  tra- 
versed, and  then  there  was  a  pause. 

"  This  is  tho  door  of  the  dressing-room,"  exclaimed 
tho  old  man.  "If  I  could  manage  to  open  that  quietly, 
and  we  entered,  we  should  be  able  to  see  and  hear  almost 
everything,  for  the  inner  door  is  nearly  always  ajar." 

"Good!"  said  Claude.     "Listen  first — then  try." 

The  old  man  listened,  and  then  gently  opened  the 
door. 

A  feeble  light  appeared  beyond. 

Every  care  had  been  taken  t»  prevent  any  unpleasant 
sound  .reaching  tho  ears  of  the  rich  invalid. 

The  hinges  of  the  door  had  been  oiled  on  this  account, 
and  therefore  the  old  man  was  able  to  push  it  open  in 
perfect  silence. 

A  hasty  glance  showed  him  that  the  dressing-room 
was  vacant. 

Claude  looked  eagerly  over  his  shoulder. 

Just  before  them  was  another  door,  standing  partly 
open — the  door  evidently  that  communicated  with  the 
bed-chamber. 

In  this  a  light  was  burning,  and  those  rays  that 
streamed  through  tho  doorway  served  to  light  up  the 
dressing-room  to  some  extent— sufficient,  at  any  rate,  to 
enable  Claude  and  his  guide  to  avoid  coming  in  contact 
with  any  article  of  furniture. 

Breathlessly,  and  on  tiptoe,  they  stole  to  this  door- 
then  paused  and  peeped  in. 

A  spacious,  handsomely-furnished  bed-chamber  was 
disclosed,  filled  with  rare  and  costly  articles. 

Upon  th«)30,  however,  Claude's  eyes  did  not  rest  for  a 
second. 

Ail  hJ3  attention  was  immediately  concentrated  upyn 
the  two  oole  ocenpants  of  tho  room. 


CHAPTER  DCCCXL. 

LVt     WHICH      '1     TURNS   OUT    THAT    TIIS     MISTAKE     V'aS     A 
alOST   FORTUHATSS   OCCURRENCE    FOR   ALL   PARTIES. 

One  wa.3  a  man  apparently   about  thirty  years  of   ay.s, 
though  he  might  havo  been  older. 

Sis  hair  had  a  reddish  tinge,  and  his  face,  which  w«t» 
flat  and  dull-looking,  was  disfigured  by  aa  imsaenae  boh*- 
ber  of  frockloa. 


THE   KNIGHT   OF  THE   ROAD. 


13',  9 


In  his  small,  twinkling,  ferret-looking  eyes,  however, 
was  visible  a  peculiar  expression — one  cf  Eiingled  rage 
and  triumph. 

He  was  standing  by  the  side  of  the  bed,  on  Tv&ich, 
propped  uj.  — ito  a  sitting  position  by  many  |<iUowa  w^s 
the  invalid; 

This  was  a  man  old  and  emaciated. 

His  face  wore  already  the  hues  of  death,  &&Q  ©a  bis 
forehead  perspiration  clustered  iu  large  drepg. 

Lying  before  him  on  the  bed  was  a  eheci  <A  papev, 
upon  which  a  few  words  were  written. 

The  old  man  held  a  pen  iu  his  trembling  fingers. 

11  Sign,"  said  the  young  niaa,  somewhat  stern' j-"*'  sign, 
»re  it  is  too  late  !" 

"  I  cannot — I  cannot !" 


the  whole  story  of  your  detestable  arts,  and  jou  shall 
not  escape  the  punishment  so  justly  your  due !" 

He  rushed  forward  while  he  spoke,  and  no  doubt  would 
have  iufiicted  some  summary  punishment  upon  his  cousin, 
had  not  one  of  the  gentlemen  who  accompanied  him  held 
him  back,  though  it  was  with  great  difficulty  that  ho  re- 
strained him. 

Ralph  Davids  retreated  to  the  other  side  of  the  bed, 
where  ho  felt  that,  at  any  rate,  he  was  at  ft  safe  distance 
from  the  intruders. 

Then  he  held  aloft  the  paper. 

"Look  here,"  he  said.  " Bead  this.  You  see  his  lord- 
ship now  lies  dead— he  has  just  breathed  his  last — not 
until,  however,  he  had  performed  what  he  considered  was 
.  an  act  of  justice  and  of  duty.     That  bold,  bad  man,"  he 


"  But  I  say  you  must !     Would  you  leave  all   that  you  '  continued,  pointing  to  the  heir,  "  you  know  has  been  a 


have  to  one  who  has  treated  you  with  so  much  contumely, 
and  has  brought  upon  your  honoured  name  nothing  but 
the  deepest  disgrace  ?  I  say,  would  you,  after  all,  row  did 
him  for  his  conduct  ?" 

"  No,  no  !  Give  me  the  pen — give  me  the  pen  1  I  will 
sign ! " 

"You  have  it  in  your  Laud." 

"  Oh,  have  I  ?  Yes— I  see — here  it  is — I  had  forgotten. 
Now,  where  is  the  paper?" 

"Lying  before  you.  Can  you  not  see  it?  Eo  quick, 
or  it  will  be  too  late  !" 

With  a  manifest  effort,  the  old  man  put  his  pen  upon 
the  paper. 

He  made  a  few  scratches,  and  then,  with  a  long-drawn 
breath,  fell  back  apparently  dead. 

A  shout  of  rage  burst  from  the  young  man's  lies  upon 
the  occurrence  of  this  accident. 

"  Curse  him !"  he  cried,  with  savage  vehemence. 
"  Curse  the  old  rascal — how  I  hate  him !  One  moment 
more  would  have  done  the  business,  and  now,  after  years 
of  successful  scheming,  I  find  myself  baffled  at  the  last 
moment.  But  it  shall  not  be  so — it  shall  not  be 
so !" 

Quick  as  thought,  this  young  man  picked  up  the  pen, 
and,  after  glaucing  hastily  around  him,  wrote  something 
on  the  paper. 

"There,"  he  said,  "  that's  well  done — much  better  than 
he  could  have  done  it  himself.  I  have  practised  signing 
his  name  too  often  for  anyone  to  be  able  to  say  this  is  a 
forgery.  My  story  will  be  believed.  He,  I  "know,  has 
publicly  given  it  out  that  ho  would  disinherit  his  son  and 
make  all  over  to  me.  I  will  say  that,  finding  death 
coming  upon  him  suddenly,  he  requested  mo  to  draw  up 
this  memorandum,  and  had  then  only  just  time  to  sign  it 
before  he  expired.  It  will  hold  gcod — ten  to  nno  that  it 
holds  good." 

"A  nice  article,"  was  Claude's  thought,  and  at  tne 
same  time  he  determined  that  his  viliany  should  be 
baulked. 

But  just  at  that  moment  there  came  a  loud  uproar 
from  the  lower  part  of  the  house. 

Voices  could  be  heard  raised  to  an  angry  pitch,  which 
were  followed  by  the  trampling  cf  footsteps  and  the 
sound  of  heavy  blows. 

Immediately  after  that,  footsteps  oould  be  heard  upon 
the  staircase. 

There  was  a  crash — the  door  that  led  direct  from  the 
corridor  into  the  bed-chamber  was  dashed  open,  and 
Claude  perceived  a  young  man  enter,  who  at  a  first 
glance  bore  a  somewhat  remarkable  resemblance  to  him- 
self— so  great,  indeed,  that  he  did  not  wonder  at  the  mis- 
take the  old  man  had  made. 

Evidently  this  was  the  heir  returned  just  at  the  right 
moment. 

With  a  cry  of  amazement,  the  old  man  rushed  forward. 

As  for  the  cousin,   Ealph  Davids,   be  stood   like  v 
transformed  to  stone. 

Following  closely  iu  the  footsteps  of  the  heir  came  two 
elderly  gentlemen,  one  nf  whom  went  direct  to  the 
bed. 

With  a  great  effort  at  self-control,  Kalph  bavicw  urew 
Himself  up  to  his  full  height,  and  determined  to  put  a 
boid  face  on  the  matter. 

"  What  means  this  insolent,  un warrantable  intrusion  ?" 
he  demanded.  "  Begone !  I  command  you  all  to  leavo 
not  only  this  room,  but  this  building  !  I  am  rpaster  hero 
now,  and  will  be  obeyed  !" 

u  Villain !"   cried  the  heir — "  villain !     I  havo  heard 


lifelong  sorrow  to  his  deceased  parent.  You  know, 
well,  that  his  lordship  has  avowed  over  and  over  again 
his  intention  of  disinheriting  him,  yet  lacked  the  courage 
to  take  the  necessary  step.  Finding  himself  suddenly 
grow  worse — knowing,  in  fact,  that  the  hand  of  death 
was  resting  on  his  head — he  commanded  me  to  write  the 
few  lines  that  you  now  see ;  then,  seizing  a  pen,  signed 
his  name  at  the  foot.  Scarcely  had  he  done  so,  than  he 
expired.    Look,  hero  is  the  signature !" 

He  pointed  to  it  triumphantly  while  he  spoke. 

"  I  will  read  this  document,"  he  continued,  in  tones  of 
the  utmost  excitement — "  I  will  read  it !     Listen 

"  'I,  Lord  John  Kobert  Venuers,  finding  myself  on  my 
deathbed,  hereby  revoke  all  other  wills  that  I  have  made, 
and  bequeath  the  whole  of  my  possessions,  personal  and 
real,  to  Ralph  Davids. 

" '  (Signed)  Venners.' 

"'Now  are  you  satisfied.'-'  the  cousin  added.  "You 
may  say  that  this  deed  is  without  its  witnesses,  but  I  will 
try  the  law  xipou  this  point.  I  can  bring  a  score  cf 
persons  who  know  his  lordship's  firmly-expressed  deter- 
mination, and  then  we  shall  see  who  obtains  the 
victory." 

"  We  shall  see,"  said  the  sou  of  Lord  Venners,  speak- 
ing in  sorrowful  tones;  "but  I  shall  bring  forward,  as 
well  my  witnesses,  who  will  prove  that  you  deluded  my 
poor  father  by  a  tale  that  had  no  foundation  whatever 
in  fact,  but  which  was  hatched  up  entirely  in  your  own 
villauous,  scheming  brain." 

"I  care  not!"  cried  the  other.  "I  am  here,  for  the 
present,  sole  master,  and  I  command  you  all  to  quit  this 
dwelling!  If  you  refuse,  1  will  have  you  expelled  by 
main  force." 

"  The  deed  had  witnesses,  although  they  have  not 
signed  their  names  !"  said  a  voice. 

Thero  was  a  universal  start,  and  Kalph  Davids  uttered 
a  yell  of  dismay. 

At  the  same  instant,  Claude  Duval  stepped  forward 
from  the  dressing-room. 

"I  am  one  of  the  witnesses,"  he  cried,  "and  I  can 
give  a  plain,  straightforward  account  of  all !'' 

"  No,  no,  my  good  fellow,"  said  Ralph  Davids.  "  You 
mistake — you  mistake !     Say  nothing — all  will  be  well !" 

He  accompanied  these  words  with  significant  gestures, 
all  of  which  were  employed  for  the  purpose  of  informing 
Claude  that  if  he  kept  silent  he  would  be  well  re- 
warded. 

But  he  did  not  know  our  old  friend,  or  he  would  never 
have  made  any  such  attempt. 

"What  I  saw,"  Claudo  continued,  "was  this:  His 
lordship  was  pressed  and  threatened  to  sign  that  paper; 
but  the  natural  feelings  that  ho  had  for  his  own  son  had 
exercised  their  due  force,  and  ho  hesitated.  At  last  h6 
changed  his  intention,  and  seized  the  pen.  He  made  a 
few  erratic  scratches  with  it,  and  then  fell  back,  convulsed 
by  death." 

"The  greatest  astonishment  foiiowed'Hhis   declaration, 
and  the  old  maa,  raising  his  voice,  said  : 

"Yes,  I  am  witness  too.  Heaven  be  ihf&k^d  thut  I 
made  so  great  a  mistake  !" 

"  Go  on  !"  said  one  of  the  gentlemee  who  had  followed 
his  lordship's  son  into  the  roorc. 

"  After  that,"  6aid  Claude,  pointing  to  Ealph  Davids, 
"  I  heard  that  man  mutter  something  expressive  of  his 
determination  not  to  lose  this  property.  I  saw  him  take  a 
pen,  and  place  that  signature  at  the  foot  of  the  document, 
while,  at  the  same  time,  ho  stated  b.8  had  practised  that 
signature  many  a  time  before." 


1380 


BLACK   BESB;  OB, 


"  Seize  him  \"  cried  one  of  the  gentlemen—"  Beize 
him  I     He  shall  be  arrested  on  this  oharge !" 

Ealph  Davids  turned  round,  and  faced  his  opponents. 

All  traoes  of  colour  had  vanished  from  his  cheeks,  and 
the  numerous  freckles  on  his  oountenance  lookod 
strangely  hideous  from  their  contrast  to  its  ghastliness. 

"  Beware  I"  he  said,  producing  a  kniie  fivm  his 
pocket—"  beware,  I  say !    I  am  a  deaporat*  man  !" 

"  Secure  him !"  was  tho  cry,  and  there  was  a  ironcral 

But  Ralph  Davids,  wj  too  quicK  for  them. 

With  one  tremendous  bound  he  reached  the  window, 
and  dashed  headlong  through  it. 

Outside  was  a  balcony,  and  on  this  he  alighted  in 
safety. 

He  turned  for  a  moment  to  shake  his  clenched  fiat, 
then  leaping  over  the  parapet,  disappeared  in  the  dark- 
ness. 

"  Let  him  go,"  said  a  voice — "  let  him  go— we  can 
capture  him  at  any  time  !  The  condition  of  his  lord- 
ship here  demands  our  entire  attention.  We  shall  soon 
know  the  truth  of  thi3  matter." 

One  of  those  who  had  entered  with  hia  lordship's  son 
was  the  physician,  and  ever  since  his  entrance  he  had 
been  bending  down  ovor  the  bed. 

"  Hia  lordship  is  not  dead,"  he  said,  in  a  voice  of 
great  excitement,  "  though  I  grieve  to  say  life  is  only 
just  fluttering  at  his  heart.  It  is  impossible  to  save 
him,  but  yet,  I  think  he  will  be  able  to  recover  suffi- 
ciently to  tell  the  truth  of  this  affair." 

He  applied  a  small  bottle  to  the  nostrils  of  the  dying 
nobleman,  tho  effects  of  which  seemed  magical. 

In  a  moment  he  reared  himself  upright  in  the  bed,  and 
glared  around  him  with  a  haggard,  frenzied  expres- 
sion. 

"Father!"  cried  the  young  man — "father — father, 
they  tell  me  you  are  dying,  but  oh,  while  you  have 
breath  left,  tell  me  that  you  forgive  me !" 


CHAPTER  DCCCXLI. 

IN    WHICH    EALPH   DAVIDS   MEETS  WITH  A  COMPLETE 
DISCOMFITURE. 

There  was  a  deep  and  touching  silence  as,  while  the 
young  man  spoke  those  words,  he  threw  himself  on  his 
knees  at  the  bedside  of  his  father,  who  gasped  for 
breath,  and  seemed  as  though  he  wished  above  all 
things  to  speak. 

But  utterance  was  denied  him. 

Receiving  no  answer  to  hia  appeal,  the  eon  con- 
tinued : 

"  Father — father,  say  that  you  forgive  me  ere  you 
die  !  Do  not  let  me  live  with  such  a  cloud  resting  upon 
my  future  life  as  your  unforgiveness  would  be  !  Speak 
— speak  !  My  cause  of  offence  was  slight,  and  many 
tilings,  I  know,  have  been  misrepresented  to  you  by 
interested  persons.  For  all  these  things  I  have  suffered 
most  severely.  Had  time  permitted  it  Elien  would 
have  accompanied  mo,  bringing  her  boy  ;  but  let  me 
carry  to  them  the  assurance  of  your  forgiveness  and 
reconciliation." 

"  I  do  forgive  you,  my  poor  boy,"  the  old  man  gasped 
forth  at  length — "  I  do  forgive  you  !  Oh,  what  I  have 
suffered  during  the  past  few  moments  no  tongue  can 
tell  I  When  1  fell  back  upon  the  bed  I  was  not  dead, 
but  all  power  of  motion  had  abandoned  me.  Of  every- 
thing that  was  goiugon  around  I  was  perfeotly  conscious. 
I  saw  tho  perfidious  wretoh  in  whom  I  so  trusted  forgo 
my  signature  to  that  detestable  document,  and  then  in- 
dulge in  the  expression  of  his  triumph.  Thank  Heaven 
I  have  recovered  my  speech  again,  so  that  I  can  set  this 
matter  right.  That  deed  I  proclaim  nothing,  and  thf) 
will  I  long  since  made  at  tho  wish  of  Mr.  Miller,  there,  I 
hereby  decree  to  express  my  last  wishes." 

The  young  man  was  much  overcome  by  thia  declara- 
tion, and  poured  forth  his  thanks  ardently. 

Gradually  the  hand  which  he  pressed  batweeffTiisow.. 
grew  senseless  and  ohill,  and  at  length  the  aged  iimn 
olosed  his  eyes  in  death,  with  a  smile  upon  his  lips. 

Claude  now  endeavoured  to  withdraw,  hoping  to  suc- 
ceed in  doing  so  without  exciting  observation. 

In  this,  however,  he  was  disappointed,  for  tho  young 
sain,  rising  suddenly  to  his  feet,  grasped  him  by  the 


hand,  and  inquired  who  he  was  and  what  had  broughi 
him  there  at  that  particular  junoture. 

"  I  am  a  perfect  stranger  to  you  all,"  was  hia  answer, 
"and  what  I  havo  done  I  have  performed  freely  and 
willingly.  As  it  happens,  what  I  havo  witnessed  now 
signifies  nothing.  Accident  alone  brought  me  here,  and 
I  am  glad  that  I  arrived  at  so  opportune  a  moment.  If 
you  will  permit  me,  I  will  now  say  farewell." 

"  No,  no — we  cannot  suffer  you  to  depart  thus — I 
wiU  not,  indeed !  You  must  oblige  me  by  accepting 
some  slight  token  in  recognition  of  the  sr*"^  you 
have  rendered." 

Claude  bowed. 

"  It  would  be  churlish  to  refuse,"  he  answered  ,•  "yet 
if  you  would  allow  me  to  depart,  for  I  have  pressing 
business  that  requires  immediate  attention." 

"  I  will  not  keep  you,"  was  tho  answer.  "  Thia  way 
— come  with  me!" 

The  young  man  led  Claude  from  the  apartment,  and, 
as  he  did  so,  he  requested  to  be  made  acquainted  with 
more  of  the  particulars  of  the  extraordinary  and 
fortunate  mistake  that  had  been  made. 

Claudo  readily  complied,  ooncealing  nothing  save  his 
own  identity. 

As  they  descended  the  grand  staircase,  a  succession 
of  heavy  blowa  came  upon  the  front  door. 

Claude  stopped  abruptly,  and  involuntarily  hia  com- 
panion followed  hia  example. 

The  door  was  opened,  nnd  no  sooner  did  it  fall  back 
upon  its  hinges,  than  a  throng  of  police  officera  poured 
in. 

Foremost  amongst  them  waa  a  man  with  disordered 
apparel  and  of  frenzied  air. 

He  waved  hia  arms  aloft,  and  tho  slight  foam  upon 
his  lipa  showed  how  tremendous  was  the  excitoment 
under  which  he  laboured. 

"  Thia  way !"  he  cried — "  thia  way !" 

Then,  with  a  yoll,  ho  continued  : 

"  Look !  There  ho  is — thero  he  ia  !  You  see  him, 
all !  Now  judge  whether  I  have  told  you  truly  or  not ! 
Is  not  that  man  yonder  Claude  Duval,  the  highway- 
man  ?" 

"  It  is !"  cried  one  of  the  police  officers,  stepping 
forward,  and  presenting  a  pistol.  "Claude  Duval,  sur- 
render yourself  to  me  peaceably  or  I  fire." 

No  words  could  possibly  express  the  amount  of  sur- 
prise and  consternation  visible  upon  the  countenance 
of  the  young  man. 

Never  in  hia  wildest  dreams  could  he  have  imagined 
that  the  man  who  had  been  of  such  service  to  him  was 
a  highwayman. 

Quick  a3  thought,  however,  Claude  turned  round,  and 
bounded  up  the  staircase. 

An  angle  quickly  hid  him  from  the  view  of  the  police 
officers. 

The  young  man  followed,  and,  with  trembling  lips, 
said : 

"  Can  it  be  true — is  it  possible  that  you  are  the  noto- 
rious Claude  Duval?" 

"  It  is  not  only  possible  but  true.  Farewell,  my  lord  — 
if  ench  be  your  title — leave  me  now  to  shift  for  myself." 

"Never — never!  Do  yon  imagine  I  could  be  guilty 
of  such  an  amount  of  ingratitude  ?  No  !  Follow  me  I 
At  all  risks,  I  will  secure  your  safety." 

Before  Claude  could  refuse,  he  felt  himself  seized  by 
the  arm,  and  dragged  into  a  room,  tho  door  of  which 
was  quickly  olosed  behind  him. 

"Now,"  said  his  guide,  "follow  me  I  Quick- 
quick!" 

Ciaude  needed  no  incentive  to  make  speed. 

He  was  aware  that  his  position  was  oritical  in  the 
extreme. 

That  the  yonng  man  waa  perfectly  ready  and  willing 
to  befriend  him  there  could,  however,  be  no  doubt,  and 
Claude  felt  that  ho  could  not  possibly  do  better  than 
resign  himself  entirely  to  his  care.        * 

With  great  rapidity,  many  rooms  w-ero  crossed,  until  a 
flight  of  stairs  waa  reached,  down  which  they  hurried. 

A  corridor  was  traversed,  and  they  paused  before 
another  door. 

The  young  man  placed  his  hand  upon  the  knob  and 
entered. 

Clande  then  found  himself  in  a  spaoioue  library,  tht 
walls  of  which  in  every  part  were  lined  with  book*, 


THE  BRIGHT  OV  THE  ROAD. 


1381 


which  reached  from  the  floor  up  to  the  lofty,  carved  oak 
ceiling. 

A  kind  of  studious  gloom  overspread  the  whole  place, 
and  there  was  an  intense  and  peculiar  silence  also. 

Without  pausing,  the  young  man  advanced  to  oae 
particular  part  of  the  room. 

Then,  seizing  what  appeared  to  be  an  upright  suppo  t 
to  tbe  shelving,  ho  drew  it  towards  fiim,  disclosing,  io 
Claude's  great  •urprise,  a  good-sized  reces?  behind 
it. 

"Now,  in  there!*  be  6aid.  "Quick — quick!  And 
don't  move  on  any  account,  until  I  come  to  release 
you." 

Claud*  If  rted  iu,  and  the  shelves  were  pushed  back. 

Then  al'  was  silence  and  darkness. 

So  rapidi^  had  all  this  taken  place  that  he  could  net  as 
yet  precisely  comprehend  the  nature  of  the  hiding-place 
lie  was  in,  nor  form  any  idea  of  its  likelihood  to  escape 
discovery  should  search  be  made. 

Encouraged  by  the  profound  silence,  however.  >  he 
stretched  out  his  hands  before  him,  expecting  tha  l"*j 
vould  encounter  the  front  edges  of  the  books. 

Such,  however,  was  not  the  case. 

A  smooth  piece  of  woodwork  was  before  him. 

Then  he  comprehended  at  once  the  nature  of  his  hiding- 
place,  and  felt  a  great  amount  of  confidence  in  it,  so 
cleverly  was  it  constructed,  and  so  likely  to  escape 
detection. 

One  portion  of  the  shelves  were  fixed,  not  close  up 
against  the  walls  as  the  others,  but  fitted  into  a  kind  of 
box,  so  constructed  that  when  the  books  were  placod  in, 
the  whole  had  the  appearance  of  a  door. 

It  was  opened  easily,  but  by  means  of  a  secret  spring, 
unlikely  to  be  discovered. 

The  officers  —  supposing  that  they  searched  that 
particular  apartment — might  take  down  every  book  and 
scrutinise  the  shelving,  and  yet  discover  nothing. 

A  long  time  elapsed. 

But  Claude  heard  nothing  whatever  of  the  officers  or 
anyone  else* 

The  silence,  indeed,  was  most  oppressive. 

How  it  was  that  a  visit  had  not  been  paid  to  the  library 
he  could  not  conceive. 

The  explanation,  however,  was  simple. 

The  woodwork  at  the  back  of  the  books  was  lined 
with  many  thicknesses  of  felt,  which,  iu  their  turn,  were 
covered  with  another  panel,  so  that  all  sound  was  effectu- 
ally shut  out. 

Nothing  save  the  greatest  uproar  could  have  penetrated 
to  Claude's  ears  while  he  remained  there. 

Slowly  the  time  passed,  and  wearisomely  too. 

It  seemed  an  age,  indeed,  before  his  friend  returned. 

At  length  the  cleverly-constructed  secret  door  was 
thrown  open,  and  Claude  once  more  was  permitted  to 
step  forth. 

"All's  well,"  were  the  first  words  that  fell  upon  his 
ears,  "  though  I  had  much  difficulty  in  getting  rid  of  the 
officers." 

"  Have  they  really  gone  ?" 

"  I  think  they  have ;  but  in  a  fe^y  words  I  will  tell  you 
what  has  happened.  Ralph  Davids — my  cousin,  as  he 
calls  himself,  though  I  don't  recognise  the  relationship — I 
have  handed  over  to  their  custody  on  a  charge  of  forgery, 
aud,  by  a  heavy  bribe,  I  have  induced  the  officers  to  give 
up  their  search  for  you." 

*'  This  is  indeed  generous,"  cried  Claude — "  it  is  indeed 
making  an  ample  recompense  for  all  that  I  have  done !  I 
only  hope  the  officers  will  not  play  us  false." 

"  I  don't  thtnk  it.  However,  if  you  will  follow  my 
advice  you  will  remain  here  till  nightfall.  It  is  now  quite 
light,  and  if  the  officers  are  anywhere  at  hand  you  will  bo 
seen.  Under  cover  of  the  darkness  you  would  stand  a 
good  chance  of  escaping." 

Claude  was  prof b«  in  his  thanks,  cud  h»e~  protector 
said: 

"Hero  you  are  quite  welcome  to  stay;  no  one  will 
interrupt  you.  As  foi.  myself,  I  have  some  impor*  tot 
affairs  to  attend  to ;  but  when  night  sets  in  you  may 
depend  upon  seeing  me  again." 

With  these  words,  he  took  his  departure,  and  Claude 
sank  down  in  one  of  the  huge  chairs  near  the  fire- 
place. 

Here  he  remained  until  day  was  gone. 

Be    watched,   with   great  anxiety   and  pleasure,    the 


gradual  gloom  that  came  stealing  over  the  vast  apartment, 
which  at  length  deepened  into  the  darkness  of  night. 

Still  the  young  man  came  not,  nor  did  he  make  his 
appearance  until  the  old-fashioned  clock  fixed  upon  one 
of  tho  turrets  of  the  building  proclaimed  the  hour  oi 
twelve. 

He  entered  hastily. 

"Come,"  he  said,  "all's  well  —  you  will  have  no 
difficulty  in  making  your  escape  !  This  way — this  way ! 
I  find  your  own  horse  is  lame,  so  I  have  had  one  of  my 
own  brought  out;  accept  it  as  in  6ome  degree  a 
recognition  of  the  important  service  you  have  doue 
me." 


CHAPTER  DCCCXLII. 

CLAUDS     DirWL     RETURNS   TO     THE     INN,    AND     RECEIVES 
UNEXPECTED   INTELLIGENCE. 

"  You  are  too  generous — too  good !"  returned  Claude. 
"  The  accident  was  quite  as  much  to  my  own  advantage 
as  yours,  and  you  may  imagine  my  situation  was  a  most 
perilous  one." 

"  Well,  now  I  think  you  may  venture  to  consider  that, 
for  to-night,  your  perils  are  over.  From  all  that  I  can 
learn,  the  officers  have  most  certainly  taken  their 
departure." 

Claude  was  led  towards  the  back  portion  of  the 
mansion,  partlybecause  this  was  the  nearest  to  the  stables, 
wi  partly  because  he  was  not  60  likely  to  be  noticed 
wnile  leaving  at  this  point. 

A  matchless  steed  had  been  brought  out,  and  Claude's 
eyes  lighted  up  with  genuine  pleasure  as  soon  as  they  fell 
upon  it,  and  he  renewed  his  thanks. 

Springing  quickiy  to  the  saddle,  the  last  farewells  were 
uttered,  and,  directed  by  his  preserver,  Claude  left  tho 
premises. 

The  night  was  yet  comparatively  young,  and  when  ho 
found  himself  thus  in  safety  and  free  from  the  officers, 
Claude  began  to  debate  within  himself  whether  he  should 
endeavour  to  find  a  profitable  adventure. 

His  speculations  on  this  subject  were,  however, 
suddenly  cut  short,  for,  from  round  a  clump  of  trees,  at 
no  great  distance  off,  a  party  of  police  officers  appeared. 

"  There  he  is,"  cried  one — "  there  he  is !  You  can  see 
him  now  quite  plain  !  I  told  you  if  we  waited  it  would 
turn  out  all  right !  Now,  then,  forward,  and  as  soon  as 
you  get  within  range,  shoot  him  down  !" 

Claude  .heard  this  inhuman  order,  and  his  bosom 
burned  with  bitterness. 

But  he  could  do  nothing  except  disappoint  the  officers 
of  their  prey. 

Accordingly,  he  gave  his  newly-acquired  steed  the 
impulse  forward,  and  he  observed  with  considerable 
auxiety  and  interest  the  speed  he  made. 

The  result  was  far  beyond  his  utmost  expectations,  and 
caused  his  heart  to  bound  with  pleasure. 

At  a  long,  sweeping  gallop,  which  seemed  to  be  the 
creature's  natural  pace,  and  to  be  performed  without  the 
slightest  exertion,  the  horse  stretched  over  the  soft  turf, 
and  quickly  left  the  heavily-mounted  police  officers 
behind. 

In  vain  they  plied  both  whip  and  spur  to  their  jaded 
horses. 

In  a  very  brief  space  of  time  indeed,  they  had  tho  great 
mortification  to  discover  that  the  highwayman  had  go* 
out  ot  sight,  and  that  there  was  no  chance  of  again  over- 
taking him. 

That  little  incident  served  to  bring  Claude  to  a  de- 
cision. 

He  determined  to  make  his  way,  in  as  direct  *  line  as 
possible,  to  the  inn. 

It  was  with  some  difficulty  that  he  calinod  down  his 
eteod,  for  ',he  animal,  havyy  once  been  put  upon  its  mettle, 
was  by  *o  means  easy  to  control. 

At  lei  gth,  just  about  two  hours  Lefore  dyyligbf,  C'laudo 
entered  the  plantation. 

Looking  up,  he  perceived  the  signal  that  had  bees 
agreed  upon,  showing  all  was  well. 

Accordingly,  he  entered  the  stsble  without  hesita- 
tion. '•$ 

Crossing  over,  he  entered  the  building,  and  wag 
received  with  a  cry  of  welcome. 

Tom  King  was  present,  and  so  was  Sixsaf  n  String  Ja^ 
and  Tom  Davis,  with  Maud  and  Ellen. 


i383 


BLACK    BESS  ;    03, 


"  Tou  are  both  safe,  I  see,"  were  Claude's  first  words. 
"  But  the  captain — where  is  ho  ?" 

"  Not  back  yet,"  was  the  reply,  "  though  we  are  expect- 
ing hiru  each  moment.  Had  he  returned,  I  sho»u-l'ave 
tried  my  luck  again  to-night  with  Jack." 

"But,"  exclaimed  Claude,  "morning  is  druwmg  on 
tpace ;  it  is  strange  be  has  not  made  his  appearance 
before  this !"  q 

"  We  have  heard  from  him,"  said  T?i3  Dft7is. 

"  Heard  from  him  ?     How?'' 

"Why,  early  yesterday  morning,  to  our  great  conster- 
nation and  alarm,  Black  Bess  came  galloping  up  to  the 
front  door." 

"  What,  again  ?" 

"Yes,  and  without  the  captain.  I  must  eay  that  it 
gave  me  such  a  turn  that  for  a  short  *,ime  I  was  not  able 
to  move  a  limb.  Darting  forward,  however,  I  first  of  all 
discovered  that  Black  Bess  was  drippiug  wet  from  head 
to  foot." 

"And  could  you  find  nothing  of  the  captain  ?:' 

"No,  nothing  but  this  pocket-book,  which  was  strapped 
to  the  saddle ;  ar.d  here,  look — on  ouo  of  the  leaves  yc-a 
can  find  scrawled  these  words : 

"  '  All's  well — fear  uot  for  me.     Back  soon.' " 

The  pocket-book  was  handed  to  Claude,  who  examined 
It  with  very  great  attention. 

"  Well,"  he  ejaculated,  at  length,  "  this  indeed  passea  say 
comprehension  !  What  on  earth  could  have  induced  him 
to  send  Black  Bess  in  this  manner  ?  ne  must  be  aware 
that  she  is  almost  as  well  known  as  himself,  and  that  it 
was  almost,  if  not  quite,  as  dangerous  for  her  to  arrive 
here  by  herself  as  it  would  be  for  him  to  ride  tip  to  the 
door  by  daylight." 

"  That  was  my  thought,"  said  Davis. 

"But  you  spoke  about  her  being  wet — what  <as  the 
meaning  of  that  ?" 

"  I  can  only  guess,"  was  the  reply.  "  When  I  took  her 
into  the  stable  1  found  that  the  wound  in  her  neck  had 
been  bleeding  afresh,  and  I  suppose  that,  in  order  to 
allay  the  pain,  she  had  jumped  into  some  stream." 

"It  is  singular  indeed,"  said  Claude,  musingly.  "What 
construction  do  you  put  upon  it?" 

These  last  words  aere  addressed,  not  to  Tom  Davis,  bvA 
to  the  two  high waymen-^Tom  Xing  and  Sixtoen-String 
Jack. 

Claude  observed  in  a  moment  that  they  fidgeted  about 
and  looked  uneasy,  as  though  they  wished  to  say  some- 
thing, and  yet,  from  some  cause  or  other,  held  back. 

Just  then,  while  Claude  was  wondering  more  and  more 
at  the  singular  aspect  affairs  were  assuming,  his  eye 
happened  to  rest  upon  Maud's  countenance. 

It  was  as  white  as  ashes. 

Even  her  very  lips  were  white,  and  her  eyes  were  burn- 
ing with  a  strange,  peculiar  light. 

Before  he  could  speak  again,  Tom  King  said,  with  a 
man;  f est  effort : 

"  Never  mind  the  captain  just  now,  Claude  ;  suppose 
you  make  us  acquainted  with  your  adventures.  Where 
have  you  passed  the  day?" 

"  That  will  do  another  time,"  said  Claude.  "  I  cannot 
trouble  myself  with  thinking  about  that." 

"  Well,"  said  Tom  King,  hurriedly,  and  with  the  same 
air  of  restraint,  "  since  you  will  not  speak,  I  must  per- 
force give  you  an  account  of  my  adventures  ;  ten  to  one, 
by  the  time  I  have  concluded  the  captain  will  make  his 
appearance." 

"Do  you  really  think  thatr"'  exclaimed  Maud,  in  a 
trembling  voice,  and  clasping  her  hands  beseechingly  to- 
gether— "do  you  indeed  think  that?" 

'•I  do,  or  else  why  should  he  hate  sent  back  that 
message  ?  Rely  upon  it,  wherever  the  captain  may  Yd  he 
is  well  able  to  tafco  care  of  himselL" 

Then,  without  pausing.  Tom  King  began  an  acoonut 
of  his  own  adrenture*). 

He  seemed  anxious  to  fill  up  the  conversation,  and  to 
allow  no  one  else  the  opportunity  of  speaking. 

The  fact  was,  he  wished  to  prevent  any  discussion 
taking  place  upon  tho  subject  of  the  captain's  non-ap- 
pearance. 

Yet  all  could  tell  by  his  manner  that  he  was  very  ill 
at  case. 

"  I  got  e afoly  away,"  he  began,  "  though  I  confess  I 
was  rather  troubled  about  Jack  Marshall  and  his  men." 

"  However,  I  saw  nothing  of  them,  and  made  my  way 


with  all  speed  to  the  Oxford  Road,  for  I  c-wfess  I  have  a 
greater  fancy  for  that  highway  than  anv  other. 

"  Tho  reason  is,  I  suppose,  that  I  have  'lever  to  look  far 
for  an  adventure  in  that  direction. 

"And  so  it  turned  out  in  the  pi"esent  i  jstance. 

"  Scarcely  had  I  gone  a  hundred  yards  when  I  heard 
jhe  sound  of  a  vehicle  approaching. 

"  By  the  sound  I  could  tell  in  a  moment  tu.**t  it  was  of 
a  heavy  description,  though  I  was  at  a  loss  to  make  tip 
my  mind  as  to  exactly  what  kind  of  vehicle  it  was. 

"  In  the  meanwhile  I  made  all  my  preparations,  and 
having  carefully  primed  my  pistols,  I  looked  up  and 
saw  lights  flashing  oIdso  at  baud. 

"  Then  directly  afterwards  I  made  out  the  shapo  of  a 
large,  lumbering,  old-fashioned  camo"--''  .'awn  by  a  couplo 
of  white  horses. 

"  In  spite  of  its  heavy  appearance  and  ponderous 
wheels,  the  vehicle  rolled  along  at  a  very  rapid  rate,  and, 
indeed,  no  wonder,  for  the  coachman  as  he  sat  on  the  box 
flogged  the  horses  incessantly  in  order  to  keep  them  ud 
to  the  top  of  their  speed. 

"  It  was  clear  that  whoever  was  inside  was  for  some 
reason  or  other  in  a  very  great  hurry  indeed,  and  anxious 
to  reach  some  point  as  quickly  as  possible. 

"  It  was  not  likely,  though,  that  I  could  allow  that  to 
interfere  with  me,  so  I  at  onco  rode  out  and  commanded 
the  coachman  to  stop. 

"  Whether  he  tried  to  rein-in  the  horses  or  not  I  can 
scarcely  say ;  it  would  have  been  impossible  to  ekeck  them 
all  at  onco. 

"  Under  these  circumstances  I  tried  our  old  expedient 
of  firing  a  pistol  over  his  head. 

"  On  the  present  occasion  it  was  quite  successful. 

"  With  a  cry  of  terror  he  pulled  up. 

"Threatening  him  with  instant  death  if  ho  moved,  I 
made  my  way  to  the  door  of  the  carriage. 

"  No  sooner  did  I  reach  it  than  the  window  was  let 
down  from  within. 

"I  then  caught  sight  of  the  form  of  a  very  old  lady, 
and  so  much  did  her  appearance  impress  me  that  I  must 
give  you  a  brief  description  of  her. 

"  She  was  neatly  yet  richly  and  elegantly  dressed ;  her 
face',  though  old  and  somewhat  withered,  yet  was  a  most 
pleasing  one,  chiefly  because  of  the  unmistakable  air  of 
benevolence  that  It  wore. 

"  One  could  tell  that  she  was  all  kindness  and  affection 
— one  of  those  good  creatures  that  are  occasionally  met 
with. 

"  But  her  face  was  very  pale,  and  her  eyes  filled  with 
tears,  ner  voice  was  husky  with  emotion,  and  yet  she 
endeavoured  to  assume  an  air  of  sternness,  perhaps  in 
the  hope  that  she  might  conceal  it.        «. 

"  '  Sir,  sir — whoever  you  are,'  she  exclaimed,  '  let  me 
entreat  you  to  depart — let  me  proceed !  Do  not  hinder 
me  a  moment,  for,  alas  !  every  second  is  most  precious  to 
me,  or  rather  to  one  I  hold  far  dearer  than  my  lif»!  Sir 
— sir,  if  you  are  not  dead  to  every  human  kindly  feeling, 
let  me  implore  you  to  allow  me  to  pass — do  not  detain 
me  a  moment  longer !  H  you  will,  I  will  make  you  anj 
promise  you  desire !' 

"  I  confess,  comrades,  that  I  was  deeply  touched  by  her 
manner — so  deeply,  indeed,  that  at  first  I  could  not 
reply. 

"Raising  my  hat,  however,  I  said  : 

" '  You  are  quite  free  to  pass.  I  much  regret  that  1 
havo  hindered  you.  I  should  be  glad  to  render  some 
atonement  for  it.  My  life  is  one  of  adventure — you  know 
my  calling — and  I  pursue  it  moro  for  the  love  I  have  for 
adventure  than  any  other  cause.  If  you  need  a  strong 
arm  and  a  willing  heart  to  assist  you,  speak — you  have 
only  to  say  ihe  word,  and  you  will  find  both  at  your  ser- 
vice.' 

CHAPTER  DCCCXLIII. 

IN    WHICH   TOM    KING    CONTINUES   THE    KECITAL    OF 
HIS   INTERESTING   ADVENTURES. 

"  *  The  old  lady  looked  at  me  wistfully,  and,  clasping 
her  hands  together,  leaned  forward  eagerly. 

"  '  You  cau  trust  me,'  I  said,  guessing  what  was  pass- 
ing through  her  mind — 'you  can  trust  mo  in  all 
things.' 

"  '  Then  I  will  put  faith  in  you,'  6he  exclaimed,  with 


TE3    K.NiailT   OP    THE    ROAD. 


13S3 


•udden  energy,  '  and  if  you  betray  mo  or  deceive  me,  I 
■will  never  believe  in  anyone  again.' 

" 4  You  have  nothing  to  fear,'  I  said.  '  I  am  always  on 
the  side  of  right  against  might,  and  unless  I  am  greatly 
mistaken,  you  are  suffering  from  the  infliction  of  some 
great  wrong.' 

"'It  is  true,  sir;  but  unfortunately  it  will  take- acme 
time  for  ma  to  tell  you  all,  and  every  moment  is  so  pre- 
cious.' t> 

" '  It  can  easily  be  managed,'  I  said,  '  and  without  any 
loss  of  time.' 

M  « How  so  ?' 

41 '  Why,  with  your  permission  I  will  secure  my  horse 
to  the  back  part  of  this  vehicle,  and  your  man  can  30a- 
tinue  to  drive  you  to  your  destination ;  then,  if  you  will 
permit  me  to  share  the  carriage  with  you,  the  explanation 
can  be  given  as  we  proceed.' 

"  '  It  is  a  good  thought !'  she  exclaimed ;  '  be  IS  so,  and 
oh,  be  quick,  though  I  feel  better  now  already !' 

"  I  hastily  carried  out  the  intention  I  had  expressed 

"  My  horse  was  securely  fastened,  and  I  entered  the 
carriage,  and  the  coachman  was  ordered  to  proceed. 

"  Away  wo  went  at  a  rattling  pace,  and  the  old  lady 
commenced  by  saying : 

"  '  I  must  first  put  you  in  possession  of  a  few  names, 
and  then  the  narrative  will  be  easier. 

"  'In  the  first  place,  my  name  is  Charlotte  Chadwick. 
I  am  a  widow,  and  have  been  for  many  years,  and  in  all 
the  wide  world  I  have  only  two  relatives.  One  is  my 
dear  niece  Lillian,  my  deceased  brother's  only  child. 

"  '  By  his  will  I  was  appointed  one  of  her  guardians  ; 
her  other  guardian  is  my  step-brother,  William  Aldis,  a 
man  I  do  not  hesitate  to  stigmatise  as  a  villain  end  a 
scoundrel. 

" '  But  you  shall  hear,'  she  continued.  '  My  poor  brother 
before  his  death  placed  every  confidence  in  this  William 
Aldis,  and  at  that  time  none  of  us  knew  his  real  character, 
nor  believed  him  guilty  of  so  much  baseness  as  he  has 
since  exhibited. 

"  '  Such  being  the  case,  then,  he  was  left  chief  guardian 
of  Lillian,  and  up  to  the  time  of  her  majority  he  was  to 
hold  all  her  property,  real  and  personal,  as  trustee. 

" '  For  my  own  part,  all  I  had  to  do  was  to  bring  up 
tho  deal  girl  and  see  to  her  education. 

"  '  Without  vanity,  I  may  say  that  I  have  performed 
my  task  properly  and  conscientiously. 

"  '  We  were  always  together — Lillian  and  I — for  we 
were  mutually  fond  of  each  other. 

"  '  We  saw  but  little  of  William  Aldis,  who  punctually 
at  the  proper  intervals  sent  us  the  instalments  of  the 
money  as  directed  by  my  brother's  will. 

" '  And  so  matters  went  on  peaceably  enough  until 
Lillian  reached  her  nineteenth  year. 

"  '  For  a  long  time  past  she  had  been  beloved  by  and 
engaged  to  a  young  officer  in  the  army,  who  is  now  at 
the  present  time  most  unfortunately  absent  from  England, 
though  I  am  every  clay  in  expectation  of  his  return. 

"  '  Long  ere  this,  Lillian  would  have  been  hi3  wife  had 
cot  William  Aldis  most  positively  and  emphatically  re- 
fused to  sanction  any  such  alliance. 

" '  lie  would  give  no  reason  for  his  refusal,  and  ho  was 
firm  and  obstinate. 

" '  As  guardian,  he  had  this  power  over  his  wara  uu'ril 
■he  should  attain  her  majority,  and  Lillian,  whose  respect 
for  her  father's  memory  amounts  to  veneration,  never 
once  thought  of  acting  in  defianco  of  the  man  who  had 
been  left  to  watch  over  her. 

"  'And  so  Lieutenant  Russell  proceeded  on  the  foreign 
service  alone,  though  ho  had  fondly  hoped  to  take  dear 
Lillian  with  him.    •© 

"  '  I  believe  it  would  have  brokea  my  heart  to  have 
parted  with  her,  but  yet  I  should  never  have  sacrificed 
her  happiness  to  my  own. 

*' '  It  was  not  long  after  this  that,  for  the  first  tiuie  in 
hi3  life,  William  Aldis  became  a  frequent  visitor  at  our 
residence. 

" '  Day  after  day  tie  was  there,  and  at  first  1  waa  ^'eased 
and  flattered  by  bse  visits. 

"  '  I  soon  discovered,  however,  that  ho  h\l  tz  uuerior 
object  in  view. 

"  '  That  was,  to  make  Lillian  his  wife. 
"  '  His  first  overtures  were  made  to  mo. 
"  'I  aaswered  that  I  thought   he  had  no  chance  in  the 
prewwution  of  his  suit,  since  Lilli&u  had  pledged   herself 


to  the  lieutenant,  and  I   knew  her  character  too  well  to 
believe  that  she  would  prove  false  to  her  plighted  word- 

"  '  He  scowled  angrily,  and  asked  me  to  uso  "»v  influ- 
ence. 

"  'But  this  I  positively  declined.     I  said. 

si  4  d  jne  field  jg  0pen,  and  if  you  can  iuduucn,??  to  be 
yottr  wife,  why,  do  so." 

"  'I  regretted  having  said  this  much,  for  he  then  began 
a  complete  persecution  of  my  niece. 

"  '  It  was  in  vain  she  assured  him  that  her  heart  was 
irrevocably  mother's — that  she  could  never  listen  to  any 
other  suit.  ", 

"  '  He  tried  kind  words  at  first,  then  appealed  to  her 
feelings  and  revived  her  father's  memory,  and,  failing, 
descended  to  common  threats. 

"  '  In  my  own  mind  I  formed  a  pretty  good  idea  of  the 
exact  state  of  affairs,  and  trembled  for  the  future  of  my 
poor  girl. 

"  'Had  she  shown  any  signs  of  weakness — had  she  not 
been  so  steadfastly  true  to  her  absent  lover — I  should 
have  entreated  her  to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  her  guardian's 
suit. 

"  '  It  would  then  have  been  necessary  for  me  to  give 
her  a  reason  for  such  a  wish,  and  that  reason  would 
simply  have  been  this : 

"  '  "  I  believe  that  he  has  unjustly  and  improperly  ap- 
propriated and  made  use  of  a  great  deal  of  your  wealth — 
more  than  ho  can  possibly  replace  ;  and  so  he  seeks,  by  a 
union  with  you,  to  patch  up  his  delinquencies." 

"  '  That,  I  have  no  doubt,  is  the  actual  state  of 
affairs ;  subsequent  events  have  gone  far  to  strengthen 
such  an  opinion. 

" '  But,  as  I  said,  there  was  no  need  for  anything  of 
this  kind  ;   Lillian  was  as  firm  as  could  be  wished. 

"  '  And  so  things  have  gono  on  up  to  the  present  time, 
or,  more  correctly  speaking,  up  to  the  day  before  yester- 
day, when  I  received  a  letter  from  an  old  friend  of  mine, 
who  live3  in  a  distant  county,  requesting  me  to  pay  her 
a  visit  with  all  speed,  on  a  matter  of  great  import- 
ance. 

u '  I,  of  course,  complied,  and  wished  to  take  Lillian 
with  me  ;  but  she  was  unwell,  and,  moreover,  in  constant 
expectation  of  hearing  from  or  either  seeing  her  affianced 
husband,  and  I  could  not  persuade  her  to  leave  London. 

" '  Alas — alas  that  I  left  her  ! 

"  '  When  I  arrived  at  my  destination  I  found  the 
greatest  surprise  was  manifested  at  my  arrival. 

"  '  The  letter  was  produced,  and  it  was  declared  to  be  a 
forgery. 

"'At  first  I  knew  not  what  to  think,  and  wondered 
why  anyone  could  have  been  so  linfeeling  a3  to  play  such 
a  hoax  on  a  person  of  my  age,  for  travelling  to  me  is  a 
serious  matter. 

'"Then,  all  at  once,  I  felt, like  a  flash,  that  it  meant 
some  danger  to  Lillian,  and,  in  spite  of  my  fatigue,  I 
hastily  commenced  a  return  journey,  though  I  was 
laughed  at  for  doing  so. 

" '  On  my  arrival,  I  found  that  my  worst  fears  were 
confirmed. 

"  'Soon  after  my  departure,  William  Aldis  had  requested 
to  see  me,  and  on  learning  I  was  absent,  had  obtained  an 
interview  with  Lillian. 

" '  What  passed  between  them  I  know  not ;  but  by 
some  means  he  induced  her  to  leave  the  house  and  enter 
his  carriage,  which  was  waiting  at  the  door. 

" '  And  from  that  time  to  this  I  have  seen  nothing  of 
her.' 

"' But,' I  interrupted,  t%.  presume  you  have  obtained 
some  clue,  or  else  why  arc-  you  taking  your  present 
course  ?' 

"  '  I  have  a  clue — a  very  slight  one.  I  am  told  that  he 
is  likely  to  bo  found  at  a  place  at  no  great  distance,  in  a 
vo-y  secluded  situation,  which  he  has  lately  purchased, 
and  hud  atted  uo  in  a  most  expensive  style. 

•' '  It  is  there  tnat  1  am  going — it  is  there  that  I  expect 
to  dnd  Lillian.  So  great  has  been  my  agitation  that  I 
have  lost  my  usual  coolness. 

" '  Trembling  with  dread  of  I  knew  not  what,  I  started 
off  at  once  by  myself,  without  bringing  anyoue  with  me, 
and  feeling  quite  at  a  loss  to  know  how  I  should  act  upon 
my  arrival,  supposing  I  should  find  my  Lillian  there.' 

" '  I  may  be  excused,'  I  said,  'if  I  look  upon  our  chance 
meeting  as  a  fortunate  one.  Should  your  suspicions  prove 
correct  I  will  undertake,  at  all  risks,  to  wrest  this  girl 


1S84 


BLACK    BE88;    OH, 


lrom  him,  and  I  trusi  that  our  aid  and  interference  will 
not  come  too  late.' 

" '  And  I  too — and  I  to«/ !'  said  the  old  lady,  tears  again 
celling  down  her  cheeks.  '  Oh,  he  is  a  bad  and  desperate 
man !  And,  being  in  this  extremity,  who  can  say  what 
baseness  he  may  not  be  guilty  of?  Who  can  say  what 
will  be  the  end  of  this  terrible  affair?' 

"  '  Let  ns  hope  for  the  best,'  1  said.  '  Put  some  faith  hi 
the  firmness  which,  you  say,  your  niece  has  ever  shown 
towards  him — that  is  all  we  can  do  at  presebt,  and  I  do 
hope  and  trust  that  all  will  yet  be  well.1 


CHAPTER  DCCCXLIV. 

1M    WHICH  TOM   KING    BRINGS  THE   NARR£TsTB  O*   K£> 
ADVENTURES  TO  A  CONCLUSION. 

"At  this  moment  the  carriage  stopped  with  quite  a  sud- 
den jerk,  and  the  old  lady  immediately  put  her  head  out 
of  the  window  to  ascertain  the  cause. 

"  ''Here  we  are,  mum,'  said  the  coachman — 'leaslw/ee, 
as  near  as  I  can  tell.' 

"'Yes,  yes,'  was  the  reply—  •  this  is  the  place,  I  feel 
certain 

"  '  Allow  me,'  I  said,  and  looking  forth,  I  perceived 
what  was  evidently  the  boundary-wall  of  a  small,  pretty- 
looking  residence,  the  top  of  which  I  could  just  see. 

"  'Do  you  see  the  gates,  Samuel?'  ehe  asked. 

"  '  No,  mum.' 

"  '  Drive  on,  then.' 

"'Stay!'  I  exclaimed.  'The  circumstances  under 
which  we  are  paying  our  visit  are  peculiar.  It  vili  be 
better  by  far  not  to  draw  up  to  the  main  entrance.  YTuat 
we  shall  accomplish  to-night  will  be  done  by  stratagem 
and  skill  more  than  by  main  force.  With  your  permis- 
sion, we  will  alight  just  here.' 

"  '  I  am  quite  ready  to  resign  myself  into  your  hands,' 
she  answered;  then,  smiling,  she  continued:  'This  does 
indeed  seem  a  strange  night  of  adventure.  Who  would 
Lave  believed  that  I  should  have  taken  you,  a  perfect 
stranger,  into  my  confidence  in  this  af  air?' 

"  '  I  only  trust,'  I  replied,  '  that  you  will  have  no  occa- 
sion to  regret  having  done  so.' 

"  With  these  words,  1  handed  her  from  the  carriage, 
»nd,  going  closer  to  the  boundary-wall,  began  to  make  an 
inspection  of  it,  with  a  view  of  finding  a  means  of  pass- 
ing it. 

"  In  a  little  while  I  came  to  a  small  door,  that  was, 
however,  strongly  fastened. 

"  I  succeeded  in  climbing  the  wall ;  but  as  my  com- 
panion could  not  follow  me  by  that  route,  I  dropped  on 
the  other  side  and  unfastened  the  door,  which  was  secured 
only  by  a  couple  of  rusty  bolts. 

"  This  door  I  just  closed  behind  us,  without  fastening 
it,  and  as  I  did  so,  1  said  : 

"  '  We  will  now  take  particular  notice  of  the  position 
of  this  doorway,  for,  in  case  events  should  make  it 
necessary,  we  shall  then  know  which  way  to  turn  in 
order  to  make  our  escape  speedily.' 

" '  But,'  she  inquired,  '  how  do  you  intend  to  act  ?' 

"  '  That  is  a  question  I  can  hardly  reply  to,'  I  said ; 
'  I  shall  suffer  myself  to  be  guided  entirely  by  circum- 
stances. Come  with  me.  We  will,  first  of  all,  look  all 
round  the  premises.' 

"  She  was  quite  willing,  as  she  said,  to  resign  herself 
into  my  hands  and  allow  me  to  take  the  lead. 

"  Stealthily,  then,  I  approached  the  house  and  gave  a 
rapid  glance  at  its  exterior. 

"In  this  there  was  nothing  irhatever  remarkable, 
although  it  looked  a  very  charcclag,  beautiful  place 
indeed.  <& 

"  The  windows  next  engaged  my  attention. 

"  I  could  see  none  that  were  illuminated  until  l  t"rned 
the  angle  of  one  wing,  and  then  I  saw  several. 

"  One  was  on  the  ground  floor,  and  towards  that  I  crept 
at  once,  a  consciousness?  within  me  that  if  I  could  take  a 
peep  through  it  I  should  see  something  well  worth  look- 
ing at. 

"  In  a  moment  or  so  the  window  was  reaches,  iud 
making  a  sign  to  my  companion  to  preserve  us  much 
silence  as  sho  possibly  could,  I  raised  my  head  and  ven. 
tared  to  peep  in. 

"Ch&riiic:  were  drawn  across  the  window    yot  net  sc 


closely  as  to  shut  out  all  view  c^  the  interior  of  the  apait< 
ment. 

"Looking  in,  I  perceived' standing  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  tablo  a  young  girl,  who  by  her  appearance  I  im- 
mediately guessed  to  be  Lillian.    ( 

"  If  any  confirmation  was  required,  I  had  it  In  the 
manner  in  which  the  old  lady  clasped  her  hands  together 
as  soon  as  she  caught  sight  of  her. 

"  Lillian,  then — for  so  I  may  as  well  c&r<  Hv— 'was  stand- 
ing in  an  attitude  of  defiance;  her  eyfcs  were  Hashing 
fire;  her  slim,  lithe  form  was  drawn  up  to  its  full  height; 
and  stern,  angry  words  were  issuing  from  her  lips,  though, 
owing  to  the  closeness  with  which  the  casement  fitted,  1 
could  not  overhear  a  single  word. 

"  In  one  hand  she  held  a  knife,  that  she  had  evidently 
hastily  snatched  up  from  the  table. 
yj      "It  was  raised  threateningly  above  her  head. 

"Standing  on  the  other  side  of  the  table  *aa  a 
man. 

"  His  face  was  hidden  from  mc,  and  I  could  make  out 
but  little  of  his  appearance. 

"  Yet  I  knew  well  enough  that  this  was  the  guardian 
that  had  been  described  to  me. 

"  I  waited  to  see  no  more,  but,  grasping  the  old  lady  by 
the  hand,  led  her  away  for  a  few  steps. 

'"  You  saw  all  that?'  I  said.  'I  suppose  I  am  correct 
in  believing  those  two  persons  to  be  your  niece  Lillian 
and  her  guardian  William  Aldis  ?' 

"  '  Yes — yes !'  she  exclaimed,  in  a  voice  tremulous  with 
agitation.  'Save  her-  save  my  poor  girl — save  her  while 
there  is  yet  time  !' 

"  'Be  under  no  apprehension,'  I  answered,  assuringly. 
'  I  merely  wished  to  appeal  to  you  for  a  little  advice.' 

"  '  No,  no — act  entirely  as  you  think  proper.' 

"'Unfortunately,  I  cannot.  You  know  my  position  — 
I  cannot  interfere  in  a  case  of  this  kind  as  others  would.' 

"  '  I  do  not  understand  you.' 

"  '  Frankly,  then,  I  mean  this :  After  what  has  oc- 
curred, it  will  be  manifestly  your  best  course  to  give  this 
William  Aldis  iato  custody,  to  answer,  first  of  all,  for 
carrying  off  yo:sr  niece — for  forcibly  detaining  her  against 
her  will  ;  and  then,  if  necessary,  you  can  prosecute  hint 
if  he  has  made  use  of  any  of  her  wealth.' 

"  '  Yes,  yes — I  understand ;  but  yet  I  would  rather  be 
free  from  him  altogether.' 

"  '  No  doubt  you  would  ;  but  you  must  consider  your 
niece's  interests  in  this  affair.  You  can  understand  now 
— can  you  not? — that  it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  call 
in  the  police  officers ;  if  I  did,  I  also  should  be  made  a 
prisoner;  but,'  I  continued,  'I  will  enter  that  room — I 
will  overpower  him  and  make  him  a  prisoner — I  will 
secure  him  as  well  as  I  am  able,  and  after  that  you  must 
find  some  means  of  communicating  with  the  police.' 

"  The  old  lady  seemed  to  hesitate ;  but  just  then  a  loud 
shriek  arose. 

"  It  was  followed  by  a  tremendous  crash. 

"I  turned  round,  and  saw  instantly  what  had  hap- 
pened. 

"  Exasperated  or  terrified  at  something  her  villanous 
guardian  had  either  said  or  done,  Lillian  had  made  one 
bold  spring  across  the  room,  and  dashed  herself  through 
the  casement. 

"A  fierce  and  angry  shout  succeeded,  and  then  William 
Aldis  dashed  through  tfce  broken  window. 

"  But  before  he  could  approach  the  trembling,  affrighted 
girl,  I  placed  myself  before  him,  sword  in  baud. 

"  '  Back,'  I  exclaimed — '  back  !  Your  villsny  has  been 
discovered  and  frustrated  just  in  tirae  1' 

"  Such  a  ysil  as  William  Aldis  4hen  gave  utterance  to, 
I  thiuk  I  have  never  heard  in  all  my  life  before. 

"  With  all  the  insensate  fury  of  a  madman,  he  drew 
his  sword  from  its  sheath,  and  commenced  a  wild  attack 
upon  me. 

"  I  was  not  a  moment  in  ascertaining  that  I  was  far 
superior  to  him  in  fence,  and  before  he  well  knew  what 
hail  happened,  his  sword  was  seat  whirling  across  the 
garden. 

"Meanwhile,  Lillian  had  discovered  her  aunt,  and  waf 
clasped  tightly  in  her  arms,  sobbing  and  weeping  now 
that  the  danger  v*as  <?ver. 

"  I  followed  up  the  advantage  t  had  gained,  and  seizing 
the  rascal  by  the  throat,  flashed  my  sword  before  his 
eyes. 

"  '  Yield,'  I  cried — '  yield  this  moment  1  I  am  a  despetaM 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


i385 


[dick  tttrpin  surrenders  himself  a  prisoner.] 


man,  and  if  yon  refuse,  will  immediately  pot  you  to 
death !" 

He  trembled  and  shook  with  feav. 

"The  man  was  an  arrant  coward,  as,  indeed,  anyone 
might  have  expeoted  from  his  conduct. 

"  Most  unquestionably  he  feared  death,  and  so  sub- 
mitted to  me  completely,  beooming  as  helpless  as  any- 
one well  oould. 

"  Accordingly  i  dragged  Mm  back  through  the  win- 
dow into  the  room,  and  forced  him  to  sit  down  in  a  chair, 
and  then,  by  means  of  the  strong  cord  belonging  to  the 
curtains,  I  bound  him  there  in  such  a  manner  that  I  felt 
sure  he  could  not  set  himself  at  liberty. 

"  It  struck  mo  as  being  rather  strange  that  I  should 
havo  met  with  no  opposition  from  any  other  persons  about 
the  place;  but,  aswe  after  wards  discovered, therewas  only 
one  domestic,  and  that  was  an  old  woman,  deaf  and  nearly 
blind,  so  from  her  there  was  nothing  to  apprehend. 

No.  174.— Black  Bess. 


"  *  Now,'  I  said,  addressing  the  old  lady, '  your  niece  is 
restored  to  you  safe  and  unhurt  I  hope.  William  Aldis 
is  a  prisoner,  and  it  will  be  your  own  fault  if  he  escapes. 
Farewell,  then,  for  my  service  is  over,  and  I  have  busi- 
ness of  my  own  to  attend  to.  As  I  pass  through  the 
gate  I  will  tell  the  coachman  to  drive  off  at  once  for  a 
body  of  police  officers  ;  the  rest  will  then  be  perfectly 
easy.     Farewell  to  you  both  V 

"  '  But,  aunt,'  I  heard  Lilian  cry,  '  who  is  this— who 
is  it  that  has  so  befriended  me,  and  why  does  he  leave 
without  giving  me  the  opportunity  of  thanking  him  ?' 

"  I  turned  at  once,  although  I  had  gone  several  paces. 

"  '  It  may  seem  churlish  on  my  part,'  I  exclaimed. 
'  but  the  fact  is  there  may  be  great  danger  to  me  if  I 
linger  lontrer  here.  As  to  who  I  am,  don't  let  it  matter , 
suffice  it  to  say  I  am  your  friend.' 

"  '  But  who — who  ?'  she  asked. 

"'Yesi  your  name/  added  her  aunt.    'I  am  only  a 


Fo.  174. 


Priob  One  Halfpenny. 


138G 


BLASE   BESS  ;  OH, 


wornau,  yet  some  day,  it'  1  know  who  you  are,  I  may  be 
able  to  render  you  a  service.' 

"  I  hesitated  a  moment,  then  exclaimed: 

"  '  My  name,  since  you  must  know  it,  is  Tom  King — 
Tom  King,  the  highwayman  !' 

"  With  these  words  on  my  lips  I  turned  round  again, 
and,  with  rapid  strides,  made  my  way  to  the  little  door. 

"  According  to  my  expressed  intention,  there  I  found 
the  coachman  waiting,  and  I  immediately  sent  him  off 
for  the  police  officers. 

"  Mounting  my  own  steed,  I  turned  his  face  home- 
wards. 

"  Somehow,  whenever  I  have  an  adventure  of  this  kind, 
it  casts  a  singular  gloom  over  me — a  gloom  that  I  can- 
not shake  off. 

"  I  was  in  no  humour  for  another  adventure,  no  mat- 
ter of  what  kind,  and  therefore  it  so  happened  that  1 
arrived  here  much  earlier  than  Tom  Davis  expected. 

"  It  was  a  profitless  excursion  altogether,  but  I  think 
Sixteen-String  Jack  has  a  different  account  to  give." 

With  these  words  Tom  King  ceased,  and  Claude  Duval 
would  very  willingly  have  put  off  Sixteen-String  Jack's 
narration  till  another  time,  and  confined  himself  to  a 
consideration  of  the  captain's  probable  position. 

But  as  for  Sixteen-String  Jack  himself,  he  seemed  to 
the  full  as  desirous  of  preventing  the  conversation  from 
dwelling  on  that  topio  as  Tom  King  was. 

Therefore,  with  an  air  of  restraint,  and  yet  with  an 
affectation  of  joviality  that  oould  not  but  be  notioed  by 
all,  he  commenced  as  follows: — 


CHAPTER  DCCCXLV. 

VHE   HIGHWAYMEN   HEAR  SUDDEN  AND  UNEXPECTED 
TIDINGS   OF   THE   CAPTAIN. 

"  It's  a  string  of  adventures  I  have  had  !"  commenced 
Jack,  "aud  so  be  prepared  to  listen.  In  the  first  place 
I  made  my  way  to  the  North  Road,  partly  because  we 
have  not  visited  it  for  a  long  time,  and  partly  because 
I  was  tired  of  adventures  without  any  booty  attached 
to  them,  and  I  knew  very  well  that  was  the  place  to 
look  for  what  I  wanted. 

"  A  good  gallop  across  the  country  quickly  brought 
me  there,  and  I  reined  in  my  steed  in  order  to  rest  him 
a  little,  and  also  that  I  might  listen  whether  any  travel- 
ler was  approaching, 

"Scarcely  had  I  assumed  this  position  than  I  heard  some 
one  coming  on  at  a  regular  jog  trot.  The  pace  almost 
told  mo  the  character  not  only  of  the  horse  but  his  rider. 

"  '  A  grazier,  I'll  warrant !'  I  muttered  to  myself. 

"  My  mind  was  made  up  at  once  as  to  how  I  should 
proceed.  I  drew  back  into  the  shadow  of  the  hedge  so 
as  to  allow  him  to  pass  me,  while  I  ascertained  how  far 
my  surmises  were  correct.  i 

"  I  found  them  completely  verified.  He  was  a  stout 
man  mounted  on  a  cob  as  stout  as  himself.  His  attire 
was  old  and  greasy. 

"  He  was  so  intent  upon  urging  his  horse  forward 
that  he  did  not  perceive  me,  and  I  waited  for  him  to 
get  a  little  distance  ahead. 

"Then  emerging  from  my  place  of  concealment,  I 
followed  at  a  pace  only  a  little  faster  than  his  own,  but 
yet  of  course  one  that  could  not  fail  to  enable  me  to 
overtake  him. 

"  Ere  long  I  oaught  sight  of  his  bulky  figure  in  ad- 
vance, and  in  a  few  minutes  afterwards  placed  myself 
beside  him, 

"  I  was  intent  upon  having  some  fun  at  his  expense, 
so  I  accosted  him  with  the  utmost  respect. 

'•  At  the  samo  time  I  plunged  my  hand  into  my  pocket 
and  drew  out  about  a  dozen  guineas,  and  cs  J  did  so  1 
said  : 

"  '  This  prooeedin?  no  doubt  fills  you  .*ith  surprise.for. 
to  the  best  of  my  belief,  we  are  perfect  strangers  to  each 
other,  but  we  appear  to  be  journeying  in  the  same  direc- 
tion, and  therefore  I  should  be  eternally  obliged  if  you 
would  take  charge  of  this  gold.' 

"  He  stared  at  me  in  blank  amazement,  as  well  he 
might. 

"  Perhaps  he  thought  I  was  a  little  mad,  bui  1  con- 
tinued : 

The  request  seems  a  strange  one,  but  let  me  inform 
you,  »  little  ▼ay  behind  ua  are  tbrae  or  four  very  ill- 


favoured-looking  rogues — highwaymen,  I  should  say,  if 
I  appearances  are  anything  to  go  by.  I  was  heartily  glad 
to  avoid  them,  but  they  are  following,  and  I  have  no 
doubt  they  intend  to  rob  me.' 

"  The  grazier  seemed  rather  alarmed,  so  I  hastened 
to  reassure  him. 

" '  Mind  you,'  I  said, '  I  don't  think  for  a  moment  that 
they  will  attempt  to  rob  you — it  is  me  they  will  look 
after,  because,  judging  by  my  outward  looks,  they  will 
conclude  that  1  carry  the  most  money  about  me.  So 
therefore  I  beg  you  will  take  charge  of  this,  the  bulk  of 
my  wealth,  so  that  if  the  rascals  searoh  me  they  will 
find  nothing  to  reward  them  for  their  pains.' 

"  While  thus  speaking,  I  thrust  my  hand  into  my 
pocket  and  drew  forth  about  a  dozen  guineas. 

"  I  held  them  towards  the  grazier,  and  renewed  my 
request  that  he  would  take  charge  of  them. 

"  I  can  assure  you  he  looked  very  much  astonished 
indeed — in  fact,  his  countenance  was  quite  a  picture. 

"  It  was  hardly  likely,  however,  that  he  would  dis- 
trust me  on  this  account. 

"  I  asked  bim  to  take  charge  of  my  money,  which  was 
a  widely  different  thing  to  asking  him  to  let  me  take 
care  of  his  for  him. 

"  Yet  it  was  rather  unwillingly  that  he  took  hold  of 
the  coin,  and  then  he  exclaimed: 

"  '  Well,  it's  a  very  strange  notion  this  indeed.  I  don't 
mind  obliging  you.  I  have  passed  these  highwaymen 
before  to-day,  and  have  always  got  off  well.' 

"'  I  am  glad  to  hear  it,'  I  answered,  'and  I  hope  if 
those  rascals  behind  do  ride  up  that  you  will  keep  the 
money  safe.' 

"  '  Oh,  never  fear— never  fear!     And  I'll  tell  you  why 
I  seemed  rather  unwilling  to  grant  your  request ;  it  was 
because  I  shall   have  to   let  you    into  a  secret  that  I 
wished  to  keep  locked  up  in  my  own  breast.' 
'  " '  What  may  that  secret  be  ?'  1  asked. 

"' Why,  just  this:  you  will  have  to  know  where  I 
oarry  my  money,  aud  that's  what  no  one  else  knows  ex- 
cept myself.' 

" '  You  may  depend  that,  out  of  gratitude  merely,  I 
shall  keep  your  secret,'  I  answered.  '  Pray  put  my 
money  where  it  will  be  safe,  for  unless  I  make  a  great 
mistake,  I  can  hear  some  one  on  the  road  behind  us.' 

"  The  old  fellow  looked  quite  alarmed,  and  said,  has- 
tily : 

"  '  Well,  if  I  must  tell  you,  I  keep  it  tied  up  in  the 
tail  of  my  shirt.  Let  me  ask  you  if  a  highwayman  would 
ever  think  of  looking  for  it  there  ?' 

" '  Never,'  I  answered,  emphatically — '  it's  the  last 
plaoe  I  should  have  thought  of.' 

"  '  Well,'  he  said, '  I  shall  make  some  large  purchases 
to-day,  and  so  I  have  got.  a  good  round  sum  with  me, 
and  mostly  in  bank-notes.' 

"  With  much  pulling  and  tugging,  the  old  fellow  got 
out  the  tail  of  his  shirt,  and  I  found  that  he  had  not  been 
joking,  for  tied  up  in  it  very  securely  was  something 
that  looked  very  much  like  guineas  and  bank-notes. 

"  I  could  scaroely  control  my  laughter,  because  I  knew 
what  was  coming. 

''  He  chuckled  again  and  again  about  his  cleverness. 
'"I  will  put  yours  in  a  separate  place,'  he  siid,  'it 
yon  don't  mind.' 

"  'Oh,  I  am  quite  agreeable,'  was  my  reply;  'and  if 
yon  like  I  will  hold  my  money  the  while.' 

"  Still  unsuspectingly  enough,  he  gave  me  back  my 
dozen  guineas,  and  I  slipped  them  instantly  into  my 
pocket. 
"  As  quick  as  thonght  I  drew  out  my  sword. 
"  '  Now,  my  good  friend,'  said  I, '  as  there  is  an  end  to 
all  good  things,  so  there  is  a  conclusion  to  this  joke.  I 
have  found  out  your  secret,  so  just  decide  which  I  shall 
take,  your  money  or  your  life,  for  I  am  determined  to 
have  one  or  the  other  !' 

"  The  grazier  seemed  quite  panic-struck,  and  his 
eyes  and  mouth  opened  to  a  most  alarming  extent. 
"  '  Oh,  sir,'  he  said,  '  have  mercy  — have  mercy  !' 
"  '  Oh,  yes,'  I  replied,  '  I  am  quite  inclined  to  be  merci- 
ful. I  want  nothing  but  that  little  supply  of  cash  whioh 
you  ought  to  have  been  robbed  of  lona  ago ;  and  beware 
how  you  deceive  a  highwayman  a<r;iin  !' 

"  The  old  fellow  must  have  noticed  that  I  was  rather 
off  my  guard,  for  all  at  once,  when  I  lenst  expected  it, 
he  Ai$  one  of  the  spurs  into  his  horse'?  lank,  and  made 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE   ROAD. 


1387 


the  animal  bound  along  at  a  rate  I  should  never  have 
believed  him  capable  of  accomplishing. 

"  I  uttered  a  cry  of  rage,  and  then  set  forward  in  pur- 
Suit,  thought  my  anger  quickly  changed  to  mirth  when 
I  saw  the  grazier  making  vain  and  frantic  attempts  to 
stuff  the  tail  of  his  shirt  in  again. 

"  In  a  few  moments  I  r»s  level  with  him,  and  resolved 
to  have  no  more  delay. 

''  I  seized  hold  of  the  "booty,  and  with  one  stroke  of 
the  sword  cut  the  tail  of  his  shirt  off  completely,  and 
here  it  is." 

Despite  the  anxiety  tnat  all  felt,  it  was  impossible  to 
repress  a  hearty  laugh,  and  for  several  moments  the 
roof  of  the  old  kitchen  fairly  rang  again. 

Jack  held  aloft  his  trophy  with  great  glee. 

Then,  untying  it,  disclosed  a  good  round  sum  in  notes 
and  gold,  as  the  farmer  had  said. 

"  Bother  these  things,"  he  cried,  alluding  to  the  bank- 
notes, "  they  are  almost  useless  to  me.  I  have  a  good 
mind  to  carry  them  about  me,  and  should  I  ever  meet 
him  again  I  will  give  him  a  chance  of  buying  them  baok 
at  a  reasonable  rate." 

There  was  another  laugh  at  this,  but  Sixteen-String 
Jack  took  it  quite  seriously. 

Then  Claude,  imagining  the  right  moment  had  oome, 
took  advantage  of  a  pause  in  the  conversation  to  speak. 

"  Well  now,"  he  cried, "  all  the  adventures  have  been 
told  ;  there  are  no  signs  of  the  captain  at  present,  and  I 
think  we  ought  not  to  put  off  any  longer  a  discussion 
upon  where  he  is  likely  to  be." 

Just  then  he  saw  Maud  turn  pale,  and  fall  baok  half 
fainting  in  her  ohair. 

"I  think,"  said  Tom  Davis,  rather  gruffly,  "that  you 
are  alarming  yourself  without  due  cause.  Give  the  cap- 
tain time,  and  I  will  be  bound  he  appears.  What  do 
you  think  he  sent  that  note  for  f  He  meant  us  to  re- 
main quite  easy  until  he  appeared.  Just  wait  a  moment 
and  I  will  read  it  to  you  again." 

"  Oh,  I  know  all  about  that."  said  Claude,  impatiently, 
"  only  such  a  long  time  has  elapsed  I  think  it  strange 
he  has  not  appeared." 

"  Let  us  give  him  till  daybreak,  at  any  rate,"  said 
Tom  Davis — "ten  to  one  if  he  would  think  of  coming 
back  before  then,  if  he  had  the  opportunity." 

"Then  you  have  not  long  to  give  him,"  returned 
Claude,  "  for  in  an  hour,  or  even  less,  it  will  be  quite 
daylight ;  the  uawn  must  be  now  almost  here." 

A  deep  silence  followed  these  words — a  pause  that 
seemed  to  have  something  very  ominous  about  it. 

Maud  was  slowly  recovering  herself,  and  the  others, 
with  averted  eyes,  were  each  waiting  for  some  one  to 
speak  first. 

But  the  silence  endured  and  remained  like  a  spell. 

Then  Claude  rose,  and,  going  to  the  window,  let  down 
the  shutter. 

As  he  did  so,  a  clear  grey  light  came  pouring  into  the 
kitchen. 

"  It  is  already  daybreak,"  he  said.  "  Behold  !  Where 
is  he  now  ?" 

Again  there  was  a  silence. 

But  this  time  it  was  broken  in  upon  by  a  most  dis- 
cordant, unmelodious  sound — one  that  made  them  all 
start,  aud  one  that  actually  caused  the  blood  to  rush 
back  to  their  hearts  with  a  sickening  sensation. 

"  Goodness  gracious!"'  exclaimed  Tom  Davis,  as  he 
sprang  up  from  his  chair  and  then  sank  down  again— 
"goodness  gracious,  wha  's  that  i" 


CHAPTER  DCCCXLVI. 

THE  HIGHWAYMEN  OBTAIN  SOME  UNEXPECTED  IN- 
TELLIGENCE AS  TO  DICK  TURPIN'S  WHEREABOUTS 
FHOM   THE    ITINERANT    NF.WSVENDOR. 

The  hideous  sound  came  again. 

This  time,  however,  they  were  more  prepared  foi  it 
than  they  were  upon  the  previous  occasion,  and  therefore 
were  able  to  form  a  better  idea  of  how  it  was  produced. 

"  It's  a  horn,"  cried  Tom  Davis,  as  he  rushed  towards 
the  front  of  the  house — "  it's  a  horn,  or  a  trumpet,  or 
something  of  that  kind.    What  on  earth  does  it  mean?" 

His  movement  was  immediately  followed  by  the  rest, 
and  in  an  incredibly  short  space  of  time  the  kitchen 
was  vacated. 


"  Be  careful  how  you  show  yourselves,"  cried  Torn* 
who,  even  in  this  moment  of  excitement,  had  not  for- 
gotten his  caution. 

The  highwaymen  shrank  back. 

"  You  have  a  look  first,  Tom,"  they  cried,  "and  let 
us  kuow  what  it  is." 

Opening  frhe  door,  ho  looked  out. 

But  at  this  moment  there  came  another  blast,  louder 
and  more  discordant  than  the  former  ones. 

Then  a  cracked,  whetzy  voioe  was  heard  to  say: 

"  Most  important— important— important  !"' 

Then  followed  another  blast. 

"  It  is  a  man,"  cried  Tom  Davis — "  an  old  man  with 
a  long,  battered  tin  horn.  What  on  earth  does  he  mean 
by  kicking  up  all  that  uproar r" 

"  Here  you  have  it,  good  people,"  continued  the  same 
strange  voice—"  here  you  have  it ;  all  the  particulars 
from  the  beginning  to  the  end,  and  most  extraordinary 
they  are.  Here  you  have  'em— here  you  have  'em,  and 
the  price  no  more  than  a  penny  !" 

He  blew  the  horn  again. 

"  I  can't  make  it  out,"  cried  Tom  Davis  ;  "  he  is  a 
most  extraordinary-looking  individual,  and  he  is  carry- 
ing a  packet  of  papers  in  his  hand;  they  must  be  about 
some  important  event  that  has  just  ooourred." 

"  Get  him  inside,"  suggested  Claude  Duval, "  and  give 
him  something  to  drink ;  that  will  stop  his  noise." 

Before  this  advice  oould  be  acted  upon,  all  heard  dis- 
tinctly the  following  words. 

Strive  a9  they  would,  not  one  oould  move  until  the 
man  paused  to  blow  his  horn,  which  he  made  a  point  of 
doing  at  every  full  stop  in  his  discourse. 

"  Here  you  have  it,"  he  oried,  "  the  important  and  un- 
paralleled details  of  theoaptureof  the  notorious  highway- 
man, Dick  Turpin,  who  surrendered  himself  prisoner 
yesterday,  and  now  lies  in  the  prison  of  Newgate  await- 
ing the  order  for  his  execution ;  and  only  one  penny." 

The  sound  of  the  tin  horn  drowned  the  stifled  shriek 
that  burst  from  the  lips  of  Maud,  and  without  another 
sound  she  sank  perfectly  insensible. 

Mrs.  Davis  and  Ellen  at  onoe  gave  her  their  whole 
attention,  leaving  the  highwaymen  to  themselves. 

"Just  what  I  feared,"  was  Claude  Duval's  comment. 

"We  all  guessed  it,"  said  Tom  King,  "only  we  did 
not  want  to  say  a  word  about  it  before  Maud.  Let  us 
get  that  rascal  in  and  get  all  the  details  we  can 
from  him." 

"  All  right,"  said  Tom  Davis.  "  Just  step  on  one  side 
and  leave  it  to  me.  On  no  account  permit  yourselves 
to  be  seen,  because  it  is  very  likely  he  has  been  furnished 
with  a  description  of  all." 

Upon  this  caution  the  highwaymen  all  withdrew,  and 
Tom  Davis  going  to  the  front  of  the  inn,  saw  that  the 
man  bad  moved  a  little  way. 

But  he  bawled  after  him,  and  the  niau,  turning  round, 
hastened  towards  the  inn  at  full  speed. 

He  detached  a  paper  from  his  bundle,  evidently  ex- 
pecting that  Tom  Davis  was  about  to  be  a  purchaser. 

"  What's  that  you  are  saying  ?"  he  asked. 

"  It's  about  Dick  Turpin,  the  highwayman,"  was  the 
reply,  given  in  a  more  natural  tone  of  voice ;  "  he  was 
captured  yesterday  and  taken  to  Newgate." 

"  Was  lie  indeed  ?  Well,  come  in  and  have  a  draught 
of  ale,  and  let  us  know  all  the  particulars.  I'll  have  one 
of  your  papers  as  well,  for,  though  I'm  no  soholar  my- 
self, there  may  be  others  who  would  like  to  read  it." 

•'Ail  right  my  friend,"  said  the  itinerant  newsvendor. 
"  I'll  tell  you  all  the  particulars,  and  that'll  save  you 
the  trouble  of  reading." 

"  Come,  then — come  in." 

The  man  willingly  followed  Davis  into  the  kitohen, 
where  he  sat  down. 

A  jug  of  ale  that  one  would  think  would  take  him 
some  time  to  drink  was  placed  before  him. 

Then  Tom  eagerly  questioned  him  for  information. 

"  Well,  you  see,"  replied  the  man,  "it  happened  in 
thiswise  :  Dick  Turpin  was  overtaken  and  captured  by 
a  party  of  huntsmen,  and  now,  as  I  have  told  you,  is  a 
prisoner  in  Newgate." 

"  And  so  he  ought  to  be,"  said  Tom  L»avis.  "  I  have 
been  expecting  to  hear  this  for  a  long  time,  and  I  am 
only  afraid  the  news  is  too  good  to  be  true." 

"Well,  and  so  am  j,and  that's  a  fact.  You  see.  tb«flo 
priuters  they  get  hold  of  any  lie  cr  idle  tale  and  print  it, 


1388 


BLACK  BESS;  OB, 


they  get  an  ouDoe  of  fact  and  plaster  it  over  with  a  pound 
•f  lies  at  once." 

"  You  have  had  some  experience  that  way,  then  ?" 

"  I  have,  I  believe  you  ;  but,  that's  neither  here  nor 
there." 

Tom  Davis  began  to  oroatho  a  little  more  freely. 

'•  Well,  then,"  he  exclaimed,  "you  know  positively  of 
your  owu  knowledge  that  Diolc  Turpiu  is  really  inside 
Newgate  at  the  present  time  ?" 

"  No,  that  I  don't.  All  1  can  say  is  what  is  printed 
on  this  paper,  which  is  just  to  the  effect  that  I  have 
told  you.  At  any  rate,  it  seems  there  was  a  thousand 
pouuds  reward  offered  for  his  apprehension,  though  I 
don't  know  who  is  to  get  it." 

"  Well,  I  only  hope  it's  all  true,"  said  Tom  DaviB, 
bending  his  face  down  over  the  bill,  "for  ever  sinoe  these 
highwaymen  have  been  on  the  road  we  have  done  no 
trade  at  all ;  people  are  afraid  to  travel,  and  never  go 
anywhere  if  they  can  help  it." 

"Not  only  that,"  returned  the  newsvendor,  "  but  I 
have  heard  something  else,  though,  of  course,  I  don't 
know  how  true  it  may  be." 

"What  is  it?" 

"Why,  all  the  inn-keepers  round  the  country  are 
grumbling  fearfully  at  the  badness  of  trade.  No  one 
will  stop  there  even  for  half  an  hour ;  they  just  have  a 
drink  at  the  door  and  are  off  again.  And  what  should 
you  think  is  the  reason  ?" 

"  I  have  really  no  idea." 

"Well,  then,  there's  areport  set  abroad  that  Dick  Tur- 
pin  and  his  highwaymen  have  got  a  roadside  public-house 
of  their  own,  and  that  someone  deep  in  their  confidence 
keeps  it.  Where  this  inn  is  I  believe  no  one  can  tell  at 
present,  but  it  is  said  if  anyone  should  enter  it  they 
never  are  seen  to  come  out  again  alive." 

Tom  Davis  gave  a  great  start,  and  exclaimed  in  well- 
simulated  surprise,  dashing  his  fist  violently  on  the 
table  while  he  spoke  : 

"  That  accounts  for  it— that  accounts  for  it.  I  won- 
dered what  this  dropping  off  in  trade  meant.  Why,  do 
you  know  it  is  the  greatest  rarity  for  me  to  catch  sight 
of  any  one  now-a-days  ?  But  it  was  not  so — it  was  not 
so." 

"  That's  the  cause,"  said  the  newsvendor,  as  he  drank 
the  last  drop  of  ale ;  "  you  know  the  reason  now,  and 
depend  upon  it  there's  some  foundation,  in  fact,  for 
what  I  have  just  told  you." 

"I  shouldn't  wonder,"  said  Tom  Davis. 

"Well,"  said  the  man,  "I  will  be  off.  I  thought  this 
would  turn  out  a  better  job  than  it  has  at  present ;  the 
papers  don't  move  off  at  all  briskly  ;  somehow  no  one 
believes  it."  M 

"  I  can  soarcely  bring  my  mind  to  believe  it,  said 
Tom  Davis ;  "  but  the  day  is  young  yet— you  have  plenty 
of  time  before  you.  Will  you  stop  and  have  another 
juer  of  ale  ?" 

"  No,  not  now ;  many  thanks  to  you— not  now ;  but 
if  I  am  by  this  way  again  you  may  depend  I  shall 
call." 

"  Do  so— do  so." 

The  man  rose,  carefully  pioking  up  his  long  tin  born 
and  his  bundle  of  papers,  and  then  sallied  forth.  ' 

Tom  Davis  accompanied  him  to  the  front  door  of  the 
inn,  where  a  few  parting  words  were  exchanged. 

Then  he  stood  upon  the  door-step  watching  him  until 
he  got  out  of  Bight. 

Now  that  there  was  no  one  to  observe  it,  Tom  Davis's 
oountenanoe  underwent  a  very  great  and  striking  altera- 
tion. 

It  was  easy  to  tell  that  the  intelligence  that  had  just 
been  imparted  to  him  filled  him  with  very  great  anxiety. 

"  Dick  in  Newgate,"  he  muttered  as  he  turned  away. 
"  I  fear  there  is  no  room  left  to  dor***  it.  However,  I 
will  hear  what  the  others  say." 

Returning  to  the  kitchen,  he  foufld  that  the  three 
highwaymen  were  fully  as  anxious  as  himself. 

The  bill  that  had  been  left  upon  the  table  had  been 
carefully  perused. 

It  gave  very,  few  details,  and  many  of  them,  as  the 
highwaymen  wore  perfectly  certain,  were  quite  incorrect. 
1 1  stated  that  Dick  Turpin's  famous  mare,  Black  Bess, 
was  in  the  hands  of  the  police  officers. 

This  was  palpably  false,  for  Black  Bess  was  at  that 
momeut  in  the  stable. 


Yet  from  this  circumstance  they  managed  to  extract 
some  amount  of  confidence  and  consolation. 

"  If  they  are  wrong  about  Blaok  Bess,"  said  Tom, 
"  why  may  they  not  be  wrong  about  her  rider  ?  For  my 
part  I  can  scarcely  believe  that  Dick  is  in  Newgate,  ai- 
though  1  see  it  in  print  before  my  eyes,  and  although 
he  has  failed  to  return  at  the  time  appointed.  The  ques- 
tion is,  how  are  we  to  ascertain  it  without  mooning 
danger  ourselves?" 

"  Yes,  that's  the  point  we  have  to  discuss,"  cried  Tom 
Davis,  "  and  the  sooner  we  begin  it  the  better.  And 
not  only  that — did  you  hear  what  the  man  said  about 
the  roadside-inn  ?  The  secret  passage  has  not  beeii  con- 
structed one  hour  too  soon,  for,  as  1  dreaded,  the  police 
officers  have  got  wind  of  our  nioe  little  scheme.  I  k  new 
very  well  things  were  going  on  by  far  too  pleasant  aud 
comfortable  to  last." 


CHAPTER  DCCCXLVII. 

TOM  DAVIS  SETS  OUT  TOR  LONDON  IN  ORL2R  TO 
ASCERTAIN  WHETHER  DICK  TURPIN  IS  REALI.T  A 
PRISONER   OR   NOT. 

"Yes,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack.  "  We  all  heard  him, 
and,  at  any  other  time  than  the  present,  should  feel  a 
very  great  deal  more  uneasiness  than  we  do  now.  As 
it  is,  however,  a  consideration  of  the  captain's  position 
outweighs  everything." 

"  You  are  right  there,"  rejoined  Tom  King.  "If  what 
we  have  heard  is  true,  no  exertions  and  sacrifices  must 
be  wanting  on  our  part  to  effect  his  release.  You  all 
know  very  well  that  if  any  of  us  happened  to  be  in  his 
position,  he  would  be  the  first  one  to  attempt  a  rescue." 

"  He  would — he  would,"  said  Claude  Duval,  "  and  I 
will  willingly  do  all  I  can." 

"  It  seems  to  me,"  said  Tom  Davis, "  that  almost  the 
first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  ascertain,  somehow  or  other, 
whether  the  facts  set  down  in  this  bill  are  true." 

"Yes,  that's  it,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack.  "  But  how 
is  it  to  be  done  P" 

"  If  you  will  allow  me,"  said  Tom  Davis,  "  to  make  a 
suggestion " 

"  Ob,  certainly !" 

"It  is,  then,  that  you  allow  me  to  set  off  without 
delay  to  London.  When  there,  I  shall  be  able  to  ascer- 
tain for  certain." 

"A  good  suggestion,"  said  Tom  King,  "only  I  can 
improve  it." 

"  In  what  way  ?" 

"  By  allowing  me  to  go  instead  of  yourself." 

But  Tom  Davis  only  shook  his  head. 

"  No,  no  !"  he  exclaimed — "  I  am  qnile  certain  that 
would  never  answer  at  all !  You  would  run  u  thousand 
risks  of  detection,  whereas  I  should  run  none.  If  seen 
by  anyone,  it  would  only  be  thought  that  I  was  about 
my  regular  business." 

"Yes,  yes  !"  oried  Sixteen-String  Jack  and  Claude 
Duvai.  "  Tom  Davis  is  perfectly  in  the  right.  He 
ought  to  go,  and  let  him  start  at  once,  and  then  he  will 
be  baok  the  sooner." 

"  I  am  ready  now." 

"  No  doubt  you  are,"  said  Claude.  "  And  don't  stay 
a  moment  longer  than  is  absolutely  necessary.  When 
you  have  found  out  whether  Dick  is  in  Newgate  or  not, 
hasten  back  at  the  top  of  your  speed." 

"  I  will,  depend  upon  it !" 

"  Very  well,  then — be  off  !" 

"  In  a  moment.    Where's  Maud  F" 

They  looked  around,  and  just  at  that  moment  Ellen 
entered. 

The  question  was  repeated. 

"  She  is  still  senseless,"  was  the  answer.  "  We  are 
quite  alarmed." 

"  You  must  try  to  bring  her  to,"  said  Davis, "  and  as 
soon  as  she  is  oonscious  let  her  know  that  I  have  gone 
to  London,  and  say  I  hope  to  return  with  good  intelli- 
gence." 

"  How  long  shall  you  be  absent  ?"  Ellen  asked. 

"  That  is  impossible  for  me  to  say;  but  no  longer  than  I 
can  help.  While  I  am  away,"  he  continued,  addressing 
the  highwaymen,  "  do  you  keep  carefully  out  of  sight, 
and  if  the  offioers  pay  a  visit  in  my  absence,  don't  hesi- 
tate to  avail  yourselves  of  the  secret  passage." 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE   ROAD. 


1389 


"  We  will  not ;  but  if  Dick  should  unfortunately  be 
the  inmate  of  a  Newgate  cell,  the  officers  will  all  be 
olu'stered  round  about  there  like  so  many  bees." 

"  Yes  ;  and  that  reminds  me  that  I  scarcely  ought  to 
start  off  to  London  without  some  arrangement  being 
male." 

"  *V  hat  kind  of  arrangement  do  you  mean  ?" 

"  Why,  suppose  that  it  turns  out  that  Dick  is  really 
a  prisoner — mind,  I  8ay  this  only  in  case  it  turns  out  so 
— it  is  bes"t  to  be  prepared  for  the  worst,  is  it  not  ?" 

"  Quite.    But  what  then  ?" 

"  Why,  had  we  better  not  come  to  some  determination 
as  to  our  proceedings  ?" 

"  I  don't  see  how  it  is  possible." 

"  Nor  I,  exactly ;  but  my  present  idea  .s  to  run  the 
risk  of  calling  upon  old  Matthew  Gale,  in  Drury  Lane." 

"  Oh,  ah !    That's  a  good  thought !" 

"  He  is  a  long-headed  fellow,  you  know,  and  takes  an 
especial  delight  in  outwitting  the  police  officers  Ten  to 
one  he  could  give  us  some  valuable  suggestions,  and 
render  ua  some  stilt  more  valuable,  assistance." 

"  Beyond  a  doubt  he  could .  I  am  glad  you  thought 
of  it.     Call  there  by  all  means." 

"  Well,  then,  I  think  that  is  about  all  that  can  be 
done  at  present.  I  will  put  one  of  the  horses  in  the 
light  cart,  and  drive  off  this  moment." 

The  highwaymen  urged  him  to  leave. 

But  just  as  he  was  passing  through  the  doorway, 
Maud  descended  the  staircase. 

There  was  an  air  of  great  wildness  and  frenzy  in  her 
manner,  and,  seizing  Tom  Davis  by  the  breast  of  his 
coat,  she  exclaimed : 

"  Tell  iue—  tell  me — let  it  come  from  your  lips,  and  I 
shall  be  satisfied — is  what  I  hear  the  truth  ? — is  Dick 
really  a  prisoner  ?" 

"  1  have  no  means  of  answering,"  said  Tom  Davis,  "  I 
have  heard  as  much,  and  am  now  about  to  set  off  to 
London  to  ascertain  whether  the  report  is  true  or  false. 
1  hope  the  latter,  and,  if  possible,  I  will  return  in  a  few 
hours,  bringing  Turpin  with  me." 

"  No,  no !"  she  exclaimed.  "  That  hope  is  a  vain  one  ! 
If  the  officers  have  really  captured  him,  such  close  watoh 
and  guard  will  be  set  upon  all  his  movements  that  escape 
will  be  totally  impossible.  They  are  already  exasperated 
beyond  measure.  Alas — alas  !  I  feel  that  his  doom  is 
sealed." 

She  wept  bitterly  and  •violently — so  violently  that 
Tom  Davis  grew  alarmed. 

"Calm  yourself,"  he  exclaimed — "pray  calm  yourself 
for  a  little  while  until  I  return  !  Then  will  be  the  time 
to  give  way  to  grief,  when  you  feel  there  is  no  longer 
room  left  for  hope." 

"I  knuw  it  now,"  she  said — "I  have  a  presentiment 
in  my  mind  whioh  I  cannot  mistake !  I  feel  as  certain 
as  I  should  do  if  I  had  witnessed  all  with  my  own  eyes, 
that  Diok  is  at  this  moment  languishing  a  prisoner  in 
one  of  those  gloomy  cells.  He  will  be  watched  and 
guarded — no  movement,  however  slight,  will  pass  un- 
noticed— access  will  be  denied  to  him.  Tell  me,  then, 
how  you  can  hope  to  effect  his  escape!" 

"  We  cannot  look  forward  to  so  much  as  that  at  pre- 
sent," was  his  answer.  "  We  have  first  to  satisfy  our- 
selves he  is  a  prisoner,  and  I  oan  assure  you  I  by  no 
means  feel  sure  of  it,  nor  did  the  man  who  sold  the  paper." 

Maud  released  him  from  her  grasp,  and,  stepping  back 
a  pace  or  two,  clasped  her  hands  together. 

Then,  fixing  her  eyes  upon  his  countenance,  she  said: 

"Is  that  really  and  truly  so,  or  do  you  simply  say  it 
nut  of  some  motive  of  mistaken  kindness  ?  If  so,  let  me 
beg  of  you  to  recall  your  words;  otherwise  the  disappoint- 
ment will  be  bitter — more  bitter  than  I  oan  bear  !" 

"It  is  not  a  false  hope,"  said  Tom.  "  The  man  was 
not  certain,  and  that's  why  I  am  setting  out  to  ascer- 
tain." 

"  Then  go,"  she  exclaimed — "  go  at  once  !  I  will  not 
detain  you  a  moment  longer,  and  while  you  are  absent  I 
will  try  to  be  as  calm  and  hopeful  as  I  can !  I  shall 
long  for  your  return — I  shall  count  every  second,  so,  in 
pity  to  me,  be  no  longer  than  you  oan  help." 

Tom  Davis  promised  faithfully,  and,  glad  to  leave  ner 
in  such  a  mood  as  this,  hastened  at  once  towards  the 
stables. 

His  preparations  were  qniokly  made. 

X  he  horse  was  harnessed  to  the  cart,  and,  after  -me 


more  farewell  and  a  reiteration  of  his  injunctions,  he 
rode  off. 

The  time  passed  most  wearily  and  anxiously. 

The  sun  rose  higher  and  higher  in  the  sky,  until  the 
meridian  was  past. 

Hours  and  hours  elapsed,  and  yet  there  were  no  signs 
of  Tom  Davis's  return. 

What  could  have  detained  him,  they  were  at  a  loss  to 
imagiue  ;  but,  from  his  long  absence,  they  drew  most 
unfavourable  auguries. 

Had  the  report  been  a  false  one,  it  could  have  been 
ascertained  immediately,  and  he  would  have  been  baok 
long  and  long  ago. 

Such  being  the  case,  the  highwaymen  resigned  them- 
selves to  the  worst,  and  already  began  to  speculate  in 
their  own  minds  as  to  whioh  would  be  the  likeliest  means 
by  which  they  could  obtain  the  captain's  liberation. 

Maud's  oalmness  and  hopefulness  departed  also,  and  so 
great  did  her  agitation  become,  and  so  vehement  was  her 
grief,  that  the  worst  consequences  were  apprehended. 

Still  Tom  Davis  came  not,  and  it  was  not  until  the 
long  shadows  of  evening  were  beginning  to  creep  over 
the  landsoape  that  the  distant  rattle  of  his  light  oart 
could  be  heard. 

Burning  with  curiosity,  the  highwaymen  watched  its 
approach. 

In  a  few  moments  it  came  in  sight,  and  then  Tom 
Davis  drew  up  with  a  dash  in  front  of  the  inn,  with  a 
look  of  unusual  importance  and  seriousness  upon  his 
countenanoe. 


CHAPTER  DCCCXLVIII. 

RETURNS   TO   DICK    TURPIN   AND   THE    HUNTSMEN. 

Having  now  brought  events  up  to  this  point,  we  feel 
that  we  shall  be  able  to  devote  the  whole  of  our  atten- 
tion to  the  very  peculiar  and  critical  position  in  which 
Dick  Turpin  is  placed. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  his  words  were  that  he 
would  surrender  freely  and  without  any  resistance  to 
Sir  George. 

No  sooner  were  these  words  spoken  than  the  baronet 
stretched  out  his  hand  and  plaoed  it  on  the  highwayman's 
shoulder,  and  as  he  did  so  he  exclaimed  : 

"  Dick  Turpin,  you  are  my  prisoner !" 

Dick  only  bowed. 

Sir  Marmaduke,  frantic  with  rage,  seized  Turpin 
also. 

"  Bind  the  villain,"  he  cried ;  "  secure  him !  Pinion 
him  so  that  he  cannot  escape !  I  command  you  all  to 
obey  me  in  this  matter  !" 

Diok  Turpin  shook  off  the  grasp  of  Sir  Marmaduke 
rather  roughly. 

"  You  forget,"  he  said.  "  I  did  not  yield  myself  a  pri- 
soner to  you,  but  to  this  gentleman,  and  I  warn  you  that 
if  you  interfere  you  will  find  that  you  have  a  very  dan- 
gerous customer  to  meddle  with." 

Fairly  white  with  passion,  Sir  Marmaduke  again  car- 
ried his  hand  to  his  sword. 

"  I  wish  you  would  cross  weapons  with  me,"  shouted 
Diok,  as  he  observed  the  movement;  "  but  I  know  your 
nature  too  well  to  think  for  a  moment  that  you  would 
ever  have  the  courage  to  do  so." 

This  remark  stung  him  to  the  quick — so  much  so  that 
he  half  drew  his  sword  from  its  sheath. 

But  dashing  it  back  again,  he  said  : 

"  I  am  a  fool  to  bandy  words  thus  with  a  robber,  and 
I  deserve  all  the  abuse  I  get." 

"Excuse  me,"  said  Sir  George,  "  but  my  opinion  is 
that  the  abuse  is  on  your  part." 

"And  my  opinion  is,"  retorted  Sir  Marmaduke,  "  that 
if  you  had  the  opportunity  you  would  allow  this  man  to 
regain  his  liberty." 

"  You  may  be  right  and  you  may  be  wrong,"  was  the 
calm  reply. 

"  Well,  then,"  cried  Sir  Marmaduke,  "  let  me  ask  you 
what  it  is  you  intend  to  do  with  your  prisoner  ?" 

"  Do  with  him  ?  I  have  not  the  least  idea.  I  don't 
want  him.  I  would  much  rather  look  after  mv  own 
business." 

"  Then  hand  him  over  to  me." 

"  But  he  objects," 

"  Yes,  decidedly,"  said  Diok. 


1390 


BLACK   BESS;   OB, 


"  Well,  then,  you  must  take  him  to  Newgate  yourself, 
Sir  George." 

"I'll  be  d— (1  if  I  do." 

"But  I  say  you  shall,"  shrieked  Sir  Marmaduke. 
"  Don't  think  I  am  blind  to  the  partiality  you  have  all 
shown  for  him  !— I  take  it  as  the  greatest  of  all  insults 
to  myself.  But.  you  will  repent  of  it  ere  long,  mark  my 
words  if  you  don't !" 

The  huntsmen  smiled  rather  derisiv^y,  and,  to  tell 
the  truth,  they  were  by  no  means  sorry  that  a  pretext 
had  arisen  for  turning  away  altogether  from  their  arro- 
gant, pragmatioal  neighbour. 

Now  they  had  vory  good  cause  for  refusing  to  meet 
him  anywhere,  and  they  resolved  that  whenever  another 
meeting  took  plaoe  he  should  not  be  one  of  their  number. 

"  Come  on,"  oried  Sir  Marmaduke  ;  "  if  you  choose  to 
take  him  prisoner  you  must  hand  him  over  to  the  officers 
of  justice.    Come  on." 

"  No.  I  would  much  sooner  remain  here  and  simply 
keep  guard  over  him.  I  am  not  so  fond  of  polioe  officers 
as  to  be  ambitious  of  emulating  their  doings." 

"  It  is  suoh  men  as  you  who  bring  their  authority  into 
disrepute,"  retorted  Sir  Marmaduke;  "but  a  proper  re- 
presentation of  this  affair  shall  be  sent  to  the  proper 
quarters,  and  you  will  then  see  what  will  be  the  result 
of  it." 

"So  we  shall  if  we  live  long  enough,"  returned  Sir 
fteorge;  "  but  if  I  knew  there  was  anyone  with  Buch 
vindiotive  feelings  as  Dick  Turpin  has  against  you,  I 
ehould  feel  doubtful  about  existing  much  longer." 

It  was  easy  to  see  that,  in  spite  of  his  boast  and  swag- 
ger, this  idea  alarmed  the  baronet  greatly,  for  he  again 
turned  very  white. 

"  If  you  would  keep  guard  over  him,"  he  said,  at 
length,  after  a  pause,  "  I  would  quickly  put  an  end  to 
the  matter  by  riding  off  immediately,  and  returning  with 
a  body  of  polioe  officers." 

"  Then  why  don't  you  do  it  ?" 

"  Simply  because  I  know  that  as  soon  as  I  turned  my 
baok  you  would  allow  that  rascal  an  opportunity  to 
esoape,  and  he  would  avail  himself  of  it  in  a  moment. 
Ah !"  he  oried,  in  quite  a  changed  voioe,  and  throwing 
up  his  arms  with  great  exultation.  "  Now  we  shall 
Boon  see  the  aspect  of  affairs  altered,  How  fortunate, 
to  be  sure  ?" 

Raising  his  voioe  to  its  highest  pitch,  he  bawled  : 

"  Robert— <Robort !  This  way  quiok  !  D— n  you— 
make  haste!" 

The  others  immediately  turned  their  heads,  and  saw 
at  no  great  distance  the  form  of  a  man  dressed  in  the 
attire  of  a  gamekeeper. 

He  was  evidently  well  known  by  Sir  Marmaduke. 

On  hearing  himself  called  thus,  Robert  oame  running 
forward,  gun  in  hand,  at  great  speed. 

"Yes,  your  worship,"  he  replied,  as  soon  as  he  recog- 
nised Sir  Marmaduke—"  yes,  your  worship  ?  jP^hat  is 
it  you  might  be  pleased  to  want  ?" 

The  baronet  smiled  triumphantly. 

"  You  will  take  this  horse,"  he  said,  "  mount  it,  and 
ride  off  with  all  speed  to  the  nearest  plaoe  where  you 
oan  make  sure  of  meeting  with  a  body  of  polioe  officers. 
Bring  as  many  as  you  oan,  and  tell  them  that  we  have 
Dick  Turpin  here  a  prisoner." 

The  gamekeeper  looked  round  him  in  great  sur- 
prise. 

But  Sir  Marmaduke  oheoked  him  abruptly. 

"  Here's  the  horse !"  he  oried,  "  Mount — rids  off  at 
full  speed,  if  you  break  the  horse's  neok  and  yoar  own 
as  well !     Every  moment  ia  of  oonsequenoe  !" 

Robert  dared  not  refuse — he  knew  that,  in  spite  of  the 
confusion  of  his  intellects. 

So,  without  another  word,  he  scrambled  into  the  sad- 
dle, and  off  he  went. 

Sir  Marmaduke  watched  him  depart  with  eager  inte- 
rest, and  so  did  Dick  Turpin. 

Through  the  hitter's  brain  many  strange  thoughts 
were  passing  with  wonderful  rapidity. 

He  took,  in  the  first, plaoe,  a  rapid  review  of  his  posi- 
tion. 

If  he  waited  until  tins  gamekeeper  returned  with  a 
body  of  polioe  officers,  his  chances  of  escape  would  be 
remote  indeed. 

On  the  other  hand,  among  all  the  huntsmen  he  believed 
there  was  only  one,  and  that  was  Sir  Marmaduke,  who 


would  oppose  his  departure  if  he  uiade  a  bold  run  to 
esoape. 

This  course  he  would  most  certainly  have  adopted  but 
for  one  consideration,  and  that  was  the  effect  it  would 
be  likely  to  have  upon  Sir  George  and  the  others,  who 
had  shown  themselves  inclined  to  be  his  friends. 

He  had  a  tolerable  idea  of  the  amount  of  power  suoh 
a  man  as  the  chief  magistrate  of  the  county  would  pos- 
sess, and  he  was  also  aware  that  the  punishment  for 
aiding  and  abetting  a  felon  was  severe,  and  would  be 
indicted  upou  Sir  George  and  his  compauions  just  the 
same  as  upou  anyone  else. 

Now  Dick  was  far  too  generous  in  ms  nature  to  at- 
tempt, by  running  away,  to  make  his  escape,  and  so  draw 
down  upon  the  huntsmen  the  consequences  of  this  act. 
Moreover,  he  felt  inclined  to  trust  in  Sir  George, 
although  he  had  not  muoh  faith  in  human  nature  gene- 
rally. 

Yet  that  gentleman,  by  his  maimer,  seemed  to  imply 
that  it  would  be  wise  for  him  to  resign  himself  for  awhile 
to  his  fate. 

At  last  this  was  what  Dick  resolved  to  do — not  only 
on  this  consideration,  but  because  he  all  at  once  recol- 
lected a  little  circumstance  that  in  the  excitement  of 
the  moment  had  quite  slipped  his  recollection. 

This  was  the  looket  that  nad  been  given  him  by  the 
lady  who  was  surrounded  by  so  many  mysteries,  not  one 
of  which  Dick  had  been  able  to  pierce. 

From  the  moment  he  had  reoeived  it  until  the  present 
he  had  never  attempted  to  make  the  least  examination 
of  it. 

Yet  as  the  recollection  of  all  the  oircumstanoes  oame 
into  his  mind,  a  great  degree  of  confidence  sprang  up  in 
his  breast. 

"Surely,"  he  thought,  "  she  would  never  have  been 
so  anxious  to  make  me  this  present  if  she  had  not  been 
fully  aware  of  its  efficaoy.  Yes,  yes — I  teel  that  I  oan 
trust  her,  and  that  this  locket  will  be  the  means  of  ex- 
tricating me  from  my  present  perilous  predioament. 
She  told  me  not  to  make  use  of  it  until  in  the  utmost 
extremity  of  danger.  I  will  not,  for  if  I  oan  see  any 
opportunity  of  escape  without  having  resort  to  it,  I  shall 
most  certainly  avail  myself  of  the  chance.  Yes,  yes — 
that  i8  my  determination.  And  now  for  a  little  while  I 
will  content  myself  with  being  merely  a  calm  speotator 
of  events." 

Having  come  to  this  conclusion,  Dick  grew  quite  calm, 
and  again  folding  his  arms,  looked  around  him  with  an 
easy,  self-satisfied  air,  whioh  elicited  the  utmost  admira- 
tion of  the  huntsmen. 

Suddenly  a  loud  and  joyous  cry  burst  from  the  lips 
of  Sir  Marmaduke,  aud  all  turned  their  eyes  in  the  direc- 
tion in  which  he  was  gazing. 

They  then  peroeived,  at  several  fields'  distanoe,  a  large 
body  of   police  officers,  whose  large- buttoned  soarlet 
waistcoats  made  them  conspicuous  objects. 
They  were  all  mounted  on  strong,  powerful  steeds. 
Sir  Marmaduke  waved  his  hat,  and  they  took  off  theirs 
in  response,  and  aooelerated  their  speed. 

"  Here  they  oome,"  he  cried,  in  the  utmost  exultation 
— "  here  they  come  !  Now  we  shall  see  a  little  change 
in  the  posture  of  affairs !  He  looks  very  bold,  and  has 
carried  things  off  with  a  high  hand  up  to  the  present ; 
but  it  has  been  because  he  has  not  been  in  danger.  1 
have  come  face  to  face  with  criminals  before  to-day,  and 
I'll  warrant  you  that  no  sooner  does  he  find  himself  sur- 
rounded by  officers,  than  this  loud-crowing  cook  will 
show  the  white  feather  !    Aha!" 


CHAPTER  DCCCXLIX. 

IN  WHICH  DICK  TURPIN  IS  HA.NDCUFEED  BT  TH1 
POLICE  OFFICERS,  AND  THE  JOURNEY  TO  NEWGATE 
IS  COMMENCED. 

Dick  Turpin  just  glanoed  at  the  approaching  police 
officers  for  a  moment,  then,  turning  round,  addressed 
Sir  George. 

"  Of  oourse  you  are  aware,"  he  said,  "  that  there  Is  a 
reward  of  a  thousand  pounds  offered  for  whoever  shall 
apprehend  me.  I  believe  that  is  how  the  bills  run — ap- 
prehend merely.  It  is  not  necessary  that  my  conviction 
or  execution  should  follow  to  entitle  you  to  that  amount. 
Now  it  would  gall  me  exceedingly  if  I  thought  those 


THE  KNIGHT   OX"  THK   B.OAI>. 


1391 


lubberly  fellows  who  are  coming  galloping  up  yonder 
were  to  share  among  them  such  a  nice  little  amount  as 
this,  and  therefore,  Sir  George,  I  have  to  beg  that  you 
will  claim  it  yourself — you  are  heartily  weloome  to  it." 

The  huntsmen  were  in  no  small  degree  amazed  to  hear 
Turpin  talking  in  this  civil  fashion  upon  such  a  topic, 
and  they  ^changed  glanoes  with  each  other  accordingly. 

Sir  George  burst  out  into  a  laugh,  as  he  said  : 

"  Well,  of  course,  a  thousand  pounds  is  an  amount  to 
any  man,  no  matter  how  rich  he  may  be,  and  as  you  say, 
I  think  it  would  be  very  unjust  to  alio-.*  those  officers 
to  share  it,  though,  if  it  comes  to  that,  y^..  surrendered 
yourself  to  me — I  did  not  capture  you." 

"  It's  all  the  same  thing,"  returned  Turpin,  -if  you 
like  you  can  lay  hands  upon  me  and  capture  me  now." 

Sir  George  paused  a  moment  as  though  some  fresh 
thought  had  struck  him. 

Then,  with  a  twinkle  in  his  pleasant  gray  eyes,  and  a 
smile  upon  his  lips,  he  advanced,  and  held  Turpin  firmly 
by  the  wrist  and  the  back  of  his  coat  collar. 

"  Now,"  he  said,  "  you  are  my  prisoner." 

Sir  Marmaduke  scarcely  knew  what  to  make  of  all 
this— he  was  still  foaming  and  fretting  with  rage. 

But  he  consoled  himself  with  watching  the  approach 
of  the  police  officers  and  with  thinking  that  now  they 
had  arrived  he  should  be  able  to  turn  the  tables  to  some 
exteut  upon  his  companions. 

The  officers  were  some  who  had  been  fetohed  from  the 
nearest  market  town  to  where  they  hsppened  to  be — 
strong,  stout-built  fellows,  as  ignorant  as  gateposts, 
and  possessing  none  of  those  qualities  of  courage  and 
skill  necessary  to  the  keeping  of  a  man  like  Dick  Turpin 
a  prisoner. 

Dick  noted  all  this  with  an  air  of  satisfaction. 

"  After  all,"  he  thought,  "  I  shall  not  have  to  trouble 
myself  about  the  locket. — I  shall  have  plenty  of  oppor- 
tunities to  get  free  from  them." 

On  their  arrival  these  officers  greeted  Sir  Marmaduke 
with  an  immense  amount  of  respect. 

Indeed,  it  seemed  as  though  they  would  never  have 
left  off  bowing  to  him. 

"Now,  my  men,"  he  said,  "that  is  Dick  Turpin. 
Seize  him,  bind  him  securely,  and  convey  him  with  all 
speed  to  Newgate  !  You  know  the  reward  that  is  offered 
for  his  apprehension." 

"  Yes,"  said  Sir  George.  "  But  I  wish  to  remind  you 
all  that  he  is  my  prisoner,  and  mine  only,  and  I  shall 
not  relinquish  the  reward  in  favour  of  anyone !  Officers, 
I  call  upon  you,  as  a  mere  matter  of  duty,  to  escort  this 
man  to  Newgate." 

Hearing  this,  the  officers  looked  greatly  mortified  and 
crestfallen. 

However,  they  turned  to  Sir  Marmaduke  for  consola- 
tion. 

'•  Well  see  all  about  that,"  he  said.  "Just  hark  at 
this,  my  men  :  It  is  true  Sir  George  may  claim  the 
reward,  as  he  says,  though  I  don't  think  he  will;  at  any 
rate,  if  he  does,  I  will  use  my  influence  to  have  the  re- 
ward paid  to  you  as  well ;  or,  if  I  cannot  do  that,  why, 
I  will  pay  you  the  thousand  pouuds  out  of  my  own  pri- 
vate pocket  as  soon  as  you  assure  me  he  is  safe  within 
the  prison  of  Newgate." 

"Done,  sir,"  said  the  one  in  command — "done,  sir, 
and  many  thanks  to  you  !  I'll  warrant  when  we  once 
take  charge  of  him  that  he  doesn't  escape." 

While  he  spoke,  the  officer  produced  a  pair  of  haud- 
cuffs  from  his  pocket. 

"There,"  he  said,  "these  are  the  little  things  I  am 
going  to  treat  you  with.  I  have  hoard  a  great  deal  about 
your  cleverness,  Mr.  Turpin,  but  I  want  to  know  whether 
you  oan  wriggle  yourself  out  of  these  ?" 

Dick  looked  at  Sir  George,  as  much  as  to  say : 

"  Save  me  from  the  indignity  and  pain  of  having  those 
handcuffs  put  on  mo." 

But  Sir  George  only  nodded  at  him  and  smiled  reas- 
suringly. 

Tne  orfioer  with  th«»  handcuffs  made  a  great  snow  of 
bluster  and  violence. 

"  You  need  not  make  so  tmwh  fuss,"  cried  Sir  Georgfe. 
"  Just  set  about  your  duty  quickly,  and  remember  that 
I  am  keeping  an  eye  upon  youx  proceedings  ;  the  man 
offers  you  no  resistance,  so  perform  your  duty  peac- 
aUy." 

Thus  rebuked,  the  officer  checked  himself  in  some 


very  biting  remark  that  he  was  going  to  make,  and 
silently  put  on  the  handcuffs. 

"As  he  is  my  prisoner,"  said  Sir  George,  "  I  shall  ac- 
company you  with  him  wherever  you  may  go." 

"  And  so  shall  I,"  cried  Sir  Marmaduke.  "  I  can  tell 
what  you  mean,  well  enough  ;  but  you  will  find  I  shall 
have  an  eye  on  all  your  movements— I  shall  not  leave 
Dick  Turpin  until  1  find  him  safely  a  prisoner," 

"Well,  I  oan't  prevent  you  from  doing  that'nor  do  I 
wish  to  do  so,"  answered  Sir  George.  "  I  only  spoke  for 
myself,  because  I  can  assure  you,  that  the  thousand 
pounds  will  come  in  particularly  useful  just  at  the  pre- 
sent time." 

No  further  remark  was  made,  and  Dick  Turpin  was 
requested  to  mount  one  of  the  officer's  horses. 

He  complied,  and  had  not  the  bridle  been  grasped  by 
several  of  the  officers,  he  would  then,  although  his  arms 
were  secured  behind  him,  have  made  a  bold  rush  to  es- 
cape. 

This  was  at  present  impossible,  and  wisely  he  resolved 
not  to  expend  his  strength  or  run  any  risk  in  making  an 
abortive  attempt  at  escape. 

When  he  did  try,  it  should  be  when  he  could  feel  al- 
most certain  of  success. 

Aropewas  next  produced,  and  tied  round  his  leg  just 
above  the  ankle. 

This  rope  was  then  passed  underneath  the  horse's 
belly,  and  secured  tightly  to  his  other  leg. 

"Now,  then."  cried  the  chief  officer,  "one  of  you 
mount  behind  him,  and  clasp  him  tightly  round  the 
waist  with  your  arms.  Two  others  shall  hold  the  reins 
and  lead  the  horse  along." 

Sir  Marmaduke  was  highly  delighted  with  this  expe- 
dient, and  complimented  the  officer  upon  his  clevernoss. 

While  Dick  Turpin  was  so  guarded  he  must  of  neces- 
sity be  safe. 

The  other  huntsmen  seemed  half  inclined  to  join  in 
the  procession,  for  such  it  seemed  when  all  was  in  readi- 
ness for  a  start,  and  a  few  of  them  actually  followed  for 
a  short  distauce. 

One  by  one,  however,  they  dropped  off,  until  only  Sir 
Marmaduke  and  Sir  George  were  left. 

The  distance  to  London  was  considerable. 

But  npither  cared  for  that. 

Sir  Marmaduke  was  still  burning  with  revenge,  not 
only  because  of  Turpin's  attempt  to  rob  him,  but  also 
because  his  conduct  had  been  so  exposed,  and  because 
so  much  ill  feeling  had  been  shown  towards  him. 

There  was  no  fear  but  that  this  feeling  would  carry 
him  much  further  than  to  London. 

On  the  other  hand,  Sir  George  was  actuated  by  widely 
different  feelings. 

Jt  was  his  intention,  if  possible,  to  enable  Turpin  to 
make  his  escape,  for  he  was  a  man  who  always  admired 
boldness,  no  matter  where  or  with  whom  he  found  it. 

Dick  Turpin  he  had  somehow  taken  a  kind  of  liking 
to  from  the  first  moment  that  he  saw  him,  and  he  was 
determined  that  no  effort  should  be  wanting  on  his  part 
to  procure  his  release. 

Of  course  he  would  have  to  be  exceedingly  careful 
while  Sir  Marmaduke's  eyes  were  upon  him,  for  if  that 
individual  could  bring  the  charge  of  aiding  Dick  to  es- 
cape home  to  him,  he  would  certainly  do  so,  and  press 
for  a  severe  punishment. 

Sir  George,  in  his  light-heartedness,  did  not  oare  a 
whit. 

Already  in  his  own  mind  he  had  resolved  what  he 
should  do  with  the  thousand  pounds'  reward  which,  be 
it  understood,  he  fully  intended  to  claim. 

The  officers  and  Sir  Marmaduke  were  all  in  high 
spirits,  and  they  trotted  along  the  high-road  towards 
the  metropolis  at  a  very  respectable  rate. 

Many  persons  they  met  turned  to  look  at  >-uch  a 
strange  cavalcade. 

But  noexplanation  >vas  given  as  to  the  meaning  of  it. 

But  it  was  noticed  first  of  all  by  Dick  Turpin  that 
the  clouds  were  beginning  to  gather  up  in  a  pack  away 
upon  the  horizon. 

He  h?A  not  led  an  ont-door  life  so  loner  as  to  be  igno- 
rant of  the  portents  of  the  weather,  and  from  what  he 
saw  he  felt  perfectly  certain  that  ere  long  there  would 
be  a  terrific  storm. 

From  having  nothing  else  to  occupy  his  thoughts  and 
attention,  he  amused  himself  by  watching  the  progreea 


t&$ 


BLACK   BES8  ;   OR. 


of  tho  clouds,  and  iu  a  shorter  space  of  time  than  he 
bad  expected  he  found  that  they  had  crept  over  the 
whole  firmament,  leaving  not  one  single  patch  of  blue 
to  bo  seen. 

The  rain  then  began  to  fall— not  gently  at  first,  but 
it  poured  down  at  once  with  its  full  force,  with  such 
effect  that  everyone  in  the  party  waB  in  an  instaut 
drenched  to  the  skin. 

Sir  Marmaduke  especially  felt  very  uncomfortable 
for  the  rain  was  driven  directly  in  his  face,  and  struck 
against  it  with  pelting  force,  each  rain-drop  seeming 
almost  like  a  hailstone. 

Then  the  hollow  mutteringsof  thunder  could  be  heard, 
followed  shortly  by  a  feeble  fl.ish  of  lightning. 

All  this  only  served  to  save  an  indication  of  what  was 
to  come,  and  the  least  experienced  of  the  party  knew 
well  enough  that  a  storm  of  unusual  violence  was  going 
to  break  forth. 

Sir  Marmaduke,  keeping  the  rain  out  of  his  eyes  as 
well  as  he  could,  looked  anxiously  around  him,  hoping 
to  perceive  some  place  of  shelter. 


CHAPTER  DCCCL. 


t:ir  officers  stop  for  shelter  at  the  bag  of 
nails  ism,  and  dick  tcrpin  resolves  tj  avail 
himself  of  the  opportunity  to  escape. 
The  others  looked  around  them  too,  with  the  same  in- 
tent, but  at  present  there  was  not  a  human  habitation, 
or  even  a  barn,  within  sight ;  and  yet  there  might  have 
been  one  at  no  great  distance,  for  such  was  the  velocity 
with  which  the  rain  reached  the  earth,  that  it  caused  a 
kind  of  mist  to  arise,  which  effectually  prevented  them 
from  seeing  any  other  objects  than  those  which  were 
close  at  hand. 

The  officers  took  their  ducking  rather  complacently, 
for  they  were  used  to  exposure  to  the  weather.     Not  so 
Sir  Marmaduke  and  Sir  George,  however.     They  gave 
vent  to  their  annoyance  in  very  audible  terms. 
As  for  T orpin,  he  said  nothing. 

His  mind  was  occupied  just  then  in  devising  some 
means  by  which  he  could  release  himself  from  his  pre- 
sent unenviable  position. 

But  as  yet  he  could  see  no  opening,  and  all  he  could 
do  was  to  hold  himself  in  readiness  to  take  advantage 
of  any  accident  that  might  take  place. 

All  at  once  Sir  Marmaduke,  still  peering  through  the 
mist  and  rain,  perceived  before  him  the  dim  outlines  of 
a  building  of  some  kind, 

'•  What  place  is  that  ?"  he  asked,  addressing  himself 
to  one  of  the  police  officers,  and  pointing  in  advance 
while  he  spoke. 

"  That,  sir,"  was  the  answer, "  is  the  Bag  of  Nails  Inn, 
or  I  am  much  mistaken.  It  is  kept  by  one  Timothy 
Goodall— a  rare  fellow,  I  can  assure  your  honour,  and 
his  house  affords  the  best  possible  accommodation  for 
man  and  beast." 

"  Then,  iu  the  devil's  name,  push  on!"  shouted  Sir 
Marmaduke,  impatiently,  for  he   had  tried  in  vain  to 
stem  the  officer's  loquacity. 
"  Will  you  stop  there,  sir  P" 

"  Yes,  certainly,  till  this  storm  be  past.  Besides,  you 
cannot  perform  the  journey  to  London  without  halting 
somewhere." 

'•  True  enough,  sir.  The  horses  will  be  glad  of  some- 
thing to  eat,  and  a  rub  down." 

"  Then  just  tell  those  fellows  in  front  to  push  on  at  a 
little  better  speed,  will  you?" 

The  officer  rode  forward  to  obey  this  injunction,  and 
Sir  Marmaduke  bent  his  head  before  the  storm,  the  vio- 
lence of  which  had  now  very  much  increased. 

Dick  Turpin  overheard  this  conversation  with  seoret 
pleasure. 

He  was  quite  delighted  to  think  the  storm  had  broken 
forth,  although  by  it  ho  had  suffered  some  passing  in- 
convenience. 

A  stoppage  at  an  inn  would  be.  he  felt  certain,  an 
event  that  offered  him  a  favourable  chance  of  making 
his  escape. 

The  distance  to  the  Bag  of  Nails  was  only  trifling,  so 
that,  as  the  officers  increased  their  speed,  it  was  quickly 
reached. 

As  they  drew  up  in  front  of  the  horse-trough,  they 


perceived  the  landlord  standing  at  one  of  the  low  win- 
dows, looking  out. 

He  witnessed  the  stopping  of  so  many  persons  before 
his  door  with  great  surprise. 

"  This  will  be  quite  a  windfall  for  old  Timothy,"  said 
the  loquacious  officer.  "  He  won't  quarrel  with  the 
storm,  I'll  be  hound,  for,  except  by  chance  like  this,  he 
does  no  sort  of  trade  at  all." 

This  piece  of  gratuitous  information  was  silently  re- 
ceived, the  fact  being  that  each  aud  all  were  anxiously 
endeavouring  to  get  beneath  the  roof  of  the  inn  aa 
quickly  as  possible. 

The  landlord  appeared  at  the  front  door. 
"  Jim — Jim  !"  he  cried.     "  Whereon  earth  is  the  lazy 
rascal?     Jim— Jiui,  1  say  !" 

'■  Here  1  be,  master.     What's  the  row  r" 

Avery  peculiar-looking  individual  made  his  appearance 

trom  the  rear  of  the  inn.     His  hair  was  filled  with  bits  of 

sti  aw,  as  though  he  had  just  beeu  lying  down  in  the  loft. 

Without  another  word  he  ran  for  wa-  d  and  took  charge 

of  the  horses. 

"See  to  them  well,"  said  the  commanding  officer. 
"  And    especially   to  this   one  of   mine,"  added   Sir 
George. 

Sir  Marmaduke  said  nothing.  He  was  too  busy  oc- 
cupied in  watching  Dick  Turpin's  every  movement  to 
think  about  anything  else. 

With  great  care  and  caution  the  officers  dismounted 
their  prisoner. 

Dick  was  careful  not  to  offer  the  least  show  of  resis- 
tance, for  he  hoped,  by  submitting  quietly  to  every- 
thing, to  throw  the  officers  i  ff  their  guard. 

While  they  continued  to  watch  him  as  vigilantly  as 
they  had  done  up  to  the  present  moment,  it  was  ridiou- 
lous  to  think  of  making  an  escape. 

The  officers  seemed  by  their  looks  to  be  a  good  deal 
surprised  at  his  demeanour. 

They  expected  to  have  a  vast  deal  of  trouble,  and 
when  they  found  Dick  submit  so  easily,  they  really  felt 
quite  injured  and  disappointed. 

Densely  surrounded  by  his  foes,  Turpin  was  hurried 
into  the  inn. 
As  they  crossed  the  threshold,  Diok's  reflection  was : 
"  Now,  if  old  Matthew  kept  this  inn,  what  a  difference 
it  would  make  to  be  sure  !  He  would  get  me  out  of  this 
scrape  in  no  time.  However,  it  is  no  good  to  think 
about  that,  I  must  rely  upon  my  own  resources." 

From  this  it  will  be  seen  that  Dick  treated  his  present 
dangerous  position  very  lightly. 

The  fact  was.  the  more  he  thought  upon  the  subject 
the  more  reliance  he  was  disposed  to  place  in  the  locket 
that  had  been  presented  to  him. 

It  would  have  been  an  additional  satisfaction  to  him 
if  he  could  have  opened  it  and  just  taken  one  peep,  but 
that  was  quite  impossible. 

In  fact,  we  may  go  the  length  of  saying  that,  but  for 
one  circumstance,  he  would  have  felt  more  careless  still. 
But  he  thought  of  Maud  and  his  comrades. 
He  knew  how  much  grief  and  alarm  the  first  would 
suffer  when  she  had  heard  what  had  taken  place  ;  and 
with  regard  to  his  comrades,  he  feared,  not  unnaturally, 
in  their  strong  desire  to  rescue  him,  that  they  would  run 
themselves  into  great  and  unnecessary  danger. 

"No,"  he  muttered,  "  I  won't  trust  to  the  locket  if  I 
can  possibly  escape,  if  only  for  their  sakes.  The  sooner 
I  am  back  among  them  the  better.  Yes — yes,  I  will 
escape." 

When  Dick  Turpin  once  made  up  his  mind  to  a  thing 
it  was  strange  indeed  if  he  did  not  accomplish  it.  No- 
thing short  of  absolute  impossibility  would  have  stayed 
him. 

Upon  entering  the  Bag  of  Nails  Inn,  he  police  officers 
at  once  betook  themselves  to  the  largest  room  in  the 
place.     They  were  pleased  to  find  that  it  was  vacant. 

A  huge  fire,  however,  was  burning  on  the  spacious 
hearth,  and  they  looked  at  it  pleasantly,  as  it  promised 
to  dry  their  soaked  apparel  rapidly  and  effectually. 

Before  attending  to  this  or  anything  else,  their  fir<t 
care  was  to  see  that  their  prisoner  was  quite  secure. 

With  this  view  a  strong  chair  was  called  for,  which 
was  placed  beside  the  fire. 

In  this  Dick  Turpin  was  seated,  with  his  hands  still 
secured  behind  him. 
A  rope  was  produced,  and  then  wound  round  him  m 


tH*    CKIOHT    07   THE    KOAD. 


mr.  entry  of  dick  Timers  into  wewgatk  J 


<ueh  a  way,  that;  he  could  not  possibly  move  without 
trrying  it  with  him. 

Tbis  made  his  hopes  of  escape  sink  down  to  zero. 

If  the  officers  chose  to  remain  in  the  same  room,  and, 
oyond  a  doubt,  this  is  what  they  intended  to  do, -he  could 
;ot  by  any  possibility  get  away  unseen. 

Sir  Marmaduke  superintended  all  these  arrangements, 
aid  when  they  were  completed,  the  chief  officer  said  : 

"Beg  pardon,  your  worship,  but  don't  you  think  we 
«ad  better  order  a  bit  of  a  snack  while  we  are  drying  our 
clothes.  We  shall  not  be  able  to  leave  until  the  storm 
rives  over  »■  little,  and  it  does  not  promise  to  do  that  yet 
bwhile." 

"Oh,  ye*— yes,  anything  you  like;  but  mind  your 
orisoner  is  safely  kept,  that's  all." 

"  Oh,  leave  us  to  see  to  that,  your  worship. 

A  very  substantial  m^'  v*?  'lies  s*SLed  isr.  ***■  %?  tb* 

Jfa.  t7&  — Bulcx  li*=s. 

Kb.  176. 


thne  it  was  ready,  they  had  managed  to  dr^  their  **• 

A  very  savoury  odour  arose  from  the  various  viand* 
and  reminded  Dick  that  a  long  time  had  elapsed  since  ut 
had  partaken  of  any  food. 

He  waited  a  short  time  to  see  whether  anything  woulo 
be  offered  to  him;  but  finding  the  officers  began  their 
feast  without  paying  the  slightest  attention  to  him,  h* 

said ;  , .  ,_ 

"  Lon't  you  intend  me  to  have  anythir.g  ontil  you  gel 
me  to  Newgate?  Or  if  Sir  Marmaduke  grudges ^tht 
expense,  I  will  pay  my  own  share,  and  yours  as  well ! 

Sir  Marmaduke  frowned,  and  growled  out  an  inarticu- 
late  roply.  . 

«  Certainly,"  said  Sir  George,  "  you  shall  have  what  jn» 
wish — I  will  see  to  that." 

"But,"  said  the  chief  ofRo-w  -bo-*r  caa?  be  «at 


Price  Onb  Halfpb2>"*y. 


139* 


BLACB    BE88  :    OK, 


*"  Just  take  off  these  handcuffs  and  111  soon  show  you," 
replied  Turpin. 

The  chief  officer  paused,  and  looked  kTeeolutoly  at  Sir 
Sdarniaduke,  who,  being  a  magistrate,  was  of  course  ex  • 
pected  to  have  the  supreme  command. 

"  Yes,"  added  Sir  George,  "  take  off  his  handooffa  •  **»»ro 
will  be  no  difficulty  then,"      f 

"Don't  you  wish  you  may  get  it,"  replied  Sir  Jtarma- 
dnke.  "No,  no,  my  fine  fellow,  I  have  heard  too  much 
of  your  narrow  escapes  and  your  cleverness  to  think  of 
allowing  you  to  be  any  less  safe  than  you  are  now." 

"  But,"  added  Sir  George,  "  what  difference  ''■an  taking 
eff  the  handcuffs  make  ?  You  can  sit  here,  all  of  you,  with 
your  eyes  upon  him,  and  could  prevent  him  untying  tbe 
ropes,  aud  if  he  did  not  do  that,  wherever  he  went  he 
would  have  to  carry  the  chair  with  him." 

There  was  a  silence. 

"  1  insist  that  this  shall  be  done  I"  said  Sir  George. 
u  You  have  no  right,  and  duty  does  not  permit  you,  to  re- 
fuse this  man  something  to  eat." 

The  chief  officer  ventured  to  nudge  Sir  George,  and 
he  whispered : 

"  I  think  it  might  be  as  well,  your  worship,  to  let  hiai 
have  his  own  way ;  we  can  keep  a  good  eye  upon  him  and 
see  he  does  not  untie  the  ropes  ;  it  will  be  the  way  to  avoid 
all  bother." 

Sir  Marmaduke  also  thought  so,  and  therefore  Dick 
was  for  a  time  released. 

But  before  removing  the  handcuffs  they  took  good  care 
to  see  that  all  the  ropes  were  perfectly  secure. 

Now,  the  reader  may  imagine  that  it  was  not  altogether 
from  the  want  of  food  that  Dick  made  this  request, 
though  a  long  time  had  elapsed  since  he  had  tasted  any- 
thing, and  he  felt  faint  in  consequence. 

A  good  meal  would,  he  knew,  endow  him  with  fresh 
strength,  and  place  him  in  a  better  position  to  make  an 
effort  for  freedom. 

A  plate  was  brought  and  placed  upon  his  knees. 

But  it  was  a  difficult  matter  to  eat,  owing  to  the  tnan- 
nei  in  which  the  rope  was  bound  round  his  body  and 
secured  to  the  back  of  the  chair. 

Dick  Turpin  fixed  his  attention  so  entirely  upon  what 
he  was  about,  that  the  officers  in  a  short  time  grew  tired 
of  watching  him,  and  looked  after  what  they  had  on  their 
own  plates.  ^^ 

CHAPTER  DCCCLI. 

IN  WHICH  THE  POLICE  OFFICERS  CONTINUE  THEIR  JOURNEY 
TO   LONDON  WITH  THEIR    CAPTIVE. 

As  for  Sir  George,  he  was,  to  tell  the  truth,  very  much 
astonished  to  find  a  man  in  so  perilous  a  position  as  Dick 
Turpin  eating  a  meal  with  so  much  relish  and  cool- 
ness. 

He  certainly  appeared  to  be  more  at  ease  than  any 
other  one  of  the  party. 

But  although  it  could  scarcely  have  been  gathered  from 
nis  countenance,  Dick's  thoughts  were  very  busy  in- 
deed. 

He  began  to  see  pretty  plainly  that  for  the  present  his 
attempt  to  escape  must  be  abandoned. 

The  least  movement  of  his  towards  untying  one  of  the 
many  knots  by  which  he  was  secured  to  the  chair  could 
not  fail  to  be  seen  by  some  of  the  officers,  and  than  they 
would  all  be  immediately  upon  him. 

His  ankles  were  also  tied  very  tightly,  and  he  moved 
his  legs  about  a  little  in  the  hope  of  bei>isj  abls  to  loosen 
the  cord. 

But  this  he  found  was  impossible. 

Whether  or  not  he  would  have  another  opportunity 
allowed  him  before  he  arrived  at  Newgate  was  a  very 
doubtful  matter. 

He  was  inclined  to  th  ink  that  when  the  storm  cleared 
off,  the  officers  would  make  a  start,  and  by  travelling 
gently,  endeavour  to  reach  London  before  nightfall,  and 
without  making  another  halt  on  the  way. 

If  this  was  the  case,  what  was  the  next  best  use  he 
could  make  of  his  hands  while  they  were  at  liberty  ?  for 
he  knew  his  captors  well  enough  to  feel  certain  that  as 
soon  as  his  meal  was  over  the  handcuffs  would  be  "*- 
placed. 

His  tnoujrtits  were  still  running  upon  the  lockei  which 
he  knew  be  had  secure  iu  one  of  the  pockets  of  his  waist- 
eoa*. 


It  would  have  been  a  great  source  of  confidence  te 
him  could  he  but  have  opened  it  and  glanced  at  what  it 
contained. 

This  was  not  to  be  thought  of,  for  if  the  officers  saw  it 
they  would  seize  it  immediately,  and  as  a  matter  of  course 
he  would  never  catch  sight  of  it  again. 

This  brought  to  his  mind  the  fact  that,  should  he  be 
earned  as  far  as  Newgate,  the  officials,  when  searching 
in  his  pockets,  would  be  sure  to  find  it,  and  he  would  be 
deprived  of  it 

Then  how  and  in  what  way  could  he  conceal  it  so  as 
to  keep  it  safely  ? 

This  was  a  point  upon  which  he  bestowed  a  great 
amount  of  consideration. 

The  only  plan  that  he  could  think  of  that  seemed  at  all 
feasible  was  to  watch  an  opportunity  to  take  it  secretly 
oat  of  his  pocket  and  convey  it  to  his  mouth,  keeping  it 
there  until  alone  in  his  cell. 

He  had  arrived  at  this  conclusion  by  tbe  time  he  had 
finished  his  breakfast,  if  so  substantial  a  meal  could  be  so 
called. 

And  without  further  hesitation  he  put  his  thumb  and 
finger  into  his  waistcoat  pocket  at  a  moment  when  he 
believed  not  one  of  the  officers  had  his  eyes  fixed  upon 
him. 

The  locket  was  there,  and  he  drew  it  forth  eagerly, 
holding  it  between  the  tips  of  his  fingers. 

Its  size  was  small,  and  it  was  evidently  composed  of 
the  purest  gold. 

The  inclination  then  came  over  him  to  open  it  and  take 
a  glance  at  its  contents,  for  had  it  not  been  for  the  pos- 
session of  this,  Dick  would  have  tried  harder  for  freedom, 
even  if  he  lost  his  life  in  the  attempt. 

But  he  was  putting  great  faith  in  the  word  of  a  stranger, 
and  it  might  turn  out  after  all  that  the  trinket  would  not 
prove  efficacious. 

Just  then,  however,  the  storm  passed  over,  and  the  sun 
broke  forth,  sending  a  few  watery  beams  into  the  apart- 
ment. 

As  soon  as  he  caught  sight  of  the  sun's  rays,  Sir  Mar- 
maduke rose  to  his  feet,  crying? 

"  Now,  my  lads,  the  weather  is  fair  again,  and  we  have 
stopped  here  quite  long  enough.  Secure  your  prisoner 
again,  and  have  the  horses  brought  round  to  the  front,  for 
the  sooner  we  reach  London  the  better  I  shall  be 
pleased." 

His  word  was  law,  for  it  was  to  him,  it  must  be  recol- 
lected, that  the  officers  looked  for  the  thousand  pounds* 
reward,  provided  the  amount  offered  by  Government 
should  be  obtained  by  Sir  George. 

The  officers,  however,  were  one  and  all  in  excellent 
humour.  What  with  the  capital  repast  they  had  had,  and 
the  pleasant  prospect  there  was  before  them,  who  could 
wonder  that  their  minds  should  be  occupied  by  a  feeling 
of  great  self-complacency  ? 

In  imagination  they  could  see  dancing  before  their  eyes 
the  tempting  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  all  ready  for 
them,  and  only  waiting  for  the  moment  when  they  should 
choose  to  put  forth  tbeir  hands  and  grasp  their  own  share 
of  it. 

But  Dick,  perceiving  this  sudden  movement  on  the  pan 
of  the  officers,  took  advantage  of  it  to  slip  the  locke/  'Cx 
his  mouth. 

It  was  done  neatly,  for  at  the  same  time  he  preta  ^e, 
to  wipe  away  a  few  crumbs  from  his  lips. 

Owing  to  the  small  size  of  the  locket,  he  knew  he 
should  be  able  to  retain  it  in  his  mouth  and  speak  also 
without  much  difficulty. 

The  officers  having  despatched  one  of  their  number  to 
see  to  the  horses  being  brought  round,  clustered  very 
closely  round  his  chair,  and  had  he  deferred  the  execution 
of  his  project  for  another  moment,  he  would  unquestion- 
ably have  failed. 

The  handcuffs  were  again  placed  upon  his  wrists,  in 
spite  of  the  objections  that  he  raised  to  such  »  proceed- 
ing. 

The  police  officer  shut  one  eye  knowingly,  and,  address- 
ing the  prisoner,  said : 

"Will  you  give  me  your  word  of  honour,  Dick,  that  i.' 
we  leave  you  without  the  handcuffs  you  will  go  quietly 
with  us  to  Newgate  and  make  no  attempt  to  e* 
cape  ?" 

Dick's  reply  was  of  course  in  the  negative,  so  the  oW** 
added : 


TJdB   BRIGHT   OF   THE   KOAA. 


139o 


-  Then  there  is  no  help  for  it,  my  lad — the  darbies  must 
^on." 

The  handcuffs  were  fixed  upon  Turpia's  wrista  with 
professional  dexterity. 

Then  the  ropes  were  untied,  and  he  was  comparatively 

line. 

He  shook  himself  with  an  air  of  great  satisfaction,  for 
'to  was  cramped  from  remaining  so  long  in  one  position. 

In  a  compact  body  the  officers  then  moved  to  ike  front 
Joor  of  the  inn. 

Most  of  the  horses  had  been  brought  round,  so  l^ok 
was  placed  on  one  at  once. 

A  man  mounted  behind  him,  and  the  same  order  of  pro- 
cession observed  as  before,  except  that,  instead  of  two 
men  walking  by  the  side  of  the  horse  and  holding  the 
bridle,  they  cut  the  rein  in  tw\  so  that  it  might  be  held 
by  a  mounted  officer  on  either  s:de,  who  could  control  the 
movements  of  tl  e  animal. 

In  a  few  moments  all  was  ready,  and  Sir  Marmaduke, 
addressing  all  the  officers  collectively,  said : 

"  Now,  my  good  fellows,  just  listen  to  me  for  a  moment. 
You  have  all  had  a  capital  breakfast,  your  horses  have 
every  one  been  well  taken  care  of ;  the  distance  to  London 
is  great,  I  know,  but  not  so  great  as  to  prevent  us  from 
reaching  it  without  another  halt  by  the  way.  It  won't  be 
quite  so  pleasant,  perhaps,  but,  take  my  word  for  it,  it  will 
be  much  better.  I  know  there  are  plenty  of  public- 
houses,  the  landlords  of  which  are  friendly  to  highway- 
men, and  we  might  have  the  mortification  of  seeing  our 
prisoner  escape  us.  In  order  to  guard  against  that,  let 
me  advise  you  to  put  up  with  the  inconvenience  of  riding 
the  whole  distance  without  stopping." 

"We  will,  your  worship,"  said  the  chief  officer — "we 
will ;  your  advice  is  the  very  best  that  could  be  given,  and 
I  will  see  that  it  is  followed." 

"  Then,  as  that  is  settled,"  said  Sir  Marmaduke,  let  ns 
set  forward  at  once." 

The  order  was  given,  and  the  journey  was  com- 
menced. 

After  hearing  this  little  conversation,  Dick  had  good 
reason  to  congratulate  himself  upon  the  course  he  had 
adopted. 

Had  he  neglected  to  avail  himself  of  the  opportunity, 
he  would  probably  never  have  had  another. 

Now  he  felt  that  all  depended  upon  whether  the  locket 
possessed  the  virtues  that  had  been  ascribed  to  it. 

The  journey  was  performed  at  a  gentle  speed,  eo  as  pot 
to  distress  the  horses  too  greatly. 

There  was  sound  policy  in  this,  for  the  animals  wers 
not  knocked  up  half  so  quickly  as  they  would  have  been 
k&d  another  course  been  adopted. 

As  they  drew  nearer  and  nearer  to  London,  Sir  Marma- 
duke grew  more  and  more  exultant. 

At  last  he  thought  the  notorious  highwayman,  Dick 
Turpin,  would  be  safe  within  the  walls  of  Newgate,  and 
to  him  would  be  due  the  honour  of  having  brought  about 
nuch  a  desirable  state  of  things. 

Sir  George,  with  every  wish  to  save  Dick  Turpin  if  he 
could,  had  as  yet  seen  no  opportunity  for  interference. 

Events  had  turned  out  differently  to  what  he  had  ex- 
pected, and  he  began  to  regret  having  taken  upon  himself 
the  responsibility  of  advising  Turpin  to  surrender,  when 
perhaps  he  might  by  chance  have  made  his  escape. 

Dick  began  to  see  that  it  was  pretty  certain  hia  captors 
would  carry  him  to  Newgate,  for  instead  of  their  vigil- 
ance abating  in  any  degree,  he  believed  that  it  increased. 

But  then,  as  we  know,  this  was  owing  entirely  to  a  per- 
sonal cause. 

Revenge  was  the  dominant  spirit  in  Sir  Marmaduke's 
breast,  and  this  it  was  that  made  him  watch  Turpin  so 
closely,  while  the  officers  were  anxious  to  do  their  best  in 
srder  to  obtain  the  reward. 

A  strange,  gloomy  feeling  began  to  creep  over  JMck's 
heart  as  he  got  nearer  and  nearer  to  London. 

He  strove  against  the  sensation,  but  coul'i  t  banish 
it 

He  kept  thinking  that  there  were  many  ^wft.**  oa 
which  he  would  like  to  feel  more  satisfied  than  ho  a'^d  »l 
present. 

And  one  of  them  was  whether  Black  Bess  had  susocm  ed 
In  reaching  the  inn  in  safety. 

Could  he  but  have  felt  perfectly  certain  that  tuit  -ras 
the  case,  it  would  indeed  have  removed  a  very  con*W^- 
kble  portion  of  the  oppression  at  his  heart. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLIL 

'•>•      fyUCfi   OFFICERS   AT  LENGTH     ARRIVE  AT  NEWGATB 
WITH   THEIR   PRISONER. 

Dh.tc  Turpin  knew,  however,  that  there  was  no  other 
means  by  which  this  could  be  ascertained  than  bv  waiting 
patiently 

_  Yet  when  the  procession  fairly  entered  London  street^ 
his  breathing  grew  laboured  and  difficult,  and  the  gloom 
which  had  already  begun  to  spread  itself  over  his  spirits 
grew  darker  and  darker. 

By  no  means  did  he  give  way  to  this  feeling,  but  it  was 
one  entirely  beyond  his  own  control. 

Sir  George  also  looked  anxious  and  vexed,  and  all  could 
tell  that  he  was  in  deep  thought  on  some  subject  or 
other. 

Sir  Marmaduke  presented  a  most  remarkable  contrast 
to  these  two. 

His  face  was  beaming  with  triumph,  and  such  was  his 
exultation  that  he  could  scarcely  restrain  himself  within 
moderate  bounds. 

The  officers,  also,  were  greatly  overjoyed,  for,  having 
once  reached  London,  they  considered  that  the  danger 
and  difficulty  of  their  task  was  at  an  end. 

Surely  there  could  be  no  fear  of  his  escaping  now  ? 

So  good  was  the  speed  they  made,  that  when  they 
arrived  iu  the  metropolis  the  business  of  the  day  was  in 
full  swing,  and  the  streets  were  unusually  full  of  vehicles 
and  pedestrians. 

Quickly  from  mouth  to  mouth  the  intelligence  spread 
that  Dick  Turpin  was  a  prisoner,  and  in  an  incredibly 
short  space  of  time  the  officers  found  themselves  sur- 
rounded by  a  mob  of  uncommon  magnitude,  shouting, 
yelling  ftnd  otherwise  violently  behaving  themselves,  all 
being  animated  by  one  desire,  which  was  to  catch  sight  of 
the  notorious  prisoner. 

But  the  officers  closed  still  more  closely  around 
Dick. 

They  knew  him  to  be  a  popular  favourite,  and  dreaded 
that  the  mob  would  make  an  effort  to  set  him  at  liberty 
again. 

Very  likely,  had  there  been  one  master  spirit  to  direct 
the  movements  of  the  crowd,  this  would  have  taken 
place. 

The  only  person  capable  of  it,  however,  was  Sir  George, 
and  personal  considerations  prevented  him  from  doing 
so. 

Therefore  the  mob  contented  themselves  with  yelling 
as  before,  and  running  so  as  to  keep  pace  with  the 
horses. 

By  the  time  the  Old  Bailey  was  reached,  the  thorough- 
fare was  completely  blocked  up. 

The  officers  began  to  grow  more  anxious,  and  Sir 
Marmaduke  scarcely  dared  confess  to  himself  the  fears  he 
had  that,  after  all,  it  would  be  difficult  to  gain  the  interior 
of  Newgate. 

Dick  looked  around  him,  as  well  as  he  was  able,  at  the 
numberless  faces. 

But  there  was  not  one  that  he  could  recognise. 

And  now  being  in  sight  of  the  great  prison  of  Newgate, 
that  gloom  which  we  have  already  mentioned  reached  its 
height. 

He  gave  one  glance  up  at  the  frowning  walls,  and  only 
one. 

How  vividly  was  brought  back  to  him  the  time  when 
he  had  made  so  strange  and  daring  an  escape. 

Now  that  the  ravages  of  the  fire  had  been  repaired, 
the  prison  looked  stronger  and  more  dismal  than  ever. 

At  a  slow  walk  the  officers  urged  their  steeds  along 
past  the  Sessions  House,  past  the  residence  of  the 
Governor,  until  the  small,  well-known  doorway  was 
reacned  through  which  the  prisoners  were  admitted. 

The  great  commotion  in  the  street  outside  had  made 
the  man  on  the  lock  aware  that  some  unusual  event  was 
taking  place,  and  he  was  on  the  look-out  accordingly. 

Little  did  he  imagine,  however,  that  he  was  about  to 
opon  the  door  to  give  entrance  to  Dick  Turpin. 

Such  proved  to  be  the  case,  howevei. 

Sir  Marmaduke  saw  the  man's  face  through  the  bar* 
at  the  top  of  the  door,  and  shouted  loudly  to  him  to  admit 
them  instantly. 

While  with  one  hand  the  man  turned  the  key  in  the 
well-oiled  lock,  he  with  the  other  pulled  a  wire  that  corc- 
nWMftated  with  a  bell  in  the  Governor's  apartments,  tlw 


iltos 


buACJj.    iiESBj    Oil, 


ringing  of  which  betokened  that  hie  presence  was  m- 
quired  in  the  vestibule. 

With  greater  caution  than  they  had  used  when  catering 
the  Bag  of  Nails  Inn,  the  officers  dismounted,  aud  *-b'u 
assisted  their  prisoner  to  the  ground. 

More  than  a  dozen  hands  seized  noli  of  Dick  in  various 
ways,  and,  as  the  handcuffs  were  already  tightly  secured 
behind  his  tack,  he  stood  but  a  poor  chance  of  getting 
free — so  poor  a  one, ^indeed,  that  he  made  not  the  slightest 
effort  to  liberate  himself,  but  allowed  his  csptcro  to  lead 
him  up  the  steps  and  across  the  threshold  of  Newgate. 

When  the  heavy  door  closed  with  its  peculiar  clang, 
Dick  felt  indeed  that  he  was  a  prisoner. 

Strange  enough,  however,  no  sooner  had  he  come  to 
the  realisation  of  this  fact  than  all  his  heaviness  suddenly 
departed,  his  usual  coolness,  courage,  and  vivacity  c&mo 
back  to  him. 

Drawing  himself  up  to  his  full  height,  he  looked  around 
him 

Even  though  they  stood  beneath  the  roof  of  the  prison, 
the  police  officers  did  not  yet  venture  to  let  go  their 
hold. 

"  The  Governor,"  said  Sir  Marmaduke,  sharply  — 
"  where  is  he  ?     Send  for  him  at  once !" 

''He  will  be  here  directly,  sir,"  said  the  man  on  the 
"lock.  "  I  have  already  rung  the  bell,  so  that  he  will  know 
he  is  wanted  urgently." 

At  that  very  moment,  the  door  communicating  with  the 
Governor's  apartments  was  thrown  open,  and  that  indivi- 
dual appeared  upon  the  threshold. 

Mr.  Cawthorn's  successor  was  an  under-sized,  shrivelled- 
up,  middle-aged  man,  who,  to  those  occupying  positions 
above  him,  was  most  disgustingly  humble — indeed,  the 
way  in  which  he  fawned  upon  the  sheriffs  and  oth*r  high 
officials  was  positively  sickening. 

But  to  all  the  men  and  the  prisoners  he  was  a  perfect 
tyrant,  always  choosing  some  opportunity  or  other  for 
displaying  his  power. 

From  his  servilitv  _owever,  to  the  ruling  powers,  he 
»vas  likely  to  retain  "his  situation  for  a  long  time. 

"  T  aat  is  all  this  ?"  he  cried,  sharply — "  what  is  it  * 
3peak,  some  of  you,  and  tell  me!  What  do  you  raea"  by 
keeping  me  in  suspense  in  this  manner?" 

"  I  will  soon  inform  you,"  said  Sir  Marmaduke.  .'tapping 
forward.  "  But,  first  of  all,  just  allow  me  to  remark  that 
my  name  is  Braham — Sir  Marmaduke  Brahara,  chief 
magistrate  of  the  county  of  Surrey." 

Dick  really  thought  that  the  Governor  of  Newgate  was 
sbout  to  fall  on  his  knees  at  once ;  but  he  did  not,  though 
he  bowed  his  head  so  low  that  it  was  the  greatest  wonder 
in  the  world  how  he  regained  his  perpendicularity. 

He  did  not  stand  upright,  however,  but,  continually 
oscillating  backwards  and  forwards,  and  waving  his  hands 
so  as  to  keep  time  with  the  movement,  he  said  : 

"I  beg  ten  thousand  pard3ns,  Sir  Marmaduke  !  I  was 
not  aware  that  you  ware  present !  I  am  very  sorry  in- 
deed that  I  spoke  so  sharply,  only,  you  see " 

"Oh,  yes,  yes!"  cried  Sir  Marmaduke,  impatiently. 
"  I  see  all  about  that !     Just  pay  attention  to  me  !" 

"  I  am  all  attention,  Sir  Marmaduke." 

"  Well,  then,  1  have  brought  you  here  a  prisoner,  no 
i  it  her  than  the -notorious  rascal " 

tie  stopped  suddenly,  and  uttered  a  shout,  and  for  a 
moment  there  were  one  or  two  who  wondered  what  could 
bu  the  cause. 

It  so  happened  that  Sir  Marmaduke,  while  speaking, 
was  standing  very  near  to  Dick,  and  just  in  front  of 
him. 

No  sooner  did  the  word  "  rascal "  escape  his  lips,  than 
Dick,  whose  legs  were  at  liberty,  took  one  step  forward, 
md,  raising  his  right  foot,  subjected  the  bar-^est  to  tho  in- 
lignity  of  a  kick  upon  his  hinder  quarters. 

The  Governor  stood  aghast. 

Dick  Turpin,  with  a  smile  on  his  lips,  resumed  bis 
former  attitude. 

" i  will  have  your  life !"  screamed  Sir  MarmkC"^e—  "I 
will  have  your  life,  rascal,  villain  that  you  are !  No,  no !" 
Ue  added,  with  a  sudden  change  of  manner — "  no,  no— I 
w  on't  touch  you — I'd  scorn  to  do  it !  I'll  wail  ray  time, 
sud,  if  it  costs  me  half  my  fortune,  I  will  have  th*  b»wi 
place  to  stand  to  see  you  hanged  !" 

"  just  as  you  like,"  said  Dick — "  it's  quite  iadiffeient  to 
me.  Of  course,  you  understand  that  my  arms,  being 
:«#;ent,d  behind  me.  prevented  me  from  using  my  fists,  as 


[  I  should  have  done,  but  I  think  my  foot  made  a  very  good 
Psubs'itute." 

"  Ycu  shall  be  punished  for  this  insolence,  rest  assured  "' 
cried  the  baronet,  foaming  with  rage.  "  Take  care  ol 
him,  Mr.  Governor !  He  is  a  dangerous  man — a  most 
dangerous  man !  Don't  lose  sight  of  him  for  one  single 
moment !" 

"  All  right  1"  said  the  Governor — "  yon  may  depend  upon 
me!  Why,  can  it  be  possible?"  he  continued,  as  he 
looked  closer.  "  Yes,  yes,  it  is — I  recognise  him  now  ! 
Why,  you  have  really  captured  Dick  Turpin !" 

"  Yes,  yes — I  have  !" 

"Speak  the  truth,"  interrupted  Dick.  "I  say  you 
didn't!" 

"Be  silent!" 

"  I  sha'n't,  without  you  choose  to  gag  me !" 

"  It  is  not  true  that  you  captured  him,  Sir  Marmaduke," 
interrupted  Sir  George.  "  The  man  surrendered  himself 
to  me.  I  took  him  prisoner,  and  therefore  I  claim  the  re- 
ward of  a  thousand  pounds  that  is  offered  for  his  appre- 
hension." 

"And  who  may  you  be,  sir?"  asked  the  Governor, 
sneeringly. 

"My  name  is  of  no  consequence  to  you,  but  perhaps  I 
had  better  say  I  am  Sir  George  Hazlitt,  Sir  Marmaduke's 
neighbour." 

The  Governor  bowed  again. 

" Really,"  he  said,  "the  villanous  rascal  has  had  too 
much  honour.  The  idea,  now,  to  be  captured  by  a 
baronet  1" 

"  Pay  attention  to  what  I  say,"  continued  Sir  George. 
"  He  was  my  prisoner,  and  was  quite  willing  to  follow  me 
to  Newgate  without  resistance,  provided  I  had  felt  in- 
clined to  bring  him ;  but  Sir  Marmaduke,  being  present, 
thought  fit  to  take  upon  himself  the  management  of 
affairs,  so  sent  for  this  troop  of  officers,  to  whom,  of 
course,  I  handed  over  the  prisoner,  and  they  have  done 
no  more  than  perform  the  very  simple  duty  of  bringing 
him  here." 

"Yes,"  cried  Dick,  "that's  it — that's  quite  correct 
every  'vord  of  it." 

"  Who  told  you  to  speak  ?"  roared  the  Governor. 

"  Seek  information  of  my  elbow  !"  replied  Dick. 

There  was  a  general  titter  at  this,  though  one  and  all 
endeavoured  to  conquer  their  propensity  to  laugh. 

"  Be  silent,  then,"  said  the  Governor.  "  I  will  not  allow 
you  to  say  a  word  !" 

"And  you  shall  not  prevent  me,"  said  Dick,  "so  what 
do  you  think  of  that  ?  Now,  I  don't  mind  telling  you 
something  for  yv.nr  own  good.  If  you  desire  to  have 
peace  and  quietness*  ;n  the  prison,  just  let  me  have  my 
own  way ;  if  you  do  not,  take  my  word  for  it  I  will  con- 
vert it  into  a  regular  little  haL.  upon  earth  •" 

CHAPTER  DCCOLIIL 

DICK  TURPIN   ENRAGES  SIR  MARMADUKE,    BWT   MAKU 
FRIENDS   WITH   THE   GOVERNOR  OF   NEWGATE. 

The  Governor  of  Newgate  stood  perfectly  aghast. 

The  idea  that  such  words  should  be  addressed  to  ar 
august  functionary  like  himself,  and,  above  all,  by  a  pri- 
soner, was  monstrous  in  the  extreme. 

So  great  was  his  amazement  that  he  could  only  stare 
with  wide-open  mouth  and  eyes  at  Dick,  who  nodded  his 
head  as  much  as  to  say : 

"  I  mean  it,  every  word  of  it." 

What  the  Governor  would  have  said  or  done  we  really 
cannot  tell,  but  Sir  Marmaduke  interposed,  saying : 

"  Pay  not  the  least  attention  to  him — treat  all  he  says 
with  contempt,  and  just  listen  to  me." 

"Yes — yes,  I  will  listen — lam  all  attention,  of  course, 
but  if  ever——" 

"Never  mind  him,  I  say — keep  that  to  yourself.  I 
want  to  know  how  this  case  stands  ?" 

"  What  case,  Sir  Marmaduke  ?" 

*  Wby,  as  to  who  is  entitled  to  the  reward  ?" 

There  was  a  pause — an  awkward  one  for  the  Governor, 
for  he  did  not  want  to  reply  so  as  to  give  the  least  offenot 
to  the  baronet. 

"*I  cannot  presume  to  decide,"  he  replied,  at  length, 
'•  and  really  the  matter  has  nothing  whatever  to  do  with 
me." 

"But  you  will  have  to  give  a  receipt  for  the  prison*;' f* 

"Oh  yes — that's  according  to  form." 


TffiS   KNlQHt  OP  THE  ROAD. 


I3fc 


"  Then  erive  it  to  the  officers." 

"  No,  noj"  said  Sir  George.  "I  object  to  that  Ta»  «•- 
ceipt  should  be  mine,  since  it  will  show  that  the  captuiv 
was  made  by  me." 

The  Governor  looked  from  one  to  th<  other  irre&j 
lately. 

He  was  quite  in  a  fix. 

"I  can't  give  two  receipts,"  he  stammered— u that's 
quite  impossible,  and  as  to  who  ought  to  have  it,  I  am 
in  doubt,  though,  after  all,  I  should  think  the  officers  are 
the  most  proper." 

"Yes,  certainly,"  broke  in  Turpin — "give  it  to  the 
officers,  Mr.  Governor,  but  mind  you  write  across  it  that 
I  was  captured  by  Sir  George  Hazlitt." 

The  Governor  gave  the  prisoner  an  angry  glance,  but 
Sir  Marmaduke  restrained  him. 

"  A  good  suggestion,"  said  Sir  George.  "  I  will  have  it 
done  so ;  that  puts  an  end  to  the  difficulty  at  once.  Surely 
you  have  no  objection  to  making  that  addition  to  the 
receipt?' 

The  Governor  made  a  wry  face  as  he  answered  : 

"  No — i  don't  know  that  I  have.  It  is  unusual,  yet  it 
might  be  done." 

"  Then  do  it." 

The  receipt  was  duly  written  out  and  examined  by  Sir 
George  to  see  that  it  was  entirely  to  his  satisfaction. 

It  was  then  handed  to  the  police,  who  took  it  rather  un- 
willingly. 

They  had  quickly  come  to  a  decision  on  the  disputed 
point,  and  their  opinion  was  that  Sir  George  was  fairly 
entitled  to  the  whole  of  the  reward,  so  that  they  would 
have  to  depend  entirely  upon  Sir  Marmaduke  for  anything 
for  themselves. 

The  baronet  must  have  noticed  this,  for  he  said : 

"  Never  mind  all  this,  my  lads — it  shall  make  no  differ- 
ence to  you.  I  am  well  pleased  with  the  manner  in  which 
you  have  performed  your  duty,  and  I  shall  recommend 
every  one  of  you,  and  my  recommendation  ought  to  be 
worth  something ;  besides.  I  will  be  as  good  as  my  word 
with  respect  to  the  rewara." 

The  officers  were  most  enthusiastic  in  their  applause;  and 
would  insist  upon  treating  Sir  Marmaduke  with  three 
cheers. 

After  that,  at  the  w}sh  of  the  Governor,  they  departed. 

Sir  George,  as  he  passed  by  where  Dick  was  standing, 
just  muttered : 

"I  like  your  bold  spirit,  and,  if  only  for  that,  would  do 
everything  in  my  power  to  aid  you ;  but  I  consider  my- 
self guilty  of  having  brought  you  into  your  present 
scrape,  and  I  will  try  my  best  to  get  you  out  of  it." 

Dick  had  only  time  to  murmur  a  few  words  of  thanks, 
and  Sir  George  was  gone. 

As  soon  as  all  the  visitors  had  departed  and  the  door 
was  closed  again,  the  Governor  of  the  prison  strode  up  to 
Dick  in  a  very  aggressive,  defiant  manner. 

Probably  his  reason  for  so  doing  was  that  he  knew  Dick's 
arms  were  perfectly  safe  behind  his  back. 

As  for  Turpin  himself,  however,  he  had  quickly  come 
to  a  decision  as  to  how  he  should  in  future  treat  the 
cJovernor  of  the  prison. 

His  position  was  a  very  peculiar  one,  and  if  by  any 
means  he  could  obtain  the  forbearance  or  good  feeling  of 
the  Governor,  it  would  be  a  great  thing  gained. 

Therefore,  in  a  calm  and  pleasant  voice,  he  spoke  before 
the  Governor  had  time  to  pronounce  the  angry  words 
that  were  hovering  upon  his  lips. 

"  Mr.  Governor,"  he  said,  "  pray  do  cot  tlank  anything 
of  what  I  have  just  said — it  was  only  to  exasperate  Sir 
Marmaduke.  I  owed  him  a  grudge,  and  that  was  the  only 
way  in  which  1  could  pay  it  A  little  while  ago  I  made 
you  a  threat,  now,  if  you  like,  I  will  givo  you  a  promise." 

The  Governor  was  astonished  that  he  should  be 
addressed  in  this  manner  by  the  prisoner,  and  as  his  as- 
tonishment prevented  him  from  making  an  imntedi*t* 
reply.  Dick  continued : 

"The  promise  is  this :  If  you  will  put  mo  kito  com- 
fortable quarters  and  see  that  things  generally  daring  »y 
stay  here  are  made  tolerably  pleasant,  I  will  promise  you 
faithfully— in  fact,  I  will  givo  you  my  word — that  I  will 
make  no  attempt  whatever  to  escape  from  your  custody." 

The  Governor's  surprise  increased 

"if,  now,"  he  said,  hesitatingly — "if  I  might  believe 
what  you  are  saying——" 

-  Y  au  may  believe  it,"  said  Dick,  "  and  place  implicit 


faith  in  it.  I  respect  my  word  more  than  I  should  an 
oath.  I  have  spoken,  and  it  is  for  you  to  decide  whethei 
you  will  believe  me  or  not." 

The  Governor  remained  for  some  time  silent. 

Of  course  he  was  well  aware  of  the  causes  that  had  led 
to  the  suspension  and  finally  to  the  dismissal  of  Mr.  Caw- 
thorn,  his  predecessor,  and  he  was  therefore  certain  il 
Dick  Turpin  should  make  his  escape  that  the  consequent 
would  be  very  disastrous  to  him. 

A  cunning  thought  entered  his  brain. 

His  eyes  sparkled  with  pleasure,  and  he  answered  : 

"  Well,  Dick,  I  will  take  your  word— you  shall  havt 
the  most  comfortable  cell  there  is  in  the  prison,  and  you 
<hall  have  every  indulgence  short  of  being  permitted  to 
•lepart.    Now,  what  do  you  say  to  that  ?" 

"Why,  that  I  shall  be  always  obliged  to  you;  and 
depend  upon  it,  any  man's  good  will  is  better  than  his 
hatred,  and  I  will  sacredly  promise  you  not  to  make  any 
effort  at  escape — at  least,  not  while  things  go  on  to  my 
satisfaction,  and  when  they  do  not,  I  will  give  you  timely 
notice." 

For  the  life  of  him,  the  Governor  could  not  help  laugh- 
ing at  the  cool,  easy,  business-like  way  in  which  Dick 
spoke  of  his  imprisonment. 

"  Well,"  he  said,  "  come  on  quietly,  and  I  will  take  you 
to  the  cell." 

"  But  remember  your  promise,"  said  Dick- 

"  Oh,  yes,  I'll  remember  it." 

"Very  well,  then." 

Dick  held  out  his  hands  behind  him  significantly. 

"  Oh !  you  want  the  handcuffs  taken  off  ?" 

"  Yes,  I  do — they  hurt  my  wrists  confoundedly." 

This  was  putting  the  Governor  to  the  test,  and  he  hesi- 
tated for  cue  moment.    He  thought  : 

"  Suppose,  now,  this  fellow,  of  whose  daring  I  have 
heard  so  much,  should  make  a  sudden  attack  upon  us 
and  escape  by  the  door,  what  a  fool  I  should  look,  and 
how  much  1  should  be  blamed  for  taking  his  word !" 

But  the  next  moment  he  decided  to  have  Dick  released, 
for  he  reasoned  with  himself  tn  the  following  manner : 

"  I  will  keep  myself  well  upon  my  guard,  and  if  he 
keeps  peaceable  and  quiet,  and  makes  no  attempt  at  resist- 
ance or  escape,  I  shall  begin  to  put  faith  in  him,  for  he 
would  never  have  a  better  opportunity  than  the  present." 

The  order  was  given,  and  the  handcuffs  were  removed. 

Dick  gave  himself  a  good  shake. 

He  fully  meant  every  word  he  said,  and,  turning  quietly 
to  the  Governor,  he  said : 

"  You  will  never  repent  of  this.  Believe  mw,  I  am  much 
obliged  to  you." 

"Oh,  don't  mention  it.  H  things  ca&  be  managed 
quietly  and  comfortably,  they  might  as  well  be  as 
not." 

"So  I  thought,"  added  Dick,  "  and  that's  why  I  men- 
tioned the  subject." 

The  turnkeys  were  all  very  much  surprised  to  see  the 
Governor  on  such  familiar  terms  with  the  prisoner; 
but,  then,  Dick  was  a  prisoner  of  no  ordinary  kind, 
and  the  Governor  wisely  held  him  in  dread ;  and,  as  we 
have  already  stated,  it  was  part  of  his  creed  always  to 
bow  down  before  authority. 

"  You  must  not  expect  to  find  anything  at  all  luxurious, " 
he  continued,  with  a  laugh.  "  The  comforts  here  are 
scarce.    However,  come  this  way." 

Dick  followed  the  Governor  along  a  corridor  and  up  a 
flight  of  steps. 

Pausing  before  a  row  of  strong  doors,  the  Governor 
made  a  sign  for  one  to  be  opened. 

The  fastenings  were  removed,  and  then  really  a  clean 
and  comfortable  cell  was  disclosed. 

It  had  a  window  in  it  of  a  size  larger  than  was  usual, 
and  this  window  looked  into  a  kind  of  court-yard. 

"Ah!"  said  Dick,  "this  is  better.  I  had  no  idea  that 
you  had  anything  of  this  kind  in  Newgate." 

"  Nor  had  we  until  lately,"  was  the  reply.  "Thifc  is 
p*rt  that  has  been  lately  built.    Will  this  salt  you  ?" 

"  Oh  yes." 

v  Very  well,  then,  walk  in  and  take  possession.  Yot 
must  know,  by  a  recent  regulation,  my  strict  duty  is  to 
leave  two  men  or  more  constantly  in  the  cell  with  you  t* 
watch  your  every  movement,  but  I  suppose  that  will  nca 
be  pleasant  /" 

"  Not  by  any  means,"  said  Dick.  "  I  shoul  a  pre(er  u 
b«  a)on«." 


1898 


BLACK    BFfeS-    OK, 


"Well,  then,  i  will  run  the  risk  of  disobeying  my 
instructions." 

"  Then  I  shall  l»  infinitely  obliged  to  f  ou.  And  I  tell 
you  what  it  is,  Mr. " 

"Bradbury," said  the  Governor. 

"  Well,  then,  Mr.  Bradbury,  I  can  tell  you  that  you 
will  never  have  cause  for  regret  if  you  oontinuo  to  treat 
me  as  well  aa  you  do  now — indeed,  it  will  turn  out  one  »f 
the  beet  things  in  the  world  for  you,  so  mind  that " 


CHAPTER  DCCCLIV. 

DICK  TURPIN  OPENS  THE    LOCKET,    AND  MAK.SS  A    FF1END 
IN    NEWGATE. 

The  Governor  stared  at  Dick  Turpin  in  the  utmost 
surprise  ;  but  the  highwayman's  countenance  underwent 
no  change,  and,  for  all  he  could  tell,  by  the  expression  ol 
it,  Dick  fully  meant  what  he  said. 

"Well,"  replied  Mr.  Bradbury,  at  last,  " I  have  not  been 
Governor  of  Newgate  very  long,  but^if  I  continne  in  this 
post  a  hundred  years  I'll  warrant  1  never  have  a  prisoner 
talk  to  me  in  such  an  easy,  off-handed  way  as  you  do.'' 

"Very  likely  not,"  said  Dick.  "  I  don't  hesitate  to  say 
you  are  a  good  fellow — a  much  better  one  than  I  expected 
to  find." 

The  turnkeys,  who  stood  on  the  threshold  of  the  cell, 
were  highly  amused  at  this  conversation,  and  afterwards 
it  was  repeated  with  all  due  exaggerations  to  their  com- 
panions in  the  vestibule,  the  result  of  which  was  that, 
taking  their  cue  from  the  Governor's  conduct,  they  were 
prepared  to  treat  Dick  in  the  friendliest  manner  possible. 

"  Well — well,"  said  the  Governor,  as  he  prepared  to 
leave  the  cell,  evidently  by  no  means  displeased  with 
Dick's  flattery,  "  I  will  make  things  as  comfortable  as  I 
can  for  you,  but  you  must  be  careful  not  to  speak  of  any 
little  extra  indulgencies  that  I  may  allow  you." 

"  Oh,  certainly  not !"  said  Dick.  "  Don't  feel  any  tear 
on  that  score,  I  beg." 

The  Governor  then  withdrew,  and,  by  his  orders,  the 
turnkeys  closed  the  door  after  him. 

While  they  were  putting  up  the  ponderous  bar,  and 
securing  other  fastenings,  he  said  to  them,  in  a  whisper  : 

"  You  heard  what  I  said  just  now  ?  Of  course  I  agreed 
that  he  should  be  left  in  the  cell  by  himself." 

The  men  nodded. 

"But,"  he  continued,  "  I  don't  care  about  trusting  him 
too  far,  so — aha,  it's  a  joke! — two  of  you  shall  remain 
constantly  outside  the  door  while  he  is  here ;  then,  if  you 
hear  or  see  anything  unusual,  the  alarm  can  be  instantly 
raised." 

The  Governor  strode  away  without  waiting  for  a 
reply,  congratulating  himself  in  his  own  mind  upon  the 
vast  amount  of  cunning  that  he  had  shown  in  the  trans- 
action, and  rubbing  his  hands  quite  gleefully  as  he 
went. 

It  was  no  small  relief  to  his  mind  to  have  Turpin's 
word  that  he  would  not  escape,  as  it  would  save  him  such 
a  vast  deal  of  trouble  ;  and  now  this  extra  precaution,  he 
felt,  would  make  all  things  easy. 

As  for  Dick  himself,  he  was  glad  enough  to  get  rid  of 
the  Governor,  and  as  soon  as  ever  the  door  was  closed, 
took  the  locket  out  of  his  mouth,  where  he  had  managed 
to  keep  it  concealed  during  the  whole  of  the  time. 

His  impatience  with  regard  to  it  was  very  great,  for  he 
wanted  to  know  how  and  by  what  means  it  could  possibly 
get  him  out  of  his  present  strait. 

He  tried  to  open  it. 

But  his  haste  and  eagerness  were  so  great  as  to  defeat 
nis  object,  and  he  had  to  pause  and  look  more  carefully 
at  it 

He  then  noticed  that  it  was  secured  by  a  small  spring, 
which  he  pressed,  and  immediately  the  locket  flew 
open. 

What  he  saw  within  it  by  no  means  increased  hie  cor  - 
fidence,  for  all  he  could  perceive  were  too  smaJ'  nortraf'A, 
one  of  a  male  and  the  other  of  a  female. 

They  were,  however,  beautifully  exocuted,  tmd  *»! 
round  with  small  precious  stones. 

"  The  deuce  !"  he  exclaimed — "how  is  this  to  Irelr-  »-•-.»  ? 
Have  I  been  befooled  after  all  ?" 

He  looked  more  carefully  still  at  the  portraits,  (uki  t»  *d 
two  cries  of  surprise  rapidly  escaped  his  lips. 

In  the  portrait  of  the  female  he  recognise*]  the  f«at'ires 
» the  mysterious  lady 


There  w*s  a  great  alteration  in  em<  yet  tne  Irenes* 
ooala  uoi  '.aii  to  be  recognised. 

Evidently  the  portrait  had  b«»dn  paintod  when  she  wai 
a  very  ycuag  girl ;  now  she  w  f  to  say  the  least,  middle- 
aged 

Tho  other  portrait  wa3  still  more  unmistakeable. 

The  features  well  as  the  costume,  were  well  known 
to  Dio         soon  an  he  scrutinised  them. 

It  was  a  portrait  of  his  Majesty  the  King. 

But  Dick  was  by  no  means  satisfied  that  'ie  had  seen  aL' 
the  locket  contained. 

Surely  thore  should  be  some  direction  in  it  as  to  how  he 
should  act,  and  some  suggestion  as  to  the  means  bj 
which  the  portraits  could  be  made  useful  to  him. 

But,  although  he  spent  nearly  an  hour  in  examining  the 
locket  in  every  part,  he  failed  to  find  anything  else,  and 
finally  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  portraits  were  all 
that  it  contained. 

He  closed  it  sharply. 

With  a  feeling  of  great  disappointment,  he  thrust  it  intc 
his  pocket  and  began  to  think. 

"  I  can't  believe  that  she  meant  to  play  me  false,"  he 
said,  at  length.  "  There's  only  one  way  I  can  think  ol 
by  which  this  locket  can  be  made  useful,  and  yet,  surely 
I  should  have  had  some  hint  about  it,  but  I  have  not, 
though  the  idea  must  be  tried  if  possible.  I  must  find  a 
means  of  conveying  this  locket  to  the  King." 

This  certainly  seemed  about  the  only  reasonable  thing 
that  could  be  done  with  the  locket,  and  yet  how  great 
would  be  the  difficulty  for  anyone  confined  in  a  cell  ii; 
Newgate  to  communicate  with  the  King — indeed,  anj 
other  person  than  Dick  Turpin  would  probably  have 
considered  it  an  impossibility,  and  have  never  even  made 
the  attempt. 

But  Dick  never  lost  anything  for  the  want  of  trying, 
and,  having  made  up  his  mind  that  the  locket  should  be 
handed  to  the  King,  he  set  to  work  to  think  by  what 
means  this  purpose  could  be  carried  out. 

The  task  was  beset  with  innumerable  obstacles,  and 
he  thought  of  fifty  things  without  being  able  to  decide  on 
any. 

He  was  interrupted  in  his  ruminations  by  the  removal 
of  the  fastenings  upon  his  door. 

Listlessly,  he  turned  his  eyes  in  that  direction,  and  saw 
a  turnkey  enter. 

To  Dick's  surprise,  he  closed  the  door  behind  him. 

There  was  an  expression  on  this  man's  face  which 
Dick  interpreted  as  being  favourable  to  himself. 

"Well,"  he  asked,  quickly,  "what  ia  it ?  Nothing  dis- 
agreeable I  hope  ?" 

"No,  captain — nothing  disagreeable.  I  have  come  k 
know  what  there  is  you  would  like." 

"  What  I  should  like  ?" 

"Yes." 

"  Well,  then,  to  speak  the  truth,  tnat  you  would  just 
take  me  up  and  pop  me  down  somewhere  outside  of  the 
prison." 

The  turnkey  shook  his  head. 

"  I  can't  do  that,  captain — I  can't  indeed.  If  I  could  I 
would,  mind  you,"  he  added,  in  a  suppressed  tone  that 
seemed  to  be  perfectly  earnest. 

"  Would  you  indeed  ?"  said  Dick,  grasping  him  by  the 
hand.  "  For  what  reason  is  it  that  you  are  so  willing  tc 
befriend  me  ?" 

"  Well,  I've  got  two  reasons,  captain." 

"  Quick,  then— out  with  them  !" 

"  Well,  the  first  is  owing  to  a  little  circumstance  th& 
perhaps  you  may  have  forgotten,  but  which  I  shall  always 
remember.    You  once  saved  my  life." 

"  Saved  your  life  ?" 

"  Yes ;  you  don't  recollect  me,  very  likely." 

"I  am  certain  I  do  not,"  replied  Turpin,  gazing  more 
closely  into  his  countenance,  "  and,  as  a  rule,  if  I  once  see 
a  person  I  can  always  recognise  him  again." 

"  Well,  you  never  did  see  me — at  least,  not  that  I  kr.->-» 
of,"  replied  the  man. 

"  And  yet  I  saved  your  life  ?'" 

"  Yes." 

•'  But  how  so  ?" 
Do  you  not  recollect  that,  one  night,  a  long  *ime  ago 
>«jw,  you  called  in  at  a  cottage  and  asked  for  something  to 
eat  ?  The  woman  who  kept  it  said  she  was  very  poor, 
yet  put  the  best  meal  she  oo  Id  before  you,  telling  you  at 
the  same  time  that  her  bus)   nd  was  lying  ill  in  bed,  and 


THE   KNIGHT   OT   THE   HOAO 


1399 


dying  for  want  of  nourishment,  which  she  had  not  the 
means  to  procure  ?° 
Dick  reflected. 

"  Yes,  yes — I  have  some  iaint  recollection  of  it  P  « 
what  then  ?" 

"  Why,  you  took  your  departure  very  suddenly,  and 
after  you  had  gone  we  found  under  the  plate  a  large  sum 
in  gold.  That  money  enabled  my  wife  to  purchase  the 
things  I  stood  in  need  of,  and  so  saved  my  life.  I  rapidly 
grew  better,  and  finally  well,  though  when  '(  recovered 
health  and  strength  my  stock  of  money  was  exhausted.' 

"  Well,  you  were  quite  welcome,"  said  Dick.  "  It  was 
no  favour  on  my  part ;  the  service  your  wife  rendered  me 
was  not  overpaid  by  the  one  I  rendered  in  return." 

"  Well,  we  may  be  of  different  opinions  as  regards  that," 
said  the  man.  "  However,  you  saved  my  lift*,  captain,  and, 
to  the  longest  day  I  live,  I  shall  always  feel  grateful  to 
you  for  it,  and  I  will  do  anything  in  my  power  for 
you." 

"  I  am  heartily  glad  to  hear  it,"  was  the  reply,  "  more 
especially  as  there  is  a  service  which  you  can  render  me. 
But  you  spoke  of  another  reason — what  is  that  ?" 

"  Why,  it  happened,  strangely  enough,  but  one  of  the 
gentlemen  who  came  in  with  you  when  you  were  brought 
here — Sir  George,  I  think  you  call  him " 

"  Yes — yes." 

"  He  watched  for  me  outside,  and  as  soon  as  I  appeared 
told  me  to  follow  him.  1  did  so,  and  we  entered  a  pub.io- 
house.  He  approached  the  subject  very  cautiously  but 
finding  how  friendly  disposed  I  was  to  you,  was  very 
glad. 

"  '  Here,'  he  said,  '  I  know  that  in  Newgate,  as  every- 
where else,  much  can  be  done  with  money.  'I  ake  this 
purse  of  gold,  and  see  that  Dick  Turpin  u.is  everything 
which  the  regulations  of  the  prision  will  permit  If  you 
require  any  more,  come  to  me  as  soon  as  your  funds  are 
exhausted,  and  take  him  word  from  me  that  I  will  use  all 
my  influence  to  procure  his  liberation.' " 

"  Did  he  say  that  ?" 

"  Yes,  he  did,  and  here,  captain,  is  the  purse  just  as  I 
received  it." 

"  Well,  but  I  don't  wart  it,  my  good  fellow.  Keep  it- 
keep  it,  I  beg,  and  use  it  as  occasion  may  require." 

"  I  will,  captain  ,  the  King  shall  not  be  more  comfort- 
able than  you  are,  provided  the  Governor  does  not 
interfere,  and  1  don't  think  he  will,  if  we  keap  things 
snug." 

"  The  King  ?"  repeated  Dick.  "  Yes,  that  reminds  me 
of  what  I  want." 

•'What,  captain?" 

"  Why,  paper,  a  pen,  and  ink — I  must  write  a  letter." 

"I  shall  have  to  smuggle  those  in  when  I  get  a 
chance,"  was  the  reply,  "  for  it  is  entirely  against  the 
rules  to  furnish  those  articles.  However,  you  shall  have 
them." 

"  And  as  soon  as  possible,"  said  Dick — "  every  moment 
is  of  importance. " 

"  All  right,  captain.    Is  there  anything  else  ?" 

"  No,  no — nothing  at  present  until  that  is  done." 

"  Anything  to  eat  and  drink  ?" 

"  No.  I  tell  you  until  this  affair  is  off  my  mind  1  can- 
not, attend  to  anything  else." 


CHAPTEE    DCCCLV 

C'iCK   TUUPIN   WRITES  A   LETTER  TO    OLD     «tAlTHEW     AND 
DESPATCHES    IT  BY  THE   FRIENDI.  f  MH-EO. 

"  1  will  go  at  once,  captain — direct,  and  1  will  be  back 
here  again  as  quickly  as  is  possible." 

With  these  words  the  friendly  jailer  left. 

After  his  departure,  Dick  more  fully  realised  how 
fortunate  this  event  had  proved  for  him. 

Nothing  more  unexpected  than  finding  a  friend  lieoeata 
the  roof  of  Newgate  could  he  have  thought  ot;  *»d  yet, 
in  a  most  substantial  way,  he  experienced  the  benefit  thai 
always  follows  the  doing  of  a  good  action. 

Unless  the  man  was  black  and  treacherous  indeed,  he 
would  be  entirely  devoted  to  Turpin's  interests. 

From  the  fact  of  Dick  asking  for  writing  materials,  .i 
may  be  guessed  that  he  had  made  up  his  mind  how  to 
proceed,  and  so  he  had,  for  the  finding  of  this  friend 
narwd  the  aspect  of  affairs  entirely. 


His  intention  was  to  write  a  letter  to  his  companions, 
and  entrust  it  to  his  friend  to  deliver. 

He  had  resolved  not  to  send  to  the  Three  Spiders,  how- 
over,  because  that  would  be  too  dangerous. 

His  connection  with  that  place  could  not  be  too  care- 
fully kept  secret. 

He  would  send  it  in  the  first  plaue  to  old  Matthew,  in 
Drury  lane,  and  trust  to  him  to  forward  it  to  the  proper 
quarter. 

The  turnkey  was  absent  only  a  short  time,  and  when 
he  came  in,  the  expression  of  his  face  showed  that  he  had 
been  successful. 

"  Here  you  are,  captain,"  he  said — "  a  drop  of  ink, 
there's  a  pen,  and  here's  a  piece  of  paper." 

"  Thanks — many  thanks.  It  will  take  me  some  little 
time  to  write  tnis  lettet,  so  eome  in  again  when  you  next 
have  the  opportunity  ;  by  that  time  it  will  doubtless  be 
finished." 

"  Very  good,  captain — I  will." 

"But  stay,"  said  Dick,  "  you  did  not  tell  me  how  it  was 
you  came  to  be  turnkey  in  Newgate." 

"Well,  the  fact  is,  after  I  got  well  I  was  a  long  time 
trying  to  get  fresh  work,  but  I  failed— why,  I  knew  not. 
I  tried  many  different  occupations,  and  at  length  hap- 
pened to  hear  by  chance  that  turnkeys  were  wanted  for 
Newgate.  I  applied,  and  succeeded  in  getting  the 
situation,  and  here  1  have  been  ever  since." 

"  That  explanation  is  simple  enough  then." 

"  Yes,  captain ;  but  there's  one  thing  more.  Do  you 
happen  to  know  that  two  men  are  posted  outside  the 
door?" 

"  I  fancied  so." 

"  Well,  then,  it  is  the  case ;  so  that  when  we  speak  to 
each  other  we  must  sink  our  voices  a  little  above  a 
whisper ;  those  other  fellows  may  betray  us." 

"You  were  quite  right  to  caution  me,"  said  Dick 
"  For  the  moment,  1  had  forgotten  all  about  them." 

The  turnkey  said  no  more,  but  departed,  and  as  soon  as 
he  was  alone,  Dick  s»t  down,  first  to  think  and  afterwards 
to  write. 
The  latter  was  to  him  a  very  tedious  operation. 
Yet,  after  awhile,  he  succeeded  in  producing  the  follow- 
ing epistle : — 

"  Dear  Matthew, — 

"  I  suppose  by  this  time  you  have  heard  that 
I  am  a  prisoner  in  Newgate.  The  circumstances  of  my 
arrest  are  very  peculiar.  No  doubt  you  wonder  that  I 
should  have  surrendered  at  all,  knowing  how  often  I  have 
declared  that  I  would  rather  die.  Circumstances  alter 
cases,  though,  and  when  we  meet  again,  which  I  hope  will 
be  soon,  I  will  relate  all  the  details  to  you;  I  have  not 
time  to  write  them. 

"  I  want  you,  as  soon  as  may  be  after  the  receipt  of  this 
letter,  to  send  over  to  a  certain  place  1  need  not  mention, 
and  let  them  know  that  I  am  safe.  Tell  them  not  to  be 
alarmed,  and  for  the  following  reason : — 

"Along  with  this  letter  you  will  receive  a  small  locket , 
take  care  of  it,  for  on  that  depends  my  liberation.  Strange, 
is  it  not  ?  but  I  have  faith  in  its  power.  I  want  it 
delivered  to  the  King  with  all  speed,  wherever  he  may  be 
at  the  present  time.  And  here  let  me  give  you  a 
particular  caution:  T.  K.  will  be  the  proper  person 
to  deliver  it,  for,  mark  me,  the  locket  must,  by  some 
means  or  other,  be  placed  in  the  King's  hand.  It  will  not 
do  for  it  to  reach  him  through  any  official  connected  with 
the  palace.  At  all  risks,  hazards,  and  difficulties,  access 
must  be  had  to  the  King  in  person,  and  the  locket 
presented. 

"  There  is  no  one  I  can  think  of  better  calculated  to 
perform  6uch  a  task  than  the  person  I  have  named.  Let 
him  go  as  soon  as  possible,  and  with  all  speed  let  me  know 
the  result. 

"  The  bearer  of  this  you  can  fully  trust  in  every  re- 
spect.   I  would  pledge  my  life  as  to  his  fidelity. 

"  If  you  like  to  make  inquiries  you  can  soon  learn  how 
:.t  was  that  I  came  into  possession  of  this  singular  locket, 
aid  then  you  will  not  feel  so  surprised  at  my  pinning  my 
t'aith  upon  it. 

"  Above  all,  I  should  like  you  to  endeavour  to  reassur.' 
Maud.  I  know  she  must  feel  greatly  distressed  at  whas 
has  happened,  but  let  her  know  from  me  that  my  position 
is  by  no  means  so  perilous  as  she  imagines,  for  should,  by 
any  unlucky  accident,  the  locket  fail,  I  have  a  friend  hetf 


14* 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OB, 


by  whose  aid,  I  doubt  not,  I  should  be  able  to  mako  i»* 
escape. 

"  Last  of  all,  impress  upon  everyone  the  neotjsity  of 
remaining  quiet  where  they  are,  and  making  no  eflvrt  to 
release  me,  as  any  such  attempt  on  their  part  will  only 
get  them  into  trouble,  and  increase  the  difficulties  of  my 
position. 

"  If  you  like  to  send  word  back,  you  can  do  so.  Do  not 
be  afraid  of  putting  trust  in  the  bearer. 

"  Yours, 

"  Dick." 

Turpin  took  a  great  deal  of  pains  over  this  letter,  and 
he  was  occupied  a  long  time  in  writing  it. 

Scarcely  had  he  iaid  down  the  pen,  however,  when  the 
friendly  jailer  entered. 

"Here  it  is,"  Dick  exclaimed,  folding  up  the  sheet  of 
paper  and  addressing  it.  "  I  want  you  to  take  it  to  one 
Matthew  Gale,  the  landlord  of  the  White  Horse,  in  Drury 
Lane.    Do  you  know  it  ?" 

"  I  think  so — a  large,  old-fashioned  building,  is  it  not, 
standing  at  the  corner  of  White  Horse  Yard  ?" 

"  Yes,  that  e  it.  Here's  the  lettsr,  »Jid  be  sure  that  you 
deliver  it  into  the  hands  of  Matthew  Gale  himself.  You 
will  know  him,  for  he  is  tall  and  stout,  with  a  jolly,  good- 
tempered-looking  countenance,  and  usually  wears  a  white 
apron.  Try  as  well  to  slip  the  letter  into  his  hand  whon 
there's  no  one  by." 

"All  right." 

"  And  this,"  said  Dick,  giving  him  the  locket — "  above 
all  things  be  careful  of  that ;  do  not  lose  it,  for  upon  it 
all  my  hopes  depend." 

"  You  can  trust  me,  captain,"  was  the  reply.  "  Such  a 
service  as  this  is  a  mere  trifle,  but  yet  I  will  perform 
it  as  well  as  if  you  had  gone  in  person." 

"  I  am  satisfied  to  trust  you ;  take  it  now  and  go  at 
once." 

"  But,  captain,"  said  the  man,  "  don't  you  want  some- 
thing to  eat  or  drink  ?  You  have  beenhere  a  good  many 
hours  now." 

"  I  know  that,  but  I  am  accustomed  to  go  long  without 
food,  especially  if  I  have  anything  important  to  do." 

"  But  when  I  come  back  ?" 

"  Why  then,  if  you  like,  you  can  bring  me  the  best 
dinner  you  can  procure,  for  when  I  know  the  letter  and 
locket  have  been  delivered  safely,  and  are  in  Old  Matthew's 
hands,  a  great  load  will  be  lifted  off  my  heart." 

"  Well,  then,  I  will  start,  and  make  haste  back." 

"  Do  so — do  so." 

The  turnkey  carefully  secreted  the  letter  and  locket 
about  him — then  left  the  cell. 

It  may  easily  be  imagined  that  Dick  Turpin  suffered  no 
small  degree  of  impatience  and  anxiety  after  the  jailer 
had  departed. 

In  spite  of  everything,  and  try  as  he  would,  some 
doubts  as  to  the.fellow's  honesty  would  obtrude  themselves 
upon  bis  mind. 

It  was  a  dreadful  thing  to  think  of,  for  should  he  be 
betrayed  in  this,  his  position  would  be  dangerous  indeed. 

And  so,  as  minute  after  minute  passed  away,  his  un- 
easiness increased,  and,  rising  to  his  feet,  he  paced  rapidly 
up  and  down  his  cell,  pausing  every  now  and  then  to 
look  through  the  barred  window,  hoping  that  he  should 
catch  sight  of  the  turnkey  approaching. 

Dick  had  no  means  whatever  of  ascertaining  the  time, 
for,  of  course,  on  his  first  introduction  to  the  vestibule  of 
Newgate,  every  article  was  removed  from  his  pockets, 
and  the  locket  would  have  gone  as  well  had  he  not  so 
cleverly  concealed  it. 

Yet  he  fancied  that  a  very  long  time  indeed  had  elapsed 
3ince  the  man's  departure — much  more  time  than  was 
needful  for  him  to  perform  the  journey  to  Drury  Lane 
and  back,  and  for  Matthew  to  send  a  message  in  re- 
turn. 

Unless  by  imagination  we  could  place  ourselves  exactly 
in  his  present  situation,  it  would  be  difficult  indeedjto  form 
a  proper  estimate  of  the  anxious  state  of  his  mind,  or 
guess  what  doubts,  and  fears,  and  hopes  by  turns  assailed 
it 

That  the  jailer  had  been  absent  a  very  long  mas  H 
was  quite  certain,  although  his  state  of  suspense  might 
■ave  caused  bim  to  exaggerate  it 

Now.  however,  there  was  no  mistaking  the  fact  that 
i»e  aay  was  fast  closing  in,  and  in  a  little  while  longer  it 
won W  be  dusk,  if  not  dark. 


But  in  that  cell  of  Newgate  the  days  were  much  shortot 
than  they  were  outside  the  prison,  for  it  was  notur'il 
long  after  the  sun  had  risen  in  the  morning  thai  any  day- 
light found  its  way  into  it,  and  by  sunset  it  was  nearly 
dark. 

At  length,  however,  Dick  heard  a  footstep  in  the  pas- 
sage. 

He  paused,  and  directly  afterwards  the  fastenings  were 
removed,  the  door  opened,  and  the  jailer  entered. 

"You  have  been  absent  a  long  time,"  said  Dick,  as 
soon  as  it  \ras  prudent  to  speak. 

■"  Yes,  captain,  I  have ;  but  you  will  find  that  I  shall  be 
able  to  give  you  a  very  good  explanation  of  it." 


CHAPTER  DCOCLVI. 

TOM  DAVIS  GATHERS  SOME  INFORMATION  RESPECTING  OLD 
MATTHEW   FROM  THE   LOQUACIOUS  BARBER. 

We  revert  now  to  the  proceedings  of  Tom  Davis. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  when  he  left  the  Three 
Spiders  it  was  very  early  in  the  morning  indeed. 

The  horse  ho  had  was  a  good  one,  and  took  him  to 
London  in  capital  style,  so  that  he  arrived  before  many 
of  the  inhabitants  were  astir. 

He  took  the  precaution,  however,  to  leave  his  horse 
and  trap  at  an  inn  about  half  a  mile  from  Drury  Lane, 
because  he  was  anxious  to  arrive  there  without  atti  acting 
any  notice. 

Walking  quietly  down  on  the  side  opposite  to  that 
upon  which  the  White  Horse  stood,  Tom  Davis  pretended 
to  be  gazing  with  interest  at  the  shop  windows,  but  in 
reality  he  did  this  only  that  he  might  be  allowed  a  better 
opportunity  of  looking  carefully  on  all  sides  of  him. 

But  as  he  proceeded  he  saw  nothing  at  all  peculiar  or 
unusual. 

Arriving  at  length  opposite  the  White  Horse,  he  saw 
that  the  shutters  were  down  and  the  door  open. 

But  more  by  chance  than  anything  else,  Tom  Davis 
cast  his  eyes  upwards,  and,  very  greatly  to  his  astonish- 
ment, he  caught  sight  of  a  couple  of  police  officers  who 
were  on  the  top  of  the  house,  looking  down  over  the 
parapet. 

Tliey  made  some  signs  with  their  hands  but  what  they 
portended  Tom  could  not  guess. 

But ,  looking  before  him,  he  saw  two  men  dressed  in 
plain  clothes,  who  were  replying  to  the  signals  given  by 
those  above. 

"  Oh,  oh !"  he  muttered.  "  So  Matthew  is  troubled 
with  another  visit  of  his  old  friends,  is  he  ?  Well,  if  such 
is  tjie  case,  the  wisest  thing  I  can  do,  perhaps,  is  to  keep 
out  of  the  way  for  a  time.     Where  can  I  go  ?" 

Tom  looked  around  him  again,  for  if  by  any  chance  he 
could  remain  somewhere  within  sight  of  the  White  Horse 
Inn,  why  then  it  would  be  so  much  the  better. 

Fortune  favoured  him. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  nearly  opposite  the  front 
door  of  the  White  Horse  Inn  was  a  barber's  shop. 

The  barber  himself  was  an  object  of  considerable  aver- 
sion to  Old  Matthew,  for  the  simple  reason  that  he  was 
very  fond  of  prying  into  his  neighbours'  business. 

Of  course,  we  all  know  that  Matthew  had  many  secrets 
that  he  wished  to  keep  carefully  concealed  from  the  eyes 
of  those  around  him,  and  he  had  often  been  annoyed  by 
this  barber's  inquisitiveness. 

Tom  Davis,  however,  no  sooner  saw  the  shop  than  he 
felt  quite  a  sensation  of  pleasure. 

Here  he  could  enter  and  remain  for  some  time,  and 
probably  learn  what  was  going  on  at  the  White  Horse. 

Just  as  he  reached  the  door  of  the  shop,  some  person 
came  hastily  out,  and  following  him,  alcost  treading  on 
his  heels,  was  the  barber  himself. 

He  stopped  on  the  doorstep,  and  looked  attentively 
across  the  road. 

What  more  he  would  have  done  is  hard  to  say,  for  just 
then  Tom  Davis  went  up  to  him  and  entered  the  shop. 

"Bless  nty  heart,"  the  barber  exclaimed,  in  brisk  tones, 
"  I  never  knew  such  a  thing  in  all  my  life  !" 

"As  what  ?"  asked  Tom,  as  he  seated  himself  in  a 
chair. 

"  As  business  this  morning." 

"  Indeed !" 

"Yea,  I  have  been  uncommon^  busy — nest  aneon> 
monly  busy,  and  just  because  I  didn'.  want  to  'v      S  c^l* 


TTiE   KNIGHT   OF  THE   ROAD. 


IDICK   TUUMM   IS  SUJU'f LOVSLY    REGALED 

Bcarcelv  believe  it,sir,"  he  continued,  as  he  adjiistel  a  ) 
clotl    beneath  Tom's  chin-"  you'll   scarcely •    bol.evo 
what  a  many  useless,  idle  hours  I  pass  here  ;  but  then 
of  course,  there's  nothing  going  on    But,  mark  me,  HI  , 
be  bound  if  there's  anything  particular  occurring ;  people 
keep  dropping  in  one  afterauother,  and    I  don  t  get  a 
moment  to  look  about  me,"       .,.._,  .,  _T 

"  Dear  me,"    said  Tom  Davis,    "1  m  quite   s  ny   1 

entered."  ,      ,,  ,.       .,  ,  T   ,    ,, 

"  Oh,  don't  mention  it,  sir— don  t  mention  it  !  I  shall 
bo  done  in  a  moment."  -  -  _  . 

The  barber  took  iL.  for  grantel  that  Tom  require  1 
«haviu°-  and  to  this  operation  our  friend  submitted 
first  not  that  he  intended  to  leave  when  that  was  over 
for  he  meant  to  have  his  air  trimmed,  which  would 
occupy  some  little  length  of  time 

"  Mav  I  venture  to  ask,"  said  Tom,  "  What  itisjthat 
is  going  on  this  morning  that  you  are  so  anxious  to 
witness  ?'"* 

No.  176.— Black  Bess. 

Ko.  170, 


!>•   HIS   CELL  BY   THE   FRIENDLY    JAILER  ] 


«Oh  yes,  certainly-I  will  tell  you  with  m.  great** 
of  Pleasure  It  is  no  secret-no  secret  at  all.  Via  you 
happen  to  notice  that  public-houso  opposite? 

- ^il'then!  I'may'go  so  far  as  to  say  that  it  is  one  of 
the  most  notoriousplaces  in  all  London. 

"wiwainhlhigbwaytnen  and  flash  coveVof  every^ 
kind  eo  there  if  they  are  in  trouble,  and  the  landlord  con-l 
nivesgto  Wde  them  somewhere  so  tht.il  the  ofheers 
starch  ever  so  strictly  they  can't  find  Jein.. 

«  Dear  me— how  extraordinary  !"  said  iom  D^vis,  as  .» 
in  the  greatest  astonishment.  hortuie 

ult'saf-ict    lean   assure   you,"  continued   th*.   bailwr, 

k  .;,,,-  rather  curious  about  such  matters,  ana  "»':'» 
I  eSy  oPPosite"of  course  I  have  had  ample  opportunity 
|  for  obserratson." 


PiticB  One  Hat.fpf.nny. 


1402 


BLACK  BESS  ;  OB, 


"So  I  should  thinlc." 

"  I  have  heard,  though,"  he  went  on,  "that Matthew 
Gale,  or  old  Matthew,  as  we  generally  call  him,  although 
ho  will  place  a  highwayman  or  almost  anyone  in  safety, 
yet  refuses  to  hold  out  his  protection  to  anyone  ho  knows 
to  be  a  murderer  ;  but  that  may  or  may  not  be  tru<\  and 
whether  it  is  or  not,  after  all,  does  not  signify.  There 
you  are,  sir — all  dono  now.     Good  day,  sir." 

"  Not  quite,"  replied  Tom.  "I  am  sorry  to  hinder 
you,  but  now  I  am  shaved  I  must  have  my  hair  dressed  ; 
it  would  bo  impossible  to  leave  it,  so  you  must  make 
the  job  complete." 

The  barber  gave  a  sigh,  and  began  to  get  his  imple- 
ments ready. 

"  Do  you  know  any  of  the  particulars  of  what  is 
going  on  to-day  ?''  asked  Tom. 

"  No,"  replied  the  barbor,  "  scarcely  any,  and  that's 
why  I  am  so  anxious  to  find  out." 

"  Then,  if  you  like,"  said  Tom,  "  as  I  am  in  no  par- 
ticular hurry,  and  as  I  feel  curious  as  well  as  yourself, 
perhaps  you  would  not  mind  leaving  mo  here  for  a  few 
moments  and  ascertaining  ?" 

"My  dear  sir,  I  shall  have  great  pleasure,  and  whilo 
I  am  gone  you  can  amuse  yourself  with  looking  at  the 
newspaper— there  it  is.     Now  I'm  off." 

Glad  enough,  apparently,  to  got  out  of  the  shop,  the 
barber  darted  through  the  door. 

Tom  was  not  likely  to  interest  himself  in  the  news- 
paper while  things  of  so  much  importance  to  him  wore 
going  on  around,  so,  flinging  it  aside,  he  hastened  also 
to  the  door,  which  he  opened  a  very  little  way,  so  as  to 
take  a  peep  at  the  barber's  proceedings. 

That  individual  crossed  the  road  rapidly,  and  entered 
the  White  Horse. 

"  He  has  gone  to  head  quarters  for  his  information 
certainly,"  was  Tom  Davis's  mental  observation. 
"  What  an  extraordinary  fellow  ;  but  what  an  intoler- 
able nuisance  he  must  be  to  old  Matthew." 

The  barber  was  absent  a  long  time — so  long  that  Tom 
Davis's  patience  would  have  been  put  to  a  sore  trial 
had  it  not  been  for  the  fact  that  the  officers  had  not  yet 
left,  and  ho  did  not  wish  to  enter  the  White  Horse 
until  thoy  had. 

At  last,  however,  the  barber,  with  his  usual  smirk 
upon  his  lips,  came  tripping  across  the  road. 

Tom  no  sooner  saw  him  approaching  than  he  resumed 
his  seat,  and  pretended  to  bo  reading  the  paper  very 
attentively. 

"  I've  been  a  long  time  gone,"  the  barber  began,  as 
soon  as  he  appeared  ;  "  but,  then,  as  you  were  kind 
enough  to  say  you  were  in  no  hurry,  I  thought  it  would 
not  matter." 

"Oh,  not  in  the  least!"  said  Tom.     "I    have  been 
very  well  interested  duriiiir  your  absence." 
"  That's  all  right,  then." 

"  But  what  have  you  learned  ?"  inquired  Tom,  with 
some  anxiety. 

"  Why,  it  seems  the  police  are  after  a-man  who  is  sus- 
pected of  being  the  author  of  several  mysterious  murders. 
The  police  got  information  that  he  was  seen  to  enter 
the  White  Horse,  and  that  ho  had  not  emerged  again." 
"  But  stay — did  you  not  tell  me  that  this  landlord  re- 
fused to  hold  out  any  protection  to  murderers  ?" 

"  Yes,  certainly,  and  I  mado  the  remark  as  soon  as  I 
heard  tho  particulars  ;  but  the  officers  are  rather  incredu- 
lous, so  they  have  been  all  the  morning  searching  from 
the  cellar  to  tho  attic." 

"  And  have  they  found  him  ?" 

"  No,  not  even  the  ghost  of  a  clue.  Old  Matthew  takes 
it  very  coolly,  declaring  most  positively  that  no  one  of 
tho  kind  is  in  the  house  ;  but  the  officers  take  no  noticoof 
that,  for  they  are  well  awaro  ho  would  say  just  tho  same 
thing  if  the  man  they  wanted  was  under  their  noses." 

"  He  is  really  quite  a  remarkable  character,"  said 
Tom  Davis.  "  You  interest  me  greatly  ;  1  really  think 
1  shall  feel  inclined  to  run  across  when  I  leave  you  just 
to  have  a  peep  at  so  extraordinary  an  individual." 

"  Oh,  ho  is  nothing  much  to  look  at,"  said  the  barbor, 
"  and  I  should  not  think  so  badly  of  him  as  I  do  but  for 
one  thing." 

"  And  may  I  ask  what  that  is  ?" 

"  Yes,  he  does  not  support  his  neighbours  as  ho  might. 
Instead  of  coming  to  me  to  be  shaved  he  actually  has 
the  meanness  to  shave  himself.    Then,  as  for  hair-dress- 


ing, ho  never  requires  it,  for  his  head  is  about  as  bald 
as  a  head  could  be.  He  even  does  not  patronise  me  by 
buying  a  wig,"  the  barber  added,  in  conclusion. 

Tom  Davis  could  not  help  feeling  greatly  amused  at 
all  he  heard,  and  some  more  time  still  was  spent  in  thiB 
kind  of  conversation. 

The  barber  himself  was  never  so  happy  as  when  ho 
could  get  hold  of  some  one  who  would  listen  patiently 
while  he  talked. 

And  so  long  after  the  operation  of  hair-dressiug  was 
over,  Tom  remained  in  the  shop. 

And  yet  it  did  not  seem  strange  for  him  to  do  so,  for 
his  hand  was  on  the  knob  of  the  door  all  the  time,  as  it 
he  was  about  to  take  his  departure  each  moment. 

At  length,  feeling  anxious  to  see  whether  the  officers 
had  loft,  Tom  passed  out  into  the  street  again. 

He  glanced  up  and  saw  nothing  of  the  officers,  but  he 
thought,  after  all,  it  would  bo  more  expedient  if  ho 
allowed  an  hour  or  two  to  elapse  before  he  paid  his  visit, 
so  he  walked  briskly  in  the  direction  of  tho  Strand,  in- 
tending to  whilo  away  his  time  somewhere  else. 

About  an  hour  and  a  half  afterwards  he  returned,  and 
approached  tho  White  Horse  as  circumspectly  as  ho 
could.  He  was  rejoiced  to  find  that  the  barber  was  not 
standing  at  his  door,  as  he  feared  he  would  be,  in  which 
case  he  might  have  run  across  the  road  and  entered  at  tho 
same  time,  intending  to  take  a  friendly  glass  with  him. 

That,  however,  would  by  no  means  have  answered 
Tom's  purpose,  so,  with  a  feeling  of  great  relief,  ho 
hastily  crossed  the  threshold. 


CHAPTER   DCCCLVII. 

IN    WHICH   TOM    DAVIS    AND     OLD    MATTHEW    HOLD   A 
CONSULTATION    RESPECTING   DICK    TUKPIN. 

There  was  an  air  of  quietude  about  tho  interior  of  tho 
inn  that  seemed  to  tell  Tom  Davis  at  once  that  the 
officers  had  taken  their  departure. 

With  increasing  confidence  and  ease,  ha  made  his 
way  along  the  passage  to  the  bar  window. 

Only  a  few  people  woro  sitting  in  tho  public-room, 
and  they  were  conversing  with  each  other  in  low  tones, 
as  if  upon  particular  business  of  their  own. 

Tom  Davis  glanced  all  about  him,  but  seeing  no  one 
who  would  observe  his  movements,  he  left  the  bar 
window  and  proceeded  to  the  door,  which  he  opened 
hastily,  and  as  hastily  closed  after  him. 

Opposite  was  that  door  we  have  so  frequently  had  oc- 
casion to  mention,  which  communicated  with  old 
Matthew's  private  sitting-room. 

Here  Tom  fully  expected  to  find  his  old  friend,  so  he 
opened  this  door  also  without  ceremony. 

His  conjecture  proved  correct. 

Seated  at  a  table,  on  which  was  spread  a  repast  of  a 
very  substantial  character,  was  old  Matthew. 

The  opening  of  the  door  caused  him  to  look  up,  and 
no  sooner  did  he  see  who  had  entered  than  he  dropped 
his  knife  and  fork  and  uttered  an  ejaculation. 

"  Why,  bless  and  save  us,  Tom  !  is  it  you  ?'' 

"It  is,"  was  the  answer,  and,  as  he  gavo  it,  Tom 
closed  the  door  quietly  behind  him. 

"  But  what  on  earth  brings  you  here  to-day  ?"  said 
old  Matthew.  "  I'm  glad  to  see  you.  Sit  down,  you 
are  just  in  time  for  breakfast.  I  am  rather  late  this 
morning  ;  but  those  confoundod  officers  havo  kept  me 
hard  at  work." 

■'  1 1  is  rather  late,"  said  Tom,  seating  himself  as  he  had 
been  desired,  and  thinking  at  the  same  time  that  the  meal 
looked  very  much  more  liko  a  dinner  than  a  breakfast. 

But  old  Matthew  was  a  rare  trencherman,  as  he  knew 
very  well. 

"Now,  Tom,"  he  cried,  "help  yourself  —  don't  bo 
afraid  ;  and  then,  whilo  I  finish,  you  can  tell  me  what 
has  brought  you  here  to-day." 

But  Tom  Davis  only  replied  to  this  invitation  by 
shaking  his  head. 

"  I  can't  eat,  Matthew,"  he  said,  "  or  drink.  Can  it 
be  possible  that  you  do  not  know  what  has  brought  me 
here?" 

"  No.  "Why,  what  has  happened— nothing  serious,  I 
hope  ?" 

"  My  trust  is  that  the  report  is  without  foundation," 
replied  Tom  Davis,  "yet  I  can  scarcely  indulge  in  such 
a  hope." 


THE   KN1GI1T   OF   TUB   ROAD 


UO'd 


"What— what?  Confound  it,  man,  why  don't  yen 
speak  out?" 

"  Why,  this  morning,  early,  I  heard  that  Dick  Turpin 
had  been  captured  and  was  confined  in  Newgate  I" 

This  intelligence  came  upon  old  Matthew  like  a  thunder 
clap,  and  fh  his  astonishment  he  gave  the  chair  on  which 
he  sat  such  a  jerk  that  it  went  rolling  along  the  Coos*  on 
its  castors  until  stopped  by  the  wall. 

"  In  Newgate  ?"  ho  gasped,  rising  to  his  foet.  "  Kidi- 
calous— impossible — nothing  of  the  sort!" 

Tom  Davis  drew  a  long  breath. 

1  L  am  triad  to  hear  it." 

"  Why,  how  en  earth  could  such  a  report  have  reached 
your  ears  ?  If  it  was  true,  depend  upon  it  I  should  Lave 
heard  all  about  it  long  ago." 

"So  I  should  think,"  returned  Tom  Davis,  who  was 
beginning  to  feel  more  at  ease.  "  However,  Matthew,  if 
you  will  have  the  patience  to  listen  for  a  fewminute3  I 
will  give  you  an  account  of  the  whole  affair,  from  begin- 
ning to  end." 

"  Proceed,  then — I  am  all  attention." 

Thereupon,  Tom  described  how  Dick  had  taken  his 
departure — how  Black  Bess  had  returned— how  they  had 
waited  for  him  in  vain,  and  at  last,  how  the  newsman  had 
brought  the  intelligence. 

"Well,  it's  very  strange,"  said  old  Matthew,  thought- 
fully, and  resting  his  head  on  his  hand — "  very  singular 
indeed;  but  I  have  been  away  from  homo  the  last  few 
days.  Particular  business,  connedtod  with  a  relative  oi 
mine,  took  mo  down  to  Dover.  I  stari-ea  three  days  ago, 
Bud  did  not  return  until  this  morning,  and  when  I  did 
arrive  I  found  my  house  all  in  the  greatest  confusion,  for 
a  party  of  police  officers  had  taken  it  into  their  heads  that 
I  had  secreted  somebody  or  other.  I  was  vexed,  of  course, 
to  think  the  place  should  have  been  so  overhauled  during 
my  absence ;  but  yet  my  mind  was  easy,  because  I  had  no 
one  concealed." 

"  Then,"  said  Tom,  beginning  to  look  grave  again,  "it 
is  quite  possible  that  during  your  absence  Dick's  arrest 
may  have  been  effected,  and  since  you  have  returned 
home  doubtless  you  have  been  in  such  a  state  of  con- 
fusion and  excitoment  that  you  have  had  no  time  to  hear 
anything." 

"  Well,  Tom,  there  may  be  something  in  that,  and  I  am 
inclined  to  think  there  is;  I  should  be  more  so  but  for 
one  fact." 

"  What  is  that  ?" 

"  Why,  I  think  it  was  only  about  the  very  last  time  he 
was  hero  that  Dick  Turpin  most  positively  assured  me 
that  ho  would  die  a  thousand  times  rather  than  sur- 
render." 

"  Yes — yes,  I  have  heard  him  say  the  same  thing 
often." 

''  Well,  and  Dick  is  invariably  as  good  as  his  word,  so 
therefore  I  think  the  intelligence,  after  all,  must  be  untrue." 

"  I  fervently  hope  so,"  said  Torn  Davis,  "for  I  can 
assure  you  that  his  comrades  are  in  the  utmost  consterna- 
tion ;  and  as  for  Maud,  the  shock  was  terrible,  and  when  I 
left  her  she  was  only  keeping  herself  up  by  the  hope  that 
I  should  bring  back  good  news." 

"Which  I  hope  you  will,"  said  old  Matthew,  "But 
don't  let  us  sit  here  auy  longer  talking  thus  and  remaining 
In  suspense.  If  Dick  is  in  Newgate,  the  fact  will  he  easily 
ascertained,  and  quickly  too ;  if  he  is  not,  you  may  depend 
he  is  well  able  to  take  care  of  himself." 

"  Yes,  yes — I  have  no  doubt  about  that ;  and  I  beg, 
Matthew,  that  you  will,  without  auy  further  delay,  make 
the  necessary  inquiries." 

"  Will  you  go  too  ?" 

"No;  if  you  have  no  ODJection,  I  would  prefer  to  tit 
here  until  you  return." 

"  It  will  perhaps  be  quite  as  well,"  replied  Matthew, 
and  as  he  spoke  he  took  down  his  hat  and  changed  his 
coat. 

Just  a3  he  was  about  to  quit  the  room  the  -toor  was 
opened,  and  the  girl  who  minded  the  bar  in  his  absence 
said: 

"  You  are  wanted — now — in  a  moment." 

Matthew  just  nodded  to  his  old  friend  and  passea  into 
the  bar. 

At  the  window  was  the  turnkey  who  hud  shown  fcim- 
»elf  to  be  such  a  good  friend  to  Turpin. 

"  You  aro  Matthew  Oslo,  1  suppeso  ?"  Uc  ?*i-4. 


'•Well,  then,  take  this,  and  this,  and  I  will  wait  hero  for 
your  answer." 

While  speaking,  the  man  handed  over  the  letter  and 
also  the  locket,  both  of  which  Matthew  received  with  con- 
siderable surprise. 

Hastily  opening  the  letter,  he  glanced  at  its  contents. 

At  the  first  word  the  expression  of  his  countonaneo 
changed  suddenly. 

Turning  round,  he  mado  his  way  into  tin1  inaer 
room. 

"  It's  true,  Tom,"  he  said,  r.s  ne  sank  down  into  a 
chair — "  true,  Tom — every  word  of  it.  Just  read  that ;  I 
am  so  confused  that  I  can  t." 

Tom  Davis  took  the  letter  with  a  trembling  hand,  and, 
in  a  low,  shaking  voice,  read  what  Turpin  had  written. 

Until  its  perusal  was  finished,  no  word  was  spoken,  and 
then,  looking  into  Matthew's  face,  Tom  said : 

"Weil,  cow,  my  friend,  what  do  you  think  of 
that?" 

"Think?"  replied  Matthew,  wiping  his  forehead.  "I 
hardly  kaow  what  to  think  ;  it  seems  impossible.  Just 
let  me  have  a  look  at  the  letter,  will  you?" 

Then,  as  if  unable  to  believe  his  ears,  he  glanced 
rapidly  over  the  sheet  of  paper. 

"  What  can  all  this  bo  about  a  locket?"  he  exclaimed. 
"  Stay — here  it  is  ;  let  us  look  at  it." 

With  some  difficulty,  he  found  out  the  means  by  which 
the  locket  was  opened,  and  ho  gazed  with  great  interest 
and  attention  UDOIl  the  two  pOl traits. 

Tom  Davis  gazed  also. 

"  I  remember,"  he  said — "  I  remember  now.  Dick  told 
me  all  about  it,  and  you  will  understand  better  if  1  make 
you  acquainted  with  the  facts." 

In  as  few  words  as  possible,  Tom  Davis  then  related  to 
old  Matthew  Dick  Turpin's  peculiar  adventuro  with  the 
mysterious  lady,  to  whom  he  had  rendered  such  an  im- 
portant service,  which  she  had  requited  him  by  the 
bestowal  of  the  locket. 

Old  Matthew  looked  thoughtfully. 

"  That,  then,  accounts  for  Dick  having  surrendered  him- 
self. He  must  have  great  faith  in  it — more  faith  than  I 
should  like  to  put  in  anything." 

'•'  He  has  good  reasons,  rest  assured,"  said  Tom  Davis. 
''  I  have  every  confidence  in  him.  Now  that  I  have  read 
his  letter,  with  all  speed  I  shall  hasten  back  to  the  Three 
Spiders,  and  io-night,  in  all  probability,  Tom  King  will 
seek  his  audioncc  with  the  King." 

Matthew  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  It  seems  an  impossibility  to  me !"  he  exclaimed. 
"  How  on  earth  can  he  hope  to  ,^t  an  audience  ?" 

"  That  I  know  not ;  I  shall  icavo  it  to  him.  He  is 
very  cunning  in  all  expedients ;  and  if  any  person  could 
succeed  he  would." 

Old  Matthew  was  silent. 
*  "  You  may  as  well  inform  me,  or  ascertain,  if  yeu  don't 
know,  one  fact  that  will  save  him  some  trouble,  psr&ops.'' 

"  What  is  that  ?" 

"  Why,  whether  tho  King  is  at  St.  James's  or  at 
Windsor." 

"  At  Windsor,  I  believe.  But  before  you  go  I  will  take 
care  that  there  shall   be  no  doubt  upon  this  scoro." 

"  Who  brought  the  letter  ?     Where  is  he  ?" 

"  At  the  bar  window,"  returned  Matthew.  "  He  looks  to 
me  like  one  of  the  warders  of  the  prison." 

"  Then,"  suggested  Tom  Davis,  "  had  we  not  better 
have  him  in  hero  for  a  few  moments,  and  get  from  him 
60 me  personal  information  ?" 

"  A  good  thought,"  replied  old  Matthew — "  a  very  good 
thought;  we'll  have  him  in  at  once.  It  will  bo  some 
satisfaction  to  know  from  some  one  who  has  seen  him  so 
lately  just  how  Dick  Turpin  is." 


CHAPTER  DCCCLVIII. 

KICK  TUUPIN  CONTRIVES     TO     MAKE    HIMSELF   VERT  -tjQM- 
FORTABI.E   IS    NEWGATE. 

The  friendly  jailer  was  at  once  called  in,  and  a  conversa- 
tion of  considerable  length  followed. 

There  was  nothing  in  it,  however,  that  deserves  lo  be 
repeated,  since  the  reader  is  already  acquainted  with  sucb 
particulars  as  the  turnkey  was  able  to  give. 

Yet  it  was  a  very  gre;it  satisfaction  indeed  both  to  1  ■'■?■* 
Davie  and  old  Matthew  Gilo  to  hold  eoareH&tittl  '>'i:5'  4 
m^  who  cnuia  U-.il  Lbrm  how  JBfcS  BptjiW  Bft3  looked 


1404 


BLACK   BESS;   OK, 


"  He  is  not  very  easy  in  his  mind,"  the  turnkey  said  ; 
"  but  he  will  be  all  right  when  I  return.  You  must 
understand  this  letter  was  written  yesterday,  soon  after 
his  arrival  in  Newgate.  He  gave  it  to  me,  and  I 
promised  to  deliver  it  at  once,  but,  unfortunately,  was 
prevented  from  doing  so  uutil  this  morning." 

"  How  so  ?" 

"  Why,  quite  unexpectedly,  and  at  the  last  moment, 
the  Governor  set  me  on  to  some  extra  duty,  which  pre- 
vented mo  from  leaving.  I  can  assure  you  the  captain's 
disappointment  was  very  great  when  I  took  the  first 
opportunity  of  returning  to  his  cell  and  informing  hiui 
of  my  failure.  It  was  then  j  ust  growing  dark.  He  had 
been  in  the  greatest  suspense,  fully  expecting  that  I  had 
taken  the  letter,  and  was  wondering  at  my  delay.  How- 
ever, I  told  him  that  he  must  wait  until  to-day." 

"  And  I  suppose  you  took  the  first  opportunity  to 
got  away  this  morning  ?" 

",I  did." 

"  Well,  then,  when  you  return,  toll  him  that  no  effort 
on  our  parts  shall  be  wanting  to  secure  his  release,  and 
if  the  locket  fails,  wo  shall  adopt  other  means." 

"I  will  be  sure  to  tell  him.  Bslieve  me,"  he  added, 
earnestly,  "  you  can  fully  trust  me,  and  any  further  mes- 
sage you  have  to  send  you  had  better  give  to  me  verbally, 
and  I  will  repeat  it  to  him.  There  will  then  be  no  fear 
of  the  letter  being  lost  or  discovered." 

"  Good  !"  said  old  Matthew.  "  But  at  present  that 
is  all  that  I  can  think  of  to  say." 

"Except,"  added  Tom  Davis,  "  that  wo  are  all  very 
auxious  about  him,  Maud  especially,  and  that  I  shall 
endeavour  to  calm  her  as  well  as  [  am  able." 

Soon  after  this  the  turnkey  took  his  leave. 

He  was  only  allowed  to  be  absent  from  the  prison  for 
a  certain  time,  but,  being  a  favourite  of  the  Governor's, 
he  was  allowed  indulgences  of  various  kinds. 

After  he  had  gone,  Tom  Davis  and  old  Matthew  sat 
for  some  time  in  consultation. 

At  length  the  latter  departed,  in  order  to  ascertain 
the  whereabouts  of  the  King. 

This  was  information  easy  to  be  obtained. 

In  about  half  an  hour  old  Matthew  returned,  saying  : 

"  The  King  is  at  Windsor,  though  it  is  not  known 
how  soon  he  may  leave  the  castle  for  London." 

"  That  will  do,"  said  Tom.  "  It  only  shows  what 
necessity  there  is  for  promptitude  of  action.  I'll  be  off 
at  once." 

"  It  puzzles  me  exceedingly,"  said  old  Matthew, "  and 
I  shall  be  heartily  glad  to  see  him  out  of  Newgate. 
That  locket  will  have$are  power  indeed  if  it  releases 
him,  for  I  know  how  determined  all  the  authorities  are 
to  secure  him,  if  possible." 

"  Well,  we  shall  see,"  added  Tom  Davis,  who  went 
on.  "  By-the-way,  Matthew,  there's  one  little  circum- 
stance I  may  as  well  mention  to  you,  which  is  this  : 
You  have  a  neighbour  opposite— a  barber." 

Matthew  nodded. 

"  He  is  the  most  inquisitive  fellow  I  ever  met  with, 
and  his  especial  pleasure  is  to  find  out  what  is  going  on 
here." 

"  I  know  it,"  said  old  Matthew — "  I  know  it  very 
well.  I  have  been  waiting,  hoping  to  catch  him  and  put 
an  end  to  his  tricks.     I  shall  do  it  some  day,  I  know." 

"  Be  careful,  Matthew,"  continued  Tom — "pray  be 
careful !  You  don't  know  what  mischief  a  man  like 
that  might  do !" 

"  It  is  impossiblo  to  guess,  and  I  am  much  obliged  to 
you  for  the  caution.  I  have  had  my  eye  upon  him  for  a 
long  timo  past." 

"  And  now,  Mattfiow,"  said  Tom,  "  one  word  before 
I  go.  If  anything  particular  occurs,  you  may  rely 
upon  seeing  me  hero  again  very  shortly,  so  don't  be  out 
of  the  way  if  you  can  possibly  help  it." 

"  I  will  not,  you  may  depend.  I  feel  quite  as  much 
concerned  in  this  business  as  you  do,  and  I  shall  keep 
my  eyes  open  to  pick  up  all  the  intelligence  I  can." 

With  this  understanding  the  two  friends  parted. 

Tom  Davis  would  have  left  the  inn  by  the  front  door, 
i>at  old  Matthew  prevented  him. 

"  No,  no,"  he  said — "you  had  better  not  go  that  way 
— the  officers  might  see  you.  Come  here — it  will  be 
better  to  pass  through  the  stables." 

Of  the  interior  arrangements  of  the  White  Horse  Tom 
Davis  knew  little  except  from  hearsay,  and  his  surprise 


was  very  great  when  Matthew  took  him  out  into  the 
yard  and  led  him  into  the  secret  stable  that  we  have 
previously  described. 

From  this,  it  will  be  recollected,  there  was  a  communi- 
cation with  the  numberless  streets  lying  between  Dtury 
Lane  and  Clare  Market,  and  in  which  anyone  might 
easily  gat  out  of  sight. 

Tom  Davis  glanced  around  as  he  emerged  into  the 
open  air. 

But,  so  far  as  he  could  tell,  thero  were  no  polico  officers 
on  the  watch. 

Taking  a  circuitous  route,  he  made  his  way  to  the  inn 
where  he  had  left  his  horse. 

As  ho  hurried  through  the  streets,  he  was  surprised 
to  find  how  late  it  was — the  day  was  really  drawing  to 
a  close. 

Before  he  could  roach  Ealing,  he  felt  tolerably  cer- 
tain night  would  be  at  hand,  and,  with  the  view  of  re- 
turning as  hastily  as  possible,  ho  made  his  horse  put 
forth  its  best  speed. 

How  he  arrived  the  reader  is  already  aware,  and  now 
the  intelligence  he  carried  is  known  also. 

This  leaves  us  at  liberty  to  follow  the  turnkey  back 
to  Newgate. 

As  ho  had  said,  Dick's  disappointment  and  vexation 
on  the  preceding  night  were  very  great  indeed,  and 
during  the  long  hours  of  darkness  ho  remained  counting 
every  minute  as  it  passed,  for  his  mind  was  in  too 
feverish  a  state  for  sleep. 

He  was  now  awaiting,  with  the  greatest  impatience, 
the  turnkey's  return. 

When  lie  caught  sight  of  him,  one  glance  into  his 
countenance  was  suffioieut  to  assure  him  that  the  man 
had  been  successful. 

"  All's  right,  captain,"  said  the  turnkey,  closing  the 
door — "  all's  as  right  as  you  could  wish  !" 

"  That's  a  relief." 

"No  doubt." 

"But  begin  at  the  beginning,  and  tell  me,  quietly 
and  calmly,  every  little  circumstance  —  do  not  spare 
one  detail." 

The  turnkey  complied,  and,  as  he  proceeded,  Dick's 
composure  and  light-heartedness  returned. 

"Bravo!"  he  said.  "  I  feel  now  like  a  free  man  !  I 
have  a  presentiment  that  my  longer  stay  in  Newgate 
will  be  brief  in  the  extreme  !" 

"  I  hope  so,  captain.  And  now,  then,  let  me  entreat 
you  to  partake  of  something.  You  have  eaten  nothing 
yet,  and  it  may  be  necessary  for  you  to  keep  up  your 
strength." 

"lam  all  right  now,"  was  the  answer,  "  and  can  do 
justice  to  anything." 

"  That's  the  style,  captain  !  You  speak  quite  different 
now  !  Have  patience  for  a  short  time  only,  and  I  will 
set  such  a  dinner  before  you  as  would  suit  a  prince  !" 

Dick  smiled  at  him,  and  the  man  left. 

A  sensation  of  great  faintness  came  over  him  imma- 
diately  afterwards. 

Now  that  relief  was  afforded  to  his  mind,  Nature  as- 
serted her  supremaoy. 

Such  a  change  as  was  perceptible  in  him  would  have 
astonished  any  beholder. 

The  turnkey  was  as  good  as  his  word. 

In  an  incredibly  short  space  of  time,  considering  all 
the  difficulties,  a  most  excellent  repast  was  brought 
in. 

The  fact  must  not  be  overlooked  that  in  those  days 
the  discipline  maintained  inside  a  prison  differed  widely 
from  that  of  the  present  day. 

It  is  notorious  that  the  greatest  criminal,  if  he  only 
had  the  means  at  command,  could  do  almost  what  he 
liked,  except  to  leave  his  cell. 

It  was  a  shame  and  disgrace  that  such  ft  state  of 
things  should  be  permitted,  but  the  abuso  continued 
until  long  after  the  time  of  which  we  write. 

Dick  drew  his  chair  up  to  tho  table  eagerly. 

"  Now,  captain,"  cried  the  turnkey,  as  he  removed  the 
covers,  "  if  that  does  not  tempt  yon,  I'm  a  Dutchman  ! 
And  here,  look,  are  a  couple  of  bottles  of  the  best  wine 
that  can  be  obtained  in  London." 

"  We  shall  do  rarely,"  Baid  Dick.  •'  I  really  think  I 
never  felt  so  hungry  in  my  life." 

"  Lay  on,  then  !     I  will  wait  upon  you." 

"  No  you  won't  I"  said  Dick,    "  You  will  sit  down  aa 


THE   KNIGHT   OF   TUB   BOAD. 


1405 


welL  Ton  are  my  friend,  and  shall  be  treated  as 
such." 

The  turnkey  was  nothing  loth. 

With  a  pleased  expression  in  his  eyes,  ho  drew  a  stool 
np  to  the  table,  and  for  some  moments  there  was  a  perfect 
silence — both  were  too  busily  engaged  in  doing  daty  to 
the  good  things  before  them  to  speak 

The  wine  was  tapped,  and  proved  to  be  indeed  of  the 
most  excellent  quality. 

A  sensation  of  calmness  and  satisfaction  crept  over 
Did:. 

Glass  after  glass  was  drained,  and,  could  any  person 
have  taken  a  peep  into  that  particular  cell  in  Newgate  at 
that  moment,  they  would  have  been  struck  will*  the 
greatest  amazement. 

Dick  leaned  back  in  his  chair,  as  though  perfectly  con- 
tent and  at  home. 

"Upon  my  word,  now,"  he  exclaimed,  "  life  in  Newgate 
Is  not  so  bad,  after  all !" 

"  Not  so  bad !"  repeated  the  turnkey.  "  And  yet  I  ex- 
pect you  will  be  glad  enough  to  leave  it." 

"  I  shall ;  for,  no  matter  if  its  comforts  were  ten  thou- 
sand times  greater  than  they  are,  I  should  still  bo  de- 
prived of  the  greatest  blessing  of  life,  and  that  is 
liberty." 

"  Hush !"  said  the  turnkey.  "  I  can  hear  somebody 
coming.    Who  is  it,  I  wonder  ?" 

Both  listened. 

A  step  was  heard  without,  and  then  the  sound  of  a 
voice  came  to  their  ears,  though  the  words  uttered  could 
not  be  distinguished. 

"  It's  the  Governor,"  cried  the  turnkey,  in  some  alarm. 
"Confound  him!  What  in  the  world  does  he  want 
here  ?  Where  can  I  hide,  I  wonder  ?  Oh,  nowhere,  of 
course  ln 

CHAPTER  DCCCLIi. 

ME.    BRADBURY,  THE  GOVERNOR,  CONVEYS  A  DISAGREEABLE 
MESSAGE  TO   DICK  TURPIN   IN   HIS   CELL. 

One  rapid  glance  round  the  cell  was  quite  enough  to 
make  the  turnkey  aware  that  all  attempts  to  conceal  him- 
self in  it  would  be  futile. 

The  only  hiding-place,  if  it  may  be  so  called,  was 
underneath  the  table,  and  the  turnkey  rather  shrank  from 
availing  himself  of  it. 

Dick  was  by  no  means  disconcerted — ho  was  just  in  the 
humour  to  be  pleased  with  everything. 

The  heavy  fastenings  were  slowly  undone,  and  the 
door  thrown  open. 

"Dear  me!"  exclaimed  the  Governor,  sniffing  the  air  as 
he  entered — "  dear  me  ;  what  do  I  smell  ?" 

••The  good  things  of  this  earth,"  said  Dick.  "I  am 
pleased  to  see  you,  Mr.  Bradbury  ;  had  I  known  you  were 
about  to  pay  me  a  visit,  I  would  have  postponed  my 
dinner  so  as  to  have  had  the  pleasurs  of  your  company." 

The  Governor  stared,  as  well  he  might 

The  idea  of  his  sitting  down  to  dinner  with  a  prisoner 
was  a  rich  joke. 

"You  are  making  yourself  comfortable,  I  see,"  he  ex- 
claimed ;  "  but,  then,  I  suppose,  you  think  of  your  motto : 
A  short  life  and  a  merry  one." 

"  Yes,  yes — begone  dull  care !  Would  yon  allow  me 
the  pleasure  of  taking  wine  with  you,  Mr   Bradbury?" 

"  Bah  !  nonsense !  Don't  be  a  fool.  If  I  wink  at  pro- 
ceedings of  this  kind,  it  is  only  to  show  you  how  willing 
[  am  to  do  you  any  good  turn  for  your  promise  not  to 
make  the  attempt  to  escape." 

'*es,  yes — i  Know  inn*,"  replied  Turpm.  'I  dont 
uoik  as  if  I  was  breaking  my  word,  do  I  ?" 

"  You  certainly  do  not,  and  I  should  not  havg  locked 
In,  only  once  a  day  I  make  it  a  practice  of  paying  a  vicit 
to  every  cell,  and  1  «aw  no  reason  why  yours  should  be 
an  exception." 

"  Certainly  no^,  Mr.  Bradbury — certainly  not.  i  feel 
rather  hurt  to  think  you  will  not  take  wine  with  me. 
But,  however,  it  don't  matter,  I  won't  bear  ycu  any 
grudge  for  it.  Whenever  you  like  to  call  I  shalj  bo  proud 
and  happy  to  see  you." 

Mr.  Bradbury  hardly  knew  whether  to  be  amused  or 
annoyed  at  this  familiarity,  and  while  in  this  state  of 
hesitation  his  eye  chanced  to  fall  on  the  form  of  the 
lurnsej. 

"Oh,  you  iro  here    are  you  ?"  he  criea.    "What  tho 


devil  do  you  mean  by  it/    Is  this  attending  to  your 
duty  ?" 

"Beg  pardon,  sir,  if  I've  done  wrong,"  said  the  turn- 
key, humbly,  "but  I'm  off  du'.y  now,  sir,  so  I  thought 
there  was  no  harm." 

"  Well,  then,  you  thought  wrong.  Be  off  at  once  ;  I 
will  not  allow  you  to  remain  in  any  cell  with  the  prisoner, 
mind  that !" 

The  turnkey  retired,  glad  enough  to  make  his  escape. 
"Don't  be  hard  on  to  him,"  cried  Dick,  "  the  fault  is  all 
my  own.     I  tempted  him  with  money  first  to  get  what  ha 
has  brought,  and  then  persuaded  him  to  remain,  for  above 
all  things  in  the  world  I  do  hate  to  dine  alone." 

Tho  Governor  drew  a  long  breath. 

"  I  have  come  across  some  strange  characters  in  my 
time,"  he  exclaimed — "very  strange  ones,  but  I'll  bo 
hanged  if  you  don't  beat  them  all !  No  one  would  be- 
lieve that  you  were  in  the  slightest  bit  of  trouble." 

"No  more  I  am,"  was  tho  reply,  given  with  a  smile. 
"  I  feel  quite  comfortable — never  better  in  my  life." 

"  Well,  we  shall  see  ;  but  there's  one  thing  I  have  in- 
variably noticed." 

"And  what  may  that  be,  Mr.  Governor?" 

_ "  Why,  that  those  who  carry  things  cSE  with  such  a 
high  hand  and  pretend  to  be  so  very  game  always  show 
the  whito  feather  at  the  last." 

"  Then  you  will  find  I  shall  be  an  exception  to  your 
rule,"  said  Turpin,  with  mo/e  earnestness  than  he  had 
before  made  use  of.  "  But  something  seems  to  tell  me 
that  we  are  destined  to  bo  much  better  friends  than  we 
are  at  present." 

"  Well,  I  don't  know  that.  I  have  one  piece  of  infor- 
mation to  give  you,  which  perhaps  will  make  a  change 
in  your  manner." 

"  May  I  inquire  what  it  is  ?" 

"  Oh,  certainly ;  I  intended  to  tell  you  before  I  left.  1 
suppose  I  need  not  remind  you  that,  having  once  been 
tried  and  sentenced,  that  little  formality  will  not  have  to 
be  gone  through  again." 

"  Oh,  indeed !"  said  Dick.  "  1  was  not  certain.  How- 
ever, I  am  not  sorry." 

"  Not  sorry  ?  Why,  it  would  have  given  you  a  day  or 
two  longer  to  live.  But  the  warrant  that  was  sent  hero 
for  your  execution  has  been  carefully  preserved,  and  it 
has  just  been  returned  by  the  Secretary  of  State  with  a 
fresh  endorsement  upon  it,  thus  saving  a  world  of 
trouble." 

Dick  was  silent. 

"According  to  the  instructions  contained  in  it,"  con- 
tinued the  Governor,  "  your  execution  is  appointed  to 
take  place  on  the  third  day  from  this  at  Tyburn.  A  very 
strong  feeling  is  against  you,  and  I  have  certain  know- 
ledge that  the  Secretary  of  State  has  determined  at  all 
risks  and  hazards  the  sentence  shall  be  carried  out. 
Newgate  is  watched  in  every  part — not  a  mouse  will  leave 
it  without  being  seen,  so  things  look  very  awkward  for 
you,  though  I  must  say  you  do  well  to  make  the  best  of 
what  little  time  there  is  left." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Dick,  as  calmly  and  unconcernedly  as 
before.  "  If  during  the  remainder  cf  my  stay  here  things 
go  on  as  pleasantly  as  they  have  begun,  I  shall  have  no- 
thing to  grumble  at.     I  shall  be  quite  content.'' 

The  Governor  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  Well,  perhaps  you  aro  tired  of  your  life  ;  if  you  are 
not,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  imagine  why  you  should  treat  your 
coming  death  so  coolly." 

"  That's  not  the  reason,  though  perhaps  ycu  may  know 
it  ere  lonfj.     On  the  third  day  from  this,  did  you  say?" 

"  \es.-' 

"  Then  that  will  be  Friday." 

"  Exactly  ;  and  on  Friday  all  the  preparations  at  Ty- 
burn will  be  made,  and  by  this  hour  all  will  be  over." 

"So  you  think,"  answered  Dick,  significantly;  '''but 
time  proves  all  things." 

"A  true  proverb,"  said  the  Governor,  "and  it  will 
provo  that  you  are  at  the  end  of  your  career  on  that  day, 
without  you  intend  to  break  your  word." 

"  I  have  no  thoughts  of  doing  so  ;  but  if  I  should  re- 
solve upon  that  course  I  will  give  you  timely  notice." 

This  seemed  the  best  joke  of  all  and  the  Governor, 
after  a  few  more  words,  left  the  cell. 

When  he  had  gone,  Dick  Tose,  and  somewnat  of  a 
change  came  over  his  countenance. 

"  So  soon,"  he  said — "  so  soon.    I  hp.'     arcolj  9  ij 


urn 


BLACK     EE?9;     OX, 


they  would  be  so  prompt.  Tom,  indeed,  will  have  to  be 
expeditious  to  perform  his  task,  and  the  lockot  must  bo  cf 
rare  efficacy  ii  it  liberates  ma.  Well,  wsil—time  alone 
will  show." 

He  paced  the  cell  somewhat  uneasily,  endeavouring  to 
picture  to  himself  as  best  ho  inight  how  his  comrades 
■were  engaged  at  that  timo. 

"  I  wonder  if  they  know  the  timo  is  so  short  ?"  he  mut- 
ton d,  pausing  before  the  window;  "if  so,  Tom  would 
start  to-night ;  if  not,  he  miglit  delay,  and  the  delay  would 

Eerhaps  bo  fatal.  But  away  witb  these  gloom/  fore- 
oc'jiigs,  I  will  hope  and  trust  for  the  best !" 

So  saying,  ho  folded  his  arms  4  id  conUnuc.1  to  gaze 
cut  at  the"  little  bit,  of  sky  visible  through  the  grated 
window  of  his  cell. 

He  continued  to  watch  until  it  gradually  darkoned  r.nd 
darkened  *"»  colour,  and  until  the  faint  glittering  stars  ap- 
peared. 

Then  he  know  that  night  had  come. 

More  anxiously  than  on  the  preceding  night  did  he  con- 
tinue to  watch. 

His  brain  was  all  the  time  occupied  in  suggesting  to 
him  what  his  comrades  might  be  doing. 

He  would  havo  given  much  could  he  but  have  obtained 
one  peep  at  their  proceedings. 

That,  however,  was  impossible,  and  eo;  in  uncertainty 
and  suspense,  the  time  passed  away. 

How  long  he  sat  there  he  knew  not,  but  at  last  ex- 
hausted nature  gave  way,  and  he  sank  off  into  a  deep  and 
dreamless  slumber,  from  which  he  did  not  awake  until  ho 
heard  some  one  removing  the  fastenings  of  his  door. 

He  started  hastily  and  opened  his  eyes 

To  his  astonishment  he  discovered  it  was  daylight. 

"  nave  I  indeed  slept  so  long  ?"  he  murmured.  "  #e!I, 
it  is  better,  so  the  night  is  gone.  I  wonder  now  whether 
Tom  King  has  been  successful,  and  if  he  has,  whether 
the  locket  will  produce  the  desired  effect  ?" 

Just  then  the  door  was  opened,  and  the  fr'andly  turn- 
key entered. 

"  I  will  cot  let  them  know  I  am  so  nxious,"  Dick 
thought.  "I  will  assume  a  carelessness  of  demeanour, 
even  though  I  feel  it  not ;  the  ouly  th'ng  that  I  can  de  is 
to  wait  with  patience,  and  in  the  m  antiine  make  myself 
as  comfortable  as  I  can." 

"  Breakfast,  captain,"  said  the  turnkey,  entering— 
;' and  a  rare  good  breakfast  it  is.  I  hope  you  will  do 
justice  to  it." 

■'  Put  it  down,"  said  Dick,  "ami  help  yourself." 

"  No,  no,  captain — T  must  not.  The  Governor  is  a  strange 
,  and  I  know  how  to  deal  with  him.  It  vexed  him  to 
•■3  here  lasi  night.  I  dir.'i  wish  to  get  him  at  all 
ongry,  and  so  it  will  oe  nest  tor  mo  to  c^ir*;n0  with  his 
vsishes.  Of  course,  if  he  liked  he  could  provem,  me 
from  paying  my  vis.ts  altogether,  which  would  be  a  bau 
thinp;  for  feoth  of  us,  I  think." 

"  You  shall  bo  the  best  judge,"  said  Diek,  "  in  that.  I 
leave  it  entirely  to  you.", 

"Then  I  am  off,  captain  ;  when  I  can  leave  the  prison 
1  will  slip  off  to  Drury  Lane.  I  may  bo  able  to  pick  up 
something  you  would  like  to  hear." 

"Very  likely  "  said  Dick — "very  likely." 

With  these  vords  the  turnkey  loft,  and  Dick  sat  down 
to  the  table. 

Tut  in  reality  ho  had  but  little  appetite. 

>Tow  that  the  timo  grew  closer  he  grew  more  and  mere 
doubtful  respecting  the  virtues  of  the  locket,  and  he  was 
troubled  as  wtil  by  the  statemeut  the  Governor  had  made 
respecting  the  vigilant  manner  iu  which  the  prison  was 
guarded. 

He  was  conscious  that,  should  the  locket  fail,  t-othing 
lould  save  him  from  an  ignoruln'ous  death  _>n  the 
morrow. 


CHAPTER  DOCCLX. 

TOM  KEJO.  CLAUDE  DUVAL,  AND  SIXTEEX-STRHJQ    JACK  [SET 
OUT  FOR   WINDSOR   CASTLE. 

Havtng   taken  such   a  calm   survey   of    his   own    very 
perilous  condition,  Dick  Turpin  might  indeed  feel  anxious 
10  the  cxtrome. 
But  (here  wa*"S  others  who  fully  shared  th*i  snxiely 


To  make  all  clear,  nowever,  we  must  cow  go  back  is 
the  moment  when  Tom  Davis  arrived  at  tho  Three 
Bpiders  Inn. 

Ho  was  besieged  at  onco  with  a  multitude  of  questions } 
but,  raising  his  hand,  ho  said  : 

"  If  you  will  all  bo  silent  I  will  tell  you  everything, 
from  beginning  to  end,  and  by  this  means  much  time  wii! 
be  saved." 

It  may  perhaps  be  imagined  with  what  amount  of  in» 
terest  the  highwaymen,  »!a  Maud,  and  Ellen  listened  tj 
his  recital. 

Maud,  learning  for  certain  that  Dick  waa  in  Newgaio. 
gave  vent  to  a  passionate  burst  of  grief ,-  for,  ics^ired  by 
the  words  Tom  Davis  had  uttered  ere  he  leri,  SuO  ' jw3 
hoped  on  to  the  la  it,  and  believed  that  lie  was  Irea 

Davis,  however,  tried  to  make  things  look  a  bright  ts 
possible,  and  produced  the  locket. 

Great  as  was  the  interest  his  narraf  .e  had  excited,  yet 
it  was  as  nothing  to  that  which  tuoy  felt  while  gazing 
upon  this  little  trinket. 

The  King's  features  wero  .ell  known  to  them  all,  but 
not  so  those  of  the  lady. 

"  It's  a  very  strange  ..usiness,  truly,"  said  Tom  King, 
after  Davis  had  informed  him  that  it  was  Dick's  wish  he 
should  deliver  the  locket — "a  very  strange  business;  but 
yet  I  hope  eve"  ything  will  turn  out  successfully." 

"It  is  our  only  hope,"  said  Tom  Davis  ;  "and  before  I 
left  I  too'  good  care  to  inquire  where  the  King  was  stav- 
ing. «_£e  is  at  Windsor,  though  it  is  not  known  how  soon 
he  may  leave." 

"  Then,"  replied  Tom,  "  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the 
best  thing  we  can  do  is  to  start  off  at  once ;  any  delay 
might  prove  cf  the  greatest  consequence." 

"Yes,  although  ho  did  not  mention  it,  Dick  no  doubt 
wishes  the  locket  to  be  delivered  immediately  ;  and  be- 
sides, lie  sooner  we  know  the  result  the  better  prepared 
we  shall  bo  to  act,  and  the  more  time  we  shall  havo  in 
case  of  any  emergency." 

"Very  true,"  said  Tom  King.  "It  is  fortunate  our 
horses  are  all  so  fresh  as  they  are  ;  the  journey  to  Windsor 
will  be  performed  easily  and  rapidly." 

"  You  will  let  us  accompany  you  ?"  6aid  Claude  Duval 
and  Sixteen-Striug  Jack.  "  You  cannot  toil  what  aid 
and  assistance  you  may  require." 

"I  cannot.  U  you  had  not  spoken  then  I  was  just 
about  to  ask  you  to  accompany  me." 

l'  But,"  said  Tom  Davis,  with  a  little  hesitation,  "  ] 
don't  like  to  raise  up  obstacles  and  to  throw  cold  water 
on  your  plans,  but  yet  I  should  very  much  like  to  know 
by  what  means  you  hope  to  gain  aoe>  ss  to  the  King?" 

Torn  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  I  shall  be  guided  entirely  by  circumstances  and  my 
good  luck.     If  they  fail  me  I  havo  no  other  guide." 

With  a  great  effort  Maud  wiped  aside  her  tears,  aud, 
artvi,  big  towards  Tom  King,  looked  him  earnestly  in 
the  iaco,  ta  she  said  : 

"  In  pit*  ' '-1  mercy  let  me  know  your  inmost  thoughts. 
Do  you  realiy  behevo  that  this  locket  will  procure  Diek'3 
liberation  ?"' 

Tom  paused  ere  fce  replied. 

Then,  in  a  voice  o.f  great  earnest r:e.-s,  he  said  : 

"  You  must  lemcmbe.  that  the  service  Dick  rendered 
to  the  person  who  gavo  him  this  locket  was  a  very  im- 
portant one  indeed,'  and,  thinking  over  all  the  circum- 
stances, I  don't  believe  that  such  a  gilt  would  have  been 
proffered  had  it  not  been  felt  »t  the  time  that  it  was  a'-l 
powerful." 

"You  really  think  it,  Tom?" 

"  I  do,  indeed." 

"  Then "  she  said,  "I  will  master  my  grief  and  hops 
on." 

"  Do,  di'-  —perhaps  ere  another  twenty-four  hours 
elapse  the  captaia  will  once  more  bo  amongst  us." 

"  Hasten — hasten,"  said  Tom  Davis  ;  "  night  is  closing 
in,  and  you  have  a  long  ride  before  you  ;  if  you  like,  I 
will  begin  to  get  the  horses  ready." 

He  dud  not  wait  for  any  answer,  but  left  the  inn  at 
once. 

The  three  highwaymen  looked  carefully  to  their 
weapons,  provided  themselves  with  ammunition,  and  also 
took  with  them  a  few  other  articles  which  taey  fancied 
might  be  required  in  tho  course  of  tho  n!gkt;>  fir>ven 
ture. 

This  deae,  they  said  farewell  tc-  Ms.-*d  *»d  tSBaa,  **4 


rnE  knight  of  raa  aon>. 


1407 


hastened  to  the  stables,  where  they  found  the  horses 
B«»arly  ready. 

Tom  Davis  glanced  around  hira,  and  finding  crdy  the 
highwaymen  were  near,  said: 

"  I  feel  very,  very  uneasy,  I  ear  issu,--?  voa.** 

"  What  about  ?" 

44  Why,  that  lockot." 

"  In  what  respect  ?" 

"  Why,  don't  you  happen  to  't;„ow  mat  Wiaodor  Castle 
Is  always  well  guarded  by  a  strong  force  of  military,  and 
more  especially  when  the  King  happens  to  be  there  ?  By 
what  means  do  you  hope  to  pass  *ho  sentinels?" 

Tom  drew  a  long  breath. 

11  It  will  be  an  awkward  job,  I  am  afraid,"  he  replied, 
st  length  ;  "  but  y?f,  if  courage,  coolness,  and  stratagem 
will  effect  our  purposo,  rely  upon  it  we  shall  suc- 
ceed." 

"  Well,  I  leave  you  t-s  it,"  said  Tom  Davis.  "  You  are 
more  used  to  getting  yourselves  out  of  scrapes  than  I  am, 
and  perhaps  you  will  be  able  to  think  of  something  that  I 
should  not." 

"  That  is  very  likely  indeed,"  said  Tom  King.  "And 
now  farewell !  You  may  expect  us  at  daybreak,  if  we 
meet  with  success ;  if  not,  we  shall  remain  somewhere 
close  at  hand,  on  the  watch  for  another  opportunit3-." 

With  these  words,  Tom  sprang  into  the  saddle. 

His  companions  had  already  mounted,  and  they  steal- 
thily took  their  departure  through  the  plantation. 

On  the  present  occasion,  Tom  King  was,  to  all  intents 
and  purposes,  the  leader  of  the  expedition,  so,  without 
6ayiug  a  word  upon  the  subject,  Claude  and  Jack  placed 
themselves  slightly  in  the  rear,  prepared  to  follow  wher- 
ever he  might  lead. 

Tom's  brain  was  too  busy  to  permit  of  speech  ;  more- 
over, the  rapid  pace  at  which  they  were  going  would 
have  made  conversation  very  difficult. 

He  had  resolved  at  once  upon  the  route  he  intended  to 
take,  and,  having  crossed  the  Thames,  he  took  off  across 
the  open  country,  thus  materially  diminishing  the  distance 
to  his  destination. 

There  was  another  reason  for  this  course,  which  was 
that  they  were  now  scarcely  likely  to  meet  with  an  in- 
terruption of  any  kind,  whereas,  had  they  kept  on  the 
high-road,  they  might  have  encountered  some  of  the 
numerous  bodies  of  police  that  they  knew  weie  on  the 
watch  for  them. 

There  was  only  once  that  the  highwaymen  paused,  and 
that  was  at  a  small  roadside  inn  situated  about  half- 
way. 

They  were  attracted  to  it  by  a  dim  light  that  was 
shining  from  one  of  the  windows. 

The  clatter  of  their  horses'  hoofs  as  they  drew  up  in 
front  caused  the  landlord  and  the  ostler  to  make  their  ap- 
pearance. 

"  Will  you  alight,  gentlemen  ?"  said  the  former. 
4  There's  every  accommodation." 

"  No,  no,"  returned  Tom  King,  hurriedly — "  we  cannot 
stay !  A  little  hay  and  water  for  our  horses  is  all  we 
want,  and  while  they  are  eating  it  we  will  take  a  draught 
of  your  best  October  ale." 

44  Very  good,  gentlemen." 

The  stay  here  did  not  occupy  many  minutes,  yet  both 
horses  and  riders  felt  much  refreshed  by  it,  and  in  better 
tune  for  performing  the  remainder  of  the  journey. 

With  undiminished  speed  they  galloped  on,  until  by  the 
taint  light  of  the  new  moon  they  perceived  in  the  distance 
the  massive  tower  of  Windsor  Castlo  and  the  vast  expanse 
of  forest  all  around  it. 

Great  circumspection  was  no»>  required  in  ail  their 
movements,  but,  with  a  boldness  that  was  somewhat  sur- 
prising, Tom  kept  on  in  a  straight  line  for  the  castle. 

"  I  wish  we  had  had  the  opportunity  of  reconnoitring," 
he  said,  slackening  his  speed  at  the  same  time.  "  Our 
task  would  then  have  been  so  much  easier.  Now  I  can 
scarcely  tell  how  we  are  to  discover  which  is  the  weakest 
point  of  the  defences." 

"  Let  us  draw  a  little  closer,"  said  Claude  Duval — :-  we 
shall  be  better  able  to  judge  then." 

In  a  few  minutes  afterwards,  they  found  themselves  in 
a  position  that  afforded  thera  a  view  of  a  considerable 
portion  of  the  castle,  and  here,  concealed  by  the  shadow 
cast  by  some  huge  trees,  they  paused. 

For  some  moments  not  a  word  was  spoken — all  had 
their  gaza  fixed  upon  the  building  before  them. 


"And  so  that  is  Windsor  Castle?"  mutterod  Tom  King 
at  length.     "  I  have  never  been  so  near  it,  before." 

"  Nor  i\"  said  Claude  Duval.  "  Lut  there's  one  thing 
that  strikes  me  very  forcibly." 

44 What'b  that  ?" 

44  Why.  supposing  you  should  get  over  the  difficulty  of 
effecting  an  entrance,  how  should  you  manage,  in  so  vast 
i»  building,  to  find  the  King  ?" 

Tom  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

41  There  is  time  enough  to  think  about  thai,  when  I  get 
inside,"  he  said.  "  It's  foolish  to  burden  the  mind  with 
too  much." 

"  Yes,  I  agree  with  you  there.  But  then,  suppose  the 
King  should  be  in  some  part  of  the  castle  remote  from 
the  point  at  which  you  may  enter,  and  that  you  may  b^ 
so  fortunate  as  to  guess  the  route,  how  far  do  you  think 
you  could  proceed  without  being  seen  by  some  oue  who 
would  know  immediately  that  you  were  an  intruder  ?" 

"There  are  too  many  supposes,  Claude,"  said  Tom, 
with  a  light  laugh,  "  but  I  know  what  you  mean.  Tho 
difficulty  of  getting  inside  the  building  is  almost  insur- 
mountable, and  you  wished  to  rerjiiud  me  that  when  that 
was  done  much  would  still  lio"  before  mo  to  be  accom- 
plished." 

"  That  is  precisely  what  I  meant." 

"  Well,"  said  Tom,  "  just  let  me  get  inside.  If  I  can 
do  that,  I  shall  have  great  hopes  of  performing  my  mission. 
Let  us  draw  a  little  closer." 

"Be  cautious,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack,  "or  wo  may 
be  seen." 

"All  right!     Tread  as  silently  as  you  can." 

Slowly  and  with  extreme  caution  the  highwaymen 
drew  somewhat  closer  to  the  royal  residence,  and  this 
they  were  enabled  to  do  unperceived,  in  consequence  of 
the  huge  trees  that  were  growing  everywhere. 

At  last  they  saw  before  them  a  wall,  tho  height  of 
which  might  be  twelve  feet  or  rather  more. 

Beyond  that  appeared  to  be  a  gara«i\  and  further  on 
still  tho  walls  of  the  castle  itself. 

As  soon  as  he  perceived  it,  Tom  said : 

"  That  looks  a  favourable  point  at  which  to  make  tho 
attempt.     What  say  you,  comrades  ?" 

'That  wall  might  easily  be  surmounted,  certr.iniy," 
they  said.  "  But  then,  that  is  not  all.  Look — wisat  do 
you  Jhink  of  that  ?" 

Tom  looked,  and  then,  round  an  angle  in  the  wall,  he 
saw  a  coldier  come  in  sight. 

The  mechanical  manner  in  which  ho  walked  a  certain 
number  cf  paces,  and  then  turned  round  and  walked  back 
again,  showed  that  he  was  a  sentinel. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXL 

TOM  KING  GETS  ONE  STEP   NEARER  TO  THE   ACCOMPLISH- 
MENT OF  HIS  TURPOSE. 

Breathlessly  the  highwaymen  watched  the  dusky 
figure  of  the  sentinel,  until  he  disappeared  round  the 
angle  of  tho  wal4. 

Even   after  Ifiwi    they   did   not  venture  to    move    or 


At  length,  in  a  faint  whisper,  Tom  eaid : 

"  Remain  where  you  are,  perfectly  still.  Let  us  notice 
how  long  a  time  will  elapse  before  he  comes  in  sight 
again." 

They  waited,  and  from  the  duration  of  his  absence,  they 
guessed  that  he  had  a  tolerably  long  walk  to  perform. 

When  he  had  disappeared  round  the  corner  for  the 
second  time,  Tom  said  : 

4i  Follow  me.  We  will  see  whero  ho  goes  to,  and  what 
ho  does." 

With  greater  caution  than  ever  they  slowly  made 
their  way  from  the  trees,  until  they  performed  the  end 
they  intended. 

The  wall  was  still  before  thcra,  only  in  this  place  it 
seemed  to  be  somewhat  higher. 

It  required  a  piercing  glanco  to  make  out  tha  figure  oi 
the  sentinel. 

But  at  last  they  perceived  him  at  some  distance. 

Then  he  paused,  and  ho  was  seen  to  be  J^ued  by 
another. 

A  salutation  of  some  kind  was  exchanged,  and  they 
turned  again. 

"  Well,  now,"  said  Tom  King,  "the  question  w,  wctud 


1408 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OR, 


tlurebetime  tor  ino  to  climb  over  the  wall  while  this 
sentinel  is  at  the  further  end  of  his  beat  ?" 

•'I  think  not,"  said  Claude,  "In  my  opinion,  you 
would  most  certainly  be  seen." 

" Then  what  is  to  bo  done?" 

•'  Wait  awhile,  I  think,  and  endoavour  to  comprehend 
our  position  a  lit.'lo  better  tt&n  w«  do  at  prosem;  a'l 
around  us  is  so  vorv  strange." 

They  were  silent,  for  the  sentinel  now  was  varv  tjear 
to  them. 

Following  his  movements  they  perceived  something 
which  else  would  probably  have  escaped  their  notice. 

This  was  a  sentry-box  placed  against  the  wall,  near  tho 
corner  of  it,  and  here  the  soldier  stood  for  a  short  time, 
then  resumed  his  monotonous  duty. 

"It  seems  to  me,"  whispered  Sixteen-String  Jack, 
"  that  the  best  plan  to  adopt  will  be  to  seize  the  soldier 
and  gag  him,  then  get  over  the  wall." 

"But,"  objected  Tom,  "the  other  sentinels  would 
notice  tl»t  he  did  not  perform  his  march  as  usual  and  tho 
alarm  would  be  raised." 

"  I  don't  know  that.  Supposing  that  I  put  on  some  of 
his  accoutrements  and  acted  sentinel,  how  then  ?" 

"  That's  a  better  idea,  and  it  will  bo  perhaps  possible 
to  carry  it  out  successfully.  But  how  about  that  relief  of 
the  guard — what  should  you  do  then  ?" 

Jack  was  puzzled. 

"  I'll  tell  you  what  it  is,"  said  Claude,  "  I  have  hit 
upon  it  at  last.  Is'o  doubt  the  men  are  changed  every 
two  hours.  Wo  must  wait  until  the  change  takes  place, 
then  one  of  us,  whoever  happens  to  be  most  like  the 
soldier,  will  personate  him,  while  you  will  know  then 
that  you  have  two  hours  clear  before  you  to  perform  your 
task." 

"  1  think  that  would  be  the  best,"  said  Torn  King — "  at 
any  rate,  we  will  think  over  it  until  the  guard  is  changed, 
and  then,  should  anything  better  be  thought  of,  why,  we 
will  try  to  carry  it  into  execution." 

This  being  agreed  upon,  tho  highwaymen  all  bec-mo 
silent  and  still. 

It  was  fortunate  that  they  thought  about  the  change  of 
the  guard,  for  in  a  few  moments  afterwards  they  were 
6tartled  by  hearing  the  rattling  of  a  drum. 

After  that  there  was  a  sileuce,  and  then  they  perceived 
a  small  body  of  men  advancing. 

The  sentinel  stopped  at  once. 

They  came  towards  him.  One  of  its  number  took  his 
place  ;  he  fell  in  with  the  remainder,  aud  they  passed 
on. 

The  highwaymen  watched  all  these  proceedings  with 
the  greatest  possible  amount  of  attention. 

The  changing  of  the  guard  occupied  but  a  very  short 
space  of  time,  and  then  Jack,  touching  Tom  on  the  arm, 
said  quietly : 

"  Now  then,  comrades,  what  say  you  ?  Shall  wo  make 
tho  effort  or  not?     Now  is  the  time,  or  never." 

"I  can  think  of  nothing  else  so  likely  to  achieve 
success,"  was  Tom  King's  reply. 

"  Then  let  it  be  done." 

"Be  cautious,  then — wo  must  pounce  upoa  the  sentinel, 
and  seize  him  in  a  moment,  taking  cwo  that  he  has  not 
time  to  utter  the  faintest  cry,  otherwise  there  will  be  an 
immediate  alarm." 

"It  is  not  so  very  difficult,"  said  Jack.  "We  will 
leave  our  horses  here,  aud  as  soon  as  the  sentinel  t?jns  tho 
corner  we  will  dart  across  and  stand  in  tho  shadow  of  the 
sentry-box ;  then,  as  soon  as  he  appears,  let  one  of  us  place 
a  hand  upor  "*<s  mouth,  and  tho  ethers  hold  him 
tightly." 

"  Yes,"  said  Claude  DuvaL  "  the  whole  thing  mint  be 
accomplished  with  speed  and  silence." 

Another  moment  elapsed,  and  then  the^entinel  again 
disappeared  from  view. 

As  they  had  arranged,  the  highwaymen  Parted 
forward. 

The  distance  they  had  to  go  was  insignificant,  ana,  to 
their  great  satisfaction,  they  reached  tho  shadow  of  ihe 
sentry-box  without  having  caused  the  slightest  alarm. 

They  now  stood  in  readiness  to  seize  the  soldier 
t'irectly  lie  turned  the  corner. 

They  listened,  and  could  hear  his  regular  heavy  foot- 
step as  ho  marched  on. 

Little  did  that  sentinel  think  that  he  was  about  to  be 
dealt  with  io  so  summary  a  manner. 


Ho  had  been  long  at  his  present  duty,  and  had  mrrwf 
met  with  anything  to  vary  the  dull  routine  of  it. 

He  was  therefore  wholly  and  entirely  unpreparod  lor 
what  took  place. 

The  highwaymen  took  tho  opportunity. 

While  Claude,  darting  forth,  placed  one  hantf  imme- 
diately before  the  soldier's  mouth,  Jack  seized  l»ia  from 
behind,  and  Tom  King,  standing  in  front,  with  his  sword 
drawn,  6aid,  in  a  threatening  whisper : 

"  Move  hand  ©r  foot—  struggle,  or  attempt  to  speak— 
and  you  die !" 

The  man  was  so  thoroughly  taken  aback  by  what  had 
occurred  that  he  was  unable  to  move  a  limb. 

lie  only  stared  at  Tom  King  with  eyes  stretched  wide 
open  by  astonishment. 

With  great  dexterity,  Sixteen-String  Jack  stripped  ofi 
the  upper  portion  of  tho  soldier's  uniform,  Tom  King, 
by  threats,  compelling  nim  to  surrender  each  article 
quietly. 

When  this  operation  was  over,  Sixteen-String  Jack 
bound  him  tightly,  and  then,  by  means  of  a  piece  of  rope 
doubled  and  twisted,  gagged  him  most  effectually. 

This  was  managed  by  introducing  tho  rope  into  his 
mouth  like  a  bit,  and  tying  it  tightly  at  tLo  back  of  his 
bead. 

It  was  possible  for  him  to  make  a  very  faint  sound,  but 
it  was  so  faint  that  it  was  not  worth  troubling  about. 

Perfectly  helpless,  ho  was  now  rarried  by  Sixteen- 
String  Jack  and  Claude  Duval,  aud  placed  inside  the 
sentry-box. 

"1  will  take  his  place,"  said  Claude — "it  will  be  better, 
for  you  know  I  have  had  a  little  military  training,  and  he 
appears  to  be  about  my  height." 

"  Agreed !" 

Claude  hastily  put  on  the  soldier's  uniform  and  picked 
up  his  musket. 

"Hush!"  ho  said,  and  before  his  companions  could 
utter  another  word  he  marched  off  along  the  wall. 

Some  little  time  had  of  course  been  occupied  by  these 
proceedings,  still  it  was  not  long — no  longer,  really,  than 
a  sentinel  might  have  paused  near  his  box  had  he  chosen 
to  do  so. 

But  Claude  was  anxious  not  to  be  too  long,  and  so  he 
marched  forward  with  a  confident  step. 

Beaching  the  end  ol  his  beat,  ho  found  himself  face  to 
face  with  another  soldier. 

"All's  well!"  said  tho  other  sentinel,  turning  round. 

"All's  well !"  replied  Claude,  supposing  that  to  be  the 
proper  salutation. 

He  turned  hastily  round  when  ho  spoke,  and  marched 
off. 

The  other  strpped  abruptly. 

"  Well,  that's  odd,"  he  said — "  that  sounds  quite  like  a 
strange  voice  ;   and  yet  it  can't  be — it  is  my  fancy." 

Those  words  just  reached  ClaudVsears,  and  he  thought 
to  himself  how  necessary  it  would  be  to  be  careful  when 
he  returned  to  that  point  of  his  beat  again. 

Reaching  tho  seutry-box,  he  said  to  his  companions: 

"  Over  with  you,  and  be  quick  about  it.  Leave  me 
hero — I  shall  be  all  right !" 

"  Are  you  sure  ?" 

"  Yes,  yes — dou't  trouble  yourselves  on  my  account.  I 
shall  hold  my  position  so  long  as  it  is  tenable,  and  when 
it  ceases  to  be  so  I  shall  make  a  run  for  my  horse." 

14  Do  so — do  so.  On  no  account  suffer  you-solf  to  be 
made  a  prisoner." 

'1  will  not.  And  now  I  must  leave  you — it  will  not 
do  to  halt  too  often,  or  perhaps  suspicion  may  be 
aroused." 

Claude  marched  on  as  before,  imitating  tho  movements 
of  the  veal  sentinol  very  well  indeed. 

Tom  King  looked  up  and  wondered  how  the  wall  was 
to  be  surmouuted. 

The  sentry-bos  at  once  suggested  itself  to  him,  but  it 
was  a  difficult  thing  to  mount  upon  it,  as  tUere  was 
neither  hand  nor  foothold,  and  a  little  thins  would  turn 
it  over  completely. 

They  waited  until  Claude  came  back  again. 

As  soon  afl  they  explained  their  difficulty,  he  said  : 

"  Well,  1  will  stand  on  this  side  and  press  against  it 
with  all  my  might,  then  you  mount  as  well  as  you  are 
able ;  when  once  on  the  top  of  the  sentry-box  the  re- 
mainder will  bo  easy." 

"  I  could  mount  with  Jack's  assistance,"  said  Tom,  "  it 


tuk  trmuH'i  o*  rsr  c«ab. 


1*» 


LOACD.   DUVAL  FKBSOSA**  THE  SE^EL,    AND  ro^    KLNG    SCALEg  T„E  ^  j 


ft*  would  bond  hU  back;  but  then  I  don't  see  how  Jack 
I*  to  accompany  me,  and  really  after  all,  I  think  there  is 

iMc  Juf  8S  ™U  P,lease'  Tom  !  y">  have  the  command  in 
WW^T**  th°Ughl  °f  C0UrSe'   *  *houIJ  P°"o  b" 

jJlAnn?~°neKS  !e8S  'P6,^  t0  *»  spen  thaD  two.  Cone 
J^^d  ^ur  back  and   I  will  return  with  all  poS 

Jack  bent  his  baCK  as  desired. 

«r.E°E  BifPP^  "J"*  U'  and  in    tbis  PosuioD  wis  able  to 
gain  the  top  of  the  sentry-box. 

Here  he  drew  himself  up  carefully  until  fo  could  Innk 
over  the  top  of  the  wall,  being  careful  not  to  „2e  his 
»*»1  any  higher  than  he  could  avoid 

Juo.  177— Black  Bkss. 


No.  177. 


|  As  he  expected,  some  gardens,  very  beautifully  laid  m«. 
were  on  the  other  side,  and  his  eyes  quickly  roamed  ov^ 
the  enclosure,  in  order  to  ascertain  whether  any  W^ns 

1  were  near  or  not.  y  persons 

'  mi£!Lh0We-Ver'  r*S  PerfectI7  ^Icnt  and  dark  so,  with  a 
sudden  spring,   he   swung  himself   clear  over  the   ill* 

2M?J!ng    arms  Jengtbi  dropt  SGnt'y upo»  «»  •»« 

So  rapidly  and  cleverly  was  the   tt*Lt  performed  tha*. 
unless  some  person  had  been  looking  very  caref  o5at  S3 

Claude  resumed  his  march,  and   Tom   King   remain^ 

?  *" m*W  Where  he  had  dr°PPedi  *nd  woXSwS 
should  be  his  next  proceeding.  B     a,v 


Pbice  One  Halfpe^n: 


M>.  /7*  iv/77  fee  Published  next  Thursday. 


1410 


sr.AfjK  Br««:  ott. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXII. 

1UM  iLWO  FCJD9  HIS    PERILS  A>TD    DIFFICULTIES 
AT  EVERY  STEP. 


sity  for  urgent  speed,  and,  delightful  as  the  gardens  vrer^ 
Tom  by  no  means  wished  to  linger  in  them. 

"Surely,"  he  thought,  "this  would  be  •  favourable 
opportunity  for  gaining  the  interior  of  the  castle." 

At  any  r&te,  he  resolved  to  try  it,  especially  when  h« 
Gazing  through  the  trees,   <he  first  thing  that  attracted    perceived  that  mauy_  of   the  guests,  tired  of   their  pro- 

*    rwrt     tr.l..»*      miano/la  in   *l»<i  /\r\on   air    woro  raniHW  rptnrninar 


Lis  attention  was  a  blaze  of  hght,  procoediug  from  what 
appeared  to  be  the  range  of  irindows  on  tho  ground  floor 
of  the  castle. 

Strains  of  music,  too,  came  faintly  upon  hi?  oars,  and 
therefore  it  was  easy  to  conjecture  that  eome  scen°  of 
festivity  wza  going  on  within. 

The  point,  however,  upon  which  Tom  felt  the  gwtesl 
amount  of  uneasiness  and  which  made  him  hesitate  to 
move  was  whether  there  existed  an  inner  circle  of 
sentinels.    Ai 

If  this  should  prove  to  be  the  case,  how  should  heV;-a^ 
trive  to  pass  them  ? 

The  gardens  themselves,  however,  were  so  very  dai'k 
and  silent,  that  Tom  felt  great  hopes  of  being  able  to 
creep  forward  unperceived,  even  if  anyone  should  be  on 
the  watch. 

This,  the  more  he  reflected,  seemed  unlikely,  for,  judging 
by  appearances,  this  was  some  private  portion  of  tho 
grounds  into  which  no  one  would  be  permitted  to  in- 
trude. 

Using  as  much  caution,  however,  as  he  would  have 
done  had  he  felt  quite  certain  that  sentinels  were  near, 
Tom  King  crept  6lowly  in  the  direction  of  the  lights. 

In  a  short  time  ho  was  able  to  see  them  distinctly. 

The  range  of  windows  that  was  illuminated  was  »  very 
long  one. 

The  music  had  ceased,  but  now  it  burst  form  Again 
with  a  sudden  crash,  and  even  as  it  did  so  some  doors 
were  thrown  wide  open. 

Tom  glanced  keenly  through  the  portal,  and  as  ho  did 
so  he  saw  a  crowd  of  persons  of  both  sexes  elegan'.lv  and 
brilliantly  attired. 

Some  were  in  the  spacious  hall,  and  others  desceoiiing 
a  staircase ;  evidently  they  were  all  about  to  issue  forth 
into  the  grounds. 

Perceiving  this,  Tom  crouched  down  as  Iw  as  he  could 
behind  a  huge  tree,  trusting  that  its  shelter  would  conceal 
him. 

From  this  position  he  watched  the  approach  of  the 
glittering  throng. 

The  threshold  was  crossed,  the  broad  flight  of  steps 
descended,  and  then,  amid  the  silence  that  prevailed,  he 
could  hear  the  low  murmur  of  courtly  conversation,  and 
occasionally  the  faint  sound  of  laughter. 

The  number  of  guests  who  thus  poured  forth  into  the 
garden  surprised  Tom  beyond  measure. 

They  dispersed  themselves  over  every  part  of  it,  and 
he  began  to  feel  very  doubtful  whether  he  would  be  able 
to  remain  concealed  where  he  was  without  being  dis- 
covered by  some  one. 

Then  a  bold  and  fresh  thought  darted  into  his  mind. 

He  felt  surprised  that  this  thought  had  not  occurred  to 
him  before. 

It  was  no  other  than  to  quit  his  placo  of  concealment  and 
mingle  with  the  crowd. 

Among  so  many  his  presence  could  scarcely  bo  noticed. 

Most  certainly  there  would  be  mauy  who  were  strangers 
to  each  other,  and  might  not  he  pass  for  one  of  the 
strangers  ? 

The  only  difficulty  was  about  his  costume,  which  was 
by  no  means  in  keeping  with  that  of  ice  gentlemen 
around. 

Still,  in  tho  gardens  it  was  dark,  and  even  this  migut 
escape  notice. 

At  any  rate,  it  would  be  better,  lie  thought,  to  stand  up 
boldly  than  to  rcruaiu  so  evidently  in  biding. 

Scarcely  had  tho  idoa  crossed  his  mind  than,  wii'io7** 
reflecting  much  upon  it,  he  proceeded  to  carry  it  t»lo 
effect. 

Lightly  knoclnng  from  his  clothes  tho  dust  that  was 
upon  them,  he  stepped  forth  with  all  the  boldness  i-i  t;  e 
world  on  to  one  of  the  well-kept  footpaths. 

The  success  he  met  with  was  something  far  beyond  1  l« 
expectations. 

Ueversl  glances  were  cast  upon  him,  it  is  true,  "but  i> 
one  ventured  to  accost  him,  or,  co  fat  as  he  could  tell  t  ■> 
make  any  remark  as  to  his  appearance. 
But  tims  was  passing  rapidly  on ;  there  was  tha  n>  ceo- 


menade  in  the  open  air,  were  rapidly  returning. 

Surely  he  might  drift  in  with  the  crowd  ;  and  it  seemed 
to  him  that,  once  beneath  the  roof  of  tbes>-~val  building, 
the  remainder  would  be  easy. 

Not  without  considerable  trepidation — tor  he  knew  how 
much  depended  upon  his  actions — Tom  King  directed  his 
steps  towards  the  spacious  doorway. 

Several  wcro  before  him,  soveral  behind  him,  laughing 
and  chatting  gaily.  <^   . 

He  was  now,  however,  in  the  full  blaze  of  the  light, 
and  he  could  scarcely  refrain  from  shrinking  a  little. 

Assuming  all  tho  boldness  and  confidence  ho  possibly 
could,  however,  he  strode  on.  • 

Two  domestics  in  gorgeous  livery  were  standing  at 
each  side  of  the  doorway,  and  when  Tom  fairly  crossed 
the  threshold  and  passed  them  he  drew  a  long  breath  of 
relief — he  considered  it  was  such  a  good  omen  of  future 
success. 

Drifting  with  the  tide  of  persons,  he  was  carried  along 
the  corridor  towards  another  door  that  stood  wide 
open. 

Congratulating  himself  mentally,  Tom  King  walked 
on,  every  step  increasing  the  amount  of  confidence  ha 
already  felt. 

Suddenly,  however,  ho  felt  a  light  touch  on  his  arm. 

He  affected  to  disregard  it,  but  it  was  repeated,  and  this 
time  more  unmistakably. 

Glancing  round,  he  found  himself  face  to  face  with  an 
elderly  gentleman,  who  was  splendidly  attired,  and  who 
carried  in  his  hand  a  long  white  wand. 

"  Excuse  me,"  he  said,  somewhat  abruptly,  and  yet 
from  sheer  force  of  habit  making  a  bow  while  he  spoke 
— "excuse  me,  but  I  have  not  the  honour  of  your  ac- 
quaintance— your  features  are  quiio  unfamiliar.  May  1 
trouble  you  to  produce  your  card  of  invitation  ?" 

Tom  smiled  and  endeavoured  to  look  indifferent. 

"My  card  of  invitation?"  ho  said.  "Well,  that's 
amusing.     I  have  not  one." 

"  Indeed  ?*'  said  his  interrogator.  "  That  is  strange  ;  but 
you  treat  this  matter  lightly.  By  w*hat  right  do  you 
intrude?" 

''  The  best,"  said  Tom  King,  boldly.  "  I  come  here  on 
secret  service,  and  my  business  is  with  the  King  him- 
self." 

"With  his  Majesty?"  said  the  other,  involuntarily 
taking  two  or  three  paces  backwards. 

"Even  so,"  said  Tom;  "and  if  you  will  do  me  the 
favour  of  showing  me  into  his  presence  at  once  I  shall  be 
obliged  to  you.  I  was  looking  everywhere  for  you  when 
I  felt  you  touch  icy  arm." 

An  expression  of  perfect  bewilderment  now  came  over 
the  old  gentleman's  countenance,  as  he  ejaculated  : 

"  Step  this  way — step  this  way." 

Tom  obeyed  without  hesitation,  and  soon  found  him- 
self in  a  little  ante-room. 

"  Now,  sir,"  said  his  guide,  "  just  let  us  come  to  an  un- 
derstanding. Who  can  you  be,  so  ignorant  of  the  usuagos 
of  tho  court  ?  What  do  you  mean  by  saying  that  you 
come  here  on  secret  service  ?" 

"Simply  what  I  say,"  returned  Tom;  "and  let  ra« 
assure  you  it  is  important  that  I  should  be  immediately 
ushered  into  the  presence  of  his  Majesty." 

•Is  it  upon  business  ?" 

u  Certainly— urgent,  pressing  business." 

"  Then  it  is  not  his  Majesty  you  wish  to  oee,  but  his 
secretary.     Come  this  way." 

"No, "you  mistaice,"  said  Tom  King-  " my  business  is 
-srith  tho  King  only." 

"  Well,  well,  this  way,"  said  the  ether,  impatiently — 
"this  way,  I  say.  I  am  wanted  elsewhere.  How  on 
earth  you  came  to  bs  admitted  to  tho  castle  £  ar<  *t  a  loss 
to  imagine." 

To  this  speech  Tom  made  co  replj 

Ho  considered  tha*  he  was  making  mucli  better  pro- 
gress than  he  could  possibly  have  anticipated. 

He  followed  willingly  enough  in  the  old  gentleman* 
footsteps. 

The  little  ante- room  communicated  with  » larger  apart- 


TFIK    KNIGHT   OF    THE   1!<UD. 


Uli 


sssnt,  rind  bnycnd  that  there  was  another  aud  another, 
BUtil  Tom  began  to  grow  tired  of  his  long  walk. 

All  at  onco  his  guide  t&Dped  at  a  door,  which  was  }iu- 
mediaiely  opened.  rg  -  < 

Admittance  was  allowed,  »nd  Tom  found  himself  in 
*ne  presence  of  a  very  plainly-dressed,  middle-aged  inan, 
who  was  seated  at  a  table. 

Before  bim  were  a  quantity  of  letters  and  other 
ments,  with  which  ho  seemed  to  be  busily  engaged.    " 

"  This  gentleman,"  said  Tom's  guide  "  I  iouvd  among 
the  gGests.  Ho  says  lie  coine3  here  npos  soo^st  service, 
and  d  to  see  the  Kir.g." 

So  saying,  ho  abruptly  left,  aid  his  Majesty')*  priv.*^ 
secretary  looked  at  him  inquiringly. 

" Secret  service  ?"  he  said.     ■'  What  secret  service  t" 

"  Excuse  me,"  said  Tom,  bowing  and  speaking  with 
the  utmost  respect,  1!but  I  assure  yon  my  business  is 
with  his  Majesty,  and  his  Majesty  alone." 

"But,"  said  the  secretary,  half-angrily,  "do  you  not 
know  that  nothing  can  reach  the  ears  of  his  Majesty  ex- 
cept through  myself  ?  Speak  on,  and  let  me  knew  what 
your  business  is  without  any  further  delay.  I  have  no 
time  to  waste." 

"I  regret  very  much  to  decline,"  said  Tom  King,  "but 
I  again  most  positively  assure  yon  that  the  business  is  of 
so  private  and  personal  a  nature  thai  1  can  only  com- 
municate it  to  his  Majesty  himself." 

"  Bah  ! — nonsense  !  I  know  all  his  Majesty's  private 
business;  and  let  mo  hear  this — be  quick !  If  you  rcfrse, 
j»u  will  have  to  go  as  you  came  ;  it  is  quite  impossible 
for  you  to  sec  the  King — you  might  know  that." 

Tom  King  hesitated. 

He  was  puzzled  how  to  act. 

Should  he  indeed  trust  his  message  with  this  man  ? 
Should  he  confide  the  locket  to  him  and  await  the  re- 
sult? 

No.    Tom  made  up  his  mind  instantly. 

Had  not  Dick  Turpin  positively  enjoined  him  to  place 
the  locket  in  the .  hands  of  no  one  but  tho  King  him- 
self? 

There  must  be  no  circumlocution. 

"It  vexes  me  exceedingly,"  he  said,  addressing  the 
secretary,  "to  appear  so  pertinacious;  but  believe  me 
again  when  I  say  that  not  even  to  you  can  I  confide  my 
business." 

"  Then,"  said  tho  secretary,  "  I  will  have  you  arrested  ! 
Ten  to  one  it  is  some  bold,  audacious  attompt  to  assassinate 
the  King.  Your  story  about  secret  service  must  be  a 
mere  subterfuge.     Here,  guard — guard  !" 

He  shouted  out  the  last  words  at  the  top  of  his  voice, 
and  even  whilo  he  did  so  ho  struck  his  hand  upon  a  bell 
that  stood  upon  the  table  before  him,  and  which  no  doubt 
was  an  additional  summons  for  immediate  assistance. 


r*  i  decidedly  damaged  condition  underneath  one  of  the 
tkoles. 

It  so  happened  that  this  table  was  covered  with  along 
crimson  cloth,  so  that  when  he  rolled  andef  it  ho  vanished 
completely  from  sight. 

All  hope  of  Tom  King  keeping  his  presence  in  tha 
oa>f\e  a  secret  was  now  at  an  end. 

The  first  thiua  hq  had  „o  ao  wn;  to  secure  his  own 
safety. 

How  this  could  be  tone  was  more  than  he  eoald  tell,  yet 
he  resolved  to  suffer  an/ thing  rather  than  abandon  the 
task  of  delivering  the  locket  to  the  ""*ir0 

The  blows  on  the  outside  of  the  door  now  much  in- 
*  creased  in  violence,  and  there  could  be  no  doubt  that  those 
without  were  endeavouring  to  force  an  entrance. 

One  glance  round  the  chamber  was  given  by  Tom 
King. 

Then,  finding  there  was  no  other  dcor  save  tho  one  by 
which  he  had  entered  and  at  which  tho  soldiers  of  the 
guard  were  doubtless  now  standing,  he  turned  again  to- 
wards tho  window. 

It  was  very  dark  outside. 

But  below  him  he  could  just  distinguish  eomo  of  the 
shrubs  and  plants  in  the  garden. 

The  distance  to  jump  was  somewhat  alarming,  but, 
then,  Tom  was  aware  that  the  soil  was  soft,  and  would 
serve  most  materially  to  break  the  force  of  his  fall. 

Without  further  delay,  then,  he  jumped  through  the 
window,  and,  as  he  had  fully  anticipated,  alighted  on  tho 
soft  mould  in  safety. 

As  soon  as  he  had  recovered  his  feet,  however,  and 
took  a  glance  around  him,  he  saw  lights  flashing  through 
tho  gardens  in  various  directions,  and  he  could  hear 
voices  shouting  to  each  other. 

Almost  at  the  same  moment  a  party  of  soldiers  made 
their  appearance  at  the  window  through  which  he  had 
just  escaped,  and  in  loud  tones  they  called  upoa  those 
who  were  in  the  garden  to  search  narrowly  for  the  in- 
truder. 

Tom  feH  very  anxious  and  distressed. 

H  his  own  safety  was  all  he  had  to  care  about,  it  would 
have  been  a  very  different  matter. 

The  question  was,  would  it  be  possible  for  him  to  find 
some  pl3ce  of  hiding  that  would  servo  to  conceal  him 
from  the  idose  search  that  was  about  to  be  made  ? 

Ho  shook  his  head  while  asking  himself  the  ques- 
tion. 

Such  a  thing  seemed  very  far  from  likely. 

Close  to  where  he  stood,  however,  was  one  of  the  wina- 
ing  gravel-paths  which  spread  like  a  net-work  over  the 
entire  gardens. 

On  each  side  it  was  planted  with  some  kind  of  prickly 
shrubs  of  a  very  ornamental  character,  aud  growing  to  a 
great  height  from  the  ground,  but  as  impenetrable  and  as 
insurmountable  as  a  high  brick  wall. 

There  was  something  of  a  very  private  and  secluded 
character  about  thi3  path. 

It  was  plunged  in  total  darkness,  aad  it  seemed  to  Tom 
that  it  offered  him  by  far  the  best  chance  of  concealing 
himself. 

Without  further  consideration,  he  turned  down  it,  aud 
ran  hastily  forwards  for  some  distance. 

Despite  the  darkness,  he  was  able  to  follow  its  windings 
and  turnings  tolerably  well. 

All  at  once  he  came  to  a  sudden  stop,  and  a  cold  perspi- 
ration began  to  break  out  upon  his  forehead,  for  he  feared 
that  ho  Lai  taken  a  wrong  step,  and  had  fallen  into  a 
trap. 

At  the  extremity  of  the  path  he  had  been  pursok*  ,fV&3 
a  conservatory,  from  the  glass  windows  of  ,/nicliTom 
could  see  rare  plante  growing  iu  gree*  luxuriance  and 
beauty. 

But  v'u  honour  of  *£^  lestival  that  had  that  night  been 
1  .lebratcd,  this  conservatory  had  been  prettily  lighted  up 
{  by  a  number  of  coloured  lamps  suspended  either  from  the 
|  ceiling  or  from  tho  branches  of  the  ornamental  trees. 

Tl.n  fffect  of  these  coloured  lights  was  to  shed  an 
2  ar>our.t  of  illumination  around  resembling  twilight. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXIII. 

TOM  KING   BECOMES    SOMEWHAT    ALARMED    AT    HIS  POSI- 
TION,   BUT  MEETS   WITH  AN    UNEXPECTED   SURPRISE. 

These  energetic  proceedings  on  tho  part  of  the  King's 
private  secretary  were  so  sudden  aud  so  unexpected  that 
for  a  few  seconds  Tom  King  was  half  bewildered,  and 
scarcely  knew  how  to  act. 

The  sound  of  hasty  footsteps  in  the  corridor  ser<red  to 
arouse  him  from  his  state  of  indecision. 

With  one  bound  ho  reached  the  door. 

It  was  his  intention  to  secure  it  effectually. 

But  the  only  fastening  ho  could  perceive  consisted  of  a 
email  brass  bolt. 

This  he  slipped  rapidly  into  its  socket,  sad,  when  he 
turned  again,  he  saw  that  the  secretary  bed  hastened  to 
one  of  the  windows,  which  he  threw  open,  while  he  again 
cried: 

"  Guard— guard  1  Here— a  spy— a  traitor*  Guard- 
guard  .'" 

Tom  King  sprang  tcvards  him  as  he  cric&i 

"  Silence — silence,  or  your  life !  Once  more  I  do  sauzl 
to  see  the  King  '"  n 

But    the    secretary  only   continued    his   voei!.:rs.t></u3  j       t'o  venture  into  this  conservatory,  Torn  felt  would  be 
In  a  louder  Key  .iiia  cfc.  j  c^dnes3,  for  the  probability  was  that  such  a  place  would 

Finding  remonstrance  of  no  avail,  aud  hoar'ag  on  tho  J  fee  much  resorted  to  by  the  guests.        'A 
massive  panels  of  the  door  a  succession  of  he  vy  'suocks.        He  tried  to  turn  sillier  to  the  right  or  to  tho  left,  but 
Tom  King  doubled  up  his  fist,  and  tho  next  thing  of  j  ipund  this  impossible,  orvwg  to  the  density  of  the  prickly 
▼hick  the  eecretary  was  conscious  was  that  he  w&s  lying  |  vegetation. 


1412 


BLACK    BSSS  ;     OB 


"  I  will  retroat,"  he  muttered — "  retreat  while  there  is 
yet  time.     Perhajia  1  may  manage  to  reach  the  end  of 
this   path   again   without  encountering   anyone;  if  so, 
Bhall  esteem  myself  fortunate." 

He  started  to  run,  but  quickly  reduoed  his  pace  to  a 
Btealthy,  cautious  walk,  for  ori  the  other  side  of  the  Lodge 
— if  we  may  so  call  it — he  could  hear  the  voices  ct  thoi*e 
who  were  in  search  of  him,  aud  at  times  catch  a  eJiayta, 
of  the  lights  they  carried. 

That  every  nook  and  corner  in  the  castle  gai^ens  wi^-d 
be  narrowly  searched  there  could  be  no  doubt,  and  if  1  'cm 
King  could  only  discover  some  place  which  had  once  been 
thoroughly  exaininod,  that  would  afford  him  the  best 
chance  of  concealment. 

This  idea  was  passing  through  his  mind,  as,  with  lossg, 
Btealthy,  almost  noiseless  footsteps,  he  tc-jk  his  waj  to- 
wards the  entrance  of  the  path. 
In  a  few  moments  he  perceived  it  before  him. 
Impatient  to  extricate  himself    from  so  unpleasant  a 
position,  he  increased  his  speed. 

But  the  next  moment,  while  scarcely  able  to  repress  a 
cry  of  vexation,  he  paused. 
Round  the  corner  came  several  persons. 
Owing  to  the  darkness,  he  could  only  perceive   them 
indistinctly,  and  could  not  make  out  who  and  what  they 
were. 

Most  probably,  however,  they  formed  part  of  tne  de- 
tachment of  soldiers  who  were  searching  for  him. 

"With  rather  rapid  steps  they  came  walking  dcwn  the 
path,  and  now  Tom  found  himself  iu  a  7ory  critical  posi- 
tion indeed. 

If  he  remained  where  he  was,  or  if  ho  advanced,  de- 
tection was  quite  certain,  while,  if  he  retreated  and  took 
refuge  in  the  conservatory,  it  was  very  doubtful  whether 
he  would  remain  unfound. 

This  last  course,  however,  was  the  only  reasonable  one 
that  he  could  adopt,  so,  with  all  possible  speed  consistent 
with  the  requisite  silence,  he  turned  round,  ap1*  retraced 
his  steps. 

"If  I  had  only  been  a  moment  sooner,"  ho  murmured, 
"  or  if  I  had  only  known  that  I  could  not  leave  this  path- 
way, how  much  better  a  chance  I  should  have  had  of 
concealing  myself !     Now  it  seems  almost  impossible." 

But  the  remembrance  of  the  perilous  position  in  which 
Dick  Turpin  stood,  and  that  upon  his  exertions  that  night 
no  doubt  depended  the  captain's  life,  made  a  wonderful 
difference  to  his  actions  and  to  his  daring  also. 

When  he  reached  the  door  of  the  conservatory,  he 
knew  that  speed  was  the  principal  thing  required  •  there- 
fore, with  marvellous  haste,  he  turned  the  knob  and 
entered. 

The  door  was  furnished  with  a  spring,  and  so  closed  of 
itself  the  moment  he  passed  through  it. 

The  atmosphere  was  warm  and  heavily  laden  with  the 
perfume  of  a  thousand  rare  and  curious  flowers,  which 
had  been  brought  there  at  great  expense  from  every 
corner  of  the  world. 

He  was  much  rejoiced  to  find  that  the  conservatory 
was  perfectly  silent,  and  the  peculiar  stillness  in  the  air 
told  him  that  no  human  beings  were  at  that  moment  be- 
neath its  roof. 

Almost  the  first  object  on  which  his  eyes  rested  was 
one  that  offered  at  least  a  chance  of  hiding  himself. 

It  was  a  magnificent  shrub,  or,  rather,  a  dwarf  tree,  for 
its  height  was  a  little  under  ten  feet. 

It  was,  however,  from  its  tops  to  its  roots  one  mass  of 
long,  shining  leaves,  much  resembling  blades  of  grass, 
only  many  hundred  times  as  large. 

Growing  thus  from  the  top,  and  falling  quite  down, 
they  bore  no  slight  resemblance  to  a  fountain,  and  tuey 
were  so  thick  and  bo  close  together,  and  overlapped  one 
anCther  to  such  a  degree,  that  Tom  felt  confident  they 
would  hictb  him  from  the  view  of  anyone  unless  the  leaves 
were  drawn  aside. 

There  was  little  time  for  him  to  consider  >r  ue.»u «r  he 
should  avail  himself  of  this  place  g.  shelter,  or  whether 
he  should  seek  for  some  other. 

Already  he  fancied  ho  could  hear  the  approach  ol  F9  A- 
steps  on  the  gravel-path  without,. 

Hastily  and  yet  carefully,  so  as 'cot  to  disarrange  May- 
thing,  and  so  leave  a  trace  of  his  presence,  Tom  pressed 
some  of  the  long  leaves  apart,  and,  stepping  up  oc  to  the 
huge  wooden  flower-pot  in  which  the  singular  tree  was 
growing,  was  in  a  moment  completely  k«t  to  sight. 


He  turned  rovmd,  settling  himself  into  as  easy  and 
comfortable  an  attitude  as  he  possibly  could,  for  he  knew 
J  I  how  necessary  it  would  be  for  him  to  remain  quiu 
still  and  without  feeling  the  inclination  to  shift  his  posi- 
tion. 

Scarcely  had  this  been  done  thac  the  dec?  cl  the  con- 
servatory was  opened. 

Tom's  heart  beat  rapidly  and  painfully. 

He  could  scarcely  bring  himself  to  think  that  he  \?sut  in 
anything  liko  a  secure  position. 

If  he  waj  properly  searched  for  he  would  beyond  a 
doubt  bo  found. 

But  hearing  that  the  low  murmur  of  voices  followed 
the  opening  of  the  door,  and  that  the  persons,  whoever 
they  might  be,  entered  quietly,  and  not  as  he  anticipated 
the  soldiers  would,  Tom  very  carefully  parted  the  leaves 
;ust  sufficiently  to  allow  him  to  take  **•  glimpse  of  what 
v?as  going  on  outside.  .»-• 

His  first  sensation  was  that  of  astonishment,  followed 
quickly  by  delight,  succeeded,  however,  by  one  of  vexa- 
tion. 

The  reason  for  this  was  that  his  eyes  rested  upon  the 
form  of  his  Majesty  King  George  II. 

Tom  recognised  him  in  a  momont,  for  in  happier  times 
he  had  seen  him  frequently. 

He  noticed  that  the  King  looked  a  trifle  older,  and 
thinnor,  and  careworn  than  he  did  when  last  he  saw  him, 
but  that  was  all. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXIV. 

IN   WHICH    TOM    KING     OVERHEARS  A  CONVERSATION   BE- 
TWEEN  THREE   MEMBERS   OF  THE   ROYAI    FAM1L5T. 

Well  might  Tom  King  be  both  astonished  and  delighted 
at  the  occurrence  of  such  a  foituuate  incident  as  this. 

Who  would  have  thought  that  one  of  the  persons  he 
heard  approaching  was  the  King  himself  ? 

What  more  favourable  opportunity  than  the  present 
could  he  hope  for  to  start  forward  and  place  the  locket  in 
his  hand  ? 

But  his  feelings,  as  we  have  said,  quickly  changed  to 
vexation,  for,  walking  a  little  behind  the  King,  or, 
rather,  at  the  side  of  him,  came  her  Majesty  the 
Queen. 

Next  came  a  young-looking  man,  with  by  no  means  a 
prepossessing  countenance. 

This  was  the  King's  eldest  son,  Frederick,  and  conse- 
quently the  Prince  of  Wales. 

Such  an  occasion  as  this  was  not,  therefore,  what  Tom 
wanted. 

He  recollected  the  circumstances  under  which  Dick  had 
obtained  the  locket,  and  felt  sure  that  the  adventure 
would  be  one  that  the  King  would  desire  the  Queen  to 
know  nothing  of. 

Tom  was  rather  surprised  to  see  the  Prince  of  Wales 
thus  alono  with  his  parents,  for  it  was  well  kmwn  tbaf 
a  coolness,  if  not  absolute  enmity,  existed  between 
them. 

Tom  King,  however,  was  not  allowed  much  time  for 
making  reflections  and  speculations — he  was  too  much 
engrossed  by  the  events  that  were  taking  place  before 
him. 

As  soon  as  his  Majesty  had  fairly  entered  the  conser- 
vatory, he  turned  round,  and,  in  a  high,  squeaking  voice, 
said : 

"  Willis,  olose  the  door.  You  will  understand  wo  all 
wish  to  be  alone — quite  private.     Go  !" 

The  distinguished  individual  called  Willis  made  a  low 
obeisance  and  retired,  closing  the  door  of  the  conserve* 
tory  carefully  behind  him. 

The  King  and  Queen  stood  close  to  each  other,  and  the 
Prince  of  Wales,  with  his  arms  folded,  a  few  paces  from 
them. 

The  Queen  was  the  first  to  speak. 

Evidently  by  her  manner  she  had  all  a  mother's  affec- 
tion for  this  her  eldest  son,  and  it  was  also  tolerably  cer- 
tain that  it  was  not  her  fault  that  the  feeling  of  ill-will 
existed. 

"  Vow,  Frederick,"  she  said,  "your  father  is  here  and 
„  am  here.  Good.  He  has  promised  to  listen  to  what 
you  have  to  say.     Is  it  not  so,  George  ?"  she  added. 

"  Yes,"  said  the  King — "speak  on  !" 

en,  your  Majesty,"  said  the  Priuco  of  Wales,   "I 
ask  that  we  be  once  inoro  friends     It  is  bad  and 


1  "Yes, 
j  "Thei 
|  ha vo  to  i 


THE   KJUQHT   OF   THE  KOAD 


Uli 


wrong  of  ali   of  us,  and  it  is  a  bad  example  to  set  the 
nation." 

"Yea,"  interjected  the  1ueen-~"a  very  bad  example 
indeed  i"  «4r> 

"Frederick,"  said  the  King,  sternly,  "no  one  Ku.jws 
better  than  yourself  that  this  is  all  your  own  doing  and 
your  own  bringing  on.  I  cannot  close  my  eyes  to  the 
practices  in  which  yo«i  have  indulged — I  will  never  close 
(hem  ;  therefore,  before  we  can  be  friends,  yoa  rutst  con- 
sent to  change  your  present  mode  of  lifa" 

"lam  willing  to  obey  you  in  all  things  reasonable," 
was  the  reply ;  "  but  I  think  you  go  too  far — you  pry  too 
deeply  into  my  concerns." 

"No,  no — I  do  not,  Frederick,"  returned  the  King, 
with  more  tenderness  of  manner  and  tone  than  he  had 
yet  displayed.  "  But  I  remember  what  I  was  at  your 
age,  and  now  I  am  filled  with  regret  and  remorse  for 
what  I  was.  I  see  you  treading  the  same  downward, 
ruinous  path,  and  I  am  anxious  to  save  you  the  years  of 
misery  that  I  have  passed."      (' 

The  Prince  was  silent. 

"  You  have  around  you,"  he  continued,  "a  set  of  men 
whose  names  are  loathed  and  execrated  by  the  whole 
nation.  While  you  continue  to  keep  them,  so  to  6peak, 
as  a  body-guard  around  you,  we  cannot  bo  friends,  nor 
can  you  win  the  i*spect  and  good-will  of  the  English 
nation." 

The  Prince  was  silent  for  a  few  moments,  and  the 
Queen  added : 

"  Frederick,  you  hear  the  words  just  pronounced — you 
feel  as  well  as  I  do  that  they  are  correct.  Now  comes  the 
moment  for  you  to  decide.  It  is  between  us  and  the  per- 
sons just  alluded  to  that  you  have  to  choose,  so  which 
shall  it  be?"    ' 

At  this  moment  there  was  an  unusual  disturbance  just 
outside  the  conservatory. 

The  King  uttered  an  ejaculation,  and  Tom  King  al- 
lowed the  leaves  to  fall  into  their  places,  which  ho  had 
held  aside  in  order  to  watch  the  proceedings  of  the 
King. 

He  knew  very  well  that  the  noise  proceeded  from  the 
soldiers  who  were  without,  and  who  were  desirous  of 
searching  in  the  conservatory  for  him. 

Loud  voices  were  heard,  and  then  the  door  was  gently 
opened. 

The  personage  addressed  as  Willis  just  intruded  Lis 
head. 

"  Your  Majesty        ■   "  he  began. 

The  King  interrupted  him  with  a  snarling,  impatient 
sound. 

"  Your  Majesty,  a  detachment  of  the  guard  is  without 
in  search  of        " 

"  Yah — bah !  Shut  the  door !  Begone !  Did  we  not 
aay  we  would  not  be  disturbed  ?" 

Thus  admonished,  Willis  closed  the  door,  and  Tom 
heard  him  say : 

"  It's  all  very  well  for  you  to  tell  me  that  you  have 
searched  all  through  the  gardens  and  can  find  no  one,  and 
that  in  consequence  the  man  you  are  in  search  of  is 
hidden  here — I  tell  you  it  cannot  be  so!  The  King  is 
there,  and  I  have  been  watching  ever  since  ;  but  if  you 
are  not  satisfied,  wait  till  the  King  leaves ;  you  cas?  go  in 
then  and  search  to  your  hearts'  content." 

Some  words  wore  muttered  by  way  of  reply  to  this,  but 
what  they  were  Tom  could  not  catch. 

Turning  his  attention  onco  more  upon  the  royal  pirty, 
he  saw  the  Prinee  of  Wales  had  stepped  forward  a  pace 
or  two,  and  was  holding  out  his  hand. 

"Let  there  be  a  reconciliation !"  he  was  saying.  "  My 
own  folly  I  can  see  now  only  too  plainly.  Let  us  be  good 
friends,  as  we  should  be,  but  do  not  seek  to  curb  me  too 
much  ;  it  is  not  my  fault  that  I  am  impatient  of  the  least 
control."  >/' 

"  Lee  it  be  so,  Frederick,"  said  the  Kin:;,  exten^^agr  to 
hand — "  let  it  be  so,  and  let  us  rejoice  that  on  tins  occa- 
sion you  disobeyed  me.  When  I  heard  you  were  in  the 
aaloon  my  anger  was  great ;  now,  however,  aU  has  tarned 
out  well." 

The  Queen  was  quite  overcome  with  joy  at  thiw  milil 
of  the  meeting ;  it  was  more — far  more — than  she  had  I 
dared  to  expect.  1 

"  Come,  George,"  she  said,*'  let  us  return  to  the  saloons  ,  1 
tho  sooner  it  is  known  that  the  misunderstanding  between  | 
you  luil  Frederick  is  cleared  up  tho  better  it  will  be." 


•  No — no,"  said  the  King — "not  this  moment—  nM 
this  moment !  Leave  me,  both  of  you — I  will  follow  soon 
— leave  me,  1  say;  I  wish  to  be  alone !" 

The  Queen  knew  her  husbari's  nature  too  well  io 
attempt  to  thwart  him  in  any  way,  and  therefore  pre- 
pared to  ODey  without  another  word. 

The  Prince  drew  her  hand  beneath  his  arm,  and  Uuy 
left  the  conservatory  together. 

Who*,  they  had  gone,  the  King  began  to  pace  up  and 
duivn  with  rapid  strides. 

There  were  signs  of  great  vexation,  remorse,  and 
anguish  on  his  countenance ;  but  by  what  produced,  who 
could  tell  ?" 

Perhaps  it  wrs  this  unexpected  reconciliation  with  his 
son  that  had  affected  him  so  deeply,  or  perhaps  it  was 
that  some  momory  of  the  past  came  back  to  him,  bringing 
with  it  nothing  but  misery  and  sadness. 

So  strange  was  the  King's  whole  manner,  and  so  well 
did  his  face  portray  the  uneasiness  of  his  mind,  that  Tom 
could  not  avoid  gazing  upon  him  for  some  time  in 
silence. 

"Well,"  he  thought,  "who  would  believe  that  that 
miserable,  dejected-looking,  prematurely  old  man  is  the 
King  of  Eugland  ?" 

Rousing  himself  from  these  thoughts,  however,  Tom 
suddenly    recollected  tho  purpose  he  had  to  accomplish. 

Chance  had  favoured  him  to  a  degree  that  he  had  not 
dared  to  hope  for. 

The  King  was  now  alone,  and  what  would  bo  so  easy 
as  to  step  forth  and  confront  him. 

In  his  present  mood,  would  he  not  be  more  likely  to 
listen  to  his  application  and  to  be  inclined  to  an  act  of 
mercy  ? 

Surely  yes. 

There  was  only  one  fear. 

That  was,  as  soon  as  he  caught  sight  of  the  intruder  he 
would  utter  such  a  cry  as  would  have  the  effect  of  calling 
his  attendant,  Willis,  into  the  conservatory,  when  the 
highwayman's  discovery  would  be  inevitable. 

That  risk  had  to  bo  run,  and  Tom  made  up  his  mind  to 
delay  no  longer,  for  he  could  not  tell  what  moment  the 
King  might  take  it  into  his  head  to  leave. 

Such  a  chance  as  this  once  lost  would  probably  never 
be  regained. 

Watching  his  opportunity,  then,  he  slowly  and   gently 
left  his  verdant  hiding-place. 
The  King's  back  was  towards  him, 
Concealed  by  some  of  the  shrubs,  Tom  waited  until  b-3 
turned  round  in  his  restless  walk  and  came  past. 

Then,  holding  the  locket  open  in  his  hand,  he  stepped 
forward. 

"  Your  Majesty,"  he  said,  bowing  deeply,  and  speaking 
in  a  low,  respectful  voice — "  will  your  Majesty  deigu  to 
look  at  this?" 

The  King  started,  as  well  he  might,  at  this  unexpected 
intrusion. 

His  lips  parted,  as  though  he  was  about  to  give  vont 
to  that  cry,  the  consequences  of  which  were  so  much 
feared  by  Tom. 

But  just  then  his  eyes  fell  upon  the  open  locket,  a»d 
immediately  a  strange  and  wondrous  alteration  overspread 
his  features. 

He  stepped  back  a  pace. 

His  lips  opened  wider,  his  eyes  dilated,  and  ho  pressed 
one  hand  upon  his  forehead. 

He  made  several  gasping  attempts  to  speak. 
"  What — what,"  he  said,  at  last,  in  a  hoarse  whisper— 
"  what — what  is  it  that  you  hold  before  me  ?  Take  it 
away  —take  it  away !  Is  it  real  or  some  delusion  ?  Have 
I  pondered  over  this  event  iu  my  past  life  until  my  fancy 
has  conjured  up  this  relic  ?     What — what — what— — " 

"  Your  Majesty,"  said  Tom,  in  the  same  respectful 
voice,  "  it  is  no  fancy,  but  reality.  I  ha  re  been  charged 
to  deliver  the  locket  into  your  hands,  and,  at  tne  peril  of 
my  life,  I  have  done  so." 

While  he  spoke,  Tom  let  the  open  locket  fall  icto  the 
Kuur'e  outstretched  hand. 


CHAPTER  DCCOLXV. 

TOM   UlMtiS  STRANGE  DJTERVTEW    WITH    HIS    MAJLSTt     IX 
THE   CONSERVATORY. 

'■,  he  King  closed  his  hand  convulsively,  and  then,  to  • 
changed  v:ice,  said' 


1414 


BixACK     6KiS  ;    On. 


"Who  and  what  are  you?  tlow  came  ^ou  by  this  ? 
Speak  quickly-  tell  me  all.  Yet  st;*y— folnw  aa—ih  » 
way — this  way." 

The  King  hastily  strode  towards  the  furthoi  and  of  tl  a 
coaservatory,  and  Tom  wondered  greatly  cl  Sis  Bicti  n 
for  so  doing. 

But  his  wonder  soou  ceased  when  ho  perceive1  are  y 
pretty  rustic-looking  seat  placed  there  for  the  cta.'?-vui»i 
of  visitors. 

On  this  the  King  sat,  and,  resting  one  of  hLs  dbown  or 
the  arm  of  it,  supporting  bis  head  with  his  hand,  hf 
said  : 

••Now  tell  me,  and  as  quiek>  cs  you  COSH.  Us*  u< 
more  word-  than  you  are  absolPlc^>">  CompeEed." 

"Your  Majesty,"  Tom  began,  ''"as  you  seem  to  know, 
that  locket  was  sent  as  a  token." 

"  Token— token  of  what?  How  came  it  in  your 
possession  ?" 

Tom  reflected  a  moment  j  then  decided  that  it  would 
be  best  to  let  the  King  know  the  history  cf  the  locket,  rs 
this  would  be  more  likely  to  pshieve  his  purpose. 

"  The  lady,"  he  said,  "  whose  portrait  is  in  tbat 
locket " 

Hero  the  King  started  violently,  and  glanced  fell  around, 
as  if  he  expected  some  eavesdropper  to  be  near. 

"Hush — hush!"  he  cried.  "Doii't  name  that — don't 
name  that— do  not  let  any  such  words  escape  your 
lips." 

His  agitation  was  extreme. 

"I  will  bo  careful,  your  Majesty.  The  lady,  then, 
found  herself  in  a  situation  of  much  difficulty  and  clanger. 
Your  Majesty  may  perhaps  remember  a  certain  letter,  on 
the  outside  of  which  appears  the  stain  of  blood." 

The  King  started  again,  snd  removed  his  hand  from 
his  face. 

Tom  was  absolutely  startled  by  the  expression  of 
it 

It  was  as  whito  as  marble. 

Seeing  that  the  King  was  struggling  to  speak,  Tom 
remained  silent,  and  at  length  his  Majesty  gasped 
forth  : 

"  Who  and  what  are  you,  knowing  all  these  things, 
which  I  believed  buried  for  evor  in  oblivion  ?  Speak — 
explain  y-r/ursc.:,  i  say  !" 

"  I  wi!)  do  so  if  your  Majesty  will  permit  me,"  replied 
Tom,  calmly.  "  But  tho  letter  of  which  I  speak,  and 
which,  as  you  know  full  well,  was  highly  prized  by  the 
lady,  as  it  was  necessary  she  should  retain  it  in  her  pos- 
session—that letter,  I  say,  was  stolen  from  her,  and  was 
held  by  a  certain  nobleman,  whose  uamo  perhaps  I  need 
not  mention,  who  used  it  as  a  means  of  power  over  her, 
terrifying  her  into  compliance  with  all  his  wishes." 

Tho  King  groaned. 

"Yes — yes,"  he  said,  " I  know  all  that— all  that! 
Proceed." 

"  Your  Majesty,  tho  lady  felt  that,  at  all  risks  and 
nazards,  that  letter  must  bo  re-obtained.  How  to  perform 
such  a  difficult  task  as  this  she  had  not  the  remotest  idea  ; 
but  at  last  she  thought  cf  one  who,  by  his  daring  deeds 
and  open  defiance  of  the  law,  seemed  likely  to  suit  her 
purpose.  To  this  man  she  applied  herself,  and  he  under- 
took to  obtain  the  missing  document.  That  undertaking 
be  fulfilled — the  letter  was  returned,  and  he  was  told  to 
name  his  own  reward.  He  refused,  however,  to  take  any- 
thing, but  at  last  the  lady  forced  this  locket  into  his 
hands,  telling  him  to  keep  it  carefully,  and  when  in  some 
great  peril  from  which  he  could  not  extricate  himself  by 
other  means,  he  was  to  send  a  faithful  mesoonger  to 
convey  this  locket  and  placo  it  in  your  Majesty's  own 
hand." 

The  King  remained  silent  foi  3ome  moments  after  T^*u 
King  had  ceased  speaking. 

It  \7&$  evident  that  he  was  deeply  plunged  in  thought  ; 
out  as  to  the  nature  of  his  reflections,  Tom  King  could 
only  givo  a  guess. 

Starting  at  length  from  his  abstraction,  e-9  if  only 
suddenly  aware  that  Tom  was  present,  he  said  : 

"Then  this  man  who  obtained  tho  letter  is  no»  ina 
position  of  danger  ?" 

"  He  is,  your  Majesty.  At  this  moment  he  lies  in  a 
cell  in  Newgate,  upon  a  charge  affecting  his  life,  anu  if 
immediate  measures  are  not  taken  ho  will  be  executed  &t 
Tyburn." 

"  Indeed  1"  said  the  King,  musingly.    "  His  name  ?" 


>  "  Dick  Turpin." 

Tom  witched,  with  some  anxiety,  to  observe  the  effect 
that  the  pronunciation  of  this  name  would  hare  upoa  his 

lie  saw  tho  King  give  a  slight  start  of  astonishment. 

Then  he  mechanieallv  r..}eated  hisnama. 

That  wa3  all. 

Looking  fiurutinisingly  into  Tom's  countenance,  he 
*aid  : 

"  Bat  you  have  not  yet  told  me  who' yen  aw.  In  what 
way  are  you  connected  with  this  mattet?  Srrely  you 
are  no  companion  or  associate  of  a  desperado  like  Dick 
Turpin?  Tour  appearand  ir.d  mode  of  speech  are  those 
of  a  man  of  education,  an  \  one  accustomed  to  a  higher 
sphere  of  life.  There  is  son*,  hin^  too,  \n  your  counte- 
nance aud  in  the  tones  of  voir  voire  that  seems  familiar. 
Whcroand  when  have  I  seen  /oa  before  ?" 

These  questions  produced  a  most  embarrassing  feeling 
upon  Tom  King. 

How  to  reply  he  scarcely  knew. 

But  he  saw  tho  King  was  watching  him  closely,  and  he 
felt  that  it  would  be  unwise  and  dangerous  to  tampn-i 
with  him  in  any  way,  for  upon  his  breath  hung  the 
captain's  life. 

"  Oircumstances,"  he  said,  "  have  made  mo  what  I  am. 
It  is  scarcely  possible,  however,  that  your  Majesty  can 
have  ever  seen  me  before  to-night;  some  accidental  resem- 
blance has  misled  you.  Bat,  to  confess  the  truth,  lam 
Dick  Turpin's  comrade  and  bosom  friend,  and  ready  at 
any  moment  to  die,  if  by  dying  I  could  save  him." 

"  You  the  comrade  of  a  tobbcr — a  thief?" 

"  Yrour  Majesty,"  replied  Tom,  "  I  have  said  it." 

Little  was  it  guessed  how  great  was  the  amount  of 
humiliation  that  Tom  King  felt  at  this  moment. 

Must  forcibly  was  brought  back  to  him  the  unhappy 
past,  and  tho  events  which  had  conspired  to  make  him 
what  he  then  was. 

Tho  topic  of  conversation  was  painful,  and  could 
only  become  more  so  by  being  prolonged. 

To  Tom's  great  relief,  the  King's  eyes  happened  just 
then  to  fall  upon  the  locket,  which  still  lay  in  his 
hand. 

Ho  started,  as  if  he  haa  suddenly  recollected  the  busi- 
ness iu  hand. 

"And  this  Dick  Turpin  is  in  Newgate,  you  say?"  he 
resumed,  in  a  different  tone  of  voice.  "  Oonfouud  the 
fellow  !  there  has  been  troui  le  enough  to  catch  him,  and 
now  that  he  is  safe  in  custody  it  seems  the  favour  you 
require  from  me  is  a  free  pardon." 

"That  is  it,"  said  Tom,  "if  your  Majesty  will  bo  so 
gracious.  I  leave  it  to  you  to  decide  whether  the  service 
of  wresting  that  letter  from  Lord  Spindelow  is  worthy  of 
such  a  boon." 

"  It  is — it  is.  But  yet — yet  I  am  so  hampered  and 
fettered  by  one  and  another,  that  I  fear  I  canuot  grant 
your  request." 

"  Your  Majesty  ?" 

"  It  is  so.  I  know  how  strong  is  fw  feeling  of  the 
ministers  against  this  man — they  would  do  all  and  every- 
thing to  ensure  his  execution.  Were  I  to  interfere,  such 
an  outcry  and  bother  would  be  made  about  it  that  I  should 
know  no  further  peace.     No,  no — it  cannot  bo  done." 

"And  must  I  take  back  that  answer?"  said  Tom,  ic 
tones  of  tho  deepest  disappointment  and  regret. 

"  Yes  ;  i^d  yet  I  do  not  ask  you  to  abandon  all  hope — 
no,  no,  do  not  think  so  badly  of  mo.  I  can  be  grateful, 
although  it  would  not  bo  prudent  for  ma  to  grant  a 
pardon;  yet,  by  some  other  means,  1  may  effect  his  libera- 
tion from  Newgate — at  any  rate,  his  lif«  ehi;il  be 
spared." 

"  Oh,  your  Majesty,"  said  Tom,  surprised  beyond 
measure  at  this  unexpected  relief,  "would  that  I  could 
find  w  )r  Is  to  express  my  gratitude  !" 

"IVeh,  well— that  v-ilJ  do— we  will  suppose  them 
tittered.  New  go — lea^eme.  Kest  assured  your  comrado 
is  safe." 

"  I  humbly  taka  my  leave,"  said  Tom;  ''but  yet,  your 
M.jesty's  kindue^  emboldens  me  to  make  ono  more 
r«  ^uest." 

"■Say  on.' 

"It  is  that  you  furnish  mo  with  some  kind  of  passport 
or  watchword,  in  order  that  1  may  leave  the  castle  iu 
safety.  Your  Majesty  appears  to  have  overlooked  ths 
fact  that  I  have  baffled  the  vigilance  of  all  your  officials; 


THE   KNIGHT   OF   THE    ROAD. 


1415 


sentinels,  and  domestics,  and  havo  found  you  alone. 
Had  I  been  a  couspirator  and  nob  so  scrupulous  as  to 
whether  I  committed  the  crime  of  regicide,  I  should  have 
had  ample  opportunity." 

The  King  sprang  to  his  feet. 

Alarm  was  in  his  breast. 

The  very  word  "  conspirator  "  had  brought  back  to 
his  mind  all  the  attempts  which  had  been  made  to  hurl 
him  from  the  throne. 

His  dread  of  the  Jacobites  was  something  most 
intense. 

"  I  only  mention  these  facts,"  said  Tom,  "  in  order 
to  show  you  that  it  will  be  necessary  for  me  to  have 
some  kind  of  passport  when  I  leave.  The  soldiers,  know- 
ing an  intruder  is  in  the  castle,  have  searched  in  all  di- 
rections, and,  no  doubt,  as  soon  as  I  leave  thi3  con- 
servatory, I  shall  be  pounced  on." 

"  But  suppose,"  said  the  King,  "  that  I  leave  you  to 
get  away  again  by  your  own  stratagem  ?" 

"  Then,  your  Majesty,  I  can  do  no  more  than  try  my 
best.  You  have  given  me  your  assurance  that  my  com- 
rade's life  is  safe.  If  I  should  perish  in  my  endeavours 
to  escape,  I  shall  not  care,  because  I  shall  know  that  I 
have  purchased  his  safety  with  my  life." 

The  King  could  not  avoid  gazing  upon  the  highway- 
man with  admiration. 

Such  dovotion  as  this  was  rare  indeed. 

It  made  him  sigh  and  wish  that  he  had  attached  to 
his  own  person  peoplo  who  would  be  as  staunch  and 
true,  instead  of  the  hollow-hearted  set  by  whom  he  was 
surrounded,  and  whose  sole  aim  wa3  their  own 
aggrandisement. 

But  events  had  made  the  King  suspicious. 

He  fancied  that  perhaps  this  was  only  bravado  on 
Tom's  part. 

At  any  rate,  he  resolved  to  put  him  to  the  test. 

"  You  presume  too  much,"  he  said.  "  I  have  already 
granted  one  request — let  that  suffice.  Be  satisfied  that, 
you  gained  an  audience  of  me  in  spite  of  all  my  retinue. 
Now  let  U3  see  whether  you  will  bo  equally  successful 
in  returning." 

"Your  Majesty,"  said  Tom,  "  I  take  my  leave.  My 
best  thanks  are  yours  for  having  promised  to  save  my 
comrade's  life.  As  for  myself,  1  shall  do  my  best  to 
gain  my  way  to  liberty.  If  I  fall,  it  will  matter  little  ; 
existence  has  but  few  charms  for  me,  and  when  I  am 
gone  there  will  not  be  mauy  to  regret  my  I033,  and  even 
by  them  I  shall  soon  be  forgotten." 

While  thus  speaking,  Tom  King  bowed  low,  and  turn- 
ing quickly  round,  strode  towards  the  door  of  the  con- 
servatory. 

CHAPTER  DCCCLXVI. 

TOM   KING   ENDEAVOURS   TOU3JOIN   CLAUDE    DUVAL 
AND   SIXT&EN-STRING    JACK. 

Tom  walked  on  with  a  steady  and  unfaltering  step,  won- 
dering much  at  the  sudden  alteration  in  the  King's 
manner. 

It  was  not  until  his  hand  was  actually  on  tho  fasten- 
ing of  the  door  of  the  conservatory  that  tho  King,  in  a 
sharp,  commanding  voice,  cried  : 
"Halt!" 

Tom  stopped  instantly,  and  turned  round. 
He  saw  the  King  standing  at  tho  further  end,  and 
beckoning  him  to  approach. 

"  It  was  merely  to  make  a  trial  of  you,"  said  the 
King,  a3  soon  as  he  neared  him.  "  I  can  see  now  that 
you  were  fully  in  earnest,  and  know  henceforth  that 
the  King  of  England  can  appreciate  bravery  and  devo- 
tion wherever  he  may  find  it— if  in  tho  person  of  a  high- 
wayman.    Here,  Willis,  I  say  !" 

The  door  opened  immediately  in  response  to  tho  call, 
and  Willis  appeared. 

"  You  will  escort  this  gentleman  to  tho  gates  of  tho 
castle,"  said  tho  King,  "and  after  that  return  to  mo." 
Willis  looked  surprised,  as  well  ho  might,  at  find- 
ing someone  in  the  conservatory  in  conversation  with 
the  King. 

But  he  was"  too  well-bred  to  utter  a  word. 
Merely   bowing,  he  made  a  sign  to  Tom  to  follow 
him. 

The  King  in  the  meanwhile,  sank  down  again  upon 
tho  little  rustic  seat  in  an  attitude  of  great  dejection. 


Recollections  of  tho  past  came  thronging  thickly  into 
his  miud — recollections  painful  and  unpleasant ;  but 
yet,  strive  as  he  would,  he  could  not  banish  them. 

With  a  very  different  kind  of  feeling,  Tom  King  fol- 
lowed Willis  from  the  conservatory. 

His  heart  was  elate  with  hope,  and  ho  stepped  briskly 
forward. 

Not  only  was  his  own  escape  from  Windsor  Castle 
ensured,  but  ho  had  tho  King's  word  that  the  captaiu 
should  be  liberated. 

Well  might  he  rejoice  then,  and  well  might  he  felicitate 
himself  upon  the  success  that  had  attended  him  iu  his 
efforts.  a 

Looking  back,  he  could  scarcely  believe  what  had  oc- 
curred. 

It  seemed  impossible  that  fortune  oould  have  so  fa- 
voured him. 

When  ata  safe  distance  from  the  conservatory,  Willis 
turned  round  to  wards  Tom,  and,  with  preparatory  cough, 
said  : 

"  Excuse  me,  sir,  if  I  asked  by  what  means  you 
gained  tho  conservatory." 

"  Secret  service,"  said  Tom  King. 
Willis  stared. 

"  You  do  not  understand  me,"  he  said,  in  a  louder 
voice.     "  How  did  you  gain  the  conservatory  i" 

"  Secret  service,"  said  Tom,  iu  the  some  calm,  evon 
tone3  as  before. 

Willis  stamped  his  foot  impatiently. 
"  I  insist   upon    knowing,  sir!     My  vigilance   is  at 
stake.     Will  you  or  will  you  not  answer  my  question  r" 
"  I  have  auswered  it." 
"  But  I  say  that  is  no  answer." 

"  Then,"  returned  Tom,  as  coolly  as  ever,  "  I  can  give 
you  no  other,  so  obey  his  Majesty's  command  by  show- 
ing me  out  with  the  least  possible  delay." 

Willis  bit  his  lip,  and  he  looked  at  Tom  with  a  re- 
vengeful scowl. 

There  is  no  doubt  that  if  he  had  the  opportunity  h© 
would  certainly  do  him  some  serious  injury. 

In  fact,  Willis  was  never  satisfied  until  he  had  pried 
into  every  domestic  matter  of  tho  King's  ;  aud  in  this 
strange,  unaccouutable  interview  he  sniffed  out  eomo 
family  secret  with  tho  details  of  which  he  wished  to 
make  himself  familiar. 

But  in  Tom  King  ho  had  the  wrong  person  to  deal 
with. 
Threats  and  cajolery  would  be  alike  unavailing. 
Of  course,  Willis  was  allowed  to  go  wherever  he  chosa 
unquestioned,  and  as  it  was  seen  that  Tom  was  under 
his  immediate  guidance  and  protection,  no  effort  was 
made  to  stop  him. 

Tom,  however,  was  full  of  impatience  once  more  to 
got  beneath  the  open  sky. 

He  had  not  forgotten  the  perilous  position  in  which 
ho  had  left  his  two  companions,  and  he  was  well  aware 
that,  in  their  devotion  to  himself,  they  would  go  to  any 
length — run  any  risk — in  order  to  cover  his  retreat. 

Therefore  it  was  that  he  wished  to  make  his  way 
round  to  that  particular  part  of  the  castle  where  ho  had 
loft  them,  and  to  let  them  know  that  all  wa3  well. 

Whether  the  two  hours  had  elapsed,  or  whether  a 
longer  period  had  gone  by,  he  could  not  tell. 
Ho  had  omittod  to  take  notico  of  the  time. 
To  judge  by  events,  his  stay  in  tho  castie  mast  alto- 
gether havo  been  of  considerable  duration. 

As  ho  walked  on,  Tom  rightly  conjectured  that  there 
must  be  many  exits  from  tho  castle,  and  therefore  re- 
quested to  bo  led  out  as  near  as  possible  to  the  garden. 
Willis  made  no  reply  to  this  request,  however,  but 
marched  on. 

Somo  slight  revenge,  however,  he  felt  was  now  within 
his  reach. 

Evidontly  Tom  was  unacquainted  with  the  interior  of 
the  castle,  and  therefore  Willis  led  him  to  tho  gateway 
furthest  from  the  placo  ho  wished  to  reach. 
Just  as  he  passed  beneath  the  portal,  ho  said : 
"  Turn  to  your  left,  and  walk  on.     In   two  'minutes 
you  will  bo  there." 

Not  suspecting  any  deception,  Tom  followed  those 
directions  ;  but  after  walking  for  a  long  timo,  ho  could 
not  como  iu  sight  of  one  of  the  objects  that  in  his  ap- 
proach to  the  caBtle  he  had  noted  down  as  land- 
marks. 


KLACK    3KS1S,    OK, 


There  was  no  iBsonrce,  however,  but  to  keep  walking 
on  and  on,  trusting  to  arrive  in  a  short  time. 

But  his  patience  was  destined  to  be  put  to  a  severe 
trial,  and  before  he  had  gone  much  further,  he  gnogs&i 
the  nature  of  the  trick  that  had  been  played  him. 

But  so  delighted  was  he  at  the  success  he  had  m^  w»ta, 
that  he  was  inclined  to  laugh  at  any  bit  of  spite  of  this 
sort,  so  walked  steadily,  knowing  that  if  he  made  a  com- 
plete circuit  of  the  castle  that  be  must  inevitably  come 
to  the  point  he  wished  to  reach. 

His  only  uneasiness  was  on  behalf  si!  his  eomrjaaions. 

He  wondored  how  they  would  fare  when  the  time  came 
for  a  change  of  guard 

Windsor  Castle,  however,  was  greater  in  circumferonco 
than  Tom  had  anticipated ;  and  owing  to  occasional 
detours  that  he  was  compelled  to  make,  it  took  him 
upwards  of  an  hour  to  reach  the  garden  wall. 

Keeping  under  the  shadow  of  the  trees  as  before,  he 
now  approached  with  the  utmost  caution. 

Sentinels  were  pacing  up  and  down  as  before  ;  and  at 
last  the  front  of  the  identical  sentry-box,  the  top  of 
which  he  had  mounted,  was  reached. 

Near  to  this  he  could  perceive  the  figure  of  a  man  was 
standing. 

He  was  clad  in  soldiers  uniform  ;  but  whether  it  was 
Claude  that  he  beheld,  or  a  veritable  sentinel,  Tom  King 
could  not  tell,  the  obscurity  was  so  profound. 

He  resolved  to  wait  a  little  while,  and,  if  possiblo,  to 
creep  a  littlo  closer,  in  order  to  be  able  to  form  a  better 
idea. 

He  watched  the  opportunity  when  the  soldier,  resuming 
his  march,  turned  the  angle  of  the  wall,  and  wts  for  » 
few  moments,  out  of  sight. 

Anxiously  he  waited  for  the  sentinel  to  reappear 

At  length  he  came  into  sight. 

Shielding  his  eyes  with  his  hands,  Tom  looked  at  him 
earnestly  and  scrutinisingly ;  then,  after  a  moment,  shook 
his  head,  as  he  muttered  : 

"  No — no ;  it's  not  Claude,  nor  Jack  either.  Where  on 
earth  can  they  be  ?  What  has  happened  during  my 
absence  ?" 

These  wore  questions  that  Tom  King  could  not 
answer. 

But  leaving  him  in  doubt,  we  will  revert  for  a  few 
moments  to  the  proceedings  of  his  comrades. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXV1I. 

SHOWS   HCW   CLAUDE     DUVAL    AXD  SIXTEEN-SYRING  JACK 
DISPOSE  OF  THE  SENTINEL. 

No  sooner  had  Tom  King  leaped  over  the  wall  in  the 
manner  described  than  Sixteen-String  Jack  took  hold  of 
the  sentinel  us  he  lay  helpless  upon  th>  ground,  and 
dragged  him  towards  the  sentry-box. 

With  some  difficulty  he  succeeded  in  forcing  him  into 
it,  Claude  Duval,  in  the  meanwhile,  performing  the  part 
of  sentinel  to  great  perfection. 

It  was  clear  that  he  had  not  yet  forgotten  his  military 
training,  and  it  would  have  required  a  keen  eye  indeed  to 
detect  the  imposition. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  contented  himself  with  hiding  in 
the  shadow  of  the  sentiy-box. 

Here  he  believed  he  should  be  quite  out  of  siQki;  tod 
also  in  such  a  position  as  to  render  immediate  aid  to  Tom 
King  should  he  require  it. 

And  so,  without  the  occurrence  of  any  incident  to 
break  the  dull  monotony  of  his  duty  Claude  Duval  paced 
up  and  down  outside  the  wall,  pausing  occasionally  to 
exchange  a  few  whispered  words  with  his  companion. 

The  time  passed  on  but  slowly,  by  no  means  so  rapidly 
as  with  Tom,  who  was  actively  engaged  during  the  whole 
time. 

At  length  a  tremendous  uproar  was  Ward,  and  tney 
could  only  come  to  one  conclusion  respecting  it,  which 
was  that  Tom  King  had  been  discovered  as  au  intruder 
in  the  castle,  and  that  close  search  was  being  made  «U<ar 
him. 

Claude  stopped  a  moment  near  the  sentry-box,  and, 
resting  on  his  firearm,  said  : 

41  Tom  is  discovered,  Jack,  depend  upon  it.  Now,  then, 
wiat  are  we  to  do  ?" 

»'  Why,  nothing  that  I  can  6ee,  except  to  remaL„  ucre 
in  readiness  to  assist  him  when  be  appears.  Rely  upon 
it  be  will  make  his  way  direct  to  this  point,  not  only  from 


I  his  desire  to  rejoin   us,  bat   also  because  the  horses  are 
I  hero.'' 

"I  wish  I  could  see  over  the  top  of  the  wall,  never- 
theless," said  Claude.  i9 

"Ee  pe-iruaded  by  me,"  said  Jack,  "and  don't  attempt 
it  You  would  be  seen  almost  to  a  certainty,  while  ten 
to  one  if  you  could  make  out  what  was  going  on." 

To  stay  loager  was  imprudent,  so  Claude  marched  off 
again,  feeling  very  uneasy,  and  yet  being  all  the  time  on 
the  alert. 

Time  passed,  and  Tom  did  not  appear. 
Then  suddenly  they  heard   the   regular  tapping  of  a 
drum,  the  same  sound  that  they  had   heard  a  short  time 
before. 

"  The  time  is  up,"  said  Claude,  halting  again  ;  "  the 
guard  is  ibout  to  be  changed.  Now  tthat  on  earth  shall 
we  do  ?" 

Jack  was  puzzled. 

"I  am  afraid  Tom  is  captured,"  he  &k.I;  "and  if  he 
is,  we  shall  only  run  our  own  necks  into  the  noose  by 
attempting  to  rescue  him." 

"  I  suppose  so,"  was  the  answer ;  "  and  yet  that  does  not 
reconcile  one  to  abandoning  him  to  his  fate.* 

"  It  certainly  does  not ;  but  be  quick  and  decide  be- 
fore the  soldiers  appear  in  sight.  It  will  not  do  to  re- 
main here." 

"  That  is  certain,"  said  Claude,  hastily  stripping  off 
the  soldier's  coat — "  detection  would  be  certain." 

"And  it  will  be  now,"  said  Jack,  "for  the  soldiers, 
when  they  arrive  here  and  find  their  comrade  in  this 
condition,  will  raise  au  immediate  alarm." 

"Let  us  look  at  him,"  said  Claude,  "and  see  what 
condition  he  is  in  by  now." 

He  stepped  out  of  the  sentry-box  and  went  close  up 
to  the  soldier. 

He  was  in  a  peculiarly  uncomfortable  position. 

Claude  shook  him. 

But  he  took  no  notice. 

"  I  believe  he  is  insensible,"  he  whispered.  "  If  be 
is,  we  can  manage  it." 

"  How — how  ?" 

"I  cannot  stay  to  tell  you.  Watch  my  actions — that 
must  suffice." 

Quick  as  thought,  Claude  dragged  the  sentinel  out  of 
the  box,  and  then  found  his  conjecture  to  be  verified. 

The  man  was  indeed  insensible. 

His  next  proceeding  was  with  great  rapidity  to  rid 
him  of  the  ropes  by  which  he  was  secured,  and  to  take 
the  gag  out  of  his  mouth. 

As  soon  as  Jack  saw  what  his  comrade  was  about 
he  assisted  him,  and  the  fragments  were  thrown  over 
the  wall. 

Then,  with  a  great  deal  of  difficulty,  the  sentinel's 
coat  was  put  on,  and  his  musket  placed  beside  him. 

In  his  pocket  Claude  carried  a  small  case  of  brandy. 

This  he  produced,  and  poured  a  quantity  of  it  into 
the  man's  mouth,  who  made  a  convulsive  attempt  to 
swallow  it. 

"  That  will  do,"  he  cried.  "  Now,  Jack,  follow  me 
with  all  speed.  When  they  come,  ten  to  one  if  the 
guard  don't  take  him  to  be  dead  drunk." 

As  noiselessly  as  shadows  the  highwaymen  departed 
concealing  themselves  once  more  in  the  trees. 

Here  they  remained  to  watch  what  would  happen  next. 

On  came  the  little  troop  of  soldiers,  just  as  they  had 
seen  them  on  the  preceding  occasion. 

At  length  they  stopped  opposite  the  sentry-box,  upon 
whicc  the  highwaymen's  attention  was  fixed. 

The  sentinel,  who  was  now  beginning  to  recover  his 
consciousness,  was  sitting  on  the  ground,  with  his  back 
»gatii3i  the  sentry-box. 

•'  Hullo  !"  the  highwaymen  heard  a  gnifl  voice  say,  and 
which  doubtless  proceeded  from  the  officer  in  command 
— "  hullo  !  what's  this  ?  Why,  d — n  me  if  he  is  not  drunk  ! 
Wake  him  up  there,  will  you,  some  of  you  ?" 

Th9  soldiers  gathered  round  their  companion  and 
ebook  him  violently. 

The  odour  of  the  brandy  was  very  powerful,  and  made 
Itself  apparent  to  all. 

"  He  is  drunk,"  they  cried.  "  Can't  you  smell  the  brandy  ! 
Well,  tyho  would  have  thought  of  this  ?" 

"  There'll  be  a  row  about  it,"  said  another  voice. 
'Silence!"  cried  the  officer.    "Got  him  up  and  mile 
his  a  prisoner." 


THE   KMIGHT   OF   THE   KOAD. 


1417 


[TOM  KING  TAKES  THE   ROYAL  LETTER-BAG  TO  NEWGATE.] 


Not  without  a  great  deal  of  trouble  the  sentinel  was 
got  upon  his  feet. 

His  comrades,  enjoying  the  sport,  shook  him  about 
furiously. 

Rough  as  these  mean3  wore,  yet  the  man  began  to  re- 
cover his  senses  rapidly,  and  he  gazed  around  him  with 
a  stupefied,  bewildered  expression. 

"Aha,  my  fine  fellow,"  s'lid  the  officer,  '•  you  will 
pay  dearly  for  this ;  it  is  no  joke  for  one  of  the  King's 
guard  to  be  found  dead  drunk  and  asleep  at  hia  post." 

"  Dead  drunk  "  ejaculated  the  sentinel ;  "  who  says 
f'm  drunk  ?" 

"  Why,  I  do,"  answered  the  officer. 

"I  will  take  my  oath,"  said  the  man,  "  I  have  not 
had  a  drop  to  drink  to-night." 

"You  insolent  rascal!"  waa  the  answer.  "Do  you 
mean  to  call  me  a  liar  ?    Why,  you  stink  now  of  brandy 

No.  178— Black  Bess. 


to  such  a  degree  that  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  come 

neMoreUbewildered  than  ever,  the  sentinel  licked  hi* 
lips,  and  as  he  did  so  he  tasted  the  brandy,  which,  ot 
course,  increased  his  bewilderment  considerably. 

All  at  once,  however,  the  recollection  of  what  nail 
taken  place  came  over  biin.    .,„_...        ,     _     ,,      T 

"  I  will  tell  you  all,"  he  said-"  I  will  confess  all.  1 
am  not  drunk,  but "  ■•  „«,,,■ 

"Silence!"  cried  the  officer.  "If  you  say  anotlui 
word  I  will  make  it  all  the  worse  for  you  !  Silence,.! 
say,  and  don't  palter  with  me  any  more ! 

"  But  let  me  speak— it  is  most  important  ! 

"  Will  you  be  silent  ?"  said  the  officer.^  ftoff,  then, 
—attention-right  about— quick  march  ! 

The  troop  of  soldiers  marched  on,  and  were  quickly 
lost  to  sight. 


Pptm.  Onr  Halfpenny. 


1418 


BLACK  BfcSS  ;   OE, 


Pi'~np;  the  occurrence  of  this  scene,  Claude  and  Jack 
remained  profoundly  silent,  nor  did  they  venture  to 
epeak  until  the  sentinel,  having  commenced  his  duty  of 
pacing1  up  and  down,  had  turned  the  anglo  of  the  wall. 

'•  Now,"  said  Claude,  "  if  Tom  will  only  quickly  make 
hir,  appearance  ali  will  be  well." 

"lie  must  be  quick,"  was  the  reply,  "  for  although 
the  soldier  has  been  hustled  off  at  present,  yet,  depend 
upon  it,  beforo  long  he  will  make  his  story  known,  and 
then  a  regular  alarm  will  bo  raised." 

"  True,"  was  the  auswer.  "  I  would  give  much  to 
know  how  Tom  has  succeeded  in  his  attempt  to  obtain 
an  audience  of  the  King.  I  am  afraid  the  chance  is 
lost,  and  that  if  Diok  is  liberated  it  will  be  by  his  and 
our  own  exertions." 


CHAPTER   DCCCLXVIII. 

THE   HIGHWAYMEN   HaVE    SOME     DOUBTS   AS   TO  THE 
GOOD    FAITH    OF   THE    KING. 

"  I  feau  so  too,"  replied  Sixteeu-Striug  Jack  ;  "  but  wo 
will  wait  hero  till  daybreak  in  the  hope  that  Tom  will 
return.  Eely  upon  it,  if  he  does  come  back,  he  will 
make  direct  for  this  point,  because  his  horse  is  here." 

"Yes,  wo  will  wait,"  said  Claude;  "it  is  not  likely 
that  we  will  abandon  him." 
And  so  the  time  passed  on. 

So  firmly  impressed  were  both  the  highwaymen  with 
the  notion  that  Tom  King  would  mnke  his  appearance 
over  the  wall,  that  they  paid  but  slight  attention  to 
any  noises  they  might  hear  either  to  the  left  or  right  of 
thorn. 

Consequently  they  were  unaware  of  Tom's  approach 
until  he  was  almost  upon  them. 

"  Claude— Jack,"  he  said,  in  a  low  tone — "speak- 
where  are  your" 
"  Tom,  i3  it  you  P" 
"  Yes,  I  am  here,  safe  and  sound." 
'Biz  comrades  pressed  round  him  eagerly. 
c:Have  you  ?v.eieoded  r"  they  asked,  with  breathloss 
CEsiety — (;  have  you  succeeded  ?" 

"  I  have,"  said  Ten:,  v.ith  a  conscious  triumph.  "  I 
k?,VQ  seen  the  King  r.r.d  had  an  interview  with  him,  and 
L.?  baa  :nveu  his  word  fchftt Dick  shall  be  set  at  liberty." 
"""Ciaucl?  km&  Jack  bhvtf  'ibeir  hata  in  the  air,  and  in  a 
faint  whisper,  «&;$ 
"  Hurrah !" 

But  for  tb.3  contiguity  of  the  sentinels,  the  cheer  would 
have  been  a  lusty  one  ;  but  prudence  restrained  them. 

"  Mount !':  said  Claude.  "  Let  us  mount  and  gallop 
back  ;  such  good  tiding  as  these  cannot  be  communi- 
cated too  quickly.  We  had  just  resigned  ourselves  to 
despair  when  you  appeared." 

The  highwaymen  mounted  their  horses  with  all  speed, 
and  turned  their  faces  homeward. 

Tom  found  ho  should  get  no  peace  until  he  had  told 
his  two  companions  all  that  had  happened  to  him  after 
his  daring  jump  over  the  wall. 

They  listened  with  breathless  interest,  and  at  last 
Claude  said  : 

"  And  that,  I  suppose,  is  all  we  shall  ever  hear  of  this 
mysterious  locket.  What  we  know  suggests  a  great 
deal  more;  and  yet  wo  may  draw  our  own  conclusions, 
and  still  be  very  far  from  the  mark." 

"  Nothing  more  likely,"  said  Tom  ;  "  but  yet,  after  all, 
we  may  obtain  some  further  intelligence.  But,  either 
■way,  it  does  not  much  matter,  now  that  our  end  is  ob- 
tained." 

Taking  the  same  route  as  beforo,  the  highwaymen 
galloped  at  full  speed  back  to  the  Three  Spiders  Inn. 

They  paused  only  once  on  the  journey,  and  yet,  in 
spite  of  all  their  exertions,  it  was  fairly  daybreak  before 
the  plantation  was  reached. 

They  looked  up  anxiously  at  the  little  window,  hoping 
to  catch  sight  of  the  signal-light. 
But  it  wa.9  not  there. 

Such  boing  the  case,  they  were  afraid  to  make  any 
further  movement. 

Chafing  with  impatience,  more  than  half  an  hour 
elajsed,  and  then  upon  the  hard  road  in  front  of  the  inn 
thGy  heard  the  clatter  of  horses'  feet. 

Listening  intently,  they  soon  found  that  some  persons 
or  other  were  taking  their  departure,  for  the  sound  grow 
grauuany  less  and  less  distinct. 


Shortly  afterwards  the  little  door  in  the  stablo  waa 
opened,  and  Tom  Davis  crossed  its  threshold. 

The  highwaymen  advanced  towards  him  instantly. 

"  Is  all  well  P"  they  askod. 

"  Yes,  all's  well  now  ;  but  only  a  few  momenta  ago 
the  officers  wero  here." 

"  What,  again  ?" 

"  Yes,  again.  I  really  thought  they  wore  satisfiod  ; 
however,  on  this  occasion,  as  you  were  all  absent,  and 
as  I  knew  there  was  nothing  that  cofihl  betray  me,  I 
allowed  them  to  search  everywhere,  and  a  most  rigid 
search  it  has  been.  Of  course,"  ho  added,  "they  dis- 
covered nothing." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  Claude,  "  I  hope  this  is  tho  last 
we  shall  have  of  those  visits.  Surely  they  must  have 
some  strong  suspicion,  or  thoy  would  not  bo  so 
frequently  repeated." 

"  That's  my  own  fear,"  returned  Tom.  "  I  can't  under- 
stand their  pertinacity  ;  but  we  have  only  to  be  cautious, 
and  then  all  will  be  well." 

Jack  shook  his  head. 

"I  don't  know  that,"  he  said;  "they  may  pounce 
upon  us  in  an  uufortunato  moment,  and  then  there  will 
bo  an  end  to  our  remaining  here." 

"  Well,  well — we  will  leave  that.  Tell  me  first  how 
you  have  succeeded  in  your  enterprise  P" 

"  Better  than  wo  expected." 

"  Havo  you  seen  the  King  ?" 

"  I  have." 

"Then,"  ejaculated  Tom  Davis,  "I  shall  never  con- 
sider anything  impossible  again.  Had  I  been  asked 
what  there  was  that  no  one  could  perform,  I  should 
have  said,  obtain  an  audience  of  the  King." 

"  Well,  I  have  done  it,  and  with  less  difficulty  than 
you  imagine.  Not  only  that,  ho  has  given  his  word 
that  Dick  shall  be  set  free." 

Tom  Davis  gave  a  shout,  and  then  I19  exelaimod  : 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it — hoartily  glad  to  hear  it ;  for  I 
have  just  received  intelligence  that  has  filled  me  with 
uneasiness." 

"  Indeed  ?    Does  it  concern  Dick  ?" 

"  It  does.  But  come  in  ;  let  us  close  the  stable  door, 
and  while  we  are  seeing  to  the  horses  we  can  talk  it 
over." 

This  was  done,  and  as  soon  as  they  were  fairly  beneath 
the  roof  of  the  stable,  Tom  Davis  said  : 

"  The  officers  brought  me  word  that  the  authorities, 
fearing  some  rescue  or  escape,  have  determined  to  push 
things  on  to  the  utmost.  No  time  has  been  lost  any- 
where, and,  in  order  that  they  may  make  sure  of  the 
execution  taking  place  without  delay,  the  old  warrant 
sent  for  Dick  has  been  endorsed,  and  all  preparations 
havo  been  made,  so  that  his  execution  is  fixed  to  tako 
place  at  noon  to-morrow." 

"  No  matter,"  said  Tom  King — "  no  matter.  If  any 
faith  is  to  be  placed  in  tho  King's  word,  Dick  will  be 
free  long  before  then,  and  the  authorities  will  bo  again 
disappointed." 

"  I  trust  so,"  said  Tom  Davis  ;  "  but  you  must  tell  me 
some  more  of  the  particulars.  Do  you  think  there  is 
that  dependence  to  be  placed  on  the  King's  word  ?  After 
you  have  gono,  is  there  not  the  fear  that  he  may  be  in- 
fluenced by  some  of  his  ministers  to  break  his  word  ?" 

"  I  trust  not,"  returned  Tom  King—"  I  think  not;  but 
should  he  be  weak  enough  to  be  persuaded,  his  conduct 
will  be  base  in  tho  oxtreme." 

"  There  cannot  be  two  opinions  about  that,"  returned 
Tom  Davis  ;  "  but,  then,  I  have  often  heard  that  the 
King  is  weak  and  vacillating.  How  much  hotter  it 
would  have  been  could  you  have  procured  some  docu- 
ment from  him  in  confirmation  of  his  promise." 

"It  would,  truly,"  replied  Tom  King  ;  "  but,  then.  I 
was  afraid  to  push  him  too  far.  1  thought  I  had  been 
extremely  successful  in  obtaining  his  word." 

"  And  that  ought  to  bo  sufficient,"  said  SixteenString 
Jack,  "  and  don't  let  us  meet  trouble  half-way." 

"lam  the  last  to  do  that,"  returned  Davis,  "only 
wo  ought  not  to  lose  Bight  of  any  consideration." 

"  You  are  right,"  said  Tom  King  ;  "  but  let  ua  go  in 
now.  Above  all,  attend  to  this— let  no  word  of  doubt 
reach  Maud's  ears."  j 

"  Certainly  not— it  would  be  unwise  and  cruel  to  a 
degree." 
With  these  words,  the  horses  having  been  made  com- 


THE   KVIfUIT   OF  TOE  ROAD. 


rbriable,  the  three  highwaymen  followed  Tom  Davis  into 
the  inn. 

They  found  Maud  pale  and  tearful,  anxiously  watching 
and  wishing  for  their  return. 

She  sprang  forward  as  soou  as  they  crossed  the 
threshold,  and  in  imploring  accents  said: 

"Toll  me — oh,  tell  me  the  result  of  your  efforts!  Toll 
it  me  in  a  word.  Do  not  l;cep  me  longer  in  suspense — it 
I  as  half  killed  me  already." 

"I  will  not,"'  said  Tom,  cheerfully.  l\I  have  seen  the 
King — the  locket  has  had  its  expected  etfect,  and  ho  has 
given  me  his  promise  that  Dick  shall  be  liberated  without 
dehiy." 

With  an  hysterical  cry,  Maud  burst  into  tears. 

That  intelligence  was  indeed  a  relief  to  her  overfraught 
hea  rt 

Those  tears,  however,  quickly  passed  away,  and,  turn- 
ing a  smiling  countenance   towards  Tom  King,  she  said: 

"  When — oh.  when  may  we  expect  him  ?" 

"Soon,  I  should  think — very  soon.  The  King  no 
doubt  would  despatch  a  messenger  at  once,  and  Dick 
would  bo  set  free  on  his  arrival.  Surely  wo  may  expect 
Jo  see  him  some  timo  between  this  and  nightfall.'' 

This  was  encouraging  indeed,  and  Maud,  having 
learned  all  the  particulars,  hastened  to  the  front  of  the 
inn,  and  took  up  her  position  at  a  window  which  com- 
manded the  best  view  of  the  lane. 

Here  she  remained  during  the  whole  of  the  day,  re- 
fusing to  move. 

This  act  of  hers  enabled  the  highwaymen  and  Tom 
Davis  to  speak  freely  ou  the  subject  that  was  uppermost 
in  their  minds. 

And,  as  the  day  slowly  wore  on,  it  was  strange  to  see 
how  much  the  doubt3  felt  by  all  increased. 

"If  the  time  was  not  so  fearfully  short,"  said  Claude 
Duval,  "  it  would  not  so  ruu&  matter  ;  but  really,  if  any- 
thing should  go  wrong,  it  leaves  us  uo  chance  whatever 
to  use  our  own  exertions.  Are  you  sure,  Davis,"  he 
asked,  for  about  the  twentieth  time,  "  that  the  execution 
is  appointed  for  to-morrow  ?" 

"Perfectly  certain,"  was  the  answer.  "I  have  the 
best  authority  for  the  statement." 

"  Well,  comradcB,"  cried  Sixteeu-String  Jack,  "  with 
your  permission,  I  will  tell  you  what  wo  will  do." 

"What?" 

"Remain  here  until  nightfall;  then,  if  Di?k  does  not 
make  his  appearance,  wo  will  mount  our  ^or&ea  and  ride 
towards  Londnf..  uuouii2  he  be  returning,  wo  shall  meet 
mm  ;  and  should  we  ascertain  that  no  messenger  has  been 
sent,  we  will  try  what  we  can  do  ourselves." 

After  some  discussion,  this  course  of  action  was  re- 
solved upon. 

Never,  perhaps,  had  ft  day  gone  by  so  tediously  as 
that. 

They  all  sat  watching  the  little  Dutch  clock  in  the  inn 
kitchen,  as  its  hands  moved  slowly  round  the  dial- 
plate. 

It  would  have  been  better  could  they  have  slept ;  but 
in  the  excited  condition  of  their  minds  slumber  was  im- 
possible. 

When  it  was  getting  towards  sunset,  they,  all  anslous 
to  be  doing  something,  rose  from  their  seats  and  made 
their  way  to  the  stables. 

Hero  they  occupied  themselves  in  attondiug  to  their 
horses,  and  just  as  twilight  was  deepening  into  night 
they  put  on  the  saddles  and  bridles. 

Up  to  that  moment,  nothing  whatever  had  been  seen 
cr  heard  of  D:ck,  and  therefore  they  might  justl*  feel 
afraid  that  things  were  not  going  right. 

"lean  wait  no  longer,"  said  Tom  King.  "  Coruo  on, 
comrades.  We  will  ride  slowly  towards  London,  and  I 
hope  before  wo  hav"  «uno  far  we  shall  be  lucky  enough 
to  meet  him." 

"  Most  heartily  do  a  ecno  that  wish-/'  said  Tom  Davis. 
"Take  my  advice,  and  be  prepared  at  ell  points.  Now 
that  you  are  aoout  to  depart,  I  don't  hesitate  to  say  that 
from  "the  first  I  had  but  slight  faith  in  the  King's  word, 
and  now  1  '-iglit  go  the  length  of  telling  you  that  I  feel 
none  at  all.  in  a  moment  and  under  the  circumstances 
you  describe,  he  may  have  given  you  the  promise,  but 
after-nil  ction  has  caused  him  to  alter  his  mind.  It  is 
...;*  humble  opinion  that  if  Dick  Turpin  is  to  be  liberated 
from  Newgate  to-uigUt,  it  will  be  by  your  exertions,  and 
$  pure  oniy." 


"  Well,  we  shall  see,'  raid  Tom  King.  "Come  on, 
comrades.  Wlien  onco  '7S  are  in  motion  we  shall  do 
away  with  the  dreadful  nsuSKtion  of  suspense  that  *r3 
have  been  suffering  so  long      Cv'U?  -32 — come  OS:" 


CH AFTER    DCCCLXIX. 

ra.V.TSS    {SOW   PICK   TURPIN     PASSKD   T1IK   PAT    FRKVI0U8 
I'D  1IIK   (SE   APPOINTED   FOH   1IIS  IiXliCUTIOX. 

Tiiere  was  oi .e  to  whom  the  minutes  of  that  day  lagged 
quite  as  slowly  as  to  Tom  Davis  and  the  highwaymen, 
and  that  one,  as  may  bo  guessed,  was  no  other  than  Dick 
Turpin,  in  his  comfortless  cell  in  Newgate. 

The  tempting  breakfast  that  had  been  brought  him  by 
the  friendly  jailer  he  left  untouch  xl  ;  and  when,  shortly 
afterwards,  the  jailer  came  iu,  he  exclaimed: 

"Why,  captain,  you  have  had  nothing  at  all.  This 
looks  Lad.     If ow  is  it  ?" 

"I  am  sick  at  heart,"  said  Turpin — "I  am  toil  of  un- 
easiness and  suspense.  Can  you  not  contrive  to  leave 
the  prison  soon,  and  slip  off  to  Drury  Lane  ?  Ten  to  one 
you  will  learn  something  there  that  will  give  me  ease." 

"I  will  try  my  very  best,  captain — rest  assured  of  that. 
I  hope  things  are  all  going  right  with  you,  because " 

"Because  what?" 

"Why,  I  don't  like  to  say  it;  but  yet  perhaps  I  had 
better  tell  you  that  they  are  making  every  preparation  tor 
turning  you  off  to-morrow." 

"  Are  they  indeed  ?" 

"  Yes,  they  are,  and  it's  talked  of  in  the  prison  as  a 
thing  of  course,  for,  having  given  your  word  not  r-j  make 
the  attempt  to  escape,  they  feel  certain  that  yju  must 
perish." 

"  Well,  wo  shall  see,"  said  Dick,  whose  spirits  were  by 
no  means  raised  by  this  intelligence — "wo  shall  see 
shortly.  Iu  the  meantime,  go  to  Drury  Lane.  I  shall 
knew  better  how  to  act  when  you  return." 

"  I  will,  captain;  but  though  I  am  a  bit  of  a  favourite 
with  the  Governor,  yet  I  cannot  do  exactly  as  I  like.  No 
doubt  1  sh;dl  slip  off  soon." 

With  these  words,  the  jailer  left,  and  Dick  was  enca 
more  in  solitude. 

lie  tried  to  keep  himself  cairn- 

But  vainly.  He  would  -"ot  have  been  human  had  he 
not  felt  tne  great  peril  of  his  situation. 

His  life,  it  might  bo  said,  hung  merely  upon  a  thread. 

Had  the  day  of  his  execution  been  appointed  for  that 
day  week  instead  of  the  morrow,  lie  would  have  felt  per- 
fectly ind-ifferent,  because  if  the  King  did  not  aid  him  ho 
would  then  have  a  chance  of  using  liis  own  powers  and 
profiting  by  the  assistance  of  his  comrades. 

While  at  the  height  of  his  suspense,  he  heard  the  mut- 
tering of  voices  outside  his  cell. 

Then  the  fastenings  wero  withdrawn,  and  the  door 
flung  open  upon  its  hinges. 

Dick  started  forward  with  impatient  anxiousness,  for 
he  fully  expected  it  was  the  friendly  jailer  who  had  re- 
turned with  welcome  intelligence. 

What  was  his  disappointment,  then,  to  perceive  that  it 
was  a  total  stranger — a  slim  little  man,  wearing  spectacles 
and  a  very  dirty  peruke  ? 

To  his  intense  astonishment,  this  man,  with  extended 
hand,  ran  forward  and  cried  : 

"  My  dear  sir,  this  is  really  a  pleasure — I  am  rejoiced 
to  see  you !  Preserve  that  expression — pray  preserve 
that  expression,  a-ud  it  will  be  first-rate." 

Dick  instinctively  shrank  back  from  the  stranger's  ad- 
vances, aud  put  up  his  arm  in  a  defensive  attitude,  as  if 
to  shield  himself  from  tho  attack  of  a  foe. 

What  on  earth  the  dirty,  untidy  little  man  could  mcau 
he  could  not  tell. 

Casting  his  eyes  towards  tho  aoor,  he  saw  that  one  of 
the  men  on  guard  outside  had  thrust  iu  something  square, 
carr fully  wrapped  up  in  paper. 

Along  with  it  came  a  small  oblong  box,  and  what  ap- 
peared 19  ce  three  pieces  of  wood  strapped  together. 

H  j  was  still  in  the  dark  as  to  the  stranger's  intentions. 

Ljt  he  was  not  long  suffered  to  be  so. 

'•  My  dear  sir,"  ho  said  again,  "just  look  here.  Wait 
a  moment.  It  is  a  pleasure,  I  am  sure — a  very  great- 
pleasure.     There !" 

With  nervous  haste  he  picked  up  the  three  pieees  of 
wood,  unstrapped  them,  and  placed  them  on  the  door  in  a 


1120 

tt' angular       8ition, 
p  •  uter's  easel. 


BTjlCK    BESS  ;    OB. 


and    then    Dick    saw  before  him  a 


Hut  before  he  could  make  any  remark  or  recover  from 
th<.  state  of  surprise  into  which  he  had  been  thrown  the 
stranger  hastily  stripped  off  the  paper  from  the  square 
parcel,  and  disclosed  a  piece  of  canvas  sfi etched  en  a 
frame,  all  ready  for  painting  upon. 

This  he  placed  upon  the  easel,  and  with  the  game  ra- 
pidity of  movement  opened  the  box,  and  took  tiiKawfroin 
a  palette  and  some  brushes. 

"  There,  my  dear  sir,  that's  it— that's  it !  Only  a  few 
moments  in  that  position,  and  I  shall  be  done.  I  am 
wonderfully  rapid,  I  assure  you — not  an  R.A.  as  yet  but 
soon  to  be,  I  hope.     There — there  !" 

While  he  spoke,  the  painter — for  such  ho  evidently 
was — made  many  flourishes  with  his  brushes,  but  before 
he  could  make  many  lines  Dick  stepped  forward. 

"  Excuse  me,  sir,"  he  said,  "  if  1  inquire  the  meaning 
of  this  extraordinary  intrusion.  If  I  have  not  asked  this 
before,  it  is  simply  because  I  have  Deen  taken  so  utterly 
by  surprise." 

"  Intrusion  ?"  redd  the  painter.  "  Oh,  no  intn.-sion,  I 
assure  you !  Return  to  your  former  attitude — let  nie 
entreat  you  to  return  to  it,  and  remain  so ;  then,  in  the 
meanwhile,  I  will  give  you  every  information  you  wish." 
"No,"  said  Dick.  "I  wish  to  know  distinctly,  first  of 
all,  what  it  is  that  you  intend  to  do." 

"  Why,  my  good  sir,  to  immortalise  you.  I  am  going 
to  paint  your  portrait." 

"  Indeed !     At  whose  wish  ?" 

"  My  own — my  own,  sir — my  own  entirely.  The  idea 
6truck  me,  and  then  I  said  to  myself,  '  Septimus  Gibbon, 
your  fortune  is  made.' " 

11  But  keep  to  the  point,"  said  Dick.  "Believe  me,  I 
am  not  in  the  humour  l>day  for  a  long  conversation.'' 

"  I  am  at  the  point  now,  my  dear  sir — I  have  just 
reached  it.  I  thought  to  myself,  I  would  paint  your 
portrait.  By  that  means,  I  should  not  only  immortalise 
you  but  achieve  never-ending  fame  myself.  That's  my 
Idea.  So  I  went  to  my  uncle,  the  sheriff,  and  he,  with 
his  usual  kindness,  gave  me  permission  to  enter  your 
cell.  So  here  I  am,  you  see,  and  all  you  have  to  do  is  to 
stand  for  half  an  hour  or  so,  and  everything  will  be 
done." 

"But  stop  a  moment,"  said  Dick.  "It  seems  to  me 
that  you  have  made  one  little  omission." 

"An  omission?  And  pray,  my  dear  sir,  what  may 
that  be  ?" 

"Why,  this:  You  have  asked  leave' of  the  sheriff,  but 
you  have  forgotten  to  ask  leave  of  me." 

"  Oh,  a  needless  piece  of  ceremony  altogether,"  said 
the  painter ;  "  but  if  you  wish  it,  I  will  be  quite  formal." 
"No,  no,"  said  Dick.     "In  a  word,  understand  me 
that  I  firmly  and  most  positively  refuse  to  give  my  con- 
sent.   You  shall  not  paint  my  portrait." 
"  But,  my  dear  sir,  reflect." 

"  I  have  reflected  already.  Begone !  Trouble  Jie  no 
more !" 

The  painter  looked  rather  abashed,  and  then  a  bright 
thought  struck  hi™. 

Getting  one  of  his  brushes  ready  prepared,  and  stand- 
ing close  to  his  easel,  he  said,  with  a  slowness  of  utter- 
ance that  contrasted  remarkably  with  his  former  glibness 
of  speech: 

"My  dear  sir,  I  am  exceedingly  sorry  that  I  should 
have  offended  you.  I  never  dreamt  for  a  moment  but 
that  you  would  willingly  give  your  consent  to  my  point- 
ing your  portrait.  However,  I  find  you  have  an  objection, 
and  therefore,  when  I  have  tendered  you  my  sincere 
apologies  for  the  intrusioD  I  trust  you  will  accept  them, 
and  I  will  depart."  ^ 

While  slowly  speamng  these  words,  the  painter 
plance-d  continually  from  Dick  to  his  canvas,  and  worked 
busily  with  the  brush. 

Dick  guessed  what  he  was  about,  and  just  as  ho  b"d 
fiuished  his  speech,  stepped  forward. 

Mr.  Septimus  Gibbon,  as  he  called  himself,  endeavoured 
to  cover  over  what  he  had  been  doing  with  his  palette. 

But  Dick  knocked  .it  impatiently  aside  with  so  much 
impatience,  that  it  slipped  from  the  painter's  hand,  and 
falling  to  the  floor  of  the  cell,  was  broken  into  a  thousand 
pieces. 

"  Why,  you  deceitful  rascal,"  said  Dick,  the  moment 
his  eye  fell  upon  the  canvas ;  "  while  pretending  to  talk 


to  me  as  you  did,  and  to  offer  your  apologies,  you  have 
actually  drawn  the  outlines  of  my  face !  You  could 
have  walked  off,  and  would  have  finished  the  portrait  at 
-*mr  leisure.     What  do  you  mean  by  it  ? " 

"  My  dear  sir,"  stammered  the  painter,  "  I— I—— " 
"  1  suppose  you  thought  I  should  not  w»e  it  ?"  said 
Dick,  fiercely,   and  seizing  hold  of  the  canvas  while  he 
s^oke. 

"  Now,  my  dear  sir,  don't — pray  don't  touch  it !  Let 
me  entreat  you  not  to  touch  it !" 

But  paying  no  attention  whatever  to  his  words,  Dick 
lifted  the  frame  from  the  easel,  and  commenced  an  imme- 
diate attack  with  it  upon  the  painter. 

He  banged  him  most  lustily  over  the  head  with  it, 
until,  at  length,  after  one  blow  stronger  than  the  rest,  the 
canrn  gave  way,  and  the  painter's  head  passed  thsough 
it. 

The  effect  was,  that  he  stood  with  rather  a  ridiculous- 
looking  collar  round  his  neck. 

His  cries,  however,  had  reached  the  ears  of  the  turn- 
keys outside,  and  they  had  hastily  thrown  open  the  door. 
When  they  saw  what  had  occurred,  however,  they  could 
not  forbear  from  laughing. 

'■  There,"  said  Dick,  "  be  off — be  off,  will  you,  at  once  ! 
You  will  find  this  rather  harder  than  the  rest,  so  1 
advise  you  to  begone  !" 

He  seized  hold  of  the  easel  as  he  spoke,  and  the 
painter,  fearing  a  blow  with  it,  made  a  rush  to  the  door 
of  the  cell,  pulling  frantically  at  the  frame  round  his 
neck,  and  endeavouring  to  free  himself  of  his  disagreeable 
encumbrance. 

But  his  alarm  and  excitement  prevented  him  from 
doing  the  very  thing  that  he  wished,  so  he  tugged  and 
tugged  in  vain. 

Dick  was  just  then  in  the  humour  to  be  angry  with 
anybody  or  anything,  and  it  was  rather  a  relief  to  him 
than  otherwise  that  tho  painter  should  have  made  his 
disappearance  just  then. 

After  his  departure,  ho  flung  all  his  apparatus  out  into 
the  corridor,  and,  addressing  the  turnkeys,  said : 

"Where  is  the  Governor?  Send  for  him;  I  want  to 
see  him  at  once !" 

The  turnkeys  winked  their  eyes  at  each  other. 
It  was  a  rare  joke  for  a  prisoner  to  demand  an  inter- 
view with  the  Governor  of  the  prison. 

"  Do  you  hear  what  I  say  ?"  roared  Turpin. 
"Yes,  we  hears,  captain,"  was  the  reply;  "only  we 
are  afraid  he  will  not  come." 

"  WelL  then,"  said  Dick,  "  just  tell  him  from  me  that  if 
I  have  another  intrusion  of  this  kind  I  shall  consider  the 
compact  between  us  at  an  end." 

The  turnkeys  promised  obedience,  and  withdrew,  care- 
fully fastening  the  door  after  them. 

"Confound  his  impudence!"  said  Dick,  still  fuming. 
"  I  wish  I  had  hit  him  a  little  harder,  that's  all !" 

It  was  something,  nevertheless,  to  be  diverted  from  the 
contemplation  of  his  position ;  and  by  the  time  he  had 
succeeded  in  regaining  his  usual  calmness  the  door  was 
again  opened,  and  the  friendly  jailer  appeared. 

Before  he  spoke,  Dick  could  tell  by  the  expression  of 
his  countenance  that  he  had  nothing  particular  to  com- 
municate. 

"  Well,"  he  said,  in  a  whisper,  as  soon  as  it  was  pru- 
dent to  address  him,  "  have  you  been  ?" 
"  I  have,  captain." 
"  And  what  is  the  result  ?" 
"  I  have  seen  old  Matthew." 
"Well?" 

"  But  he  knows  notning.  Since  Davis  took  his  depar- 
ture yesterday,  he  has  not  seen  or  heard  anything  of  him 
or  his  companions." 

"  That  is  strange,"  said  Dick — "  very  strange  ;  but 
perhaps  he  will  hear  shortly.  When  the  day  is  further 
advanced,  go  again." 

"  All  right,  captaim.  And,  now.  what  would  you  like 
for  dinner?" 

"  Don't  trouble  me  about  dinner.  I  am  in  no  humour 
to  'touch  a  mouthful." 

"  Well,  captain,  you  may  be  right,  but  I  don't  think 
you  are.  You  ought  to  make  the  best  you  can  of  matters, 
and  eat  heartily  while  you  have  the  chance." 

"But  who  could  eat  in  auch  a  place  as  this?"  6aid 
Dick,  glancing  around  him.  "  No,  no ;  my  appetite  ha* 
gone,  and  I  loathe  the  very  sight  of  food." 


THE   KXIGIIT  OF   THE   ROAD 


"  It  is  had,  captain,"  said  the  jailer,  shaking  his  head 
— "  very  bad.  I  hope  you  will  soon  be  better.  You  want 
some  intelligence  of  your  friends,  and  if  it  is  to  be  pro- 
cured, I  will  obtain  it." 

"  I  know  you  will,"  said  Dick,  shaking  him  by  Hha 
band.     "  I  6hall  always  be  deeply  indebted  to  you." 

"  No,  no ;  quite  the  reverse." 

"But  I  say  yes." 

A  few  more  unimportant  words  were  exchangosl,  and 
then  the  jailer  again  left,  promising  to  pay  another  visit 
as  soon  as  he  should  be  successful  in  getting  leave  of 
absence. 

He  had  not  been  absent  more  than  five  minutes  before 
the  door  was  again  opened. 

"  Another  intrusion !"  thourht  Dick,  tb:3  time  growing 
angry  in  earnest. 

He  glanced  towards  the  doorway. 

He  saw  that  it  was  the  Ordinary,  who  was  attired  in 
full  canonicals,  and  carried  a  couple  of  books  under  hh 
arm. 

"  Unhappy  man,"  ho  said,  in  a  whining  tone,  and  with 
his  eyes  so  turned  up  to  the  ceiling  of  the  cell  that  only 
the  whites  were  visible — "unhappy  man,  I  have  come  to 
pass  a  few  hours  with  you  in  meditation  and  prayer  !" 

"  Thank  you,"  said  Dick.  "  I  am  much  obliged  to  you, 
but  I  prefer  to  be  alone." 

"  A  hardened  sinner,"  said  the  Ordinary,  with  a  grin — 
"a  hardened  6inner,  yet  he  may  be  converted  to  the  ways 
of  grace." 

"  It  strikes  me,"  replied  Dick,  "  that  I  am  by  no  means  so 
bad  as  you  imagine  ;  but  I  think  that  a  man  in  my  posi- 
tion should,  at  least,  have  a  few  little  privileges  accorded 
to  him,  and  one  of  them  should  be  that  he  should  please 
himself  whether  he  remained  alone,  or  whether  he  was 
intruded  upon." 

"Worse  and  worse!"  said  the  chaplain.  "Do  you 
know,  unhappy  man,  that  in  twelve  hours  from  this  you 
will  be  standing  on  the  brink  of  eternity  ?" 

"I  do  not  know  it,"  said  Dick,  firmly. 

"  Well,  then,  it  is  my  unhappy  duty  to  inform  you  of 
it     In  twelve  hours,  at  the  most,  you  will  bo  no  more." 

"  It's  a  mistake,"  said  Dick — "  quite  a  mistake." 

"No,  I  assure  you  it  is  not.  Every  preparation  has 
been  made  by  the  officials  connected  with  the  prison. 
Your  execution  is  appointed  to  take  place  at  noon  to- 
morrow, and,  therefore,  I  have  come  to  prepare  you  for 
your  approaching  inevitable  fate." 

"I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  kindness,"  replied 
Dick,  "  but  believe  me  when  I  say  that  it  is  quite  un- 
necessary." 

"  Unnecessary  ?" 

"Yes.  Do  not  misunderstand  ne;  you  are  labouring 
under  a  great  mistake.  I  shall  not  be  executed  to- 
morrow, and  therefore  I  stand  in  no  need  of  your  spiritual 
consolation  and  preparation." 

"  It  is  a  vain  hope,"  said  the  Ordinary — "  a  vain,  delu- 
sive hope,  and  let  me  entreat  you  to  cast  it  from  you." 

"It  is  a  hope  that  will  be  realised,"  said  Dick,  "  and 
therefore  let  me  entreat  you  to  grant  me  the  poor  favour 
of  leaving  me  by  myself  for  a  short  time." 

u  I  will,"  said  the  chaplain,  "  but  only  for  a  short  time. 
I  trust  reflection  will  soon  assert  its  sway — then  I  will 
return.  May  your  heavt  be  softened,  and  may  you  be 
brought  to  a  proper  knowledge  of  your  position  !" 

Diok  was  silent,  for  he  wished  the  reverend  gentleman 
to  leave  at  once. 

He  did  so. 

The  turnkeys  opened  tee  door,  and  Dick  was  on^e  more 
left  alone. 

His  uneasiness  Lad  now  reached  a  fear^u'.  cttch* 

He  paced  restlessly  up  and  down  his  oeii. 

"  Can  It  be,"  he  muttered  to  himeeix— u  6*fc  t»  u  that 
everything  has  gone  wrong,  and  that  I  am  doomed  1 1  last 
to  perish  ?  No,  no,  I  will  not  think  that — not  even  whea 
the  cap  is  drawn  over  my  face  and  the  noose  adj  usted 
round  my  neck ;  even  then  I  will  not  despair,  but  place 
faith  in  the  exertions  of  my  comrades." 

In  spite  of  this,  however,  Dick  felt  that  it  would  bo  no 
trifling  relief  could  he  but  be  freed  from  his  present  slate 
of  suspense. 

He  could  tell  that  the  day  was  gradually  drawing  In 
and  that  night  was  approaching. 

Yet  he  saw  nothing  of  the  friendly  jailer;  in  fact,  it 
was  not  until  the  interior  of  the  coll  was  quite  dark — 


just,  indeed,  about  the  same  time  when  the  highwaymen 
were  setting  out  from  the  inn — that  the  door  was  once 
again  opened,  and  Dick's  eye?  ■«*"»•«  gladdened  by  the 
sight  of  his  friend. 

But  there  was  no  hope  or  encouragement  to  be  gleaned 
from  the  expression  of  his  countenance. 

"You  have  bad  news,"  said  Dick.  "Come,  speak  out 
at  once — the  sooner  it  is  over  the  better." 

"  Not  bad  news,"  said  the  man,  u  without  you  call  nw 
news  baJ  news." 

"  Well,  speak — do  not  keep  me  waiting." 

"Well,  captain,  I  have  just  come  back  from  Drurj 
Lane.    I  have  seen  old  Matthew." 

"  And  what  does  he  say  ?" 

"  He  says  but  little.  He  is  in  a  state  of  great  uneasi 
ness.  He  is  afraid  something  has  gone  wrong  some- 
where, and  did  not  hesitate  to  say  it." 

"  He  has  not  seen  or  heard  from  Davis  ?** 

"  Not  a  word  of  any  kind." 

"  How  strange !" 

"  That  is  what  he  says.  He  calls  it  very  strange — in 
fact,  is  unable  to  account  for  it.  Had  all  gone  well,  you 
should  by  this  time  have  been  set  at  liberty." 

"  And  what  is  his  advice  ?" 

"  He  said  he  was  unable  to  offer  any,  except  that,  if  he 
stood  in  your  position,  he  should  trust  to  no  one  but  him- 
self." 

"  He  means,  endeavour  to  escape  ?" 

"Yes." 

"But  how  short  is  the  time!"  said  Dick.  "Wh&t 
earthly  chance  have  I  ?" 

The  jailer  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  A  very  poor  chance,  I  am  afraid,  captain,  for  I  can 
assure  you  that  never  since  this  prison  has  boon  built  has 
there  been  such  close  and  observant  guard  kept  all  around 
it.  The  men  are  all  on  the  alert,  and  it  would  be  totally 
impossible  for  any  person  to  leave  Newgate  at  any  point 
unseen.  How  you  are  to  escape  under  these  circum- 
stances passes  my  comprehension." 

"Well,  well,"  said  Dick,  "leave  me — I  should  like  to 
be  alone,  and  to  think  over  my  position  as  best  I  may." 

"  Then  I  will  go,  captain.  Are  you  sure  you  want 
nothing?" 

"  Nothing  whatever." 

With  a  glance,  plainly  of  pity  and  regret,  the  turnkey 
left  the  cell. 

As  soon  as  he  had  departed,  Dick  sank  down  upon  the 
chair,  and,  clasping  his  hands  over  his  face,  began  to 
think. 

"  What  has  gone  wrong  ?"  ho  murmured — "  what  can 
have  happened  ?  flow  unfortunate  it  is  that  I  should  be 
left  thus  in  the  dark,  and  Newgate  so  closely  guarded, 
and  the  time  so  short!  Well,  well — at  all  events,  it  will 
be  perfectly  useless  for  me  to  attempt  an  escape.  Had  I 
the  means  and  the  time,  it  would  be  equally  useless,  for 
now  I  have  heard  how  Newgate  is  watched,  from  such 
good  authority,  I  cannot  doubt  it,  nor  could  I  hope  to 
leave  it  unperceived." 

He  was  silent,  giving  up  himself  to  gloomy  thought. 

His  mind  was  principally  occupied  in  thinking  of 
Maud. 

It  was  by  no  means  difficult  for  him  to  picture  her 
friendless  and  forlorn  situation,  and  the  reflection  that  he 
had  been  the  means  of  bringing  her  into  it  by  no  mean? 
increased  his  cheerfulness. 

Then,  with  a  slow  and  solemn  note,  he  heard  the  clock 
of  St.  Paul's  Cathedral  give  forth  the  hour  of  ten. 

How  fearfully  close  the  time  appointed  for  his  exocution 
seemed  to  be.  < 

To  one  thing,  however,  ho  had  quite  made  up  his  mind, 
which  was  that  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  escape,  there- 
fore he  made  no  effort,  but  continued  to  sit  in  the  same 
attitude  upon  the  chair. 

Eleven  o'clock  sounded,  and  found  him  still  in  the  same 
positio  u 

Any  me  gazing  upon  him  would  have  found  somo  diffi- 
culty iu  saying  for  certain  whether  he  was  sleeping  or 
■waking- -to  all  appearances,  however,  he  was  completely 
blind  and  deaf  to  all  that  was  going  on  around  him. 

He  did  not  even  raise  his  head  when  th«  cloc!? 
struck. 

Another  hour  passed. 

Then  midnight  came. 

The  twelve  strokes  were  given  forth  by  all  the  various 


H22 


BIACK    BESS  ;    OB, 


chnrchea  around,  the  stillness  beiDg  so  great  that  distant 
ones  were  plainly  audible. 

In  every  variety  of  intonation  was  the  hour  proclaimed, 
and  when  the  strokes  had  died  away,  the  sound  wr.s  suc- 
ceeded by  another  loss  audible  and  of  a  far  different  cha- 
racter. 

It  required  a  momentary  attention  before  ousmould  de- 
cide upon  the  nature  of  this  sound. 

It  was  that  low,  hearse  murmur  something  J>&o  the 
Bound  produced  by  the  waves,  and  which  is  ever  the 
accompaniment  of  a  large  mass  of  people. 

That  hoarse  murmur,  then,  came  from  the  dense  throng 
of  people  outside  Newgate — from  those  who,  with  extra- 
ordinary patience,  had  taken  up  their  positions  in  the  Old 
Bailey,  in  order,  by  waiting  there,  to  be  the  first  to  catch 
a  glimpse  of  the  doomed  man  when  the  folding  doors  wera 
unclosed. 

A  drizzling  rain  began  to  fall  from  a  dark,  overhanging 
Bky — a  rain  that  threatened  to  become  more  violent  ere 
long,  and  which  showed  every  indication  of  continuing 
without  intermission  for  many  hours. 

But  tho  steadiest  downpour  woiild  not  have  had  the 
effect  of  dispersing  those  who  had  congregated  with- 
out. 

Suddenly  the  sound  of  a  footstep  breaks  tho  deep 
silence  which  reigns  through  the  prison  of  Newgate. 

More  and  more  distinct  it  becomes,  until  at  length  it 
pauses  before  the  door  of  Dick  Turpin's  cell. 

A  bright  ray  of  light  comes  streaming  through  tho  huge 
keyhole,  and  falls  upon  the  prisoner . 

But  he  heeds  it  not. 

Some  words  were  hurriedly  exchanged,  followed  by  re- 
treating footsteps. 

Then  the  door  of  the  cell  was  flung  open. 

A  brilliant  light  seemed  at  once  to  be  shed  all  over  it, 
yet  this  was  only  by  contrast  with  the  previous  darkness, 
for  the  illumination  proceeded  only  from  a  lantern. 

"  Asleep !"  said  a  voice.  "  Can  it  be  possible  ?  Would 
a  man  sleep  thus  on  tho  night  before  his  execution? 
T orpin — Turpin,  awake!" 

These  words  entered  Dick's  ears,  and  penetrated  to  his 
understanding. 

With  a  sudden  start,  ho  looked  up,  and  tLon  ho  saw 
Mr.  Bradbur-y,  the  Governor  of  the  prison.  Mantling 
before  him. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXX. 

THE    DETERMINATION   OF    THE    HIGHWAYMEN   TURNS  OCT 
TO  1JE  A  MOST  FORTUNATE  ONE. 

In  order  to  explain  what  follows,  it  is  necessary  to  go 
back  to  the  proceedings  of  Dick  Turpin's  comrades. 

According  to  their  stated  intention,  they  quitted  the 
Three  Spiders,  and  made  their  way  by  the  most  direct 
route  to  the  London  lload. 

There  was  no  small  amount  of  danger  in  so  doine;,  but 
they  reasonably  concluded  that,  Dick  being  still  in  New- 
gate, the  principal  force  of  tho  police  would  be  collected 
round  that  point. 

At  any  rate,  danger  or  not,  that  was  the  road  they  de- 
termined upon. 

Tho  very  daring  of  the  proceeding  was  likely  to  bring 
with  it  a  certain  amount  of  success. 

"We  cannot  do  much  better,"  said  Tom  King,  "than 
journey  on  to  old  Matthew's.  Of  all  other  men,  he  is 
tho  most  likely  to  givo  us  informative  respecting  'ho  cap- 
taiu." 

"Yes,  decidedly  so,"  said  Sixteen- String  Jack;  "and 
he  is  the  man  best  calculated  to  help  us  in  our  present 
emergency.  He  is  fertile  in  all  expedients,  and  may  per- 
haps give  us  advice  well  worthy  of  being  followed." 

"Not  a  doubt  of  it,"  joined  in  Claudo  Duval.  "Come 
on,  comrades — mend  your  pace  a  little  I  It  is  tiding  *° 
one's  patience  to  creep  along  like  this  !" 

At  a  brisk  trot  the  highwaymen  now  tooif  thcTr  way 
along  the  hard,  well-beaten  road,  nor  did  ti ay  pause  or 
Epcak  until  the  sharp  clatter  of  a  horse's  hoofs  npoa  the 
road  behind  them  reached  their  ears. 

"  Hark  !"  said  Tom,  gently  drawing  in  tho  reu,  -  some 
one  is  co:nirig  after  us  at  full  gallop.  Who  on  earth  can 
it  be?" 

"  Some  chanco  traveller  perhaps,"  said  Claude.  "  Push 
on — never  mind l"  I 


"But  he  will  enevitably  overtake  us  ere  long,*  said 
Tom.     "Let  us  pull  up  and  draw  to  one  side." 

"No  adventure,  Tom,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack — "nr 
adventure  !     We  have  enough  already  on  hand." 

"  I  know  that,"  w*3  the  answer.  "  Yet  it  will  be  bettei 
to  allow  this  man,  vrb  ?ever  he  may  be  to  pass,  then  w« 
can  follow  on  as  wo  phase." 

"Well,  just  as  you  like,"  said  Claude.*  "You  have 
command  of  tho  expedition  to-night,  and  you  can  do  just 
as  yor  like,  provided  that  you  don't  embroil  yourself  in 
any  other  adventure." 

"  Don't  fear  that,"  said  Tom  King.  "  Look — yonder  in 
a  narrow  lane.  Let  us  go  dowfc  -hat  a  little  way  ;  wo 
shall  then  be  unseen." 

"But  let  us  take  a  glance  as  he  pas.K*  by,  whoever  he 
neay  be,"  said  Jack. 

"  Oh,  yes,  certainly — I  fully  intended  it." 

Just  on  the  left  hand  was  a  narrow  lane,  on  both  sides 
of  which  trees  wero  growing  very  thickly,  so  that  a  deep 
shadow  was  cast  all  round  about  tho  spot. 

Just  at  the  mouth  of  this  lane — if  wo  may  so  call  it— 
the  highwaymen  placed  themselves  in  a  line. 

They  knew  they  could  depend  upon  their  horses  re- 
maining xnotionless,  and  from  their  present  position  they 
would  have  no  difficulty  in  glancing  at  the  approaching 
traveller. 

On  ho  came,  his  speed  accelerated,  if  anything. 

It  was  a  horse  of  rare  quality,  as  the  rate  he  was  going 
at  fully  proved. 

"  He  is  no  ordinary  rider,"  said  Tom  King,  "  rest  as- 
sured of  that." 

Scarcely  had  ho  spoken  the  words  than  tho  traveller, 
with  a  rush  like  an  arrow,  sped  past  the  top  of  the  lane, 
and  was  instantaneously  lost  to  sight. 

"One  would  think  he  was  riding  for  his  life,"  said 
Tom.  "  Howover,  he  is  past,  so  wo  will  jog  on  quietly 
behind  him." 

Just  then  the  silence  of  the  night  was  broken  in  upon 
by  another  sound. 

TMo  was  the  loud  report  of  a  firearm  of  some  descrip- 
tion, and  scarcely  had  the  report  ceased  before  it  was  fol- 
lowed by  another. 

Then  our  friends  fancied  they  heard  a  cry  of  pain. 

"  By  Jove,"  said  Tom,  "  he  has  stopped  !" 

He  alluded  to  the  traveller. 

The  next  moment,  however,  the  sound  of  a  horse's  hocfa 
could  be  heard  as  distinctly  as  ever. 

"  No,  no,"  murmured  his  companions. 

"But  he  is  coming  back  now,"  said  Tom.  "What  on 
earth  is  the  meaning  of  this  ?" 

There  could  be  no  doubt  as  to  tho  truth  of  what  Tom 
said. 

The  traveller  was  evidently  galloping  back  at  the  same 
tremendous  rate. 

Tom  King  pressed  forward  a  little  nearer  to  the  high- 
road, and  this  time  caught  sight  of  him. 

The  clouds,  which  up  to  then  had  covered  the  sky 
completely,  parted  in  one  spot,  or,  rather,  the  moon  hap- 
pened to  shine  through  a  portion  of  the  clouds  less  dense 
than  tho  remainder. 

By  tho  dim  light  thus  shed  upon  tho  earth,  Tom  per- 
ceived, to  his  astonishment,  that  the  traveller  was  seated 
in  a  most  peculiar  position  on  his  stcfrh 

His  head  was  bent  over  towards  the  horse's  neck,  and 
his  arms  seemed  to  hang  helpless  by  his  sides. 

Then,  scarcely  able  to  restrain  a  cry,  Tom  perceived 
him  sway  backward  and  forwards  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
place  him  in  imminent  danger  of  losing  his  balance. 

Another  roll  to  one  side,  and  then,  with  a  crash,  tho 
traveller  fell  into  the  roadway. 

His  foot  was  entangled  'n  the  stirrup,  and  the  frightened 
horse  galloped  ou 

Only  for  a  few  puces,  however. 

The  gallant  creature,  with  tho  rare  instinct  of  its  race, 
knowing  that  something  was  amiss  with  its  rider,  stood 
stone  still. 

Amazed  at  this  occurrence,  To;-n  was  about  to  hasten 
to  the  stranger's  assistance,  when  he  heard  another  horso- 
man  approaching,  so,  acting  upon  the  impulse  of  the 
moment,  ho  stood  still,  and  waited  for  him  to  approach. 

This  second  horseman  came  en  more  carefivlly  than  Vh« 
first,  yet  tho  speed  ho  made  was  very  great. 

All  at  once,  however,  he  appeared  to  catch  sight  of  the 
prostrate   form  in  the  roadway  and  the  horse  standing 


THE  KNIGHT   OF   Till 


im 


near  if,  for  he  uttered  a  faint  cry.  and  slackened  the  pace 
«f  his  own  steed.  .    * 

Less  than  a  minute  sufficed  for  him  to  reach  the  spot 
Where  the  lirst  traveller  lay. 

In  a  moment  ho  flung  himself  from  the  saddte  almost 
before  his  horse  had  stopped. 

From  his  pocket  ho  produced  a  lantern,  sui  i?fcisi\;# 
back  tho  slide,  turned  the  rays  full  upon  iha  Ifesa  vl  las 
fallen  man.  w 

"Right,"  he  said— "I  am  right." 

lie  stooped  down  as  if  about  to  pick  up  sci2*tting. 

At  this  moment  tho  prostrate  stranger  groaned 

Seeing  this,  Tom  soasiuered  ho  had  reinainod  a  passive 
spectator  long  enough. 

Dismounting  with  ease  and  rapidity  from  his  stood,  he 
ran  on  tiptoe  towards  the  spot  where  these  events  were 
taking  place. 

The  second  traveller  was  stooping  down  over  tho  first, 
so  Tom  had  him  decidedly  at  an  advantages. 

With  a  powerful  grasp,  ho  seized  him  by  the  back  of 
tho  neck. 

With  a  yell  of  fear,  this  man  raised  himself,  and  en- 
deavoured to  twist  his  head  round  bo  as  to  obtain  a  view 
of  his  assailant. 

In  vain,  however. 

In  his  sudden  fright  he  let  go  the  lantern,  but  luckily 
it  chanced  to  fall  in  an  almost  upright  position. 

Some  of  the  rays  fell  upon  the  dress  of  tho  first  tra- 
veller, and  no  sooner  did  ho  perceive  it,  than  Tom  King 
uttered  an  ejaculation. 

"A  messenger,"  ho  cried — "a  royal  messenger!  I 
know  tho  livery  well." 

These  words  reached  tho  ears  of  his  two  friends,  aa 
he  fully  intended  they  should,  and  they  both  hastened  to- 
wards him. 

"Yes,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack,  as  soon  as  he  arrived, 
"  it's  a  King's  messenger,  sure  enough.  And  look — what's 
this?" 

lie  picked  up  the  lantern,  and  turned  its  rays  upon  the 
second  traveller,  who  held  in  his  hand3  a  little  leathern 
bag,  attached  to  which  was  a  strap  so  that  it  could  be 
slung  across  his  shoulders. 

"Why,  that's  his  despatch,"  said  Tom.  "  Seize  it  this 
moment !" 

Tho  second  traveller  resisted,  holding  tightly  to  the 
Strap. 

But  Claude,  with  ready  thought,  drew  his  sword  and 
severed  it. 

Finding  himself  thus  foiled,  tho  stranger,  with  a  sudden 
cry  of  rage,  mado  a  tiemeudous  effort  to  release  himself 
from  Tom's  detaining  grasp. 

Luckily  for  him,  it  happened  that  our  friend  was  iiot 
quiio  so  vigilant  as  ha  should  have  been,  his  attention 
was  being  too  much  given  to  the  proceedings  of  his  com- 
rades. 

Tho  consequence  was  that  tho  effort  was  success- 
ful. 

No  sooner,  however,  did  he  break  from  his  hold,  than 
Tom  drew  forth  a  pistol. 

"Ilold!"  he  cried — "stop  this  moment,  or  I  lire ! 
Stop,  I  say.'  The  consequences  of  refusal  will  be  oa 
your  own  head !" 

But  the  flying  man  paid  no  avl°r.&n  to  these  words, 
and  Tom,  hastily  levelling  his  pisioi  iit  the  rapidly-re- 
treating figure,  pulled  the  trigger. 

There  was  a  loud  report,  followGj  by  &  screaming  ciy, 
then  all  was  still, 

If  there  had  been  any  doubt  as  to  tho  identity  of  the 
wounded  man,  it  would  have  been  set  ai  rest  by  a  glance 
at  the  leather  bag  Claudo  had  obtained. 

On  one  side  it  was  mounted  with  tho  royal  arms  in 
s'.lver,  and  over  tho  lock  an  tho  other  side  were  tho  same 
figures,  only  smaller. 

Our  friends  looked  at  each  other  in  bewildered  su:  r^I.s?, 
as  well  they  might,  for  so  suddenly  had  all  this  occurred 
that  they  were  searculv  able  to  como  to  any  conclusion  rc- 
epeeting  it.        q, 

That  tho  King's  messenger  had  been  shot  aown  by  the 
6econd  traveller,  who  had  been  waiting  in  ambush  for 
him,  seemed  pretty  evident,  and  that  ha  wa3  anxious  to 
obtain  possession  of  tho  leather  bag  was  equally  clear — 
that,  iu  fact,  constituted  the  motive  for  the  crime. 

Whether  the  messenger  was  dead  or  only  wouaded 
our  friends  at  present  knew  not. 


Asking  for  the  lauti ni,  however.  Tom  King  stccrx-a 
down  in  the  endeavour  to  ascertain. 

The  roadway  all  around  v>is  dyed  Willi  biood.  which 
poured  at  an  alarming  rate  from  two  wounds  in  the  fr.es> 
sender's  breast. 

Tom  King  turned  up  the  messenger's  coat  in  such  a 
wanner  as  to  cover  tkum,  and  pressed  his  hand  upon 
it. 

By  this  means  thfl  flow  of  blood  was  temporarily 
checked. 

"Speak,"  he  said- -"speak  if  you  have  tho  power. 
The  man  who  shot  you  down  is  baffled,  tho  letter-bag  is 
safe.     Have  you  any  request  to  make  ?" 

The  man  struggled  painfully  to  speak. 

He  fought  wildly  with  his  hands,  plucking  at  his  throat 
as  though  there  was  some  obstruction  there  impeding 
speech. 

At  last,iu  scarcely  articulate  accents,  he  pronounced  tha 
words : 

"  Newgate — Newgate — New " 

He  stopped. 

A  gush  of  blood  issued  from  his  lips,  and  with  a  con 
vulsive  shuddering  of  the  limbs  ho  fell  back  dead. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXI. 

Tire  THREE     HIGHWAYMEN     WITNESS    ANOTHER     STRAHGE 
SIGHT  OS    THEIR    WAY    TO    LONDON 

When  the  first  shock  of  horror  and  surprise  was  over, 
Tom  King  bent  down  over  tho  body  oi  tho  unfortunato 
messenger. 

His  object  was  to  ascertain  whether  hfe  was  yet  ex- 
tinct. 

He  hoped  that  there  might  bo  some  flut tarings  of 
existence  that  might  be  temporarily  increased  in  strength. 

The  man  had  said  too  little. 

It  was  necessary  that  many  questions  should  be  an- 
swered before  the  minds  of  tho  highwaymen  could  bo 
completely  set  at  rest. 

One  glance  at  the  fallen  jaw  and  the  filmy  eyes  assured 
Tom  that  this  hope  was  over. 

The  immortal  essenco  had  for  ever  gone. 

"  Ho  is  dead,  comrades,"  ho  said,  as  he  resumed  an  erect 
position.  "  This  is  a  black  piece  of  work,  and  as  yet  I 
can  sc-*r«*£if  comprehend  ft." 

''  Kor  I,"  said  Claude  and  Jack. 

There  was  a  pause,  for  Tom  wondered  what  should  bo 
tho  next  step  he  3houid  take. 

He  asked  tho  opinion  of  his  comrades  upon  it. 

"My  friends,"  he  said,  "  what  are  we  to  do  next?  In 
what  way  shall  we  act,  and  what  effect  do  you  imagine 
this  occurrence  may  have  upon  our  future  plans?" 

"It  will  require  time  to  think  over  these  things,"  said 
Claudo,  "  don't  you  think  so,  Jack  ?" 

"1  do  indeed,  and  if,  Tom,  you  would  be  guided  by  mo, 
and " 

"  What  is  it  you  advise  ?" 

"  Why,  that  without  further  delay  we  make  tho  best  oi 
our  way  to  tho  White  Horse  Inn,  at  tho  risk " 

"  Never  mind  the  risk." 

"  Let  us  go — let  us  lay  all  tho  facts  before  old  Matthew, 
and  let  u»  hear  what  ho  has  to  say  respecting  theia." 

"I  can  think  of  nothing  better,"  said  Tom.  "But  are 
we  to  leave  this  poor  fellow  here  ?" 

"  No ;  and  yet  I  do  not  see  how  we  can  bo  of  any 
benefit  to  Mm." 

"No,  nor  I  either,  only  we  may  draw  him  on  one  side 
out  of  the  way,  so  that  he  may  escape  further  injury  from 
any  chamo  passenger." 

'•  Yes,  yes — by  all  means  we  will  do  thai,  and  we  will 
fusion  his  horso'closo  by,  leaving  those  who  find  him  to 
jKfic-a  what  construction  they  please  upon  tho  whoid 
Eastter." 

This  suggestion  was  promptly  carried  out. 

Despite  the  repugnance  they  could  not  help  feeling  a; 
Landllng  a  dead  body,  the  King's  messenger  was  carefully 
raised  and  placed  in  a  leaning  position  agv.iust  a  little 
embankment  at  one  sida  of  the  highway. 

His  horse,  which  had  stood  perfectly  still  dumg  tna 
whole  of  tho  time,  they  secured  to  tho  low-lying  b-.v^ii 
of  a  tree,  sod  so  left  him. 

Just  as  they  remounted  their  steeds  and  wore  c.V  .a  *a 
turn  awBy.  Tom  exclaimed : 


li^i 


BLAUS     3£8B;     OR, 


"There's  one  point  which  i  should  like  to  have  set  at 
rest." 

••  What  is  that  ?" 

"Why,  to  what  extont  my  shot  was  effectual  !  won- 
der where  the  assassin  is,  and  who  he  can  be  ?" 

uItis  easy  to  ride  back  a  little  way,"  said  Ctauds; 
"and,  precious  as  time  is,  I  think  it  will  be  worth  c*»r 
while  to  do  so." 

"  So  do  I,"  criecb  Tom.  "  Follow  db«— • it  w.'^  occupy 
scarcely  a  moment." 

They  rode  off  along  the  highway  in  the  direction  the 
assassin  had  taken  until,  having  reached  the  spoi  wliere 
they  believed  Tom's  bullet  had  struck  him,  they  ;  aused. 

They  still  retained  the  lantern,  and  by  its  aid  they 
perceived  upon  the  ground  a  few  dark  red  spots  of  blood. 

Looking  further,  they  saw  that  a  hole  had  been  forced 
in  the  hedge,  and  to  one  of  the  sharp,  prickly  boughs  a 
shred  of  clothing  was  adhering. 

This  shred  they  took  and  carefully  stowed  away. 

Beyond  was  a  large  field. 

Thoy  looked  at  each  other  irresolutely. 

Tom  found  that  his  companions  were  evidently  wait- 
ing for  him  to  speak,  and  so  he  said  : 

"  I  fancy  the  rascal  is  only  slightly  hurt,  aid  by  this  time 
lie  may  have  got  to  some  place  of  shelter,  where  he  would, 
ten  to  one,  remain  and  defy  all  our  attempts  at  discovery. 
Unwillingly,  then,  I  propose  that  we  lsava  him  to  his 
fate." 

"  And  so  do  we." 

"  Then  forward,  for,  believe  me,  I  am  t,  tuo  full  as 
anxious  to  reach  London  as  you  possibly  can  be  your- 
selves." 

Again  putting  their  horses  to  a  sharp  trot,  they  jour- 
neyed in  the  direction  of  the  metropolis,  exchanging  but 
few  words  on  the  way. 

Tom  was  wondering  where  horses  could  be  bestowed 
in  safety. 

He  had  some  dim  recollection  that  there  was  a  stable  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  Clare  Market,  the  occupier  of 
which  was  in  league  with  old  Matthew. 

Vainly,  however,  did  Tom  try  to  remember  any  further 
particulars,  and  finally  he  was  compelled  to  abandon  the 
effort  in  despair. 

Yet  in  his  own  mind  he  decided  that  they  should  make 
their  way  to  the  White  Horse  by  the  back  way. 

They  would  then  be  less  likely  to  be  observed  by  any 
of  the  officers. 

So  deeply  absorbed  was  Tom  by  hi'i  reflections,  tfcst  he 
paid  no  attention  whatever  to  anything  around  him. 

All  at  once  he  was  aroused  by  ejaculations  from  his 
companions,  who  with  one  accord   reined  in  their  horses. 

"  What  is  it  ?"  he  asked,  folio-wing  their  example  in- 
stinctively— "  what's  amiss  ?" 

"Look  there!"  said  Claude,  pointing  with  his  whip. 
"  Is  it  possible  you  did  not  notice  it?" 

Tom  glanced  quickly  in  the  direction  indicated,  and 
then  ceased  to  be  surprised  at  his  companions'  astonish- 
ment. 

They  had  now  arrived  within  view  of  that  ill-omened 
spot  Tyburn. 

In  journeying  to  London  they  could  not  avoid  passing 
by  it. 

Generally  their  gaze  was  half-averted  as  they  passed 
by,  and  indeed  on  most  occasions  the  darkness  was  so  in- 
tense that  it  was  more  by  imagination  than  actual  vision 
that  they  saw  the  dismal-looking  blackened  beams. 

But  now  Tyburn  Tree  presented  a  very  different  ap- 
pearance. 

It  was  lighted  up  by  the  fierce  red  glow  of  a  firo,  tba 
light  of  which  shone  with  picturcsqad  and  rembrandt- 
like effect  upon  the  ancient  timber. 

The  tree  was  cleared — that  is  to  say,  Bo&p  "»  its  hor- 
rible fruit  was  dependent  from  it. 

For  some  time  Tom  and  his  companions  remained  quite 
still  grazing  upon  this  strange  spectacle. 

"What  does  it  mean?"  asked  Tom  King  as  it&X,  m  & 
subdued  voice.     "  How  strange  !" 

" Verv,"  responded  Claude ;  " but  Iamu  much  'n  the 
dark  as  you  are." 

*■  So  am  L"  added  Bixteen-Striug  Jack ,  « but  let  us 
i*«*p  a  little  closer,  and  then,  in  all  piobability,  we 
•hall  ascertain." 

iJ'Jiaout  a  dissentient  word  this  suggestion  was  acted 


Allowing  their  horses  to  proceed  at  a  walk  oniy,  *** 
highwaymen  gradually  drew  closer  and  closer  to  ta« 
ghastly  spot. 

At  length  they  reached  a  point  from  which  a  distinct 
and  perfect  view  could  be  obtained,  and  then  they  at  once 
met  with  the  solution  to  what  had  looked  a  short  time 
before  so  incomprehensible. 

Encampwi  round  Tyburn  Troe  was  a  strong  detach- 
ment of  sofdiers,  and  for  their  own  comfort  they  had 
kindled  two  or  three  blazing  fires. 

The  effect  indeed  was  pleasant  to  behold,  for  the  fire- 
light flickered  prettily  upon  the  polished  accoutrements 
of  the  soldiers. 

Their  aims  were  all  piled,  and  the  men  stood  about  in 
clusters  here  and  there  quite  at  their  ease. 

Outside  could  be  perceived  the  dark  forms  of  many 
other  persons,  in  all  perhaps  two  hundred. 

"  It's  clear  enough  now,"  said  Tom  King,  as  he  set  his 
horse  in  motion,  "  Tom  Davis's  information  was  correct. 
To-morrow  is  appointed  for  Dick's  elocution,  and  these 
preparations  are  being  made  for  it." 

"  Yes,  no  doubt." 

"  And,"  continued  Tom,  "  the  authorities  have  evidently 
made  up  their  minds  that  the  law  shall  take  effect.  Those 
soldiers  have  been  sent  in  anticipation  of  the  gathering 
of  a  large  crowd  between  now  and  morning.  Whenever 
it  becomes  necessary  they  will  form  an  impregnable 
square  around  Tyburn  Tree,  and  so  keep  the  mob  from 
pressing  too  closely  upon  it." 

'•  Yes,  yes — that's  it.     Come  on — we'vo  seen  enough." 

"  Wo  have,"  said  Sixteen-Striug  Jack  ;  "  but  if  I  live, 
the  authorities  shall  be  baulked,  even  though  it  be  at  the 
last  moment,  and  in  spito  of  all  these  extra  precautious 
that  they  have  taken." 

"  So  say  I,"  cried  Claude,  heartily,  "  and  yet  that  sight 
yon  jar  shows  that  they  are  terribly  in  earnest.  It  won't 
be  a  trifle  that  will  stop  them." 

"  True,"  said  Tom  King.  "  But  forward  now,  and  let  us 
waste  no  more  breath  in  conversation.  I  have  already 
decided  where  to  go  and  what  to  do,  so  follow  me  and  all 
will  be  well  in  that  respect." 

His  two  companions  complied  without  another  syllable 

Biding  direct  into  Lincoln's  Inn  Fields,  then  a  very 
lonely,  unfrequented  place  after  nightfall,  he  turned  to 
the  right,  and  the  highwaymeu  soon  found  themselves  in 
the  midst  of  the  narrow  insalubrious  streets  in  that 
locality. 

In  Vere  Street,  at  the  corner  of  a  narrow  turning, 
stood  a  large  public-house,  and,  upon  reaching  it,  Tom 
saw  at  a  glance  that  there  was  accommodation  for  horses. 

Turning  up  this  narrow  street,  he  quickly  paused  iD 
front  of  some  largo  gates,  which  were  closed. 

A  ring  at  the  bell  brought  the  ostler  forward. 

Tom  spoke  in  quick,  authoritative  tones. 

"  Hero — be  quick,"  he  cried,  "  take  charge  of  these 
three  horses.  We  shall  be  back  soon — perhaps  in  half  an 
hour,  or  it  may  be  less  or  more  ;  but  have  the  horses 
ready,  and  it  will  bo  something  in  your  pocket." 

Without  waiting  for  any  reply  to  theso  orders,  the 
highwaymen  all  alighted  from  their  steeds,  and  strode  ofl 
in  the  direction  of  Drury  Lane. 

The  ostler  wa.3  quite  surprised  at  the  whole  transaction, 
or  rather  at  tho  suddenness  of  it. 

But  grumbling  something  or  other,  unintelligible  to 
anyone  but  himself,  he  took  hold  of  the  horses  by  their 
bridles  and  led  them  through  tho  gateway. 

All  three  of  our  friends  looked  after  their  steeds  wist- 
fully. 

Great  indeed  would  have  been  their  satisfaction  could 
they  have  seen  them  safely  housed,  and  known  just 
where  to  find  them. 

Tho  attempt  at  this,  however,  might  prove  an  additional 
source  of  danger. 

The  ostler,  or  some  other  person,  might  see  and  recog- 
nise them. 

The  distance  to  White  Horse  Yard  was  now  insig- 
nificant— a  few  hundred  yards  brought  the  highwaymen 
to  the  extremity  of  it. 

On  their  way,  without  appearing  to  do  ho,  Hiey  kept  a 
vigilant  look-out,  but  saw  nothing  whatever  of  acharactei 
to  excite  their  suspicions. 

Pausing  at  the  little  door  in  the  wall  that  has  been  s« 
often  mentioned,  Tom  pressed  upon  the  secret  spring, 
and  waited  with  anxiety  for  the  result. 


THE   KfclGHT   OP   THE   KOAB. 


[THE  GOVXnSOS'8  MIDNIGHT  OTTEEVXEW   WITH   DICK  TURPIN  E»  HIS   CELL.] 


Beared y  a  moment  elapsed  before  thoy  heard  the  sound 
of  a  footstep. 

The  door  was  cautiously  opened  a  little  way,  and  old 
Matthew  s  form  appeared. 

He  recognised  our  friends  at  a  glance. 

"Come  in,"  ho  said.  "  Quick— quick !  The  sooner 
the  better,  or  you  may  be  seen  !  I  have  been  watchine 
lor  you  for  hours  and  hours.     Come  in  !" 

Wondering  why  he  had  been  waiting,  for  they  were 
not  conscious  of  having  made  any  appointment,  and 
besides,  never  dreaming  of  repairing  to  the  White  Horse 
by  daylight,  the  highwaymen  obeyed  him  by  stepping  as 
rapidly  as  they  could  across  the  threshold.     " 

"  Why,  Matthew,"  they  asked,  "  what  is  it  ?" 

"Don't  speak  now.  This  way.  One  more  minute  and 
wo  shall  be  in  comfort ;  not  that  there  will  be  any  time  for 
talk;  you  must  em  ploy  the  next  few  hours  in  earnest  action  " 

3So  17  9.- -Black  Bess. 

Ko.  Ui) 


"  We  are  quite  ready,  Matthew,"  was  tho  reply.  ■»  fir t 
first  of  all,  there  is  an  important  matter  which  must  ba 
discussed  by  all  of  us,  and  to  which  I  trust  you  will  givo 
your  best  attention,  in  order  that  you  may  advise  us  how 
to  proceed." 

'•  You  may  depend  upon  that,"  replied  old  Matthew,  in 
a  tone  of  seriousness  that  was  indeed  unusual  with  him. 
_"  There— there,  now  we  are  all  right,  and  need  fear  nc 
interruption.  Say  on.  I  am  burning  with  curiosity  t<! 
know  what  it  is  you  wish  to  impart." 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXII. 

TOM   KINO  ANNOUNCES     HIS     INFLEXIBLE     DETERMINATM:: 
TO   HIS   COMRADES   AND    OLD     MATTHEW. 

While  this  brief  conversation  was  going  on.  old  Mattbe-ft 
hurried  his  three  visiters  across   the  yard   and  kilo  Urf 

PurcE  One  ittLFPEXX?. 


L42C 


BrACR.    BESS  ,    OR, 


iittie  prirato  room  behind  the  bar  where  he  had  so  often 
held  conferences  with  the  highwaymen,  and  where,  as  we 
know,  he  had  such  an  elaborate  piece  of  mechanism  to 
warn  him  of  the  entrance  of  any  police  officers  o*  aus- 
picious person  into  the  house 

"Speak  low,"  he  said,  as  the  highvrsymeH  seated  them- 
selves around  the  fire,  which  they  were   glad   to   do,  for 
the  night  was  chilly — "  not  a  soul  knows  of  your  arrival, 
I  firmly  believe,  and,  if  you  are  only  ordinarily  careful,  we  | 
Bhall  settle  everything  with  comfort  " 

" But,  first  of  all,"  said  Tom,    "satisfy  me   on   a  point 
which  puzzles  me  completely." 
"  Well,  what  is  it  ?" 

"  Why,  you  said  you  had  been  waiting  for  us — what 
made  you  expect  we  should  arrive  ?  Tho  resolution  was 
only  made,  I  might  say,  at  the  lasfc  moment." 

"  Why,"  said  old  Matthew,  "  simply  because  Dick  has 
sent  here  several  times  to-day  to  know  whether  there  was 
any  intelligence  for  him  or  not.  Of  course  there  was  none, 
wid  that  niarle  me  in  momentary  expectation  of  gome  of 
you." 

"  Then  he  is  still  in  Newgate  ?" 

"  \es,  he  was  less  than  an  hour  ago,  and  I  daresay  is 
now ;  and,  speaking  candidly,  there  I  think  he  is  likely 
to  remain,  unless  you  can  contripe  to  get  him  cut  b"  main 
force  or  stratagem." 

"  Has  there  been  any  communication  from  tho  King  ?" 
"  None  that  I  have  heard  of." 

"  Then  Davis's  forebodings  are  only  too  true.  But 
stay,  it  will  save  time  if  I  begin  at  the  beginning  aud  tell 
you  all." 

Old  Matthew  nodded,  as  though  he  fully  believed 
this. 

Accordingly,  Tom  commenced  relating  to  Dick's  old 
friend  all  those  events  with  which  the  reader  has  already 
been  made  acquainted. 

There  is  no  necessity  for  repeating  his  brief  summary 
of  them. 

To  tho  account  of  the  assassination  old  Matthew 
listened  with  tho  keenest  interest,  and  asking  snany  ques- 
tions with  the  view  of  eliciting  every  detail. 

"Now  you  know  all,"  said  Tom,  in  conc'-usion,  "  and, 
such  being  the  case,  think  the  whole  ove/  and  give  us 
your  advice." 
"  I  will.  But  hush  ! — wait  an  instant." 
All  this  time  old  Matthew's  eyes  had  been  directed  to 
one  particular  part  of  the  wall,  the  spot  indeed  that  was 
occupied  by  the  supposititious  clock. 

As  usual,  tho  clock  showed  the  hour  of  six,  but  just  as 
Matthew  spoke,  the  hand  dropped  to  the  quarter  past. 

The  highwaymen  had  all  been  made  familiar  with  this 
piece  of  mechanism,  and  they  gazed  upon  it  with  mingled 
interest  and  admiration. 

"  Just  keep  quiet,"  said  old  Matthew.     "  There's  some 
one  standing   at  tho   bar  to   drink — I -wonder  who  it  is  ? 
Ah !  look  there." 
The  hand  dropped  to  the  half  hour. 
An  anxious  look  settled  upon  all  their  countenances. 
"  Something  suspicious,"  said  old  Matthew.     "  This  in 
what  I  feared — I  was  afraid  the  coming  and  going  of  that 
jailer  so  frequently  would  bo  noticed.     Depend   upon  it, 
some  police  officer  has  seen  him,  and  now  they  are   again 
on  the  alert.     We   may  have   some   trouble — not   that  it 
would  matter  on  any  other  night  than  tho  present,  for  I 
could  baffle  them   easily;    but  now    every  moment    is 
precious  indeed." 

So  the  highwaymen  felt,  and  they  remained  with  their 
eyes  fixed  upon  the  dial-plate  with  an  intensity  that  can 
Bcarcely  be  imagined. 

Suddenly  there  was  a  simultaneous  cry  of  relief. 
The  long  hand  flew  back  to  its   original   position  and 
the  clock  again  showed  the  hour  of  six. 

"All  right  so  far,"  said  Matthew,  settling  LiujseK-  more 
comfortably  in  his  chair.  "  A  false  alarm,  I  suppose — 
nothing  more." 

"  But  is  tho  danger  ovc/,  „hink  you  ?" 
''For  the  present,  I  can  answer  most   certainly  in  the 
affirmative,  and  should  anything  fresh  arise,  foar  net  that 
we  should  receive  timely  intimation  of  it." 

With  this  assurance,   the   highwaymen  were   satisfied, 

and  now  they  remained  waiting,  with  no  small  amount  of 

»nxiety,  for  old  Matthew  to  communicato  his  views  upon 

the  subject  laid  before  him. 

Kaforn  ho  suuko,  he  took  hold   of  the  tetter-tag,  which 


wo  need  scarcely  say,  had  been  carefully  taken  care  cf  by 
tho  highwaymen. 

Ho  turned  it  over  and  over  several  times,  looking  long- 
ingly at  the  lock,  and  making  ono  or  two  feeblo  attempts 
to  open  it. 

"  If  I  could  only  peep  insid-3,"  he  said,  "then  our 
doubts  would  be  at  rest — we  should  know  just  what  to 
do.  The  royal  arms  are  on  it.  There's  a  letter  inside 
evidently  from  the  King  to  the  Governor  of  Newgate  , 
the  question  is,  does  it  concern  the  captain  ?  Is  it  the 
order  for  his  release  ?" 

Old  Matthew  twisted  the  letter-bag  over  and  over  again. 
"  That's   just  the  question,"  said   Tom  King,  leaning 
forward  in  his  "earnestness.    "  I  wish  with  all  my  heart 
that  we  could  ascertain  that.1' 

"  It  is  impossible,  I  fear,"  returned  Matthew.  "  To 
open  this  bag  would  be,  in  my  opinion,  in  the  highest 
degree  dangerous  ;  the  Governor  would  know  then  that 
something  was  amiss." 

"But  what  baffles  me,"  6aid  Claude  Duval,  "isth<a 
assassination  of  the  messenger.  By  whom  could  that 
have  been  perpetrated,  and  what  was  the  object  ?  Certainly 
we  know  so  far  as  this,  that  it  was  intended  to  prevent  ^be 
delivery  of  the  letter-bag." 

"  That,  I  fear,  will   remain   an   unexplained  mystery 
we  may  conjecture  something  upon  it,  and  yet  be  all  the 
time  far   from   the  truth.      The    principal  thing  to  me 
appears  to  be  what  shall  we  do  with  the  letter-bag?" 

':  And  to  mo  also,"  said  Tom  King.    "  Let  us  fix  our 
attention  upon  that." 
There  was  a  long  pause. 
It  was  broken  by  old  Matthew. 

"  As  it  is  unwise,  if  not  impossible,  to  open  this  bag  and 
glean  the  nature  of  its  contents,  the  question  is,  shall  we 
deliver  it  at  the  prison  and  wait  a  short  time  and  ascertain 
the  effect  produced  by  it  ?  If  none  at  all,  why,  then  we 
must  make  up  our  minds  to  some  desperate  proceed- 
ing." 

*•  It  seems  so,"  answered  Tom.  "  But  I  confess  my  own 
uneasiness  increases  rather  than  abates.  In  such  a  easo 
the  only  thing  that  we  could  do  would  be  to  attempt  a 
rescue  at  Tyburn,  and  I  sadly  fear  that,  however  well  that 
might  bo  organised,  it  would  fail ;  the  authorities  have 
been  served  that  trick  once,  and  what  wo  saw  to-night 
proves  clearly  that  they  will  be  prepared  at  all  points  for 
resistance." 

An  ominous  silence  followed  this  speech,  from  which  it 
might  be  inferred  that  its  truth  could  not  be  disputed  by 
anyone  present. 

Again  their  attention  was  distracted  by  the  dial- 
plate. 

Tho  hand  fell  rapidly  to  the  quarter,  and  from  tho 
quarter  to  the  half-hour,  as  before. 

"Confound  it!"  said  old  Matthew,  angrily.  "There's 
some  one  lurking  about,  I  am  quite  sure  of  it.  However, 
keep  still,  there's  no  cause  for  immediate  apprehension  ; 
perhaps  the  danger  will  pass  away  as  before." 

Had  he  expressed  a  wish  to  this  effect  its  fulfilment 
would  have  been  immediate,  for  even  while  he  spoke  the 
clock  signalled  "all  well." 

''  It  is  best  to  be  over  cautious,"  he  said.  "I  have 
given  (strict  injunctions,  .better  p,  thousand  false  alarms 
than  to  be  kept  a  moment  too  late" 

"Oh,  certainly,"  said  Tom — "most  certainly!"  Aud 
wlii'-*  bespoke  he  rose  to  his  feet. 

There  wxs  an  air  of  determination  about  him  which 
all  immediately  noticed,  aud  long  before  he  spoke  they 
kpew  that  he  had  formed  a  settled  resolution. 

•'  My  mind  is  made  up,"  he  said — "  firmly  made  up. 
Tnat  letter-bag  shall  be  delivered,  and  we  will  run  the 
risk  for  an  hour  or  two  of  the  effect  it  produces.  Give  it 
here,  Matthew,  I  will  take  it  myself." 

"  You  take  it  ?"  ejaculated  Matthew.  "  .Nonsense — you 
an  raid  !     I  will  never  suffer  such  a  thing  !'' 

;>  '.  sm  in  earnest,"  said  Tom,  "and  nothing  in  the 
wo; Id  shall  cause  mo  to  change  my  decision.  Give  it  to 
me;  I  shall  not  be  content  uutil  I  know  for  certain  that 
it  is  delivered  safely.  And  how  can  1  be  so  well 
assured  of  that  as  I  shall  bo  u  I  pace  it  iu  -he  Governors 
hands  myself  ?" 

"  But  it  is  outrageous — impossible  !"  cried  old  Matthew, 
excitedly.  "  Even  if  this  bag  contains  the  message  we  so 
earnestly  wish  for,  you  will  osiy  be  thrusting  your  on* 
neck  into  the  noose."' 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


1427 


"No  matter,"  said  Tom,  if  possible  more  firmly  than 
before — "  no  matter,  my  mind  is  made  up !  I  will  go  ! 
Yes,  I  would  not  sbrink  even  though  J  felt  certain  tbat 
my  instant  death  followed  tho:  deli  very  of  the  bag.  Now 
you  know  my  determinatif  ,  and  words  and  entreaties 
will  be  alike  powerless  to  t    rn  me  from  it." 

A  dead  silence  followed;  ne  utterance  of  those  wor'k, 
and  old  Matthew  suffered  Tom  King  to  take  the  lettoi- 
bag  from  his  hands,  not  making  a  further  show  of  re- 
jistance. 

"  This  should  be  done  sJone,"  Tom  wentoa;  "and  if 
I  am  successful,  you  will  shortly  be  aware  of  it." 

At  this  juncture,  however,  Claude  aud  Jack  warmly 
iatorposed. 

"  No,  no,  Tom,"  they  said ;  "  we  are  willing  to  gU  a  in 
to  you  to  almost  any  extent,  but  we  cannot  allow  you  to 
have  things  entirely  your  own  way.  No,  no ;  not  by 
any  means.  We  have  heard  your  decision ;  now  hear 
ours.  If  you  persevere  in  your  intention,  we  will  accom- 
pany you  on  this  the  most  perilous  and  rash  adventure 
wo  have  yet  undertaken." 

"Do  it  so,  then,"  said  Tom,  and  they  could  tell  by  his 
manner  that  he  felt  a  secret  pleasure  at  this  manifesta- 
tion of  devotion — "  be  it  so.  I  would  allow  no  opposi- 
tion myself,  therefore  I  will  offer  none  to  you." 

"  Then  it's  settled,"  said  Claude  and  Jack.  "  Now, 
Matthew,  one  glass,  and  we  start.  That  will  just  allow 
us  tho  opportunity  to  seo  that  our  weapons  are  in  perfect 
order,  for  we  may  have  to  use  them  ere  long." 

"  No  remonstrances,"  broke  in  Tom  King,  sternly, 
fancying  that  Matthew  was  about  to  put  in  a  protest — 
"  no  remonstrances.    We  will  be  deaf  to  all." 

"I  am  sorry  you  are  so  headstrong,"  said  Matthew, 
placing  a  glass  before  each — "  very  sorry  ;  because,  if  I 
could  only  get  you  to  see  it,  there  would  be  very  much 
more  prudence  and  safety  in  my  delivering  this  letter- 
bag  than  in  your  taking  it,  and  I  trust  that  the  suggestion 
as  I  now  make  it  will  be  acted  upon." 

"No,  no,  Matthew,"  said  Tom  King,  "I  must  posi- 
tively refuse  you.  I  am  Dick  Turpin's  best  and  nearest 
friend.  Wo  have  been  many  a  time  in  tho  utmost 
danger,  and  the  one  has  never  hesitated  to  sacrifice  hini- 
Belf  for  the  other.  Dick's  life  is  now  at  stake — literally, 
it  is  trembling  in  the  balance.  On  such  an  occasion, 
then,  I  will  yield  the  right  of  aiding  him  to  no  man,  not 
even,  Matthew,  to  you." 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXIII. 

GIVES  A  LONG,  BUT  NECESSARY,  EXPLANATION  RESPECTING 
THE  ASSASSINATION   OF  THE  KING'S  MESSENGER. 

In  order  not  to  leave  any  mystery  unsolved,  it  may,  per- 
haps, be  as  well  in  this  place  to  interrupt  the  thread  of 
tho  narrative,  for  a  moment,  to  explain  why,  and  by 
whom,  the  King's  messenger  had  been  assassinated. 

It  was  not  until  afterwards,  however,  that  the  facts 
came  to  the  knowledge  of  the  highwaymen. 

But  still,  it  will  be  seen,  their  relation  now  will  serve 
to  make  all  perfectly  clear. 

The  reader  will  remember  Lord  Spindelow,  and  with 
reference  to  whom  it  must  be  mentioned  that  he  occupied 
a  prominent  position  at  court,  and  was  indeed  high  in 
favour  with  the  King. 

Yet  ho  was  not  satisfied ;  and  hearing  by  chance  of 
the  existence  of  the  mysterious  letter,  he,  by  a  clever 
6tratagem,  gained  possession  of  it,  and  then  found  him- 
self in  a  position  to  exercise  unlimited  power,  not  only 
over  the  mysterious  lady,  but  over  the  King  himself. 

It  must  bo  understood,  though,  that  while  he  held  un- 
lawful possession  of  this  letter,  no  opportunity  arose  for 
him  to  make  use  of  it. 

Willis  was  one  of  the  King's  person?!  attendants,  and, 
by  various  means,  Lord  Spindelow  had  won  him  over 
entirely  to  his  interests,  employing  him  generally  to  act 
as  spy  upon  his  royal  mssier. 

On  the  evening  that  Tom  ^  Lad  bis  stra  intw_ 
view  with  royalty,  Wil]^  applied  his  ear  to  the  keyhole 
of  the  conservatory  doov,  alld  managed  to  glean  doaie- 
thing  of  the  inatters  that  were  discussed  between  them. 

Lord  Spindelow  was  at  tho  time  absent  from  the  castle, 
Lut  on  his  return  on  the  following  day,  he  was  at  once 
Bifida  acquainted  with  everything. 

Ib  London  his  lordship  had  learned  with  unfeigned 


delight  tbat  Dick  Turpin  was  at  last  a  prisoner  in  Now- 
gate,  and  that  he  would  inevitably  perish  at  Tyburn. 

It  may  ho  guessed  how  revengeful  and  bitter  would  bo 
his  feelings  towards  him ;  and,,  indeed,  it  was  with  diffi- 
culty that  he  could  restrain  himself  from  paying  a  visit 
to  Newgate,  in  order  to  exult  over  him. 

ho  sooner  did  ho  hear  that  the  King  had  promised  to 
liberate  Dick  Turpin  than  he  was  frantic  with  rage. 

But,  in  such  a  position,  what  was  ho  to  do  to  help  him- 
self ? 

Dark  thougnts  quickly  rose  in  his  mind,  especially 
when  ho  learned  that  a  messenger  bad  already  been 
despatched. 

lie  did  net  hesitate  then  to  form  a  bloodthirsty  resolu- 
tion. 

Obtaining  a  fleet  horse,  ho  started  oft  in  pursuit  of 
the  messenger;  but  ow/ng  to  the  hitter  having  paused  at 
a  small  inn  lying  a  little  *-7ay  off  the  road — where,  in  fact, 
there  was  a  pretty  daughter  to  whom  ho  paid  his  atten- 
tions at  every  opportunity — Lord  Spindelow  missed  him, 
and  did  not  discover  tho  fact  until,  at  a  hard  gallop,  he 
performed  nearly  tho  whole  of  the  journey  to  London. 

Then  bo  reined  up  and  looked  about  him  with  the  in- 
tention of  riding  back  slowly  in  order  to  meet  the  man 
he  wanted. 

His  calculation  was  that  if  he  could  assassinate  this 
man,  destroy  the  letter,  and  hide  all  traces  of  his  --rime, 
Dick  Turpin's  execution  would  take  place  before  thcro 
would  bo  time  to  communicate  again  with  the  King. 

Then,  as  for  tho  discovery  of  "the  murder,  ho  hoped  to 
avoid  all  the  consequences  resulting  from  the  same. 

This,  then,  gives  us  the  necessary  clue. 

We  have  seen  how  the  unfortunate  messenger  fell  into 
the  ambuscade  laid  for  him,  and  how  the  bullet  which 
Lord  Spindelow  despatched  upon  its  deadly  errand  did  its 
work. 

When  Tom  fired,  the  bullet  from  his  pistol  struck  hi3  ■ 
lordship  near  tho  shoulder,  inflicting  a  painful  and  dan- 
gerous-looking wound.  But  aware  of  the  consequences 
that  would  follow  his  discovery  and  recognition,  ho  felt 
himself  moved  to  double  strength  to  make  the  effort  to 
escape,  and  so  he  forced  his  way  through  tho  hedge,  and 
staggered  rather  than  walked  across  a  field. 

Here  he  came  to  another  hedge,  through  which  ho 
made  his  way  with  still  more  difficulty. 

Then  another  field,  and  afterwards  he  perceived  a  light 
gleaming  in  tho  darkness. 

Doubting  not  that  it  proceeded  from  tho  window  of 
some  cottage,  ho  struggled  painfully  on  in  the  hopo  of 
reaching  it  at  every  step. 

Ho  felt,  however,  that  his  strength  was  rapidly  leaving 
him. 

Finding  this  to  bo  tho  case,  oaths  and  curses  of  tho 
most  horrible  description  issued  from  his  lips. 

What  angered  him  more  thau  all  was  the  knowiedgo 
that,  after  having  committed  the  crime  of  murder,  he  had 
been  foiled  at  last. 

His  eyes  grew  dizzy,  and  it  was  with  dilficulty  ho 
made  out  the  objects  by  which  he  was  surrounded. 

Suddenly  he  stumbled,  and  tho  shock  this  gave  him 
seemed  to  revive  him  a  little. 

Greatly  to  his  surprise,  ho  found  that  ho  had  reached 
the  rude  palisading  with  which  tho  garden  of  tho  cot- 
tage  was  surrounded. 

He  could  seo  tho  humble  little  habitation  plainly 
enough  now,  and,  still  holding  by  tae  palisades,  crept  on 
slowly  in  the  hopo  of  finding  the  gV.; 

He  was  successful. 

Pushing  it  open,  and  leaving  a  trail  of  blood  behind 
him  ws  ho  went,  ho  staggered  up  to  the  door. 

Ho  tried  to  knock,  but  his  strength  failed  him,  and  h9 
fell  with  a  dull,  lumbering  sound  against  the  panel. 

A  faint  scream  came  from  the  interior  cf  the  cottage. 

Then  the  door  was  uu  oolted. 

No  soocsr  was  the  fastening  removed  than  the  weighi 
of  Lord  apindelow'8  body  Forced  the  door  open  with 
great  violence,  and  he  fell  heavily  ujiou  tho  threshold. 

Tho  greatest  consternation  wa3  created  in  the  '  ;i-c 
by  tho  occurrence  of  this  event 

But  when  their  first  alarm  was  over,  the  inmates 
turned  their  attention  to  the  wounded  stranger. 

Gently  they  raised  him  and  carried  him  towards  the  ti>  *. 

They  saw  that  blood  was  pouring  from  the  wound.  s»i;a 
tried  in  vain  io  check  it. 


1128 


BLACK    BESB;    OB, 


They  called  upon  him,  and  ontroated  him  to  speak,  dis- 
closing his  name  and  place  of  abode. 

Bat  his  lordship's  tongue  was  silenced  forever;  he 
could  only  move  his  lips  in  vain  attempts  at  articula- 
tion. 

By  the  shape  of  his  lips,  however,  the  people  fancied 
♦hat  he  asked  for  water,  and  so  a  small  quantiti'  was 
brought  and  placed  to  Lis  lips. 

Ue  drank  it  eagerly,  and  no  sooner  had  he  done  so  than, 
as  is  frequently  the  case  under  such  circumstances,  he 
drew  a  deep  breath  and  expired. 

It  was  terrible  and  strange  to  think  he  should  be  over- 
taken by  a  retribution  of  this  kind. 

Ho  had  perished  as  nearly  as  possible  as  the  mas  f*ad 
perished  he  had  so  cowardly  assassinated. 

The  poor  inhabitants  of  the  cottage  were  not  a  litfJs 
alarmed  at  such  an  incident  as  this. 

For  aught  they  knew,  they  might  bo  regarded  with 
suspicion,  and  have  some  difficulty  in  clearing  them- 
selves. 

Searching  in  the  pockets  of  the  deceased,  they  found 
papers  which  disclosed  his  name,  and  title,  and  all  the  in- 
formation they  required. 

The  knowledge  that  he  was  a  nobleman  only  increased 
their  terror,  for  they  know  there  would  be  a  great  outcry 
respecting  his  death. 

The  particulars  of  the  tragedy  in  the  high-road,  how- 
ever, never  came  to  their  ears. 

Lord  Spindelow's  relatives  were  communicated  with, 
and  the  body  removed. 

Then  it  was  that  Willis,  finding  himself  freed  from  his 
hard  taskmaster,  confessed  all  to  the  King. 

Could  the  unscrupulous  nobleman  havo  succeeded  in 
his  design  of  intercepting  the  messenger's  letter-bag,  there 
is  no  doubt  that  Dick  Turpin  would  have  perished,  fur 
the  King,  having  despatched  the  letter,  would  probably 
have  thought  no  more  upon  the  subject. 

We  have  yet  to  describe  how  the  letter-bag  was  de- 
livered, and  the  effects  produced  by  it. 

As  will  bo  seen,  it  was  the  means  of  bringing  upon 
the  highwaymen  no  small  amount  of  danger. 

Not  to  anticipate,  however,  wO  will  go  back  to  the 
White  Horse,  and  relate  what  followed  Tom  King's  de- 
claration as  to  his  intentions  regarding  his  com- 
rade. 

Having  spoken  as  he  did  with  great  firmness  and 
dignity,  he  glanced  around  upon  the  friends  who  stood 
near  him,  as  if  daring  them  to  raise  a  word  by  way  of 
objection. 

Perhaps  they  felt  this.  At  any  rate,  a  silence  of  some 
moments  ensued,  which  was  at  last  broken  by  old 
Matthew  himself. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXIV. 

THE  HIGHWAYMEN  DELAY   THEIR  DEPARTURE  FROM    THE 
WHITE  HORSE   UNTIL  TOO   LATE. 

"  Well,  Tom,"  ho  said,  "  a  wilful  man  must  have  his 
own  way,  and  so  I  suppose  you  will.  As  to  duty  or  right, 
I  say  nothing  at  all,  my  only  wish  being  to  propose  that 
•which  is  most  likely  to  secure  the  safety  of  all." 

"  I  know  that,  Matthew-  But  I  am  so  firmly  bent  upon 
this  enterprise,  and  I  am  so  fully  possessed  with  the 
value  of  this  leath&r  bag  that  I  cannot  think  of  allowing  it 
to  be  delivered  by  any  other  hand  than  my  own." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  Matthew,  "since  that  is  the  case,  I 
can  only  wish  you  good  luck.  Let  me  recommend  you  to 
start  at  once,  for  the  sooner  Dick  is  out  the  better." 

"  Decidedly.    Come,  comrades,  are  you  ready  ?"       "•' 

"  Wo  are,  quite." 

"This  way,  then,"  said  Matthew — "this  way.-' 

"While  he  spoke,  a  faint  clicking  sound  was  heard 

He  started,  and  looked  towards  the  clock. 

The  finger  then  stood  at  the  quarter  past,  and  just  as 
ha  was  raising  his  finger  it  described  a  complete  semi- 
circle, stopping  at  a  quarter  to  seven. 

"There  is  danger — immediate  danger,  '  he  6ai.l,  in  a 
tone  of  vexation.  "Confound  it!  What  a  pity  it  is  we 
have  wasted  so  much  time  in  discussion!  But  for  that, 
vju  might,  havo  started  ten  minutes  ago,  and  there  would 
Lave  been  no  tiouble  at  all." 

"But  we  must  make  the  best  of  it." 

«  i  kesT  that.    This  way— this  way.    I  wish  I  could 


stop  to  give  you  6omo  instructions,  but  1  can't.   You  moat 
just  be  content  to  remain  here." 

With  that  rapidity  which  always  characterised  his 
movements  whenever  danger  was  pressing,  old  Matthew 
b&d  crossed  the  parlour  towards  the  fireplace. 

Than,  very  much  to  the  surprise  of  the  highwaymen, 
who  wondered  what  he  was  going  to  do,  ho  seized  hold 
.if  one  end  of  the  chimney-piece,  and  pulled  with  all  his 
might. 

A  most  singular  result  followed. 

The  whole  of  the  fireplace,  fire  and  all,  came  out 
bodily,  turning  on  hinges  fixed  at  the  opposite  side  of 
the  chimney-pieco  to  that  at  which  Matthew  was  pulling. 
The  effect,  indeed,  was  just  the  same  as  if  the  wholo  of 
the  fireplace  had  been  a  door. 

A  dark,  uncomfortable-looking  cavity  could  bo  6coa 
behind. 

The  highwaymen  hung  back  a  little. 
'  In  there,"  said   old  Matthew — "in  thero — it  is  your 
only  chance — and  remain  until  I  come  to  you  again." 

"But "  began  Tom. 

"  No  remonstrances— in  with  you !  Hark!  Can't  you 
hear  them  now?" 

Footsteps  indeed  could  be  plainly  heard,  mingled  with 
voices. 

Matthew  thrust  the  highwaymen  almost  into  the 
hiding-place,  then,  with  one  quick  movement,  restored 
the  fireplace  to  its  original  condition. 

It  was  done  instantaneously,  and  no  trace  whatever 
was  left  to  6how  that  it  had  ever  been  disturbed. 

Surely,  if  any  hiding-place  would  escapo  the  acutcness 
of  the  officers,  that  would. 

All  this,  that  has  taken  so  many  words  to  describe, 
actually  took  place  in  a  briefer  period  of  time  than  would 
perhaps  be  imagined ;  in  fact,  before  anyone  at  a  moderate 
speed  could  have  counted  twenty,  the  highwaymen  were 
securely  hidden. 

Old  Matthew,  not  losing  his  presenco  of  mind  in  the 
least,  nor  becoming  flurried,  turned  round  to  the  table 
and  picked  up  the  glasses  that  had  just  been  used. 

He  was  in  the  act  of  doing  this  when  the  door  of  the 
parlour  was  dashed  violently  open,  and  several  police 
officers  appeared. 

From  the  way  in  which  they  glanced  around  the  room, 
and  the  disappointed  look  which  settled  upon  their  coun- 
tenances, it  was  evident  that  they  fully  expected  to  find 
some  one  else  there  than  the  landlord. 

Old  Matthew  affected  to  be  taken  completely  by  sur- 
prise. 

He  let  one  of  the  glasses  slip  from  his  fingers,  and  it 
fell  to  the  floor  with  a  crash. 

Then,  stepping  back,  he  ejaculated  : 

"  Goodness  gracious,  men,  how  you  startled  me,  to  be 
sure !  I  never  expected  such  a  thing.  Why,  what  on 
earth  is  the  matter?" 

"Matter?"  said  the  officer  in  command.  "We  know 
you  are  up  to  your  old  tricks  again ;  but  mark  mo,  old 
fellow — you  have  been  successful  for  a  long  time,  but  you 
will  be  caught  at  last." 

"Not  by  you,  though,"  said  Matthew,  calmly. 

"  I  don't  know  that,"  said  the  officer.  "  At  any  rate,  I 
command  you,  upon  pain  of  immediato  arrest  to  remain 
where  you  are.    Sit  down  in  the  chair,  and  don't  leave  it.*' 

"But  what  for?"  asked  old  Matthew.  "Why  should 
you  take  these  proceedings  against  me  ?" 

"  Simply  because  we  intend  to  search  this  house.'' 

"What,  again?" 

"  Yes,  again.  It  is  only  by  repeatedly  doing  it  that  rre 
can  hope  to  succeed  at  last,  and  1  want  you  there,  and  I 
want  to  keep  my  eyes  upon  you,  so  that  you  do  nothing 
towards  hiding  anybody." 

"And  who  should  I  hide  ?" 

"  Oh,  you  know  best  how  to  answer  that  question  •  but 
on  one  point  I  am  quite  confident." 

"  May  I  inquire  what  that  is  ?" 

"  Yes,  certainly  you  may." 

"Well,  then,  what  is  it?" 

"  Why,  I  know,  by  my  own  observation,  that  you  have 

been   in  continual   communication  with   Dick  Turpin  in 

Newgate.     Don't  deny  it,  because,  if  you  do,  it  will  be 

equivalent   to  calling   mo   a  liar.     Now,  I  want  to  know 

!  what  the  communication  was  about." 

Old  Matthew  shook  hia  hetid  sii-wlj  LaekvYar»Lj  %ti$ 
I  forwards. 


TEE  KNIGHT  OF   TH3  R0A3. 


im 


"  What  do  you  mean  by  that  ?" 

"  Why,  you  see,"  said  Matthew,  "  yoa  have  pl&ctd  me  in 
ft  yery  awkward  position." 
"  Indeed !— how  ?" 

Why,  by  not  permitting  me  to  deny  ii," 
"Would  you  have  the  audacity ?" 
M  Yes,  certainly  I  would,   and  I  assure  yon   „nat  you 
must  have  been  deceived  in  some  way  —how,  I  can't  pro- 
tend to  tell.    But  why  do  you  think  I  should  have  «oy 
communication  with  the  prisoner  ?" 

"  Oh,  it's  all  very  fine,  Matthew ;  but  I've  hea-.d  your 
character  over  and  over  again,  and  mark  me  this — you 
will  have  to  bo  ten  times  more  careful  and  clever  tnan 
••ver  you  have  been  to  escape  us.  Let  us  once  catch  yoa, 
*nd  see  if  we  are  not  down  on  you." 

"  I  don't  doubt  it,"  said  Matthew ;  "  but  I  take  all  eucn 
tbreats  with  composure — I  am  not  at  all  afraid." 

"  Well,  confound  your  impudence !"  said  the  officer. 
'*  One  would  think,  to  hear  you  speak,  that  you  were  a 
much-injured  man,  and  never  credit  that  this  house  is 
known  throughout  London  as  being  one  of  the  chief 
resorts  of  all  members  of  the  'Family,'  and  especially 
the  flash  ones." 

"  I  have  enemies,"  said  Matthew,  with  .a  sigh — "  men 
who  will  say  anything  against  ma.    Will  you  allow  me 
to  ask  you  ono  question  ?" 
"  Oh  yes,  by  all  means." 

"  Well,  then,  have  you  or  any  other  officer  ever  found 
anything  to  warrant  your  suspicions  when  making  a 
search  in  my  house  ?" 

"Yes,  plenty  to  make  us  suspicious,"  was  the  answer  ; 
"  but,  luckily  for  you,  we  have  not  been  able  to  got  at  the 
proofs." 

"  Ob,  that's  the  waj  with  you,"  said  Matthew.  "  But 
just  tell  me  what  you  expect  to  find." 

"  Well,  then,  I  don't  mind  if  I  do.  We  expect  to  find 
eome  of  Dick  Turpin's  comrades  here,  and  if  they  are 
beneath  this  roof — as  we  firmly  believe  them  to  be — wo 
will  have  them." 

"  And  why  do  you  imagine  such  an  unlikely  thing  as 
that  ?"teaid  Matthew. 

"Unlikely?  What  other  conclusion  could  we  come  to 
upon  finding  that  a  turnkey  was  running  backwards  and 
forwards  between  here  and  Newgate  all  the  time  ?  You, 
I  daresay,  have  not  had  a  direct  communication  with  the 
prisoner,  but,  then,  does  it  not  point  to  the  fact  that 
there  is  some  one  in  this  house,  interested  in  his  fate, 
who  has?" 

Old  Matthew  regarded  the  officer  with  admiration. 
Then  drawing  a  long  breath  and  shaking  his  head,  he 
said,  emphatically : 

"  Oh !  it's  a  pity — a  great  pity." 
"What's  a  pity?" 

"  Why,  that  men  should  mistake  their  vocations.  Now, 
what  a  mistake  you  must  have  made  in  becoming  a  police 
officer." 

"  Bah !  nonsense  V 

"I  6tick  to  it,"  said  Matthew;  "just  think  what  a 
lawyer  you  would  have  made  if  you  had  only  given  your 
attention  to  it ;  I  never  heard  anybody  speak  so  much 
like  one  in  my  life,  never — never." 

The  officer  hardly  knew  whether  to  feel  flattered  or 
offended  at  these  remarks. 
Accordingly  he  passed  them  over  without  notice. 
"To  the  point,  Matthew."  ne  said.     "You  are  very 
likely  surprised  that  1  should  De  remaining  nere  like 
this  talking  to  you  so  quietly  ;  but  just  let  me  alarm 
you  a  little." 
"Alarm  me  ?"  repeated  Matthew,  with  a  start. 
"  Yes  ;  while  I  am  here  keeping  sucli  good  watch  on 
all  your  movements,  a  lot  of  my  men  are  round  the 
building,   some  more  are  searching  the  cellars,    somo 
more  are  searching  the  rooms  upstairs,  and  others  are 
on  the  roof." 

"  Of  course  you  have  a  warrant  ?" 
"  Oh  yes,  I  have  a  warrant ;  don't  think  I  should  put 
myself  in  the  power  of  such  a  dangerous  customer  as 
you  are.     No,  no — I  know  better  than  that." 

"Well,"  said  Matthew,  "  I  hope  the  search  will  soon 
be  over,  and  that  you  will  leave  me  in  peace." 

"  The  search  will  soon  be  over,"  said  the  officer — 
"  that  is,  if  we  find  those  we  are  in  search  of,  and  in  the 
event  of  so  doing,  why,  off  you  po  along  with  us,  and 
your  business  may  take  care  of  itself  as  best  it  may." 


Matthew  smiled. 

"I  am  content"  he  said — "quite  content.  And  wt\ 
am  to  sit  £&  this  chair  during  your  good  will  and  yk>a»' 
sure?" 

"Yea.^ 

"Oh,  it  might  be  worse — much  worse;  perhaps  yoa 
don't  object  to  my  drawing  a  little  nearer  to  the  fire  ?" 

"Oh  no."  f 

"Well,  that's  a  comfort;  I  am  just  going  to  finish  my 
glass  ;  perhaps  you  would  all  like  a  drop  of  something  ?" 

The  officers  behind  their  chief  in  a  moment  looked  as 
though  they  should  very  much. 

.  "Well,"  said  the  one  in  command,  stroking  his  chin, 
"  just  a  little  perhaps  wouldn't  bo  amiss." 

"Very  likely,"  said  Matthew,  changing  his  tone  and 
speaking  with  resolution ;  "  but  I'll  tell  you  what  it  is, 
Mr.  Officers,  I'll  see  you  all  jolly  well  d — d  before  you 
have  a  drop  of  anything  that's  in  my  house,  except,  mind 
you,  when  you  succeed  in  capturing  those  you  speak  of, 
and  then,  why  you  shall  be  welcome  to  the  best  there  is 
ta  the  cellar,  and  to  as  much  of  it  as  you  can  drink." 

"  Yes,  we  know  that,"  said  the  officer,  pretending  not 
to  look  disappointed;  "  you  wouldn't  be  able  to  help  your- 
self then,  old  fellow ;  we  should  have  it  all  our  own  way 
— not  that  I  wanted  a  drop,  and  I'm  sure  not  one  of  my 
men  does.  But  you  will  do  yourself  no  good,  so  mark  t'"at. 
If  ever  I  can  once  catch  you,  you  shall  pay  dsarly  for 
it." 

"  Ah,  I  shouldn't  wonder,"  said  old  Matthew,  sipping 
his  brandy-and-water  with  an  air  of  satisfaction  that 
was  aggravating  indeed  to  the  officers,  and  especially 
when  he  smacked  his  lips  as  if  to  say  "that's  good." 
"  They  are  a  long  while  upstairs,"  he  added ;  "  perhaps 
they  may  bo  longer,  so  if  you  have  no  objections,  gentle- 
men, I  will  have  a  quiet  smoke  and  sootho  my  nerves." 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXY. 

THE  TOLICE  OFFICER  AND  OLD  MATTHEW    HAVE  EiTHEi 
A  STRANGE  CONVERSATION  WITH   EACH  OTHER. 

With  the  greatest  possible  composure,  old  Matthew  filled 
his  pipe,  lighted  it,  and  leaned  back  in  his  chair  with  the 
air  of  a  man  who  was  bent  upon  enjoying  himself. 

The  police  officers  evidently  looked  upon  his  coolness 
with  great  misgivings. 

"  Surely,"  they  thought,  "  if  ho  has  anyone  concealed 
upon  the  premises  he  could  not  remain  so  indifferent  as  he 
appeared  to  be." 

Had  they  not  known  old  Matthe:v  so  well  as  they  did, 
they  would  have  been  still  more  of  this  opinion. 

But  they  were  well  aware  that  he  was  as  cunning  as  a 
fox,  and  quite  capable  of  acting  in  this  manner  on  pur- 
pose to  throw  them  off  their  guard. 

The  fact  was,  Matthew  felt  quite  secure  in  the  excel- 
lence of  the  hiding-place  he  had  last  devised. 

He  was  perfectly  certain  that  no  one  had  the  remotest 
idea  of  its  existence  except  himself  and  those  who  were 
at  ihat  moment  concealed. 

Every  now  and  then  a  lumbering  sound  would  be 
heard  above,  followed  by  one  below. 

On  such  occasions  Matthew  would  just  glance  up  and 
down,  but  no  more. 

"  You  seem  to  take  it  d — d  easy !"  said  tho  chief  officei 
at  length,  for  he  was  getting  enraged. 

bo  long  a  time  nad  elapsed  sit>co  his  men  begun  to 
search,  that  he  began  to  be  terribly  afraid  that  flin 
chances  of  their  finding  anybody  now  were  snisll  in- 
deed. Noone'sdisappointmentcouldbe  greater  than  his. 

He  had  observed  th6  friendly  jailer  going  backwards 
and  forwards,  as  he  said,  and  had  not  unreasonably 
jumped  to  the  conclusion  that  the  reason  was  some  of 
Dick  Turpin's  comrades  were  concealed  at  the  White 
Horse. 

Under  this  impression,  he  had  succeeded  in  persuad- 
ing his  superiors  to  allow  him  to  have  the  use  of  about 
twenty  men  to  make  a  thorough  search. 

His  request  was  granted  with  great  reluctance,  for  the 
authorities  were  most  anxious  to  keep  the  prisoner  they 
had  already  secured,  and  to  that  end  nearly  the  whole 
available  force  was  occupied  in  watching  Newgate  ;  and 
the  Governor  had  by  no  means  exaggerated  when  ho 
described  how  impossible  it  was  for  any  living  thing  to 
leave  the  piisop  unseen- 


1«0 


BLACK    BBSS  ;    OS, 


A4  l?agth  the  trampling  of  many  feet  could  be. heard 
upas  the  staircase.    . 
Matthew  looked  up,  and  so  did  the  offices*. 
Directly  afterwards  a  knock  was  given  at  tho  door  of 
the  parlour,  and  several  more  police  officers  entered. 

A  Well,  Jenkins,"  cried  the  chief,  gruffly,  "  what  ia  it-— 
what's  the  result  ?" 

"  Beg  pardon,  sir,"  said  Jenkins,  touching  Lis  tat  re- 
spectfully,   "but  I  give  you  my  word  that  ti   have 
searched  every  square  iich  upstaii-%    and  can't  find  no 
traces  of  nobody." 
"Are  you  sure  ?" 

41  Quite  sure.     There  is  not  a  corner  in  which  ft  cat 
could  have  crept  which  we  have  not  rigidly  examine!.'* 
"  Have  you  left  anyone  up  ?" 

"  No,  sir — I  began  at  the  top  and  cleared  tl.e  way  be- 
fore me." 

Before  the  officer  had  time  to  make  any  further  re- 
mark, those  who  had  been  searching  in  the  cellars  also 
appeared,  and  they  brought  with  them  tho  same  tale. 
Then  the  chief,  looking  towards  old  Matthew,  said : 
"  You  hear  ?" 

"  I  do  hear  perlectly  well.  It's  just  what  I  expected. 
You  wouldn't  believe  that  I  had  no  one  concealed.  1 
hope  you  are  satisfied  at  last." 

"  Well,  I  don't  know,  Mr.  Gale — I  don't  know  I     Could 
I  have  a  word  or  two  with  you  in  private  ?" 
"Oh,  certainly,  if  you  wish!" 
"Well,  then,  I  hope  you  will  be  -attentive." 
Then,  turning  to  his  men,  he  bade  them  depart,  saying 
ho  would  rejoin  them  pvesently. 

Old  Matthew  -~  ondered  what  was  coming  next. 
The  officer  took  a  chair,  and  brought  it  closo  to  the  fire, 
and  seated  himself. 

Little  did  he  think  that  those  of  whom  he  was  in  scai-eh 
were  at  that  very  instant  at  little  more  than  arm's-length 
from  him. 

"Matthew,"  he  said,  "I  hope  you  will  have  a  little 
serious  talk  with  me — it  is  on  a  serious  subject." 

"  Well,  I  don't  mind,"  said  Matthew.     "  Speak  up !" 
"I  will.     Now,   I  hope,  in  the  first  place,  you  won't 
feel  flattered  when  I  say  that  1  believe  you  to  bo  a  very 
clever  fellow — more  clever  than  people  generally  are  in- 
clined to  admit." 

Matthew  made  a  deprecating  gesture. 
"  Oh,  it's  true — it's  true,"  said  tho  officer,  "  but  the  un- 
fortunate thing  is  that  you  should  have  allowed  your 
cleverness  to  run  in  the  wrong  direction.  If  you  had 
sided  with  us  instead  of  tho  'family  '  it  would  have  been 
a  much  befter  thing  for  you,  and  oven  now  it  is  not  too 
late,  which  brings  me  to  what  I  was  gsSng  to  talk 
about." 

Old  Matthew  remained  silent. 
The  officer  cleared  his  throat,  and  went  on : 
"In  spite  of  my  close  search,"  ho  said,  "I  am  not 
satisfied  that  the  men  I  want  are  not  hidden  in  this  house 
— they  are  in  some  secure,  out-of-the-way  place.  Now, 
assuming  such  to  bo  the  case,  I  ■will  tell  you  what  I 
propose,  and  which  I  have  the  best  of  authority  for 
proposing." 

"Proceed,"  said  old  Matthew,  "I  am  paying  every 
attention." 

"No  doubt  you  are.  Well,  then,  my  proposition  is 
that  you  delivor  those  highwaymen  over  to  us.  You 
need  not  appear  to  do  so — the  fact  of  your  complicity 
need  never  be  known.  A  wink  or  a  sign  will  be  enough 
to  let  us  know  where  to  search.  Then,  if  we  capture 
them,  well  and  good — they  cannot  blame  you.  Stop — 
stop,"  he  added,  hurriedly,  perceiving  thai  sid  Ma.Sfch.-3W 
was  trying  to  interrupt  him — "hear  me  out  to  the 
end!  In  return  for  this,  supposing  you  are  willing,  I 
am  empowered  to  offer  jou  one  half  of  tho  total  re- 
ward— that  is  to  say,  seven  hundred  pounds,  and  not 
only  that,  a  perfect  immunity  from  all  that  you  have 
done  in  the  past,  and  with  the  probability  of  doing  the 
came  bit  cf  business  over  again." 

"And  so  you  advise  me  to  betray  then:  V  said  Mat- 
thew. 

"Yes.  certainly!  Ana  I  daresay  it  strikes  you  as  a 
singular  thing  that  we  officers  should  all  be  agreed  to 
give  you  one  half  the  reward,  when  in  reality  you  will 
have  so  small  a  share  in  earning  it  ?" 

1  Well,  I  am  rather  surprised,  I  confoss." 


wrong.  Our  reason  is  that  we  wish  above  all  things 
to  secure  those  offenders,  and  we  don't  think  we  can  do 
it  without  your  aid — that's  the  reason,  for  our  continual 
failures  have  got  us  into  such  sad  disgrace  that  nothing 
but  this  capture  can  put  ua  right.  I  wish  with  all  my 
heart  that  Dick  Turpin  was  at  liberty,  so  that  we  could 
have  the  chanea  of  capturing  him.  I  wonder  what 
business  a  lot  of  geutlemen  had  to  interfere,  and  so 
take  the  credit  out  of  our  hands  ?" 

"  Seven  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  ?"  repeated  Matthew, 
musingly.     "  That's  a  largo  sura." 

"  Yes,  a  very  lai-go  sum,"  said  tho  office,  with  glittor- 
mg  eyes,  and  speaking  with  some  excitement — "such  a 
sum  as  you  don't  often  handle,  I'll  warrant.  It  would 
be  more  than  the  amount  of  a  year's  profits,  if  you  did 
ever  so  good  a  trade,  and  be  very  much  more  than  you 
could  hopo  to  get  from  tho  highwaymen  for  defending 
them,  besides  the  risk  you  run  of  your  own  liberty." 

"It's    worth    thinking    over,"    said    Matthew — "it's 
worth  thinking  over." 
"  Do  ycu  indeed  think  so  ?" 
"  Yes,  I  do." 

"Well,  then,  so  do  I,  and  it  you  aro  wiso  you  will 
think  over  it  repeatedly.  Perhaps  you  will  be  able  to 
come  to  a  decision  at  once?" 

"Well,  perhaps  I  should,"  was  the  answer,  "only  for 
ono  little  difficulty  that  stands  in  the  way." 
"  And  what  may  that  be  ?" 

"  Why,  you  ought  to  know  perfectly  well  that  tho  men 
you  want  are  not  here  at  the  present  moment,  for  if 
they  were  they  could  not  escape  tho  vigilant  search  of 
your  mea." 

Upon  receiving  this  reply,  the  officer  looked  at  old 
Matthew  keenly,  as  if  doubtful  as  to  his  veracity. 

"It  is  so,"  added  our  old  friend,  "and  I  don't  mind 
saying  that  what  you  have  just  told  mo  has  made  an  im- 
pression. I  didn't  think  of  it  before  in  that  light,  and  I 
promiso  you  to  turn  the  matter  over  in  my  mind." 

"  Do  so,  and  I  am  certain  that  reflection  will  bring  you 
to  the  right  decision.    And  now  let  us  have   a  glass  of 
something  upon  the  good  faith  of  what  you  say.".* 
"  I  don't  mind  if  I  do." 

Old  Matthew  rose  from  his  seat  and  went,  into  tho  bar, 
with  tho  view  of  supplying  his  customer's  wants. 

When  his  back  was  turned,  there  was  a  peculiar  smile 
upon  his  face — one  which  tho  officer  probably  would  not 
have  cared  about  seeing. 

Having  obtained  what  was  requisite,  Matthew  stepped 
silently  to  the  door  of  the  parlour,  and,  just  peeping  in, 
saw  that  the  officer  had  taken  advantage  of  his  absenco 
to  mako  a  rigid  search  around. 
Matthew  darted  into  the  room  suddenly. 
The  officer,  thus  caught,  looked  rather  confused. 
"Ah!"  said  old  Matthew — "doubtful  still,  I  perceive. 
Well,  one  would  think  that,  after  having  received  so  many 
proofs,  you  officers  would  be  content  to  take  my  word," 

"  Oh,  pooh  !  don't  mention  it,"  said  the  officer.  "  I 
could  not  resist  the  temptation  of  looking  round  me,  and 
that's  a  fact." 

"  Well,  don't  let  ma  interrupt  you,  then,"  said  Matthew 
"  Make  no  stranger  of  me.  Search  as  long  and  as  much 
as  you  are  willing."  ' 

The  confident,  easy  tone  in  which  these  words  were 
spoken,  and  the  coolness  Matthew  had  displayed  all 
along,  brought  the  officer  at  last  to  the  conviction  that 
in  one  respect  he  had  been  mistaken. 

If  the  highwaymen  had  been  there,  they  were  not  at 
tho  inn  now  ;  but  that  a  communication  had  been  made 
with  Dick  in  Newgate  he  was  absolutely  certain. 

With  cunning  calculation,  ho  made  sure  that  more  good 
was  to  be  done  "by  pretending  to  keep  on  a  friendly  foot- 
ing with  Matthew  than  by  coming  to  an  open  rupture 
with  him  ;  and,  indeed,  the  officer  felt  ho  had  good  cause 
to  be  satisfied  with  the  impression  he  believed  he  had 
already  made  upon  Matthew,  for  the  temptation  of  hand- 
ling seven  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  was  a  very  great 
one  indeed. 
It  was  not  long  after  that  the  officer  rose  to  take  tis 

departure.  .         ,  ,         .    , 

Matthew  rose  also,  determined  to  see  him  safely  out  of 

his  house. 

The  officer,  if  ho  had  any  intentions  ot  attempting  to 

remain,  abandoned  them,  for  he  walked  out  infc?  Jtaifjr 


"  Perhaps  you   feel   doubtful,  but  if   you  do  you  ara  |  Jjg&Q  and  called  his  men  around  him 


THE   BSIOfrr   OV  TTJE   ROAD. 


!<31 


Then,  bidding  farewell  to  Matthew,  ho  marched  off 
with  them,  our  old  friend  standing  on  the  step«  of  tils 
house  and  watching  them  until  tho  intervening  t^'uses 
hid  them  from  his  view. 

Then,  rubbing  his  hands  briskly  together,  and  with  a 
smile  of  satisfaction  on  his  lips,  he  turned  round  tnt'. 
L&stened  to  the  bar. 

As  he  passed  the  girl  who  served  the  customers  fca 
said,  in  a  hurried  whisper  : 

"Are  you  quite  sure  all  tli3  officers  cave  k*r*  the 
houso  ?" 

"  I  am  not  quite  sure,"  was  the  response.  "  My  fcalief 
is  that  one  or  more  are  in  hiding  sojoo  where." 

"  Well,  well,"  said  Matthew,  "  all  you  can  do  is  to 
keep  your  eyes  wide  open.  I  will  go  back  into  the 
parlour,  and  if  you  see  anything  in  the  least  degree  sus- 
picious, give  the  signal  instantly.  I  shall  be  on  the  look- 
out. Don't  be  afraid  of  making  a  mistake.  Better  have 
a  thousand  false  alarms  than  give  the  signal  of  danger 
too  late." 

CHAPTER  DCCCLXXVL 

OLD  MATTHEW  RELEASES  TnE  HIGHWAYMEN  FROM  THEIR 
PLACE  OF  CONCEALJIENT,  AND  SHOWS  THEM  A  NEW 
MODE  OF  LEAVING  THE  PREMISES. 

Knowing  that  he  could  place  tho  fullest  trust  in  his 
dependant,  old  Matthew  turned  at  once  into  the  parlour, 
closing  the  door  carefully,  and,  for  greater  security, 
slipping  a  small  bolt  into  its  socket. 

Before  opening  the  secret  hiding-place  to  conceal  the 
highwaymen  therein,  he  had  taken  care,  by  a  rapid 
glance  at  the  only  window  in  the  room,  to  ascertain  that 
the  shutters  were  close  shut,  so  that  there  could  be  no 
overlooking  him  from  that  quarter. 

He  placed  his  hand  upon  the  mantelpiece,  and  looked 
steadfastly  at  the  little  clock. 

binding  the  signal  remained  unchanged,  he  rapidly 
pulled  the  fireplace  out,  and  liberated  our  friends,  who 
were  not  a  little  rejoiced  to  make  their  escape. 

"Are  they  gone,  Matthew?"  asked  Tom,  eagerly. 

"  I  believe  so.  At  any  rate,  all  we  have  to  do  is  to 
watch  the  dial." 

"  Yes,  I  know ;  but  if  you  will  (ell  me  the  best  way  to 
do  it,  I  will  leave  the  place  at  once.  Tho  night  is  wear- 
ing on,  and  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost." 

"  True,"  said  Matthew  ;  "and  yet  I  should  recommend 
you  to  wait  for  a  few  moments,  in  case  any  of  the  officers 
should  yet  be  lurking  about." 

"We  will  6tay,  Matthew,  if  you  think  it  best,  cf 
course." 

"Well,  do  so,  and  tell  me  what  you  think  cf  your 
hiding-place." 

"  Oh,  excellent,  so  far  as  security  goes ;  but  docidedly 
unpleasant  if  you  have  to  remain  in  it." 

"  And  especially  with  such  a  roaring  fire  as  you  have 
now,"  said  Claude.     "  It  was  decidedly  uncorv'ortable." 

"And  hot  as  an  oven,"  said  Sixtcen-bl/ing  Jack, 
wiping  the  perspiration  from  his  face. 

"  You  must  not  mind  such  little  drawbacks  as  those," 
said  Matthew.     "  Is  it  not  an  excellent  idea  ?  '' 

"Most  excellent;  and  I  should  think  -would  have 
occurred  to  no  other  person  than  yourself." 

"  Oh,  I  don't  know,"  said  Matthew,  modes' ly.  "  I  was 
looking  at  the  cliimueypiece  one  day,  and  tho  notion 
came  into  my  head :  so  I  set  to  work,  and  accomplished 
it  all  with  my  own  hands." 

"Did  you,  indeed  ?" 

"  I  did ;  and  worked  so  weit,  that,  in  epite  of  the  per- 
petual interruptions  to  which  the  officers  subject  me,  I  suc- 
ceeded in  completing  it  without  the  knowledge  being 
shared  in  by  anyone  save  myself." 

"  Well,  it  has  done  us  0  good  turn,"  cried  Tom,  K  there's 
no  doubt  about  that." 

"None;  and  it  has  amply  repaid  mo  for  the  trouble  of 
constructing  it.  But,"  he  added,  "did  you  not  GTerhcar 
the  conversation  I  had  with  tho  officer  ? 

"We  did,"  said  Tom,  looking  at  him,  seircHng.'y ; 
"every  word  of  it." 

"  I  thought  you  would,"  he  answered,  quietly.  "  Xon 
guessed  my  object  in  speaking  as  I  did  ?" 

•"Well,  scarcely." 
Tea  did  not  think  that  I  seriously  intended  to  iwfcray 
four" 


"  No,  no ;  I  would  never  think  that,  Matthew,  for*  i( 
you  played  us  false,  we  could  never  place  dependence  on 
any  human  being  again.'' 

'•That's  all  right,  then.  It  would  have  grieved  Hie 
very  much  had  you  doubted  me." 

"But  your  object,  Matthew,  what  was  it  ? 

"  Why,  I  thought  if  I  pretended  to  fall  in  with  their 
views  that  I  should  get  on  better  than  if  I  uttered  a 
positive  refusal.  The  officers,  no  doubt,  will  now  hang 
off  and  on  for  a  geod  while,  expecting  that,  at  tho  right 
moment,  I  shall  deliver  yoa  into  their  hands.  But  there's 
no  fear,"  he  added;  "I  am  enly  fooling  them,  as  I  have 
done  many  a  time  before." 

"  It  was  good  policy  to  act  in  this  manner,"  said  Tom. 
"  But  now  do  you  not  think  sufficient  time  h£3  elapsed? 
I  am  growing  uneasy,  and  anxious  to  leave." 

"Yes,  I  think  you  may  vert  are  >v  go.  But  is  there 
anything  I  can  do  for  you  during  your  absence  ?" 

"Nothing  that  I  know  of,"  said  Tom.  "If  I  could 
only  form  some  reasonable  idea  as  to  the  contents  of  thi3 
letter,  wo  should  then  bo  able  to  make  a  better  arrange- 
ment. As  it  is,  we  must  trust  to  chance,  and  leave  things 
just  as  they  are." 

"Veryw3ll.  But  if  there's  any  chance  of  my  render- 
ing you  a  service,  don't  fail  to  let  me  know." 

"Best  80sured  of  that.     What  time  is  it  now  ?" 

"  Close  upon  half -past  eleven." 

"  Is  it  indeed  so  late  ?  Then  it  is  really  time  we  left, 
otherwise  the  Governor  may  not  take  it  into  his  head  to 
look  at  thii  letter  till  the  morning." 

"Come,  then," said  Matthew,  taking  down  a  key  that 
was  hanging  on  a  nail,  "  you  may  as  well  go  this  way  as 
any  other." 

While  speaking,  he  advanced  to  the  window,  which  he 
opened,  and  threw  back  the  shutters. 

"  Now,"  he  said  "  follow  me  tlirough  here  and  I  will 
show  you  out  by  a  fresh  route." 

With  an  agility  and  ease  that,  considering  his  size,  were 
truly  remarkable,  old  Matthew  stepped  on  to  a  chair  and 
passed  through  the  window  into  the  yard  at  the  back. 

The  highwaymen  followed  immediately,  and  by  his 
directions  the  window  was  closed  again  and  the  shutters 
put  to. 

"  Now,"  he  said,  "  there's  a  stable  hero,  the  existence 
of  which  is  well  enough  known  to  the  police,  but  tho  loft 
over  it  looks  into  a  small  yard  at  the  back  of  a  house  iu 
Blackmoro  Street.  When  you  enter  the  stable,  get  up  into 
the  loft  as  quickly  as  possible,  pass  through  the  window 
I  speak  of,  and  drop  into  the  yard  just  mentioned.  Do 
you  understand  me  ?" 

"  Yes,  perfectly." 

"  Then  take  this  key,  and  with  it  unlock  the  door  at 
the  back  of  this  house.  Hang  the  key  on  a  nail  driven 
into  the  doorpost,  and,  having  crossed  the  threshold,  shut 
the  door  behind  you,  but  don't  fasten  it  on  the  inside." 

"But  what  houso  is  this,  Matthew  ?" 

"An  empty  one,"  he  replied  ;  "one  that,  by  a  lucky  acci- 
dent, was  placed  in  my  hands  to  let  as  soon  as  I  could  find 
a  suitable  tenant ;  but,"  he  added  with  a  chuckle,  "it  will 
be  a  long  time  before  I  find  one,  I'll  warrant." 

"You're  sure  the  house  is  empty  ?"  said  Tom,  laughing 

"  Yes,  quite  sure.  Walk  boldly  along  the  passage  ; 
there's  nothing  in  the  way,  and  you  will  come  to  the  front 
door.  It  is  fastened  only  by  a  latch,  but  that  latch  can- 
not be  raised  from  the  outside.  Open  tho  door  cau- 
tiously, watch  your  opportunity,  and  emerge.  Pull  the 
door  fshnt,  and  the  latch  will  fasten  itself.  Then  the  rest 
depends  upon  yourselves." 

" Thanks,  Matthew— thanks,"  said  Tom  King;  l  you 
are  indeed  a  friend  well  worth  the  having.  By  taking 
thii  ro'ite,  surely  we  shall  baffle  tho  officers." 

"  I  hope  so,"  said  Matthew,  "  yet  it  is  impossible  for  me 
to  say  where  they  may  be  hiding  at  tho  present  moment. 
Your  chief  caro  will  bo  to  keep  y;  urselvea  as  much  out  ei 
sight  as  possible." 

With  this  caution  they  parted,  tho  highwayman  wring- 
ing Matthew's  hand. 

Successfully  following  his  instructions,  they  soon 
autered  the  stable,  mounted  into  the  loft,  and  paused  a 
moment  at  tho  little  window,  or,  rather,  opening  in  the 
wall,  that  he  had  described. 

About  eight  ffcot  below  them  was  a  small,  dirty  yard, 
faonndod  on  each  side  by  high  brick  walls,  over  which  it 
tyould  be  difficult  indeed  for  anyone  to  look. 


BLiCS    BZSS  ;    OB, 


A  most  profound  silcnco  reigned  in  this  locality,  -\nd 
file  tall  buildings  all  around  caused  a  docp  darkcvw  to 
prevail. 

41  It  will  be  all  right,"  S'dd  Tom,  in  a  whisper.  "  I  will 
go  first ;  you  can  follow." 

He  rapidly  lowered  himself  feet  foremost  from  th*»  win- 
dow while  he  spoke,  and,  having  hung  fov  a  ooccad  at  tho 
full  Inncrth  of  his  arms,  he  lot  go  and  alighted  in  saiety  in 
the  yard  beneath. 

Then  placing  himself  close  against  the  wall  so  as  to 
keep  out  of  eight,  he  waited  for  his  comrades  to  follow 
his  example. 

As  may  be  guessed,  taey  were  not  very  long  in  doing 
80. 

By  this  time  their  eyes  had  become  accustomed  to  the 
obscurity,  and  they  were  able  to  see  what  they  had  not 
perceived  before,  namely,  the  back  door  of  which  Mat- 
thew had  spoken. 

Towards  this  they  crept  silently,  for  they  were  fearful 
that  a  footfall  might  betray  them. 

They  were  able  all  the  time  to  keep  close  under  the 
wall. 

The  door  was  opened  by  the  key,  and  the  key  hung 
upon  the  door-post,  according  to  the  directions  they  had 
received. 

That  peculiar,  damp,  earthy  smell  that  always  per- 
vades a  shut-up,  uninhabited  house  assailed  their  nostrils 
as  soon  as  they  crossed  the  threshold,  and  when  the  door 
was  closed  behind  them  the  darkness  was  intense  indeed — 
so  intense  that  they  would  have  had  great  diffidence  in 
proceeding  without  a  light,  had  not  old  Matthew  so  par- 
ticularly assured  them  that  there  was  nothing  to  fear  in 
the  shape  of  an  obstruction. 

A  few  paces  brought  them  to  the  front  door,  for  the 
house  was  a  small  one. 

Tom  listened  while  he  placed  his  hand  upon  the   latch. 

All  was  still,  and  so  he  slowly  opened  the  door  to  the 
extent  of  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch. 

It  was  well  that  he  was  thus  cautious,  for  a  heavy  foot- 
step on  the  pavement  %vithout  reached  their  ears. 

There  was  a  flash  of  light,  and  a  hoarse,  wheezy  voice, 
exclaimed : 

"  Half-past  eleven,  and  a  cloudy  night." 

It  was  a  watchmaa  going  by,  and  the  light  from  his 
lantern  quickly  faded  away. 

"  That's  lucky,"  said  Tom;  "it  would  have  been  awk- 
ward h»d  he  passed  while  we  were  just  emerging.  I 
think  we  can  venture  now ;  at  any  rate,  I  will  go  first." 

Opening  the  door  no  wider  than  was  actually  necessary 
to  allow  his  body  to  slip  through,  Tom  passed  out. 

He  was  pleased  to  find  that  the  door  was  a  projecting 
one,  so  that  he  did  not  step  at  once  into  tho  street,  but 
remained  concealed  by  its  deep  shadow. 

In  a  whisper  he  informed  his  friends  of  this,  and  thoy 
slipped  quickly  out. 

"It's  all  right,  I  believe,"  sail  Tom.  "I  don't  think 
there's  a  single  police  officer  lurking  near-*' 

"  Quick,  then,"  said  Claude — "  tho  sooner  we  are  out  of 
here  the  better.  Should  we  bo  seen  it  would  look  sus- 
picious at  once." 

Tom  assented,  and  at  tho  same  time  obeyed. 

Yet,  as  was  proved,  this  was  an  unlucky  move- 
ment. 

The  watchman's  beat  extended  only  to  the  end  of 
Blackmore  Street,  and  having  reached  it,  he  was  re- 
turning with  all  speed  to  his  comfortable  watch-box  at  the 
corner  of  Drury  Lane,  in  which  he  meant  to  ensconce 
himself  for  the  next  half  hour,  leaving  the  street  to  look 
after  itself. 

Sauntering  thus  along,  he  was  surprised  by  seeing  tho 
three  highwaymen  make  their  appearatco  so  suddenly,  as 
though  they  had  sprung  from  the  earth. 

He  knew  there  was  no  turning  near,  and  was  perfectly 
certain  they  had  not  walked  down  from  the  top  of  the 
strees. 

Advancing  briskly  to  htm,  he  held  up  his  lantern,  as 
he  cried : 

"  Hullo — hullo  1  Where  have  you  come  from  ?  Out  of 
that  empty  house,  I  believo  !' ' 

"Bo  off!"  said  Claude.  "What  docs  it  matter  *o 
you  ?  " 

"But  I'll  know  who  you  are,"  said  the  watchman.  u  It's 
uispieious  !    Mind,  or  I'll  spring  my  rattle  1     Who    «re 

m,  I  say  ?* 


"Well,  if  you  must  know,"  answered  Sixteon-Stnng 
Jack,  in  a  very  hoarse,  sepulchral  voice,  "  it's  the  devil 
taking  an  evening  walk  with  two  of  hia  friends.  Good 
night  to  you  !" 

So  saying,  he  struck  the  watchman's  lantern  from  hi" 
shaking  grasp,  and  passed  quickly  on,  followed  by  hi« 
companions,  and  leaving  the  guardian  of  the  night  it.  a 
state  of  mingled  botvildermett  aud  dismay. 


CHAPTER  DCCOLXXVII. 

THE   HIGHWAYMEN     PROCEED    1G     IfEWOATE    TO   DELIVER 
THE    KING'S  MISSIVE. 

Turning  the  corner  of  the  street,  the  three  highwaynie™ 
were  quickly  out  of  sight. 

They  drew  down  their  hats  over  their  brows,  so  as  tc 
conceal  their  features  as  much  as  possible,  and  then,  in  as 
steady,  unconcerned  a  manner  as  they  could  assume,  made 
their  way  towards  Newgate. 

It  was  a  bold  and  adventurous  act— one,  in  fact, 
scarcely  excusable,  and  yet,  after  all,  very  likely  to  be 
successful  from  its  sheer  audacity. 

Knowing  that  the  prison  was  surrounded,  and  so  closely 
watched  by  the  police  officers,  one  would  have  thought 
that  it  would  be  the  very  last  place  they  would  venture 
to  approach. 

The  streets  of  London  were  well  known  to  Tom  and 
his  comrades,  and  after  a  very  little  reflection  they  were 
able  to  decide  within  themselves  which  was  the  best 
route  by  which  their  destination  should  be  reached. 

They  were  anxious  to  avoid  the  principal  thoroughfares, 
and  yet  by  no  means  wishful  to  enter  such  as  were  rarely 
used,  and  in  which  their  appearance  could  not  fail  to 
attract  attention. 

Yet  as  they  walked  onward,  for  tho  most  part  in  silence, 
they  fancied  more  than  once  that  persons  who  passed 
them  looked  baclc  curiously. 

But,  after  all,  this  might  have  been  more  their  own 
fancy  than  aught  else. 

Strange  as  it  may  seem,  it  is  nevertheless  true,  that 
they  reachod  tho  Old  Bailey  in  perfect  safety,  and  with- 
out having  been  interrupted  or  questioned  by  anyone, 
and  without  having  come  into  collision  with  any  police 
officers. 

At  the  corner  of  a  narrow  lane  from  which  they 
emerged,  and  which  was  situated  nearly  opposite  that 
pnrt  of  the  prison  forming  tho  residence  of  the  Governor, 
they  paused,  and  well  they  might,  for  an  unexpected  sight 
met  their  view. 

Yet  their  surprise  abated  instantly,  and  they  felt  they 
might  have  known  it  had  they  given  such  a  thing  a 
moment's  consideration. 

The  Old  Bailey  at  this  dark  and  lonely  hour  of  the 
night  presented  a  scene  of  unusual  animation. 

It  was  thronged  by  many  persons,  whose  numbers 
increased  every  moment,  for  fresh  spectators  kept  arriv- 
ing from  every  street. 

A  noisy,  dissolute  crowd,  it  was  composed  of  the 
worst  specimens  of  humanity  that  tho  metropolis  could 
then  boast. 

Somo  were  wandering  restlessly  to  and  fro,  othorn, 
with  pipes  in  their  mouths,  were  lounging  in  groups 
against  the  walls  of  the  houses,  and  in  every  other 
place  against  which  they  could  plant  their  backs. 

Others,  with  wild  cries  and  shouts,  were  amusing 
themselves  by  pushing  violently  through  the  throng, 
and  whenever  any  accident  occurred  it  was  greeted  by 
a  roar  of  laughter. 

Vendors  of  nearly  all  kinds  of  eatables  and  drinkables 
were  there  in  considerable  numbers,  working  their  way 
backwards  and  forwards,  and  filling  tho  air  with  their 
discordant  shouts. 

Some  had  torches,  and  others  a  brazrer  of  blazing 
coals,  the  light  from  which  shod  a  ruddy  tint  on  all 
around, 

Never  before  had  the  highwaymen  beheld  so  strargs  a 
spectacle  as  this,  and  it  was  therefore  almost  uncon- 
sciously that  they  stood  for  some  moments  gazing  fei 
it. 

Claude  was  the  first  ta  speatc 

"Surely,"  he  said,  "this  ought  to  be  favourable  te 
us.  Can  we  not  turn  it  to  our  advantage?  Atnotijj 
all    this   confusion   and  noise,  it  is  scarcely  1'J*  W  t.hat 


THE  KNIGHT  Of  THB  ROA» 


143* 


[OLD  MATTHEW  INTRODUCES  A  FKESH  ALLY.  J 


we  shall  be  notioed.    Beliuve  me,  I  think  all  things  are 
favourable  to  the  accomplishment  of  your  design." 

Tom  nodded  as  he  said  : 

"  I  think  so  too  ;  the  onlj  tVmsr  is,  that  we  should  be 
careful  in  foroing  oar  way  through  the  throng." 

"Yob,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack,  "  there  lies  our 
daufl'^i'.    Some  unexpected  person  may  recognise  us. 

"We  must  run  that  risk,"  said  Tom ;  "  and  the  best 
way  will  be  to  pat  on  as  much  indifference  ad  we  are 
able.     Come,  follow  me — we  will  delay  no  longer. 

Tom  began  slowly  to  push  through  the  throng,  and  as 
if  he  had  no  particular  object  in  doing  so— as  if  he  had 
no  precise  point  he  wished  to  reaoh,  but  seemed  to  be 
wandering  Mstlessly  about,  like  the  majority  of  those 

Prit8was  well  that  he  had  the  presence  of  mind  to  act 
thus,  for  any  injudicious  haste  would  at  once  have  had 
the  effect  of  calling  down  special  attention  upon  them. 
Ho.  180.— Black  Bbss. 

Ko.  lfeO. 


Short  as  was  the  distance,  yet    owing  to  1 this .cause 
some  time  elapsed  before  the  highwaymen  got  fairly  in. 

ht,tV^°:^rTZ,  for  up  to  the  present  alt 

had  cone  well.  ,  , 

Now,  however,  came  their  greatest  danger. 
Looking   right  and  left,    they  could  perceive .many 

police  officersfwho  were  bent  wth  exemplary  oloseneB, 

nnon  the  duty  that  had  been  set  them. 
PThe  fact  was  that  there  was  not  one  of  them .who >& 

not  believe  in  his  heart  that  the  night  would not  pr 

oyer  without  DiokTurpin  making  some  effort  to  UBer 

hi?n  such  a  case,  they  were  animated  by  , he  hope 
they  would  be  instrumental  in  recapturing  him-itf 
cause  of  any  reward,  but  merely  for  the  credit  < 
whole  body  of  police  officers. 
In  ascending  the  steps  of  the  Governor  a  hor 

Psiob  Onx  Halm 


'A<v, 


SLACK    BK88  ;     OK, 


standing  for  a  moment  at  the  door,  Tom  felt  there  would 
be  the  utmost  peril ; — he  could  not  fail  to  be  noticed 
then  by  many. 

For  one  thing,  he  was  not  aware  that  the  officers  had 
roade  up  their  minds  to  pay  no  attention  whatever  to 
anything  that  took  place  in  the  Old  Bailey ;  nor,  indVad, 
were  they  likely  to  trouble  themselves  about  anyone 
who  sought  admission  to  the  prison.  Their  chief  solici- 
tude would  be  to  prevent  any  person  from  leaving  it. 

Slowly  moving  forward,  as  if  he  had  no  such  design, 
Tom  King  suddenly  turned  round  and  ascended  the 
flight  of  stone  steps,  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  brass  handle 
of  the  bell,  and  he  pulled  it  vigorously. 

In  Newgate,  all  doors  were  promptly  answered,  and 
scarcely  had  the  tinkling  of  the  bell  died  away  than  this 
front  door  was  thrown  open,  and  a  man  appeared  upon 
the  threshold. 

"  The  Governor,"  said  Tom,  disguising  his  voice — "  I 
want  to  see  him  immediately,  upon  important  busi- 
ness." 

"  Then  you  cant." 

"  But  I  must,"  said  Tom,  placing  his  foot  in  such  a 
position  against  the  doorpost  that  the  man  could  not 
close  the  door.  "  I  must  6ee  him  on  most  urgent  busi- 
ness, and  beware  how  you  refuse  me !" 

"  But  I  tell  you  you  cant,  and  there's  an  end  of  it ! 
"Wait  till  to-morrow !" 

"Never!"  said  Tom.  "I  don't  move  from  here 
until  the  Governor  comes  J" 

"  What's  all  this  ?"  said  another  voice  at  this  moment 
— "  what's  all  this,  I  say — what  is  it  ?" 

The  man  at  the  door  fell  back  immediately  into  an 
attitude  of  respect. 

"I  beg  pardon,  sir,"  he  said — "humbly  beg  par- 
don !" 

"But  what  is  it — what  is  it?"  said  the  the  same 
voice,  in  snappish,  querulous  tones. 

"  You  are  the  Governor,  I  presume  ?"  said  Tom, 
making  a  profound  bow  while  he  spoke. 

"  Yes,  yes  !"  replied  Mr.  Bradbury.  "  But,  confound 
it  all,  why  can't  you  say  what  it  is !" 

"Well,  then,"  said  Tom,  "I  have  to  deliver  this  bag, 
which,  I  believe,  comes  from  the  King?" 
"  The  what  ?" 

"The  King.  A  short  time  ago  one  of  the  King's 
messengers  met  with  an  accident  while  riding  here  at 
full  speed.  I  happened  to  be  near,  and  asked  if  I  could 
be  of  any  assistance.  He  gave  me  this  bag,  and  en- 
treated me  to  deliver  it  to  the  Governor  of  Newgate 
with  all  speed,  as  it  contained  a  missive  from  the  King 
of  a  most  important  character." 

The  Governor  looked  rather  amazed,  and  seemed  to 
shrink  from  taking  hold  of  the  leather  bag. 

"That  is  all,"  said  Tom;  "and,  not  liking  to  refuse 
his  request,  especially  as  my  own  business  was  bring- 
ing me  to  London,  I  promised  to  deliver  it  according 
to  his  request;  and  here  it  is,  and  that's  all  I  know 
about  it." 

The  Governor  took  the  bag. 

"  Will  you  walk  in,  sir,"  he  said,  u  while  I  look  at  the 
contents  ?" 

Tom  felt  strongly  inclined  to  say  yes,  but,  fearful  of 
the  consequences  oi  such  a  mad  proceeding,  he  restrained 
himself,  and  answered,  in  an  indifferent  tone : 

"  No  thank  you,  Mr.  Governor,  I  am  much  obliged  to 
you  for  your  hospitality  all  the  same,  but  the  d<  livery 
of  this  letter-bag  has  already  brought  me  considerably 
cut  of  my  way,  and  as  my  time  is  short  I  cannot  afford 
to  spare  any  more  from  my  own  concerns." 

"  Good  evening  then,"  said  the  Governor,  retiring. 
"Good  evning,"  said   Tom,  hastily  descending  the 
Jteps. 

The  door  was  closed,  and  the  highway  n  mingled 
with  the  throng. 

Luckily  :his  little  incident  as  scarcely  noticed,  f^i  the 
popular  attention  was  #  „st  then  diverted  by  a  pitched 
battle  between  two  jen"  who  had  rapidly  changed  from 
words  to  blo'v 

The  o^'ftce  officers  who  were  nearest  lookeu"  on,  Dut 
"*v  j.oubing  peculiar  or  suspicious,  and,  as  before,  «on- 
■mut-d  to  give  their  best  attention  to  the  walls  of  the 
prison. 

Tin«  ide*  that  Tom  King  should  be  there  delivering 
anythltig  tc  the   Governor  was  so   monstrous  a  one  that 


it  was  not  likely  to  occur  to  the  minds  ot  ifcv  a 
thera. 

But,  having  been  successful  so  far,  the  highwaymen 
now  became  a  prey  to  the  greatest  anxiety . 

Drifting  with  the  throng  of  persons,  fhoy  hastily  ex. 
changed  a  few  cautious  observations. 

"  What  will  be  the  result  ?"  said  Tom.  •'  How  is  this 
to  GBd  ?  How  fearfully  short  the  time  is  now  until  th* 
hour  appointed  for  execution." 

"Don't  think  of  that,  but  pin  your  faith  upon  the 
King's  honour ;  I  don't  think  you  will  have  occasion  to 
repent  it." 

"I  trust  not." 

"Above  all  things,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack,  "don't 
let  us  get  far  away.  If,  as  I  take  it,  that  letter  con- 
tains an  order  to  the  Governor  to  release  Dick  Turpin 
immediately  he  will  do  bo,  and  when  he  appears  he 
will  doubtless  require  all  the  aid  we  shall  be  able  to 
afford  him." 

"Yes,  there  is  no  doubt  of  that,"  said  Tom:  "let  us 
turn  back  again  and  be  on  the  look-out." 

Accordingly  they  did  so,  aud  as  minute  after  minute 
sic wly  passed  away  the  suspense  that  they  suffered  in- 
creased to  an  alarming  degree. 

So  absorbed  were  they  by  one  thought  that  they  be- 
came altogether  unmindful  of  themselves,  and  forgot  all 
about  looking  to  see  whether  they  were  noticed. 

At  each  instant,  too,  they  kept  creeping  nearer  and 
nea^r  to  the  door  of  the  Governor's  house,  for  somehow, 
without  knowing  exactly  why,  they  fancied  this  would 
be  the  route  by  which  Dick  Turpin  would  leave  the 
prison. 

But  from  the  length  of  time  that  elapsed,  their  hopes 
sank  down  to  zero,  and,  without  daring  to  confess  it, 
each  felt  in  his  own  mind  a  disagreeable  conviction  that 
the  letter  they  had  been  at  such  pains  to  deliver  did  not 
concern  Dick  Turpin  at  all. 

CHAPTER    DCCCLXXVIIi. 

TOM   KING   AND    HIS  COMRADES  WATCH   IN    VAIN    FOR  TI1K 
APPEARANCE   OF  DICK   TURPIN. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  the  huge  clock  of  St.  Paul's 
Cathedral  proclaimed  the  hour  of  one. 

The  highwaymen  started  and  looked  uneasily  at  each 
other  as  they  heard  the  sound,  because  then  they  knew 
that  a  full  hour  had  elapsed  since  the  delivery  of  the 
letter. 

What,  then,  were  they  to  think  of  so  long  an  interval  ? 

What  other  conclusion  could  they  come  to  than  that 
which  had  already  fixed  itself  in  their  minds  ? 

So  far  as  they  could  tell,  the  gloomy  prison  bore  its 
accustomed  look,  and  there  were  no  tokens  that  anything 
of  an  unusual  character  was  taking  place  inside. 

The  people  in  the  street  grew,  if  anything,  more 
turbulent,  and  the  police  officers  more  alert  and  watch- 
ful. 

Tom  drew  a  little  on  one  side,  as  if  to  address  his  com- 
rades, but  at  that  moment  Claude  Duvai  i?aid,  in  a  hasty, 
impressive  whisper  r 

"Tom — Tom,  I  am  afraid  we  are  seao  and  recog- 
nised l"1 

"How  so? — how — how?"  cried  his  two  companions. 

"  Why,  there's  a  police  officer  yonder — don't  look  at 
him — I  have  seen  him  staring  at  us  for  some  time  past, 
and  now  he  has  whispered  to  one  of  his  comrades.  They 
are  suspicious." 

"  What  is  to  be  done  ?" 

"  We  have  no  help  that  I  can  see  but  to  mingle  in  the 
throng,  which  is  fortunately  growing  more  dense  every 
TDomani." 

"  but  we  shall  leave  the  door." 

"  That  cannot  be  helped.  Come — come,  as  yon  value 
your  own  safety  and  mine !" 

With  these  words,  Claude  turned  rounJ  and  pushed  his 
way  among  the  mass  of  people. 

Tom  King  and  Jack  kept  him  in  view  and  followed, 
for  they  were  by  IM)  means  desirous  that  a  separation 
should  ensue. 

It  was  a  fortunate  thought  of  Claude's,  aval,  under  ttte 
circumstances,  no  better  means  could  have  been  found  of 
escaping  the  observation  of  the  officers. 

In  less  than  a  moment  they  were  completely  swallowed 
up  and  lost  in  the  seething  mass  of  human  beinc-a 


1HK   KNIGHT   OF   THB    ROAD. 


1  -I  ".5 


The  highwaymen  sought  for  the  thickest  of  the  crowd, 
and  as  they  made  no  movements  calculated  to  attract  the 
auention  of  those  around,  and  as  there  was  nothing 
remarkable  in  their  appearance,  they  escaped  all  comment 
and  notice. 

When  near  to  tne  opposite  side  of  the  street,  and  being, 
as  they  believed,  out  of  sight  of  all  of  the  officers,  tkey 
ventured  to  make  a  stand. 

Looking  across  the  dark  thoroughfare,  they  ccnld  just 
perceive  the  Governor's  front  door,  looking  like  a  black 
patch,  a  little  darker  than  the  walls  of  tne  prison 
itself. 

Yet  while  standing  there,  they  felt  assured  that  the 
door  could  not  be  opened  unseen  by  them. 

Moreover,  there  was  an  additional  advantage  accruing 
from  this  change  of  position,  for  they  were  now  able  to 
command  a  view  of  about  the  only  other  exit  from  New- 
gate— namely,  the  door  at  which  the  prisoners  were  ad- 
mitted. 

Over  the  upper  portion  of  this  door  a  light  couio,  as 
usual,  be  seen  burning,  and  that  was  about  the  only  sign 
there  was  that  the  place  was  inhabited  at  all. 

But  another  half  hour  elapsed,  and  no  alteration  in  the 
aspect  of  affairs  took  place. 

And  now  it  may  be  said  that  the  alarm  and  anxiety  of 
the  highwaymen  had  reached  the  highest  point. 

"  The  King  has  proved  faithless,"  murmured  Tom — 
"  we  can  place  no  other  construction  upon  it.  Had  it 
been  an  order  for  Dick's  liberation  he  would  1'^ve  been 
tree  long  ere  now." 

"  That's  my  opinion,"  said  Claude. 

"  And  mine  also,"  assented  Jack. 

"  Then,  such  being  the  case,  how  are  we  to  act  ?  We 
must  not  remain  here  with  our  hands  tied  behind  us,  as  it 
were,  but  take  active  measures,  for  on  no  account  must 
line  captain  perish." 

Ll  On  no  account,"  said  Claude.  "  Yet,  how  very  weak 
aad  powerless  wo  are  against  authority." 

'•  True,"  said  Tom,  sadly.  "  If  the  worst  comes  to  the 
tvorst  we  must  make  an  effort ;  but,  alas  !  I  fear  it  will  be 
a  vain  one." 

"It  must  not  be  made  with  that  spirit,"  said  Sixteen- 
Btring  Jack,  "  or  failure  is  certain.  Shall  we  remain 
waiting  here  any  longer,  or  shall  we  endeavour  to  eo'ist 
the  sympathies  of  the  family  in  our  behalf  ?" 

"  Let  us  think — let  us  think." 

Again  there  was  a  silence,  and  although  the  highway- 
men had  expressed  themselves  so  positively,  yet  they 
could  not  help  feeling  a  faint  hope  that,  after  all,  Dick 
would  be  released. 

It  was  a  hope  to  be  clung  to  to  the  last,  and  in  this 
state  of  hopeful  indecision  another  half  hour  wore 
away. 

It  was  now  two  o'clock,  and  the  ringing  sounds  aroused 
them  all  from  their  abstraction. 

"  We  must  be  quick,"  said  Claude.  "  If  we  wait  much 
longer  I  question  whether  we  shall  have  a  chance  of 
meeting  any  of  the  family.  They  have  twice  done  us 
good  service,  recollect,"  he  added,  "and  perhaps  they  may 
again." 

"  Let  it  be  so,  then,"  said  Tom ;  "  and  as  I  come  to  think 
upon  it  my  opinion  is,  that  the  best  course  to  pursue  will 
be  for  one  '  o  go  on  this  errand  to  the  family,  another  to 
remain  here,  and  the  third  to  proceed  to  old  Matthew's  in 
Drury  Lane,  in  whom  I  feel  the  utmost  confidence." 

"  Good-  -that's  a  sensible  suggestion !  Now,  without 
further  delay,  let  us  decide  who  is  to  remain  and  »ho  is 
to  go." 

"  Then,"  said  Tom,  "  if  you,  Claude,  will  consent  to 
visit  the  family  I  should  like  to  remain  here,  watching  for 
Dick,  and  Jack  can  go  to  Drury  Lane." 

"  Agreed  1"  they  both  cried ;  and  Claude  added : 

"  It  will  be  better  for  me  to  go  to  the  ken,  because  I 
have  already  been  on  that  business  before." 

With  these  words  they  separated. 

Tom  King,  choosing  the  darkest  place  that  he  could  find 
— a  spot  where  one  house,  projecting  beyond  anothw,  made 
a  shadowy  corner — took  up  fes  post,  determined  ta  waujh 
with  unremitting  care. 

But  all  his  watching  went  tor  nought. 

The  crowd  gradually  increased  in  bulk,  the  clocfca  con- 
tin  U'  "J  to  chime  forth  at  every  quarter  of  an  hour,  but 
still  n<*  ~ther  alteration  in  the  aspect  of  affairs  took 
place 


No  door  was  opened — no  person  emerged  from  New- 
gate. 

Oh,  how  terribly  uneasy  Tom  Kins  felt,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  how  powerless ! 

Beally  it  seemed  to  him  as  though  hie  vcmrade  was  on 
this  occasion  destined  to  take  his  last  look  at  lite. 

No  words,  however  powerful  and  well  chosec,  could 
ever  convey  an  adequate  idea  of  the  state  of  his  feelings 
on  that  dreadful  night. 

Three — four — five — eix  o'clock  sounded. 

Stili  mere  was  no  change,  nor  did  his  companions 
return. 

Then  seven  o'clock  struck,  and  by  that  time  a  dusky 
kind  of  light  filled  all  the  street,  and  made  the  blade 
prison  opposite  look  gloomier  and  more  soul-chilli ng  thau 
ever. 

Then,  glancing  around,  Tom  perceived  Sixteen-Striug 
Jack  at  no  great  distance,  and,  by  his  manner,  he  was 
evidently  searching  for  him. 

Moving  from  his  place  of  concealment,  Tom,  watching 
an  opportunity  when  Jack's  gaze  was  turned  in  that 
direction,  made  a  rapid  sign. 

A  recognition  instantly  followed,  and  he  fell  back. 

A  moment  afterwards,  and  he  was  rejoined  by  Jack. 

"  You  are  securely  hid  here,"  he  said.  "  For  the  last  two 
hours  I  have  been  vainly  searching  for  you,  and  forcing 
my  way  through  the  mob.  Such  a  crowd  surely  was 
never  known  in  London  before.  Should  you  wish  to 
leave  it  now  you  would  find  it  would  take  you  a  full  hour 
to  do  so." 

"Indeed!"  said  Tom,  wearily  and  sadly.  "And  what 
says  Matthew?" 

"  He  could  say  nothing — nothing,  at  least,  of  any  value 
But  he  is  almost  distracted  by  the  imminence  of  the  danger, 
yet  I  can  tell  by  his  manner  that  he  is  ready  to  abandon 
all  hope." 

"  And  so  am  I,"  said  Tom.  "  Where  is  Claude — have 
you  seen  him  ?" 

"No." 

"Nor  I." 

"Let  us  hope,  then,  that  he  will  bring  us  good  intelli- 
gence." 

"  Yes,  that's  our  only  chance.  But  we  stand  too  much 
in  the  shade  for  him  to  see  us,  should  he  work  his  way 
through  the  crowd  to  this  point." 

"  Shall  we  shift  to  a  more  open  part?" 

"No,  no — not  now.  It  is  growing  lighter,  and  we 
should  be  careful  how  we  show  ourselves." 

"  True,  Tom — true.  But  I  am  so  excited,  and  Dick's 
danger  appears  so  very  great  that  all  others  sink  at  once 
into  insignificance  when  compared  with  it." 

"  Yes,  you  are  right.  But  look  around  you,  can  you 
see  nothing  of  him?" 

"Nothing  whatever." 

The  hour  of  eight  now  pealed  forth,  and  a  man  stand- 
ing near  the  highwaymen,  exclaimed  to  those  near  him  : 

"  They're  at  breakfast  now,  I  suppose !  Well,  I  don't 
care  how  soon  it's  over." 

"It  isn't  long  to  wait  now,"  said  another  voice.  "Ah, 
look  !  here  come  the  sheriffs !" 

A  great  commotion  at  this  moment  took  place,  and  from 
the  lower  end  of  the  Old  Bailey  there  came  loud  shouts 
and  cries. 

Neither  Tom  nor  Jack  could  resist  the  temptation  of 
looking  in  this  direction,  and  then  they  caught  sight  of 
the  horses,  the  gorgeous  carriages,  and  the  servants  in 
their  gaudy  liveries. 

They  paused  for  a  moment  near  the  Sessions  House, 
then  a  gate  was  thrown  open,  and  the  carriages  rolled 
into  the  court-yard. 

"  One  more  hour,"  said  the  man  who  had  before 
spoken,  "and  we  shall  begin  to  see  something;  it 
generally  takes  about  an  hour." 

Oh !  how  full  ol  anxiety  and  alarm  were  Dick's  two 
comrades  then ! 

They  telt  as  though  impelled  to  dash  themselves  against 
the  hard  stone  walls  of  Newgate. 

With  eyes  bloodshot  with  gazing  bceadfastly  so  long, 
they  continued  to  look  upon  the  building  before  them. 

it  must  not  De  lost  sight  of  that  in  these  days  execu- 
tions tooK  piace  generally  about  noon,  and  not  at  an  early 
nour,  as  is  the  custom  at  the  present  day. 

At  nine,  or  shortly  afterwards,  if  the  crowd  was  very 
dense,  the  procession  usually  started,  and  mado  its  way,  at 


'&&> 


BLACK    Bl*S 


oa, 


•  slow,  walking  pace,  towards  Tyburn,  which  was  rarely 
reached  before  the  hour  of  twelve. 

As  nine  o'clock  approached,  then,  the  highwaymen  and 
all  the  crowd  became  more  impatient  and  excited  than 
«Vf  r. 

iSy  this  time,   too.   the  dimensions  of  the  crowd  were 

methtng  terrible  to  think  of. 

As  far  as  ever  the  eye  could  reach,  ifi  all  directions, 
people  were  jammed  together  as  closely  as  was  possible, 
»ud  the  windows  and  roofs  of  the  contiguous  houses 
presented  nothing  but  one  mass  of  faces. 

Most  o!  the  spectators,  too,  grew  more,  violent  and 
demonstrative. 

But  the  huge  uproar  ceased  as  if  by  magic. 

The  hour  of  nine  was  struck  by  St.  Sepulchre's  eiock, 
and  then,  with  breathless  eagerness,  all  eyes  were  turned 
towards  the  huge  folding  doors  ,  through  which  the  pro- 
cession would  issue. 

A  few  moments  only  must  elapse,  and  then  those  gates 
would  be  thrown  back. 

Already  in  imagination  they  could  809  everything  in 
readiness  for  the  start. 

"  The  moment  has  come,"  said  Tom,  turning  his  hag- 
gard face  towards  his  companions.  "  Can  nothing  be 
done  ?" 

An    impatient   murmur    rose    from   the   crowd,    and 
increased  in  sound   as   they  found   minute   after  minute 
elapsed  without  the  opening  of  the  doors. 

CHAPTER    DCCCLXXLX. 

IF  WHICH     THE     HIGHWAYMEN   AND     OLD  MATTHEW  GIVE 
THEMSELVES     UP   TO   DESPAIR. 

Claude  Duval,  on  separating  himself  from  his  com- 
panions, made  his  way  at  once  to  the  Jew's  Harp,  in 
Hanging  Sword  Alley,  where,  as  will  be  remembered,  he 
met  the  "  Family"  on  a  former  occasion,  when  he  enlisted 
their  services  on  Dick's  behalf. 

But  upon  reaching  this  locality,  he  found,  to  his  great 

disappointment,  that  immense  alterations  had  taken  place, 

and  of  the  well-known  thieves'  ken  not  a  trace  remained. 

The  fact  was,   it   had   been  broken   up   by   the  police 

officers  some  months  before. 

But  of  this  fact  Claude  Duval  was  quite  ignorant 
This  disappointment  was  in  truth  most  distressing,  for 
the  time  was  growing  so  fast  towards  morning. 

He  was  beginning  even  to  have  some  doubts  whether 
this  night  was  a  meeting  night  at  all ;  but  remembering 
that  the  Three  Tuns  in  Seven  Dials  was  a  well-known 
resort,  he  determined  to  hurry  there,  in  the  hope  of 
success. 

But  here  again  he  met  with  disappointment. 
Making  himself  known  to  the  landlord  of  the  place,  he 
was  at  once  warmly  received ;  but  in  answer  to  his 
inquiries,  he  was  informed  that  no  meeting  of  the  family 
had  taken  place  that  night,  or  would,  and  that  most  of  the 
members  were  scattered  over  the  country. 

Knowing  that  he  could  place  the  fullest  trust  in  this 
inan,  Claude  sought  his  advice. 

But  the  landlord  only  shook  his  head  by  way  of  reply  ; 
but  being  pressed  etill  further,  he  answered,  at  length : 

"  Well,  then,  if  you  must  know,  it  is  my  deliberate 
opinion  that  the  captain  has  reached  the  end  of  his  race. 
I  have  nothing  to  nay  against  him  myself,  except  that  he 
carried  things  off  with  rather  too  high  a  hand  to  please 
me  ;  but  that's  neither  here  nor  there. 
"  And  can  you  offer  no  suggestion  ?" 
"None  whatever.  The  Government  haa  made  up  its 
mind  to  hang  him,  and  hang  him  they  will.  Mark 
my  words — thej  t?ill  come  true." 

"  I  hope  not,"  Laid  Claude,  and  he  once  more  sought 
i  lie  open  air. 

He  paused  irresolutely  now,  uncertain  whioh  should  be 
his  next  step  to  take. 

But  after  much  reflection,  he  could  think  of  nothing 
better  than  making  his  way  to  old  Matthew's  in  Drurv 
Lane. 

He  regretted  now  that  he  had  not  repaired  these  in  the 
first  instance. 

The  distance  was  not  great,  and  he  arrived  just  riter 
Bixteen-String  Jack  had  taken  his  departure. 

He  found  old  Matthew  in  %  dreadful  state  oi  agita- 
tion. 

Bixteen-String  Jaek  haa  told  him  ol  his  errand. 


''  No  luck,  then,  Claude?"  he  said,  as  soon  as  he  caoirlt 
sight  of  his  face.  "The  expression  of  it  is  enough — you 
need  not  tell  me." 

"  But,  Matthew,"  exclaimed  Claude,  with  great  earnest- 
ness and  warmth,  "  you  are  a  man  of  great  resources,  as  1 
know  full  well.  Is  it  possible  that  in  this  emergency  yot 
can  find  yourself  quite  aground  ?" 

"It  is,"  said  Matthew,  with  a  groan.  "I  don't  believe 
any  living  human  being  could  devise  anything  to  save 
him  from  his  fate.  You  see,  those  in  power  have  made 
up  their  minds  to  his  execution,  and  how  is  it  possible  for 
us  to  prevent  it?" 

"  How  I  regret  that  we  troubled  ourselves  about  the 
locket  at  all — that  has  been  nothing  but  lost  time." 

u  And  it  has  tied  your  hand?  behind  your  backs  as 
well,"  said  Matthew,  "for  you  kept  waiting  and  waiting 
for  that  when  .you  ought  to    have   been   actively   en- 


Yes — yes,  I  can  see  my  mistake  now  plain  enough  ; 
but  yet  it  is  terrible  to  think  of  Dick  being  led  forth  to 
execution  and  us  being  unable  to  aid  him." 

"  It  is  indeed,"  said  Matthew.  "  I  have  only  just  been 
told  that  a  fresh  detachment  of  troops  has  been  sent 
down  to  Tyburn  to  reinforce  those  already  there.  From 
this,"  he  added,  "  it  would  6eem  as  though  there  was  a 
suspicion  a  rescue  would  be  attempted,  and  against  well- 
armed,  disciplined  soldiers  what  chance  would  the 
populace  have  ?" 

Claude  sank  down  in  a  chair,  and  covered  his  face  with 
his  hands. 

Old  Matthew  tried  to  say  something  about  never 
despair,  but  failing  in  the  attempt,  sat  down  also,  in  an 
attitude  very  similar  to  Claude's. 

Thus  they  remained  for  some  time,  until  the  highway- 
man, suddenly  starting  to  his  feet,  exclaimed  : 

"  But  this  will  never  do,  Matthew — never — never  !" 

"  We  may  as  well  remain  thus,"  said  the  landlord,  in  a 
broken  voice —  "  we  can  do  no  good." 

"  I  don't  know  that,"  said  Claude.  "If  we  cannot  save 
him  we  can  at  least  perish  in  making  the  attempt,  des- 
perate and  fool-hardy  as  it  may  seem.  I,  for  one,  will 
endeavour  to  set  him  free,  even  if  at  the  last  moment."< 

"  And  so  will  I,"  said  Matthew — "  so  will  I.  Just  wait 
a  moment — I  will  put  on  my  coat,  and  we  will  be  off  to 
Newgate  together." 

Matthew  quickly  donned  his  coat  and  hat,  and  then, 
leaving  the  house  to  take  care  of  itself,  accompanied 
Claude  towards  the  Old  Bailey. 

Long  before  they  got  anywhere  near  this  thoroughfare, 
they  found  themselves  surrounded  by  a  vast  crowd 
through  which  they  with  great  difficulty  forced  them- 
selves, for  every  step  had  to  be  vigorously  contested. 

The  crowd  was  even  denser  and  greater  than  Sixteen- 
String  Jack  had  represented  it  to  be. 

All  were  anxious  to  get  in  such  a  position  as  would 
enable  them  to  command  a  view  of  the  procession  when 
it  started,  and  those  who  had  got  anywhere  near  resolutely 
refused  to  allow  another  to  pass  them. 

It  was  only,  then,  by  dint  of  the  greatest  exertions  that 
Claude  and  Matthew  managed  to  progress  at  all. 

It  was  shortly  after  the  hour  of  nine — about  the  time 
when  the  silence  that  had  fallen  on  the  multitude  was 
succeeded  by  a  hoarse  murmur — that  old  Matthew  and 
Claude  found  themselves  at  length  on  the  spot  they 
wished  to  reach. 

Glancing  keenly  around,  Matthew  made  out  the  form 
of  Sixteen-String  Jack,  and  at  once  pushed  towards 
him. 

In  another  moment  they  were  all  standing  in  a  group. 

Tom  and  Jack  had  ventured  to  indulge  in  the  hope 
that  these  new-comers  had  brought  wiva  them  welcome 
intelligence. 

But  they  were  quickly  disappointed. 

"  The  time  has  come,"  murmured  Tom  King.  "  Surely 
in  another  moment  at  the  most  the  gates  will  be  thrown 
open.     We  shall  catch  one  sight  of  him  then  I  hope." 

"  The  delay  is  extraordinary,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack. 
"And  look  how  excited  and  tumultuous  the  people  are 
becoming !  Shall  we  look  upon  this  delay  as  a  good  or  a 
bad  omen?" 

No  one  ventured  to  reply,  and  with  an  ever-increasing 
interest  they  turned  their  eyes  towards  the  gate. 

The  air  was  now  rent  by  violent  cries  proceedir.y  trow 
lusty  throats. 


T«K   KNIGHT  OF  TH*  ROAD. 


1437 


Their  patience  was  quite  tired  out  at  having  waited 
for  so  long. 

All  their  vociferations,  however,  were  not  produotive 
of  any  effect. 

While  they  ehonted  and  bawled,  time  went  relent- 
lessly on. 

The  finger  of  St.  Sepulohre's  Churoh  clock,  at  which 
ever  and  anon  rapid  glanoea  were  oast,  moved  slowly 
and  steadily  onward  until  the  half  hour  was  once  more 
reached. 

No  one  could  be  more  perplexed  at  this  strange  cir- 
cumstance than  were  the  highwaymen  and  their  friend 
the  landlord. 

Strive  as  they  would,  they  could  come  to  no  plausible 
solution  of  it. 

Ten  o'clock  came,  and  yet  there  were  no  more  signs 
of  the  gates  opening  than  there  had  been  hours  before. 

The  behaviour  of  the  populace  now  partook  very 
much  of  the  nature  of  a  riot. 

Cries  were  raised  that  the  gates  should  be  battered 
down  and  the  prisoner  brought  forth. 

All  at  once  there  was  another  sudden  change  in  the 
behaviour  of  the  mob. 

A  whisper  was  passed  from  mouth  to  mouth  almost 
with  the  speed  of  electricity,  and  spreading  like  some 
huge  wave,  reached  the  uttermost  verge  of  the  crowd. 

That  whisper  consisted  of  four  words,  and  those  four 
word  8  were : 

"  Dick  Turptn  has  escaped." 

The  highwaymen  started  so  violently  upon  receiving 
this  intelligence,  and  showed  so  much  surprise,  that  it 
is  a  wonder  they  escaped  suspicion,  and  the  fact  oan 
only  be  accounted  for  by  the  preoccupation  of  everyone. 

"  Escaped !"  murmured  Tom,  between  his  lips,  and 
looking  as  startled  as  though  he  had  been  told  Newgate 
had  been  swallowed  up  by  an  earthquake — "  escaped  ! 
How  ?    Impossible !" 

"  So  I  fear,"  said  Claude  Duval.  "  How  can  such  a 
thing  be  true  ?" 

"  Have  you  kept  good  watch,  Tom  ?"  asked  old 
Matthew. 

"  The  very  best,  and  I  will  Bwear  at  any  moment  that 
Bince  I  delivered  the  letter  last  night  no  living  person 
baa  left  the  prison." 

"  Well,  well,"  said  Matthew — "  this  is  more  than 
strange ;  but  let  me  advise  you  to  oast  it  from  your 
minds,  not  to  buoy  yourselves  up  with  hopes  which  are 
sure  to  be  fallacious.  It  is  some  idle  tale  invented  by 
some  one  to  account  for  the  delay.  No,  no — suoh  news 
is  too  good  to  be  true.    Diek  Turpin  has  not  escaped." 

But  tho  remark  was  repeated  again  and  again. 

Another  hour  passed  away,  and  the  gates  were  not 
opened. 

Then,  indeed,  it  seemed  as  if  there  was  some  founda- 
tion for  the  report,  for  how  would  the  execution  take 
place  at  the  appointed  timeP 

Then  such  cries  and  groans  of  disappointment  as  arose 
from  the  vast  mob  had  surely  never  been  heard  before. 

They  considered  they  were  cheated,  deceived,  and 
were  exasperated  accordingly. 

"  Dare  we  believe  it?"  said  Claude  Duval,  just  after 
the  clock  struck.  "  Dare  we  place  any  faith  in  this 
assertion  ?" 

"  I  don't  know,"  said  Matthew — "  it  seems  very 
strange ;  and  if  I  thought  I  could  only  force  my  way 
through  the  crowd  I  would  endeavour  to  put  the  question 
to  some  of  the  officers  or  officials  of  the  prison.  At  any 
rate,  I  will  try,"  he  added — "  I  can  do  no  harm.  Wait 
here,  and  I  shall  know  where  to  find  you." 

The  highwaymen  made  no  opposition  to  his  depar- 
ture. 

By  gent!  insinuating  himself  in  between  thecloaeiy- 
paoked  people,  old  Matthew  performed  what  seemed 
to  be  an  impossibility,  for  he  proved  that  there  was 
room  for  yet  one  more  among  them. 

But  his  dimensions  were  so  great  that  people  instinc- 
tively shrank  back  to  allow  him  passage,  hoping  he 
would  get  further  away,  in  order  that  thel  might  be 
relieved  from  the  extra  pressure. 

And  in  this  manner — although  it  was  a  very  tedious 
operation — Matthew  actually  succeeded  in  getting  to 
tho  opposite  side  of  the  Old  Bailey. 

Upon  arriving  there  he  found  a  scene  of  great  excite- 
ment and  animation  going  forward. 


The  police  officers  had  congregated  into  a  huge 
group,  and  were  conversing  eagerly. 

To  most  of  them  old  Matthew  was  known,  yet 
they  were  so  absorbed  in  their  conversation  that  they 
did  not  perceive  him. 

Venturing  at  last  to  touoh  one  on  the  shoulder,  Mat- 
thew said : 

"  What's  this  extraordinary  tale  I  have  just  heard— 
is  there  any  truth  in  it  ?" 

The  police  officer  eyed  him  suspiciously, 

"  I  faioy  you  had  a  hand  in  it,"  he  said.  "  It  passes 
my  comprehension." 

"  What  ?"  asked  Matthew,  with  a  fast-beating  heart. 

"  Why,  how  he  could  have  escaped." 

"  Then  he  has  escaped  ?" 

"  Oh,  yes,  certainly ;  I  believe  we  can  entertain  no 
doubt  upon  that  point,  though  how  and  by  what  means 
we  cannot  imagine." 

"  It  seems  to  me  incredible,"  said  Matthew.  "  I  can't 
believe  it  even  now.  I  thought  the  prison  was  to  be 
closely  watched  by  the  whole  force  of  police  officers." 

"  And  so  it  has ;  we  have  formed  a  circle  round  the 
building,  one  man  being  almost  within  reach  of  the  other. 
I  am  oertain  not  one  has  been  negligent  in  his  duty ; 
every  part  of  the  outside  of  Newgate  has  been  watched, 
and  how  Dick  Turpin  has  escaped  I  can't  make  out,  for 
no  person  has  left  the  prison.  Yet  I  am  told  that  when 
they  opened  his  cell  no  trace  of  him  could  be  seen." 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXX. 

DICK'S  ESCAPE  FROM  NEWGATE  CONTINUES  TO  BE  A 
PROFOUND  MYSTERY,  AND  OLD  MATTHEW  INTRO- 
DUCES A  SINGULAR  PERSONAGE. 

This  intelligence  filled  old  Matthew  with  amazement, 
and,  finding  nothing  more  was  to  be  gleaned,  he  turned 
round,  and  with  infinite  difficulty  fought  his  way  back 
to  where  he  had  left  the  highwaymen. 

On  the  present  occasion,  however,  his  task  was  by  no 
means  so  difficult  as  it  had  been,  for  the  people  were 
really  beginning  to  believe  that  Dick  Turpin  had 
escaped,  and  accordingly  were  gradually  separating. 

Matthew's  first  words  on  rejoining  the  three  friends 
were : 

"Follow  me — be  quick  ;  there's  no  good  in  remain- 
ing here  any  longer,  and  you  had  better  retire  before 
the  crowd  breaks  up." 

"  But  Dick,"  said  Tom — "is  it  possible  that  he  has 
escaped?" 

"I  believe  it  is  true,"  said  Matthew,  with  a  smile, 
"and  that's  the  same  thing;  but  I  am  going  to  think 
about  it." 

They  walked  on  rapidly  through  the  streets. 

Old  Matthew  led  the  way  until,  having  got  near  to 
Drury  Lane,  Tom  said  : 

"  Had  we  not  better  go  in  here  where  we  left  our 
horses  ?  Will  it.  not  be  dangerous  to  go  to  your  house  ?" 

"No,  I  think  not,"  was  his  answer.  "  If  I  can  guard 
against  your  being  seen,  why,  you  know,  I  have  a 
hiding-place  that  will  baffle  the  closest  search." 

"  I  leave  all  to  you,"  said  Tom  ;  "  but  be  quick,  for 
I  am  anxious  to  know  the  result  of  your  cogitations." 

Matthew  walked  boldly  up  White  Horse  Yard,  and, 
finding  no  one  was  about  to  observe  their  movements, 
opened  the  little  door  in  the  wall. 

"We're  all  right,"  he  said  ;  "  but  I  should  advise  you 
to  remain  in  the  yard  until  I  have  seen  that  the  coast 
is  quite  clear  inside." 

The  highwaymen  consented,  standing  so  as  to  be  out 
of  sight  of  anyone  who  might  look  through  the  win- 
dows. 

Matthew  was  absent  only  a  moment,  then  he  re- 
appeared and  beckoned  them. 

"  All's  right,"  he  said,  "there's  not  an  officer  in  sight." 

He  conducted  them  straight  to  tje  parlour  and  made 
them  acquainted  with  just  wha*  ^jd  passed  between 
himself  and  the  officers. 

"  Incomprehensible  and  increai*v  r  ao  It  may  apperr" 
he  concluded,  "  I  suppose  it  is  reaily  true  that  Dies 
Turpin  has  escaped,  though  how  he  has  managed  to  do 
so  is  positively  marvellous.  If  he  lias  gone,  all  will  be 
well,  and  I  should  recommend  you  to  stay  here  till 
nightfall ;  if  he  has  not,  we  shall  have  quicker  tidinge 
of  it  here  than  elsewhere." 


1435 


BLACK    BE8S;    OR, 


"Bat,"  said  Tom,  "can  we  not  Bet  it  down  as  im- 
possible — as  some  mistake?  Closely  watched  aa  the 
prison  has  been,  how  can  he  have  left  it  ?" 

Old  Matthew  put  his  finger  by  the  side  of  his  nose 
with  a  very  wise  expression. 

Then  glancing  around  and  speaking  in  a  suppressed 
tone,  he  said : 

"I  have  an  idea." 

"  An  idea  ?  but  of  wnat  Kind  ?" 

"About  this  affair.  I  may  be  wrong,  you  know,  Out 
yet  I  have  been  putting  two  and  two  together." 

"  Go  on,  Matthew,"  said  the  others,  feverish  with 
impatience,  for  they  knew  how  great  were  his  powers 
in  arriving  at  the  solution  of  any  difficulty. 

"  Well,'  he  said,  "  I  incline  to  the  belief  that  the  King 
acted  in  good  faith  after  all,  and  that  the  letter  you  de- 
livered was  to  the  effeot  that  Diok  Turpin  should  be  re- 
leased. Bnt  didn't  the  King  tell  you,"  he  added,  turning 
to  Tom,  "  that  it  was  not  in  his  power  to  grant  a  proper 
pardon  because  of  the  strong  feeling  his  ministers  had 
on  the  subject  ?" 

"  Tea,  he  certainly  said  that,  or  something  to  the 
same  effeot." 

"  Just  so.  Well,  then,  under  the  ciroumetances,  what 
would  be  the  most  probable  letter  he  would  address  to 
the  Governor  P  If  you  observe,  the  messenger  appeared 
to  have  been  aent  off  with  aome  aecreoy  ;  you  might 
judge  that  by  the  time  of  night.  Then  the  letter  might 
command  the  Governor  to  let  Dick  out  of  Newgate 
somehow,  secretly— stating  that  the  Governor  would  be 
held  free  from  the  consequences  of  such  an  aot." 

Tom  clapped  hia  handa  together. 
"'   "You  have  hit  it,  Matthew,"  he  cried,  enthusiasti- 
cally— "you  have  hit  it!    Now  you  speak,  all  comes 
over  me  with  the  full  force  of  oonviction.    That's  it — 
we  ought  to  have  thought  of  it  before." 

Old  Matthew  shook  his  head. 

"  It's  only  an  idea,  understand,"  he  said,  "  and  it  may 
be  a  very  long  way  off  the  truth,  yet  to  me  there  seems 
a  very  strong  degree  of  probability  about  it." 

"  There  seems  something  more  thau  probability  to 
mo,"  said  Tom. 

"  And  to  us  also,"  added  hia  two  companions. 

"Certainly,"  said  Matthew,  "it  solves  all  our  diffi- 
culties at  once,  and  if  I  only  knew  for  certain  that  Diok 
had  escaped  I  should  feel  more  confidence  in  it  than  ever." 

"Well,  we  must  try  and  ascertain  that;  but  if  Dick 
haa  escaped,  surely  he  would  make  his  way  to  Ealing." 

"  Yes,  it  may  be  that  he  is  already  there." 

"  Let  us  start  off  at  once,"  cried  Tom. 

"No  —  no,"  replied  Matthew;  ''restrain  yourself; 
don't  be  blind  to  your  owndangc  ;  it  will  be  quite  dif- 
ficult enough  for  you  to  mako  your  way  horo  by  dark, 
and  aa  the  day  now  is  half  gone  I  should  recommend 
you  to  stay,  besides,  by  nightfall,  wes'u.Ui  have  certain 
information." 

"With  some  difficulty  the  highwaymen  allowed  them, 
selves  to  be  persuaded  by  their  old  friend. 

Matthew  also  entreated  them  to  use  their  best  endea- 
vours to  get  a  little  repose. 

He  assured  them  that  they  would  be  in  perfect 
safety,  as  he  would  watch  over  them  personally,  and 
give  them  timely  warning  of  the  approach  of  danger. 

It  was  soon  after  this  that  he  left  them,  and,  by  dint 
of  making  inquiriea  in  varioua  directions,  received 
confirmation  of  the  intelligence  that  had  already  been 
imparted  to  him. 

The  execution  had  not  certainly  taken  place,  and  he 
felt  tolerably  sure  that  it  would  not  be  delayed  except 
from  some  such  cause  aa  that  named. 

About  duak  he  again  sought  the  parlour. 

But  looking  in,  he  perceived  that  the  three  highway- 
men were  all  sleeping  soundly. 

On  making  this  discovery  he  dosed  the  door  softly. 

"  Let  them  stay,"  he  murmured  ;  "  it  is  better  thus ; 
they  will  awake  thoroughly  refreshed,  and  equal  to  any 
emergency  that  may  arise." 

On  that  particular  night  old  Matthew  felt  no  very 
great  apprehension  of  a.  visit  from  the  police  officers. 

It  was  rarely  indeed  that  they  visited  his  premise* 
two  days  running. 

Some  might  be  watching  around,  but  yet,  if  such  was 
the  ease,  he  had  good  hopes  of  £  .  ^iing  the  highwaymen 
oat  im.seeo, 


Claude  Duval  was  the  first  to  awake. 

He  had  fallen  off  to  sleep  unoonsoiously,  and  for  a 
moment  could  scaroely  make  cut  where  he  was. 

For  one  thing  the  darkness  confused  him,  but  in 
awaking  he  aroused  hia  two  comradea,  and  they,  like 
himself,  could  scarcely  believe  that  night  had  come. 

Directly  after  this  Matthew  paid  them  another  visit. 

"  You  are  awake  now,  I  see,"  he  said,  with  a  smile. 

"  Yes,  yes — but  the  news  ?" 

"  Good,"  was  the  answer.  "  The  execution  has  not 
taken  place  to-day,  and  on  every  hand  I  receive  nothing 
but  confirmation  of  the  news  that  Dick  Turpin  has  been 
successful  in  making  his  escape,  though  how  on  earth 
he  has  managed  it  baffles  everybody." 

Simultaneously  the  three  highwaymen  drew  long 
breaths  of  relief. 

"  It  is  at  least  a  great  comfort  to  know,"  said  Tom 
King,  "  that  there  has  been  no  exeoution  at  Tyburn  to- 
day. I  consider  that  points  conclusively  to  the  fact 
that  Dick  has  escaped  from  Newgate  ,•  had  he  been  safe 
in  his  prison  the  sentence  of  the  law  would  most  oer- 
tainly  have  been  carried  out." 

"  I  incline  to  that  opinion  too,"  said  old  Matthew ; 
and  it  is  my  belief  that  if  you  will  mount  your  horses 
and  ride  off  to  the  Three  Spiders,  that  you  vill  find 
him  there  awaiting  your  arrival." 

"Then  let  us  go  at  once,"  said  Claude,  with  grenfc 
energy.  "  I  am  full  of  curiosity  to  know  first  whether 
this  good  news  is  really  true,  and  if  so,  by  what  mys- 
terious agency  Diok  got  out  of  Newgate." 

"That  you  will  be  sure  to  learn  from  his  own  lips,'' 
said  Matthew,  smiling;  "  and  I  suppose,  as  it  is  qui  to 
dark  and  altogether  an  uncomfortable  night,  I  shall  not 
be  able  to  persuade  you  to  stay  with  me  any  longer." 

"  No — no,  Matthew,"  returned  Tom,  "  not  a  moment 
longer,  yet  before  we  leave  we  must  express  to  you  how 
grateful  we  are  for  what  you  have  done  in  our  behalf." 

"  Pooh — pooh  !" 

"  It's  all  very  fine  to  say  pooh,  pooh,  Matthew,  but 
that  doesn't  alter  the  case  in  the  least.  Look  at  this 
last  hiding-place  of  yours,  for  instance — it  most  as- 
suredly saved  us,  and  yet  you  could  not  have  con- 
structed  it  without  great  expense  and  trouble." 

"  And  you  think  I  mind  either.    No,  no — not  a  bit." 

"  Well,  Matthew,"  oontinued  Tom,  "  I  have  made  up 
my  mind  to  this  aa  soon  as  I  see  the  captain  ;  I  shall 
relate  everything  to  him,  and  then  we  shall  decide  upon 
a  testimonial  of  some  sort  which  we  shall  insist  upon 
your  acceptance  of." 

"Well,"  returned  old  Matthew,  "  if  you  put  it  in  that 
light  I  don't  mind.  And  now,  then,  where  do  you  say 
you  left  your  horses?" 

The  place  was  described. 

"  Did  you  thing  of  going  for  thorn  yourselves  ?" 

"  What  do  you  think  ?" 

"  Why,  that  it  would  be  unwise." 

"Who  shall  we  send,  then  ?" 

"  I  have  a  little  fellow  here  who  will  perform  the 
task  to  your  entire  satisfaction." 

"  Can  he  be  trusted  P" 

"Oh,  yes,  he  ought  to  be.  I  knew  his  father  well  in 
years  gone  by,  aud  befriended  him  on  many  occasions, 
This  is  his  only  child  ;  he  is  an  orphan,  and  unfor- 
tunately both  deaf  and  dumb," 

"  Then  he  ought  to  be  faithful." 

"Yes  ;  if  he  only  takes  alter  his  father  he  will  be 
faithful  enough  in  all  conscience,  but  I  am  not  afraid." 

"  Well,  then,  will  you  send  him  ?" 

"I  will." 

" At  once  ?" 

"  Yes.     Should  you  like  to  sec  him  ?" 

"  If  you  have  no  objection." 

"  None  in  the  least." 

Old  Matthew  left  the  parlour,  and  shortly  afterwards 
returned  with  a  boy  about  fourteen  years  of  age. 

He  was  a  very  singular  specimen  of  humanity  indeed, 
with  short  legs,  long  arms,  and  a  disproportionate  head 
and  body. 

He  was  attired  with  that  gaudineaa  which  generally 
characterisea  deformed  persons. 

:  In  hia  own  opinion  he  was  of  great  important  indeed, 
yet,  as  he  followed  old  Matthew  into  the  rocm  something 
after  the  mannerof  an  obedient  dog,  there  was  a  peculiar 
shuffle  in  his  gait,  a  bend  in  his  shoulders,  and  a  restless 


res  &Muui  of  the  koajj. 


148ft 


expression  about  his  eyes  that  by  no  means  pieposseesed 
the  highwaymen  with  his  appearance. 

His  wide  mouth  was  parted  in  a  grin,  and  with  nis 
lingers  he  played  with  the  huge  polished  metal  buttons 
upon  his  vest. 

By  way  of  greeting  he  made  a  general  salaam  to  all 
assembled,  and  yet  as  he  made  it  his  eyes,  so  quick  and 
restless,  took  in  every  peculiarity  in  the  highwaymen's 
appearance  at  one  single  glance. 

Then,  folding  his  arms,  he  stood  in  an  attitude  as  jiuch 
as  to  6ay : 

"lam  here — what  do  you  want  with  me  t" 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXXL 

TOM  KING  AND   HIS    COMRADES    MEET  WITH  A  DISAPPOINT- 
MENT ON  THEIR  ARRIVAL  AT  THE  THREE  SPIDERS. 

Old  Matthew  waited  a  moment  in  order  that  the  high- 
waymen might  look  well  at  the  messenger. 

Then  making  a  sign  to  attract  his  attention,  Matthew 
rapidly,  with  his  fingers,  instructed  the  boy  to  go  to  the 
stable  and  fetch  the  horses,  bringing  them  towards  the 
bottom  of  White  Horse  Yard. 

He  made  a  low  bow  and  retired,  not,  however,  until  he 
had  taken  another  good  look  at  the  three  highwaymen. 

"Well,"  said  Matthew,  as  soon  as  the  door  had  closed 
behind  him,  "  what  do  you  think  of  him — he  is  a  queer- 
looking  customer,  is  he  not  ?" 

"Very  queer,"  6aid  Tom  King,  "and  I  don't  mind  say- 
ing, something  very  disagreeable  and  unpleasant  in- 
deed." 

"  Do  you  think  so  ?" 

"  Yes,  very." 

"  Oh,  that's  only  the  first  effect — it  quickly  wears  off." 

"  Can  he  be  trusted  ?"  asked  Tom,  very  earnestly. 

"  Certainly." 

"  Are  you  sure  ?  Have  you  ever  put  him  to  tho 
test  ?" 

"  Well,  I  can't  say  I  have,"  returned  Matthew,  thought- 
fully, "for,  candidly  speaking,  I  never  trust  anybody 
more  than  I  can  help,  and  since  I  have  had  Manuel  I 
have  never  required  his  services  particularly." 

"  Well,"  pursued  Tom,  "  I  may  be  mistaken,  but  if  there 
is  not  treachery  in  him  I  am  greatly  deceived,  so  all  that 
I  can  say  is,  be  on  your  guard." 

"  I  shall,  you  may  depend." 

"  What,  now,  if  he  betrayed  us  ?" 

"  Don't  suppose  such  a  thing !"  exclaimed  Matthew, 
with  a  start.  "  No — no,"  he  added,  "  he  would  never  be 
guilty  of  such  baseness  as  that !  He  is  a  good  boy,  and 
he  knows  what  I  have  done  for  his  father,  and  is  also 
•ware  that  I  am  the  only  friend  he  has  on  earth." 

"  I  may  be  doing  him  an  injustice,"  said  Tom  King.  "  I 
hope  I  am,  and  yet  I  fear  that  you  are  allowing  yourself 
to  be  led  away  by  some  feeling  of  attachment  that  you 
Vad  for  his  parent." 

Old  Matthew  was  silent,  as  if  these  words  had  thrown 
Lim  into  a  reverie. 

Eousing  himself,  however,  he  said  : 

"  It's  a  long  story  and  some  day  I  m*y  tell  you  all 
»bout  it." 

"  About  what  ?" 

"  About  Manuel  and  his  father,  and  how  hj  came  into 
my  charge." 

"  We  wiM  ijot  stop  now,  at  any  rate,"  said  Claude 
Duval — "  I  am  all  impatience  to  be  gone.  Come,  we  may 
as  well  get  outside  and  meet  Manuel  on  the  road." 

"Yes,  that's  just  what  I  intended,"  said  Tom  King, 
"  and  am  quite  ready." 

"  Farewell,  then,"  criod  old  Matthew,  as  he  led  them 
into  the  back  yard — "farewell!  Remember  me  to  the 
captain  ;  tell  him  that  I  am  glad  he  has  got  so  nicely  out 
of  his  difficulty,  and  say  I  shall  be  glad  to  see  him  when- 
ever there  is  a  chance." 

"  I  will,  Matthew,"  said  Tom  King,  grasping  his  hand. 

'  And  now,  once  more,  many  thanks,  and  farewell  for  the 
present." 

' '  Farewell !"  said  Matthew.  ' '  I  am  sorry  vo?  ate 
going." 

Claude  and  Jack  wso  said  good-bye,  and  the  lattef ,  m? 
he  parted  from  him  at  the  little  doorway,  added  - 

*"  I  hope  we  shall  find  our  horses  all  right  witb  jour 
<mrot>  friend  ;  but  I  confess  I    fully  share  in  Tom  King's 

iouw*.  and.  as  a  mere  matter  of  caution.  T  only  ask  you 


to  watch  him  carefully,  and  not  to  trust  him  with  any 
secret  until  you  have  thoroughly  tested  him." 

"Leave  me  alone  for  that !"  exclaimed  old  Matthew. 
"I  shall  look  upon  this  service  to-night  as  some  guaran tea 
of  his  fidelity ;  it  remains  to  be  seen  how  he  will  perform 
it." 

With  these  words  the  highwaymen  departed,  old 
Matthew  closing  the  door  in  the  wall  quickly,  lest  any 
prying  eyes  should  be  abroad. 

When  he  had  said  it  was  a  rainy,  disagreeable  night 
he  had  only  spoken  the  truth. 

The  sky  was  completely  covered  up  by  thick,  heavy 
clouds,  and  the  rain  fell  with  the  slow  steadiness  that 
seemed  to  promise  a  long  continuance  of  it. 

The  wind  blew  bleakly  down  the  narrow  passage,  and 
the  highwaymen  were  glad  enough  to  get  out  of  it. 

"  We  have  a  dirty  night  before  us,"  said  Claude,  "yet 
it's  all  the  better  for  that,  as  we  are  less  likely  to  be 
pursued  or  interrupted,  and  I  am  anxious  that  we  should 
make  our  way  to  Ealing  with  all  speed." 

"  So  am  I,"  said  Tom.     "  Hark  !" 

The  faint  clatter  of  horsed  hoofs  came  upon  his  ears. 

"  There  are  our  steeds !"  he  cried.  "  Follow  me.  The 
sooner  we  join  them  the  better." 

Hastening  forward  while  he  spoke,  and  trusting  to  his 
companions  to  follow  his  example,  Tom  crossed  the 
street,  and  plunged  down  another. 

The  boy  was  only  just  leaving  the  stables. 

He  was  leading  out  the  horses. 

They  were  at  his  side  before  he  was  aware  of  it. 

Tom  took  a  crown-piece  from  his  pocket,  and  slipped 
tt  into  his  hand. 

But  the  deaf  and  dumb  boy  seemed  strangely  absent 
and  unobservant  of  what  the  highwaymen  were  doing. 

Those  keen  dark  eyes  of  his  were  peering  through  the 
darkness  in  all  directions. 

The  highwaymen  lost  no  time  in  mounting;  but 
scarcely  had  they  done  60  than  a  shrill  whistle  was 
blown,  and  the  sound  of  horses'  feet  could  be  heard. 

"  The  officers,"  said  Tom — "the  officers  are  upon  us! 
Quick !  Follow  me,  and  I  doubt  not  we  shall  outrun 
them." 

Tom  turned  his  horse's  head  in  the  direction  of 
Lincoln's-Inn-Fielas,  that  being  the  nearest  route  by 
which  he  could  hope  to  gain  the  open  country. 

The  officers,  in  strong  force,  made  their  appearance  •* 
the  same  moment. 

Glancing  back  and  seeing  this,  Tom  exclaimeda 

"  It  strikes  me  our  suspicions  were  right  after  all  1  ~J~ 
that  boy  has  not  placed  the  officers  on  our  track,  it's  od<i 
to  me !" 

"  It  is  very  strange  that  they  should  appear  so  sud 
denly,"  said  Claude  ;  "  and  yet,  had  they  been  informed 
surely  they  would  have  taken  better  measures  for  out 
capture." 

"  I  don't  know  that,"  was  the  reply.  "  It  would  ba 
easy  for  him  to  give  the  news  to  one  who  would  hurry 
off  for  assistance." 

"  True,"  said  Jack.  "  And  did  you  not  notice  that  he 
Lad  ample  time  to  perform  his  errand  and  yet  was  only 
just  leaving  the  stables  ?  His  calculation  may  have  been 
that  he  would  have  to  wait  for  us  at  the  corner  of  White 
Horse  Yard,  and  he  would  have  loitered  with  the  horses 
until  he  was  sure  the  officers  were  there." 

"It  makes  me  feel  quite  uncomfortable  to  think  of  it," 
said  Claude  Duval,  "  and  yet  let  us  hope  that  we're  mis- 
taken." 

"  Hark !"  said  Tom  King.  "  Now  they  are  after  us  in 
good  earnest !  Urge  your  horses  to  the  utmost,  and  let  us 
out-distance  them  as  quickly  as  we  can." 

Just  while  he  spoke  the  officers  came  in  view  behind 
them  in  a  dense  throng. 

Some  little  delay  had  somehow  taken  place  in  getting 
fairly  in  pursuit  of  the  highwaymen,  but  at  length  they 
had  succeeded  in  getting  a  fair  start. 

One  cause  of  this  delay  was  that  all  me  officers  knew 
well  enough  the  resolute  character  of  the  men  they  were 
in  hopes  of  capturing,  and  this  made  them  desirous  of  all 
keeping  close  together  in  a  body  for  protection. 

There  were  some  who  could  have  joined  in  the  pursuit 
before  the  rest,  but  this  they  shrank  from   doing  out  of 
personal    considerations,  and   they  trusted    that,    whiJe 
keeping  all  together,  they  should  yet  be  successfrl  in  »u» 
ning  the  highwaymen  down. 


MW 


BLACK    BBSS  ;     OB. 


Our  friencUT  horses,  however,  had  been  well  attended 
to  during  their  absence,  and  the  long  rest  they  had  had 
made  them  ins*  ready  for  a  good  gallop. 

Never  before  indeed  did  they  appear  to  be  possessed  of 
so  much  vigour  and  mettle,  and  they  tore  along  the  silent 
streets  at  a  speed  that  was  positively  alarming. 

Yet,  with  •  dogged  perseverance,  the  police  officers 
kept  on  their  trail,  and  it  was  not  until  London  was  left 
behind  and  the  country  fairly  gained  that  the  three  high- 
waymen succeeded  in  quite  shaking  off  their  pursuers. 

Then  Tom  King,  reining  up  suddenly,  and  wheeling 
his  horse  round,  listened  attentively. 

The  wind,  rushing  through  the  branches  of  6he  trees, 
made  a  rustling  noise,  enough  to  drown  any  faint 
sound. 

But  Tom's  ears  <rere  sharp  and  well  practiced,  and 
after  a  moment's  pause  he  exclaimed  : 

"  I  think  all's  well,  Claude ;  I  can  hear  nothing  5*" 

"Nor  I." 

"  Then  now  is  the  time  to  change  our  route.  Quick- 
forward  !" 

"  You  are  more  impatient  to  reach  the  Three  Spiders 
than  I  am." 

Turning  off  completely  at  right  angles  from  the  course 
they  had  been  pursuing,  they  made  their  way  in  almost  a 
straight  line  for  their  destination. 

Even  if  the  officers  should  be  somewhere  in  the  rear, 
and  still  keeping  up  the  pursuit,  this  sudden  change  of 
direction  would  inevitably  have  the  effect  of  baffling 
them. 

For  the  rest  of  the  distance  not  another  word  was  ex- 
changed, and  although  there  was  now  no  particular 
danger  behind  them,  yet  the  horses  were  not  suffered  to 
relax  their  speed. 

At  length,  entering  the  little  plantation,  they  pushed  on 
towards  the  stables,  and  when  near  them,  stopped  to  look 
up. 

The  signal  light  was  burning  steadily  but  dimly  in 
the  little  window,  and,  reassured  by  this,  and  drawing 
hopeful  conclusions  from  it,  they  set  about  entering  the 
stable  without  more  delay. 

The  door  was  only  shut  to  and  not  fastened. 

It  yielded  to  a  touch. 

The  horses  were  just  placed  in  their  stalls,  the  door 
bolted,  and,  reserving  the  task  of  attending  to  them  to  a 
future  time,  the  three  highwaymen  hastened  across  the 
yard,  impatient  in  the  highest  degree  to  have  their  hopes 
verified. 

Throwing  open  the  door,  they  strode  into  the  kitchen. 

Their  appearance  was  greeted  by  a  general  cry,  that 
seemed  like  one  of  dismay. 

"  Good  gracious,"  said  Tom  Davis,  starting  up  from  his 
seat,  "  you  have  come  back  at  last !" 

Stifling  a  shriek,  Maud  tottered  forward. 

"  You  have  brought  him,"  she  said — "  you  have  brought 
him !     The  danger  is  past." 

The  highwaymen  staggered  back  as  if  shot,  and  could 
only  gasp  out: 

"  Brought  him  ?" 

"  Yes,"  said  Maud,  "  do  not  fear  the  shook  of  his  ap- 
pearance ;  nothing  could  be  worse  than  this  suspense." 

"  But  we  have  not  broagnt  him,"  cried  Tom  King,  in  a 
loud  voice — "  we  have  not  brought  him,  because  we  had 
every  reason  to  believe  that  he  was  here  already !" 

It  was  now  the  turn  of  those  present  to  be  amazed,  and 
after  this  last  speech  of  Tom's,  a  strange  silence  fell  upon 
them  all. 

Maud  grasped  the  corner  of  a  table  for  «Uflpo/t,  and 
seemed  by  her  manner  as  though  upon  the  poin*  of 
swooning. 

"  But  this  mo't  be  explained,"  said  Tom  Davis.  "  Be 
quick — let  us  know  all  about  it !" 

"  But  are  you  sure,"  cried  Claude  Duval,  "  that  Dick 
has  not  come  back — are  you  quite  certain  of  it  ?" 

"  Yes,  quit*  ceitvn.  What  a  strange  question  to  ask! 
If  he  was  he"  ■  «fc*i*  you  think  he  would  hasten  to  make 
his  appef»ranc-»  marjiest?" 

"  Yes.  yes — of  course !"  said  Tom  King.  "  But,  rjerore 
going  into  any  long  explanations,  just  understand  this  im- 
"portant  tact :  Dick  Turpin  has  escaped  from  Newgate 
without  any  of  our  assistance,  and,  as  we  came  t©  the  con- 
clusion, had  succeeded  in  reaching  here." 

"Escaped?"  cried  Maud,  with    a  shriek.      "Do  x,o« 
fce  has  escaped  ?" 


"  Yes,  most  certainly — we  have  conclusive  evidence  OB 
that  point." 

She  sank  down  with  a  sigh  of  rener,  and  began  to 
weep. 

Tom  Davis  was  surprised  beyond  all  measure,  and  ha 
could  only  ask  for  a  full  account  of  what  had  happened. 

This  Tom  set  about  giving  as  accurately  as  possible 

When  it  was  over,  Tom  Davis  cried  : 

"  Hurrah  !  It's  all  right  I  L  don't  feel  afraid  now — njy 
i.ot  a  bit  of  it !  If  Dick  has  got  out  of  Newgate,  as  it 
seems  quite  certain  he  has  got  out,  he  can  be  left  to 
talve  care  of  himself  wherever  he  may  be  1  Yes — yes,  it's 
fcll  /Ight !  He's  got  out  somehow  or  other,  and  is  only 
waiting  for  the  vigilance  of  the  police  to  abate  a  little. 
Rest  assured  he  will  be  here  at  the  very  earliest 
moment !" 

"  I  hope  so  too,"  said  Tom  King,  anxiously.  "  I  cant 
take  quite  such  a  sanguine  view  of  it  as  you  do  yet,  if  ho 
is  out  of  Newgate." 

"  But  you  told  me  you  were  sure  of  it." 

"  Well,  so  I  am  sure  of  it." 

"  Then,"  said  Davis,  again,  "  I  tell  you  it's  all  right,  and- 
all  you  have  got  to  do  in  the  meantime  is  to  wait  here 
patiently,  and  trust  to  his  making  his  appearance." 

No  one  else  present  seemed  inclined  to  look  upon  the 
matter  in  this  hopeful  light. 

If,  as  had  been  suggested,  Dick  had  managed  to  get 
somewhere  just  out  of  Newgate  and  no  more,  he 
might  again  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  officers,  and  then 
nothing  could  save  him. 

A  gloomy  silence  followed,  in  which  the  ticking  of  the 
little  Dutch  clock  became  painfully  audible. 

Then  Tom  King,  starting  up,  said  : 

"  I  don't  know  how  you  feel,  comrades,  but  as  for  my- 
self, I  can  only  say  I  find  it  impossible  to  stop  here  a 
moment  longer — I  can't  stay  here  inactive  for  the  life  of 
me !  What  do  you  say — will  you  accompany  me  back  to 
London  and  endeavour  to  find  out  where  the  captain 
is?" 

"  Yes — yes !"  cried  his  companions,  eagerly.  "  We 
are  ready  now,  and  to  the  full  as  anxious  as  yourself." 

"  But  "  began  Tom  Davis,  in  a  tone  of  expostula- 
tion. 

His  words  were  suddenly  interrupted  by  a  terrific 
knocking  at  the  front  door — a  knocking  that  seemed  to 
cast  quite  a  spell  over  everyone,  leaving  all  immoveable. 

"Jack  Marshall,"  gasped  Tom  Davis — "it's  Jack 
Marshall,  for  a  thousand  pounds  !  We're  caught  at  last  I 
No,  no — hide — hide,  quickly,  all  of  you !  Be  sure  and  get 
out  of  sight !  Leave  nothing  behind  you,  and  I  will 
delay  opening  the  door  as  long  as  I  am  able  !" 

The  words  were  scarcely  out  of  his  mouth  before  the 
knocking  was  renewed  with  redoubled  vigour. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXXI1. 

DESCRIBES  THE  EXTRAORDINARY  INTERVIEW  THAT  TOOX 
PLACE  BETWEEN  DICK  TDRPLN  AND  THE  GOVERNOR  OP 
NEWGATE. 

The  Governor  of  Newgate  was  extremely  surprised  at 
receiving  a  communication  from  the  King  in  so  strange  a 
fashion. 

Since  he  had  been  called  to  his  present  office,  such  an* 
event  as  a  personal  communication  from  royalty  had 
never  occurred,  and  he  was  in  a  state  of  flattering  excite- 
ment accordingly. 

Certainly  documents  with  the  Kmg's  signature  had 
reached  him  many  a  time;  but  then  they  had  always  been 
forwarded  through  the  medium  of  the  Secretary  of 
State. 

•£his,  however,  was  no  doubt  a  veritable  regal  epistle, 
with  the  King's  own  autograph,  and  especially  addressed 
to  him. 

Hastening  to  his  own  room,  he  unfastened  the  lock  by 
means  of  a  key  on  a  small  bunch  that  he  always  carried 
with  him.  and  inside,  as  he  expected  ie  found  a  letter 
bearing  a  large  seal,  on  which  was  unmistakably  impressed 
the  royal  arms  of  England. 

In  a  straggling,  foreign-looking  hand  the  letter  woa 
superscribed : — 

wf©  the  Governor  of  the  Prison  or  Nbwsmtx 
["Private  and  confidential,") 


THE   KNIGHT   OF  THB   ROAD. 


|THE   HIGHWAIMbS   AND  TOM   DAVIS   AKB  ALARMED   AT  THB   SJ)OCKD»G   AT  THB  DOOR.  J 


>*or  some  moments  Mr.  Bradbury  could  not  summon  up 
•ourage  enough  to  break  the  seal. 

He  felt  ready  to  bow  himself  down  and  pay  homage  to 
♦his  representative  of  the  King. 

Never  before  had  he  felt  so  strongly  that  pecuL'&riiy  in 

s  nature  which  always  made  him  ready  to  worship 
v.jyone  who  stood  higher  in  a  worldly  sense  than  him- 
elf. 

M  length  the  letter  was  opened,  and  to  his  unmitigated 
surprise  he  read  the  following  words — not  wituout  some 
difficulty,  however,  for  they  had  the  appearance  of  having 
been  hastily  scrawled : — 

"  This  is  to  certify  that  it  is  our  royal  pleasure  that  the 
Governor  of  our  prison  of  Newgate  shall  at  once  set  at  large 
and  release  the  prisoner  he  now  has  in  custody,  known  by  the 
same  of  Dick  Turpin.  And  we  still  further  command  that 
skis  release  be  effected  as  privately  and  secretly  as  possible,  so 
Wo.  1  SI  .—Black  Buss. 

Mo.  181. 


as  to  leave  no  clue  behind ;  and  as  to  the  best  means  of  doing 
this  we  leave  entirely  to  the  judgment  of  our  faithful  serncud 
the  Governor. 

"George,  Rex." 

Such  was  the  letter,  and  after  having  perused  it  the 
Governor  was  in  such  a  state  of  bewilderment  that  he 
could  do  nothing  but  sit  helpless,  while  the  King's  letter 
seemed  to  dance  before  his  eyes. 

Recovering  himself,  he  looked  more  closely  at  it. 

Some  doubt  as  to  its  genuineness  had  crossed  faia 
mind. 

He  scrutinised  the  signature  attentively,  and  the  result 
was  that  he  felt  perfectly  convinced  it  was  the  King's  own 
handwriting.  He  had  seen  it  too  often  to  make  any  mis- 
take. 

Yet,  to  satisfy  any  lingering  doubt  that  he  might  have, 
be  ufiiocked  a  small  iron  box,  and  took  from  it  several 

Price  One  Halfpenny. 


VZl&cy   Bma  i  ««■ 


dosur.ients    to  which    the   King's  signature  was   ap- 

These  wer3  one  by  one  comparod,  and  the  «^rrr.It 
was  to  strengthen .  his  conviction  that  the  document 
was  genuine. 

Having  come  to  this    conclusion,   he  restored  the 

Sapers,  and,  leaning  his  head  npon  his  hands,  he  tried 
rst  to  think  what  motives  had  induced  the  King  to 
take  so  unusual  a  proceeding,  and,  secondly,  by  what 
moans  he  could  spirit  Dick  Turpin  out  of  Newgate. 

In  both  of  these  attempts  he  failed  most  signally,  an& 
as  a  last  resource  he  took  up  the  lamp  and  his  master* 
koy,  muttering  the  while  : 

"  My  course  is  clear.  Tni?  letter  will  shield  me.  I 
will  go  to  Turpin — he  w  a  clever  fellow,  and  will  give 
me  some  information,  beyond  all  doubt.  I  can  under- 
stand now  why  he  gave  me  his  word  not  to  escape,  and 
why  he  has  taken  things  so  coolly  and  comfortably  ever 
since  he  has  been  here." 

With  these  reflections  the  Governor  made  his  way 
towards  Turpin's  cell. 

The  two  men  were  there  on  the  watch,  as  usual. 

The  door  was  unfastened,  and  he  entered  in  the 
manner  described  at  the  close  of  a  preceding  chapter. 

When  Dick,  thus  suddenly  aroused,  perceived  the 
paper  in  the  Governor's  hands,  he  felt  a  sensation  of 
relief  come  over  him 

By  instinct  he  seemed  to  know  that  the  paper  was  the 
warrant  for  his  liberation. 

Accordingly,  he  sprang  to  hia  feet,  and  tho  door 
having  been  closed,  the  Governor  said  : 

"  Come  here,  and  read  this." 

Dick  advanced. 

But  his  excitement  was  so  groat,  and  his  eyes  were 
*o  unaccustomed  to  the  glare  of  the  lamp,  that  he  failed 
to  make  out  a  single  word,  although  he  tried  his  ut- 
most. 

"  Thank  you,"  he  said,  drawing  back.  "Would  you 
oblige  me  b,w  reading  it  ?     I  cannot." 

The  Governor  did  oblige  him,  and  Dick  listened  with 
sensations  of  the  utmost  pleasure. 

At  last  he  should  be  free. 

All  his  anxieties  and  misgivingu  had  pa^ed  away. 

His  comrade  had  succeeded,  and  the  locket  had  proved 
its  virtues. 

"  Now,"  said  the  Governor,  sitting  down  upon  a  chair, 
'•  the  authority  of  this  paper  is  a  thing  that  I  cannot  dis- 
pute, and  of  course  I  shall  act  in  accordance  with  it ;  its 
production  will  shield  me  from  all  after  consequences." 

"There  i3  no  need  to  fear  anything,"  said  Dick; 
"  but.  at  the  same  time,  I  should  recommend  you  to 
preserve  that  letter  faithfully." 

The  Governor  smiled,  for  he  had  fully  resolved  never 
to  part  with  it. 

The  position  of  Dick  was  now  very  much  altered  so 
far  as  the  Governor  was  concerned — in  fact,  the  latter 
wa3  inclined  to  look  up  to  him,  as  was  his  habit  to  al- 
most everyone. 

But  the  prominent  idea  in  the  Governor's  mind  was 
the  very  probable  and  reasonable  one  that  Dick  Turpin 
was  the  holder  of  some  important  State  aocret  which, 
on  the  present  occasion,  had  saved  his  life. 

Wishing  to  understand  as  much  of  it  as  possible,  Mr. 
Bradbury  said : 

"  Now,  Turpin,  I  have  not  found  you  to  be  altogether 
an  unreasonable  fellow,  and  I  trust  I  have  not  gained 
your  ill-will  ?" 

"  You  certainly  have  not,"  said  Dick.  "  I  have  £rt  a 
few  words  to  say  upon  that  point." 

"  Well,  reserve  them  for  the  present,  and  listen.  I 
want  you,  if  you  will,  to  favour  me  with  some  account 
of  the  origin  of  this  letter.  How  came  tho  King  to 
■writ©  it  ?" 

"  It  is  simple,"  said  Dick.  "  Some  time  ago,  ciiau_d 
threw  me  in  the  way  of  a  lady  connected  in  some  manner 
or  other — I  don't  pretend  to  know  how — with  the  royal 
family.  To  her  I  rendered  a  most  important  service, 
and,  in  return,  she  forced  me  to  accept  a  small  locket, 
the  deliverance  of  which  to  tho  King,  she  assured  too. 
would  suffice  to  get  mo  out  of  the  greatest  danger." 

"  Oh  !"  said  the  Governor,  drawing  a  long  breath, 
**  that's  it,  is  it  ?"     And  you  found  somo  means  of  deli- 


sting this  loeket  ?" 
Yo».  I  did.    A  cc 


comrade  of  mine  took  it,  T  believe,  and 


now  you  can  understand  why  1  £&ve  j'>r>  n-.v  word  sfcofc 
to  attempt  to  escape." 

"  I  can  understand  it  now  very  wsii,"  ssts-j  v^i 
Governor,  with  another  long  breath ;  "  and  y«t  1  ques- 
tion whether  I  should  have  placed  so  much  faith  upoa 
the  King's  word  as  you  have.  I  should  have  been  full 
of  doubts  and  fears." 

Dick  smiled. 

"  Not  if  you  had  lived  in  an  atmosphere  of  danger  so 
long  as  I  have." 

"  Well,  that  may  be,"  replied  the  Governor ;  "  but 
what  you  have  told  me  takes  a  great  weight  off  my 
mind.  And  now,  to  consider  the  best  means  by  which 
you  can  leave  the  prison  unseen." 

"Yes,  that's  important,"  said  Diok;  "and  if  the 
officers  are  watching  so  attentively  as  you  stated,  I  don't 
know  how  it  is  to  be  done." 

"  I  spoke  the  truth,"  said  tho  Govrenor.  "  You  can't 
imagine  their  vigilance." 

"  Wait  a  moment,"  said  Dick.  "  Wo  will,  if  you  like, 
leave  the  discussion  of  that  point  for  a  little  whilo 
longer.     There  is  something  I  wish  to  say." 

"What  is  it?" 

"  You  spoke  about  my  having  no  reasonable  ground 
for  complaint  against  you." 

The  Governor  smiled. 

"  It  is  quite  true,"  continued  Dick,  "  and,  in  the  event 
of  things  turning  as  they  have,  I  had  made  up  my  mind 
just  what  I  would  do." 

"  Indeed !"  said  tho  Governor.  "  And  what  may  that 
be?" 

"  Why,  of  course  I  might  say  a  great  many  things  ex- 
pressive of  my  gratitude,  and  so  forth,  but  then  they 
would  only  be  words,  after  all,  leaving  nothing  substan- 
tial behind  them.  Now  my  desire  is  to  give  you  soma 
permanent  mark  of  respect,  if  you  will  not  mind  accept- 
ing it." 

"  I  want  nothing,"  the  Governor  said,  though  the 
words  were  uttered  in  a  tone  that  belied  their  import. 

"  Well,"  said  Dick,  "  I  am  going  to  leave  it  to  you  in 
this  way  '•  I  wish  to  make  a  substantial  recognition,  and 
this  is  how  I  propose  it.  Do  you  know  Hampstead 
Heath  ?" 

"  I  do — very  well,"  answered  the  Governor,  with  a 
smile. 

"  Do  you  know  the  eastern  end  of  it  ?" 

"  Yes,  quite  well." 

"Do you  happen  to  remember,"  pursued  Dick,  "see- 
ing at  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  Heath  an  old  tree 
that  has  been  almost  felled  by  time  ?  The  branches  are 
all  gone,  and  nothing  but  an  old  trunk  remains,  and 
that  leans  so  far  out  of  the  perpendicular  that  it 
threatens  to  fall  every  moment." 

"I  cannot  say  I  have  observed  it,"  replied  the 
Governor,  after  a  moment's  consideration.  "  Surely  I 
oould  have  no  difficulty  in  finding  it." 

"  You  will  have  no  difficulty,"  said  Turpin.  "  It  is 
just  in  the  position  I  describe,  and  so  singular-looking 
a  tree  as  that  cannot  be  mistaken  for  another." 

"  Well,"  said  tho  Governor,  somewhat  feverishly-' 
"  well  ?" 

"  It  is  well,"  said  Turpin,  with  a  smile,  "  for  if,  at  any 
time  you  think  proper,  you  will  repair  to  that  spot,  and, 
going  to  the  west  side  of  the  trunk  of  the  tree,  begin  to 
dig  close  among  the  roots,  you  will  find  about  eighteen 
inches  from  the  surface  the  substantial  recognition  of 
whioh  I  spoke." 

"But — but "  began  the  Governor,  hesitatingly. 

"  You  need  have  no  scruples  about  appropriating  it," 
returned  Turpin — "  in  fact,  I  leave  it  entirely  to  you. 
If  you  like,  you  can  go  there  and  dig ;  and  if  not,  I 
hope  yCa  will  not  bt  offended." 

"  By  no  means,"  said  the  Governor,  before  whose  eye* 
there  seemed  to  arise  a  most  dazzling  prospect — "  by  nc 
means  :  not  that  I  desire  to  have  anything  more  than 
your  thanks  and  the  expression  of  your  good  will,"  h« 
added,  hypooritally. 

"  Well,  then,  you  have  them,"  said  Turpin,  "  and  yoa 
can  have  the  other  if  you  choose.  And  now,  then,  for 
a  consideration  of  the  other  point." 

"  Your  leaving  Newgate  secretly  P' 

''Yes — just  so." 

"  Well,  how  is  it  to  bo  done  ?" 

"  Can  you  think  of  no  means  f" 


TUB    KNIQHT    OF   TUB    ROAD. 


1443 


"  No.  I  would  rather  leave  it  to  you,  and  if  you  sug- 
gest anything  reasonable  I  will  consent  to  it." 

"  Wait  a  moment,"  said  Dick. 

Then,  passing  his  hand  over  his  forehead,  he  rapidiy 
brought  it  down  upon  his  thigh  with  an  air  of  satisfac- 
tion. 

"  A  good  thought  1  '•  he  said.  "  Yes,  I  have  it — a  good 
thought !" 

"Well,"  said  the  Governor,  anxiously,  "out  with  it. 
Let  me  know  what  it  is." 

"  Send  the  two  men  outside  for  a  haokney-coach,  and 
let  it  be  brought  round  opposite  the  door  leading  from 
your  own  house.  Then  we  will  leave  here  together,  and 
«s  soon  as  the  coach  arrives  we  will  both  pass  through 
your  front  door,  descend  the  steps,  enter  it  together,  and 
drive  off.  By  that  means  the  police  officers  will  no 
doubt  be  thrown  completely  off  their  guard." 

"Humph!"  said  the  Governor,  musingly.  "Is there 
no  other  way  ?" 

CHAPTER  DCCCLXXXm. 

DICK  TURP1N  AND  THE  GOVERNOR  OF  NEWGATE  HOLD 
A   DEEPLY-INTERESTING   CONFERENCE. 

"  None  that  I  can  think  of,"  replied  Dick.  "  But  sup- 
pose you  give  the  matter  a  few  moments'  consideration. 
You  ought  to  be  best  able  to  judge  what  will  be  most 
successful." 

The  Governor  rubbed  his  head  with  a  puzzled  air. 

■"  I  am  sadly  afraid "  b*  began. 

"  Of  what  ?"  interrupted  Dick,  anxiously. 

"  That  your  plan  will  never  do." 

"Indeed.     Why  not P" 

"  Simply  because  you  have,  as  I  might  say,  overlooked 
one  very  important  fact — that  of  the  prison  being  so 
closely  surrounded  by  officers." 

"  Do  you  think  they  would  notice  us,  thsn,  if  we  left 
by  your  own  private  door  ?" 

"  Yes,  I  do ;  because  when  I  said  a  short  time  ago  that 
Newgate  was  so  closely  watched,  and  not  a  mouse  could 
leave  it  unseen,  I  spoke  literally.  Depend  upon  it,  the 
officers  are  so  interested  in  what  they  are  about  tb°.t 
they  will  never  for  one  moment  remove  their  eyet, '       } 

Diok  rested  his  chin  in  between  his  hands. 

"  That  does  indeed  make  it  diffioult :  and  so,  jffir. 
Bradbury,  I  shall  be  obliged  to  leave  it  to  you,  after 
all." 

The  Governor  was  seriously  puzzled  by  the  task  that 
"was  set  before  him. 

For  the  life  of  him  he  could  not  tell  by  what  means 
Dick  was  to  be  spirited  out  of  prison. 

Time  was  passing,  too,  and  the  crowd  outside  in  the 
Old  Bailey  was  something  terrific,  and  even  the  presence 
of  all  those  people  inoreased  the  difficulty  of  quitting 
the  prison. 

At  length,  Dick,  after  some  moments'  thought,  raised 
his  head,  and  fixed  hia  eyes  with  a  peculiar  expression 
apon  the  Governor. 

"  Mr.  Bradbury,"  he  said,  "  I  fancy,  after  all,  there  is 
but  one  way." 

"  One  way?"  echoed  the  Governor,  almost  mechanic- 
ally. 

"  Yes.  As  H  is  impossible  for  me  to  leave  Newgate 
unseen,  I  must  remain  where  I  am." 

Ihe  Governor  stared  at  the  prisoner  for  some  moments 
in  the  most  undisguised  astonishment,  and  then  he 
gasped  rather  than  said  : 

"  Remain  where  you  are  ?    Why — why " 

Dick  only  smiled  at  the  puzzled  expression  of  his 
countenance. 


"I 
said. 


must  r»ake 


my   meaning  a  little  clearer,"    he 

"  Yes,  do  so,  pray,  for  may  I  be  hanged  if  I  can  under- 
stand you  now  at  all !" 

"Listen,  then,"  said  Dick.  **I  suppose  when  it  >« 
known  I  have  escaped " 

The  Governor  interrupted  him. 

"  You  are  beginning  at  the  wrong  end,  my  friend.  It 
-will  be  time  enough  to  consider  what  will  be  done  after 
your  escape,  when  you  have  decided  as  to  how  you  are 
to  obtain  your  freedom." 

"  No,  no,"  said  Dick — "  excuse  me.  Just  allow  me  to 
JLnish." 

"  Verx  well.     Go  on,  then." 


"I.  say,  after  I  have  escaped,  I  suppose  the  vigilancs 
of  tne  police  officers  will  materially  abate,  for  there  wih 
then  be  no  necessity  for  them  to  keep  up  their  Btriot, 
observant  watch." 

"  No—  no,  certainly  not,"  said  the  Governor;  "but 
what  has  that  to  do  with  it  ?" 

"  Everything,"  said  Dick,  "  for,  in  half  a  dozen  words, 
what  I  propose  is  that  you  should  conceal  me  some- 
where in  the  prison  for  the  space  of  twenty-four  hours 
or  so ;  then,  when  it  is  given  out  and  believed  that  I 
have  escaped,  and  the  officers,  as  you  say,  have  relaxed 
their  vigilance — then  will  be  the  time  for  me  to  slip  off 
quietly." 

"  Good!"  said  Mr.  Bradbury,  clapping  his  hands  to- 
gether, with  his  eyes  sparkling  brightly — "  good  !  You 
hav\-»  hit  the  nail  right  on  the  head  this  time  and  no 
mistake !  I  wonder  how  it  was  we  did  not  think  of 
that  before  ?" 

"  It  is  not  yet  too  late,"  said  Dick.  "  Am  I  to  nnder- 
der stand  that  you  approve  of  tliis  suggestion  ?" 

"  Yes — most  decidedly  1  approve  of  it,  for  what  better 
one  could  be  made  ?" 

Dick  was  silent,  and  then  the  Governor  continued, 
almost  immediately : 

"  There  are  a  few  obstacles  in  the  way  of  carrying  out 
this  design." 
Dick  nodded,  as  he  replied : 

"  I  am  quite  aware  of  that ;  but  still  there  is  no  doubt 
they  can  be  overcome." 

"Very  likely,"   said  the  Governor;   "and  to  begin 
with  the  first  and  greatest,  we  have  the  two  men  out- 
side." 
"  Just  so." 

"  Now,  how  are  they  to  be  managed  ?  You  cannot 
leave  this  cell  without  being  seen  by  them ;  and  so 
fee  question  arises  :  shall  we  take  them  into  our  confi- 
dence ?" 

"  Not  by  any  means,"  said  Dick ;  "  and,  if  you  will 
excuse  me,  I  would  suggest  that  we  speak  in  rather  a 
lower  tone  of  voice." 

"A  good  caution.  But  now,  Turpin,  if  we  don't  take 
these  men  into  our  confidence,  how  shall  you  manage  to 
get  out  of  the  cell  ?" 

"  We  must  consider,"  said  Turpin.  "There  is  time 
yet,  and  it  seems  to  me  you  are  the  proper  person  to 
decide  upon  the  best  means  of  dealing  with  them." 

"  It  has  been  many  and  many  a  day,"  exclaimed  the 
Governor, "  since  I  puzzled  my  brains  to  such  an  extent ! 
If  you'd  give  me  th9  world  I  don't  know  how  this  is  to 
be  managed !" 

"  Stay  a  little,"  said  Dick.  "  Could  you  not  manage 
to  send  one  of  them  to  fetch  something  for  you  ?" 

"  Yes — certainly,"  answered  the  Governor,  abstract- 
edly. "  One  could  go ;  but  how  about  the  other  ?" 
"  Why,  suppose,  after  a  time,  you  send  him  too  ?" 
"I  comprehend  you,"  cried  the  Governor,  with  a 
readiness  of  apprehension  that  rather  surprised  Dick — 
"  I  comprehend  you,  and,  as  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost, 
I  will  commence  at  once." 

Dick  did  not  venture  to  say  no,  for  he  was  anxious  to 
quit  the  cell  in  whioh  he  had  passed  so  many  lonely 
hours,  though,  had  he  followed  his  own  inclinations,  be 
would  first  of  all  have  planned  his  proceedings  from  the 
beginning  to  the  end. 

The  Governor,  however,  rose  briskly  to  his  feet,  and, 
going  to  the  door,  tapped  upon  it  with  his  knuckles. 

The  man  outside  understood  the  signal,  and  imme- 
diately opened  it. 
"Miller  !"  he  cried. 
"  Yes,  sir." 

"  You  know  my  room— my  office,  I  mean,  where  the 
papers  are  kept  ?" 
"  Yes,  sir,  I  know  it." 

"  Well,  then,  I  want  you  to  go  there,"  continued  the 
Governor,  "  and  Just  inside  the  little  drawer  in  the  table, 
and  lying  quite  on  the  top  of  the  other  papers,  you  will 
see  a  letter  in  a  large  envelope.  Go  and  bring  it  to 
me." 
"  I  will,  sir," 

"  You  are  sure  you  understand  ?  Don't  fail  to  bring 
the  right  one." 

Miller  shuffled  off,  and  the  Governor  closed  the  dooi 
agwin. 

"There's  one  gone,"  he  said,  in  a  whisper,  to  Dick, 


!•**» 


ULACH.    BBSS  ;   us, 


"though    we    must    bo    quick,   for    he   will  soon   re- 
tern." 

"  And  the  other  ?"  Turpin  exclaimed—  how  abon* 
the  other  ?" 

"  I  will  show  yon,"  said  Mr.  Bradbury.  But  just 
wait  a  moment.  I  am  not  afraid  that  Miller  will  return 
fnst  yet.  for  one  thing,  the  distance  is  considerable,  and 
for  another,  in  the  drawer  to  which  I  have  sent  hira  is  a 
large  flat  bottle  of  Hollands,  and  if  he  does  not  pay  his 
respects  to  that  before  he  returns,  I  am  not  G<— ernor 
of  Newgate." 

Dick  laughed,  and  then  there  was  a  pause  of  w>out 
half  a  minute's  duration. 

At  the  end  of  that  time  the  Governor  again  went  to 
the  door  and  tapped  at  it  as  be  had  done  on  the  pre- 
vious occasion.  ^ 
The  other  man  opened  it. 

"Oh,  I  am  very  sorry,"  said  the  Governor,  "but  you 
heard  what  I  said  to  Miller  a  moment  ago  ? 
"Yes,  sir." 

"  Well,  now,  I  find  I  have  just  made  a  mistake.  The 
letter  I  spoke  of  is  not  in  the  drawer,  but  under  the  ink- 
stand in  the  centre  of  the  table.  He  will  perhaps  tnrn 
all  my  papers  topsy-turvy.  Just  run  and  tell  him  what 
I  say.     I  can  guard  the  prisoner  in  the  meantime." 

The  man  nodded,  and  made  off  at  once,  for  in  Newgate 
Mr.  Bradbury  reigned  supreme,  and  not  one  of  his  sub- 
ordinates ever  dreamed  of  such  an  outrageous  thing  as 
questioning  any  command  that  might  be  issued. 

"  Now  is  your  time,  Dick,"  said  the  Governor,  turn- 
ing round,  hastily.  "  The  coast  is  clear,  and  will  be  for 
at  least  another  moment." 

"  Capital !"  said  Dick.  "  Upon  my  word,  you  deserve 
much  for  your  ingenuity  !  You  have  managed  this 
cleverly  indeed.  What  a  pity  you  wore  not  a  diploma- 
tist." 

The  Governor  smiled,  and  felt  pleased  at  the  compli- 
ment. 

"I  flatter  myself,"  he  said,  "  that  I  should  have  suc- 
ceeded in  that  line  very  well.  But  be  quick — there's  no 
knowing  how  soon  those  fellows  may  take  it  into  their 
heads  to  return." 

"  But  where  shall  I  go  ?"  said  Dick,  who,  in  spits  of 
his  self-command,  felt  his  heart  beating  at  a  more  than 
usual  rate. 

"When  you  get  into  tho  passage,"  whispered  the 
Governor,  hurriedly,  "  turn  to  the  right,  and  hasten  for- 
ward for  a  short  distance.  On  both  sides  of  you  you 
will  see  doors  similar  to  this  sunk  deeply  in  the  wall. 
Conceal  yourself  in  ono  of  them.  The  passage  is  dark, 
and  as  the  turnkeys  will  never  think  of  looking  for  you 
yon  will  be  unseen." 

"  And  then,"  said  Dick,  "  what  next  ?" 
"  Wait  there  until  you  see  me  pass  along  the  passage, 
then  step  forth,  and,  as  noiselessly  as  you  can,  follow 
in  my  footsteps." 

"  Good !"  said  Dick.  "  I  trust  all  to  you,  and  depend 
npon  it  this  will  not  be  the  worst  night's  work  that  you 
have  ever  done." 

With  these  words  on  his  lips  Dick  slipped  through  the 
door  of  his  cell,  and  as  he  did  so  he  drew  a  long  breath, 
and  felt  quite  a  joyous  feeling  come  over  him. 
It  seemed  to  him  that  he  was  already  free. 
Following  the  injunctions  of  the  Governor,  he  turned 
■iO  the  right,  and  hastened  for  some  distance  along  the 
corridor. 

As  he  had  beon  told,  it  was  very  dark,  for  although 
oil  lamps  were  burning  dimly  here  and  there,  yet  the 
warders  did  not  trust  so  much  to  them  as  to  the  lan- 
terns they  always  carried  with  them,  and  which  served 
to  dissipate  tho  darkness. 

The  doors,  too,  were  sunk  verv  deeply  into  tho  <vall, 
and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  these  recesses  were  in  very 
dark  shade  indeed,  and  Dick  felt  that  he  oould  scarcely 
lw>pe  for  a  better  hiding-place. 

All  at  onco,  he  heard  a  footstep,  and  then,  imme- 
diately afterwards,  perceived  at  somn  distance  the  flash- 
ing of  a  light.  r 

Murmuring  voices  reached  his  ears,  and  althou^ia  ue 
had  not  gone  so  far  along  the  corridor  as  he  oould  have 
■wished,  yet  he  felt  that  his  wisest  course  would  be  to 
ooneeal  himself  at  once,  and  therefore  slipping  into  one 
•ai  the  dark  recess  es  we  has  j  described,  he  squeezed  lum- 
mU  as  closely  as  he  could  intr  the  corner  formed  by  the 


door  and  the  wall,  and  remained  there  a  prey  to  con- 
siderable anxiety,  and  listening  to  the  voices  and  foot- 
steps of  the  men  who  wore  approaching. 

CHAPTER  DCCCLXXXrV. 

Dion  TO Rl*IN  MAKES    HIMSELF   COMFORTABLE    IN  THB 
•RTVATE   APARTMENTS    OF  THE   GOVERNOR. 

Dick  could  not  help  leflecting  how  strange  it  was  that 
he  should  feel  so  deep  an  interest  in  every  move- 
ment made  and  word  spoken  by  these  two  men,  and  yet 
such  was  the  ca.se,  and  he  strained  his  sense  of  hearing 
to  the  utmost,  in  order  to  make  out  what  they  were 
saying  to  each  other. 

He  gathered  first,  from  the  tones  of  their  voices,  that 
some  dispute  was  going  on  oetween  them. 
Directly  afterwards  he  distinguished  the  words : 
"  I  tell  you  you  are  a  fool,  Dick  Miller,  and  I  don't 
go  behind  your  back  to  say  it !" 
"  Oh,  bother !" 

"Well,  we  shall  see,"  returned  the  other  turnke.v. 
"Don't  you  think  the  Governor  knows  all  about  th»t 
bottle  of  hollands  in  his  drawer  ? — don't  you  even  think 
that  he  could  have  missed  the  smallest  drop  of  it  ?" 
"Oh,  bother  !"  said  Miller  again. 
"  And  yet  when  I  came  into  theioom,"  continued  tha 
other,  "  tlieie  you  must  be  swigging  at  it,  and  not  con- 
tent with  that,  must  be  so  frightened  at  hearing  some 
one  come  in  that  you  dropped  it." 

"  Well,  it  was  your  fault !"  growled  Miller.  "  What 
the  deuco  did  you  want  to  come  sneaking  into  the  room 
like  that  for  ?  Who  expected  you,  I  should  like  to 
know,  scaring  a  fe/low  out  of  his  blessed  wits  ?" 

"  I  didu't  come  sneaking  in — I  walked  in  because  Jv'r 
Bradbury  sent  me.     What  excuse  shall  you  make  abo.:t 
the  hollands  ? — that's  what  I  want  to  know." 
"Well,  how  does  it  concern  you?" 
"  Why,  I  know  you  of  old.     You  would  not  scruple  to 
put  it  on  to  my  shoulders  if  you  could  1" 
Dick  Miller  laughed. 

"Well,  stow  it  now,"  he  said;  "we  can  finish  the 
subject  another  time.  Do  you  want  him  to  overhear  us  P" 
"  No — not  I.     But  what  will  he  say  when  wo  tell  him 
that  we  can't  find  the  letter  ho  sent  us  for  P" 

"Ah!"  exclaimed  Dick  Miller,  with  an  air  of  satis- 
faction, "  I  am  glad  to  say  you  are  as  deeply  in  for  that 
as  I  am — he  can't  blame  one  without  blaming  both." 

"  Well,"  said   the  other  turnkey,  "he  told  me  it  was 
under  tho  inkstand,  and  I'll  take  my  eath  any  minute  it 
wasn't — so  there's  an  end." 
By  this  time  the  two  men  got  out  of  heaving. 
Upon  reaching  the  door  of  the  cell  so  lately  occupied 
by  Dick  Turpin,  they  tapped  upon  it  with  their  knuckles. 
The  Governor  opened  it  to  the  extent  of  about  s 
couple  of  inches. 

"  Well,"  he  said,  "  the  letter  ?" 

"  If  you  please,  sir,"  returned  Miller,  humbly,  "  we've 
looked  everywhere,  and  can't  find  it." 

"  Can't  find  it  ?     Was  it  act  under  the  inkstand  ?" 
"  No,  sir." 

"  Well,  where  can  it  have  got  to  ?  However,  never 
mind." 

Then,  turning  round,  as  if  Dick  was  still  in  the  ce!' 
and  as  if  he  was  about  to  address  him,  the  Governoi 
said: 

"  1   will  go  myself,  Turpin,  and  fetch  the  warrant 
since  you  profess  to  bo  so  particular  about  it ;  or,  if  yc 
don't  mind  waiting,  you  6hall  eeo  it  the  first  thing  i 
tbg  morning." 

With  these  words,  the  Governor  stepped  nimbly  ou 
of  the  cell,  drawing  the  door  after  him. 

"  Now,  Miller,"  lie  said,  "  put  the  bar  up,  and  faster 
the  door  securely.  Mind,  you  are  responsible  for  you: 
prisoner,  and  if  he  gets  out  between^now  and  niorn'i- 
you  will  be  punished  severely." 

"All  right,  sir!"    said  the  turnkey.      "Yon  never 
knew    Dick  Miller  mako  a  failure  of   that  kind  y 
Now,"  he  continued,  as  he  finished   putting  up  the  fas 
'  tenings,  "  get  out  of  that,  Mr.  Diok,  if  you  can.' 
Never  for  ono  moment  did  the  idea  occur  to  the 
keys  that  Dick  had  been  already  liberated  from  his  cell  - 
indeed,  it  was  not  likely  that  so  unreasonable  a  notion 
should  enter  their  minds  ;  therefore,  drawing  up  the  fcwc 
three- legged  stools  with  which  tkoy  had  provided  there 


Tfl«    KNIGHT    Of    TBI    BO  AD. 


1445" 


•elves,  they  sat  down  with  their  baoks  to  the  door,  pre- 
pared to  wait  patiently  till  morning. 

The  Governor  walked  along  the  passage  with  a  faeavy 
tread,  the  echoes  of  his  footsteps  reverberating  through 
the  long,  silent  corridors. 

Dick  observe'!  his  ooming,  and  as  soon  as  the  Governor 
passed  his  hiding-place,  he  stepped  out  on  tiptoe. 

Then,  guessing  why  the  Governor  was  treading  with 
such  unusual  heaviness,  Dick  cleverly  and  quickly  fell 
into  step  with  him,  keeping  such  exact  time,  and  allow- 
ing his  feet  to  fall  so  lightly,  that  it  would  have  required 
a  very  sharp  ear  to  dis+inguish  that  two  persons  were 
walking  along  the  stone  corridor  instead  of  one. 

At  every  step  they  took  the  necossitv  for  this  caution 
abated,  yet  they  did  not  venture  to  change  their  posi- 
tions. 

To  what  part  of  the  prison  the  Governor  was  now 
about  to  conduct  him,  Dick  Turpin  scarcely  knew,  but 
contented  himself  with  thinking  that  it  would  be  to 
some  place  where,  at  any  rate,  they  could  sit  down  and 
hold  a  further  consultation  as  to  his  future  proceed- 
ings. 

In  this  he  was  not  mistaken. 

Pursuing  certain  passages  rarely  used  by  anyone  ex- 
cept himself,  and  which  led  directly  to  his  own  private 
apartments,  the  Governor  hurried  forward,  nor  die.  he 
pause  until  the  room  was  reached  in  which  he  sat  down 
to  transact  his  business. 

Dick  Turpin  entered  closely  after  him,  and,  ia  obe- 
dience with  a  sign  from  the  Governor,  closed  the  door 
and  slipped  a  little  bolt  into  its  socket. 

Then  the  first  thing  that  met  their  gaze  was  the  frag- 
ments of  the  broken  bottle  of  hollands,  which  wore 
strewn  in  all  directions  about  the  carpet,  while  the  room 
was  filled  with  the  overpowering  odour  of  that  spirit. 

Instead  of  manifesting  any  anger  at  making  this  dis- 
covery, as  one  might  have  expected,  the  Governor 
placed  his  hands  slowly  together,  and  began  to  rub 
them  one  over  the  other  with  an  air  of  great  apparent 
satisfaction. 

"  Capital,"  he  said — "  capital !  Nothing  could  be 
better!'* 

"  Indeed  !"  said  Dick.  "  May  I  ask  to  what  yourefer  ?" 

"Why,  this,"  he  replied,  pointing  to  the  broken  glass 
upon  the  floor.  "  I  told  you  they  would  not  fail  to  pay 
their  respects  to  this  bottle  of  spirits,  and  by  some  ac- 
cident or  other,  you  see,  they  have  broken  it.  They  will 
now  be  frightened  to  death,  lest  I  should  expose  what 
they  have  done,  and  cause  them  to  be  punished.  They 
are  now  quite  in  my  power,  which,  just  at  the  present 
time,  is  quite  a  fortunate  circumstance." 

Again  the  Governor  rubbed  his  hands,  and  Dick,  leav- 
ing him  to  indulge  in  hi3  felicitations,  drew  a  chair  close 
op  to  the  fire  and  sat  down. 

He  spread  out  his  fingers  to  the  blaze,  for  his  cell  was 
damp  and  chilly,  and  the  sight  of  a  little  fire  was  now 
quite  a  pleasant  thing. 

Outside  in  the  street  the  roaring  and  howling  of  the 
people  could  bo  heard  with  painful  distinctness. 

It  was  a  sound  that  Dick  hated  to  listen  to,  and  yet 
he  could  not  close  his  ears  to  it. 

Little,  however,  did  he  think  that  his  comrades 
formed  a  parcel  of  the  disorderly  route  outside,  ncr 
did  ho  guess  how  anxiously  their  eyes  where  fixed  upon 
that  portion  of  the  prison  occupied  by  the  Governor. 

"  Now,"  said  Mr.  Bradbury  at  "«ngth,  turning  to  the 
fire,  "  having  accomplished  our  purpose  so  far,  and 
having  succeeded  so  well,  let  us  have  a  little  further 
consideration." 

"With  all  uay  heart." 

"  Well,  then,  it  seems  to  me  the  chief  thing  is  to  de- 
cide where  you  are  to  remain  concealed  until  night- 
fall." 

Dick  nodded. 

"well,  continued  the  Governor,  "  I  must  confess 
that  is  a  matter  that  puzzles  me.  I  should  be  glad  to 
place  one  of  my  private  rooms  at  your  disposal,  but," 
he  concluded,  with  a  sigh  and  a  shake  of  his  head,. "  *hftt 
is  impossible— quite  impossible." 

"Indeed!"  said  Dirk.  "I  am  very  forry  fc>  ae»r 
that." 

"  It  is  no  fault  of  mine,"  continued  Mr.  Bradbury — . 
**  none  at  all,  I  assure  you.  It  is  Mrs.  B. — a  most  In- 
(ui-utive  woman  she  is,   f  can  e-ssure  yov  ;  and  as  for 


I  trusting  her  with  a  secret But  there,  that  will  do- 
least  said  soonest  mended." 
Dick  laughed  as  he  said :  c 

•  I  don't  want  to  cause  you  any  trouble,  Mr.  Brad- 
bury, lam  much  obliged  to  you  for  all  you  have  done; 
but  is  there  no  cell  into  which  you  could  slip  me  and 
keep  me  safe  till  the  appointed  time  ?" 

Mr.  Bradbury  again  shook  his  head. 

"  We  are  so  uncommonly  full,"  he  said — "  I  scarcely 
ever  knew  such  a  thing,  and,  besides,  you  might  be 
liable  to  discovery  in  a  moment." 

"  Then  what  on  earth  is  to  be  done  t" 

"  That's  just  what  I  want  to  know,  and  I  should  be 
glad  if  you  »»ould  think  the  matter  over." 

Dick  continued  to  warm  himself  by  the  fire,  and  for 
several  moments  there  was  a  profound  sdence,  which 
was  broken  at  length  by  the  Governor,  who  asked  : 

"  Well,  Dick,  have  you  yet  thought  of  anything  ?" 

"  Nothing  particular,"  was  the  answer.  "  To  be  sure 
there' 3  one  idea ;  but  then " 

"  Let  us  hear  it,  said  the  Governor — "  let  ns  hear  it, 
by  all  means !" 

"  Well,  then,"  began  Dick,  "  although  you  have  been 
Governor  of  this  prison  for  so  short  a  period,  yet  you 
must  be  aware  that  the  present  building  is  quite  a 
modern  structure." 

"  Yes,"  said  the  Governor — "  that's  true  enough." 

"  Quite  true,"  replied  Dick.  "  Newgate  was  first  built 
many  hundreds  of  years  ago,  and  from  time  to  time  the 
place  has  been  pulled  down,  and  rebuilt  and  altered." 

"  Well,  what  of  all  this  ?"  said  the  Governor,  growing 
interested,  though  he  could  not  see  what  it  had  to  do 
with  finding  a  hiding-place  for  his  prisoner. 

"  Simply  this,"  was  Dick's  answer.  "In  the  course 
of  this  pulling  down,  and  rebuilding,  and  alteration, 
some  portions  of  the  ancient  edifice  have  been  left,  and^ 
to  cut  short  my  remarks,  I  have  been  told  that  under- 
neath this  present  prison  of  Newgate  there  exists  what 
one  may  term  another  prison,  being  the  remains  of  the 
dungeons  formerly  constructed  there." 

"  Yes,"  answered  Mr.  Bradbury.  "  I  have  heard 
something  of  the  kind  myself,  though  I  never  paid 
much  attention  to  it.  Still,  even  supposing  such  places 
as  you  mention  to  exist,  they  have  not  been  opened  for 
centuries  at  least,  and  it  is  very  improbable  that  any  com- 
munication exists  between  the  old  prison  and  the  new." 

"Yet  such  might  be  the  case,"  said  Dick—"  indeed,  I 
have,  heard  it  confidently  asserted.  Now  yon  under- 
stand the  drift  of  my  remarks.  If  we  can  find  out  this 
communication,  surely,  if  I  conceal  myself  in  under- 
ground Newgate,  I  shall  never  be  discovered,  not  even  if 
my  presence  in  the  building  was  guessed  at,  and  a  close 
search  made." 

The  Governor  shivered,  and  half  unconsciously  drew 
closer  to  the  fire. 

"  But  just  consider,"  he  said,  "  what  an  uncomfort- 
able place  to  be  in.  Fancy  the  idea  of  remaining  in 
vaults  or  dungeons  that  have  been  closed  up  so  long- 
alone,  too  !     Should  you  not  feel  afraid  r" 

CHAPTER  DCCCLXXXV. 

THE    aOVERNOB   OP     NEWGATE     DISCOVERS     THAT     HE 
HAS   MADE  A   TREMENDOUS    BLUNDER. 

At  these  words,  Dick  Turpin's  lips  curled  with  a  eca* 
temptuous  smile. 

"Afraid,"  he  said— "I  afraid?  No,  fear  and  Dick 
Turpin  have  never  been  acquainted  yet,  and  they  will 
always  continue  strangers— leas*  of  all  should  I  be 
afraid  of  darkness." 

"  It  is  not  the  darkness,"  said  the  Governor,  ■'  but 
the  associations.  However,  not  to  go  into  the  subject 
any  further,  just  tell  me  by  what  means  yon  hope  to 
discover  a  way  of  communication,  supposing  any  to 
exist." 

*'  Oh,"  said  Dick,  "  that's  just  the  point." 

wish  I  could  give  you  some  information  upon  it 
but  I  can't." 

"Neither  can  I,"  continued  Turpin,  whose  eyos  had 
daring  the  last  few  moments  been  resting  upon  'a  rang*' 
of  shelves.  "  Do  you  not  think  it  possible  that  some  oi- 
those  volumes  might  give  us  the  information  we  seek  ?" 

"They  might,"  said  the  Governor;  "they  are  the 
annals  of  Newgate,  though,  to  tell  the  truth,  ever  skioe  J 


\w 


BLAex  Bixsa:    o«, 


hare  been  he«  I  have  had  enough  to  do  in  keep^*i  » 
the  records  without  looking  back  to  the  past." 

"  I  suppose  so,"  said  Turpin,  rising  and  going  to- 
wards the  books,  in  which,  as  may  be  imagined,  he  f  alt 
more  than  a  common  interest 

The  Governor  placed  himself  by  his  side,  *„nd,  with  a, 
brush  that  he  had  picked  up,  removed  a  portion  of  the 
dust  covering  the  books,  so  that  the  lettering  could  be 
eeen. 

"  1  am  no  boolc  scholar,"  said  Turpin.  "  Supposu 
yon  reach  down  one  or  two  of  them  and  glance  over  the 
paires  ;  you  may  find  something." 

The  Governor  evidently  thought  the  suggestion  a 
good  one,  for  he  at  once  took  down  one  of  the  dusty 
volumes  and  turned  over  its  mouldering  pages. 

"  If,"  said  Dick,  "  you  could  only  find  a  plan  01  map 
of  some  kind,  that  would  be  all  we  should  require ; 
but  stay — what's  that  ?" 

Even  as  he  spoke,  the  Governor  paused  in  turning 
over  the  book,  for  in  between  two  of  the  leaves  a 
folded  sheet  of  paper  had  been  placed. 

This  ho  at  once  spread  open,  and  he  had  to  be  par- 
ticularly careful  in  the  process. 

The  paper  was  so  old,  and  so  decayed  by  age,  that  it 
almost  fell  to  pieces  beneath  his  touch. 

Upon  it  could  be  traced  several  indistinct  lines,  and 
in  the  lower  right-hand  corner  in  large  letters  was  the 
word  "  Newgate." 

'•  This  must  be  the  very  thing,"  said  Dick,  bending 
forward  eagerly. 

The  Governor  bent  down  too,  and  managed  to  de- 
cipher the  words : 

"  Plan  of  ye  Prison  of  Newgate.     Anno  1611." 

"  That's  the  thing,"  said  Dick,  as  the  Governor  read 
these  words  aloud.     "  I  think  we  are  all  right  now." 

Long  and  anxiously  did  that  strange  pair  bend  over 
the  mouldering  old  map  and  follow  out  with  their 
fingera  the  various  lines  upon  it. 

It  was  necessary  that  the  examination  should  be  a 
careful  one,  and  it  was  some  time  indeed  before  they 
could  exactly  make  out  the  bearings  of  it. 

At  last,  having  succeeded,  the  Governor  said : 

"  Here,  if  anywhere,  are  the  means  of  communication. 
Whether  such  may  exist  to  this  day  is  very  doubtful, 
and  yet  I  have  a  recollection  of  seeing  an  old  door  at 
the  extremity  of  one  of  the  underground  passages,  the 
cells  leading  out  of  which,"  he  added,  s'  have  for  a  long 
time  been  disused  in  consequonce  of  the  damp." 

"  Then  I  have  good  hopes  of  it,"  said  Turpin.  "  At 
any  rate,  we  will  go  there  and  look." 

"Agreed,"  said  the  Governor,  folding  up  the  map  and 
.restoring  it  to  its  place.  "What  a  fortunate  dis- 
covery !"  he  added,  as  he  turned  back. 

"  Most  fortunate  !  And  now.  to  set  the  point  at  rest." 

"  In  a  moment,"  said  the  Governor—"  in  a  moment ; 
but  I  feel  fatigued,  and  exhausted,  and  chilly,  this 
evening.  Suppose  we  have  one  glass  together  ;  I  should 
be  better  prenared  to  start  then." 

"As  you  will,"  said  Dick,  carelessly.  "I  hold  you 
responsible  for  my  safety.  You  know  what  the  King 
has  written,  and  he  will  look  to  you  to  carry  out  his 
commands." 

"  Yes,"  said  the  Governor,  "  there  a  no  doubt  about 
that.  I  will  hide  you  somewhere,  rest  assured,  and 
between  now  and  morning  there  is  time  enough  and  to 

"Very  true,"  said  Dick  ;  "and  I  would  rather  be 
seated  here  in  your  pleasant  company  than  down  below 
by  myself." 

The  Governor  went  to  a  little  cupboard,  and  pro- 
duced a  couple  of  glasses  and  a  bottle. 

A  small  kettle  was  simmering  by  the  side  of  the  fire, 
and  with  the  water  he  made  two  glasses  very  hot  and 
n.-ry  strong.  .         .  .  ,  ,      ,  ,     , 

Surely,  of  all  the  sVmnge  positions  in  whicn  Uiok  had 
been  placed,  this  was  strangest  of  all. 

Who  in  the  whole  world  would  credit  that  a  notok-Jus 
highwayman  like  himself,  whose  capture  had  been  a 
source  of  so  much  trouble,  should  be  seated  quietly  by 
the  fireside  drinking  a  glass  with  *he  Governor  d 
Newgate  ?  ,      . 

Yet  there  he  was,  and  could  any  of  his  comrades  D^t 
haw  had  a  glance  aft  him,  they  would  have  seen  fraat 
be  looked  vei\y  comfortable  indeed. 


It  was  after  a  pause  that  had  >  egtm  to  grow  irk- 
some, that  Dick  said: 

"  Since  we  are  to  sit  here  a  few  mo?B^>it8  together, 
Mr.  Bradbury,  there's  a  little  select  I  should  bka  to 
talk  over  with  you." 

*  Indeed !     What  is  it  P" 

'  Well,  one  that  turns  on',  go  be  of  bo  impori*«oe 
now ;  but  would  you  mind  favouring  me  with  a  sight  of 
the  warrant  that  has  been  re  -indorsed  for  my  execution?" 

"  Bow  strange  !"  though  the  Governor,  for  just  tbea 
he  remembered  the  wor«L=  "!se  had  made  uso  of  wise* 
leaving  the  cell. 

Then  aloud  he  added 

"  I  am  happy  to  oblige  /«  U  in  tntoh  a  simple  tsmrg  aa 
that.    Here  it  is." 

He  rose  from  his  seat  aa  be  gfs&e,  aed  p&oed  a 
parchment  in  Turpin's  haiivi 

"  There,"  he  added,  pointing  to  some  "Turing  on  the 
outside  of  it.  "  you  see  the  secretary  b»r  just  signed 
his  name,  and  put  the  date." 

"  Yes,  I  ece,"  said  Dick;  " but  I  am  not  quite  satis* 
fied." 

"  Indeed !     In  what  way  can  I  satisfy  you  ?" 

"I  don't  understand  these  documents  myself,"  Dick 
answered.  "  Suppose  you  open  it,  and  begin  to  read  it." 

"It'll  take  some  time,"  said  the  Governor;  "but, 
however,  I  can't  refuse  you." 

Accordingly,  he  opened  the  warrant,  and  went 
through  the  preamble  at  the  head  of  it ;  then  uttered  a 
shout  of  surprise. 

Dick  gazed  at  him  quietly,  and  from  his  manner  it 
was  evident  he  expected  some  such  manifestation  from 
the  Governor. 

''WTiat's  the  matter?"  he  inquired,  seeing  that  the 
Governor  looked  more  and  more  amazed. 

Mr.  Bradbury  did  not  reply,  but  looked  at  the  war- 
rant again,  as  though  in  doubt  whether  his  eyes  had 
served  him  aright. 

Then,  with  a  look  of  consternation,  and  almost  of 
horror,  on  his  countenance,  ho  dropped  the  paper,  and 
stared  at  Dick,  who  simply  said : 

"Well?" 

"  Well  ?"  exclaimed  the  Governor.  "  It  is  not  at  all 
well.  But  let  me  look  again — I  cannot  even  now  believe 
it!" 

He  glanced  again  at  the  warrant,  and  then  said: 

"  Xo,  there  can  be  no  mistake — this  is  not  the  war- 
rant for  your  execution." 

Dick  nodded  as  if  he  felt  quite  certain  this  was  a 
fact. 

"  Indeed,"  continued  the  Governor,  "  it  is  a  warrant 
for  a  companion  of  yours — to  wit,  Tom  King." 

"  I  don't  doubt  it,"  said  Turpin ;  "  but  I  am  just  alittle 
curious  to  know  by  what  means  you  could  make  thaj 
warrant  serve  for  me.  You  told  me  I  had  been  tried 
and  sentence  passed  upon  me,  which  was  true,  though 
not  at  Newgate." 

"Ah!"  cried  the  Governor,  drawing  a  breath  of  re- 
lief ;  "you  have  been  tried  then  ?" 

"  Yes,  certainly,  but  it  was  only  for  a  boyish  freak.  I 
was  taken  up  on  a  charge  of  deer  stealing,  and  brought 
b  if  ore  a  magistrate  named  Sir  Thomas  Deane,  who  found 
me  guilty  and  pronounced  sentonoe.  But  what  has 
that  to  do  with  the  present  matter  ?" 

"  Nothing  at  all,"  said  the  Governor.  "  The  blunder  lb 
mine — a  most  awful  blunder,  I  must  say,  yet  how  it  ha* 
remained  undetected  passes  my  comprehension." 

"  It  is  by  no  means  clear  to  me."  said  Turpin,  "though 
I  could  give  a  guess.     But  explain  it." 

"  I  will,"  said  the  Governor.  "  Candidly,  then,  I  muni 
tell  you  that  the  impression  was  quite  strong  and  fixed 
in  my  mind  that  yon  had  been  confined  in  Newgate " 

"  So  I  have,"  interrupted  Dick. 
''  Tried  and  condemn0'4-." 

"  Which  I  h»TV  not,"  ho  interrupted,  agaia. 

"  Well,  T.  fully  believed  so,  and  I  thought  yon  onTy 
escaped  when  Newgate  was  attacked  by  the  mob.  Th&ji 
woo  auring  the  time  when  Mr.  Cawthorn  was  Governor. 
O  «K  nodded. 

"  I  wa -s  in  Newgate  then,  ht  saw,  but  1  was  awi* 
ing  trial— not  condemned.  Tom  King  was  here  too, 
and  the  wxrrant  was  all  in  readiness  for  his  executioa, 
but,  luc  fly,  he  escaped."  .  , 

"  That     where  the  mistake  *e.    said  tue  Uovesnos.      4 


IHU    KNTGHT    OF   THE    ROAD. 


1417 


•went  to  these  papers  under  the  impression  I  have  just . 
imtned,  and,  coming  to  this  warrant,  did  not  trouble  my  ' 
w»lf  to  glance  at  it  particularly,  for,  as  you  see,  it  runs 
thus : '  Of  Tom  King,  the  accomplice  of  Dick  Turpin  and 
©thers.'  You  see,  there's  your  name  on  it,"  he  continued, 
pointing  it  out  to  Dick,  "  and  so,  with  this  impression  on 
my  mind,  I  folded  it  up  and  sent  it  off,  believing  it  w»* 
veritably  the  warrant  for  your  execution." 

"  But  would  not  such  a  mistake  be  discovered  /' 

m  I  should  have  thought  so,"  said  the  Governor.  "  It  t» 
pretty  clear  the  Secretary  of  State  looked  at  it  no  more 
attentively  than  I  did ;  the  probability  is,  he  just  endorsed 
it,  as  you  see,  without  ever  unfolding  it ;  or,  if  he  was 
aware  of  the  mistake,  as  he  may  be,  his  idea  might 
iave  been  that  it  would  be  best  found  out  afterwards." 

Dick  drew  a  long  breath. 

"  I  wish  I  had  understood  this  fully  before,"  he  said. 
"  It  would  have  altered  my  course  of  action  ;  and  yet, 
■pon  second  thoughts,  perhaps  things  are  best  as  they 
are." 

"  Yes,  rely  upon  it,"  said  the  Governor,  who,  every 
time  he  looked  at  the  warrant,  felt  a  pang  of  alarm. 

"  But  just  for  curiosity's  sake,"  exclaimed  Dick,  "  tell 
me  what  would  have  been  the  effect  of  the  discovery  of 
this  mistake  in  the  warrant,  supposing  it  had  been  made 
before  my  execution  ?" 

"  Why,  it  could  not  have  taken  place,  that's  all,"  said 
the  Governor — "  at  least,  not  by  the  time  appointed.  You 
would  have  been  seized,  imprisoned  again,  and  properly 
tried.  Of  course  a  verdict  of  guilty  would  have  been 
found,  and  your  position  would  be  just  the  same  aa 
before." 

Dick  suddenly  became  lost  in  thought. 

Bousing  himself  at  length,  he  cried  : 

"  Say  no  more  about  it,  Mr.  Bradbury.  Depend  upon 
it,  I  will  not  mention  the  subject,  for  fear  that  it  should 
bring  you  into  any  trouble,  and  for  the  present  you  know 
I  am  safe — in  fact,  I  always  shall  be,  for  no  matter  what 
the  odds  may  be ,  I  will  never  yield  myself  a  prisoner 
again — I  have  had  enough  of  it." 

The  Governor  pushed  the  warrant  out  of  the  way, 
and  drained  his  glass. 

"  I  am  afraid,"  he  said,  "  though  I  thank  you  all  the 
same,  that  this  matter  will  creep  out ;  some  people  must 
recollect  all  about  it,  and  then  there  will  be  a  regular 
row." 

"Don't  foar,"  said  Dick,  "for  through  mo  you  have 
gained  a  powerful  friend." 

This  remembrance  appeased  the  Governor  greatly. 

Dick  emptied  his  glass  also,  aM  then  said : 

"  Come,  Mr.  Bradbury,  we  have  asX here  long  enough ; 
it  is  getting  fast  towards  morning  m^T,  and  if  the  com- 
munication with  old  Newgate  is  to  be  discovered,  now 
is  the  time.  Lead  the  way — I  shall  be  glad  to  be  re- 
lieved of  my  present  state  of  suspense." 

"  No  doubt,"  said  the  Governor,  rather  gloomily. 
**  I  wish  from  the  very  bottom  of  my  heart  that  the  day 
was  over,  and  night  come." 

"  And  I  wish,"  Dick  added,  "that  I  was  safe  out  of 
Newgate,  and  a  mile  away  from  it  at  the  least." 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXXVI. 

DICK  TURPIN  SUCCEEDS  IN  GAINING  ADMISSION  TO   A 
PORTION  OF  OLD  NEWGATE. 

"No doubt,"  said  the  Governor,  smiling  at  the  hearti- 
ness with  which  Dick  Turpin  spoke — "  no  doubt,  but 
some  time  will  have  to  elapse  before  that  desirable  state 
of  things  can  possibly  come  to  pass-" 

He  took  up  the  lamp  as  he  spoka,  and  stopped  to- 
wards the  door. 

"  Excuse  me  for  making  myself  so  muoh  at  home," 
said  Dick  ;  "  but  if  you  have  no  objection  I  will  appro- 
priate this  bottle  of  brandy  to  vag  own  use  ;  it  strike* 
me  that  it  will  prove  no  bad  companion  to  me  when 
down  there  in  the  vaults." 

"  Take  it — take  it,  by  all  means,"  said  the  Governor ; 
"  you  will  indeed  want  something  to  keep  the  damp 
•ut." 

"  And  a  light,"  said  Turpin — "  I  must  have  a  I?gat 
of  some  description  ;  not  that  I  care  so  much  about 
remaining  in  the  dark,  only  if  I  have  a  lamp  burning  ! 
shall  know  at  once  by  the  appearance  of  the  flame  whe- 
ther the  air  I  breathe  is  pure  enough  to  support  life." 


-    The  Governor  nodded. 

.  -  "  A  prudent  thought,"  he  said.  "  You  must  not  be 
without  a  lamp,  otherwise  you  might  stray  into  some 
passage  or  other  where  the  air  is  vitiated  from  having 
been  o'osed  up  so  long ;  no  doubt  the  whole  place  ia 
filled  with  a  foul  atmosphere." 

'•  Then,  if  you  like,"  said  Dick,  "  I  will  take  the  lamp 
you  have  in  your  hand  " 

"  Very  good." 

"  But  shall  you  not  want  so  me  light  in  ord<er  to  re- 
turn?" 

"  No,"  replied  the  Governor,  with  a  smile.  "  Snort  as 
has  been  my  residence  in  Newgate,  I  have  already  learned 
every  turn  and  corner  in  it.  I  can  find  my  way  back  in 
the  dark  easily ;  and  there  will  be  this  advantage  attached 
to  it,  I  shall  be  more  likely  to  escape  observation." 

Dick  nodded  as  he  answered  : 

"  Lead  on,  then,  now — I  am  quite  ready." 

The  Governor  obeyed,  and  the  next  mom  ent  this 
strangely-assorted  couple  were  traversing  the  long, 
silent  corridors  of  Newgate. 

Very  still,  very  gloomy,  and  very  oppressive  were 
they,  and  a  by  no  means  comfortable  sensation  came 
over  Dick,  but  he  banished  it  as  well  as  he  could,  and, 
in  obedience  to  the  injunctions  of  his  companion,  trod 
as  lightly  as  was  possible. 

More  like,  two  ghosts,  then,  than  two  living  human 
beings,  they  continued  gliding  along  passages,  which 
seemed  interminable,  especially  to  Dick,  who  was  top- 
full of  impatience. 

Fearing  to  raise  an  alarm,  scarcely  a  word  had  been 
exchanged  between  them  since  they  started,  but  all  at 
once  the  Governor,  pausing  slightly,  said,  in  a  whisper  : 

"  Now,  then,  we  shall  soon  know  whether  the  entrance 
to  old  Newgate  exists,  for  at  the  bottom  of  this  flight 
of  steps  is  the  corridor  of  which  I  spoke." 

Dick  made  no  reply,  but  raised  his  finger  and  pointed 
down  the  slippery  staircase  at  the  top  of  which  they 
3tood. 

Mr.  Bradbury  understood  him,  and  commenced  the 
descent. 

Ever  since  they  had  quitted  the  Governor's  apart- 
ments they  had  been  gradually  descendiug. 

Each  passage  that  they  traversed  was  on  a  lower 
level  than  the  one  preceding  it. 

Never  until  now,  however,  had  they  reached  a  stair- 
case so  deep  and  well-like  as  this  one. 

The  air,  too,  was  bitter  cold,  and  laden  with  an  un- 
wholesome moisture. 

"  There  is  not  much  fear  of  an  interruption  now,"  the 
Governor  said,  speaking  as  well  as  his  chattering  teeth 
would  allow  him ;  "  this  partof  the  prison  is  never  visited, 
I  believe,  and  you  may  almost  make  yourself  safe  here — 
the  cells  are  all  out  of  repair,  and  quite  unfit  for  use." 

Just  as  he  finished  speaking,  the  bottom  of  the  stair- 
case was  reached,  and  then  they  found  themselves 
standing  in  an  arched  passage,  so  narrow,  that  by 
standing  in  the  centre  of  it,  and  stretching  out  the 
arms  horizontally  the  sides  could  be  touched,  and  so 
low  that  Dick's  hat  brushed  away  many  of  the  dark 
fungi  that  depended  from  the  ceiling. 

The  walls,  too,  in  many  places  were  covered  with 
nitric  exhalations,  which  had  crystallised,  and  so  sparkled 
brilliantly  as  the  rays  of  the  lamp  fell  upon  them. 

But  there  was  a  general  clamminess  in  the  air,  and  an 
unwholesome  odour  that  irresistibly  reminded  them  of 
the  grave. 

Mr.  Bradbury  seemed  by  no  means  anxious  to  linger 
in  this  passage. 

He  quickened  his  pace  considerably,  and  then,  having 
reached  the  extremity  of  the  passage,  paused. 

Deeply  set  in  the  crumbling  wall  was  a  small  door, 
apparently  of  great  strength. 

Jt  wa3  secured  by  means  of  massive  iron  bars,  a  huge 
tot  A,  and  a  bolt  of  corresponding  proportions  at  thd 
top  and  bottom. 

There,"  said  the  Governor,  \vith  a  shiver,  "that's 
the  door,  and  beyond  all  doubt  there  lies  beyond  it  all 
that  remains  of  old  Newgate." 

It  was  impossible  for  Dick  to  look  upon  the  old  door- 
way without  a  feeling  of  deep,  strange  interest. 

"  Will  you  hold  the  lamp,"  said  the  Governor,  "  while 
Vtry  to  remove  the  bars  and  bolts  P" 

"  Nay,"  said  Dick,  placing  the  bottle  oa  the  jrra 


IMS 


BUCK    BBSS;    OU, 


"  allow  me  to  do  that,  for  I  fancy  I  am  stronger  than 
you  a*e.  But  how  about  the  look— how  shall  we  urjo 
that?"  _„_ 

"  I  know  net,"  said  the  Governor.  *  The  chances  are 
a  thousand  to  one  whether  the  key  belonging  to  it  is,  in 
existence.  To  me,  the  door  itself  looks  very  old  und 
rotten,  and  if  the  bars  are  taken  down  and  the  b  It* 
withdrawn,  we  may  be  able  to  force  it  open." 

Dick  thought  so  too,  and  then,  not  without  m  <jh 
trouble,  and  difficulty,  and  delay,  managed  to  remove 
the  fastenings  spoken  of. 

The  bolts  gave  him  the  greatest  trouble,  for  It  seemed 
as  though  they  had  completely  rusted  into  their  sockets. 

"  Now,"  said  the  Governor,  when  the  laB*  bolt  was 
« ith.lrawn,  '  try  if  the  door  will  open." 

Dick  pressed  against  Jt,  and  it  gave  way  slightly 

"  I  think  we  shall  manage  it,"  he  said.  "  Either  the 
luck  has  rusted  away  or  else  the  place  into  whioh  the 
bit  fits  has  rotted.' 

He  again  renewed  the  pressure,  though  the  Go  vernor 
exclaimed » 

"  No  violence,  mind — no  violence!  This  place,  for  all 
I  know,  may  be  visited  to-aorrow,  and  your  destruction, 
or,  at  least,  your  discovery  is  certain  if  there  are  any 
*p;  varance3  of  thie  door  having  been  forced." 

"  All  right,"  said  Dick.    "  There  you  are." 

Just  as  he  spoke  the  door  creaked  open  a  little  way 
upon  its  hinges. 

The  lock  had  been  forced,  but  it  was  the  doorpost 
that  had  given  way,  and  on  the  side  where  they  now 
stool  no  traces  of  violence  could  be  perceived. 

No  sooner  was  the  door  opened  than  a  .quantity  of 
foul  air  rushed  forth. 

So  powerful  was  it  that  both  Dick  and  the  Governor 
felt  giddy  and  6ick,  and  the  light  they  carried  was  well- 
nigh  extinguished.  . 

But,  mingling  with  the  purer  atmosphere  m  the  damp 
passage,  the  foul  air  quickly  los+  its  noxious  qualities. 

"  That's  not  encouraging,"  said  Dick,  as  soon  as  he 
was  able  to  speak.  "  However,  we  will  push  the  door 
wide  open,  so  as  to  ventilate  the  place  a  little  bit. 

This  he  did,  and  remained  for  some  time  in  order  that 
the  desired  effect  might  be  produced. 

Then,  warned  by  the  flight  of  time,  he  picked  up  the 
bottle  of  brandy  from  the  floor,  and  took  the  lamp  from 
the  hands  of  the  Governor. 

"Good-bye  for  the  present,"  he  6aid—  good-bye! 
"lake  the  door  secure  after  rne.and  when  it  is  time  for 
u:e  to  escape,  come  here  again." 

"You  may  depend  upon  that,"  said  the  Governor. 
"  And,  if  a  long  time  elapses,  do  not  bo  either  alarmed 
or  uneasy,  for  circumstances  may  keep  me  away." 

"You  may  depend  upon  that.  I  shall  keep  perfectly 
quiet  until  you  return.  I  have  no  wish  to  be  dis- 
covered." 

"  That  is  stiificient,  then.    Good-bye ! 

Dick,  with  the  lamp  in  his  hand,  crossed  the  gloomy 
threshold,  and  stood  in  a  passage  leading  he  knew  not 
whither.  .    , 

The  Governor  closed  the  door,  and,  in  spite  of  the 
darkness,  succeeded  in  replacing  the  whole  of  the 
fastenings,  and  so  successfully  that  it  was  very  doubt- 
ful that  the  fact  of  the  door  having  been  opened  would 
be  discovered. 

Although  in  Newgate,  and  in  that  damp,  ©old  pas- 
sage, Dick  Turpin  had  felt  while  the  Governor  was 
with  him  that  he  was  an  inmate  of  this  world  and  that 
fliere  was  life  around  him  ;  but  a*  eooa.  as  the  old  door 
was  closed  this  impression  vanished,  and  was  succeeded 
by  a  totally  different  one. 

It  seemed  as  though  in  crossing  th*t  threshoH  he 
had  stepped  from  life  to  death. 

The  silence  around  was  something  terrible  ;  even  «ie 
retreating  footsteps  of  the  Governor  could  not  be  distin ■ 
guished,  and  the  darknesa  was  so  dense  that  it  defied 
altogether  the  illuminating  powers  of  the  lamp,  whieh 
seemed  to  shine  only  like  a  star  from  a  dark  cloud. 

With  a  view  of  getting  the  better  of  these  feelings, 
Dick  applied  himself  to  the  bottle  of  brandy,  and  having  , 
drunk  a  small  portion  of  the  spirit,  felt  considerably 
relieved —  he  looked  about  him,  indeed,  with  quite  a  J 
different  feeling,  and  he  either  imagined,  or  it  was  a 
reality,  that  the  lamp  now  burned  more  clearly  tha* 
before,  and  enabled  him  to  Bee  around  him. 


So  far  as  he  could  tell,  the  passage  in  which  he  stoo4 
did  not  differ  particularly  from  the  one  he  had  just  left  f 
yet  he  felt  a  strange  sensation  creep  over  him,  as  he  re- 
flected th**  probably  he  was  the  only  human  being  wh# 
had  stood  there  for  more  than  a  hundred  years. 

And  now,  as  he  remained  quite  still,  listening,  a  faint 
sound  that  was  before  inaudible  came  upon  his  ears. 

It  was  the  dull  drip,  drip  of  water  triokling  down 
somewhere  in  the  distance. 

In  such  a  place  as  that  Dick  felt  that  ft  woulu  be  some 
relief  and  consolation  to  hear  even  his  own  voice,  and 
so,  in  default  of  having  anyone  to  speak  to,  he  uttered 
his  thoughts  aloud. 

"  I  can't  remain  here  an  the  time,'' he  said — "  I  should 
be  chilled  through  to  the  very  bone.  No,  I  will  take 
advantage  of  this  opportunity  to  explore  the  hidden 
mysteries  of  old  Newgate.  No  doubt  I  shall  find  much 
to  interest  me  and  repay  me  for  my  trouble.  But  I 
must  be  careful  in  my  wanderings.  What  means  can  I 
adopt  to  find  my  way  back  to  this  door  with  certainty?" 

This  was  a  question  that -required  a  good  deal  of 
deliberation. 

Many  means  suggested  themselves  to  him,  only,  un- 
fortunately, he  had  not  the  necessary  tools  to  carry 
them  into  effect. 

A  simple  plan  would  have  been  to  make  chalk  marks 
upon  the  floor,  but  even  this  was  impossible,  for  he  had 
no  chalk. 

Soon  afterwards,  however,  it  occurred  to  him  that  he 
might  manage  to  pick  out  a  piece  of  crumbling  mortar 
from  the  wall,  and  make  that  answer  bis  purpose ;  at 
any  rate,  he  resolved  to  try. 

He  suooeeded  in  obtaining  a  piece  of  mortar  from 
between  two  of  the  stones,  and,  upon  trying  whether 
it  would  leave  a  mark  behind  it,  was  delighted  to  find 
that  it  answered  the  purpose  almost  as  well  as  chalk 
itself,  for,  being  soft  with  damp,  it  crumbled  easily. 

Feeling  now  great,  confidence  in  being  able  to  find 
his  way  back,  and  having  refreshed  himself  with  another 
draught  of  brandy,  Dick  took  up  the  lamp,  and  walked 
slowly  and  carefully  along  the  passage,  looking  k«»«aly  at 
each  side  of  him. 

Having  gone  about  twenty  paces,  he  paused,  and, 
stooping  down,  drew  upon  the  flooring  a  rude  repre- 
sentation of  an  arrow  with  the  point  turned  in  the 
direction  of  the  door. 

By  the  aid  of  this  he  could  not  possibly  fail  to  find 
his  way  back,  nor  could  he  be  in  any  doubt  as  to  which 
way  he  should  turn  ;  and  this  precaution  he  resolved  ta 
adopt  r*3  every  twenty  paces  or  thereabouts. 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXXVn. 

IN  WHIOH  THE  TWO   SHERIFFS  LOSE  THEIR  APPETTTBB 
FOR  BREAKFAST. 

It  was  ia  no  very  enviable  frame  of  mind  that  the 
Governor  of  Newgate  groped  his  way  back  through  the 
dark  passages  to  his  own  apartments. 

However  much  confidence  he  might  place  in  the 
King's  letter,  yet  he  knew  there  could  not  fail  to  be  » 
tremendous  row  when  Turpin's  absence  was  discovered, 
and  the  eonsequencea  might  be  very  disagreeable  te> 
himself,  though  he  was  sustained  by  the  thought  the* 
in  the  end  all  would  be  welL 

His  rnina  wae  troubled,  too,  respecting  the  egregious 
Wonder  he  had  made  with  regard  to  the  warrant. 

He  was  afraid  that  mistake  would  somehow  or  other 
become  known,  or  the  sheriffs  might  take  it  mto  their 
heads  to  look  at  the  document,  and  then  a  discovery 
would  be  certain.  .     . 

This  would  bring  up  a  fresh  charge  against  him,  for 
he  would  have  to  clear  himself  from  bis  very  culpable 
negligence.  .  ,  . 

When,  therefore,  he  ascended  to  his  bedroom  to 
snateh  an  hour  or  ao's  sleep  before  the  business  of  the 
day  began,  he  was  in  no  humour  to  listen  to  the  rail- 
ings of  hia  wife  ;  and  in  a  short  time  such  a  storm  ol 
words  arose  that  the  Governor  was  obliged  to  retreat 
vanquished  from  the  room— sleep  there  was  quite  ovM 
of  the  question.  . .      ., 

Descending  to  his  office,  he  sat  there  watohing  t 
laykght  as  it  gradually  stole  into  the  r^T«. 


THE   KNIGHT  OP  THE   ROAD. 


1449 


[the  attack  or  THE  police  officers  upon  the  three  spiders  inn.1 


He  went  once  to  the  blind,  and  drew  it  slightly  aside 
to  peep  out. 

He  drew  back  immediately,  somewhat  dismayed  by 
the  immense  concourse  without. 

"  They  will  be  enraged  beyond  all  measure,"  he 
muttered,"  when  they  learn  their  disappointment.  How- 
ever,  the  walls  of  Newgate  are  strong,  and  while  I  am 
within  them  I  shall  be  safe." 

Breakfast  was  brought,  but  Mr.  Bradbury  wa3  too 
excited  to  partake  of  anything. 

He  solaced  himself  with  one  more  perus'ai  of  the  King's 
letter,  which  he  carefully  consigned  to  an  inner  pocket 
of  his  coat. 

It  was  shortly  afterwards  the  intelligence  was  brought 
to  liim  tliat  the  sheriffs  had  arrived. 

It  was  his  duty  to  receive  them,  and  usher  them  into 
the  prison,  so  he  went  forth  accordingly. 

No.  182.— Black  Bsas. 


No.  182. 


Never  before  had  the  Governor  appeared  so  full  of 
urbanity.  ,L 

He  bowed  so  continually  and  so  deeply,  that  it  seemed 
as  if  he  was  unable  to  Btraighten  his  back. 

"Very  good— very  good  !"  said  one  of  the  ehenffs,  in 
a  wheezy  voice,  and  who,  had  >e  not  rejoiced  in  the  sug- 
gestive name  of  Moses  Moses,  would  have  been  known 
by  the  cast  of  his  countenance  to  be  a  descendant  of 
Abraham. 

His  companion  was  a  Mr.  Lupin,  a  silk  mercer  in  the 
City,  whose  premises  having  once  been  broken  into  and 
robbed,  had  caused  him  ever  afterwards  to  be  an  impla- 
cable foe  to  robbers  of  all  kinds,  and  nothing  in  tb», 
world  afforded  him  so  much  genuine  satisfaction  as  t® 
see  one  of  the  race  disposed  of  at  Tyburn. 

"Breakfast  is  ready,  I  suppose,  Bradbury,"  said  Mr. 
Lupin.     "  We  will  sit  down  to  breakfast,  and  then  wa 


Prick  One  Halfpenny. 


MM -J*>  .r 


1450 


BLACK     BESS  ;     OR, 


shall   be  fortified  against  tho  heavy  duties  of  this  day. 
The  prisoner  is  all  right,  I  suppose  ?" 

"  Oh,  ye3 !"  said  the  Governor,  licking  his  lips,  and 
hewing  again  so  as  to  conceal  his  countenance  as  much 
as  possible.  "  I  have  been  most  particular  in  my  charge 
of  him,  and  paid  him  a  visit  in  his  cell  at  midnight,  erd 
left  him  there  quite  safe."       t, 

"  And  were  two  men  outside  the  door  ?" 

"  Yes,71  responded  the  Governor,  "  they  ha1,*  keps  «-~re- 
ful  watch  ever  since." 

"  That's  all  right,  then." 

"Mr.  Lupin,"  said  Mr.  Moses,  "it  strikes  eis  it  would 
be  no  very  bad  thing  if  we  were  to  pay  a  visit  to  the 
cell  the  first  thing — just  a  preliminary  visi,f.  you 
know." 

"  Good — so  we  will !"  responded  his  companion.  "  I 
am  sure  the  sight  of  the  rascal  will  impart  an  extra  relish 
to  every  mouthful  I  eat !" 

The  Governor  began  to  tremble. 

The  moment  of  discovery  had  come. 
'    "  I'll  warrant,"  said  Moses  Moses,  "  that,   with  all  his 
bravado,   this  Turpin  will  not  have  so  good  au  appetite 
for  his  breakfast  as  we  shall — eh,  Lupin  ?" 

"No — no,  decidedly  not,"  responded  that  individual, 
passing  his  arm  through  that  of  his  fellow-sheriff. 

Mr.  Bradbury,  with  a  dreadful  quaking  at  the  heart,  led 
the  sheriffs  to  the  vestibule  of  tho  prison. 

Here  they  found  the  turnkey  who  had  behaved  in  so 
friendly  a  manner  to  Dick,  with  a  huge  tray  of  eatables  in 
bis  hands. 

"  Eh— eh  ?"  said  Moses  Moses.     "  Who's  that  for  ?" 

"What  is  it— what  is  it?"  inquired  the  Governor, 
addressing  the  turnkey. 

"The  prisoner's  breakfast,  if  you  please,  sir,"  he 
answered,  respectfully.  "I  was  just  going  to  take  it 
ia." 

" Dear  me  !"  ejaculated  Lupin.  "  The  idea  of  a  prisoner 
having  such  a  breakfast  as  that !  It's  time  this  state  of 
lyings  was  altered.  Why,  the  rascals  positively  livo  in 
Newgate  like  kings — yes,  like  King»  • 

"  You  can  follow  us,  then,"  said  Mr.  Bradbury  ;  "  we're 
going  to  the  ceil  now." 

To  the  cell  accordingly  ho  morched,  and,  reaching  tho 
door  of  it,  he  found  the  two  turnkeys  much  in  the  same 
position  a3  he  had  left  them  the  night  before. 

They  rose  at  once,  seeing  tho  Governor  and  sheriffs 
approach,  and  bowed  verv  humbly. 

"  All  right  ?"  said  Moses  Moses,  interrogatively — 
"prisoner  all  right,  I  suppose?" 

"Oh,  yes,"  returned  Miller,  with  great  politeness. 
"  We've  never  stirred  a  blessed  peg  from  this  door  since 
the  Governor  left  us." 

"  Thcu  he's  sure  to  be  safe — eh,  Lupin  ?" 

"Yes,  decidedly  safe,  my  dear  sir." 

"  Then,"  cried  Moses  Moses,  "just  open  the  door,  if  you 
please." 

The  Governor  made  a  sign  to  the  two  men  to  remove 
the  fastenings,  trying  hard  all  the  while  to  look  uncon- 
scious of  what  was  about  to  take  place. 

Little  dreaming  of  the  discovery  they  were  about  to 
make,  the  turnkeys  pushed  open  the  door. 

Miller  crossed  the  threshold  with  the  intention  of  warn- 
ing the  prisoner  that  distinguished  visitors  were  about  to 
enter. 

But  no  sooner  had  ne  gone  far  enough  to  enable  him  to 
command  a  view  of  the  whole  interior  of  the  cell  than  he 
stood  like  a  man  suddenly  transformed  to  ice,  while 
ail  that  escaped  his  lips  was  the  remarkable  exclama- 
tion: 

"  Well,  blow  my  higgledy  piggledy  !" 

The  other  turnkey,  guessing  at  once  something  was 
wrong,  jumped  into  the  cell  and  placed  himself  beside  his 
comrade. 

Then,  rolling  his  eyes  around  twice  with  a  terrified  ex- 
pression, he  uttered  a  fearful  yell. 

"  Dear  me !"  said  Moses  Moses.     "  What  is  it  ?" 

"  Au  escape  !"  said  Lupin,  with  a  pang.  "Oh,  there's 
a.u  escape —something  tells  me  there's  an  escape!" 

"  An  escape  ?"  echoed  tho  Governor.  "  Impossible  !  I 
assure  you  I  left  him  here  safe  at  midnight,  as  these  two 
meu  will  testify." 

Unheeding  his  remarks,  the  two  sheriffs  pushed  their 
way  into  the  cell,  where  the  Governor  thought  it  prudent 
to  follow  the;  i. 


It  needed  only  one  glance  to  assure  them  all  th*l  iba 
coll  was  untenanted. 

The  Governor  pretended  to  look  sstoundod. 

"  Well,"  he  ejaculated,  "this  passes  my  comprehension 
altogether.  I  left  him  here  safe  not  many  hours  ago. 
Miller,  don't  you  recollect  that  I  did  ?" 

"Yes,  sir,  I  do.  I  recollect  it  very  well,  and  I  will 
swear  that  since  then  we've  never  inoved  our  backs  from 
the  door !" 

"Then  how  has  he  got  out?"  cried  Mr.  Lupin,  in  such 
evident  distress  thaf  it  was  plain  his  appetite  for  his 
breakfast  had  vanished.  "By  what  means  has  he 
escaped  ?" 

This  led  to  a  close  investigation  of  the  coll,  which,  of 
course,  produced  no  result  except  that  of  convincing  them 
that  all  was  just  as  it  should  be,  p/sd  that  there  was 
nothing  whatever  to  show  by  what  means  the  prisoner 
had  departed 

Had  lie  vanished  into  air  before  their  eyes,  his  disap- 
pearance could  not  have  been  more  extraordinary  or 
complete. 

For  some  moments  the  sheriffs  stood  staring  dumbly 
at  each  other,  the  Governor  in  the  meantime  looking  at 
them  furtively. 

At  length,  in  a  very  pompous  voice,  Mr.  Moses  Moses 
spoke. 

"  Bradbury,"  he  said,"  you  will  have  to  account  for 
this,  and  it's  a  very  odd  thing  to  mo  if  you  dou't  find 
yourself  in  custody  before  the  day  is  out — indeed,  I  have 
a  good  miud  to  give  you  in  charge  now." 

"My  dear  sir,"  said  the  Governor,  almost  falling 
flat  on  Ids  face — "my  dear  sir,  don't  utter  any  such 
words !" 

"  But  he  is  gone,"  said  Mr.  Lupin,  with  a  shriek — "  he  is 
gone,  and  he  has  taken  my  appetito  with  him  !" 

"At  any  rate,"  pursued  Moses  Moses,  "  theso  two  men 
shall  be  carefully  locked  up.  They  shall  answer  for  their 
neglect  of  duty." 

Two  men  more  utterly  astounded  than  were  these  tvr* 
tors Keys  cou^a  not  i     ^M»  be  found. 

The  astonishment  depicted  upon  their  countenance 
was  truly  a  eight  to  look  at. 

Had  they  been  by  some  extraordinary  means  convinced 
that  they  were  hot  in  Newgate,  but  up  in  the  moon, 
they  could  not  have  been  more  incredulous  or  over- 
whelmed. 

Mr.  Lupin  all  at  once  recollected  that  the  Governor 
had  mentioned  paying  the  prisoner  a  visit  at  midnight, 
and  so  he  blade  some  inquiries  on  that  point. 

The  Governor  assured  them  that  he  had  then  left  Dick 
Turpin  quite  safe  in  his  cell,  and  that  when  he  opened 
the  door  and  went  out,  tho  men  had  carefully  fastened 
it. 

This,  however,  did  not  satisfy  the  sheriffs. 

The  more  they  thought  the  matter  over,  and  the  more 
they  inquired  into  it,  the  more  freely  they  became  im- 
pressed with  tho  conviction  that,  the  prisoner  had  made 
his  escape  at  letet  by  the  connivance  of  the  turnkeys, 
if  not  by  that  of  the  Governor  himself. 

At  any  rate,  they  determined  that  a  searching  investiga- 
tion should  be  mail:. 

Mr.  Moses  Moses  started  the  idea  that  Dick  Turpin 
might  still  Is  somewhere  in  the  prison,  and,  unlikely  as 
tins  idea  v.  as,  it  was  seized  upou  gladly  by  the  two 
turnkeys,  who  at  once  desired  that  the  closest  search 
should  be  made. 

They  hoped,  with  all  their  hearts,  fist  Dick  would  be 
found. 

They  knew  their  own  innocence,  but  they  felt  that  it 
would  avail  them  nothing  at  all. 

We  have  overlooked  the  friendly  turnkey,  whose  asto- 
nishment scarcely  exceeded  his  joy  upon  finding  that 
Dick  Turpin  had  so  mysteriously  disappeared,  yet  when 
the  sheriffs  talked  about  searching  the  prison  he  felt  Fear- 
fully uneasy. 

lie  knew,  from  actual  observation,  how  close  wsh  the 
watch  which  the  officers  had  kept  all  around  the  prison. 
and  therefore  felt  certain  that  by  no  possibility  could  Dies 
have  left  its  precincts  unseen. 

Trembling,  therefore,  with  dread,  he  w?.ite<3  with 
great  anxiety  the  reeuit  of  tho  st&rcb  tJu-oufjh  tii« 
prison. 


THE   KNiGtlT    OF   THE   HOAJ). 


1451 


CHAPTER  DOOOLXXXVIII 

DICK  njRPIS  MARTS  AN   UNBXPECTKD   DISCOVERY   IS    OKF. 
OF  THE   CORRGDOKS  OF  O.'/D  NEWMTE. 

The  rapidity  with  which  the  intelligence  spread  ail  o?er 
Newgate  that  Dick  Turpiu  had  mysteriously  disappeared 
from  his  cell  was  something  astonishing. 

From  mouth  to  mouth  the  strange  story  went,  uutfl  in 
the  huge  pile  of  building  there  was  cot  a  single  person 
unacquainted  with  it,  the  prisoners  alone  excepted. 

The  utmost  consternation  was  the  result,  and  many 
were  the  strange,  ridiculous  speculations  indulge^  >**•  sill 
of  which  were  very  far  indeed  from  the  mark. 

Mr.  Moses  Moses  had  quite  decit? 3d  upon  the  necessity 
of  a  search,  and  he  suggested  to  the  Governor  that  until 
the  building  was  thoroughly  looked  over  the  news  of  the 
escape  should  not  bo  suffered  to  reach  the  ears  of  any 
persons  outside. 

The  Governor,  of  course,  readily  fell  into  fe«3  views, 
for  he  had  no  rc.isoa  to  oppose  thein;  consequently,  the 
search  having  been  agreed  upon,  means  were  taken  to  aet 
about  it  without  delay. 

"If  I  might  suggest,  Mr.  Moses,"  said  the  Governor. 

"  Oh,  certainly,  suggest  what  you  like." 

"  Well,  then,  I  would  propose  that  we  all  go  to  the 
vestibule  aud  begin  our  search  from  that  point,  because 
it  is  from  there  that  all  parts  of  Newgate  can  be 
reached." 

This  proposition  seemed  such  a  reasonable  one  that  the 
sheriffs  at  once  adopted  it. 

To  the  vestibule  accordingly  they  went,  and,  the  neces- 
sary keys  having  been  provided,  they  began  their  difficult 
and  tedious  task. 

Yet  they  persevered,  for  the  sheriffs  really  felt  quite  a 
personal  interest  in  the  matter,  and  it  would  have 
vexed  them  exceedingly  had  the  prisoner  got  out  of  their 
clutches. 

Bat  there  is  no  necessity  for  us  to  accompany  them  in 
their  search  through  the  vaults  aud  corridors,  since  we 
know  very  well  that  the  search  could  only  result  la  a 
failure. 

Down  to  the  lowermost  vaults  and  up  on  to  the  top  of 
the  roof  of  the  building  went  the  sheriffs,  the  Governor, 
aud  a  party  of  turnkeys. 

But  nowhere  could  they  discover  a  single  trace  of  jlie 
absent  prisoner. 

■Without  appearing  to  have  any  such  design,  the  Gover- 
nor carefully  avoided  going  to  those  damp,  underground 
cells  communicating  with  old  Nowgate,  and  as  the  ac- 
quaintance of  the  sheriffs  with  the  prison  was  very  super- 
ficial indeed,  they  were  none  the  wiser  in  this  respect — in 
fact,  the  door  at  the  top  of  the  long  flight  of  steps  descend- 
ing to  the  ceils  wa3  always  kept  locked,  and  ths  hey  was 
never  out  of  the  Governor's  possession. 

After  searching  for  upwards  of  an  hour,  the  sheriffs, 
tired,  vexed,  and  hot,  were  obliged  to  come  to  the  con- 
clusion that  by  some  means,  supernatural  or  otherwise, 
the  prisoner  had  vanished. 

It  was  then  that  the  news  was  first  suffered  to  go  forth, 
and  it  was  then  the  assembled  crowds  in  the  Old  Bailey 
outside  learned  the  cause  of  the  delay. 

It  was  then  the  whisper  circulated.' 

"  Dick  Turpin  has  escaped  !" 

His  position,  however,  notwithstanding  the  failure  of 
the  sheriffs  to  discover  his  retreat,  was  by  no  mea"d  a 
comfortable  or  enviable  one. 

For  aught  he  could  tell,  still  closer  search  would  be 
made,  or  so  close  a  watch  might  bo  kept  upon  all  the  out- 
lets of  the  prison  that  he  would  be  uuable  to  get  away. 

All  these  thoughts  pressed  heavily  upon  him  as  he  en- 
deavoured to  while  away  the  time  by  thoroughly  explor- 
ing the  strange  place  he  was  in. 

As  wo  have  already  stated,  he  took  the  pictautidn  of 
making  the  arrow  mark  at  every  few  yards,  so  that  h/9 
should  be  in  no  danger  of  losing  his  way. 

For  a  long  time  he  found  nothing,  however,  to  reiiwa- 
pense  him  for  his  trouble. 

All  at  once,  however,  he  perceived  before  him  some- 
thing rhat  looked  like  a  bright,  glittering  star. 

His  first  impression  was  that  a  huge  diamo/id  ra  ust  be 
lying  in  his  path,  of  such  lustre  that  it  caught  the  faint 
light  from  tne  lamp  he  carried  and  reflected  it  v,  ith  re- 
doubled brilliancy. 


Not  long,  however,  did  he  remain  under  this  iropree* 
sion. 

With  great  suddenness  he  understood  the  cvaaning  cC 
what  he  saw, 

It  was  some  opening  or  other  looking  out  upon  the  day 
Mght — perhaps  some  opening  by  which  he  might  escape. 

To  carry  his  lamp  forward  with  him  towards  this  apei 
tnre  would  have  been  unwise  in  the  extreme,  as  he  woul 
bo  in  great  danger  of  discovery,  nor  could  he  estinguis 
it,  for  he  had  not  the  materials  with  him  to  relight  it. 

All  ho  jould  do  was  to  place  it  down  upon  the  groun 
in   a  spot  where   it   was   sheltered   somewhat   from  th 
draught,  and  then,  w'th  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  light  in 
froE  ',  to  grope  slowly  and  cautiously  towards  it. 

T  is  proceeding  he  carried  out,  and  found  the  distance 
he  had  to  go  much  less  than  he  had  anticipated,  for  the 
opening  was  very  small,  and  as  ho  drew  close  he  per- 
ceived that  it  was  crossed  and  recrossed  by  bars  of 
iron. 

It  was  also  high  up  in  the  wall  above  him,  and  al- 
though ho  could  see  through  it,  yet  he  did  not,  as  ho  ex- 
pected, catch  a  glimpse  of  Use  blue  sky. 

On  the  contrary,  all  he  saw  was  something  looking 
very  much  like  the  roof  cf  some  chamber  in  the 
prison 

All  at  once  he  arrested  his  steps,  for  the  murmur  of 
voices  came  most  distinctly  upon  his  ears. 

Clearly,  then,  ho  was  near  some  portion  of  tho  new 
prison. 

As  persons  were  so  close  at  hand,  there  was  a  doublo 
reason  for  silence  and  caution. 

On  tiptoe,  therefore,  and  pausing  between  every  step, 
ho  crept  nearer  to  the  opening,  hoping  that  he  might 
overhear  some  of  the  conversation  that  was  being  carried 
on. 

He  was  successful,  for,  without  making  any  noise  what- 
ever, he  managed  to  place  himself  close  against  tho  wall, 
just  uuder  the  grated  aperture  we  have  mentioned. 

One  of  the  voices  speaking  ho  immediately  recognised 
as  being  that  of  the  turnkey  who  had  turned  out  so  true  a 
friend  to  him. 

In  the  conversation  itself  there  was  nothing  important 
or  interesting,  chiefly  because  it  did  not  concern  him  or 
his  proceedings. 

Yet  Dick  listened  to  it  intently. 

That  dreadful  feeling  of  loneliness  which  had  settled 
at  his  heart  now  passed  away — he  once  more  felt  a3 
though  he  belonged  to  this  world. 

To  him  there  was  an  inexpressible  pleasure  in  listening 
to  the  rude  voices  and  coarse  jests  of  these  turnkeys. 

After  some  speculation,  Dick  decided  that  he  must  be 
close  to  the  vestibule  of  the  prison,  for  iu  no  other  part 
would  the  turnkeys  be  likely  to  assemble.  As  he  after- 
wards found,  he  came  to  the  correct  conclusion. 

In  former  times  there  had  been  a  door  close  t.K  where 
he  stood,  communicating  with  a  portion  of  the  old  prison, 
but  becoming  disused,  the  door  was  taken  down  and  the 
wall  built  up.  In  its  stead  the  grated  opening  above  for 
some  reason  or  other  was  left. 

Folding  his  arms  and  leaning  against  this  wall,  Dick 
remained  for  some  time. 

He  was  disappointed  at  the  result  of  his  explorations  so 
far,  and  he  felt,  besides,  that  he  would  rather  stay  there 
close  to  human  beings  than  he  would  remain  in  sumo  dark 
lonesome  portion  of  tho  vaults. 

Here,  then,  ho  stood  when  the  Governor  asd  sheriffs 
entered  the  vestibule  as  wo  have  just  described; 

It  may  be  imagined,  perhaps,  with  what  intorost  Dick 
listened  to  all  that  passed  between  them. 

Ho  had  expected  that  Newgate  would  be  searches-.,  -nd 
yet  when  he  found  they  were  setting  about  it  in  such  a 
determined  manner,  he  could  not  control  a  Gonsiderai/i* 
amount  of  nneasiness  i\mt  crept  over  him. 

Bnt  at  length  he  heard  from  the  turnkeys  the   deligfct- 
i  ful  intelligence  that  the  search  had  been  given  «£>  as  al- 
together hopeless,  though  there  was  a  probability  tue.t  it 
tjould  bo  renewed. 

Having  heard  that  much,  Dick  was  content. 

He  found  himself  weary,  too,  of  remaining  s  long  iti 
one  place  and  in  oue  position,  and.  therefore,  tir.Teping 
noiselessly  away,  went  back  to  tne  spot  vvbaSTJ  fee  hsd 
left  his  lamp. 

It  was  burning  steadily  a<id  clearly, 
i  Near  him  was   a  passage  blanching  off  te>  ihe  sSgbt,  tn-' 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 

LIBRARY 


1452 


BLiCE    DJEE8  ;     02, 


this  passaga,  for  want  of  something  better  to  do,  he  deter- 
mined to  e3*»lore. 

But  as  he  i  ~^ode  on  he  found  that  there  was  nothing  at 
a\l  remarkable  in  its  appearance — nothing  to  repay  hini 
for  his  trouble. 

lie  was  about  to  turn  back,  when  his  eye  happened  to 
fall  upon  something  glittering  on  the  ground  near  his 
feet. 

He  stooped  to  pick  it  up,  then  examined  it  by  the  light 
of  the  lamp. 

To  his  surprise  he  saw  it  was  a  small  portion  of  a  gold 
chain  that  had  evidently  been  broken  with  a  great 
amount  of  violence. 

To  one  end  of  this  chain  depended  a  small  locket  of 
peculiar  manufacture,  and  in  which  was  the  portrait  of  a 
young  and  beautiful  girl. 

Dick  gazed  upon  this  portrait  with  very  strange  feel- 
ings indeed,  and  no  wonder. 

Ho  had  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  portion  of 
Newgate  he  was  now  in  had  remained  closed  up  and  un- 
visited  for  nearly  a  hundred  years. 

It  would,  then,  bn  only  natural  for  him  to  expect  to  find 
that  this  young  girl  was  attired  in  the  costume  of  days 
long  gone  by. 

To  his  surprise,  however — though  the  word  is  too  weak 
to  express  the  feeling  he  experienced — he  perceived  that 
her  dress  was  in  every  way  modern — such,  indeed,  as  was 
then  almost  universally  worn. 

Well  might  such  a  discovery  as  this  find  food  for  Tur- 
pin's  thoughts. 

Indeed,  simply  to  find  a  trinket  of  this  description  in 
such  a  place  would  be  strange  enough. 

But  how  came  it  there  ? 

One  thing  he  could  not  possibly  resist,  and  that  was, 
that  it  had  fallen  there  lately. 

Who,  then,  he  asked  himself,  had  traversed  those 
passages  beside  himself — those  passages  which  he  fancied 
had  beon  untrodden  for  so  long  ? 

This  was  a  question  to  which,  of  course,  h«  could  re- 
turn nc  reply,  and  so,  with  a  vacant,  absent  air,  he  con- 
tinued to  turn  the  locket  and  chain  over  and  over,  and 
every  now  and  then  would  pause  to  gaze  upon  the  sweet, 
innocent  face  that  had  been  painted  there. 

Rousing  himself  at  length  from  his  reflections,  Dick 
carefully  consigned  the  locket  to  his  pocket,  thso,  trim- 
ming the  lamp,  he  held  it  aloft  so  that  its  light  should  be 
well  diffused,  and  looked  around  him  in  all  directions 
with  uncommon  closeness  and  eagerness. 

Nothing,  however,  met  hi-  gaze,  but  the  strong,  damp, 
stone  walls  and  the  little  doorways  which  at  frequent 
intervals  broke  in  upon  their  evenness. 

"This  is  strange  indeed,"  he  muttered,  as  he  took  a 
step  forward,  "  but  it  will  be  an  odd  thing  to  me  if  I  don't 
come  to  some  definite  conclusion  respecting  it." 


CHAPTER  DCCCLXXXIX. 

IN  WHICH  DICK  TURPIN   HAS  SOME    FURTHER   ABVBNTU3ES 
IN  THE  CORRIDORS  OF  OLD  NEWGATE. 

Continuing  to  look  around  him  thus  closely,  Dick  Tur- 
pin  slightly  advanced  until,  having  gone  about  half-a- 
dozen  paces,  he  found  the  character  of  the  place  he  was 
in  altogether  changed. 

The  passage  abruptly  terminated  in  a  large,  peculiarly- 
shaped  chamber,  and  which,  after  a  brief  examination,  he 
concluded  must  at  some  time  or  o*her  have  served  as  a 
vestibule. 

Doors  could  be  seen  opening  from  it,  and  passages 
branching  off  <umilar  to  the  one  from  which  he  had  just 
emerged. 

The  roof  of  this  chamber  gradually  got  higher  towards 
the  centre,  and,  having  paused  as  nearly  as  ha  could  tell 
in  the  middle,  Dick  held  up  the  lamp  and  endeavoured  to 
ascertain  its  height. 

This,  however,  he  was  nut  ablp  to  do,  for  overhead  he 
could  see  nothing  but  a  huge  biacK  pavib. 

Looking  down  again  upon  tbo  ground,  thinking  per- 
haps to  find  some  other  fragment  of  the  broken  chain,  he 
suddenly  started 

A  strange  expression  swept  over  his  face,  and  he 
seemed  iuclined  to  turn  aside. 

But  changing  his  disposition,  he  stooped  dowv. 

The  rays  of  the  lamp  then  fell  upon  an  object  well  cal- 


culated to  make  the  senses  of  the  boldest  sicken  \}i<a 
horror. 

On  the  ground  was  a  large  spot  of  blood  seareely  dry 
yet  in  some  places,  but  evidently  fast  soaking  fcito  and 
mingling  with  the  damp  earth. 

Marvelling  more  and  more  at  what  he  saw,  and  feeling 
now  fearfully  anxious  to  unravel  the  whole  mystery, 
Dick,  keeping  the  lamp  close  to  the  ground,  tried  to  traca 
the  blood  close  to  another  spot. 

But  in  this  he  failed  completely. 

There  was  no  clue  to  it  whatever. 

But  before  him  was  a  passage  which  seemed  to  iavite 
him  to  enter  it — at  any  rate,  he  strode  quickly  foiwa*  d  and 
commenced  an  exploration  of  it 

Less  than  ton  strides  brought  him  to  the  termination  of 
it. 

His  further  progress  was  barred  by  a  done. 

This  door  was  old,  worm-eaten,  and  seemed  as  though 
it  would  only  require  a  slight  touch  to  push  it  from  its 
frame. 

On  the  side  upon  which  Turpin  stood,  it  wim  secured 
by  bars  and  bolts,  and  these,  after  some  deliberation  with 
himself,  and  after  listening  for  awhile  and  finding  all 
silent,  Dick  ventured  to  remove. 

Pressing  gently  against  the  door,  he  found  it  opened  to 
his  touch. 

Beyond  all  was  darkness. 

He  listened  again.  But,  reassured  by  the  silence,  crossed 
the  threshold. 

How  great  was  his  wonder  to  find  himself  in  what  he 
firmly  believed  from  its  appearance  to  be  the  cellar  of  a 
house. 

In  this  he  might  have  been  mistaken,  but  soon  all  his 
doubts  and  surmises  were  set  at  rest,  for  going  to  the  foot 
of  a  flight  of  steps  that  led  down  into  it,  he  stood  and 
heard  distinctly  the  sound  of  voices  above. 

The  tones  were  quite  unfamiliar  to  him,  and  he  was 
quite  certain  that  it  was  none  of  the  turnkeys  of  Newgate 
he  heard  conversing,  besides,  a  woman's  voice  mingled 
with  the  others. 

The  light  he  carried  with  him  prevented  him  from  ob- 
serving earlier  what  now  came  under  his  notice,  which 
was  that  there  was  a  small  grating  in  one  portion  of  the 
wall,  through  which  a  few  gieauis  of  light  made  their, 
way. 

Placing  the  lamp  aside,  ho  went  close  up  to  this  grating, 
and  peered  through  it. 

In  front  was  a  small  square,  recess-like-looking  place, 
at  the  top  of  which  he  could  distinguish  another  grating, 
lying  in  a  horizontal  position. 

Now,  however,  that  he  had  reached  this  place,  he  re- 
ceived additional  confirmation  of  his  idea,  for  he  could 
hear  the  sound  of  many  footsteps  hurrying  by  above,  as 
well  as  the  rumbling  of  wheels  and  the  trampling  of 
horses'  feet. 

Clearly,  then,  he  was  somewhere  near  a  street,  and  be- 
yond all  doubt  he  was  in  the  cellar  of  a  house  which 
must  mysteriously  and  strangely  have  a  communication 
with  Newgate. 

Retracing  his  footsteps,  Dick  closed  the  door,  aa3  ex- 
amined it. 

The  fastenings  were  all  upon  the  prison  cvie  0f  tiie 
door,  and  he  felt  certain  that  very  many  years  had  elapsed 
since  these  fastenings  had  been  removed. 

This  blew  to  the  winds  the  hypothesis  that  he  had 
jlready  raised  in  his  mind  to  account  for  the  discoveries 
he  had  made. 

If  the  fastenings  had  been  removable  by  anyone  in  the 
cellar,  the  solution  to  the  whole  mystery  would  have 
been  easy ;  but  he  felt  perfectly  confident  that  it  would 
be  utterly  impossible  for  anyone  to  pass  from  the  cellar 
into  the  prison  without  resorting  to  the  violent  means  of 
breaking  down  the  door. 

This  palpably  had  never  been  dona,  so  he  was  now 
quite  as  much  in  the  dark  as  ever. 

Replacing  the  bars,  and  pushing  the  boHs  into  their 
rusty  sockets,  ho  retraced  his  stops  into  *•!•«  largo  cham- 
ber. 

Again  he  endeavoured  to  asoer^ia  the  height  of  the 
roof,  but  the  lamp  now  burned  maeh  more  dimly  than 
before,  so  that  he  met  with  no  success — indeed,  the  con- 
dition of  the  light  alarmed  \iim  a  little,  and  upon  examina- 
tion he  found  that  only  &  small  quantity  of  oil  reo»e*a*d 
■n  the  reservoir  made  iy  contain  iX. 


IHB   KNIGHT    0»r   THE   EO-VD. 


H5I 


Perhaps  the  flanse  "weald  expire  fn  a  few  minutes.  "  Excuse  ine,"  continued  Dick,  "  but  I  will.     Now,  1 

At  any  rate,  it  could  not  burn  long,  and,  much  as  it    don't  think  you  will  be  displeased  to  hear  that  I  fancy  1 

▼exed  him  to  leave  the  spot,  he  felt  constrained  to  do  so,      nail  be  able  to  make  my  escape  from  the  prison  without 

as  to  find  his  way  back  to  the  door  where  the   Governc*  I    v>ur  connivance  or  assistance" 

would  expect  to  soe  him  would  be  perfectly  impo"*"1^  ia  |      "  Indeed !     How  so  ?" 

the  darkness.  y       '•  Why,  in  my  explorations  through  these  corridors,  I 


Accordingly  he  retraced  his  steps,  and,  owing  to  tao 
excellent  precautions  he  had  taken  in  marking  hii  Kate, 
he  had  not  the  least  difficulty  in  doing  this. 

The  door  was  reached,  but  scarcely  had  he  arrived  at 
it  than  the  lamp,  after  flickering  a  moment  or  tvrru  ex- 
pired. 

He  was  now  in  the  most  absolute  darkness,  ancr  alto- 
gether without  the  means  of  dispersing  it. 

Nothing  remained  for  him  to  do  but  to  stay  just 
where  he  was,  and  count  the  seconds  as  they  elapsed. 

How  earnestly  he  longed  for  night  to  come,  in  order 
that  the  Governor  might  make  his  appearance. 

He  could  not  dare  to  reflect  upon  the  contingency  that 
some  circumstance  might  arise  to  make  it  impossible  for 
Mr.  Bradbury  to  pay  his  promised  visit. 

It  would  be  bad  enough  to  consider  the  evil  when  it 
presented  itself. 

Dick  was  very  weary,  and  a  long  time  had  elapsed 
6ince  he  had  slept. 

A  drowsy  feeling  now  came  over  him — perhaps  caused 
by  the  badness  of  the  atmosphere. 

He  did  not  attempt  to  struggle  against  it.  but,  sinking 
down  in  a  curious,  uncomfortable-looking  posture,  dropped 
off  into  a  profound  slumber. 

Strange  dreams  flitted  before  him,  in  which  the  curious 
and  fearful  discoveries  he  had  made  held  a  prominent 
place. 

How  long  he  would  have  slept  if  left  to  himself  would 
be  a  problem  difficult  of  solution,  but  all  at  once  he  was 
aroused  by  a  slight  noise,  and,  opening  his  eyes,  he  saw 
the  door  open  immediately  afterwards,  and  perceived  the 
Governor  standing  on  the  threshold  with  a  lamp f  in  his 
hand,  the  brilliancy  of  which  absolutely  dazzled  him. 

That  was  only  because  he  had  been  for  such  a  long 
time  in  total  darkness,  and  it  was  a  feeling  that  quickly 
passed  away. 

There  was  a  look  of  anxious  care  upon  Mr.  Bradbury's 
countenance,  such  as  Dick  had  never  seen  upon  it  be- 
fore. 

"  You  are  safe,  I  see,"  was  his  first  remark. 

"Yes,  safe  enough,"  returned  Dick,  shaking  himself. 
"  I  have  been  asleep — I  don't  know  how  long,  for  the 
lamp  burned  out  and  left  me  in  darkness." 

The  Governor  stared  in  surprise. 

He  could  scarcely  conceive  of  sleeping  in  aish  a 
place. 

But  Dick  was  anxious  to  know  what  was  going  on  in 
the  world  above,  and  questioned  him  accordingly. 

The  Governor  had  but  little  to  tell,  and  nothing  that 
he  said  was  very  satisfactory. 

A  tremendous  outcry  had  been  raised  by  the  police  and 
all  the  authorities,  and  the  prevalent  idea  in  the  minds  of 
all  was  that  he  was  still  concealed  somewhere  in  ths  pri- 
son. 

"I  had  hoped,"  the  Governor  said,  "  that  I  should  be 
able  to  release  you  to-night,  and,  for  all  I  know,  it  might 
be  accomplished  ;  yet  there  is  such  an  amount  of  hazard 
connected  with  it  that  I  cannot  help  shrinking  back." 

"  Indeed  !"  said  Dick.     "  You  fear  you  will  be  seen  ?" 

"  I  do  ;  not  exactly  that  I  need  care  much  for  the  con- 
sequences, but  still,  the  letter  expressly  states  that  you 
were  to  be  liberated  secretly." 

"  Yes ;  and  it  must  be  secretly,"  said  Dick,  "  or,  rely 
upon  it,  I  shall  be  pounced  upon  at  once." 

Dick  began  to  reflect  a  little. 

Perceiving  him  to  be  silent,  the  Governor  took  from 
ms  pocket  a  small  package. 

*'  I  guessed  you  would  be  hungry,"  he  said,  Msa<2  so  I 
have  brought  you  something  to  eat.  B?re  is  another 
bottle  of  brandy  to  wash  it  doVu  with,  so  you  must  maKe 
yourself  as  comfortable  as  you  can,  and  wait  until  there 
is  a  chance  of  getting  free." 

"  Mr.  Bradbury,"  returned  Dick,  "  I  am  much  obliged 
to  you  for  all  that  you  have  done  in  my  behalf— Tory 
much  obliged  to  you  indeed,  and  rest  assured  I  shall  not 
forget  it.  I  should  be  very  sorry,  too,  to  get  j&a  ixsio 
any  trouble  on  my  account." 

**Oh,M  said  the  Governor,  "don't  mention  HP 


have  found  a  door  that,  strangely  enough,  communicates 
with  the  cellar  of  a  house  which,  from  the  position  of  it, 
\mst  be,  I  take  it,  somewhere  near  Newgate  Market." 

"Indeed!"  said  the  Governor.  "I  never  k#ard  of 
suoh  a  thing.     Have  you  not  been  dreaming  ?" 

41  No,  I  think  not ;  but,  however,  if  you  will  leave  me  the 
lamp  you  carry,  and  take  away  this  one,  which  has  burnt 
out,  I  will  try  what  I  can  do  towards  effecting  my  own 
release.  If  I  succeed,  all  well  and  good — you  will  soon 
hear  of  me ;  if  I  fail,  you  will  find  me  close  to  the  door 
her*,  and  I  shall  then  be  obliged  to  look  to  you  for  my 
safety." 

The  Governor  remained  for  some  moments  in  reflec- 
tion. 

"  If  this  is  really  the  case,"  he  exclaimed,  at  length,  "  1 
shall  be  heartily  rejoiced,  since  I  shall  have  nothing  fur- 
ther to  fear  from  those  who  may  take  it  into  their  heads 
to  watch  my  movements.  I  will  leave  you,  then,  since 
you  wish  it,  to  your  own  exertions,  and  to-morrow  night 
about  this  time  I  will,  if  it  lies  in  my  power,  creep  down 
to  this  door,  and,  if  I  find  you  are  not  here,  I  shall  come 
at  once  to  the  conclusion  that  you  have  managed  to  avail 
yourself  of  the  mode  of  escape  you  speak  of." 

CHAPTER  DCCCXC. 

DICK     TURPIN     IS    SURPRISED    TO     FIND  THAT     HE     IS  WOT 
ALONE  IN   OLD   NEWGATE. 

"Just  so,"  said  Turpin.  "And  in  case  I  should  be  gone, 
as  I  hope  I  shall  be,  just  let  me  remind  you  about  that 
substantial  recognition  I  was  talking  about." 

"  Oh,"  replied  the  Governor,  briskly,  "  there's  no  need 
to  remind  me  about  that — none  whatever,  I  can  assure 
you!" 

"Very  likely  not,"  said  Dick,  smiling,  "but  I  only 
just  mentioned  it  in  order  that  I  might  give  you  a  cau- 
tion." 

"A  caution?  Of  what  kind?"  asked  the  Governor, 
his  timorous  nature  being  at  once  awoke  to  danger. 

"  Why,  it  is  simply  this :  I  would  advise  you  not  to 
take  any  active  steps  for  finding  what  is  hidden  under 
the  old  tree  for,  say,  a  week  at  least." 

"  And  may  I  ask  why  ?"  said  the  Governor,  after  a 
pause. 

"  You  may — I  have  no  objection  to  telling  you." 

"  Why   is  it,  then  ?" 

"  Because  1  think  it  highly  probable  that  for  some  time 
to  come  your  movements  will  bo  closely  watched  by  the 
police  officers — mind  you,  I  don't  say  they  will  bo  :  I  only 
think  it  probable,  for  some  of  them  are  such  dunder- 
headed  fellows  that  they  might  get  hold  of  the  notion 
that  you  were  an  accomplice  of  mine,  which  would  be  a 
very  good  joke  indeed." 

The  Governor  laughed,  but  rather  grimly. 

"At  any  rate,"  added  Turpin,  quiekly,  "it  would  not 
be  well  for  anyone  to  become  acquainted  with  this  secret 
besides  yourself." 

"  No,  no — I  can  quite  see  the  foroe  of  that. 

"Then,"  added  Turpin,  "may  we  conclude  that  it  is 
agreed  you  will  not  pay  your  visit  to  Hampstead  for  the 
spaco  of  a  week  ?" 

"  Yes,"  answered  the  Governor,  with  something  liko  a 
sigh,  for  no  doubt  he  was  both  anxious  and  curious  to 
know  what  kind  of  substantial  recognition  he  was  about 
to  receive. 

Dick's  real  motive  for  making  this  bargain  did  not  for 
a  moment  strike  him. 

It  was,  however,  simply  because  he  knew  very  well  no 
fcmih  troasuro  was  buried  among  the  roots  of  the  tree  he 
described,  though  he  intended  to  place  a  reward  there  for 
the  Governor  to  find. 

He  could  not  tell  what  might  happen  to  htm  in  the 
oourse  of  the  next  day  or  two,  and  if  the  Governor  got 
to  the  tree  before  him  it  would  be  vexing  in  more  than 
one  respeot ;  at  any  rate,  it  v  *ild  seem  as  though  he 
had  spoken  falsely. 

Now,  however,  this  was  an\#ged,  and  Diokfelt  quite 
contented  and  easy  upon  the  point. 


1454 


BLACK    M  SS  ;    OR, 


la  conclusion,  the  Governor  said  : 

"And  now,  if  you  will  allow  me  to  give  you  a  little 
piece  of  advice,  and  ask  you  to  follow  it,  don't  think  it  is 
given  from  a  wish  to  get  out  of  any  further  trouble  ^i-h 
you." 

"I  would  nover  think  such  a  tiriug,"  said  Tnrpin. 
"Pray  what  is  it?  lam  most  anxious  to  hear  anything 
you  may  have  to  communicate." 

"  Well,  then,  caudidly  speaking,  if  you  can  manage  »y 
your  own  adroitness  to  get  clear  of  Newgate  to-night  do 
not  fail  to  do  so." 

"I  wijl  not,"  was  Dick's  reply,  spokeD  with  e^an  more 
earnestness  than  the  Governor's  instruction. 

"  The  reason  why  I  advise  it,*1  pursued  Mr.  Br&ii£«ry, 
"is  that  there  is  great  talk  of  a  thorough  search  through 
the  prison.  Hitherto  I  have  been  able  to  keep  them  from 
this  part  of  if,  but  to-morrow  some  one  may  step  forward 
who  knows  all  the  secrets  of  this  edifice,  and  a  thorough 
search,  in  the  proper  sense  of  the  term,  will  be  made,  in 
which  event,  should  you  be  lingering  here,  you  would  be 
in  great  danger  of  discovery." 

"All  right,"  oaid  Dick—"  I  take  the  hint." 

"Audi  will  depart,"  concluded  the  Governor,  "for  I 
am  desirous  not  to  be  absent  fro  n  my  post  for  any  length 
of  time  together.  My  whole  thoughts  are  given  to  avoid 
giving  cause  for  suspicions,  if  I  can." 

"  Very  prudent  indeed." 

The  Governor  stooped,  and,  putting  down  the  lamp  he 
had  brought  with  him,  the  reservoir  of  which  ho  assured 
the  highwayman  contained  a  good  supply  of  oil,  he  took 
up  the  extinguished  one,  and  said: 

"  Good  night !" 

"Farewell!"  responded  Dick,  shaking  him  by  the 
hand.  "I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  all  you  have  done, 
and  I  hope  I  shall  not  have  the  pleasure  of  meeting  you 
again  within  these  walls." 

The  Governor  smiled,  and  then,  evidently  wishful  to 
take  his  departure,  stepped  out  into  the  outer  corridor, 
fastening  up  the  door  as  before,  and,  in  spite  of  the  dark- 
ness, mada  his  way  back  to  his  own  apartments  without 
accident. 

Dick  felt  loath  for  the  Governor  to  go,  and,  indeed, 
shortly  afterwards  wished  he  had  the  power  to  recall  him, 
but  it  was  too  late. 

Getting  into  as  comfortable  a  position  as  he  could,  Dick 
partook  cl  the  refreshment  the  Governor  had  brought, 
and  drank  a  small  quantity  of  the  brandy,  after  which  he 
Felt  greatly  revived,  and  ready  to  embark  in  any  adventure 
that  might  present  itself  beforo  him. 

Ho  remained  for  some  moments  after  ho  had  finished 
his  meal  resting  his  forehead  on  his  hand,  and  giving 
himself  up  to  deep  thought. 

Then,  rousing  himself,  he  took  from  his  pocket  the 
locket  and  chain  he  had  so  strangely  found. 

Once  more  this  underwent  a  thorough  inspection,  but 
nothing  more  was  seen  than  he  had  seen  already. 

He  dwelt  for  a  long  time  upon  the  pleasing  features  of 
the  young  girl,  and,  as  he  returned  the  trinket  to  his 
pocket,  he  mentally  made  a  vow  to  use  his  best  endea- 
vours to  discover  how  and  by  what  means  it  had  fallen 
where  ho  had  found  it. 

Rising,  then,  and  carefully  removing  all  traces  of  his 
presence  there,  Dick  took  up  the  lamp,  and,  with  tolerable 
certainty  and  confidence,  made  his  way  towards  the 
irregularly-shaped  chamber,  upon  the  floor  of  which  ap- 
peared so  terrible  and  ominous  a  sign. 

Again  he  made  a  close  examination  of  this  place,  with- 
out, however,  making  any  fresh  discovery  except  that  the 
increased  illumination  of  the  lamp  enabled  him  to  obtain 
k  view  of  the  coiling,  a  thing  he  had  eo  uiatioue^j  eSs- 
sire.d. 

Instead  of  finding  that  the  roof  continued  to  tiiG^s  up- 
wards to  a  point,  as  ho  fully  exported  it  would,  fie  saw 
that  across  the  upper  part  cf'it  was  laid  what  looked  like 
a  wooden  flooring  supported  en  two  joiutsi  or  beams, 
which,  blackened  all  over  by  lime,  wore  only  j»vst  distiu  • 
guishable  from  the  darkness  around  them. 

While  thus  gazing  up,  a  faint  sound  from  above  reached 
Lis  ears;  yet  it  was  a  sound,  and  that  it  came  from  the 
woodon  floor  above  he  felt  convinced. 

Doubtless  human  beings  were  at  hand,  and,  'as  he  might 
consider  that  all  men  were  at  war  with  him,  he  was  riu;ht 
In  fearing  detection.    ^ 

fiJ3  first  impulse,  therefore,  was  to  extinguish  the  lamp. 


and  tfhis  ho  would  most  certainly  have  done,  oniy  ho  re- 
collected just  in  time  that  he  had  not  the  means  with 
him  of  reigniting  it. 

Yet  the  light  of  that  lamp  might  show  itself  through 
<«ny  small  crevices  that  there  might  be  between  the  boards, 
and  thus  his  presence  become  known. 

Accordingly,  without  pausing  to  reflect,  but  urged  only 
by  an  instinct  which  ho  did  not  attempt  to  resist,  Dick 
hastily  retreated  down  one  of  the  corridors,  and, 
having  gone  far  enough  as  ho  imagined,  stooped  down, 
and  placed  the  lamp  in  one  of  the  recessed  doorways. 

Its  light  was  now  almost  entirely  cut  off. 

But  just  at  this  moment  Dick  started  and  almost 
uttered  a  cry. 

Ic  was  only  by  a  great  effort  of  self-command  that  ha 
repressed  it. 

The  profound  silence  around  was  suddenly  broken  in 
upon  by  a  sound,  the  nature  of  which  he  could  not  pre- 
cisely make  out,  followed  by  a  rushing  noise  as  of  some 
heavy  body  falling  through  space. 

Then  sscceeded  a  dull,  heavy  crash,  and  simultaneously 
a  groan. 

Dick's  first  thought  was  that  his  imagination  had  de- 
ceived him,  but  he  was  not  allowed  long  to  retain  this 
impression,  for  another  groan  camo  fainter  but  more  un- 
mistakably than  the  first. 

Wondering  what  could  have  occurred,  and  undecided 
how  to  act — for  if  he  ventured  forth  with  the  lamphe  might 
be  seen — Dick  remained  for  a  moment  or  two  a  prey  to  the 
greatest  suspense. 

faring  that  period  he  continued  to  hear  the  faint  yet 
pusfu!  groans,  and,  unable  to  remain  a  passive  listener 
any  longer,  he,  in  spite  of  the  obscurity,  crept  gently 
along  the  passage. 

The  distance  to  tho  chamber  was  not  great,  and  upon 
passing  over  it  he  stopped  and  locked  upwards. 

Ho  almost  expected  to  see  something  peculiar  up  in 
the  roof,  but  he  perceived  nothing— at  least,  nothing  but 
darkness. 

The  lamp  behind  him,  however,  east  a  feeble  gleam  of 
light  along  the  damp,  moss-grown  flooring,  and  Dick 
strained  his  eyes  in  the  hope  of  being  able  to  distinguish 
something. 

While  thus  engaged,  he  heard  a  voice  say,  though  in 
tones  no  louder  than  the  faintest  whisper: 

"  Help — help,  for  Heaven's  sake,  help  me !  Hnva 
mercy  upon  me — pray  have  mercy  upon  me  !" 

There  was  no  mistaking  tho  character  of  this  ap^tol. 

Some  one  was  lying  there  dangerously  hurt,  asking  fer 
assistance. 

Dick  hesitated  a  second,  and  then,  in  tho  same  low 
tones,  answered  : 

"Speak — speak  again,  that  I  may  know  where  you  aro, 
and  grope  my  way  towards  you  !  Speak  again  !  Why  Co 
you  not  reply  to  me  ?" 

The  silence  of  the  grave,  however,  reigned  around. 

Dick  felt  more  and  more  uneasy  every  moment,  bat, 
shaking  off  these  fears  which  he  despised  himself  for 
giving  way  to,  ho  sank  down  upon  his  hands  and  knee  a, 
and,  with  one  arm  outstretched  before  him,  crept  slowly 
along  the  flooring. 

His  motive  for  this  proceeding  was,  that  ho  considered 
it  would  be  dangerous  to  produce  the  light,  lest  it  should 
be  seen  by  some  unfriendly  eye. 

Some  time  elapsed  before  ho  was  able  to  make  out  a 
dark,  dusky-looking  mass  in  front  of  him,  and  ho  would 
nover  have  perceived  it  but  for  the  faint  gleam  of  tferfi 
lamp  which  we  have  already  referred  to. 

Again  he  spoke,  but,  as  before,  he  met  with  no  response. 

Crawling  forward  a  few  more  paces,  he  stretched  cut 
his  arm  and  touched  the  dusky  form. 

It  was  evidently  that  of  a  k«nm  being. 

The  feel  of  the  apparel  also  told  him  it  w?3  a  m-aa, 
and  at  the  same  time  he  di  jcovered  he  was  either  dea.i  or 
insensible. 

Dink  uo  longer  hesitated  how  to  act. 

L.  xellow-creaturo  was  in  difficulty  and  &£&gta,  fci-3  II 
wa3  a  natwral  instinct  on  his  part  to  assl.    him. 

Seizing  him  by  the  shoulders,  theiij  he  dragged  him 
elowly  along  towards  the  entrance  of  tho  corridor  wiw« 
he  had  left  the  lamp 

He  paused  once  or  twice  to  ra  t  sad  to  listen. 

But  tho  deep  silence  roassurwl  him,  though  at  lit* 
same  time  it  made  him  feel  strangely  uocoailorts-'is. 


THE   KNIGHT   OS  THE  ROAD. 


ItS 


Having  entered  the  passage,  however,  he  proceeded 
with  greater  confidence. 

Bo  was  full  of  the  most  intense  curiosity  to  know  who 
this  strange  being  could  be,  and  by  what  means  he  had 
bo  suddenly  and  awfully  made  bis  appearance  in  that 
portion  of  Newgate  which  Dick  had  Jwli»7ed  was  &evar 
trodden  by  L^uian  foot. 

CHAPTER    DCCCXCI. 

KCK  TURl'LN  li  THE  AUDITOR  OF  A    .MOST    EXlRAC-SSSPiSStt 
NARRAT1  VK. 

Hayino  dragged  the  stranger  aa  far  as  tflj  lunp,  Wick 
Turpiu  laid  him  down  upon  his  back,  and  by  the  r.id  of 
the  light  looked  attentively  at  his  countenance. 

It  was  ono  pleasing  enough  to  look  upon,  for  if  its 
aspect  could  be  taken  as  an  indix  for  the  stranger's  cha- 
racter, then,  surely,  he  was  of  a  noble  nature  and  of  a 
most  generous  disposition. 

But  his  handsome  features  now  appeared  quite  rigid, 
as  though  frozeu  by  death,  and  his  eyes  only  half  closed, 
and  his  partially-opened  mouth  seemed  to  make  it  still 
more  certain  that  he  had  expired. 

It  might  be,  however,  that  he  had  only  swooned  in 
consequence  of  the  fearful  injuries  he  must  have  received 
from  tailing  from  so  great  a  height, 

Dick  sincerely  hoped  that  this  would  prove  the  case, 
for  it  would  have  been  a  bitter  disappointment  to  have 
been  debarred  from  learning  the  occasion  of  the  stranger's 
presence. 

Remembering  the  bottle  of  brandy  he  had  in  hia  pocket, 
he  drew  it  forth  and  poured  a  small  quantity  in  between 
the  youug  man's  lips. 

At  first  no  effect  could  be  perceived,  but  soon  there 
was  a  flutter,  then  a  struggle  and  painft-j  g?.sps  for 
breath. 

Dick  half  raised  him  into  a  sitting  posture,  and  then,  to 
his  great  satisfaction,  he  perceived  a  portion  of  the 
brandy  had  been  swallowed. 

He  instantly  applied  more,  which  was  drunk  ceg£r!y, 

"Sir — sir,"  cried  Dick,  "whoever  you  maybe,  r-1  <?! 
good  heaitl  I  will  defend  and  assist  you  to  the  uicir- 
most." 

"Ah!"  said  the  stranger,  dreamily,  and  drawicg  his 
hand  across  his  forehead  while  he  spoke,  " is  it  possible 
that  1  have  found  a  friend  ?" 

"  It  is  not  only  possible  but  quke  true,"  responded 
Turpin,  as  cheerfully  as  he  was  able.  "D'>  you  not  feel 
much  better  ?     Would  yon  like  more  brandy?" 

"Yes,  I  feel  better — very  much  better.  But  no  brandy 
just  at  present — I  want  to  think." 

Dick  remained  silent,  and  tho  stranger  cte^ed  his 
eyes. 

It  was  tolerably  certain  that  he  was  endeavouring  to 
collect  his  scattered  thoughts  and  to  remember  where  he 
was  and  how  he  came  there. 

All  at  once  he  uttered  an  ejaculation,  and  in  the  same 
breath  asked  where  he  was. 

"That  I  will  tell  you  presently,"  said  Dick,  "when 
you  have  recovered  yourself  a  little  more.  My  presence 
here  is  one  of  the  strangest  things  in  the  world,  excepting, 
of  course,  your  own,  for  I  believed  this  place  was  never 
entered  by  human  beings." 

These  words  seemed  to  puzzle  the  stranger  exceed- 
ingly. 

He  was  clearly  fast  getting  better,  for  he  was  now  Q&k) 
to  sit  up  without  Dick's  assistance. 

He  moved  himself  a  little  closer  to  tho  wall,  however, 
and  rested  his  back  against  it. 

Then,  in  a  dreamy,  half-sleepy  fashion,  he  fixed  his 
eyes  upon  Turpin  as  though  wondering  who  Si8  «x>u!d 
be. 

"  Kouse  yourself,  sir,"  said  Dick,  perceiving  tho  state 
into  which  he  was  falling — "  let  ae  entreat  you  to  rouse 
yourself,  for  this  is  no  place  i:i  which  to  linger.  I  wish  to 
leave  as  soon  as  possible,  yet  I  am  determined  not  to  de- 
part until  you  are  able  to  accompan/  me.1 

"Who  are  you,"  asked  the  stranger,  "that  you  snould 
take  so  deep  and  great  an  interest  in  a  person  I  believe 
yon  have  never  seen  before  ?" 

"  No  matter  who  I  am,"  said  Turpin—"  I  am  ready  to 
do  all  that  lies  in  the  power  st  a  human  being  to  assist 
and  recover  you." 

M  Bat  from  what  motive  ?" 


"  Humanity  and,  I  confess  it,  a  deep  curiosity  to  ki  oft 
by  what  means  you  reached  this  place." 

The  stranger  glanced  arouud  him  at  tho  dark,  dripping 
walls,  and  by  his  manner  it  seemed  as  though  he  was  sz 
much  in  the  dark  in  this  respect  as  Turpiu  himself. 

"  You  have  a  right  to  my  confidence,"  said  the  stranger 
|  after  a  pause,  and  speaking  in  a  more  mournful  tone  of 
I  r®ioe  than  he  had  done  hitherto,  "  besides,  my  story  oaa- 
I  sot  be  too  often  repeated,  since  I  have  all  to  gain  by  tho 
!  publicity  of  it,  and  everything  to  lose  by  keeping  it  a 
{  secret* ' 

** Indeed,"  said  Dick.  "You  inflame  my  curiosity.  If  I 
can  ass*ist  ycra  farther,  believe  mo,  I  am  at  your  com- 
mands, for  I  do  not  hesitate  to  say  that,  over  aud  above 
all  these  peculiar  circumstances,  there  is  something  ia 
your  appearance  that  has  wonderfully  interested  me  on 
your  behalf." 

The  stranger  inclined  his  head  and  smiled. 

"  The  time  will  not  be  altogether  lost,"  ho  said,  "  that  I 
shall  consume  with  my  relation,  for  while  I  am  speaking 
I  trust  I  shall  get  stronger  and  better,  and,  by  the  time  I 
have  concluded,  bo  able  to  leave  this  place." 

"So  do  I,"  said  Dick,  "and  I  have  no  doubt  wo  shall 
bo  successful." 

"  I  will  begin,  then,  by  telling  you,"  said  the  stranger, 
"  that  tho  strongest  feeling  or  passion  that  1  have  yet 
knowu  litis  been  that  of  friendship — friendship  for  one  I 
have  known  almost  as  long  as  I  can  recollect — one  who 
has  been  to  me  more  than  a  brother,  who  is  far  dearer  to 
me  than  any  brother  could  be,  although  I  have  none. 

"  In  our  youth  our  stations  in  life  were  much  the  same 
— that  is  to  say,  we  were  possessed  of  a  little,  but  not 
enough  to  live  npon  without  exercising  our  own  in- 
dustry 

"  The  very  first  disagreement — if  so  1  may  term  it — 
that  took  placo  between  myself  and  my  friend  was  when 
the  time  came  for  us  to  make  choice  of  our  professions. 

I"  You  must  understand  that  there  was  no  similarity  of 
temperament  between  us,  which,  for  aught  I  know,  might 
have  been  the  cause  of  our  friendship. 
{  "  But  from  his  birth — as  I  may  say — my  friend,  Leonard 
Wilton,  had  had  a  passion  for  tho  sea,  and  he  always 
maintair-~d  that,  come  what  would,  he  would  be  a 
sailor. 

"  Now,  on  my  part,  I  had  the  greatest  possible  aversion 
to  a  se;  "aring  iife — indeed,  so  great  is  my  natural  anti- 
pathy, flat  often  now  I  cannot  bear  to  look  upon  tho 
waves,  and  the  very  murmur  of  the  waters  on  the  beach 
thrills  riie  with  a  most  uncomfortable  sensation.  In  any- 
thing else  I  would  have  given  way  to  my  friend  Leonard, 
but  in  this  it  was  impossible. 

"  Greatl}'  as  I  regretted  the  separation,  yet  I  felt  it 
must  take  place — there  was  nothing  else  that  he  would 
turn  his  thoughts  to  ;  he  was  bent  upon  becoming  a  sea- 
man ;  and  I  do  believe  that,  had  I  accompanied  him,  one 
voyage  would  have  brought  about  my  death. 

"  However,  I  am  entering  much  too  closely  into  details ; 
I  will  hasten  to  satisfy  your  curiosity. 

"You  must  know,  then,  that  it  is  nearly  a  year  ago 
since  my  friend  Leonard  returned  from  his  last  voyage. 

"During  his  absence  in  foreign  lauds  a  great  change 
has  come  over  my  own  fortunes ;  a  relative  dying,  has 
left  me  in  possession  of  what  is  to  me  a  large  fortune, 
and  I  had  resolved  that  when  Leonard  came  back  he 
should  go  to  sea  no  more,  and  that  I  would  share  this 
fortune  with  him. 

"  It  so  happened  that  I  was  absent  in  the  north  when 
his  vessel  reached  home.  I  have  certain  knowledge  thr*t 
on  leaving  the  ship  he  proceeded  to  London,  but  beyond 
that  I  can  learu  nothing  in  this  huge  metropolis ;  he 
seems  to  have  been  swallowed  up  like  a  drop  of  water 
in  the  ocean,  and  to  be  irretrievably  lost." 

There  was  a  tone  of  deep  feeling  and  pathos  in  the 
young  man's  voice  when  he  reached  this  part  of  uis 
narration.  vo 

"  Wondering  at  his  silence,"  he  continued,  "  I  kaa- 
tened  to  London  and  endeavoured  to  seek  him  out. 

u  In  vain,  however — he  was  nowhere  to  be  found. 

'« I  was  frantic  with  grief,  and  so  was  Lucy. 

"  Ah  !  that  reminds  me  that  I  had  not  previously  men- 
tioned her  name.  Well,  then,  she  is,  as  you  may  guess, 
a  young  girl  upon  whom  my  friend  has  bestowed  hi* 
affections,  and  to  whom  be  was  about  to  be  married. 

"  She  was  to   ioin  her  soKcitatioBS  to  mine  tfcftt,  r» 


UjQ 


SLACK    hKftfi;    OS. 


thore  w>uld  be  no  longer  any  necessity  fo*     tm  to  traverse 
the  ocean,  he  would  henceforth  stay  at  homo.  * 

"  1  pass  over  without  comment  whs*  her  grief  must  be 
like  upon  learning  her  lover's  mysterious  disappearance. 

"A  thousand  conjectures  have  occupied  her  mind  and 
mine.  I  have  devoted  my  wealth  without  stint,  and 
given  the  whole  of  my  time  for  a  long  time  past  in  the 
hope  of  being  aDle  to  learn  something  of  his  fst*. 

"  I  have  been  totally  unsuccessful,  however  ;  wA  tba 
slightest  clue  has  rewarded  me  for  my  pains." 

Again  the  younar  man  paused  and  brushed  his  hand 
across  his  brow 

H<s  voice  had  grown  husky  while  he  spoke,  and  n.jw 
he  endeavoured  to  clear  it. 

As  for  Dick,  he  was  so  deeply  interested  in  the  narra- 
tive that  was  thus  unexpectedly  related  to  him  that  he 
really  forgot  where  he  was  and  the  strange  circum- 
stances by  which  he  was  surrounded. 

He  did  not  like  to  urge  the  stranger  to  continue,  and 
eo  for  a  short  time  there  was  a  profound  silence. 

At  last  the  young  man  resumed  his  story. 

"  I  have  had  much  dealings  with  the  police,"  he  said, 
"  but  they  have  failed  to  aid  me  any  further  than  by 
uttering  surmises. 

"  Their  impression  is  that  this  young  sailor,  on  reaching 
London,  was  decoyed  into  one  of  those  places,  so  many 
of  which  are  believed  to  exist,  where,  if  a  stranger  enters 
with  money  about  his  person,  ho  is  never  seen  or  heard 
Df  more. 

"  At  last  I  came  to  this  conclusion.  I  mourned  my 
friend  as  one  who  is  dead,  but  yet  1  felt  impelled  to  dis- 
cover if  I  could  by  what  means  he  had  reached  his  un- 
timely end. 

"  1  don't  like  to  confess  to  you  that  there  is  still  in  my 
heart  a  faint,  lingering  hope  that  I  may  find  him  yet  liv- 
ing, yet  there  is  such  a  hope,  and  it  is  that  which 
animates  me  to  continue  in  my  course,  and  that  hope  will 
never  be  extinct  until  I  have  proof  positive  that  he  is 
no  more." 

Dick  regarded  the  young  man  with  the  greatest  ad- 
miration and  respect. 

Qe  had  imagined  much  from  his  noble,  intelligent-look- 
ing countonance,  yet  he  scarcely  thought  that  in  the 
cause  of  friendship  a  man  would  risk  and  do  so  much. 

In  a  more  rapid  voice  the  young  man  continued : 

"  Having,  as  I  say,  reluctantly  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  my  friend  had  been  decoyed  into  some  place  and 
there  murdered,  as  I  told  you,  I  devoted  myself  to  the 
task  of  finding  that  place  out.  At  least  it  would  give  me 
some  satisfaction  to  bring  such  miscreants  to  justice. 

"Adopting,  then,  almost  all  disguises,  I  have  roamed 
London  at  all  hours  of  the  night. 

"For  some  time  I  had  the  police  with  me  keeping  me 
in  sight ;  but  as  I  never  met  with  any  adventure,  and  as  I 
came  no  nearer  to  my  end,  I  guessed  tha  reason  was  that 
the  presence  of  the  police  officers  was  known,  and  there- 
fore I  resolved,  in  spite  of  tho  great  personal  risk,  to  pro- 
ceed upon  my  dangerous  adventures  aione. 

"  I  did  so,  but  met  with  no  more  success  than  at  L\rz\ 
yet  I  did  not  despair. 

"  To  pass  over  all  my  failures,  I  will  come  to  the  ad- 
ventures of  to-night,  though  I  ought  to  tell  you  that  I 
had  at  last  grown  weary  of  my  search — indeed,  I  had 
almost  made  the  mental  determination  that  if  this  night 
passed  as  the  others  had  I  would  give  up  my  quest  alto- 
gether. 

"Now,  however,  I  come  to  the  strangest  and  most  fear- 
ful portion  of  my  narrative,  which  .'  will  reader  you  in 
as  few  words  as  possible.  The  tale  is  terrible,"  ke  wilted, 
vitb  a  shudder  of  his  whole  body,   "  yet  it  shall  be  told." 


CHAPTEK  DCCOXCLl 

Ul  WHICH  T1IK  PRESENCE  OF  THE  YOUNG  9TRAKGK*  «  OLD 
NEWGATE  IS  ACCOUNTED  TOR. 

The  stranger's  eyes  rolled  so  fearfully  around  while  he 
uyoke,  that  it  seemed  as  though  he  could,  scarcely  belieTe 
fee  had  escaped  from  the  great  danger  that  had  threatened 
him. 

Dick,  perceiving  his  agitation,  proffered  the  bottle  of 
briudy,  which  was  gladly  accepted ;  then,  after  a  draught, 
lu  concluded  his  story. 

M  it  was  early  this  evening,"  he  said,  "  aa  I  irw  valk- 


I  ing  nea    fit  PouT's  Cathedral  1   saw  a  small   crowd  of 
people  astern  Wed.  %g 

*'  Everything  Tjnusual  I  had  come  to"  consider  con- 
cerned me,  so,  quickening'  my  steps,  I  hastened  to  see  w!-»at 
was  the  matter. 

"Arriving,  I  found  that  the  cause  of  the  assemblage 
was  a  young  and  beautiful  girl,  whose  countenance  looked 
Innocence. 

"  She  was  singing  in  a  voice  which,  for  sweetness,  I  have 
never  known  to  be  equalled.  I  formed  one  of  the  crowd 
— indeed,  the  crowd  gradually  dispersed,  though  others 
continually  came  up. 

"  But  at  last  this  young  girl  .-eased  her  song. 
"Something,  I  know  not  what,  attracted  me  towards 
her  ;  perhaps  it  was  her  beauty  perhaps  the  sweetness 
of  her  voice,  or  some  mysterious  influence  beyond  my 
own  knowledge.  Certainly  I  remained,  and  those  who 
had  been  listening,  fearing,  I  suppose,  that  the  girl  was 
about  to,  solicit  a  few  pence  for  her  song,  hastily  moving 
off,  I  was  left  alone  with  her, 

"  She  looked  up  in  my  face  with  a  pleasant  smile,  and, 
in  broken  English,  made  some  remark  to  me,  but  what 
the  exact  words  were  I  cannot  recollect. 

"I  replied  by  producing  my  purse,  and  giving  her  L 
piece  of  silver. 

"  She  was  profuse  in  her  thanks  upon  receiving  this 
gift,  and  then,  placing  her  hand  in  a  half-familiar,  half- 
timid  manner  on  my  arm,  requested  me  to  accompany 
her. 

"For  a  moment  I  hesitated,  and  then  there  came  before 
my  mind  what  I  call  '  the  purpose  of  my  life ;'  the  recol- 
lection of  it  banished  my  hesitation,  and  I  consented. 

"  The  reason  I  did  so  was  because  I  knew  full  well  my 
friend's  impressionable  nature,  and  I  thought  that  had  he, 
upon  his  arrival  in  London,  met  with  anyone  like  this 
young  girl,  he  would  without  hesitation  have  consented 
to  accompany  her  wherever  she  went,  for  he  knew  no 
fear. 

"  In  a  moment  we  turned  out  of  the  main  thoroughfare. 
I  quickly  found  myself  led  through  a  number  of  narrow 
passages,  the  existence  of  which  I  was  scarcely  aware  of, 
although  I  had  travelled  London  so  much. 

"I  know,  however,  that  these  streets,  or,  rather,  pas- 
sages, exist  between  St.  Paul's  Cathedra)  and  the  prison 
of  Newgate. 

'  Comijg  at  length  to  a  house  having  by  no  means  a 
prepossessing  aspect,  I  was  invited  to  enter. 

"Determined  to  prosecute  the  adventure  to  the  utter- 
most, and  hoping  to  find  some  trace  of  my  lost  friend,  I 
again  consented,  and  soon  found  myself  seated  in  a  room 
that  was  furnished  strangely  at  variance  with  the  exterior 
appearance  of  the  house. 

"  All  this  I  noted  carefully,  though  my  heart  beat 
strangely,  for  I  believed  I  was  on  the  right  track  at 
last. 

"  Then  this  young  girl  poured  out  for  me  a  glass  of 
wine,  and  handed  it  to  me.  She  poured  out  also  one  foi 
herself,  and  I  observed  that  the  liquid  came  from  the 
same  decanter. 

"  The  police  had  often  cautioned  me  against  partakin 
of  any  drink,  lest  it  should  be  dragged. 

"  But  this  proceeding  threw  me  partially  off  my  guard. 
However,  I  raised  the  wine-glass  to  my  lips,  and  uttered 
some  silly  compliment ;  but  I  did  not  drain  the  glass — I 
simply  sipped  it,  perhaps  swallowing  a  tea-spoonful,  and 
I  was  immediately  aware  of  a  strangeness  in  its  taste. 

"  Just  then  the  girl,  having  drained  her  glass,  turned 
half  aside  to  place  it  on  a  small  table,  and  at  that  instant, 
quick  as  thought,  I  inverted  my  glass. 

"  The  wine  that  remained  fell  upon  the  carpet,  the 
colour  of  which  was  dark,  and  the  material  soft  and 
woolly ;  it  was  absorbed  in  a  moment  and  no  stain  was 
left  behind. 

"  Some  more  time  elapsed,  and  I  was  conducted  to  aa 
upper  chamber. 

"  I  had  determined  to  keep  all  my  wits  about  me,  yet 
to  refuse  nothing. 

"  Having  entered,  the  door  was  closed  behind  ma,  &aJ 
I  feund  myself  alone. 

"Something  in  the  atmosphere  af  that  room  seeroe-i 
to  chill  and  oppress  me,  and  I  gasped  painfully  fo? 
breath. 

"  Then  it  occurred  to  me  this  was  the  eflects  of  tV 
drug  I  had  partaken  of,  and  I  congratulated  myself  that 


•THE    KNISHT   OF   THE    ROAD. 


1457 


[the  highwaymen  seek  shelter  in  the  secret  passage.] 


I  had  not  swallowed  the  whole,  although  the  girl  was 
evidently  under  the  impression  that  I  had  done  so. 

"There  was  a  strange  cloudiness  in  my  brain  to 
which  I  had  never  been  accustomed,  which  might  be 
attributed  either  to  the  strength  of  the  drug  or  else  to  the 
fact  that  it  is  rarely  indeed  that  I  partake  of  any  intoxi- 
cating liquor,  as  the  effects  produced  make  this  apparent. 

"  Rejoiced  at  this  opportunity  of  finding  myself  alone, 
I  determined  to  make  a  thorough  search  of  the  chamber, 
hoping  I  should  make  some  discovery  worth  my  while. 

"  On  the  table  opposite  to  me  1  saw  trinkets  of 
various  kinds,  the  appearance  of  some  of  which  struck 
me  as  singular,  and  I  advanced  with  the  intention  of 
examining  them. 

"  All  at  once,  however,  as  I  passed  over  one  portion 
of  the  flooring  near  the  hearthstone,  it  suddenly  gave 
way  beneath  my  feet. 

"The  drug  then  was  exerting  its  utmost  power.    I 

No.  183.— Black  Bess. 


was  dizzy  and  confused,  yet,  finding  myself  falling,  1 
had  the  presence  of  mind  to  endeavour  to  drop  upon  my 
hands  and  feet. 

"  Whether  I  succeeded  or  not  I  cannot  tell  you,  for 
from  that  moment,  until  the  time  when  I  opened  my 
eyes  and  saw  yom  bending  over  me,  I  remember  nothing 
whatever." 

"  That,  then,"  said  Dick,  drawing  a  long  breath,  for 
no  words  can  describe  the  amount  of  interest  with 
whioh  he  listened  to  this  narrative — "  is  all  ?" 

"  5fes,"  was  the  reply — "  all.  And  now  I  have  to  ask 
you,  in  return,  who  you  are  and  where  I  now  am  ?" 

"I  will  answer  your  last  question  first,"  said  Dick. 
"  No  doubt  you  will  be  taken  greatly  by  surprise." 

"  Where  am  I,  then  ?" 

"In  Newgate." 

"  Newgate  ?" 

"  You  speak  incredulously,  and  I  don't  wonder  at  i'. 


Ko.f  183, 


Pmcs  "^One^Halfpenny 


i«8 


BLaCK    biSSB;   O*. 


It  is  ft  fact,  nevertheless.  Not  in  the  new,  modern 
prison,  but  among  the  vaults  remaining  of  the  ancient 
edifice." 

The  stranger's  countenance  at  first  expressed  great  dis- 
belief, but  then  he  ejaculatod  : 

"  Yes,  extraordinary  as  this  may  seem,  I  cannot  donVt 
it.  The  position  of  the  house — these  strong,  damp  w.llt, 
all  confirm  your  statement." 

"  Well  may  you  be  taken  by  surprise,"  said  Dick,  "  for 
I  believe  the  very  existence  of  this  t>lace  is  guesspi  at 
and  known  by  very  few." 

'*  I  never  heard  of  such  a  thing,"  he  murmured, 
flo,"  said  Dick,  sinking  his  voice  and  pointing  up- 
w-.ds ;  "  but  those  above  evidently  know  all  about  it." 

The  young  man  shuddered ;  but  then,  his  thoughts  re- 
verting to  his  fresh  companion,  he  looked  upon  him  with 
undisguised  amazement  as  he  said  : 

"  But  if  this  is  a  portion  of  old  Newgate,  how  comes  it 
that  you  are  an  inhabitant  of  it  ?" 

"  You  can  scarcely  call  me  such,"  said  Dick-  '*  I  am 
here  for  refuge.  As  for  myself,  I  don't  care  to  speak 
much.  I  am  here.  I  have  offended  against  the  laws, 
and  I  am  looking  for  some  means  of  escape." 

"  Then,"  continued  the  young  man,  still  gazing  upon 
him,  "  am  I  right  in  coDJscturing  that  you  have  escaped 
from  the  modern  portion  of  the  prison  into  this  ?" 

"You  can  surmise  what  you  please,"  was  Turpin's 
answer.  "  But  it  will  please  me  better  if  you  will  look 
upon  me  as  one  ready  to  do  all  in  his  power  to  serve  you. 
Believe  me,  I  am  anxious  to  stand  your  friend.  The  ad- 
venture you  have  recounted  deeply  interests  me.  I  should 
be  glad  indeed  to  bring  it  to  a  solution." 

"  The  brandy,"  said  the  young  man  at  this  moment — 
"pass  me  the  brandy!  I  feel  once  more  sick  and 
faint !" 

"  Very  likely,"  6aid  Turpin,  as  he  complied  with  his 
demand.  "Drink  a  little— not  too  much,  and  you  will 
soon  experience  the  benefits  of  it." 

"I  feel  to  have  new  life,"  answered  the  stranger. 
"  And  now  tell  me — what  do  you  propose  6hall  be  our 
next  proceeding  ?" 

"  That's  a  difficulty,"  returned  Turpin.  "  It  seems  to 
me,  however,  tolerably  clear  that  you  are  at  last  on  the 
right  track." 

"  Do  you  mean  for  discovering  the  fate  of  my  friend  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  It  may  be  so — it  may  be  so !  How  easily  he  would 
have  fallen  into  such  a  trap  as  was  laid  for  me !  He 
would  be  totally  unsuspecting — I  was  on  my  guard." 

"  It's  a  miracle  to  me,"  said  Turpin,  "how  you  could 
have  escaped  with  such  slight  injuries." 

"  It  is  wonderful,"  returned  the  young  man — "  wonder- 
ful indeed !" 

There  was  a  silence,  for  Dick  just  then  was  thinking 
of  the  locket  he  had  found,  and  was  wondering  whether 
by  any  chance  it  might  belong  to  the  young  sailor  of 
whom  his  companion  spoke ;  if  so,  the  coincidence  would 
be  remarkable  in  the  extreme. 

"  You  are  6ileut,"  said  the  young  man,  at  length.  "  Am 
I  right  in  supposing  that  you  are  considering  in  your 
own  mind  which  will  be  the  best  step  for  us  to  take 
next?" 

"  Scarcely  that,"  said  Dick ;  "  and  yet,  to  go  back  to 
a  consideration  of  what  you  have  related,  it  seems  tole- 
rably certain  that  the  young  girl  who  so  interested  you  is 
regularly  sent  out  in  order  to  decoy  people  to  this 
place." 

The  stranger  nodded. 

"  Then,  having  arrived,  they  are  drugged,  and,  falling 
through  the  treacherous  trap-door  on  to  the  ground  be- 
neath, are  killed." 

"  That's  it— evidently  it." 

"  And  you,"  pursued  Dick-~"  rery  upon  it,  yon  ftre  not 
the  first  who  has  fallen  a  victim  to  this  snare.  I  may 
tell  you  that  I  found  a  spot  of  blood  upon  the  ground, 
which  looked  as  though  it  had  fallen  there  recently." 

The  young  man  shuddered. 

"  I  can't  bear  to  reflect  upon  what  would  have  been  my 
fate!" 

"  Such  a  place  as  this,"  Dick  went  on,  glancing  around 
him,  "  wouid  afford  every  facility  for  concealing  the  dead 
bodies  of  their  victims.  They  would  be  plundered  of 
»very  article  of  value  about  their  persons,  then  flung  into 
«oico  ot  tb""^  ceils." 


This  was  a  very  probable  supposition  indeed,  ana  m« 
stranger  felt  it  to  be  so. 

He  could  tell,  also,  bj  Dick's  manner  what  was  upper- 
most in  his  thoughts. 

"Suppose,"  said  Turpin,  "that  we  satisfy  ours^ices 
upos  this  point,  and  not  remain  contented  by  surmise.  It 
will  be  easy  to  ascertain  whether  in  any  of  these  cells  aw 
such  traces  as  we  seek." 

The  stranger's  face  blanched  as  he  said : 

"  If  it  is  so — and  I  cannot  doubt  it — what  an  aw(o) 
sight  the  opening  of  one  of  these  doors  will  disclose  !" 

"Awful  indeed,"  returned  Dick  Turpin,  "yet  I  con- 
sider we  ought  to  satisfy  ourselves  by  one  hasty  glance." 

"  Be  it  so,  then,"  returned  the  6tranger.  "  I  am  content 
to  leave  that  point  for  your  decision." 


CHAPTER  DCCCXGIII. 

IN   WHICH  THE     YOUNQ    STRANGER  DISCOVERS   THE    FAT* 
OF   HIS  FRIEND. 

Dick  rose,  and,  taking  the  lamp  in  his  hand,  went  towards 
the  doorway  nearest  to  him. 

The  fastenings  were  all  upon  the  side  on  which  ho 
stood,  and  he  could  perceive  no  difficulty  in  removing 
them. 

He  lifted  down  the  bar,  drew  back  the  bolts,  and  yet  he 
h"sitated  to  push  the  door  open  upon  its  hinges. 

Fixing  his  gaze  earnestly  upon  the  young  man,  who 
was  either  too  much  injured  by  his  fall  or  else  lacked  the 
courage  to  look  into  that  disused  cell,  for  he  remained  in 
the  position  he  had  all  along  occupied,  Turpin  said,  ear 
nestly — nay,  with  solemnity  in  his  tones : 

"  Do  you  think  you  are  prepared  to  receive  the  worst 
confirmation  of  your  fears?" 

"  I  am—  I  am  !  Something  comes  over  my  mind  at  this 
moment  that  tells  me  my  friend  was  lured  into  that  house 
of  death,  and  that  he  met  the  fate  designed  for  me !" 

Dick  bent  his  head,  and  then,  in  lower  tones,  re- 
sponded : 

"  That,  too,  is  my  impression.  And  now,  pardon  me  a 
moment  if  I  ask  you  a  question  about  your  friend's 
affianced  wife — Lucy,  I  thiuk  you  said  her  name  was 
Are  you  well  acquainted  with  her  features  ?" 

11  As  well  as  with  my  own  !" 

"  Would  you  recognise  her,  then  ?" 

"  Most  certainly !" 

In  his  anxiety,  the  stranger  slowly  rose  to  his  feet,  and 
stood  looking  at  Dick  wonderingly. 

Dick  said  no  more,  but  at  once  pushed  the  door  open. 

It  was  fortunate  he  stood  aside,  for  such  au  over- 
powering effluvia  came  forth  th;it,  had  he  not  done  so,  he 
would  inevitably  have  been  suffocated. 

Sickening  with  horror,  he  waited  a  few  moments ; 
then,  raising  the  lamp,  went  to  the  threshold  of  the 
cell. 

"Come,"  he  6aid,  addressing  his  companion,  "look  ia 
also.    I  don't  wibh  a  6ecoud  glimpse." 

Tremblingly,  the  young  man  obeyed. 

The  6ight  presented  to  their  gaze  was  indeed  a  truly 
fearful  one. 

Lying  in  this  cell,  which  was  one  of  considerable  extent 
were  luAuj  human  bodies — all  dead,  all  bearing  marks  01 
great  personal  violence  upon  them  ;  some  looking  at? 
though  they  had  only  just  been  cast  into  that  Strang'- 
sepulchre,  while  of  others  nothing  but  glistening  b<>uee 
remained. 

The  appearance  of  the  light  caused  a  tremendous 
scuffling  in  the  cell. 

Dick  knew  well  enough  what  it  w«*s 

His  friend,  however,  seemed  much  alarmed. 

"  Itfs  the  rats,"  he  said.     "  No  doubt  they  swarm  in  this 
place  by  myriads.     Look — look !    Over  yonder  in   the  . 
gloom  you  can  see  their  eyes  shining  like  so  many  bright 
points.    They  are  dangerous  creatures,"  he  added,   "and 
may  not  hesitate  to  attack  us.    Have  you  seen  enough?" 

The  stranger  turned  away,  and,  deemiug  that  a  suffi- 
cient answer,  Dick,  with  very  great  satisfaction,  closed 
the  door  and  bolted  it. 

Turning  round  once  more  to  bis  companion,  who  sow 
was  as  pale  as  ashes,  he  said : 

"  How  long,  say  you,  is  it  since  your  friend  reaclyv? 
London  and  mysteriously  disappeared  ?" 

"  Twelve  rnontha" 


1*1*      i*J*iw»l     ^»      ...»     ife.jL*» 


"Indeed?  to  long?  Then  it  is  in  vain  to  search 
among  these  poor  reliaa  of  humanity  hoping  to  discover 
something  of  him;  by  .this  time  he  must  be  unrecognis- 
able." *>*  «,•_     ■ 

"  Yes,"  returned  the  young  man,  "  and  I  am  glad  it  is  so." 

"Glad?"  repeated  Turpin,  in  surprise 

"  Yes,  because  now  I  can  still  entertain  my  sett  with  a 
doubt  that  he  may  not  have  perished  in  this  foul  manner. 
I  have  yet  no  confirmation  of  it,  «or  do  I  see  what 
evidence  is  to  be  obtained." 

"  No,"  said  Dick.  "  Yet,  would  it  nf>t  be  best  to  know 
the  wont  at  once,  and  so  resign  yourself  to  it  ?  If  some- 
tuA**  was  found  clearly  pointing  to  his  presence  in  this 
stec*.  would  you  not  accept  that  as  sufficient  testimony 
that  ue  has  perished  ?" 

"  Yes,"  said  the  stranger,  gloomily,  "  if  that  could  be  I 
should  indeed  give  over  my  long  search." 
I    "  And  your  dangerous  one,"  said  Dick,  "  for  every  day 
you  are  perilling  your  life.    Think  what  a  narrow  escape 
f  ou  have  had  on  this  occasion." 

\  "  I  do  think  of  it :  but  I  think  more  of  the  manner  in 
which  you  speak ;  I  oould  almost  believe  that  you  possess 
some  such  evidence  as  that  you  speak  of." 

''  And  if  I  do,"  said  Dick,  "  would  it  not  be  best  for  me 
to  produce  it  ?" 

u  Perhaps  so — perhaps  so." 

"  Well,  then,  I  confess,  withont  further  hesitation,  that 
yj  chance  I  found  upon  the  floor,  close  here  to  where  we 
itand,  a  small  trinket  It  puzzled  me  beyond  all  measure 
,o  account  for  its  presence  in  so  strange  a  spot ;  now,  how- 
sver,  I  have  the  key  to  all." 

"  What  kind  of  trinket  ?"  asked  the  stranger. 

"A  locket." 

"  Let  me  see  it — let  me  see  it !  Fray  let  me  look  upon 
tl" 

"  I  will ;  but  prepare  yourself  for  confirmation  of  your 
Iriend's  untimely  fate,  In  the  locket  is  the  portrait  of  a 
irl,  young  and  beautiful." 

"  Yes — yes  !    Lucy — Lucy  !" 

"Lucy  no  doubt;  but  satisfy  yourself  by  a  glance.  It 
s  there." 

While  he  spoke,  Dick  dropped  the  locket  into  the  young 
nan's  extended  hand. 

No  sooner  did  his  eyes  fall  upon  it  than  he  uttered  a 
leep  groan. 

Some  moments  elapsed  before  he  could  recover  himself 
lufficiently  to  gaze  upon  it  a  second  time. 

"  Yes — yes  1"  he  said,  at  length,  in  a  broken  voice.  "  I 
an  doubt  no  longer.  Well  do  I  remember  seeing  this 
ocket  ?  The  chain  is  broken  now ;  but  it  is  of  gold,  and 
vas  of  rare  workmanship.  Before  he  went  to  sea,  Lucy 
ilaced  it  round  his  neck  with  her  own  hands,  and  en- 
reated  him  to  wear  it  always  for  her  sake." 

"No  doubt  he  did  so,"  answered  Turpin,  "and  his 
Murderers  in  their  haste  let  it  fall  upon  the  ground." 

"  That's  it— that's  it !" 

Dick  could  see  teat  the  young  man  the  more  he  thought 
.bout  his  friend's  fate  was  the  more  overcome,  and  he 
ndeavoured  to  change  the  subject  of  his  thoughts. 

"  Bear  with  me  a  moment,"  replied  the  stranger.  **  I 
hall  be  better  soon.  Oh,  Lucy !  how  will  you  withstand 
his  awful  blow  ?  What  will  be  your  feelings  when  you 
tear  the  awful  tale  ?  Who  could  have  thought  that  this 
if t  of  yours  would  prove  the  means  of  clearing  up  the 
lystery  of  his  death  ?" 

At  that  moment  »  peculiar  rumbling  noise  attracted 
tieir  attention. 

Dick  held  up  his  hand  for  silence. 

At  the  same  time  he  placed  the  lamp  as  much  out  of 
ight  as  he  could. 

The  rumbling  continued,  and,  pressing  his  companion's 
rm,  Dick  stepped  forward  noiselessly. 

The  young  man  followed. 

When  near  the  end  of  the  passage,  Dick  stopped,  and 
>oked  upwards. 

The  trap  door  in  the  ceiling  was  now  thrown  open,  And 
n  the  edge  of  it  was  a  lantern. 

The  light  from  this  shone  upon  the  top  portion  of  a 
wider  which  had  been  lowered  into  the  abyss. 

It  was  this  ladder,  then,  which  had  produced  the  strange 

ambling  noise. 

Voices  were  heard  speaking  in  suppressed  accents. 

Then  a  man's  head  appeared  above  the  edge  of  the 

WMattt 


Re  looked  down  for  some  time  intently. 
I    '•'  I  don't  see  him,"  he  muttered — "  I  don't  see  him  f 
Yet  he  must  be  there — of  course  he's  there  1    Curse  it ! 
What  makes  me  feel  so  nervous  and  terrified  to-night — I 
fee]  half  afraid  to  go  down  1" 

"Afraid?"  said  another  voice.  "That's  a  good  joke 
Here—  ake  a  drop  of  this ;  it  will  give  you  courage. 

*  And  will  you  come  down  too  mate  ?"  ■    m 

"  Of  course  I  will." 

"  Then  here  goes." 

The  man,  having  thus  spoKen,  placed  his  foot  upon  the 
ladder  and  began  to  descend. 

He  took  the  lantern  from  the  floor,  and  carried  it  in  his 
hand. 

"Now,  mate,"  he  cried  to  the  other,  ueome  along ;  we'll 
both  descend  the  ladder  together." 

The  other  man  obeyed,  and,  keeping  as  close  together 
as  they  could,  the  two  villains  went  slowly  down,  step  by 
step. 

Dick  and  the  young  man  gazed  upon  them  with  the 
utmost  abhorrence. 

As  for  Turpin  himself,  he  felt  that  it  would  be  wrong  to 
treat  them  as  he  would  any  other  adversaries. 

Clearly  he  was  justified  in  taking  them  by  surprise,  and 
overpowering  them  without  allowing  them  an  opportunity 
to  retaliate. 

Accordingly,  with  a  swift,  noiseless  footstep,  he  made 
his  way  to  the  centre  of  this  circular  apartment,  if  so  we 
may  term  it. 

The  men  were  now  about  half-way  down. 

Dick  stood  close  to  the  foot  of  the  ladder. 

He  had  already  made  up  his  mind  what  to  do,  and  so 
with  a  sudden  exertion  of  his  whole  strength,  he  seized 
hold  of  two  of  the  bottom  rounds  in  the  ladder  and 
pulled  with  all  his  might. 

The  effort  succeeded. 

With  an  awful  crash  the  ladder  fell,  carrying  the  two 
men  with  it. 

The  lantern  rolled  far  away  into  a  corner,  and  was  ex- 
tinguished. 

The  men  were  so  taken  by  surprise  as  to  be  thoroughly 
frightened. 

An  attack  in  that  quarter  surely  could  not  be  made  by 
human  beings — they  had  at  last  been  encountered  by  the 
inhabitants  of  another  world. 

Dick  hurried  forward,  calling  out  to  bis  companion  at 
the  same  time  to  bring  the  lamp. 

He  was  obeyed. 

The  two  villains,  hearing  his  voice,  recovered  some  of 
their  composure. 

Their  greatest  fear  now  was  over — they  had  to  en- 
counter mortals,  not  beings  of  another  world. 

Accordingly,  despite  the  fearful  injuries  they  must  have 
sustained  in  falling  from  so  far  so  awkwardly,  they 
struggled  to  their  feet  and  commenced  an  immediate 
attack. 

Dick,  however,  was  prepared  for  them,  and  had  every 
advantage,  although  he  was  unprovided  with  any 
weapons. 

With  his  clenched  fist  he  struck  one  such  a  violent 
blow  that  it  put  his  rising  again  altogether  out  of  the 
question — at  least,  for  some  time  to  come. 

The  other  shared  a  similar  fate,  and  by  the  time  the 
young  man  arrived  with  the  lamp,  the  two  wretches  were 
lying  insensible  on  the  ground. 

At  the  sight  of  them  the  stranger  could  scarcely  re- 
strain his  fury. 

Insensible  as  they  then  were,  he  felt  impelled  to  attack 
them  with  the  utmost  rage. 

"  Now,"  said  Dick,  "  it  strikes  me  we  have  the  way 
before  us  to  get  out.  Help  me  to  taise  the  ladder  once 
more." 

With  considerable  difficulty  the  ladder  was  lifted  up 
Gnd  placed  in  its  original  position,  and  no  sooner  was  this 
done  than  Dick  and  his  companion  mounted. 

On  reaching  the  top,  Tarpin  found  himself  in  a  bed- 
chamber such  as  the  young  man  had  described 

It  was  untenanted  by  anyone. 

Looking  at  the  trap-door,  they  saw  it  was  so  con- 
structed that  the  least  weight  pressing  on  one  end  of  it 
would  cause  it  to  give  way,  allowing  the  object,  whatever 
it  might  be,  to  fall  through. 

As  soon  as  this  was  accomplished,  the  spring  at  the 
other  sad  restored  the  trap-door  to  its  original  appearance. 


1430 


ULACK    BEgfl;     08, 


u  Have  you  a  mind  to  linger  here  and  make  a  further 
examination,"  asked  Turpin,  "  or  will  you  seek  the  way 
Into  the  street  with  all  speed  ?" 

"1  leave  the  conduct  of  affairs  entirely  to  you,"  was 
the  response — "  it  seems  to  me  that  you  are  better  able  to 
judge  which  is  best." 

"  Then  I  advise  that  we  gain  the  street  with  all  speed. 
Who  can  tell  how  many  accomplices  those  miscreants  may 
have  ?  And  if  wo  stay  wo  may  find  ourselves  opposed  to  a 
superior  force,  aiul  so  have  to  pay  the  penalty  of  our  rash- 
ness with  our  lives." 

"  As  you  will,"  answered  the  young  man  ;  "  the  very 
air  in  this  place  seems  to  choke  me." 

There  was  indeed,  either  in  fancy  or  reality,  a  sickening 
odour  pervading  that  apartment. 

Gladly  enough,  then,  Turpin  left  it. 

The  door  opened  upon  a  large  square  landing-place. 

Here  he  paused  in  order  to  look  aroumt  him  before  he 
took  any  fresh  step. 

The  staircase  was  broad,  with  massive,  old-fashioned 
balusters. 

It  ascended  to  the  upper  floors,  and  descended  into  the 
hall,  commanding  a  view  of  the  front  door  of  the  house. 

CHAPTER  DCCCXCIV. 

DICK  TURPIN     MAKES    HIS    WAY  TO  THE    THREE    SPIDERS 
INN  AT  EALING. 

Dick  Turpin,  having  attracted  the  attention  of  his  com- 
panion, raised  one  arm  and  pointed  down  the  staircase. 

41  There,"  he  said — "  there  is  the  way  to  escape ;  that's 
the  front  door  which  you  see  before  you,  and  surely  we 
shall  have  but  little  difficulty  in  descending  the  stairs 
and  passing  out  of  it  unseen." 

'» Very  little,  I  should  think,"  replied  the  young  man. 
"  Lei  as  try  it  without  more  delay." 

Dick  was  glad  enough  to  find  that  this  young  mau  was 
willing  to  leave  the  house. 

As  for  himself,  the  reader  need  not  be  told  he  was 
anxious  to  depart. 

Maud  and  his  comrades  would  all  be  wondering  what 
had  become  of  him,  and  auxiously  expecting  his  re- 
turn. 

Gently  descending  the  staircase,  then,  for  about  half  a 
dozen  steps,  they  paused. 

Some  faint,  sweet  notes  of  music  struck  upon  their 
ears. 

After  listening  for  a  moment  they  felt  sure  they  pro- 
ceeded from  a  harpsichord. 

The  air  was  indeed  a  delightful  one,  and  whoever  it 
might  be  who  was  then  playing  was  most  certainly  a  per- 
fect master  of  the  instrument. 

Merely  raising  his  finger  in  token  of  silence,  Dick  con- 
tinued the  descent. 

On  gaining  the  foot  of  the  stairs,  however,  his  com- 
panion stopped,  and,  touching  Dick  upon  the  arm,  he  said, 
in  a  faint  whisper : 

"  That  is  the  door  leading  into  the  room  where  I  drank 
the  drugged  wine ;  that's  the  room  from  which  the  music 
proceeds,  for  I  remember  seeing  a  harpsichord  standing 
in  one  corner." 

Dick  nodded,  and  would  have  passed  on,  considering 
that  had  nothing  to  do  with  him. 

But  other  thoughts  were  evidently  in  the  mind  of  the 
stranger,  for,  in  the  same  cautious  whisper,  he  continued  : 

"Perhaps  by  this  time  some  other  victim  may  have 
been  picked  up,  and  that  music  is  played  <n  order  to  sooth>> 
him  into  a  kind  of  repose,  when  he  will  fall  all  the  more 
unsuspectingly  into  the  snare." 

Dick  started  and  wondered  how  it  was  that  thio 
thought  had  not  occurred  to  him  at  first. 

11  Oloser,"  he  whispered — "  let  us  get  closer .  then  we 
may  overhear  something." 

The  next  moment  they  were  standing  on  the  threshold 
of  this  room,  and  then,  for  the  first  time,  they  noticed  that 
the  door  was  not  properly  closed— it  was  ajar,  but  on<P 
very  slightly. 

This  indeed  accounted  for  the  fact  of  their  bavlng 
heard  the  low,  sweet  strains  of  the  musical  instrument. 

All  at  once  the  music  ceased)  and  then  the  two  listeners 
distinctly  heard  a  voice  say,  in  thick,  guttural  accent*  i 

"  Very  pretty,  my  love-^very  pretty  ;  but  i  have  had 
enough  music— .of  this  room  t*»,  tor  that  matter.    Odaus 


"  In  a  moment,"  said  a  female  voice.  "  Excuse  me  just 
a  moment,  I  will  soon  return,  but  I  am  not  certain 
whether  all  is  ready  " 

"  All  is  ready  ?"  repeated  the  other  voice.  "  What  do 
you  mean  by  that  ?" 

"Oh,  nothing — don't  trouble  yourself  about  matters 
that  do  not  concern  you.  There's  wine  on  the  table — don't 
spare  it." 

There  was  a  rustling  sound,  and  Dick  whispered  to  the 
young  stranger : 

"  Seize  her  when  she  come*  forth — hold  her  fast." 

He  had  scarcely  time  to  pronounce  Uie  words  before 
the  door  opened. 

The  girl — for  tha  stranger  recognised  her  iustautly— 
was  quitting  the  room  precipitately,  and  was  made  a  fast 
prisoner  before  she  was  aware  of  it. 

Feeling  herself  firmly  held,  and  seeing,  too,  the  pallid 
countenance  of  one  she  had  so  recently  betrayed,  she 
uttered  a  piercing  shriek  and  became  insensible. 

These  strange  occurrences  had  the  effect  of  arousing 
the  innjate  of  the  room,  and  now,  with  a  staggering  and 
unsteady  step,  he  came  towards  the  door. 

"  Hullo  1"  he  ci-ied.  "  What  the  deuce  does  it  all  mean  ? 
What  is  it — what  is  it  ?  Why,  curse  me,  I  feel  quite 
drunk  and  stupid,  and  yet  I've  had  nothing — only  a  glass 
or  two  of  wine  1" 

"You  have  been  drugged,"  shouted  Dick,  "and  but  for 
our  accidental  presence  you  would  in  a  few  more  minutes 
have  been  murdered." 

Certainly,  if  any  words  whatever  would  be  calculated 
to  enable  a  person  to  cast  off  the  influences  of  a  drug, 
such  as  those  just  uttered  by  Dick  would  have  that 
effect. 

He  was  a  tall,  stout  man,  expensively  dressed,  and  with 
many  ornaments  of  great  value  glittering  about  his 
person. 

By  his  countenance,  his  guttural  articulation,  and  his 
general  appearance,  it  could  be  told  at  a  glance  he  was  a 
foreigner.    Probably  he  had  only  just  arrived  in  London. 

Hearing  these  words  spoken,  and  comprehending  their 
purport,  he  clasped  his  hands  over  his  forehead,  doubt- 
less with  the  endeavour  to  stop  the  swimming  of  his 
brain. 

"Get  into  the  open  air,"  said  Dick,  "and  raise  what 
outcry  you  can,  and  return  thanks  that  you  have  had  so 
narrow  an  escape." 

Like  one  in  a  dream,  the  foreigner  found  his  way  to  the 
front  door. 

With  difficulty  he  undid  the  fastenings  and  sallied 
forth. 

While  he  was  thus  engaged,  Dick  spoke  rapidly  to  his 
companion. 

"  Prom  what  you  know,"  he  said,  "  I  cannot  take  any 
part  in  bringing  the  inmates  of  this  house  to  justice.  1 
myself  should  be  immediately  taken  prisoner.  I  can, 
however,  leave  all  to  you.  My  immediate  object  now  is 
to  make  my  escape.  That  girl  is  now  incapable  of  doing 
any  mischief.  Itaiae  what  alarm  you  can,  and  relate  the 
whole  to  the  police.'' 

"  I  will — I  will,"  replied  the  young  stranger,  with  a 
slightly  bewildered  air.  "  And  since  we  are  to  part,  accept 
my  thanks  for  the  very  valuable  services  you  have  ren- 
dered me." 

"  Not  a  word  on  that  point — not  a  word.  Farewell ! 
Most  likely  we  shall  never  meet  again." 

With  these  words  on  his  lips,  Dick  turned  round  and 
quickly  darted  from  the  house. 

The  last  he  saw  of  the  foreigner  was  as  he  stood  near 
the  front  door  endeavouring  to  save  himself  from  fall- 
ing. 

It  would  have  been  no  slight  satisfaction  to  Dick  could 
he  have  remained  and  witnessed  the  clearing  up  of  this 
transaction,  but  regard  for  his  own  safety  made  him 
aware  this  was  impossible. 

Keeping  a  keen  look-out  on  all  sides  of  him,  Dick  hastily 
made  his  way  through  the  streets  of  London  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Three  Spiders  Inn  at  Ealing. 

The  clocks  gave  forth  the  hour  of  eleven. 

He  was  sut-prised,  for  he  imagined  it  was  much  later. 
In  the  perpetual  darkness,  however,  which  prevailed  in 
old  Newgate  it  was  difficult  indeed  to  keep  any  accurate 
note  of  the  night  of  time. 

rjo  far  as  he  could  tell,  no  polioe  officers  had  obssitod 
feia  dtspan&gs 


THS   KXIGHT  Of  THB  BOAD. 


146' 


Either  they  had  given  up  keeping  such  vigilant  guard 
around  the  prison,  or  else  it  had  never  occurred  to  them 
to  place  a  watch  anywhere  near  the  house  from  which 
Dick  had  emerged. 

Although  the  hour  was  early,  yet  he  felt  no  inclination 
for  the  long  walk  before  him 

He  was  impatient  in  the  highest  degree  to  assare  Maud 
of  his  safety,  and  also  to  ascertain  what  were  the  move- 
ments of  his  comrades. 

He  had  no  horse,  however,  and  to  attempt  to  hire  one 
would  be  running  a  very  considerable  risk—*  much 
greater  risk  than  he  felt  himself  justified  in  running. 

At  a  rapid  pace,  then,  he  walked  on  towards  his  desti- 
nation, for  above  all  things  ho  was  anxious  to  leave  London 
behind. 

On  his  way  he  revolved  in  his  mind  what  means  he 
could  adopt  of  performing  his  journey  quickly. 

His  meditations  were  at  length  broken  in  upon  by  the 
sharp  rattle  of  some  vehicle  that  was  being  drawn  with 
great  rapidity  along  the  high-road. 

Dick  drew  aside,  and  looked  back. 

Then,  through  the  darkness,  he  managed  to  make  out 
that  a  light  spring  cart,  drawn  by  one  horse,  was  approach- 
ing him. 

In  it  was  seated  a  man,  who,  by  various  trt>atend 
smacks  of  his  whip,  compelled  the  animal  to  keep  up  its 
speed. 

"  I'll  ask  him  for  a  lift,"  muttered  Dick.  "  There's  a 
little  danger  iu  it,  but  not  much  ;  and,  after  all,  he  may 
refuse." 

Just  then  the  cart  was  within  a  yard  or  two  of  where 
he  stood. 

Kaising  his  voice,  he  cried  t 

"Hoi — hoi! — stop!  I  am  travelling  your  way,  eind 
would  give  something  worth  while  for  a  ride  !" 

The  man  checked  nis  horse  somewhat  abraptly,  and, 
placing  his  hand  before  his  eyes,  strove  to  make  out  by 
whom  he  had  been  accosted. 

"It's  only  a  slight  favour  that  I  ask  of  you,"  said 
Dick.  "  But  this  road  is  terribly  lonely,  and  I  have  a 
long  journey  before  me." 

"  It  ain't  very  safe  to  pick  up  acquaintances  on  the 
road,"  said  the  man.  "But,  though  I  can't  see  your  face, 
yet  1  like  the  sound  of  your  voice.  Jump  up,  and,  if  you 
like  to  pay  for  something  when  we  reach  the  Truss  of 
Hay,  I  shall  be  glad  of  your  company." 

"  Agreed  !"  said  Dick.     "  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  !" 

He  scrambled  up  into  the  cart  while  he  spoke,  and  the 
man,  scarcely  allowing  him  time  to  seat  himself,  cracked 
his  whip,  and  set  the  horse  in  motion. 

It  was  a  great  satisfaction  to  Dick  upon  thus  finding 
himself  unexpectedly  carried  so  swiftly  towards  his  des- 
tination. 

But  he  found  that  his  present  position,  advantageous  as 
it  seemed,  had  some  drawbacks,  for  the  man  was  of  a 
most  inquisitive  disposition,  and  it  was  with  difficulty 
that  he  replied  to  his  many  questions. 

The  great  topic  of  the  time  was,  of  course,  Dick  Tur- 
pin's  marvellous  escape  from  Newgate. 

He  found  his  new  companion  had  plenty  to  say  upon 
it. 

Dick  professed  to  be  ignorant  of  the  particulars,  and 
thereupon  was  favoured  with  a  narrative  of  a  most  ex- 
aggerated description. 

Sinking  his  voice  as  he  concluded,  he  said : 

"  It's  my  firm  belief,  sir,  that  there's  but  one  way  of 
coming  to  a  solution  of  this  matter." 

"  Indeed  1"  said  Dick.    "  And  what  may  that  be  ?" 

"  Why,  we  all  know  what  a  villanous  wretch  this  Dick 
Turpin  is But,  bless  me  !  what's  the  matter?" 

Dick  had  started  upon  hearing  this  epithet  applied  to 
him,  but  he  recovered  himself  most  marvellously. 

"Oh,  it's  nothing,"  he  said—"  nothing  at  all  f* 

"  Then  what  was  it  made  you  give  such  a  jump?*' 

"  I  don't  know — it  is  not  worth  while  to  trouble  about 
it.  I  am  full  of  curiosity  to  know  what  you  were  going 
to  say." 

"  Well,  then,  my  belief  is  that  Dick  Turpin  ra  s*«fc  a 
wretch  that  the  devil  would  not  wait  for  him  to  be  pot 
out  of  the  world  in  an  ordinary  manner,  but  has  earned 
him  off  bodily.  Rely  upon  it,  we  shall  never  see  him 
again." 

"  Perhaps  not,"  replied  Diet  "  Bat  what  are  you  pull- 
ittf  tpfcrr" 


"Why,  this  is  the  Trus3  of  Hay— the  inn  of  which  1 
spoke.    Eecollect  you  have  to  pay  for  the  refreshment" 

*  All  right,"'  said  Dick—"  order  anything  you  like  f" 

The  cart  having  stopped,  the  man  jumped  out,  and  re- 
quested Dick  to  follow  his  example. 

At  first  he  refused,  but,  being  pressed  by  his  new  com* 
panion,  and  having  no  good  reason  to  give  why  he  should 
prefer  remaining  where  he  was,  he  at  length  reluctantly 
got  down. 

"Come  in  !"  he  said.  "  They  keep  the  best  of  refresh 
ments  here,  as  you  will  say.  They  do  a  roaring  trade, 
fer  there  are  plenty,  like  me,  who  make  a  regular  point  oi 
calling." 

He  pushed  open  the  inn  door  as  he  spoke. 

Dick  had  no  resource  but  to  follow  him,  though  he  was 
exceedingly  reluctant  to  do  so. 

Ho  had  no  means  of  disguising  himself  further  than  by 
pulling  bis  hat  low  down  over  his  brows. 

A  couple  of  flaring  oil-lamps  depending  from  the  ceiling 
lighted  up  the  passage  leading  from  the  front  to  the  back 
of  the  inn,  and  from  rooms  on  each  side  came  forth  the 
sounds  of  boisterous  merriment. 

Dick's  companion  walked  up  to  the  bar  window,  and, 
after  a  brief  hesitation,  called  for  a  tankard  of  old 
ale. 

"  I  will  share  it  with  you,"  said  Dick,  "  for  I  am  in  no 
humour  for  drinking  to-night." 

"  Very  good,"  was  the  reply.  "I  shall  not  stay  more 
than  a  moment.  I  am  very  late  to-night,  and  I  have 
twenty  miles  further  to  go." 

Dick  did  not  reply  to  this,  but,  throwing  down  the  only 
coin  he  possessed  to  pay  for  the  ale,  he  drank  a  small 
quantity  himself,  and  his  companion  quickly  emptied  the 
tankard. 

But  just  as  they  were  taking  their  departure,  one  of 
the  doors  leading  into  the  passage  opened,  and  a  man's 
face  appeared  at  it. 

Behind  him  were  several  others,  who,  it  seemed,  were 
likewise  just  about  to  quit  the  inn. 

The  door  being  narrow,  he  stopped  with  the  door  in 
his  hand  to  allow  Dick  and  his  companion  to  pass  by. 

The  latter  walked  carelessly  enough,  but  Dick,  affect- 
ing to  be  seized  with  a  sudden  cough,  placed  his  hand  be- 
fore his  mouth,  which  served  to  conceal  a  great  portion 
of  his  features. 

Apparently  no  notice  was  taken  of  either  of  them,  and 
in  another  moment  they  were  mounted,  as  before,  in  the 
light  cart,  and  rolling  rapidly  along  the  high-road. 

The  tankard  of  ale  loosened  the  man's  tongue  consider- 
ably, and  he  ran  on  at  a  great  length  upon  various  sub- 
jects. 

But  Dick  had  too  many  things  pressing  on  his  mind  to 
pay  much  attention  to  what  he  said. 

Arriving  at  last  pretty  near  to  the  Three  Spiders  Inn, 
he  requested  the  man  to  allow  him  to  alight. 

"This  is  your  journey's  end,  then  ?"  he  said. 

"  Well,  nearly.  I  have  a  little  further  to  go  across  the 
fields,  but  no  distance  to  speak  of.  Many  thanks  to  you 
for  your  civility.    Good  night !" 

"Good  night!"  answered  the  man,  smacking  his 
whip. 

Dick  stood  in  the  roadway  a  minute  or  so  till  the  cart 
Was  almost  out  of  sight,  then,  turning  round  abruptly,  he 
made  his  way  in  a  straight  line  for  the  inn. 

He  reached  it  without  meeting  with  any  accident,  only 
once  he  thought  he  heard  a  footstep  on  the  road  behind 
him,  and,  glancing  back  at  the  same  instant,  he  fancied 
he  perceived  a  dark  figure  dart  into  the  shadow  of  the 


hedge. 

or  ti 


this  he  was  by  ne  means  certain,  but,  occupied  only 
with  his  anxiety  to  see  his  friends,  he  hurried  on  with 
redoubled  speed,  nor  paused  until  the  door  was  reached. 

He  knocked  several  times  gently  without  receiving  any 
answer,  and,  his  patience  being  by  no  means  great,  he 
raised  his  foot  and  kicked  with  might  and  main  upon  the 
lower  portias  *i  the  door. 


CHAPTER   DCCCXCV. 
m  highwaymen's  jot  axd  satisfaction  move  w 

BJC  Or  SHORT    DURATION. 

Thk  reader  will   now  be  at  no  loss  to  understand  the 
meaning  of   the  tremendous  knocking  that  had  strut* 


BLACK    BBSS  ;     OK, 


each  terror  into  the  hearts  of  Tom  Davis  and  the  high- 
waymen. 

It  was  Dick  who  was  thus  clamouring  for  admission, 
not  the  officers,  as  they  supposed. 

After  the  words  last  spoken  by  Tom  Davis,  a  boom  of 
considerable  confusion  ensued. 

There  could  be  no  doubt,  however,  that  tne-  ysght 
course  to  pursue  was  to  avail  themselves  instantly  of  the 
hiding-plaoe  they  had  been  at  so  -"men  trouble  to  con- 
struct. ..        ,- " 

Seizing  a  lamp,  Tom  King  cried  : 

"  Follow  me,  all  of  you— follow  me  quickly,  yet  quietly  I 
There  is  no  cause  for  immediate  alarm." 
.  Maud,  however,  was  so  terrified  that  she  could  scarcely 
move. 

Knowing  perfectly  well,  however,  that  not  only  her 
own  safety  but  the  safety  of  those  she  held  so  dear, 
depended  upon  her  summoning  up  sufficient  resolution  to 
accompany  them  to  their  hiding-place,  she  trnd  her  best 
to  shake  off  the  dreadful  feelings  which  oppressed 
her. 

Passing  hastily  through  the  bar,  Tom  opened  the  door 
at  the  top  of  the  steps  leading  into  the  cellar,  and  quickly 
descended. 

Clande  came  last,  and  shut  the  door. 

In  the  meanwhile,  the  knocking  was  continued  with 
great  fury. 

Tom  Davis,  thinking  that  the  hghwaymen  arere  now 
safe,  and  not  wishing  to  give  rise  to  fresh  suspicion  by 
keeping  the  officers  waiting  at  the  door,  slowly  walked 
along  the  passage,  and  presently  cried  out : 

"  Who  is  it  ? — who's  there  ?" 

"  Open  the  door,  Davis,"  cried  Dick — "  open  the  door  ! 
Why  on  earth  have  you  kept  me  here  waiting  in  this 
manner?" 

Tom  Davis  recognised  the  tones  of  the  voice  in- 
stantly. 

So  great  was  his  surprise — so  sudden  the  revolution  of 
feeling  which  took  place  in  his  breast  upon  finding  the 
captain  was  without,  and  not  Jack  Marshall  and  his 
officers,  that  he  was  suddenly  bereft  of  all  motion. 

Leaning  against  the  wall,  he  could  only  gasp  out  the 
words : 

"  The  captain — the  captain !" 

Ellen  had  heard  Dick's  voice,  and  uttered  a  shriek. 

When  that  was  over  her  surprise  was  over  too,  and 
accordingly,  hastening  past  Tom  Davis,  she,  with  nimble 
fingers,  removed  the  fastenings. 

Dick  pushed  open  the  door  hastily,  and  as  hastily  closed 
it  behind  him. 

"  What  on  earth,"  he  said,  "  is  the  matter  with  you  all  ? 
Why  have  you  kept  me  hammering  at  the  door  in  this 
fashion  ?" 

Tom  Davis  did  not  reply,  but  recollecting  all  of  a 
sudden  that  the  highwaymen  had  gone  done  into  the 
cellars,  and  were  doubtless  in  the  act  of  entering  the 
secret  passage,  he  turned  round  and  ran  into  the  bar. 

Opening  the  door  at  the  top  of  the  steps,  he  cried 
out: 

"  Tom  —  Tom !  Come  baclc  i  It's  all  right  1  The 
captain's  here !" 

There  was  an  immediate  commotion  down  below  after 
he  had  pronounced  these  words. 

The  fact  was,  so  expeditious  had  the  highwaymen  been 
that  the  secret  passage  had  been  opened,  and  they  were 
just  about  to  close  it  after  them. 

Tom  Davis's  words  arrested  their  purpose,  and,  with 
mingled  joy  and  doubt,  they  rushed  pell-mell  towards 
the  steps. 

Dick  could  not  for  the  life  of  him  understand  the  extra- 
ordinary behaviour  of  Tom  Davis ;  but  Ellen,  in  a  few 
words,  explained  the  exact  position  of  affairs. 

Over  the  glad  meeting  which  now  took  place  "©  must 
pass  in  silence,  since  it  was  a  scene  no  pen  coulc%pnssibly 
describe. 

The  most  extravagant  joy  was,  of  course,  the  feeling 
uppermost  in  every  breast. 

No  sooner,  however,  were  their  surprise  and  satlgf  Ac- 
tion over  than  a  whole  string  ot  questions  were  ptf  jed 
forth.  *  * 

Nothing  would  do  but  Dick  must  give  an  account  of 
all  his  proceedings,  for  there  was  not  one  who  could  even 
guess  at  them. 

Willingly  enough,  Dick  complied,  and  amid  a  profound, 


breathless  silence,  he  related  to  his  friends  those  fact* 
which  are  already  in  possession  of  the  reader. 

He  concluded  his  narrative  by  stating  that  he  fancied 
he  had  heard  a  footstep  behind  him  in  the  lane,  and  that 
he  had  seen  for  a  moment  dark  figure  resembling  a 
human  form. 

"  We  cannot  be  too  careful,"  said  Tom  Davis — "  it  is 
impossible  that  we  can  be.  I  will  go  now  and  see  that 
all  the  fastenings  are  perfectly  secure." 

"  And  Black  Bess,"  said  Dick — "  I  must  see  her." 

"  She's  all  safe  and  sound,  oaptain.  But  if  you  sus- 
pect any  person  is  lurking  near,  don't  run  the  risk  of 
venturing  forth  just  at  present — wait  for  another  oppor- 
tunity." 

This  advice  was  warmly  seconded  by  the  highwaymen, 
and  Dick  gave  way  before  their  wishes,  although  his 
anxiety  to  see  Black  Bess  was  great  indeed. 

Tom  Davis  was  not  absent  long,  and  when  he  came 
back  he  brought  with  him  the  satisfactory  intelligence 
that  the  inn  was  firmly  secured  at  all  points — that  it  would 
be  impossible  to  effect  a  sudden  entrance. 

It  was  now  Dick's  turn  to  question  his  comrades,  for  he 
was  quite  in  the  dark  as  to  their  proceedings,  and  was 
not  a  little  anxious  to  receive  from  Tom  King  the  account 
of  his  adventures  at  Windsor. 

His  request  was  complied  with,  and  surely,  to  all 
appearances,  a  happier,  more  comfortable  party  than  was 
assembled  in  the  inn  kitchen  at  that  moment  could 
scarcely  have  been  found  in  England. 

Had  a  stranger  looked  in  upon  them,  the  very  last  idea 
that  would  have  suggested  itself  would  have  been  that  they 
were  all  in  peril  of  their  lives. 

A  feeling  of  remarkable  ease  and  contentment  pervaded 
every  breast,  and  such  a  sensation  of  security  came  over 
all  that  they  never  remembered  to  have  felt  before. 

These  feelings,  however,  were  very  quickly  put  an  end 
to  by  what  next  occurred. 

In  the  midst  of  their  laughing  conversation  there  sud- 
denly came  a  pause — such  a  pause  as  not  unfrequently 
takes  place  in  similar  circumstances. 

They  glanced  from  one  to  another,  and  each  waited 
for  some  one  to  speak  first. 

In  the  midst  of  this  singular  silence  came  the  sound  of 
three  distinct  heavy  blows  struck  deliberately  upon  the 
front  door. 

This  startled  all  into  life. 

Tom  Davis  turned  perfectly  white  as  he  said : 

"  There's  no  mistake  now — officers  they  are,  and  no 
one  else — it  cannot  turn  out  to  be  any  friend  of  ours  this 
time  1  Be  quick  1"  he  added.  "  Seek  the  secret  passage 
without  delay  1" 

"  Nay,"  cried  Dick,  "  let  us  know  first  that  there  is 
reason  for  doing  so." 

The  words  had  scarcely  passed  his  lips  when  the 
knocking  was  renewed. 

Then  some  words  pronounced  in  a  loud  voice  reached 
their  ears. 

What  the  words  were  they  could  not  exactly  make  out, 
but  Tom  Davis  exclaimed  : 

"Now  are  you  satisfied?  Did  you  hear  them  utter 
their  usual  summons  for  admission  ?  Oaptain,  youi 
fancy  did  not  mislead  you,  you  have  indeed  been  watched 
and  followed  to  this  house.    What  is  to  be  done  ?" 

"Enter  the  secret  passage,"  was  Dick's  immediate 
answer.  "  I  fear  it  is  only  too  true  that  I  have  been  fol- 
lowed. However,  it  strikes  me  if  they  should  enter  thej 
will  be  unable  to  find  anything  of  us." 

The  knocking  was  repeated  for  the  third  time,  and  the 
words  again  pronounced. 

Tom  Davis  had  crept  a  little  closer  to  the  front 
door. 

^Turning  round,  he  said  in  a  whisper  i    ■ 

"  Did  you  hear  them  demand  admittance  in  tne  King's 
name?  If  the  door  is  not  opened  instantly  they  will 
break  it  down." 

Hie  words  were  prophetic,  for  just  at  that  very  instant 
a  W*x«f)o  blow  was  dealt  upon  the  stout  panels  of  the 
door 

Haa  it  not  been  so  well  secured,  most  certainly  that 
blow  was  sufficient  to  have  forced  it  from  its  hinges. 

No  longer  now  could  the  imminence  of  their  danger  be 
doubted. 

Again  snatching  up  the  lamp,  Tom  King  hastened  to 
the  bar. 


fH*     *  WIGHT    •»    THX     aOAD. 


1«6S 


fie  was  followed  by  Dick,  who  had  to  half  carry  Maud 
with  him. 

Claude  and  Sixteen-String  Jack  brought  np  the  rea». 

Once  more  the  steps  were  descendsd,  the  cellars  crossed, 
»nd  the  entrance  to  the  secret  passage  reached. 

It  turned  out  now  that  their  false  alarm  had  reatt,"  done 
them  good  service. 

The  coverings  over  the  passage  had  now  been  removed, 
%nd  nothing  remained  for  the  highwaymen  to  do .  bat  to 
enter  hastily  and  replace  them. 

This,  by  an  admirable,  yet  simple  contrtvanoe  that  had 
nevertheless  cost  them  many  hours'  thought,  was  quickly 
don«. 

'  forward,"  said  Dick — "it  will  be  useless  to  linger 
here !  Let  us  take  up  such  a  position  that,  if  necessary,  we 
may  make  an  immediate  retreat." 

"  Good  !"  cried  Tom  King.  "  I  was  about  to  propose 
the  self-same  thing.  Follow  me  with  what  speed  you 
may." 

As  he  spoke  he  walked  hurriedly  along  the  passage. 


CHAPTER  DCCCXCVI. 

OESCB3BES  THE   ENERGETIC     PROCEEDINGS  OF  JACK    MAR 
SHALL   AND   HIS   OFFICERS. 

It  will  be  necessary  now  to  go  back  a  little  in  order  to 
account  for  the  events  which  next  occurred. 

It  will  be  recollected  that  on  the  night  when  Dick 
Turpin  so  strangely  made  his  escape  from  Newgate,  his 
three  comrades  left  the  White  Horse  Inn  in  Drury 
Lane. 

As  they  had  correctly  feared,  the  deaf  and  dumb  boy 
whom  Matthew  had  so  befriended  was  a  traitor. 

He  had  recognised  the  highwaymen,  and  no  sooner 
had  he  started  upon  his  errand  than  he  betrayed  them  to 
a  police  officer. 

His  scheme  no  doubt  would  have  succeeded,  and  the 
highwaymen  beyond  all  doubt  have  been  captured,  had 
not  his  long  absence  been  too  much  for  their  impatience. 

The  simple  fact  of  going  to  the  stable  instead  of  wait- 
ing at  the  corner  of  White  Horse  Yard  unquestionably 
saved  their  lives. 

With  what  followed  the  reader  is  already  aware. 

With  more  than  usual  ease,  Tom  and  his  comrades 
managed  to  out-distance  the  police  officers. 

Stilt,  although  the  highwaymen  had  got  out  of  sight 
and  hearing,  they  were  by  no  means  inclined  to  abandon 
the  chase,  especially  as,  after  going  a  short  distance,  they 
were  met  by  a  troop  of  their  companions  headed  by  Jack 
Marshall  himself. 

A  few  words  served  to  explain  matters  to  him,  and  no 
sooner  had  he  comprehended  all,  than  for  about  five 
minutes  he  did  nothing  but  curse  the  officers  in  every 
conceivable  way. 

"  They  went  westward,  did  they  ?"  he  cried.  "  Well, 
we'll  go  westward  too.  Come  on,  it's  strange  indeed  if 
we  don't  see  or  hear  something  of  them." 

Accordingly,  the  two  parties  forming  one,  set  their 
steeds  in  motion  and  galloped  at  a  very  furious  rate  along 
the  western  road. 

From  time  to  time  they  paused  to  make  inquiries  as  to 
whether  any  persons  resembling  those  of  whom  they 
were  in  search  had  passed  th  at  way. 

But  on  every  occasion  they  were  replied  to  in  the 
negative 

At  last,  reaching  a  roadside  inn.  Jack  i>jsnaJl 
determined  to  pause. 

He  had  been  actively  engaged  for  a  long  time  »t4  3*iw 
so  weary  that  he  could  scarcely  sit  in  the  6adlle. 

Moreover,  most  of  the  horses  were  completely  blown, 
and,  if  pushed,  mlgnt  tail  them  aUogothai 

It  so  happened  that  this  inn  was  no  otner  wum  the 
Truss  of  Hay,  at  which,  as  fate  would  have  it,  Dick 
Turpin  made  a  halt. 

Having  stayed  long  enough,  as  they  believeo,  to  rest 
their  horses,  the  police  officers  were  just  about  to  depart 
when  Dick  and  his  companion  passed  down  the  passage 
in  the  manner  we  have  previously  related. 

The  officer  standing  at  the  door  did  not  recognise  Dick, 
yet  he  fancied  that  he  was  no  other  than  the  highwayman 
he  beheld. 

Had  he  seen  him  under  any  other  circumstance*  than 
th*  present,  probably  he  would  have  had  no  doubt  what- 
ever. 


The  very  idea  that  Dick  Turpin  should  quietly  walk 
into  the  inn  where  they  were  staying,  and  walk  oat  again, 
was  really  too  preposterous  to  be  entertained. 

Still,  he  looked  vacant,  hesitating  and  confused 

Perceiving  it,  Jack  Marshall  bawled  out : . 

"  JV  Lat  the  devil  are  you  standing  shilly-shallying 
there  like  that  for,  Roberts  ?  What's  the  matter  with 
you  ?    Are  you  moon-struck  ?" 

"No,  no,  Mr.  Marshall — no,  no.  1  beg  your  pardon, 
cir." 

"  Well,  what  is  u  t  You  look  as  if  you  had  seen  a 
ghost." 

"  Well,  sir,  I'm  afraid  you  will  laugh  at  me,  or  think  me 
drunk,  or  mad,  or  something  of  that  sort,  but  I  really  do 
believe — and  yet  how  can  it  be  possible  ?" 

"Goon!"  roared  the  chief  police  officer.  "What  do 
you  believe  ?" 

"  Why,  that  when  I  opened  this  door  I  saw  Dick 
Turpin  walk  down  the  passage." 

Jack  Marshall  leaped  up  from  his  chair  with  a  yell. 

He  seized  hold  of  Roberts,  the  police  officer,  and  shook 
him  violently. 

"  Fodi ! — dolt  I — idiot !"  he  screamed.  "  If  you  had  any 
doubt  of  that  kind  in  your  mind  why  did  you  not  speak, 
and  not  stand  there  looking  lillfe  a  fool  ?  Bah !  Get  out 
of  the  way !" 

He  flung  the  officer  aside  with  great  violence,  then 
made  his  way  to  the  bar  window. 

"Landlord,"  he  cried,  "who  was  it  passed  down  the 
passage  a  minute  or  two  ago — did  you  notice  'em  ?" 

"  Were  there  two  of  them,  6ir  ?" 

"  How  the  devil  do  I  know  ?" 

"  Well,  I  only  ventured  to  inquire,"  said  the  landlord 
offended  at  Jack  Marshall's  manner. 

"  Well,  supposing  there  were  two,  what  were  they 
like  ?" 

"  Why,  one  I  know  very  well — he's  an  old  friend  of 
mine,  and  calls  regularly  here  every  time  he  passes." 

"  Yah  ! — bah !  it  can't  be  him  then !" 

"  But,"  continued  the  landlord,  "now  you  mention  it, 
he  had  a  stranger  with  him,  and  rather  a  strange-looking 
strang-er,  if  I  may  be&l'Gir&d  to  make  that  remark." 

Jack  Marshall  pricked  up  his  ears  ouce  more. 

"Describe  him,"  he  cried,  fiercely  and  excitedly — 
"  describe  him !" 

•l  Well,  sir,  to  tell  you  the  truth,  I  can't  very  well,  for 
he  very  carefully  kept  as  much  out  of  6ight  as  he  could ; 
he  had  his  hat  drawn  down  on  his  face,  and  altogether  1 
saw  but  little  of  him." 

"Was  that  the  man  you  meant?"  roared  Marshall, 
addressing  himself  to  Roberts,  who  had  ventursd  to 
emerge  Into  the  passage. 

"Yes — yes!"  he  replied,  nodding  violently — "thaw's 
him !" 

"Then,  no  doubt  you  are  right.  What  a  chance  we've 
lost!  But  quick — quick,  all  of  you!  The  horses  are 
ready,  no  douit !    Mount  at  once !" 

Probably  never  before  had  Jack  Marshall  been  in  such 
a  state  of  tremendous  excitement. 

He  dashed  out  of  the  inn  more  like  a  madman  than  a 
6ane  being. 

In  the  same  haste,  he  mounted  his  steed,  and  then 
plunged  his  spurs  into  its  flanks. 

"  Come  on,"  he  roared — "  come  on,  I  6ay !  Do  you 
meaja  to  be  all  night  ?" 

As  well  as  they  could,  the  officers  scrambled  into  the 
saddles,  and  followed  their  leader  in  a  desultory 
throng. 

Now,  had  the  officers  galloped  straight  off  to  the  Three 
Spiders  Inn  they  must  inevitably  have  arrived  there 
before  Dick. 

But  such  was  fated  not  to  be  the  case. 

Jack  Jaarshall,  indeed,  was  very  forcibly  reminded  of 
the  truth  of  the  old  proverb  which  declares  "  more  haste 
less  speed." 

Altogether  letting  passion  get  the  better  of  prudence, 
he  paid  leas  attention  to  his  horse  than  he  should  hav# 
done. 

Consequently,  the  tired  beast,  making  a  false  ttep, 
stumbled. 

His  rider  was  not  ready  to  save  him  by  checking  at 
the  bit,  so  down  he  went,  and  Jack  Marshall  involuntarily 
performed  a  very  creditable  somersault  over  his  hone's 
head. 


!*B4 


BUCK    BBSS,    OR, 


He  reached  the  ground  with  great  violence,  and  jmrt  as 
he  fell,  bo  did  he  lie,  bereft  apparently  alike  of  life  and 

motion. 

The  officers  pulled  up  their  horses  as  quickly  as  they 
could,  and  narrowly  escaped  riding  over  thetl  efcSef. 

The  struggling  horse  was  assisted  to  rise,  irf  others 
bent  over  their  leader. 

"  Mr.  Marshall,"  6aid  one — "  Mr.  Marshall !     SpeaA.  ! 
Are  you  vary  much  hurt,  sir — vory  mnoh  hurt?* 
There  was  no  response. 
"  He's  stunned,  if  not  dead  I"  said  another. 
"  Is  he  ?"  cried  Roberts,   pushing  his  way  forwards. 
"  Then,  d — n  him,  let  him  take  that!     1  feel  better  now. 
Perhaps  when  he  feels  that  slight  pain  in  his  side  he'll 
think  twice  before  he  tries  to  throttle  me  again  !" 

Roberta  WM  still  smarting  with  rage  at  being  treated 
in  such  a  summary  manner  by  his  chief. 

All  the  way  along  the  road  he  had  been  cursing  and 
swearing  to  himself,  longing  for  some  opportunity  of 
revenging  himself,  and  wishing  that  his  tongue  had 
dropped  out  before  he  had  said  a  word  about  Dick  Turpin 
at  all. 

Seeing  his  powerful  foe  helpless  on  the  ground,  he  oould 
not  resist  the  opportunity  of  gratifying  Ih's  vengeance,  so 
while  he  spoke,  and  before  any  of  the  others  oould  pr»vent 
him,  he  dealt  Jack  Marshall  a  furious  kick  in  the  ribs  —so 
furious  a  one  that  i  t  ffl  a  wonder  it  did  not  recover  the 
police  officer  from  his  state  of  unconsciousness. 

A  consultation  now  ensued  among  the  officers  as  to 
what  they  should  do. 

Would  it  be  best  for  them  to  wait  and  endeavour  to 
restore  their  leader  to  consciousness,  or  should  a  portion 
ride  on  in  pursuit  ? 

This  matter  was  well  argued,  for  the  police  officers 
were  about  equally  divided  on  the  point. 

The  discussion  soon  grew  so  warm  that  it  was  a  thou- 
sand wonders  they  did  not  come  to  blows. 

As  it  was,  the  confusion  was  something  terrific,  and  in 
the  midst  of  it  Jack  Marshall  was  altogether  disre- 
garded. 

But  what  the  furious  kick  could  not  do,  Nature  accom- 
plished for  herself. 
Gradually  the  chief  police  officer  came  to  himself. 
As  may  be  guessed,  his  intellects  were  at  first  iu  a  slate 
of  utter  confusion. 

But  by  degrees  he  realised  that  he  was  lying  on  his 
back  in  a  very  dirty  road,  that  every  time  he  drew  hio 
breath  he  had  an  acute  pain  in  his  6ide  as  though  some 
one  was  6tabbing  him,  and  that  his  men  were  all  standing 
around,  disputing  at  the  top  of  their  voices. 

At  least  five  minutes  elapsed,  however,  before  he  could 
recollect  just  what  had  occurred. 

No  sooner  did  remembrance  return  to  him  than  he 
uttered  a  yell. 

Its  effects  were  peculiar. 

The  police  officers  ceased  their  discussion  at  once,  and 
became  suddenly  as  silent  as  though  they  had  been  struck 
dumb. 

Certainly  the  circumstances  were  well  calculated  to  ex- 
asperate anyone,  and  so  we  cannot  wonder  that  the  first 
thing  Jack  Marshall  did  after  giving  vent  to  that  yell  was 
to   pour  out  a  whole  string  of    curses   directed  at  all 
things  in  general,  and  at  his  own  men  in  particular. 
"  Help  me  up,"  he  said — "  help  me  up  at  once !" 
The  officers  came  officiously  towards  him. 
On  attempting  to  gain  his  feet,  however,  Jack  Marshall 
suffered  such  intolerable  pain  that  he  alternately  cursed, 
groaned  and  screamed. 

Rnge  certainly  had  the  better  of  him  on  that  occa- 
sion. 

Comprehending  that  it  was  his  horse's  fault  th»t  he  add 
been  thrown,  he  made  a  rush  at  the  dumb,  unconscious 
brute,  and  commenced  a  furious  attack  upon  it — ax  attack 
that  was  in  the  highest  degree  ridiculous. 

But  Mr.  Marshall  was  soon  exhausted,  aud  fell  back 
again  into  the  roadway. 

"Take  me  back  to  the  inn,"  he  said— "oh,  take  me 
back  to  the  inn !" 

With  great  difficulty  this  command  was  obeyed,  but, 
as  the  inn  was  only  a  few  hundred  yards  in  the  rear, 
it  was  quickly  gained. 

A  plentiful  external  application  of  cold  wat«»  and 
*ome  deep  draughts  of  brandy  went  far  towards  restor- 
og  '*"-fc  Marshall  to  his  former  self 


So  absorbed  had  he  been  by  his  own  injuries  that,  u» 
till  that  moment,  he  had  forgotten  all  about  his  pro- 
pose. 

Just  tnen,  recollecting  Dick  Turpin,  he  angrily  de- 
manded to  know  why  the  officers  had  not  continued  th« 
pursuit 

Tlds  involved  a  long  explanation,  to  which  he  would 
not  listen. 

"  Hold  your  jaw !"  he  cried.  "I've  had  enough  of  it! 
Another  drop  of  brandy  !  There,  I  shall  do  now?  Come 
on,  will  you  !     I  will  once  more  lead  the  way !" 

By  the  joint  exertions  of  about  half  a  dozen  officers, 
Jack  Marshall  was  lifted  into  the  saddle. 

He  suffered  more  from  the  pain  in  his  side  than  aught 
else. 

To  draw  a  long  breath  was  agony. 

"Gently,"  he  said — "we  must  do  it  gently,  or  I  shall 
fall  off!  But  there's  time  enough — time  enough,  for  it'a 
odd  to  me  if  I  don't  know  where  to  find  them  all  I" 


CHAPTER   JJCCCXCVII. 

JAOR  MARSHALL  AND  HIS  OFFICERS  SUCCEED  IN  EFFECT- 
DIG  AN  ENTRANCE  INTO  THE  THREE  SPIDERS  INN,  AND 
BIARE  THRIVE  PRISONERS. 

Although  Jack  Marshall  may  be  said  to  have  used  the 
utmost  expedition,  yet,  after  all,  a  considerable  delay  took 
place  in  consequence  of  the  unforeseen  accident  which 
befel  him. 

Indeed,  before  the  officers  started  for  the  second  time 
from  the  Truss  of  Hay,  Dick  Turpin  had  got  comfortably 
back  to  the  inn. 

At  every  step  the  horse  look  Jack  Marshall  suffered  ex- 
treme pain,  but  he  bore  all  like  a  martyr. 

He  was  eucouraged  to  do  so  by  the  hope  that  on  thii 
occasion  he  should  succeed  in  capturiug  the  whole  of  the 
highwaymen. 

He  had  an  unusually  large  force,  aud,  from  the  direc- 
tion that  Dick  was  taking,  he  had  scarcely  any  doubt  in 
his  own  mind  that  he  was  making  direct  for  Ealing. 

As  fast  as  he  possibly  could,  Jack  Marshall  followed  in 
his  footsteps,  until,  at  leugth  reaching  the  disused  lane 
leading  up  to  the  imn,  he  paused. 

"Jackson  should  be  somewhere  here,"  he  muttered. 
"  I  wonder  whether  the  rascal  is  at  his  post !" 

While  speaking,  he  took  from  his  pocket  a  small  whistle, 
which  he  placed  to  his  lips. 

A  shrill,  trilling  sound  was  produced — not  very  loud, 
but  yet  such  as  would  be  carried  to  a  great  distance. 

No  sooner  had  the  souud  died  away  than  hasty  foot- 
steps were  heard,  and  then  a  man,  attired  as  a  police 
officer,  made  his  appes ranee. 

"  Oh,"  he  said,  speaking  with  great  excitement,  "  is 
that  you,  Mr.  Marshall?" 
"  Yes,  it  is !    What  news,  Jackson  ?" 
"  Oh,  most  important  news.     I've  beeL  cudgelling  my 
brains  to  think  of  some  means  by  which  I  could  let  you 
know,  and  here  you  are  just  in  the  nick  of  time  !" 

Jack  Marshall  smiled,  and  forgot  the  pain  h6  was  en- 
during. 

"  I've  seen  him,"  continued  Jackson,  sinking  hi3  voice 
—  "  I've  seen  him,  and  I  was  a  good  mind  to  put  a  bullet 
into  him,  and  chance  it." 

"Seen  who — seen  who?"  asked  Marshall,  impatiently,  i 
"  Why,  Dick  Turpin  himself — I  am  quite  sure  of  it.   I 
would  swear  to  him  !   He  passed  me." 
"  Why  did  you  not  seize  him  ?" 

"  Because  I  was  alone,"  was  the  reply,  "  and  he  was  so 
close  to  his  friends.     Had  they  heard  the  least  noise  they 
would  have  cmine  forth,  aud  I  should  have  been  no  better 
than  mincemeat." 
Marshall  thought  so  too. 

"  Perhaps  it  is  best  as  it  is,"  he  answered.    "How  f<x* 
tunate  it  is  1  left  you  here." 
"  Very  fortunate  indeed,  sir." 
"  You  dogged  his  footsteps,  of  course  i* 
"Oh,  yes." 

"  Where  did  he  go,  then?" 
"  To  the  inn." 
Jack  Marshall  nodded. 
"  I  thought  as  much." 
Then,  speaking  to  himself,  he  added : 
u  Oh,  I  ha^e  you  on  the  hip  now,  Mi .  L?.bAx&    * 
knew  that  this  day  would  come  sooner  or  Utar." 


TUB    KNIO»T   OV   THE    ROA». 


!«■:. 


fTOJf  DATTS  REFUSES  TO  BETRAY  THE  HIGHWAYMEN.] 


Having  made  this  refleotion,  he  turned  round  and  ad- 
dressed hia  men. 

"  Follow  me,  all  of  yon,"  he  said,  "as  alowly  and  as 
•ilently  as  you  can." 

He  was  obeyed,  and,  making  no  sound  that  conld  be 
heard  above  the  roaring  of  the  wind,  the  police-officers 
crept  like  so  many  ghosts  towards  the  Three  Spiders 
Inn. 

They  reached  the  front  of  the  building  without 
having  given  the  least  alarm. 

In  a  whisper  Jack  Marshall  ordered  hia  men  to  dis- 
mount. 

Short  aa  the  time  had  been,  yet  it  had  sufficed  for  him 
to  make  up  hia  mind  as  to  the  exact  oourao  of  action  he 
Bhould  adopt. 

He  placed  his  men  like  so  many  sentinels  round  the 
inn,  and  so  closely  together  that  they  could  eommnnioate 
by  whispers. 
No.  184.— Black  8ia 


With  the  bnlk  of  hie  mm  and  the  homes  he  remaned 

olose  to  the  front  door. 

"  Now  the  worst  of  it  is,"  be  laid,  addressing  his 
men,  "  that  we  must  go  through  a  little  legal  form ;  but 
pay  attention  to  what  I  say." 

The  men  were  all  attention. 

"  It  is  quite  certain,"  he  began,  "  that  Dick  Turpin  ia 
within  thai,  building.  You  know  what  sort  of  a  reward 
we  shall  get  for  him,  and  that'e  enough  to  make  us  try 
our  best.  And  then  I  am  almost  equally  certain  that 
his  comrades  are  with  him,  therefore  understand  this." 

The  men  were  profoundly  attentive. 

"  We  dare  not  break  suddenly  into  the  house  and  seize 
them,  though  that's  what  I  should  wish  to  do  ;  we  must 
call  upon  them  three  times  to  open  in  the  King's  name" 

The  men  nodded,  for  they  knew  perfectly  well. 

"  Provide  yourselves,  then,  with  a  stout  piece  of  wood 
aad  deal  a  couple  of  hard  blows  upen  the  door  with  the 


2So,  184. 


Pbioe  One  Halfpenny. 


urn 


BLACK   BESS;   OK 


end  of  it  I  will  then  call  upon  them  to  surrender  in  the 
usual  form.  Directly  the  words  have  left  my  mouth 
atrike  the  door  again.  I  will  repeat  the  summons,  aud, 
having  done  so,  try  to  demolish  the  door  at  one  blow. 
This  will  give  them  no  opportunity  of  concealing  them- 
selves— they  will  not  have  time.  U  we  make  one  grand 
rush  we  shall  carry  all  before  us." 

The  men  fully  comprehended  all  that  he  said  to  tnem, 
and  were  moreover  highly  pleased  with  the  arrangement : 
it  suited  them  exactly. 

"  To  conclude,"  added  Jack  Marshall,  "  so  anxious  am 
I  that  you  should  make  this  capture  that  I  will  give  up 
my  share  of  the  reward  entirely,  and  the  whole  sum  shall 
be  divided  equally  among  you  all." 

Certainly  if  anything  could  have  urged  me  pwioe 
officers  to  do  their  best  this  announcement  on  the  part  of 
their  leader  ought  to  have  had  the  effect. 

Had  it  been  prudent  they  would  have  expressed  their 
satisfaction  by  a  cheer. 

Such  a  proceeding  as  that  was  quite  out  of  the  question ; 
they  had  everything  to  gain  by  silence. 

Without  much  trouble,  a  piece  of  wood  that  exactly 
suited  their  purpose  was  found. 

It  was  the  trunk  of  a  young  tree  that  had  been  cut 
down  recently,  and  the  branches  of  which  had  been 
lopped  off. 

About  half  a  dozen  officers  seized  hold  of  this  piece  of 
wood,  whioh  thus  became  instantly  a  formidable  batter- 
ing-ram. 

Retreating  to  a  little  distance,  they  ran  at  full  speed  to- 
wards the  door. 

The  blow  was  a  tremendous  one. 

It  was  followed  by  another,  and  then  Jack  Marshall, 
repeating  the  cwual  formula,  called  upon  the  inmates  to 
open  the  door  in  the  King's  name. 

Without  waiting  to  see  whether  any  attention  would 
be  paid  to  this  demand,  he  stood  aside  to  allow  his  men 
to  renew  their  attack,  which  they  did  with  a  vigour  that 
delighted  him. 

Again  he  called,  and  again  the  door  was  battered 
upon. 

But  it  was  stout,  and  strong,  and  well  secured  within, 
and  calculated  to  stand  a  great  deal  of  battering  before  it 
would  give  way. 

Yet  Jack  Marshall  fancied  that  it  already  shook  upon 
its  hinges. 

The  summons  was  given  for  the  third  time,  and  Jack 
Marshall  said : 

"  Now,  my  lads,  one  blow  I  Give  it  with  all  your  might, 
and  the  door  is  down." 

The  officers  ran  forward  with  a  will. 

This  time  they  fully  expected  to  carry  the  door  before 
them,  and  so  went  at  it  with  terrific  force. 

But  they  were  deceived. 

The  stout  oak  withstood  them,  and  so  great  was  the 
shock,  that  they  could  not  possibly  recover  themselves 
from  it. 

Their  hold  upon  the  trunk  of  the  tree  gave  way,  and 
the  whole  of  them  fell  sprawling  to  the  ground. 

"Up  again,"  cried  Marshall — "  up  again !  To  it — to  it ! 
The  door  cannot  hold  against  many  blows  like  that  1" 

Hastily  and  angrily  the  officers  scrambled  to  their 
feet. 

The  block  of  wood  was  again  raised  and  once  more 
battered  againsMhe  door. 

This  time,  however,  they  were  careful  for  their  own 
saxes  to  strike  more  gently. 

"Harder — harder,"  oried  Jack  Marshall — "harder! 
There  ought  not  to  have  been  a  quarter  of  this  delay !  You 
are  giving  them  every  opportunity  for  concealment." 

Just  as  ho  spoke,  one  ot  the  upper  windows  in  the  inn 
was  flung  open,  and  Tom  Davis,  with  a  hii^e,  conical 
nightcap  on  his  heaO,  made  his  appearance. 

This  advent  was  greeted  by  a  genera!  yell,  and  there 
was  an  immediate  suspension  of  hostilities. 

"Oh,  murder,"  he  cried — "murder!  Thieves — thieves! 
What  shall  I  do  all  alone  by  myself?     Thieves!" 

"  You  blockhead  !"  roared  Jack  Marshall.  "  We  are  no 
thieves,  as  you  are  full  well  aware — we  are  his  Majesty's 
officer*" 

oorae  of  ,%ij  men  had  provided  themselves  with  links, 
and.  having  lighted  them,  they  came  closer  beneath  the 
window  at  which  Tom  Davis  stood. 

Th#  r*4dy  light  shed  around  by  thase  tw^H  rev«*l«d 


plainly  enough  the  peculiar  dress  of  the  officers,  and  s 
was  impossible  to  remain  longer  in  any  doubt  concerning 
them. 

"  Why,  is  it  you,  Mr.  Marshall  ?"  cried  Tom  Davis, 
affecting  the  utmost  astonishment. 

"  Yes.  of  course  it  is.  Come  down  sad  open  the  door 
this  second,  or  I'll  break  it  from  its  hinges  ! 

"  I'm  coming,  Mr.  Marshall — I'm  corning,"  said  Davia 
who  had  made  his  appearance  in  this  manner  solely  with 
the  view  of  gaining  time. 

"Make  haste,  then!"  roared  JacK  Marshall.  "None  oi 
your  tricks !    We  ki»cw  you !" 

Tom  Davis  grinned,  and  pretended  to  be  attiring  him- 
self with  great  speed. 

About  two  minutes  elapsed,  but  the  patience  of  the 
police  could  extend  no  longer  than  that. 

"You  refuse,  then  ["  cried  Jack  Marshall.  "Now,  my 
lads,  to  it  again — we'll  soon  have  the  door  down!" 

Another  blow  was  struck,  and  this  time  the  stout  oaken 
panels  were  split  from  top  to  bottom. 

The  men  uttered  a  cheer  at  their  success. 

"  Stop — stop !"  roared  Tom  Davis.  "  Consider  how  you 
are  destroying  my  property !  I'm  coming — indeed  I  am 
coming!" 

He  retreated  from  the  window  as  he  spoke,  but  Jack 
Marshall,  resolved  to  wait  no  longer,  gave  the  signal  for  s 
fresh  attack. 

This  last  blow  effectually  did  the  business. 

With  a  tremendous  crash  the  door  parted  in  the  centre, 
and  the  police  poured  in  in  a  body. 

Before  they  had  gone  half  a  dozen  paces  down  th«* 
passage  they  met  Tom  Davis. 

"Seize  him,"  roared  Jack  Marshall — "seize  him — make 
him  your  prisoner — bind  him  securely,  and  take  care  that 
he  does  not  escape  I" 

Tom  Davis  protested  vigorously,  but  to  no  purpose. 
He  was  seized  by  a  dozen  powerful  hands,  and,  before  he 
was  aware  of  it,  securely  handcuffed. 

Two  men  remained  in  onarge  of  him. 

"  Now,  my  lads,"  said  Jack  Marshall,  "  don't  be  afraid ! 
We  have  them — depend  upon  it  we  have  them ;  no  on« 
could  leave  these  premises  unseen  ;  and  at  the  least  at- 
tempt to  do  so,  the  sentinels  will  raise  the  alarm.  The 
men  we  want  may  be  bidden  somewhere;  but  if  so,  we 
can  take  our  time  and  search  till  we  find  them.  Conn 
on,  this  will  be  the  best  night's  work  you  have  ever 
done." 

He  dashed  into  the  kitchen  as  he  spoke,  and  here,  in 
genuine  terror,  were  Mrs.  Davis  and  Ellen. 

"  Seize  them  both,"  roared  Jack  Marshall — "  seize  them — 
make  them  prisoners !  I  have  sufficient  evidence  that  they 
are  all  accomplices !  Keep  them  secure,  and  if  we  don't 
quickly  find  out  the  highwaymen,  we'll  make  them  con- 
fess which  is  their  hiding-place." 

His  commands  were  oarried  out  with  unnecessary 
roughness. 

Mrs.  Davis  and  Ellen  were  both  prisoners  and  securely 
bound. 

With  great  speed  the  police  officers  then  spread  them- 
selves over  the  ground  floor  of  the  inn,  but  in  none  of 
the  rooms  did  they  find  any  trace  of  the  highwaymen. 

By  no  means  discouraged  at  this,  Jack  Mars  nail  sent  a 
portion  of  his  force  upstairs  to  search  the  upper  rooms, 
while  with  the  remainder  he  proceeded  to  the  ooUars. 


CHAPTEB  DOOOXOVIIL 

JA  OX   MARSHALL  AHD  HB  OFFICERS   DISCOVER   THE 
DOOR  IN   THE    STABLE. 

As  soon  as  ever  the  highwaymen  had  descended  the 
cellar  steps,  Ellen,  acting  upon  the  instructions  given  her 
by  Tom  Davis,  had  locked  the  door  and  takeu  out  the  key, 
which,  also  by  his  directions,  she  threw  into  the  fire. 

The  object  for  this  proceeding  is  obvious  enough.  It 
was  merely  to  delay  the  officers  and  so  give  the  highway- 
man more  time  U>  make  their  exit  by  the  secret,  passage- 
Jack  Marshall  knew  his  way  to  the  cellars  perfectly 
well ;  but  when  he  arrived  at  the  door,  to  his  great,  anges 
and  disgust,  he  discovered  it  was  fast  and  the  key  gonn. 

The  Throe  Spiders  Inn  was  an  old  place,  and  evtry 
part  of  it  was  built  in  the  most  substantial  manner. 
Sr»n  this  door,  aithoug »  saly  seeming  to  ooauausMStf 


TH»    »fUI  HT   0»  ID  BOAS. 


HOT 


with  the  Milan,  looked  m  strong  m  though  intended  for  * 
prison. 

It  wu  perfectly  possible  to  force  it,  but,  from  Ms  ex- 
perience st  the  front  door,  the  chief  officer  fVt  •»  e  it 
would  take  s  considerable  time. 

Furious  with  rage,  he  returned  to  the  kitchen,  in  waich 
some  of  the  officers  remained  on  guard  over  the  three 
prisoners. 

Marching  direct  up  to  Tom  Davis,  Jack  Mavuhail 
alonched  his  fist  and  shook  it  threateningly  in  his 
face. 

"Ton  rascal!"  he  said— "you  rillain!  i  hare  long 
had  my  suspicions  of  you.  and  now  they  are  verified! 
Deliver  up  the  key  of  the  cellar  door.  J  oorara»»<*  rou 
to  do  s*  '*"  the  name  of  the  King ' " 

"  And  I  solemnly  declare  that  the  key  is  not  ia  my 
possession,  nor  do  I  know  where  you  will  find  it." 

"  This  subterfuge  will  not  avail  you  in  the  least !"  roared 
the  officer.  "  I  ask  you  once,  calmly,  whether  you  will 
daliver  up  that  key  ?  You  can  refuse  or  not,  just  as  you 
ffke,  but  if  you  do,  I  will  take  care  that  it  is  mentioned 
at  the  time  of  your  trial,  and  you  will  find  it  will  help  to 
go  against  you." 

"  I  cannot  do  so,"  said  Tom  Davis,  affecting  a  contrite 
air.  "  If  I  could  it  would  be  a  different  matter,  but  I 
can't** 

Jack  Marshall  uttered  a  curse. 

He  saw  there  was  no  hope  for  it — the  door  must  be 
broken  down. 

As  he  turned  away  once  more  with  the  intention  of  re- 
turning to  the  bar,  one  of  his  men  stepped  up  to  him,  and, 
after  a  preliminary  cough,  ventured  to  touch  him  gently 
on  the  arm. 

"Mr.  Marshall,  sir,"  he  said — "  Mr.  Marshall. a 

"Well,  Saunders,  what  is  it?" 

"  Would  you  mind,  Mr.  Marshall,  if  I  made  you  just 
one  suggestion  ?  An  idea  has  come  into  my  head— really, 
sir,  quite  an  idea." 

"  You  don't  mean  it,"  said  Marshall. 

"I  do  indeed,  sir." 

"Well,  then,  what  is  it?" 

"Why,  sir,  I  think  we  have  forgotten  the  stables.  We 
ought  to  have  gone  there  almost  in  the  first  instance,  and 
taken  possession  of  the  horses ;  that  would  have  out  off 
all  hopes  of  their  escape." 

Jack  Marshall  gave  quite  a  start. 

This  was  really  a  fresh  thought  to  him,  though  when  it 
was  suggested  to  him  he  wondered  how  on  earth  it  was 
he  had  overlooked  anything  so  obvious  and  important. 

Far  from  his  intention,  however,  was  it  to  allow  his 
subordinate  to  indulge  in  the  belief  that  he  had  made  so 
grave  an  omission. 

Accordingly,  turning  to  him,  he  said : 

"  It's  quite  a  good  thought  of  yours,  Saunders,  but  you 
must  not  imagine  for  a  moment  that  I  had  forgotten  such 
a  palpable  thing  as  that." 

"  Oh  no,  sir,  not  for  the  world,"  returned  Saunders, 
with  a  smirk  and  a  bow. 

"  Indeed,"  continued  Marshall,  "  when  you  spoke  I  was 
wondering  whether  we  should  go  to  the  stable  before  we 
broke  open  this  door  or  afterwards." 

Saunders  was  silent. 

"We'll  go  there  at  once,"  said  Marshall,  after  a  momen- 
tary pause. 

Assembling  his  men  round  him,  he  instructed  two  to 
use  their  best  efforts  to  break  down  the  door. 

With  the  remainder  he  sallied  out  into  the  yard  at  the 
back  of  the  inn. 

Although  well  aware  it  would  have  been  the  wisest 
and  most  prudent  course  to  secure  the  horses  in  the  stable 
fir6t  of  all,  yet  Jack  Marshall  did  not  feel  uneauy  on  this 
score,  simply  because  he  belie'  jd  himself  y*\  in  good 
time. 

His  men  had  kept  the  closest  possible  watch  aii  round 
the  premises,  and,  had  anvone  aaumpted  to  leave,  an  alarm 
would  have  been  given.  ' 

His  first  act  npou  gaining  tan  yard  was  to  accost  an 
eJicer  who  was  standing  there. 

"Isallwoll?"  be  asked.  "Have  yoa  seen  or  heard 
anything  ? 

'•  NotSing  at  all,  Mr.  Marshall— all's  well." 

x  The  just  pass  the  word  round,  will  you,  for  all  to 
keep  an  estra  good  look-out  ?  Wa  shall  unsarth  them  pre- 


Scarcely  raising  his  voice  above  the  pitch  in  which  this 
conversation  had  been  carried  on,  this  sentinel  spoke. 

His  words  were  heard  by  two  men  standing  on  either 
side  of  him,  and  from  mouth  to  inexth  the  orders  flew, 
and  in  a  moment  of  time  the  intelligence  had  made  a  com- 
plete circuit  of  the  inn. 

The  lighted  torches  carried  by  soma  of  the  officers 
enabled  them  to  see  all  around  thorn,  and  this  was  for- 
tunate, for  the  night  was  one  of  unusual  gloom. 

On  arriving  at  the  stable  door  Ml  was  Tound  to  be  per- 
fectly quiet  * 
The  door  was  closed  and  securery  padlocked. 
If  Jack  Marshall  had  had  any  apprehensions—  which 
he  h»,d  not — they  would  have  vanished  then. 

How  could  tbe  highwaymen  have  entered  the  stable 
and  looked  the  padloc*."  on  the  out-side  ? 

That  was  manifestly  an  impossibility. 

So  his  omission  was  of  no  importance  at  all. 

In  his  own  mind  he  felt  vertaic  he  should  not  have 
committed  so  great  an  oversight  but  foi  th>  >■  ufusion  of 
his  faculties,  caused  partly  by  his  heavy  r»ii  from  his 
horse  and  partly  by  the  excitement  he  felt  at  being  in  so 
fair  a  way  to  capture  Dick  Turpin 

One  smashing  blow  with  a  heavy  stone  served  to  de- 
molish the  padlock  at  once. 

The  stable  door  flew  open. 

"Lights !"  cried  Marshall — "  lights,  *  say !   Be  quick  !" 

The  officers  carrying  the  links  pressed  forwatd,  and 
directly  afterwards  the  whole  interior  of  the  stable  was 
well  lighted  up. 

The  first  thing  JacK  Marshall  did  was  to  utter  a  most 
fearful  yell. 

His  men  thought  for  a  moment  that  he  must  have  met 
with  some  sudden,  severe  accident. 

"  Done  I"  he  said-  -"  we're  done— we're  too  late,  after 
all!" 

While  he  spoke,  he  glanced  despairingly  around 
him. 

But  the  stable  was  empty. 

Not  a  horse  stood  in  one  of  the  stalls,  except  the  one 
kept  by  Tom  Davis,  though,  by  the  signs  of  confusion 
around,  it  was  evident  the  place  had  been  very  lately 
visited. 

"  Look  about  you,"  were  the  next  words  Jack  Marshall 
spoke — "  look  about  you !  The  scent  is  warm  yet — they 
can't  have  got  far  away !" 

At  the  same  momeut,  recollecting  the  little  door  at  the 
back  of  the  stable,  the  existence  of  which  he  had  on  a 
former  occasion  discovered,  he  hastened  towards  it. 

It  was  bolted  on  the  inner  side,  but,  regardless  of  that 
incontestable  proof  that  the  highwaymen  had  not  passed 
that  way,  he  opened  the  door,  and  immediately  found 
himself  confronted  by  one  of  his  men. 

"  Have  you  seen  tnera  in  roared  the  chief  officer  at  the 
top  of  his  voice — "  have  they  passed  this  way  ?" 

"  No,  Mr.  Marshall,  that  they  certainly  have  not." 

"  Are  you  quite  sure  ? — has  not  one  left  the  stable  ?" 

"  I  am  positive  of  it — at  least,  not  from  this  part,  I  am 
quite  certain." 

"  Well,  have  you  heard  anything  ?" 

"  Nothing  particular.  I  heard  the  horses  kicking  and 
prancing  about,  and  I  heard  one  neigh  ;  but  I  thought  no- 
thing of  that." 

Upon  hearing  this,  Jack  Marshall  poured  out  a  torrent 
of  imprecations — he  seemed  somewhat  eased  by  this  pro- 
cess ;  and,  having  settled  it  in  his  own  mind  that  the 
blame  was  all  attributable  to  this  one  man,  he  turned  back 
with  the  view  of  discovering,  if  possible,  by  what  mys- 
terious means  the  highwaymen  had  got  their  horses  out 
of  the  stable  unseen. 

With  regard  to  this  point,  he  was  as  much  in  the  dark 
as  ever. 

Among  his  men  the  universal  opinion  was  that  the 
highwaymen  had  entered  and  left  the  stable  by  some 
secret,  unknown  door,  and  accordingly  they  set  ab  tat 
looking  for  it,  which  was  somethiuK  particularly  in  their 
line. 

For  some  moments  tney  were  hauled,  but  all  »t  ones, 
as  they  were  scrar  i  ig  the  loose  straw  from  the  flooring, 
one  man  uttered  a  loud  shout. 

"A  trap-d.-or!"  he  said — "a  trapdoor!  Look  here, 
now,  who  vrould  have  thought  of  that?" 

The  men  all  pressed  eagerly  around  him,  alld  then  th*y 
saw  by  what  means  the  trap-door  had  bees  discovered. 


[468 


B1A0B.    BESS;     OS, 


It  was  through  a  pure  accident,  but  for  which  they 
night  have  remained  in  entire  ignorance  of  it. 

Evidently,  however,  the  trap-door  had  been  closed  in 
haste,  and  care  had  not  been  taken  to  clear  away  the  straw 
close  around  the  edges,  consequently,  when  i*  was  let 
down,  a  portion  of  the  straw  was  wedged  in  bet*  eon  the 
trap-door  au"i  its  frame. 

Jack  Marsnall  sav  "m  and  guashed  his  teeth. 

"  I  might  have  guessed  ii — I  might  have  guessed  it ! 
They  have  beei  here  all  along,  as  I  suspected,  though  I 
never  could  arrive  at  any  proof.  They  have  had  plenty 
of  time  to  construct  secret  passages  and  suchlike,  in  anti- 
cipation of  the  coming  of  a  day  like  this.  They  did  not 
calculate  upon  that,  however,"  he  concluded,  pointing  to 
the  trap-door. 

The  men  saw  the  gesture,  though  they  did  not  exactly 
eatch  the  import  of  the  words  he  spoke. 

They  concluded,  however,  that  his  desire  was  ttv. 
trap-door  should  be  raised,  and  accordingly  they  bent 
all  their  energies  to  this  task. 

With  much  greater  ease  than  they  had  dared  to 
anticipate,  the  trap-door  was  raised.  It  was  thrown  back 
quite  flat  upon  its  hinges;  then,  to  their  astonishment 
and  admiration,  they  saw  a  gently-sloping  pathway,  lead- 
ing downwards  into  the  earth — a  pathway  perfectly 
practicable  for  horses'  feet ;  and  indeed  all  doubt  was  set 
at  rest  as  to  the  highwaymen  having  gone  that  way,  for 
the  ground  of  which  the  pathway  was  composed  was 
damp  and  soft,  and  left  very  clearly  the  impression  of  the 
horses'  footprints. 

At  this  moment,  however,  a  loud  cry  was  simulta- 
neously set  up  by  the  officers  who  formed  the  cordon 
round  the  inn. 

This  cry,  coming  suddenly  upon  the  ears  of  those  in  the 
stabling,  arrested  their  steps. 

The  noise  becoming  louder  still,  Jack  Marshall  dashed 
out  of  the  stable  into  the  yard  again,  being  fully  under 
the  impression  that  the  highwaymen  had  been  seen  while 
attempting  to  quit  the  premises. 

In  this  he  found  himself  deceived ;  but  a  great  surprise 
was  in  store  for  him. 

At  the  first  glance,  he  saw  that  nearly  the  whole  of  the 
inn  was  one  mass  of  flames. 

How  it  had  caught  fire  no  one  knew,  and  the  (lames 
had  spread  with  such  rapidity  and  so  universally  that  the 
first  alarm  given  to  the  officers  was  the  whole  ohnulta- 
neously  bursting  out  into  a  blaze. 

The  fact  was,  the  inn  had  been  built  chiefly  of  wood, 
and  this,  through  age,  had  become  excessively  dry — indeed, 
it  was  scarcely  possible  to  find  anything  more  inflam- 
mable. 

Thb  oflkors  in  the  inn,  keeping  guard  over  the 
prisoners,  were  almost  the  last  to  know  what  had 
happened. 

When,  however,  they  came  out  into  the  yard,  the  roar- 
ing of  the  flames  was  something  terrific. 

It  was  scarcely  possible  for  even  an  astute  officer  like 
Jack  Marshall  to  remain  altogether  unmoved  and  un- 
bewildered  at  so  extraordinary  an  occurrence. 

There  is  to  all  people  a  fascination  in  a  fire  on  a  grand 
scale. 

For  several  moments,  then,  he,  In  common  with  his 
men,  could  do  nothing  but  gaze  upon  the  grand  and 
awful  sight  before  them. 

Every  moment  the  flames  increased  in  volume  and 
brilliancy,  while  showers  of  sparks  flew  about  in  every 
direction. 

It  was  not  until  the  roof  of  the  old  inn  fell,  with  a 
tremendous  crash,  almost  smothering  the  fire,  that  Jack 
Marshall  recovered  proper  possession  of  his  fa<,ulties.  and 
remembered  what  ought  to  be  done. 

Kaising  his  voice  so  that  it  was  heard  distinctly  aoore 
the  roaring  of  the  flames,  he  cried : 

"  Keep  an  extra  look-out,  all  of  you — keep  a  goou  100k  - 
out  I     I  am  confident  they  are  not  far  away  !" 

These  orders  were  quickly  transmitted  from  t.\8  to 
another,  until  all  were  made  acquainted  with  them. 

And  now  the  fire,  recovering  from  the  effects  oi  the 
fallen  roof,  broke  out  afresh  with  additional  vigour. 

Tom  Davis,  his  wife,  and  Ellen  gazed  upon  the  destruc- 
tion of  their  home  with  saddened  feelings. 

They  felt  there  was  an  end  to  the  careless,  happy  fife 
Wxer  bad  led  so  long. 

gtiwji  ts  had  been  their  residence  there,  they    had 


grown  to  like  the  place,  and  it  would  ever  be  endeared 
to  them  by  its  associationa. 

In  a  few  hours  from  that  moment  nothing  would  be 
left  of  it  save  a  heap  of  smouldering  ruina. 

They  wondered  also  when  they  should  gaze  upon 
*h»t  spot  again,  more  especially  Tom  Davis,  for  he 
better  comprehended  the  dangers  of  the  position  in 
which  he  stood  than  of  the  rest. 

Neither  nia  wife  nor  Ellen  had  an  exact  ulen  of  the 
peril  of  their  position  ;  but  Tom  himself  knew  that  the 
punishment  of  aiding  and  abetting  felons  was  most 
severe,  and  in  his  case  he  was  well  aware  that  the  full 
rigour  of  the  law  would  be  enforced. 

After  particularly  bidding  his  men  to  look  sharply  after 
their  prisoners,  and  take  care  that  they  did  not  by  any 
sudden  movement  escape,  Jack  Marshall,  collecting  his 
men  around  him,  once  more  bade  them  follow  him  into 
the  stable. 

When  he  returned  to  it,  he  felt  annoyed  at  the  inter- 
ruption that  had  ensued. 

Most  certainly  it  would  have  the  effect  of  allowing  the 
highwaymen  to  get  further  away,  not  that  this  gave  any 
very  great  uneasiness,  for  the  idea  he  had  formed  in  his 
own  mind  was  that  the  highwaymen  had  cleverly  con- 
structed some  subterranean  retreat  to  which  they  could 
betake  themselves,  and  remain  in  security  till  all  danger 
was  over. 

The  discovery  of  the  trap-door,  he  felt,  was  a  thing 
they  had  not  calculated  upon,  so,  bidding  his  men  to  be 
as  silent  as  possible,  he  commanded  them  to  follow 
him. 

Several  carried  lighted  links,  and  by  the  aid  of  these 
the  nature  of  the  place  they  were  in  was  disclosed. 

In  spite  of  his  anger,  and  vexation,  and  hurry,  Jack 
Marshall  could  not  forbear  from  giving  expression  to  the 
admiration  he  felt  at  what  he  saw.  . 


OHAPTEK  DOCOXOIX. 

RETURNS  TO    THE  PROCEEDINGS  OF  TUB  FOUR   HIGHWAY- 
MEN. 

We  now  return  to  the  highwaymen  and  Maud,  who, 
it  will  be  remembered,  we  left  in  the  secret  passage. 

Without  any  delay  or  accident,  they  reached  the 
inclined  plane  leading  up  to  the  door  of  the  stable. 

As  Tom  King  carried  the  light,  he  now  stood  aside  and 
allowed  (Jlaude  and  Jack  to  pass  him. 

With  nimble  fingers,  they  undid  the  fastenings,  and 
raised  the.  trap-door. 

"Courage — courage,  dear  Maud!"  said  Dick  to  his 
trembling  companion.  "  Be  of  good  heart,  for  while  you 
are  with  me  you  are  safe  1  Depend  upon  it,  long  before 
the  officers  can  search  the  inn  we  shall  be  far  away." 

Maud  was  slightly  reassured  by  these  words,  for  she 
had  too  often  been  in  situations  of  danger  with  Dick  not 
to  place  some  confidence  in  his  powers. 

Moreover,  she  saw  that  his  comrades,  though  rapid  in 
their  movements,  appeared  by  no  means  discomposed. 

Dick  pressed  on  eagerly,  for  he  was  anxious  ctce  more 
to  place  himself  beside  Black  Bess. 

A  long  time  had  elapsed  since  he  had  seen  her  last,  and 
he  had  gone  through  many  vicissitudes. 

As  soon,  therefore,  as  the  stable  was  gained,  he  released 
Maud's  hand,  then  hurried  to  the  stall  where  Black  Bess 
was  standing. 

The  intelligent  animal  recognised  hor  master  at  once, 
as  was  evidenced  by  her  actions. 

She  neighed  and  pawed  the  ground. 

A  keen  sensation  of  pleasure  shot  through  Dick 
Turpin's  heart  wheu  he  perceived  this  manifestation  of 
pleasure  and  recognition- 

"  Woa,  lass  ?"  he  cried.  "  Quietlv — qutetly !  Then  yon 
managed  to  get  home  safely  after  ail  ?  Well — well,  I 
suppose  you  are  right  by  this  time,  and  in  readiness  for  a 
long  gallop  ?" 

Not  forgetful  of  the  injury  his  gallant  mare  had  received, 
Dick  new  raised  her  mane  in  order  to  inspect  it. 

He  was  highly  gratified  to  find  that  it  h*d  entirely 
healed,  and  there  was  little  to  f«»r  in  the  future  of  the 
consequences  arising  from  it. 

In  the  meanwhile,  the  highwaymen  had  been  busy 
caparisoning  their  steeas. 

Dick,  reminded  of  the  flight  of  time  and  the  necessity 
for  immediate  action,  now  followed  their  exasap^a. 


TBB    KNIQHT    0»    TUB    EOAii. 


lttft 


Ts»  saddle  and  bridle  wop,  quickly  placed  on. 

"  Are  you  ready  Dick  ; "  said  Tom  King,  in  a  sup- 
pressed voice. 

"  Yes,  quite  ready  , 

"  Then  come  on,  xr  the  sooner  we  leave  this  stable  the 
better." 

Dick  advanced,  1«  ding  Uaud  by  one  hand  and  Rack 
Bess  by  the  other. 

Tom  King  followed,  leading  his  own  horse  anl 
Claude's. 

Sixteen-String  J  «&  carried  the  light  and  led  his  own 
steed,  Claude  Dural  being  left  to  replace  the  trap- 
door. 

This  he  did  wtth  every  imaginable  amount  of  cau- 
tion. 

He  was  anxious  to  leave  the  top  of  the  trap-door 
eovered  with  straw,  and,  as  he  believed,  he  had  not  left 
any  sticking  m  the  crevices  in  such  a  way  as  to  Defay 
them. 

It  is  certain,  however,  that  he  must  have  done  so. 

All  felt  greatly  relieved  when  this  much  was  over. 

The  distance  to  the  opening  of  the  passage  was  still 
»o  siderable,  yet  they  did  not  apprehend  any  interruption 
to  their  progress,  and  they  believed  that,  upon  emerging 
from  it,  they  would  not  be  seen  or  molested  by  any- 
one. 

Without  waiting  another  moment,  they  pushed  for- 
ward. 

As  they  proceeded,  they  could  not  avoid  castrng  glances 
of  admiration  upon  their  own  work. 

The  difficulties  in  the  way  of  excavation  had  been 
great,  and,  in  order  to  keep  the  roof  and  sides  of  the  pas- 
sage from  falling  in,  they  had  been  obliged,  with  great 
care  and  labour,  to  prop  them  up  by  means  of  beams  and 
planks  of  wood. 

When  close  to  the  opening  from  the  passage,  and  at  a 
spot  where,  from  the  looseness  of  the  soil,  they  had  been 
compelled  to  put  up  more  supports  than  elsewhere,  Tom 
King  suddenly  cried : 

°  Halt !  It  is  just  possible,"  he  said — "  indeed,  it  is 
very  likely  that  the  officers  will  be  clever  enough  to  find 
out  the  entrance  to  this  secret  passage.  Who  can  tell 
what  has  taken  place  since  our  departure  ?" 

"Well,  well,  Tom,"  said  Dick  Turpin.  "what  of  that? 
—why  do  you  pause  ?" 

"Because,"  he  s^i    'I  have  an  idea." 

"  Well,  the»   ?jeak  quickly." 

"  If  th*  oCcers  should  find  out  this  passage,  and  make 
their  way  along  it,  they  will  be  very  quickly  indeed  upon 
out  tTack.  It  would  be  a  good  thing  to  put  a  stop  to  their 
progress,  and  that  can  be  done  by " 

Tom  did  not  say  any  more,  but  explained  what  he 
meant  by  a  gesture. 

"  You  would  let  the  passage  fall  in  ?" 

He  nodded. 

"  It  might  be  worth  our  while,"  said  Dick.  "  Who  can 
Bay?  But,  then,  we  may  involve  ourselves  in  great 
danger  by  making  the  attempt." 

"I  think  not,"    said  Tom.     " 
quickly — shall  it  be  done  ?" 

"  1  will  leave  it  with  yon  to  decide,"  returned  Tur- 
pin. 

Tom  found  that  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen-String  Jack 
heartily  approved  of  the  scheme. 

Having  constructed  the  place,  ol  course  they  knew  the 
best  and  easiest  way  for  demolishing  it. 

Accordingly,  certain  of  the  posts  were  loosened,  and 
planks  removed. 

The  earth  began  to  fall  in  very  fast. 

"  U  we  had  such  a  thine  as  a  rope  handy,"  said  Tom 
King,  "  we  could  do  it  easily.  One  pull  at  the  post,  and 
then  down  the  whole  must  come." 

"  Try  it  without,  Tom,"  said  his  companions.  -Give 
a  smart  pull,  and  then  run  back." 

Despite  the  imminent  danger  of  being  crushed  by  some 
of  the  falling  earth,  Tom  did  not  hesitate  to  adopt  this 
course. 

Before  he  had  , npleted  his  purpose,  however,  he  was 

warned  of  danger  by  a  cry  from  his  companions 

He  turned,  and  hastily  retreated. 

Well  was  it  for  him  that  he  was  so  hasty  in  his  move- 
ments. 

With  a  strange  rushinfe  crashing  sound,  the  roof  of  the 
passage  fall  la. 


But  you  must  decide 


Tons  upon  tons  of  earth  came  down,  and  effectually 
stopped  up  the  passage. 

"  There,"  cried  Tom,  rubbing  his  hands  with  great 
satisfaction,  *  I  rather  think  the  officers  will  find  it  diffi- 
cult to  follow  us  now !  We  shall  be  able  to  get  a  good 
start." 

This  little  matter  being  over,  they  pushed  on  at  ii*» 
creased  speed,  in  order  to  make  up  for  the  time  they  had 
lost. 

By  the  fresh,  cool  air  that  blew  upon  their  faces,  they 
could  tell  how  near  they  were  to  the  mouth  of  the  pas 
sagn. 

In  a  few  moments  more  it  was  reached,  and,  as  there 
was  no  longer  f*»  necessity  for  a  light,  it  was  extin- 
guished. 

Slowly  and  cautiously  they  made  their  way  out  among 
the  trees. 

As  soon  as  they  had  all  assembled,  thev  looked  up,  and 
were  astonished  10  perceive  that  the  sky  was  tinted  with 
a  brilliant  red. 

Clouds  of  smoke,  too,  could  be  seen  rising  up  above 
the  tree-tops. 

For  some  moments  this  spectacle  wa3  gazed  on  in 
silence. 

Dick  Turpin  was  the  first  to  speak. 

"They  have  burnt  our  house  down,"  he  said.  "It  is 
perfectly  certain  that  the  inn  is  on  fire.  There's  no  other 
building  hereabouts." 

"  I  wish  we  could  tell  exactly  what  has  happened  since 
our  departure,"  returned  Tom  King.  "But  no  matter. 
Doubtless  we  shall  have  enough  to  do  in  looking  aftei 
our  own  safety." 

"  Depend  upon  it  we  shall,"  said  Turpin.  "  My  own 
escape  from  Newgate — the  fact  of  my  being  tracked  to 
this  place,  as  no  doubt  I  have  been,  will  create  a  tremen- 
dous commotion  everywhere,  and  great  efforts  will  be  made 
to  capture  us." 

"  It  appears  to  me,"  said  Claude  Duval,  "  that  before 
we  go  any  further  it  will  be  necessary  for  us  to  hold  a 
kind  of  council  of  war  and  decide  upon  the  nature  of  the 
proceedings  we  should  next  take." 

"Exactly,"  returned  Dick.  "I  was  about  to  make  the 
same  remark  myself.  Suppose  we  all  give  our  views 
upon  the  subject,  and  then  decide  ?  I  don't  think  we  are 
in  much  danger  of  molestation  here." 

"Nor  I,"  returned  Sixteen-btring  Jack,  "though  very 
likely  as  soon  as  we  attempt  to  quit  the  cover  of  these 
trees  we  shall  be  seen.  It  is  a  desperate,  well-organised 
attack  that  they  have  made.  All  their  preparations  are 
doubtless  very  complete." 

"For  my  own  part,"  said  Tom  King,  after  a  short 
silence,  "  I  am  in  favour  of  a  separation — of  course,  a 
temporary  one." 

"And  I — and  I,"  cried  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen- 
String  Jack  both  together,  so  that  it  was  evident  the  same 
idea  had  occurred  to  them 

"  There  are  many  good  reasons  for  adopting  such  a 
course,"  said  Dick  Turpin,  to  whom  they  all  now  looked 
for  a  decision  ;  "  but  then,  for  my  own  part,  I  am  sorry 
that  we  should  separate.  One  would  think  that  we  should 
gain  strength  by  union." 

"No  doubt  we  should,"  6aid  Tom  King,  "but  then,  how 
much  that  would  increase  the  chances  of  being  seen. 
Here  are  five  of  us — quite  a  large  party  I  may  say — and 
wherever  we  go  we  must  attract  a  good  deal  of  no- 
tice." 

"  Certainly  more  than  when  alone,"  said  Dick  Turpin. 
"But  how  is  it  you  intend  to  separate ?" 

Tom  King  questioned  his  two  companions,  and  found 
that  they,  like  himself,  had  decided  upon  going  singly. 

"  It  will  be  best,  Dick,"  Tom  continued — "  much  the 
best,  for  one  can  get  out  of  the  way  and  escape  when 
two  or  a  greater  number  eould  not  possibly  do  so." 

"You  shall  decide  among  yourselves,"  answered  Tur- 
pin ;  "I  will  not  attempt  to  coutro  you  in  such  a  matter  ; 
I  don't  wish  it.  If  you  think  our  separation  will  conduce 
to  our  safety,  let  us  part." 

"  But  not  until  we  have  arra  ged  for  some  meeting- 
place,"  said  Tom  King,  quickly.  "  We  must  name  a  certain 
place  and  tima  and  we  must  he  tnero  by  some  means  at 
other."  . 

But  where  ? 

This  was  the  point  that  set  them  all  thinking. 

It  was  hard  to  decide  which  plane  would  be  heat  suited 


1470 


BLA.OK    BE88  ;    OB, 


for  such  *  purpose,  and  where  they  would  bo  least  likely 
to  meet  with  an  interruption. 

It  was  at  last  resolved  that  the  meeting-place  shov'.d  be 
on  Hampstead  Heath,  n«»x  a  tree  in  a  lonely,  d  ,u*<late 
part  of  it,  which  was  well  known  to  all  of  tnew 

This  had  the  advantage  of  being  at  no  great  distance 
from  the  metropolis,  and  yet  it  was  lonely,  for  in  those 
days,  when  the  Heath  was  in  the  open  country  and  more 
than  double  the  size  it  is  at  present,  few  people  ventured 
to  turn  aside  from  the  Lathy-kept  roads  which  interse^d 
it. 

"  The  hour,"  said  IncK,  "may  as  well  be  midmgnt ;  it  is 
easily  remembered,  and  by  that  time  all  will  be  quiet." 

"Agreed.     And  now  when  shall  the  meeting  be  ?" 

"I  should  advise,"  replied  Dick,  "that  we  all  seek  out 
some  place  of  concealment  and  endeavour  to  lie  hidden 
until  this  disturbance  blows  over.  Being  thus  apart,  we 
shall  probably  be  able  to  accomplish  this  very  important 
object — what  say  you  ?" 

"  The  advice  is  good — it  could  not  possibly  be  better. 
How  long  shall  we  remain  separated  ?" 

"  Let  us  say  nine  days,"  answered  Turpin — "  that's  the 
time  given  for  the  endurance  of  a  wonder ;  by  then,  very 
likely,  the  officers  will  have  abated  their  vigilance  ;  at  any 
rate,  it  would  be  safe  to  meet  then,  and  our  future  pro- 
ceedings would  be  decided  upon." 

All  this  while  Maud  remained  perfectly  silent,  listen- 
ing attentively  to  all  that  was  said,  and  gazing  alternately 
into  the  countenances  of  the  highwaymen  as  well  as  the 
ebscurity  of  the  place  would  permit. 

Now,  however,  with  considerable  timidity  she  spoke. 

u  If  you  would  take  a  suggestion  from  me,"  she  said— 
"if  you  would  listen  to  what  I  have  to  propose——" 

All  were  silent. 

"It  is,"  she  eaid,  still  more  uesitati^-'y  "that you  all 
endeavour  to  leave  England.  I-  -nother  land  you  would 
be  in  safety." 

"  It  is  wort*  consideration,"  replied  Dick ;  "  but  at 
present  ma  w  impracticable.  * 

"Indeed!"  said  Maud,  with  a  deeply-disappointed  air. 
"Why  impracticable  ?" 

"Are  you  so  selfish  as  to  forget  the  danger  in  whith 
Tom  Davis  and  Ellen  are  now -in?  In  their  disappoint- 
ment, who  cau  say  what  the  officers  may  do  ?  I  cannot 
think  of  leaving  them  to  their  fate.  We  must  ascertain 
their  condition,  and  do  what  we  can  to  assist  their  " 

This  proposal  met  with  universal  assent. 

"It  would  be  base  indeed,"  said  Tom  King,  "  to  abandon 
them  after  having  done  so  much  for  us." 

"I  did  not  think  of  their  danger,"  said  Maud — "it  did 
not  occur  to  me  they  would  be  iu  any.  Do  not  imagine," 
6he continued,  earnestly,  "that  I  would  wish  you  to  for- 
sake such  true  and  tried  friends." 

"Right,"  said  Dick — "quite  right!  And  now,  my 
friends,  are  we  all  agreed  ?  If  so,  the  sooner  we  separate 
the  better." 

" Quite  agreed,"  murmured  the  other  three;  for  they 
were  unable  to  think  of  any  further  arrangements. 

Still  they  lingered  for  several  moments. 

After  being  for  so  long  in  company,  the  idea  of  Darting 
was  a  most  unpleasant  one. 

"  A6  I  was  the  first  to  speak,"  said  Tom  King,  "let  me 
be  the  first  to  go  through  the  disagreeable  ceremony. 
Farewell !" 

"Farewell!"  returned  the  others.  "Don't  forget  the 
time  and  place  of  meeting." 

"  Depend  upon  it,"  said  Tom  King,  "  I  shall  not.  J  I 
am  alive  and  uncaptured,  you  will  see  me  there." 

Taking  his  horse  by  the  bridle,  he  walked  slo«>w  «* 
among  the  trees. 

The  others  gazed  after  him  until  he  vanished  t&m  their 
sight  % 

Claude  went  next,  totnug  an  opposite  direction. 

Then  Sixteen-Striug  Jack  started  also  by  another 
route,  and  Dick  Turpiu  and  Maud  were  left  alone. 

From  this  it  will  be  seen  that  the  highwaymen  would 
leave  the  plantation  at  four  different  points,  which  would 
make  it  all  the  mere  diSicult  for  the  police  officers  to 
obser»  s  *hem,  or  prevent  their  departure. 

We  must  content  ourselves  with  following  their  move- 
ments  one  at  a  time,  and  it  seems  only  right  to  give  the 
precedence  to  Dick  Turpin  himself. 

ile  d.*ew  a  long  breath — which  could  almost  be  called 
»  lagto — whoa  the  last  of  his  comrades  had  left  him ;  then 


suddenly  remembering  the  danger  in  which  he  stood,  he 
turned  to  Maud. 

"  It  will  not  be  possible  to  mount  at  present,  because  of 
the  low-lying  branches  of  the  trees,  but  I  will  lead  Black 
Bess  out  by  the  shortest  path  I  know  of ;  then,  once  mora 
in  her  life  she  must  carry  a  double  buiden." 

"As  you  ltke,"  returned  Maud.  "While  I  am  with 
you  I  am  content.  I  ask  no  more.  The  danger  seems 
diminished  more  than  one  half  when  I  share  it  with 
you." 

Dick  did  aot  reply,  out  at  once  set  forward,  for  he  was 
anxious  to  get  upon  the  back  of  Black  Bess. 

He  regarded  her  arching  ueck  and  proud,  impatient 
step  with  feelings  of  the  greatest  admiration. 

"  She  will  carry  U9  bravely !"  he  ejaculated,  in  a 
triumphant  voice.  "  When  once  in  the  saddle  I  shall  not 
fear  all  the  officers  in  the  kingdom." 

He  pushed  on  through  the  trees  as  quickly  as  the  nature 
of  the  ground  would  permit,  until,  at  length,  by  the  thin- 
ness of  the  vegetation,  he  was  warned  that  he  was  near 
the  edge  of  the  plantation. 

"  We  cannot  be  too  cautious,"  he  said.  "  Remain  here, 
Maud,  and  hold  Black   Bess  by  the  bridle,  so.     That  will 


do  nicely.  Now  I  will  creep  forward  with  what  stealth- 
fulness  I  am  capable,  and  ascertain  whether  any  officers 
are  near.     It  may   be  that  this  wood  is  watched  ;  at  any 


rate,  it  is  important  that  the  point  should  be  decided." 

He  waved  his  hand  while  he  spoke,  and  glided  tn*4*^ 
and  noiselessly  oyer  the  soft  turf  Det»»    a 


ma  trees. 


CHAPTER   OM. 


TUCK.  TXJRPm  AND    MAUD    HAKE  A  HALT    AT    THE   WOOD 
PIGEON   DJN. 

They  were  anxious  moments  for  Maud  that  elapsed  while 
Dick  was  absent  on  this,  as  it  seemed  to  her,  most 
perilous  errand. 

Glad  enough  was  she  when  she  caught  the  sound  of  his 
returning  footstep  and  perceived  his  form. 

"  All  is  well,  Maud,"  he  said.  "  I  have  looked  around 
cauviously  and  can  see  no  signs  of  the  officers.  Dome,  I 
think  we  may  venture  to  mount  now." 

So  saying,  he  vaulted  into  the  saddle,  and,  stooping 
down,  lifted  Maud  on  to  the  back  of  Black  Bess  in  front  of 
him. 

"  Gently,"  he  cried — "  gently — gently,  Bess !" 

It  was  difficult,  however,  to  curb  the  impatience  of 
Black  Bess  at  this  time— she  was  full  of  fire  and 
spirit. 

With  cautious  steps,  however,  the  wood  was  left,  and 
the  open  country  gained. 

Firmly  couvmced  now  that  all  was  well,  and  knowing 
that  he  was  out  of  danger,  Dick  uttered  a  faint  cheer. 

No  sooner  did  the  sound  reach  the  ears  of  Black  Bess 
than  she  gave  a  bound  forward  that  almost  unseated 
Maud. 

Then,  at  a  long,  swinging  gallop,  she  took  her  course 
across  the  open  country. 

Soon  the  red  tint  in  the  sky,  proceeding  from  the  blaz- 
ing inn,  disappeared  frow  view. 

Still  Dick  did  not  offer  to  check  the  speed  of  Black 
Bess,  though,  by  keeping  the  reins  firmly  in  his  hand,  he 
prevented  her  from  increasing  it. 

In  this  manner,  they  continued  to  gallop  over  the 
country  until  a  tolerably  wide  cross-road  was  reached. 

From  its  appearance,  it  did  not  seem  as  though  it  was 
much  frequented,  for  in  some  places  it  was  thickly  over- 
grown with  grass. 

Believing  himself  perfectly  safe  and  free  from  pursuit, 
Dick  diminished  his  mare's  speed  to  a  walk. 

He  had  long  ago  learned  the  necessity  of  restraining 
h.  ',  so  that  when  the  moment  of  danger  came  she  would 
bu  able  to  put  forth  all  her  energies. 

Taking  advantage  of  this  opportunity  for  conversation, 
Maud  asked  Dick  what  his  intentions  were. 

"  To  tell  the  truth,"  he  said,  "I  scarcely  know.  I  havo 
not  made  up  my  mind,  but  shall  be  guided  by  the  chapter 
of  events." 

"  But  will  it  not  be  better  to  seek  out  some  place  al 
refuge  ?" 

"  It  would  be  better  if  some  place  could  be  found  whete 
we  could  remain  in  quiet ;  the  difficulty  is  the  disoovary  at 
it." 

Maud  sighed. 


TH1  KNIGHT   07   THX   ROAD. 


1471 


"  You  are  weary,  no  doubt,"  cried  Turpln,  overhearing 
It,  "  and,  to  apeak  the  truth,  so  am  I.  I  should  be  glad 
enough  of  a  few  days'  quiet  and  peacefulness  with  you. 
Let  us  hope  we  may  meet  with  such  a  place  ere  long." 

Maud  uttered  the  same  hope  with  gr»-at  forvenoy. 

The  silence  that  prevailed  around  theia,  and  the  utter 
solitude  in  which  they  seemed  to  be,  gave  them  an  assur- 
ance of  safety  which  was  perhaps  more  imaginary  than 
real. 

But  the  night  w*3  last  wearing  away. 

In  the  east,  indications  of  the  corning  day  could  plainly 
be  perceived,  eud  before  long  daylight  would  be  shed 
around  them. 

Diek  still  maintained  his  course  along  the  cross-country 
road,  for  it  continued  to  prasent  the  same  signs  sof  only 
being  slightly  used. 

This,  then,  of  all  others,  was  the  route  for  hira  to 
take. 

He  was  especially  desirous  to  avoid  meeting  with  any- 
one, since  a  horse  carrying  a  double  burden  could  not  fail 
to  attract  universal  notice. 

All  at  once,  however,  upon  turning  round  a  bend  in  tne 
road,  Dick  came  in  sight  of  a  small  roadside  public- 
house. 

A  little  further  on  he  could  see  where  two  other  roads 
branched  off,  one  running  at  right  angle9  to  the  direction 
he  was  taking. 

Now  he  paused  altogether,  and  both  Maud  and  himseli 
looked  with  considerable  curiosity  and  interest  at  the  old- 
fashioned  building  before  them. 

In  the  faint,  grey  morning  light  it  looked  particularly 
pleasing,  and  around  it  and  in  its  whole  appearanoe  there 
was  an  air  of  tranquillity  and  peace  that  especially  recom- 
mended it  to  the  fugitives. 

At  last  in  a  faint  va>*-  ^.and  ventured  to  speak. 

"8bi»'T-"  336  said,  "In  r-his  place  we  shall  find  the  «e- 
tu^..  .,,  which  you  spoke.  We  are  far  away  from  Ealing, 
and  who  id  there  that  could  trace  us  here,  and  1.1  so  lonely 
and  retired  a  spot  ?" 

"  No  one,  I  should  think,"  returned  Dick,  musingly,  for 
•ven  he  felt  the  charm  of  this  delightful  spot. 

"  Well,  then,  let  us  stay  now — I  am  fatigued,  and  should 
be  glad  to  rest." 

"  We  will,  Maud,  for  although  we  have  travelled  thus 
far  unseen,  we  cannet  hope  to  go  much  further  by  broad 
daylight  without  meeting  or  overtaking  somebody.  Yes 
— yes,  we  will  stay  here." 

He  walked  Black  Bess  slowly  towards  the  inn  as  he 
spoke,  and  on  drawing  close  enough  to  make  out  what 
was  written  on  the  swinging  signboard,  he  saw  that  the 
house  was  called  the  Wood  Pigeon,  and  was  kept  by 
Stephen  Marshall. 

"  How  strange  !"  he  ejaculated,  as  his  eye  fell  upon  the 
uarae  "  We  have  only  just  escaped  from  Marshall,  and 
here's  Marshall  again." 

"  But  not  the  same." 

"  No,  surely  not  the  same,"  returned  Dick ;  "  but  the 
coincidence  is  singular." 

He  felt  half  inclined  to  turn  back  even  then,  for  he  had 
grown  to  dislike  the  name. 

But  it  was  a  common  ono,  and  it  was  scarcely  likely 
that  the  keeper  of  this  little  roadside  inn  could  be*  known 
to  or  by  the  chief  police  oflicer- 

While  thus  engaged  in  thouglit,  the  front  door  ot  the 
Inn  was  opened,  and  a  burly,  good-tempered-looking  man 
made  his  appearance  on  the  threshold. 

"Morning,"  he  said — "mcrning,  sir.  Would  you  like  to 
stay  here  for  a  time — 1  have  every  accommodation  ?" 

"  I  think  so,"  said  Dick,  "  for  we  have  come  some  dis- 
tance, and  are  weary." 

"  Then  let  me  recommend  you  to  stay  here,  for  it  is 
more  than  six  miles  to  the  next  inn,  where,  although  I 
say  it,  you  will  find  „ne  accommodatJon  very  inferior  to 
what  you  will  have  here." 

While  speaking,  tho  landlord,  reading  assent  in  the 
eyes  of  the  travelliys,  cam*  forward  and  assisted  Maud  to 
alight. 

Dick  sprang  nimn'y  to  tne  ground. 
You  have  a  capital  uag  tliere,  6*t,"  said  the  landlord, 
looking  at  Black  Bess  with  admiring  eyes. 

"  Yea,  very  fair,"  said  Dick,  hastily.  "  Is  the  cutler 
about?" 

"  He  is  very  UXely  not  awake  yet,"  said  the  landlord. 
'  fl  you  don't  mind,  I  will  take  the  lady  into  the  bouse, 


and  in  tbe  meanwhile  you  can  go  round  to  the  stable ;  yon 
will  find  him  somewhere  about ;  I  will  be  with  you  in  a 
minute  or  so." 

"All  right,"  said  Dick,  and,  taking  Black  Bess  by  the 
bridle,  he  led  her  off  in  the  direction  that  had  been 
pointed  out  to  him. 

After  much  shonting  and  pulling  at  the  handle  of  a 
cracKed  bell,  he  managed  to  arouse  the  attention  of  the 
ostler,  who,  by  his  appearance-  had  evidently  been  sleep- 
ing on  tbe  straw. 

It  was  a  rare  thing  for  anyone  to  bring  a  horse  to  be 
put  up  at  the  Wood  Pigeon,  and  so  this  lad  was  prepared 
to  treat  Dick  with  all  imaginable  deference. 

The  gift  of  half  a  crown,  too,  made  a  wonderful  im- 
pressing upon  him. 

He  felt  convinced  that  Dick  must  be  a  nobleman  at  the 
very  least 

Before  he  had  finished  giving  his  instructions  about 
Black  Bess,  and  before  she  had  been  thoroughly  rubbed 
down,  the  landlord  appeart  d. 

''  I  think  I  will  stay  her«  all  day,"  Dick  said. 

'  Very  good,  sir ;  your  g  >o J  lady  does  seem  tired,  and  1 
am  rure  you  will  have  no  fault  to  find  with  the  accommo- 
dation ;  all  that  we  have  is  of  the  very  best  quality." 

Having  seen  to  Black  Bess,  Dick  returned  with  the 
landlord  across  the  yard. 

Entering  the  inn,  the  landlord  led  him  to  the  room  hi 
which  Maud  was  seated. 

But  before  he  could  accost  her  the  profound  stillness 
which  prevailed  at  that  early  morning  hour  was  broken 
ia  upon  by  the  hasty  tranipfhig  of  horses'  feet  and  the 
rattle  cf  rapidly-revolving  wheels. 

Dick  reached  the  little  projecting  window  *i  on* 
gferidb 

Scarcely  had  he  done  so  than  a  post-chaise,  drawn  b; 
four  horses,  drew  ap  in  front  of  the  inn,  with  a  sudden- 
ness that  seemed  as  though  it  would  overturn  it. 

The  horses  looked  excessively  fatigued,  and  thai 
ftanks  were  dripping  with  perspiration. 

The  postilion,  too,  took  off  his  cap  and  wiped  his  fore 
head  on  the  sleeve  of  his  coat,  while  he  vociferated  loudly 
for  the  ostler. 

The  landlord  was  in  a  state  of  great  confusion  imme- 
diately. 

Never  before  in  all  his  long  residence  at  the  Wood 
Pigeon  had  he  known  a  post-ehaise  to  pass  the  house,  let 
alone  stop  at  his  door. 

In  the  midst  of  his  confusion,  he  recollected  his  own 
duty,  and  so  hastened  to  the  froi.t  of  the  inn. 

By  the  time  he  reached  it,  the  door  of  the  post-chaise 
was  opened  from  within,  and  a  young  man  of  strikingly 
handsome  appearance  alighted. 

Holding  up  his  hands,  he  next  assisted  a  lady  to 
alight. 

She  was  richly  attired,  and  seemed  to  be  in  an  early 
stage  of  girlhood. 

Great  traces  of  agitation  could  be  seen  upon  her  coun- 
tenance, of  which,  however,  Maud  and  Dick  obtained 
only  a  momentary  glimpse,  for  the  young  man  half-led, 
half-carried  her  into  the  inn. 

He  spoke  loudly,  so  that  Dick  could  not  avoid  hearing 
what  he  said,  though,  to  speak  truth,  the  highwayman 
was  so  much  interested  with  this  young  couple,  and  had 
so  grown  to  consider  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  make 
himself  acquainted  with  all  things  that  came  under  his 
notice,  that  he  would  without  scruple  have  listened  intently 
at  the  door. 

At  present  there  was  no  necessity  for  this  course. 

"  A  bottle  of  your  best  wine,  landlord — and  quickly  I" 
he  cried,  in  fish,  full  tones,  "  and  a  little  cake,  or  some- 
thing of  that  kind — whatever  you  can  get  most  quickly !" 

Then,  by  the  sound  of  steps  without,  Dick  coali  tell 
that  the  young  man  had  led  his  companion  into  a  ••pom 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  passage,  which  ran  completely 
from  the  front  to  the  back  of  the  inn. 

"  Ai  elopement,"  said  Dick,  to  Maud,  with  a  smile — 
"a  runaway  match,  or  something  of  that  kind.  Well,  if 
they  f  ~e  toad  of  each  ciVir  they  ought  to  be  happy,  and 
I  consider  no  oue  should  interfere." 

Iu  the  meanwhile,  the  postilion  was  busily  engaged  in 
rubbing  down  his  horses,  and  supplying  them  with  hay 
and  water. 

"  We  sha'n't  stay  many  minuies,"  D*.ok  hoard  aim  s»y, 
in  a  confidential  voice,  to  the  ostler.     "  The  faot  is,  U*i 


1472 


HtiCK    BKSS  ;    Oft, 


>.• -iTs  father  is  close  behind  us  in  pursuit.  We  should  not 
nave  stopped  here,"  he  added,  "only  the  young  lady  was 
near  to  fainting  from  fatigue." 


CHAPTER  CML 

DICK   TURVD*   FTJTD8   DAKGER    KVEN    IN   THft  WOOD   PIGEON 

raw. 

A  few  minutes  elapsed,  and  the  postilion,  haying  finished 
attending  to  the  horse*,  withdrew  himself  ink)  the  interior 
of  the  inn  in  order  to  refresh  his  inner  man. 

While  he  was  thus  engaged,  a  party,  consisting  of  four 
mounted  men.  suddenly  appeared  in  front  of  the  inn. 

At  fir6t  ii  looked  like  a  mystery  for  them  to  appear  so 
suddenly  and  silently. 

But  the  fact  is  they  had  made,  .heir  way  along  the  grass- 
grown,  country  road,  and  consequently  the  hoofs  of  the 
horses  had  not  made  sufficient  noise  to  attract  notice. 

No  sooner  did  the  first  horseman  catch  sight  of  the 
post-chaise  than  he  uttered  an  Indignant  cry,  and  flung 
himself  off  his  horse  in  what  appeared  to  be  a  very 
dangerous  manner. 

He  was  a  stout,  well-dressed,  stern-looking  man.  appa- 
rently about  forty  years  of  age — perhaps  he  was  younger. 

A  piercing  shriek  coming  from  the  room  in  which 
the  young  couple  were  seated  was  next  heard,  and  testi- 
fied that  she  had  witnessed  this  fresh  arrival. 

The  other  three  horsemen  appeared  to  be  the  servants 
of  the  stern-looking  man,  who,  beyond  a  doubt,  was  the 
young  girl's  father. 

With  the  same  reckless  precipitation  which  had  cha- 
racterised his  descent  from  his  horse,  he  dashed  into  the 
inn,  and  broke  open  the  door  communicating  with  the 
apartment  in  which  his  daughter  sat. 

Shouting  aloud,  the  stern-looking  man  cried  : 

"  Draw,  wretch  ! — villain  1 — scoundrel,  that  you  are  ! — 
draw,  I  say,  and  defend  yourself,  or  I  will  cut  yot.  down 
as  you  stand !" 

"No,  no,  father  1"  cried  the  young  girl.  "Spare  him 
— spare  him !  Tour  resentment  now  comes  too  late — he  is 
my  husband." 

A  fearful  oath  escaped  the  father'o  lips.  *    " 

Then  came  a  stifled  cry,  followed  quickly  by  a  Jail 
sound. 

Dick  could  tell,  as  well  as  if  he  had  been  there  to  see, 
Ijiat  the  angry  father  had  spurned  his  daughter  from  him, 
and  that  she  had  fallen  insensible  to  the  floor. 

At  present,  however,  he  could  not  see  any  reason  to 
interfere ;  yet  he  drew  his  sword,  and  crept  closer  to  the 
door  of  the  room. 

The  young  man  uttered  an  angry  shout  when  he 
witnessed  this  cruel  act  on  the  part  of  the  bride's 
father. 

Under  the  impulse  of  that  anger,  he  must  have  drawn 
his  sword,  for  the  clash  of  steel  was  heard. 

Directly  afterwards  the  door  of  Dick's  room  was 
thrown  open,  and  the  landlord,  as  white  as  a  ghost,  and 
trembling  from  head  to  foot,  made  his  appearance. 

"Oh,  sir — sir,"  he  said,  "you  wear  a  sword  !  Put  a 
stop  to  that  dreadful  conflict  in  the  other  room  !  I  shall 
have  murder  done  in  my  house,  and  then  I  am  a  ruined 
man !" 

Dick  only  needed  some  excuse  for  interference,  and, 
unheeding  a  remonstrance  from  Maud,  he  hurriedly  left 
the  room. 

But  the  three  servants  who  had  arrived  with  the 
stranger  guarded  the  door  of  the  room. 

Dick  did  not  hesitate  in  making  the  attempt  to  force  his 
way  past  them. 

Before,  however,  he  had  time  to  accomplish  his  purpose, 
ae  saw  the  young  man's  sword  suddenly  struck  aside  by 
iim-:  of  his  more  skilful  opponent. 

With  his  face  more  like  a  demon's  than  a  man's,  the 
angry  father  shortened  his  arm  and  gave  a  sudden  and 
fearful  lunge. 

The  young  man's  weapon  was  not  in  readin&a  vo 
parry  the  blow. 

The  point  of  the  glittering  rapier  entered  his  left 
breast,  and  such  was  the  violence  of  the  blow  tfcat  the 
progress  of  the  weapon  was  not  stopped  until  the  hilt 
struck  audibly  against  his  breast. 

Quick  as  thought,  the  weapen  was  withdrawn,  and 
again  pasted  through   the  young  man's  body,  who  now 


staggered  backwards,  dropped  his  sworn,  clasped  hfe 
hands  over  his  wound,  made  an  effort  to  stand,  and  tLen 
fell  lifeless  to  the  floor. 

"  At  last,  villain  1"  said  the  stranger,  flinging  down  bis 
blood-stained  sword. 

Then,  pointing  to  his  daughtv.,  and  addressing  nil 
attendants,  he  said  : 

"Qrtickl  Raise  her  and  carry  her  away— the  sooner 
the  better!" 

At  the  first  touch  of  these  men,  however,  the  young 
girl  recovered  her  consciousness. 

She  sprang  ti-  her  feet  with  a  wild,  conicsed  look  .u  ber 
eyes;  then  her  glance  fell  upon  the  form  of  her  newly- 
made  hiiAhaud.  lying  still  in  <leath  upon  the  floor,  with 
the  hi  xid  yet  welling  from  his  wounds. 

Tne  cry  that  then  escaped  her  lips  would  surely  have 
pierced  a  heart  of  stone. 

Releasing  herself  jnddeniy  from  the  grasp  of  the 
servants,  she  sprang  forward,  and,  before  ahe  <v>ul<l  be 
prevented,  flung  herself  at  full  length  upon  the  young 
man's  body. 

Her  tears  and  cries  were  then  something  fearful  to 
witness. 

She  tried  a  dozen  different  methods  of  recalling  the 
beloved  one  to  life,  but,  failing  in  them  all,  she  started  up 
again  with  a  wild,  hysterical  cry,  that  ended  in  a  deal  o* 
loud,  prolonged,  uninirthful  laughter. 

All  who  heard  it  were  dismayed. 

The  father  uttered  a  groan  of  anguish. 

There  could  be  no  mistaking  that  fearful  laugh  or  the 
strange  glitter  of  the  eyes — both  proclaimed  insanity. 

u  Seize  her !"  cried  the  young  girl's  father,  addressing 
his  servants — "  seize  her,  or  she  will  do  herself  a  mischief  I 
Make  her  secure  and  carry  her  to  the  post-chaise !" 

The  poor  girl  echoed  the  last  words,  and  then  again 
broke  out  into  a  peal  of  frenzied   laughter. 

The  servants  proceeded  to  carry  out  the  instructions 
given  them,  but  as  soon  as  they  touched  the  bride  she 
uttered  shriek  upon  shriek,  calling  all  the  while  upon  her 
husband  to  protect  and  save  her,  who,  alas !  no  longer 
heard  that  voice  which  had  ever  been  like  music  in  his 
ears. 

Without  more  force  than  was  absolutely  required,  the 
young  girl  was  carried  out  of  the  inn  and  placed  in  the 
post-chaise.  » 

Her  father  regarded  her  with  a  stern,  unpitying  look. 
One  would  have  thought  that  this  terrible  eveut  would 
have  caused  him  to  relent  and  to  repent,  but  so  far  from 
it,  his  auger  was  increased. 

The  landlord,  whose  dismay  it  is  impossible  to  describe, 
hastened  after  him,  and  seized  him  by  the  coat 

"  Sir — sir,"  he  cried,  "  I  am  a  ruined  man — yes,  a 
rained  man !  And  it  is  you  who  have  wrought  the  evil ! 
Murder  is  in  my  house !     What  is  to  be  done  ?" 

The  stranger  shook  him  off  roughly. 

"  Do  what  you  like,"  he  said — "  I  care  not.  It  is  no 
business  of  mine." 

He  was  about  to  step  into  the  post-chaise,  but  Dick 
Turpin  advanced. 

What  he  would  have  said  or  done  under  the  circum- 
stances is  hard  to  say,  for  just  at  that  moment  the  land- 
lord cried : 

"  If  my  brother  was  only  here  now  I  should  be  in  a 
different  position.  He  is  the  chief  police  officer  in  London, 
and  vdll  be  here  to-day.  I  can  describe  you  to  him. 
You  shall,  at  any  rate,  reap  the  conjequences  of  this 
deed  !" 

These  words  made  Diok  stagger  back,  and  well  they 
might. 

His  own  safety  rose  instantly  paramount  to  every  other 
consideration. 

Could  it  really  be  possible  that  he  had  journeyed  so 
far,  and  had  in  the  end  taken  up  his  quartern  in  a  place 
where  Jack  Marshall  would  be  most  likely  to  find 
him  P 

The  moment  of  irresolution  and  copfusion  sufficed  to 
allow  the  stranger  to  escape. 

One  of  his  own  servants  surane  upon  the  hack  of  one 
of  the  horses  I  elomriiifr  to  the  post-chaise,  and  urged 
the  whole  onward  at  full  gallop. 

The  others  followed  on  the  steeds  upon  whioh  they 
had  arrived. 

In  less  than  a  couple  of  moments  the  whole  party  waa 
oat  of  eight,  leaving  the  landlord  dambfoundered,  per* 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE   ROAD. 


1473 


••s?r — 


[DICK  TUItPIN   ASTONISHGS  THE  LANDLORD   OP  THE  WOOD  PIGEON   INN  ] 


which  liad  the  i„ime« 


plexed,  confused,  freely  able  to  believe  what  had  just  I  ™Zg*g%J^JSi  ZSL 


taken  place. 

The  postboy,  too,  witnessed  with  rago  and  fear  the 
violent  seizure  of  hia  vehicle.  But  one  of  the  horses 
belonging  to  the  stranger  still  remained,  so,  with  a  fierce 
shout,  ho  sprang  on  to  his  back,  and  galloped  off  in 
pursuit. 

"  Did  you  not  say  that  your  brother  is  the  chief  police 
officer  in  London  ?" 

"  Yes— to  be  sure  he  is,  and  how  thankful  I  am  I 
have  some  one  so  powerful  to  aid  me.  Let  me  see  ? 
Why,  is  it  possible  ?  Ho  promised,  if  he  possibly  could, 
to  call  upon  me  here  to-day.  Perhaps  I  may  see  him 
in  the  course  of  a  few  moments." 

During  the  occurrence  of  these  last  events,  Maud  /iad 
left  the  fnn  and  made  her  way  to  Turpin'a  aide. 

This  last  STieech  of  the  landlord,  however,  forced  a 

No.  185.— Black  Bess. 


The  result  might  have  been  awkward,  but  just  then  a 
diversion  happened  which  told  greatly  in  her  favour. 

The  landlady  had  not  risen  when  the  poat-chaiso 
arrived— in  fact,  she  did  not  mnlce  her  appearance  down- 
stairs until  after  the  newly-made  bride  was  carried  off 
by  her  father. 

The  first  thing  she  did  was  to  rush  into  the  room 
where  the  encounter  had  taken  place,  and,  having  done 
so,  her  eyes  were  horrified  by  the  frightful  spectacle 
prosented  to  them.  , 

The  young  man  was  lying  there  cold  and  immovable 
in  death,  just  in  the  same  position  as  ho  had  fallen, 
while  tho  blood  that  had  flowed  from  hia  wounds  formed 
quite  a  pool  around  him. 

Upon  seeing  this,  the  landlady  threw  up  her  arma  and 


No:  186 


•  Phice  One  Halfpenny. 

No,  186  will  be  Published  next  Thursday. 


BLACK    BESS  :    OS. 


gurgled  hysterically,  and  then  fell  down  In  a  swocn,  to 
all  outward  appearances  as  lifeless  as  the  young  stranger. 

It  was  that  which  took  place  just  after  Maud  had 
screamed,  and  the  landlord,  being  made  acquainted  with  it, 
rushed  into  the  inn. 

"Hush — hush  1"  said  Dick,  speaking  to  h6r  as  reassur- 
ingly as  he  could — "don't  be  alarmed!  We  kno\v  our 
danger  in  good  time,  and  all  will  be  well.  Do  you  be&f 
— do  you  understand?     I  tell  you  to  bo  calm. " 

"  Yes — yes." 

"  We  are  in  no  danger  yet — most  ~ertainly  in  no  danger. 
And  now  pay  particular  attention  vo  my  instructions." 

She  looked  up  into  his  face  attentively. 

"It  will  never  do  for  us  to  remain  here  any  longer,"  he 
continued,  speaking  in  a  hurried  tone  of  voice  ;  "  we  can- 
not tell  one  moment  from  another  when  Jack  Marshall 
and  his  officers  will  arrive.  I  am  resolved  to  depart  at 
once.  I  will  take  advantage  of  this  confusion  that  is 
reigning  around,  and  hasten  to  the  stables.  In  the  mean- 
while, you  enter  the  ism  and,  without  attracting  any  more 
notice  than  you  can  help,  leave  it  by  the  back  door  ;  you 
will  see  me  there,  and  after  that  Black  lies*  will  do  the 
rest." 

Hastily  as  these  instructions  were  given  her,  and  great 
as  was  the  confusion  of  her  mind,  Maud  perfectly  under- 
stood them. 

Dick  left  her,  hastily  darting  round  the  corner  of  the 
inn  at  full  speed,  for  just  then  ho  one  happened  to  be 
about. 

He  had  no  difficulty  in  entering  the  stables. 

Black  Bess  was  there,  and  according  to  his  request  all 
her  trappings  had  been  hung  up  on  the  stall  in  which  she 
stood. 

With  nimble  fingers  he  placed  them-  upon  her  back, 
and  he  had  her  already  for  the  road  in  a  space  of  tisne  so 
short  that  it  would  have  made  the  ostler  of  the  Wood 
Pigeon  ready  to  die  of  vexation. 

Rapid  as  all  his  movements  had  been,  yet  by  the  time 
ho  gained  the  door  of  the  stable  Maud  had  enterod  the  yard. 

She  hastened  towards  him,  and  Dick  without  more 
ado  mounted. 

Swinging  her  into  the  saddle  before  him  in  the  same 
way  as  before,  he  rode  with  rather  dangerous  swiftness 
to  the  front  of  the  inn. 


CHAPTER  CM1I. 

DICK  TUUPIN  LEAVES  THE  WOOD  PIGEON  INN,  AND  HAS  AN 
ADVENTURE  ON   THE   ROAD. 

Either  the  ostler  had  been  observing  Dick's  motions,  or 
else  the  clatter  of  Black  Bess's  hoofs  had  attracted  atten- 
tion, for  the  landlord  and  all  his  household  hastily  made 
their  appearance  at  the  front  door. 

"  Hi,  hi ! — stop !"  he  roared — "  stop — stop !  What  does 
it  ill  mean  ?     Is  eves-ybody  mad,  or  am  I  ?" 

The  laudlord  might  well  ask  this  question,  for  the 
events  that  had  so  recently  occurred  in  such  rapil  suc- 
cession were  quite  calculated  to  disturb  the  equilibrium 
of  one  who  had  led  such  an  even  life  as  himself. 

Dick  made  no  reply,  but  he  slackened  his  mare's  speed 
somewhat. 

Then,  plunging  his  hand  into  his  pocket,  he  Jrew  forth 
a  guinea. 

"  Here,"  he  said,  as  he  threw  it  among  the?  ,Toup,  "that 
will  do  for  the  reckoning." 

No  sooner  had  the  words  passed  his  lips  th&n  he  again 
gave  Black  Bess  the  impulse  forward. 

As  he  did  so,  a  loud,  peculiar  shout  from  tl,e  rt;v 
became  audible,  and  he  turned  quickly  to  ascertain  tiki 
cause. 

To  his  extreme  annoyance,  for  he  hoped  to  leave  the 
inn  unseen,  he  perceived  a  throng  of  police  officers  ap- 
proaching. 

They  were  at  too  great  a  distance  for  their  coartenanoer 
to  be  distinguished,  yet  Dick  fancied,  rrom  the  general 
appearance  of  the  one  who  rode  a  little  in  advance  of  the 
rest,  that  he  ^as  no  other  than  his  pertinacious  foe,  Jack 
Marshall 

Black  Beo»  had  had  but  a  'jrief  rest,  yet  that  Lad 
sufficed  to  recruit  her  energies'  vor/lerfully. 

Besides,  although  they  had  favelled  so  many  lr.tleB, 
Dick  had  carefully  husbanded  It ,r  strength 

fee  had  now  the  best  of  all  reasons  for  congrat-naiing 
bicujolf  upon  having  adopted  do  prudent  a  course. 


He  did  not  hesitate  to  urge  her  to  jaut  forth  her  utmost 
powers  of  spewi. 

As  if  by  magic,  then,  the  troop  of  police  officers  were 
left  behind. 

They  tried  indeed  to  keep  up  a  pursuit,  but  found  it 
impossible — their  horses  were  ttioroughly  exhausted. 

Dick  continued  his  headlong  course  until  he  felt  that 
he  had  gone  far  enough  to  be  perfectly  secure  from  all 
danger  of  pursuit. 

Then,  by  slow  degrees,  he  tightened  the  rein. 

Maud  was  anxious  and  alarmed. 

She  looked  apprehensively  behind  her,  being  scarcely 
able  to  believe  that  they  were  out  of  danger. 

"  I  am  vexed,"  Dick  said,  "and  for  more  reasons  than 
one.  I  fully  intended  that  you  should  have  plenty  of 
rest  before  we  journeyed  further  ;  as  it  is,  we  are  in  the 
open  daylight  without  knowing  where  to  look  for 
shelter." 

"  Don't  let  that  trouble  you,"  said  Maud — "it  is  not 
worth  your  consideration.  You  should  remember  your 
own  life  is  at  stake,  and  that  you  should  do  everything  in 
your  power  to  preserve  it." 

"  Well,  Maud,  we  will  do  our  best.  I  should  like  to 
get  some  distance  further  from  the  officers  than  I  am  now  ; 
I  am  sorry,  too,  to  put  Black  Bess  to  another  gallop,  yet 
it  must  be  done." 

He  suited  the  action  to  the  word,  and  for  some  time  not 
another  word  was  exchanged — in  fact,  it  was  not  until 
the  sun  had  attained  a  considerable  altitude,  and  until  the 
business  of  the  day  had  fairly  commenced,  that  Dick 
again  drew  rein. 

He  then  found  himself  in  a  most  beautiful  and  pictur- 
esque portion  of  the  country — a  place  in  which  he  would 
have  been  glad  enough  to  linger  for  a  time. 

Not  even  the  least  observant  person  could  have  looked 
around  without  perceiving  the  many  rare  natural  beauties 
of  the  place. 

In  the  bright  morning  sunlight,  too,  all  objects  had  a 
particularly  fresh  and  pleasant  appearance. 

Indeed,  it  was  scarcely  possible  to  look  upon  that  scene 
under  a  more  favourable  aspect. 

Far  away  before  them  the  road  could  be  traced,  stretch- 
ing itself  like  a  broad  strip  of  white  ribbon,  and  Dick's 
keen  eye  presently  descried,  at  a  great  distance,  the  form 
of  a  mouT  ted  man,  who  was  riding  towards  them. 

Evidei  tly  the  sight  reminded  him  of  something,  for  he 
brought  Black  Bess  completely  to  a  halt,  and  plunged  his 
hands  i;  :  quick  succession  into  his  different  pockets. 

"  Ma'  id,"  he  said,  at  last,  in  answer  to  the  inquiring 
look  Sue  gave  while  ho  was  thus  engaged,  "  it  is  as  I 
fear." 

"  What  ?"  she  asked,  with  an  expression  of  alarm. 

"  I  nave  no  money.  That  was  the  last  guinea  I  flung 
to  the  landlord  as  he  was  standing  at  his  door.  We  can- 
not go  on  thus ;  we  must  have  money  before  we  can  pro- 
ceed further." 

"But,"  asked  Maud,  trembling  with  dread,  "tell  me 
where  you  can  obtain  it  ?" 

Dick  raised  his  arm  and  pointed  over  the  low  hedge- 
row i. 

'  Do  you  see  ?"  he  asked. 

fhe  figure  of  the  horseman  was  now  much  more 
distinctly  visible  than  it  had  been  before,  for  the  simple 
r^;,aou  that  he  had  come  much  closer. 

"  I  see  that  horseman,"  said  Maud,  more  agitated  than 
before ;  "  but  surely  you  do  not  mean " 

"  Yes,  Maud,  I  do.     The   only  means   by  which  I  can 

obtain  money  is  by  taking  it  on  the  road.     I  will  commit 

S  ■:  >  act   of   violence,   and,    from   the   appearance   of   the 

stranger,  I  should  fancy  that  the  loss  of  such  a  trifle  as  I 

shall  take  from  him  will  not  inconvenienc3  '~.'~u  much." 

"But  you  forget." 

"  Forgot  what  ?*'• 

"Your  own  danger." 

Dick  laughed  lightly. 

"But  consid  jr."  persisted  Maid,  with  great  earnest' 
ness — "  consider  that  the  officers  are  clost.  behind  you. 
and  that  it  is  broad  daylight.  This  act  cannot  fall  to 
bring  the  officers  upon  your  track." 

'•  They  will  trace  me  easily  enough  as  it  is,"  was 
TurpinN  iejoinder.  "  No — no,  Maud,  I  see  no  reason  to 
hold  back  ;  fortune  has  thrown  this  chance  into  my  way, 
and  I  should  be  unwise  in  the  extreme  not  to  avail  mv- 
seif  of  it." 


TUB   KNIGHT   OP   THB   ROAD. 


1475 


"  For  once,"  said  Maud — "  only  for  once  let  ine  request 
yon  to  allow  him  to  pass  unmolested." 

" Do  not  entreat  that  favour,"  replied  Dick,  "for  it  is 
one  I  cannot  grant,  though  it  pains  me  to  refuse  yoa. 
There's  little  or  no  dang?r,  and,  as  I  said  before,  money 
is  more  necessary  to  our  safety  tnan  anything  else." 

Maud  burst  into  tears,  but  Dick  affected  to  tako  no 
notice  of  her  emotion. 

"Come,  dear  Maud,"  be  said,  "let  me  as.-ist  you  to  the 
ground.  There,  that  will  do  nicely.  D)  not  be  in  tho 
least  frightened.  Sit  dowu  on  tl,it  little  grassy  embank. 
men!,  and  remain  there;  in  a  few  minutes  I  shall  return. 
Do  not  be  afraid ;  the  adventure  is  a  trifling  one  after 
all." 

These  words,  however,  did  not  reassure  Maud  in  the 
least,  for  she  wept  bitterly. 

She  had  learned  from  experience,  however,  tuai  when 
Dick  had  once  made  up  his  mind  to  pursue  any  particular 
course  it  was  quite  vain  to  attempt  to  dissuade  him  from 
it." 

At  such  times  there  was  only  one  thing  she  could  do, 
and  that  was  to  submit. 

This  course  6he  adopted  on  the  present  occasion  ,  but 
dreading  the  encounter  that  was  about  to  ensue,  she  shut 
out  the  sight  of  everything  around  her  by  clasping  her 
bands  closely  over  her  face. 

In  the  meanwhile,  with  the  easiest  air  imaginable,  Dick 
Turpin  trotted  forward,  and  to  have  glanced  at  him,  «;o 
one  in  the  world  would  have  believed  that  his  position 
was  really  so  perilous  as  it  was. 

But  this  little  adventure,  coming  upon  him  so  unex- 
pectedly, seemed  to  have  quite  a  reviving  effect  uron  his 
spirits — indeed,  as  he  walked  Black  Bess  slowly  forwards 
he  lightly  hummed  a  tune. 

When  hastily  leaving  the  Three  Spiders,  he  had  only 
just  time  to  buckle  on  a  sword. 

He  was  altogether  unprovided  with  firearms  or  ammu- 
nition. 

To  all  appearances,  however,  this  circumstance  did  uot 
trouble  him  in  the  least. 

The  6tranger  came  on  at  rather  a  smart  trot,  and  every 
step  his  horse  took  produced  a  jingling  sound. 

He  was  wrapped  in  a  cloak,  fur  the  morning  air  was 
chill ;  but  every  now  and  then  the  wind  would  blow  it 
partially  aside  and  disclose  his  apparel,  which  *7%s  that  of 
an  officer  of  the  guards  iu  an  undress  uniform. 

Apparently  he  took  but  little  notice  of  Dick  as  ba 
walked  Black  Cess  deliberately  along  the  road. 

Nor  did  Dick  seem  particularly  attentive,  although  his 
eyes  were  keenly  fixed  upon  every  movement  the 
strauger  made. 

At  length,  when  close  enough  for  his  purpose,  Dick 
stopped  Black  Bess  just  in  tho  centre  of  the  road,  and  the 
stranger,  perceiving  it,  had  to  check  his  steed  somewhat 
abruptly  to  prevent  a  collision. 

Dick  took  advantage  of  this  event  by  taking  off  nis  hat 
and  making  a  low  bow. 

The  officer,  who  was  evidently  also  a  gentleman,  with 
great  politeness  and  grace  returned  tho  salutation. 

He  would  have  passed  on,  though,  had  not  Dick's  voice 
arrested  his  progress. 

"One  moment,  sir,"  he  said.  "Excuse  mo  if  I  inter- 
rupt you  on  your  jouruey — one  moment,  if  you  please." 

The  officer  looked  at  Dick  closely,  thinking  perhaps 
♦.hat  he  might  be  some  forgotten  acquaintance. 

Failing  to  recognise  him,  however,  he  said  : 

"  I  am  at  your  commands,  sir.  What  is  your  pleasure  ?" 

"lean  scarcely  say,"  said  Dick,  with  a  laugh,  "but 
just  at  the  present  moment  I  happen  to  bo  iu  a  little 
difficulty,  and  I  am  sure  you  will  rejoice  when  I  tell  you 
that,  above  all  others,  you  are  the  very  man  who  will  got 
me  out  of  it." 

"Indeed!"  said  the  stranger,  with  Seme  snow  ot 
surprise  and  interest,  for  Dick's  manner  of  accosting  him 
was  such  that  ho  never  for  one  moment  guessed  at  his 
intention. 

>  — — = 

CHAPTER  CMIII. 

THE     CONCLISION     OK     DICK  TURPIs'S     ADVENTURB   WITI» 
THE  OFFICER. 

"  Indeed  and  in  fact,"  returned  Dick,  very  gravely. 

"  I  am  at  a  loss  to  understand  you,"  ejaculated  Jhe 
stranger 


"  No  doubt  you  are,"  said  Dick ;  ''■  but  I  shall  quickly 
make  myself  clear.  It  would  be  a  shame  to  keep  you  in 
a  state  of  ignorance  upon  such  a  point.  The  fact  is.  the 
difficulty  I  am  in  is  the  want  of  money." 

The  stranger  repeated  the  words  half  unconsciously, 
and  backed  his  horse  several  paces. 

"Yes," said  Dick,  speaking  now  in  a  bolder  and  moas 
determined  tone  of  voice,  "  my  last  guinea  is  gone,  and 
i  look  to  you,  sir,  to  replenish  my  purse." 

"  Well,  d — n  your  impudence  !"  said  the  stranger. 
a  Curse  mo  if  ever  I  heard  of  such  a  thing  in  my  fife ! 
Be  off  with  you  !" 

"  Stay  •"  cried  Dick,  in  a  loud  voice,  as  by  ono  bound 
he  caused  Black  Bess  to  plant  herself  exactly  in  front  of 
the  officer's  steed — "stay!  I  intend  to  stand  no  non- 
sense !  At  the  same  time,  I  would  gladly  avoid  violence; 
therefore,  let  me  advise  you  to  hand  over  your  money 
quietly,  without  making  the  least  fuss — indeed,  it  would 
uot  be  becoming  of  you  as  a  gentleman  to  do  so." 

"  Wouldn't  it  ?  Then  I  beg  leave  to  differ  with  you 
upon  that  point — to  differ  with  you  entirely  !  And  now 
1  tell  you  plainly,  Mr.  Highwayman,  that  no  money  of 
mine  shall  you  have  !" 

"You  will  alter  your  mind,"  said  Dick — "I  feel  sure 
you  will  alter  your  mind  !  How  very  unwise  it  would 
be  of  you  to  risk  your  valuable  life  for  a  trifling  sum  of 
money  !'' 

"  Well,  I  must  say  you  are  the  coolest  customer  that 
ever  I  met  with  or  heard  of  in  the  whole  course  of  ray 
life,"  said  the  stranger,  forced  against  his  will  into  admi- 
ration. "  Do  you  always  take  these  matters  in  so  equable 
a  manner?" 

"  Ahem  !"  said  Dick,  "  it  depends.  But  when  I  am 
with  a  gentleman  like  yourself,  I  endeavour  to  treat  him 
as  a  gentleman." 

The  stranger  laughed  at  this  compliment. 

"  1  don't  intend  to  risk  my  life  for  what  money  I  have 
about  me,"  he  said,  "because  it  is  a  mere  trifle.  Still 
less,  however,  do  I  feel  inclined  to  give  it  up  without  any 
show  of  lesistanoft.  You  shall  have  my  purse  upon  one 
condition." 

"  Name  it." 

"  It  is,  then,  that  you  draw  your  sword,  alight,  and 
cross  blades  with  me,  just  in  a  frieudly  way.  And  if  you 
can  succeed  in  giving  me  three  distinct  hits  before  I  have 
touched  you  twice,  the  purso  is  yours ;  on  the  other  hand, 
if  you  f;.il,  I  retain  my  money." 

"Agreed!"  said  Dick,  as  he  sprang  lightly  from  the 
saddle.  "Nothing  could  bo  more  congenial  to  my  tem- 
per !" 

"  Nor  to  mine,"  said  the  stranger,  "  for  I  have  a  chance 
of  keeping  what  I  have,  with  the  additional  satisfaction 
that  no  one  can  taunt  me  with  having  tamely  submitted 
to  being  robbed  on  the  highway." 

The  stranger  alighted  also,  and  secured  his  horse  to  tho 
branch  of  a  tree. 

Then,  diawing  a  tolerably  well-filled  purse  from  his 
;     ■'.-  it,  he  threw  it  into  the  middle  of  the  road. 

'•There,"  ho  said,  "there's  the  money.  The  victor 
takes  it !" 

With  the  same  nimbleness  that  had  characterised  all 
his  movements,  the  stranger  now  pulled  off  his  coat  and 
rolled  up  his  shirt-sleeves,  disclosing  an  arm  that,  though 
slender,  was  evidently  very  muscular. 

But  Dick  did  not  think  it  worth  while  to  disapparel  him- 
self. 

Perceiving  that  he  advanced  with  his  coat  on,  the 
strauger  said : 

"I  don't  want  io  take  you  at  an  unfair  advantage — it 
is  not  in  my  nature  to  do  so.  I  believe  that  without 
vanity  I  can'say  I  »m  a  good  swordsman.  I  should  like 
you  to  stand  on  equal  ground  with  myself.  Most  cer- 
tainly your  coat  will  impede  your  movements." 

'  Nu  matter,"  said  Dick,  in  the  same  easy,  careloe9 
maun sr  in  which  he  had  all  along  spoken.  "  I  am  used 
to  lighting  with  my  coat  on  ;  and  besides,  we  shall  save 
time." 

Tho  stranger  did  not  say  another  word,  but  immediately 
crossed  his  blade  over  Dick's. 

His  attitude  and  the  manner  in  which  he  fixed  his  eyes 
made  the  highwayman  aware  that  he  was  pitted  igainat 
an  antagonist  of  no  ordinary  description 

The  C3xt  moment  this  singular  conflict  begea. 

The  Wades  of  the  swords  rattled  together  aa  tha  iwa 


U76 


BLAOX    BESS  ;     OB, 


combatants  bold  therusolves  prepared  for  attack  or  de- 
fence. 

The  stranger  was  the  first  to  make  a  thrust,  and  it  was 
given  so  suddenly — so  straightforwardly — that  it  seemed 
as  though  it  must  inevitably  reach  home. 

Cut  Dick  parried  it  at  once,  then,  quick  as  lightning 
changing  the  direction  of  bis  sword,  stra^fi  the  oilicer 
lightly  on  the  shoulder,     t 

"  One  !"  be  said,  with  a  la^gh. 

The  officer's  face  Hushed,  and  it  was  perfectly  certain 
ll'-at  bo  had  made  up  his  mind  he  should  obtain  an  easy 
victory  over  the  highwayman,  and  the  thrust  that  had 
been  parried  so  skilfully  was  his  favourite  means  of  at- 
tack, and  never  before  had  ho  known  it  to  fail  him. 

Yet,  considering  all  things,  he  preserved  his  calmness 
admirably,  and  be  again  crossed  his  sword  ovsi  that  of 
Dick  Turpin. 

The  stranger  now  waited  to  be  attacked,  and  Dick  did 
not  leave  him  long  in  suspense. 

Watching  bis  opportunity,  he  suddenly  lunged  forward, 
and  struck  his  adversary  on  the  am  just  above  the  elbow  ; 
at  the  same  time,  bo  felt  a  slight  touch  himself. 

"Two  and  one!"  be  said.  "Then  the  next  stroke 
must  decide  it." 

Some  traces  of  excitement  now  began  *,o  manifest  them- 
selves in  the  stranger's  manner. 

Never  before  had  be  encountered  an  opponent  so  skil- 
ful as  Dick  Turpin. 

lie  felt  that  his  credit  as  a  swordsman  was  now  at 
stake,  and  this  feeling  went  very  far  indeed  towards  un- 
nerving him. 

As  for  Dick  himself,  he  was  to  all  outward  appearances 
as  indifferent  as  ever ;  but  that  might  have  arisen  from 
his  consciousness  of  his  own  superior  powers  as  a  swords- 
man. 

Again  the  weapons  clanged  together. 

Rapid  thrusts  were  interchanged  and  parried. 

Then,  by  mutual  consent,  they  paused. 

At  this  moment  a  shriek  came  upon  their  ears. 

It  issued  from  Maud's  lips. 

From  the  distance  she  had  witnessed  this  conflict,  and, 
of  course,  she  was  unable  to  tell  that  it  was  oue  of  a 
friendly  character. 

Thinking  only  of  Dick's  danger,  she  came  hurrying 
on. 

"  That  is  some  one  with  you?"  said  the  stranger,  in- 
terrogatively. 

"  It  is,"  said  Dick,  "and  this  must  be  settled  before 
she  comes  up.     Now,  then,  to  it  again  !" 

There  was  more  of  earnestinws  in  Dick's  manner  than 
there  had  been  hitherto,  and  the  stranger  felt  it. 

Scarcely  had  the  swords  been  crossed  than  Dick,  with 
a  rapid  movement,  disengaged  his  own  sword,  and  tapped 
the  officer  lightly  on  the  breast. 

"  Three  !"  ho  said.     "Just  iu  time  !" 

With  another  cry,  Maud  bounded  forward,  and  reached 
his  side. 

She  clasped  her  arms  around  him,  and  could  scarcely 
believe  at  first  that  he  was  unhurt  and  safe. 

"  All's  well,  Maud,"  he  said — "  all's  well !  This  gentle- 
man and  myself  have  had  a  friendly  bout  together — no- 
thing more." 

With  an  evident  sense  of  chagrin  the  stranger  sheathed 
his  sword,  drew  down  his  shirt-sleeves,  and  resumed  his 
coat ;  aud  Dick  sheathed  his  owu  weapon  likewise,  and, 
with  a  careless,  almost  indifferent,  step,  walked  to  the 
spot  where  the  purse  was  lying,  and  picked  it  up. 

"  Farewell,"  he  said,  perceiving  that  the  stranger  had 
already  gained  the  saddle,  and  was  about  to  gallop  off — 
"  farewell,  sir  !  Aud  should  you  ever  hear  Dick  Turpins 
name  meutioued,  you  at  least  will  be  able  to  bear  testi- 
moii7  that  he  did  not  behave  himself  like  a  common  foot- 
pad !" 

Tho  officer  bestowed  a  stare  of  intense  and  undisguised 
astonishment  upon  Dick,  then,  muttetiug: 

"  I  might  have  guessed  it,"  plutged  his  spurs  into  his 
horse's  flanks  and  galloped  away,  for  this  disclosure  of 
his  adversary's  nam*  ^Ud  not  iu  the  least  degree  reconcile 
him  to  his  defeat. 

"Are  you  sure  you  are  unhurt,"  said  Maud *.v  you 

quite  certain  of  it  ?" 

"  Quite ;  aud  was  in  no  danger  except  from  you.  Yes, 
.ad  that  shriek  of  yours  come  upon  my  ears  at  a  critical 
lontent  the  consequences  would  have  been  serious  ;  but 


no  matter,  I  have  gained  my  end ;  here  is  a  pc«*»-  and  if 
the  stranger  is  satisfied  I  am." 

He  consigned  it  to  bis  pocket  as  he  spoko. 

TheL  once  more  both  resumed  their  places  upon  the 
back  of  Black  Bess. 

"  I  am  not  afraid  that  ho  will  betray  me,"  Dick  said,  in 
answer  to  a  question  from  Maud,  "nor  do  I  think  ho 
would  give  the  officers  any  informatics  However,  I  feel 
that  to  journey  any  further  along  this  road  by  daylight 
would  be  unwise,  so  at  tha  second  turning  we  como  to  we 
will  leave  it." 

"  Why  not  the  first  ?" 

"Simply  because  the  officers  might,  take  it  into  their 
heads  to  rido  down  it ;  it  would  be  merb  safer  to  ride  oa 
to  the  second." 

Maud  felt  that  this  reason  was  a  good  one,  and  said  no 
more. 

Dick  again  put  Black  Bess  to  tho  gallop,  as  he  was 
anxious  to  leave  the  road  he  was  now  on,  from  the  simple 
fact  that  a  long,  uninterrupted  view  could  be  obtained  of 
it. 

He  did  not  reach  a  second  turning,  however,  until  he 
had  gone  considerably  more  than  a  mile. 

At  length  he  stopped  suddenly. 

"  There's  a  lane,':  he  said  ;  "  but  we  have  passed  it ;  the 
entrance  is  so  dark  and  narrow  that  I  could  scarcely 
make  out  what  it  was  at  first." 

Maud  looked  around  her  in  some  surprise,  for  although 
she  had  been  on  the  look-out  she  had  seen  nothing  of  the 
lane  Dick  spoke  of. 

Black  Bess's  head  was  now  turned  round,  and  after  they 
had  retraced  their  steps  for  a  short  distance  they  found 
themselves  opposite  to  tho  entrance  of  one  of  those 
narrow,  winding,  leafy  lanes  that  are  to  be  found  in  al- 
most every  part  of  England. 

CHAPTER  CMIV. 

DICK    TURPIN    MEETS    WITH    ANOTHER     SINGULAR    ADVEN- 
TURE. 

On  either  side  trees  had  been  planted  very  closely  to- 
gether, aud  they  were  of  great  antiquity,  as  was  evi- 
denced by  the  immense  thickness  of  their  trunks. 

Theso  trees  were  indeed  so  closely  in  contact  that  it 
would  have  been  hard  to  squeeze  any  bulky  object  be- 
tween them,  and  their  branches  shot  out  in  such  profusion 
above  that  they  completely  covered  the  lane,  forming  a 
kind  of  arched  canopy  to  it. 

Dick  without  hesitation  made  his  way  along  it,  and  as 
soon  as  ever  they  had  got  beneath  the  shadow  of  the  old 
trees,  such  an  air  of  peacefuluess  and  quiet  came  over  all 
things  that  they  felt  themselves  to  be  iu  perfect  safety. 

"  We  are  not  likely  to  meet  with  anyone  here,  Maud," 
said  Dick,  "so  we  can  journey  on  without  much  fear. 
Still  you  are  weary,  aud  should  any  shelter  present  itself, 
rely  upon  it  I  shall  not  hesitate  to  avail  myself  of  it." 

"  If  it  will  bo  safe  to  do  so,"  said  Maud. 

"  Oh,  it  will  be  safe  enough,  never  fear;  leave  all  con- 
sideration of  danger  to  me." 

So  great  was  the  silence  around,  and  such  an  impres- 
sion diil  it  produce  upon  Dick,  that  he  could  not  prevail 
upon  himself  to  disturb  it. 

Tho  fact  was  he  was  terribly  fatigued,  though  his  con- 
stitution was  so  strong  that  he  was  only  made  seusifcie  ol 
it  by  a  longing  desire  for  repose. 

It  was  thereloro  at  a  pace  scarcely  exceeding  a  walk 
that  bo  allowed  Black  Bess  to  make  her  way  along  thU 
lane. 

Another  reason  which  induced  him  to  adopt  this  course 
was  out  of  consideration  for  his  steed. 

Black  Bess  had  beer  •npon  her  legs  for  many  hours,  aud 
had  travelled  many  miles. 

Comparatively  speaking,  it  was  rest  for  Dick  to  sit  iu 
the  saddle  while  his  maro  was  going  so  gently. 

But  although  his  bodily  powers  enjoyed  this  repose  his 
mental  ones  did  not. 

He  was  very  uneasy,  net  only  on  account  of  his  com- 
rades, but  particularly  on  behalf  of  Tom  Davis  and 
Ellen,  who  he  feared  would  find  themselves  in  a  very 
difficult,  unpleasant  position. 

Maud  glanced  up  at  bis  face  and  saw  h"  the  expression 
of  it  that  something  was  troubling  him. 

In  a  moment  she  asked  what  it  was. 

"  i  will  tell  you."  he  said.     "  It  is  as  you  rcaj  »y  • 


THH    KNIGHT    Of    THB    ROAD. 


1477 


matter  of  hp  very  great  moment,  yet  for  the  life  of  me 
I  can't  think  it  so.  It  concerns  a  promise  that  I  made — a 
promise  that  I  cannot  see  reasonable  hopes  of  being  able 
to  perform." 

"What  promise  was  it ?"  asked  Maud .  t»-onderingly- 
"  The  one  I  made  to  Mr.  Bradbury,  the  Governor  of 
Newgate.  I  told  him  that  if  he  went  withip  a  week  to 
Hampstead  Heath  he  would  find  buried  at  tho  foot  of  a 
certain  tree  that  I  described  to  him.  soma  recompense  for 
what  he  did  on  my  behalf." 
"And  is  it  not  there  ?" 

"No,  certainly  not;  I  ODly  represented  to  him  that 
there  was,  thinking  I  should  have  no  difficulty  whatever 
in  riding  there  and  concealing  such  a  sura  aS  I  considered 
an  adequate  reward  for  all  that  he  had  done ;  but  now 
how  am  I  to  hope  to  achieve  it  ?" 

Maud  shook  her  head. 

"  I  am  afraid,"  she  said,  "that  the  Governor  will  meet 
with  a  disappointment." 

"I  should  be  vexed  for  such  a  thing  as  that  to  occur,1-' 
sa'd  Dick.  "  I  place  great  value  on  a  promise,  and  I 
should  not  like  the  Governor  of  Newgate  or  anyone  else 
to  be  able  to  say  that  Dick  Turpin  had  gone  from  his 
word.  No — no,  Maud,  that  would  never  do ;  somehow  or 
other,  and  in  spite  of  all  risks,  the  money  must  be  put 
there  before  the  week  has  expired." 

"  But  under  present  circumstances,"  said  Maud,  "is  it 
not  a  total  impossibility  ?  You  have  no  money  except 
what  you  carry  with  you,  and  how  could  you  possibly 
venture  on  to  Hampstead  Heath  for  the  purpose  of  bury- 
ing if 

"The  latter  part  would  be  easy  enough,"  said  Dick  ; 
"  the  worst  of  it  is  I  have  not  enough ;  I  should  not  like 
to  insult  the  Governor  by  offering  him  such  a  trifling, 
sum  as  this  purse  contains.  I  must  set  my  wits  to  work, 
and  doubtless  ere  long  I  shall  see  some  means  or  other  of 
fulfilling  my  project." 

After  speaking  these  words  Dick  relapsed  into  silence. 

He  was  turning  the  matter  over  in  his  mind  in  every 
possible  way. 

Thus  plunged  in  deep  thought  he  rode  on,  he  scarcely 
knew  for  how  long  a  period. 

The  progress  Black  Bess  made  was  very  slow,  for  she 
found  she  was  allowed  to  go  just  at  her  own  pace. 

All  at  once  both  Maud  and  Dick  were  startled  by  an 
unexpected  but  by  no  means  alarming  sound,  yet  it  was 
ene  that  made  Black  Bess  prick  up  her  ears  and  Droject 
them  forwards. 

The  sound  was  repeated. 

"  That's  a  laugh,"  said  Dick,  in  some  amazement. 
"  Who  can  it  be  in  such  a  lonely,  out-of-the-way  place  as 
this,  giving  way  to  laughter?" 

Maud  clung  to  him  full  of  terror. 

"  Be  not  alarmed,"  he  said  ;  "  surely  we  ought  not  to  be 
terrified  at  hearing  tho  sound  of  laughter." 

"  But  who  is  it  ?" 

"  That  we  shall  know  in  a  very  short  time,"  said  Dick, 
"  for  the  sound  came  from  somewhere  very  close  at  hand. 
We  will  look  first  if  possible  without  revealing  ourselves, 
then  we  can  perfectly  satisfy  ourselves  that  there  is  no 
danger." 

CreeOng  close  under  tho  shadow  of  the  trees,  Dick 
made  'jis  way  along  the  lane  to  a  point  where  it  turned 
cf  a*,  rather  a  sharp  angle. 

TV  aching  this  spot,  he  paused  and  reconnoitred. 

J.  I  a  little  distance  off  he  perceived  a  sight  that  was  at 
onf,e  \icturesque  and  amusing. 

A.  .Wtle  way  further  on  the  character  of  tho  lane 
»l  angul — in  fact,  it  seemed  as  though  it  emerged  upon  a 
»  Hd  ki  d  of  common  or  heath. 

Near  Ihe  edge  of  the  lane  Dick  saw  a  cart  piled  up 
n  ith  a '  t  iscellaueous  assemblage  of  articles,  fcnd  a  yellow 
caravan  $ 

Heat) II  on  the  ground  were  in  all  about  half  a  dasen 
penioB/  nearly  all  of  whom  were  laughing  heartily. 

H'W/  iooked  iu  order  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  their 
laughter  iud  soon  found  it  to  oe  the  autica  cf  a  boy  cer- 
tainly not  more  than  seven  or  eight  yeara  of  ag*,  wba 
v  v:  t-*te.  jpting  some  difficult  feats  of  tumbling. 

Mmj J  looked,  » oon  this  scene  with  gre-ai  surprise  ata 
can , Jsitj . 

•  'Iney  are  sxrWing  covers,"  said  Dick,  in  amwwi  to 
an  inquiring  glance  that  sh<;  beU,  upon  him.  "  Qood.  taa- 
Ivsi  people  uo  doubt,  who  have  sat  down  here  ty  ?«t}.' 


Certainly  the  utmost  good  feeling  seemed  to  exist 
among  the  whole  group ;  there  was  not  one  sowowfuL,  de- 
jected-looking countenance. 

"  Shall  we  avoid  them  ?"  asked  Maud. 
"  I  think  not,"  said  Dick.  "  I  feel  sure  that  such  wan- 
derers as  these  would  gladly  extend  a  friendly  hand  to 
us.  They  are  more  comfortable  than  one  would  imagine  at 
a  first  glance,  and  unless  you  have  some  strong  objection 
I  should  recommend  that"  we  go  to  them  and  ask  them 
for  rest  and  shelter. r 

"  If  you  think  it  would  be  safe  to  do  eo,"  said  Maud, 
11 1  should  be  glad  indeed,  for  I  am  utterly  weary." 

"  So  am  I,"  said  Dick,  "so  is  Black  Bess,  and  this  sweet 
grass  I  hat  grows  hereabout  will  make  for  once  an  excel- 
lent substitute  for  a  feed  of  corn." 

Dick's  resolution  boing  thus  takm  he  ventured  to  show 
himself. 

Slightly  increasing  his  speed,  ho  rode  towards  the  merrr 
group. 

_  The  sound  of  a  horse's  hoofs  attracted  universal  atten- 
tion, and  they  all  fixed  their  eyes  curiously  upon  Maui 
and  Dick. 

The  boy  whose  antics  had  amused  the  rest  no  sooner 
perceived  the  new-comers  than  he  ran  towards  thorn, 
made  a  grotesque  bow,  then,  turning  a  succession  of 
somersaults  along  the  road,  stopped  suddenly  upon  his 
feet. 

He  bowed  again,  and  held  out  his  hand  to  solicit  % 
donation. 

Dick  stopped  and  threw  him  a  piece  of  silver. 

•'  Ask  your  friends,"  he  said,  "whether  they  will  allow 
us  to  join  them  for  a  short  time  ?  We  are  hungry  and 
weary  ?" 

Astonished  at  the  gift  of  so  large  a  sum  of  money,  the 
boy  cut  a  fantastic  caper  and  hurried  off. 

He  quickly  communicated  his  message. 

In  the  meanwhile  Dick  continued  to  ride  slowly  to- 
wards them. 

A  man  now  rose  from  the  grass  on  which  he  had  been 
sitting,  and  advanced  towards  Dick  half  respectfully, 
half  confidently. 

"You  are  quite  welcome  to  stop,"  he  said,  "and  to 
share  everything  wo  have.  You  won't  find  us  close 
hearted,  though  we  are  poor  and  cannot  afford  to  bo  very 
generous." 

"  I  will  pay  liberally  for  everything,"  said  Dick. 
"  Don't  think  I  want  to  trespass  upon  you  in  that  re- 
spect." 

"  Then  you  are  heartily  welcome,"  said  the  man,  "  and 
we  will  make  you  as  comfortable  as  our  rough  moans  will 
permit." 

Dick  looked  at  this  man  with  more  than  common  in- 
terest. 

In  spito  of  the  poor,  ragged  clothes  he  wore,  there  was 
an  indefinable  something  in  his  manner  that  showed  at 
once  that  ho  had  occupied  a  tolerable  position  in  life — 
indeed,  his  mode  of  speech  at  once  displayed  this 
fact. 

Maud  was  assisted  to  alight. 

Dick  followed  quickly,  and  removed  the  trappings  from 
Black  Bess  with  his  own  hands. 

"  I  am  known  as  Herr  Smithini,"  said  the  man,  address- 
ing Maud,  "  and  if  you  will  come  with  me  I  will  intro- 
duce you  to  my  wife,  who  will  do  her  best  to  make  you 
comfortable." 

The  remainder  of  the  troop  looked  somewhat  surprised 
when  Dick  removed  the  bridle  from  Black  Bess,  thus 
allowing  her  perfect  freedom ;  but  then  they  wero  not 
aware  that  tho  highwayman  could  call  his  steed  at  any 
moment  to  his  side  by  uttoriug  that  peculiar  chirping 
signal  whistle. 


CHAPTER  CMV. 

DICK  TURPIN    BELIEVES    THAT     HE    HAS    FOUND     A   FIRM, 
TRUE  FRIEND.  T> 

The  troop  of  strolling  players,  for  such  they  were,  con- 
sisted of  Smithini,  two  other  men,  two  fomalco,  and  the 
boy. 

The  men,  though  clad  in  loose,  ill-fitting  garments, 
wero  evidently  tumblers,  as  was  shown  by  the  flexi- 
bility of  all  their  joints  whenever  they  moved. 

Without  exception,  they  made  Dick  v*ry  woieo?3t$ 
,  viting  him  to  a  share  of  their  pr  jvi^iunb. 


1478 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OK, 


Dick  consented  willingly  enough,  and  renewed  his 
offers  of  reward. 

These  men  were  all  to  C.  certain  extent  outcasts  from 
society,  like  himself,  and  therefore  very  likely  to  befriond 
him — at  any  rate,  he  resolved  to  run  the  risk  of  placing 
confidence  iu  them,  if  only  for  Maud's  saks. 

'•  We    matte   ourselves   as    happy    as    we    can,"  said  i 
Smithini,  when  Dick  alluded  to  the  laughter  which   his 
presence  had  interrupted.   '  but  1  can  a.isuro  you.  sir,  we 
have  little  cause  for  mirth  at  the  present   time,  having 
met  with  a  great  misfortune." 

"Indeed!     What  is  it?" 

'•  The  loss  of  our  best  horse — ono  that  we  had  taught, 
■with  what  trouble  and  patience  you  could  not  comprehend, 
to  perform  many  tricks.  What  caused  the  creature's  death 
■we  cannot  guess ;  it  may  have  been  cold,  exposure — I 
know  not  what.  Certain  it  is  that  the  mopi  attractive 
feature  in  our  exhibition  is  goue." 

"  Then  your  entertainment  is  a  circus  P" 

The  man  nodded. 

"Yes,"  he  said.  "And  here  you  seo  my  company,  or 
rather  the  remains  of  it,"  ho  added,  rather  sadly,  "  for 
there  was  a  time  when  my  position  was  very  different 
from  what  it  is  now.  It  is  useless  to  repine — we  must  do 
the  best  we  can,  and  hope  for  better  times." 

Dick  would  very  willingly  have  questioned  this  man 
respecting  his  past  life  ;  he  felt  quite  sure  that  he  should 
obtain  from  him  many  details  of  a  strange  and  interesting 
nature. 

But  after  the  rude  meal  was  partaken  of,  such  a  feeling 
of  drowsiness  and  heaviness  came  over  him  as  he  had 
never  before  experienced. 

He  tried  in  vain  to  struggle  with  it. 

"  I  know  not  whether  it  is  your  intention  to  stas^  yere 
long,"  he  said,  rousing  himself  with  some  difficulty,  "  but 
if  you  would  let  me  sleep  somewhere  until  sunset  I 
•would  taKe  in  as  the  greatest  favour  you  can  grant." 

"  It  shall  be  so.  We  are  tired,  and  our  horses  also. 
Make  yourself  content." 

By  the  directions  of  the  leader  of"  the  troop,  some 
canvas  was  pulled  out  of  the  waggon  and  fixed  upon  poles, 
60  that  a  rude  kind  of  tent  was  formed. 

Hero  Dick  threw  himself  down,  and  quickly  fell 
asleep. 

Maud  was  in  the  yellow  caravan,  also  wrapped  in 
6lumber,  for  she  was  quite  worn  out  with  the  anxieties 
and  fatigues  of  the  last  few  days. 

Before  retiring  to  rest,  however,  Dick  had  entreated 
Bmithini  to  give  him  immediate  warning  if  ha  perceived 
the  approach  of  any  police  officers. 

Nothing  but  extreme  physical  exhaustion  would  have 
made  it  possible  for  Dick  to  sleep  under  sucii  circum- 
stances as  these. 

But  he  did  sleep,  and  soundly. 

When  he  at  length  opened  his  eyes,  it  seemed  as 
though  not  more  than  a  moment  had  elapsed  since  he  had 
closed  them. 

Looking  around,  however,  he  saw  that  it  was  fast 
growing  dark. 

For  some  time  he  remained  perfectly  still. 

He  was  thinking  over  his  position,  and  endeavouring 
to  decide  what  should  be  his  next  step. 

Among  these  friendly  strollers  there  was  no  doubt  ho 
would  be  able  to  find  a  refuge,  and  Maud  as  well. 

But  then  he  recollected  the  promise  he  had  made  to  the 
Governor  of  Newgate. 

By  what  means  ho  could  possibly  obtain  the  e.im  of 
money  needed,  and  bury  it  in  time  at  the  foot  of  the  tree 
on  Hampstead  Heath,  seemed  an  absolute  mystery 

Suddenly,  in  the  midst  of  his  perplexities,  he  wis  struck 
by  a  bright  thought. 

He  was  all  exultation  in  a  moment. 

Almost  any  other  perso  ,  however,  would  havo  shrunk 
b^ck  in  dismay  at  the  b  ro  idea  of  what  Dick  contem- 
plated. 

"  Yes,"  he  said  tc  himself,  "  that's  the  course  ;  it  is 
pimple  and  straightforward.  I  will  go  to  Drury  Lar.a  ,- 
Matthew  will  willingly  lend  me  the  money  I  require ; 
there  will  be  no  obstacle  in  that  quarter,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  I  shall  be  able  to  learn  intelligence  of  Tom 
Davis.  Why,  that  alone  would  be  worth  the  risk.  .Yes? 
my  mind  is  made  up,  I'll  go!" 

This  seemed,  however,  little  short  of  madness  ;  it  was 
Virtually  courting  danger  for  danger's  sake. 


Although  he  had  arrived  at  this  decision,  Dick  found 
many  difficulties  in  the  way  of  carrying  It  oot 

First  and  foremost  came  Maud. 

What  was  he  to  do  with  her  in  the  meanwhile,  for  U 
&&*  impossible  for  her  to  accompany  him  to  tse  Wnite 
Horse  ? 

"  I  must  speak  to  her,"  ho  said — "  1  must  persuade  bar 
to  let  me  go.  These  players  will  doubtless  t&ke  her 
under  their  charge  ;  she  will  be  safe  with  them,  and  if 
they  keep  faith  with  me,  why,  this  man  shall  be  so  well 
rewarded  that  he  will  step  at  once  into  his  lost  position. 
All  my  difficulties  are  clearing  themselves  away.  Now 
my  course  is  clear  and  straightforward  I  must  follow 
it." 

With  these  words,  Iv.ck  rose   and  emerged  from  the 
tent- 
Close  at  hand,  he  saw  the  figure  of  Smithini. 

"  You  have  slept  long,"  he  said — "  you  must  have  been 
fatigued." 

"  I  was." 

"  Come  this  way,  then.  You  see  they  have  made  a  fire 
yonder ;  we  will,  if  you  like,  have  one  more  meal 
together,  and  then  I  suppose  we  must  part." 

"  Yes — I  suppose  so ;  but  before  I  leave  I  have  an 
offer  to  make  to  you." 

Just  as  he  spoke  these  words,  the  fire  was  reached, 
round  which  the  whole  party  had  assembled. 

Maud  was  there,  and  Dick  hastened  to  place  himself  by 
her  side. 

The  scene  was  ono  thai!  recommended  itself  to  Dick 
from  its  very  novelty,  and  he  heartily  joined  in  good- 
fellowship  with  these  strangers  among  whom  he  had  been 
so  suddenly  cast. 

WThen  the  meal  was  over,  he  led  Maud  away  to  a  littlo 
distance  to  speak  to  her. 

"Black  Bess  is  safe,  you  say  ?" 

"  Yes — quite  safe,  or  was,  only  a  short  time  back." 

Dick  whistled,  theu  waited  a  moment. 

The  quick  beat  of  hoofs  over  the  heath  was  heard,  and 
the  next  moment  Black  Bess  was  by  her  master's  side 
caressing  him. 

"  Yes,  all's  well,"  he  said.  "  And  now,  Maud,  I  have 
something  to  propose  to  you  which  will  be  for  the  good 
of  all.  It  will  entail  some  sacrifice  on  your  part,  but  you 
must  not  hesitate  to  make  it." 

She  looked  at  him  strangely,  wondering  what  would 
come  next. 

In  a  few  words,  then,  he  announced  his  decision. 

Maud  recoiled  with  horror  at  the  bare  idea. 

It  needed  all  Dick's  rhetoric  only  to  partially  reassure 
her  ;  but  at  length  he  succeeded. 

He  hit  upon  the  right  course  for  inducing  her  to  con- 
sent to  allow  him  to  visit  the  White  Horse. 

It  was  by  representing  how  selfish  his  conduct  and 
hers  would  "appear  if  they  left  Tom  Davis  and  Ellen  to 
their  fate. 

The  consent  of  Smithini  to  the  arrangement  alone  was 
wanting,  and  Dick  now  hastened  to  seek  him  out. 

"  I  would  rather  not  tell  you  who  I  am,"  he  said, 
bluntly,  as  soon  as  they  had  met;  "but,  as  you  may 
guess,  I  am  an  offender  against  tho  laws.  The  officers  of 
justico  are  in  pursuit  of  me.  They  are  no  friends  of  yours 
unless  I  make  a  great  mistake." 

"  They  are  certainly  not  friends,"  said  Smithini,  with 
some  bitterness.  "Often  and  often,  by  a  needless  inter- 
ference, they  have  deprived  me  of  much  money." 

"  I  don't  doubt  it ;  but  to  return  to  what  I  was  saying. 
You  were  telling  me  that  your  position  was  once  very 
different." 

"  It  was,"  answered  the  man.  "I  had  a  largo  stud  of 
horses,  and  the  best  troup  of  equestrians  and  tumblers 
hi  the  kingdom.  Now  you  seo  to  what  I  am  reduced.  I 
expect  the  next  thing  will  be,  we  shall  have  to  part  with 
the  waggon  and  tents  for  a  subsistence,  by  picking  up  a 
few  coppers  by  performing  in  tho  roadway." 

"  Not  so,"  said  Dick,  laying  his  hand  on  his  shoulder. 
"  If  you  only  consent  to  what  I  propose,  you  will  have 
no  need  to  take  this  gloomy  view  of  things.  I  require  a 
service  at  your  hands  ;  if  you  grant  it,  the  recompense 
shall  be  such  a  iewa"rd  as  will  enable  you  to  resume  your 
former  position." 

Smithini  locked  at  Tsrpia  incredulously  for  a  mo- 
ment. 

"  You  speak  fair,"  he  said,   "  and  there  is  a  truthful 


THE    KNIGHT  OF  THH  ROAD. 


1479 


ring  in  yoar  voice ;  but  such  good  fortune  is  bard  to 
believe.  If  you  are  in  earnest,  however,  give  me  your 
Land." 

"  I  am  in  ear-vnt,"  said  Dick,  as  ho  complie.d  with  his 
demand. 

Smithini  grasped  his  band  warmly,  and  then,  with  great 
solemnity,  said : 

"  If  you  make  good  your  promise,  I  "swear  there  is  no 
service  in  the  power  of  man  to  perform  that  I  would  not 
rentier  you.    Now,  then,  let  me  hear  it  ' 

Dies  was  more  pleased  than  ev  V  with  this  man's 
manner. 

He  told  him  that  he  should  wish  to  iei».VO  Maui  -with 
Dim  for  a  day  or  two,  during  which  time  he  was  to  take 
the  greatest  care  of  her — to  shield  her  from  all  danger. 
and  if,  on  his  return,  he  found  her  safe,  his  promise  should 
be  kept. 

"  It  seems  a  trifling  service  to  perform  for  so  great  a 
reward.     I  scarcely  like  to  accept  your  terms." 

"  I  like  you  none  the  worse  for  that,"  said  Dick,  "  and, 
in  proof  of  it,  I  will  take  you  entirely  into  my  conlidence, 
for  you  don't  look  like  the  man  to  betray  the  trust  placed 
in  you  by  another." 


CHAPTER  CMVI. 

JMCK  TUUrES     ASSUMES   HIS     DISGUISE  AND   SETS  OUT   FOR 
LONDON. 

A  look  of  surprise  came  over  Smithini's  face  as  Dick 
thus  spoke. 

"  You  can  trust  me,"  he  said.  "Never  fear  that  I  will 
betray  you." 

11  I  don't  fear,"  said  Dick,  sinking  his  voice  to  a  lower 
tone,  and  glancing  cautiously  around,  so  as  to  make  sure 
they  were  out  of  hearing  of  everybody,  "and  for  that 
reason  I  shall  tell  you,  without  reserve,  who  I  am.  You 
must  have  heard  of  me  in  some  way  or  other.  I  am  known 
by  the  name  of  Dick  Turpin." 

"  The  highwayman  ?" 

"  The  same." 

The  6troller  held  out  his  baud. 

"I  have  heard  much  concerning  you,"  he  sail,  "and 
what's  more,  I  like  what  I  have  beard,  and  will  Jo  my 
best  to  befriend  you — indeed,  almost  from  the  first  I 
guessed  at  your  identity,  but  I  waited  to  see  whether  you 
would  disclose  yourself." 

"I  have  done  so,"  said  Dick.  "That  is  my  wife  that 
I  wish  to  leave  in  your  care.  She  is  sought  for  by  the 
officers,  as  well  as  myself,  and  therefore  it  is  necessary 
that  she  should  keep  herself  in  strict  concealment." 

The  man  nodded. 

*  As  for  myself,  business  of  an  urgent  and  of  a 
dangerous  nature  compels  me  to  make  my  way  to  Lon- 
don." 

Smithini  gave  a  start  of  surprise. 

"  To  London  ?"  he  replied. 

Dick  nodded. 

"  Let  me  advise  you  not  to  go." 

"Why?" 

"Because,  if  you  do  go,  capture  i3  certain." 

Dick  laughed  his  old,  quiet  laugh. 

"  You  must  leave  me  to  take  care  of  myself,"  he  said, 
'•'  mid  to  act  as  I  may  judge  best.  I  thank  you  for  your 
caution,  but  it  is  needless." 

"No  offence,  I  hope?" 

"  None  in  the  least,  and  now.  since  all  this  is  arranged, 
I  will  seek  my  wife,  and  let  her  know  the  result  of  this 
interview." 

"  Very  good.  There  is  only  one  thing,  and  that  you 
appear  to  have  forgotten." 

-  What  is  it  ?" 

••  To  make  some  aiwLgeni?  at  as  to  meeting  again.' 

"  Can  you  not  remain  hereabout  ?" 

"  It  would  interfere  seriously  with  my  plans,  wero  I  to 
do  so,"  said  the  man,  after  a  pause,  '  though,  of  course, 
you  can  command  me.  For  my  own  part,  however,  1 
think  the  safest  and  most  prudent  course  would  be  to 
coutinuo  my  movements  just  as  though  I  had  never  seen 
you.  Your  wife  will  travel  with  ua,  and  there  will  then 
be  no  ground  for  suspicion." 

"You  are  quite  right,"  said  Dick.  "Let  it  be  so. 
Veil  me  to  what  place  you  thought  of  going  next  ?" 

''My  n  zi  halt,"  said   the  strollfir,   "wili  be  about  a 


dozen  miles  from  here,  a  small  town  called  S fiel   . 

I  may  stay  there  a  day,  perhaps  only  a  few  hours.  1 .  I 
am  not  there  when  you  arrive,  push  on  to  the  nexh 
village.  You  will  hear  tidings  of  us  all  along  on  our 
route."  #§ 

"It  will  be  easy  to  trace  jou,"  said  Dick,  "and  so  I 
know  quite  sufficient." 

With  these  words  he  turned  away,  and  made  Maud 
acquainted  with  the  arrangements  that  had  been  agreed 
to  by  himself  and  Smithini. 

^  To  them  she  did  not  venture  to  offer  any  opposition. 
She  knew  how  perfectly  useless  it  would  be  to  attempt 
to  dissuade  Dick  from  setting  out  upon  this  expedition, 
and  sle  had  sufficient  good  sense  to  know  that  tho 
arrangement  made  was  the  very  best  possible  under  the 
circumstances. 

Although  matters  bad  been  settled  so  far,  there  was 
one  point  upon  which  Dick  was  seriously  troubled. 

He  could  not  make  up  his  mind  as  to  the  precise  means 
ho  rhould  take  to  reach  London. 

The  question  was,  should  he  go  with  Black  Bess  or 
not? 

Much  was  to  be  said  on  both  sides. 

If  he  took  her  it  would  double  the  chance  of  his 
discovery,  for  she  would  be  moro  likely  to  be  recognised 
than  himself. 

On  the  other  hand,  should  he  leave  her  behind,  he 
would  be  cutting  off  hi3  own  escape. 

While  in  thi9  ctate  of  indecision,  Dick's  eyes  rested 
mechanically  ot>  one  nf  the  vehicles  belonging  to  the 
strollers. 

It  was  a  clumsey-looking  covered  cart,  in  which  odds 
and  ends  of  various  descriptions  had  been  stowed 
away. 

While  looking  at  it,  Dick  was  reminded  of  an  adven- 
turo  he  once  had,  which  had  met  with  a  most  successful 
termination. 

It  was  when,  upon  the  Guildford  Eoad,  he  had  assumed 
the  disguise  of  a  waggoner,  and  bad  played  the  part  to 
such  great  perfection. 

This  recollection  suggested  to  him  the  idea  that,  among 
his  new  friends,  he  would  have  plenty  of  opportunities  of 
disguising  himself,  and  he  began  to  wonder  whether  it 
would  not  be  possible  to  drive  to  London  in  absolute 
safety. 

The  more  he  thought  upon  this  project  the  more  be 
approved  of  it — especially,  as  he  was  unable  to  think  of 
anything  else. 

At  last  he  resolved  that  this  should  be  his  mode  of 
action,  and  all  that  remained  was  to  arrange  with  Smithini 
to  have  the  horse  and  cart,  and  to  leave  Black  Bess 
behind. 

There  was  little  difficulty  about  this — indeed,  the 
stroller's  eyes  sparkled  when  the  proposition  to  leave 
Black  Bess  in  his  charge  was  made  to  him. 

"She's  a  beautiful-looking  creature,"  he  said,  "and 
well  known,  so  that  it  may  prove  not  a  little  dangerous 
to  travel  with  her ;  but  if  you  make  up  your  mind  to  leave 
her  in  my  charge  I  will  disguise  her  so  effectually  that 
even  you  would  be  in  doubt  as  to  her  identity — at  least,  at 
first  sight." 

"  Indeed  ?"  said  Dick,  curiously.     "  How  ?" 

"  I  will  show  you." 

He  hastened  to  the  yellow  caravan,  and  presently  re- 
turned with  a  stone  bottle,  and  brush. 

"  Catch  her,"  he  said,  "and  I  will  show  you  now." 

"She  wants  little  catching,"  answered  Dick,  and  as 
soon  as  he  spoke  he  gave  the  signal  whistle. 

There  was  a  beat  of  hoofs,  and  in  a  moment  Black  Bess 
was  by  his  side. 

"  There  are  few  horses  capable  of  learning  such  a  trick 
as  that,"  said  the  stroller — "  very  few,  and  I  have  had 
aome  expwience  its  it.  Why,  she  could  be  made  to  do 
anything." 

"I  believe  it-" 

"Keep  her  quiet  thets,  and  you  will  se«  >*uat  an  altera- 
tion can  be  made  in  the  course  of  a  few  moment." 

Dick  possessed  absolute  control  over  his  mare,  so  he 
had  no  difficulty  in  keeping  her  quiet  while  the  stroller 
began  his  preparations. 

Dick  quickly  guessed  at  his  intention,  and  requested 
him  to  go  on  without  stopping  until  the  operation  was 
completed. 

The  stone  bottle  contained  a  preparation  they  mado  (&• 


460 


BLACK  BES8;   OS, 


of  to  keep  the  cos%  ef  a  horse  perfectly  and  dazzingly 
white. 

He  began  with  the  head  first  and  foremost 

With  considerable  skill  he  made  a  whit©  stfjf  open 
Black  Bess's  forehead  just  between  her  eyea.  which  alone 
altered  her  appearance  greatly. 

So  well  too  was  this  done,  that  it  wonld  h«7&  required 
a  very  close  examination  indeed  to  have  discovered  the 
deception.  * 

More  white  was  placed  around  the  lower  part  of  the 
head  in  such  a  manner  as  to  look  perfectly  natural. 

Then  each  of  her  feet  was  painted  white  likewise. 

"  There,"  said  the  stroller,  as  he  drew  back,  "  that's  an 
alteration,  is  it  not  ?  and  it  will  stand  everything  except 
a  good  wetting ;  but  you  see  how  simple  the  operation  is, 
and  how  quickly  it  can  be  renewed." 

Dick  was  delighted,  and  so  much  was  his  mare  dis- 
guised that  he  felt  half  inclined  to  make  his  journey  upon 
her  back. 

In  this,  however,  he  wa3  overruled,  for  the  stroller 
assured  him  that  she  should  be  perfectly  safe. 

The  cart  was  now  quite  ready,  and  Dick,  having  taken 
a  last  look  at  his  bonny  mare,  hastened  to  the  spot  where 
Maud  was  standing  in  order  to  bid  her  farewell. 

At  the  prospect  of  parting  and  remaining  for  some  time 
in  the  company  of  people  who  were  perfect  strangers  to 
her,  Maud  could  not  restrain  her  tears. 

She  wept  and  sobbed  as  though  her  heart  would 
break. 

She  clung  to  Dick  tightly,  convulsively,  for  she  had  in 
her  heart  the  presentiment  that  he  would  again  fall  into 
the  hands  of  his  enemies. 

But  Dick  endeavoured  to  make  light  of  the  whole 
matter,  and  finally  managed  to  tear  himself  away. 

An  old  fustian  suit  of  clothes  was  brought  forward 
by  the  stroller,  and  these  were  large  enough  to  allow  Dick 
to  place  them  on  over  his  ordinary  apparel. 

The  effect  of  all  this  was  to  give  him  a  much  more 
bulky  appearance  than  he  usually  wore. 

A  dirty-whito  felt  hat  with  a  large  flapping  brim  was 
placed  upon  his  head,  and  it  served  in  no  trifling  degree 
to  conceal  his  features. 

Then  round  his  neck  he  wore  cue  of  those  huge  woollen 
mufflers  so  frequently  seen  wrapped  around  the  mouths 
of  carters  and  waggoners. 

Indeed,  after  a  little  trouble  in  disguising  himself,  Dick 
looked  the  character  wonderfully,  and  when  he  cracked 
his  whip  and  assumed  a  lounging,  awkward  gait,  the  im- 
personation was  perfect. 

"Do  not  fear  for  me,"  said  Dick;  "  I  feel  quite  assured 
all  will  be  well ;  in  such  a  disguise  as  this  the  cleverest 
police  officer  in  London  would  fail  to  recognise  me — even 
old  Matthew  himself  will  not  know  me.  Depend  upon  it, 
Maud,  I  will  be  careful,  and  if  possible  I  will  be  with 
you  by  daybreak  in  the  morning,  but  if  I  don't  some  you 
must  not  infer  from  my  absence  that  I  am  in  any  danger." 

"  Do  come,"  said  Maud,  weeping  still— "do  oome,  for  I 
shall  suffer  a  thousand  anxieties  until  I  witness  your 
return." 

Dick  laughed  at  her  fears,  then,  scrambling  up  into  the 
cart,  ho  seated  himself  in  front  of  it,  wrapping  him- 
self up  well  in  several  old  sacks  and  pieces  of  canvas, 
and  when  he  had  thus  prepared  himself  in  readiness  to 
6tart,  Maud  could  not  help  admitting  that  he  looked  as 
unlike  himself  as  he  possibly  could  do — indeed,  the  trans- 
formation was  so  complete  that  she  could  scarcely  believe 
in  it. 


OliAPTEB    CMVII. 

DICK  TITKPIN'S   DISGUISE   IS  PUT  TO  A  VER7  SIVBIUB  TEST. 

Dick  Turpin  was  not  long  in  finding  that  the  horse 
harnessed  to  the  covered  cart  was  of  very  indifferent 
quality  indeed,  and  required  no  small  amount  of  wnip- 
ping  to  urge  beyond  a  jog  trot  of  about  four  miles  an 
hour. 

It  was  clear  that  he  would  have  to  rely  altogether  upon 
the  excellence  of  his  disguise  and  the  unlikelihood  that 
he  should  be  suspected  of  playing  such  a  part.  «■ 

Should  flight  even  become  necessary  it  was  quite  out 
of  tho  question. 

As  he  rode  on,  however,  a  consideration  presented 
i'.self  to  him,  which,  in  the  hurry  and  confusion  of  events, 
he  had  overlooked. 


This  was  that,  as  he  was  journoying  towards  London, 
he  would  run  a  very  great  risk  of  meeting  either  with 
Jack  Marshall  or  some  of  his  officers. 

They  might  allow  him  to  ride  by  them  unquestioned, 
but  then  again  they  might  not,  and  Dick  by  no  means 
relished  the  prospect  of  putting  the  ex'~*-'«nce  of  his 
disguise  to  so  severe  a  proof. 

Had  the  horse  been  capabio  01  making  ,  .     tie  better 
speed,  Dick  would  certainly  have  made  his  waj  to  London 
by  a  very  circuitous  route. 
1     But  time  was  of  great  importance,  and  he  felt  con- 
strained to  take  the  nearest  and  most  direct  road. 

While  jogging  on  thus  and  making  these  reflections,  he 
suddenly  perceived,  upon  looking  up,  a  troop  of  officers 
at  no  great  distance  on  the  road  before  him. 

At  the  first  sight  he  thought  they  were  advancing,  but 
quickly  found  that  this  was  an  error. 

For  some  reason  or  other  they  had  come  to  a  halt,  and 
had  collected  into  a  dense  throng. 

What  reason  they  could  have  for  adopting  this  pro- 
ceeding, Dick,  of  course,  had  no  idea. 

Yet  he  soon  found  by  their  gestures  that  a  very 
animated  discussion  was  going  on  among  them. 

It  must  be  confessed  that  Dick  by  no  means  relished 
thus  riding  direct  among  his  foes,  yet  how  was  he  to 
avoid  it? 

In  all  probability  his  approach  had  been  noticed,  and 
if  he  slackened  his  speed  or  turned  back,  suspicion  would 
be  aroused. 

Clearly  he  had  no  resource  but  to  drive  on,  putting 
trust  in  the  hope  that  they  would  allow  him  to  pass 
through  their  midst  unquestioned. 

Dick  felt  uneasy,  and  to  conceal  his  uneasiness  ho 
began  to  sing  a  song  fhat  he  had  learnt  in  his  boyhood, 
and  certainly  the  fact  of  his  doing  this  was  calculated  to 
lead  to  the  impression  that  he  was  quite  at  his  ease. 

He  next  perceived  that  the  spot  where  the  officers  had 
assembled  was  just  where  two  roads  crossed  each 
other. 

Although  he  kept  singing,  Dick  strained  his  ears  in  the 
hope  of  being  able  to  catch  some  word  or  other  uttered 
by  his  foes. 

But  in  this  he  was  unsuccessful. 

At  length,  when  very  near  to  them,  the  whole  body  of 
officers,  numbering  altogether  about  thirteen,  faced  round 
and  looked  at  him. 

"  Hullo  you  there !"  said  a  voice,  which  he  recognised 
immediately  as  being  that  of  Jack  Marshall.  "  Stop  your 
confounded  row  a  moment,  and  just  pay  attention  to 
me  I" 

"  Murder  1"  said  Dick,  as  he  abruptly  reined  in  his 
horse. 

The  animal  readily  enough  came  to  a  standstill. 

"How  far  have  you  come  along  this  road?"  asked 
Jack  Marshall,  in  blustering  tones. 

"  Be  that  your  business  now  ?"  asked  Dick. 

"  It  is  my  business !"  said  Jack  Marshall.  "  Do  you 
see  that  ?" 

As  he  spoko  ho  drew  from  his  pocket  a  small  constable's 
staff  with  a  gilt  crown  on  the  top  of  it. 

"  Yes,  I  see  it,"  said  Dick,  whose  voice  was  as  perfectly 
disguised  as  any  voice  could  be,  so  that  it  is  no  wonder 
whatever  that  Jack  Marshall  should  fail  to  recognise  it. 

"  Well,  then,  you  will  understand  that  we  are  officers, 
and  representatives  of  his  Majesty  the  King.  We  are 
in  pursuit  of  a  highwayman." 

"  Oh,  murder !" 

"  Hold  your  row,  will  you,  and  just  tell  me  how  far  you 
have  travelled  r" 

"  Well,  sir,"  said  Dick,  touching  his  hat,  and  suddenly 
assuming  a  very  respectful  demeanour,  "  may  be  a  matter 
of  thirty  miles  or  thereabout." 

"  Thirty  miles,  eh  ?  And  I  suppose  you  have  not  let 
anyone  pass  you  on  the  road  without  just  having  a  look 
at  them,  eh  ?" 

"  Well  I  can't  say  that  I  have." 

"  Then  just  pay  particular  attention  to  what  I  am  gcinp: 
to  say,  and,  mind  you,  I  give  you  this  caution,  that  if 
you  speak  untruthfully  you  will  be  liable  to  arrest  aird 
imprisonment  at  any  moment." 

Dick  pretended  to  be  desperately  frightened. 

"Now,  then,  once  more  pay  attention:  Have  you  seen 
a  man  mounted  on  a  black  horse,  carrying  a  female  before 
him  in  the  saddle  ?" 


THE   KNIGHT  OP  THE   ROAD. 


1481 


[dick  turpin's  disguise  is  put  to  a  severe  test.] 


"  Mounted  on  a  black  horse  ?"  repeated  Dick,  as 
though  endeavouring  to  tax  his  memory,  but  in  reality 
he  waa  debating  within  himself  whether  he  should  re- 
turn an  affirmative  or  negative  reply. 

If  he  said  yes,  the  ofiicers  would  doubtless  ride  along 
the  road  he  had  just  traversed,  and  if  so,  would  come 
up  with  the  strollers,  and  so  briDg  Maud  into  .danger ; 
whereas,  if  he  said  no,  he  might  be  troubled  with  them 
still  further.  .       .  .         ,  , 

Yet  this  was  the  course  which,  in  a  brief  and  scarcely 
noticeable  hesitation,  he  resolved  to  adopt. 

"No,  sir,"  he  said.  "  I  have  been  thinking  carefully. 
I  haven't  seen  nobody  on  a  black  horse." 

"  You  are  quit©  sure  ?" 

{*  Onite  " 

"I  said'  so,  M*.  Marshall,"  interrupted  an  officer  at 
this  moment—"  I  said  so.     I  feel  quite  convinced  that 
he  must  have  taken  this  turning  to  the  left !' 
■\  No.  186.— Black  Bess.  . 


"  And  I  say  he  must  have  gone  to  the  right,  exclaimed 
another  voice,  "  since  that  would  take  him  quickest  into 
the  open  country-he  would  have  no  town  and  villages 

1D"  Hdd  yoor  row,  all  of  you,"  roared  Jack  Marshall, 
"  and  leave  me  to  manage  matters  myself  . 

Then  turning  to  Dick,  he  said  : 

"  I  believe  you  are  deceiving  me. 

«  Me  deceive  you,  sir  ?"  said  Dick.  "Not  on  no  ac- 
connt-I  wouldn't  be  guilty  of  such  a  thing.  Theie  s 
nobody  like  what  you  have  described  passed  me  since 

There  was  no  good  reason  for  doubting  Dick's  word, 
and  most  certainly  there  was  nothing  in  his  manner  in 
the  least  degree  suspioious.  .      .  .  ,. 

Perhaps,  had  it  been  day  instead  of  night,  he  would 
not  so  easily  have  avoided  recognition. 

But  darkness  waa  greatly  in  his  favour. 


No.  186. 


Pbice  One  Halfpenny. 
No.  187  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


MKJ 


F.r  JVCi    BESS  ;    OB, 


"Sfci  Jack  Marshall  was  not  satisfied,  and  for  the  simple 
reason  tha[  lie  Lad  got  the  idea  firmly  fixed  in  bia  mind 
that  Dick  nad  taken  the  straightforward  road. 

He  had  maintained  this  very  vigorously  in  spite  of  tho 
general  voice  of  his  men,  who  were  all  inclined  tc  think 
that  the  highwayman  had  turned  either  to  tho  left  or  the 
right. 

This,  in  fact,  was  the  subject  of  discussion  when  Pick 
first  caught  sight  of  them. 

It  was  mortifying,  then,  in  the  extreme  for  Mr. 
Marshall  thus  to  tlnd  himself  in  the  wrong. 

"  What  have  you  in  your  cart  ?"  he  asked,  at  length. 

"  Nothing  at  all,  sir — just  nothing  at  all.  I  am  going 
now  to  London  to  fetch  my  load." 

Jack  Marshall  determined  to  have  a  peep  at  tho 
interior  of  the  vehicle,  being  moved  to  do  so  by  t?/o 
thought  that  if  ho  found  tho  waggouer  speaking  the 
truth  in  this  iustanc»  it  would  bo  only  fair  to  presume 
that  the  information  he  had  just  given  was  correct. 

Accordingly,  riding  to  the  back  r\f  the  cart,  ^ack 
Marshall  lifted  up  the  canvas,  and,  one  of  his  men  pro- 
ducing a  light,  took  a  peep  at  the  interior. 

The  cart  was  evidently  empty,  save  and  except  a  very 
email  quantity  of  dirty  straw  that  was  littered  on  the 
bottom  of  it. 

Jack  Marshall  let  go  of  the  canvas  with  a  feeling  of 
disappointment. 

He  did  not  know  why  it  was,  but  somehow  there 
seemed  to  come  over  his  mind  a  species  of  reluctance  to 
part  company  with  the  supposed  carter. 

But  he  had  no  pretext  for  detaining  him,  and  so, 
gruffly  and  angrily,  bade  him  drive  on.  Dick  gladly 
enough  complied  with  the  mandate,  and  left  the  officers 
to  make  up  their  minds  whether  to  turn  to  the  left  or  the 
right. 

He  drew  a  long  breath  when  he  found  that  he  had 
fairly  escaped  from  this  danger,  for  once  or  twice  ho  had 
felt  particularly  uneasy,  especially  when  Jack  Marshall 
had  called  for  a  light. 

Now  that  all  had  passed  off  so  well,  he  was  able  to 
find  ample  grounds  for  congratulation. 

His  disguise  had  successfully  withstood  a  very  severe 
test,  and  certainly  this  incident  encouraged  hiiu  not  a 
little  in  the  hope  that  he  should  carry  out  his  mission 
successfully. 

It  must  not  be  thought,  however,  that  it  had  the  effect 
of  in  any  way  abating  his  caution. 

Suddenly,  however,  the  sharp  clatter  of  a  horse's  hoofs 
going  at  a  furious  gallop  smote  upon  his  ears. 

There  was  a  bend  in  the  road,  so  that  he  was  not  able 
to  see  for  any  great  distance  before  him. 

But  tho  clattering  sound  increased,  and  then,  with 
great  suddenness,  the  siugle  horseman,  going  at  the 
utmost  speed  of  which  his  horse  was  capable,  appeared 
in  sight. 

Despite  the  suddenness  of  the  whole  affair — for  when 
Dick  first  caught  sight  of  the  rider  ho  was  only  a  few 
yards  in  advancn  of  him — he  recognised  him. 

It  was  his  old,  faithful,  well-tried  comrade,  Tom 
King. 

Beyond   all    doubt,   he   was  being   hotly  pursued   by 

Eolice  officers,  though  at  present  the  clatter  of  their 
orses'  feet  could  not  be  heard. 

Involuntarily  a  shout  came  from  Dick  Turpin's 
lips. 

It  caused  the  flying  horseman  to  turn  his  head,  and  if 
Dick  had  had  up  to  that  moment  any  doubt  as  to  the 
identity  of  this  horseman,  all  his  doubt  would  have  boen 
Bet  at  rest,  for  Tom  King's  countenance  was  fully  ex- 
posed to  view. 

In  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  Dick  forgot  he  was 
disguised,  and  wondered  how  it  was  his  comrade  did  net 
recognise  him. 

All  Tom  did,  however,  was  to  apply  Ms  spur  more 
vigorously  to  his  horse's  already-bleeding  flanks,  and  the 
next  moment  he  was  far  away  down  the  road. 

The  beat  of  his  horse's  feet  soon  became  inaudible,  and 
scarcely  had  this  happened  than  Dick  distinctly  hesrd  the 
approach  of  a  large  body  of  mounted  men. 

The  speed  they  were  coming  at  was  something  aiarnv- 
teg. 

"  Confound  it !"  Dick  muttered.  "  I  am  doomed  to  be 
tntortunato  to-night !  Ten  to  one  I  shall  have  to 
eacounter  this  second  troop  of  officers,  and  it's  rather  too 


much  to  expect  that  my  disguise  will  stand  a  scrutiny  a 
second  time." 

His  resolve  was,  however,  quickly  taken. 

He  would  push  on  at  the  best  speed  the  nuserable  horse 
was  capable  of  making,  and  he  trusted,  by  keeping  close 
to  one  side  of  the  way,  to  bo  out  of  the  way  of  the  horse* 
men,  who  would  thus  gallop  past  without  any  obstruc- 
tion 

To  this  end,  tt\en,  he  pulled  tho  left  rain  rather  sharply, 
for  up  to  tho  present  moment  he  had  kept  in  tho  middle  oi 
the  highway. 

Tho  horse,  not  expecting  such  a  movement,  or  making 
a  false  step,  or  crossing  its  legs  from  some  other  cause, 
dtumbled,  and  before  Dick  could  save  it,  fell  down  upon 
its  side,  where  it  lay  without  makiDg  the  slightest  effort 
to  rise  again. 


CHAPTER  CMVIII. 
dick   runr-p?   runs  a  risk  to    render   iris  comrade, 

TOM    KINO,    A   SERVICE. 

Dick's  vexation  and  anger  now  reached  their  climax. 

By  the  merest  chance  in  the  woi  Id,  he  had  saved  him- 
self from  being  hurled  from  his  seat  when  the  horse  sud- 
denly fell  down. 

Descending  carefully,  he  went  to  the  creature's  help, 
and  endeavoured  to  force  it  to  rise. 

Before  he  had  time  to  do  anything  further  than  this  tho 
troop  of  officers  came  in  signt. 

The  cart  was  now  drawn  most  awkwardly  across  tho 
road,  occupying  nearly  the  whole  of  it. 

The  police  officers  evidently  caught  sight  of  the  ob- 
struction, for  a  loud  shout  came  upon  Dick's  ears. 

His  position  now  was  about  as  awkward  and  perilous 
as  could  well  bo  imagined. 

Should  he  be  recognised,  nothing  in  the  world  could 
SrtTe  Him  °;,her  from  capture  or  death — no  other  alterna- 
tive womd  ">e  offered  to  him. 

That  presence  of  mind  and  coolness  whiuJi  had  on  so 
many  occasions  stood  him  in  such  good  stead  did  not 
desert  him  on  the  present  occasion,  and  almost  mechani- 
cally he  made  up  his  mind  as  to  wbat  would  bo  the  best 
thing  to  do.  It  was  thoroughly  to  assume  tho  character 
he  had  taken  up,  and  to  bend  all  his  energies  towards 
assisting  his  horse  to  regain  his  feet. 

This  could  only  be  done  by  removing  a  portion  of  the 
harness. 

While  he  was  engaged  in  unfastening  the  traces,  the 
officers,  who  had  slackened  pace  when  they  first  caught 
sight  of  the  horse  lyi  g  across  their  path,  now  came  up 
with  him,  and,  as  he  t  alf  expected,  stopped. 

"  Hullo,  fellow  !"  said  a  voice. 

Dick  placed  his  knee  upon  his  horse's  head  and  looked 
up 

"  Elavo  you  travelled  far  along  this  road?"  was  the 
Grst  question. 

"Yes,  a  good  way.  But  don't  bother — don't  you  see 
ray  horse  is  down  !" 

"  You  had  better  be  civil,"  said  the  same  voice.  "  Wo 
are  officers.  You  must  have  seen  a  man  gallop  past  at 
full  speed  a  few  minutes  ago.  Now,  tell  me  truly,  which 
way  did  he  go  ?" 

Dick  had  expected  this  answor,  and  had  wondered 
whether  he  should  really  do  his  comrade  a  service  by 
sending  the  officers  on  a  wrong  track. 

It  coull  scarcely  make  Tom's  position  worse  than  it 
was,  but  then,  should  the  officers  discover  they  had  been 
trifled  with,  most  unquestionably  they  would  take  him 
into  custody  tho  next  time  they  encountered  him. 

But  Dick  was  not  likely  to  hesitato  long  between  con- 
sidering bis  own  safety  and  the  safety  of  a  companion, 
so  without  the  least  hesitation  whatever  he  answered  the 
officer's  question  by  saying  : 

"  Yes,  I  seed  him  sure  enough,  and  a  Sno  rate  he  was 
going  at  for  sartain." 

"  But  which  way  did  he  go— straight  on  ?"  cried  the 
officer,  impatiently. 

"No — no,"  said  Dick,  "he  didn't  go  ..raight  on,  least- 
ways, he  did  too,  but  not  straight  along  the  road." 

"You  mean  he  took  to  the  fields  ?" 

41  Yes,  that's  what  I  mean,"  said  Dick,  with  a  grin  &ad 
while  he  spoke  he  raised  his  arm  and  pointed  across  the 
meadows.     "  He  jumped  his  horse  clear  over  that  hodga," 


THE  KNIGHT    OF  THE  ROAD. 


be  said.     "  I  never  saw  such  a  leap  in  my  life,  and  then 
down  went  the  Captain,  and  that's  all  about  it." 

"  Down  went  the  Captain  ?"  said  the  officer.  "  What  do 
you  mean  by  that  ?" 

Dick  grinned  again  so  as  to  show  all  his  teeth,  then 
pointed  to  his  horse. 

The  officer  uttered  an  irapatJbnt  exclamation,  then, 
turning  round-  he  addressod  himself  to  his  companions, 
and  said : 

"  No  doubt  this  fellow  hero  speaks  the  truth  ;  he  would 
be  sure  to  leave  the  highway  at  the  first  opportunity ;   ho  I  at  the  very  top  of  his  voiee. 
would  suspect  that  another  party  was  a  little    iu    ad- 
vance." ~" ~" "" "* 

"He  has.  ten  to  one,  got  under  cover  of  that  wood."  3  CHAPTER  CMIX 

said  another  officer,  who  had  been  standing  up  in  his 
Btirrups  and  looking  around  at  the  face  of  the  country  as 


was  fearfully  exhausted,  and  he  trembled  at  every  step, 
and  could  scarcely  put  one  foot  before  another. 

About  ten  minutes  later  the  front  of  the  roadside  inn 
was  reached. 

The  light  he  had  seen  came  from  a  candle  fixed  in  one 
of  the  windows,  and  this  was  the  only  sign  of  inhabita- 
bility  that  the  house  displayed. 

The  stoppage  of  tho  clumsy  Tohicle,  however,  attracted 
the  attention  of  those  within,  for  the  landlord  came 
bustling  out  and  immediate!?  began  bawling  for  the  ostler 


well  as  the  darkness  would  permit, 

"No  doubt.  Ride  on  a  little  way ;  before  going  far  we 
must  come  to  a  gate  which  we  can  pass  through,  and  that 
would  bo  much  better  than  risking  a  leap." 

The  officers  were  unanimous  on  this  point,  and  set 
their  h>»rses  in  motion. 

Dick  bawled  after  them. 

"  Here — here,"  he  said — "stop  a  minute." 

They  stopped  of  course. 

"  I've  done  what  you  wanted,"  he  said,  "  and  one  good 
turn — I've  heard  say — always  deserves  another,  so  per- 
haps some  of  you  will  help  me  to  get  Captain  up,  for  I 
can't  do  it  myself." 

The  officer  uttered  an  oath,  which  was  the  only  reply 
he  condescended  to  mako  to  Dick's  request. 

Like  his  followers,  he  was  quite  indignant  at  the  idea 
of  such  a  thing. 

Dick  smiled  quietly  to  himself,  and  soon  had  the  satis- 
faction of  seeing  the  officers  push  open  a  gate  and  pass 
through  it  into  tho  meadows. 

"  I  hope  it  will  do  Tom  a  good  turn,"  he  said — "  I  do 
with  all  ray  heart !  I  hope  too  that  he  has  left  the  high- 
road and  taken  to  the  fields,  otherwise  ho  will  stand  a 
good  chance  of  falling  foul  with  Jack  Marshall  &ad  his 
troop." 

Indeed,  Dick  was  more  uneasy  on  this  point  than  he 
cared  to  confess  even  to  himself. 

He  did  not  for  a  moment  believe  that  Tom  would  be 
likely  to  continue  galloping  along  the  high-road,  and 
there  was  a  strong  probability  that  upon  coming  to  the 
spot  where  Dick  had  met  with  Jack  Marshall  he  would 
turn  either  to  the  right  or  the  left. 

When  a  choice  is  to  be  made  between  a  right  road  and 
a  wrong,  the  latter  is  almost  sure  to  be  chosen,  and  it 
was  this  that  made  Dick  uneasy. 

"  I  can't  help  him  any  further,"  ho  said,  as  he  applied 
tho  whip  vigorously  to  his  horse ;  "  he  must  do  as  I  am 
doing — shift  for  himself  in  the  best  way  he  can." 

At  length,  after  bestowing  many  lashes,  the  unwilling 
beast  struggled  to  his  feet. 

Dick  harnessed  him  as  rapidly  as  ho  could,  then,  re- 
mounting to  hia  seat,  continued  his  interrupted  journey. 

"  li  things  are  to  go  on  at  this  rate,"  he  muttered,  "  it 
will  be  daybreak  before  I  reach  Drury  Laue.  At  the 
best  I  shall  have  a  good  deal  of  trouble  in  lea  vine  London 
before  the  day  has  fairly  begun." 

This  seemed  very  probable,  for  the  night  was  growing 
much  advanced,  and  even  if  he  was  60  lucky  as  to  meet 
with  no  other  interruption,  a  long  time  must  necessarily 
elapse  before  he  could  reach  Drury  Lane. 

At  length  Dick  managed  to  whip  his  horse  into  a 
shambling,  cantering  kind  of  gallop,  which,  althoagh  it 
threatened  every  moment  to  break  s<5no  portion  of  the 
harness,  and  made  the  cart  jolt  most  fearfully,  yt=4  got 
over  the  ground  in  something  like  tolorable  stylo. 

It  was  a  speed,  however,  that  could  not  be  naainUIitcd 

Gradually  the  animal's  pace  became  slower  and  slower, 
until  the  highwayman  was  seriouslv  afraid  that  ha  would 
come  to  a  dead  stojx 

It  was  iu>>  at  this  crisis  that  he  perceived  before  n't  m 
In  the  distance  a  faint,  twinkling  light,  and  as  soon  as  b» 
perceived  it  ho  began  to  wonder  whereabouts  he  waa. 

"  That  surely  must  be  the  Boar's  Head  Inn.     Yes,"  he  \ 


DICK   TURPIN    FINDS    HIMSELF    BESt^T  BY  DIFFICULTIES    AT 
THE  WHITE  JIOR.SK. 

TnESE  cries  at  length  had  the  etiect  of  causing  a  dwarfed, 
ill-shapen  man  to  make  his  appearance. 

He  came  hobbling  forward,  and  grumbling  in  no 
measured  terms  at  having  been  disturbed,  especially  by  a 
man  of  Dick  Turpiu's  appearance. 

The  landlord  contented  himself  with  turning  back  into 
the  inn,  for  ho  knew  thart,  as  a  rule,  drivers  of  covered 
carts  wero  not  ve.y  profitable  customers,  and  it  certainly 
was  a  waste  of  time  to  bestow  any  extra  civility  upon 
them. 

Dick  dismounted  with  great  agility,  and,  going  closo  up 
to  tho  ostler,  he  said : 

"  Just  do  as  I  want  you,  and  say  nothing,  and  it  will  be 
a  good  job  for  you." 

The  only  reply  Dick  received  was  a  stare  of  wonder- 
ment. 

"  Fetch  me  first,"  he  said,  "  a  quarter  of  a  peck  of  outs 
in  a  bucket,  and  half  a  gallon  of  new  ale — be  quick." 

The  ostler  hurried  off  to  obey  this  command. 

It  may  have  been  that  he  guessed  something  good  for 
himself  was  about  to  result. 

At  length,  appearing  with  tho  articles  ordered,  Dick 
took  the  bucket  containing  tho  corn  from  him,  and  then, 
very  much  to  the  ostler's  amazement,  emptied  the  whole 
of  the  ale  into  it,  and  stirred  the  oats  well  up  with  his 
hand. 

The  com  was  then  put  before  the  horse,  who  at  once 
made  a  vigorous  attack  upon  it. 

"  Well,"  ejaculated  the  ostler,  "  that's  a  rum  trick  for 
you  to  be  up  to,  any  way." 

"  Very  likely,"  said  Dick;  "  but  you  need  say  nothing 
about  it,  need  you  ?" 

"  Oh  no,  I  can  keep  my  mouth  shut  as  well  as  anybody 
else." 

"  I  thought  so.  Then  just  go  into  the  house  and  fetch 
another  half  gallon  of  ale." 

"  Another  half  gallon  ?" 

"  Yes,  I've  said  it ;  there's  the  money  to  pay  for  what 
I've  had." 

Dick  placed  half  a  guinea  in  the  man's  palm. 

He  soon  returned,  and  Dick  took  one  draught  from  the 
foaming  tankard,  then,  giving  it  back  to  the  ostler,  ha 
said: 

"  You  can  drink  tho  rest  and  keep  the  change  for  your- 
self." 

The  ostler  nodded,  and  winked,  and  grinned,  and  wont 
through  several  strange  antics,  by  all  of  which  he  in- 
tended to  imply  that  he  should  maintain  an  iuviolablo 
secrecy. 

The  horse  devoured  tho  oats  eagerly,  yet  some  time 
elapsed  before  he  had  finished  hi3  meal. 

A  draught  of  water  was  next  given  him,  and  Dick  pre- 
pared to  resume  his  journey. 

The  effects  produced  by  this  stimulating  food  wore 
really  wiufdcrful. 

The  hoiso  no  longer  seemed  like  the  same  animal. 

No  sooner  did  Dick  apply  the  whip  to  him  for  the 
first  time  than  he  started  off  at  a  rate  that  must  have 
astonished  himself. 

The  rest  of  the  journey  was  accomplished  without 
the  oceunence  of  any  other  incident  worthy  of  record. 

Towards  tho  last  the  horse  got  terribly  knocked  up, 


continued,  as  he  glanced  quickly  around  him,    "  that's  .  but  then  Dick,  knew  ho  could  be  well  attended  to  at  the 
evidently  it     Well,  I  trust  no  one    #ill  be  staying  tliere,  j  White  Horse. 

in  which  case  I  will  run  the  risk  ot  making  a  halt  my-  I      More  from  mere   .jravado  than  aught  else,  Dick  made 
•elf."  I  his  way  to  Drury  Lane  by   driving  up  Long  Acre,  aod 

With  this  determination  l.e  ruche  1  on,  rut  'he  horsey      ing  down  Bow  Street. 


1484 


BLACK  BESS  ;  OB, 


This  course  took  him  directly  past  the  principal  police 
station  in  the  metropolis. 

At  that  late  hour,  however,  the  place  looked  dismal 
and  quiet  enough. 

A  miserable  oil  lamp  was  flickering  over  the  door, 
and  in  front  an  officer  was  pacing  up  and  down. 

•Upon  Diok  he  did  not  bestow  a  second  glance,  and 
the  highwayman,  taking  tho  next  turning  to  the  left, 
drove  straight  up  to  old  Matthew's  door,  where  he 
paused. 

Descending  from  his  seat  in  as  clumsy  a  manner  as 
he  possibly  oould,  and  endeavouring  to  keep  up  tho 
character  he  had  assumed  in  the  minutest  details,  he 
pushed  open  the  door  and  entered  the  inn. 

The  house  was  almost  empty,  though  from  one  room 
came  sounds  as  though  some  dispute  or  other  wero 
going  on. 

Taking  no  notice  of  this,  Dick  walked  straight  np  to 
the  bar. 

At  first  ho  saw  no  one,  but  after  knocking  sharply  on 
tho  counter  the  little  Jewish  boy  that  old  Matthew  had 
taken  under  his  protection  made  his  appearance. 

From  the  description  given  by  his  three  comrades, 
Dick  was  able  to  recognise  this  boy  easily  enough. 

His  vexation  at  seeing  him  was  great,  and  he  was 
sorry  that  Matthew,  generally  so  aoute,  should  in  this 
instance  permit  himself  to  be  so  grossly  imposed  upon. 

Before  he  left,  Dick  determined  that  the  landlord 
should  be  no  longer  in  ignorance  of  the  traitor  he  had 
got  under  his  roof. 

For  the  moment  Dick  forgot  that  this  boy  was  both 
•leaf  and  dumb,  so  he  called  out  for  brandy-and-water. 

The  sign  which  the  boy  made  was  so  expressive  that 
even  had  he  known  nothing  about  it  previously  it  would 
have  sufficed  to  let  Dick  know  that  he  was  deficient  of 
the  faculties  of  hearing  and  speaking. 

As  is  often  the  case,  what  this  boy  laoked  in  one  sense 
he  made  up  for  in  another. 

He  was  uncommonly  acute,  and  oould  tell  pretty 
accurately  by  the  mere  movement  of  the  lips  what  was 
said  to  him,  especially  when  any  kind  of  liquor  was 
called  for. 

Therefore,  as  soon  as  Dick  spoke  he  placed  his  hand 
upon  a  small  barrel  on  whioh  the  word  "  Brandy"  was 
painted. 

Diok  nodded,  and  the  boy  immediately  proceeded  to 
serve  him. 

The  brandy-and-water  was  put  down  on  the  counter 
and  paid  for. 

Diok  thought  the  boy  looked  keenly  at  him,  but  he 
took  no  notioe  of  that,  for  by  this  time  he  had  grown 
to  feel  quite  confident  in  his  disguise. 

He  sipped  at  his  brandy-and-water,  and  the  boy  re- 
tired to  the  inner  room. 

Dick  now  found  himself  in  a  position  of  unexpected 
difficulty. 

In  his  calculations  he  had  altogether  omitted  the  pre- 
sent contingency. 

How  to  gain  access  to  old  Matthew  was  a  mystery. 

Had  the  girl  been  there  as  usual  the  matter  would 
have  been  easy  enough,  but  with  this  traitorous  boy  the 
case  was  altogether  different. 

Reflectively,  then,  Dick  continued  to  sip  at  his  brandy- 
and-water,  and  while  he  was  so  engaged  he  heard  the 
door  in  front  of  the  inn  pushed  open  and  slammed 
shut. 

He  turned  round  at  once  and  saw  a  man  approach 
whose  appearance  seemed  strangely  familiar  to  him, 
yet,  though  ho  tried  his  best,  Diok  could  not  remember 
when  and  where  he  had  seen  him  before. 

This  man,  with  a  peculiar  gait,  lounged  up  to  the  bar, 
and,  placing  his  arms  upon  the  counter,  looked  closely 
in  Dick's  face. 

Turpin  stood  the  scrutiny  bravely,  and\w  felt  pretty 
certain  that  this  man  had  not  penetrated  his  disguise. 

Dick,  however,  had  recognised  him. 

When  his  countenance  was  revealed  by  the  light  in 
the  bar  he  knew  it  at  once,  and  remembered  where  he 
had  seen  it  before. 

He  was  the  man  who  on  a  former  ocoasion  crept  into 
the  inn  and  concealed  himself  in  the  cupboard  uuder- 
ueath  the  counter. 

The  full  particulars  of  the  manner  in  which  this  spy 
had  been  Bcalded  by  old  Matthew  had  of  course  been  re- 


lated to  Dick,  and  the  man  had  also  been  pointed  out 
to  him. 

Apparently  he  was  no  longer  a  member  of  the  police 
force,  for  he  was  dressed  in  shabby,  ragged  garments. 

The  fact  was,  he  had  been  dismissed  some  time  before 
for  a  gross  breach  of  duty,  and  sinoe  that  time  had  led 
a  precarious  life  in  the  streets. 

The  boy  again  came  forward,  for  he  had  witnessed 
this  new  arrival. 

He  recognised  the  man  also,  and  Dick  fancied  that  a 
significant  glance  of  recognition  was  exchanged  between 
them. 

The  man  did  not  speak,  but  put  down  some  coppers 
on  the  counter. 

The  boy  knew  what  he  wanted,  for  he  produced  a 
small  glass  of  neat  gin. 

"  Going  far  to-night,  governor  ?"  he  said,  addressing 
Dick. 

"  Yes,"  was  the  reply,  "  I  have  a  considerable  journey 
to  make." 

The  man  drank  his  gin  very  slowly,  but  continued  all 
the  while  to  gaze  into  Dick's  countenanoe  in  a  manner 
that  made  the  highwayman  begin  to  grow  uneasy. 

Difficulties  were  increasing  around  him,  nor  could  he 
for  his  life  see  a  clear  way  out  of  them. 

His  glass  being  by  this  time  finished,  he  pushed  it 
forward  for  replenishment,  and  exactly  at  this  moment 
a  footstep  was  heard  upon  the  stairs,  the  foot  of  which 
was  close  to  the  bar  window. 

The  footstep  was  a  heavy  one,  and  this  man  no  sooner 
heard  it  than  he  tilted  up  his  glass  and  made  a  pre- 
cipitate  retreat. 

Direotly  afterwards  a  door  was  opened,  and  old 
Matthew  made  his  appearance. 

"  What's  the  meaning  of  that  confounded  row  ?"  he 
said — "  who  is  it  quarrelling  there?" 

He  turned  up  the  passage  towards  the  door  of  the 
room  from  which  the  angry  sounds  proceeded. 

Dick  left  the  bar  counter,  and,  stepping  quickly  after 
the  landlord,  touched  him  on  the  arm  and  whispered  ia 
his  ear : 

"  It  is  I,  Matthew — Dick.  Don't  bo  frightened,  or 
speak,  or  recognise  me — that  deaf  and  dumb  boy  is  a 
traitor  and  will  betray  me." 

Old  Matthew  tried  to  answer,  but  could  not. 

He  staggered  back  several  paces,  nor  did  he  stop 
until  his  back,  coming  in  contact  with  the  wall  of  the 
passage,  brought  him  to  a  sudden  halt. 

His  eyes  rolled  fearfully,  and  his  mouth  opened  to  its 
fullest  extent,  while  over  his  whole  countenanoe  was 
spread  an  expression  of  utter  incredulity. 

Dick  then  did  on  the  spur  of  the  moment  the  very 
best  thing  he  possibly  could,  even  had  he  determined 
to  do  so  after  spending  several  hours  in  reflection  upon  it. 

He  turned  abruptly  round,  and  retraoed  his  steps  to 
the  bar  counter,  where,  taking  up  his  glass,  he 
began  again  to  sip  his  brandy-and-water. 


CHAPTER  CMX. 

DICK     TURPIN    MAKES      HIMSELF     KNOWN      TO     OLD 
MATTHEW,   AND   GIVES    HIM  A   CAUTION. 

Thus  left  to  himself,  old  Matthew  recovered  from  his 
astonishment  more  rapidly  than  he  would  have  done 
under  any  other  circumstances. 

Dick  now  felt  perfectly  secure. 

He  had  the  utmost  faith  in  old  Matthew's  resources. 

He  had  learned  by  experience  how  fertile  he  was  in 
expedients  of  every  kind,  and  therefore  did  not  doubt 
that  he  would  devise  the  best  means  of  obtaining  an 
interview  without  drawing  down  any  suspicion  by  so 
doing. 

Matthew  gave  a  great  start  and  then  became  calm, 
though  a  close  observer  could  have  detected  Aie  great 
amount  of  agitation  under  which  he  laboured. 

Carrying  out  his  original  intention,  he  entered  the 
room  from  which  the  sounds  of  quarrel  continued  to 
come. 

He  bestirred  himself  vigorously,  and  soon  quelled  the 
disturbance. 

Having  done  so,  he  returned  to  the  bar. 

He  took  no  notice  whatever  of  Dick,  but,  having 
passed  through  the  door,  closed  it  behind  him. 

From  a  shelf  he  took  down  a  book  and  carried  it  into 


THE  KNIGHT  0*  THE  KOAD. 


1435 


the  little  parlour  beyond  where  the  deaf  and  dumb  bey 
was  sitting. 

By  signs  he  instructed  hiru  to  copy  out  some  accounts 
of  money  owing,  as  entered  in  the  book,  and  having  thus 
secured  an  employment  for  the  young  Judas,  he  returned 
to  the  bar. 

"Speak  to  me  in  a  whisper,"  he  said,  leaning  forward 
over  the  counter.     "Bb  careful  not  to  raise  jour  voice." 

11  All  right,  Matthew ;  but  don't  look  so  scared." 

"Scared?" 

"Yes.  One  would  think,  to  look  a*  yo-J  tlxzi  -*U9  had 
just  seen  a  ghost." 

"Worse  and  worse !" 

"How  worse ?" 

"  I  have  seen  you !" 

Dick  laughed  lightly. 

"Never  mind  me,"  ho  sairl,  lean  look  after  wiyscX 
I  don't  wish  to  bring  you  into  any  trouble  either,  so,  as 
soen  as  I  have  carried  out  my  intentions,  I  will  de- 
part." 

"But,  oh!  captain,"  said  Matthew,  "what  could  have 
induced  you  to  be  so  thoughtless — so  insane  as  to  venture 
here  to-night  ?" 

" Pshaw  1    It's  nothing!    Am  I  not  well  disguised?" 

"  You  are,  in>leed !" 

"  Should  you  have  recognised  me  ?" 

"  I  think  not.  I  never  knew  a  change  to  be  so  com- 
plete." 

"  Then,"  said  Dick,  "  I  may  think  myself  tolerably  safe, 
I  presume  ?" 

"  Well — well,"  cried  Matthew,  "  since  you  are  here, 
speak  quickly,  and  tell  me  all  you  can." 

"  I  intend  to  do  so." 

"I  don't  ask  you  to  come  in,"  said  the  landlord, 
"  simply  because  I  think  you  will  be  safer  standing  where 
you  are.  You  need  not  feel  afraid  that  the  police  officers 
will  recognise  you,  and  we  can  carry  on  a  conversation 
undisturbed." 

"  I  quite  approve  of  the  notion,"  said  Dick.  "  In  the 
first  place,  then,  I  have  bad  news  to  communicate.  Our 
pleasant  life  at  Ealing  has  come  to  an  end." 

"  I  knew  that,"  said  Matthew,  sharply. 

"  You  knew  it — how  ?" 

"  Why,  simply  because  Ellen,  Tom  Davis,  and  his  wife 
were  brought  prisoners  to  Bow  Street  late  last  night,  or 
rather  early  this  morning." 

"Yes,  yes — of  course.  What  has  been  done  with 
them?" 

"  They  were  carried  before  the  magistrate,  of  course." 

"Well — well,  and  the  result?" 

"  What  result  could  you  expect?  The  whole  case  was 
made  perfectly  clear  and  straightforward.  The  magistrate 
said  he  had  never  known  such  an  outrageous  case  in  his 
life." 

"Were  you  present  at  the  trial,  then  ?" 

"  Of  course  I  was ;  though  it  was  not  exactly  a  trial, 
but  an  examination." 

"  Well — well,  it's  much  the  same  thing.  You  know 
what  I  mean." 

"  i  do,  and,  as  you  might  expect,  the  magistrate  has 
committed  them  all  three  to  take  their  trial  next  week  at 
the  assizes." 

"  Will  their  case  come  on  so  soon  ?" 

"  It  will,  indeed.  Not  that  I  expect  it  will  be  on  the 
first  day  ;  but  perhaps  towards  the  end  of  the  session. 
At  the  most  they  will  be  brought  to  trial  in  eight  or  nine 
days." 

"  Something  must  be  done  for  them,"  said  Dick,  "  that'" 
quite  clear." 

"  What  can  you  do  ?"  asked  Matthew. 

"  That  I  don't  know,  my  friend ;  but  J  shall  think  it 
over,  and,  rely  upon  it,  we  shall  make  an  effort." 

"But,  good  Heavens!"  said  Matthew,  "if  you  w*>n»  eo 
fortunate  as  to  make  your  escape  from  the  Three  Spiders 
in  the  way  you  did,  why  did  vou  tempt  your  fate  by  re- 
turning here  to-night?" 

"Simply  because  it  was  a  necessity,  x  have  corae, 
Matthew,  on  purpose  to  ask  you  to  grant  me  a  favour.' ' 

"  Name  it,  and  you  shall  have  it." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  Dick,  "  it  will  be  necessary  for  t»» 
to  enter  into  some  kind  of  explanation  " 

"  Go  on ;  you  are  perfectly  secure.  The  only  thing  is, 
you  are  in  an  uncomfortable  position  to  carry  on  a  con- 
versation.   I  should  like  you  in  the  parlour  yoadftr.  and 


to  pass  a  comfortable  hour ;  but  that  is  out  of  the  ques- 
tion." 

"  So  I  suppose.    Well,  this  will  do  for  me,  so  listen." 

Dick  then,  as  rapidly  as  he  possibly  could,  gaye  old 
Matthew  a  brief  outline  of  all  the  strange  adventures 
that  had  befallen  him  in  Newgate. 

To  every  syllable  Matthew  listened  with  the  utmost  in- 
tentnoss. 

He  concluded  by  saying : 

"  Well,  now,  you  see,  Matthew,  I  feel,  and  I  think  you 
will  feel  with  me,  that  the  Governor  of  Newgate,  having 
so  far  befriended  me,  deserves  some  kind  of  reward  for  it, 
and  that's  why  I  mentioned  about  the  money  buried  be- 
neath the  tree." 

"  And  you  have  no  money  ?" 

"  No,  Matthew — not  a  fraction,  and  for  that  reason  I 
asked  him  not  to  attempt  to  visit  the  place  until  a  week 
had  expired." 

"I  see.  And  you  want  me  to  let  you  have  such  a  sum 
of  money  as  you  require  ?" 

"  That's  it,  Matthew.  I  am  sorry  to  trouble  you,  but 
it  will  be  all  right  in  the  end.  You  see,  but  for  this  un- 
fortunate attack  being  made  so  suddenly  upon  the  inn,  I 
should  have  been  able  to  carry  out  my  intention  with  the 
greatest  of  ease." 

"  Of  course  you  would !  But  what  a  pity,  captain,  for 
you  to  run  the  risk  of  your  life  upon  such  a  trifling 
matter  as  that !" 

Dick  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  How  could  I  help  it  ?"  he  said.  "  Would  you  have 
me  break  my  word  ?" 

"  You  might  have  sent  a  messenger." 

"Where  do  you  think  I  could  obtain  one?  "No — no, 
my  friend,  I  consider  that  I  have  managed  things  very 
well  indeed.  I  am  quite  contented  with  all  that  I  have 
done  so  far." 

"Well,  perhaps  you  ought  to  he,"  said  Matthew,  re- 
flectively, "  for  with  so  sharp  a  look-out  as  to  my  certain 
knowledge  is  kept  for  you,  it  seems  marvellous  that  you 
should  have  reached  here  unseen." 

"  Stop  a  minute,"  said  Dick,  "  and  I  will  tell  you  some- 
thing that  will  give  you  still  more  confidence  in  my  dis- 
guise.   I*  is  a  capital  joke,  too." 

Matthew  prepared  to  listen,  and  Dick  accordingly 
favoured  him  with  an  account  of  his  adventures  on  the 
road. 

Old  Matthew  listened  to  the  recital  with  the  most  un- 
comfortable feelings. 

But  Dick  tried  to  make  as  light  of  all  the  incidents  as 
he  possibly  could. 

"But  it's  running  too  great  a  risk,"  he  said — "it's 
carrying  matters  too  far.  For  your  own  sake  and  for 
others  you  ought  to  be  more  careful." 

"But  what  better  result  could  I  hope  for  or  obtain?" 
said  Dick.  "Careful  or  not,  here  I  am,  you  see,  in 
safety." 

"  Yes,  so  you  are — I  can't  deny  that :  but  still,  don't 
be  too  bold— don't  boast  of  what  you  have  done.  The 
sooner  you  start  from  here,  the  better ;  so  I  will  fetch 
you  the  money  you  want  at  once." 

"  Don't  be  in  too  much  hurry,  Matthew.  I  have  one 
or  two  important  things  to  talk  over  before  I  can  take  my 
departure." 

"  Well — well,  but  be  quick." 

"  I  will.  In  the  first  place,  you  must  contrive  by  some 
means  or  other  to  get  rid  of  that  rascally  boy  of 
yours." 

"  Yes,"  said  Matthew,  with  a  sudden  start,  and  glanc- 
ing towards  the  inner  room.  "  You  said  something  about 
his  betraying  you." 

"  Yes,  and  he  will  do  it.  When  Tom,  Claude,  and  Jack 
were  here  last,  if  you  remember,  you  sent  him  for  their 
horses.  He  put  the  officers  vepcz.  ieo  scent,  and,  had  not 
my  three  coincides  started  off  themselves,  their  capture 
must  have  been  certain,  and  it  would  have  happened,  too, 
at  your  very  door." 

"Is  this  really  true?"  exclaimed  Matthew,  sealery 
able  to  believe  what  he  heard. 

"Perfectly  true,'*  said  Dick;  "and  therefore  I  say 
don't  hesitate  any  longer  about  getting  rid  of  him.  If 
ysu  keep  him,  he  will  some  day  or  o*her  bring  »bout  vour 
destruction." 

"He  6hall  go,  captain — jo  v*tu1  gv-  at  c*ca.  *will 
have  no  traitors  beneath  my  roof !    I  confess  tnere  »n 


1486 


BLAOS.    BS2S  ;     OX 


many  things  which  I  have  discovered  which  I  have  not 
liken,  yet  I  have  looked  upon  all  bis  delinquencies  with  a 
lenient  eye,  for,  Dick,  I  knew  his  father.  Ho  was  one  of 
icy  best  friends,  and  a  truer,  better  man  never  breathed." 
"  Then  it's  a  pity  lie  is  so  unworthy  a  son." 
"  He  is  dead  now,  Dick,  and  his  mother  too.  fc-he  was 
a  Jewess,  and  it  is  from  her  no  doubt,  that  he  inSisrits 
his  treacherous  disposition." 

There  was  a  tone  of  deep  regret  perceptible  in  old 
Matthew's  voice  as  ho  thus  spoke,  and  it  was  quite 
certain  that  it  would  cost  him  a  paug  thus  to  get  rid  of 
the  son  of  his  old  friend. 


CIIAPTEIt  CMXL 

AFFAIRS  AT    TIIB   WHITE  HORSE    LVN  ASSUSfE  A  CRITICAL 
ASPECT. 

''Say  no  more  upon  the  point,  Dicl;,"  were  the  landlord's 
Best  words.  "  You  have  nothing  more  to  fear  of  him  ;  I 
will  take  effectual  means  to  get  rid  of  hira." 

"  And  now,  then,  before  you  go,  tell  mo  in  a  fe?r  wards 
about  Maud.     And  the  rest — where  are  they  ?" 

Dick  complied,  and  then  added  : 

"Tom  King  was  in  great  peril  I  know;  how  he  has 
fared,  of  course  I  can  tell  no  better  than  yourself ;  and  as 
for  Sixteen-String  Jade  and  Claude  Duval,  I  have  not 
seen  them  since  we  parted." 

'Well,  well,  and  I  suppose  you  hope  to  meet  all  together 
some  time  before  Tom  Davis  is  brought  to  trial  ?" 

"  Yes,  I  hope  so." 

"  But,  then,  if  you  do,  in  what  way  are  you  to  help 
him  ?" 

"  I  am  not  prepared  to  say,  Matthew ;  but  between  now 
Rnd  then  you  can  think  it  over  as  well  as  myself,  and  no 
doubt  something  will  suggest  itself." 

"  I  will  try,"  said  Matthew,  "  for  after  all  that  he  has 
done,  it  would  be  a  world  of  pities  for  Tom  Davis  to  be 
sentenced  to  transportation  for  life,  and  you  may  depend 
that  is  the  lightest  penalty  they  will  indict  upon 
him." 

"It  must  not  bo — it  shall  not  be!"  said  Dick,  vehe- 
mently, and  bringing  his  hand  down  with  great  force  upon 
the  counter. 

"Hush — hush!"  said  Matthew.  "Be  careful;  you 
forget  your  caution." 

"I  did  for  tho  moment;  but  Tom  Davis  must  be 
saved  or  rescued,  no  matter  at  what  sacrifice.  If  you 
have  means  of  communicating  with  him,  don't  fail  to  let 
him  know  what  I  have  said." 

"  I  shall  bo  able  to  communicate  with  him,  no  doubt ; 
but  now,  Did;,  whetheryou  have  anything  more  to  say  or 
not,  let  me  entreat  you  to  depart.  I  will  go  upstairs  and 
fetch  the  mouey  you  require ;  I  will  not  be  a  moment 
longer  than  I  can  help." 

Dick  assented,  and  the  landlord  at  once  hastened 
upstairs. 

No  sooner  had  old  Matthew  departed  than  the  treacher- 
ous boy  issued  from  the  inner  room. 

Ho  glanced  stealthily  and  quickly  around  him  for  a 
second,  then,  with  an  assumption  of  boldness,  walked 
towards  the  door,  opened  it,  and  passed  into  the 
passage. 

Under  the  circumstances,  Dick  wondered  how  far  he 
should  be  justified  in  interfering  with  the  movements  of 
this  lad. 

It  might  be  that  his  deafness  was  only  simulated,  and 
if  so,  he  could  easily  have  overheard  sufficient  of  the  con- 
versation to  let  him  know  that  it  was  only  a  sc«niing 
carter  who  stood  at  the  bar. 

In  this  case  he  would,  beyond  a  douDt,  communicate 
with  those  outside. 

Should  he  run  tho  risk  of  allowing  him  to  pass  bj' ? 

That  was  the  question  uppermost  in  Dick's  mind,  and 
he  had  very  little  time  to  make  up  his  mind  concerning 

Tho  boy  marched  on,  pretending  to  k.,K  vorj  indif- 
ferent indeed,  but  only  partially  succeeding. 

He  had  to  pass  quite  closoto  where  Dick  was  standing, 
and  just  as  he  reached  this  spot  tho  highwayman  suddenly 
stepped  out  his  foot. 

The  boy  did  not  see  it,  or,  at  any  rate,  a  „..til  tec 
late,  for  he  was  [ripped  up  a3  cleverly  as  it  was  possible 
for  anyone  to  be. 


He  fell  with  a  tremendous  crash  on  his  face  in  th*  pas- 
sage, and  lay  for  a  moment  as  though  half  stunned. 

Then,  springing  rapidly  to  his  feet,  he  plunged  on« 
hand  into  the  breast  of  his  coat,  as  though  ho  had  a  wea- 
pon concealed  there. 

His  whole  face  then  looked  like  a  demon's. 

His  eyes  flashed,  and  his  teeth  were  closely  cleuche! 
togethor. 

Blood  war;  streaming  from  his  face,  but  Dick  pitied  him 
not  in  tho  least — indeed,  lie  was  glad  to  think  the  oppor- 
tunity had  been  afforded  him  of  giving  tho  rascal  a  taste 
of  what  he  deserved. 

If  his  firtft  intention  had  been  to  draw  any  concealed 
wospon,  a  second  thought  made  him  change  his  mind. 

Stamping  and  scowling  with  rage,  he  continued  his 
ci.-urse  along  tho  passage. 

Just  then,  however,  old  Matthew  could  be  heard  de- 
scending the  staircase,  and  immediately  afterwards  the 
door  at  the  foot  of  the  stairs  was  flung  open. 

The  boy  saw  him,  and  stopped  irresolutely. 

Dick  said,  in  a  suppressed  voice : 

"Look,  Matthew,  there  he  goes!  I  stopped  him  a  little, 
but  he  wants  to  give  the  alarm  !" 

Old  Matthew  deposited  a  heavy  bag  of  money  on  the 
counter  with  a  dab,  and  theu,  with  a  rapidity  of  move- 
ment that  no  one  could  have  expected  from  a  man  of  hia 
years  and  bulk,  he  darted  along  the  passage,  and  seised 
the  boy  by  the  back  of  the  neck. 

"You  rascal!"  ho  said — "you  infernal  scamp  !  But  I 
will  pay  you  out  for  this!  Oh,  coufound  it,"  he  added, 
"  I  forgot  he  can't  hear  a  word  I  say  !" 

"Secure  him  somewhere,"  said  Dick. 

"Never  fear,"  answered  old  Matthew.  "Look  to 
yourself — leave  him  to  me.     There's  the  money." 

"  All  right,  I  have  it." 

"  Then  now  depart." 

"  No,  no — not  so  hurriedly  !  Place  that  boy  securely 
somewhere,  and  then  come  to  me." 

Reluctantly  Matthew  consented. 

The  boy  kicked,  and  plunged,  and  struggled,  but  all 
was  in  vain. 

In  Matthew's  hands  ho  was  powerless  to  do  anything 
at  all  in  the  shapo  of  resistance  that  was  worthy  of  the 
name. 

As  soon  as  ho  had  dragged  him  into  the  inner  room, 
old  Matthew  flung  the  boy  into  the  large  easy-chair  be- 
tide tic.'  tire. 

At  the  same  moment,  with  great  dexterity,  he  whipped 
off  his  huge  apron,  and  twisted  it  up  liko  a  rope. 

This  he  passed  under  the  boy's  chin,  and  round  the 
back  of  this  chair,  where  he  tied  it  so  tightly  that  the  boy 
was  obliged  to  cease  struggling  at  once,  otherwise  he 
would  have  been  in  imminent  danger  of  strangula- 
tion. 

To  fasten  his  hands  was  cow  an  easy  task,  and  as  he 
was  dumb  the  necessity  for  gagging  him  was  done  away 
with. 

"  He  is  all  right  now,"  Matthew  said,  as  he  came  out 
of  the  parlour  and  quietly  shut  the  door  behind  him.  "  1 
could  never  have  believed  that  he  was  such  a  little  vil- 
lain." 

"  Ho  is  a  dangerous  creature  indeed,"  said  Dick,  "and 
I  should  advise  you  to  bo  very  careful  how  you  deal  witt 
him.  His  disposition  is  malicious — nay,  even  fiendish, 
and  he  would  not  care  to  what  length  ho  went  in  order 
to  obtain  his  revenge." 

"I  don't  fear  him,"  said  Matthew,  "and  just  at  the 
present  moment  you  will  admit  that  we  have  something 
more  important  to  talk  about." 

"  We  have." 

"  Well,  then,  captaiu,  as  you  have  got  the  money  safo, 
let  me  once  more  entreat  "you  to  depart.  Don't  think  1 
am  anxious  to  get  rid  of  you.  I  am  only  concerned  for 
your  safety." 

"  I  know  that,  old  friend.  Don't  think  I  misunderstand 
your  notions." 

"Consider  for  a  moment,"  continued  the  landlord, 
"  how  awkward  a  fix  you  would  be  in  should  you  un- 
fortunately bo  recognised.  You  have  no  Black  Bcs3  now 
to  carry  you  clear  of  your  pursuers,  only  that  miserable 
horse  at  the  door." 

v  Have  you  seen  it  ?" 

"Yes.  I  peeped  at  it  through  cae  of  the  wuidctrs  is? 
sS&ira." 


RMOHT   Or   THE  BOAD. 


i**r 


"  It  fs  a  miserabln  wretch ;  but  then  I  think  T  am  toler- 
ably safe." 

"  Well,  will  you  go  ?" 

"I  will,  Matthew,  and  many  thanks  to  you  for  the 
favour  you  have  done  me  to-night." 
"  Pooh — pooh  !     Don't  mention  it " 
"I  shall  not  forget  it,   rest  assured    of  that.      And 
now  I  must  ask  you  to  lay  me  under  one  more  obliga- 
tion." 

"  And  what  is  that  ?" 

"Just  go  to  the  door,  and  have  a  look  up  and  down  the 
street.  Tell  me  whether  you  see  anyone  hauijiug  about 
who  looks  suspicious — in  a  word,  see  whether  tke  coast 
is  clear." 

"  1  will,  Dick.    That  is  well  thought  of  .r 
The  landlord  Lastily  made  his  way  to  the  front  of  the 
inn. 

He  was  absent  about  five  minutes ;  then  he  returned 
with  a  very  serious  look  upon  his  face. 

"What's  the  matter?"  asked  Dick,  eagerly. 
"  Why,  the  coast  is  not  clear." 
"  Indeed !     Who's  about  ?" 

"  Why,  a  man  who  owes  me  a  bitter  grudge.  He  has 
sworn  over  and  over  again  to  have  his  revenge.  You 
remember,  I  daresay,  that  an  officer  concealed  himself  in 
this  cupboard  here,  and  I  scalded  him  well  with  a  keitle- 
ful  of  boiling  water?" 

"  Yes,  I  remember.    Ho  was  at  the  bar,  drinking,    a 
moment  before  you  came  downstairs." 
"To-night?" 

"  Yes — mott  certainly  to-night — a  little  while  ago." 
Old  Matthew  gave  a  long,  low  whistle. 
"  That's  awkward,"  he  said — "  very  awkward  1" 
"  And  what's  more,"  continued   Dick,  "  it's  very  odd  to 
me  if  a  eecret  sign  or  glance  of  intelligence  did  not  pass 
between  him  and  that  nice  little  boy  of  yours." 
Old  Matthew  gave  a  low  groan. 

"  If  that's  it,    captain,  depend  upon  it  it's  all's  over ! 
You're  nabbed— nabbed  as  sure  as  you  are  a  living  man  !" 
"  How   so,   Matthew  ?"  said   Turpin,  feeling  fearfully 
uneasy.     "  What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"  Why,  I  must  tell  you  that  this  man  was  sometime  ago 
dismissed  from  the  police  force  ;  but  ever  since  then  ho 
has  acted  as  a  spy  for  the  rest.  His  old  companions  give 
him  a  trifle  now  and  then,  and  he  sniffs  out  information 
for  them." 

"  A  regular  spy,  in  fact  ?" 

"  Yes,  nothing  less,  and  in  consequence  of  that  little 
trick  I  served  him,  he  cherishes  the  most  violent  hatred 
against  me.  I  have  been  told  he  has  frequently  declared 
he  will  never  rest  until  he  has  brought  about  my  ruin, 
and  for  that  reason  ho  is  always  hanging  about  in  the 
street" 

"  You  make  me  very  uncomfortable,  Matthew,"  said 
Dick  Turpin.  "  I  hope  things  are  not  quite  so  bad  as 
you  make  out.  He  looked  keenly  at  me  as  I  stood  beside 
him  at  the  counter;  but  I  feel  pretty  sure  there  was  no 
recognition  on  his  part." 

"  Well,  there  may  not  be,"  said  old  Matthew,  seeming 
rather  relieved  upon  receiving  this  assurance. 

"But,"  continued  Dick,  "if  I  had  not  stopped  that  boy 
as  I  did,  you  cay  depend  he  would  not  have  been  in 
ignorance  of  my  identity  by  this  time-" 


CHAPTER   CMXII. 

DICK   TURPIN   HAS   HIS   KF.VENGE    EPON   THE  SPY. 

Old  Matthew  rubbed  his  head  most  vigorously,  as  was 
his  habit  when  anything  occurred  of  a  troublesome 
nature. 

"  I  wish  I  knew  how  to  solve  the  point,"  he  ejaculated, 
after  a  brief  pause,  "but  how  on  earth  to  discc-r*? 
whether  any  police  officers  are  lurking  outside  I  know 
not." 

"Is  it  not  possible,"  said  Dick,  ,:  that  you  magnify  the 
danger  ?"  f 

"In  what  manner  ?" 

"  May  it  not  be  that  this  man  is  only  skulking  about 
outside  in  his  usual  fashion  ?" 

"There  is  a  possibility  of  it." 

"You  have  not  seen  anything  else  suspicions,  have 
yoo?" 

•Ho,  nothing  more,  I  saw  no  trace  of  officers,  and  yet, 


whenever  I  seo    him  I  think  they  are  never  far  dis- 
tant." 
u  And  what  was  he  doing  ?"  asked  Dick. 
"  Why,  when  I  first  went  to  the   door,  I  saw  nothing, 
Dnt  1  stood  perfectly  still   looking  about  me,  then  I  fan- 
cied I  heard  a  slight  movement  in  the  ca:t,  and  so  drew 
back  into  the  shadow  of  the  doorway  as  well  as  I  could." 
"  A  noise  in  the  cart  ?" 

"Yes,  and  immediately  afterward"  that  felktw  lowered 
himself  out  of  it." 

"  That's  very  strange,"  said  Dick. 
"  So  I  think,"  returned  Matthew.   "  He   must  have  had 
some  suspicions,  or  why  should  ho  have   adopted  such  a 
proceeding  as  that  ?" 

"  Curse  him  !"  said  Dick,  clenching  his  fists.  "  I  wish 
I  could  lay  hold  of  him  somehow  ;  I'd  put  an  end  to  his 
speaking  for  some  time  to  come.  But  for  him,  no  doubt 
I  could  have  driven  off  quietly,  without  anyone  being  the 
wiser." 

"  Very  likely  indeed,""  said  Matthew ;  "but  I  am  afraid 
there's  little  chance  of  it  now,  though  I  don't  wish  to  say 
anything  to  discourage  you." 
Dick  drew  a  long  breath. 

"How  had  I  better  act,  Matthew?"  he  said,  at 
length. 
The  landlord  shrugged  his  shoulders. 
" I  wish  I  could  advise  you,"  he  said;  "but  this  is  a 
matter  that  baffles  me  altogether.  You  see,  he  may  have 
told  the  officers  that  he  suspected  you  were  only  an 
assumed  carter,  and  if  so,  they  would  arrest  you  on  bare 
suspicion." 

"And  I  suppose,"  continued  Dick,  "they  would  take 
care  not  to  show  themselves  until  I  emerged  into  the 
street." 

"  Decidedly  not ;  and,  for  aught  I  know,  a  dozen  of 
them  may  be  hidden  somewhere." 

"It  bothers  me,"  said  Dick — "it  bothers  me  en- 
tirely." 

Old  Matthew  began  to  think. 

"Look  here,"  he  said,  at  length,  "this  is  the  best  thing 
I  can  think  of." 
"Out  with  it,  then." 

"  I  will  put  on  my  hat  and  go  outside,  take  hold  of  the 
horse's  head,  and  lead  him  round  the  corner,  into  Clare 
Market." 

"  And  what  good  would  that  do  ?"  said  Dick,  in  some 
amazement. 

"  Why,  this  much  :  I  should  have  my  eyes  about  me, 
and  if  any  police  officers  were  concealed  I  should  at  once 
become  aware  of  it,  for,  don't  you  see,  they  would  either1 
attempt  to  prevent  me  from  moving  the  cart,  or  else  I 
should  see  them  quit  their  place  of  concealment  and 
follow  it." 

"  So  you  would,  Matthew — so  you  would  ;  that  didn't 
occur  to  me.     But  what  shall  I  do  in  the  meanwhile  ?" 

"  I  will  tell  you ;  there  will  bo  no  difficulty  abrut 
it." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it." 

"  As  soon  as  I  go  to  the  front  of  the  house,  liston.  If 
you  hear  no  contention  or  disturbance — if,  in  fact,  you  do 
not  hear  me  raise  my  voice — conclude  all  is  well,  and  just 
hasten  down  the  passage,  and  through  that  door.  You 
will  then  be  in  that  little  yard  that  is  well  known  to  you. 
Open  the  other  door,  and  you  will  find  yourae'if  in  White 
Horse  Yard.  Make  your  way  along  it  into  Clare  Market, 
and  look  about  for  mo.  If  you  see  mo,  and  all  is  well,  I 
shall  be  patting  the  neck  of  the  horse,  and  stroking  it; 
but  if  I  am  not  doing  so  do  not  show  you  self,  but  clear 
off  in  the  best  way  you  are  able." 

Dick  Turpin  was  highly  delighted  with  this  plan,  and 
congratulated  old  Matthew  upon  hisiigenuity. 

"I  can't  stop  to  listen  to  anything  of  that  sort,"  ho 
said,  as  he  took  his  broad-brimmed  hut  down  from  a  peg. 
"I  will  be  off,  and  be  sm-e  you  listen  whether  there  is  a 
noise  outside." 

The  next  moment  old  Matthew  passed  through  tha 
front  door,  and  Dick  listened  eagerly. 

But  the  silence  was  not  broken  by  old  Matthew's  voice, 
and  almost  immediately  he  heard  the  wheels  begin  to 
revolve. 

"  All  right,"  he  muttered.  "What  a  capital  old  chap 
Matthew  is,  to  be  sure !  That's  one  t  ing  more  that  I 
owe  htm." 

While  he  was  speaking  he  secured  the  bag  of  gold  about 


jibs 


itla  person,  thon,  following  the  instructions  be  had  re- 
ceived, he  entered  the  yard  and  hastened  towards  Glare 
Market  as  quickly  as  his  legs  would  carry  him. 

He  felt  rather  nervous  when  he  first  stepped  out  inte 
White  Horse  Yard,  but  that  feeling  immediately  vanished 
when  he  found  no  notice  was  taken  of  his  appear- 
ance. 

From  this  it  was  only  .air  to  assume  that  bo  officers 
■were  concealed  in  that  quarter,  for  if  so  they  would  un- 
questionably       e  pounced  upon  him. 

Feeling  much  more  easy  in  his  mind,  he  continued  on  his 
way,  aud  having  reached  a  dark,  obscure  corner,  paused 
to  look  about  him. 

A  moment  or  two  elapsed  before  he  could  catch  sight 
of  old  Matthew.  But  at  length  he  perceived  him,  and  to 
his  great  joy  he  saw  he  was  patting  the  horse  upon  the 
neck. 

"  All  right,"  ejaculated  Dick,  with  a  sigh  of  great  re- 
lief— "  all's  going  well — I  have  nothing  to  fear." 

With  these  words  on  his  lips  he  hastened  to  the  spot 
where  the  horse  was  standing. 

,:Look  out  for  the  spy,"  said  Matthew,  as  soon  as  Dick 
was  close  to  the  vehicle ;  "  there's  no  one  besides  him 
about ;  he  has  followed  me  so  far  at  a  distance,  and  I 
should  not  be  surprised  at  his  following  you." 

"Shouldn't  you?"  said  Dick.  "  Then  I  should.  Where 
is  be — can  you  see  him?" 

•'  Yes,  there  he  is,  on  the  other  side  of  the  way,  stand- 
ing near  that  shop ;  he  is  pretending  to  look  at  the  things 
in  the  window." 

Old  Matthew  pointed,  and  Dick  immediately  perceived 
the  spy  standing  at  no  great  distance. 

"He  won't  follow  me,  I'll  warrant!"  he  exclaimed. 
"  Juat  bring  the  horse  quietly  alter  me,  and  see  how  1 
will  dispose  of  him." 

"  Captain — captain,"  said  Matthew,  "  don't  be  rash — 
pray  don't  be  rash !  Go  quietly  away,  and  leave  him  to 
me." 

Bat  Dick  was  quite  deaf  to  these  words. 

He  strode  rapidly  along  the  street,  then  orossed  directly 
over  to  the  shop  at  the  window  of  which  the  spy  was 
standing. 

Late  as  was  the  hour,  the  shops  in  the  neighbourhood 
■were  for  the  most  part  unclosed,  though  apparently  little 
business  was  being  done  in  any  of  them. 

The  spy  was  evidently  taken  by  surprise  by  these 
movements  on  the  part  of  Dick  Turpin. 

He  was  conscious  of  the  highwayman's  approach,  yet 
knew  not  exactly  whether  to  stand  still  or  to  fly. 

He  hesitated  until  it  was  too  lato  to  make  a  retreat. 

Dick  clapped  his  hand  upon  his  shoulder. 

The  man  taced  round  at  once. 

"Don't  bo  so  fond  ot  prying  iuto  my  business,"  said 
Dick,  iu  a  menacing  voice,  "  or  it  will  be  the  worse  for 
you,  and,  just  to  prove  that  this  is  no  idle  threat,  1  will 
give  you  a  taste  of  what  you  may  expect." 

It  so  happened  that  the  shop  before  which  this  man 
was  standing  was  one  belonging  to  a  general  dealer  in 
provisions. 

Not  only  in  the  shop  and  in  the  window  were  his 
articles  exposed  for  sale,  but  out  upon  the  pavement  as 
well. 

Among  other  things,  cheese  was  piled  up,  and  there  was 
also  an  enormous  box  filled  to  the  brim  with  eggs,  betide 
which  one  of  the  shopmen  was  standing  observing  the 
movements  of  Dick  and  the  spy  with  great  attention, 

No  sooner  were  the  last  words  out  of  Dick  Turpia's 
mouth  than,  quick  as  thought,  he  seized  the  spy  by  the 
iiape  of  his  neck  and  the  se^it  of  his  breeches. 

With  an  exertion  of  his  utmost  strength,  Dick  lifted 
him  fairly  from  the  ground,  and  flung  him  with  full  force 
into  the  box  of  eggs. 

There  was  a  loud  cry,  an  oath,  and  a  fearful  crash. 

Then  the  body  of  the  spy  almost  completely  disappeared, 
for  the  eggs  gave  way  immediately  beneath  his  weight. 

Dick  did  not  stop  to  see  any  more — Ue  kBo13*  the  sooner 
he  beat  a  ret-eat  the  better. 

By  this  time  Matthew  had  brought  the  horse  close  to 
the  shop,  and  Dick,  with  extraordinary  speed,  asceadod 
to  his  seat  and  Bet  the  horse  in  motion. 

The  shopman,  who  had  witnessed  the  whcle  tr&usac- 
tion,  ran  forward  with  the  intention  of  stopping  tfc?  cart, 
but  old  Matthew  placed  himself  full  before  him. 

"  Ten  pounds,"   he  said—"  ten  pounds,   Tom,  if  you 


keep  quiet!  You  know  mo.  Just  make  it  as  hot  lor  the 
fellow  as  yo  t  can — I  om  him  a  grudge." 

Tne  man  thus  addressed  looked  rather  amazed  far  a 
moment,  but  he  knew  old  Matthew  perfectly  well  and 
felt  certain  he  would  be  as  good  as  his  word. 

Accordingly,  he  turned  round,  and,  addressing  the  poor 
wretch  who  was  struggling  vainly  in  the  box  to  release 
himself,  said : 

"You  rascal!  What  do  you  mean  by  this  ?  You  shall 
suffer  for  it!     Here— here  !  police— police!" 

A  crowd  immediately  assembled,  though  where  the 
people  came  from  so  suddenly  seemed  a  mystery. 

Just  as  the  cart  turned  round  the  corner  of  the  street, 
Dick  looked  back,  and  then  he  had  the  satisfaction  of  be- 
holding the  spy  still  kicking  and  struggling  :n  his  efforts 
to  liberate  «uniself  from  his  unple-^nt  positioa. 

CHAPTER  CM-AlU 

IN   WHICH     THE     SPY     ACQUAINTS     TUP     POLIc-El     OFFICEKS 
WITH    HIS  SUSPICIONS. 

Old  Matthew,  perceiving  how  ready  the  shopman  was 
to  take  the  hint  that  had  been  given  him,  drew  aside. 

He  wished  most  particularly  to  watch  the  ensuing  pro- 
ceedings, yet  he  did  not  desire  to  appear  to  be  mixed  up 
in  any  of  them. 

A  hundred  voices  began  to  ask  at  once  what  was  the 
matter,  but  no  one  seemed  in  a  position  to  reply. 

Battles  were  sprung,  watchmen  came  hurrying  forward, 
and  lusty  throats  bawled  out  for  the  police. 

" Bull  me  out,"  roared  the  man  in  the  box — "pull  me 
out,  1  say  !     Won't  one  of  you  lend  me  a  hand?" 

"  Let  him  alone,"  said  the  shopman,  as  several  hastened 
forward  in  answer  to  the  appeal — "  let  him  alone,  ean't 
you  ?  He's  safe  prisoner  where  he  is,  that's  one  comfort." 

The  crowd  drew  back,  and  so  the  spy  was  thrown  upon 
his  own  resources. 

His  furious  struggles,  however,  only  served  to  break 
more  of  the  eggs,  and  the  consequence  was,  that  instead 
of  getting  out  of  the  box  at  all,  be  kept  gradually  sinking 
lower  and  lower  down  into  it. 

At  last,  when  the  confusion  had  reached  its  height,  a 
couple  ot  police  officers  came  hastily  round  the  corner. 

The  people  made  way  for  them,  and  no  sooner  did  thoy 
pause  in  front  of  the  shop  than  they  immediately 
recognised  the  spy. 

"  Seize  him,"  cried  the  shopman — "seize  him!  He's  a 
desperate  character!  Don't  let  go  of  him  on  any 
account!" 

"  Why,"  said  one  police  officer,  stopping  suddenly 
short,  and  gazing  with  surprise  into  the  countonance  of 
his  companion — "  why,  it's  Jackson  !" 

"  Yes,  d — n  it,  it  i3  Jackson,  sure  enough  f  roared  the 
spy.  "  Help  me  out,  can't  you  ?  Don't  stand  there  like  a 
couple  ot  idiots!" 

"  Gome — come,  you  had  better  not  bo  abusive.  What 
does  it  all  mean  ?" 

"  Bull  me  out,  and  I'll  tell  you  pretty  quickly." 

The  officers  thought  fit  to  comply  with  this  demand, 
and  by  their  joint  exertions  the  spy  was  released  from 
his  uncomfortable  position. 

"Now,  then,"  cried  one  of  the  officers,  addressing  the 
shopman,  "what's  this  all  about?     Just  explain  it!" 

"Bah!"  said  the  spy.  "Don't  be  a  fool,  Brown — 
don't  be  a  fool !" 

"  What  do  you  mean  P" 

"Why,  1  speak  plain  enough!  Here,  come-closer — 1 
want  to  whisper  something.  There — there,  what  do  you 
think  of  that?" 

The  spy  whispereJ  something  in  the  ear  of  Brown,  the 
police  officer,  which  caused  that  worthy  emissary  of  tho 
law  fairly  to  stagger  back. 

Then  a  loud  shout  of  laughter  came  from  tne  crowd  as 
they  perceived  the  plight  Jackson  was  in. 

He  had  truly  taken  a  most  uncomfortable  bath,  and  as 
the  eggs  exposed  for  sale  were  none  of  the  freshest,  a  by 
no  means  pleasant  odour  exhaled  from  him. 

"What  did  he  say,  Brown  ?"  gasped  the  other  poiict 
officer. 

"  Why,  he  says  that  a  few  minutes  ago  either  D'.ofi: 
Turpin  "or  one  of  his  comrades  was  here  disguised  as  a 
carter,  and  it  was  in  consequence  of  his  recognition  that 


TSB  XWI3HT    OF  THE    ROAD. 


U» 


[dick  tukpin  hurls  the  spy  into  the  egg-chest.] 


he  was  pushed  back  into  the  egg-chest  as   we  found 
him. 

Nothing  would  oon tent  the  shopman  but  having  Jack- 
9on  hauled  off  to  the  police  station,  and  there  charged 
with  doing  wilful  damage  to  his  property. 

The  officers  in  vain  protested  that  it  was  all  non- 
sense; the  shopman  was  obstinate,  and  so  they 
accordingly  went. 

The  matter  was  hurried  over  as  quickly  as  possible, 
and  then  the  spy  was  questioned  more  closely  as  to  the 
intelligence  he  had  given. 

When  he  set  forth  the  details,  he  was  met  with  general 
disbelief  ;  and  when  asked  pointedly  by  what  means 
he  had  recognised  Dick  Turpin  he  was  forced  to  admit 
that  he  was  not  quite  confident,  but  he  merely  suspected 
that  the  carter  was  the  highwayman  in  disguise,  and 
it*  *v  ,8n9Pioion  ne  could  give  no  other  reason  than 
that  he  had  seen  him  in  c  .nversation  with  old  Matthew, 
the  landlord  of  the  White  Horse. 

No.  187— Black  Bess. 


Still,  that  was  deemed  sufficiently  important  to 
warrant  them  in  setting  out  in  pursuit  of  the  driver  of 
the  cart,  and  arresting  him,  if  only  on  the  charge  of 
committing  an  assault  upon  Jackson. 

By  the  time  they  bad  arrived  at  this  resolution,  how- 
ever, a  considerable  period  had  elapsed. 

The  cart  had  vanished,  and  no  one  was  in  a  position 
to  say  which  way  it  had  gone. 

To  look  for  it  in  any  of  the  myriad  streets  of  London 
seemed  an  idle  task. 

And  so  the  officers  felt,  although  they  set  about  it. 

But  let  it  be  clearly  understood  that,  if  they  had 
known  for  certain  that  the  carter  really  was  Dick  in 
disguise,  their  measures  would  have  been  of  a  much 
more  energetic  character,  and  it  is  quite  possible  tha* 
by  run  king  close  inquiries  and  sending  out  in  all  direc- 
tions they  might  have  got  upon  his  track. 

This  was  not  done,  however. 

Only  one  party  of  officers  went  ont  in  pursuit,  and  these 


No.r  187 


Pfuos  One  Halfpenny. 


•  v> 


DI.ACR     BEM  ;     CW. 


•nade  ffttlc  progress,  for  although  they  inquired  in  every 
lirection,  they  were  unable  to  meet  with  a  single  person 
»ho  could  recollect  ««^ing  a  cart  such  as  they  des- 
cribed. 

The  fact  was,  DicV,  with  a  boldness  to  which  he  cer- 
tainly owed  his  safety,  had  goue  straight  in  the  directioE 
of  Bow  Street,  which  carried  him  pa.st  the  front  of  old 
Drury  Laue  Theatre. 

Here  the  scene  was  one  of  tremendous  commotion. 

The  King  had  gone  that  night  to  see  the  play,  and  the 
house  was  consequently  crowded  bj  a  highly-fashionable 
audience. 

The  street  was  literally  choked  up  with  vehicle^. 

Amid  the  general  confusion  and  excitement,  Dick  was 
unnoticed  as  he  steadily  wound  his  way  in  and  out  through 
the  throng  until  he  got  into  a  clearer  street. 

Then,  lashing  his  horse,  he  made  him  put  forth  his  ut- 
most rate  of  speed. 

Now,  if  Dick  had  oheyed  thp  very  natural  impulse  to 
turu  down  any  one  of  the  quiet  streets  in  the  neighbour- 
hood the  officers  would,  in  all  probability*  have  got  upou 
his  track,  as  the  passage  of  the  vehicle  through  any  one 
of  them  must  have  been  seen  by  some  person  or  other. 

lie  made  his  way  directly  westward,  but  while  he 
journeyed  on  his  thoughts  were  busy. 

Re  had  more  causes  than  one  for  gratification. 

Maud  and  Black  Bess  he  knew  to  be  in  perfect  safety, 
he  had  performed  his  errand  without  accident,  and  had 
in  his  possession  a  sufficient  sum  of  money  to  satisfy  the 
Governor  ot  Newgate. 

He  had  also  made  old  Matthew  aware  of  the  fact  that 
he  had  a  traitor  beneath  his  roof. 

Another  consideration,  however,  now  presentei  itself 
to  Dick's  mind,  and  while  he  reflected  upon  it  he  allowed 
his  horse  to  proceed  very  slowly. 

Morning,  he  saw,  was  yet  some  hours  distant,  and  the 
juestion  occurred  to  him  whether  he  should  not  avail 
nimself  of  the  present  opportunity  and  secure  the  bag 
of  gold. 

He  had  fully  intended  to  hasten  back  to  Maud  ;  out 
then,  on  his  return  journey,  he  might  meet  with  danger, 
and  the  bag  of  money  might  be  lost. 

Now  he  was  at  no  great  distance  from  Ham^tead 
Heath,  and  by  turning  off  to  the  right  he  could  reach 
there  in  little  moro  than   half  an  hour. 

To  bury  the  gold  would  be  the  work  of  a  few  moments 
only  ;  then  from  that  point  he  would  be  able  to  make 
his  way  to  Somefield,  where  he  had  appointed  to  over- 
take Maud. 

"Yes."  he  said,  at  length,  "that  shall  be  it.  My  mind 
is  made  up.  Who  can  tell  how  long  a  time  may  elapse 
before  I  have  so  good  a  chauce  of  burying  this  money 
as  1  have  now  ?" 

While  he  spoke  the  words,  he  turned  abm.jtly  down  a 
dark  narrow  laue  witn  which  he  was  doi  very  well 
acquainted,  but  which,  nevertheless,  he  believed  would 
take  him  near  the  point  he  wished  to  reach. 

This  lane  was  quite  deserted,  and  no  wo  uder,  foi  its 
condition  was  disgraceful. 

So  deep  was  the  mire  that  the  tired  horse  pould  haraly 
struggle  through  it. 

In  consequence  of  this  the  journey  to  Rampstp.id  Heath 
occupied  a  much  longer  period  than  Dick  had  calculated 
upon. 

At  length  he  paused  upon  the  verge  of  the  vast  open 
gp-.ce. 
*  It  was  now  m-cessary  to  take  au  observation  before  pro- 
ceeding further. 

The  heath  itself  appeared  to  atreJeh  for  mil»s  before 
him  in  the  darkness,  and  although  ha  turned  his  eyes  in 
every  .lirection  he  failed  U>  perceive  the  giitnmeriujj  of 
a  single  light. 

Having  formed  •  tolerably  correct  idea  of  his  position, 
Dick  turned  to  the  right,  and  when  he  parsed  again  it 
was  close  to  the  tree  he  had  described  so  particularly  to 
the  Governor. 

And,  indeed,  the  appearance  of  this  tree  was  so  sin^fnr 
thai  it  could  not  fall  to  be  recognised  by  auyone  who  took 
the  trouble  to  loob   for  it. 

T^roo^h  a  '•:■'■  opaqae  pnrtkta  ot  the  ehnj  '*  *he-t, 
%-ttw*fa!i  ww*  skr,  *fe*»  w*s*»  «6a6  forth  si  <jW*Mmm,  usinty 
hgbi,  wnich  Dick  hwlod  vUh  pleasure,  «  ft  \vonld  he  oV 
great  assistance  to  him  in  carrying  out  lus  proceed- 
ings 


First  of  all,  he  6tood  for  several  momeuts  in  a  listening 
attitude. 

The  silence  was  profound,  and,  without  any  great 
stretch  of  imagination,  he  could  have  believed  that  h<- 
was  thousands  of  miles  away  from  any  of  his  ftllow- 
creatures 

The  horse  seemed  quite  content,  to  stop,  for,  bending 
dowu  his  head,  he  commenced  eating  with  great  vora- 
ciousness the  grass  that  was  growiug  everywhere 
around. 


CHaFTEK   CMXIV. 

IN    vCHICIf    DICK    TirrUTN     RECKtVES   SOME     DISUTrRRES TTSO 
ADVICE. 

FlNTO*"a  all  around  him  so  very  still,  Dick  Turpro  deter- 
mined not  to  lose  any  more  time,  but  to  commence  'lug- 
ging a  hole  in   the  ground   forthwith. 

lie  was  but  ill  provided  with  tools  for  this  pmp*j»e; 
yet,  by  using  hi  bauds  aud  a  knife,  he  managed  in  a 
short  space  of  tiije  to  scrape  out  a  considerable  q  iam  iiy 
of  earth. 

Tnis  being  done,  he  carefully  placed  the  bag  to  the 
hole.  filled  it  up  with  dirt,  and  carefully  pressed  down 
the  surface  so  as  to  restore  it  to  its  original  condi- 
tion. 

Once,  wheu  he  paused  ij  the  midst  of  his  labours, 
he  fancied  he  heard  a  slight  sound  close  at  hand. 

He  listened  immediately  ;  but  as  it  was  not  repeated 
he  concluded  his  fancy  had  misled  him. 

At  last,  when  all  was  finished,  be  rose  from  his  knees, 
and,  as  he  did  so,  he  felt,  certain  that,  ho  caught  sight  of 
a  dim,  shadowy  figure  in  the  distance. 

A  cry  of  vexation  and  anger  escaped  his  lips. 

There  could  be  no  doubt  all  his  proceedings  had  fcxvn 
watched  by  some  oue,  aud  that  some  one,  whoever  he 
might  be,  would  beyond  doubt  take  the  first  opportunity, 
after  Dick's  departure,  to  try  and  ascertain  what  had 
been  buried  so  carefully  among  the  root*;  of  the  old 
tree. 

For  a  wonder,  Dick  was  at  a  loss  what  to  do  on  the 
spur  of  the  moment,  aud  this  hesitation,  brief  as  it 
was,  deprived  him  til  the  chance  he  had  of  rushing 
forward  and  suddenly  seizing  the  intruder. 

Now,  when  he  looked  all  around,  nothing  but  the  broad 
expause  of  heath  met  his  view. 

•'Confound  it!"  he  said  to  himself.  "  What  shall  1 
do  now?  To  attempt  to  find  him  would  be  perfectly 
idle.  He  could  dodge  me  till  daybreak.  I  must  think  • 
little  while." 

By  way  of  assisting  himself  in  this  operation,  he  took 
hold  of  the  reius,  and  forced  his  horse  to  quit  his  nieul 
and  while  he  was  doing  so  a  blight  idea  entered  his 
brain. 

"I  will  drive  off,"  he  muttered,  "and  pretend  to  take 
no  notice,  and  wheu  I  have  gone  a  little  way  I  will  de- 
scend from  the  cart,  and  creep  stealthily  h^re  on  foc- 
Theu,  no  doubt,  he  will  be  thrown  off  his  guard,  and  I 
shall  be  able  to  seize  him." 

This  resolve  was  no  sooner  made  than  it.  was  carried 
out,  though,  at  present,  Dick  had  no  very  clear  idea  o) 
what  he  was  to  do  after  he  had  succeeded  in  captur- 
ing the  man  who,  he  imagined,  had  watched  his  move- 
ments. 

Despite  the  danger  of  such  a  course,  Dick  drove  across 
the  heath,  preferring  to  do  so  to  trusting  to  any  of  iui 
bad  roads  that  intercepted  it. 

On  the  soft  turf  the  progress  of  the  cart  made  scarcely 
a  sound — at  any  rate,  he  felt  certaiu  that  no  one  could 
hear  it  at  a  distance  of  a  few  yards. 

Having  gone  far  enough  as  he  imagined  to  answer 
his  piipose.  In-  stopped  the  horse  aud  descended. 

He  was  not  afraid  that  the  animal  wce-ld  stray  far- 
it  would  be  ouly  too  glad  of  the  opportunity  to  renew 
iis  feast. 

Shriuking  low  down  to  the  eround,  Dick  then  swiftly, 
yet  noiselessly,  male  his  way  back  again  to  the  old  tr**» 

As  he  neared  it  his  speed  abated;  and  his  cauiiou  ta 

Vteaa  o»rj  ■»  tew  yards  dtetoni,  he  ■topped  a»itw-f>*8»»» 
and,  placing  his  bands  up  to  hid  eyes  ir.  onicr  to  «•« 
more  distinctly,  he  strove  to  pierce  the  t;Lw«a. 

Then  he  saw,  or  fancied  he  saw,  closv  fc.  tb«  trutti  ■* 


•ha  might  or  tub  *oa£>. 


1491 


the  old  tree,  the  figure  of  a  nun  kneelisg  iowa  as 
he  bad  knelt,  and  busily  engaged  Li  digging  ap  the 
earth. 

The  longer  he  gazed  the  more  confident  he  felt  that 
he  had  not  made  any  mistake,  so,  creeping  still  closer, 
and  watching  fir  a  favourable  opportunity,  be  mado  a 
sudden  bound  upon  the  stranger,  who  little  suspect-*")  his 
return. 

A  yell  of  fear  broke  the  silence  that  had  foi  *.•  :.  vg 
reigned  around  the  spot. 

The  man,  finding  himself  in  the  grasf  of  some  o*ia, 
trembled  from  head  to  foot,  and  would  haw  falleu  io  ei*> 
ground  had  not  Dick  held  him  up. 

"  Who  are  you  ?"  he  roared.  "  Let  me  see  your  face  ? 
Why  are  you  here  ?" 

"Oh,  mercy!"  said  a  voice,  in  humble  tones.  "Do 
have  mercy  upon  me — pray  do  !" 

"  I  know  that  voice,"  6aid  Dick,  peering  iutently  into 
the  stranger's  face,  "and  yet  surely  it  must  be  a  mis- 
take." 

"No,  no — not  any  mistake,"  was  the  reply,  "for  I 
kn«  je  your  voice  now,  captain.  It's  all  ri^Ut.  Mr. 
Bradbury,  at  your  service." 
Dick  released  his  hold  instantly. 
"  You  have  cause  to  be  thankful  that  you  have  escaped 
so  well.  Z  am  generally  hasty  in  my  movements,  and 
not  very  particular  as  to  what  I  do.  However,  I'm  glad 
it's  all  right." 

The  Governor  grunted  and  rubbed  himself  very 
vigorously  with  both  his  hands  at  the  back  of  his 
neck,  for  Dick's  grasp  had  been  by  no  means  a  tender 
one. 

"  Oh  !"  he  said,  "  yon  gave  roe  a  dreadful  fright — an 
awful  fright  I" 
" Indeed  1     How  so?" 

"  I  will  tell  you.  I  don't  mi.id  confessing  that  this 
tree  has  haunted  my  imagination  ever  since  you  spoke 
to  me  about  it,  and  it  has  only  been  t  y  the  exercise  of 
great  self-command  that  I  have  kept  myself  from  paying 
a  visit  to  this  spot  for  so  long,  but  to-uight  I  felt  im- 
pelled to  make  my  way  here.  I  could  not  resu*  the 
temptation." 

"  And  you  saw  me  digging  here,  I  suppose  ?"  said 
Dick. 

"I  fancied  so,"  said  the  Qovernor,  "but  could  not 
make  sure.  I  didn't  know  whether  to  advance  and 
make  myself  known,  or  remain  in  concealment,  and 
while  I  was  debating  this  point  in  my  mind  you  got  up 
into  the  cart  and  drove  away." 
"  Well,  and  then  ?" 

"  Why,  I  thought  the  best  thing  I  could  do  was  to 
possess  myself  of  the  treasure,  and  make  haste  back  to 
Loudon,  so  I  began  to  dig,  as  you  see." 

"  And  did  you  not  guess  that  I  had  returned  ?" 
"No,"  said  the  Qovernor — "not  for  a  moment.  I 
believed  some  other  person  hud  been  watching,  and, 
having  seen  all  that  had  been  done,  had  come  for- 
ward with  the  intention  of  appropriating  the  money 
himself." 

"  I  see,  and  hence  your  alarm.  Well,  you  have  good 
oeuse  for  gratification.  The  money  you  will  find  per- 
fectly safe,  tied  up  in  a  leather  bag,  and  I  hope  the 
amount  will  satisfy  your  expectations." 

"  You  have  just  placed  it  there,  of  course  ?"  said  the 
Governor,  inquiringly. 

"  You  had  bettor  not  trouble  yourself  to  make  any  in- 
quiries upon  that  point,"  said  Dick.  "  Let  it  suffice  that 
you  find  the  money  where  I  told  you  you  would.  I  may 
have  come  to-night  merely  to  make  sure  thai  the  money 
was  safe,  you  understand." 

The  Governer  said  "Yes,"  but  it  is  questkvaa«sle 
wuether  he  really  understood  what  Dick  meant  w 
not 

"  Well,  captain,"  he  added,  after  a  short  pause,  "  there  « 
been  a  tremendous  commotion  in  Newgate,  (  can  ass  v  re 
you  I" 
"  No  doubt." 

"  I  confess  that  I  have  been  in  a  perpetual  st'te  of  fe\er 
ever  since  your  departure.     I  have  trembled  fot  your 
safety." 
Dick  smiled. 

"I  am  all  right,  vou  see.  and  well  V;!e  f  Ake  care  of 
myself.  I  was  by  Bow  Street  police  swion  a  little  while 
qrA  hut  things  seemed  quiet  enough  there,* 


The  Governor  repeated  the  words  in  a  tone  of  incredu- 
lous amazement. 

"  It's  quite  true,"  said  Dick,  carelessly,  "and  I  daresay 
you  will  hear  something  of  it  when  you  get  back  to 
London." 

"  You  are  too  rash,"  said  the  Governor — 'much  too 
rash  !  You  tempt  youi  fate.  1  am  much  obliged  to  you 
for  your  behaviour  to  me,  for  a  little  extra  money  will  be 
of  the  greatest  utility  to  me  at  the  preuent  moment  I 
like  you,  captain — indeed  I  do  I" 
"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it." 

"And  •*  proof  of  it"  addod  the  Governor,  coming  a 
step  closer,  "I  will  give  you  a  word  of  advice,  and  i 
oiJy  hope  you  will  have  sufficient  good  sense  to  act  in 
accordance  with  it." 

"  Weil,'  siiid  Dick,  "  I  am  prepared  to  listen  to  any 
suggfltfjon  you  like  to  make,  but  I  cannot  pledge  myself 
to  act  in  accordance  with  it." 

"  V-'oU,  then,  my  advice  is  not  only  to  you,  but  to  all 
your  companions,  to  take  the  very  first  opportunity  you 
can  find  of  leaving  England.  It  is  truly  too  hot  to  hold 
you,  and  so  you  will  find  to  your  cost." 
Dick  uttered  a  half-impatient  exclamation. 
"  You  receive  ray  advice  with  disdain,"  said  the 
Governor,  with  a  slightly-mortified  air.  "  But,  then,  1 
know  very  well  good  advice  is  generally  thrown  away. 
This  is  good  advice,  as  anyone  would  tell  you  who  had 
considered  your  position.  If  you  were  only  a  little  care- 
ful, you  could  manage  to  get  down  somewhere  on  the 
south  coast,  and  there  engage  a  fisherman  at  some  quiet 
spot  or  other  to  take  you  across  the  channel.  He  could 
run  you  ashore  on  some  lonely  part  of  the  coast  of 
France,  and  there  you  w»uld  be  perfectly  safe." 

"  Well — well,"  said  Dick,  thoughtfully,  "  I  am  ready 
to  admit  that  tho  advice  you  have  given  is  well  worthy 
of  consideration,  and  rest  assured  that  when  I  meet  my 
comrades  the  next  time  I  will  suggest  it  to  them.  For 
the  present  we  must  say  farewell,  and  I  hope,  without 
meaning  any  offence  to  you,  that  we  shall  never  meet 
again." 

» Farewell,  captain  !"  said  the  Governor.  "  I  do  not 
eeho  your  wish,  for,  as  I  6aid  before,  I  rather  like  you  ; 
but  if  we  do  meet,  I  really  hope  it  will  be  in  some  place 
where  you  are  in  safety." 

"Thanks  for  the  wish,"  said  Dick.  "  And  now  again 
good-bye  !  Dig  a  little  deeper,  and  you  will  find  the  re- 
ward I  promised  you.  In  spite  of  obstacles  from  which 
most  men  would  have  shrunk  back  with  alarm,  Dick 
Turpin  has  been  as  good  as  his  word." 

He  turned  abruptly  upon  his  heel  as  he  spoke,  and 
vanished  almost  immediately  from  the  sight  of  the 
Governor,  who,  without  further  delay,  dropped  down 
upon  his  knees  again,  and  resumed  his  task  of  digging 
beneath  the  tree. 


CHAPTER  CMXV. 

DESCRIBES    THE     STRANGE     ADVENTURE    THAT     DICK   MSt 
WITH    ON   HIS   WAY   TO  SOMEFIELD. 

Dick  had  some  little  difficulty  in  finding  the  cart,  but  not 
much  ;  and,  having  succeeded,  he  once  more  climbed  into 
his  seat,  and  set  the  horse  in  motion. 

The  night  had  been  an  unusually  dark  one,  and  now, 
strangely  enough,  although  daybreak  was  approaching, 
it  positively  grew  darker,  so  that  Dick  had  to  make  hu 
way  with  the  greatest  caution — in  fact,  he  trusted  more 
to  the  instinct  of  his'  horse  to  keep  him  clear  of  any  ob- 
structions in  the  path  than  he  did  to  his  own  eyesight 
consequently  the  heath  was  crossed  in  safety,  and  when 
once  he  emerged  upon  the  road,  Dick  felt  in  a  position  to 
resume  the  commard. 

Applying  the  whip  unsparingly,  he  induced  the  wretched 
animal  to  make  something  like  tolerable  progress  along 
the  n?&d. 

It  was  still  necessary  to  keep  a  sharp  look-out,  although 
Dick  was  perfectly  familiar  with  every  object  around — 
in  fact,  there  were  few  parts  round  London  that  he  wm 
better  acquainted  with  than  with  this. 

In  order  to  reach  Somefield,  it  was  necessary  to  travel 
by  i  he  Oxford  Road,  without  a  considerable  ciiwit  ww 
made. 

Now  Dick  felt  by  no  means  inclined  to  adopt  thi* 
oounte. 


UM 


•tiOK   MBS  ;    OB, 


There  was  danger,  to  be  sure,  in  venturing  along  such 
a  well-frequented  high-road ;  but  then,  on  the  ether 
hand,  the  hour  was  one  when  few  people  ware  likely  to 
be  travelling,  and  he  hoped,  by  making  an  effort,  to  get 
so  far  by  daybreak  as  to  be  able  to  make  the  rest  of  ^vs 
way  through  the  narrow,  winding  lanes. 

This,  then,  was  the  course  he  adopted,  and,  as  he  had 
correctly  anticipated,  he  journeyed  on  and  on  f<vr  mlhs 
without  so  much  as  catching  a  glimpse  of  *  r^unan 
being. 

When  the  Oxford  Road  was  fairly  reached,  his  rate  «,/ 
progress  became  much  accelerated,  for  the  grootd  was 
firm  and  smooth  beneath  the  horse's  feet. 

in  this  manner  he  continued  without  meeting  with  the 
slightest  interruption  until  day  began  to  dawn. 

Huge  masses  of  white  mist  huug  over  all  the  meadows, 
and  so  obstructed  the  view  that  it  was  not  possible  to  ««s 
for  any  great  distance. 

By  degrees  the  morning  broke  clearer  and  brighter. 

Dick  plied  the  whip  with  renewed  energy,  for  he  had 
not  got  so  far  upon  his  journey  by  this  time  as  he 
hoped. 

The  sun  rose,  and  found  him  descending  into  a  hollow, 
very  disagreeable  piece  of  roadway,  and  one  that  was  de- 
tested by  every  traveller. 

The  road  was  formed  down  the  declivious  sides  of  two 
long,  high  hills,  which  formed  indeed  a  most  delightful 
valley. 

Owing  to  the  deep  shadows  cast  by  the  trees  that  grew 
luxuriantly  near  the  foot  of  these  hills,  the  bottom  or 
lowest  part  of  the  road  was  almost  plunged  in  gloom,  and 
it  was  here  that  many  an  ambush  had  been  laid  for  pass- 
ing travellers. 

Now  the  valley  was  almost  filled  with  the  white,  fleecy 
mist  of  which  we  have  spoken. 

But  the  sun,  rising  higher  and  higher,  gradually  dis- 
pelled it. 

It  rolled  away  in  huge,  undulating  masses,  until  at 
length  the  sun,  appearing  above  the  summit  of  the  hill, 
poured  down  a  full  flood  of  golden  light. 

The  scene  then  was  one  of  real  beauty,  and  there  were 
few  indeed  who  could  look  upon  it  without  sensations  of 
admiration. 

Dick  was  not  one  of  them,  and  as,  after  reaching  the 
bottom  of  the  descent,  he  commenced  to  urge  his  horse 
up  the  precipitous  hill  before  him,  he  looked  around  him 
with  feelings  of  real  delight. 

By  chance,  when  about  three-parts  up  this  hill,  he 
glanced  upwards,  and  then  beheld  a  sight  which  filled 
him  with  the  greatest  astonishment — so  much  so  that  he 
unconsciously  pulled  the  rein,  and  the  horse,  feeling  the 
check,  stopped  at  once. 

Of  this  circumstance  he  also  remained  in  ignorance,  for 
all  his  faculties  were  bound  up  in  watching  what  he  saw 
on  the  brow  of  the  hill  above. 

First  he  saw,  with  extraordinary  distinctness,  the  figure 
of  a  man  on  horseback. 

It  needed  not  a  second  glance  to  enable  Dick  to  recog- 
nise this  horseman;  it  was  his  old  comrade,  Sixteen- 
String  Jack. 

Suddenly  another  horseman  appeared  in  jight,  and  a 
greeting  of  the  warmest  description  then  took  place 
between  them. 

This  other  horseman  was  Claude  Duval ;  Dick  recog- 
nised him  perfectly. 

He  sat  where  he  was  like  a  mau  in  a  dream. 

Dick  saw  Claude  raise  his  riding-whip  and  point  in  a 
certain  direction. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  turned  his  head  to  look,  and  some 
laughing  remark  appeared  to  be  exchanged. 

But  what  filled  Dick  with  the  greatest  surprise  w»<* 
tnat  there  seemed  a  kind  of  mistiness  and  unreality  about 
the  figures  which  be  thus  beheld. 

He  thought  it  strange  that,  being  on  the  brow  of  the 
bill  as  they  were  then,  and  with  their  horses'  beads  turned 
towards  him,  that  they  did  not  observe  his  presence. 

Dick  resolved  to  make  himself  known,  and  shouted. 

His  voice,  clear  and  loud,  rang  out  with  great  distinct- 
ness in  the  valley,  and  most  certainly  the  sound  must 
have  reached  the  ears  of  any  persons  above. 

To  Dick's  amazement,  however,  not  the  slightest  notice 
was  taken  by  Claude  and  Jack. 

He  shouted  again  and  again,  but  with  uo  better  effect 
imMM 


Wondering  at  so  strange  a  circomstanea,  and  feeling  a 
kind  of  awe  in  his  breast,  he  gazed  again  in  silence,  in 
order  to  make  sure  that  his  senses  were  not  deceiving 
him 

No,  there  could  be  no  mistake — Olande  and  Jack  were 
surely  there. 

Having  come  to  this  ooneiu.v'on,  be  once  moro  raised 
his  whip  and  started  his  horse. 

At  a  oluinsy  balf-oauter,  halt-gallop,  thd  tired  beast 
struggled  up  the  remainder  oi  the  bH'l 

When  within  abont  a  hundred  «*rds  or  more  of  the  top, 
Dick  shouted  again,  and  at  the  pie^iee  mometit  whun  the 
sound  escaped  his  lips  the  two  figures  instantly  vanished, 
so  suddenly  that  it  was  impossible  to  say  in  what  direction 
they  had  gone. 

They  seemed  to  be  annihilated  in  the  twinkling  of  an 
eye. 

More  puzzled  still,  Dick  continued  hu  course  up- 
ward. 

"  They  have  gone  down  the  hill  on  the  oth*3  side,"  he 
said— "yes,  that  must  be  it.  But  how  suddenly  they 
went — they  seemed  to  dissolve  into  the  air ;  and  their 
horses'  heads  were  turned  in  this  direction.  It's  very 
strange !" 

The  more  Dick  thought  about  tt  the  more  uncomfort- 
able he  felt. 

A  kind  of  nameless  fear  came  creeping  slowly  over 
him,  until  it  obtained  entire  possession  of  his  faculties. 

it  was  then  that  he  reached  the  summit  of  the  hill. 

A  glorious  sight  indeed  lay  before  him. 

For  miles  and  miles  a  most  beautiful  landscape  could  be 
beheld — a  landscape  only  dotted  here  and  there  with 
trees,  and  for  the  most  part  composed  of  meadows,  which 
displayed  every  shade  of  green. 

But  this  prospect,  although  so  magnificent,  was  un- 
heeded by  the  highwayman,  upon  whose  countenance  an 
expression  of  amazement — not  to  say  horror— gradually 
settled. 

And  no  wonder,  for  neither  down  the  broad  high-road 
which  he  could  see  extending  far  below  the  bottom  of  the 
hill,  nor  in  the  meadows  on  either  side  of  it,  could  he 
perceive  the  least  trace  of  his  comrades. 

He  rubbed  his  eyes,  and  began  to  wonder  whether  ha 
was  really  in  his  right  senses. 

But,  so  far  as  he  could  judge,  everything  around  bora 
an  accustomed  and  natural  aspect. 

Where,  then,  had  his  comrades  gone  ? 

Most  certainly  not  down  the  high-road.  Upon  that 
point  there  could  not  possibly  be  two  opinions,  tor  such 
was  its  length  that  they  had  not  had  sufficient  time  tc 
reach  the  bottom  even  if  they  had  urged  their  horses  to 
the  utmost  gallop,  which  was  an  unlikely  thing  for  them 
to  do,  in  consequence  of  the  precipitous  character  of  the 
descent. 

Neither  had  they  leaped  over  any  of  the  hedges,  for  the 
smooth  meadows  offered  no  concealment  whatever,  and 
had  they  done  so  Dick  must  infallibly  have  perceived 
them. 

The  longer  he  stood  on  the  brow  of  the  hill,  and  the 
more  he  comprehended  all  these  circumstances,  the  more 
did  his  wonder  increase. 

He  was  not  more  certain  of  his  own  existence  than  he 
was  that  he  had  seen  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen-String 
Jack  only  a  few  fleeting  moments  ago  occupying  the 
very  space  of  ground  on  which  he  now  stood. 

Now  the  keenest  and  most  piercing  eye  would 
altogether  have  failed  in  descrying  them  anywhere. 

There  were  uo  hiding-places  anywhere  near. 

Tho  smooth,  velvet-like  pasture-land  was  not  broken 
anywhere  by  so  much  as  a  furrow. 

They  were  not  concealed  behind  any  hedgerow,  foe 
these  were  all  unusually  low  and  bare  of  leaves,  so  that 
it  was  easy  to  see  completely  through  them. 

As  the  mystery  of  his  friends'  disappearance  increased, 
a  cold,  uncomfortable  feeling  spread  itself  all  over  Dick's 
frame,  and  he  felt  as  though  seine  icy  object  hat?  been 
placed  in  contact  with  his  heart. 

There  was  only  one  conclusion  that  be  could  adopt  that 
offered  anything  approaching  to  a  solution  of  this 
mysterious  affair,  and  that  conclusion  Dick  was  most  re- 
luctant to  adopt,  though,  in  a  manner  of  speaking,  he  was 
driven  to  it. 

The  beings  he  had  seen  upon  the  summit  of  the  hill 
were  not  oi  this  earth,  they  were  not  living  ereatarMtf 


H8  KIOOVT  •»  ru  «ua 


1488 


Iwh  and  blood  like  himself,  bat  ansubetantial  phan- 
toms. 

Had  they  not  been,  how  could  they  possibly  have  so 
completely  disappeared  iu  such  a  brief  space  of  time  ? 

CHAPTER   CMXVI. 

m     W7T1CH    DICK    FCTDS    HIS    PERILS     A2R>    PEEILEHTIE? 
INCREASING. 

Dick  Tobfqt  pufted  off  his  bat  and  wiptd  away  the  cold, 
death-like  drops  of  perspiration  that  had  gathered  there 
upon  his  brow. 

He  looked  around  him,  bat  he  saw  nothing  but  what 
served  to  make  him  feel  more  conclusively  than  ever  that 
be  had  met  with  a  supernatural  adventure. 

And  what  could  so  strange,  so  unparalleied  an  event 
portend  ? 

Was  it  the  precursor  of  danger  to  himself,  or  of  peril 
to  his  comrades  ? 

He  doubted  not  there  was  some  good  reason  why  he 
had  thus  so  suddenly  and  strangely  been  brought  face  to 
face  with  two  of  his  companions. 

But  what  the  reason  was  baffled  him  entirely. 

If  he  had  chosen  to  interpret  it  as  the  harbinger  of 
peril  to  himself  he  would  have  appeared  to  be  correct, 
for  now,  as  his  eyes  wandered  along  the  broad  level  high- 
road, he  caught  sight  of  a  body  of  police  officers,  who 
evidently  were  riding  forward  at  the  best  speed  they 
could  make. 

Dick  quitted  his  exposed  situation  at  once,  and  with 
all  his  faculties  aroused  by  this  fresh  danger  he  debated 
within  himself  which  would  be  the  best  course  for  him 
now  to  adopt. 

In  the  space  of  a  few  minutes  the  officers  would  arrive 
at  the  top  of  the  hill.  What,  then,  should  he  do  in  the 
meantime  ? 

Flight  was  out  of  the  question ;  he  felt  that  so  con- 
clusively that  he  abandoned  the  idea  almost  as  soon  as  it 
was  formed. 

With  such  a  miserable  horse  as  he  now  possessed,  the 
police  officers  would  have  no  trouble  in  overtaking  him, 
nor  would  he  have  the  least  chance  if  he  trusted  to  his 
own  fleetness  of  foot. 

He  could  think  of  no  other  course  that  offered  the 
slightest  chance  of  safety  save  that  of  endeavouring  to 
assume  with  what  perfection  he  could  the  character  he 
had  undertaken  to  play. 

Accordingly,  carefully  placing  his  hat  once  more  upon 
his  head,  he  took  his  seat  in  front  of  the  cart. 

Then  he  urged  his  horse  onward,  hoping  that  he  might 
pass  through  the  ranks  of  the  officers  without  danger. 

This,  however,  was  a  hope  scarcely  to  be  indulged 
In. 

The  disguise  had  already  served  him  well  on  many  oc- 
casions, but  then  that  was  during  the  night,  and  many 
things  vhich  pass  muster  in  an  artificial  light  would  ba 
instantly  detected  by  day. 

The  question  was,  then,  would  the  officers  look  so  par- 
ticularly at  him  or  take  so  much  notice  of  him  as  he 
drove  quietly  past  as  to  penetrate  his  disguise. 

He  could  only  trnst  not,  and  drive  quietly  on. 

This  course  he  carried  out,  hanging  his  head  down 
upon  his  breast  and  appearing  as  if  hall  asleep. 

Furtively,  however,  from  time  to  time  he  glanced  at 
the  officers,  who  were  now  very  close  at  hand  indeed,  but 
not  so  close  as  he  had  anticipated,  for  they  had  reduced 
their  speed. 

They  were  permitting  their  exhausted  horses  to  ascend 
the  hill  at  a  wulking  pace. 

The  officers  were  talking.  Dick  could  hear  their  voices 
floating  distinctly  on  the  still,  calm  morning  air. 

Another  moment  and  he  was  able  to  tell  the  orecise 
words  they  made  use  of. 

"  As  1  live,"  said  one  of  them,  "  it's  the  same  rascal ! 
I'll  swear  to  him  and  his  bru*"  on  four  lege  at  any 
minute." 

"  And  111  swear  to  the  cart,"  said  another. 

"  Curse  his  impudence,"  added  a  third.  u  I  firmly  be- 
lieve he  sent  us  out  of  our  way  on  purpose.  If  I  only  feli 
•ore  of  it  he  should  pay  dearly  for  the  act." 

"  Rely  upon  it  it  was  done  on  purpose,"  said  another. 
M  Tom  King  would  very  likely  throw  him  a  guinea  and 
Md  him  be  silent— *t  ahf  rate,  let  Oft  take  him  in  cus- 


H  Agreed — seize  him  at  one* — well  have  a  prisoner  of 
some  sort.  I  am  determined  not  to  havt  all  my  night's 
work  for  nothing !" 

It  was  the  police  officer  in  oosunend  who  spoke  :hese 
last  words 

Can  anyone  form  a  remote  idea  of  the  state  of  Dick 
Turpin's  mind  as  he  overheard  this  conversation  ? 

There  was  no  time  left  for  him  to  act  or  even  tc  think ; 
the  officers  were  now  close  upon  him,  and  several  of  them, 
spurring  their  horses,  dashed  forward,  and  in  a  moment 
surrounded  the  cart. 

One  and  all  drew  their  pistols,  presenting  them  full  at 
Dick's  head,  while  another  saved  him  the  trouble  of  stop- 
ping the  horse  by  seizing  hold  of  she.  bridle. 

The  cart  came  to  a  standstill. 

Dick  looked  up  in  well-affected  amazement. 

It  was  a  bold  thing  for  him  to  do,  but  he  did  it,  for  ho 
had  a  reason. 

The  officers  saw  his  face,  but  they  failed  to  recognise 
him. 

"  Surrender,"  they  cried — "  you  are  our  prisoner !" 

"P — p — p — prisoner?"  said  Dick,  stammeringly,  and 
pretending  to  tremble  with  fright. 

"  Yes ;  and  now  surrender !  If  you  reefejt,  yon  are  a 
dead  man!" 

Resistance  indeed  was  vain,  and  Dick  did  not  attempt 
it ;  but  with  a  wonderful  coolness  and  presence  of  mind 
he  continued  to  act  in  accordance  with  his  assumed 
character. 

"B- but,  gentlemen,"  he  said,  touching  his  hat  at 
every  word—"  gentlemen  all,  what  have  I  done  ?  I 
haven't  been  stealing." 

"  No,  you  have  not  been  stealing,"  was  the  answer ; 
"  but  you  recollect  as,  don't  you — you  remember  when 
you  saw  as  before  ?" 

"  Yes — yes ;  Captain  was  down." 

"  Yes ;  and  you  gave  us  false  information  as  to  the 
road  the  highwayman  took.  That's  felony,  and  you 
shall  be  punished  for  it !  Come  down  off  your  perch ; 
we'll  have  the  darbies  on  you  in  a  jiffey !" 

Dick  hesitated,  and  pretended  to  do  so  from  fright ; 
but  it  was  in  order  to  decide  upon  his  next  actions. 

Clearly  he  could  not  better  his  situation  by  remaining 
where  he  was;  and  therefore,  slowly  and  reluctantly, 
and  with  many  expressions  of  terror  and  shakes  of  the 
head,  he  clumsily  got  up,  and  as  clumsily  began  to  de- 
scend from  his  vehicle. 

But  the  officers  were  impatient,  and  seizing  him 
rudely,  pulled  him  down  into  the  road.  Then,  with 
great  expertness,  one  of  them  clapped  the  handcuffs  over 
his  wrists. 

So  suddenly  was  this  done,  that  even  Dick  was  taken 
at  unawares. 

He  had  not  quite  made  up  his  mind  whether  he  should 
submit  to  being  handcuffed  or  not. 

Now  it  was  too  late ;  his  wrists  were  fast 

The  officer  evidently  thought  he  had  performed  a  very 
clever,  dexterous  feat,  for  he  laughed  exultingly  as  he 
said: 

"  There,  now,  my  fine  fellow,  what  do  you  think  of 
that  ?     How  do  you  feel  now  ?" 

Dick  pretended  to  cry. 

"  Let  me  off,"  he  said — "  oh,  do  let  me  off,  and  I  will 
do  anything  you  like  I  I  did  tell  you  wrong,  I  know  I 
did;  but,  then,. I  was  afraid  I  should  have  my  brains 
blown  out !" 

"  Eh  ?  What  ?"  said  the  chief  officer,  at  this  moment 
"  Why  were  you  afraid  of  that  ?" 

"  Why — why,  sir,  if  you  please,"  said  Dick,  "  if  yoa 
will  only  let  me  off,  I  will  tell  yon  the  whole  truth." 

"Well,  well,  tell  it" 

"But  will  you  let  me  off  afterwards  ?"  ^ 

"  Silence !"  said  the  officer  who  stood  next  to  him, 
accompanying  the  words  with  such  a  thump,  that  Dick 
felt  as  though  all  the  breath  was  suddenly  jerked  out  of 
his  body — "  silence  I  What  do  yop  mean  by  speaking 
like  that  ?     Mind  your  manners." 

Dick  pretended  to  be  still  more  humble  and  contrite. 

"  I  am  very  sorry,  sir,"  he  said — "  very  sorry,  but  I  was 
mortally  frightened !" 

"  Who  by  ?    Why  don't  you  tell  all,  as  you  promised  t" 

"  Well,  so  I  will,  your  worship.    You  must  understand 

Iwhen  that  fellow  came  galloping  along,  be  saw  me  in  ah* 
cart  and  ha  polled  up  all  of  a  sadden  tiha." 


1494 


BLACK.    BBSS;    OH, 


"Yes,  yes." 

a  Then  he  swore  an  awful  oath,  and  he  said  that  the 
grabs  was  behind,  and  swore  again  that  if  I  so  much  as 
opened  my  mouth  to  say  which  way  he  had  gone,  be 
would  certainly  find  it  out,  and  blow  my  brain-,  out,  if  U 
was  a  year  to  come.  He  looked  at  me,  aud  said  he  should 
know  me  again." 

"  And  so,  on  those  grounds,  yon  gave  us  fpl*e  informa- 
tion, eh  ?"  said  the  police  oiflcer. 

"Yes,  yes,  I  have." 

"Well,  then,  my  fine  fellow,  you  ha>.e  boeu  clever 
enough  to  admit  your  guilt ;  and  let  me  tell  you  all  you 
have  just  said  will  be  used  against  you  in  evidence.  You 
heard  me  give  the  caution,  of  course  ?" 

"  Oh,  yes,  yes,"  said  the  officers,  fn  chorus,  though  ^H 
a  word  in  the  shape  of  caution  had  beer,  spoken. 

"  But  won't  «ou  let  me  off  ?"  said  Dick,  more  ruefully 
than  ever.  "  I  have  told  you  the  truth.  Why  don't  you 
let  me  off?" 

"We'll  let  von  off  this  far,"  said  the  officer,  with  a 
wink ;  "  Well  carry  you  straight  before  Squire  Bartlett, 
who  lives  near  at  nand,  aud  he  will  take  charge  of  you. 
We  would  take  you  with  us  to  London,  only  we  have 
more  important  matters  on  hand." 

Dick  turpin  put  in  a  wild,  incoherent,  terrified  appeal. 

It  produced  no  effect  whatever  upon  the  officers. 

They  were,  indeed,  without  exception,  quite  rejoiced  to 
think  tbat  they  had  succeeded  in  making  a  prisoner  of 
some  sort  or  other.  It  consoled  them,  in  a  very  great 
measure,  for  the  disappointment  they  had  experienced 
throughout  the  night. 


CHAPTER  CMXVII. 

DICK  TURPIN  IS  CARRIED  BEFORE  SQUIRE  BARTLETT,  AND 

COMMITTED. 

Even  in  such  a  perilous  and  trying  position  as  this,  Dick 
was  able  to  find  some  slight  amount  of  consolation, 
although  it  was  so  slight  that  probably  anyone  else  wo*»ld 
have  passed  it  over  altogether. 

But  he  had  heard  the  officers  express  their  intention  of 
not  taking  bim  to  London,  but  simply  of  conducting  him 
before  some  country  justice  of  the  peace. 

He  was  very  careful,  however,  not  to  allow  any  signs  of 
the  satisfaction  this  afforded  him  to  appear  in  his  coun- 
tenance, lest  this  should  arouse  the  now  dormant  sus- 
picions of  his  captors. 

Indeed,  'ie  was  not  a  little  amazed  himself  to  discover 
that  his  disguise  stood  such  close  scrutiny. 

He  had  not  dared  to  hope  that  the  result  would  prove 
so  favourable.  On  the  contrary,  he  had  made  up  his 
mind  that  his  detection  would  follow  as  a  matter  of 
course. 

The  chief  reason,  however,  why  he  was  not  recognised 
consisted  in  the  fact  that  the  officers'  minds  were  fully 
impressed  with  the  idea  that  he  was  a  carter  and  no- 
thing else. 

They  had  seen  him  on  a  preceding  occasion  going 
towards  London,  aud  now  they  met  him  returning,  and 
to  all  appearance  quite  unconcerned. 

That  this  could  be  Dick  Turpin  was  an  idea  su  mon- 
strous and  extravagant  that  it  nevor  for  one  moment 
crossed  their  minds;  indeed,  it  may  be  safely  said  it 
would  b«  the  very  last  thing  they  would  think  of. 

And  so,  as  it  never  occurred  to  them  to  suspect  that 
the  carter  was  not  what  he  professed  to  be,  Dick  stood 
in  slight  danger  of  discovery  now. 

The  only  thing  that  would  betray  him  would  be  *Dy 
forgetfulness  or  oversight  on  his  part. 

If  for  one  moment  he  spoke  in  his  own  natural  Toioe, 
detection  would  follow. 

In  a  matter  of  this  kind,  however,  Dick  was  not  likely 
o  be  careless;  and,  moreover,  the  character  he  was 
playing  was  th»  one  of  all  others  which  he  could  sustain 
with  the  best  abffliy,  for  during  bis  early  life  he  bad 
lived  far  in  the  country,  and  had  had  daily  opportunities 
of  noting  the  peculiarities  of  thj  labouring  man 

Accordingly,  although  the  eyes  of  so  many  of  hia 
enemies  were  directed  upon  him,  Dick  Turpin  was  uh- 
known* 

The  residence  of  the  squire  they  had  mentioned  was 
very  close  at  hand — indeed,  almost  in  eight  of  where 
(key  stood,  and  towards  it  they  now  ioa<L*  thai*  way. 


The  horse  and  cart  were  also  valiantly  taken  prissnett 
and  led  along  towards  the  justice's. 

Many  were  the  jokes  made  and  laughs  raised  at  Dick's 
expense,  but  he  showed  no  signs  of  merriment  or  resent- 
ment  on  his  countenance. 

He  kept  up  a  perpetual  appeal  to  be  lei  off,  alleging 
various  reasons  for  not  being  brought  before  the  squire. 

To  all  of  these  the  officers  turned  a  deaf  ear,  though 
they  served  them  as  materials  for  sport. 

At  length,  breasting  the  hill,  Dick  looked  around,  and 
perceived  a  large,  substantially-built  white  mansion, 
situated  very  pleasantly  upon  the  declivity  of  the  hill. 

This  he  doubted  not  was  the  residence  of  Squire  Bart* 
lett,  and  he  shortly  after  found  that  his  conjecture  was 
quite  correct. 

Although  the  hour  was  such  an  early  on^,  min  wreaths 
of  smoke  could  be  seen  curling  from  some  of  the  chim- 
neys, and  the  officers  noted  this  with  great  satisfaction. 

As  the  distance  was  not  great,  and  all  the  way  down- 
hill, it  was  soon  performed. 

They  clamoured  loudly  at  the  lodge  gates,  and  were 
admitted. 

While  the  little  procession  made  its  way  up  the  wiud- 
uig  avenue  leading  to  the  house,  Dick's  reflections  were 
Dy  no  means  of  a  pleasant  character. 

He  was  as  yet  not  very  far  from  London,  and  it  was 
quite  possible  that  this  country  justice  might  by  his 
inquiries  find  out  that  he  was  only  disguised,  or  he 
might  be  clever  enough  to  recognise  him. 

At  any  rate,  Dick  felt  that  he  had  an  ordeal  of  no  tri- 
fling kind  to  pass  through. 

But  he  endeavoured  to  nerve  himself  for  it  as  best  he 
could. 

The  officers  made  their  way  round  to  the  back  of  the 
house,  and,  after  muoh  knocking,  were  admitted  into  a 
kind  of  court-yard. 

Here  they  alighted  from  their  steeds,  and  a  few  servants, 
who  were  up  at  that  early  hour,  issued  from  various  doors, 
all  filled  with  curiosity  to  know  the  meaning  of  this 
strange  arrival. 

"Is  his  worship  here?"  asked  the  officer  in  com- 
mand. 

"  Yes,"  replied  the  servant  he  addressed. 

u  Then  tell  him  he's  wanted  immediately." 

"I  can't." 

"Why  not?" 

"  He's  in  bed  n 

"  Weh,  wake  b;m.* 

"  It's  more  than  my  lead  e  worth,  or  yours  e\ther." 

"Pooh,  pooh — nonsense — nothing  of  the  kind  1"  said 
the  officer.  "  We  have  a  prisoner  of  great  importance, 
and  it  is  necessary  that  he  should  be  examined  without 
delay,  so  call  his  worship  up  at  once  I  Say  I  am  here— 
Davis,  the  police  officer  from  London." 

At  this  moment  one  of  the  upper  windows  was  thrown 
opon  with  great  violence,  and  a  nightcapped  bead  ap- 
peared. 

"  On,  law  1"  exclaimed  the  servant — "  there's  his 
worship  !     Now  there'll  be  a  row  I" 

"  Hallo — hallo  1"  said  the  justice,  in  very  gruff,  choleric 
tones — "  what's  the  meaning  of  this  infernal  row  at  this 
hour  in  the  morning  ?  I'll  have  you  all  committed  to 
prison  1     Be  off — be  off  at  once  !" 

"  Your  worship,"  said  the  officer  in  command,  taking 
off  his  hat,  and  speaking  with  great  respect,  "  I  am  very 
sorry  to  disturb  you,  but  1  havw  a  prisoner  here  of  very 
great  importance  indeed,  and  I  want  you  to  order  him 
into  safe  custody." 

"  Oan  t,  tl  en  f    You  must  wait  till  twelve  o'clock  lH 

•'But  it V  impossible,  jour  worship!"  said  the  ponce 
officer  "  We  are  in  pursuit  of  Tom  King  and  we  charge 
this  man  here  with  beii.g  his  accomplice,  tor  he  gave  us 
false  informat'  >a  during  the  night." 

"  Tom  King,  lid  yo-.  say  ?"  said  the  justice. 

"  Yes,  the  not  niouc  highwayman  1" 

"  Catch  him,  then—  atch  him  1  I'll  add  fifty  pounds  to 
the  reward  mysi-H  !  O — n  the  fellow's  impudence — he 
robbed  a  sister  ot  mint,  in  a  stage-coach  some  time  ago  1 
Wait  a  minute,  and  1  will  be  with  you.  Go  into  the 
justicing-room." 

Ths  squire,  now  all  aiire,  withd1-**  nimself  from  the 
window,  and  the  servants,  having  neard  his  words,  ne 
longer  scrupled  to  show  the  officers  Um  way  to  Mm 
jusSoinp-'oom 


TOT   KHiQHT   07  XH»   UOAD. 


1*95 


This  was  a  large  empty  apartment  on  the  ground  floor 
af  the  mansion,  that  had  about  as  cheerless  a  look  as  any 
room  well  could. 

A  rude  table  was  placed  on  a  raised  platform  at  one 
»nd   and  above  t>*t  was  a  large  arm-chair. 

Koine  liUlo  delay  took  place;  but  by  the  time  the 
officers  had  settled  themselves  in  this  apartment,  the 
magistrate,  with  his  nightcap  on,  aud  wrapped  up  n  * 
dressing-gown  of  an  alarming  pattern,  stalked  m,  acd 
took  his  seat  in  the  arm-chair  already  mentioned. 

"  Where  is  this  fellow  ?"  he  said.  "  Ok,  there  kis  U I 
Why,  I  can  see  what  he's  capable  of  with  half  an  eye. 
Wheie's  my  clerk  ?  Not  here,  of  «3ourse.  I'll  discrtrge 
him.    Mr.  Officer !" 

"  Yea,  your  worship." 

"  I'll  commit  him — I'll  commfS  him  at  once.  Ill  write 
out  the  committal  now,  and  you  can  have  him  locked  up 
in  the  cage  and  kept  safe." 

"But — but,"  6aid  Dick,  playing  hie  part  still  with  ad- 
miration— "but — but,  your  worship,  I  told  him  the  truth, 
all  about  it,  and  ho  said " 

"  Silence,  you  ruffian  !"  bawled  the  justioe.  "  How  dare 
you  interrupt  the  proceedings  in  the  court  ?  WLat's  your 
villaDous" name .'     Speak  the  truth,  now!" 

"  What's  your  name  ?"  said  the  officer  who  stood  nearest 
to  Dick,  and  who,  while  he  spoke.  >rave  him  a  tremondous 
smack  on  hi9  back.  "  Why  don't  you  speak  when  his  wor- 
ship speaks  to  you?" 

Disk's  fingers  instinctively  curled  up,  and  he  felt  the 
greatest  disposition  in  the  world  to  knock  the  officer 
down. 

But  with  a  great  effort  he  controlled  this  impulse,  and 
after  much  stammering  and,  stuttering,  said  : 

"  John." 

"John — John,"  said  tho  magistrate — "of  course  his 
name's  John,  and  Smith's  his  other  name,  or  if  it  isn't 
it'll  do  as  well  as  any.  There  you  are.  Lock  him  up ; 
d — u  him,  it's  like  his  impudence  to  fetch  a  justice  out  of 
bed  at  this  hour  in  the  morning,  when  thore  are  no 
fires  alight,  and  disturbing  his  rest.  But  wait  till  the 
rascal  comes  before  me  again — I'll  let  him  know  what's 
what!" 

And  with  this  vague  threat  the  magistrate  put  a  paper 
into  the  officer's  hand,  upon  which  was  scrawled  some 
words  that  would  have  puzzled  a  lawyer  to  decipher,  aud 
haviug  done  so,  he  made  his  retreat  in  a  very  hasty  and 
undignified  manner. 

Dick  was  perfectly  amazed  at  the  manner  in  which  the 
proceedings  were  carried  on,  and  wondered  whether  that 
was  the  way  in  which  the  squire  generally  meted  out 
justice. 

He  was  not  allowed  much  opportunity  for  speculating 
on  this  or  any  other  topic,  for  the  officers  proceeded  to 
hustle  him  off. 

" What  are  you  going  to  do?  Where  are  you  going 
to  take  me  ?  Didn*t  I  promise  to  tell  you  the  truth,  aud 
haven't  I  done  bo?" 

"Oh,  6top  your  row  !"  said  the  chief  officer — "  we  have 
wasted  too  much  time  already.  Come  on — you  will  soon 
know  what  \   "-intend  to  do  with  you." 


CHAPTER  CMXVlII. 

WCfc    "VURPrN    IS    Hn.SDED  OVER  TO  THE   CUSTODY    OF   TUB 
PARISH   CONSTABLE   AND    HIS   ASSISTANT. 

With  .vVse  words,  the  police  officer  very  unceio...oinously 
bundled  Dick  out  of  the  justicing-roorn,  and,  after  tra- 
versing several  other  apartments  and  a  corridor,  reached 
at  length  the  yard,  where  the  horses  were  waiting. 

By  the  directions  of  their  chief,  the  officers  mounted-- 
all  6ave  two,  who  placed  themselves  on  each  side  of  the 
prisoner. 

In  this  manner  they  commenced  their  march,  Dick 
wondering  to  what  sort  of  a  place  of  confinemen'  they 
would  consign  him. 

He  was  not  kept  very  long  in  doubt,  for,  going  down  a 
narrow,  winding  lane  that  6kirted  a  large  and  dense  pre- 
serve, they  came  ail  at  once  upon  a  s!oepy-!ooking  little 
village  that  was  entirely  shut  in  from  observation  on  one 
eide  by  the  sloping  hill,  and  on  the  other  by  the  preserve 
jast  mentioned. 

0«  that  clear,  sunshiny   morning,    however,    almost 


every  place  looked  beautiful,  and  in  particular  this  little 
village  looked  charming. 

Early  as  was  the  hour,  the  inhabitants  were  or  the 
most  port  astir,  and  the  unusual  fact  of  the  appro*  4  of  a 
body  of  norsemen  quickly  became  known,  so  that  by  the 
time  the  first  house  in  the  village  was  reached  quite  a 
large  crowd  had  assembled  to  greet  them.      j 

All  looked  inquiringly  upon  the  officers  and  their  pri- 
soner, but  did  not  venture  to  make  any  remark.  * 

The  chief  officer,  however,  in  a  loud  voice  called  out 
fof  the  parish  constable,  and  as  soon  as  the  words  were 
prufiouaoed  a  little  fut  man  came  bustling  through  the 
crowd,  and  rummaging  with  his  hand  in  one  of  his  coat 
pockets  as  he  did  so. 

The  reason  for  this  quickly  became  apparent,  for,  with- 
drawing his  hand,  he  produced  a  little  black  staff  about 
eight  inches  in  length,  with  a  gilt  crown  on  the  top  of  it, 
which  was  the  badge  of  his  authority  ar.d  office. 

"Here  I  am,"  he  said — "here  i  am,  at  your  ser- 
vice." 

"We  have  a  prisoner  here,"  said  the  chief  officer, 
"  who  has  been  duly  committed  by  the  squire,  and  he 
must  be  looked  after  with  particular  care  and  attention. 
We  give  him  into  your  charge." 

"  All  right,"  said  the  constable,  with  a  pompous  air 
—"all  right!  I  will  take  care  of  him,  never  fear.  But 
what  a  desperate-looking  character  he  is  I" 

"  Yes— you  had  better  be  careful.  Shall  you  take  him 
single-handed  ?" 

"  No,  no — not  if  I  know  it !"  cried  the  constable,  and, 
as  he  spoke,  he  faced  round  and  continued:  "Simon — 
Simon,  you  rascal,  where  have  you  got  to  this  blessed 
morning?  Siraou,  1  say!  Curse  you,  you  are  always 
out  of  the  way  when  you're  wanted !" 

These  words  caused  a  rather  singular-looking  indi- 
vidual to  thrust  himself  prominently  forward. 

It  was  no  other  than  the  parish  constable's  factotum 
and  general  assistant— a  tall,  loose-jointed  fellow,  neither 
a  man  nor  a  boy,  with  a  vacant,  silly  expression  on  nis 
face,  and  a  tremendous  shock  of  uncombed  bair. 

But  although  his  appearance  did  not  give  him  credit 
for  it,  yet  he  was,  nevertheless,  possessed  of  a  very  un- 
usual amouut  of  strength,  and  therefore  the  parish  con- 
stable was  always  anxious  to  have  hiiu  at  hand  when  it 
was  necessary  to  make  any  capture. 

Dick  was  now  pushed  "forward  by  the  police  officers, 
and  given  into  the  charge  of  the  constable  and  Simon. 

Little  did  they  think,  as  they  performed  this  act,  how 
great  a  prize  they  were  allowing  to  slip  out  of  their 
fingers. 

"  Now,"  said  the  one  in  command,  "  Mr.  Constable, 
bear  in  mind  that  we  have  delivered  him  to  you  6a:a 
and  sound,  and  you  will  be  answerable  for  his  re-a^- 
pearauce  at  the  proper  moment.  Forward,  my  lads!" 
he  added  —  "  we  are  not  yet  too  late  to  continue  our 
pursuit." 

With  these  words,  the  officers  departed,  in  order  to 
continue  their  search  for  Tom  King,  leaving  a  much 
more  valuable  prize  behind,  and,  as  one  might  almost 
say,  unguarded. 

Dick  watched  the  departure  of  the  police  officers  with 
anxious  eyes. 

He  could  scarcely  bring  himself  to  believe  in  the 
occurrences  of  the  "last  hour. 

Indeed,  from  the  time  when  he  had  seen  his  two  com- 
rades so  suddenly  and  mysteriously  appear  upon  tin 
summit  of  the  hill,  he  had  appeared  to  be  iu  a  dream. 

"Now  then,  you  low-lived,  ill-brought-up-lookinp 
wretch,*'  said  the  constable,  addressing  his  prisoner 
"what  are  you  staring  for  like  that?  Come  along 
cau't  you  ?     Oh,  you  won't  ?     Then  take  that !" 

i*i  *,  it  must  not  be  understood,  from  any  portion  of 
this  speech,  that  Dick  iu  any  way  refused  to  comply  with 
tho  sonstable's  injunctions;  but  that  functionary  wished 
to  make  some  display  of  his  power;  so,  when  he  bade 
Di*k  take  that,  he  struck  him  a  sharp  Wow  with  the 
crown  of  his  staff. 

Dick  fel»  the  greatest  inclination  to  knock  the  fellow 
down,  but  it  was  not  his  policy  to  maintain  too  aggressive 
an  attitude  against  this  man,  for  already  the  highwaymat 
had  decided  upon  the  course  of  action  he  should  adopt. 

But  he  could  not  resist  suddenly  snatching  the  little 
staff  out  of  the  constable's  hand  and  throwing  it  to  some 
distance,  although  the  feat  was  rendered  difficult  bon 


*u»C*   BUI ;    OX, 


.<•*»    feet    that    the   h««;dcuffs   w«r,     still     about   his 

vrt«ta. 

The  Cuusrable  stood  white  and  shaking  with  rage  at 
Mi«  commission  of  so  dreadful  an  act. 

To  his  mind,  it  wab  little  short  of  sacrilege. 

The  staff,  after  describing  many  eccentrio  curve*  in 
ihe  air,  Fell  at  last  in  the  middle  of  a  huge,  slime- 
covered  pond,  and  was  Immediately  lost  to  riew. 

°  Murder !"  gasped  the  constable.  "  Seize  him,  Simon  ! 
Hold  him — hold  him  tight !  The  world  is  coming  to  an 
end !  He  has  insulted  the  King  through  me,  his 
Majesty's  unworthy  representative!" 

•'  Yes,  decidedly  unworthy,"  said  Dick,  at  which 
words  there  was  a  general  laugh  among  the  villagers 
assembled. 

"Bring  him  along,  Simon '"  roared  the  constable,  as 
soon  as  he  could  make  himself  heard — "  bring  him  along — 
1  will  not  dally  another  moment !" 

"Now,  look  here,  Simon,"  6aid  Dick — "just  say  which 
way  you  want  me  to  go,  and  I  will  obey  ;  but  don't  you 
try  to  haul  me  along,  or  you  will  find  you  have  an  ugly 
customer  to  deal  with." 

Simon  fully  appreciated  the  force  of  these  remarks,  so 
he  made  a  sign  for  Dick  to  follow. 

The  trio  then  marched  along  up  the  village  street,  the 
people  following  and  pressing  round,  and  the  constable 
giving  vent  to  such  vague  threats  as — 

"  I'll  make  it  hot  for  you,  my  flue  fellow — I'll  let  you 
know  the  consequences  of  insulting  me!  The  institu- 
tions of  this  country  are  not  to  be  overturned  by  a 
scoundrel  like  you!  But  you  shall  suffer  for  it ;  you 
shall  know  what  it  is  to  be  a  day  and  a  night  in  my 
charge !" 

To  these  speeches  Dick  paid  not  the  least  atten- 
tion. 

He  heard  them,  it  is  true,  but  his  mind  was  busy  with 
other  matters. 

Chiefly  he  was  curious  to  know  where  his  captors  were 
going  to  lead  him,  and  he  looked  piercingly  in  advance, 
hoping  to  catch  an  early  sight  of  his  destination. 

From  the  constable  and  the  other  people  of  the  village 
Dick  felt  he  had  little  to  fear  in  the  way  of  recognition, 
although  be  made  up  his  mind  not  to  relax  his  caution  to 
too  great,  an  extent. 

To  his  surprise,  the  long,  straggling  street  of  the 
village  was  quite  passed  through  ;  and  as  he  looked  along 
the  road  before  him,  he  could  perceive  only  one  building, 
and  that  looked  more  like  a  huge  summer-bouee  than 
aught  else. 

About  a  hundred  yards  or  so  beyond  this  was  a  toll-bar. 

Zi  quickly  became  apparent  that  this  summer-house- 
looking  building  was  the  destination  of  the  constable; 
and  on  drawing  closer  to  it,  Dick  perceived  it  was  the 
village  cage,  or  round-house,  where  offenders  against  the 
laws  were  temporarily  confined. 

Dick's  lips  curled  in  derision  when  he  found  he  was 
about  to  be  committed  to  such  a  place. 

Although  handcuffed,  he  felt  there  would  be  little  diffi- 
culty in  forcing  his  way  out  of  it. 

By  the  instructions  of  the  constable,  Simon  drew  forth 
■i  huge  bunch  of  keys,  and,  selecting  one  key  larger  than 
i  lie  rest,  he  opened  the  door  of  the  round-house. 

"  The  blunderbuss,''  he  said — "  bring  out  the  btunder- 
hnss!" 

At  these  words  there  was  a  general  retrogressive  move- 
ment on  the  part  of  the  crowd. 

Simon  entered  tho  little  building,  and  quickly  appeared 
ivith  the  weapon  in  question. 

It  was  ft  huge,  clumsy  looking  affair,  and  seemed  as 
'hough  it  had  bten  ru.uv  factured  ages  ago  by  some  in- 
nate of  the  village. 

The  barrel  was,  as  usual,  of  brass,  but  the  bore  was 
suggestive  of  that  of  a  cannon,  while  the  bell-shaped 
mouth  was  as  large  as  an  ordinary  Imsin. 

Dick  looked  with  ai.-irm  at  this  instrument  of  destruc- 
tion— not  th-it  he  feared  much  fr^n  being  fired  at  with  it, 
but  from  his  idea  of  the  awful  consequences  that  mast 
ensue  to  the  person  who  was  foolhardy  enough  to  pull 
cho  trigger. 

"Is  it  loaded,  Simon  ?"  said  the  constable, 

"  Tea,  sir,  it  is  loaded.     I  loaded  it  yesterday." 

"  Well,  then.  ]ust  put  these  in  additional,  will 
von  ?" 

And  as  bi  fcpoke,  the  constable  pulled  out  of  his  pocket 


a  handful  of  nails,  which  he  poured  at  onoe  into  tha 
capacious  mouth  of  the  blunderbuss. 

They  were  then  rammed  tightly  down,  and  the  cos- 
stable,  continuing  his  instructions,  said : 

"  Push  him  inside,  Simon,  and  shut  the  door.  Then  sit 
down  here  on  the  edge  of  the  stocks,  and  keep  watch.  If 
he  attempts  to  escape — mark  you,  if  he  only  attempts— < 
don't  wait  for  orders  to  blaze  away  !" 


CHAPTER   CMXIX. 

DICK  TDTtFtN  IS  8ECURELT  LODGED  m  THE  VILLAGE  CASK, 
.AST>  SIMON  KEEPS  GOOD  GUARD  WITH  WIE  BLUNDEX- 
BUSS. 

Simon  handled  the  blunderbuss  very  carefully,  and  be- 
fore venturing  to  carry  into  execution  that  portion  of  the 
constable's  command  which  related  to  pushing  the  pri- 
soner into  tho  round-house  and  locking  the  door,  he 
lodged  the  clumsy,  awe-inspiring  firearm  against  one  of 
the  upright  posts  of  the  stocks  which  were  placed  facing 
the  road  and  a  little  on  one  side  of  the  cage. 

"  Understand,"  said  Dick  again,  when  Simo»  came  to- 
wards him,  "  I  will  not  suffer  myself  to  be  handled  by 
anyone  !     If  you  want  me  to  go  inside,  just  say  so." 

Simon  stood  aside,  and  waved  his  hand. 

"  In  with  him,"  shouted  the  constable — "in  with  him  f 
Why  don't  you  bundle  him  in,  you  lazy  varlet  ?  Do  you 
think  I  want  to  stand  here  all  the  morning?" 

"  I  am  going,  Mr.  Constable,"  said  Dick — "  I  am  going. 
But  surely  you  are  not  in  earnest  in  telling  Simon  to  fire 
off  that  blunderbuss  ?" 

"  In  earnest?"  repeated  the  constable.  "Of  course  I'm 
in  earnest !     What  else  should  I  be,  let  me  ask  you  ?" 

"  Well,  then,  if  Simon  b*s  any  respect  for  hia  Hfe  he 
won't  do  it.  I'd  lay  a  wager  that  the  moment  the  trigger 
is  pulled  it  will  burst,  and  be  blown  into  a  thousand 
pieces." 

"Pooh,  pooh — that  s  no  business  of  yours!  In  with 
him,  Simon — ifc  with  him,  I  say !" 

Dick  walked  quietly  to  the  door  of  the  round-house,  tor 
he  did  not  want  to  draw  down  upon  himself  any  more  of 
the  public  attention  than  he  could  possibly  avoid. 

It  was  plain,  however,  to  see  that  his  words  had  pro- 
duced some  impression  upon  Simon,  for  that  individual 
eyed  the  blunderbuss  apparently  with  anything  but 
comfortable  feelings. 

No  sooner  had  Dick  crossed  the  threshold  than  the 
door  was  slammed  shut  and  the  key  turned  in  the 
lock. 

At  first  he  could  scarcely  make  out  what  kind  of 
place  he  was  in,  owing  to  the  semi-darkness. 

But  his  nose  was  assailed  by  a  most  powerful  an.i 
disagreeable  odour,  showing  that  the  constable  and  his 
assistant  were  by  no  means  careful  to  keep  the  cage  as 
clean  as  it  might  be. 

Indeed  Dick's  whole  attention  when  he  first  entered 
this  place  was  occupied  in  listening  to  what  was  said 
outside. 

"  Don't  you  mind  what  that  fellow  says  about  the 
blunderbuss,"  cried  the  constable  ;  "  it's  all  right.  He 
only  said  that  to  frighten  you.  He's  a  desperate  character. 
There's  only  half  an  ounce  of  powder  in  it,  and  a  quarter 
ot  a  pound  of  duck  6hot.  And,  mark  you,  if  he  tries  tu 
get  outf  you  pull  the  trigger,  and  never  mind  the  conse- 
quences ;  but  if  he  does  escape,  I'll  have  you  taken  up 
before  his  worship,  and  you  shall  be  transported." 

This  threat  appeared  to  produce  a  eonsadorable  effect 
upon  Simon. 

There  were  some  chinks  in  tne  woodwork  of  which 
the  cage  was  composed,  and  Dick  had  found  one  of 
them,  to  which  he  applied  his  eye. 

He  could  obtain  a  partial  view  ol  wIvm  was  eoing  on 
outside. 

He  saw  Simon  wilk  slowly  towards  the  stocks,  with 
something  of  the  ah  of  s  man  wbo  is  walking  to  hi* 
execution. 

Then  he  beheld  him  pick  up  trvt-  ohuiderbues.  soat 
himself  on  a  portion  of  the  woodoa  frame,  aad  tbow 
remain  on  guard. 

"Don't  you  move,"  said  the  constable — "don't  y©» 
move,  on  any  account,  until  I  come  hack  te  you  xxA 
give  you  leave." 


Vat  bright  or  the  boas. 


[DICK  TUnriN  LOO  IS  SIMON   AND   THE  BEADLE   tN   THE  CAGE.] 


Simon  did  Dot  make  any  verbal  reply,  but  sat  still, 
Itoo'sing  very  stupid  and  foolish. 

"Do  you  hear  what  I  say  ?"  roared  tho  constable,  for 
his  temper  had  been  greatly  tried  tha*  morning. 

"  Yes,  I  can  hear  right  enough." 

■  Well,  then,  why  don't  you  say  so  ?" 

Simon  was  again  silent. 

"Understand  distinctly,"  continued  tLo  constable,  ur- 
posely  raising  his  voice  that  it  might  reach  the  ears  of  the 
prisoner  within  the  cage,  "if  he  so  much  us  show  the 
tip  of  his  nose  in  the  attempt  to  escape,  shoot  him  d  own 
like  you  would  a  crow." 

"But — but "  said  Simon,  hesitatingly. 

"But  what?" 

"Suppose  I  killed  him  ?" 

"  Well,  then  he  will  bo  a  good  riddance — that's  aH  I  u 
ar." 

"  But  sha'n't  I  be  had  up  for  it?" 

Ho.  188.— Black  Bxsb, 


lay. 


"  No — certainly  not.  Tou  have  my  authority.  Be'* 
been  duly  warned  ©f  the  consequences,  and  if  he  attempt*! 
to  escape,  why,  the  consequences  will  be  on  his  own 
head.  I'm  off  now,"  the  aonstable  added;  "and  mind 
that  you  keep  a  good  guard  during  my  absence." 

With  these  words,  the  constable  turned  round  and 
marched  away. 

Several  of  the  villagers  accompanied  him,  of  course 
anxious  to  draw  him  into  conversation  respecting  tho 
events  of  the  morning. 

Others  less  atfxious  in  this  respect,  but  more  so  in 
another,  lingered  around  the  cage,  looking  at  Simon  with 
admiring  eyes,  but  keeping  a  safe  distance  from  tha 
blunderbuss,  the  effects  of  an  explosion  of  which  they 
justly  dreaded. 

At  last,  however,  these  villagers,  one  by  one,  dis- 
persed ;  there  did  not  seem  to  be  one  thorough  idfesi 
fcmong  the  group— all  had  their  work  to  do. 


ISO.  1S3. 


Price  One  Halfpenny 
No,  IS9  will  be  Published  next  Monday, 


i4*% 


BLACK    BESS:    OH. 


And  so  in  a  short  time  they  took  their  departure,  and 
Simon  was  left  alone. 

lie  watched  the  last  until  he  had  disappeared  from 
sight;  then,  with  an  audible  sigh,  h  placed  the  blunder- 
butts  carefully  against  the  upright  post  of  the  stocks,  and 
assumed  a  very  hopeless,  dejected  attitude. 

It  was  clear  that  ho  was  by  no  means  pleased  with  his 
duty  ;  but  ho  had  no  means  of  escape  from  it. 

Dick  continued  to  watch  him  through  the  crevice  for 
several  moments,  and  then,  turning  round,  ho  gazed 
about  him,  anxious  to  make  himself  acquainted  with  his 
prison^ 

The  interior  of  the  round-house  was  now  much  more 
clearly  discernible  than  when  ho  first  entered  it,  for  his 
eyes  had  accustomed  themselves  to  the  very  small  amount 
of  light  which  crept  in. 

Nothing  more  cheerless,  desolate,  and  disgusting  could 
be  imagined. 

The  village  pound  was  not  in  a  worse  condition,  and 
that  was  saying  a  good  deal. 

There  was  no  seat  in  the  place,  and  nothing  that  would 
servo  as  one. 

The  walls,  though  not  very  stout  nv*  strong,  were, 
nevertheless,  smooth. 

The  top  was  formed  merely  of  thatch,  so  that,  but  for 
the  presence  of  Simon  and  the  blunderbuss  outside,  it 
would  have  been  no  difficult  matter  to  escape. 

This  last  word  was  continually  before  his  mind,  and, 
having  made  himself  as  familiar  as  he  wished  to  be  with 
the  inside  of  the  round-house,  he  turned  his  back  to  the 
wall.  Selecting  the  cleanest  place  he  could  find,  and  leaning 
against  it,  ho  supported  himself  by  driving  his  heels 
into  the  thiok  clayey  mud  which  formed  the  floor- 
ing. 

Hero  he  gave  himself  up  to  thought,  wondering  which 
would  b    the  best  means  of  achieving  his  freedom. 

After  all,  he  thought  Biiuon  was  not  a  man  to  be 
particularly  dreaded. 

"'here  would  be  a  risk  in  attempting  to  break  forth,  but 
..  ct  Dick  Turpin  thought  it  might  be  run  successfully. 
Ten  to  one  if  the  fellow  would  have  the  courage  or 
presence  of  mind  to  discharge  the  blunderbuss  at  the  right 
icoment,  or,  if  ho  did,  it  would  be  without  an  aim. 

But  another  consideration  suggested  itself,  which  made 
Dick  quite  unwilling  to  run  this  risk. 

The  blunderbuss  would  certainly  bo  fired,  and  if  he 
should  be  so  fortunate  as  to  escape  any  injury  from  the 
various  missiles  it  contained,  the  explosion,  nevertheless, 
would  resound  far  and  wide  through  the  still,  quiet  air, 
and  spread  an  immediate  alarm. 

Before  he  should  be  able  to  get  to  any  great  distance 
there  was  a  strong  probability  of  his  being  overtaken  and 
recaptured. 

"No,"  said  Dick,  after  debating  the  subject  at  great 
length — "no,  I  will  not  run  tho  risk  just  at  present.  I 
will  wait.  Perhaps  fortune  will  favour  me  —  who 
knows  ?" 

Dick's  resolution  was  to  stay  till  nightfall,  which 
certainly  would  afford  him  a  better  chance  of  making  his 
escape,  though  there  was  the  fear  that  he  might  not  be 
allowed  to  remain  so  long  in  his  present  quarters. 

That  was  a  chance,  and  a  chance  he  resolved  it  should 
remain. 

And  now,  in  the  silence  and  solitude  of  this  place,  he 
began  for  tho  first  time  to  give  himself  up  to  a  little  calm 
reflection. 

Instantaneously  his  thoughts  travelled  back  to  the  time 
when  that  singular  incident  had  befallen  him  at  the 
summit  of  the  hill. 

The  more  he  pondered  upon  this,  the  more  at  a  loss  he 
felt  to  comprehend  it. 

The  most  reasonable  conclusion  he  could  come  to  wps 
what  he  had  seen  was  a  delusion  of  the  senses  merely; 
but,  then,  the  forms  of  his  two  comrades  looked  so 
palpable  and  plain  that  he  could  scarcely  reconcile  him- 
self to  this  belief. 

And  so,  with  his  mind  in  a  *,„ate  of  great  uneasiness 
and  alarm,  Dick  slowly  passed  the  day. 

About  noon  the  constable  made  his  appearance,  bring- 
ing with  him  some  dinuer  for  Simon. 

Then  Dick  learned  that  Squire  Bartleti  was  unablo  to 
atiend  to  his  magisterial  functions  that  day,  in  conse- 
quence of  a  hunting  appointment  he  had  with  several 
6'jitleinen  in  the  neighbourhood 


Dick  heard  this  intelligence  with  tho  greatest  satieiaa- 
tion. 

"  Are  you  sure  he's  all  right  ?"  asked  the  oonstable. 
"  Well,  I  think  ho  is,"  said  Simon.  "  But  since  the  door 
was  closed,  I  have  not  heard  him  move." 

"  That's  only  his  artfulness,"  said  the  constable.  "  I've 
had  some  experience  with  mca  of  his  stamp,  and  know 
how  to  deal  with  them.  He  wants  taming  a  little,  and  I 
calculate  hunger  will  do  it." 

A't-or  a  few  more  words,  the  constable  took  his 
departure,  and  Simon  was  once  more  left  alone. 

Dick  had  now  decided  upon  the  pursuit  of  a  definite 
course  of  action,  which  he  hoped  would  result  in  his 
perfect,  freedom. 

Whether  it  wouhJ  do  so  or  not  depended  upon  various 
contingencies  ;  but  ho  hail  great  hopes. 

His  first  task  was  to  rid  himself  of  the  handcuffs,  which 
galled  and  chafed  him  exceedingly. 

He  had  made  many  and  continual  efforts  to  accomplish 
this,  but  to  no  purpose. 

Now,  however,  with  stern,  angry  determination,  ho  set 
about  it,  resolved  to  endure  any  amount  of  pain  in  order 
to  get  his  hands  at  liberty. 

Squeezing  his  left  hand,  which  was  rather  less  than 
his  right,  into  tho  smallest  possible  dimensions,  ho  began 
to  tug  with  might  and  main  in  order  to  get  it  through  the 
strong  steel  hoop. 

In  the  effort,  tho  skin  was  torn  from  the  back  of  his 
haud  in  long  strips. 

The  pain  was  intense ;  but,  cleuching  his  teeth  together, 
he  persevered,  for  he  felt  each  time  his  hand  was  drawn 
further  and  further  through  tho  riyg. 

At  last  he  was  free,  so  far  as  ridding  his  left  hand  of 
the  handcuff  was  concerned. 

He  had  not  time  to  liberate  his  right,  for  he  knew  that 
ff»-  a  time  the  manacle  hooped  about  it  would  offer  him 
w»ut  slight  inconvenience. 

Now  that  he  had  done  so  much  towards  the  accomplish- 
ment of  nis  design,  he  became  exceedingly  impatient  for 
night  to  close  in. 

It  was  some  comfort  for  him  to  think  that  it  was  that 
-aeon  of  tho  year  when  darkness  sets  in  early. 

By  slow  degives,  the  interior  of  his  prison  could  6e  less 
and  less  distinctly  perceived  ;  but  when  darkness  fairly 
s  tiled  around,  Dick  made  no  immediate  attempt  at  libera- 
tion. 

lie  was  waiting  for  the  chance  to  present  itself  of  leav- 
the  round-house  quietly  and  speedily. 

It  required  a  great  effort  of  self-control  to  remain  thus 
idle  when  ho  might  be  taking  steps  to  quit  the  cage. 

But  his  long  and  weary  waiting  was  rewarded  at 
last. 

Tho  sound  of  a  voice  from  the  distance,  and  then  the 
heavy  tread  of  some  one  approaching,  roused  all  his 
faculties. 

Again  applying  his  eyes  to  the  crevice  in  the  wood- 
work, he  looked  forth,  and  saw,  at  some  distance,  a 
small,  flickering  light. 

It  grew  brighter  and  clearer,  for  it  was  coming  closer. 

Then  he  perceived  tho  bulky  figure  of  the  constable 
approaching. 

He  was  carrying  a  lantern  in  his  hand,  and  it  was  from 
this  the  light  proceeded. 

Simon  gavo  utterance  to  a  responsive  shout. 

Ho  was  glad  enough  to  ceo  his  master  approaching,  for 
the  solitude  in  which  ho  had  so  long  remained  had 
become  almost  insupportable. 

"  All's  well,  Simon,  eh  ?"  said  the  constable,  when  he 
got  a  little  nearer. 

"  Yes,  all's  well,"  was  the  answer,  very  sulkily  given — 
"  at  least,  1  suppose  all's  well." 

"  Why  suppose  ?" 

"  Because  I've  not  heard  a  single  sound  since  I  saw  you 
iast,  and  1  can  hardly  bring  myself  to  believe  that  he  is 
in  the  cage  at  all.  " 

"  Why— why— what  you  don't  mean  to  say  that— 
that " 

"That  what?" 

"  That  he's  escaped  ?" 

"No,  no— I  don't  believe  he  has,"  said  Simon.  "1 
have  never  took  my  eyes  off  tho  building  for  a  blessed 
minute." 

The  account  given  by  his  factotum  r>y  no  means  plcasod 
or  reassured  the  constable 


THS  KNluIIT  OF  t  _E  ROAD 


1439 


Ho  was  very  anxioi  to  make  certain  that  his  prisoner 
wag  safe. 

He  hail  "eceived  a  message  from  the  squire,  bidding 
him  bring  the  prisoner  befere  him  and  two  other  magisr 
trates  at  noon  on  the  morrow,  and  he  had  heard  quite 
enough  to  bo  aware  that  the  uiairistiato  had  a  personal 
feeling  in  the  matter 

In  thpso  parts  the  squire  was  absolute,  and  fc.iowiag 
his  pow-;r  made  the  constable  exceedingly  auxious  that 
nil  should  go  well  with  tho  prisoner,  of  whom,  It  need 
sjnreely  bo  stated,  ho  stood  in  great  dread. 

Soaie  time  elapsed,  during  which  he  remained  in  duep 
reflection. 

Dick's  breath  came  short  and  fast. 

lie  wondered  whether  the  chance  ho  had  hopeo.  /or 
and  calculated  upon  was  really  about  to  present  it- 
self. 

"Ain't  yon  going  to  let  mo  go  home?"  said  Simoa,  at 
last,  breaking  in  upon  his  superior's  meditation.  "  I  am 
cold  through  to  tho  bone,  and  if  I  stop  hero  much  longer 
I  shall  go  to  sleep !" 

"You  had  better  not!"  said  the  constable.     "But  I'll 

tell  you  what  you  shall  do.     You  shall  take  my  lantern, 

nd  I  will  take  tho  blunderbuss,  and  yon  shall  opon  the 

door  of  the  cage,  and  peep  in  to  see  whether  the  prisoner 

is  all  right." 

But  Simon  did  not  relish  this  proposal. 

"And  where  shall  you  be?"  he  ventured  to  ask. 

"Why,  keeping  guard  outside  here,  you  idiot!"  was  tho 
reply.  "  If  he  attempts  to  escape,  why,  pop !  and  down 
he  goes !" 

"I  don't  like  to  go  in  by  myself  in  tho  dark,"  said 
Simon.     "  I  am  frightened." 

"  It  won't  be  in  the  dark." 

"  Yes  it  will !" 

"  How  can  it  be,  if  you  take  the  lantern  with  you  ?" 

"  Well,  that  makes  no  difference.  And  I'll  tell  you  what 
it  is,"  said  Simon,  with  sudden  boldness,  "I  ain't  going 
in  by  myself,  and  that's  a  fact!" 

The  oonstable  seemed  about  to  break  forth  into  somo 
ebullition  of  rage;  but,  if  so,  be  controlled  the  im- 
pulse. 

"Don't  be  a  fool,  Simon,"  he  said — "don't  be  a  fool! 
Ycu  have  nothing  whatever  to  fear.  Take  the  lantern, 
and  walk  in  boldly." 

"Not  first,"  said  Simon,  more  doggedly  than  before — 
"  not  first.     Arter  you,  if  you  please." 


CHAPTER  CMXX. 

OT     WHICH     DICK  TURPIN,    THE    PARISH     CONS»ABLE,    AND 
SIMON    CHANGE   PLACES. 

The  constable  hesitated  a  moment  or  two,  and  it  was 
about  an  even  chance  whether  the  door  of  tho  cage 
would  be  opened  at  all  that  night  or  not. 

The  desire  to  ascertain  whether  his  prisoner  was  safe, 
however,  overcame  every  other  consideration  in  his 
Dreast,  especially  when  he  remembered  how  serious  the 
consequences  would  bo  to  him  should  an  escape  take 
place. 

Sinking  his  voico,  he  continued  : 

"I  really  think  he  is  a  dangerous  fellow,  Simon;  but 
♦wo  of  us  needn't  bo  afraid  of  him.  Look  here,  we'll 
both  go  together,  and  take  one  peep  to  .ascertain  that  he 
is  all  safe,  and  then  we'll  lock  the  door  again." 

"That'8tnore  reasonable,"  said  Simon — "a  good  deal 
more  reasonable,  and  I  don't  mind  it." 

Tho  matter  being  thus  arranged,  tho  constabla  took 
up  the  blunderbuss,  and  Simon  took  the  lantern. 

Tho  pair  of  them,  advancing  a  few  step3,  stopped  before 
the  door. 

The  key  was  thruac  into  the  lock:,  and  turned. 

At  this  moment  a  faint,  smothered  cry,  sounding  like 
a  groan,  came  to  their  ears. 

It  made  both  of  them  start  with  affright. 

The  coustable  trembled  from  head  to  foot,  and  even 
his  very  lips  turned  whito  as  ho  ejaculated : 

"Why,  what  was  that,  Simon — what  was  that?" 

" Blest  if  I  know]    Have  you  got  the  blunderbuss ?" 

"  Yes — yes." 

•  On  full  cook  ?" 

u  Yes — yes." 

"  Meroy  I"  said  a  faint  voice.    *'  Have  pity  upon  nic  ! 


If  you  have  any  focliugs  of  compassiou,  d©a'\  allow  me  to 
p  tish  here  in  this  manner!" 

"  Why — why,  Simon    ■  -  " 

"  iTos,  master?" 

"It  sounds  as  if  he  was  uncommonly  bad— »  Icii't 
it?" 

"  Oh,  very  !" 

"Just  push  the  door  opon  a  little  furthu*,  and  poke 
tho  lantern  in.  Don't  be  frightened.  I'll  stand  behind 
you  with  the  blunderbuss.  I'll  keep  him  back,  I'll  war- 
rant!" 

Simon  was  rather  curious  to  kuow  what  was  tho  matter 
with  tho  prisoner,  and  his  curiosity  enabled  him  to  some 
extent  to  overgct  his  fears. 

Thrusting  in  tho  lantern  as  he  had  boon  directed,  ho 
bent  forward  and  glanced  around  tho  interior  of  the 
cage. 

"  Well — well,"  said  the  constable,  anxiously,  vainly  en- 
deavouring, by  standing  on  tip-too,  to  peep  over  his 
factotum's  shoulder,  "can  you  see  him?" 

"  Yes,  master.     I  can  »ej  him  plain  enough." 

"  Whero  is  ho?" 

"He  do  seem  uncommonly  bad,  to  ba  suro." 

"But  whero  is  he,  I  say?" 

"  Lying  on  his  blessed  back,  master — flat  on  his  back, 
and  ho  looks  to  mo  a3  if  ho  was  about  to  kick  the 
bucket." 

"  But  ho  mustn't,"  said  tho  constable  — "  but  he 
mustu't !" 

"  Have  pity,"  said  Dick,  again,  in  a  weak  voice — "do 
have  pity  upon  me !     Help  mo,  or  I  shall  surely  die !" 

"But  you  mustn't !"  roarod  tho  constable. 

Dick  responded  with  a  groan. 

"  I  wonder  what's  tho  matter  with  him,  master  ?"  asked 
Simon. 

"I  don't  know.    What's  to  bo  done  ?" 

Simon  scratched  his  head,  but  did  not  reply. 

"  He's  handcuffed — yes,  he's  handcuffed,  and  there 
are  two  of  us,  and  wo'vo  got  the  blunderbuss,"  pursued 
tho  constable,  with  more  determination  in  his  voioo  and 
manner.     "  We  oughtn't  to  bo  afraid,  eh,  Simon  ?" 

"  No — no  " 

"  Wo  ought  to  bo  a  match  for  him.  Tho  ouly  thing  1 
wish  is,  that  it  was  a  littlo  lighter — I  don't  liko  the 
dark." 

At  this  moment,  Dick  renewed  his  appeal  for  assistance, 
and,  judging  by  tho  tone  of  his  voico  and  tho  manner  m 
which  he  was  lying  on  tho  ground,  it  would  appear  that 
he  was  very  bad  indeed. 

Tho  motionless  manner  in  which  ho  continued  to 
remain  served  to  inspire  tho  constablo  and  Simon  with 
courage. 

They  began  to  think  there  would  surely  not  be  so 
much  danger  after  all  in  venturing  into  tho  rouud-houso 
in  order  to  see  what  really  was  tho  matter  with  the 
prisoner. 

Accordingly,  after  much  hesitation,  aud  taking  their 
steps  in  such  a  manner  that  they  seemed  half  inclined  to 
turn  round  and  run  away  again,  they  approached  the  spot 
where  Dick  was  lying 

"  What's  tho  matter  ?"  said  tho  constablo,  more  boldly, 
and  grasping  tho  blunderbuss  while  he  spoke — "  what's 
the  matter?     What  do  you  want?" 

"Oh  dear — oh  dear!" 

"  Don't  speak  and  look  like  that.  Why  don't  you  say 
what'*,  the  matter  ?" 

Dick  groaned. 

"Oh!"  he  said — -'oh,  if  I  could  only  got  up  just  a 
very  little  !     I  fancy  I  should  be  better  thea!" 

"  And  why  don't  you  get  up  ?" 

"  I — I  can't ;  but  I  will  try." 

Apparently  with  great  pain  and  difficulty,  Dick  slowl) 
raised  himself  from  the  ground. 

Simon,  holding  the  lantern  in  his  hand,  looked  on  with 
the  deepest  interest,  and  tho  constable — who,  prudently  o» 
otherwise,  had  got  behind  Simon — peeped  furtively  first 
from  one  side,  then  from  tho  other. 

All  at  once,  however,  with  tho  sudcJonne39  of  a  light 
uing's  flash,  Dick  started  up. 

No  movement  could  possibly  have  been  made  mon 
rtpid  ;  but  the  fact  was,  ho  had  been  careful  to  get  in  sucl 
a  position  first  that  he  could  spring  to  his  feet  withou 
difficulty. 

In  doing  so,  ho  gave  Simon  a  tremendous  push,  which 


1500 


BLACK.    BESS  ;    OH, 


he  could  scarcely  have  withstood  even  had  he  been  on 
his  guard  and  prepared  for  it. 

But,  taking  him  unawares  ad  it  did,  he  went  back  as 
though  shot.  •  ' 

The  constable  was  behind  him,  and  was,  if  possible/still 
more  taken  by  surprise — in  fact,,  beforo  he  knew  what 
had  happened,  or  how  it  had  come  to  pas?,  ho  found 
himself  lying  on  his  back  on  the  muddy  floor  of  tho  cage, 
with  Simon  struggling  on  the  top  of  him. 

Neither    did    he    know    how  or   by  what   means  the 
trigger  of    the  bluuderbuss   was    pulled;   certainly   the 
weapon  exploded  with  tremendous  violence,  lighting  up 
for  a  moment  tho    whole   interior    of  the  cage  with    a 
vivid  glare,  and  then,  with  a  crashing  sound,  the  various 
missiles    with  which  it  had  been  loaded  went  hurtling 
through  the  thatch-covered  roof. 
After  that  there  was  silence  and  darkness. 
With  tho  same  quick  movement,  Dick,  finding  his  ruse 
so  successful,  had  darted  to  the  door,  wkich'he  constablo 
had  loft  ajar, 
•The  koy  was  stli  jng  in  the  lock. 

Quick  3fl  thought,  he  closed  the  do'  r  and  turned  the 
key. 

The  tables  were  then  turned ;  he  was  no  longer  the 
•prisoner,  but  the  jailer. 

The  noise  made  by  the  repo'  t  of  the  blunderbuss 
could  not  fail,  he  felt  sure,  to  ".each  the  ears  of  the  in- 
mates of  the  village,  and  set  tl»em  all  on  tho  alert. 

It  was  necessary,  then,  fcr  him  to  make  his  escape  with 
all  speed. 

Yet,  though  aware  of  this,  Dick  could  not  resist  the 
temptation  of  waiting  to  ascertain  what  had  been  the 
effects  of  tho  exj,\osion  of  the  blunderbuss. 

Accordingly  ue  tapped  sharply  with  his  knuckles  upon 
the  door  of  „he  round-house  as  he  cried  : 

"  Mr.  Constable — Mr.  Constable  !     Simon — Simon !" 
Iiiwsiul  groans  alone  responded  to  him. 
'  Speak — speak !"    said   Dick.      "  Has    the    old  thing 
burst  ?     If  so,  don't  blame  me — I  gave  you  a  caution." 

There  was  no  reply,  and  just  then  Dick,  glancing  to- 
wards tho  village,  saw  lights  moving  about  in  all  direc- 
tions, while  simultaneously  the  shouting  of  voices  Mid 
trampling  of  footsteps  came  upon  his  ears. 

"  It  would  be  madness  to  stay  longer,"  he  muttered — 
"  perfect  madness ;  so  I  must  leave  the  matter  in  doubt. 
Where  shall  I  find  the  horse  and  cart,  I  wonder  ?  I  sup- 
pose I  must  not  trouble  my  head  about  them.  Well, 
well,  it  doesn't  matter." 

As  he  spoke,  he  made  his  way  with  great  rapidity  from 
the  cage,  striking  right  across  the  country  in  the  direc- 
tion of  his  destination. 

Before  going  far,  however,   he  paused,   for  he  found 
himself  on  tho  verge  of  a  large  sheet  of  water. 
He  had  made  up  his  mind  what  to  do. 
As  quickly  as  possible   he  tore  off  his  disguise,  which, 
it  will  be  remembered,  he  had  put  on  over  his  ordinary 
apparel. 

He  rolled  it  up  into  the  smallest  compass  he  possibly 
could,  making  it  into  a  bundle,  in  tho  centre  of  which  he 
placed  a  large,  heavy  stone. 

Then,  with  all  his  might,  he  flung  the  parcel  away 
from  him,  and  it  fell  with  a  loud  splash  into  the  water, 
and  was  immediately  lost  to  sight. 

Dick  shook  himself,  and  then  gave  a  long-drawn  sigh 
of  relief. 

"Ah!"  ho  s».d,  "I  must  not  despise  my  disguise,  but 
yet  I  feel  now  far  more  comfortable  and  like  myself. 
They  will  be  puzzled  to  track  me  now,  that's  certain,  and 
the  sooner  I  get  to  Somefield  the  better." 

As  he  spoke,  he  again  S6t  himself  in  motio..,  wsJ  as  he 
walked  rapidly  along  there  was  one  subject  upon  which 
he  did  not  fail  to  congratulate  himself  most  heartily. 

This  was,  that  he  had  decided  when  he  did  to  part 
with  the  gold  he  had  received  from  old  Matthew,  other- 
wise, when  taken  prisoner  by  the  j)oliee,  this  money 
would  have  been  found  about  him,  ana  consequently  have 
awakened  all  their  suspicions. 

Indeed,  when  he  looked  back  upon  wnat  he  had  gone 
through,  he  could  not  avoid  a  slight  shivering  feeling, 
which  increased  when  his  thoughts  reverted  to  the 
strange  manner  in  which  he  had  witnessed  Claude  Duval 
and  Si  l' teen-String  Jack  vanish  from  the  summit  of  the 
hill 


CHAPTER  CMXXI. 

DICK   MEETS   WITH  ANOTHER  ADVENTf  KS    -»H   HIS  WAT  TO 
SOMEFIELD 

No  amount  of  reflection,  however,  could  -n^ke  his  ideas 
any  clearer  on  this  point. 

The  whole  affair  was  a  complete  mysl»-r,  unless  he 
eUose  to  ascribe  it  to  supernatural  agency,  a  ud  this  Dick 
'.vaa  loath  indeed  to  do. 

Vainly,  however,  as  he  strode  hastily  along,  did  he 
endeavour  to  come  to  some  reasonable  conjecture  until, 
at  length,  he  was  obliged  to  give  up  in  utter  despair. 

By  this  time  he  had  once  more  reached  the  high- 
road. 

Before  he  ventured  to  set  nis  foot  upon  it  hs  paused, 
and  reconnoitred  carefully  around  him. 

On  ail  sides  was  an  intense  and  perfect  silence,  and 
at  length,  reassured  by  thi3,  ho  ventured  to  spring  iver 
the  low  hedgerow  that  alone  divided  him  from  the  high- 
way. 

The  night  was  cold,  with  the  moon  shining  at  times 
with  great  biilliaucy  in  the  sky,  but  a  brisk  wind  from 
the  south-west  drove  innumerable  clouds  across  tho  face 
of  the  firmament,  so  that  at  intervals  all  was  darkness 
and  obscurity. 

But  when  the  moon  broke  forth,  her  light  seemed  all 
the  more  vivid  aud  silvery  by  tho  contrast. 

All  at  once  Dick  became  aware,  in  spite  of  the  pro- 
found silence,  he  was  not  alone  on  the  high-road. 

On  one  occasion,  when  the  moon  peeped  forth,  he 
saw  beforo  him,  but  only  for  an  instant,  a  faint,  flitting 
figure. 

He  fancied  it  was  a  female ;  but  the  glimpse  he  had 
was  too  momentary  for  him  to  feel  certain  on  this 
point. 

He  walked  on  at  a  slightly  relucod  rate,  for  he 
wished  to  have  no  spy  upon  any  of  his  movements. 

A  more  profound  darkness  than  usual  now  overspread 
tho  scene. 

When  at  length  the  moon  once  more  broke  forth,  Dick 
saw,  at  no  great  distance  before  him,  a  rude,  clumsily- 
constructed  wooden  bridge. 

Beneath  this,  water  was  running  with  considerable 
velocity,  for  he  could  hear  it  where  he  then  stood. 

The  moonlight,  too,  enabled  him  to  trace  its  course  in 
a  long,  irregular  line. 

His  attention  was  diverted  from  a  contemplation  of 
this  by  again  catching  sight  of  tho  fleetiag  figure. 

It  was  now  near  the  centre  of  the  bridge,  where  it 
paused  and  looked  upward. 

Then  Dick  saw  clearly,  and  beyond  doubt,  that  it  was 
a  female,  by  her  form  aud  general  appearance  certainly 
young,  and  most  likely  beautiful. 

Dick  wondored  what  could  have  brought  her  at  so  late 
an  hour  to  so  desolate  a  spot,  aud  while  half  hesitating 
whether  to  stay  and  watch  her  further  movements,  or 
to  advance,  he  uttered  a  cry  of  horror. 

To  his  great  surprise  the  young  girl,  after  remaining 
motionless  a  moment,  sprang  suddenly  on  to  the  low 
parapet  of  the  bridge,  aud  from  thence  dashed  herself 
headforemost  into  the  river  below. 

A  faint,  smothered  kind  of  shriek  and  then  a  splash 
were  the  next  sounds  that  reached  Dick's  ears. 

Not  for  one  moment  did  ho  hesita-te  as  to  the  course  he 
should  adopt. 

At  full  speed  he  ran  along  until  ho  reached  tho  banks 
of  the  river,  close  to  tLo  rude  archway  of  the  bridge. 

Then,  placing  his  hands  before  his  eyes,  he  looked 
keenly  and  scrutiuisiogly  over  tho  surface  of  the 
water. 

To  his  vexation,  another-  cloud  at  this  moment  swept 
over  the  moon's  disc,  yet  not  before  he  faucied  he  saw 
something  white  floating  in  the  water  close  to  where  he 
stood. 

To  plunge  into  the  rushing,  foaming  tide  was  his  next 
act. 

Dick  was  an  excellent  swimmer,  and  struck  out  boldly 
for  the  object  he  wished  to  reach. 

The  force  of  the  current  was  so  great  that  it  carried 
him  a  long  way  down  the  stream  in  the  course  of  a  few 
seconds. 

But  he  was  inspired  to  make  every  exertion  to  acceto 
rate  his  progress,  for,  despite  the  obscurity,  he  perceived 
the  form  of  the  young  girl  before  him. 


THE   KNIGHT   OJ?  TUB  ROAD. 


1501 


At  last,  with  a  glad  cry,  he  seized  hold  of  a  portion  of 
nor  apparel,  and,  having  dono  so,  turned  his  face  without 
delay  towards  the  land. 

The  shore  was  quickly  and  easily  reached ;  and,  kneel- 
ing down,  he  supported  the  head  of  the  young  girl,  and 
tried  to  re-awaken  her  to  consciousness. 

To  all  appearances,  however,  life  was  gone. 

Her  face  was  ashy  pale,  and  as  cold  as  death  itself. 

Dick  had  no  means  at  hand  for  restoring  her,  and  bo, 
anxiously,  he  rose  to  his  feet  and  looked  around,  trusting 
to  find  some  place  of  shelter  to  which  he  could  take 
her. 

In  doing  so,  his  keen  eye  detected  a  faiut,  twinkling 
light. 

But  it  was  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  to  reach 
it  it  would  bo  necessary  to  cross  over  the  bridge. 

But  Dick  did  not  hesitate  to  pick  the  young  gu\  up  in 
his  arms. 

She  was  a  burden  light  to  carry,  for  she  was  thin  even 
to  emaciation. 

Ami  now,  as  the  moon  broke  forth  again  more  clearly, 
and  Dick  looked  down  into  the  young  girl's  countenance, 
he  saw,  despite  the  reposeful  expression  upon  it,  that 
there  were  many  traces  of  grief  and  sorrow  visible. 

Forgetting  all  his  own  danger  in  the  concern  he  felt 
for  this  young  girl,  Dick  hurried  on. 

The  bridge  was  quickly  crossed  and  the  light  neared. 

It  was  not  long  before  he  discovered  that  it  proceeded 
from  a  roadside  inn,  the  inmates  of  which  had  caused  a 
bright  light  to  be  placed  in  one  of  the  windows. 

The  door  was  closed  when  Dick  reached  the  building, 
but  by  one  sudden  blow  with  his  foot  he  dashed  it  open 
and  hurried  at  full  speed  along  a  passage  and  into  a  large 
kitchen,  in  which  a  bright  lire  was  briskly  burning,  and 
where  many  people  were  assembled. 

His  sudden  and  strange  appearance  caused  a  universal 
start  of  dismay. 

"  Help  her  I"  said  Dick.  "  I  believe  life  is  not  yet  ex- 
tinct.   I  have  saved  her  from  the  river." 

A  portly,  good-tempered  female — doubtless  the  land- 
lady— came  hurrying  into  the  kitchen,  and  uo  sooner  did 
ehe  catch  sight  of  the  young  girl  than  she  uttered  a  loud 
cry. 

"  Mercy  on  us,  and  save  us !"  she  cried.  "  Why,  as  I 
live,  it's  Miss  Danville  !" 

The  words  produced  an  immediate  consternation  upon 
all  around,  and  it  was  evident  by  their  manner  that  the 
name  was  familiar  enough  to  every  one  of  them. 

In  particular,  one,  a  young  man  poorly  clad,  yet  having 
a  noble,  ingenuous  countenance,  sprang  forward  from  the 
rest  and,  with  a  cry  of  anguish,  threw  himself  down  be- 
side the  senseless  gi*l. 

"  Lizzy — Lizzy,"  he  cried  —  "  dear  Lizzy,  awake — 
awake  !     I  have  returnod !" 

But  his  words  and  the  no  doubt  well-known  tones  of 
his  voice  failed  to  produce  the  least  effect,  and  he  uttered 
another  angui  bed  cry. 

The  landlady,  however,  by  this  time  had  recovered  her 
presence  of  mind,  and,  calling  her  domestics  around  her, 
the  young  girl  was  carried  from  the  room,  and  means 
taken  to  restore  her  if  possible  to  consciousness. 

No  sooner  had  Dick  placed  the  young  girl  down  in 
safety  than  the  reaction  came  upon  him. 

His  strength  suddenly  departed,  and  he  sank  down  upon 
a  seat  almost  fainting. 

This  can  scarcely  be  wondered  at  considering  the  amount 
of  exertion  he  had  gone  througl,  and  the  length  of  time 
that  had  elapsed  sinco  he  had  partaken  of  any  food. 

One  of  the  persons  seated  in  the  kitchen  placed  a  glass 
of  hot  spirits  to  Dick's  lips,  who  drank  almost  uncon- 
sciously. 

The  result,  however,  wa3  soon  apparent. 

He  again  opened  his  eyes  to  their  usual  extent,  tmd  re- 
covered from  the  death-like  feeling  that  had  assailed 
him. 

The  youn^  man  who  had  called  upon  Miss  Danville  by 
her  Christian  name  bent  over  Dick,  full  of  concern  for  his 
condition. 

"May  Hea\~*n  bless  you,  sir,"  he  said,  "  for  the  act  you 
have  done  to-night !  I  cannot  thank  you  as  I  should — my 
voice  fails  me !" 

"That's  esaough,"  said  Dick.  'If  you  wish  to  show 
your  appreciation  of  it,  get  me  something  mbstantH'  in 
tine  shape  of  food,  (or  I  am  almost  dead  from  hanger.'' 


This  was  a  demand  Instantly  and  easily  complied  with, 
and  soon  Dick  had  a  most  tempting  and  appetising  repast 
spread  before  him. 

The  young  man  quitted  the  room,  anxious  to  learn 
with  what  success  the  effort  had  been  met  to  reanimate 
the  young  girl. 

No  sooner  had  the  door  closed  behind  aim  than  Dick 
was  besieged  with  many  eager  questions,  and  finding 
that  the  curiosity  of  all  was  greatly  excited,  he  took  the 
wisest  and  quickest  means  of  satisfying  it,  which  was 
to  relate  what  had  occurred  in  as  few  words  as  he  pos- 
sibly could. 

In  return,  he  asked  whetner  anyone  could  furnish  him 
with  any  further  particulars. 

"Yes,"  said  the  landlord,  drawing  a  long  whiff  of 
smoke  from  his  pipe,  "  I  fancy  you  are  about  the  only 
one  beneath  this  roof  who  could  not  give  all  her  history. 
Poor  girl  I  we  are  all  sorry  for  her,  and  wonder  how  her 
own  flesh  and  blood  could  treat  her  as  they  have." 

"  If  it  would  not  take  you  loDg,"  said  Dick,  "  could 
ycu  give  me  a  brief  account  of  what  you  know,  for  I 
confess  my  curiosity  is  fully  roused  ?" 

"  With  pleasure,"  6aid  the  landlord.  "  You  must  know, 
then,  sir,  that  this  young  girl  is  the  only  daughter  of  the 
richest  man  in  this  part  of  the  country.  He  is  generally 
called  Squire  Danville.  He  is  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
I  know  not  what  else  beside. 

"  It  is  pretty  generally  whispered — and  I  daresay  with 
good  truth — that  he  never  was  very  fond  eithor  of  his 
wife  or  his  daughter,  and  for  this  reason  : 

''  His  whole  hopes  were  fixed  upon  a  son,  to  whom  he 
believed  he  should  be  able  to  leave  his  vast  wealth  aud 
ancient  possessions;  but  this  daughter  came  into  the 
world,  and,  with  an  unnatural  feeling  difficult  to  compre- 
hend, he  looked  upon  her  as  an  object  which  had  defeated 
his  happiness. 

"  He  visited  his  wrath,  too,  upon  his  wife,  as  if  she 
could  help  what  had  occurred  ;  but,  being  of  a  weak  and 
patient  spirit,  she  bore  all  in  silence  until  she  died. 

"  This  girl,  Miss  Danville,  grew  up  almost  unrecognised 
and  unthought  of  by  her  father,  but  her  gentle,  winning 
ways  made  her  a  favourite  with  all  who  knew  her. 

"She  was  loved,  while  her  father  was  feared  and 
hated. 

"  When  very  young,  an  attachment  sprung  up  between 
her  and  the  nephew  of  the  housekeeper,  a  young,  true- 
hearted,  courageous,  good-looking  fellow,  who,  I  believe, 
loves  the  very  ground  she  treads  on." 

"  The  same  that  has  just  quitted  the  room,  I  suppose  ?" 
interrupted  Dick. 

"  Yes,  the  6ame. 

"  Well,  how  long  this  attachment  went  on,  or  how  long 
it  would  have  continued,  is  very  hard  to  say  ;  but  a  cer- 
tain fact  recalled  to  the  squire's  brain  that  he  had  a  child 
— a  daughter. 

"  This  fact  was,  that  Squire  Bartlett " 

At  the  mention  of  this  name,  Dick  could  not  help  giving 
a  slight  start,  it  came  upon  him  so  unexpectedly. 

The  landlord  did  not  fail  to  notice  it,  for  he  said: 

"  You  know  this  squire,  then  ?" 

"Scarcely,"  said  Dick.  "I  have  seen  him  once,  that's 
all.  But  the  name  sounded  familiar,  and  surprised 
me." 

"  Well,  then,  as  I  was  saying,  this  Squire  Bartlett,  who 
is  also  very  rich,  possesses  a  large  estate,  which  joins 
that  belonging  to  Squire  Dauville. 

1  He  has  an  only  son — a  dissolute,  mean-spirited, 
cowardly  hound,  who,  thank  goodness,  has  not  been 
muih  in  this  part  of  the  country ;  and,  if  all  I  have 
heard  about  him  is  the  truth,  he  is  a  wretch  not  fit  to 
live 

"The  two  squires,  as  you  may  guess,  were  great  friends, 
and  it  was  nothing  more  than  natural,  I  suppose,  that  they 
should  talk  upon  the  subject  of  their  properties  adjoin- 
ing each  other  in  the  way  they  did. 

"  In  brief,  a  kind  of  compact  or  agreement  was  made 
between  them  that  their  children  should  marry,  so  that, 
in  the  future,  the  whole  possessions  would  become 
one. 

"  They  never  thought  of  consulting  the  young  folks  is 
any  way,  but  the  blow  came  upon  Miss  Danville  like  * 
thunderbolt. 

"  Her  father  ordered  her  into  his  presence,  and,  trem- 
blingly, she  obeyed,  t«eling  as  though  she  had  committed 


1602 


BLACK    BESS ;     08i 


some  threat  crime,  and  was  about  to  be  led  into  the  pre- 
sence of  her  judge. 

"She  heard  her  father  espress  his  fc-.sention3  with  feel- 
ings which  I  cannot  describe. 

"He  took  scarcely  any  notice  of  her,  but  bade  ber 
prepare  to  receive  her  future  husband  at  once. 

"  Great  drffereuco  was  now  mad3  in  tho  manner  ;n 
which  she  was  treated. 

"She  was  now  dressed  in  a  manner  suitable  to  her 
father's  rank,  and  allowed  to  sit  at  the  dinner-tabie  with 
him. 

"She  was  quickly  brought  face  to  face  wiUi  young 
Bartlstt,  and  i  don't  wonder  that  she  should  immediately 
conceive  an  utter  aversion  for  him. 

"  She  loathed  the  very  sight  of  him,  and  toolc  so  little 
fifiare  to  disguise  her  feelings,  that  all  noted  the  change  in 
her  aspect,  particularly  the  young  man,  who  ground  his 
teeth,  and  turned  livid  with  rage  ;  while  he  determined, 
no  matter  at  what  odds,  to  have  his  revenge  upon  her. 

"She  refused  most  positively  to  become  his  wife,  and 
her  father  broke  out  into  a  storm  of  passion  tho  like  of 
which  she  had  never  before  known. 

"  He  was  furious  to  think  that,  not  content  with 
having  caused  him  one  great  disappointment  in  life,  she 
was  now  endeavouring  to  cause  him  another. 

"  Such  conduct  he  considered  ungrateful  and  base  in 
the  extreme,  but  he  determined  not  to  be  baulked  this 
time. 

"You  may  guess  some  one  who  was  soon  at  hand 
whispered  in  his  ears  some  particulars  of  the  behaviour 
of  his  daughter  and  the  housekeeper's  nephew  towards 
each  other. 

"  Inquiry  served  to  show  that  tho  whisper  was  correct, 
and  he  drove  the  young  man  ignominiously  forth. 

"  Since  then  he  has  been  reduced  to  great  straits,  for 
the  housekeeper  was  dismissed  also. 

"Tho  two  squires,  and  young  Bartlett  as  well,  were  all 
eager  in  the  extreme  that  the  marriage  should  take  place ; 
but  Miss  Danville  showed  a  firmness  and  a  spirit  of 
resistance  which  had  never  been  expected,  and  which 
filled  them  with  surprise. 

"But  her  father  determined  to  carry  things  with  a 
high  hand. 

"I  know  he  had  her  confined  like  an  ordinary  prisoner, 
and  scarcely  allowed  her  enough  to  eat  and  drink. 

"  The  poor  girl  pined  and  sorrowed,  but  all  in  vain  ; 
nothiug  would  turn  him  from  his  purpose. 

"To-morrow  is  the  day  fixed  for  the  solemnisation  of 
the  marriage,  and  I  can  only  suppose  that,  driven  to  ex- 
tremities, she  somehow  managed  to  escape ;  and,  feeiing 
utterly  wretched— perhaps  in  a  delirium — threw  herself 
into  the  water  as  you  saw,  in  order  to  put  an  end  to  that 
existenco  which  ought  to  be  to  her  a  blessing,  and  not  a 
curse." 


CHAPTER  CMXXII. 
dick' turpin  finds  his  tatii  still  beset  wrrii 

DIFFICULTIES. 

"It  is  a  sad  chough  story,"  said  Dick  Turpin,  "and  I 
for  one  am  very  sorry  for  the  lovers.  I  cannot  consider 
them  in  any  way  to  b.'ame." 

"  Neither  can  I,"  assent  ^d  the  landlord  ;  "  and  although 
I  am  a  tenant  under  the  squire,  yet  I  hold  this  place  under 
a  lease  which,  I  fancy,  will  not  expire  before  his  death." 

"  So  you  feel  yourself  independt  nt  of  him  ?" 

"Yes,  quite ;  and  if  I  eould  do  anything  to  make  tii^se 
two  young  folks  happy,  I  would  do  it  ghW*ly." 

"  So  would  I." 

A  murmur  of  assent  went  round  the  room., 

Clearly  they  were  all  of  one  way  of  thinking 

Dick  Turpin  had  been  accommodated  with  a  Ter.-y  com- 
fortable seat  nearest  to  the  fire,  aud  while  he  t  tad  par- 
taken of  his  meal,  which  he  washed  down  with  seme  of 
the  very  best  alo  in  the  landlord'"  cellar,  he  had  got 
quite  dry. 

Ho  was  now  anxious  io  continue  hia  journey,  tor  mid- 
night was  rapidly  approaching. 

It  was  just  as  he  had  made  up  his  mind  t  j  riso  and 
take  his  departure  that  the  door  of  tho  kitchen  was 
opened  again,  and  the  housekeeper's  nephew  made  his 
appearance. 

Vhore  was  a   great  degree  of  bashful  ues%    not  to  say 


awkwardness,  in  his  manner,  and  ho  glanced  with  some 
timidity  into  the  facos  of  al1  present. 

He  evidently  wished  to  say  something,  yet  lacked  the 
courage  ;  aud  tho  opportunity  to  speak  was  quickly  lost, 
for  he  was  immediately  questioned  as  to  the  state  of  Miss 
Danville. 

"She  has  quite  recovered,"  he  said,  in  a  sad  tone, 
''but  seems  quite  delirious.  She  could  not  have  been  in 
nor  right  mind  when  sha  attempted  to  destroy  herself, 
nor  is  she  now." 

"But  she  will  sook  be  better,  I  trust,"  said  tko  land- 
lord. 

"  I  hope  so.  But,  then,  Tnat  brings  me  to  what  I  wished 
to  say.  I  believe  that  all  here  present  know  my  story, 
and  aro  my  friends  ?" 

"  We  are — we  aro !"  was  tho  response  that  came  from 
every  lip. 

"  Well,  then,  my  friends,  since  you  admit  yourselves  to 
bo  such,  give  mo  ycur  advice.  I  am  young,  and  have 
had  but  little  experience  in  the  world.  In  what  way 
shall  I  act  for  the  best  ?" 

This  was  a  point  open  to  a  great  deal  of  debate,  and 
Dick  Turpin  was  not  slow  to  perceive  it. 

Nor  was  ho  any  slower  in  making  up  his  mind  as  to 
what  he  should  say. 

"I  have  saved  the  lady,"  ho  began,  "and  therefore 
consider  that  I  have  a  good  right  to  some  voice  ia  the 
matter."  * 

"Yes,  yes,  certainly,"  murmured  several. 

"  Well,  Vhen,  my  advice  is  simple,  short,  p!ain,  and 
easy  to  follow.  It  is,  young  sir,  that  you  go  at  onco  to 
Miss  Danville,  and  persuade  her  to  fly  with  you.  Do  not 
hesitate  or  scruple ;  you  have  a  right  to  consult  your  own 
happiness,  and  so  has  she.  Her  father,  by  his  conduct, 
has  forfeited  all  right  and  title  to  the  name ;  think 
nothing  of  him.  I  wish  I  could  help  you  further  than  I 
can,  but,  unfortunately,  it  is  impossible.  However,  take 
my  advice,  which  is  all  that  I  can  give.  Place  as  gre°' 
a  distance  between  yourself  and  this  inn  as  you  can,  in 
the  shortest  possible  space  of  time." 

Dick  Turpin  spoke  warmly,  and  his  words  found  an 
echo  in  tho  breasts  of  all  present. 

Probably  they  would  have  hesitajed  to  give  such  clear 
aud  straightforward  advice,  yet  when  it  was  thus  given 
by  another  they  could  not  .vilhhold  their  approbation  of 
it. 

A  flush  of  colour  mounted  into  the  young  man's  cheeks, 
as  ho  said : 

"You  fiH  me  with  joy,  but  I  feel  that  such  conduct  on 
my  part  ,vould  be  wrong — reprehensible  in  the  highest 
degree." 

,:  No,  no — not  a  bit,"  said  Turpin.  "  Procure  Miss 
Danville's  consent — and  if  I  understand  tho  case  at  all  it 
will  not  be  wanting — aud  then,  as  soon  as  you  have  it, 
off  and  away.  When  you  are  married,  you  will  be 
master  of  the  situation." 

After  a  few  more  hesitating  remarks,  the  young  man 
withdrew,  and  as  soon  as  he  had  gone  Dick  rose  up  from 
his  seat. 

"  A„-e  you  going  ?"  said  the  landlord. 

"  Yes,  pressing  business  calls  me,  and  I  cannot  Jinger. 
I  have  already  stayed  too  long." 

"And  I  must  go  too,"  said  another  voice. 

A  man  whom  Dick  had  scarcely  noticed  rose  from  an 
obscure  corner  near  tho  fireplace. 

He  was  a  stout,  well-built,  burly-looking  fellow,  with 
closely-cropped  hair,  a  thick,  red,  bull-like  neck,  and  ar 
altogether  animal  expression,  if  wo  may  be  allowed  tj 
uso  such  a  term. 

Yet  Dick  looked  at  his  well-developed  form  with 
some  admiration. 

The  man's  appearance,  joined  to  his  peculiar  costume, 
enabled  Dick  to  decide  positively  as  to  his  calling. 

Ho  was  a  regular  trained  boxer  or  prize-fighter, 

As  soon  as  he  had  spoken,  the  landlord  said : 

"  Very  well,  Mr.  Reynalds — I  will  give  orders  for  your 
pony  to  bo  put  iu  at  once." 

"  Do,  and  ask  that  lazy  fellow  of  yor**  to  be  quick  for 
once  in  his  life,  if  such  a  thing  is  possible." 

With  this,  Dick  conceived  he  had  nothing  to  do  ;  but 
being,  in  a  manner  of  speaking,  interrupted  by  this 
stranger,  he  had  paused. 

Now,  however,  he  began  to  take  his  leave. 

But  Mr,  Eeynalds  came  forward  agaiik 


TH»    KXIGHT  OP   THB  BOAJD. 


j  sm 


"Beg  your  pardon,  sir,"  he  said,  bluntly,  and  with 
g«cuine  John  Bull  freedom,  "but  I  like  your  pluck  and  yonr 
ways,  though  you  are  a  stranger  to  ;qo  I  am  going  some 
miles  to-night,  and  if  you  happen  to  be  travelling  my 
way,  why,   I  shall  be  glad  of   your  company." 

Dick  Turpin  said  a  few  words  expressive  of  his  thanks 
for  this  kind  offer,  and  while  he  was  uttering  .nem  he 
hu  debating  in  his  own  mind  whether  he  should  accept 
of  the  invitation  or  not. 

Certainly,  as  time  had  been  lost,  it  would  be  an  ad- 
vantage, should  Mr.  Reynalds  be  travelling  wards 
SomeHeld,  to  share  his  vehicle  with  him. 

But,  somehow  or  other,  a  presentiment  of  danger  (»me 
over  Dick,  and  he  felt  impelled  to  decline. 

The  feeling,  however,  was  one  of  which  he  felt 
ashamed,  and  so  he  banished  it. 

"  I  am  journeying  north  from  here,"  he  said. 

"So  am  I,"  returned  the  prize-fighter.  "May  I  ask" 
how  far  you  are  going  ?" 

"  To  Somefield." 

"  Somefield  ?"  he  repeated.  "  AL.'  I  am  not  going  quite 
so  far  as  that,  but  within  a  couple  of  miles  or  so  of  it. 
Did  you  come  here  on  foot  ?" 

"Yss." 

"  Then  you  had  a  long  walk  bef oro  you — that's  all  I 
can  Say.  However,  if  you  are  willing  to  take  half  my 
gig,  and  riiie  with  me  as  far  as  I  am  going,  you  are 
heartily  welcome  to  do  'So." 

"  1  am  much  obliged,"  said  Dick;  "  and  accept  the  offer 
with  great  pleasure  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for 
it." 

"Nay,  nay,  don't  mention  it ;  it  isn't  worth  a  word  of 
thanks  ;  and  perhaps  you  would  oblige  me  still  further  by 
taking  one  more  glass  before  we  part ;  we  shall  have 
time,  for  I  know  what  a  long-winded  rascal  the  ostler 
is." 

Thjs  offer,  after  some  little  pressing,  Dick  Turpin  ac- 
cepted. 

Two  farewell  glasses  were  brought,  and  disposed  of, 
and  by  that  time  word  wa3  brought  that  the  horse  and  gig 
were  ready  at  the  door. 

Once  more  bidding  adieu,  Dick  and  the  prize-irghter 
departed. 

On  going  out  of  the  front  door  of  the  inn,  Dick  per- 
ceived a  small,  well-built  pony  harnessed  to  a  light  little 
gig,  with  large  wheels  that  seemed  built  expressly  for 
epeed. 

"  There's  a  turn  out,  sir,"  said  the  prize-fighter,  with 
perhaps  pardonable  pride — "  there's  a  turn  out,  sir ! 
Fit  for  any  prince  in  the  world!  The  lightest,  best- 
made  gig,  and  the  fastest  pony  to  be  found  wahin  a 
hundred  miles!" 

"Very  likely,"  said  Dick,  as  he  followed  his  com- 
panion's example,  and  climbed  into  the  vehicle — "  very 
likely." 

Scarcely  had  ho  taken  his  seat  than  the  prize-fighter, 
snatching  hold  of  the  reins,  uttered  a  peculiar  shout. 

It  was  clearly  one  which  the  pony  perfectly  understood, 
for  it  started  off  at  a  most  tremendous  pace,  and  in  a  few 
moments  the  inn  was  left  far  behind. 

"Don't  she  go  rarely?"  said  Mr.  Reynalds,  addressing 
Dick,  and  breaking  the  silence.  "Did  you  ever  ride 
behind  6weh  a  one  ?" 

"  I  can't  say  I  ever  did.  You  travel  a  good  deal,  I  sup- 
pose ?" 

"  Yes.  I  am  mostly  knocking  about  the  country — first 
ip  one  place,  then  in  another.  Perhaps  you  know  me, 
sir,  though  you  are  a  stranger  tome?" 

"  No — I  can't  say  that  I  do." 

"Well,  then,  my  name  is  Reynalds — you  heard  the 
landlord  say  so — Reynalds,  the  prize-fighter,  I  am  gener- 
ally called." 

"  I  have  heard  of  you,"  said  Dick,  "  though  I  little 
thought  I  should  make  acquaintance  with  you  so 
Strangely." 

"Curious  things  do  come  about,  and  this  Is  one  of 
them  But  I  am  tired  of  this  life ;  I  have  made  up  my 
mind  not  to  (iglit  any  mora." 

"Indeed?" 

"  Yes,  I  think  I  can  manage  tolerably  well  without 
it" 

"You  have  been  fortunate,  then — made  money  ?" 

"  Well,  yes,  fairish  ;  but  1  have  a  little  speculation  under 
tend  at  the  present  moment  which  I  hare  an  idea  will 


cause  me  but  little  trouble,  and  the  net  gain   will  toe  im- 
mense - 

"  I  hope  you  will  bo  successful,"  said  Dick — "  I  hope  so 
with  all  my  heart." 

"Do  you  indeed?" 

"  Yes.    But  why  did  you  speak  in  that  strange  tone  ?" 

"  Oh,  did  I  ?  Then  I'meant  nothing— nothing  at  all.  of 
course.    But  we  are  rolling  along  rarely,  are  we  not  ?" 

"  Yes*,  we  are." 

"  You  see  those  twinkling  lights  yonder  ?  That's  where 
I  shall  stop  ?  Somefield,  as  I  told  you,  lies  befcwee"  'wo 
and  three  miles  beyond." 

"  Then  we  shall  soon  pari;  company  3" 

"  Yes,  I  think  that  very  likely." 

"  But,"  exclaimed  Dick,  "  you  are  pulling  tip ,  *°*hat'a 
that  for  ?" 

"  This,"  was  the  prize-fighter's  reply,  as  he  let  fall  the 
reins  and  clutched  Dick  tightly  by  the  throat — "  this  !  I 
know  ycu  !  Give  in— it's  no  use  to  struggle,  Dick  Turpin, 
you  are  my  prisoner,  and  I  will  have  the  whole  of  the 
reward  I" 


CHAPTER  CMXXIII. 

DICK  TURriN  HAS  A  LIFE-AND-DEATH  STRUGGLE  WITH  THE 
rRIZE-FIGIITER. 

This  attack  was  so  sudden  and  unexpected  that  the  high- 
wayman had  been  thrown  completely  off  his  guard,  and 
before  he  could  well  make  out  what  had  happened  he  was 
overpowered. 

"  Now  I  have  you,"  said  Mr.  Reynolds.  "  And  perhaps 
you  understand  the  little  speculation  to  which  I  referred. 
In  two  more  minutes  we  shall  be  in  the  next  town,  and 
all  will  bear  witness  how  I  bring  you  in  a  prisoner,  cap- 
tured by  my  own  unaided  exertions'" 

Pressing  Dick's  throat  still  tighter  with  one  hand, 
the  prize-fighter  removed  the  other,  and  placed  it  in  his 
pocket,  doubtless  with  the  intention  of  drawing  forth 
something  with  which  he  would  be  able  to  secure  his  pri- 
soner. 

Dick  Turpin  seized  that  moment  to  make  an  effort  of 
resistance. 

He  had  been  gradually  summoning  up  all  his  powers, 
for  ho  knew  the  struggle  would  be  no  trifling  one. 

The  prize-fighter  swore  most  fearfully,  for  he  imagined 
his  object  had  been  accomplished. 

But  he  found  each  moment  that  Dick  appeared  to  grow 
stronger,  and,  adept  as  he  was  at  wrestling  and  feats  of 
strength,  ho  felt  that,  for  once  in  his  life,  he  had  encoun- 
tered some  one  worthy  of  being  called  his  match. 

A  struggle  of  the  most  furious  character  now  took  place 
in  the  narrow  precincts  of  the  gig. 

Both  had  obtained  a  good  hold,  and  it  would  have 
been  difficult  for  anyone  to  have  decided  as  to  which 
would  provo  the  victor. 

No  one  was  near,  however,  to  note  the  different  phases 
of  the  conflict. 

But  the  two  men  fought  none  the  less  desperately  on 
that  account. 

Suddenly,  the  prize-fighter,  urged  to  desperation  by 
disappointment  and  tho  peril  of  his  position — for  he  felt 
Dick  was  obtaining  the  mastery  over  him — uttered  again 
that  peculiar  cry  which  was  the  signal  for  the  pony  to  set 
itself  in  motion. 

Nor  on  this  occasion  was  the  signal  disregarded. 

With  a  bound  that  almost  threw  them  both  out  of 
tho  vehiclo  into  the  road,  the  pony  started  off,  terrified 
by  tno  noise  behind  it. 

Dick  guessed  at  onoe  the  purpose  of  the  prize-fighter, 
and.  it  made  him  fully  conscious  of  the  desperate  cha- 
racter of  the  man  with  whom  he  had  to  deal. 

His  object  was  to  run  the  ric?k  of  tho  danger,  and 
make  his  horse  enter  the  town  just  before  them,  when 
doubtless  he  would  easily  obtain  a.isistance. 

It  is  true  this  would  not  enable  h;m  to  lay  slaim  to 
the  whole  of  this  reward,  but  he  felt  he  would  rather 
forego  the  whole  <it  it  than  that  Dick  should  escape 
him. 

The  highwayman  dared  not  turn  his  attention  to  the 
horse  in  tho  least,  nor  put  one  hand  to  seize  the  reins, 
as  such  a  course  would  have  given  his  exponent  the 
advantage. 

Altogether  heedless,  then,  of  where  tho  terrified  beast 
was  going,  or  what  obstructions  lay  in  his  path,  Dick 


1*04 


BLACK    DES6;    OB, 


bent  the  whole  of   his   energies  to  overcoming  his  an- 
tagonist. 

The  prize-fighter  fe-lt  himself  getting  gradually  w,  eted, 
but  he  still  held  on  tenaciously. 

He  knew  the  town  was  now  within  a  few  yai  <T»  of 
them,  and  he  trusted  in  being  able  to  retain  his  pri  loner 
until  then.  # 

Dick  knew  this  well,  and  guessed  why  he  continued  to 
struggle  so  fiercely. 

Cold  drops  of  perspiratioD  started  out  upon  Lis  ore- 
head,  for  he  could  not  closf  his  eyes  to  the  fact  th  t  he 
was  in  very  imminent  danger  indeed  of  being  cap- 
tared. 

On  went  the  horse  at  a  more  furious  speed  than  ever, 
striking  sparks  from  the  hard  ground  with"  his  hoofs  as 
he  went. 

Hitherto  he  had  kept  directly  in  tb,e  middle  of  the  road, 
and,  providing  he  continued  to  do  this,  and  did  not  abate 
his  speed,  there  was  just  the  possibility  that  he  would 
get  through  the  town  almost  bvfere  anyone  was  aware  of 
what  was  the  matter. 

This  was  a  frail  hope  to  cling  to,  but  it  was  better  than 
none  at  all. 

Dick  did  not  dare  to  think  of  what  a  trifle  would  bring 
their  headlong  course  to  a  stop. 

The  sudden  turning  of  a  corner,  the  approach  of  any 
c*her  vehicle,  or,  indeed,  the  slightest  obstruction  in 
tht.'r  way,  and  then  most  surely  they  would  go  down 
with  a  crash. 

The  next  moment  the  lights  of  the  town  flashed  before 
Dick's  eyes. 

The  prize-fighter  saw  them,  and  tried  to  shout  for 
6uecour. 

Eat  Dick's  pressure  on  his  windpipe  was  so  great 
that  he  could  only  give  vent  to  a  gurgling  sound. 

The  street  wa.i  clear. 

Several  people,  though,  were  standing  about  here  and 
there,  gazing  with  amazement  at  the  strange  sight  that 
fatted  past  them  almost  before  they  knew  what  it 
was. 

The  market-place  was  reached,  and  passed,  aud  Dick 
began  to  think  that  he  should  be  fortunate  enough  to 
ride  completely  into  the  open  country  once  more. 

The  prize-fighter  also  had  this  fear,  for  he  changed  his 
tactics. 

In  his  rage,  ho  felt  altogether  indifferent  as  to  the 
amount  of  danger  which  might  befall  himself,  and  so  he 
struggled  furiously  to  fall  over  one  side  of  the  gig  into 
the  roadway,  endeavouring,  of  course,  to  drag  Dick 
Turpin  with  him. 

The  consequence  of  such  a  fall  might  perhaps  have 
been  death  to  both  of  them,  but  for  this  the  prize-fighter 
did  not  care — death  was  preferable   to  beiug  vanquished. 

And  now,  indeed,  the  hardest  portion  of  the  struggle 
had  arrived,  for  hitherto  the  prize-fighter  had  endea- 
voured to  cousult  his  own  safety  as  far  as  possible,  and 
his  struggle  had  been  more  to  overcome  the  highwayman 
and  bind  him. 

Now  it  was  Rlmost  more  than  Dick  could  do  to  prevent, 
him  from  throwing  himself  into  the  road. 

Could  he  have  done  so,  and  remained  in  the  vehicle 
himself,  all  would  have  been  well,  comparatively  speaking, 
though  his  danger  then  would  have  been  considered  ap- 
palling by  most  persons. 

Dick  felt  that  he  was  being  drawn  slowly  but  surely 
nearer  to  the  edge  of  the  gig. 

He  felt  that  in  another  moment  nothing  could  savo 
them  from  falling  over. 

Rendered  desperate  by  his  position,  he  took  a  desperate 
course  to  save  himself. 

With  great  suddenness  ho  released  his  hold  upon  his 
antagonist,  and  at  the  same  instant  clenched  both  hli  fists 
and  struck  him  two  hard  blows. 

The  man's  grasp  perceptibly  relaxed. 

But  Dick  followed  up  the  blows  by  others. 

The  prize-fighter  tried,  but  it  vain,  to  obtain  another 
grasp  of  his  adversary. 

But  Dick  eluded  him,  then  dealt  one  more  blow  of  so 
decisive  a  character  that  it  put  a  complete  termination  to 
the  contest 

With  a  rush  and  a  hideous  crash  the  priie-flghter  fell 
over  the  wheel  of  the  gig  into  the  roadway. 

To  what  extent  he  was  injured  Dick  had  no  means  of 
"Bearing,  for  such  was  the  prodigious  rate  at  which  the 


pony  was  going,  that  his  foe  was  in  a  moment  out  of 
sight. 

Dick  drew  a  long  breath  of  thankfulness  for  this 
escape,  and  then  had  to  settle  down  to  face  a  danger 
scarcely  less  alarming.  fc 

The  pony  was  now  com^etely  maddened,  and  Dick 
questioned  whether  any  meaio  could  be  adopted  for 
checking  his  career. 

Xfce  ruins  had  dropped,  and  how  to  regain  them  was  a 
mystery. 

While  going  so  swiftly,  it  seemed  the  height  of  mad- 
ness to  attempt  to  leap  out  of  the  vehicle,  and  allow  the 
creature  to  take  its  own  course. 

Yet  Dick  felt  this  was.  what  he  would  he  compelled  to 
<k. 

Just  then  his  foot  touched  against,  something,  and  he 
stooped  down  to  examine  it  more  closely. 

To  has  joy  he  found  it  was  the  rein,  which  had  fallen 
over  both  ends  of  the  dash-board  of  the  gig,  and  so 
had  remained  secure- 
Seizing  hold  of  it,  Dick  began  slowly  but  firmly  to 
pull  it  tight. 

But  the  horse  seemed  altogether  heedless  of  the  pres- 
sure of  the  bit. 

Dick  knew  that  his  tremendous  pace  could  not  be 
checked  all  at  onoe,  but  he  hoped  to  do  so  by  degrees. 

His  chief  concern  was  to  keep  in  the  middle  of  the 
highway. 

Tighter  and  tighter  he  pulled  the  reins,  and  yet 
tighter  still,  and  he  had  at  length  the  satisfaction  of 
perceiving  that  the  horse's  speed  perceptibly  dimi- 
nished. 

He  bent  forward,  and  pulled  again  with  his  whole 
strength,  which  proved,  unfortunately,  too  great  for  the 
strength  of  tho  reins  themselves. 

With  a  sudden  snap  the  leather  parted,  and  the  frantic 
animal,  again  feeling  his  head  at  liberty,  aud  chafing 
under  the  restraint  he  had  just  endured,  flew  onwards 
again,  if  possible  at  greater  speed. 

Dick  now  had  clearly  no  resource  but  to  run  the 
risk  of  descending  from  the  vehicle,  and,  after  a  mo- 
ment's consideration,  he  determined  to  do  so  by  lower- 
ing himself  over  the  back. 

Climbing  over  the  seat,  ar.d  clinging  tightly  to  the 
scroll  iron-work  at  tho  back,  he  lowered  himself  down 
until  his  feet  almost  touched  the  ground. 

It  required,  even  then,  a  great  effort  of  courage  to  let 

go- 
But  Dick  did  so,  and  though  he  strove  to  save  himself 
from  falling,  ho  failed  to  do  so,  and  reached  the  ground 
with  most  unpleasant  violence. 

For  a  few  seconds  all  the  breath  was  knocked  out  of 
his  body,  but  he  seemed  to  be  recovered  by  hearing  a 
tremendous  crash. 

Raising  himself  up  a  little,  he  looked  in  advance,  and 
then  saw  that  one  wheel  of  the  gig  had  come  in  contact 
with  a  post,  after  which  the  vehicle  seemed  to  vanish  as 
though  by  magic,  while  the  pony,  with  portions  of  the 
wreck    clinging    to    his    harness,    continued    his    mad 


CHAPTER  CMXXIV. 

DICK  TURPIN     TAKES     REFUGE   IN   A  TREE,    BUT   FINDS    I  IK 
13  BY   NO  MEANS  OUT  OF   DANGER. 

!  Dick  Turpin  struggled  to  hi3  feet,  and  wiped  his  face, 
which  had  not  escaped  injury  by  his  fall. 

He  had  good  cause  indeed  for  congratulating  himself 
apon  having  made  up  his  mind  to  quit  the  gig  when  he 
did. 

Had  he  remained  only  a  few  moments  longer  the  chance 
would  have  been  lost,  and  he  could  scarcely  have  escaped 
with  life  had  he  been  seated  in  the  vehicle  when  it  came 
into  such  violent  contact  with  the  post. 

Dick's  brain  was  still  confused,  aiid  he  stood  for  some 
time  in  the  road  in  a  strange,  dreamy  conditio*. 

He  was  startled,  ho-.revjr,  by  hearing  behind  the 
sounds  of  horses'  hoofs  beating  rapidly  on  the  hard  road, 
and  at  the  very  same  moment  he  also  permved  in  tho 
distance  before  him  two  faint,  glimmering  lights,  which, 
from  their  distance  apart,  evidently  proceeded  from  » 
stage-coach,  or  some  other  vehicle  carrying  lamps. 

Dick  started  at  once  into  life  and  energy. 

"  The  prize-fighter  has  given  the  alarm,"  he  ronttei^ev 


THE    K*JISHT   OF   THE    BOAD. 


1505 


[the  officers  take  effectual  measures  to  dislodge  dick  turpin  from  the  tree*.] 


— "  that's  quite  certain.  Perhaps,  after  all,  he  was  not 
much  injured  by  his  frightful  fall — at  any  rate,  they 
are  coming,  and  it  must  be  after  me  !" 

He  paused  and  wondered  what  step  he  should  take 
to  secure  his  own  safety. 

He  remembered  that  he  was  on  foot,  while  hie  pur- 
suers were  tolerably  well  mounted. 

Therefore  flight  seemed  a  thing  altogether  out  of  the 
question. 

No  matter  how  fleet  of  foot  he  might  be,  in  the  end 
he  must  inevitably  be  overtaken. 

Moreover,  he  felt  in  no  condition  for  making  use  of 
his  running  powers,  for  he  began  to  feel  now  more 
acutely  than  he  had  at  first  how  much  he  had  been 
bruised  and  shaken  by  falling. 

On  both  sides  of  the  road  tall  trees  were  growing,  most 
of  them  with  trunks  many  feet  in  oircumferenoe,  and  with 
branohea  stretching  far  and  wide  in  every  direction. 

Mo.  189.— Black  Bess. 


"  I  may  be  able  to  conceal  myself  in  one  of  those 
trees,"  he  thought — "  at  any  rate,  I  will  try.  They 
oannot  see  me,  1  feel  assured,  and  it  would  take  them  a 
long  time  to  examine  these  trees,  one  by  one  in  suc- 
cession, supposing  they  had  a  suspicion  that  I  had 
taken  refuge  in  one  of  them. 

While  speaking  these  words,  Dick  had  fixed  his  eyes 
upon  one  particular  tree,  which  he  determined  to  select 
as  his  hiding-place. 

It  was  one  that  afforded  several  facilities  for  climb- 
ing. 

Scrambling  up  the  bank  at  the  side  of  the  road,  on 
which  the  hedge  was  planted,  he  managed,  by  reaching 
up  his  arms  to  their  full  extent,  to  grasp  a  stout  hori- 
zontal bough.  i 

To  raise  himself  by  the  aid  of  his  hands  and  feet  was 
now  quite  easy,  and  in  less  than  a  moment  he  had 
ascended  half-way  op  the  trso,  and  had  euseouoed  himself 


No.  189. 


Price  One  Halfpenny. 


-nm 


BLk.CS.     BBS*  ;     OB, 


is  a  moot  woere  the  branches  and  twigs  seemed  to   grow 
ttftckesu 

Hero  It*  remain-.-d,  sitting  perfectly  still,  and  waiting, 
not  wii::o«t  great  anxiety,  to  ascertain  what  w""*''! 
happen  next. 

The  trampling  of  tbe  horBes'  feet  in  one  direction,  and 
the  rattling  of  wheels  in  another  now  grew  much  plainer 
than  before,  and,  glancing  down  through  the  Interstices  of 
the  trees.  Dick  again  perceived  the  shining  lights. 

Directly  afterwards  a  body  of  mounted  men  galloped 
past. 

But  upon  reaoning  the  spot  where  the  gig  had  crashed 
against  the  post  they  came  to  a  halt. 

"  Hullo  !"  said  a  voice,  "  he's  reached  the  end  of  his 
race,  that's  certain !     My  eyes,  what  a  smash  !" 

He  pointed  as  he  spoke  to  the  different  fragme  ts  of 
tiie  gig  that  were  strewn  in  all  directions  over  the  road- 
way. 

"  I  wonder  where  the  horse  is  ?"  said  a  voice.  •*  Do  you 
think  he  has  niauaged  to  get  on  to  the  back  of  it  and 
galloped  off  ?  He's  a  desperate  character,  you  know,  and 
might  have  done  such  a  thing." 

"  Well,  we  shall  soon  know  that,  I  think  for  here  ccsnes 
•omething  or  other." 

44  What  is  it — the  stage-coach  ?" 

44 No,  no,"  said  another  voice — l4not  the  stage-coach; 
it  is  no  doubt  the  mail-cart." 

»  Yes — yes,  to  be  sure  !  And  if  it  is,  the  driver  and  the 
guard  will  be  able  to  tell  us  whether  a  man  has  galloped 
past  them." 

41  So  they  will." 

A  moment's  silence  took  place. 

Although  this  conversation  took  place  at  some  distance 
down  the  road  below  the  spot  where  Dick  was  hidden, 
yet  he  was  able  to  hear  distinctly  every  word  of  it,  for  the 
night  air  was  very  still,  and  what  little  wind  there  was 
waited  the  sounds  towards  him. 

41  Hoi — hoi !"  cried  one  of  the  mounted  police  officers. 
"  Stop — stop,  will  you  ?  Pull  up !" 

The  driver  ot  the  mail-cart  stopped  his  panting  horses 
somewhat  suddenly,  and,  in  a  gruff  voice,  demanded : 

"  What's  the  matter  ?" 

14  Why,  there's  a  smash  here — do  you  see  ?  And  just  tell 
us  whether  you  have  seen  a  man  mounted  on  a  pony 
gallop  past  you  ?" 

"  No,  no,"  answered  the  driver — 4l  we've  not  seen  that ! 
But  we  have  seen  a  pony,  with  a  couple  of  shafts  dangling 
at  its  sides,  gallop  down  the  road  yonder  as  though  it  was 
mad." 

41  And  there  was  no  one  on  its  back  ?" 

44  No,  cot  exactly,"  said  the  driver,  with  a  grin.  44 1 
should  Hke  to  see  the  man  that  would  attempt  such  a 
thing." 

41  Well,  we're  after  Dick  Turpin  t"  said  the  officer  who 
had  before  spoke*. 

"  What  ?"  cried  the  driver  of  the  mail-cart,  in  some 
alarm.  4l  You  don't  mean  to  say  he's  on  this  road,  do 
you?" 

44  Yes,  he  is,  or  was  a  short  time  since.  Why,  do  you 
know,  he  got  up  into  a  gentleman's  gig  j&d,  after  having 
robbed  him,  bundled  him  out  neck  and  crop  into  the  road. 
It's  a  thousand  wonders  that  he  escaped  with  his  life,  and 
even  now  the  gentleman  lias  in  <">  very  dangerous 
state." 

41  You  don't  mean  it  ?" 

44  It's  a  fact." 

44  But  when  did  it  happen  r*5 

"  Only  a  few  minutes  ago." 

The  driver  rolled  his  eyes  fearfully  as  he  asked : 

"But  what  did  Turpit>  4o?w 

44  Why,  drove  off  in  the  gentleman's  gig,  to  be  sure,  as 
if  the  very  devil  was  behind  him.  We  came  on  in 
pursuit,  and  here,  you  see,  it  seems  he  met  with  a  little 
mishap  while  going  at  such  a  furious  rate." 

41  Yes,  it  certainly  looks  like  it.      But  where  is  ite  ? 

44  That's  just  what  I  want  to  know.  I  fancied  he  might 
have  got  on  the  horse's  back  and  galloped  down  the  road ; 
but,  as  it  appears  he  has  not  done  that,  wiiy,  I  tain*  xi 
we  look  about  here  wo  shall  find  him." 

44  Yes,"  said  the  guard,  "  depend  upon  it  he  could  not 
be  in  the  gig  while  it  went  all  to  smash  like  this  without 
being  hurt  a  bit.  He  ivon't  get  far  away,  take  my  word 
f.-.-rthatP  . 

"  Jim's  right,""  »aia  ttie  driTer'    "  ^ou  m9LS  dePen(l  ttPoa 


it  he's  biding  somewhere  close  at  hand;  I  sho^-sit 
wonder  if  the  rascal  isn't  listening  to  every  word  we 
say." 

At  these  words  the  officers  faced  about  and  ran  against 
each  other,  producing  great  confusion. 

44  Well  search  In  said  the  one  in  command.  "  Now, 
my  lads,  let  us  look  about  us.  F"a  ten  *.o  one,  hiding  in 
some  ditch  or  other." 

44  No,"  said  the  guard,  emphatically,  4l  it's  my  belief  that 
he'd  scramble  up  into  one  of  those  fcrees ;  it  could  be 
managed  easily  enough.  When  once  there,  who  coukl 
see  him  ?" 

The  officers  looked  Tip  and  shook  their  heads  wisely  as 
they  beheld  the  dense  foliage  of  the  trees. 

•'  Now,"  said  the  guard,  "  111  tell  you  what — I've  an  idea 
— a  grand  idea." 

41  What  is  it  ?" 

44  Why,  if  he's  up  in  one  o'  them  trees  it  will  be  very 
hard  to  find  out  which  one  it  is,  won't  it  ?" 

44  Yes,  very,"  said  the  chief  officer.  ll  We  might  fire  a 
bullet  mto  one  of  them ;  but  I'll  warrant  he'd  have  the 
good  sense  to  remain  quite  still— I'll  warrant  he  would 
stand  fire." 

"Yes,  from  a  pistol,"  said  the  guard,  "because  he 
would  think  there  was  a  good  chance  of  one  bullet  miss- 
ing him.  But  how  about  this  little  weapon,  eh  ? — what 
do  you  think  ol  this  ?" 

From  the  leather  case  beside  the  mail-cart  he  produced 
a  large-sized  carbine  of  the  kind  then  made  use  of  by  the 
military. 

44  Yes,"  continued  the  guard,  as  he  jumped  down  off  the 
steps  of  the  mail-cart,  "  I  rather  think  this  will  be  the 
ticket.  And,  mark  me,  if  Dick  Turpin  is  up  in  one  of  those 
trees  I'll  show  him  something  h«  has  never  thought  of  in 
all  his  life." 

44  Is  it  loaded  ?"  said  the  chief  officer. 

44  Yes,  of  course  it's  loaded.  The  priming  mayn't  be 
just  the  thing;  but,  however,  I'll  soon  put  that 
right." 

As  he  spoke,  the  guard  threw  up  the  pan,  shoek  out  the 
grains  of  powder  in  it,  and  placed  in  some  fresh. 

''  Now,"  he  said,  "  I  am  ready,  and  this  gun  has  in  it  a 
rattling  good  charge,  I  can  assure  you." 

"  Stop  a  bit,"  said  the  chief  officer.  41  Are  you  going  to 
fire  up  in  the  trees  with  it  ?" 

44 Of  course  I  am!" 

44  But  how  do  you  know  which  one  he  is  in  ?" 

44 1  will  soon  find  that  out,"  said  the  guard,  as  he  pot 
the  carbine  up  to  his  shoulder.  41 1  will  begin  with  this 
one." 

"  Stop — tftop !" 

44  What  for  ?" 

41  Why,  you  know,"  said  the  oificer,  "  that  I  must  call 
him  first  to  surrender." 

"  Oh,  yes — certainly ;  I  forgot." 

The  police  officer  then  stepped  a  little  more  into  the 
middle  of  the  roadway,  and,  pitching  his  voice  in  a  higher 
key,  exclaimed : 

"  Dick  Turpin,  we,  his  Majesty's  officers  of  police,  have 
good  reason  for  believing  that  you  have  concealed  your- 
self in  one  of  these  trees,  and  in  the  King's  name  we  call 
upon  you  to  surrender,  and  if,  after  having  called  upon 
you  three  times—— " 

14  Blow  it  I"  said  the  guard,  impatiently,  "  be  quick ! 
Don't  you  know  I  am  in  a  hHrry  ?" 

*l  You  be  d— d  !"  said  the  officer,  angrily.  "  Who  told 
you  to  interfere  ?  Don't  you  think  I  know  my  duty 
better  than  you  do  ?" 

'4Oh  yes,  that's  right  enough,"  said  the  guard,  in  a 
more  mollified  tone :  "  but  you  ore  so  awfully  loag- 
windeo.* 

The  chief  officer  evidently  thought  something  of  f  tie 
guard's  carbi&/\  or  he  would  not  have  smothered  hia 
resentment  so  oasily. 

Once  more  looking  up  into  the  trees,  he  said  : 

"  Dick  Turpin,  i  call  upon  you  to  surrender,  ar/'  warn 
you  if  you  do  not  that  we  shall  fire,  and  the  ooosoij  a^-aotja 
will  then  be  on  your  own  head  !" 

A  profound  silence  followed  this  epoech,  that  wotiJd 
have  been  perfect  save  for  the  incessant  rustling  of  the 

"  Dick  Turpin,  for  the  second  umo  i  call  cpon  -pyx.  W 
surrender !" 

Atcain  there  wag  a  deep  silsm^*- 


KHIGHT  O*  TKJJ   V 


1507 


Tor  the  third  time,"  said  tb*  chief  officer,  in  a  louder 
vcioe  than  before— "for  the  third  time,  I  call  upon  you  to 
m  render!" 

Again  a  deep  silence. 

*  Have  you  done  ?"  said  tba  goArd. 

'Ye*. 
And  time  too,"  be  muttered,  as  he  placed  the  butt  of 
riwi  oarbine  to  bis  sheulder. 

The  chief  officer  pretended  not  to  overi*"e*  this 
remark. 

•'  If  he's  ti*ere,"  said  the  guard,  "  it  wili  be  a  oa;*  with 
Him,  and  no  mistake!  I  loaded  the  carbine  myself,  and 
know  just  how  many  bullets  are  in  it." 

"  Blaze  away,  then !" 

The  guard  pointed  the  carbine  full  at  the  tree,  and  then 
polled  the  trigger. 

A  slight  flash  and  a  tremendous  report  then  followed, 
and  the  next  thing  the  officers  perceived  was  the  guard 
lying  at  full  length  on  his  back  in  the  middle  of  the  road, 
with  the  muzzle  of  the  carbine  pointed  skywards. 

The  bullets  went  crashing  among  the  bongho  of  the 
tree  in  truly  an  alarming  fashion. 

Most  effectually  had  all  doubt  been  set  at  rest  respect- 
ing the  presence  of  the  highwayman  in  that  tree  at 
least 

Had  he  been  there  he  must  have  fallen  to  the  earth, 
riddled  with  bullets. 

The  guard  scrambled  up  to  his  feet  again,  and  looked 
very  ferocious  when  he  saw  all  the  officers  were  laughing 
at  his  expense. 

"  0n,  grin  away,"  he  said — "  grin  away,  and  be  d — d  to 
you  !  It  only  shows  what  an  uncommon.y  good  charge 
I'd  got  in  the  carbine !  If  you'll  wait  half  a  minute,  we'll 
have  a  try  at  the  next  tree." 

The  officers  showed  no  signs  of  dissent. 

The  carbine  accordingly  was  loaded,  and  one  of  the 
officers  produced  from  a  little  bag  a  number  of  pistol 
bullets,  quite  a  handful  of  which  was  poured  in,  and 
tightly  rammed  down. 

Again  the  weapon  was  raised  and  discharged. 

But  with  no  more  result  than  before. 

The  guard  staggered  back  after  he  had  pulled  the 
trigger,  and  tried  hard  to  keep  his  balance,  but  he  failed, 
and  sat  down  with  such  force  that  all  the  breath  was 
jerked  out  of  his  body. 

He  looked  upon  all  these  failures  and  mishaps 
with  great  complacency,  however,  for  he  said  to  the 
officers : 

"  We  may  make  sore  he  isn't  in  either  of  those  trees, 
mayn't  we  ?  But  he  might  be  hiding  in  the  next,  or  the 
oext ,  and  if  he  is  in  any  one  of  them  I'll  find  him,  for  I 
won't  stop  until  I  have  fired  into  every  tree." 

While  speaking,  he  recommenced  the  task  of  loading 
the  carbine. 

It  was  an  operation  that  did  not  require  many  minutes, 
and  for  the  third  time  he  stood  facing  the  trees.  Now,  up  to 
the  present  moment  Dick  had  looked  upon  these  proceed- 
ings with  a  tolerable  amount  of  composure,  simply 
because  the  muzzle  of  the  carbine  was  not  pointed  at  the 
tree  in  which  he  had  so  snugly  ensconced  himself,  and  he 
clung  to  the  hope  that  after  a  few  trials  they  would 
get  disgusted  with  wasting  so  much  powder  and 
shot. 

But  their  proceedings  were  more  energetic  and  persever- 
ing than  he  had  at  all  calculated  upon,  and  be  began  to 
feel  extremely  uneasy,  for  the  tree  at  which  the  carbine 
was  now  directed  stood  next  to  the  one  where  he  was 
hidden. 

He  fixed  his  eyes  upon  the  guard,  and  then  involuntarily 
closed  them. 

When  he  pulled  the  trigger  tne  report  and  crashing  of 
the  bullets  among  the  oranches  was  alarming  in  the 
extreme ;  but  he  quickly  recovered  himself,  for  be  fou^d 
Lo  was  as  yet  unhurt. 

He  had  been  labouring1  under  great  apprehension,  how- 
ever, for  it  was  quite  possible  that  one  </  the  many 
bullets  crammed  into  the  carbine  might  go  eo  far  wide  of 
i.6  mark  as  to  reach  him. 

Now,  however,  be  held  his  breath,  while  his  neart  beat 
hard  and  fast. 

The  guard,  still  undaunted,  was  as  actively  engaged  j& 
«■- a  in  reioeding  his  formidable  weapon. 


CHAPTER  CMXXV. 

THX^OUASS     OT     THJt     SiAOy-CABT    PKKSHVKKS8     »     *H» 
FTtOSECOTION    OK   HIS  PLAN. 

Dick  Torfin  was  now  truly  in  a  most  critical  petition. 

What  step  to  take  he  knew  not. 

He  was  decidedly  unwilling  ic  cry  out,  ai  d  so  igno- 
miniously  surrender  himself  to  »be  police ;  bu  for  all  that, 
be  could  not  make  t  his  mind  to  sit  there  »  I  remain  an 
animated  target. 

In  fact,  he  felt  sure,  should  the  guard  hte  the       ---'linr 
into  the  tree,  his  destructioa  would  be  immediate 
certain. 

It  was  quite  impossible  for  him  to  escape  at  least  one 
of  the  bullets,  and  he  kne<  )rell  that  any  one  of  them 
would  be  sufficient  to  cause  death. 

No  words  can  possibly  describe  the  amount  of  intent- 
ness  with  which  he  regarded  the  proceedings  of  his  foes 
below. 

Oh,  how  he  hated  that  officious,  troublesome  guard  of 
the  mail-cart. 

Without  him  the  officers  could  never  have  carried  out 
their  present  plan  of  operations. 

Dick  sat  and  watched  the  reloading  of  the  carbine. 

He  waited  until  the  whole  operation  was  completed, 
and  then,  with  a  start,  remembered  that  he  had  not  yet 
made  up  his  mind  bow  he  should  act. 

"  I'll  tell  you  what,"  6aid  the  chief  officer,  "  I  am  tired 
of  this  sort  of  thing,  for  I  don't  believe  he  is  in  the  trees 
at  all ;  however,  you  shall  have  this  one  fire,  and  if  it 
produces  no  results  we'll  part  company." 

'*  Oh,  just  as  you  like,"  said  the  guard — "just  as  yov 
like  !  I  don't  mind  it — I  look  upon  it  as  a  capital  bit  of 
sport." 

But  the  officers  clearly  did  not  do  so,  for  they  were 
"onscious  that  if  they  were  now  on  the  wrong  scent  they 
were  giving  the  highwayman  every  opportunity  of  com- 
pleting his  escape. 

"  Are  you  ready  ?"  said  tho  officer,  gruffly. 

"  Yes,  quite  ready." 

"  Then  bang  away  ;  and  make  haste  about  it !" 

For  the  fourth  time  the  carbine  was  raised  and  pointed 
at  the  trees. 

Dick  sat  perfectly  still,  and  as  he  did  so  he  fancied  be 
could  see  right  down  the  barrel  of  the  murderous  fire- 
arm. 

Only  a  second  elapsed,  and  yet  to  Dick  it  seemed  a 
whole  age. 

A  thousand  thoughts  passed  through  his  mind. 

He  felt  that  he  was  on  the  brink  of  destruction. 

He  gave  a  thought  to  Maud,  to  his  friends,  to  all  he  had 
any  occasion  to  remember  with  kindness,  and  then  closed 
his  eyes  and  compressed  his  lips  with  the  resolution  to 
die  calmly. 

Nothing  short  of  a  miracle  could  save  him. 

But  his  conviction  tobs  that  if  his  time  had  come  it 
would  be  much  better  to  perish  by  one  of  the  bullets  from 
the  guard's  carbine  than  descend  to  be  taken  prisoner  by 
the  police. 

In  either  case  his  death  would  be  certain. 

But  a  loud  cry  at  this  moment  made  him  open  Lis  eyos 
and  start  so  violently  that  the  branches  of  the  trie* 
clashed  together. 

It  was  the  driver  of  the  mail-cart  who  nad  given  utter- 
ance to  the  shout. 

The  guard  had  turned  rom  quick  as  lightning,  won- 
dering what  had  happened       an  alarming  character. 

"  Look — look !"  said  the  driver,  standing  upon  bis  seat, 
and  pointing  across  the  meadows  with  one  band.  "  May 
I  never  hold  the  r«ios  again  if  the  rascal  is  not  taking 
his  way  quite  cocfly  over  the  fields  yonder  t" 

"  What — what  ?"  exclaimed  the  officers. 

"Jump  ur— jump  up,  all  of  you,  and  you  will  see! 
Look — looi.  |  Yonder  he  goes,  just  by  that  tell  poplar 
tree!" 

Thf  officers  scrambled  «p  into  the  oert,  ta1  gazed 
eag  rly  in  the  direction  to  wbiob  the  drivel's  tiug-et 
pointed. 

We  have  already  described  the  nature  of  the  Tig  t  as 
being  one  when  the  :  "oon  broke  iortb  at  Uitol  hi  le- 
vels. 

A  large  rift  of  blue  could  now  be  seen  between  tlio 
clouds,  and  in  this  the  moon  was  shining  with  a  iuati* 
ii  unsurpassable. 


1608 


BLACK   BESS;    OK, 


Far  and  wide  all  objects  could  be  distinctly  seen,  and 
the  pohoe,  as  they  gazed  over  the  fair,  silvery-looking 
country,  uttered  ejaculations  of  surprise  and  astauisJb- 
mekk 

At  first  they  could  not  credit  t&eh*  vision,  bat  a  second 
glance  assured  them  that  they  saw  arigbt. 

Dick  Turpin,  in  his  well-known  scarlet  coat,  aSe  larg» 
white  cravat,  ana  His  three-cornered  hat,  was  making  his 
way  at  a  sharp  tro*  ncross  the  level  expanse  of  msBtlow- 
land. 

"  Onrse  it  all !"  said  the  chief  officer,  as  he  poncO  off 
his  hat  and  in  his  rage  smacked  it  down  into  the  roadway. 
"  (Something  told  me  that  we  were  wasting  our  tim*  on 
a  wrong  scent  1  Bat  never  mind !  He  is  not  far  off  my 
lads !     Come  on — we  shall  have  him  yet !" 

The  pohoe  left  the  mail-cart  even  more  precipitately 
than  they  had  climbed  into  it,  and  then  ran  with  might 
and  main  to  their  horses. 

"  Jenkins,"  roared  the  chief,  *  run  to  that  gate  yoa«w, 
and  open  it,  then  we  can  make  haste  through." 

One  of  the  men  hastened  off  to  obey  this  command, 
while  the  others  scrambled  with  the  best  speed  they  could 
into  their  saddles. 

It  was  wonderful  to  see  in  what  an  incredibly  short 
space  of  time  they  were  all  in  the  saddle  and  in  motion. 

The  gate  was  held  open,  and  they  dashed  through  it  in 
a  dense  throng,  quite  heedless  of  the  injuries  they  re- 
ceived by  coming  in  contact  with  each  other  and  with  the 
gate-posts. 

Once  in  the  meadow,  they  separated,  and  away  they 
went  at  the  utmost  speed  of  which  their  horses  were  cap- 
able. 

No  person  had  been  more  surprised  or  astounded  at 
this  sudden  turn  of  affairs  than  Dick  Turpin  him- 
self. 

He  sat  up  in  the  tree  with  a  dim,  vague  consciousness 
about  him  that  he  had  escaped  by  a  hair's  breadth  from 
a  dreadful  death. 

He  peered  as  well  as  he  could  through  the  branches 
of  the  trees,  and  presently  made  out  the  form  of  the 
horseman  that  the  officers  had  mistaken  for  him. 

Dick  did  not  wonder  at  the  error. 

The  figure  did  in  many  respects  resemble  himsefc 

Nor  was  he  at  any  loss  to  recognise  the  rider. 

It  was  Tom  King. 

After  the  officew  had  entered  the  meadow,  Dick  re- 
mained in  the  same  position,  watching  vigilantly  and  full 
of  anxiety  to  learn  the  result  of  the  chase. 

To  his  great  disappointment,  however,  Tom  King  be- 
came suddenly  lost  to  view  behind  a  large  clump  of 
trees. 

He  watched  to  see  him  reappear  from  them. 

But  in  vain. 

Then  did  his  concern  for  his  old  comrade  redoumo. 

He  felt  pretty  certain  that  Tom  King  had  no  idea  the 
officers  were  so  close  behind  him. 

On  the  soft  sward  their  horses'  feet  would  not  make 
noise  enough  to  reach  his  ears. 

"  He  has  been  well  hunted  about  the  country,  that's  cer- 
tain," Dick  muttered  to  himself,  "and  now  ne  believes 
himself  in  safety.  Tern  to  one  he  will  stop  among  those 
trees  for  rest  and  shelter :  and  if  he  does  his  position 
will  be  an  awkward  one,  tor  the  officers  will  absolutely 
be  upon  him  before  he  is  aware  that  they  are  at  hand." 

Dick  watched  the  officers  until  they,  too,  could  be  seen 
no  longer. 

Then  he  turned  to  a  consideration  of  his  own  posi- 
tion. 

The  guard  and  driver  of  the  n*ai-cart  had  also  stood 
watching  intently  until  the*e  was  nothing  more  to  be 


Then  Dick  heard  me  latter  exclaim: 

"  Well,  eome,  old  fellow,  I  think  we  have  loitered  on 
our  journey  kmg  enough.  The  horses  .nust  make  up  for 
It  though — it  will  not  do  Aw  us  to  arrive  1st*  " 

u  No,  certainly  not." 

"  Well  then,  w  11  be  aS."  .  . . 

« In  one  moment,"  saM  fee  guard,  as,  with  the  c  arbme 
in  his  hand,  he  jumped  out  of  the  cart— "one  moment! 
ni  just  have  this  one  bang  for  the  say-eo  of  the  tning, 
mxd  after  that  I  shall  be  ready  to  go  with  you." 

These  last  words  fairly  took  away  Dick's  breath  when 
be  beard  them,  they  came  upon  him  so  unexpectedly 

i  !e  had  congratulated  himself  upon  being  out  of  danger. 


wher-  now  he  suddenly   found  himself  in  the 
mineit  peril  as  before. 

TLe  only  question  that  now  arose  in  his  mind  wee 
whe<  her  he  should  at  once  reveal  his  presence  in  the 
tree 

It  would  be  a  very  different  thing  to  deal  with  these 
two  men,  only  he  fancied  indeed  he  she  uld  be  able  sue- 
eessfnlly  te  cope  with  them. 

H »  gave  one  keen,  rapid  gilauce  ia  t  he  direction  the 
officers  had  taken. 

To  his  great  joy,  he  ftraad  they  were  still  out  ef 
eight. 

"  Jim,*  said  the  driver  of  the  mail-ear  t,  as  soon  as  the 
guard  had  ceased  speaking,  "  don't  make  a  fool  of  yew- 
self '" 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"  Well,  not  exactly  what  I  said.  But  dont  try  to  b  J  » 
bigger  fool  than  you  are,  for  that's  quite  needless." 

"  Yon  be  blowed !" 

"  Very  well ;  but  I  just  tell  you  this  much :  I  am  going, 
and  if  you  like  to  come  with  me,  well  and  good ;  if  not, 
stay  where  you  are,  and  you  can  fire  up  those  trees  till 
doomsday,  if  you  like !" 

With  these  words  the  driver  gave  his  horses  a  smart 
cut  with  the  whip,  and  the  animals,  who  had  been  chafing 
under  their  restraint  all  the  while,  now  started  off  at  a 
capital  speed. 

"  Hi — hi !"  roared  the  guard — "  stop — stop  I" 

The  driver  slackened  his  speed. 

"  Are  you  coming  ?" 

"Just  this  one  6hot!" 

44  v  ,  I'm  off." 

But  the  gaard  was  determined  not  to  be  baulked  in  his 
whim,  so,  hastily  raising  his  piece,  he  pulled  the  trig- 
ger. 

He  did  not  wait  to  see  the  result  of  the  explosion,  but 
ran  off  down  the  road  as  fast  as  his  legs  could  carry  him, 
bawling  lustily  to  his  comrade  to  pull  up. 

He  was  out  of  sight  in  a  few  moments,  and  then  then 
was  a  slight  rustling  in  the  tree. 

It  was  ^*used  by  Dick  Turpin  taking  off  his  hat. 

He  looked  at  it,  and  through  the  broad  brim  he  saw  a 
large  jagged  hole,  which  would  admit  his  finger  easily. 

44  A  close  shave,"  he  muttered.  "  But  a  miss  is  as  good 
as  a  mile,  I've  heard  say.  Confound  the  fellow,  he's  been 
the  cause  of  half  my  troubles  !" 

Dick  felt  himself  carefully  all  over  to  ascertain  that  he 
had  received  no  other  hurt,  and,  having  satisfied  himself 
on  this  particular  point,  he  paused  to  look  around  him  on 
all  sides  before  he  ventured  to  make  his  descent. 

No  human  being  was  in  sight,  nor  did  any  sound  break 
the  silence,  save  that  which  the  wind  produced. 

The  moon  was  again  hidden  by  clouds,  and  Dick  felt 
rejoiced  at  it,  because  he  knew  how  much  it  would  favour 
his  escape. 

Rapidly,  then,  he  descended  from  bough  to  bough  until 
ho  once  more  stood  on  the  firm  earth. 

Then  he  shook  himself  thoroughly,  as  though  by  that 
means  he  could  rid  himself  of  all  the  disagreeable  cir- 
cumstances through  which  he  had  just  passed. 

44 1  have  had  some  close  touches,"  was  his  muttered 
remark.  "  But  no  matter  I  There's  much  before  me  that 
I  must  attend  to— besides,  the  hour  is  much  later  than  I 
could  wish.  As  all  is  so  quiet  I  will  set  forward  at 
ouce."  *••'• 

He  carried  out  this  intention  without  delay. 

He  knew  perfectly  well  that  he  could  be  at  no  very 
great  distance  from  his  destination,  but  yet  he  had  tc 
consider  for  some  moments  before  he  was  able  to  say 
positively  in  which  direction  Somefield  lay. 

Having  at  last  decided  upon  the  point,  he  took  his 
course  in  a  straight  hue,  disregarding  the  obstacles  thai 
continually  placed  themselves  in  his  path. 

In  this  way  he  had  not  proceeded  long,  before  lis  per- 
ceived before  him  a  bright,  ruddy  gleam  of  light. 

It  increased  in  brilliancy  with  a  rapidiiy  truly  mar- 
vellous, and  soon  the  whole  horizon  was  lighted  up. 

The  dense  clouds  lost  their  former  sombre  look,  and 
glowed  with  crimson. 

44  A  fire,"  said  Dick,  after  he  had  gazed  in  silence  for 
some  moments  at  this  spectacle — "yea,  sorely  a  fire  I 
And  how  fiercely  and  rapidly  it  rages !" 

In  a  few  more  minutes  he  was  so  close  to  the  scene  orf 
conflagration  as  to  behold  the  huge  columns  of  smoke  aa» 


THE   KNIGHT   OF  THE    ROAD. 


I50t 


©ending,  and  the  thousands  of  brilliant  sparks  that  rushed 
upwards. 

As  he  continued  to  gaze,  a  strange  feeling  of  uneasi- 
ness sprang  up  in  his  breast — a  feeling  that  was  indefi- 
nable, but  yet  which  increased  in  power  every  moment. 

A  vague  consciousness  that  something  was  wrong — that 
something  was  about  to  happen  which  would  be  to  him  a 
greater  misfortune  than  anything  that  had  yet  happened 
to  him — took  full  possession  of  his  heart. 

For  a  brief  space  of  time  it  unnerved  him,  but,  obtain- 
ing command  over  himself,  he  redoubled  his  speed, 
changing  his  course  slightly  and  making  his  way  direct 
to  the  scene  of  conflagration. 


CHAPTER   CMXTVL 

D»  WHICH  BLACK  BESS    MARKS    HEK    APPEARANCE    BEFORE 
THB  PUBLIC  IN  A  FRESH  CHARACTER. 

BLavlno  brought  the  narrative  up  to  this  point,  we  will 
take  our  leave  of  Dick  Turpin  for  awhile,  and  revert  to 
the  proceedings  of  two  others,  in  whom  it  is  presumed 
scarcely  a  secondary  interest  is  felt. 

The  others  we  allude  to  are  Maud  and  Black  Bess,  who, 
the  readers  will  recollect,  had  been  left  in  the  charge  of 
the  friendly  proprietor  of  the  circus. 

It  was  shortly  after  Dick's  departure  that  a  man, 
travel-stained,  dusty,  and  weary,  came  walking  slowly 
over  the  common  on  which  Che  strollers  may  be  said  to 
have  encamped. 

His  eyes  were  fixed  upon  the  bright,  ruddy  fire  they 
had  lighted,  and  which  looked  like  a  beacon  of  hope  in 
the  gloom. 

As  he  drew  nearer  the  sound  of  footsteps  was  heard, 
and  Smithini  himself,  starting  up,  strained  his  eyes  in 
the  endeavour  to  make  out  the  form  and  features  of  the 
intruder. 

It  was  not  long  before  he  succeeded,  for  this  new-comer 
advanced  boldly  until  the  ruddy  light  from  the  fire  fell 
full  upon  his  haggard  countenance. 

"  Why,  Jos, "  said  Smithini,  extending  his  hand,  "  can 
it  bepossible— is  it  you  ?" 

"  Yes,  there  is  no  doubt  about  it,"  replied  the  other, 
sadly.     "  I  have  managed  to  get  thus  far." 

"But  I  thought  you  were  laid  up,  unable  to  mt.e, 
after  that  terrible  fall  of  yours." 

"  Well,  I  was,  and  I  am  not  right  now,  but  better ;  I 
am  starving,  though,"  he  added,  "  and  so  am  not  likely  to 
improve.  I  recollected  you,  and  from  the  past  felt  cer- 
tain that  you  would  do  all  you  could  to  help  me." 

"  So  I  will,"  said  Smithini.  "  We'll  talk  about  that  more 
at  length  to-morrow.  Here,  sit  down  and  have  some- 
thing to  eat" 

The  man  gladly  complied,  and,  sitting  down,  he  removed 
his  hat  and  the  wrapper  from  the  lower  portion  of  his 
face. 

The  firelight  then  disclosed  the  countenance  of  a 
middle-aged  man,  with  many  deep  lines  furrowed  upon 
it,  and  the  whiteness  of  which  was  brought  into  strong 
relief  by  the  black  moustache  he  wore  upon  his  upper 
tip. 

To  many  he  was  known,  and  as  soon  as  their  greeting 
was  over,  Smithini,  turning  to  him,  said : 

u  Have  you  any  news,  Joe  ?     Is  there  anything  fresh  ?" 

"No,"  he  returned,  "  nothing  at  all,  except  a  rather  o^*1 
thing  that  happened  to  me  on  my  way  here." 

u  What  was  that  ?" 

"  Why,  1  was  suddenly  encountered  and  Burroun&ed\>y 
a  troop  of  police  officers.  I  was  much  frightened — I 
could  not  help  it  I  was  rigidly  examined  and  closely 
questioned,  and  it  would  seam  that  I  had  been  mistaken 
tor  another." 

"Indeed?" 

"  Yes.  These  officers  are  in  pursuit  of  a  high  wayrv^a 
and  a  female  he  has  with  him.  They  have  been  tracked 
to  eomewhere  near  this  place,  but  the  due  has  been  lost. 
However,  they  are  resolved  to  find  it." 

These  words  gave  Smithini  mors  uneasiness  than  he 
thought  proper  to  express. 

Maud,  too,  overheard  the  woras,  and  it  oost  hsr  •  great 
effort  to  preserve  anything  resembling  calmness. 

Her  anxiety  to  hear  more,  however,  overcame  every 
other  consideration. 

w  They  are  on  their  way  to  this  place  even  sow."  con- 


tinued the  man.  "  No  doubt  you  will  see  them  shortly,  and 
t&ey  will  make  the  same  inquiries  of  you." 

"What  makes  you  think  that  ?" 

"  Simply  because  I  left  them  coming  in  this  direction, 
ana  i^cause  I  heard  them  say  that  they  were  resolved  to 
question  everyone  they  met." 

Smithini  lapsed  into  silence.  &' 

At  length,  however,  he  spoke. 

"I  don't  like  the  grabs,"  he  said ;  " I  never  did  ;  I  had 
half  made  up  my  mind  to  stay  here  till  to-morrow,  but 
now  my  determination  is  changed — well  6tart  at  once  " 

"  And  to  vfhat  place  are  you  bound  ?" 

"  Somefield." 

Un0h,  not  far  from  here — I  know  the  place." 

"  Yes,  we  shall  reach  it  in  a  shest  time  easily,'" 

He  rose  from  his  seat  as  he  spoke  these  last  words,  and 
issued  rapid  injunctions  to  the  others  to  get  all  ready  for 
a  start 

The  injunctions  did  not  require  much  time  to  carry  out 
— indeed,  sooner  than  could  have  been  expected  they  were 
all  in  motion. 

"Fear  nothing,"  said  Smithini,  whispering  in  Maud's 
ear,  "  I  will  protect  you ;  while  with  me  you  are  saia.  I 
am  doing  this  merely  in  the  way  of  precaution." 

"  And  Dick,"  she  said — "  will  he  find  us  ?" 

"  Oh  yes,  I  arranged  all  about  that.  Do  not  be  appre- 
hensive on  that  score.  All  I  wish  is  to  avoid  a  meeting 
with  the  officers." 

The  journey  to  Somefield  was  performed  in  safety  and 
in  secrecy. 

Day  was  just  beginning  to  dawn  when  they  halted  on 
a  piece  of  waste  ground  just  outside  the  little  town. 

A  short  time  was  allowed  for  repose,  then  the  men  be- 
gan busily  to  work  at  erecting  their  large  canvas  tent. 

It  was  not  long  before  their  arrival  became  known  to 
the  inhabitants,  and  there  was  soon  a  crowd  of  idle  spec- 
tators, who  stood  and  watched  all  their  preparations. 

It  was  announced  that  one  grand  performance  in  the 
circus  would  be  given  at  mid-day,  and  by  that  time  every- 
thing was  in  readiness. 

To  the  deep  disappointment  of  all,  and  Smithini  in 
particular,  for  he  had  met  with  much  ill-luck  of  late,  they 
met  with  very  little  encouragement. 

So  few  people,  indeed,  sat  down  upon  the  seats  that 
none  of  the  performers  *elt  the  heart  to  go  through  their 
performance  properly. 

When  the  audience  had  been  dismissed,  Maud  found 
her  new  but  kind-hearted  and  trusty  friend  seated  in  an 
attitude  of  deep  dejection. 

Anxiously  she  inquired  into  the  cause. 

"  My  usual  luck,"  he  said  ;  "  I  don't  know  what  it  is  to 
do  well  now.  There  was  a  time,  however,  when  all  was 
different,  but  it  is  no  good  thinking  about  that.  You  see, 
the  people  will  riot  come,  and  my  stock  of  money  is  now 
exhausted !" 

Maud  was  not  in  a  position  to  suggest  any  means  by 
which  Smithini  could  be  helped  out  of  his  difficulty,  ye  : 
she  longed  for  the  power  to  do  so. 

She  valued  his  friendship,  for  there  were  few  indeed 
who  would  hold  out  to  herself  and  Dick  a  protecting 
hand. 

"  I  don't  know  what  to  bring  forward  to  attract  the 
public,"  Smithini  continued.   "  I  am  completely  at  fault P 

"  And  I,"  said  Maud,  "  cannot  help  you.  If  I  could  I 
would  with  all  my  heart.  There  is  nothing  I  would  not 
do  to  assist  you. " 

Smithini  raised  his  eyes  and  fixed  them  keenly  upon 
her  countenance. 

"Are  you  sure  of  what  you  say  r "  he  asked. 

"Quite  sure,"  she  answered,  earnestly.  "Now  tell 
me  why  ?" 

"  I  was  thinking—.  But  no — no,"  he  broke  off,  "  1  will 
not  give  utterance  to  that  thought ;  it  is  wrong — mad- 
ness'" 

"  Let  me  know  it,"  said  Maud — "  let  me  toxm  my 
judgment  of  it." 

Smithini  resisted,  bat  she  was  so  pi  i  rmriiig  tbat  be  at 
last  complied. 

"  Weu,  then,"  he  said,  ♦«  the  wfld  Idea  teat  for  a  moment 
crossed  my  mind  that  Black  Bess  night  be  toe  raeans  ot 
saving  roe,* 

"  Of  saving  yon  f     How  so  K 

"  Why,"  he  continued,  "  I  have  been  told  tbat  her 
master  hue  te&a&ed  her  with  uncommon  oare,  an£*iMtsah* 


1510 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OB, 


is  possessed  of  rare  intelligence.  It  would  take  too 
long  to  repeat  one  half  of  the  stories  I  have  heard,  but 
doubtless  there  is  only  a  slight  foundation  for  them." 

"  Not  so  slight  as  you  imagine,"  said  Maud,  with  a 
glow  of  joy,  for  she  was  delighted  at  seeing  this 
prospect  opened  out  before  her  of  testifying  her  grati- 
tude to  her  new  friend—"  not  so  slight  as  you  ima- 
gine," she  repeated.  "At  various  times  I  have  seen 
strange  things  done.  She  would  obey  his  every  word, 
but  I  fancy  will  attend  to  no  one  else." 

"  It  is  very  likely." 

"Still,"  she  continued,  with  fresh  animation,  " if 
you  will  allow  me  to  try  I  shall  gladly  do  so.  You 
must  not  forget  she  is  so  disguised  that  even  J  should 
not  recognise  her,  and  it  might  be  that  this  would 
prove  sufficient  to  attract  the  people." 

Smithini  evidently  thought  so- 

The  proposal  was  one  that  recommended  itself  to 
him  in  every  w.y,  but  yet  he  hesitated. 

Maud,  however,  insisted  upon  carrying  out  the 
course  she  had  suggested. 

Black  Bess  was  brought,  and  she  endeavoured  by 
imitating  Dick's  manner  to  induce  her  to  perform 
several  tricks  which  she  had  seen. 

The  experiment  met  with  a  success  that  exceeded 
their  most  sanguine  expectations. 

But  having  succeeded  so  far,  an  obstacle  now  ob- 
truded itself  which  threatened  to  be  insurmountable. 

To  perform  these  tricks  it  would  be  necessary  that 
Maud  herself  should  appear  before  the  audience,  a 
thing  from  which  under  any  circumst  ances  she  would 
have  shrunk. 

But  now  it  would  have  been  dangerous  in  the 
highest  degree  for  her  to  do  so. 

Among  the  many  eyes  that  might  be  upon  her,  there 
would  be  a  strong  probability  of  her  recognition. 

"  I  have  it,"  said  Smithini,  in  a  voice  of  exultation— 
"I  have  it;  our  fortunes  are  made.  'The  Masked  Lady,' 
that  sounds  well,  does  it  not  ?  It  will  make  a  good  line, 
too : '  The  Masked  Lady  and  her  Matchless  Steed,\Vhite 
Diamond,  will  give  their  unrivalled  performance.'  " 

"Yes,"  said  Maud,  "  I  could  wear  a  mask,  and  then 
there  would  be  almost  an  end  to  danger.  At  any  rate, 
I  will  run  the  risk." 

Even  then  Smithini  hesitated. 

He  thought  of  Dick,  and  wondered  in  what  light 
the  highwayman  would  look  up  an  the  affair. 

He  was  no  stranger  to  the  fact  that  Turpi  n  placed 
a  priceless  value  on  his  mare,  and  should  any  accident 
befall  her— should  she  be  recognised,  what  could  he 
say  then  ? 

But  for  Maud's  determination,  he  would  at  the  last 
moment  have  abandoned  the  idea  ;  but  she  was  firm, 
and  resolved  that  it  should  be  carried  out. 

The  next  step  was  to  make  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  aware  of  what  was  going  to  be  performed,  and 
this  task  was  executed  as  well  as  the  shortness  of  the 
time  at  their  disposal  would  admit. 

'I  don't  care,"  said  Smithini.  "Let  only  half  a 
dozen  come  the  first  time,  and  I  shall  be  satisfied. 
When  they  have  seen  this  performance  they  will  pour 
a  glowing  account  of  it  into  the  ears  of  everyone." 

Bather  late  in  the  afternoon  a  second  performance 
was  given. 

It  was  rather  better  attended  than  the  first ;  but  it 
was  evident  they  had  been  induced  to  come  by  the 
representations  that  had  been  put  forth  respectingthe 
Masked  Lady  and  White  Diamond. 

The  moment  for  Maud's  appearance  at  length  came, 
and,  dizzy  and  confused,  she  rode  into  the  ring. 

She  was  received  with  a  loud  burst  of  applause,  and 
all  looked  on  with  the  greatest  excitement  and  eager- 
ness at  the  strange  spectacle  of  a  masked  performer. 

Trembling  for  the  result,  Maud  then  uttered  the 
words  of  command  that  Dick  Turpin  himself  had  used. 

It  would  really  seem  that  Black  Bess  understood  the 
nature  of  her  position,  for  never  before  had  she  ap- 
peared so  docile— so  intelligent. 

Every^  command  that  Maud  gave  was  obeyed  with  a 
promptitude  that  produced  unbounded  applause. 

The  experiment  was  a  complete  success. 

When  all  was  over,Black  Bess  was  led  round  the  ring, 
and  all  admired  her  matchless  shape  and  prop;  rtions. 
Never  had  their  eyes  rested  on  such  a  steed, 


But  little  did  they  dream  what  steed  it  was. 

Smithini.  in  the  character  of  manager,  anuounced 
that  a  repetition  of  the  performance  would  be  given 
that  evening,  and  then  the  audience  departed. 

The  words  he  had  made  use  of  were  prophetic. 

Those  who  had  witnessed  the  performance  of  White 
Diamond  gave  so  glowing  an  account  of  it  that  all 
who  heard  determined  to  attend,  especially  when 
those  who  had  paid  the  visit  on  the  first  occasion  de- 
clared their  intention  of  going  a  second  time. 

To  the  joy  of  Smithini  and  his  troop,  long  before 
the  announced  hour  of  opening,  a  great  crowd  be- 
sieged the  entrance  to  the  tent. 

In  they  rushed,  in  one  continuous  stream,  packing 
themselves  into  the  closest  possible  compass. 

The  canvas  erection  was  crammed  to  its  fullest 
extent — it  would  not  have  been  possible  for  another 
person  to  have  found  standing-room. 

Thus  the  time  passed  on  until  the  hour  for  Maud's 
second  appearance. 

Her  success  was  even  greater  than  on  the  previous 
occasion. 

Still,  there  remained  outside  a  crowd  of  persons  suffi- 
ciently large  to  fill  the  tent  again,  and,  by  the  gener- 
ally-expressed wish  of  all,  a  third  performance  was 
announced,  although  the  hour  was  then  so  late  a  one. 

Fortune  was  at  last  smiling  upon  Smithini. 

The  money  rolled  in  so  fast  that  he  could  scarcely 
find  places  in  which  to  stow  it. 

It  happened  thus,  that  the  hour  was  long  past  mid- 
night when  Maud  again  appeared. 

Again  was  the  performance  a  complete  success. 

But  before  it  was  half  over,  a  loud,  appalling  shriek 
was  heard. 

It  was  followed  by  another,  and  then  from  the 
throats  of  all  issued  the  one  word  "  Fire  !" 

There  was  an  instantaneous  rush,  and  then,  as 
though  to  make  the  calamity  complete,  the  seats, 
which  had  never  been  designed  for  the  accommodation 
of  so  many  people,  suddenly  gave  way  on  one  side. 

There  was  a  hideous  crash,  and  the  next  moment 
the  people  were  lying  on  the  ground  in  a  confused  and 
bleeding  mass. 

As  the  seats  all  depended  upon  each  other  for  sup- 
port, those  on  the  other  side  fell  also  before  those 
seated  on  them  could  succeed  in  making  an  escape. 

Then  followed  a  scene  of  such  appalling  horror  that 
no  tongue  could  describe  it,  and  the  fearful  nature  of 
the  scene  was  enhanced  by  the  rapid  progress  of  the 
flames. 

They  spread  with  a  rapidity  truly  alarming. 

Something  might  have  been  done  to  check  them, 
it  is  true,  but  there  was  no  one  who  could  take  that 
direction  of  affairs  upon  themselves  at  the  right  mo- 
ment, and  so  the  fire  raged  on. 

By  twos  and  threes,  the  bruised  and  burned  people 
rolled  out  on  to  the  open  ground. 

Selfishness  reigned  paramount. 

No  thought  was  given  by  anyone  to  the  sufferings 
of  another. 

In  the  midst  of  the  confusion  a  man  appeared,  whose 
arrival  was  unnoticed  in  the  general  excitement. 

It  was  Dick  Turpin,  who  had  seen  from  afar  the 
conflagration,  and  who,  on  coming  close  enough,  had 
found  that  it  proceeded  from  Smithini's  circus. 

He  did  not  know  at  that  moment  that  Maud  was  in 
the  very  centre  of  the  building,  hemmed  in  by  mad- 
dened, furious  people. 

But  he  dashed  on  at  a  venture,  looking  everywhere 
for  her. 

He  saw  her  not — he  saw  no  one  of  whom  he  could 
ask  a  single  question. 

He  felt  certain,  however,  that  if  he  raised  his  voice 
she  would  recognise  it.  and  give  vent  to  an  answering 
cry,  which  would  enable  him  to  proceed  to  her 
rescue. 

There  was  danger  about  this  course  ;  but  at  such  a 
moment  as  that  such  danger  was  not  to  be  thought 
of. 

"  Maud,"  he  cried— "  Maud— Maud  !  Where  are 
you  ?     Speak,  that  I  may  hear  your  voice  1" 

He  fancied  that  the  roaring  of  the  flames  and  the 
shrieks  and  cries  of  the  populace  beat  down  and 
drowned  his  words. 


THB    KNIGHT   Of   THE   BOAU. 


loll 


iie  thought  just  the*  too,  of  Black  Bess,  and  wonderea 
«  iihe  was  in  the  midr    of  the  scene  of  riot. 

Just  then  his  eyes  tell  upon  a  man,  begrimed  with 
smoke,  and  with  his  cl  thing  badly  torn. 

Nevertheless,  he  *ec  gnised  him. 

It  was  Smithini.  . 

"  Maud — Maud !"  Di-  k  exclaimed,  as  he  seized  hold  of 
aim.    "  Where  is  she — where  is  she  ?" 

Smithini  answered  only  by  a  groan. 

Alarmed  beyond  expression,  Dick  repeated  his  inquiry, 
and  so  furiously  that  Smithini  was  terrified  into  a 
reply. 

"  She's  there,"  he  said,  pointing  to  the  remains  ol  the 
♦•ircus — "  she's  there,  in  the  very  midst  of  the  wreck,  and 
Ulack  Bess  is  with  her  I" 


Dick,  however,  in  this  mois»out  of  it  esh  danger  »*« 
cftim  and  steady  enough. 

Keeping  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  officers  so  as  not  tew 
a  moment  to  lose  sight  of  their  actions,  he  placed  Lis 
hand  upon  the  saddle  and  swuug  himself  easily  inie 
his  seat. 

It  was  Just  then  that  a  voice  cried  out  in  loud, 
shrill  tontrf: 

"Here  he  is — here  be  is;  I  Vave  him  now,  and  no 
mistake." 

While  these  words  were  uttered,  Dick  felt  his  leg 
suddenly  seized  by  some  one,  and  the  jerk  given  was 
such  that  it  almost  unhorsed  him. 

Luckily,  he  kept  his  seat. 

The  officers  answered  the  cry  with  a  loud  shout,  and 
came  hastening  towards  them. 

With  a  sudden  shake  Dick  managed  to  get  his  foot 
partially  free,  and  before  the  man  who  had  seized  it 
could  save  himself  be  received  a  tremendous  blow  in 
the  mouth  from  the  tip  of  Dick's  heavy  riding  boot 

He  relaxed  his  hold  and  fell  back  with  a  strangw 
cry. 

"  On,  Bess,"  Dick  cried — "  on,  my  lass — your  best  spetxl 
is  wanted  now !" 

While  he  spoke  the  words  a  dropping,  irregular  volley 
came  from  the  pistols  of  the  officers. 

Bui  the  bullets  sped  past  him  harmlessly,  for  the  short 
stumpy  pistols  that  were  at  that  time  carried  by  the  police 
officers  were  more  for  show  than  use,  and  if  they  struck 
an  object  aimed  at  it  was  by  accident  merely. 

But  Maud  uttered  a  loud  cry,  and  at  first  Dick  thought 
she  had  been  injured. 

She  quickly  assured  him,  however,  that  all  was  well, 
the  cry  had  been  wrung  from  her  lips  by  terror. 

There  was  something  truly  alarming  in  the  furious 
rate  at  which  Black  Bess  took  her  way  across  the  rough, 
uneven  piece  of  waste  ground  on  which  ihe  circus  had 
been  erected. 

It  was  of  considerable  extent,  and  some  time  elapsed 
before  its  further  boundary  was  reached. 

At  length  they  reached  this  point  in  perfect  safety. 

But  Dick  had  left  all  to  the  sagacity  of  his  mare  ;  ho 
had  made  not  the  slightest  attempt  to  guide  her,  for  he 
knew  well  enough  she  would  be  better  able  by  this 
means  to  avoid  any  obstacles  that  might  be  in  her  path. 

The  officers,  however,  were  not  so  fortunate. 

The  horses  of  the  two  foremost  stepped  suddenly  into 
a  hole  only  a  few  inches  deep,  but  yet  such  was  the 
jar  produced  that  they  stumbled  and  fell,  oarrying  their 
riders  with  them. 

The  others  were  so  close  behind  that  they  could  not 
stop  themselves  immediately,  and  thus  a  scene  of  the 
utmost  confusion  took  place,  a  confusion  which  lasted 
for  several  moments. 

This  was  an  opportunity  that  Dick  improved  to  the 
utmost. 

"  All  is  well,  Maud,"  he  cried,  in  a  reassuring  voice— 
"  all  is  well !  Fear  nothing  1  If  the  officers  are  in  the 
humour  for  a  good  gallop  to-night  they  ohall  have  it; 
but  I  promise  them  they  will  get  nothing  for  their 
pains." 

Black  Bess  seemed  in  excellent  condition,  and,  so  far 
as  could  be  judged,  quite  overjoyed  at  thus  again 
meeting  with  her  master. 

A  broad,  tolerably-straight  and  well-kept  cross-road 
was  before  them,  and  along  this  Dick  allowed  her  to 
proceed  at  full  gallop. 

Coming,  then,  to  a  spot  where  the  road  was  intersected 
by  another,  he  paused. 

He  had  not  listened   more  than  a  few  seconds  before 
he  heard  distinctly  behind  him   the    sharp  clatter   pro- 
duced by  the  hoofs  of   the  officers'  horses    striking  the 
I  hard  road. 
"  They're  after  us    at   full  speed,  Maud,"   said  Dick  ; 


CHATTER  CMXXVf Z 

DICK     TURFIN    IS     MUCH     HARASSED    BT  THE     VOUCH 
OFFICERS. 

Upow  receipt  tfT  this  Intelligence  Dick  Turpin  clasped 
both  his  hands  over  his  face,  and  uttered  a  deep  groan. 

But  he  banished  the  emotion  quickly,  for  he  felt  that  k 
was  the  moment  for  deeds,  not  for  grief. 

How  he  was  to  make  his  way  through  the  fighting, 
struggling  throng,  and  gain  the  centre  of  the  circus  he 
had  no  idea,  and  it  was  fortunate  indeed  even  at  that 
dire  moment  that  he  should  maintain  sufficient  presence 
of  mind  to  be  aware  that  any  attempt  to  mix  himself  up 
with  the  throng  would  prove  fatal. 

His  mind  at  the  same  instant  grasped  another  idea. 

Smithini  had  said  that  Black  Bess  was  with  Maud,  and 
tb*t  reminded  him  that  he  had  the  power  of  calling  Black 
Bess  to  his  side. 

There  was  a  possibility — just  a  remote  possibility — that 
Maud  might  come  with  Black  Bess  if  he  gave  utterance 
to  the  signal. 

The  experiment  was  worth  trying,  and  almost  without 
reflection  he  whistled  shnjly. 

There  was  an  answering  neigh,  and  then  the  confusion 
on  the  spot  where  the  circus  had  stood  was  redoubled. 

With  a  furious  rush  and  frantic,  terrified  bounds,  Black 
Bess  came  galloping  over  those  people  who  chanced  to  be 
in  her  way. 

Dick  could  scarcely  summon  up  his  cocr»ar&  to  look 
and  see  whether  Maud  was  with  her. 

Tremblingly  and  in  great  fear  he  raised  his  eyas,  and 
then,  with  a  cry  of  joy,  sprang  forward. 

Maud  was  there,  seated  upon  Black  Bess,  and  to  all  ap- 
pearance quite  unhurt. 

In  another  second  she  was  in  his  arms,  and  pressed 
tightly  to  his  breast. 

"  Safe,"  she  said — "  I  am  quite  safe  and  unhurt !  And 
you,  too,  have  escaped  ?" 

"  Yes — yes !"  said  Dick,  whose  heart  was  now  light- 
ened of  a  terrible  load — "  yes,  all  is  well.  And  Bess — 
what  about  her  ?" 

"  She,  too,  I  think,  is  quite  unharmed,  or  if  she  is  hurt 
it  is  only  in  a  very  trifling  degree." 

At  this  moment  Smithini  came  hurrying  towards  them, 
and  by  the  expression  of  his  face  it  could  be  seen  that 
some  fresh  calamity  had  befallen  him. 

"  All  is  lost !"  he  said,  when  he  came  nearer.  ''  My 
bad  luck  clings  to  me !  I  thought  I  had  got  the  better  of 
it  for  once,  but  no,  I  have  not.  I  am  now  a  ruined  scan 
In  the  fullest  sense  of  the  word !" 

Dick  thought  he  referred  to  the  fire,  but  in  this  do 
was  quickly  undeceived. 

"  The  receipts  have  been  stolen,"  continued  Smithini — 
"  all  the  money  taken  at  the  doors  has  been  carried 
off  by  the  mob.  I  had  no  means  of  placing  it  in 
safety,  and  it  is  gone.  I  have  not  now  a  shilling  iD 
the  world  1" 


misc.    I  will  be  as  good  as  my  word." 

"  Hush — hush !"  said  Smithini,  suddenly 
Dick — look  there  V 

He  pointed  to  a  spot  Close  to  the  scene  of  cou&a- 
gration — a  spot  that  was  only  a  few  yards  dlietant. 

"Officers,"  ejaculated  Dick— " officers^  as  I  live!  I 
must  retreat  at  once ;  perhaps  I  shall  be  lucky  enough 
•p  escape  unseen.     Come,  Maud,  up  quickly — quickly  !" 

Jtaud  was  trembling  violently,  and  weeping,  for  she 
•iftd  not  yet  overcome  her  last  excitement. 


"  but  you  have  no  cause  to  fear.  We  have  the  advantage 
'  *oo!l  there,  |  of  them  now.  When  they  r  »ch  this  place  they  will 
have  great  difficulty  in  detormiiing  whicn  way  _  Iavo 
gone." 

"  And  which  way  *hall  you  taw?" 

Dick  paused  a  moment  baore  he  replied,  Liea 
said: 

"  This  one  to  the  left." 

He  turned  Black  Bees'*  head  down  It  while  h*  a^ok* 
and  again  urged  her  to  put  lutuk   JM»r  stmoai  twwatu  * 


ISiir 


BUCK 


apwl,  for  he  wished  to  get  sc  far  before  the  officers 
reached  the  cross  roads  that  they  would  mot  be  able  by 
listening  to  detect  the-sowid  of  his  horse's  hoofs 

Suddenly,  however,  while  going  at  full  gallop.  b» 
perceived  something  unusual  la  Bess's  manner. 

Her  neck  was  outstretched,  and  bar  aars  wars  pro- 
jected J.urww*!. 

At  the  bunui  iwsJ&.jt,  Aland  s#ki : 

••  Hark — hark !  Dick,  I  can  hear  ihe  office!*  how  ! 
.Sow  is  it  they  have  come  upon  as  so  quickly  ?" 

Quite  puaaled  by  this  circumstance,  and  soaroaly  able 
to  credit  it,  Dick  brought  Black  Bess  to  a  halt,  and  *h,en 
listened.  ^ 

Horsemen  were  approaching — there  oould  be  no  <loabt 
about  tlfirf- 

But  toe  qnickly  found  they  were  proceeding  froaa  a 
direction  opposite  to  that  which  he  had  first  expected. 

"It  is,  ten  to  one,  another  troop,"  he  said,  in  answer 
to  Maud's  query,  "  and  it's  lucky  we  heard  them  when 
we  did,  otherwise  we  should  have  dashed  at  full  speed 
into  their  midst.  They  are  frightfully  close  at  hand, 
and  I  fear  they  must  have  heard  us." 

Maud  clung  to  Dick  in  alarm. 

"We  are  in  danger,"  said  the  highwayman;  "but  we 
are  not  lost,  for  all  that.  Cheer  up!  This  will  be  my 
best  course  now.    Cling  tightly." 

Ha  turned  Black  Bess  so  that  she  faced  a  low  hedge- 
row growing  on  one  side  of  the  road. 

She  comprehended  his  wish,  and  with  one  bound 
oleared  the  obstruction  easily. 

Soft  green  turf  was  now  beneath  the  hoofs  of  Black 
Bess,  and  it  made  a  wonderful  difference  to  her. 

She  flew  onward  as  if  she  had  suddenly  received  a 
fresh  accession  of  strength. 

The  night  was  still  cloudy,  with  the  moon  breaking 
forth  at  intervals,  and  now,  at  this  moment,  to  Dick's 
vexation,  a  cloud  parted,  and  the  moon  peeped  forth. 

The  silvery  light  stole  in  an  instant  over  the  whole 
landscape. 

"  I  fear  we  shall  be  seen,"  said  Dick.  "  But  the  same 
light  which  enables  them  to  see  me  will  enable  me  to  see 
them.    Ah !  loob — there  they  are !" 

The  piece  of  ground  on  which  they  now  were  was  of 
greater  elevation  than  the  road  itself,  and  as  Dick  looked 
back  he  perceived  the  second  troop  of  police  offioets, 
whose  approach  he  had  so  opportunely  heard,  standing 
in  a  dense  throng  close  to  the  spot  where  he  had  over- 
leaped the  hedge. 

Then,  looking  a  little  way  to  the  left,  he  saw  the 
«>ther  troop  coming  on  at  full  speed. 

Ic  less  than  a  moment  the  two  forces  would  unite 

"  They  see  me,"  he  exclaimed.     "  But  no  matter  i 
fear  them  not!     Forward,  Bess,"   he  added — "forward, 
my  lass!     All  depends  upon  your  speed!     Let  us  see 
what  you  can  do !" 

It  really  seemed  as  though  the  gallant  creature  com- 
prehended the  purport  of  the  words  that  had  just  been 
uttered,  for,  without  any  further  incentive  for  exertion, 
she  all  at  once  broke  out  into  that  long,  stretching  gallop 
which  seemed  to  require  no  particular  amount  of  exertion 
on  her  part,  but  yet  which  got  over  the  ground  in  a  style 
truly  marvellous. 

A  succession  of  broad,  undulating  meadows  was  quickly 
passed  over,  and  when  Dick  drew  rein  again  it  was  not 
until  he  had  placed  many  miles  between  himself  and  the 
spot,  where  he  had  last  stopped. 

He  was  now  nearly  at  the  brow  oi  a  steep  hill,  and  he 
looked  back  from  this  advantageous  position,  in  order  to 
ascertain  whether  the  officers  were  still  upon  his  track. 

But  the  moon  was  once  fjgain  covered  by  clouds,  and  it 
was  impossible  for  hkn  to  see  to  any  great  distance. 

He  listened;  but  no  sound  resembling  the  clatter  of 
horses'  hoofs  reached  his  ears 

The  silence  was  alone  broken  by  the  whistling  or  *««e 
vind  among  the  tree  tops. 

"  Do  you  really  thii»k  that  you  have  distanced  them  ? "' 
asked  Maud,  beginning:  %c  r«seover  herself  from  the  state 
ot  tright  in  which  she  nad  been  for  so  long  a  time. 

"  I  trust  so,"  answered  Dick  ;  "but  at  present  ft  Is  im- 
possible to  say.  I  will  let  Bess  go  gently  to  the  summit 
of  this  hill,  and  then  we  will  'pause  again." 

"  A  nd, "  pursued  Maud,  "supnosiug  that  yon  should 
*»d  yourwl?  quite  clear  of  the  officers,  what  will  be  your 


Dick  paused  a  moment  before  he  ropEed. 

M  I  can  hardly  answer  you,"  h©  said,  "  «xoept  by  f^ing 
Chat  I  should  push  on  at  a  gentle  rate  a&d  look  ajjoand 
me  u.-r  some  plaee  of  shelter  wfrero  we  oould  remain  can' 
coaled  until  the  time  comes  for  nv?  to  usee*  my  #on»- 
panions." 

Hand  sighed 

**  Wi*ere,u  phe  sa-d — "  wheiie  is  this  pine©  of  •oa^eal- 
ment  and  safety  to  be  found  ?" 

"  We  must  wait  and  see,"  returned  Dick,  lightly  and 
wwfilesely.  "We  have  found  places  ere  now,  and  doubt- 
less we  shall  find'them  again  ;  we  shall  have  to  place  our- 
selves entirely  at  the  mercy  of  circumstances." 

During  this  brief  conversation  Black  Bess  had  beea 
making  her  way  at  a  slow  walk  up  the  steep  declivity 
of  the  hilh 

Now  tha  brow  was  reached,  and  Dick  brought  her  to 
a  standstill. 

At  the  same  moment  the  darkness  was  dispersed,  for 
the  moon  broke  out  once  more  into  her  full  lustre. 

The  thick  obscurity  seemed  to  roll  away  like  mists 
before  the  rising  sun. 

And  so  Dick  looked  back  in  the  direction  he  had  just 
come. 

Distant  and  more  distant  objects  wore  by  degrees 
brought  into  view. 

An  ejaculation  broke  suddenly  from  his  lips,  which 
was  echoed  by  one  from  Maud. 

Dick  looked  again,  for  he  could  scarcely  believe  in 
the  reality  ef  what  he  saw. 

"Confusion!"  he  muttered.  "They  have  managed 
somehow  to  steal  a  march  upon  us ;  but  how — how  ?" 
Surely  by  some  means  or  other  t^ey  must  have  pos- 
sessed themselves  of  fresh  horses." 

Coming  swiftly  along,  and  at  no  great  distance  be- 
neath him,  Dick  saw  the  full  troop  of  police  officers. 

They  were  making  good  speed,  he  could  tell  that,  but 
whether  they  had  really  obtained  a  change  of  horses  was 
more  than  he  could  determine. 

As  the  moon  was  shining  full  upon  Dick  on  the  top 
of  the  hill,  he  could  doubtless  be  seen  very  plainly  by 
the  officers  below,  fox  the  forms  of  himself,  Maud,  and 
Black  Bess  would  be  thrown  into  full  relief  by  the  sky 
behind  them. 

I.-deed,  something  like  a  shout,  sounding  faint  and 
far  off,  came  upon  Dick's  ears,  as  though  the  officers  had 
really  recognised  him. 

It  was  only  for  a  moment  that  Dick  allowed  this  to 
give  him  any  concern. 

He  saw  that  Maud  was  alarmed,  and  endeavoured  to 
act  in  such  a  manner  as  would  lead  her  to  believe  the 
danger  was  not  so  great  as  it  actually  was. 

Accordingly,  with  the  resumption  of  that  reckless, 
daring  spirit  that  would  peep  forth  at  times,  he  dropped 
the  reins  on  the  neck  of  Black  Bess,  and  pulling  off 
his  hat,  made  a  kind  of  mocking  bow  with  it. 

It  was  rather  a  gesture,  to  be  understood  by  the  officers 
as  a  challenge  to  follow  him. 

"  Dear  Maud,"  he  said,  "  fear  nothing.  If  they  are  in 
the  humour  for  a  good  ride  to-night,  I  will  not  disap- 
point them.  Cling  tightly  to  me,  ani*  then  all  will  be 
well." 

This  injunction  was  scarcely  necessary ,""  for  Maud  held 
to  Dick  as  though  she  felt  that  here  only  safety  she  could 
know. 

At  the  same  moment,  Dick  gathered  up  the  reins,  and 
gave  Black  Bess  the  impulse  forward. 

She  willingly  responded  to  it,  for  the  brief  halt  they 
had  had  was  sufficient  to  enable  her  to  recover  to 
some  extent  her  spent  breath. 

Away,  then,  at  a  terrific  pace  she  sped. 

Their  way  lay  all  down  hill,  so  that  comparatively  little 
exertion  was  required  to  carry  her  over  the  ground. 

Away — away  they  went,  with  a  speed  that  was 
absolutely  terrific  and  alarming — a  speed  that  no  one 
would  have  thought  of  making  in  the  darkness  exceot 
from  the  conviction  that  by  that  means  was  their  only 
chance  of  escape  from  death. 

And  it  was  In  darkless,  for  the  ciouas,  driven  befot*. 
the  strong  breese,  had  again  completely  hidden  the  moon'e 
disc. 

How  long  that  fearful  gallop  lasted,  Maud  a**c? 
knew. 

To  h«?  it  seemed  a  long  and  endless  time 


THE    KNIGHT   OF  THE    ROAD. 


1513 


[dick  turpin's  descent  into  THE  OLD  QUARRY.] 


She  did  not  speak,  neither  did  Dick,  for  the  air 
rushed  pa9t  them  with  such  swiftness  as  to  make 
breathing  a  matter  of  difficulty. 

CHAPTER  CMXXVIII. 

D.'CK    TDRPIN     ESCAPES    A    FRIGHTFUL     PERIL,     BUT 
FINDS  A   STRANGE   PLACE   OF   REFUGE. 

It  must  be  understood  that  the  course  taken  by  Dick 
Turpin  in  his  headlong  flight  was  not  along  any  road  or 
beaten  path,  but  simply  across  the  extensive  meadows 
with  which  the  sides  of  this  hill  were  clothed. 

At  times  some  other  kind  of  land  would  intervene, 
but  so  quickly  were  these  places  passed  over  that  they 
were  scarcely  noticed. 

Great  as  was  the  distance  that  had  been  passed  over 
since  Dick  saw  the  officers  from  the  summit  of  the  hill, 
.   No.  190.— Black  Bess. 

No.  190. 


yet  he  did  not  attempt  in  any  way  to  restrain  his 
mare's  progress. 

On  the  contrary,  indeed,  ho  from  time  to  time  urged 
her  to  keep  up  the  tremendous  speed  at  which  they  had 
been  going.  ) 

Nothing  but  flight  could  save  them,  and  he  knew 
full  well  that  it  was  better  to  place  as  great  a  distance 
between  himself  and  the  officers  as  he  could  in  the 
shortest  space  of  time. 

Yet  that  headlong  progress  through  the  darkness, 
with  trees  suddenly  starting  into  view,  and  rushing  past 
them  like  swiftly-flitting  shadows,  was  something  fear- 
ful to  contemplate. 

But,  as  before,  Dick  trusted  to  the  sagaciousness  of 
his  mare,  whose  perceptive  faculties,  ho  knew  from 
experience,  were  much  keener  than  his  own. 

Suddenly,  while  in  the  midst  of  this  furious  gallop, 
Black  Bess  came  to  a  stop  with  so  muoh  abruptness  that 


PT»T/-n»    Onre    Hat  •etottvtjV. 


JfiJi 


BLA3K  BESS;   OS, 


it  is  a  thousand  wonders  her  riders  were  not  flung  vio- 
lently from  the  saddle. 

Dick  was  taken  completely  at  unawares,  and  ha  par- 
tially lost  his  seat,  and  a  less  accomplished  horseman  than 
himself  could  never  have  regained  it. 

Dick  was  puzzled  beyond  measure  by  #.tva  sudden  stop- 
pttge. 

What  could  have  been  the  cause  ? 

He  strained  his  eyes,  but  the  obscurity  appeared  to 
thicken. 

Ho  could  distinguish  nothing  beyond  his  mare's  head. 

Black  Bess  had   her  neck   stretched,  out   and  her  ears 
projected  forward,  while  she  trembled  from  head  tr  foo 
as  though  enduring  the  utmost  fright. 

"What  is  it,  Dick?"  asked  Maud,  fearfully— "  ^' 'at  is 
it?" 

"It  must  be  something  in  the  way,"  Dick  answered  — 
u  some  obstruction  or  other,  though  I  can  see  nothing." 

He  palled  Black  Bess  on  the  neck  while  he  spokn.  then 
strove  to  reassure  her. 

"  Gently,  old  lass,"  ho  said — "  all  is  well !  Forward — 
forward— slowly !     There — that's  it!" 

With  very  great  difficulty,  tho  highwayman  succeeded 
in.  persuading  his  maro  to  tako  a  few  hesitating  stops  in 
advance. 

She  did  not  take  more  than  a  dozen  before  she  again 
stopped,  and  this  time  she  planted  both  her  fore  feet  to- 
gether firmly  on  the  ground,  as  though  expressive  of  a 
determination  not  to  allow  anything  to  urge  her  beyond 
lhat  point. 

"  Oh  for  a  gleam  of  light !"  said  Dick.  "  If  tho  moon 
would  only  shine  now  as  it  did  a  short  time  ago,  we 
should  be  able  to  comprehend  tho  meaning  of  this  mys- 
terious circumstance." 

"But  there  seems  no  hope  of  it,"  said  Maud,  as  she 
glanced  upwards  and  saw  that  tho  whole  sky  was  covered 
by  one  huge,  dense  cloud. 

"  It  will  not  do  to  pause  here,"  were  Dick's  nest  words ; 
"it  is  impossible  to  say  where  the  officers  maybe,  and 
on  this  soft  turf-land  the  hoof-strokes  of  thoir  horses 
would  be  inaudible." 

"  What  is  to  be  done  ?" 

"Don't  be  alarmed,  Maud — there  is  as  yet  no  cause  for 
fear.  I  will  descend  and  grope  carefully  forward,  when 
doubtless  I  shall  discover  what  this  obstruction  is." 

But  this  course  seemed  to  Maud  to  be  fraught  with  a 
thousand  terrors,  and  so  she  clung  so  tightly  to  Dick  that 
he  was  unable  to  alight. 

"  Turn  her  aside  a  little,"  she  said — "  then  perhaps  she 
will  go  on  as  before." 

Dick  thought  it  worth  tho  trial,  and  pulled  the  rein. 

To  no  purpose,  however. 

Black  Bess  would  move  neither  to  the  right  nor  the 
left;  in  fact,  she  seemed  to  bo  growing  more  restive 
every  moment. 

"  There  is  no  danger,"  said  Dick,  "and  if  I  attempt  to 
force  her  she  might  turn  round  and  gallop  in  the  way  we 
have  just  come,  and  that  would  be  death." 

Maud  felt  this,  and  reluctantly  removed  her  arms. 

Without  another  word,  Dick  slipped  from  the  saddle  to 
the  ground. 

Retaining  his  hold  upon  tho  reins,  no  stooped  down, 
and,  with  one  hand  outstretched  before  him,  groped  for- 
ward. 

Ho  was  startled  by  a  slight  exclamation  from  Maud, 
and  paused. 

Just  then,  a  faint,  misty  light  began  to  creep  over  all 
things. 

He  knew  then  what  had  produced  Maud's  exclama- 
tion 

Glancing  up,  he  found  that  the  moon  oad  reacr^d  r-ue 
portion  of  the  dense  cloud  less  opaque  titan  tho  est,  and 
through  this  partially-transparent  medium  she  shone 
with  a  dim  and  sickly  lustre,  yet  her  light  increase*  as 
the  clouds  drifted  onwara. 

Dick  looked  down  again,  and  then  he  staggereS  back, 
tottering  a  loud  cry  of  alarm,  which  almost,  had  the 
effect  of  causing  Black  Bess  to  break  from  his  hold. 

Tho  shout  was  echoed  by  a  shriek  from  Maud,  for 
both  had  looked  down  on  tho  ground  at  the  same 
moment. 

What  words  can  express  tho  horror  cy  fell  upon 
fs»kiug  the  discovery  that  they  had  paused  upon  the 
Twy  verge  of  a  huge  exca  ation,  so  wide  and  so  deep 


that  the  misty,  uncertain  light  was  insufficient  to  reveal 
the  other  side  or  its  lowest  depths. 

Black  Bess,  when  she  placed  her  feet  so  determinedly 
upon  the  earth,  was  littjfl  nure  than  a  foot  from  tiis 
brink  ol  the  abjss. 

Dick  himself,  when  groping  forward,  had  been  so  close 
to  it,  and  so  near  falling  down,  that  the  bare  recollection 
of  it  made  his  brain  spin  round  and  round. 

It  w.ts  only  fo-  a  moment  that  they  were  allowed  the 
opportunity  of  taking  a  glance  at  tho  excavation. 

The  moonlight  again  faded  away,  and  all  was  obscurity 
as  before. 

Maud  trembled  so  excessively  with  fright  that  she 
could  scarcely  retain  her  seat. 

By  an  effort,  Dick  recovered  himself  from  his  conster- 
nation. 

"A.  fortunate  escape,"  he  said — "a  most  fortunate 
escape.  Black  Bess,"  ho  added,  patting  his  mare  upon 
the  neck  while  he  spoke,  "once  again  I  owe  you  my 
life,  for  without  you  I  should  surely  have  perished." 

"I  am  terrified  to  death  !"  said  Maud.  "  Back — back  ! 
Come  further  back — I  cannot  remain  so  close  to  the 
verge !" 

"  You  are  safe,"  said  Dick — "quite  safe.  Tho  danger 
is  over,  now  that  we  know  it.  Wo  have  had  a  fright- 
fully narrow  escape  from  an  awful  death,  and  it  will  be 
long  indeed  before  I  can  forget  it." 

In  spite  of  his  efforts  to  speak  calmly,  it  was  easy  to 
ace  thst  Dick  was  much  overcome. 

Prvoa&ly  he  would  have  given  way  still  more  to  the 
feeliDgs  tilt  would  naturally  be  called  forth  by  such  an 
event,  but  for  the  recollection  that  he  still  stood  in  great 
danger. 

The  officers  were  still  behind  him— how  close  he  could 
not  say. 

It  was  rather  difficult  now  for  Dick  to  determine  what 
course  to  take. 

The  transient  view  he  had  obtained  of  his  surround- 
ings sufficed  to  show  him  that  the  excavation  was  of  vast 
extent  and  very  irregular  in  shape ;  thus  to  attempt  to 
skirt  it  in  the  darkness  would  be  attended  by  no  little 
difficulty. 

Yet  he  felt  that  this  was  what  must  be  done. 

He  could  not  advance,  and  to  retreat  would  be  only  to 
diminish  the  distance  he  had  been  at  such  pains  to  place 
between  himself  and  tho  police  officers. 

"I  will  not  mount  at  present,"  he  said  at  length.  "Re- 
main where  you  are,  Maud,  and  I  will  lead  Bess  by  the 
bridle,  then  you  may  be  sure  that  all  will  be  well.  I  will 
not  put  my  foot  down  until  I  know  that  thero  is  firm 
earth  to  place  it  on." 

Maud  remained  silent,  and  Dick  took  her  silence  for 
consent;  but  it  was  more  because  she  felt  her  emotions 
so  great  as  to  obstruct  her  utterance. 

Stepping  lightly  and  carefully,  as  he  had  promised. 
Dick  advanced,  taking  care  to  keep  as  far  away  from  the 
brink  of  the  abyss  as  he  was  able. 

Prom  time  to  time  he  looked  up  anxiously  towards  the 
sky  above. 

The  wind  was  increasing  in  force  and  steadiness  each 
moment,  and  drove  the  cloud3  along  at  a  tremendous 
rate,  so  that  he  indulged  in  the  hope  that  ere  long  the 
moon  might  break  forth  again  and  light  him  on  his  way. 

As  well  as  the  rushing  of  the  wind  would  let  him,  he 
listened,  but  he  could  hear  nothing  of  his  foes. 

Yet  they  might  be  close  behind  him,  though,  when  ho 
took  into  consideration  tho  length  of  time  Black  Bess  had 
been  going  at  full  gallop,  he  scarcely  thought  it  pos- 
sible. • 

Thero  was  a  consoKtion  to  be  found  even  in  the  dark- 
ness. 

If  it  concealed  his  pursuers  from  him,  it  also  concealed 
him  fropa  them,  and  it  also  multiplied  tho  chances  ol 
missing  him. 

In  eo  an  oDscurity  «-s  that  it  would  be  hard  in- 

deed to  keep  upon  his  track. 

Once  moro  tho  sky  began  gradually  to  grow  lighter,  and 
far  away  on  tho  horizon  could  be  seen  a  long  bright 
streak,  which  appeared  rapidly  to  widen  as  the  clouds 
came  driving  on. 

He  soon  found  that  this  was  a  rift  of  considerable 
extent,  and  w  ••■  the  moon  entered  it  again,  every  object 
around  him  was  brought  into  full  view,  as  though  by  th« 
magic  stroke  of  some  enchanter's  ?rond. 


THE  KNIGHT  0?  THE  E02D. 


1518 


On  this  occasion  he  was  able  to  see  the  general  con- 
Egu  ration,  but  not  the  depth,  of  the  place  into  whic  *£ 
had  so  uarrowly  escaped  falling. 

Hitherto  pe  could  only  guess  at  the  .character  ci  the 
excavation...  ' 

Nov.-  ho  saw  that  it  was  a  huge  stone  quarry. 

From  various  sigus  that  ho  saw  around  he  cascaded 
that  it  had  remained  for  many  years  disused. 

The  strata  of  soft  earth  that  lay  above  the  sto*  nad 
given  birth  to  vegetation  of  all  kinds,  in  most  places 
growing  in  luxuriance,  so  as  to  give  the  quarry  an  aspect 
01  rare  picturesque  beauty. 

The  sides  were  rugged,  irregular,  and  steep. 

The  quantity  of  stone  removed  must  have  been  im- 
mense, for  although  he  drew  close  to  the  verge  and 
strained  his  eyes  to  the  utmost,  Dick  was  unable  to  per- 
ceive the  hottom.  *■ 

At  various  places  on  tho  sides,  however,  trees  -were 
growing  out  id  oblique,  fantastic  fashions,  while  the 
splashing  and  rushing  of  water  came  distinctly  to  his 
ears. 

The  thought  that  entered  Dick's  mind  while  gazing  at 
this  place  was  a  very  natural  one,  considering  his  posi- 
tion. 

Turning  round  first,  so  as  to  avail  himself  of  the  light 
of  the  moon  while  it  lasted,  ho  looked  keenly  in  the  way 
he  had  just  come. 

But  to  his  great  satisfaction  no  signs  of  the  police 
officers  could  be  perceived. 

"See  here,  Maud,"  ho  sxel limed,  when  he  had  satisfied 
himself  upon  this  point;  "havo  we  not  been  fortunate  in 
reaching  this  strange  place  ?" 

"  Fortunate  ?"  she  repeated,  in  accents  of  surprise. 

"  Yes,  surely  so  ;  we  have  outrun  the  officers,  of  that  I 
am  certain.  You  were  asking  me  whero  I  should  find  a 
place  of  refuge.  Behold,  it  is  there.  Chance  has  thrown 
it  in  our  way." 

But  Maud  shrank  back  in  3ome  dismay  at  the  prospect 
of  taking  shelter  in  so  wild  and  desolate  a  place. 

"  Yes,"  continued  Dick  ;  "  it  is  only  in  some  such  place 
as  this  that  we  can  hope  to  remain  in  safety  •,  wo  shall  b9 
dependent  upon  no  one  save  ourselves,  and  therefore 
shall  have  nothing  to  fear  in  the  shape  of  treachery  in 
tho  depths  of  this  huge  excavation.  No  one  would  think 
of  looking  for  us;  or  if  tho  place  was  visited,  we  should, 
ten  to  one,  escape  observation.  Believe  mo,  we  cannei 
hope  to  find  a  better  place  than  this." 

'•But  how  shall  wo  descend  ?"  s-.iid  Maud,  becoming 
more  reconciled  to  tho  idea  of  remaining  in  so  gleomy  i 
place,  by  the  considerations  of  its  safety.  "  The  side3 
seem  to  me  like  wails." 

"In  all  probability,"  returned  Dick,  "there  is  a  path 
somewhere  leading  down  into  its  lowest  depths.  That 
path  we  must  find,  and  carefully  pursue." 

•'  I  see  no  signs  of  it." 

"  Nor  I  at  present.  You  can  guide  Black  Bess,  and 
while  you  are  doing  so  I  will  creep  close  to  the  sdgo  of 
the  abyss  and  make  good  use  of  tho  moonlight  while  it 
lasts." 

Dick  did  not  wait  for  Maud  to  make  any  reply,  but 
going  as  close  to  the  edge  of  the  quarry  as  was  consist- 
ent with  safety,  ho  walked  rabidly  along,  looking  keenly 
all  the  time,  in  the  hope  of  discovering  the  path  of  which 
ho  had  spoken. 

For  a  long  thn  ho  iaSv  nothing  bearing  any  rosem- 
blance  to  it. 

In  one  place  he  saw  wT.at  looked  like  steps  roughly 
hewn  in  the  stone,  but  these  were  impracticable. 

It  was  necessary  to  find  some  sloping  path,  down  whi«h 
be  could  lead  Black  Bess. 

After  much  searching,  he  was  at  length  rewarded. 

A  narrow  path  was  found,  but  it  was  60  much  over- 
turn"- 6/  the  stone  tha  it  required  a  very  quick  eye  ia- 
decd  to  detect  it. 

The  descent  was  very  rapid,  and  must  at  all  times  have 
been  attended  with  a  great  arm#int  of  daagor,  but  now 
that  danger  was  much  increased  by  tho  presence  of  a 
quantity  of  green  moss,  which  seemod  to  rest  upon  ibe 
Burfaco  of  the  stone,  nd  which  changed  to  a  Watery 
moisture  beneath  the  feet 

In  all  probability,  however,  mere  was  no  other  mode  of 
descent  into  the  quarry  save  this,  and  accordingly  Dick 
hastened  to  Maud's  side. 

•'  You  w'U  have  to  summon  up  irll  your  courage,"  he 


said,  "  for  th«>  task  before  you  is  a  difficult  one ;  but  yon 
must  endeavour  to  gathor  confidence  by  thinking  w  hat 
safety  we  shall  gain  by  adopting  this  course.  Once  fairly 
at  the  bottom  of  that  quarry,  we  can  bid  defiance  to  all  the 
officers  iu  the  kingdom.  I  am  convinced  i.hey  would 
never  dream  of  looking  for  us  there." 

Certainly  nothing  would  have  inspired  Matte  with 
more  courage  that  tho  thought  that  she  was  about  in 
some  way  to  contribute  to  Dick's  safety. 

Sb<J  had  always  been  in  a  state  of  perpetual  alarm  on 
his  account,  and  thought  how  grateful  would  be  the 
change  could  she  bat  feel  certain  that  for  a  time  he  was 
in  no  danger. 

Nevertheless,  although  she  steeled  ner  heart  well,  her 
courage  for  a  moment  failed  her  when  she  saw  the  narrow, 
precipitous  path  down  which  she  would  have  to  make  her 
way. 

But,  lecovering  herself  with  great  difficult}',  she 
said : 

"  Lead  tho  way,  Dick — lead  the  way,  and  I  will  follow. 
It  is  necessary  that  you  should  take  Black  Bess  by  tho 
bridle,  and  when  I  see  you  both  before  me  I  shall  have 
confidence  to  follow  in  your  footsteps." 

"As  you  will,"  said  Dick.  ''It  will,  I  expect,  be  no 
easy  task  to  lead  Black  Bess ;  but  yet,  with  care,  it  may 
be  accomplished." 

Accordingly,  ho  took  hold  of  Black  Bess  by  the  bridle, 
and  led  her  towards  the  brink  of  the  precipice. 

She  shrank  back  in  natural  terror,  yet  lid  not  hesitate 
to  follow  where  her  master  led. 

Taking  each  step  slowly  and  carefully,  Dick  began  l,o 
descend. 

Black  Bess  slipped  more  than  once,  and  eveiytime  % 
pang  of  alarm  shot  through  his  breast. 

He  knew  how  easy  it  would  be  for  her  to  fall 
over  the  side  of  the  narrow  pathway  into  tho  depths 
below. 

Maud,  too,  occasioned  him  much  anxiety,  and  at  every 
moment  he  would  look  back,  in  Drder  to  make  sure  that 
she  was  safe. 

But  Maud,  wisely  making  the  resolution  not  to  turn  her 
eye3  in  the  direction  of  the  quarry  itself,  steadily  stepped 
onwards,  for  tho  most  part  keeping  her  hands  3lose 
against  the  side  of  the  precipice,  acquiring  additional 
confidence  by  this  intangible  handhold. 

After  going  down  some  distance,  they  found  them- 
selves upon  a  small  flat  piece  of  rock,  or  what  the  French 
would  caH  a  plateau,  and  hero  Dick  paused  a  Littlo  while. 
in  order  to  take  a  glance  at  that  portion  of  :ho  pathway 
which  led  down  from  this  place. 

Ho  endeavoured  also  to  make  out  how  much  further  he 
would  have  to  lescend,  and  as  the  moon  just  then  wis 
shining  brightly,  ho  perceived,  or  fancied  he  perceived, 
among  the  many  shadows  down  below,  the  tops  of  a  few 
stunted  trees,  and  the  sparkle  of  running  water. 

T!\o  pathway  presented  much  the  ;amo  appearance  as 
before,  and  it  was  entered  upon  with  additional  confi- 
dence. 

It  conducted  to  a  second  plateau,  from  which  they 
similarly  descended  to  a  third,  md  from  the  third  to  tho 
rough  and  rugged  bottom  of  tho  quarry. 

Huge  stones  were  lying  about  here  and  there  promis- 
cuously, and  io  some  places  grass  3nd  trees  were  grow- 
ing. 

Save  and  except  tho  rushing  of  the  water,  a  profound 
silence  prevailed  in  this  place. 

A  cold  cL'll  was  in  the  air,  and  the  darkness  was  such 
as  to  havii  a  most  depressing  influence  upon  the  spirits,  for 
although  tho  moon  shone  down  into  the  quarry,  yet  she 
was  net  nuar  enough  to  the  zenith  to  illumine  this  its 
lowest  depth. 

Oppressed  and  half  terrified,  Maud  crept  closer  to  Dick's 
side,  who,  however,  was  impressed  very  differently  by 
his  surroundingc. 

"  Safe  now,  Maud,"  he  said,  and  his  voice  sounded  un- 
earthly and  strange  as  it  reverberated  among  the  recesses 
in  the  stonework — "quite  safe  now.  The  officers  will 
not  find  us  here." 

"  But,"  said  Maud,  with  a  shiver  and  a  sigh,  "should 
they  by  any  chance  learn  of  your  whereabouts,  would  you 
not  then  bo  completely  at  their  mercy  ?—  would  they  x±*A 
bold  yon  as  if  in  a  trap  t" 


1516 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OR, 


CHAPTER  OMXXIX. 

RETURNS  TO  TOM  KING,  AND  SHOWS  HOW  HE  ADOTISD  & 
CLEVER  STRATAGEM  TO  GET  RID  OF  TIIK  FOUCS 
OFFICERS,  AND  WHAT   WAS  ITS   RESULT. 

When  Tom  King  parted  from  Dick  Turpin  in  Usa  iittle 
plantation  at  the  back  of  the  Three  Spiders  Inn,  he  nieds 
his  way  with  as  much  speed  a3  ho  ccnld  towards  the  open 
country,  which  he  trusted  to  reach  uuperceived. 

But  this  expectation  was  doomed  to  disappointment. 

Despite  all  the  elaborate  precautions  that  he  took,  an 
officer  stationed  near  the  spot  whence  he  emerged  uttered 
aloud  shout,  and  immediately  followed  it  up  by  discharg- 
ing his  pistol. 

These  two  acts  served  at  once  to  raise  an  alarm,  rtich 
was  just  what  the  officer  intended,  and  in  a  few  ndnutes 
he  found  himself  surroU^Jed  by  four  or  five  of  his  com- 
panions. 

He  answered  the  questions  they  pouied  in  upon  him  by 
pointing  across  the  fields,  where,  at  some  distance,  the 
flying  forms  of  Tom  King  and  his  steed  could  be  dis- 
tinguished. 

"  Make  all  speed  !"  he  said,  addressing  the  others.  "  A 
sharp  touch  is  most  likely  to  do  it ;  but  a  stern  chase,  I 
have  heard  say,  is  a  long  one,  and,  if  you  are  all  of  my 
mind,  we  will  keep  on  his  track,  and  never  quit  it  until 
we  have  slain  or  captured  him.  If  this  goes  on  much 
longer  we  shall  get  so  much  disgrace  that  we  shall  bo  dis- 
missed in  a  whole  body." 

"  We  are  with  you  !"  said  the  others,  and  while  they 
uttered  the  words,  thoy  lashed  and  spurred  their  horses 
6avagely. 

The  animals  were  tolerably  fresh,  and  as  the  officers  by 
this  time  had  learned  from  experience  that  they  could 
have  no  chance  of  success  whatever  unless  mounted  upon 
cattle  of  superior  quality,  they  had  not  on  this  occasion 
neglected  to  provide  themselves  with  the  best  steeds  they 
could  procure. 

With  scarcely  any  delay,  then,  the  chase  was  com- 
menced, and  Tom  King  had  the  mortification  of  knowing 
that  the  officers  were  close  behind  h\m — so  close  that  he 
could  scarcely  be  said  to  have  had  x  start  worth  speaii- 
ing  of. 

But  Tom  knew  to  what  extent  he  could  rely  upon  Ms 
horse ;  it  had  served  him  well  on  many  previous  occa- 
sions, and,  moreover,  it  had  lately  had  good  rest  and  food, 
and  therefore  would  bo  capable  of  putting  forth  its  best 
exertions. 

Away,  then,  at  full  speed  he  went,  until  the  turnpike- 
road  was  gained,  and  along  this  ho  resolved  to  make  his 
way,  chiefly  because  on  the  opposite  side  of  it  he  saw 
nothing  but  ploughed  fields,  over  which  ho  knew  it 
would  be  madness  to  attempt  to  ride. 

With  a  prodigious  clatter,  then,  he  sped  along  the 
highway  in  the  direction  of  the  country. 

People  and  vehicles  were  passed  so  quickly  that  only  a 
transient  glimpse  was  obtained  of  the  dying  horseman. 

Perceiving  presently  before  him  the  white,  gleaming 
bars  of  a  toll-gate,  and  knowing  full  well  that  at  that 
hour  of  the  night  the  gate  would  be  closed  Tom  again 
took  to  the  fields. 

His  horse  leaped  over  a  low  hedge  easily,  and  then  he 
found  himself  once  more  with  turf  beneath  his  feet. 

Another  ploughed  field  forced  Tom  King  upon  the 
high-road  again.  * 

In  passing  the  toll-gate  he  had  made  a  considei nolo 
detour,  and  this  had  told  greatly  against  him,  for  the 
officers,  having  kept  direct  along  the  road  without  relax- 
ing their  speed,  were  now  clustered  together  m  a  dense 
throng  around  the  toll-gate,  which  a  man  was  iff  <ke  act 
of  unlocking. 

But  Tom  still  had  the  start,  and  as  the  road  csd  a 
gradual  downward  tendency,  his  horse  was  afcia  to  keep 
up  the  headlong  gallop  without  much  distross. 

Further  and  further  into  the  country  Tom  west 

He  was  incited  to  urge  his  horse  on  to  the  attoimost, 
for  slowly  but  surely  lie  saw  that  the  space  between  him- 
Belf  and  the  oliiceis  was  gradually  getting  wider  ard 
wider. 

But  his  horse  now  began  to  cause  him  much  a^ic- 
hension. 

More  than  once  it  had  staggered  and  limped  as  though 
joftrfully  exhausted,  but  yet  as  if  so  full  of  niettk  thai  it 


would  gallop  on  until  it  fell  down  dead  racher  than  relax 
its  speed. 

Such  being  the  case,  and  as  the  officers  were  now  quite 
out  of  sight,  and  almost  out  of  hearing,  Tom  began  to 
look  about  him  for  soma  means  of  throwing  his  pursuers 
off  his  track. 

Glancing  to  his  right,  he  saw  nothing  before  him  but  a 
smooth  expanse  of  country,  which  offered  him  not  the 
remotest  chance  of  concealment. 

On  the  left  the  highway  was  bounded  by  a  very  high 
atone  wall,  so  high  that,  though  on  horseback,  he  could 
not  see  fairly  over  it. 

This  wall  was  of  immense  length. 
It  stretched  as  far  as  he  could  6ee  behind  and  before 
him. 

By  the  trees  which  he  perceived  growing  in  great 
luxuriance  over  this  wall,  tnd  indeed  by  the  general  ap- 
pearance of  the  place,  ho  readily  enough  concluded  that 
this  was  the  boundary  wall  of  some  large  estate,  such  as 
can  be  met  with  in  many  parts  of  England. 
This,  then,  offered  him  no  chance  at  all. 

ft  was  quite  in  vain  to  look  for  shelter  in  this  direc- 
tion. 

Nothing  remained  for  him  to  do  but  to  goad  the  already 
bleeding  flanks  of  his  horse,  and  so  force  him  to  keep  up 
his  gallop. 

Fainter  and  fainter,  however,  grew  the  sounds  of  the 
horses  in  his  rear,  until  at  length  they  became  so  indis- 
tinct that  it  was  only  at  intervals  they  floated  to  his 
ears. 

Suddenly,  while  flying  onward  at  this  rate,  he  perceived 
that  this  long  stone  wall,  that  seemed  as  though  it  had 
no  termination,  was  broken  in  upon  by  a  gateway. 

The  sight  of  it  caused  a  sudden  thought  to  dart  into  his 
mind,  a  thought  which  was  instantly  matured. 

He  felt  that  he  should  be  able  to  put  into  execution  a 
stratagem  that  promised  well  to  baffle  the  acuteness  of  his 
foes. 

Accordingly  he  brought  his  horse  gradually  to  a  stand- 
still, then  turned  his  head  round  and  took  him  gently  to- 
wards the  gateway  he  had  passed. 

Beaching  it,  he  saw  that  it  was  an  ordinary  five-barred 
gate,  and  that  it  opened  upon  a  broad,  welUkcpt  road 
that  appeared  to  lead  in  a  direct  line  across  the  park. 

Hurriedly  descending,  he  examined  the  fastenings  of 
this  gate,  and  saw  that  thoy  consisted  only  of  a  kind  of 
spring  latch  which  allowed  him  to  make  ingress  easily. 

Passing  quickly  through  the  gate,  he  closed  it  after  him, 
then,  placing  his  ear  upon  the  ground,  listened. 

Faintly — very  faintly,  but  yet  so  audibly  as  not  to  be 
mistaken,  he  could  hear  the  dull  thud;  thud  produced  by 
the  beating  of  the  hoofs  of  the  six  horses  ou  the  road. 

"  They  may  have  heard  me  stop,"  Tom  muttered,  "  but 
I  doubt  it.  If  they  have,  they  will  be  in  some  doubt  as  to 
which  way  I  have  taken.  It's  a  good  thought — a  lucky 
thought ;  I  will  imitate  the  hare  by  doubling  directly  on 
my  course." 

He  sprang  into  the  saddle  in  a  moment,  and  with  an 
amount  of  audacity  truly  wonderful,  and  yet  which  pro- 
mised well  for  the  success  of  his  scheme,  he  turned  his 
horse's  head  in  the  direction  from  whichtthe  officers  were 
coming,  and  so  rode  On  as  it  were  to  meet  them,  only  the 
high  stone  wall  of  which  we  have  spoken  lay  between. 

On  this  side  of  the  wall,  too,  the  ground  was  soft,  and 
as  Tom  allowed  his  horse  to  go  at  a  moderate  speed,  his 
footfalls  scarcely  made  a  sound. 

It  was  only  occasionally  that  thera  was  a  slight  crack- 
liug  cf  *wigs  to  betray  his  progress. 

As  ne  thus  went  ou,  the  sounds  of  the  officers  approach- 
ing grew  more  distinct  with  marvellous  rapidity,  and  at 
length  Tom  deemed  it  prudent  to  pause. 

The  stone  wall  was  quite  sufficient  to  screen  him  from 
their  view,  and  it  would  bo  a  pity  ii  any  accidental  sound 
he  might  make  in  forcing  his  way  onwards  should  attract 
their  notice,  and  so  lead  them  to  suspect  his  where- 
abouts. 

GetiiH"?;  as  close  as  he  possibly  could  to  the  wall,  ho 
remained^  quite  still,  busying  himself,  however,  by  strok- 
ing and  caressing  his  horse's  neck,  by  which  means  he 
trusted  to  keep  the  creature  quiet. 

There  was  little  fear,  however,  that  it  would  eithe* 
move  or  make  any  sound. 

It  was  so  fatigued  as  to  be  only  too  rejoiced  at  &a  &$>• 
portanity  of  recovering  its  lost  breath. 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE  EOAD. 


151? 


The  officers  were  now  close  at  hand,  and  Tom  eould 
not  hear  thorn  approaching  so  closely  without  a  sensation 
of  uneasiness  creeping  over  him,  though  he  had  the 
greatest  confidence  in  the  stratagem  he  had  adopted. 

He  was  pleased  to  find  that  there  were  no  signs  of  the 
officers  abating  their  speed  in  the  least  degree. 

He  could  hear  them  urge  their  horses  onward  both  by 
roice  and  by  the  smacking  of  their  riding-whips. 

With  a  sudden  rush  the  whole  troop  swept  past  mm, 
«.ud  no  sooner  had  they  done  so  thau  he  was  irresistibly 
impelled  to  r";=A  his  head  above  the  wall  a  little,  and  peep 
at  them. 

They  did  not  remain  long  in  view,  being  hidden  irom 
his  sight  by  the  thick,  interposing  branches  of  hundreds 
of  trees. 

Nevertheless,  ho  could  near  them,  and  this  sufficed  to 
let  him  know  they  were  still  galloping  along  the  high- 
way. 

"  Now,"  said  Tom,  to  himself,  "  forward  once  more — 
forward  !  And  every  step  I  take  will  indeed  increase  the 
distance  between  the  officers  and  myself!  If  I  am  care- 
ful, in  a  little  while  I  shall  be  rid  of  them,  for  no  one  has 
seen  me  enter  this  place,  and  there  will  bo  nothing  to 
serve  thom  as  a  clue  to  the  way  1  havo  taken." 

Imagining,  however,  that  little  advantage  was  to  be 
gained  by  keeping  close  under  the  shadow  of  the  wall, 
Tom  gradually  increased  his  distance  from  it,  being  in- 
duced to  do  so  by  the  fact  that  the  vegetation  was  more 
scanty  further  from  it,  and  consequently  he  was  thus 
enabled  to  make  better  speed. 

And  now  he  came  to  a  portion  of  the  park — for  park  it 
was— consisting  only  of  turf,  and  being  entirely  destitute 
of  trees. 

Ovor  this  he  went  at  full  gallop,  then  stopped,  for  be- 
fore him  was  a  dense  preserve. 

He  hesitated  a  moment  as  to  whether  he  should  endea- 
vour to  force  his  way  among  tho  thickly-growing 
trees. 

But  he  resolved  not  to  turn  aside  ;  he  was  going  now 
in  tho  right  direction,  and  the  chances  were  that  this 
plantation  would  not  be  of  any  great  extent. 

Just  as  he  was  about  to  enter  it,  he  perceived  a  board 
nailed  up  to  one  of  the  largest  trees. 

Some  words  were  painted  on  it  in  white  letters,  but  this 
was  all  he  could  make  out — there  was  not  light  enough 
to  read  by. 

"A  caution  against  trespassing,  I  suppose,"  muttered 
Tom,  with  a  light  laugh.  "Well,  I  need  not  trouble 
about  that.  If  anyone  attempts  to  interrupt  my  progress, 
they  will  find  they  have  an  ugly  customer  to  deal 
with  !" 

With  this  reflection  he  pushed  his  way  through  the 
trees,  hoping  in  a  little  time  that  they  would  become  less 
dense. 

For  the  most  part,  they  were  saplings,  with  thin,  supple 
boughs,  which  were  easily  displaced. 

Eveiy  now  and  then  the  faint  cry  of  some  night  bird 
would  reach  his  ears,  and  then  there  would  be  a  whirring 
and  fluttering  of  wings  as  some  large  bird  or  other  would 
be  disturbed  from  his  perch. 

Tom's  mind  was  now  comparatively  easy,  for  he  fully 
indulged  in  the  belief  that  he  had  got  rid  of  the  police 
officers  entirely. 

All  around  him  was  so  very  still  and  quiet,  and  so  un- 
auggestive  of  the  presence  of  his  fellow-creatures,  that  it 
is  no  wonder  such  a  feeling  should  occupy  his  breast. 
That  confidence,  nevertheless,  was  suddenly  shaken. 
His  horse  stopped  abruptly,  and  uttered  a  loud   cry, 
unmistakably  of  pain. 
It  struggled  and  kicked  furiously ;  but  one  foot  was 

fftot. 

It  plunged  agaiu,  and  then  Tom  was  conscious  •,  fest  one 
of  the  horse's  hoofs  had  struck  against  son*  other 
obstacle. 

The  action  was  instantaneously  followed  by  a 
flash  and  a  loud  report. 

At  the  same  time  the  horse  plunged  again,  sna^ii,  aad 
then  fell  down  all  at  once  as  if  struck  by  lightning. 

Tom  with  difficulty  disengaged  his  feet  from  te6  stii- 
rups  in  time  ecough  to  prevent  himself  from  reoeiTwtg 
any  injury  by  this  fall,  but  he  did  so. 

These  last  events  had  occurred  so  suddenly  and  au  un- 
expectedly that  for  a  few  minutes  he  was  stunned  and 
completely  bewildered  ;  not  being  able  to    conipreb  nd 


what  had  happened,  ho  was  surprised  that  the  report  of 
the  gun  should  not  havo  been  followed  up  by  any  attack 
upon  him. 

Ho  stooped  down  to  look  mora  closely  about  him. 
Examination  served  to  banish  his  bewilderment.     It 
was  plain  enough  to  see  what  had  happened. 

The  owner  of  the  preserve,  in  order  t3  prevent  others 
from  poaching  on  his  domain,  had  placed  man-traps  and 
spring-guns  in  various  places. 

In  one  of  the  former  Tom's  horse  Lid  placed  his  fore 
foot. 

It  was  this  waich  had  brought  nira  so  suddenly  to  a 
stop,  and  which  elicited  the  cry  of  fright  and  pain. 

The  horse  was  now  lying  quite  still,  either  dead  or 
dying,  and  so  artfully  had  the  deadly  weapon  been  con- 
trived that  its  contents  had  proved  mortal. 

Tom  congratulated  himself  upon  his  own  narrow  escape 
from  sudden  death,  tho  recollection  of  which  served  to 
make  the  calamity  of  the  loss  of  his  horse  sink  into  com- 
parative unimportance. 

Any  attempt  to  recover  his  horse  he  saw  was  fruitless, 
and  how  to  repair  his  loss  he  knew  not. 

Yet  a  moment's  thought  told  him  that  probably  in  the 
grounds  some  other  horse  would  be  found  which  he  might 
be  able  to  capture. 

The  trappings  would  be  necessary,  and  these  he  has- 
tened to  divest  his  horse  of. 

The  saddle  had  been  removed.  He  was  in  the  act  of 
pulling  off  tho  bridle,  when  there  came  suddenly  upon  him 
the  flash  of  many  lights,  the  sound  of  voices,  the  tramp- 
ling of  footsteps,  and  the  crackling  of  the  underwood. 

"  Stand  still  I"  roared  a  loud  voice — "  stand  still !  If 
you  move  one  step  we  will  all  fire,  and  your  death  will  be 
certain!     Surrender — you  are  our  prisoner  !" 

Confused  by  this  sudden  and  unexpected  turn  of  affairs, 
and  dazzled  by  the  lights  which  proceeded  from  the  lan- 
terns carried  by  the  men,  Tom  stood  still,  as  he  had  been 
commanded. 

He  gazed  anxiously  around,  and  saw  that  he  waa 
surrounded  by  several  men — one-half  bearing  lanterns,  the 
light  of  which  was  turned  full  upon  him  ;  the  other  half 
with  guns  pressed  against  their  shoulders,  and  with  the 
muzzles  pointed  at  his  breast. 


CHAPTER  CMXXX. 

IX  WHICH  THE     GAMK.KEEPERS     MAKE    TOM    KING  A   »A  9T 
PRISONER. 

In  that  brief,  rapid,  but  comprehensive  glance,  Tom  King 
saw  something  more,  which  served,  to  some  extent,  to 
allay  the  alarm  that  was  rising  in  his  breast.  The  men 
by  whom  ho  was  confronted  and  called  upon  to  surrender 
were  not  attired  either  in  the  costume  of  police  officers  or 
of  dragoons. 

They  were,  indeed,  as  their  dress  plainly  showed, 
neither  more  nor  less  than  gamekeepers,  who,  hearing  the 
explosion  of  the  spring-gun,  had  hastened  to  that  part 
of  the  preserve. 

"  I  surrender,"  said  Tom  King.  "  I  have  no  intention 
of  attempting  to  make  nsy  escape.  You  6ee  I  have  met 
with  an  accident." 

The  word  was  repeated  by  the  gamekeepers  in  tones 
of  surprise  and  derision. 

But  three  oj  them  stepping  nimbly  forward,  placed 
themselves  or "  on  each  side  and  the  other  behind  him. 

"What  aro  you  about  to  do?"  ho  asked.  "Why  do 
you  make  me  your  prisoner  ?" 

"  For  poaching." 

Tom  Isughed  loudSy. 

" Poaching ?"  he  said.  "  The  idea  of  such  a  joke!  1 
should  like  to  know  who  ever  heard  of  a  man  going 
poaching  on  horseback." 

"  Well,  if  not  poaching,  it's  trespassing,"  said  one  ol 
the  gamekeepers,  in  a  gruff  voice,  "  and  that's  all  the 
same  to  us — Sir  Thomas  does  nut  allow  either  tho  one  or 
the  other  ;  so  come  aloi"* !" 

"  Pooh,  pooh  !"  said  Tom — "  there's  no  necessity  what- 
ever to  ir.-uble  Sir  Thomas  in  the  matter — I  am  sure  it 
can  be  settled  easily  between  us.  Look  here — you  can 
see  what  kkid  of  an  accident  I  have  met  with.  In  my 
ignorance  of  where  I  was,  having  lost  my  way,  I  blun- 
dered into  this  preserve.  My  horse  put  his  foot  into  th« 
trap,  touches  the  wire  connected  with  the  spring-gun, 
and  \'P  bas  met  with  his  death." 


1515 


BLACK   BE8S    OS, 


"  That  may  be  all  right  enough,"  said  tho  gamekeeper 
who  had  last  spoken,  "  but  it  is  trespass,  and  we  hare 
strict  orders  to  take  all  trespassers  into  custody." 

"  Yes,  I  know  all  about  that,"  said  Tom,  ,:  but  thers 
are  exceptions  to  every  case,  and  I  suppose  a  little  con« 
sideration  from  me  will  put  matters  quite  straight.". 

There  was  a  silence,  and  Tom  said  : 

"  Let  mo  see.  Why,  there-  aro  six  of  you.  rTcw  1 
suppose  a  couple  of  guineas  each,  or  something  liko  that, 
would  bo  very  auocDtabloto  all  of  you,  and  no  one  would 
be  the  wiser." 

"  Well,"  Baid  the  gamekeeper,  "of  courso,  if  yoa  Hre 
proparod  to  treat  us  liberally,  that's  another  thing,  and 
your  business  might  bo  urgent  enough  to  make  it  worth 
while  to  pay  something  to  be  lot  off." 

"Decidedly,"  said  Tom — "decidedly." 

Ho  plunged  his  hand  first  into  ono  pocket  and  then 
into  another,  but,  to  his  consternation,  discovered  he 
had  not  about  him  anything  more  than  some  loose  silver. 

Tho  gamekeepers  began  once  more  to  look  distrust- 
fully and  suspiciously  upon  him. 

Tom  was  greatly  mortified,  for  lie  sav  that  if  he  had 
only  happened  to  possess  a  few  guineas  ha  would  easily 
have  got  out  of  his  present  situation. 

Not  that  it  was  particularly  an  alarming  one,  but,  then 
if  he  did  not  extricate  himself  from  it  at  onee,  there  was 
no  knowing  what  complications  it  might  lead  to. 

"  My  good  friends,"  ho  said,  "  I  have  not  about  me  the 
amount  I  promised,  but  I  give  you  my  word  of  honour 
you  shall  have  it  at  any  time  that  you  think  proper  to 
appoint — say  to-morrow  night.  I  will  meet  one  of  you, 
or  all  of  you,  anywhere  you  choose,  and  will  give  you 
tho  amount." 

"  Oh,  gammon  !"  said  the  one  who,  by  the  common 
oonsei  t  of  his  fellows,  took  tho  lead  in  tho  affair — 
"  gam  uon  I  I  thoiiiht  how  much  yon  were  going  to 
givo  u,  in  money.  You  will  take  notice,  '  ho  added,  ad- 
dressing the  others,  "that  wo  aro  ail  witnesses  to  his 
having  offered  to  brib9  us  with  money  to  got  off." 

"  Yes— yes." 

"  Now,  take  care  !"  said  Tom.  "  I  givo  you  my  word, 
and  you  may  depend  that  I  shall  not  go  back  from  it  j 
but  if  you  refuse,  why,  then  you  will  lind  that  I  shall 
turn  out  a  rough  customer  to  deal  with." 

"  Oil,  all  right,"  said  tho  gamekeepors — "  we  will  lake 
the  risk  of  all  that.  Now,  then,  just  march  along,  will 
you,  or  it  will  be  the  worse  for  you !" 

While  these  words  were  spoken,  those  three  game- 
keepers who  had  already  taken  hold  of  Tom  King 
tightened  their  grasp  upon  him,  whilo  the  threo  others 
immediately  p.aced  themselves  in  the  rear,  and  pressed 
the  muzzles  of  their  guns  against  his  back." 

In  this  position  ho  was  commanded  to  proceed,  and 
threatened,  in  case  of  his  refusaL  that  tho  guns  should 
be  discharged,  tho  men  alleging  that  Sir  Thomas  would 
tako  care  to  hold  them  blameless. 

There  was  an  amount  of  rough,  savage  earnestness 
*bout  tho  manner  in  which  these  men  spoko  that  could 
not  by  any  possibility  bo  mistaken. 

Tom  King  instinctively  felt  that  thoy  would  not  hosi- 
tate  to  carry  their  threat  into  execution. 

Ho  most  bitterly  regretted  now  that  ho  had  allowed 
himself  to  bo  taken  captive  at  ail,  since  by  so  doing  ho 
had  shut  himself  out  from  all  chauco  of  regaining  his 
liberty. 

Disagreeable  and  repugnant  as  iv  vvas  to  him,  ho  had 
no  other  resource  than  to  comply  with  the  demands  o* 
theso  men,  and  to  march  i-nominiously  forward. 

They  pushed  him  on,  indeed,  at  a  much  greater  speed, 
»cd  with  much  more  violence,  than  was  at  all  rtoces- 
Bary. 

Tom  King  disdained  to  say  another  word  to  (hose 
fellows,  but  ho  kept  himself  pai^icularly  on  the  alert,  so 
as  to  be  able  to  take  advantage  of  any  trifling  circum- 
stance that  might  arise  that  was  capable  of  being  turned 
to  his  beneSt. 

Tho  men  knew  every  inch  of  tho  ground,  and  conse- 
quently took  the  shortest  way  out  of  tho  preserve. 

Tom  then  found  himself  in  a  largo  meadow,  beyond 
which  over  tho  tree  t,op3  ho  could  dimly  distinguish  tho 
ehimneys  of  a  habitation. 

This  ho  expected  was  the  residence  of  the  Sir  Thomas 
tfho  had  been  mentioned  by  tho  gamekeepers. 

In  the  same  manner  as  before  Tom  was  hurried  across 


this  meadow,  and  oo  by  a  rather  cirouitous  route  to  the 
back  part.of  a  large,  old-fashioned  building — ono  of  those 
comfortable  residences  of  dull  red  brick  which  the  great 
landed  proprietors  were  so  fond  of  building  two  or  three 
canturiea  ago. 

As  the  hour  was  late,  this  mansion— for  such  it  might 
be  termed — was  plunged  in  darkness,  save  and  except 
that  from  ono  solitary  window  came  forth  a  beam  of  light. 

Manifestly  their  destination  was  this  building,  and 
Tern  began  to  wonder  whether  it  would  not  be  better  to 
run  the  risk  of  raouvin!*  a  wound  from  the  gun  rather 
than  suffer  himse-lf  la  be  carried  beneath  any  roof. 

But  before  he  had  timo  to  make  up  his  mind  on  this 
point  a  door  was  opened,  through  which  ho  was  cy'ekly 
hustled. 

Then  ho  found  himself  in  a  small  chain  Dor  on  the 
ground  floor,  wherein  a  hugo  fire  was  burning. 

This  chamber,  he  imagined,  was  chiefly  for  the  use  of 
the  gamekeepers  whilo  ongaged  on  night  duty. 

An  old  man,  with  a  stern-looking  face,  to  whom  the 
gamekeepers  showed  some  degree  of  deference,  was  the 
only  inmate  of  this  apartment,  and  he  rose  slowly  to 
his  feet  when  the  throng  entered. 

"  A  prisoner,  Ambrose,"  said  one  of  the  gamekeepers. 
"  Wo  caught  him  trespassing  in  the  north  plantation. 
Just  open  the  door,  will  you,  and  we  will  make  him  right 
till  morning." 

Tho  man  addressed  as  Ambrose  took  a  hugo  key  from 
his  pocket,  which  he  fitted  into  a  small,  strong-looking 
door,  which  Tom  did  not  notice  until  he  thus  went 
towards  it. 

The  gamekeepers  pushed  him  on,  so  that  he  was  com- 
pelled to  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  this  man. 

Passing  through  this  door,  however,  he  found  himself 
at  tho  foot  of  a  winding  flight  of  stairs,  and  then  he  was 
made  to  ascend  them,  very  much  against  his  will. 

The  ascent  was  long  aud  trying,  and  Tom  felt  oertain 
that  he  must  be  at  the  very  top  of  tho  building. 

Suddenly  Ambrose  stopped,  and  pushed  open  another 
door  that  grated  harshly  upon  its  hinges. 

Across  the  threshold  of  tho  room  into  which  it  led 
Tom  was  thrust,  and  then,  as  quick  as  lightning,  the 
door  was  closed,  locked,  and  bolted. 

Tho  man  descended  the  stairs  again,  after  which  all 
was  still. 

As  Tom  had  comprehended,  the  room  in  which  he  now 
stood  was  at  the  very  top  of  tho  mansion. 

It  was  always  used  for  the  reception  of  those  prisoners 
who  might  be  made  by  the  gamekeepers  during  the 
night,  and  it  was  rarely  indeed  that  it  was  without  an 
occupant,  for  Sir  Thomas  was  one  of  those  strict 
preservers  of  gamo  who  looked  upon  the  unlawful 
slaughtering  of  a  bird  or  hare  as  a  crime  almost  worthy 
of  being  punished  by  death. 

As  often  happens,  however,  the  very  severity  of  the 
punishment  did  not  deter  tho  people  from  continually 
poaching  upon  his  domains,  and  it  was  supposed  that  he 
lost  more  game  in  this  manner  than  any  other  resident 
in  the  county. 

Tho  chamber  was  very  dark,  but  Tom  King  managed 
after  awhile  to  see  dimly  about  him. 

Articles  of  furniture  there  were  none— not  even  a 
bench  on  which  to  sit. 

Thero  was  only  ono  window,  and  that  was  scarcely  de- 
serving of  tho  name,  being  merely  a  square  opening  in 
the  wall,  placed  so  high  up  as  to  bo  considered  out  of 
reach  of  everyone. 

Upon  that  window  Tom's  eyes  at  onee  &k?&  them- 
selves. 

From  what  the  reader  knows  already  of  his  character, 
it  may  be  guo.sed  that  ho  did  not  for  one  moment  intend 
to  submit  quietly  to  any  fa  to  Sir  Thomas  or  his  myr- 
midons might  design  for  him. 

His  immediate  object  was  to  escape,  and  that  objcot 
he  determined  to  effect  somehow  or  other. 

Walking  close  up  to  tho  wall  beneath  tho  window,  ho 
reached  up  with  his  hands  a3  high  as  he  could,  and  found 
that  tho  tips  of  his  fingers  were  a  few  inches  from  the 
sill  of  the  window. 

A  slight  spring  from  tho  ground,  howevC?,  enabled 
him  to  hook  his  fingers  over  it,  and  the  grasp  thus 
obtained  was  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  draw  himself 
np  until  his  breast  was  level  with  h>3  hands. 

Then  ho  saw,  somewhat  to  his  surprise,  that  tho  wip» 


THE    KNIGHI    OS    THE    ROAD. 


dow  was  defended  only  by  one  perpendicular  iron  bar, 
which  looked  to  be  far  enough  away  from  the  wall  oi 
either  side  to  allow  his  body  to  pass  through. 

Clinging  tightly  with  his  left  hand,  Tom  readied  out 
with  his  right,  and  took  hold  of  this  iron  bar  just  men- 
tioned. 

By  the  aid  of  this  he  was  ablo  to  draw  hvr'v \l  up  evjtl 
higher  and  higher. 

As  he  expected,  there  was  just  room  to  a'^ow  M  head 
and  shoulders  to  pass  between  the  wall  on  one  side  and 
the  bar  on  tho  other. 

He  looked  down,  and  for  a  moment  felt  rathe*  giddy. 

He  saw,  at  a  great  height  from  the  ground  beneath  him, 
at  all  manner  of  angles  and  at  varying  depths,  the  loot 
of  the  building,  and  from  his  position  he  made  out  that 
he  was  in  a  kind  of  circular  turret  that  rose  up  from  the 
centre. 

For  what  purpose  this  tower  was  designed  ha  knew 
not,  but  just  then  he  was  startled  by  hearing  a  clock  etrike 
the  hour. 

The  sounds  were  sonorous  to  a  degree,  and  Tom  then 
found  that  abovo  him  was  a  large  turret  clock. 

He  looked  down,  aud  wondered  how  ha  should  es- 
cape. 

He  was  no  longer  surprised  that  the  window  should 
have  been  left  comparatively  so  unguarded. 

Few,  indeed,  would  be  able  to  cKmb  up  to  it  at  all — 
those  who  did  would  naturally  hesitate  and  shrink  before 
they  attempted  to  lower  themselves  from  such  a  height. 

Indeed  had  not  Tom  King  had  a  price  upon  his  head, 
and  kr.ew  that  so  many  were  thirsty  for  his  blood,  he 
w  uld  have  banished  all  further  contemplation  of  making 
his  escape. 

The  remembrance  of  these  facts,  however,  nerved  him 
to  such  deeds  as  would  make  others  not  similarly  situated 
shrink  back  appalled. 

The  distance  to  the  roof  immediately  beneath  the  win- 
dow was  considerable,  and,  moreover,  this  roof  slanted  at 
a  very  sharp  angle,  so  that  in  dropping  upon  it  it  would 
not  be  possible  to  retain  any  hold. 

Seeing,  however,  that  rolling  down  the  tiles  ho  should 
only  fall  into  a  gutter  formed  by  another  portion  of  the 
roof  sloping  from  an  opposite  direction,  Tom  King  re- 
solved to  run  the  risk. 

It  was  a  matter  of  some  difficulty  to  turn  round  in 
such  a  confined  space  as  he  was  now  in,  but  this  feat 
was  accomplished,  and  he  began  slowly  to  lower  himself 
through  the  window  feet  foremost. 

He  continued  to  do  so  until  he  held  only  by  his  hands, 
with  his  body  remaining  stretched  at  the  fuil  length  of 
his  arms. 

He  did  not  dare  to  look  below,  to  hesitate,  or  to  think 
upon  the  consequences  of  his  fall. 

He  shut  his  eyes  and  released  his  grasp. 

He  came  with  a  sharp  shock  upon  the  tiles,  several  of 
which  were  loosened  by  the  violence  of  his  fall. 

Half  sliding,  half  rolling,  he  continued  to  descend 
until  brought  up  by  the  gutter  of  which  we  have  made 
mention. 

Here  he  remained  for  somo  minutes,  only  partially  in 
possession  of  his  consciousness. 

But  what  sense  that  remained  to  him  was  fully  occu- 
pied in  listening,  in  order  to  ascertain  whether  any  alarm 
had  been  given  by  the  noise  he  had  made. 

So  far  as  he  could  tell,  however,  all  was  well  and  at 
length  he  scrambled  to  his  feet 

He  found  that  he  was  badly  bruised,  but  as  yet  did  not 
suffer  much  pain — that  would  come  in  time,  no  doub( 

Judging  by  what  he  had  already  accomplished,  Tom 
King  had  little  more  to  do,  and  yet  it  was  no  easy  task 
to  look  forward  to  having  to  reach  the  ground  from  tho 
top  of  that  loity  habitation. 

But  Tom  scrambled  over  the  roof  tops  until  he  reached 
the  outer  parapet. 

Along  the  inside  of  this  he  crept  until  he  had  almost 
made  a  circuit  of  the  building. 

Then  he  came  to  a  spot  where  there  was  another  roof 
below  him,  apparently  belonging  to  some  outbuilding. 

Straining  his  eyes,  he  could  make  out  beneath  him 
something  that  looked  like  a  large  yard,  with  etablcs  on 
one  side  of  it,  and  coach-houses  on  the  other. 

"  Ah  !"  he  said,  "  this  is  the  placo  to  descend.  Con- 
feund  Sir  Thomas  and  his  gamekeepers !  thev  have  given 
me  some  trouble,  but  they  shall  pay  for  it !    I've  lost  one 


horse,  but  Irl  take  good  care  not  to  quit  those  premises 
until  I  have  supplied  his  place  with  the  very  best  animal 
to  be  found  in  his  stables.  And  here  goes,  for  tho  sooner 
I  am  off  the  better." 

Tom  then,  with  great  daring  aud  apparent  recklessness, 
climbed  ever  the  parapet,  and  by  the  aid  of  an  iron  pipe 
fixed  against  the  wall,  slid  rapidly  doTFC  until  his  feet 
rested  on  tho  roof  beneath. 


CHAPTEB   CMXXXI 

TOM  ItSoJ    ESCAPES  FROM    HIS    TEMPORARY  PR1SOH,   ANB 
1'KOYlDES   HlllSKLE  WITH  ANOTHER   HORSE. 

The  further  progress  of  Tom  King  was,  comparatively 
speaking,  easy  enough. 

From  this  roof  he  descended  to  another  not  far  beneath 
it. 

From  that  to  another  outbuilding,  aid  then  to  the 
ground. 

Scarcely,  however,  had  his  feet  touched  the  "round 
than,  with  a  suppressed,  savage  growl,  a  dog  sprang  at 
him. 

It  was  one  of  those  sly,  treacherous  animals  which  givo 
no  warning  of  their  presence  until  within  reach  of  their 
victim. 

Tom  King,  however,  partly  in  surprise,  and  partly  in 
dread  of  receiving  a  bite  from  this  savage  creature,  g*xve 
such  a  bound  that  he  escaped  his  fangs. 

At  the  same  moment  his  hands  came  in  contact  with  a 
pitchfork  that  was  resting  against  the  wall. 

To  seize  hold  el  this,  and  use  it  as  a  weapon  of  defence, 
was  the  work  of  a  second. 

The  dog  came  rushing  on,  and  then  received  such  a 
blow  as  sent  him  Lack  howling. 

With  desperate  courage  he  renewed  the  attack,  and 
Tom  King,  being  more  self-possessed  than  before,  raised 
his  weapon,  and  waited  patiently. 

When  the  moment  came,  he  dealt  the  animal  a  blow 
that  stretched  it  senseless,  if  not  lifeless,  upon  cne  ground. 

But  all  this  had  no.t  been  done  without  creating  a  great 
deal  of  noise. 

Indeed,  there  seemed  every  probability  that  the  alarm 
would  in  a  moment  be  raised. 

Had  he  been  so  minded,  however,  it  would  have  been 
perfectly  easy  for  Tom  King  to  have  made  his  escape 
from  the  yard  at  that  moment,  but  he  determined  to 
carry  out  the  intention  he  had  originally  expressed,  and 
accordingly  darted  at  full  speed  towards  the  door  leading 
to  the  stables. 

The  door  was  not  locked,  but  merely  latched,  that 
being  considered  quite  sufficient  protection,  for  the  grooms 
and  stable-helpers  all  slept  close  at  hand. 

Fully  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  making  the 
utmost  speed,  Tom  King  seized  hold  of  one  of  the  horses 
— the  first  one  he  came  to — and  led  it  out. 

On  the  end  of  the  stall  had  been  hung  a  saddle  and 
bridle,  and  these  Tom  flung  on  rather  than  properly 
placed  them. 

One  bound  placed  him  in  the  saddle  ;  then,  bending  his 
head  low  down  upon  the  horse's  neck,  he  urged  him 
forward,  and  darted  through  the  door  into  the  yard. 

This  was  a  proceeding  that  took  greatly  by  surprise, 
and  much  disconcerted,  a  man  who,  having  been  aroused 
by  the  barking  of  the  dog,  and  yet  not  knowing  what  had 
caudc^  it,  had  descended  to  ascertain  what  was  the 
matter. 

Seeir.g  the  stable  door  open,  h*  had  hastened  towards 
it,  and  he  had  just  reached  the  iTrreshold  when  Tom 
darted  forth  in  tho  manner  we  have  described. 

The  man  was  thrown  down  at  once,  and  with  a  pro 
digious  clatter  the  highwayman  reached  the  yard. 

By  this  time,  however,  the  alarm  had  been  given 
generally. 

The  gate  leading  into  this  yard  had  been  left  open  by 
the  g-unekeepera,  and  Tom  eaw  a  man  hurrying  to  cloa* 
it. 

Buv  spurring  his  horse  savagely,  he  caused  the  aniniai 
to  start  off  at  full  gallop. 

The  gate  was  passed  before  anyone  had  time  to  closn 
it,  and  the  next  moment  Tom  King  was  making  his  way 
at  a  tremendous  rate  across  a  large  piece  of  smooth,  level 
turf. 

He  felt  now  that  he  had  nothing  to  fear,  yet  wu  never* 


1520 


BLACE     S£St;    aKi 


theless  desirous  of  getting  off  Sir  Thomas's  estate  as 
quickly  as  he  could. 

Takings  things  altogether,  he  had  much  to  congratu- 
late himself  upon,  though  now,  as  he  bogan  to  grow 
somewhat  cooler,  the  effect  of  the  different  bruises  ha 
had  received  made  themselves  painfully  apparent. 

At  length,  to  his  disappointment,  he  found  .  cseit 
again  opposite  that  high  wall  that  had  been  cwtea  upon 
the  boundaries  of  Sir  Thomas's  property — a  wall  of 
such  a  height  that  it  was  quite  out  of  the  question  to 
think  of  getting  a  horse  over  it.  *> 

The  only  thing  that  remained  in  Tom's  power  was  to 
follow  its  course  until  he  met  with  a  gateway  similar  to 
the  one  through  which  he  had  previously  passed. 

This,  however,  might  cvjsc  him  some  little  additional 
difficulty,  for  probably  thjjfe  would  be  time  to  a'flow  of 
men  being  posted  at  the  various  exits  from  the  estate. 

Time  was  clearly  of  importance,  aud  so  he  again  spurred 
his  horse. 

He  was  pleased  to  find  that  the  animal  01  which  he  h?'1 
bo  recently  possessed  himself  was  of  tolerable  quality. 

His  stamp  was  good,  though  it  would  seem  by  his  mau- 
ner  that  he  had  lately  performed  a  long  journey,  and  had 
not  yet  recovered  from  the  fatigue  occasioned  by  it 

After  going  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  further  to  the  left, 
Tom  found  another  gate,  and  just  as  he  reached  it  he 
happened  to  look  back  towards  the  mansion. 

Then  he  saw  in  the  darkness  lights  flashing  about,  from 
which  it  was  evident  close  search  and  pursuit  were  being 
made  after  him. 

However,  he  was  now  quite  clear  and  free  from  danger. 

He  opened  the  gate  and  rode  through  on  to  the  broad, 
well-beaten  highway. 

At  first  he  fancied  he  had  emerged  upon  the  very  same 
road  he  had  so  lately  quitted,  but  upon  looking  more 
carefully  around  he  soon  became  convinced  that  this  was 
an  error. 

The  road  he  was  now  upon  ran  almost  parallel  to  the 
ether,  but  it  was  at  a  considerable  distance  from  it. 

Turning  the  horse's  head  in  the  direction  of  the  coun- 
try, he  allowed  the  animal  to  proceed  at  an  easy  rate,  as 
there  was  now  no  immediate  hurry,  and  he  wished  to  re- 
serve its  strength  as  much  as  possible. 

After  going  for  some  distance  without  accident,  he 
reached  a  point  where  the  road  divided,  forming  what  is 
called  a  fork. 

The  triangular  piece  of  ground  formed  by  the  junction 
of  the  roads  consisted  of  a  field  well  defended  by  high, 
thick  hedges. 

Tom  King  as  he  approached  gradually  slackened  his 
speed,  for  he  was  somewhat  in  doubt  as  to  which  of  these 
two  roads  he  should  take. 

While  in  this  stato  of  uncertainty,  a  man  suddenly 
started  up  from  behind  the  hedge  just  at  the  sharp  angle 
of  the  road. 

Tom  uttered  an  exclamation  as  soon  as  he  saw  him. 

The  man  raised  his  hand,  though  for  what  purpose 
Tom  did  not  guess. 

The  next  moment  there  was  a  flash  and  a  report,  and, 
with  a  whistling  sound,  something  sped  past  the  high- 
wayman, which  he  knew  at  once  to  be  a  bullet. 

The  occurrence  was  so  strange  a  one  that  he  could 
scarcely  make  it  out. 

This  man  had  evidently  been  lying  in  wait  for  him  to 
make  his  appearance,  and  yet  how  should  he  know  that 
he  was  about  to  reach  that  point  ? 

Again,  it  seemed  as  though  the  man  had  purpose?? 
missed  him — it  was  either  that  or  else  he  was  »  terribly 
bad  marksman,  for  Tom  was  only  a  few  yards  distant. 
The  most  probable  thing  was,  that  this  man  had  been 
placed  there  to  watch  for  the  appearauce  of  some  one 
e's^,  for  whom  Tom  King  had  been  mistaken. 

The  highwayman's  first  impulse  was  to  start  in  pur- 
suit of  this  man,  who  appeared  to  be  at  an  iwanediate 
retreat  upon  discovering  his  mistafte. 

But  a  seco"*l  thought  icduced  Tom  to  alter  nis 
mind. 

"  It  seems  to  me,"  he  said,  "  that  I  know  the  rankm  of 
rendering  some  one  or  othor  a  valuable  service.  That 
rascal  beyond  doubt  has  been  posted  here  by  some  oae  to 
assassinate  some  gentleman  who  is  expected  to  be  rSdir.g 
this  way  about  this  time.  I  will  save  him — or.  fcfc  *ny 
rate,  1  will  put  him  on  his  guard." 

£.ucordingly,  although  he  was  running  no  smati  per- 


sonal risk  by  so  doing,  Tom  King  turned  his  horse  again, 
aud  rode  slowly  in  the  direction  he  had  just  been  com- 
ing. 

But  ha  did  not  go  much  more  than  a  auart-r  i  a 
milo. 

iHe  pulksl  up  then,  for  he  by  no  means  relisned  getting 
too  near  to  Sir  Thomas's  estate. 

Scarce)}  nad  ho  come  to  a  halt  than  the  clear,  unmis- 
takable sound  of  a  horse's  hoofs  upon  the  road  reached  his 
ears. 

"  Tl«e  intended  victim  comes,"  -fie  muttered.  "  But, 
whoever  he  may  be,  he  shall  be  saved  from  the  fate  that 
awaits  him !     That  rascal  shall  be  disappointed  !" 

Upon  a  second  thought,  Tom  King  thought  it  would 
be  better  to  ride  forward  slowly  to  meet  this  approaching 
horseman  than  to  remain  in  waiting,  and  he  accordingly 
restrained  his  horse,  allowing  it  to  go  simply  at  a  walk. 

In  a  few  moments  he  perceived  before  him  in  the  dis- 
tance the  dusky  figure  of  a  man  on  horseback. 

To  protect  himself  from  the  cold  night  air  he  had 
wrapped  around  him  a  thick  travelling  cloak. 

As  soon  as  ever  he  was  near  enough,  Tom  King  raised 
his  voice,  and  said : 

"Hold,  sir!  let  me  entreat  you  to  stay — let  me  warn 
you  that  your  life  is  in  danger." 

The  horseman  checked  his  speed  irresolutely,  and 
seemed  half  inclined  to  gallop  past  our  friend. 

It  was  by  no  means  strange  that  he  should  have  his 
doubts  as  to  the  advisability  of  allowing  a  stranger  to 
come  close  to  him  at  a  time  when  the  roads  were  so  unsafe 
for  all  travellers  as  they  were  then. 

Tom  guessed  what  was  passing  in  his  mind,  and  en- 
deavoured to  reassure  him. 

"  You  need  be  under  no  apprehension,"  he  said  ;  "  you 
will  receive  no  harm  from  me — in  fact,  I  have  turned  al- 
together out  of  my  way  in  order  that  I  might  be  able  to 
give  you  this  necessary  warning.  Bethink  yourself,  sir ; 
have  you  an  enemy  ?'* 

The  stranger  hesitated  for  some  moments  before  he  re- 
plied. 

Then,  in  a  constrained  voice,  he  said : 

"  I  think  not." 

"  I  differ  with  you,"  said  Tom.  "  Chance  entirely  has 
brought  me  upon  this  road  to-night,  and  while  riding  a 
little  distance  further  on  a  man  suddenly  started  up  from 
behind  the  hedge  at  the  junction  of  the  high-road,  and 
fired  a  pistol  at  me.  The  shot  could  not  have  been  in- 
tended for  myself,  but  he  was  evidently  placed  there  to 
assassinate  some  one  who  was  expected  to  bo  passing  by 
about  this  time." 

The  stranger  received  this  intelligence  with  consider- 
able coolness — in  fact,  his  misgivings  as  to  the  charactw 
of  the  man  who  had  accosted  him  had  increased. 

Perceiving  that  ho  paused,  Tom  continued : 

"  If  it  was  known  to  anyone  that  it  was  your  intention 
to  be  upon  this  road  at  about  this  time  to-night,  let  me 
outreat  you  to  turn  aside  aud  travel  by  some  other  way ; 
if  not  1  fear  your  life  may  be  the  forfeit." 

The  stranger  walked  his  horse  slowly  forwards,  and  as 
he  [did  so  he  addressed  Tom  King  in.  a  sneering, 
sarcastic  tone  of  voice. 

"My  good  sir,"  ho  said,  "I  am  obliged  to  you — 
infinitely  obliged  to  you !  But  no  doubt  I  shall  stand  as 
good  a  chance  of  escaping  from  the  bullet  as  you  did 
yourself." 

"  Stay !"  said  Tom,  perceiving  that  he  continued  to 
ride  on — "  stay — stay  !  for  I  am  convinced  the  man  saw 
that  I  was  not  the  person  he  was  on  the  look-out  for, 
though  ho  did  not  discover  his  niistalwa  in  time  to  check 
himself  in  discharging  the  pistol." 

"  I  again  repeat  that  I  am  obliged  to  you,"  answered 
the  stranger,  as  snseringly  as  before.  "  My  way  lies  in 
this  direction,  and  I  shall  take  it.  You  will  excuse  me, 
but  I  never  like  to  form  acquaintances  on  the  road,  go 
oblige  me  by  keeping  your  distance." 

As  he  spoke  he  spurred  his  horse,  and  the  animal  started 
onward  at  a  kind  of  cantering  gallop. 

"  Well,"  said  Tom,  to  himself  "  this  is  a  specimen  of 
ingratitude  surely,  and  yet,  after  all,  the  man  is  not  to  bo 
blamed.  At  any  rate,  I  will  try  to  save  him  evoo 
now-'' 

Accordingly,  Tom  rode  after  the  stranger,  who  h&ij 
nevertheless  in  this  short  space  of  time  obtained  a  Vol«r- 
ably  good  start. 


THB  KNtGHT  OP  THE  ROAD 


1521 


[TOM  KINO   TAKES  A  DESPERATE  LEAP  POR  LIFE.] 


ZShJS e.°ywiftly- keeping  his  horse  not  upon  the 
highway  but  upon  the  strip  of  turf  that  lay  upon  one 
Bide  of  it,  so  that  his  approach  was  almost  noiseless. 
«,«  ill  was.  afmd.  }'e  8,»°nW  not  be  in  time  to  render 
fn^„i  /6uthe  af"8tance  lle  ^pected  he  would  need, 
Jo  ldftsrcoanvyergeedOUld  "*  Mm°  Lia  the  Spot  where  th° 
JSaOZ  ^s  just  a  question  whether  the  man,  after 

JSr«i?ade  *hl8/ailure'  ^»'d  remain  at  his  post  and 
make  a  second  attempt. 

Tom's  mind  was  occupied  upon  this  point,  when  sud- 
denly he  saw  a  bright  flash  of  light  ' 

renorfcUSefr^flnejaCalat?10D1tl,at  was  browned  by  the 
report  of  the  firearm,  and  then,  with  a  loud  crv    the 

Btranger  fell  headlong  from  his  horse.  7' 

aext  dlr«™ai°h*-the  a88a8siD>  at  »»  risks  !"  was  Tom's 

Boeed  fn  ^  at.10D'  aDd  h.e  Urged  his  hor80  *<>  his  utmost 
speed  in  order  to  carry  it  out. 

No.  191.— Black  Bess. 
No.  iOL 


He  could  not  fail  to  give  some  indications  of  his  ar. 
proach,  and  these  must  have  been  overheard  by  the 
assassin,  for  ho  beatau  immediate  retreat. 

Tom  was  not  to  be  baffled,  however,  but  kept  up  his 
pursuit. 

On  reaching  tho  triangular  meadow,  however,  and 
looking  around  him,  not  a  trace  of  a  human  being  could 
be  seen. 

For  a  long  time  he  searched  rigidly  in  every  direction, 
but  in  vain— no  trace  of  the  assassin  could  be  found. 

He  had  evidently  secreted  himself  iu  some  well-con- 
trived hiding-place. 

The  failure  in  his  purpose  filled  Tom  King  with  no 
small  degree  of  chagrin. 

But  finding  his  efforts  here  were  useless,  he  turned 
them  to  another  quarter,  where  he  hoped  hia  aid  would 
be  welcome. 
Accordingly,  he  hastened  to  place  himself  by  the  sid«  rf 


I82S 


SMC&    BBbS;    OB, 


toe  stranger,  who  now  lay  immovable  in  the  centre  of 
the  high-road. 

Fortunately,  his  feet  had  become  disengaged  from  the 
etirrups  as  he  fell. 

The  horse  had  vanished.  But  had  the  stranger's  feet 
remained  entangled,  he  must  have  been  dragged,  a 
braised  and  bleeding  mass,  at  the  heels  of  the  terrified 
animal. 

Alighting,  and  stooping  over  him,  Tom  raised  Tiiui- 
gently  from  the  ground. 

"  Speak,  sir,"  he  said — "  spoak  if  you  can,  and  toll  me 
what  I  can  do  in  your  behalf." 

After  a  deep  sigh,  or  rather  grca  I,  the  prostrate  tra- 
veller spoke. 

"  Ah !  it's  you,  is  it  ?  Tou  have  coma  now  to  exult,  1 
suppose,  and  to  reproach  me  for  having  despised  your 
warning.  Go — go !  I  desire  nothing  but  to  be  left  to 
myself.'' 

"  I  am  sorry  to  find  you  in  this  mood,"  said  Tom 
King.  "  I  am  prompted  by  motives  of  humanity  only, 
and  I  assure  you  if  there  is  anything  I  can  do,  any  ser- 
vice I  can  render,  you  have  but  to  speak,  and  it  shall 
cheerfully  be  performed." 

CHAPTER  CMXXXII. 

TOM    KING   REACHES,   AS    J  IE    BELIEVES,    VERT    COMFORT- 
ABLE  QUARTERS. 

The  stranger  groaned  again,  and  pressed  his  hand  tightly 
upon  his  left  breast,  on  the  spot  where  the  bullet  had 
6truck  him. 

"  If  you  live  near  this  place,"  continued  Tom,  "  tell 
me  so,  and  direct  me  to  it.  I  will  lead  you  thither;  or, 
if  you  are  too  much  hurt  to  allow  of  that,  I  will  hasten 
oft  and  summon  assistance." 

That  deep-seated  feeling  of  mistrust  or  suspicion  which 
was  so  prominent  in  the  stranger  now  somewhat  broke 
down,  and  when  he  spoke  again  it  was  in  u  tone  of  voice 
totally  different  to  that  which  ho  had  previously  em- 
ployed. 

"  Forgive  me,"  he  said,  "  for  my  rough,  suspicious 
manner !  If  you  knew  all,  you  would  not  wonder  at  my 
behaviour.  I  do  not  live  far  from  here.  My  house  is 
almost  within  sight,  but  whether  I  shall  ever  reach  it 
again  alive,  I  know  not." 

"Let  us  hope  so!"  said  Tom.  "Do  you  think,  if  I 
bound  up  your  hurt  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  and  raised 
you  to  your  feet,  that  you  could  manage  to  seat  yourself 
upon  my  horse  ?  If  so,  I  would  lead  him  gently  to  your 
home." 

"  You  are  very  kind  and  considerate,"  said  the  stranger, 
in  accents  of  amazement.  "  I  cannot  unde.  stand  why 
you  should  take  all  this  trouble  with  one  who  is  a  perfect 
stranger  to  you." 

Tom  King  thought  fit  to  disregard  this  speech — at  any 
rate,  he  did  not  make  any  reply  to  it,  but  busied  himself 
in  rudely  bandaging  up  the  ugly-looking  wound  the 
stranger  had  received. 

Then,  as  suggested,  ho  raised  him  to  his  feet,  and  after 
that,  with  much  difficulty,  the  stranger  was  assisted  into 
the  saddle. 

By  his  directions,  Tom  led  the  animal  forward 

On  the  way  but  few  words  were  exchanged. 

Tom  endeavoured  to  keep  up  a  conversation,  tut  tie 
Btr  nger  remained  silent,  and  therefore  Tom  desisted. 

1  he  truth  was,  the  stranger  was  much  more  severely 
hurt  than  either  himself  or  the  highwayman  imagined, 
no)  it  was  as  much  as  ever  he  could  do  to  retain  hin  -scat 
in  the  s-addle. 

His  brain  swam,  and  at  every  step  he  felt  as  thougn  ho 
must  fall  .sideways  to  the  ground. 

A  deaiily  feeling  of  faintness  also  came  stealing  over 
him,  but  the  house  was  now  within  sight. 

It  stood  quite  alone,  surrounded  by  its  own  spacious. 
grounds,  and   was  situated  almost  at  the  summi'.  ot  a 
gently-risiug  piece  of  ground. 

On  reading  the  lodge  gates,  which  were  closed,  Tom 
seized  the  b  11  uandle,  and  gave  it  a  hearty  puli. 

But  scare  ly  had  lie  done  so  than,  with  a  sudden  rush, 
the  stranger  ell  heavily  to  the  ground. 

Tom  darte  forward  as  he  saw  him  tailing,  but  was  not 
In  time  to  save  him. 

Borne  little  delay  took  place  before  the  lodgekeeper 
appeared,  an-*  when  the  door  was  opened,  Tom  cried : 


"  A  light— a  light !     Be  quick— fetch  a  light !" 
An  old  man  came  forth,  carrying  in  his  hauds  a  ortndJa, 
which  he  had  quickly  placed  inside  a  battered  lantern. 

He  uttered  an  exclamClon  of  grief  and  surprise  at  wh*l 
ho  saw. 

"Quick!"  Bald  Tom.  >.*Give  me  the  light!  Let  mi 
L»k  at  bimi" 

"My  poor  master!"  said  the  lodgekeeper.  "Oh,  help 
— help  !     Who  will  ride  off  for  the  doctor?" 

"  I  sadly  fear  no  human  aid  would  be  availing,"  replied 
Tom  King,  who  by  tb'«  time  had  inspected  the  stranger's 
countenance.  "  There  can  be  no  mistaking  its  expres- 
sion," he  added.  "Your  master,  if  such  he  be,  is 
dead." 

"Dead?"  said  the  old  man.  "Oh,  what  shall  I  do— 
what  shall  I  do  ?" 

"  Help  me  to  carry  him  inside  the  lodge,"  said  Tom, 
"  and  as  soon  as  you  have  done  that,  send  some  one  for  a 
doctor — I  will  remain  here." 
Tom's  suggestion  was  promptly  carried  out. 
The  lifeless  body  of  the  stranger  was  placed  gently  on 
a  rude  kind  of  bench,  near  the  fire,  on  the  ground  floor  ot 
the  lodge. 

The  old  man  then  took  his  departure,  hastening  off  at 
a  speed  that  one  would  scarcely  have  expected  from  a 
man  of  his  years. 

Tom  King  looked  again  into  the  stranger's  counte- 
nance. 

There  could  be  no  doubt  that  life  had  fled  for 
ever. 

The  interior  of  the  lodge  was  most  oppressive  to  Tom, 
and  he  sallied  forth  to  keep  watch  outside. 

He  had  secured  his  horse  to  the  gate,  and  now  he  went 
up  to  it,  and  patted  it  gently. 

While  so  engaged,  he  fancied  he  heard  a  well-known 
sound. 

He  listened  again,  and  was  convinced  that  his  ears  had 
not  deceived  him. 

Persons  on  horseback  were  approaching  the  spot,  and, 
from  the  direction  they  were  coming,  most  probably 
would  be  the  party  of  police  officers  he  had  been  at  so 
much  pains  to  elude. 

He  hesitated  a  moment  as  to  what  course  he  should 
adopt. 

If  he  wont  inside  the  lodge  the  officers  might  ride  past 
without  suspecting  his  presence. 

But  then,  on  the  other  hand,  their  aid  might  be  called 
for  by  some  of  the  servants,  in  which  case  Tom  would  be 
recognised,  and  in  all  probability  the  death  of  the  unfor- 
tunate gentleman  laid  to  his  charge. 

This  consideration,  and  also  the  reflection  that  he  could 
not  possibly  do  any  good  by  remaining,  made  Tom  resolve 
to  seek  safety  in  flight. 

Accordingly,  untying  his  horse,  he  sprang  into  the 
saddle,  and,  again  taking  to  the  open  country,  galloped  off 
across  the  fields  at  the  best  speed  of  which  his  horse  was 
capable. 

From  time  to  time  he  glanced  back,  but  he  saw  nothing 
of  the  police  officers. 

This  was  not  so  very  surprising,  considering  trees  were 
growing  in  clusters  here  and  there,  which  prevented  a 
ciear  or  uninterrupted  view  being  taken. 

Arriving  at  the  summit  of  a  hill,  Tom  King  drew  rein 
to  look  about  him. 

Already  in  the  east,  he  could  perceive  unmistakable  in- 
dications of  the  approach  of  the  coming  day. 

"  It  is  time  I  found  some  place  of  shelter,"  he  thought ; 
"and  yet  where  shall  I  find  it  ?  As  yet  to-night  I  have 
not  had  the  opportunity  of  remaining  more  than  a  few- 
moments  in  any  place  without  being  molested.  Where, 
then,  can  I  hope  to  conceal  myself  for  a  long  period?" 

While  these  thoughts  were  passing  through  Tom's 
mind,  his  eyes  rested  successively  upon  the  various  ob- 
jects of  which  the  landscape  was  composed. 

But  although  he  saw  many  things,  ho  shook  his  nead  at 
every  one  of  them,  for  none  promised  him  any  chance  of 
the  shelter  he  sought. 

'  \  must  ride  on,"  he  said,  "and  trust  to  the  chapter  of 
events.  I  cannot  do  wrong  by  getting  away  from 
London,  so  this  is  clearly  the  course  I  ought  to  take." 

Turning  his  back  to  tho  faint  grey  flush  of  light  in  the 
east,  Tom  King  took  his  course  steadily  forward  into  the 
open  country. 
He  looked  about  him  incessantly  with  great  warlneei. 


OF    THE    EOAD. 


1523 


bci  ho  saw  nothing  whatever  of  a  character  to  excite  his^  faction  of  seoing  that  his  horse  was  properly  *t*«.a<J«l 
apprehensions.  /  to. 

A.  feelinp 


of  great  fatigue,  however,  began  to  creep 

over  him,  afeeling  which  at  first  he  tried  hard  to  banish, 

bat  failed.    It  would  assort  itself  in  spite  of  all  his  efforts. 

This  made  him  all  the  more  desirous  of  finding  soiae 

place  whereat  to  rest. 

He  was  also  forcibly  rominded  that  a  long  time  bad 
elapsed  since  he  had  partaken  of  any  food. 

The  district  he  was  in,  however,  seemed  very  thinly 
populated,  for  net  so  much  as  a  rudely-built,  thatched 
cottage  met  his  gaze. 

Still  ho  rode  on,  until  the  darkness  cf  night  roiled 
away  and  daylight  fairly  came. 

The  sun  rose  and  climbing  high  up  in  the  sity  found 
him  still  pursuing  his  lonely  course,  growing  at  each  step 
uioro  and  more  exhausted. 

The  sight  of  a  thin  wreath  of  blue  smoke  curling  up 
ironi  among  somo  trees  a  little  distance  in  advance  roused 
him  into  fresh  life  and  animation. 

Quickening  his  horse's  steps,  he  shortly  found  himself 
in  front  of  one  of  those  old-fashioned  places,  half  farm- 
house and  half  inn,  which  a  hundred  years  ago  were  com- 
monly found  all  over  the  country. 

As  was  usually  tho  case,  there  was  an  air  of  peaceful 
Bcreuity  dwelling  around  this  place,  and  Tom  immediately 
became  susceptible  to  its  influence. 

"  If  I  only  dared  to  run  tho  risk  of  staying  hero,"  ho 
muttered,  "  how  comfortable  I  could  make  myself  for  a 
short  time,  but  I  fear  it  is  not  to  be  thought  of.  No,  no  ; 
it  would  bo  unsafe  in  the  highest  degree.  I  had  better 
cot  be  seen  even." 

Tom  was  about  to  ride  ou,  when  just  at  that  moment 
the  front  door  of  the  inn  was  thrown  open  and  an  elderly 
man  with  round,  stooping  shoulders  made  his  appear- 
ance. 

"  Good  morning,  sir,"  he  said,  in  a  civil,  offhanded 
tone  of  voice.  "  Do  you  wish  to  stay  here  ?  I  hav«  the 
best  of  entertainment  for  man  and  beast." 

Tom  hesitated. 

"Think  twice  before  you  decide  to  go  on,"  said  the 
landlord ;  "  for,  judging  from  your  appearance,  you  have 
made  a  very  loug  journey,  and  must  be  fatigued.  Don't 
ride  on  with  the  expectation  of  finding  some  other  place, 
for  you  will  havo  to  go  twelve  miles  at  the  least  before 
you  meet  with  a  chance  of  halting  again ;  and  then  the 
accommodation  you  get  thero  is  not  for  a  moment  to  be 
compared  to  what  you  will  havo  hero." 

"  You  are  not  troubled  with  many  visitors,  I  suppose  ?" 
said  Tom,  thoughtfully. 

"No,  not  many,  I  am  sorry  to  say.  The  sight  of  a 
traveller  is  quite  a  treat.  If  I  depended  ouly  upon  what 
the  inn  produced  I  should  have  been  in  tho  workhouse 
long  ago." 

Tom  was  pleased  to  find  that  the  house  was  of  so 
lonely  a  character,  and  ho  imagined  as  well  that  at  tho 
present  moment  thero  was  no  other  traveller  resting  be- 
neath its  roof,  or  the  landlord  would  have  mentioned  the 
fact. 

Then  Tom  began  to  consider  that  it  was  unlikely  in- 
deed that  his  foes  would  find  him  out  at  this  place. 

"I  will  stay,"  ho  said,  suddenly,  unable  to  resist  the 
temptation — "  I  will  stay,  landlord,  and  I  shall  look  to 
you  to  make  me  comfortable." 

With  quite  a  radiant  smile  upon  his  face,  the  landlord 
eame  forward,  and  was  profuse  in  his  expressions  of  wel- 
come. 

"  You  keep  no  groom  or  ostler,  I  suppose  ?"  was  Tom's 
next  remark. 

No,  I  should  have  nothing  for  him  to  do.  I  will 
attend  to  y^ur  horse,  sir,  if  you  please ;  don't  be  afraid  to 
entrust  him  to  my  care." 

"Not  by  any  means,"  6aid  Tom  ;  "  but  a3  he  is  a  par- 
ticular favourite  of  mine  1  will  walk  with  you  to  the 
stable,  if  you  have  no  objection." 

"  None  whatever,"  said  the  landlord — '■♦  none  whatever ; 
you  are  welcome  to  go  wherever  you  ploaso  about  the 
place." 

*  That's  the  way,  thea,  I  suppose  ?"  said  Tom,  noiuin^ 
his  horse  by  the  bridle  a^O  pointing  to  a  wooden 
shed. 

"Yea,  that's  the  stable,  and  when  you  are  inside  it  you 
»riU  find  that  it  is  more  comfortable  than  it  appears." 

1  oui  advanced,  and  in  a  few  moments  he  had  the  satis- 


This  being  done,  he  returned  with  the  landlord  to  in* 
inn. 

"  There's  no  one  up  at  present,"  he  said  to  Tom,  "  ex- 
cepting myself,  but  tho  missis  and  my  daughter  will 
be  down  directly.  What  would  you  liko  wr  break- 
fast ?" 

M  Anything  that  you  have  in  the  house  that  you  can 
get   readily,"  was    Tom's  response.     "  Can  you  let  me 
have  a  private  room  ?" 
The  landlord  smiled. 

"They're  all  private  enoiign  for  that  matter,"  he  said  ; 
"  for  while  you  are  staying  here  I  very  much  question 
whether  I  shall  be  so  fortunate  as  to  see  anothor  strange 
face.  Two  travellers  stopping  here  in  one  day  would 
indeed  be  an  extraordinary  occurrence." 
Tom  laughed  as  he  said  : 

"But  I  should  like  a  private  room  for  all  that;  I 
should  then  be  able  to  guard  against  any  intrusion." 

"Your   wishes  shall  be   attended   to,    sir.    Step    this 
way." 
Then  throwing  open  a  door,  tho  landlord  added : 
"This  is  our  best  parlour,  sir,  and   you  are  heartily 
welcome  to  make  use  of  it  while  you  stay." 
"And  what  about  the  breakfast  ?" 
"  Would  ham  and  eggs  suit  you  ?" 
"  Excellently,"  said  Tom ;  "  and  make  haste  !" 
Ho  seated  himself  in   what  the   landlord   called    the 
best  parlour. 

It  was  indeed  a  very  decent  apartment,  and  Tom 
was  by  no  means  inclined  to  quarrel  with  it  in  any  par- 
ticular. 

A  feeling  of  great  drowsiness  came  over  him  while  he 
sat  waiting  for  his  breakfast,  and  to  overcome  it  he 
was  obliged  to  get  up  and  walk  round  and  round  the 
room. 

He  paused  several  times  to  look  through  tho  window, 
which  commanded  a  view  of  an  extensive  piece  of 
country. 
But  all  as  far  as  he  could  see  was  perfectly  quiet. 
"I  believe  I  shall  be  safe  here,"  he  muttered  to  him- 
self for  about  the  hundredth  time.  "  I  think  I  might 
venture  to  go  to  sleep." 

The  meal  was  brought  in  and  done  ample  justice  to, 

and  when  the  landlord  came  to  remove  the  cloth  he  said  : 

"  I  don't  know  how  long  you  may  be  wishing  to  stay, 

sir,  but  don't  hurry  off  on  any  account,  only " 

He  paused. 

"  What  ?"  asked  Tom. 

"  Only  I  have  some  particular  business  to  do  in  the 
next  town,  and  I  shall  be  obliged  to  go  to-day.  It  only 
happens  once  in  a  year,  and  I  have  to  make  the  journey, 
and  it  is  especially  aggravating  that  it  should  come  now." 
"  Not  at  all,"  said  Tom — "  not  at  all !  I  am  inclined  to 
rest  more  on  my  horse's  account  than  my  own,  and  per- 
haps I  may  remain  here  the  greater  part  of  tho  day  ;  most 
likely  you  will  find  me  here  upon  your  return." 

Upon  hearing  this,  the  countenance  of  the  landlord 
brightened. 

"  You  will  be  well  attended  to,"  he  said.  "  I  will  give 
particular  instructions  about  that." 

"  Thanks,"  returned  Tom ;  "  but  I  don't  think  I  shall 
give  much  trouble." 

,;  Very  good,  sir,  just  as  you  like,  but  if  you  want  any- 
thing just  touch  the  bell,  and  it  will  be  answered  at 
once." 

"  I  shall  take  a  nap  if  I  can,"  replied  Tom,  "  for  I  have 
a  long  ride  befi  <re  me  as  yet.  However,  you  leave  me  to 
make  myself  comfortable  " 

The  landlord  withdiew,  and  loin,  still  fighting  against 
the  irresistible  inclination  he  felt  to  fall  asleep,  walked 
about  until  he  had  seen  tho  landlord  take  hi3  departure. 

After  that  the  silence  of  the  inn  grew  more  and  mow 
oppressivo,  and  Tom,  unable  any  longer  to  keep  his  eye« 
open,  laid  himself  down  at  full  length  upon  the  com- 
fortable sofa  placed  against  the  wall  on  one  side  of  the 
parlour,  and  had  no  sooner  assumed  a  recumbent  position 
ihan  he  fell  fast  asleep— so  fast  that  he  was  altogether  dead 
to  all  external  noises— so  fas*  that  not  even  the  approach 
of  a  body  of  horsemen  in  tue  front  of  the  iun  would 
arouse  him,  as  was  proved  by  the  fact  of  such  an  arrival 
taking  place  several  hours  after  he  had  first  closed  hie 
eyes  in  slumbar. 


1524 


BLACK    BES8;    OR, 


CHAPTER  GMWXIIL 


IN  WHICH  TOM  RING  MEETS  WITH  A  VERY  GREAS  SURPRISE. 

It  seemed  to  Tom  that  lie  had  only  closed  hiseys  lor  tho 
space  of  a  moment  when  he  opened  them  again. 

To  his  surprise  and  confusion,  however,  he  S5W  V"w><j 
Lim  nothing  but  darkness. 

He  sat  up  on  the  sofa  and  rubbed  his  ej c?  donoMul 
Whether  he  was  really  awake 

A  second  glance  around  him  assured  him  that  tbers 
was  no  mistake  upon  this  point. 

His  eyes  rested  upon  the  window,  through  which  he 
jould  obtain  a  glimpse  of  the  night  sky. 

"  Can  it  really  be,"  he  muttered,  "  that  I  have  slept  away 
the  whole  of  this  day.  I  can  hardly  believe  it,  and 
yet " 

He  stopped  suddenly,  for  he  heard  voices  somewhere 
very  close  to  him ;  indeed,  at  first,  he  could  not  make  out 
fro*  whence  the  sounds  proceeded. 

But  he  soon  discovered  that  one  side  of  the  best  par- 
lour was  composed  only  of  a  wooden  partition,  which 
divided  it  from  another  apartment,  and  it  was  in  this  last- 
named  place  that  several  persons  were  seated  engaged  in 
conversation. 

Something  had  just  been  said,  and  causod  a  general 
laugh. 

"  We'll  have  more  to  drink,"  said  a  rough  voice.  "  It's 
not  worth  while  to  go  yot,  our  horses  are  so  much  ex- 
hausted ;  besides,  I  don't  like  leaving  such  a  snug  place 
as  this." 

"  No — no  !"  came  from  several  lips,  and  then  another 
voice  cried  : 

"  Eing  the  bell." 

The  command  was  immediately  followed  by  a  sharp 
tinkling  sound. 

There  could  be  no  doubt  whatever  that  during  Tom 
King's  long  and  deep  sleep  some  visitors  had  actually 
arrived  at  the  roadside  publie-houssL  and  what  was  more, 
that  they  had  arrived  in  tolerably  strong  numbers. 

An  immediate  curiosity  respecting  them  sprang  up  in 
Tom's  breast. 

He  considered  it  was  highly  imperative  that  he  should 
make  himself  acquainted  with  everything  that  was  going 
on  around  him. 

The  next  sound  which  reached  his  ears  was  the  Alien- 
ing of  a  door,  then  a  feminine  voice  asked  what  was 
wanted. 

Hum  punch  was  unanimously  ordered,  and  the  girl 
withdrew  to  prepare  the  steaming  beverage. 

By  this  time  Tom's  eyes  had  grown  tolerably  familiar 
to  the  semi-obscurity  which  filled  the  best  parlour  of  the 
inn. 

He  was  now  able  to  see  with  a  certain  amount  of  dis- 
tinctness even  in  the  darkest  and  remotest  corners. 

His  principal  attention,  however,  was  directed  to  the 
wooden  partition. 

lie  was  wondering  whether  he  could  find  any  small 
chink  or  opening  through  which  he  could  take  a  peep  at 
the  inmates  of  the  next  room. 

Something  that  looked  like  a  shutter  or  movable  panel 
at  the  top  of  the  partition  at  length  rewarded  his  <">arch, 
but  it  was  far  up  out  of  his  reach. 

Before  lying  down,  Tom  had  taken  the  precaution  to 
lock  the  door ;  and  now,  on  tiptoe,  he  crossed  tho  room, 
picked  up  a  table,  and  carried  it  with  him,  and  r  laced  it 
against  that  part  of  the  partition. 

By  standing  on  this,  however,  Tom  was  scares)  _,  tall 
enough,  for  the  panel  was  placed  just  where  the  paitition 
joined  the  ceiling. 

By  placing  a  chair  on  the  table,  however,  all  difficd£as 
were  overcome. 

Tom  took  care  to  mount  as  quietly  as  possible. 

Ho  found  he  had  made  no  mistake — there  reaiiy  wr»s 
a  small  door  about  a  foot  square  in  one  of  the  upper 
panels. 

Why  it  should  have  been  placed  in  such  a  position  he 
could  not  conceive,  nor  did  he  much  trouble  hiaiaell 
about  the  circum&tance — he  was  content  to  find  that  it 
was  there,  and  so  convenient. 

Care  would  have  to  be  taken  in  opening  it,  so  that  while 
doing  so  the  attention  of  those  in  the  next  room  should 
not  be  attracted. 

But  thJs  i'oir  accomplished  by  opening  the  door  a 


vory  little  way,  and  then  pausing  until,  by  degrees,  it  was 
opened  sufficiently  for  him  to  look  through. 

Before  this  was  the  case,  however,  the  girl  had  re- 
turned with  the  bowl  of  punch.  » 

As  she  placed  it  on  the  table,  one  of  the  guests  said : 

"  I  think  you  told  us,  my  dear,  that  you  had  no  ons 
staying  in  the  house  at  the  prescut  time  ?" 

"I  don't  remember  that  I  said  any thiug  of  the  sort!" 
was  the  reply,  given  in  a  pert  tone  of  voice. 

"  Oh  ye3,  you  did ;  or  if  you  did  not  it  don't  matter. 
There  is  no  one,  I  suppose  ?" 

•'  Well  no  one  that  Pvs  e?en,"  replied  the  girl ;  "  but 
*a-.aer  said  a  gentleman  arrived  early  this  moruing,  and 
took  the  best  parlour,  but  I  have  not  seeTi  or  heard  any- 
thing of  him." 

"  Oh  !'"  said  the  voice.  "  And  pray  where  may  your 
father  be  ?" 

"  Why,  he  went  over  to  Mapleton  this  morning,  and 
has  not  come  back,  though  I  expect  him  every  miuute." 

"  Oh,  very  well !"  was  the  reply.  "  Then,  when  he 
comes  in,  just  tell  him  we  want  to  speak  to  him." 

"  Very  well,  sir  !" 

"  And  also,  should  that  gentleman  you  have  not  scon 
make  any  movement  just  let  us  know,  will  you?  I  have 
a  curiosity  to  peep  at  him." 

It  was  just  at  this  moment  that  Tom  King,  who  also 
had  a  curiosity  to  take  a  peep,  looked  through  tho  panel 
he  had  so  carefully  opened. 

What,  then,  was  his  amazement,  not  to  say  alarm,  to 
perceive  that  quite  a  large  party  of  police  officers  were 
seated  most  comfortably  in  the  adjoining  room,  and  sepa- 
rated from  him  by  nothing  more  than  a  thin  wooden 
partition. 

He  looked  into  their  countenances  one  by  one,  but 
1  without  recognising  any. 

In  doing  this  he  also  counted  them,  and  found  the 
number  to  bo  fourteen, 

How  on  earth  they  could  have  arrived  there,  and  6at 
down  to  make  merry,  without  his  being  aware  of  it,  Tom 
could  not  imagine. 

It  seemed  to  him  incredible  that  he  could  have  slept  so 
soundly. 

By  keeping  his  face  at  a  little  distance  from  the  opening 
there  was  not  much  fear  that  any  of  the  officers  would 
st a  him,  so  Tom  did  not  quit  his  exalted  position,  but  re- 
mained with  tho  determination  of  watching  the  course 
of  events. 

'.'here  was  just  a  bare  possibility  that  the  officers 
might  depart  without  seeing  him  at  all;  for,  from  the 
manner  in  which  they  were  enjoying  themselves  it  was 
evid  :nt  they  had  no  suspicion  of  His  presence  there. 

"  Are  you  sure,"  said  another  officer,  who  sat  closo  to 
the  fife — "are  you  sure,  my  dear,  that  you  can't  give  us 
some  sort  of  description  of  the  gentleman  who  came  so 
early  this  morning  ?" 

"  Why,  now,  how  can  I  do  any  s".ch  thing  ?  Didn't  I 
say  I  hadn't  scon  him  ?" 

"Yes,  yes — to  be  sure  you  did!"  was  the  answer. 
"But,  then,  your  father  might  have  mentioned  what  sort 
of  a  looking  gentleman  ho  was,  or  something  of  that 
sort." 

"  No,  no — I  hardly  saw  father  this  morning,  he  was  off 
so  soon,  and  he  said  nothing  whatever  on  the  subject." 

"  But  you  expect  him  back  very  soon,  you  say  ?" 

"  Yes,  every  minute.    Hark !    Do  you  hear  that  ?" 

"  What  ?" 

"  The  sound  of  wheels !  It  is  father — I'll  warrant  it  is 
father !     People  rarely  pass  here  after  dark." 

The  girl  was  proved  to  be  correct,  for  the  revolution 
of  the  wheels  suddenly  ceased. 

"  Then,  my  dear,"  said  the  officer  seated  at  the  fire, 
"  If  that's  your  father,  just  go  quietly  to  him,  and  say 
♦hat  we  are  here,  and  want  to  ask  him  an  important 
question." 

The  girl  withdrew,  and  immediately  afterwards  re- 
turned.   She  had  met  her  father  in  the  passage. 

Never  did  man  look  so  astounded  as  he  did  upon  finding 
the  room  so  full  of  company.  $ 

Upon  his  entrance  there  was  a  momentary  silence,  so 
accordingly  he  made  a  kind  of  circular  sidelong  bow,  in 
wAich  he  included  every  person  present. 

"Glad  to  see  you,  gentlemen," he  6aid — "very  glad 
indeed  to  see  yon !  It's  a  coldish  night  outside,  and  ths 
fire  must  be  acceptable." 


THB  KNIQHT  OF  THE  HOAO. 


1525 


""Sea,  yes,  landlord,"  said  tho  officer  who  had  before 
spoken — "  but  come  here ;  I  want  to  speak  to  yon  quieliy 
about  something." 

With  wonder  in  his  looks,  the  landlord  oomplied. 

"  Your  daughter  tells  me,"  said  the  officer,  with  great 
emphasis,  and  bringing  the  forefinger  of  his  right  hand 
into  the  palm  of  his  left  hand  at  every  word  he  spo'ie, 
"  that  early  this  morning  a  traveller  arrived  hero  fesd 
took  a  private  room." 

"Yes,  that's  quite  true,  but  he  has  gone  by  this  time, 
surely  ?" 

"  No,  ho  has  not— at  least,  your  daughter  says  so.  Well, 
cow,  stop — don't  run  away ;  just  listen  to  me  !" 

"  I  am  listening." 

"Well,  then,  in  as  few  words  as  you  can,  and  as 
quietly  as  you  can,  give  me  a  description  of  that  gentle- 
man's appearance." 

The  landlord  endeavoured  to  comply. 

But  ho  made  a  sad  bungle  of  it. 

"  Hush !"  said  the  officer,  sinking  his  voice  to  a  still 
lower  tone.  "  Keep  quiet — I  don't  want  to  raise  an 
alarm.  Just  say  whether  he  agrees  or  not  with  this  de- 
scription." 

The  officer  pulled  a  bill  out  of  his  pocket,  and  folding 
It  in  the  middle,  began  to  read. 

Scarcely  had  the  first  words  passed  his  lips,  however, 
than  he  was  interrupted  by  a  prodigious  clatter — a  noise 
that  drowned  every  other  sound. 

"  Goodness  gracious  alive !"  ejaculated  the  landlord, 
staggering  back — "  what  on  earth  is  that  ?" 

The  officers,  all  startled  by  the  noise,  looked  around, 
for  it  seemed  to  them  it  had  actually  been  made  in  the 
very  room  in  which  they  sat. 

"  What's  on  the  other  side  of  that  partition  ?"  roarod 
the  officer,  thrusting  the  bill  back  into  his  pocket. 

"  Why,  tho  best  parlour." 

"The  best  parlour?"  he  yelled.  "Ten  thousand 
devils !  That's  where  the  gentleman  was,  I  suppose  ? 
Of  course  it  is,  and  now  he  is  escaping.  But  quietly,  my 
lads — let  us  take  it  quietly  !  We  have  him — there's  no 
occasion  to  trouble !  Briggson  is  outside,  and  he  will  be 
after  him,  depend  upon  it !" 

Just  as  he  uttered  these  words,  the  loud  report  of  a  I 
pistol  made  itself  distinctly  heard. 


CHAPTER    CMXXXIV. 

IN  WHICH  TOM   KINO  FINDS  HE   IS   UNABLE  TO  SHAKE  OFF 
HIS  PURSUERS. 

It  was  indeed  from  the  best  parlour  in  the  inn  that  the 
tremendous  clattering  noise  had  come,  and  the  cause  of  it 
was  this. 

When  our  old  friend  saw  the  police  officer  produco  the 
bill  and  unfold  it,  he  judged  it  was  high  time  to  be  off ; 
in  fact,  he  believed  that  the  very  best  thing  for  him  to  do 
under  the  circumstances  was  to  beat  as  hasty  a  retreat  as 
possible. 

But  there  is  such  a  thing  as  making  too  much  haste,  as 
Tom  found  to  his  cost,  for  in  stepping  from  the  chair  on 
to  the  table  he  placed  his  foot  much  too  near  tho  edge  of 
the  latter,  tho  consequence  of  which  was  that  before  he 
knew  what  was  the  matter  the  whole  affair  had  over- 
balanced, and  he  was  lying  on  the  ground  with  the  furni- 
ture upon  him. 

A  cry  of  vexation  escaped  his  lips  at  this  untoward 
accident. 

It  would  at  once  let  the  police  officers  know  that  he 
was  on  his  guard  and  preparing  to  escape. 

Scrambling  to  his  feet,  he  scarcely  knew  how,  he  mad? 
»  rush  to  the  window. 

Prom  more  habit  more  than  anything  else,  he  had  pre- 
viously made  himself  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  its 
fastenings,  so  that  now  he  was  able  to  fling  it  open 
quickly  and  easily. 

To  spring  into  the  roadway  was  but  the  wota  of  a 
second ;  and  then,  knowing  perfectly  well  where  his 
horse  had  been  posted,  he  ran  off  in  that  direction. 

Before  he  had  gone  many  steps,  however,  he  was  ch?'- 
lengcd,  and  a  voice  commanded  him  to  stop. 

It  was  not  likely  that  he  would  pay  any  attention  to 
any  such  command  as  this,  ar.d  so  continued  his  course, 
If  anything,  with  slightly-increased  speed. 

Then  the  man  who  had  challenged  him — being  bo 


other  than  Briggson,  the  officer,  who  had  been  put  there 
on  the  look-out — deemed  himself  justified  in  producing 
his  pistol  and  discharging  it  at  tho  flying  figure. 

Tom  felt  the  bullet  whistle  past  him,  or  fancied  he  did ; 
but  he  heard  the  report  of  the  firearm,  and  so  he  knei» 
he  was  safo 

At  that  very  moment  he  gained  the  stable  door. 

Never,  probably,  had  a  horse  been  got  ready  and 
mounted  in  so  short  a  space  of  time  as  Tom's  was  now. 

But  the  fact  was,  however,  in  tho  morning,  when  at- 
tending his  steed,  he  had  requested  that  the  saddle  might 
be  leu  upon  his  back,  doing  no  more  than  loosening  the 
girt  he 

Tho  oridle  had  been  hung  upon  a  hook  close  by. 

Tom  seized  this  bridle,  and,  without  waiting  to  put  it 
on,  and  without  pausing  either  to  tighten  the  saddle- 
girths,  he  vaulted  into  the  saddle,  providing  himself  with 
no  other  mearu  of  guiding  his  horse  tnan  the  halter  by 
which  hs  had  been  secured  to  the  manger. 

Owing  to  these  rapid  and  energetic  proceedings,  Tom 
was  enabled  to  get  outside  the  stable  almost  before  Brigg- 
son had  made  up  his  mind  whether  he  had  hit  the  fugi» 
tive  or  not. 

Still,  the  police  officers  had  poured  out  from  the  inn, 
and  were  hastening  as  fast  as  their  legs  could  carry  them 
to  another  large  shed,  lying  more  at  the  rear  of  the  inn, 
which  had  been  rapidly  turned  into  a  stable  on  their  arri- 
val, for,  as  may  be  supposed,  in  a  place  of  so  little  trade 
there  was  not  accommodation  for  so  many  horses. 

They  saw  him  take  his  departure,  and  gave  vent  to  a 
loud  cry,  as  though  to  express  their  determination  to  giv» 
him  full  chase. 

Tom,  however,  paid  no  attention  to  them,  but  hurried 
off. 

He  quickly  found,  thou  <h,  that,  practised  as  he  was  in 
the  art  of  riding,  it  was  by  no  means  easy  to  keep  the 
saddle  in  its  proper  place. 

Having,  then,  gained  a  trifling  start,  he  thought  he 
might  venture  to  pause  while  he  made  himself  and  his 
ste«\I  more  comfortable. 

Accordingly,  he  alighted,  tightened  the  girths,  pulled 
off  the  halter,  and  substituted  the  bridle. 

These  operations  occupied  only  a  few  fleeting  moments, 
yet  the  police  officers  were  enabled  in  the  meanwhile  to 
mount  and  to  commence  the  chase  in  good  earnest. 

Tom,  however,  now  felt  but  little  apprehension. 

He  was  convinced  that  his  new  horse  was  a  good  one, 
and  now  that  he  had  had  so  long  a  rest  and  been  well 
provided  with  food,  he  would  be  in  excellent  condition 
for  the  road,  and  capable  of  making  any  amount  of  exer- 
tion that  might  be  required  of  him. 

In  accordance  with  his  usual  habit,  Tom  King  took  to 
the  fields.  He  had  found  by  experience  that  riding  across 
the  country  afforded  him  a  much  better  chance  of  shaking 
off  his  pursuers  than  confining  himself  to  the  high-road* 
and  lanes. 

But  from  time  to  time  he  turned  in  the  saddle  and 
looked  behind  him,  and  each  time  that  he  did  so  he  saw 
that  the  officers  were  unpleasantly  close  behind  him. 

He  put  his  horse  to  increased  speed,  and  coming  to  a 
very  high  hedge,  made  him  leap  over  it. 

The  animal  seemed  nervous,  for  it  shied  and  swerved, 
but  Tom  was  resolute,  and  forced  him  to  rise. 

It  was  unfortunate,  however,  for  the  animal  barely 
cleared  tho  obstruction,  and  coming  down  awkwardly, 
slipped  and  fell  upon  its  side,  carrying  Tom  with  it. 

But  the  highwayman,  though  he  released  his  feet  from 
tho  stirrups,  kept  firm  hold  of  the  bridle,  and  was  on  hid 
feet  as  soon  as  tho  horse  was. 

The  noble  creature  trembled  and  shook  all  over. 

Whether  it  was  injured  or  not  by  tho  fall  Tom  could 
not  tell,  nor  dare  he  pauso  to  ascertain. 

Once  more  springing  into  the  saddle,  he  plunged  the 
spurs  deeply  into  his  flanks. 

The  horse  staggered  at  first,  and  then  broke  out  into 
lull  gallop,  showing  pretty  clearly  that  whatever  injury 
he  might  have  received  was  not  of  a  very  serious  charac- 
ter. 

*  I  rather  think,"  said  Tom,  as  he  noted  the  length 
and  uniform  height  of  tho  hedge,  "  that  that  will  be  a 
slight  obstruction  in  the  way  of  my  friends  behind.  But 
for  my  fall,  I  should  have  got  clear  of  them  easily." 

As  may  be  imagined,  however,  the  delay  this  sudi«i 
fall  occasioned  enabled  the  officers  to  get  mv.ch  nearer. 


BLACK.    BESS  ;    OB, 


CTpon  arriving  at  the  hedgo  they  pulled  up  by  common 
consent.  Not  oso  felt  inclined  to  run  the  risk  of  leaping 
over  it. 

"  Quick !"  said  the  one  in  command.  "  Speed  will  do 
it  now,  after  all.  Get  your  cutlasses  aud  cut  away  tnese 
branches.  It  won't  take  a  moment  to  make  a  gap  largo 
enough  for  us  to  pass  through  ono  at  a  timo.  Now,  {.hen, 
set  to  work!" 

Long  before  ho  had  finished  giving  his  directions,  cue 
of  the  men  had  alighted,  drawn  his  cutlass,  .and  com- 
menced an  attack  upon  the  hedge. 

His  weapon  was  sharp  and  his  arm  strong,  and  it  *as 
surprising  to  find  what  havoc  he  mode  among  the  e'oaely- 
growing  twigs. 

A  gap  was  soon  made — not  exac45y  large  enough  for 
the  horses  to  walk  through,  but  still  sach  a  one  as  they 
could  leap  over  easily ;  aud  as  soon  as  this  was  the  case, 
the  one  in  command  cried : 

"  That  will  do,  Parker — that  will  do  now  ;  up  into  the  ( 
saddle,  and  all  of  you  follow  me."  i 

He  set  the  example  of  making  his  way  through  the  gap, 
and  the  others  followed  without  loss  of  time. 

Tom  King  was  not  a  little  disconcerted  when,  on  turn- 
ing round  again,  he  found  that  the  officers  had  so  easily 
overcome  the  obstruction. 

He  had  hoped  that  they  would  be  obliged  to  ride  along 
the  hedge  uutil  they  came  to  a  part  low  enough  to  allow 
them  to  leap  over. 

Still  he  did  not  despair,  for  he  had  a  pleasant  pieco  of 
country  before  him,  and  he  did  not  doubt  that  in  the  long 
run  he  should  tire  out  his  pursuers. 

Nevertheless,  he  wished  to  get  the  chase  over  as  quickly 
as  was  possible,  and  so  urged  his  horse  to  the  utmost,  for 
he  was  fearful  that  the  animal  would  in  a  short  time  be- 
gin to  feel  the  effects  of  his  fall. 

Yet  it  was  vexatious,  and  in  spite  of  all  his  exertions 
and  efforts,  the  police  officers  kept  about  the  samo  distance 
in  the  rear. 

They  did  not  gain  on  him  in  the  least,  nor  did  they  lose 
ground. 

There  was  a  dogged  obstinacy  about  this  chase  which 
made  Tom  King  itel  rather  uncomfortable. 

It  was  60  palpable  that  the  officers  were  determined  to 
hold  on  in  pursuit  until  they  effected  his  capture. 

For  nearly  as  far  as  he  could  see  the  country  round 
was  as  smooth  and  level  as  a  bowling  green,  not  afford- 
ing him  any  chance  of  doubling  upon  them,  or  to  put  into 
execution  any  manoeuvre  whatever. 

He  was  thus  compelled  to  resort  to  his  original  expe- 
dient, namely,  that  of  making  the  best  speed  in  his  power. 

It  was  while  things  were  in  this  unsatisfactory  stato 
that  Tom  King  suddenly  found  on  the  other  side  of  a 
hedge  before  which  be  halted  the  broad  turnpike  road. 

Looking  to  the  left,  and  seeing  a  white  gate  only  a  few 
yards  off,  he  walked  his  horse  towards  it,  preferring  to 
do  this  rather  than  run  the  risk  of  another  leap. 

The  difference  in  time  was  really  not  very  great. 

He  closed  the  gate  behind  him,  remounted,  and  then 
looked  up  and  down  on  the  opposite  side,  hoping  to  find  a 
similar  means  of  enteiiug  the  next  field. 

Nothing  of  the  kind  presented  itself,  however,  and  as  it 
would  not  do  to  linger,  he  turnod  in  tho  direction  that 
would  lead  him  away  from  London,  and  continued  his 
hasty  flight,  resolved,  however,  that  tho  moment  he 
caught  sight  of  a  gate  that  ho  would  pull  up  and  pass 
through  it. 

To  his  annoyance,  however,  he  failed  to  see  any  gate 
whatever. 

The  officers  finding  that  the  object  of  their  pursuit  was 
hurrying  along  the  high  road,  changed  their  course 
slightly.  » 

Instead  of  riding  direct  for  the  gate  through  which 
Tom  had  passed,  they  took  a  diagonal  direction,  which 
would  serve  to  cut  off  a  very  largo  corner  indeed. 

It  did  so  ;  and  Tom  shortly  afterwards  had  the  addi- 
tional mortification  of  discovering  that  me  officers  had 
gained  very  much  upon  him. 

He  saw  a  gate,  but  he  felt  it  would  De  madness  fco  stop 
now  and  attempt  to  pass  through. 

There  was  no  resource  6avo  that  of  continuing  his  wild 
flight  along  the  highway. 

All  at  once,  passing  round  a  bend  in  the  road,  he  per- 
ceived before  him  a  small  covered  cart,  tho  driver  of 
which  carefully  drew  out  of  hii)  way. 


Little  did  Tom  suspect  that  in  this  cart  was  seated  hi* 
old  companion  Dick. 

Had  any  immortal  being  whispered  such  a  thing  in  his 
ears  he  would  have  received  the  intimation  with  incre- 
dulity. 

Amid  the  clattering  sound  produced  by  his  horse's  feat 
on  the  hard  road,  Tom  fancied  he  distinguished  another 
sound  like  a  cry  of  startled  surprise. 

But  he  had  no  time  to  think  about  this,  but  bent  all  his 
energies  to  urging  forward  his  horse  at  his  utmost  speed. 

But  as  he  was  now  out  of  sight  of  his  pursuers,  and  as 
he  could  perceive  before  him  a  gate,  Tom  gradually  re- 
laxed his  speed,  and  then  dismounted. 

The  gate  was  locked,  but  a  couple  of  good,  smashing 
blows  with  a  heavy  stone  that  lay  close  at  hand,  demo- 
lished the  padlock,  and  allowed  him  to  pass  through. 

Tom  crossed  this  field,  and  then  the  next,  then 
paused. 

He  look°d  behind  him. 

jo  his i  uprise,  he  no  longer  saw  hie  toss,  and  at  this 
circumstance  he  wondered  greatly. 

He  little  knew  the  service  Dick  had  reEtlered  him  by 
sending  the  officers  across  the  country  in  the  wrong 
direction. 

But  although  the  officers  were  not  within  sight,  Tom 
did  not  feel  satisfied  to  remain  so  close  to  them,  and  con- 
tinued on  his  way  until  he  was  again  brought  to  a  step 
by  a  tall  hedgerow. 

He  paused  when  near  it,  and  at  the  same  moment  he 
heard  a  voice  exclaim : 

"  Tlere  he  is — there  he  is,  over  in  the  meadow !  Quick 
— quick !  Run  on  and  open  the  gate !  We  are  closo 
upon  him  !" 

Now,  these  sounds  were  not  a  little  bewildering  to 
Tom  King,  for,  of  course,  he  imagined  that  those  words 
were  uttered  by  one  of  the  officers  who  had  given  him 
such  a  long  and  persistent  chase. 

But  tho  fact  was,  as  the  reader  no  doubt  surmises,  that 
these  pclico  officers  were  those  under  the  immediate 
command  of  Jack  Marshall  himself,  aud  whom  Dick  had 
left  di&puting  with  each  other  at  the  junction  of  the  four 
cross  roads. 

At  the  first  sight  the  officer  who  had  called  out  had 
taken  Tom  King  for  Dick  Turpin,  which  was  a  thing 
not  unfrequently  done,  owing  to  the  general  resemblance 
there  was  between  them. 

Tom  caught  the  alarm,  ami,  turning  his  horse's  head 
another  way,  began  his  flight  afresh. 

He  was  now  growing  terribly  alarmed  ;  ho  could  not 
conceal  tho  fact  from  himself. 

Already  his  horse  had  had  a  long  and  wearying  gallop, 
added  to  which  ho  had  met  with  a  severe  fall. 

Now  he  was  close  to  his  foes  again,  all  his  previous 
exertions  had  gone  for  nothing. 

It  did  indeed  seem  a  disheartening  state  of  things. 

But  Tom  ouly  gave  way  to  this  depression  of  spirits 
for  about  a  moment. 

Drawing  a  long  breath  and  giving  himself  a  good 
shako,  ho  braced  himself  up,  so  to  speak,  and  prepared  to 
meet  this  fresh  danger  with  which  he  was  assailed. 

The  only  thing  which  troubled  him  was  the  strange- 
ness of  the  fact  that  tho  officers  should  be  so  close  behind 
him  when  he  believed  them  to  be  at  a  distance,  for, 
strangely  enough,  the  thought  did  not  strike  him  that  it 
was  another  party  altogeth&. 

Fortunately  for  him,  the  meadow  he  was  now  crossing 
was  of  unusual  extent. 

It  was  very  level,  and  divided  from  another  almost  as 
large  by  a  narrow,  winding  stream,  or  rather  brook. 

His  horse  leaped  over  this  without  any  perceptible  ex- 
ertion, and  Tom — by  means  of  his  voice,  by  doubling  up 
the  reins  and  using  them  as  a  whip,  by  spurring  vigo- 
rously with  both  heels — endeavoured  to  stimulate  his 
horse  into  making  still  greater  speed,  although  the  gallop 
he  was  then  going  at  was  of  truly  an  alarming  character. 


CHAPTER  CMXXXV. 

TOM  KING  UNEXPECTEDLY  BUT  OPPORTUNELY  ENCOUNTERS 
AN  OLD    FRIEND. 

Once  again,  while  going  at  this  headlong  gallop,  Tom 
King  turned  his  b**ad   over  his  shoulder  and    looked 
behind  him. 
He  was  then  in  00  small  degree  rejoiced  to  find  that  h« 


TBB  KNIGHT  OP  THB  BOAD. 


HBW 


Bad  succeeded  in  placing  a  much  greater  distance  between 
himself  and  bis  foes  than  he  had  dared  to  anticipate. 
Surely  if  anything  was  calculated  to  encourage  him  this 
was. 

And  so,  with  quite  a  feeling  of  exultation,  He  redoubled 
his  efforts.  fe 

It  really  seemed,  however,  as  though  all  things  sfcuaSS 
on  that  night  turn  out  vexatiously. 

The  ground  suddenly  began  to  rise,  so  that  bin  sonse 
not  only  went  more  slowly,  but  underwent  much  mere 
fatigue. 

There  was  no  other  resource,  however,  than  to  keep  on, 
and  the  highwayman  endeavoured  to  console  himself 
with  the  thought  that  when  the  summit  of  the  hill  was 
reached  ho  would  be  able  to  make  up  for  loss  of  time 
by  the  rapidity  with  which  he  should  perform  the 
descent. 

And  here  in  this  case  fortune  favoured  him,  for  the  de- 
scent was  much  greater  than  ho  had  been  led  to 
imagine. 

Allowing  the  reins  to  fall  unrestrainedly  upon  his 
horse's  neck,  he  again  goaded  hi  in  to  the  utmost. 

The  danger  of  such  a  course  as  this  must  be  apparent, 
but,  then,  all  ordinary  dangers  were  lost  sight  of  under 
such  exciting  circumstances  as  these. 

One  false  step,  Tom  was  well  enough  aware,  and  down 
his  horse  and  himself  would  go,  and  with  such  violence 
as  would  probably  occasion  insensibility,  if  not  instant 
death. 

But  the  false  step  was  not  made,  and  at  the  bottom 
Tom  found  a  rather  dense  cluster  of  trees,  through  which 
he  did  not  attempt  to  penetrate,  however,  but  contented 
himself  by  simply  skirting  them — his  object  being  to  get 
out  of  the  sight  of  his  foes. 

On  the  opposite  side  of  these  trcc3  Tom  King  suddenly 
perceived  a  light. 

It  came  into  view  so  quickly  that  he  was  upon  it  almost 
instantly. 

At  the  same  time  a  man  started  up,  as  it  appeared, 
from  the  earth,  and  raised  his  arms  above  his  head. 

Tom's  horse  stopped  and  reared  with  so  much  sudden- 
ness that  the  highwayman  was  unhorsed. 

The  man,  however,  who  had  started  up  seized  the 
frightened  animal,  and  Tom  King  scrambled  quickly  to 
his  feet. 

"  You  were  riding  fast,  stranger,"  said  the  mau  who 
had  started  up.  "  I  was  lying  here,  and  did  but  move  to 
save  myself  from  being  trampled  upon  by  your  horse's 
hoofs." 

Tom  King,  breathless  and  exhausted,  could  not  reply, 
but  ho  endeavoured  to  climb  into  the  saddle. 

"  You  are  fcpent  and  weary,  stranger,"  continued  the 
man.  "  You  seem  like  one  flying  for  his  life.  Your  form 
looks  familiar  to  me,  too.  Hi  1  Sebel !" — in  a  different 
tone  of  voice — "  a  light  here — quickly  I" 

"  Curse  your  light !"  said  Tom.  "  I  want  it  not !  Let 
go  the  reins !" 

Before  he  had  finished  speaking,  a  light  suddenly  ap- 
peared in  the  darkness,  and  Tom  could  tell  it  was  turned 
full  upon  his  countenance. 

"  1  knew  it,  stranger,"  said  the  man — "  I  felt  certalfc 
we  had  met  before !  I  do  not  break  bread  with  so  many 
strange  faces  as  to  be  unable  to  remember  them.  I  re- 
collect you  well." 

"And  there  is  something  familiar  in  your  voice,"  said 
Tom  King,  recovering  his  composure,  and  with  the 
thought  flashing  upon  him  that  this  man  might  possibly 
be  able  to  befriend  him  in  no  ordinary  degree. 

"  Yes,"  continued  the  man,  "  it  is  long — very  long  since 
we  met.  You  had  then  a  companion  with  you,  who  rode 
a  black  steed  of  matchless  quality.  Do  you  remember 
now  ?" 

"  Yes,  yes,"  said  Tom--"  quite  well  1  You  gave  us 
both  shelter  and  food  at  a  time  when  we  were  sorely  in 
need  of  both." 

"  And  it  seems  that  you  are  in  fresh  danger  now  ?"  • 

"  I  4m,"  said  Tom.  "  The  officers  of  police  are  close 
behind  me.  They  have  given  me  a  hard— a  very  hard 
eho^4*.  and  every  moment  I  expect  to  see  them  come  into 
view/' 

At  the  very  t«me  of  officers'  the  gipsy  ground  his  teeth 
savagely,  and  uttered  en  angry  exclamation. 

'■  No  matter,  stranger,"  he  said..  "  The  poor  Zingaui 
«ill  again  befriend  you !    Come  with  <ae,  and  fear  r.ot- 


you're  safe !    Let  the  officers  do  what  they  may,  they 
cannot  find  you !" 

There  was  something  so  sincere  in  the  tones  of  this 
man's  voice,  that  Tom  did  not  hesitate  to  trust  and  to 
believe  him. 

Moreover,  on  the  formw  occasion,  that  he  so  well  re- 
toiiecfcew.  this  man  had  been  to  them  a  most  faithful 
ally.  •£ 

He  ftad  nothing  to  fear  from  him  in  the  shape  of  trea- 
chery, and  just  then  his  position  was  so  Daa  ih»i  ir  could 
not  possibly  be  worse,  and  consequently  mefo  was  all  the 
more  chance  of  making  it  better. 

These  reflections  did  not  take  Tom  King  a  moment  to 
make,  and  ho  suffered  him  to  lead  him  onwards  in  the 
darkness,  for  the  boy  Sebel  had  extinguished  or  hidden 
the  light. 

Tom  soon  found  that  he  was  descending  into  a  kind  of 
dell,  at  the  bottom  of  which  a  fire  was  blazing. 

It  was,  indeed,  the  light  that  he  had  first  perceived. 

Bound  this  were  grouped,  in  various  picturesque  atti- 
tudes, some  ten  or  a  dozen  gipsies,  male  and  female. 

They  were  all  anxiously  on  the  look-out,  and  wonder- 
ing what  had  happened. 

"  A  friend,"  said  Tom's  conductor,  briefly.  "  He  re- 
quires shelter  and  concealment.  Draw  out  the  waggon 
quickly  I  There,  that  will  do  well.  Stranger,  come  this 
way." 

A  large  covered  waggon,  or  rather  cart,  that  had  been 
backed  close  up  against  one  side  of  the  dell,  was  drawn 
away  from  its  position,  and  the  gipsy,  leading  Tom  for- 
ward, showed  him  an  indentation  in  the  soil,  looking  like 
the  entrance  to  a  cavern. 

"  Enter,"  he  said — "  enter  quickly ;  it  is  a  small  cham- 
ber, yet  large  enough  to  conceal  you  and  your  horse.  Be 
quick ;  we  will  push  the  waggon  back,  and  assume  careless 
attitudes ;  then,  if  the  officers  appear,  they  will  behold 
nothing  suspicious." 

"  But  should  they  search  ?"  said  Tom,  who  by  no  nwAus 
relished  shutting  himself  up  in  such  a  place. 

"  It  is  not  likely,"  said  the  gipsy.  "  You  leave  that  to 
us.  If  you  are  in  any  danger  of  discovery  we  will  arm 
ourselves,  and  stand  up  in  your  defence.  If  we  can  do  no 
more  we  will  cover  your  retreat ;  but  believe  me,  when  I 
say  again  you  have  nothing  to  fear.    In — in  quickly  !" 

Almost  against  his  will  Tom  was  pushed  into  the  little 
indentation  we  have  mentioned,  and  his  horse  also. 

Then,  with  great  nimbleness  and  dexterity,  the  gipsies 
pushed  the  covered  cart  back  in  such  a  manner  that  his 
hiding-place  was  altogether  concealed. 

The  gipsy  calculated  that  the  existence  of  such  a 
place  would  never  be  suspected,  consequently  that  Tom 
would  be  quite  safe. 

Whether  he  was  right  or  not  would  be  quickly  put  to 
the  test,  for  his  quick  ears  detected  the  dull  thud  pro- 
duced by  the  concussion  of  many  horses'  feet  upon  the 
turf. 

"  Now,  then,  round  the  fire,  all  of  you.  Sit  quietly , 
and  remember  if  we  are  questioned,  that  we  have  seen 
nothing — heard  nothing." 

Scarcely  had  these  instructions  been  carried  out  than 
the  police  officers  arrived  at  the  brink  of  the  dell. 

They  came  upon  the  place  very  unexpectedly,  and  were 
very  near  galloping  into  it. 

They  reined  up  their  horses  in  good  time,  however,  and 
seeing  the  lights,  called  out  in  loud  tones. 

The  gipsies  gave  a  responsive  cry,  and  then  the  police 
officers,  finding  that  the  descent  was  practicable,  began  to 
make  their  way  down  one  side  of  the  dell. 

In  a  few  minutes  they  halted  near  the  fire. 

•'  Hullo !"  cried  one  of  the  gipsies. 

The  appearance  of  the  police  officers  caused  considei- 
able  consternation  among  the  gipsies,  part  of  which  was 
feigned,  and  part  real. 

"  Have  you  been  h«re  long  ?"  asked  the  officer. 

"  Since  sunset." 

"  And  have  you  seen  anyone  or  heard  anyone  pass  by 
—a  man  mounted  on  a  horse,  and  going  at  full  gallop  ?" 

He  was  responded  to  by  a  general  negative  ;  and  the 
gipsy  who  had  hidden  Tom  King  said  : 

"  The  silence  of  this  place  has  not  been  disturbed,  but 
there  is  something  in  the  air  of  it  which  prnriaims  that  it 
is  no  place  for  us.    When  vou  arrived,  we  were  ■consult 
isg  as  to  whether  wo  should  strike  our  tents  and 
now  or  wait  till  daylight." 


1&S& 


8UJ.CK.    BESS  ;    OK, 


T hese  answers  were  given  with  60  much  calmness  and 
presence  of  mind  that  the  officers  were  quite  deceived. 

To  Tom's  inexpressible  satisfaction,  they  rode  away ; 
but  before  the  summit  of  the  dell  was  reached,  one  <rf.  the 
officers  who  rode  nearest  to  Jack  Marshall  said  : 

"  I  hope,  sir,  you  do  not  pay  any  particular  attenrioa 
to  what  those  fellows  said ;  they  will  tell  more  lies  in  a 
minute  than  a  hawker  could  in  a  day." 

"  I  don't  believe  them,  as  a  general  thing," said  Jack 
Marshall,  thoughtfully,  "  but  yet  they  would  know  better 
than  deceive  us  in  such  a  case  as  this.  I\ely  upon  It,  he 
cas  galloped  past." 

"  But  where  has  he  gone  ?"  said  the  officer,  glancing 
around  him,  for  by  this  time  they  had  reached  the  level 
of  the  meadows.  "  I  can  see  for  a  long,  long  distance, 
but  there's  not  a  trace  of  him." 

Jack  Marshall  was  siloDt  for  a  moment  or  two,  and  then 
he  said: 

"  These  people  are  cunning." 

"  Very,"  assented  the  officer. 

"  Then  we  will  meet  cunning  with  cunning.  Half  of 
our  number,  headed  by  yourself,  shall  remain  here. 
Search  well.  Id  'he  meantime  I  and  the  rest  will  keep 
up  the  pursuit." 

"  Agreed  !"  was  the  reply.  "  And  if  he  is  hidden  any- 
where about  here,  Mr.  Marshall,  rely  upon  it  I  shall  be 
the  one  to  unkenuel  him." 

As  Jack  Marshall  elected  which  men  should  accompany 
him,  there  was  no  difficulty  nor  delay  in  making  a  sepa- 
ration, and  really  without  any  particular  loss  of  time  one- 
half  were  going  at  full  gallop  across  the  meadow. 

Now,  had  not  these  remarks  been  overheard  by  the 
gipsy  who  had  so  befriended  Tom,  our  friend's  position 
might  have  become  critical. 

Yet  even  now  he  was  in  a  very  dangerous  predicament. 

The  gipsy  was  aware  that  only  half  the  officers  had 
*.*i!i?n  their  departure ;  but  then  he  doubted  much  whether 
the  highwayman  was  in  possession  of  that  knowledge, 
find  he  remembered  also  that  he  had  forgotten  to  give 
Tom  a  caution  not  to  move  until  he  came  to  tell  him  all 
was  well. 

Thoughtfully  and  silently  the  gipsy  made  his  way 
down  into  the  dell  again,  and  having  reached  the  bottom, 
he  began  to  give  orders  that  the  whole  troop  should  get 
ready  to  depart. 

He  gave  the  command  in  a  loud  voice,  then  toid  his 
companions  in  an  undertone  to  make  as  much  flourish  or 
display  as  they  could  over  their  preparations,  but  by  no 
means  to  depart  hastily. 

This,  of  course,  was  done  for  the  purpose  of  mislead- 
ing the  officers,  and  it  produced  a  very  tolerable  effect,  for 
the  one  who  had  remained  in  charge  of  this  second  party 
began  to  fancy,  after  all,  he  was  mistaken,  and  that  Jack 
Marshall  and  the  rest  would  have  the  credit  of  a  capturo. 

Accompanied  by  much  shouting  and  talking,  the  horses 
were  caught  and  harnessed  to  the  different  vehicles. 

The. tents  were  pulled  up,  the  canvas  folded,  and,  in  a 
word,  every  preparation  made  for  an  immediate  start. 

This  had  been  going  on  for  more  than  half-an-hour, 
during  which  the  officers  had  been  looking  keenly  around 
them,  when  the  one  in  command  said : 

*  I  am  not  satisfied  about  these  gipsies  yet.  Come  with 
me ;  let  us  go  down.  We  will  make  a  thorough  search 
all  through  the  dell." 

His  orders  were  obeyed  immediately. 

Some  muttered  discontented  grumblings,  for  the  fact 
was  the  officers  who  had  to  remain  were  very  much  an- 
noyed at  the  event ,  they  would  have  much  preferred 
following  Jack  Marshall  and  the  rest. 

The  gipsies  affected  to  be  surprised  when  the  officers 
returned. 

"Look  here,"  said  the  one  in  command,  "we  are 
determined  to  stand  no  nonsense  !  We  tracked  our  man 
close  to  this  spot,  and  he  has  here  most  mysteriously  dis- 
appeared. Now,  we  believe  you  to  bu  in  the  secret  ;  if  so, 
and  if  you  are  vise,  you  will  tell  us  at  once,  otherwise 
the  consequences  will  be  more  serious  than  you  think 
of." 

"The  Zingari  ha3  spoken,"  said  the  gipsy,  "and  you 
are  welcome  to  search.  In  a  few  more  moments  we 
shall  all  have  left  the  dell." 

The  officers  began  to  search  about  in  all  directions,  yet, 
as  they  did  not  come  near  the  waggon,  they  found  nothing 
ef  a  suspicious  character 


But  Tom  King  began  to  feel  decidedly  uncomfort- 
able. 

That  confidence  which  he  had  felt  in  the  gipsy  had 
altogether  departed,  and  most  unquestionably,  had  there 
been  any  means  whatever  of  making  a  dash  from  his 
hiding-place  Tom  would  have  done  so. 

Bat  as  the  heavy  waggon  was  backed  up  against  him 
this  wis  an  impossibility,  and  so  he  had  to  remain  quite 
still,  Mid  prepare  himself  for  what  was  about  to  happen. 

No  place  was  left  unsearched  by  the  police,  and  at 
length  they  came  to  the  covered  waggon. 

They  looked  around  it ;  one  even  climbed  up  and  stood 
on  the  shafts  while  he  pulled  aside  the  canvas  flap  ia 
front  and  looked  within. 

The  light  of  his  lantern,  however,  rested  only  on  the 
water-proof  covering,  for  the  opening  at  the  back  was 
concealed  by  the  two  flaps  of  canvas  at  the  tail  of  the 
waggon,  which  were  drawn  closely  across  and  tied  to- 
gether. 

If  the  officer  had  entered  the  vehicle  and  pulled  aside 
these  flaps,  Tom  King  must  to  a  certainty  have  been  dis- 
covered. 

But  he  did  not  do  so. 

The  thought  that  Tom  King  might  be  concealed  be- 
hind never  once  occurred  to  him,  nor  was  it  likely  that  it 
should. 

They  moved  off  to  a  little  distance,  and  then  the 
gipsy,  seizing  Sebel  by  the  arm,  whispered  in  his  ear : 

"  Crawl  into  the  cavern  and  ask  the  stranger  whether 
he  thinks  he  should  be  able  to  creep  into  the  waggon 
and  to  drag  his  horse  in  after  him.  If  so,  toll  him  all 
will  be  well.  By  '.hat  means  we  shall  get  him  clear  of 
the  police  officers,  who,  if  I  mistake  not,  intend  to  linger 
about  this  spot  till  daybreak." 

The  boy  gave  a  nod  to  show  that  he  understood 
tliorc-?,ruly  the  purport  of  the  hastily-uttered  words,  and 
gliding  noiselessly  away  in  the  darkness,  hastened  to 
deliver  his  message. 


CHAPTER   CMXXXVI. 

THE   POLICE   OFFICERS     KEEP  A     SHARP    LOOK-OUT     UPOH 
THE   PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  GIPSIES. 

The  gipsy  who  had  so  well  befriended  Tom  King  con- 
tinued to  stand  watching  the  movements  of  the  police 
officers. 

After  a  brief  whispered  conference  together,  they 
quitted  the  dell ;  but  did  not  go  far  away  from  it. 

"  You  may  say  what  you  like,"  exclaimed  one,  "  but  I 
am  more  than  ever  of  opinion  that  tho  man  we  want  is 
not  very  far  from  here." 

"  Well,  but  where  is  he  ?" 

The  officer  who  had  just  spoken  shook  his  head 
sagaciously,  while  at  the  same  moment  he  pointed 
towards  the  gipsy  encampment. 

"  It's  my  settled  belief  that  those  fellows  yonder  could 
answer  that  question  if  they  liked,  and  if  you  would  take 
my  advice " 

"  Well  !" 

J'  It  would  be  not  to  leave  off  searching  around,  but  at 
tfrc  same  time  to  watch  with  all  closely  the  movements 
of  those  varmint  yonder." 

"  That  is  precisely  what  I  had  already  made  up  my 
mind  to  do,  so  you  will  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing 
that  your  advice  for  once  in  a  way  has  been  taken.  Now, 
my  lads,"  he  added,  "  search  around,  and  I  will  watch 
the  gipsies." 

The  officers,  however,  set  about  their  work  very 
coldly. 

Their  failure  to  find  any  clue  at  all  up  to  the  present 
moment  made  them  feel  doubtful  whether  the  highwayman 
was  there  at  all.  At  any  rate,  they  considered  that  those 
who  had  galloped  off  with  Jack  Marshall  stood  by  far  the 
best  chance  of  making  a  capture. 

In  the  meantime   the   boy  Sebel   had  crept  under  the' 
j  waprgon  ana  delivered  his  message   to  the  highwayman, 
who  6aid : 

"  I  suppose,  Sebel,  he  means  to  carry  me  away  in  the' 
waggon  ?" 

"Just  so." 

"  Well,  it  is  a  plan  as  likely  to  serve  Me  as  any  th*t  I 
can  think  of,  so  I  will  make  the  attempt  Do  you  ksorsr 
whether  tho  officers  are  far  enough  off  to  make  it  eafe  '-a 
me  U>  try  ?" 


THE    BOUGHT    0»     VHK    BO.'  "». 


[TOM    KDM    UMBS   HTs    SECOND   HORSB.  ) 


**I  thiiiK  no»;  but  when  1  creep  under  th»  waggon 
•gain  I  can  soon  tell." 

"  Then,  if  they  are  far  enough  off,"  whispered  Tom, 
"  just  give  a  faint,  low  whistle.  Do  yon  under- 
stand?" 

"  Perfectly." 

"  Make  haste,  th»n  f* 

Sebel  disappeared. 

Tom  King  listened  intently,  and  almost  immediately 
the  wished-for  signal  reaahed  his  ears. 

Now  on  his  own  account  he  was  Dot  at  all  doubtful 
of  his  ability  to  get  into  the  waggon,  but  as  for  his  steed, 
that  was  another  affair  altogether. 

Ho  was  quite  a  stranger  to  it,  and  knew  not  what  its 
disposition  might  be. 

But  Tom  relied  to  a  very  great  extent  upon  the 
amount  of  sagacity  which  he  knew  all  horses  to  possess. 

He*  patted  and  stroked  the  creature  for  some   minutes, 

Ho.  1«9  — *>*  aok   Bw 

No.  192. 


and  was  pleased  to  find  that  it  perfectly  appreciated  bU 
caresses. 

Then,  mounting  into  the  waggon,  Tom  tied  b*o*  it* 
canvas  flaps  so  as  to  leave  the  way  clear. 

Fortunately,  the  vehicle  stood  on  low  wheels. 

Stooping  down,  the  highwayman  took  hold  of  to*, 
bridle,  and  endeavoured  to  draw  the  horse  up  into  the 
waggon. 

But  this  was  a  failure,  so  he  descended  again  ;  but. 
thongh  he  tried  in  a  variety  of  ways,  he  could  not  suc- 
ceed— the  horse  would  not  or  could  not  understand  him. 

At  this  moment  Tom  became  conscious  that  some  on* 
was  near  him,  then  a  voice,  which  he  recognised  as  be- 
longing to  the  friendly  gipsy,  said : 

"  Is  it  too  difficult  ?" 

"  I  fear  so." 

"  Then  ill  tell  you  what  you  must  do  :  You  mist  aia*« 
a  bolt  for  it.  and  trust  to  the  nVetuass  of  your  steed  " 

Pbick  0»k  Halipwnt 


1530 


BLACK    BK88  ;    OS. 


**  I  like  that  plan  best.     Where  are  the  officers  ?" 

"Not  far  off;  and  yet  so  lar  that  ?  think  you  have  a 
reasonable  chance  of  stealing  away." 

44  Then  I  will  try  at  all  hazards." 

u  Good  !  You  cannot  have  a  better  chance  i.nan  you 
have  now." 

'•  But,  my  friend,"  said  Torn,  "  I  must  make  you  some 
recompense  for  what  you  have  done.  Now  it  is  impossible, 
but  we  shall  meet  again,  and  then  you  will  find  1  shall 
not  be  empty-handed." 

"What  I  have  done,"  interrupted  the  gipsy,  "has 
been  dono  willingly,  and  without  desire  for  reward. 
The  officers  are  my  enemies,  and  I  have  treated  them  as 
gsch." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  responded  Tom,  hastily — "  I  know  very 
xrell  all  about  that.  Still,  at  the  same  time,  it  is  my  wish 
Mid  intention  to  reward  you  for  what  you  have  done." 

The  gipsy  bent  bis  head  submissively. 

"  At  some  future  time,"  said  Tom — •'  and  I  hope  it  will 
not.  be  long  distant — we  shall  meet  again  ;  then  you  will 
find  that  this  will  be  about  the  best  night's  work  that  you 
have  ever  done." 

"As  you  will,"  was  the  answer.  "But  there  is  no 
time  to  lose  now  upon  matters  of  ttds  kind.  Are  you  all 
ready  ?" 

"  Quite." 

°  Then  mount,  and  bend  low  down  in  the  saddle,  so  as 
to  prevent  yourself  as  much  as  possible  from  being 
•^en." 

"  Right !"  said    Tom,  as    he   complied  with    this    de- 

S3KQU. 

"  If  all  is  well,"  the  gipsy  added,  in  conclusion,  "1  will 
have  the  cart  drawn  a  little  on  one  side,  in  such  a  manner, 
understand,  as  to  screen  you  from  the  observation  of  the 
police  officers  as  much  as  I  can.  The  rest  I  leave  to 
you." 

44  You  can  do  so  safely,"  said  Tom.  "  This  brief  rest 
will  make  all  the  difference  to  my  steed.  Besides,  I 
have  only  half  the  number  of  foes  to  contend  with." 

Almost  before  Tom  finished  speaking  the  gipsy  glided 
away. 

A  silence  of  some  moments'  duration  then  ensued, 
rnich  was  broken  by  the  noise  made  in  harnessiojj  to  the 
waggno. 

At  L»ngth  the  heavy  vehicle  was  slowly  drawn  aside, 
and  no  sooner  was  there  sufficient  room  to  permit  him  to 
emerge  than  Tom  did  so. 

The  officers,  however,  were  more  on  the  alert  than 
either  the  highwayman  or  the  gipsies  had  given  them 
credit  for. 

There  was  a  sudden  report  from  a  pistol,  and  Tom 
felt  his  left  arm  suddenly  fall  nerveless  to  his  side. 

The  reins  fell  upon  his  horse's  neck. 

He  grasped  them  instantly  with  his  right  hand,  and 
then  used  his  spurs  vigorously. 

Away  the  horse  went  at  full  speed ;  but  Tom  heard 
loud  shouts  and  cries  in  his  rear,  and,  without  looking 
back,  he  could  tell  that  the  officers  were  close  behind 
him. 

Keeping  his  horse's  head  still  turned  in  the  direction  of 
the  open  country,  Tom  urged  him  onwards  until,  having 
got  him  to  the  very  top  of  his  speed,  he  let  the  reins 
fall  upon  his  neck  in  order  to  ascertain  the  amount  of  in- 
jury the  pistol  bullet  had  inflicted. 

The  pain  in  his  left  arm  was  intolerable,  and  from  the 
feel  of  it  he  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  base  was 
broken. 

Blood  was  flowing  freely — so  freely  feat  if  it  was  not 
checked  at  once  its   effects  would  soon  be  weakening  to 
such  a  degree  as  to  deprive  him  of  all  power  to  remain  in 
the  saddle. 

As  well  as  he  could — for  it  was  a  difficult  operation 
while  going  at  so  great  a  speed — Too;  bound  his  hand- 
kerchief tightly  round  his  arm. 

The  pain  was  by  this  proceeding  much  increased,  yet, 
In  his  excitement,  he  scarcely  heeded  it. 

It  was  some  time  before  he  could  summon  up  suffi- 
cient courage  to  turn  his  head  and  look  behind  him. 

He  fancied  that  his  pursuers  were  very  c'.ose  ind^d 
upon  his  heels,  so  at  last,  with  feelings  of  the  greatest 
uneasiness,  he  gave  on ;  backward  glance. 

What  was  his  satisfaction  and  intense  surprise  to  find 
that  his  foes  were  far,  far  behind  ! 

i£s  steed  had  distanced  them  gallantly. 


It  was  just  at  this  time  that  he  again  came  to  a  nit  he* 
broad  cross-country  road,  and  as  it  was  only  divided 
from  the  meadows  by  a  low  hedge  about  twelve  inches 
in  height,  he  had  no  difficulty  in  gaining  it. 

This  road  he  suddenly  resolved  to  follow,  with  the  in- 
tention of  again  taking  to  the  fields  at  the  first  oppor- 
tunity. 

Then,  suddenly,  a  faint  cry  reached  his  ears. 

No  doubt  it  had  been  a  loud  and  lusty  call,  but  dis- 
tance had  softened  it  down  until  it  was  little  more  than  a 
murmur. 

The  moon  was  shLiing  with  tolerable  brightness,  and 
by  its  aid,  on  loosing  back,  Tom  saw  the  officers  waving 
their  arms  in  a  most  furious  manner,  and  from  time  to 
time  uttering  a  loud  shout 

What  could  be  the  meaning  of  this  proceeding,  Tom, 
for  the  life  of  him,  could  not  guess. 

By  their  manner  it  would  almost  seem  as  though  they 
were  calling  upon  him  to  stop,  yet  such  a  thing  as  this 
was  unlikely  in  the  extreme. 

It  was  not  long,  however,  before  this  mystery  was  re- 
vealed. 

The  officers,  not  yet  having  reached  the  road,  were  at 
a  rather  higher  elevation  than  the  highwayman,  and  they 
were  enabled  to  command  a  much  greater  extent  of 
country. 

They  had  perceived  in  the  cross-road,  at  no  great 
distance,  a  man  engaged  in  driving  one  of  those  long, 
lumbering  waggons  used  for  the  conveyance  of  huge 
pieces  of  •fmber. 

Although  be  was  so  tar  off,  the  officers  hoped  that  the 
stillness  of  the  night  would  carry  the  sound  of  their 
voices  to  his  ears,  and  they  hoped  as  well  to  make  him 
understand  by  sign  what  they  meant. 

There  was  just  a  chance  that  they  might  be  successful, 
and  no  more,  yet  it  was  a  chance  well  worth  the  trying, 
for  since  if  they  lost  it  they  would  be  no  worse  off  than 
before. 

To  their  extreme  satisfaction  the  man,  who  was  trudg- 
ing along  by  the  side  of  the  horses,  stopped,  and  looked 
behind  him. 

Seeing  this,  the  officers  shouted  and  waved  their  arms 
again. 

Evidently,  however,  the  waggoner  did  not  comprehend 
their  gesticulations,  nor  would  have  done  so  had  he  not 
all  at  once  heard  the  sound  of  horses'  hoofs  approaching 
at  a  rapid  rate,  and  then  immediately  afterwards  caught 
sight  of  Tom. 

A  being  with  an  intellect  more  obtuse  than  this 
waggoner  possessed  could  then  have  come  readily  enough 
to  the  conclusion  that  the  officers  wished  him  to  intercept 
the  fugitive. 

Running  with  all  speed  to  the  head  of  his  team,  the 
waggoner  caught  hold  of  the  bridles,  and  exerting  hia 
utmost  strength,  pulled  the  horses  round  in  such  a  manner 
that  the  timber  waggon  was  quickly  turned  broadside 
across  the  road. 

Such  was  its  length  that  the  ends  of  the  long  poles 
brushed  against  the  nedgerow  on  one  side,  while  the 
points  of  the  shafts  came  almost  into  contact  with  the 
trunk  of  a  tree  that  grew  opposite. 

Tom  saw  this  obstruction  in  his  path,  and  instinctively 
slackened  his  horse's  speed,  though  at  first  he  did  not 
guess  what  the  waggoner  was  about  to  do. 

All  at  once,  however,  he  perceived  how  formidable  a 
barrier  there  was  to  his  further  progress. 

A  loud  cry,  unmistakably  one  of  exultation,  next 
reached  his  ears. 

It  proceeded  from  the  officers,  who  now  made  quite 
sure  of  their  captive. 

A  high  embankment  was  on  each  side  of  the  road. 
The  timber  waggon  was  drawn  across  it,  and  so  they  felt 
that  they  had  the  highwayman  in  a  trap. 

Tom  King  quickly  saw,  however,  that  he  had  ooe 
chance — only  one,  and  that  a  most  desperate  one — of 
escaping  from  his  enemies. 

It  was  to  spur  his  horse  onward  again  with  all  speed, 
and  force  him  to  overleap  the  barricade. 

Had  it  been  his  own  horse,  which  he  had  so  unfor- 
tunately lost,  Tom  would  not  have  felt  so  much  hesitation 
about  making  the  attempt,  but  of  the  animal  he  now 
bestrode  he  knew  scarcely  anything. 

It  might  be  that  such  a  desperate  l«ap  as  that  w»»  inr 
beyond  its  powers. 


THE    KNIGHT  OB"    THJ    HOAI>. 


1551 


At  the  time,  however,  it  can  scaroely  be  said  that  these 
considerations  presented  themselves  to  Tom's  mind. 

On  the  contrary,  rather,  no  sooner  did  he  conceive  this 
idea  than  he  proceeded  to  put  it  into  execution. 

Ottering  encouraging  cries,  and  doing  "verytbhsg  iiiat 
lay  in  his  power  to  incite  bis  horse  to  put  forth  his  utmost 
powers,  Tom  came  on  at  full  gallop  to  the  waggon. 

When  within  a  short  distance  of  it,  however,  the 
animal  stopped  «uddenly,  then  swerved  aside. 

The  highwayman's  heart  sank  within  him,  but  the 
mocking  laughter  that  came  from  the  lips  of  the  waggoner 
aud  the  police  officers  in  their  too-soon  exultation  at  the 
success  of  his  scheme  made  him  furious,  so,  angrily  tug- 
ging at  the  rein,  he  made  his  horse  draw  back  again,  and 
©nee  more  he  put  it  to  its  utmost  powers.        , 

He  used  the  spurs  with  a  barbarity  that  no  other  oir- 
eiimstances  could  have  excused. 

One  would  have  thought,  however,  to  witness  wie  be- 
haviour of  the  horse,  that  the  animal  had  gone  for  the 
first  time  merely  in  order  to  ascertain  the  nature  of  the 
leap  it  had  to  take,  for  on  this  second  trial  it  rose  gal- 
lantly in  the  air  and  just  cleared  the  formidable  barricade  ; 
its  hind  hoofs  just  scraped  one  of  the  upper  poles,  but 
that  was  all. 

The  ground  was  reached  in  safety. 

Such  a  discordant  yell  of  disappointment  and  rage  as 
came  simultaneously  from  the  lips  of  all  the  police  officers 
was  surely  never  heard  before. 

It  was  now  Tom's  turn  to  exult,  so,  wheeling  his  horse 
round,  he  took  off  his  hat  and  returned  their  mocking 
laugh. 

So  exasperated  were  the  officers  by  this  proceeding, 
that  by  common  consent  they  pulled  out  their  short, 
stumpy  pistols,  and  discharged  them. 

A  ridiculous  proceeding,  for  they  must  have  known 
inll  well  Tom  King  was  far  out  of  their  range. 

And  now  this  clever  stratagem  that  they  had  caused  to 
be  put  into  execution  told  much  against  them. 

Not  one  of  the  officers  dreamed  for  a  moment  of  at- 
tempting to  overleap  the  waggon,  so  they  pulled  up  and 
called  to  the  waggoner  to  allow  them  to  pass. 

To  turn  the  waggon  round  again,  however,  into  its 
original  position  proved  to  be  no  easy  task,  for  one  of 
the  wheelo  got  fixed  in  some  way,  and  for  a  few  moments 
the  vehicle  was  quite  immovable. 

The  officers  cursed,  and  swore,  and  behaved  themselves 
mom  like  madmen  than  sane  beings. 

Hut,  as  one  might  expect,  that  did  not  mend  matters  in 
the  least. 

lu  the  meanwhile,  Tom  profited  by  this  delay  to  the 
very  utmost. 

He  knew  the  time  was  a  most  favourable  one  for  him 
to  make  an  effort,  and  he  made  it  accordingly. 

Before  his  foes  were  enabled  to  get  once  more  fairly 
upon  his  track,  he  was  not  only  out  of  sight  but  out  of 
bearing  also. 

To  come  so  near  achieving  their  object,  and  then  to 
miss  it,  was  indeed  aggravating  in  the  highest  degree, 
and  It  is  scarcely  to  be  wondered  at  that  the  police  officers 
should  lose  their  tempers  under  such  circumstances. 

But  with  dogged  determination  they  kept  steadily 
•long  the  road,  trusting  to  run  down  their  prey  in 
time. 

Y»m  King  no  sooner  found  that  he  had  fairly  shaken 
them  off  than  he  reined  in  his  steed  to  allow  it  a  little 
ri'M  after  its  recent  exertions. 

The  pause  thus  made,  too,  enabled  him  to  take  a  review 
of  his  position,  and  allowed  him  the  opportunity  of  con- 
sidering the  nature  of  his  future  movements. 

First,  then,  as  to  his  position. 

Alter  an  attentive  contemplation  of  the  objects  around, 
the  highwayman  came  to  the  conclusion  that  he  was  by 
uo  means  so  many  miles  away  from  London  as  he  had 
Imagined. 

When  he  thought  back  upon  his  late  advsntui^s  «ie 
sould  not  wonder  at  his  having  been  so  nqnted  up  «nd 
down  the  country. 

Tracing  back  events,  he  couiS  tell  that  very  many 
times  he  Lad  doubled  upon  his  course,  and  altogether 
nad  taken  a  rather  semicircular  direction,  the  course  of 
which  tended  towards  the  metropolis. 

This  setlled,  his  chief  consideration  was  where  to  re- 
main during  the  time  that  had  been  agreed  upon  by  bim- 
aeli  and  his  companions. 


j  So  far  the  oifioers  had  been  so  vigilant  and  pertinacious 
that  they  had  not  allowed  him  to  remain  for  any  length 
of  time  anywhere,  and  even  now,  as  the  moon  shone 
forth  with  great  brilliancy  and  power,  and  revealed  to 
him  objects  at  a  very  great  distance,  he  failed  to  perceive 
a  place  which  held  out  the  slightest  promise  of  arfordiug 
him  the  shelter  he  so  much  required. 

Moreover,  he  remembered  how  ill-provided  he  was 
with  funds,  owing  to  the  suddenness  with  which  he  had 
taken  his  departure  from  the  inn. 

There  was  no  resource  but  to  remedy  this  somehow  or 
other,  as  it  was  impossible  to  say  how  soon  circum- 
stances might  arise  rendering  it  necessary  that  he  should 
have   command   of    money   in    order    to  purchase    his 


Having  reached  this  point,  Tom  listened  again,  but  as 
yet  no  sound  of  his  pursuers  was  audible. 

His  horse  by  this  time  had  recovered  his  wind,  and  so, 
at  a  very  gentle  trot,  Tom  continued  his  course  for  a 
little  way  along  the  cross-road. 

He  did  not  pause,  indeed,  until  he  reached  a  spot  whew 
a  narrow  winding  lane  branched  off. 

To  what  place  it  led  ho  knew  not ;  but,  by  its  appear- 
ance, it  was  evident  that  few  travellers  ever  used  it. 

This  would  have  made  many  turn  aside,  but  Tom 
liked  it  all  the  better  3n  that  account. 

So,  turning  his  horse's  head,  he  once  more  put  the* 
animal  in  rapid  motion. 

The  course  of  this  lane  was  most  devious  and  un- 
certain, and,  having  journeyed  along  it  for  some  little 
time,  Tom  lost  his  reckoning,  and  could  not  for  the  life  of 
him  tell  whether  he  was  proceeding  north,  south,  east,  or 
west. 

Once,  and  only  once,  he  caught  sight  of  a  human  habita- 
tion, and  that  appeared  to  be  a  farm-house,  lying  back  at 
some  distance,  and  being  almost  buried  by  a  dense  mass 
of  trees. 

After  more  than  half  an  hour's  hard  riding,  Tom  tound 
himself  at  the  end  of  the  lane. 

As  he  quite  expected,  it  debouched  upon  the  high- 
road. 

At  this  spot  trees  were  growing  densely,  and  the 
shadows  which  they  cast  amply  sufficed  to  screen  him  aud 
his  steed  from  all  observation. 

Therefore  he  paused  once  more  to  consider  upon  his 
proceedings,  and  also  to  listen  for  the  approach  of  his 
foes. 

The  latter,  however,  proved  a  vain  attempt,  and  the 
highwayman  mutterHd  : 

"  1  have  tired  them  out,  that's  certain,  and  I  suppose  I 
may  look  now  for  a  few  moments'  peace.  What  shall  be 
my  next  step  ?" 

He  checked  himself  abruptly,  and  listened  again. 

Very  faintly,  yet  quite  distinctly,  came  a  dull,  murmur- 
ing sound. 

Tom  knew  it  well. 

A  vehicle  was  coming  along  the  high-road  from  the 
left  hand  at  a  very  rapid  rate,  and,  by  the  noise  produced, 
it  must  be  one  of  tolerable  dimensions. 

Almost  at  the  same  moment,  he  caught  sight  of  two 
faint,  star-like  lights,  creeping  rapidly  along,  at  no  great 
distance  from  the  ground. 

"  Shall  I  try  my  luck?"  he  muttered. 

As  he  spoke,  he  drew  forth  one  of  his  pistols,  and 
examined  it  attentively. 

"  One  would  call  it  a  piece  of  foolhardiness  to  attempt 
to  stop  any  vehicle  while  the  officers  are  thus  at  my  back, 
but  money  is  requisite,  and  who  knows  whether  I  shall 
have  a  better  chance  of  obtaining  any  than  I  have 
now?" 

He  ceased,  wr  by  this  time  the  vehicle  was  very  close 
at  hand,  so  clcee  that  Tom,  by  straining  his  eyes,  was 
able  to  make  out  that  it  was  a  carriage  drawn  by  four 
ts>eautiful  grey  horses. 

"  After  all,"  he  said,  as  he  rode  quickly  forward  "  it 
will  be  but  the  work  of  a  few  moments,  aud  I  shall  h«  "n 
my  way  again,  without  any  interruption  worth  naming.  * 

Just  then,  Tom  pointed  his  pistol  in  the  direction  of 
the  coachman,  who  was  seated,  half  dozing,  on  the  box, 
yet  taking  care  to  incline  the  barrel  upwards  to  such  a 
degree  that  the  bullet  would  pass  harmlessly  above  his 
head. 


;&32 


BLACK    BEBS;    OK 


CHAPTER  CMXXXVII. 
ix  which  tom  king's  misfortuxks  col  rnirvB  ro 

INCREASE. 

"  Halt  !"  cried  Tom  King,  in  a  loud  voice — "  halt,  I  say ! 
Btop  —  stop,  if  you  value  your  life !  Pull  up  thie 
moment !" 

Tom  accompanied  these  words  by  seizing  the  briaie  of 
one  of  the  leading  borses  and  pulling  it  vigorously,  thus 
materially  assisting  tue  coachman  in  bringing  the 
carriage  to  a  standstill. 

Tom  King  perceived,  for  the  first  time,  that  behind  the 
carriage  a  footman  was  seated,  and  he  began  to  tmuk  rf 
there  were  many  inside  he  should  haye  rather  long  odds 
to  deal  with  single  -handed. 

Therefore,  almost  without  reflection,  he  put  into 
execution  a  stratagem  which  had  well  served  himself 
and  his  companions  on  many  occasions. 

The  coachman,  thoroughly  terrified  by  Tom's  words, 
and  hearing  the  explosion  of  the  pistol,  sat  trembling  on 
bis  box,  hardly  certain  whether  he  was  alive  or  not. 

Tom  heard  the  window  of  the  carriage  let  down  with  a 
sharp  crashing  sound,  but  he  paid  no  heed  to  the  circum- 
stance. 

Turning  his  head  round,  as  though  addressing  some 
one  at  the  side  of  the  road,  he  cried,  in  a  loud  voice : 

"  Understand  me,  my  friends,  I  intend  to  manage  this 
little  affair  single-handed.  Do  not  fire,  Claude,  nor  you, 
Jack,  on  any  account,  until  I  give  you  the  signal — do  not 
interfere  until  I  call  for  your  aid." 

Having  thus  apparently  settled  this  matter,  Tom 
turned  his  horse's  head  round,  and  trotted  easily  and 
carelessly  up  to  the  door  of  the  carriage. 

He  saw  a  slight  movement  within,  and  the  faint  light 
given  from  the  cloud -obscured  moon  rested  upon  some- 
thing glittering. 

What  it  was  he  knew  not,  but  he  abruptly  changed  his 
course,  and  the  next  moment  a  pistol  was  discharged. 

Not  the  slightest  injury  resulted  from  it,  however,  and, 
without  perceptibly  changing  his  course,  Ty"*"  toade  his 
way  to  the  door  of  the  carriage. 

He  still  held  a  pistol  in  his  hand,  which  must  have 
been  seen,  for  the  inmates  of  the  vehiclo  shrank  back. 

At  the  same  moment,  a  faint,  half-smothered  scream 
came  upon  his  ears. 

"  I  know  not  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  that  shot,'' 
•aid  Tom  King,  coolly,  "but  let  me  state  at  once  that  I 
shall  not  forget  the  favour.  Now,  then,  quick — you  have 
money,  and  1  want  it!  Surrender  it  to  me  quietly,  and 
you  may  proceed  upon  your  journey  without  any  further 
danger  or  delay.  If  you  refuse,  you  will  only  have  your- 
selves to  thank  for  the  unpleasant  consequences." 

The  interior  of  the  carriage  was  quite  dark,  so  that 
Tom  was  unable  to  see  who  it  contained. 

But  he  heard  a  sweet,  pleasant  voice  say  : 

"Oh,  papa,  give  him  money — do  not  deny  it — and  let 
us  ride  on  f    Do  not  provoke  him  to  violence." 

"  Hush — silence !"  said  another  voice.  "  You  know 
not  what  you  ask.  Any  concession  that  1  might  make 
may  be  the  signal  for  greater  extortion  ;  we  should  not 
be  left  with  one  article  of  value." 

"  Make  the  trial,"  said  Tom.  "  Gold  is  all  that  I 
require.  Time  is  pressing,  and  I  am  anxious  to 
depart." 

"  Then,"  6aid  the  same  voice,  in  firm  tones,  "  I  am 
determined  to  defend  what  I  have  with  my  life  ;  so  now 
beware!" 

"  I  regret  to  hear  you  say  as  much,"  said  Tom 

"  Regret  it  ?" 

"  Yes,  because  it  will  force  me  to  extremities." 

Just  then  Tom  looked  up,  and  found  himself  mer-.aced 
by  a  danger  wmch  he  had  never  for  a  moment  taken  into 
accouv  t. 

in  fact,  he  had  believed  that  tte  words  ho  uo»l  xctmeil 
would  be  quite  sufficient  to  deter  the  coachman  avd  fo<  • 
man  from  making  any  movement  whatever 

But  In  this  ho  was  mistaken. 

The  footman,  with  a  surprising  amount  of  boldness, 
considering  that  he  had  no  weapon  of  defence  but  a  long 
•wand  or  staff,  had  climbed  slowly  from  his  seat  behind  on 
to  the  roof  of  the  carriage. 

Then,  suddenly  drawing  himself  up  to  his  full  height, 
««  raised  the  stuff  above  his  head  with   the   intention  of 


'  bringing  it  down  with  his  utmost  force    upou  ttie  head  «* 
the  highwayman. 

But  Tom  saw  bis  danger,  though  only  just  in  time  to 
save  himself. 

Quick  as  thought,  he  pulled  the  rein  so  suddenly  and 
violently  that  the  horse,  in  turniag  round,  ~ose  up  for  an 
instant  on  its  hind  legs. 

At  this  6ame  instant  of  time,  another  p:«to'  was  di»- 
charrod  from  the  interior  of  the  carriage. 

THe  footman,  being  in  the  aot  of  delivering  itae  blow, 
eouM  not  save  himself. 

lie  had  put  forth  his  utmost  strength,  intending  that 
tl  e  one  blow  should  be  effectual. 

Therefore,  the  staff  passing  through  the  air  with  great 
awiftness,  and  not  meeting  with  the  impediment  he  had 
calculated  upon,  overbalanced  him,  so  that  he  fell  with 
great  violence  into  the  roadway. 

This  event  was  scarcely  noticed  by  Tom,  for,  to  his 
surprise  and  consternation,  his  torse  staggered  for  a  second 
or  so,  and  then  fell  down  as  though  struck  by  an  invisible 
hand. 

He  had  barely  time  to  disengage  himself  from  the  stir- 
rups, and  so  save  himself  from  an  awkward  fall. 

The  fact  was,  the  bullet  from  this  second  pistol  had 
lodged  itself  somewhere  in  the  horse's  head  at  the  mo- 
ment when  the  animal  raised  itself  upon  its  hind  legs  in 
turning  round. 

For  the  second  time,  then,  Tom  King  found  himself 
deprived  of  a  steed. 

The  gentleman  in  the  carriage,  seeing  what  had  hap- 
pened, though  greatly  bewildered  by  the  rapidity  with 
which  these  events  had  taken  place,  now  called  out: 

"  Drive  on,  coachman — drive  on  with  all  speed  !  Don't 
spare  the  lash,  and  we  shall  outstrip  the  rascal  easily !" 

"  But  John,"  said  the  coachman,  who  thought  more  of 
his  fellow-servant  than  the  gentleman  appeared  to  do. 
"  Don't  you  see  that  John,  sir,  has  fallen  headforemost  into 
the  road  ?     Can  you  leave  him  where  he  is  ?" 

"  Confound  you,  yes !"  was  the  reply.  "  He  can  shift 
for  himself !     Drive  on,  I  say — drive  on  !" 

"No.  coachman!"  said  Tom.  who  had  by  this  time  re- 
covered himself.  "  You  had  better  not  attempt  to  move 
— that  is,  if  you  have  the  least  regard  for  your  life  !" 

While  speaking,  Tom  King  advanced,  and  the  coach- 
man, seeing  him,  shrank  down,  and  covered  his  face  up 
with  his  hands. 

He  could  not  bear  to  look  upon  the  death-dealing  wea- 
i  pon  that  was  pointed  so  menacingly  at  him. 

T'Ma.  had  a  purpose  in  all  his  movements,  and  it  was 
quickly  carried  out. 

Thrusting  his  pistol  into  his  belt,  he  drew  his  sword, 
and  with  the  sharp,  glittering  weapon,  instantly  severed 
that  portion  of  the  harness  that  connected  the  leading 
horse  nearest  him  to  the  others. 

It  was  a  magnificent  creature,  though  it  showed  signs 
of  being  greatly  terrified. 

Quickly  sheathing  his  sword,  Tom  hastened  to  pat  it 
upon  the  neck,  and  so  quiet  it. 

Again  producing  his  pistol,  he  laid  it  upon  the  ground, 
first  having  satisfied  himself  that  it  was  in  readiness  for 
immediate  use. 

"  Now,  sir,"  he  said,  addressing  the  occupant  of  the 
carriage,  "  whoever  you  may  be,  let  me  bid  you  to  be- 
ware !  You  have  had  two  shots  at  me,  but,  for  your  own 
life's  sake,  do  not  try  a  third,  or  try  in  any  way  to  inter- 
rupt, me  in  what  I  am  about." 

Tom  did  not  wait  to  see  whether  due  attention  was 
given  to  his  words  or  not,  but  with  remarkable  dexterity 
stripped  off  the  trappings  belonging  to  tLe  grey  horse. 

Having  done  so,  he  stooped  down  and  in  the  course  of 
a  few  moments  transferred  the  saddle  and  bridle  from  th» 
dead  steed  to  this  new  one 

Then,  vaulting  into  the  saddle,  he  again  placed  himself 
I  beside  the  carriage  door. 

"  Do  not  say  I  have  not  treated  you  with  forbearance 
ware  Tom's  first  words.  "  But  perhaps  you  know  scarcely 
any  act  will  tempt  me  to  offer  violence?  Understand 
me,  however,  that  I  will  be  trifled  with  no  longer !  Your 
money  I  must  and  will  have  !  Better  give  it  r*  <ne  thus 
than  compel  me  to  take  it  from  you !" 

"  Why,  curse  your  impudence !"  said  the  gentleman, 
"  are  you  not  content  with  what  you  have  alreao*  ?  This 
is  too  good  a  joke  !  Have  1  lived  to  see  a  rascal  noons 
one  of  my  horses,  and  then  demand  my  purse  ?" 


rag  t/nouT  or  run  kuah. 


"\a 


"  That  was  your  act,"  said  Totn.  "  My  own  horse  yon 
destroyed.     But  come,  I  have  no  time  for  talfc  f" 

"  Oh,  papa,"  said  the  other  voice,  though  this  time  Tom 
oonld  tell  that  the  young  girl  was  struggling  with  her 
tears,  "ac  give  him  the  money— it  can  make  little  dif- 
terence  to  you  !" 

"•It  does  net,"  was  the  reply.  "Here,  fellow,  take 
thla,  and  be  content  1  I  have  resisted  you  as  well  as  I 
tnmld.  I  would  have  done  more,  but,  like  a  foot,  I  trusted 
myself  with  one  brace  of  pistols  only,  though,  if  I  had 
ammunition  with  me,  rely  upon  it  you  would  not  have 
got  off  so  easily." 

While  these  words  were  spoken,  a  purse  was  tossed 
with  a  disdainful  action  out  of  the  carriage. 
Tom  dexterously  caught  it. 

"  Thanks,"  he  said — "  thanks !  I  have  what  1  require  ! 
I  daresay  you  will  find  it  rather  awkward  with  three 
horses,  but  you  have  only  yourself  to  blame  for  that. 
Had  you  complied  with  my  demand  at  first,  all  this  would 
have  been  saved !" 

"  Oh,  look — look  1"  cried  another  voice,  which  Tom 
King  had  not  yet  heard — "oh,  look — look!  Here  are 
officers  close  at  hand !     Help — help— oh,  help !" 

The  last  word  was  pronounced  with  a  shrill,  sharp  in- 
tonation. 

Tom  was  quite  surprised  to  hear  it,  for  he  had  fancied 
that  the  carriage  was  tenanted  by  two  persons  only. 

The  fact  was,  a  lady  was  present,  the  mother  of  the 
young  girl  who  had  spoken,  but  at  the  first  approach  of 
danger  she  had  either  fainted  or  pretended  to  do  so,  re- 
covering only  just  at  the  moment  when  she  saw  succour 
at  hand. 

The  officers  she  had  seen  were  those  who  had  been  so 
long  in  pursuit  of  Tom. 

They  had  kept  resolutely  upon  his  track,  and  just  then 
emerged  from  the  shady  entrance  to  the  lane. 

They  had  approached  very  gently,  having  made  their 
minds  up  only  a  moment  before  to  give  up  all  further 
thoughts  of  making  Tom  a  prisoner. 

The  lady's  voice  aroused  them,  and  one  glance  enabled 
them  to  comprehend  the  position  of  affairs. 

Tom  King  knew  well  enough  what  had  occurred,  though 
be  could  not  see  the  officers,  the  carriage  being  between 
himself  and  them  ;  and,  not  waiting  another  moment,  lie 
wheeled  suddenly  round,  and  tested  the  quality  of  his 
new  horse  by  putting  him  to  overleap  a  rather  high 
wooden  fence. 

The  obstacle  was  cleared  in  beautiful  style. 
"Over  the  palings  yonder!"   shouted  the  gentleman, 
leaning  out  of  the  carriage  window,  and  addressing  the 
officers.     "There  he  goes  at  full  speed  over  the  mea- 
dow !" 

"  All  right  l"  cried  a  voice,  in  reply.  "  We'll  have 
him — we're  bound  to  have  him !" 

"  Nothing  of  the  sort,"  ejaculated  the  gentleman,  with 
a  rattling  oath — "nothing  of  the  sort!  The  rascal  is 
mounted  on  the  very  best  and  fleetest  horse  in  my  stables, 
and  will  defy  such  animals  as  you  have  underneath 
you ! " 

The  officers  paid  but  little  attention  to  his  words, 
though,  with  surprising  boldness,  they  one  and  all  at- 
tempted to  clear  the  fence. 

Only  about  half  their  number  succeeded — the  remainder 
fell  ignominiously  on  the  other  side. 

The  manner  in  which  the  grey  horse  bad  cleared  the 
fence  let  Tom  King  know  what  he  might  expect  from 
such  a  creature,  and,  taking  all  things  into  account,  he 
had  really  matter  for  congratulation,  since  he  had  been 
greatly  the  gainer  by  the  exchange  that  had  been  made. 

On  looking  back,  he  saw  to  what  a  small  number  his 
pursuers  had  been  reduced,  and  so,  with  a  loud,  defiant 
cry,  he  waved  his  hat,  and  the  next  moment  wm  hurry- 
ing along  at  tb*  utmost  speed  his  new  h*-"*»  was  oa^ble 
of  making. 

For  the  omcers  to  attempt  to  keep  up  the  cnase  was 
quite  ridiculous. 

Success  could  not  be  hoped  for. 

Their  horses  were  much  jaded  x>j  the  h*ng  journey 
tht-y  had  performed,  while  Tom's  was  comparatively , 
fresh. 

In  a  much  shorter  space  of  time  than  ha  had  dared  to 
believe  possible,  Tom  King  found  himself  once  again 
clear  of  his  troublesome  foes,  and  this  time  he  trusted  to 


reroam  ho. 


"  Bravo  1"  he  said,  as  he  patted  the  magnificent  steed 
upon  f.he  neck — "  bravo !  If  you  only  turn  out  accord- 
ing to  my  expectations,  I  shall  consider  you  not  far  in- 
ferior to  Black  Bess  herself  I" 

Tom  King  had  been  speaking  in  ..light-hearted,  joyous 
tone,  but  as  he  proceeded  the  accents  of  his  voice  changed 
*  entirely,  and  when  he  ceased  speaking  *  cry  of  pain  es- 
caped his  lips. 

The  way  In  Tr**r*t  »«-  *wr*<A  *.$»  narf)1  to  jjjg  ^  ^^ 
told  eloquectiw  wu*».  ■..^)  **o  «i»«se  of  fi* 

"I  had  forgotten  my  arm,"  he  said— " quite  forgotten 
it  until  now  !  Well,  that  must  be  a  sign  that  the  injury 
is  by  no  means  so  great  as  I  thought  at  first  But,  oh  ! 
this  pain !     It  is  more  than  I  can  bear  1" 

The  bandage  still  remained  in  its  place,  though  it  had 
become  deeply  tinged  with  blood. 

"  I  should  have  attended  to  it  earlier,"  he  continued. 
"  But  no  matter !     I  seem  to  be  quite  alone." 

He  raised  himself  in  the  saddle  while  he  spoke  these 
wojds,  and  took  a  comprehensive  glance  around  him. 

He  was  enabled  to  do  so  tolerably  well,  for,  mingled 
with  the  faint,  sickly-looking  moonlight,  came  the  first 
beams  of  a  new  day. 

So  far  as  he  could  see,  no  living  creature  of  any  de- 
scription met  his  gaze. 

His  eyes  rested  at  length  upon  a  large,  smooth  sheet  of 
water,  the  surface  of  which  was  not  broken  by  the  tiniest 
ripple. 

Towards  this  he  bent  his  way,  and,  having  reached  its 
margin,  dismounted. 

His  horse  drank  eagerly  at  the  pooL  and  Tom  then 
slowly  and  carefully  removed  his  temporary  bandage. 

As  he  did  so,  a  dreadful  feeling  of  faintness  and  giddi- 
ness came  over  him. 

He  tried  to  struggle  against  it  and  overcome  it,  but  in 
vain — he  felt  that  all  things  were  sliding  from  him. 

The  ground  slipped  suddenly  from  beneath  his  feet 

he  felt  himself  falling,  but  he  knew  not  where. 

Juet  then  came  a  blank,  for,  ere  he  fell  at  full  length, 
beside  the  water,  he  was  quite  insensible. 

How  easy  a  prey  the  highwayman  would  have  been 
just  tbec  had  the  police  officers  been  a  little  closer! 

He  could  not  have  offered  the  slightest  resistance  to 
them. 

But  Tom  was  oblivious  of  all  things,  and  so,  of  course, 
being  in  danger  was  one  of  them,  and  he  lay  there  calmly 
and  peacefully  enough  until  the  first  rays  of  the  rising 
sun  shone  upon  his  face. 


CHAPTER  CMXXXVIII. 

TOM    KING   UNEXPECTEDLY  MEETS   WITH  A   STRANGE 
ADVENTURE. 

With  a  harried  start,  and  with  a  sensation  of  great  pain, 
Tom  King  recovered  possession  of  his  faculties. 

Slowly,  and  with  much  difficulty,  he  raised  himself 
slightly,  and  looked  around. 

A  kind  of  misty  film  was  before  his  eyes  and  before  his 
memory,  so  that  some  time  elapsed  before  he  could  make 
out  hy  wL*t  objects  he  was  surrounded,  or  by  what  train 
of  events  no  had  reached  that  spot. 

At  length  all  became  clear,  and,  creeping  forward,  he 
stooped  down,  and  drank  heartily  of  the  clear  water. 

Its  beneficial  effects  were  immediately  apparent. 

New  life  and  vigour  filled  his  frame,  while  the  fever  of 
delirium  that  had  gathered  partially  about  his  brain  was 
dissipated  also. 

He  gave  another  and  clearer  look  around. 

No  human  being  could  be  seen — nor,  indeed,  any  living 
creature  whatever,  save  his  new  horse,  which  was  grazing 
peacefully  enough  at  a  little  distance. 

Taking  off  his  coat,  Tom  next  proceeded  to  ascertain 
as  well  as  he  could  the  precise  amount  of  Injury  he  bad 
received. 

He  was  terribly  afraid  a  bone  had  t*en  fractured,  but 
he  was  not  long  in  coming  to  the  conclusion  that  this 
foar  was  unfounded. 

There  wis  a  very  ugly  wound,  however,  in  the  fleshy 
part  of  hi»  arm,  which  from  his  wrist  to  his  shoulder 
presented  a  very  red  and  inflamed  appearance. 

But  the  bleeding  had  almost  ceased. 

And  now  he  set  to  werk  to  bathe  it.  well  to  the  c**«c 
raiM  vrnWr. 


1584 


BLACK    BKSS  ;     OK, 


He  soon  felt  the  benefit  of  this  treatment,  and  having 
remained  as  long  as  he  thought  prudent  for  his  safety  in 
that  place,  he  bound  up  his  arm  as  skilfully  as  he  was 
able,  aud  resumed  his  coat. 

When  he  tried  *o  stand,  however,  he  became  more 
fully  aware  of  the  extent  to  which  he  had  been 
weakened. 

He  staggered,  and  could  scarcely  save  himself  trom 
falling. 

By  one  of  those  powerful  efforts  of  the  mind  which 
■will  at  times  entirely  control  the  corporeal  functions,  he 
succeeded  in  banishing  this  deathlike  sensation. 

He  hastened  to  his  horse,  but  the  animal  hearing  his 
approach  looked  up  and  then  moved  off. 

Evidently  it  had  no  desire  to  be  caught. 

Tom's  heart  sank  again  when  he  noted  the  vast  extent 
of  the  meadow. 

He  knew  it  would  require  far  more  strength  and  en- 
durance than  he  possessed  to  recapture  his  horse. 

For  a  little  while  he  was  almost  inclined  to  give  up  in 
despair,  which  circumstance  will  show  better  than  any- 
thing else  how  much  loss  of  blood  had  reduced 
him. 

Advancing  slowly  and  with  caution,  and  using  such 
soothing  expressions  as  he  was  able  to  think  of,  he  again 
crept  nearer  to  his  horse,  and  at  length  succeeded  in 
taking  hold  of  the  bridle. 

To  mount  was  a  difficult  process,  but  he  accomplished 
it,  and  then  hesitated  as  to  the  way  he  should  take. 

Shelter  and  rest  somewhere  he  felt  were  more  than 
ever  ueeded. 

Surgical  assistance  also  was  required,  though  where 
he  could  obtaiu  any  of  these  he  had  not  the  slightest 
idea. 

"  I  must  trust  to  chance  to  guide  me,"  he  muttered. 
"  I  have  no  better  counsellor  at  the  present  time.  I  must 
congratulate  myself  upon  having  so  well  got  rid  of  the 
police  officers." 

As  he  uttered  these  last  words  he  set  his  steed  in 
motion,  following  the  course  which  he  had  taken  in  fly- 
ing from  his  pursuers. 

A  ride  of  rather  more  than  a  quarter  of  an  hour 
brought  him  to  the  summit  of  a  hill,  from  which  a  to'er- 
ably  extensive  prospect  could  be  obtained. 

One  habitation,  and  one  only,  was  in  sight. 

This  was  a  large,  substantially-built  mansion,  whose 
very  antiquity  gave  it  an  air  of  the  greatest  picturesque- 
ness.  , 

Ivy  and  other  parasitic  plants  had  taken  possession  of 
nearly  every  wall,  and  around  it  were  many  stately  trees, 
every  one  no  doubt  many  hundreds  of  years  old. 

The  loud  cawing  of  some  lazy-winged  rooks  alone  dis- 
turbed the  silence,  but  this  sound  only  served  to  make 
the  general  air  of  peace  and  quiet  that  reigned  around 
the  more  apparent. 

Tom  King  stopped  his  horse  in  order  to  gaze  upon 
this  structure,  and  as  he  gazed  he  sighed. 

It  may  be  that  the  sight  of  it  brought  back  to  his 
recollection  some  memory  of  the  past,  or  it  might  be 
that  he  thought  how  welcome  a  shelter  would  those 
substantial  walls  afford. 

Be  this  as  it  may,  however,  it  is  certain  an  intense 
longing  came  over  him  to  make  his  way  towards  that 
dwelling. 

Strangely  enough,  he  felt  a  presentiment  that  he  had 
only  to  present  himself  at  its  portal  to  be  made  wel- 
come. 

This  and  other  fancies  came  crowding  thickly  upon 
him,  but  he  shook  them  off  as  one  might  shake  off  the 
recollection  of  some  dream,  and  prepared  himself  to  look 
the  difficulties  of  his  situation  fairly  in  the  face. 

Not  for  another  moment  aid  he  contemplate  ike  idea 
of  making  his  way  anywhere  in  the  direction  of  that 
mansion. 

He  turned  his  horse's  head,  indeed,  in  sash  a  direction 
that  it  was  quickly  losv  u»  view. 

After  a  brief  space  he  found  himself  close  to  iha  «*de 
of  a  narrow  but  well-kept  road.     «. 

A  thickly-planted  hedge  alone  divided  hiia  from  it- 

before  venturing  to  pass  this  obstruction,  Tom  thougai 
It  would  be  no  more  than  prudent  to  lister*. 

In  his  present  position  he  could  not  be  over  cautions, 
for  he  was  now  unfitted  for  a  long,  fatiguing  ride. 

Pausing,  then,  he  listened  with  great  intentness,   and 


soon  had  good  cause  to  congratulate  himself  upon  th» 
course  he  had  adopted. 

Scarcely  a  second  elapsed  before  the  faint  but  per- 
fectly clear  and  distinci  sound  of  horses'  feet  reached 
him. 

He  continued  to  listen,  and  as  the  sound  grew  louder 
ht  could  tell  that  a  single  horseman  was  approaching. 

From  a  single  horseman  surely  he  had  nothing  to  tear, 
and  so  he  might  have  continued  on  his  way. 

But,  then,  it  was  important  he  should  keep  out  of  sight, 
and  so  he  resolved  to  wait  until  this  traveller  had  passed 

by. 

His  patience  was  not  put  to  a  very  severe  trial,  for  the 
approaching  horseman  came  on  at  a  sharp  pace  until  he 
got  within  a  few  yards  of  where  Tom  was  concealed, 
and  then  he  gradually  checked  his  horse. 

The  hedge  of  which  we  have  spoken  was  so  high  aud 
grew  so  thickly  that  Tom  felt  perfectly  certain  he  had 
but  to  remain  stooping  down  in  the  saddle  in  order  to 
be  perfectly  invisible  to  any  person  who  might  pass 
by. 

This,  then,  was  the  position  that  he  took  up,  though, 
nevertheless,  he  was  able  to  obtain  a  tolerably  good  view 
of  the  road  beyond. 

Peering  through  the  interstices  of  the  hedge,  he  quickly 
saw  a  man  dressed  in  a  kind  of  livery  make  his  appear- 
ance. 

He  was  mounted  on  a  splendid  horse,  and  over  one 
shoulder  was  a  strap,  to  which  was  attached  a  large- 
leather  bag. 

There  was  an  expression  of  cunning  and  villany  in 
this  man's  face  that  Tom  perceived  at  once,  and,  in 
consequence,  he  felt  a  deep  and  immediate  interest  in  all 
this  man's  proceedings. 

•  He  continued  to  rein-in  his  steed  until  he  brought  it  ta 
a  standstill  at  a  spot  not  many  yards  distant  from  where 
Tom  was  hidden. 

This  done,  his  next  proceeding  was  to  draw  the  sleeve 
of  his  corduroy  coat  across  his  face. 

"  It  seems  all  quiet  enough,"  he  muttered,  half  to  him- 
self aud  half  aloud,  "  and  yet  I  heard  something,  too ;  but 
it  must  have  been  my  fancy — yos,  yes,  my  fancy.  I 
wonder  what  there  is  I  could  hear  to  be  afraid  of  ?  " 

He  looked  around  him  with  a  half-defiant  expression, 
which  was  strange  enough  to  see,  aud  which  greatly 
increased  the  amount  of  curiosity  and  interest  the  high- 
wayman already  felt. 

Nor  did  the  man's  succeeding  actions  serve  In  any 
degree  to  diminish  these  feelings. 

Allowing  the  reins  to  fall  upon  the  neck  of  his  horse, 
he  carried  one  hand  to  the  leather  bag  that  has  been  men- 
tioned, and  brought  it  round  until  it  rested  on  the 
pommel  of  the  saddle. 

When  it  was  in  this  position,  Tom  could  see  it  plainly, 
aud  had  no  doubt  whatever  as  to  its  character. 

It  was  such  a  leather  bag  as  would  be  used  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  letters  to  and  from  a  post-office. 

The  man  hesitated,  and  seemed  to  tremble. 

Then,  with  a  quick  [movement,  he  thrust  his  fingers, 
into  his  waistcoat  pocket  and  produced  a  small  key. 

He  gave  another  suspicious  glance  about  him  before  he 
ventured  to  introduce  it  into  the  lock. 

A  sharp  click  followed,  for  the  key  turned  with  diffi- 
culty, as  though  it  was  a  false  one,  and  then  the  bag  was 
opened. 

Eagerly  and  rapidly,  the  man  drew  forth  a  handful  of 
letters. 

He  glanced  at  them  quickly,  and  selecting  one,  placed 
the  others  back  again  in  their  receptacle. 

**  That's  it!"  he  muttered,  glancing  at  the  superscrip- 
tion of  the  one  he  held — "I  would  swear  to  the  hand- 
writing, although  so  many  years  have  passed  away  since 
I  saw  him  last.  Curses  on  him  !  He  shall  rue  the  day 
when  he  first  made  up  his  mind  to  interfere  with  my 
designs." 

He  placed  his  fingers  near  the  seal,  then  listened  ones 
more  and  glanced  about  him. 

The  silence  that  prevailed  reassured  him,  and  the  next 
moment  tive  letter  was  torn  open. 

His  eyes  glanced  rapidly  over  its  contents,  and  as  they 
did  so  such  an  expression  of  evil  came  over  his  forb;  J-ling 
countenance    as    made    Tom    King    shudder     to    gaze 


upon- 

With  the  same  evil,  threatening 


look,  he  thrust  the 


1  oil    JSJTIGHT  OV  THB  KUBk 


1035 


tenor  Into  one  of  his  pockets ;  then  eloaing  the  bag,  he 
looked  it  again,  and  restored  it  to  its  tormer  place. 

This  done,  be  dug  his  heels  viciously  into  his  horse's 
flanks,  and  in  a  moment  was  lost  to  Tom's  view. 

This  sudden  departure  was  something  that  Tom  Bang 
had  scarcely  anticipated,  or  it  is  possible  he  might  have 
tried  to  prevent  it,  though  bad  he  reflected  apon  his  own 
weak  condition  he  would  scarcely  have  made  so  rash  an 
attempt,  for  the  man  was  of  a  powerful,  muscular 
build. 

But  the  incident  was  one  which  set  Tom  thinking, 
though  all  his  thought  did  not  enable  him  to  arrive  at 
any  definite  conclusion  respecting  it. 

"It  cannot  be  any  concern  of  mine,"  he  muttered,  "and 
I  am  not  in  fit  condition  now  to  follow  up  the  adventure, 
especially  as  it  is  broad  daylight.  No,  no — I  must  push 
on,  and  find  some  place  where  I  can  lie  down  and 
rest." 

He  drew  back  a  little  way  from  the  hedge  as  he  spoke, 
and,  glancing  first  to  the  right,  then  to  the  left,  perceived 
a  little  gate  that  had  hitherto  escaped  his  notice. 

Towards  this  he  directed  his  horse's  footsteps,  and 
then,  passing  through  it,  gained  the  road. 

Without  a  thought — indeed,  quite  unconsciously — he 
gazed  in  the  direction  the  man  had  taken,  and  as  he  did 
so  his  attention  was  immediately  arrested  by  the  appear- 
ance of  a  small  white  object  lying  near  the  verdant  bank 
on  the  summit  of  which  the  hedgerow  had  been 
planted. 

A  second  glance  showed  him  that  this  white  object 
greatly  resembled  a  letter,  and,  impelled  by  curiosity,  he 
walked  his  horse  slowly  towards  it. 

He  soon  found  this  conjecture  verified — a  letter  most 
certainly  it  was. 

There  was  little  difficulty  in  guessing  by  what  means 
it  had  reached  there. 

The  man,  in  pulling  the  others  out  of  the  bag,  had 
allowed  this  one  to  fall. 

It  was  smail,  and  had  fluttered  to  the  ground  un- 
noticed. 

Tom  dismounted,  and,  picking  up  the  missive,  glanced 
at  the  address. 

He  had  some  little  difficulty  in  making  it  out,  for  the 
handwriting  was  a  straggling  one,  and  the  paper  had 
become  soiled  by  cantact  with  the  road. 

The  following  words,  however,  he  managed  to 
decipher : 

"  Sir  Ralph  Cromer,  Wilfirs  Cross." 

"Wilfirs  Cross?"  he  muttered,  repeating  the  last 
words.  "  I  wonder  where  that  may  be  ?  Surely  close  at 
hand.    No  doubt  the  house  I  saw  a  little  while  ago." 

This  was  a  probable  enough  conjecture,  seeing  that 
there  was  no  other  habitation  visible  for  miles. 

Tom  lapsed  into  an  attitude  of  deep  reflection,  during 
which  his  eyes  were  fixed  upon  the  letter,  though  in 
reality  he  saw  it  not. 

'•It  may  be,"  he  murmured  at  last,  "that  this  is  a 
favourable  chance  thrown  in  my  way.  Who  can  tell  ? 
The  question  is,  shall  I  avail  myself  of  it  ?" 

He  glanced  down  at  his  disordered  dress  while  he  spoke  ; 
then  set  to  work  to  improve  its  appearance  as  well  as  he 
could,  from  which  it  may  be  inferred  that  he  had  come 
to  a  decision. 

The  letter  he  had  placed  carefully  and  securely  in  his 
breast  pocket,  and,  when  all  his  preparation*  were  com- 
pleted, he  remounted  his  steed. 

Following  the  route  already  taken  by  tne  dishonest 
servant,  he  made  his  way  along  the  road,  ?  hich  he  was 
not  long  in  finding  was  a  private  one,  leading  only  to  the 
mansiou  he  had  seen,  and  towards  which  he  had  felt  sb 
mysteriously  attracted. 

"  Surely,"  he  thought,  as  tio  itxlr  slowly  onwards,  "  the 
service  I  shall  render  them  is  of  some  importance.  The 
chances  are  that  they  will  never  recognise  me,  then 
surely  it  would  not  be  too  much  to  ask  for  a  little  aid  and 
shelter.     Could  they  possibly  refuse  such  an  appeal  ?" 

A  lew  moments  afterwards,  Tom  found  himself  in  front 
of  some  massive  wooden  gates,  so  high  that  he  could  not 
set-  over  the  top  of  them. 

His  approach  evidently  hat»  been  heard,  for  one  half 
was  slowly  thrown  open,  and  the  form  of  a  good-looking, 
middle-aged  female  made  its  appearance. 

8h'' curtsied  respectfully  to  Tom,  who,  in  answer  to 
k*r  inquiring  graze,  said: 


44 1  suppose  this  is  Wilfirs  Cross,  is  it  hw*  f 

"  It  is,  sir,"  was  the  reply. 

"The  residence  of  Sir  Balph  Cronier?"  oosilaww* 
Torn. 

"  You  are  quite  right — it  is." 

"  Then  I  have  business  with  u/m. 

"  Pray  come  in,  sir,"  was  the  reply.  "Follow  this 
path  ,  it  will  bring  you  to  the  front  door  of  the  hall.  Sir 
Ralph  is  an  early  riser ;  you  will  no  doubt  find  him  at 
breakfast." 

Tom  tossed  a  guinea  to  the  woman,  and  rode  through 
the  gates. 

She  was  accustomed  to  receiving  presents  from  the 
different  visitors  who  passed  by,  but  this  was  a  greater 
amount  than  she  had  ever  had  before,  and  when  Tom 
reached  a  bend  in  the  avenue  and  looked  back,  he  saw 
that  she  had  not  recovered  from  the  effects  of  his  munifi- 
cence, for  she  was  curtseying  still. 

The  next  turning  brought  Tom  in  view  of  the  hall, 
which  was  a  much  more  imposing  structure  than  it  had 
appeared  to  be  from  the  distance. 

A  momentary  hesitation  came  over  him,  for  he  began 
to  think  that  it  was  really  carrying  the  force  of  impudence 
too  far  to  intrude  himself  into  such  an  abode. 

A  sharp  twinge  of  pain  making  itself  felt  at  this 
moment  changed  the  whole  current  of  his  thoughts,  and 
so,  with  renewed  confidence,  he  continued  his  course 
towards  the  mansion. 


CHAPTER   CMXXXIX. 

TOM  ETRO  INTRUDES  INTO  A  STBANGE   HOUSEHOLD^ 

As  Tom  King  drew  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  hall,  the 
thought  uppermost  in  his  mind  was  how  happy,  peaceful 
and  contented  all  its  inhabitants  must  be. 

To  him,  the  quiet  serenity  of  the  scene  around  him 
struck  him  all  the  more  forcibly  when  contrasted  with 
his  own  violent,  turbulent  career. 

A  glimpse  which  he  had  through  one  of  the  large 
windows  on  the  ground  floor  served  to  strengthen  this 
impression. 

He  caught  sight  of  a  large  fire  burning  briskly  in  the 
grate,  and  its  bright  rays  were  reflected  with  great 
brilliancy  from  the  massive  silver  ornaments  upon  the 
table,  and  from  the  gold  frames  of  the  pictures  against  the 
walls. 

He  saw,  too,  that  the  table  was  spread  for  the  morning 
meal,  and  that  around  it  several  persons  were  seated. 

Onoe  again  he  hesitated,  but  now  hesitation  came  too 
late. 

He  had  gone  too  far  to  retract,  for  his  advent  had  been 
noticed  by  the  occupants  of  the  breakfast-room. 

Half  a  dozen  steps  more  brought  him  to  the  portico, 
where  he  dismounted. 

Scarcely  had  his  feet  touched  the  ground  than  a  servant 
approached,  who  took  charge  of  his  horse,  and  then  the 
front  door  was  thrown  open,  and  an  invitation  given  to 
enter. 

Tom  complied,  and  then  said : 

"  I  have  particular  and  important  business  with  your 
master.  Tell  him  so.  It  is  useless  for  me  to  give  my 
name,  as  I  am  as  great  a  stranger  to  him  as  he  is  to 
me." 

The  servant  seemed  rather  unwilling  to  convey  this 
message ;  but  when  Tom  presented  him  with  a  gratuity 
his  reluctance  vanished  at  once. 

"  Sir  Ralph  is  at  breakfast,"  said  the  servant,  "  and  as 
he  is  almost  an  invalid,  he  wishes  you  to  enter  *t  once, 
and  make  known  your  business  to  him." 

Tom  bowed  acquiescence. 

The  hall  was  crossed,  a  door  thrown  open,  and  he 
found  himself  upon  the  threshold  of  the  apartment  a* 
which  he  had  caught  so  transient  a  grrrapee. 

At  the  first  glance,  he  saw  an  elderly  man,  rather  tbta, 
with  a  slight  fringe  of  short  white  hair  around  his  head, 
seated  in  a  capacious  easy  chair,  engaged  in  looking  at 
a  letter. 

At  the  head  of  the  table  sat  a  lady,  much  younger  than 
Sir  Ralph — young  enough,  indeed,  to  be  one  of  his 
daughters. 

But  there  was  something  in  her  confident,  authoritative 
manner  that  made  Tom  immediately  aware  that  she  w«» 
rni6trese  of  the  hall. 


1RS« 


BLACK     BK88  ;     OK, 


Ouo  other  ppiooti  alone  was  present. 

This  was  a  young  girl  of  such  rare  beauty  that  Tom 
King  bent  before  it  in  respectful  admiration. 

Naturally,  Tom  expected  that  the  baronet  would 
address  him,  and,  indeed,  ihe  feeble  old  man  seemed  abotrt 
to  do  so,  but  the  lady  at  the  head  of  the  table,  gazing 
somewhat  scornfully  at  Tom,  inquired  : 

"  Well,  sir,  what  may  be  your  business  ?  Be  eood 
«uough  to  explain  the  meaning  of  your  intrusion," 

The  words  were  uttered  in  sharp,  cutting  acconts. 
Nothir-g  certainly  could  be  further  from  a  welcome. 

Tom  bowod  agaiu,  for  he  was  not  ready  with  his 
reply. 

1  fe  haa  noticed  several  things  which  struck  him  as 
being  strange. 

In  the  first  place,  the  lady  who  had  spoken  to  him  had 
her  hand  resting  upou  the  letter-bag,  from  which,  it 
ap$>eared,  that  she  drew  forth  the  letters,  opened  them, 
r-ad  them  first,  then  handed  them  to  the  baronet. 

The  second  was,  that  this  lady's  countenance  refunded 
him  of  a  face  that  he  had  somewhere  aeon  before. 

Where,  for  a  moment  puzzled  him. 

But  he  quickly  recollected. 

In  the  contracted  brow,  the  cunning  expression  of  the 
eyes,  tlie  cruel  lines  about  the  mouth,  he>  recognised  a 
clo.se  resemblance  to  the  man  whose  movements  he  had 
watched  in  the  lane. 

That  man,  however,  evidently  was  a  servant,  and  this 
tally  was  the  mistress  of  the  mansion. 

Was  the  resemblance  between  them  accidental,  or  were 
they  really  related  ? 

It  was  easy  enough  for  Tom  to  ask  himself  these  ques- 
tions aud  speculate  upon  them,  but  ho  had  no  means  of 
arriving  at  any  satisfactory  reply. 

"  I  trust,"  he  said,  after  his  brief  and  scarcely-notice- 
*i>le  hesitation — "  I  trust  you  will  excuse  this  most  un- 
seasonable intrusion  on  my  part  ;  but,  as  I  stated,  I  hare 
maded  because  I  have  particular  business  with  Sir  Ralph 
Cromer." 

"Sir  Ralph  is  here,"  said  the  lady  indication  the  old 
»:ian  in  the  chair. 

"  Yes,  I  see  it,"  said  Tom,  "  but  what  I  have  t  say  is 
j>:  ivate — it  concerns  him  alone." 

"  Ellen,  my  dear,"  sai  1  the  lady,  addressing  the  young 
girl,  "  you  may  leave  the  room." 

"  Pardon  me,"  said  Tom,  "  I  fear  you  do  not  understand 
«»e.  What  I  have  to  say  is  solely  for  Sir  Ralph's 
ears." 

The  lady  started  angrily  to  her  feet,  and  drew  herself 
u  p  erect. 

•'You  make  a  great  mistake,"  she  said,  in  shrill, 
querulous  tones,  "if  you  think  Sir  Ralph  has  any  secrets 
Irom  me  !  No  matter  how  private  your  communication 
«iay  be,  you  must  speak  it  in  ray  presence.  I  am  quite 
in  the  baronet's  confidence,  so  hesitate  no  longer — speak 
at  once." 

Now,  if  Tom  had  been  unwilling  in  the  first  place  to 
speak  in  the  presence  of  this  lady,  he  was  now  ten 
thousand  times  more  so. 

His  perceptions  were  all  sharp  and  keen,  and  especially 
soon  that  morning. 

An  insensible  something  came  over  him  that  made  him 
feel  things  were  not  going  on  as  they  should — that  some 
•mmI  influence  was  at  work — an  influence  which  he  might 
■be  able  to  counteract. 

He  saw  that  the  young  girl  looked  pale,  and  sad.  and 
suffering. 

He  saw  that  tne  baronet  was  wholly,  both  for  good  or 
for  evil,  under  the  dominion  of  his  wife. 

•'  You  must  really  excuse  me,"  said  Tom,  "if  I  beg  to 
differ  from  your  ladyship.  It  is  not  indeed  a  matter  for 
me  to  judge.  When  I  have  made  my  communication  to 
Sir  Ralph,  it  will  be  lor  him  to  decide  whether  he 
acquaints  you  with  it  or  not." 

The  lady's  eyes  flashed,  and  she  stamped  her  foot 
angrily  upon  the  ground. 

" Speak  out,  sir, !"  she  said — "speak  out  and  begone  ! 
We  want  no  intruders  here  !" 

Tom  King  bowed  tad  then,  in  faint,  trembling  ace  rta, 
the  old  maa  said  : 

'My  dear — aiy  dear,    pray  don't  be   so  violent ,  chere 
is  no  occasion  for  it — none  indeed  !    Bnt  when  you  get  so 
fierce  and  angry   you  terrify  me — with  such  weak  nerves 
-■•t*  1  h**e  yju  terrify  me  tc  a  degree" 


"  Then,"  was  the  quick,  stern  answer,  "  if  such  is  the 
case,  bid  this  stranger  disclose  bis  errand — tnai  <j>  all  thai 
is  required." 

"  But,  sir,"  said  Tom  with  great  respect,  "  I  should 
prefer  acquainting  you  with  it  alone." 

"  Wed,  well,  so  you  shall.  Why  should  he  not,  my 
dear  ?  Let  him  have  his  own  way,  and  I  wil)  •ell  you 
what  he  has  said  afterwards." 

"  No,  sir,"  said  the  iady — "x  demand  tha'  'his  subject 
be  spoken  out  before  me." 

"Well,  well  let  it  be  so — let  it  be  so." 

Tom  King  looked  with  the  greatest  pity  aad  distress 
at  the  poor  old  man  who  spoke  these  words. 

It  was  dreadful  indeed  to  think  that  any  human  being's 
mind  should  be  so  shattered — vacillating. 

"I  regret  this,"  Tom  said,  breaking  the  silence — "T 
regret  this  very  much  indeed;  but  f  can  assure  you  my 
instructions  are  so  peremptory,  that  if  I  do  uot  delive* 
my  message  to  Sir  Ralph  in  private  I  must,  depart  with 
my  errand  undisclosed." 

This  was  a  threat  that  made  the  lady  hesitate  a 
little. 

She  began  to  feel  that  Tom  King  was  not  one  to  bend 
and  bow  before  her  authority,  aud  so,  with  quite  a  sudden 
change  of  demeanour,  as  though  she  had  been  struck  by 
a  fresh  and  sudden  thought,  she  said  : 

"  Very  well,  sir — very  well  !  Since  you  choose  to- 
create  dissension  ia  a  household  by  your  obstinacy,  and 
since  you  choose  to  act  with  so  much  discourtesy,  I  will 
oppose  you  no  longer — you  shall  have  your  own  way. 
You  can  remain  here  with  Sir  Ralph." 

The  young  girl  called  Ellen  had  already  left  the  break- 
fast-room, and  now  the  baronet's  wife,  with  a  haughty, 
angry  mien,  walked  hurriedly  to  the  door,  passed  out,  and 
closed  it. 

Poor  Sir  Ralph  witnessed  this  act  with  the  greatest 
•urprise. 

It  was  to  him  something  unparalleled,  and  he  began  to> 
look  upon  Tom  with  feelings  very  closely  approaching 
awe. 

"  I  trust  you  will  pardon  me,  sir,"  Tom  said,  advaucing: 
more  closely  to  him.  "  Perhaps  when  I  come  to  tell  you 
my  errand  you  will  think  that  I  have  made  a  needless  fuse 
about  it;  if  so  I  must  entreat  ymir  forgiveness.  Resk 
assured  that  all  I  have  done  has  been  with  the  best 
intent," 

"  Weli,  well,  young  man,"  exclaimed  the  baronet— 
"  sit  down  there  in  that  chair,  and  make  yourself  com- 
fortable.    Now,  what  have  you  to  say  ?" 

Tom  sank  his  voice  to  a  whisper. 

"  I  am  sadly  afraid,"  he  said,  "  that  we  shall  be  over- 
heard " 

"  Oh,  no,  do — there  is  not  any  fear  of  that !" 

"  Excuse  me,  but  I  should  like  to  satisfy  myself  upou. 
that  point,"  and,  while  he  spoke,  Tom  King,  with  a  ugn 
and  rapid  tread,  crossed  the  room. 

There  was  a  look  of  great  satisfaction  on  his  counte- 
nance as  be  did  so,  for  the  fact  was,  he  believed  that  no- 
had  come  to  the  right  conclusion  as  to  the  cause  which 
had  induced  her  ladyship  so  suddenly  to  alter  her  de- 
meanour. 

He  paused  a  moment  near  the  door,  then,  placing  hte 
finger  on  his  lip,  turned  the  handle  softly. 

At  the  same  moment  he  pulled  the  door  open  with  great 
suddenness,  and  closed  it  again  with  equal  quickness. 

blundering  sound,  a  sharp  crack,  aud  a  stifled  cry 
resulted. 

"  \h !"  said  Tom,  with  a  smile,  "  I  »m  atraid  som» 
one  «as  been  hurt !     Let  us  see." 

He  opened  the  door  again  as  he  spoke. 

But  the  hall  was  clear — no  trace  of  anyone  could  be 
seen. 

"I  rather  think  that  will  do,"  he  added,  closing  tbo 
door.     "  I  really  thought  some  one  was  there  !" 

The  baronet  looked  greatly  astonished,  but  on  all  occa- 
sions he  was  so  accustomed  to  yield  to  others  that  h» 
never  even  in  this  instance  thought,  of  asserting  hi* 
authority. 

But  he  knew  perfectly  well  that  her  ladyship  must  have* 
received  a  very  sharp  blow  from  the  panel  of  the  door, 
and  he  trembled  for  the  consequences. 

"Young  man,"  he  said,  in  trembling  tones,  as  Tom  ap- 
proached him,   "do  you  kimw  what  you  have  done?" 

"Yes,"  said  Tom,  quietly,  "some  one  has  had  r^thor 


m  khioht  or  m  im 


JffMffl 


•  sharp  creek  on  the  head,  which  will  sot  be  forgotten 
very  easily." 

u  Yea,"  aaid  the  old  man,  sinktog  hia  voice  still  lowe  r, 
"but  that  some  one  is  my  wife.  Oh,"  he  added,  glanc- 
ing wildly  around  him,  "she  is  a  dreadful  woman — oh,  a 
dreadful  woman,  and  so  you  will  find  out !" 

« I  thought  so,"  aaid  Tom  ;  "but  I  don't  care  that  for 
her !" 

He  snapped  his  fingers  contemptuously  as  he  pronoun  oed 
the  words. 

"  And,"  he  continued,  "  if  I  might  make  so  bold  as  to 
jive  you  my  advice——" 

u  Well,  young  man,  speak  out — I  like  you.'- 

"  Why,  you  will  set  a  bold  front  on  as  I  do,  and  say 
She  same  thing." 

The  baronet  half  started  up2  as  though  some  glim  mcr- 
"rg  thought  had  crossed  his  mind  that  he  should  be  able, 

So.  193.— Black  Bess. 


by  making  one  sudden  effort,  to  piece  himself  la  Mi  feme 
position  as  head  of  tae  mansion. 

But  the  feeling  lasted  only  for  a  second. 

He  sank  back  again  into  the  chair  in  a  condition  of 
hopeless  senility.  . . 

"And  now,"  said  Tom,  "we  have  wandered  ell  this 
>vhile  from  my  original  purpose.  Listen,  sir,  and  I  will 
tell  you  something  that  I  witnessed  a  short  time  ago. 

Tom  King  then  very  circumstantially  and  Minutely 
made  tho  baronet  acquainted  with  those  circumstances 
with  which  the  reader  is  already  familiar. 

He  was  listened  to  in  the  utmost  surprise— almost  In 
disbelief  .  . . 

"  Well,  sir,  concluded  Tom,  "  you  may  say,  and  tnuj, 
that  it  was  no  concern  of  mine ;  yet  I  thought  it  my  duty 
to  make  you  acquainted  with  the  facta,  and  have  done  se 
simply  because  of  my  firm  conviction  that/  sometMng  WW 

Pbioe  One  Halfpenny. 


1SSS 


BLACK   BMI;   <T«, 


going  <m  which  should  not  Now,  fllr,  here  is  a  letter 
which  will  give  some  confirmation  of  my  story.  That 
rascally  servant  of  yours  dropped  it  in  the  road  uncon- 
sciously, and  I  picaed  ^t  up.  It  may  be  of  importan  e. 
or  it  mav  not." 

The  old  man's  band  shook  to  such  an  extent  that  he 
could  scarcely  take  the  letter  from  xom  iUng. 

When  he  did  so,  he  looked  attentively  at  the  seal. 

"  Why — why,"  he  said  "it  has  not  been  opened  1" 

Tom  was  amazed  at  such  a  remark. 

"Opened?  No,  I  should  not  be  capable  of  such  a 
deed." 

"  I — I  mean,"  added  ine  baronet,  hastily,  and  in  some 
confusion,  "my  wife  has  not  seen  this  letter!" 

"  Oh  !"  ejaculated  Tom  ;  then  he  added :  "And  if  you 
will  be  guided  by  me  you  will  newr  1ft  her  see  it.  Open 
it  now  and  read  it  while  you  have  the  opportunity." 

It  was  really  wonderful  to  see  what  an  ascendancy 
Tom  had  already  obtained  over  this  old  man.  It  was 
the  power  of  a  strong  will  over  a  weak  one. 

But  the  highwayman  did  not  know  and  could  not 
guess  what  means  had  been  taken  and  what  time  ex- 
pended to  reduce  this  old  man  to  his  present  pitiable 
plight. 

It  was  not  without  a  great  deal  of  timidity  that  he 
ventured  to  tear  open  the  letter. 

Then  adjuring  his  spectacles,  he  began  to  read. 

Whilst  he  was  so  employed,  Tom  sat  looking  intently 
at  him. . 

His  countenance  began  to  be  a  perfect  study. 

It  lighted  up  all  at  once  with  an  expression  that  was 
new  to  Tom. 

The  dim  eyes  began  to  brighten,  a  smile  seemed  on 
the  point  of  breaking  forth,  and  altogether  quite  a  look 
of  happiness  overspread  his  visage. 

No  sooner  had  he  finished  reading  the  letter,  however, 
than  a  sudden  recollection  seemed  to  come  across  him. 

His  head  drooped,  and  once  again  he  became  the  poor 
Imbecile  creature  who  elicited  so  much  of  Tom's  com- 
miseration. 

"  My  boy,"  he  murmured,  while  tears  trickled  slowly 
down  his  withered  cheeks — "my  poor  boy,  Roderic. 
would  indeed  that  you  were  here  !  And  yet,  no — no  j 
What  am  I  saying  ?  I  forget  myself  1  Young  man,"  he 
added,  looking  up,  "  I  am  much  obliged  for  this  service 
you  have  done  me.  Is  there  any  recompense  that  I  c«n 
make  you  for  it  ?" 

"  None  whatever,"  replied  Tom,  "  except-**.* 

"Except  what?" 

"  Why,  sir,  you  see  I  hav  met  with  an  accident  My 
horse  fell,  and  I  hav  oroken  my  arm.  It  causes  me 
great  pain  and  inconvenience ;  I  am  weak  from  escape  of 
blood,  so  '\ax  if  you  would  afford  me  the  shelter  of  your 
roof  'i4t  a  few  hours  I  should  ever  remain  under  the 


•eepest  obligation  to  you." 


-> 


CHAPTER  CMXL. 

W  WHICH  TOM   KING   BEGINS    TO    COMPREHEND    THE  TRUE 
CONDITION  OF  AFFAIRS  AT  WILFIRS  CROSS. 

u  1  am  sorry,"  stammered  the  baronet—"  very  sorry ;  but 
you  have  asked  me  almost  the  only  favour  which  I  can- 
lot  grant.  My  wife,  I  am  sure,  will  never  allow  you  to 
remain  beneath  this  roof." 

"  Then,"  said  Tom,  •■  I  take  my  leave ;  but  at  the  same 
time  you  must  allow  me  to  express  my  regret  that  a 
gentleman  like  yourself  should  permit  a  woman  thus  to 
rule  you,  and  to  make  your  whole  life  unhappy.  Let  me 
entreat  you  for  the  sake  of  your  own  happiness  *o  cast  off 
these  trammels  and  once  more  appear  in  your  own  proper 
character,  whl;h,  if  I  read  aright,  is  one  incapable  of 
doing  any  mean  or  sordid  action  unless  at  the  powerful 
suggestions  of  another." 

"  You  speak  truly,  young  man,"  was  the  reply,  given 
with  a  little  extra  finr.ness  of  ft*  ~"  you  spi  ak  very 
truly.  I  should  have  proffered  resistance  long  ago ;  now 
l  fear  it  is  too  late.' 

Relieve    me,"  exclaimed    Tom,  impressively,    "it  is 
never  too  late  to  do  right" 

"HI  could  only  thiuk  so,"  continued  the  baronet     "  |«  * 
I  could  only  feel   that  I  had  the  slightest  cha        0t 
success." 

"  Try,"  said  Tom—"  try." 

For  some  moments  there  was  a  profound  sfl  x- 


bg  which  it  would  appear  that  the  baronet  was  thinking 
deeply. 

After  a  time,  however,  he  raised  his  head  and  looked 
Tom  King  full  in  the  face. 

"Who  you  are,"  he  said,  "Yknow  not,  nor  do  1  care, 
but  you  have  done  me  a  disinterested  kindness,  and  some- 
thing, I  know  not  what,  draws  you  towards  mh-I  feel 
impelled  to  ask  ycur  advice  in  another  matter — to  request 
you  to  give  me  your  assistance." 

"  You  do  me  too  much  honour,"  said  Tom,  with  a  bow. 
"  You  have  but  to  speak,  and  I  will  do  all  I  can.  Believe 
me,  I  shall  feel  more  content  if,  when  I  quit  this  place,  I 
know  that  I  have  left  you  happier." 

"Well,  well — listen.  I  have  not  much  to  say,  but 
every  word  is  of  importance.  You  must  believe,  then, 
that  I  have  not  always  been  the  weak,  miserable  object 
you  now  see.  No,  I  was  once  robust,  strong,  and  pos- 
sessed of  a  powerful  will.     In  a  word,  I  was  happy. 

"  My  first  sorrow  was  when  my  wife  died,  leaving  two 
children  to  my  care.  You  saw  one — Ellen  —the  other,  my 
eldest,  is  Roderic." 

"  Then,"  exclaimed  Tom,  "  I  presume  that  the  lady  I 
have  seenns  your  second  wife." 

"  Yes,  yes— she  is,  and  I  have  ever  since  regretted  the 
day  on  which  I  made  her  mistress  of  the  hall.  My  boy, 
Roderic,  was  with  me  then,  but  very  soon  his  impatient 
spirit  chafed  under  the  restraint  that  was  continually  laid 
upon  him. 

"  I  heard  all  kinds  of  complaints  concerning  him,  and, 
like  a  weak  fool,  listened  to  them  and  reproved  him. 

"  The  end  of  this  you  already  guess.  He  l«ft  me  years 
and  years  ago.  He  ran  away,  and  from  that  time  to  this 
I  have  not  heard  from  or  seen  him. 

"  Indirectly  I  have  been  told  of  nis  doings,  and  they 
have  always  been  such  as  to  make  my  whole  blood  boi' 
with  sorrow  and  indignation. 

"Now,  however,  I  fo"  ,ae  first  time  learn  something 
different.  Read  tHs— you  have  a  right  to  do  so — and  it 
will  save  me  jtuch  explanation.  It  is  from  my  oldest 
boyhood's  '.lend." 

With  ery  great  surprise,  Tom  took  the  letter f  hat  was 
extended  towards  him,  and  with  still  greater  astonish- 
ment read  as  follows : — 

*  Mi  old,  old  Friend, — 

"  Years — many  years  have  passed  away  since  we  met 
or  communicated  in  any  way  with  each  other.  You  remember 
out  parting,  do  you  not  t  It  was  an  angry  one.  I  blamed 
you  for  the  part  you  were  taking  against  your  son,  •under  the 
instigation  of  the  woman  you  raised  to  your  high  positio%. 
You  resented  what  J  said,  we  quarrelled  and  parted,  and  I 
smarted  to  such  a  degree  under  the  injustice  that  I  made  a 
firm  determination  never  to  be  the  first  Ui  »rt«.nd  the  hand  of 
friendship  to  you  again. 

"  Circumstances  nave  made  me  alter  thm.'  wision. 

"Afew  days  ago,  in  a  manner  I  will  not  stop  now  to  re- 
toe,  /  met  your  only  son  Roderic.  He  has  grown  a  fine, 
broad-shouldered  man,  now  greatly  resembling  you  when  you 
were  young.  But  he  has  suffered  more— far  more  than  I  can 
tell,  he  went  forth  to  fight  the  battle  of  life,  and  he  hat 
come  off  second  best  in  the  encounter. 

"  Sis  heart,  J  soon  found,  yearned  towards  you,  towards 
his  early  home,  and  towards  his  sister,  and  so,  with  much 
difficulty,  I  have  persuaded  him  to  write  to  you  to  the  effect 
that  he  is  very,  very  sorry  for  the  past,  that  he  asks  your  par' 
don  for  all  that  he  has  done  to  offend  you,  and  wishes  to  see 
you  once  again. 

"  He  ivill  follow  hard  upon  /lis  letter — do  not  feel  surprised 
if  you  see  him  within  twelve  hours  after  you  receice  it. 

"  And  now,  my  old  friend,  before  I  close  this  Uiter  let  me 
ask  you  to  remember  all  the  past,  to  welcome  your  snn  back, 
and  to  place  him  where  he  should  be,  at  the  heau  of  your 
household. 

44  Fran  your  faithful  friend, 

"  Klchab>  * 

1  om  read  this  l»tter  hastily,  and  tLen  looKr-u  inquiringly 
at  the  baronet. 

"You  hwve  read  that  letter?" he  said,  interrogatively. 

44  1  have." 

"  And  what  do  yon  make  of  it  ?" 

"  It  opens  up  to  me  a  long  and  painful  story,"  replied 
Tom.  "  I  can  see  the  noble,  high-spirited  son  thruut  on 
one  side  for  a  worthless  eeoood  wife.    I  can  see  ta 


rwe,  KNIGHT  0»  THJ8  BOAS. 


lM*y 


hatred  of  the  heir,  and  I  can  guess  the  means  by  which 
she  contrived  to  poison  your  mind  against  him,  and  to 
make  home  so  uncomfortable  that  he  was  forced  to  leave 
it,  and  to  leave  it  under  your  displeasure." 

"You  are  right,"  said  the  old  man,  in  a  broken  voice 
—"quite  right.  Heaven  help  me — I  have  done  very 
wrong!  I  do  believe,"  he  added,  "that  at  on*-  time  I 
hated  him.    Poor  Roderio  1" 

"And,"  continued  Tom,  "I  imagine  that  th^/e  fs  n  tie 
or  link  of  some  sort  between  her  ladyship  and  the  mau  I 
eaw  this  morning  carrying  the  letter-bag.  Can  you  tell 
me  why  he  should  utter  those  vindictive  words  when 
he  singled  out  that  one  particular  letter?  Can  you 
tell  me  why  he  intercepted  it?" 

"X    dare  not  think  of  it,"  was  the  response.     "My 

r)or  boy's  letter  has  never  reached  me,  and  but  for  you 
should  have  remained  in  ignorance  of  it,  for  my  wife 
would  have  carefully  kept  this  one  from  my  sight." 

"  I  am  rejoiced,"  said  Tom,  with  great  earnestness, 
"to  find  that  you  are  so  rapidly  assuming  your  own 
character.  You  are  throwing  off  all  that  abjectness 
which  pained  me  so  to  witness." 

He  was  responded  to  by  a  feeble  smile. 

"I  have  great  cause  for  self-reproach,"  he  said — 
"great  cause.  Not  only  did  I  drive  my  boy  forth  a 
beggar,  but  have  disowned  him,  cast  him  off,  disin- 
herited him !" 

"But  if  you  feel  that  you  are  wrong,"  said  Tom, 
"  surely  it  is  not  too  late  to  make  the  needful  change. 
Have  you  committed  your  intentions  to  paper  ?" 

"I  have — I  have.  Do  not  blame  me,"  he  added, 
hastily,  as  he  observed  Tom's  reproachful  look.  "  You 
cannot  guess  how  much  I  have  suffered  or  how  my  poor 
weak  nerves  have  been  played  upon." 

"  But  again  I  say  it  is  not  too  late,  provided  that  you 
are  willing  to  welcome  back  your  6on." 

"Willing?"  ejaculated  the  old  man.  "I  would  give 
all  I  am  possessed  of  if  I  could  but  see  him  stand  before 
me  at  this  moment ;  but  I  fear — I  sadly  fear — there  is  a 
dreadful  presentiment  in  my  mind  that  I  shall  never — 
never  see  him  again,  and  that  such  will  be  my  punish- 
ment for  having  acted  as  I  have." 

"  Do  not  give  way  to  such  fears  as  those,"  said  Tom, 
kindly ;  "  but,  if  you  really  feel  inclined  to  do  your  son 
justice,  destroy  the  paper  of  which  you  spoke.  Then  all 
is  well,  for,  of  course,  no  one  could  gainsay  his  right  to 
everything  as  the  eldest  born." 

"  Would  tha£  I  could !"  said  the  baronet,  wringing  his 
hands,  and  with  fresh  tears  coursing  down  his  cheeks — 
"  would  that  I  could !  It  is  impossible — quite  impossible 
— -quite— quite !" 

"  How  r  said  Tom—"  tell  me  in  what  way  ?" 

"  My  wife  has  it !" 

"Your  will?" 

"Yes." 

Tom  paused  in  deep  thought. 

"  How  will  all  this  end  ?"  murmured  the  old  man.  "  I 
tremble  and  grow  weak  again !  I  feel — I  feel  that  she  is 
coming  1" 

"Then,"  said  Tom,  "if  that  is  the  case,  put  on  what 
show  of  boldness  vou  can.  Announce  your  intent-ians, 
and  abide  by  them.  You  will  find  all  you  have  to  do  is 
to  maintain  the  appearance  of  resolution.  Tt  will  be  diffi- 
cult at  first,  but  try." 

At  this  instant  the  door  was  thrown  violently  open, 
and  her  ladyship  appeared  upon  the  threshold. 

"  Well,"  she  said,  in  her  sharp,  commanding  tones — 
"  well,  may  I  ask  if  you  intend  to  remain  here  all  day 
with  this  fellow  ?  Ah !  I  see  by  your  nod  that  your  con- 
ference is  over." 

Then,  turning  „o  Tom  King,  the  said,  imperiously: 

"  Go,  6ir — go— quit-  the  hall  at  once !  You  see  Sir 
Ralph  desires  it." 

Tom  King  looked  appealingiy  at  the  baronet. 

He  was  sorry — truly  sorry — to  perceive  what  an  effe-t 
the  mere  presence  of  this  woman  had  upon  him. 

He  had  shrunk  up  in  his  chair  into  the  smallest  possible 
compass — be  had   held  up  his  hands  as  though  he  woujd 

Erotect  himrelf  from  the  attack  of  some  assailant,  while 
e  trembled  from  head  to  foot. 

He  had  given  no  sign  indicating  that  he  wished  for 
Tom's  departure,  but  his  wife  chose  to  consider  that  he 
had,  and  trusted  to  hit  weakness  and  imbecility  not  to 
dispute  her  woras. 


She  had  resolved  to  make  a  bold  effort  to  recover  net 
former  position. 

Tom  waited  in  vain  for  the  baronet  to  contradict  the 
words  his  wife  had  uiteied. 

But  he  was  resolved  that  this  infamous  woman  should 
not  perfect  her  shameful  plana,  and  so,  with  a  bow  of 
mock  respect,  he  answered : 

"  I  am  very  sorry  indeed  to  intrude  upon  your  lady- 
•hip,  but,  at  the  same  time,  I  must  beg  most  emphatically 
to  assure  you  that  just  before  you  entered  theroom  Sir 
Ralph  was  pleased  to  request  me  to  stay  here  for  some 
time,  and  I  have  accepted  his  invitation." 

"Yea,  yes,"  stammered  the  old  man,  brightening  a 
little,  for  he  seemed  to  feel  that  while  Tom  was  by  he 
had  a  protector  who  was  able  and  willing  to  aid  him. 

"  What,"  shrieked  her  ladyship — "  what  do  I  hear  ? 
Would  you  speak  thus  to  my  face?  Sir,"  she  continued, 
turning  to  Tom,  "you  are  a  scoundrel — an  infamous 
scoundrel !  You  see  the  condition  of  my  lamented  hus- 
band's mind,  and  you  have  taken  advantage  of  my  absonce 
to  play  upon  it  for  your  unworthy  ends !  Begone,  sir,  or 
I  will  summon  assistance,  and  have  you  forcibly  ex- 
pelled !" 

"  I  regret,"  said  Tom,  "  that  I  should  be  the  cause  of 
any  discord,  but  I  beg  to  assure  you  that  I  shall  remain 
here  until  Sir  Ralph  tells  me  to  leave,  and  let  me  caution 
you  against  attempting  to  use  any  force  !" 

Her  ladyship  shook  again  with  rage,  and,  advancing  to 
her  husband,  she  took  hold  of  him  by  the  shoulder,  and 
shook  him  roughly. 

"Ralph — Ralph,"  she  shrieked,  "do  you  hear  what 
that  fellow  says,  or  are  you  insensible  to  his  words? 
Command  him  to  leave — order  him  to  quit  this  roof  at 
once !" 

"  Sir  Ralph,"  said  Tom,  solemnly,  "  now  is  the  time-r- 
now  is  the  opportunity  to  do  justice  to  yourself  andx-j 
those  you  love  !  Assert  your  authority  in  this  case,  and 
you  will  be  the  better  able  to  assert  it  in  another.  Do 
not  fear  any  consequence.  I  will  stand  by  and  shield  you 
from  all  harm.  Is  it  your  wish  that  I  should  remain  here 
or  not?" 

.  "That  you  should  remain,"  said  the  old  man,  with  a 
sudden  effort,  and  speaking  in  a  tone  of  voice  so  unlike 
his  own  that  it  made  her  ladyship  fairly  stagger  back 
several  paces — "that  you  remain!  And  you,  madam," 
he  added,  "quit  this  room,  and  do  not  enter  it  until  i 
give  you  permission !    Mark  me — I  will  be  obeyed !" 

Thunderstruck,  stupified,  amazed  beyond  measure,  her 
ladyship,  unable  to  articulate  a  word,  suffered  herself  to 
be  half  bowed,  half  pushed  out  of  the  apartment. 
Then  Tom  closed  the  door,  and  locked  it. 
Tom  was  only  just  in  time. 

When  he  turned  round,  the  sudden  accession  of  courage 
which  had  enabled  the  baronet  to  6peak  as  he  had  done 
departed,  and  he  again  sank  helpless  and  inert  into  his 
chair. 

Tom  perceived  it  with  regret ;  but  banishing  that  ex- 
pression from  his  countenance,  he  spoke  as  cheerfully  and 
kindly  as  he  could  : 

"  Do  you  see  the  result  of  a  little  firmness?"  he  ex- 
claimed.   "  Take  my  advice,  and  in  a  short  time  all  will 
be  well." 
"  I — I  am  amazed." 

"  No  doubt  you  are — it  is  only  natural  that  yA«i  *ho«ld 
be.  Let  me  tell  you,  however,  that  you  have  u*iy  tb 
continue  to  present  the  same  resolute  front,  anu  you: 
object  is  gained — your  wife  will  sink  down  into  her  true 
position,  and  justice  will  be  done." 

"  It  shall  be  done !"  murmured  the  old  man.  "  Do  not 
leave  me — do  not  leave  me — remain  at  my  side !  While 
you  Jo  so  I  can  be  bold  and  resolute." 

"I  will  with  joy," said  Tom,  "if  you  will  give  me  your 
word  that  when  Roderic  comes  he  will  have  your  welcome 
and  your  blessing." 

"  He  will— he  will  P  was  the  reply.  "  Would  that  1 
could  see  him  now !" 

"  Most  fervently  do  I  re-«cho  that  wish !  And  now,  sir, 
as  you  were  kind  enough  to  grant  me  the  favour  of  allow- 
ing me  to  remain  here  for  a  short  time,  I  think  I  shall  be 
able  to  requite  you  it" 

"  You  have  done  so  already." 

"  No— no.  Yon  forget  the  will.  By  some  means  at 
other  that  must  be  obtaiued  and  destroyed,  otherwise  U 
will  be  the  Bourse  of  enUlses  unka-ppinese  " 


J540 


BLACK.    BBSS;    OB, 


"But  how  is  it  to  be  obtained  ?"  said  the  baronet,  again 
in  the  deepest  dejection — "  how  can  it  be  done  ?" 

"  Leave  it  to  me,"  said  Tom.  "  If  I  have  your  permis- 
sion to  remain  beneath  this  roof  I  will  do  my  best  to 
recover  possession  of  it,  and  as  I  have  set  my  mind  upon 
this  matter,  it,  will  be  strange  indeed  it  J  do  not 
succeed." 

The  old  man  gazed  upon  him  in  unqualified  surprise. 

Such  vigour  and  resolution  were  strange  to  him. 

But  he  looked  childishly  pleased  aud  happy  as  he 
said: 

"  Do  that,  young  sir — do  that,  and  yon  will  ever  be 
entitled  to  my  gratitude !" 

CHAPTER   CMXLI. 

EVENTS  AT  WW1E3  CROSS  BEOIN    TO   ASSUME  A   DEEPLY- 
INTKRESTING  ASPECT. 

The  deep  interest  which  Tom  King  could  not  help  feel- 
ing in  these  strange  events  with  which  he  had  been  so 
singularly  identified  and  mixed  up,  caused  him  to  forget 
all  about  the  wound  in  his  arm,  and  probably  he  would 
have  continued  to  do  so  had  he  not  been  most  disagree- 
ably reminded  of  it  by  feeling  a  sharp  twinge  of  pain, 
which  he  could  not  prevent  showing  itself  on  his 
countenance. 

The  baronet  looked  at  him  in  surprise. 
"  My  good  sir,"  he  exclaimed,  "  what  is  it  ails  you  ? — 
what  is  the  meaning  of  that  strange  expression  ?" 

"You  will  pardon  me,"  6aid  Tom,  "  but  the  fact  is,  I 
met  with  an  accident  while  riding  a  short  time  ago — 
nothing  very  serious  I  believe ;  but  just  then  I  felt  a 
sudden  return  of  pain  ;  even  now  it  has  not  subsided." 

"  You  must  have  a  rare  amount  of  fortitude,"  was  the 
reply,  "to  behave  as  you  have,  and  all  the  time  suffering 
from  a  recent  injury.  But  what  can  I  do  to  assist 
you?" 

"  I  am  afraid  nothing,"  said  Tom,  "  for,  of  course,  you 
have  no  surgical  assistance  m  the  house  ?" 
"lam  sorry  to  say  none." 

"Well,  then,  I  will  just  bear  with  the  pain  a  little  time 
longer  while  we  talk  over  our  position.  You  must  pardon 
me  for  this  extra  trouble,  but  I  have  lost  some  blood,  and 
it  seems  to  have  ha'  a  confusing  effect  upon  my  mental 
faculties,  so  that  I  am  not  quite  sure  I  fully  understand 
the  proper  aspect  of  affairs. 

"  Of  what  is  it,  then,  that  you  are  in  doubt  ?" 
"I  cannot  say  that  I  am  in  doubt  about  anything — at 
all  events,  we  may  come  to  several  conclusions.    The 
first  is,  that  tha  letter  taken  from  the  bag  by  your  servant 
was  the  one  written  to  you  by  your  son  Roderic." 

"Yes,  no  doubt  of  it — no  doubt  of  it.  Aud  yet,  after 
all,  Roderic's  letter  may  be  upon  the  table,  for,  you  see, 
her  ladyship,  in  hastily  quitting  the  room,  has  forgotten 
that  sho  has  left  all  the  letters  on  the  table." 

"But  that  point  can  soon  be  ascertained,  can  it  not  ?" 
*  Oil,  yes  I     My   old   eyes  are   dim,  buf^yet  they  seem 
brighter  than  they  did  a  short  time  ago.     1  feel  sure  that 
I  could  recognise  my  poor  boy's  writing  at  the  first 
glance." 

He  rose,  apparently  by  a  painful  effort,  from  his  chair, 
and  stooping  over  the  table,  sorted  the  letters  over 
quickly. 

He  gave  one  glance  to  each,  then  shook  his  head. 
"No,  Roberta's  letter  is  not  there,"  he  said.    "There 
can  be  no  dMibt  that  is  the  one  you  saw  intercepted." 

"  I  am  pei  fectly  certain.  But  you  have  not  „old  Lie 
what  situation  this  man  holds  in  your  household" 

"  That  would  be  hard  to  say,"  was  the  strange  answer. 
"He  was  engaged  some  years  ago  by  my  wife,  and  since 
then  has  occupied  himself  I  scarcely  know  Vow,  okiefly 
as  an  assistant  to  my  steward."  , 

Tom  nodded. 

"I  was  certain  some  tie  existed,'  ne  exclaimed — "I 
felt  a  conviction  of  it,  and  it  ia  easy  now  for  me  to  com- 
prehend why  he  broke  fo-tn  into  such  vindictive  expres- 
sions when  ne  caught  sight  of  your  son's  letter." 
The  baronet  looked  at  Tom  in  some  surprisa 
"  I  am  not  certain,"  continued  Tom,, "  whether  -fav 
fully  realise  your  exact  position ;  but  I  am  perfectly 
assared  that  a  plot  is  now  on  foot,  and  has  been  for  some 
time,  to  wrest  from  you  all  your  possessions.  One  great 
step  has  been  gained  by  the  disinheritance  of  your  son, 
tjwthox  in  the  will  you  have  been  persuaded  to  make. 


Justly,  then,  they  must  fear  any  return  of  your  sob  as 
likely  to  undo  all  that  they  have  accomplished." 
"  I  understand  you." 

M  I  am  glad  you  do.  And  now  1  <  »n  assure  you  that 
the  ;.«.in  in  my  arm  so  much  inoroasftj  that  I  shall  not  be 
able  to  endure  it  much  longer.  Can  y  >u  toll  me  where  I 
shall  be  likely  to  meet  with  surgical  aid  ?" 

"  In  the  next  village,"  was  Che  answer ;  "  it  is  not 
more  than  a  mile  and  a  half  away,  and  one  apothecary 
lives  there  who  has  quite  a  reputation  for  his  skill  in 
broken  limbs  aud  such  matters." 

"  Then,  with  your  leave,"  said  To"*,  "  I  will  ride  over 
D  him." 

'•Do  so — do  so." 

"And  that,"  continued  Tom,  reflectively,  "  suggests 
to  me  another  plan — an  amendment  in  my  course  of 
operations.  I  will  leave  here  as  though  I  intended  to 
depart  for  good,  especially  we  will  try  to  make  your  wife 
and  her  accomplice  believe  that  I  am  going  and  shall  not 
return  again." 

"But  why  ?"  inquired  the  old  man — "why?" 
"  Simply  because  while  I  am  here  they  will  watch  my 
movements  very  closely,  and   be  circumspect  in  all  they 
do ;  when  I  am  gone  it  will  be  different." 
"  I  see." 

"  You  may  depend  upon  it,"  continued  Tom,  "  that  1 
shall  return  here  as  quickly  as  possible ;  but  I  shall  do  it 
secretly — no  one  shall  be  aware  of  my  presence  if  I  can 
help  it ;  but  I  will  keep  the  closest  watch  upon  every- 
thing, and  if  I  see  cause  to  interfere  will  do  so." 

"  But  you  are  putting  yourself  to  much  trouble  on  my 
account." 

"  No,  no,"  said  Tom—"  believe  me,  none  at  all.  You 
can  more  than  repay  me  for  anything  I  do  by  finding  me 
a  shelter  for  the  space  of  a  few  days,  until,  in  fact,  my 
arm  is  well." 

"  It  is  a  simple  request,  but  I  grant  it  readily." 
"  Thanks  1  And  now  let  me  ask  you  to  try  your  best 
to  remain  as  you  now  are — that  is,  something  like  your- 
self. The  change  which  has  taken  place  during  the  last 
half  hour  is  surprising ;  let  me  hope  that  it  will  con- 
tinue." 

"  I  will  try  to  be  firm— I  will  try  to  assert  my  own 
independence." 
"  Hush— hush !" 
"  What  is  it  ?" 

"I  fancy  I  can  hear  some  one  approaching.  Wait,  and 
I  will  unfasten  the  door." 

With  a  noiseless  step,  Tom  crossed  the  room,  and  as 
noiselessly  turned  the  key ;  then,  sinking  his  voice  to  the 
lowest  whisper,  he  said  : 

"  I  am  now  going  to  take  a  farewell  of  you — I  mean  a 
farewell  in  appearance.  You  do  what  you  can  to  per- 
suade me  to  stay,  and  I  will  declare  how  impossible  it  is. 
Act  your  part  well,  and  your  wife  will  be  quite 
deceived." 

The  old  liaronet  nodded,  and  scarcely  had  this  under- 
standing been  arrived  at  than  the  door  was  flung  rudely 
open,  and  her  ladyship,  looking  very  flushed,  made  her 
appearance. 

Tom  was  standing  with  his  back  to  the  door,  and  took 
not  the  least  notice  of  her  entrance. 

The  first  words  that  reached  her  ears  were : 
•'  No,  sir,  believe  me,  it  causes  very  great  regret  on  my 
part  to  refuse  your  kind  offer,  but  the  business  I  have  is 
so  pressing  and  immediate  that  I  cannot  remain  with 
you.  At  some  other  time  I  shall  be  proud  and  glad  to 
avail  myself  of  your  hospitality." 

A  slight  cLange  came  over  the  baronet  when  he  was 
conscious  of  the  presence  of  his  wife  ;  but  he  studiously 
strove  to  prevent  his  eyes  from  meeting  hers. 

With  a  deep  sigh,  which  told  how  much  sincerity  there 
was  in  the  words,  he  replied  : 

"I  wish  I  could  persuade  you  to  remain,  but  sinoe  I 
cannot,  let  me  know  when  you  will  be  this  way  again— 
when  I  shall  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  ?" 

"  Not  for  a  month  at  least,"  said  Tom.  "  And  now,  as 
I  nave  lingered  too  long  already,  perhaps  you  will  permit 
me  to  take  my  departure.  I  am  glad  you  do  not  think  ill 
of  me,  though  my  errand  was  an  unwelcome  one.  Until 
I  heard  your  view  of  the  case  I  believed  your  son  Roderio 
to  be  deeply  injured,  and  that's  why  I  ventured  to 
become*his  intercessor.  What  you  have  told  mo  has, 
however,  Uhanged  my  opinion." 


THS   KNIGHT   OF  THS  R</Au. 


iUl 


These  words  for  a  meraent  or  two  mystified  the  old 
man  greatly ;  but  her  ladyship,  for  whose  ear  they  were 
especially  intended,  looked  intensely  surprised. 

"  It  is  hard,"  added  Tom,  "  for  a  father  aud  a  son  to  be 
parted,  and  so  I  hope  the  time  will  come  whon  you  will 
be  reunited.    Now,  sir,  farewell !" 
He  made  his  bow,  and  turned  round. 
Her  ladyship  looked  at  him  scornfully 
"Farewell,  my  lady !"  said    Tom,  with   tiiochor    bow. 
"  I  am  sorry  I  behaved  with   so   much    rudeness  to  you ; 
but,  then,  it  seems  I  have  been  altogether  led  asv.\y. 

The  baronet's  wife  could  scarcely  understand  all  this  ; 
it  was  so  entirely  different  to  what  she  had  ex- 
pected. 

She  had  made  np  her  mind  to  rave  and  storm*  and 
by  main  force  to  have  Tom  King  driven  forth. 
Now  she  found  him  in  the  act  of  leaving. 
As  he  quitted  the  loom,  however,  Tom  King  gave  one 
parting  glance  at  her  countenance,  and  surely  if  any  face 
ever  spoke,  hers  did  then. 

The  thought  that  occupied  her  mind  was  plainly  to  be 
read. 
It  was: 

"  Go — go !  I  am  glad  to  be  rid  of  you  I  And  when  you 
are  o&ce  outside  these  walls  I  will  take  care  that  you  do 
not  re-enter  them !" 

Quitting  the  room,  Tom  King  found  himself  in  the 
spacious  hall,  which  reached  from  the  front  to  the  back 
of  the  mansion. 

In  the  centre  was  a  broad  flight  of  stone  steps,  leading 
to  the  upper  story. 

Tom  turned  at  once  in  the  direction  of  the  door  that 
opened  in  the  rear  of  the  mansion,  as  his  object  was  to 
go  as  quickly  as  he  could  to  the  stables,  obtain  his  horse, 
and  ride  off. 

The  pain  he  felt  was  something  terrific,  yet  he  bore  it 
like  a  martyr. 

He  was  rather  surprised  to  find  no  servants  about,  and 
not  desiring  to  create  any  stir,  for  he  felt  that  the  fewer 
persons  by  whom  he  was  seen  the  better,  '1  om  strode 
quickly  along  the  passage. 

On  his  way,  he  passed  one  door  that  was  a  nttle  way 
open,  and  as  he  did  so,  some  sweet,  girlish  tones  reached 
his  ears. 

"  Not  now,  Ernest,"  said  the  voice — "  aot  now !  I  dwe 
not  remain  here.  To-night,  at  the  old  spot  near  the 
plantation,  I  will  meet  you." 

Tom  did  not  wait  to  hear  the  response,  but  hurried 
on. 

He  attached  no  particular  importance  to  what  ho  had 
overheard.  It  was  not  until  afterwards,  indeed,  that  the 
circumstance  was  brought  back  to  his  memory. 

Crossing  a  lawn  which  extended  itself  at  the  rear  of 
the  hall,  Tom  bent  his  steps  towards  the  outbuildings. 

Reaching  them,  he  was  still  surprised  to  notice  the 
absence  of  any  servants. 

The  first  door  he  came  to  evidently  led  into  the 
stables. 

It  was  standing  partly  open,  and  Tom  paused  upon 
the  threshold. 

Looking  in,  he  saw  seated  on  a  corn-bin,  with  hi«  back 
towards  him,  the  man  whom  he  had  witnessed  opening  the 
letter-bag. 

He  was  so  intent  upon  something  he  was  doing  that 
evidently  he  had  not  heard  Tom  King's  approach. 

Evesything  this  man  might  do  had  a  special  interest 
in  Tom's  eyes,  and  therefore  the  highwayman  waited  and 
watched  his  movements  with  great  attention. 

Not  at  first,  however,  was  he  able  to  make  out  what  me 
object  was  that  the  man  held. 

It  looked  almost  like  a  slender  steel  rod,  and  this  he 
appeared  to  be  poli  shing  vigorously. 

Suddenly,  however,  the  other  end  was  raised,  and  when 
Tom  King  caught  a  glimpse  ol  it  he  perceived  at  once 
that  it  was  some  singular  kind  of  firearm,  the  like  oi 
which  he  had  never  before  seen 

It  was  just  at  this  time  that  the  man,  turning  round 
for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  some  more  oi*.  caught  sight 
of  Tom  standing  in  the  doorway. 

He  uttered  a  cry  of  surprise,  and  he  exhibited  great 
signs  of  consternation. 

He  recovered  his  presence  of  mind  sufficiently,  how- 
ever, to  raise  the  lid  of  the  corn-bin,  drop  the  singular 
weapon  into  it,  and  then  turn  the  key  in  the  padlock. 


Then,  with   great  servility,  he   to.  cap,  and 

spoke  to  Tom  in  fawning  tones. 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,  sir !"  he  said.  not  see 

you!     May  I  ask  what  you  want?" 

"Merely  my  horse,"  said  Tom,  who,  wishing  to  throw 
this  man  as  ioiioi>  off  his  guard  a-  possible,  thought  the 
best  thing  he  could  do  was  to  pretend  to  h«  uuawaro  ef 
what  the  man  wa*  about. 

"  Very  good,  sir, "  was  the  answer.  "  I  will  call  tkt 
groom      Yours  is  the  grey  horse,  I  believe?" 

"  Yes,  that  is  right.  But  as  the  groom  is  not  ere,  do 
not  trouble  yourself  to  call  him.  If  you  will  ast-lst  me, 
I  will  soou  have  the  saddle  and  bridle  on.  I  stayed  with 
your  master  rather  1<  ng  r  than  I  intended,  and  I  am  now 
anxious  to  mako  up  for  i  he  time  I  have  lost." 

Tom  did  not  wait  far  the  man  to  consent  or  refuse,  but 
going  at  once  to  the  grey  horse,  he  began  to  saddle 
him. 

The  nnder-steward,  if  such  he  may  be  termed,  assisted 
him,  and  while  he  was  doing  so  he  was  cunning  enough 
to  ask,  in  a  pretended,  offhand  way,  as  though  it  did  not 
concern  him  in  the  least : 

"  Shall  you  be  back  again  soon,  sir  ?" 
"  No,"  replied  Tom.     "  I  should  if  I  could,  but  business 
calls  me.    I  trust  to  call  again  in  about  a  month,  or  it  may 
be  more." 

"  A  month  ?"  said  the  under-steward,  with  a  cough,  and 
stroking  his  chin  with  his  hand — "  a  month '  That's  a 
long  time !  Many  changes  take  place  »«*  a  month  some- 
times I" 

"  Yes,"  said  Tom,  who  could  not  help  thinking  there 
was  a  deeper  meaning  in  what  the  man  said  than  appeared 
at  first  sight. 

By  this  time  the  horse  was  saddled  and  brought  out 
into  the  yard. 

Tom  drew  his  hat  closely  over  his  face,  buttoned 
up  his  coat,  which  he  had  a  good  excuse  for  doing,  for  the 
air  was  very  cold,  then  vaulted  into  the  saddle. 

"  If  I  follow  that  lane,"  said  Tom,  pointing  over  a 
stone  wall,  "  it  will  take  me  to  Wilfirs  Cross,  will  it 
not  ?" 

"  To  the  Ullage,  sir  ?     Oh,  yes !     Wait  a  moment !    I 

will   open  the  gate  for  you.    Then  turn  to  the  left,  and 

you  a  ill  find  ii  rather  more  than  a  mile  and  a  half  away." 

"Yes,  yes,"  said  Tom,  "I  know  perfectly  well.    Accept 

that  as  a  recompense  for  your  civility." 

He  dropped  a  crown-piece  into  the  man's  hand  as  he 
spoke,  then  turning  his  head  in  the  requisite  direction, 
rode  rapidly  away. 

"  Confound  the  rascal !"  muttered  Tom,  between  his 
teeth.  "  It  went  sorely  against  the  grain  of  me  to  give 
him  anything,  and  yet  it  is  important  he  should  be  thrown 
off  his  guard,  and  I  believe  I  have  well  succeeded. 
"  Events  will  grow  interesting  ere  long,  I  feel  certain. 
What  an  evil-looking  scamp  he  is,  to  be  sure  !"  he  added, 
a  moment  afterwards.  "  '  Villain  '  is  stamped  upon  his 
face.  And  what  could  he  want  with  that  strange  fire- 
arm, I  wonder,  for  firearm  I  am  sure  it  is  ?  No  good  ! 
Anyone  could  tell  that  by  the  confusion  of  his  manner, 
and  by  his  great  anxiety  to  conceal  it.  Well,  well — we 
shall  see !  Perhaps  by  nightfall  we  shall  witness  a  perfec* 
revolution  in  this  household !" 


CHAPTER  CMXLII. 

TOM  KTSO  HAS  A  BARE  ADVENTURE  WITH  A   PiOCS 
APOTHECART. 

While  indulging  in  these  reflections,  Tom  King  trotted 
his  horse  rapidly  in  the  direction  he  wished  to  take — 
partly  in  order  that  not  even  the  faintest  breath  of  sus- 
picion should  cloud  the  under-ste ward's  mind,  and  partly 
because  he  was  exceedingly  anxiouj  to  have  l»is  arm 
looked  to,  for  the  anguish  it  occasioned  him  was  almost 
more  than  he  could  bear. 

Under  any  other  circumstances  than  the  present  it  is 
possible  that  Tom  might  have  hesitated  a  little  before  he 
made  up  his  mind  to  visit  the  village. 

But  the  peculiar  nature  of  the  events  fcy  wnicb  ho  was 
surrounded,  and  the  pain  of  his  wound,  made  hirn  for- 
getful of  all  ordinary  caution. 

Certainly,  as  he  journeyed  on  he  saw  nothing  to  create 
the  least  amount  of  uneasiness  in  his  mind. 

Around    him    all    that    he    could    see    was    a    wide 


1542 


BLACK    BBSS;    Oft, 


expanse  of  well-cultivated  land,  forming  part  of  the  do- 
main of  Sir  Ralph  Cromer. 

The  village,  as  he  suspected,  he  found  scarcely  worthy 
of  the  name,  and  was  inhabited  only  by  thosu  peopie  em- 
ployed directly  or  indirectly  by  the  baronet. 

There  was  an  ale-house,  with  a  large  swinging  efgn ; 
Mid  just  beyoud  that,  lying  rather  back  from  the  road, 
was  a  small  house,  on  thefr-itof  which  was  painted  : 
"  Elisha  Coles,  apothecary." 

The  appearance  of  Tom  King  in  this  remote  and 
little-frequented  place  caused  an  immense  amount  of  ex- 
citement— an  excitement  that  would  aave  been  greater 
still  had  he  arrived  at  any  other  portion  of  the  day. 

But  just  then  it  happened  that  the  majority  oi  the  in- 
habitants were  absent  pursuing  t-ieir  daily  occupa- 
tions. 

Tom  was  just  beginning  to  think  that  surely  this 
quiet  little  retreat  was  one  in  which  nothiug  of  him  or 
his  comrades  could  be  known— some  place  where  the 
police  officers  would  never  penetra'.e — when  he  discovered 
that  it  was  quite  a  delusion. 

He  absolutely  started  indeed  when  he  saw  posted  upon 
a  wall  a  bill  similar  in  appearance  to  many  he  had  Been 
before. 

It  was  some  distance  off,  tat  he  did  not  desire  to 
approach  it  any  closer. 

He  could  tell  very  well  that  the  figures  at  the  top  re- 
presented the  amount  of  the  inward  offered  for  the  appre- 
h  usion  of  himself  and  his  companions,  and  that  below 
was  a  full  description  ol  the  personal  appearance  of 
each. 

After  seeing  this,  Tom  might  naturally  hesitate  before 
be  ventured  to  trust  him<*elf  in  the  apothecary's  abode. 

But  pain  quickly  banished  that  hesitation,  and  he 
looked  around  him  with  a  somewhat  pleasant  smile, 
feeling  that  he  could  if  necessary,  vanquish  the  whole 
village. 

Perceiving  thst  a  stranger  had  stopped  before  his  gate 
a  small,  thin  man,  with  scanty  grey  hair,  opened  the  front 
door  of  the  house,  and  advanced  with  a  stooping  gait. 

"Good  morning,  sir]"  he  said,  in  a  voice  between  a 
whine  and  a  drawl.  "  Heaven  be  praised,  I  can  say  it — 
good  morning,  sir!  May  I  ask  what  you  want  with 
me  !" 

Tom  King  thought  this  a  very  singular  address,  and 
stared  at  the  speaker  with  surprise. 

His  amazement  lasted  only  for  a  moment,  and  then 
he  inquired : 

"  Am  I  addressing  Mr.  Coles  ?" 

"Yes — praise  the  Lord,  forajl  Hia  mercies — such  is  my 
name." 

"  Then,"  said  Tom,  "  I  have  been  sent  down  from  the 
hall,  by  Sir  Ralph ;  he  tells  mo  t'"at  you  are  clever  in 
surgery,  and  you  see  I  have  met  with  a  slight  accident  to 
my  arm." 

"  Oh,  Sir  Ralph  is  too  good — much  too  good,  and  yet  not 
good  either,  if  I  may  contradict  myself— -he  i3  an  evil- 
minded  man,  quite  dead  to  all  true  piety  a  nd  religion. 
May  I  hope,  sir,  that  you  are  a  believer — that  vou  have 
been  saved  ?" 

"Oh,  decidedly!"  said  Tom. 

"  U  not,"  continued  the  pious  apothecary,  '  'either 
allow  me  to  convert  you,  or  else  depart-  -I  will  give  no 
assistance  to  the  ungodly." 

"  I  need  no  conversion,"  said  Tom'  <-"  none  a!  »H,  1  can 
assure  you." 

"I  rejoice  to  hear  it,"  was  the  reply—"  greatl  y  rejoice ! 
Please  to  enter,  my  good  sir,  and  while  I  am  at  tending  to 
your  hurt  we  can  have  a  little  edifying  conver  sation  upon 
gracv." 

Luckily,  just  then,  Tom  turned  round,  fo  r  ue  could 
not  suppress  a  smile  at  the  idea  of  one  "f  his  profession 
having  any  such  conversation. 

Somehow  or  other  he  had  taken  an  invinc'ldl  dislike 
to  Mr.  Coles,  in  spite  of  all  his  professions  of  piet  y- 

Tom's  own  opinion  was  that,  like  many  o  thera  he 
assumed  religion  only  as  a  cloak. 

Whether  this  was  so  or  not  really  did  not  mac  h  signify 
to  the  highwayman,  provided  he  was  really  e  Xpert  in 
dressing  wounds. 

"  I  am  a  poor,  weelt,  trembling  worm,"  ho  sa  'd,  as  he 
asherod  Tom  King  into  a  small  parlour  at  the  bao  k  of  his 
little  shop — "  a  poor,  trembling  worm,  weak  iu  bo  dy,  Dut 
I  trust  strong  in  graoa  * 


Tom  gave  a  sympathetic  sigh  and  shook  his  head, 
which  he  thonght  were  the  best  things  he  could  do  by 
way  of  reply. 

"  Sit  down  Tny  dear  air— take  this  chair,  and  allow  me 
to  examine  the  nature  of  the  injury.'' 

Tom  gladly  complied,  for  just  then  he  really  felt  quite 
ill  and  faint,  and  instead  of  one  apothecary  h^saw  fifty  at 
least  spiuuiug  round  before  him. 

"  Why,  gracious  powers,  is  it  possible  ? "  emulated  Mr. 

0  les.     "  Why,  this  is  a  wound  you  havt  rweived  from 
some  kiud  of  firearm  !" 

"  Yes — yes,  you  are  quite  right." 

A  look  of  surprise  and  curiosity  appeared  on  the 
apothecary's  face  as  he  said  : 

"  How  strange  for  you  to  speak  of  it  as  an  accident ;  1 
never  saw  auytliiug  look  less  accidental  iu  my  life." 

"No  matter,"  said  Tom,  very  faintly — "see  to  it,  I  beg 

1  feel  now  as  though  all  the  life  had  ebbed  out  of  my 
veins." 

One  glance  into  Tom's  countenance  was  ample  con- 
firmation of  the  truth  of  what  he  had  just  said. 

His  eyes  were  half  closed  and  his  face  deathly  pale. 

Mr.  Coles  now  bestirred  himself  in  good  earnest,  and, 
by  the  way  in  which  he  went  about  his  work,  justified 
the  opinion  Sir  Ralph  had  expressed  concerning  him. 

Tom  grew  fainter  and  fainter — he  became  insensible 
of  all  pain. 

He  knew  that  the  apothecary  was  busy  with  his  arm, 
and  had  some  dim  idea  that  a  bullet  had  been  extracted, 
for  he  fancied  that  a  voice  miles  and  miles  off  had  whis- 
pered something  to  that  effact  in  his  ear. 

When  he  recovered  himself,  he  found  his  arm  carefully 
bound  up,  and  Mr.  Coles  standing  over  him,  gazing  very 
attentively  into  his  countenance. 

Tom  opened  his  eyes  suddenly — so  suddenly,  indeed, 
that  the  apothecary  gave  a  start  and  uttered  an  ejacula- 
tion that  did  not  sound  particularly  pious. 

At  the  same  time,  Tom  saw  him  cram  something  rather 
has*vly  into  one  of  his  pockets,  but  what  it  was  he  could 
not  make  out. 

"Aheml"  he  said,  in  some  confusion.  "You  feel 
better  now,  sir,  I  hope?" 

"  S*es,  decidedly  better,"  said  Tom,  in  a  very  faint 
voice,  and  pretending  to  be  much  weaker  than  he  really 
was,  for  he  thought  by  this  means  he  should  be  able  to 
understand  the  meauing  of  the  apothecary's  confusion. 

He  had  his  eyes  all  the  time  fixed  upon  the  coat-pocket 
into  which  that  something  had  been  thrust  so  hurriedly. 

"Have  you  nothing  to  revive  me — somethiug  iu  the 
shape  of  a  stimulant  ?" 

Mr.  Coles  had  been  watching  Tom  with  half-closed 
eyes,  in  an  attitude  aud  manner  strongly  resembling  the 
way  in  which  a  cat  will  regard  the  movements  of  a 
mouse. 

"  Yes,"  he  said,  "  I  have  something  that  will  do  you 
good,  and  after  that  we  will  return  thauks  for  your 
narrow  escape  and  comp!ete  restoration.*' 

The  apothecary  turned  round  and  oponed  a  drawer. 

While  ho  was  so  engaged  his  back  was  turned  towards 
Tom,  who  leaning  quickly  forward,  dipped  his  fingers 
into  the  gapiug  coat  pocket  and  drew  forth  a  crumpled  up 
piece  of  pa). 

Before  he  had  timt-  to  look  at  it  the  apotuocary  turned 
round  and  said : 

"  Here,  my  dear  sir,  is  the  stimulant  I  spok   of." 

Then,  iu  a  toue  of  voice  strikingly  at  variance  to  thai 
which  he  had  all  along  employed,  he  exclaimed : 

''Tom  King,  I  know  you,  aud  I  claim  the  reward  !  Do 
you  feel  that  pressing  agaiujt  your  forehead  ?  Do  you 
know  what  it  is  ?  It  is  the  muzzle  of  a  pistol — a  pistol 
carefully  loaded,  aud  if  you  stir  or  offer  the  least  re- 
sistance I  will  blow  your  brains  out  aiui  say  I  did  it  is 
self-defence !" 

It  cost  Tom  a  great  effort,  but  nevertheless  he  sat  per- 
fectly still,  except  that  ho  partially  unfolded  the  crumpled 
up  paper,  and  saw  that  it  was  one  of  the  bills  contaiu'n 
a  description  of  himself. 

"  You  are  weak,"  said  the  apothecary,  excitedly — "  you 
have  not  the  strength  of  a  mouse ;  and  remember,  thi-4 
pistol  is  at  your  head.  Show  your  good  sense,  then,  by 
immediate  surrender." 

Tom  closed  his  eyes,  an«l  seemerf  as  though  he  had 
quite  swooned  away  for  the  second  time. 

The  action  threw  the    apothecary    partially   off  i.i» 


THB    JtWIOHT   9T  THB  BOAS. 


1548 


guard,  and  Tom  took  the  atmost  advantage  of  this  cir- 
cumstance. 

With  a  sudden  movement,  he  wrested  the  pistol  from 
the  apothecary's  hand,  while  at  the  same  time  he  seized 
him  by  the  throat  with  a  powerful  grasp. 

The  pain  he  endured  was  something  fearful,  but  he  did 
rot  care  for  it  now. 

"  You  rascal !"  sa  oui  "  this  is  your  piety,  to  it  ? 
K*ep  still !  D  n't  move  or  speak,  or  "  will  bo  the  worse 
for  you !" 

The  apothecarv'8  limbs  trombled  to  such  an  extent 
that  he  coula  not  stand. 

Tom  did  not  possess  the  strength  requisite  .o  hold  him 
up,  so  ho  slipped  down  and  sat  on  the  floor  in  a  very 
ignominious  manner  indeed. 

"  Go !"  ho  said  to  Tom.  "  Go  away,  and  leave  me 
here — I  will  not  try  to  molest  you  any  further !" 

"  I  cannot  believe  you,"  said  Tom,  "  or  place  the  least 
trust  in  your  words.  I  am  going  to  take  such  measures 
a*  make  my  safety  certain." 

Tom  glanced  around  him,  in  search  of  something  by 
which  he  could  secure  his  prisoner. 

He  saw  nothing,  however,  save  some  cloths,  or  rather 
towels,  some  of  which  had  boen  used  in  the  dressing  of 
his  arm. 

Taking  up  one,  he  twisted  it  rapidly  into  tho  shape  of 
a  rope ;  then,  when  Mr.  Coles  opened  his  mouth  to  speak 
again,  he  thrust  it  between  his  teeth,  and  with  nimble 
fingers  tied  it  tightly  at  the  back  of  his  head,  so  that  he 
was  most  effectually  gagged. 

A  dismal,  moaning  sound,  inaudible  at  any  distance, 
was  all  the  noise  that  he  could  make. 
,  Two  more  towels  served  excellently  well  to  confine 
nis  arms  and  ankles. 

Then  came  the  consideration,  .vhere  should  he  be 
disposed  of  until  such  time  as  Tom  could  get  safely 
away? 

This  was  rather  a  puzzling  question,  for  some  of  the 
people  belonging  to  his  household  might  enter  the  room 
the  moment  he  left  it,  and  raise  an  alarm. 

This  above  all  things  Tom  was  anxious  to  prevent  and 
at  last  he  believed  he  had  hit  upon  the  means  of  doing 
so. 

By  the  side  of  the  fireplace  he  perceived  the  door  of  a 
large  cupboard. 

The  key  was  sticking  in  the  lock,  so  Tom  unhesi- 
tatingly turned  it  and  pulled  open  the  door 

An  ejaculation  of  astonishment — almost  of  terror — 
escaped  his  lips,  for  be  suddenly  found  himself  face  to 
face  with  a  most  unexpected  object. 

This  was  the  skeleton  of  a  man,  so  placed  as  to  appear 
to  be  standing  upright  in  the  closet. 

The  white,  polished  bones,  and  the  glittering  pieces  of 
wire  by  which  they  were  fixed  together,  had  an  awfully 
ghastly  look. 

Tom  turned  round  and  looked  at  the  apothecary,  and 
he  could  tell  by  the  expression  of  his  face  that  he  rather 
enjoyed  Tom's  discomfiture. 

But  the  highwayman  did  not  allow  it  to  be  manifest, 
for,  pointing  to  the  skeleton  and  addressing  Mr.  Ooles,  he 
exclaimed : 

"  A  friend  of  yours,  I  suppose  ?  Well,  I  think  there 
is  room  for  both.  You  shall  go  in  there  and  keep  him 
company." 

The  apothecary  shook  his  head  violently. 

"  No,  you  sha'n't,"  said  Tom.  "  I  have  an  idea— a  very 
good  idea."    ■ 

What  it  was  will  quickly  be  seen. 

The  apothecary,  with  glaring  eyes,  watched  every  one 
of  Tom's  movements,  all  the  while  feeling  a  most  un- 
comfortable sensation  in  his  breast. 

First  of  all,  Tom  found  that  the  skeleton  was  sus- 
pended in  the  cupboard  by  means  of  a  piece  of  wire 
hooked  over  a  nail. 

To  take  the  framework  of  bones  down  was  theicfm  an 
easy  matter. 

Having  done  so,  he  dragged  it  with  him  a  short  dis- 
tance, and  placed  it  in  the  old-fashioned  arra-tbair  in 
which  the  apothecary  usually  sat. 

A  cloak  was  hanging  up  behind  the  door,  and  in  this, 
with  a  little  trouble,  Tom  carefully  enveloped  the  skele- 
ton. 
Then  pulling  off  the  apothecary's  wig  and  spectacles, 

fee  placed  them  on  the  skeleton's  head,  surmounting  the 


whole  by  a  three-cornered  hat  that  he  had  found  hanging 
up  along  with  the  cloak. 

The  appearance  produced  by  this  object  was  horrifying 
in  the  extreme,  and  would  surely  be  sufficient  almost  to 
terrify  to  death  anyone  who  came  upon  it  at  unawares. 

The  white,  polished,  long  face  had  truly  a  horrible  ap- 
pearance, whicn  was  heightened  by  the  incongruous  ob- 
jects placed  about  it.  Most  especially  did  the  huge  horn 
spectacles  add  to  this  appearance. 

Tom  had  a  little  trouble  in  forcing  the  skeleton  to  sit 
sufficiently  upright,  but  even  this  difficulty  was  overcome, 
and  then  he  carefully  arranged  the  folds  of  the  cloak  in 
such  a  manner  that  one  of  the  white,  ghastly  skeleton 
ban 's  was  plainly  shown  upon  the  black  cloth,  which 
made  its     hiteness  appear  all  the  more  striking. 

This  done,  Tom  -tepped  back  a  pace  or  two,  and  re- 
garded his  work  with  an  eye       admiration. 

Not  so  the  apothecary. 

He  gaaed  on  all  with  the  greatest  wonder  and  appre- 
hension. 

"  Now,"  said  Tom,  addressing  him,  "  I  have  a  great 
mind  to  hang  you  up  in  the  cupboard  in  the  same  way 
that  you  hung  up  the  skeleton.  I  will  not  do  so,  how- 
ever, but  I  will  place  you  there,  and  take  good  care  you 
do  not  get  out." 

It  required  all  Tom's  present  strength  to  drag  the  body 
of  the  apothecary  across  the  floor  of  the  little  parlour 
and  prop  him  up  in  the  closet. 

But,  as  has  been  stated,  he  was  a  thin,  diminutive  man, 
and  his  weight  was  a  mere  trifle. 

Having  got  him  upon  his  feet,  Tom  pushed  him  close 
against  the  wall  at  the  back  of  the  cupboard. 

The  apothecary  was  inclined  to  resist — he  did  not  like 
the  idea  of  being  locked  up  in  that  confined  space. 

And  so,  being  perfectly  helpless,  he  fell  forward  much 
in  the  same  manner  as  a  corpse  might  have  dene. 

But  Tom  pushed  him  back  with  some  vigour,  and  the 
next  moment  the  door  of  the  closet  was  closed. 

Then  came  a  dull,  heavy  thump. 

The  apothecary  had  tumbled  up  against  it. 

The  highwayman  turned  the  key,  took  it  out  of  the 
lock,  and  consigned  it  to  his  pocket. 

Then,  tapping  on  the  woodwork,  he  said  : 

"  Good  morning,  Mr.  Coles !  I  hope  you  will  make 
yourself  as  comfortable  as  circumstances  will  admit !  I 
rather  think  you  will  remain  there  for  some  time.  Who- 
ever com«s  into  tho  room  next  will  be  rather  startled." 

Just  "-hen  Tom  heard  a  footstep  approaching,  so  he 
considered  it  was  high  time  to  be  off. 

He  gave  one  parting  glance  at  the  skeleton,  whose  as- 
pect appeared  to  be  even  more  horrible  than  at  first,  and 
then  opened  the  door. 

On  the  threshold  he  met  some  one  that  ho  took  to  be  a 
maid-of-all-work. 

She  started  on  seeing  Tom,  and  then  said : 

"  Oh,  if  you  please,  sir,  is  Mr.  Coles  in  his  room  ?" 

"  Yes,"  said  Tom,  "  and  I  don't  think  he  wishes  to  be 
disturbed." 

"  Oh,  never  mind  his  wishes !"  was  the  reply.  "  Missis 
wants  him,  so  he  must  come !" 

With  these  words  the  girl  brushed  past  Tom  King, 
pushed  open  the  door  of  the  room  abruptly,  and  ad- 
vanced about  half  a  dozen  steps  before  she  noticed  the 
figure  seated  in  the  arm-chair. 

The  cloak — which,  oddly  enough,  the  apothecary  some- 
times wore  indoors,  because  he  complained  so  of  the  cold — 
the  three-cornered  hat,  and  the  wig  were  quite  familiar 
to  the  girl's  eyes,  but  she  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  skeN- 
ton's  face  and  the  bony  hand. 

She  stopped  short,  and  uttered  a  dismal  shriek. 

At  the  same  moment  a  horrible,  rumbling,  thumping 
noise  assailed  her  ears,  accompanied  by  a  muffled  groan. 

j. he  girl  "responded  by  another  shriek,  and  fell  down 
face  foremost  on  the  floor. 

Tom  heard  more  footsteps  approaching,  and  so  ueai  a 
precipitate  retreat. 

"  I  should  like  to  know  how  it  all  £<.<-*  on,"  he  mur- 
mured, "but  can't  stay.  I  rather  fancy  there  will  be  a 
slight  commotion  in  the  village  before  nmny  hours  pass 
away.  Well,  so  murh  the  better — they  will  be  all  the 
less  likely  to  thiuk  about  me." 

With   this  philosophical  remark,   Tom  mounted    liia 
horse  and  rode  off. 
Juit  m  ho  did  bo,  he  saw  a  window  in  the  apothecary'* 


1544 


BLACK     BBS!;     OK, 


house  was  dashed  open,  and  a   female  voice  shrieked 

oat: 
"  Oh,  murder— murder  1    Help— help  I    Murder !" 
Tom  King  took  no  further  notice,  but,  trotting  round 

a  corner  of  the  lane,  was  in  a  moment  lost  to  sight. 


CHAPTER  CMXLIIL 

DESCRIBES   HOW   A  TROOP   OF     POLICE   OFFICERS   aSBIVED 
RATHER    UNEXPECTEDLY   AT   THE   VILLAGE 

Before  following  Tom  King  and  relating  the  further 
adventures  which  befel  him  at  the  hall,  it  is  necessary 
that  we  should  take  a  brief  glance  at  the  proceedings  iu 
the  village — proceedings  that  resulted  ia  very  serious 
consequences,  for  Torn  was  quite  wrong  in  flunking  that 
he  had  heard  the  last  of  the  joke. 

The  violent  outcry,  then,  was  made  by  the  v*ife  of  the 
apothecary,  who  was  almost  beside  herself  with  terror. 

She  had  caught  one  glimpse  of  her  servant  girl  lfing, 
as  it  appeared  to  her,  dead  upon  the  parlour  floor,  and  of 
the  skeleton  seated  in  the  arm-chair. 

In  the  deep,  sleepy  silence  which  invariably  prevailed 
in  the  village,  her  outcries  were  distinctly  heard,  and 
soon  several  neighbours  came  hurrying  forwards  to  learn 
what  was  the  matter 

"  Murder !"  shrieked  Mrs.  Coles.  "  Oh,  murder— mur- 
der !     There's  a  double  murder  in  the  house  !" 

On  receipt  of  this  intimation,  those  who  had  drawn 
near  the  apothecary's  house  drew  back,  uttering  dismal 
shrieks. 

Soon,  however,  men  were  seen  running  hastily  towards 
them. 

Some  came  from  the  alehouse,  others  from  the  places 
where  they  had  been  engaged  in  working. 

Strangely  enough,  the  first  man  who  passod  through 
the  garden  gate  was  the  landlord  of  the  alehouse,  and  ha 
was  so  short  and  so  stout,  so  scant  of  breath,  and  so 
chronically  red  in  the  face,  that  it  was  quite  a  wonder 
now  he  could  have  contrived  to  move  himself  so  quickly. 

The  unusual  exertion  deprived  him  of  the  power  of 
speech,  and  after  his  arrival  all  he  could  do  was  to  goggle 
his  eyes  fearfully,  and  gasp  like  some  huge  fish  suddenly 
thrown  upon  the  shore. 

Then  came  the  smith,  and  after  him  the  cooper,  who 
also  filled  the  office  of  parish  constable,  and  behind  him 
again  came  his  assistant. 

"  Come  in  !"  shrieked  Mrs.  Coles,  weeping  and  wring- 
ing her  hands.  "  Oh,  do  come  in — somebody  come  in 
and  see  the  awful  sight !" 

"  What's  the  matter  ?"  asked  the  blacksmith,  hoarsely. 

"Matter?  murder  is  the  matter!"  was  the  answer. 
"  Why  don't  you  come  in  and  look  ?  I  can  see  you  there, 
Mr.  Peters ;  why  don't  you  set  the  example  of  ooming 
forward  ?" 

This  was  addressed  to  the  parish  constable. 

"I  am  coming  ma'am,"  he  answered — "I  am  coming; 
but  perhaps  you'd  be  kind  enough  to  run  downstairs  and 
open  the  door,  or  shall  we  break  it  in  ?•" 

"  No,  no— I  will  come  down,"  was  the  reply.  "  Wait 
a  minute,  I'll  come  down." 

She  disappeared  at  once  from  the  window,  and  then 
the  constable,  facing  round  and  addressing  the  men, 
said : 

"  I  call  upon  you  all,  as  good  men  and  true,  to  assist 
me  in  this  matter  !  If  it  is  murder,  the  guilty  man  may 
be  in  the  house,  and  if  so,  you  must  assist  me  to  capture 
him." 

Just  then  the  front  door  was  thrown  open,  and  Mrs. 
Coles  made  a  dash  to  get  outside. 

The  constable  stepped  out  of  the  way  immediately, 
and  addressing  the  others,  he  cried  afMr  the  manner  of 
some  gallant  generals  : 

"Forward— forward!     Enter!    I  will  follow!" 

But  the  villagers  bv  no  means  saw  tho  force  of  this 
arrangement ;  thev  resolutely  refused  to  stir,  while  they 
cried : 

"  No— no,  Mr.  Peters,  it's  your  place  to  go  first.  C«.  e 
now,  no  shirking,  we'll  back  you  up  !" 

Mr.  Peters  looked  as  though  he  should  prefer  backin  • 
ont  of  the  whole  affair,  but  he  was  afraid  to  say  as  much 

At  length  the  villagers  fairly  clustered  round  him,  and 
drove  him  to  the  front  door  of  the  house. 

In  spite  of  all  his  straggles  and  resistance,  the  shop  wm 


entered  and  crossed,  and  the  door  leading  into  the  little 
parlour  reached. 

They  stopped  a  moment  on  *fc«  fereekoltU 

"Th— th — tnene'a  nobody  here!"  said  Mr.  Petal*, 
speaking  as  well  as  his  chattering  teeth  would  allow 
him  — "  th — th — there's  nobody  here  I" 

Just  then  an  awful  cry  came  upon  their  ears,  yet  it 
was  not  a  cry  either  nor  a  groan,  nor  a  moan,  nor,  in 
fact,  any  specific  sound  for  which  there  is  a  name. 

It  was  something  compounded  of  all  these,  yet  seeming 
dull  and  muffled,  and  mingled  with  it  was  an  odd.  lumber- 
ing, thumping  noise. 

" Murder !" roared  the  constable — "murder!  Let  me 
out — let  me  out!     1  can't  stay  here  !" 

But  by  this  time  the  apothecary's  shop  was  filled  with 
people,  and  so  densely  packed  were  they  that  it  was  im- 
possible for  those  who  had  already  entered  to  pass  out 
again. 

Not  one  who  heard  the  horrible  sounds  could  control 
their  consternation. 

Faces  dirty  and  begrimed  by  labour  turned  ghastly 
white,  and,  what  was  the  greatest  phenomenon  of  all,  the 
ruby  countenance  of  the  alehouse  landlord  blanched 
also. 

The  fearful  sound  was  repeated  again  and  again,  or  it 
would  be  more  correct  to  6ay  it  never  ceased. 

"  It — it  comes  from  that  room,"  remarked  the  constable, 
presently.     "  What  can  it  be  ?" 

"  Push  the  door  open  a  little  wider,"  was  the  reply. 
"  There  can  be  no  harm  in  doing  that.  Then  perhaps 
we  shall  see." 

Fortunately  for  the  constable,  one  of  the  villagers  had 
entered  armed  with  a  pitchfork,  and  this  he  passed  over 
the  heads  of  the  rest  as  he  said  : 

"Here,  Muster  Peters,  just  gi'e  the  door  a  poke  wi 
tb»t  I" 

The  constable  complied  with  this  demand,  and  slowly 
and  creakingly  the  door  was  pushed  open  upon  its 
hinges. 

Then  truly  was  an  awful  sight  presented  to  their  no- 
tice. 

The  servant  girl  still  lay  stretched  insensible  upon  the 
floor,  and  ttare  sat  the  skeleton  in  the  apothecary's  an  j. 
chair,  looking,  if  possible,  more  hideous  than  ever,  fo*  the 
slight  wind  coming  through  the  open  window,  which 
had  blown  the  door  to  again,  had  also  disarr  anged  the 
bony  framework  so  that  the  head  was  inclined  to  one 
side,  after  the  manner  of  the  attitude  some  people  are  apt 
to  assume  when  they  wish  to  appear  particularly  knowing 
or  cunning. 

Such  a  sight  as  this  was  one  for  which  the  villagers 
were  not  prepared. 

They  stood  as  if  suddenly  turned  to  stone  ;  literally  they 
were  rooted  to  the  spot — not  o^e  could  have  stirred,  had 
his  life  depended  upon  it — if„  became,  indeed,  a  difficult 
matter  even  to  breathe. 

Then  the  horrible  noise  came  again,  this  time  some- 
what louder  than  Deform. 

The  lumbering  war  more  unmistakable,  and,  as  if  by  a 
common  instinct,  al\  turned  their  eyes  in  the  direction  of 
the  cupboard  beUind  which  the  apothecary  was  stand- 
ing. 

That,  beyorjd  all  doubt,  was  the  source  from  which 
the  noise  proceeded,  but  who  was  there  among  them  bold 
enough  to  enter  that  awful  chamber,  and,  opening  the 
cupboard,  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  disturbance  ? 

Wuo  Would  venture  to  approach  the  fearful  object  sit- 
ing in  the  chair  ?  . 

Certainly  no  one  of  those  present. 

Then  the  girl  began  to  show  signs  of  returning  con- 
sciousness. 

She  moved  slightly  and  uttered  a  moaning  sound,  both 
)f  which  increased  the  terror  of  the  villagers,  if  such  a 
'i'jing  could  possibly  be. 

"  Oh  !"  she  groaned,  "  what  have  I  seen  ?  Murder — 
murder !" 

"  Take  notice  of  that,"  said  the  constable,  in  a  deep 
tnd  warning  voice — "  take  notice  of  that '  Her  first 
words  were — '  Murder — murder  V  " 

Those  whom  he  addressed  nodded,  and  looked  as  wise 
is  they  were  able. 

Then  the  girl,  raising  her  head,  once  more  caught  sight 
>f  the  ghastly  figure  in  the  chair. 

This  time,  however,  she  did  not  faint,  bat,  in  some  is- 


THE   IfttlGUT   OF  Tn£   ROAD. 


l+it 


[THE   STRANGE  MEETING    OF   CLAUDE   DUvIl   AND  3SXTBE3  -STIUXG    JACK   AT   THE    .URNPIKE   GATE.;] 


comprehensible  fashion,  rolled,  crawled,  and  tumbled 
over  the  floor  until  she  reached  the  threshold;  then, 
raining  her  feet,  she  turned  round  and  endeavoured  to  fly. 

But  the  constable,  with  a  sudden  accession  of  valour, 
seized  her  and  held  her  tisrhtly. 

"No,"  he  said,  "not  so  fast!  You  are  my  prisonor, 
and  must  explain  the  meaning  of  all  this  !" 

This  completed  the  girl's  terror,  and  she  found  herself 
unable  to  speak  at  all. 

Meanwhile,  the  bumping  inside  the  cupboard  continued 
at  a  prodigious  rate. 

"  Speak,  wretched  girl !"  said  the  constable,  with  sur- 
prising boldness—"  speak,  I  say,  and  explain  all  this !" 

Just  then  there  was  a  louder  bump  than  usual  against 
the  cupboard  door— so  loud  a  one,  and  given  with  such 
force,  that  the  woodwork  could  not  withstand  it. 

Suddenly  the  door  flew  open,  and  out  rolled  the 
apothecary. 

ISo.  194.— Black  Bks*. 


Then  such  a  fighting  and  scrambling  to  get  out  of  the 
shop  when  they  beheld  this  strange,  singular  apparition— 
for  no  one  recognised  the  apothecary— was  something 
fearful.  .  ..  .     ., 

Shrieks     and    cries    of     every    description    rent    the 

The  apothecary  knew  that  help  was  near— it  will  bfi 
remembered  that  Tom  King  had  not  deprived  him  oi  mi 
sense  of  hearing— he  knew  all  that  had  taken  place,  »nd 
so,  most  exasperated  at  the  turn  of  affairs,  he  wonderod 
how  hi?  neighbours  could  be  so  stupid. 

Tho  roll  of  cloth  in  his  mouth  effectually  prevented 
speech:  but  in  his  struggles,  he  had  got  one  hand 
partially  at  liberty,  and  now,  after  having  rolled  over  A 
few  times  on  tfie  floor,  he  disengaged  it  entirely. 

When  this  was  done,  it  was  by  no  means  so  difficult  to 
untie  the  towel  ti»t  bound  his  feet,  and  also  the  one  twtf 
gagged  him. 


No.  194. 


Price  One  Halfpenny. 
So.  195  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


1546 


BLACK    BEB8  .    OB, 


By  the  time  he  had  accomplished  these  operations  not 
a  8oul  was  left  in  tne  shop,  which  presented  a  scene  of 
terrible  ruin  and  disorder. 

Heedless  of  all  this,  and  heedless  of  his  own  appearance, 
and  intent  only  upon  vengeance,  Mr.  Coles  mshod 
forth.  » 

Ho  saw  the  villagers  flying  before  him  lik*  *,  nack  of 
eheep. 

He  shouted  to  them  at  the  top  of  his  voice—he  waved 
his  arms,  and  called  to  them  to  come  back. 

But  the  more  he  shouted  the  faster  they  ran,  and  event- 
ually, tired  and  breathless,  he  stopped  at  the  extreme  end 
of  the  village,  while  his  neighbours  continued  their  head- 
long flight. 

The  apothecary  wiped  the  blood  and  perspiratv^  from 
his  face,  while  he  gave  utterance  to  some  very  impious 
exclamations. 

He  was  now  quite  alone  in  his  native-  village — it  was 
deserted  by  every  human  being. 

He  was  engaged  in  speculating  upon  the  means  he 
should  adopt  of  rejoining  his  companions,  or  calling  them 
to  his  side,  when  he  perceived,  approaching  from  an 
opposite  direction,  a  small  troop  of  horsemen. 

The  apothecary  cleared  his  clouded  eyes,  and  gazed 
upon  them. 

"  Officers  !"  he  cried,  with  a  shriek — "they  are  officers  ! 
How — now  I  shall  be  repaid  for  all  that  I  have  suffered 
—now,  indeed,  will  the  tables  be  turned  1" 

Without  another  word,  he  scampered  off  in  this  fresh 
direction. 

The  officers  saw  the  singular  figure  bounding  towards 
them  at  such  a  rapid  rate,  and  viewed  it  with  surprise, 
for  every  now  and  then  the  excited  apothecary  would 
miss  his  footing  and  fall  heavily  to  tho  ground. 

Then  he  would  not  stay  to  rise  again,  but  continued 
rolling  over  and  over  in  a  most  inexplicable  way,  until 
finally  he  rolled  up  on  to  his  feet,  and  continued  at  full 
speed  again. 

When  he  at  last  reached  the  officers,  he  found  himself 
unable  to  articulate  a  word  ;  wisely,  therefore,  ha  forebore 
from  making  the  attempt ;  he  knew  if  he  waited  a 
moment  he  would  soon  recover  command  of  his 
breath. 

Having  done  so,  he  exclaimed  : 

"The "reward — the  reward!  Mark  you,  I  claim  the 
reward  !  I  am  fully  and  fairly  entitled  to  it,  so  don't  try 
to  cheat  me  out  of  it !" 

"  What  reward  ?"  asked  one  of  the  officers.  "  Speak 
out,  and  tell  us  what  you  mean." 

"Why,  for  the  apprehension  of  Tom  King  !" 

''  Tom  King  ?"  they  ejaculated,  in  surprise.  "  What, 
have  you  seen  him  ?     Do  you  know  where  he  is  ?" 

"  I  have  seen  him  !  Curses  on  him  !"  was  the  reply. 
"He  has  left  me  in  this  awful  plight!  Can  you  not 
see  ?" 

"  We  do — we  do;  but  are  unable  to  comprehend  it !" 

"  Then  I  will  explain.  But  come  on,  follow  me  the 
while  ;  I  can  tell  you  while  we  are  walking!" 

Accordingly,  the  apothecary  did  so ;  but  there  is  no 
reason  why  wo  should  follow  his  version  of  the  affair, 
eince  the  facts  are  well  known  already. 

The  officers  listened  with  surprise,  and,  very  much  to 
the  little  man's  indignatiot,  roared  heartily  at  the  con- 
cluding portion  of  his  narrative. 

"  But,"  said  the  officer  in  command,  "  do  you  mean  to 
say  this  has  just  happened  ?" 

"  Well,  only  a  short  time  ago." 

"  And  you  tell  us  that  Tom  King  actually  rode 
away  ?" 

"  Well,  I  have  every  reason  to  believe  he  did.  Ho 
came  on  horseback,  and  it  is  fair  to  suppose  he  would 
depart  in  the  same  way." 

"  Then  it's  very  odd  wo  have  not  seen  him,"  continued 
the  officer,  "  for  we  have  been  closely  on  the  look-out  for 
some  hours  past.  We  kr*tv  well  enough  that  he  must  be 
in  this  part  of  the  country,  but  could  not  tell  exactly 
where." 

While  he  was  speaking,  the  officer  rai»sd  fchaselt  ia  his 
Stirrups  and  looked  keenly  around  him. 

He  was  not  able,  however,  to  catch  a  single  glimpse  of 
the  yghwayman. 

"  Which  is  yojsr  house  ?"  was  the  next  question. 

The  apothecary  pointed  to  H. 

"  Th<  a    wo  11    pay    6   riatt   there,"    was    the   reply. 


trr 


"  Perhaps  by  looking  around  us  we  shall  be  able  to  ohtalh 
some  clue  as  to  the  direction  he  has  taken." 

This  was  a  very  reasonable  idea  indeed,  and  all  felt  in 
to  be  so,  especially  the  apothecary,  who  stepped  forward 
with  greater  briskness  than  before. 

"  There's  many  a  slip  betwixt  the  cup  and  the  lip,  is 
there  not,  old  fellow?"  said  the  chief  officer,  with  a  grin. 
"You  thought  you  had  Tom  King  all  safe  and  mire ;  but 
he  turned  the  tables  upon  you." 

"  He  did.  But  he  cannot  have  got  far  away ;  remember, 
it  is  broad  daylight — he  must  re  close  at  baud." 

"I  am  surprised  that  ho  s^nuM  venture  out  during  the 
di?y ;  but,  of  course,  it  wonM  be  >he  pain  of  his  wound 
that  would  force  him  to  adt  y',  this  course.  The  las^al  is 
well  mounted,  and  unless  we  cau  eet  a  change  of  horses 
I  fear  we  shall  stand  out  a  poor  cnance  of  capturing  him, 
for  ours  are  completely  knocked  up ;  we  are  looking 
about  indeed  for  some  place  whero  we  can  give  them  an 
hour  or  two's  rest." 

"  Well,  then,  no  fresh  horses  are  to  be  had  in  the 
village,"  answered  the  apothecary.  "  What  is  to  be 
done  ?" 

"  I  don't  know  yet,"  was  the  answer  ;  "  but  if  he  is 
badly  hurt,  as  you  say,  he  can't  have  got  far  off ;  we  must 
come  up  with  him  ere  long." 

By  the  time  these  explanations  had  been  completed 
tho  village  was  reached,  and  the  officer  in  command,  with 
a  ready  thought,  dismounted,  ordering  his  companions  to 
do  the  same,  save  one,  in  whose  charge  the  horses  were 
left. 

"Now  ride  down  to  the  inn  yonder  with  them,  and  let 
them  hav<J  eome  hay  and  water  and  a  rub  down  ;  that  will 
be  better  than  nothing :  in  the  meantime  we  will  look 
about." 

They  pushed  through  the  gate  in  front  of  the  apothe- 
cary's house,  and  as  soon  as  they  had  done .  so,  the 
villagers,  having  recovered  a  little  from  their  absurd 
alarm,  came  creeping  slowly  back  again,  their  courage 
reviving  in  a  very  great  degree  as  they  caught  sight  of 
the  police  officers. 

The  first  visit  was  to  the  parlour,  where  the  grim 
skeleton  still  sat. 

The  officers  no  sooner  saw  it  than  they  roared  with 
laughter. 

"  It's  a  good  joke !"  said  the  one  in  command,  wiping 
the  tears  from  his  eyes — "  it's  a  capital  joke,  and  no 
mistake  I  Why,  old  fellow,  you  will  never  have  such 
another  chance  of  laying  hold  of  five  hundred  pounds  in 
your  life !" 

"  But  I  claim  the  reward !" 

"  Claim  away,"  was  tho  response.  "  Don't  you  wish 
you  may  get  it?  Now,  my  lads,  we'vo  seen  enough  here ; 
just  let  us  look  round  outside." 

To  the  outside  accordingly  they  went. 

The  apothecary  pointed  out  the  place  where  Tom's 
horse  had  been  tied. 

Marks  of  his  hoofs  were  distinctly  visible,  but  only 
just  on  the  spot  where  he  had  been  standing. 

The  road  was  hard  elsewhere,  and  showed  no  trace 
whatever. 

But  the  officers  considered  themselves  to  be  well  on  tho 
scent. 

The  apothecary's  cottage  was  a  centre  from  which  they 
could  strike  out  in  all  directions,  and  their  hypothesis  was 
that  Tom  Ji-ing  would  seek  the  nearest  place  of  shelter  he 
was  able  to  find,  in  the  hope  of  being  able  to  lie  there 
concealed  until  the  friendly  shades  of  night  should  gather 
around  him. 


CHAPTEK  CMXLIV. 

RELATES  THE  STRANGE  ADVENTURES  TOM  KINO  MET  WITH 
EJ     THE   WOOD   AT  WILFIRS   CROSS. 

Ltt.AT*SG  the  police  officers  to  follow  out  as  best  they  iaay 
the  clue  they  had  already  found  to  Tom's  whereabouts, 
we  will  return  to  the  highwayman  himself. 

When  he  trotted  away  so  composedly  from  the  apothe- 
cary's cottage,  he  little  thought  that  the  police  officers 
were  so  near  at  hand. 

And  yet,  perhaps  the  very  boldness  and  confidence 
which  this  want  of  knowledge  gave  him  added  consider- 
ably to  his  success  in  reaching  unperceived  the  ground* 
belonging  to  the  hall. 


THE   KNIGHT  OF  THB   ROAD. 


1547 


At  one  side  of  this  building  was  a  long,  peculiar  stretch 
o4  woodland. 

In  some  places  the  trees  grew  so  densely  that  it  was 
tlmost  impossible  to  force  a  passage  between  their  trunks, 
•n  others  the  trees  were  wide  apart. 

Nevertheless,  the  line  of  what  might  almost  bo  called 
forest  was  unbroken. 

It  stretched  away  for  a  distance  of  upwards  Oi  two 
miles — one  end  far  in  the  open  country,  the  other  close  to 
the  eastern  wing  of  the  hall. 

So  conspicuous  an  object  as  this  could  not  fail  to  be 
perceived,  and  Tom  King  immediately  made  Uis  way 
towards  it  at  the  nearest  point,  feeling  suro  fchat  beneath 
its  umbrageous  shades  ,"ie  should  be  better  secured  from 
observation  than  elsewhere. 

Just  then,  before  the  officers  reached  the  summit  of  a 
hill  commanding  this  portion  of  the  country,  Tom  King 
trotted  his  horse  gently  beneath  the  overhanging 
boughs. 

He  was  in  a  moment  lost  to  sigh*,. 

He  glanced  around  him  with  considerable  curiosity 
and  interest. 

The  wood  was  one  of  great  antiquity,  as  was  evidenced 
by  the  gigantic  size  of  some  of  the  trees,  and  he  could 
also  tell  that  human  footsteps  rarely  pressed  the  ground 
over  which  he  was  then  passing. 

Under  cover  of  this  dense  foliage,  it  was  the  easiest 
matter  in  the  world  for  Tom  King  to  draw  quite  close  to 
the  hall  without  being  seen  by  anyone,  and  this  was  the 
first  thing  he  set  about  attempting. 

He  came  at  last  to  one  portion  which  had  evidently 
been  set  aside  as  a  plantation. 

Game  was  abundant,  and  at  every  step  he  disturbed  so 
much  that  Tom  began  to  feel  apprehensive  that  the  un- 
usual commotion  among  the  inmates  of  this  place  would 
betray  his  presence. 

For  this  reason,  he  turned  off  to  the  right,  intending  to 
skirt  the  plantation  as  much  as  possible. 

In  doing  so,  he  found  that  its  width  was  not  great,  and 
that  one  side  of  it  bordered  the  road  leading  from  the 
village  up  to  the  hall. 

From  the  plantation  a  full  view  could  be  had  of  .  the 
road  for  a  considerable  distance ;  but  as  no  one  seemed 
near,  and  as  no  sound  broke  the  silence,  Tom  pushed 
steadily  on. 

Passing  the  plantation,  he  came  to  what  was  probably, 
many  years  ago,  a  shrubbery. 

But  now  the  dwarfed  trees  of  which  it  was  composed 
had  been  suffered  to  grow  wild. 

The  winding  paths  were  choked  up  with  weeds  and 
brambles,  and  the  whole  place  had  that  aspect  of  neglect 
and  desolation  which  so  soon  shows  itself  when  any 
cultivated  piece  of  land  is  allowed  to  return  to  a  primitive 
wildness. 

This  was  as  near  to  the  hall  as  Tom  thought  it  would 
bo  prudent  to  venture. 

Accordingly,  he  seeked  a  retired  spot,  which  he  only 
reached  by  forcing  a  passage  for  himself  and  steed 
through  what  was  almost  an  impenetrable  thicket. 

Here  removing  some  of  the  trappings  of  his  horse,  he 
unbuckled  the  rein  on  one  side  of  the  bit  and  used  the 
thong  of  leather  as  a  means  to  prevent  his  horse  from 
straying  too  far  away. 

He  secured  him  with  it  to  the  branch  of  a  tree  in  such 
a  manner,  however,  as  not  to  prevent  the  horse  from  feed- 
ing at  pleasure  on  the  tall,  luxuriant  grass  that  was 
everywhere  around. 

The  steed  being  thus  disposed  of,  Tom  began  to  look 
About  him  for  some  place  when,  t»3  might  i3:ek  repose  him- 
self. 

A  long  time  had  elapsed  sine?  '^e  nad  taken  any  rest, 
and  he  was  fully  conscious  that  if  he  could  only  lie  down 
somewhere  and  go  to  sleep,  he  should  awake  greatly  re- 
freshed, and  that  it  would  do  his  wonud  more  good 
*han  aught  else. 

But  for  the  pain  he  felt  in  his  arm  to  woula  have 
climbed  one  of  the  troes  and  concealed  hiiuself  among  its 
dense  foliage.    ^ 

This,  howover,  he  felt  to  be  quite  out  of  the  qwsiion. 

It  is  certain  that  if  the  highwayman  had  had  the  least 
suspicion  that  the  police  officers  were  so  near  at  hand- 
that,  in  fact,  they  were  absolutely  upon  his  track  and 
searching  for  him  in  every  direction — the  thought  of  going 
to  sleep  wouM  never  have  entered  his  mind. 


Pushing  his  way  through  another  part  of  the  thickeS, 
Tom  suddenly  found  himself  in  view  of  a  strange,  ruinous, 
yet  picturesque-looking  building. 

He  did  not  need  a  second  glance  to  show  him  that  at 
some  time  or  other  it  had  beon  a  summer-house,  and  there 
were  indications  that  it  had  Deen  most  tastefully  built  and 
decorated. 

Now  tho  woodwork,  of  which  it  was  chiefly  composed, 
was  thickly  overgrown  with  green  moss,  the  growth  of 
which  was  not  a  little  promoted  by  a  large  pool  of  stagnant 
water  that  partially  surrounded  it. 

Although  so  close  to  Wiltir  Hall,  it  would  have  been 
easy  for  anyone  to  believe  this  ruined  summer-house 
to  be  miles  and  miles  from  any  human  dwelling. 

Profound  silence  was  around— such  a  silence  as  is  found 
only  in  the  depths  of  a  huge  wood. 

"It  seems  tome,"  murmured  Tom,  to  himself,  "  that  uo 
one  has  trodden  these  neglected,moss-grown  paths  for  ages, 
and  I  should  think  few  people  would  visit  that  rotten  old 
summer-house  from  choice.  I  think  I  might  venture  to 
enter  it,  and  lie  down  there  to  sleep — at  any  rate,  let  the 
risk  be  what  it  may,  I  will  do  so." 

Without  another  moment's  hesitation,  then,  Tom  King 
stepped  quickly  across  the  little  open  space  before  the 
door  of  the  summer-house,  and  entered  the  building. 

A  strong,  disagreeable  odour  of  dead  leaves  and  de- 
caying vegetation  saluted  his  nostrils,  and  the  atmosphere 
within  was  so  damp  that  it  sent  a  shiver  through  his  en- 
tire being. 

"  Not  over  comfortable  quarters,"  muttered  Tom,  his 
teeth  chattering  slightly  as  he  spoke.  "  Yet  still  I  may 
be  safe,  and,  after  all,  that  is  the  principal  consideration, 
even  though  I  do  catch  an  ague  by  sleeping  here." 

A  dim,  dusky  kind  of  twilight  prevailed  in  the  interior 
of  the  summer-house,  and  so  he  had  to  grope  his  way 
forward  until  he  reached  the  side  opposite  to  the  door- 
way. 

Then,  selecting  what  seemed  to  him  the  darkest  corner 
of  alJ,  he  gathered  together  a  number  of  dry  loaves  that 
had  been  blown  in  by  the  wind,  and,  having  arranged 
them  something  in  the  shape  of  a  couch,  lay  down  to 


So  entirely  was  he  overcome  by  long  want  of  rest, 
fatigue,  and  the  exhaustion  consequent  on  the .  loss  of 
blood  he  had  sustained,  that  scarcely  had  he  settled  him- 
self in  a  tolerably  comfortable  posture  than  his  eyes 
closed,  and  in  a  few  momonts  he  was  in  a  deep  slumber, 
from  which  it  would  have  required  some  very  unusual 
noise  to  have  awakened  him. 

How  long  he  might  have  remained  in  this  position  ha 
knew  not,  and  had  no  means  of  ascertaining. 

He  fancied,  however,  at  last,  that  he  began  to  dream, 
and  his  dream  was  that  two  persons  were  at  no  great  dis- 
tance from  him,  converging  together  in  low  but  earnest 
tones. 

He  strained  his  ears  and  listened,  but,  to  his  surprise, 
could  not  make  out  a  syllable  of  what  was  said. 

Then  shortly  afterwards  he  became  aware  that  he  was 
not  in  reality  dreaming,  but  that  he  had  just  woke  up 
from  his  deep  sleep. 

He  almost  started  with  surprise  when,  on  opening  his 
eyes  and  looking  around  him,  he  found  that  the  intericn 
of  the  summer-house  was  much  darker  t'nan  it  was  when 
he  closed  his  eyes. 

Then  it  was  only  dusky  and  obscure — now  it  was  pro- 
foundly dark,  save  and  except  that  he  could  perceive 
through  the  open  doorway  a  small  patch  of  night 
sky. 

B<>t  Jhe  voices  continued,  and  tho  next  thing  Tom 
xada  cut  was  that  two  persous  were  standing  near  the 
door  of  tha  summer-house  conversing  with  each 
other.  3 

"Do  not  think  of  leaving  yet,  Ernest,"  said  a  voice, 
the  tones  of  which  sounded  strangely  familiar  to  Tom's 
ears — "  do  not  think  of  leaving  yet.  Who  can  say  what 
changes  may  take  place  when  Roderic  returns  ?v 

By  tho  time  the  voice  had  finished  speaking,  Tom  was 
able  to  make  out  where  he  had  heard  it  before. 

It  was  as  he  was  leaving  ti-.e  hall  early  in  the  mora- 
"I will  stay,  Ellen,  if  you  wish  it,"  said  a  male  voice 
— a  I  will  stay,  because  I  can  refuse  nothing  which  you 
ask." 

"I  care  not  for  the  reason,"  was  the  faint  reply,  "se 


1548 


BLACK     BESS  ;    OK, 


that  you  promise  to  remain.  I  have  a  kind  of  presenti- 
ment that  Roderic  will  smooth  over  all  matters  and  make 
your  absence  at  all  unnecessary." 

"You  speak  like  one  ignorant  of  the  world,"  was  the 
reply.  "  Your  brother  cannot  but  be  fully  aware  of  his 
true  position — he  must  know  that,  once  again  ••""^srnised 
as  Sir  Ralph's  son,  he  will  be  entitled  to  rank  wnii  the 
first  gentlemen  in  the  county.  He  will  naturally  expect 
that  you  will  do  something  to  extend,  or,  at  any  rate, 
keep  up  his  influence,  and  when  he  learns  that  you  have 
been  so  uuwise  as  to  bestow  your  affections  on  a  b«unt>le 
dependant  like  myself " 

"  No,  no — not  unwise — surely  not  unwise .'"  she  inter- 
rupted. 

But  her  companion,  without  heeding  the  interruption, 
continued : 

"And  above  all,  when  he  learns  that  I  have  been  so 
forgetful  of  myself — so  base,  so  ungenerous  as  to  make 
known  my  own  affection,  his  breast  will  be  filled  with 
anger,  he  will  forget  the  happy  days  we  spent  together 
years  ago— he  will  have  me  driven  ignominiously 
forth." 

"Oh,  Ernest,"  answered  the  young  girl,  speaking  with 
difficulty  through  her  tears,  "you  fill  my  heart  with 
sorrow,  and  yet  I  trust  that  iu  all  y».u  say  you  may  be 
mistaken.  I  know  my  brother  better  than  you  do;  be- 
sides, there  is  my  father,  and  if  he  could  once  be  relieved 
from  my  stepmother's  influence,  I  am  sure  ho  would 
gladly  give  his  consent  and  approval,  for  you  are  a 
favourite  of  his,  and  he  so  much  values  my  happiness 
that  he  would  refuse  mo  nothing." 

41  Well,  well — it  may  bo  so,"  said  the  young  man, 
soothingly,  "  but  I  am  afraid  to  flatter  myself  with  such 
hopes,  lest  my  disappointment  should  be  greater  than  1 
can  bear." 

"At  any  rate,  promise  not  to  be  hasty;  do  not  leave 
here  until  I  have  seen  Roderic,  and  until  you  have  seen 
him,  too." 

"I  promise  readily;  and  now,  although  I  would  gladly 
linger,  let  us  leave  this  place ;  the  air  m  cold  and  damp, 
and  cannot  but  injuriously  affect  you.  A  few  more 
moments  of  happiness,  then  we  must  part." 

With  a  slow,  lingering  step,  the  lovers  left  the  door- 
way of  the  summer-house. 

As  soon  as  they  had  departed,  Tom  King  rose  to  his 
feet. 

"Oh,"  he  ejaculated,  "  that's  how  the  land  lies,  is  it? 
Well,  I  comprehend  the  situation  ol  affairs  at  the  hall 
much  better  than  I  did.  And  as  for  you,"  he  continued, 
glancing  in  the  direction  the  lovers  had  taken,  "  I  will 
try  what  my  intercession  can  do  on  your  behalf.  Now, 
then,  for  action." 

When  Tom  emerged  from  the  summer-house  he  glanced 
around  him,  but  found  no  one  in  sight  or  hearing. 

Accordingly,  he  gave  himself  another  hearty  shake,  en- 
deavouring by  this  means  to  promote  the  circulation  ot 
his  blood,  fon  his  sleep  on  the  damp  leaves  had  chilled 
him  to  the  bone. 

This  done,  he  looked  to  his  weapons,  and  having  seen 
them  in  proper  order,  moved  off  in  the  direction  ol  the 
spot  where  he  had  left  his  horse. 

When  just  about  to  break  through  the  thicket,  how- 
ever, he  heard  a  slow  and  heavy  footstep  somewhere 
close  at  hand. 

He  became  motionless  instantly,  and  bent  all  his  ener- 
gies to  the  faculty  ot  listening. 

The  footstep  became  more  and  more  distinct,  and  Tom 
fixed  his  eyes  in  the  direction  from  which  the  sound 
came. 

Then  emerging  and  growing  as  it  were  out  of  tbfl  sur- 
rounding gloom,  he  perceived  the  bulky  figure  of  a 
man. 

Tom  did  not  venture  to  breathe. 

He  trusted  that  the  trees  close  against  whioh  he  stood 
would  render  him  invisible. 

Nearer  and  nearer  came  this  man,  and  on  a  clo«?r  ap- 
proach Tom  recognised  him. 

It  was  the  man  he  had  seen  tampering  with  the  letter- 
bag — the  under-steward,  in  fact,  for  such  was  the  pest  he 
was  supposed  to  fill. 

Tom  began  to  be  afraid  that  his  intention  was  to  pene- 
trate the  very  thicket  close  to  which  he  stood ;  but  his 
alarm  on  this  point  was  quickly  dissipated,  for  the  under - 
eieward  turned  sharply  to  the  loft,  walkiug  ou  at    the 


same  sharp  pace,  and  taking  a  course  that  was  cu»> 
paratively  spoaking  freo  from  trees. 

Tom  watched  him  until  he  was  almost  out  of  sight,  and 
then  he  thought  to  himself  : 

"  Surely  the  chief  thing  I  have  to  do  in  this  affair  is  to 
keep  the  closest  possible  watch  upon  this  man  and  his 
proceedings.  What  can  I  do  better  than  dog  his  footstepg 
and  see  where  he  is  going  at  this  lonely  hour  with  so 
much  seency  and  caution  ?" 

Almost  bjforo  he  had  finished  these  reflections,  Tom 
King  was  treading  stealthily  and  noiselessly  in  the  steps 
of  the  under-steward,  following  him  like  his  shadow,  and 
screening  himself  from  observation  by  means  of  the  thick 
trunks  of  the  old  trees. 

He  was  not  long  in  finding  that  the  direction  the  under- 
steward  was  taking  led  to  the  plantation. 

Ho  did  not  panetrate  into  its  recesses,  howover,  but 
kept  upon  its  outer  edge  until  he  again  turned  to  the  right, 
and  was  almost  lost  to  sight  among  the  underwood. 

Tom  followed  closely,  but  with  redoubled  caution,  for 
not  only  was  the  nature  of  the  ground  such  as  to  render 
noiseless  progress  almost  impossible,  but  just  then  the 
full  moon  rose  up  clear  and  bright  from  behind  a  low 
bank  of  clouds  on  the  horizon. 

All  at  once  the  under-steward  paused,  and  so  did 
Tom. 

The  two  men  were  then  something  more  than  a  hun- 
dred yards  apart. 

Tom  crouched  down  among  the  luxurious  undor- 
growth,  and  fortunate  it  was  that  he  did  so,  for  the 
under-steward,  turning  round,  and  shading  his  eyes  with 
his  hand,  looked  peoringly  and  scrutinisingly  in  evety 
direction. 

Then,  apparently  satisfied  that  he  was  alone,  he  himself 
crouched  down  behind  the  massive  trunk  of  a  huge  tree, 
that  probably  had  been  blown  down  by  tho  wind. 

So  great  was  the  thickness  of  this  fallen  trunk,  that, 
when  the  under-steward  crouched  down  behind  it,  he 
was  almost  hidden  from  observation. 

Tom  wondered  what  he  could  want  there. 

But  for  the  rustling  and  sighing  of  the  wind  among  the 
tree-tops,  a  profound  silence  prevailed. 

Time  passed  on. 

The  under-stoward  made  no  movement,  but  Tom  King, 
little  by  little,  decreased  the  distance  between  them. 

Higher  and  higher  rose  tho  moon,  and  presently  Tom 
found,  oa  getting  nearer  to  the  under-steward,  that  the 
position  the  latter  had  taken  up  was  such  as  commanded 
a  full  view  of  the  lane  leadiug  from  tho  village  to  the 
hall,  along  which  Tom  King  had  himself  so  lately 
passed. 

Just  as  he  made  this  discovery,  Tom  King  remembered 
the  strange-looking  firearm  which  he  had  caught  the 
under-steward  so  sedulously  polishing,  and  then  it  flashed 
into  his  mind  with  great  suddenness  and  with  the  full 
force  of  a  conviction,  that  this  man  was  lying  in  wait 
there  for  some  one,  who  would  be  favoured  with  tho  con- 
tents of  the  weapon. 

Tom  determined  to  creep  closer  still,  so  as  to  baulk 
him  in  his  purpose,  but  just  then  he  heard  a  faint  sound, 
and  directly  afterwards  the  dusky-looking  figure  of  a 
man,  wrapped  in  a  large  riding-cloak,  came  into  view. 

As  he  advanced,  the  moonlight  shining  upon  him  dis- 
played his  farm  with  great  distinctness. 


CHAPTER  CMXLV. 

THE  ASSASSINATION  IN  THE  WOOD  AT  WILFIRS  CROSS. 

As  quick  as  thought  the  undar-steward  raised  his  gun. 

He  rested  the  barrel  upon  a  projecting  branch  of  the 
old  trunk,  and  took  a  rapid  yet  steady  aim. 

Tom  guessed  his  fa^a.  purpose,  and  sprang  forward. 

But  his  interference  came  too  late. 

There  was  no  sound,  no  report,  or  puff  of  smoke,  but 
the  stranger  in  the  cloak  uttered  an  odd,  gasping  cry, 
clasped  his  hands  over  his  breast,  and  fell  heavily  to  the 
ground. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  Tom  pounced  upon  lh« 
under-steward  from  behind. 

A  yell  of  fear  and  rage  broke  from  his  lips  when  he 
found  himself  roughly  grasped. 

"  Villain — murderer  !"  cried  Tom,  closing  with  him, 
and  putting  forth  his  best  strength ;  "you  have  beensee^ 
and  shall  at  least  reap  the  reward  of  your  villany !" 


KNIGHT  Of  THB  ROAB. 


1549 


The  midden  surprise  bereft  the  murderer  of  all  his 
■trength  and  presence  of  mind. 

lie  became  immediately  as  helpless  as  a  child  £a  the 
highwayraai's  hands. 

Tom  picked  up  the  gun,  in  which  he  felt  strangely  in- 
terested, and  with  the  other  hand  twisted  tightly  into  the 
thick  neckcloth  of  the  under-steward,  he  dragged  him 
forcibly  in  the  direction  of  the  spot  where  Hie  woundod 
stranger  lay. 

How  bitterly  Tom  regretted  not  being  in  time,  for  his 
heart  told  him  who  this  stranger  was. 

Most  certainly  it  was  the  baronet's  eldest,  disowned  «m, 
making  his  way  back  to  entreat  his  father's  forgive- 
ness. 

Now  ho  had  been  cut  short  by  death,  or,  at  le&SL,  Tom 
feared  so,  for  the  distance  was  so  short,  and  the  steward's 
facility  for  taking  aim  so  great,  that  it  was  sc-tmely  pos- 
sible for  him  to  have  escaped  a  fatal  injury. 

Yet  this  was  a  point  he  resolved  to  ascertain  without 
delay,  and  so,  as  we  have  said^  he  dragged  his  prisoner 
after  him. 

The  plantation  was  only  separated  from  the  lane  by  a 
hedge  so  low  that  Tom  had  not  the  least  difficulty  in 
stepping  over  it. 

The  steward  tried  to  step  over  it  too,  but  he  failed,  and 
was  scratched  rather  unpleasantly  by  the  thorns. 

"Down  on  your  knees,"  said  Tom,  as  soon  as  he 
reached  tho  middle  of  the  lane — "  down  on  your  knees, 
villain,  and  if  you  make  a  single  movement  it  shall  be 
your  last !    Mind  that !" 

Tom  produced  his  pistol  as  he  spoke,  then  bent  down 
over  the  cloaked  figure. 

Tom  did  not  perceive  it  just  then,  but  a  remarkable 
change  now  came  over  the  under-steward's  countenance. 

Absolutely  it  seemed  to  stiffen  with  horror.  His  jaw 
dropped,  and  his  eyes  assumed  a  strange,  glaring  stare,  his 
6ngers  worked  convulsively,  and  he  seemed  as  though  he 
was  struggling  to  gasp  out  some  word. 

He  bent  forward,  too,  as  far  as  he  was  able,  and  in  his 
anxiety  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  stranger's  countenance 
he  evidently  forgot  his  own  peril — forgot  everything. 

But  the  stranger  having  fallen  to  the  ground  upon  his 
face,  Tom  was  under  the  necessity  of  rolling  him  over. 

This  was  quickly  done,  and  then  his  features  were 
clearly  revealed  by  the  light  of  the  clear,  shining  full 
moon. 

The  countenance  disclosed  was  that  of  a  young  man, 
probably  not  more  than  five-and-twenty  years  of  age, 
but  upon  whose  face  there  was  the  mark  left  by  long 
days  and  nights  of  dissipation,  and  although  all  the 
features  were  now  in  calm  repose,  the  face  was  a  most 
unpleasant  one  to  look  at. 

An  awful  wringing  cry  coming  at  this  moment  from 
the  undcr-stewerd's  lips  made  Tom  start  up,  then,  looking 
at  him,  he  noted  the  change  we  have  described. 

The  murderer  fought  madly  with  his  hands  ;  he  strug- 
gled and  tugged  at  his  throat  as  though  there  was  some- 
thing there  that  impeded  his  utterance— something  that 
he  could  tear  away. 

At  last,  after  many  ineffectual  efforts,  he  dragged  him- 
self forward  on  his  knees  for  a  few  paces,  and  flung  him- 
self upon  the  inanimate  body. 

"Alfred — Alfred,"  ho  cried,  in  tones  that  were  truly 
awful  to  listen  to — "  my  boy,  my  son,  look  up !  Do  not 
remain  so  still !  Surely  you  are  not  dead — you  must  not, 
cannot  be  !  Awake — awake!  Oh,  what  wild,  foolish  folly 
was  it  that  brought  you  to  this  spot  to-night  ?  Speak — 
make  some  slight  movement — show  me  that  yo»  are  yet 
alive  r 

But  no  movement  followed,  nor  could  the  anxious  man 
detect  a  breath. 

With  trembling,  unsteady  fingers  he  undid  his  son's 
apparel,  and  endeavoured  to  place  his  hand  above  t&e 
region  of  the  heart. 

This  revelation,  so  awful,  and  made  so  unexpectedly, 
had  for  a  moment  or  so  the  effect  of  paralysing  Tom  King 
completely. 

He  could  only  stand  quite  still,  gazing  on  without  6oaud 
or  motion. 

"  Then  this  is  not  Roderic  ?"  ho  managed  to  exclaim 
at  last.     "  You  are  sure  it  i3  not  the  baronet's  sou  ?" 

The  untfer-steward  looked  up  at  him  wildly,  and  with 
his  face  convulsed  with  anguish. 

Be  seemed  as  though  about  to  speak. 


Whether  such  was  his  intention  cannot  be  known,  but 
just  then  Choy  were  interrupted  by  the  sharp  clatteA"  of  m 
horse's  feet.  t- 

Tom  King  was  on  <6e  alert  instantly,  and  an  ejacula- 
tion of  annoyance  escaped  his  lips. 

The  last  thing  he  wanted  was  an  interruption.    , 

But  the  sound  rapidly  increased  in  loudness,  and  then, 
looking  up,  Tom  perceived  a  single  horseman  como  into 
sight. 

At  the  same  time  it  was  evident  this  new-comer  saw 
something  unusual  was  taking  place  in  the  lane,  for  he 
checked  the  speed  of  his  steed  somewhat  abruptly,  as  he 
called  out : 

"  Hullo  there !     What's  the  meaning  of  all  this  ?" 

While  speaking  he  did  not  discontinue  his  progress, 
but  came  on  at  a  more  gentle  rate. 

The  under-steward  crouched  down  and  endeavoured  to 
conceal  himself  from  observation. 

"  Surely,"  thought  Tom  to  himself,  "  this  is  the  baronet'g 
son.  Had  ho  arrived  a  little  sooner  that  would  have 
been  his  fate." 

He  glanced  at  the  body  of  the  under-steward's  son 
while  he  spoke,  then  looking  up  and  raising  his  voice,  ho 
exclaimed  : 

"  Am  I  right,  sir,  in  taking  you  to  be  Mr.  Roderic 
Cromer,  the  eldest  son  of  the  baronet  up  at  the  hall 
yonder?" 

"Yes,"  was  the  answer,  given  in  pleasant,  cheerful 
tones,  "that  is  my  name.  How  came  you  to  know 
it?" 

"  I  merely  guessed  it,"  was  the  answer.  "  Congratulate 
yourself  upon  your  narrow  escape  from  death." 

"  Death  ?"  ejaculated  Roderic. 

"Yes,"  said  Tom.  "Give  me  your  attention  for  a 
moment,  and  I  will  endeavour  to  explain  all." 

Then  Tom,  in  as  few  words  as  he  possibly  could,  made 
Roderic  acquainted  with  all  those  particulars  which  the 
reader  knows  already. 

His  revelations  were  listened  to  in  mingled  anger, 
surprise,  and  incredulity. 

While  speaking,  Tom  had  a  good  opportunity  of  gazing 
at  the  young  man's  face  and  figure  with  attention,  and  he 
could  not  help  remarking  to  himself  how  great  a  contrast 
he  afforded  to  him  who  now  lay  so  motionless  on  the 
dusty  roadway. 

Roderic's  countenance  was  open,  manly,  and  had  such 
a  cheerful  expression  upon  it  as  won  all  hearts,  and 
attracted  everyone  towards  him. 

No  traces  of  cunning,  villany,  or  debauchery  could  be 
seen  there. 

"  And  it  is  you,  Peterson,"  Roderic  ejaculated  at  length, 
dismounting  from  his  steed  as  he  spoke — "  it  is  you  who 
have  contemplated  this  dreadful  deed  !  Well,  the  retribu- 
tion that  has  overtaken  you,  though  terrible,  is  no  more 
than  just." 

"  I  am  in  doubt,"  said  Tom,  "  whethe  the  young  man 
is  really  dead  or  not;  it  may  bo  that  ho  is  only 
wounded." 

Peterson  looked  up,  and  shook  his  head  slowly  and 
sadly. 

In  so  doing  his  face  was  revealed,  and  Tom  King 
started  with  surprise  when  he  perceived  how  great  a 
change  had  been  wrought  in  it. 

It  seemed,  indeed,  as  though  in  the  space  of  those  few 
miEUtes  he  had  grown  at  least  twenty  years  older,  and 
sash  an  aspect  of  suffering  was  visible  that  the  heart 
would  have  been  hard  indeed  that  did  not  melt  at  the 
sight  of  it. 

"  He  is  dead  !"  he  moaned,  wringing  his  hands — "  quite 
dead — dead  by  my  hand !  Let  me  go  !  I  am  a  miserable, 
wr?tchod  man  now,  and  this  sorrow,  which  I  shall  carry 
to  my  grave, 
have  done  ! 
tell  you  everything  !" 

Tom  King  did  not  offer  to  speak,  but  left  the  decision 
with  Roderic. 

He,  on  his  side,  hesitated,  for  ho  scarcely  knew  as  yet 
in  what  relation  Tom  stood  to  the  whole  affair. 

"Do  not  refuse  me!"  pleaded  Peterson — "grant  my 
request,  and  I  will  tell  you  something  well  worth  your 
knowing — will  confide  in  you  a  secret  which  otherwise 
shall  never  pass  my  lips.  Let  mo  go,  and  let  mo  take  the 
body  of  my  poor  boy  with  me  !  That  is  all  1  ask,  and  yon 
shall  never  see  me  again  in  life." 


n  now,  and  this  sorrow,  wnicn  1  snau  carry 
3,  is  surely  punishment  enough  for  what  I 
Lot  mo  go,  and  I   will  confess  all — I  will 


1.W© 


BLACK    BESS  ;     08, 


"  Be  it  so,"  said  Roderic — "  I  give  you  my  consent. 
Go — depart  freely." 

"  Then  I  will  tell  you  the  secret  of  which  I  spoko.  To 
commence,  I  need  scarcely  inform  you  that  it  was 
through  your  stepmother's  influence  that  the  baronet's 
heart  was  steeled  against  you— that  ho  <vt  hist  drove  you 
forth  from  the  hall." 
Roderic  smiled  bitterly. 

"  I  do  know  it,"  he  said — " I  know  it  full  well" 
"Ah!  then,  but  you  cannot  guess  what  is  coming," 
continued  Peterson.  '■  Your  stepmother  is  fcn  artful, 
wily  woman,  full  of  all  kinds  of  stratagems,  aud  possess- 
ing an  imperious  will,  which  makes  all  things  bend 
before  it. 

"  I  need  not  describe  now  how  it  was  that  she  became 
Sir  Ralph's  second  wife  ;  let  the  fact  be  sufficient.  But 
when  she  married  she  was  already  a  wife,  though  she 
knew  not  where  her  husband  was,  or  whether  alive  or 
dead. 

"  I  was  her  husband,"  continued  tbo  repentant  man.  "  I 
married  her  long  years  ago.  I  could  not  brook  her  evil 
overbearing  temper,  and  so  we  parted. 

"  We  had  one  son — you  see  now  all  that  remains  of 
him ;  and  yet  I  loved  him  with  an  intensity  you  cannot 
imagine. 

"  At  last,  after  a  rough  life,  I  learned  by  accident  what 
had  become  of  my  wife.  I  came  here  intending  to  expose 
her  and  have  her  driven  forth,  but  she  saw  me  ;  we  had 
some  conversation  together. 

"  She  asserted  her  old  influance,  and  I  fell  passively 
into  her  plans.  They  were  to  deprive  you  of  your  birth- 
right, and  to  obtain  possession  cf  all  Sir  Ralph's  wealth 
and  estates ;  and  to  do  this  all  the  more  surely,  our  son 
Alfred  was  to  be  brought  forward  at  a  convenient  time, 
and  to  bo  married  to  Sir  Ralph's  only  daughter." 

At  these  words,  Roderic  started  and  frowned,  while  an 
angry  exclamation  escaped  his  lips. 

"  Forgive  me  all  this  1"  said  Peterson,  more  humbly 
than  before.  "  If  I  have  sinned  deeply  my  repentance  is 
proportionally  great.  Our  schemes  have  come  to 
nought. 

"  At  her  suggestion,  I  posted  myself  in  this  place.  I 
consented  to  become  a  murderer.  I  lad  intercepted  your 
letter,  and  I  knew  that  you  would  pass  by  this  spot  on 
your  way  to  the  hall.  But  that  my  boy  Alfred  should  be 
anywhere  in  this  neighbourhood  at  the  present  time  I 
never  for  one  moment  guessed,  and,  in  my  haste  and 
excitement,  mistook  him  for  you. 

41  My  plans  were  all  well  laid.  The  assassination  was 
performed  with  this  air-gun,  which,  deadly  as  a  musket, 
could  be  discharged  without  a  sound.  The  place  is 
lonely,  and  you  would  have  had  a  grave  beneath  these 
bushes." 

The  young  man  shuddered  from  head  to  foot,  and  well 
he  might,  for  few,  if  any,  could  hear  such  an  avowal  as 
this  unmoved. 

"Now,  then,"  Peterson  added,  after  a  brief  pause,  "I 
have  told  you  all — everything!  You  have  but,  on  your 
return  to  the  hall,  to  proclaim  who  and  what  your  step- 
mother is — to  call  her  by  her  real  name — to  cover  her 
with  confusion  and  discomfiture.  What  you  will  do 
with  her  I  know  not.  I  dare  not  intercede  on  her  behalf, 
and  yet  I  trust  you  will  be  merciful." 

With  these  words,  the  under-steward  again  turned 
round,  and,  with  a  heavy,  gasping  sob,  threw  himself  at 
full  length  upon  the  dead  body  of  his  son,  -where  he 
remained  convulsed  by  bitter  anguish. 

Roderic  and  Tom  remained  for  a  few  moments  gazitig 
upon  him ;  then  the  latter,  by  a  rapid  sign,  becfeoued  for 
the  other  to  leave  the  spot. 

His  wish  was  gladly  enough  complkvi  wSv& 
"  Let  him  go,"  said  Roderic— ''  let  him  go.    I  would 
not  pursue  him  for  the  world.  Truly  enough  has  hia  own 
crime  brought  its  own  bitter  consequences  with  it.* 

"  It  has,"  said  Tom ;  "  and  I  rejoice  to  find  that,  v\i 
have  acted  in  such  a  spirit !" 

"And  you,"  Roderic  exclaimed,  gazing  at  Tom,  f;f 
know  not  who  you  are.  But  gi  ve  me  your  hand,  for  I  am 
certain  you  are  a  friend  to  me  and  mine,  and  tbat  is  ad  I 
wish  to  know ;  henceforth  we  are  brothers  In  friend- 
ehip !" 

The  words  were  spoken  in  an  access  of  gene-ous 
enthusiasm,  and  Tom  felt  his  liking  for  this  young 
stranger  momentarily  increase,  while  he  rejoiced  to  think 


he  had  been  so  instrumental  in  restoring  him  to  hia  traa 
position. 

"  Come,"  said  Toa,  "accompany  me  to  the  hall,  where 
your  father  is  anxiously  awaiting;  you." 

"  Does  ho  forgive  mo?" 

"  Freely — entirely !     Ask  him,  and  observe  the  result. ' 

"My  brain  whiria,"  said  Roderic.  "I  had  anticipated 
nothing  at  thia~I  Liad.no  idea  that  such  a  conspiracy  was 
afoot." 

"  Calm  yourself,"  said  Tom.  "  Say  uo  more  until  we 
reach  the  hall ;  by  that  time  you  will  be  able  to  recover 
your  composure.  And  as  for  myself,  I  have  enough  to  do 
in  thinking  over  my  own  future  proceedings." 

This  seemod  so  strange  &  remark  that  Roderic  fixed  his 
eyes  upon  Tom's  face  with  undisguised  amazement. 

Tom  pretended  to  be  oblivious  of  it. 

Silently,  then,  and  rather  slowly,  this  strange  pair  made 
their  way  along  the  winding  lane  towards  the  hall,  the 
picturesque  roof  of  which  quickly  came  in  sight  above  the 
trees. 

"  There  is  the  old  piaco  !"  cried  Roderic,  pausing  to 
gaze  upon  it.  "  I  seem  carried  back  years  and  years  to 
the  time  when  I  was  a  happy  boy.  It  glads  my  heart  to 
see  the  old  place  once  again,  aud  to  know  that  I  return 
with  the  prospect  of  forgiveness  before  me." 

"  It  is  something  more  than  a  prospect,"  said  Tom 
King  ;"  you  may  look  upon  it  as  fa 'certainty.  Nothing 
will  ever  give  your  father  so  much  joy  as  his  reunion 
with  you." 

CHAPTER   CMXLVI. 

IN   WHICH  TOM   KINO     FINDS  THE    DIFFERENT   EVENTS    AT 
THE  HALL  COME  TO   A   CLIMAX. 

It  was  easy  to  see  that  young  Roderic  Cromer  was 
deeply  affected  by  his  return  after  hia  long  absence,  and 
though  Tom's  last  speech  was  such  as  would  naturally 
call  forth  some  remark,  he  passed  it  over  in  silence. 

Nor  was  another  word  exchanged  between  the  pair 
until  the  entrance  of  the  hall  was  gained. 

Tom  King  knocked  loudly  at  the  portal,  aud  at  the 
samo  time  rang  the  bell  vigorously,  whw,  addressing  his 
companion,  he  exclaimed  t 

"  You  must  be  prepared  to  make  a  sudden  rush  as  soon 
as  tho  door  is  opened,  otherwise,  when  it  is  known  who 
we  are,  we  shall  be  refused  admission." 

"Right!" 

Just  as  he  pronounced  the  words,  the  door  was  opened, 
and  Tom  King  did  indeed  make  a  sudden  rush,  and  a 
much  more  violent  one  than  was  at  all  necessary. 

The  hall  porter,  not  at  all  expecting  such  an  attack, 
was  thrown  completely  backwards  and  jammed  with 
great  force  against  the  wall. 

"  There,"  said  Tom,  as  he  stepped  across  the  threshold 
— "  I  rather  think  that  will  do  as  a  commencement !" 

Roderic  smiled  sadly. 

Then  a  door  was  abruptly  flung  open,  *nd  up^a  the 
threshold  stood  the  baronet's  wife. 

Her  face  was  crimson  with  rage. 

"Villain — wretch!"  she  shrieked — "bego&jt  ^ju 
shall  not  stay  beneath  this  roof  another  niomeE&»  Al- 
ready you  have  caused  more  than  enough  »?nhappiness. 
Begone!" 

Just  then  she  caught  sight  of  Roderic. 

Although  many  years  had  passed  since  she  had  seen 
him  last,  she  recollected  his  features  well — recognition 
was  immediate,  and  it  caused  her  no  little  confusion. 

She  knew  well  enough  what  it  was  the  under-steward 
had  set  out  to  do,  and  could  not  understand  how  it  waa 
he  had  failed  in  his  mission. 

"  Ahem !"  said  Tom,  placing  one  hand  upon  his  breast, 
while  with  his  other  he  took  off  his  hat  and  bowed  pro- 
foundly. "  I  can  assure  you  we  are  very  sorry  to  intrude 
thus  upon  you,  Mrs.  Peterson." 

Tom  King  watched  carefully  to  see  the  result  produced 
by  the  pronunciation  of  this  word. 

*  He  found  it  all  that  he  had  expected 

The  woman's  face  turned  to  a  ghastly  paleness,  and  she 
staggered  back  aa  though  about  to  fall. 

"  False — false !"  she  said — "  it  is  all  false !     I  deny  it  1" 

"Deny  what?"  said  Tom.  "I  have  accused  you  of 
nothing." 

"  But  why  did  you  call  me  by  that  uame  ?" 

"  Simply  because  I  know  no  other  by  which  to  address 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


JS51 


ynn.    You  have  no  sort  of   claim  whatever  to  that  of 
Oromer." 
"Indeed,  insolent!"  she  faltered.    "But——" 
No  doubt  she  was  going  to  give  utterance  to  some 
threat,  but  Tom  King  interrupted  her. 

"  All  your  plans  are  known,"  he  said,  "  and  «f  you  are 
wise  you  will  beat  an  immediate  retreat,  and  be  thankful 
to  us  for  having  allowed  you  the  opportunity  c!  doing  so. 
Yes,  I  repeat,  wo  know  every  detail  of  your  scheme  j  we 
had  it  from  your  first  and  real  husband's  iips  not  many 
moments  since.  Ho  has  confessed  all.  Among  other 
things,  that  you  prompted  him  to  take  up  a  position  in 
the  wood  and  assassiuate  Mr.  Roderic  here  as  ho  passed 
by.  Some  one  approached,  and  the  dreadful  deed  was 
done,  the  stranger  fell ;  but  it  was  a  mistake,  and  the 
wretched  man  discovered  afterwards  that  he  had  shot 
down  his  own  son." 

A  piercing  shriek  came  from  the  woman's  lips,  and  it 
was  palpable  that  only  a  tremendous  effort  of  Ii6r  power- 
ful will  saved  her  from  swooning. 

"Alfred?"  she  gasped,  half  in  a  whisper. 
"  Yes,  such  is  his  name ;  and  if  you  are  speedy  you 
will  catch  sight  of  him  lying  in  the  lane,  near  the  planta- 
tion, and  your  husband  with  him.  Go — quit  this  roof 
now  while  you  are  able,  otherwise  you  will  be  ex- 
pelled 1" 

Abashed,  mortified,  and  humbled,  Mrs.  Peterson  began 
to  retreat,  step  by  step,  backwards  towards  the  door  open- 
ing at  the  rear  of  the  hall. 

Sobs  and  groans  came  from  her  lips ;  tears,  too,  rose  in 
her  obdurate  eyes ;  but  she  struggled  with  all  her  might 
against  these  manifestations  of  emotion. 

Tom  pointed  with  his  finger  towards  the  door,  and  un- 
able any  longer  to  meet  the  gaze  of  the  two  young  men, 
she  turned  round,  and,  opening  the  door,  hastily  disap- 
peared. 

"  Now  she  is  gone,"  said  Tom  King,  "  and  this  roof  is 
rid  of  a  most  unwelcome  tenant.  Now  for  your  father. 
Let  me  break  the  news  of  your  arrival  to  him.  Do  not 
enter  hastily,  the  shock  will  be  too  great." 

Remembering  the  apartment  in  which  he  had  formerly 
seen  the  baronet,  Tom  King  made  his  way  there  once 
more,  and  found  him  seated  in  the  same  position  in  the 
easy-chair. 

But  betook  not  the  slightest  notice  of  Tom's  entrance, 
and  it  seemed  by  his  attitude  as  though  b<3  had 
expired. 

The  cry  that  this  unexpected  sight  wrung  from  Tom 
King's  lips  reached  the  ears  of  Roderic,  who  was  listening 
outside. 

With  a  few  sudden  bounds,  he  reached  the  apartment ; 
then,  comprehending  all,  he  sank  down  on  his  knees  at 
his  father's  feet. 

The  first  shock  over,  Tom  approached,  and  as  he  did  so 
he  fancied  the  old  man  slightly  breathed. 

Finding  quickly  that  he  was  not  mistaken,  he  ex- 
claimed : 

"Look  up,  young  sir — look  up !     He  has  only  fainted." 
Such  was  the  case. 

The  old  man  had  borne  up  well  enough  until  he  heard 
ais  son  enter. 

He  had  tried  to  rise  from  his  chair  and  bid  him 
welcome,  but  he  was  seized  by  a  deathly  faintness,  and 
sank  back,  unconscious  of  the  rest. 

Knowing  the  scene  that  would  ensue,  Tom  King,  as 
eoon  as  Sir  Ralph  was  restored  to  consciousness,  retired 
to  another  room,  where  hj  sat  pondering  deeply  over 
this  succession  of  strange  eTents. 

There  he  remained  for  rvome  time;  but  at  length  he 
was  aroused  Dy  the  entrance  of  Roderic,  who,  extending 
his  hand,  said : 

"Come  with  me,  young  sir — come  with  ise.  I  can 
never  thank  you  sufficiently  for  all  you  have  done  in  my 
and  my  father's  behalf  ;  but  at  present  we  are  strangers 
to  your  name.  Who  is  it  that  wo  have  to  thank  for  this 
good  service?" 

"  Never  mind  my  name,"  said  Tom.  "  It  is  oce,  I 
trust,  unknown  to  you,  and  let  it  remain  so.  But  if  you 
feel  yourself  under  any  obligation  to  me,  it  will  be  more 
than  cancelled  if  you  will  allow  mo  to  remain  beneath 
this  roof  for  a  few  dayc — until,  'n  fact,  my  arm  is  some- 
what better." 

"  Are  you  wounded  i'} 

"  Ym — only  slightly.  ?.}  the  left  arm ;  yet  It  occasions 


mo  great  anguish  and  inconvonioncc.    Rest  is  all  tiat  1 
require." 

"  Then  you  shall  have  it,"  said  the  impulsive  young 
man,  "  and  the  best  of  surgical  assistance  that  we  can 
procure.  But  come— rhasten  with  mo  to  Sir  Ralph,  and 
let  him  hear  again  from%  your  lips  the  narrative  of  all 
these  strange  occurrence?  . 
Tom  Kins;  complied. 

But,  of  course,  there  io  no  reed  to  repeat  wLat  was 
said  on  this  occasion. 

Ho  availed  himself  of  the  opportunity,  however,  to 
speak  c-f  Roderick  sister  and  her  lover  Ernest. 

By  <*2  V^ud  that  gathered  on  the  old  man's  brow, 
Tom  fan  jc<\  that  at  any  other  time  than  this  his  inter- 
cession would  have  availed  little. 

Now,  however,  he  was  unable  to  refuse  any  request. 
The  young    couple  were  summoned    speedily  to  tho 
room,  and  when  they  entered  they  were  surprised  to  see 
how  great  a  change  was  wrought  in  Sir  Ralph. 

From  the  moment  that  he  knew  his  second  wife  had 
left  the  hall — that  there  was  no  fear  of  her  return,  and 
that  she  had  not  the  shadow  of  a  claim  upon  him,  he 
seemed  to  become  a  new  man — twenty  years  at  the  least 
seemed  to  be  taken  off  his  age. 

Before  the  mutual  congratulations  were  over,  the  un- 
expected sound  of  the  revolution  of  carriage  wheels  made 
itself  heard,  and  directly  afterwards  a  carriage  was  drawn 
up  at  the  chief  entrance. 

"  Who  can  this  be  at  so  late  an  hour  ?"  exclaimed  the 
baronet,  in  great  surprise. 

"I  can  give  you  an  answer,  I  think,"  said  Roderic. 
"  It  is  your  old  friend  Richard  Grant." 

"But  at  what  an  extraordinary  hour  to  pay  a  visit !" 
ejaculated  Sir  Ralph.  "What  can  be  the  meaning  of 
it?" 

"  There  I  am  quite  as  much  at  a  loss  as  yourself,"  re- 
plied Roderic.  "  At  my  earnest  solicitations  he  set  out 
from  his  own  residence,  in  order  to  see  you  personally  in 
the  matter  of  my  return.  He  was  to  have  made  his  visit 
first — in  fact,  Ire*  intended  to  arrive  soon  after  his  letter. 
What  can  have  delayed  him  until  now  I  cannot  think." 

At  that  moment  a  voice  was  heard  outside  in  the  en- 
trance-hall, and  no  sooner  did  the  tones  strike  upon  Tom 
King's  ears  than  he  gave  a  sudden  start. 

There  was  something  familiar  in  them — he  was  quite 
confident  he  had  heard  that  voice  before. 

When,  where,  or  under  what  circumstances,  however, 
he  could  not  possibly  call  to  mind. 
Nor  was  he  left  much  time  for  speculation. 
The  door  was  thrown  open,  and  a  stout,  florid,  good- 
looking,  yet  rather  aged  man  entered,  accompanied  by  a 
lady. 

Tom  King  shrank  back  slowly,  and  endeavoured  to  get 
out  of  sight. 

He  had  recognised  the  old  man  at  the  first  glance,  and, 
what  was  more,  remembered  under  what  circumstances 
he  had  met  him. 

It  was  the  very  gentleman  he  had  met  and  stopped  the 
night  before,  and  whose  grey  horse  was  even  then  in 
Tom's  possession. 

Whether  this  Mr.  Grant  would  recognise  him  was 
another  matter ;  but  at  any  rate,  the  highwayman  resolved 
to  give  him  no  more  chance  than  he  could  help,  so  accord- 
ingly he  stooped  down  over  a  side  table  and  pretended 
to  be  busily  engaged  in  looking  at  some  magnificenc 
coloured  pictures  in  a  book. 

He  listened  eagerly,  nevertheless,  to  the  conversation 
that  ensued. 

The  u  eeting  between  them  was  most  cordial,  and  tho " 
two  old  men,  who  had  been  parted  in  friendship  for  Bi» 
long,  were  quite  overcome  by  their  feelings. 

Mrs.  Grant,  who  was  with  him,  was  a  tall,  thin  ladv, 
with  pinched  features,  and  a  general  slenderness  of  out- 
line. 

She  was  of  a  restless,  ever-moving  disposition,  and 
quickly  engrossed  the  conversation  to  herseli 

To  such  a  degree  did  she  rattle  on,  that  scarcely  any- 
one else  had  a  chance  of  putting  in  a  word. 

"  And  would  you  believe  it,  my  dear  Sir  Ralph — and 
yet,  of  course,  you  will  believe  it  when  I  tell  you — but 
how  surprised  you  must  have  been  at  a  visit  at  such  an 
hour  as  this.  Well — well,  quite  a  long  history  is  con- 
nected with  our  delay." 

u  Yes — yes,"  said  Mr.  Grant,  interrupting  ber,  trusting 


1653 


BlAOK  BESS;    OB, 


to  be  able  to  relate  tbe  whole  of  the  circumstances  in 
about  one-half  as  many  words  as  his  good  lady  occupied. 
"  I  ought  to  have  spoken  of  that  sooner,  and  to  have 
made  you  an  apology." 

"  Oh,  no  apology  is  necessary  fiom  you." 

"  Well,  but,  d — n  it!"  exclaimed  Mr.  Grant.  "Excuse 
me,  I  beg,  but  I  have  reasonable  grounds  for  swearing. 
I  was  fairly  on  the  road  for  this  place  last  night — in  fact, 
I  was  about  fifteen  miles  off — perhaps  more  or  less — when 
we  were  stopped  by  an  audacious  villain,  in  the  she.pe  of 
a  red-coated  highwayman. " 

"  Highwayman  ?"  ejaculated  all  prwsent. 

"  Yes.  It  would  seem  that  he  had  a  great  many  of  his 
companions  concealed  behind  the  hedge,  or,  at  least,  he 
said  he  had,  but  I  scarcely  think  he  spoke  the  truth. 
However,  to  make  a  long  story  short,  he  robbed  me  of 
my  purse.  I  defended  myself  as  well  as  I  could,  but  the 
pistol  I  discharged,  and  the  contents  of  which  P hoped  to 
lodge  in  the  villain's  skull,  took  effect  upon  his  horse,  and 
the  animal  fell  down  at  once  quite  dead.  Strango  as  it 
may  seem,"  added  Mr.  Grant,  "  that  fall  saved  the  rascal's 
life,  for  my  man,  Thomas,  with  more  valour  than  dis- 
cretion, had,  unknown  to  anyone,  climbed  up  on  to  the 
top  of  the  coach,  where  he  stood  with  his  long,  heavy 
wand  in  his  hand,  with  which  he  was  in  the  act  of  deal- 
ing the  highwayman  a  terrific  blow,  when  the  horse  fell. 
The  consequence  was,  the  wand  swinging  through  tbe 
air  encountering  nothing,  and  such  was  the  force  of  it 
that  it  threw  Thomas  off  his  balance,  and  dowu  he  fell 
head  foremost  into  the  road." 

Ejaculations  of  astonishment  greeted  this  extraordinary 
narrative. 

Mrs.  Grant  made  a  great  many  attempts  to  join  in,  but 
her  husband  held  his  ground  manfully. 

"  Not  content  with  robbing  me  of  my  purse,"  he  con- 
tinued, "  the  villain  declared  that,  as  I  had  deprived  him 
of  one  horse,  I  should  furnish  him  with  another,  and  so 
he  had  the  consummate  impudence  to  cut  one  of  my  leaders 
out  of  the  harness,  saddle  and  bridle  him  before  my  eyes, 
and  then  ride  off. 

"But  Mrs.  Grant,"  said  Sir  Kalph— "was  not  she 
frightened  to  death  ?" 

"  Literally  to  death,"  replied  the  lady,  seizing  upon  the 
opportunity  to  speak — "  in  fact,  when  I  saw  the  odious 
ruffian,  and  learned  his  errand,  I  fainted  clean  away." 

"  And  consequently  know  nothing  of  what  happened," 
interrupted  her  husband. 

"  Until  I  saw  the  officers  arrive,"  she  put  in. 

"Just  so — just  so.  The  officers  came  up  very  oppor- j 
tunely  ;  they  saw  the  highwayman  mounted  on  my  steed, 
and  gave  him  good  chase.  I  don't  think  they  had  the 
ghost  of  a  chance  of  success,  for  their  own  horses  were 
miserable  things  and  dreadfully  jaded,  while  the  one  he 
had  got  was  the  best greyin  my  stable,  and  quite  as  fresh 
as  a  daisy." 

"But  yet,"  said  Koderic,  with  a  smile,  "if  this  hap- 
pened last  night — or,  rather,  I  should  say,  the  night  be- 
fore last,  for  it  is  already  morning  now — it,  I  fancy, 
scarcely  accounts  for  so  much  delay  as  this." 

"  True,  my  young  friend,"  was  the  answer — "  true ! 
But  after  the  officers  had  disappeared  from  view,  we  had 
v.o  turn  on i  attention  to  Thomas.  He  was  dreadfully 
onrt,  and  no  sooner  did  my  wife  see  him  than  she  went 
off  into  another  fainting  tit.  There  was  I,  with  only 
*hree  horses  to  the  carriage,  and  fifteen  mih  from  your 
nouse.  Luckily,  I  remembered  that  a  friend  of  ours — 
vnu  may  know  him :  Mr.  White— lived  at  hand,  so  we 
managed  to  get  there  as  well  as  we  could.  After  our 
arrival,  my  wife  became  much  worse,  but  Thomas  got 
better.  However,  in  a  short  time  everything  was  ar- 
ranged, friend  White  lent  me  one  of  his  horses,  and  away 
we  started  once  more.  But  fate  was  surely  against  us, 
lor  in  the  middle  of  a  narrow  lane  the  hiud  wheel  came 
off  the  carriage,  and  brought  us  unpleasantly  to  a  dead 
stop.  However,  I  pass  over  that  to  say  that  we  got 
it  repaired  with  much  difficulty,  and  at  last  reached 
here." 

"And  all  this  trouble  has  been  on  my  account,"  „<tid 
Koderic.  "  How  can  I  express  my  thanks  ?— how  can  I 
enow  my  obligation  ?" 

"  Why,  by  saying  nothing  aoout  it,  to  be  siu-e." 

In  a  hasty,  fragmentary  fashion,  Mr.  Grant  had  Deen 
made  acquainted  with  what  had  occurred  at  the  hall. 

m"«  listened  with  great  uneasiness,  a»«i  wished  himself 


out  of  the  room,  but  ho  saw  no  chance  of  retiring  unpei- 
ceived. 

All  at  once,  Roderic  exclaimed  : 

"What  we  should  have  done  but  for  the  aid  of  thfs 
generous  stranger,  1  know  not.  In  all  probability,  I  should 
not  be  living  at  the  present  moment.  Let  me  make  him 
acquainted  with  you.  Ah !  he  is  there  !"  Eoderic  con- 
tinued, as,  looking  round  and  not  seeing  Tom  at  first,  he 
afterwards  caught  sight  of  him  near  the  table. 

Our  old  friend  was  now  in  a  rare  fix,  but  he  could  only 
hope  Mil  I  Mr.  Grant  would  not  recognise  him  ;  and  certainly 
nothing  could  be  further  from  his  thoughts  than  to  imagine 
that  the  man  who  had  robbed  him  should  be  standing 
beneath  his  oil  friend's  roof. 

"  Here  he  i'b,"  said  Roderic,  leading  Tom  King  forward. 
"  I  have  much  pleasure  in  owning  that  he  is  henceforth 
my  bosom  friend." 

"Oh!  just  so.  Glad  to — to  see  you,  sir.  But  God  bless 
my  life  and  times !     Eh  ? — what  ?     Is  it  so  ?" 

Mr.  Grant  rubbed  his  eyes  vigorously  before  he  could 
recover  himself  from  his  state  of  bewilderment. 

His  wife,  who  had  been  scanning  Tom's  appearance, 
uttered  a  shriek. 

"  That's  the  villain !"  she  exclaimed—"  that's  the  vil- 
lain!    There's  the  rascal  who  robbed  us,  and  rode  off  on 
our  hnrse.    Seize  him — seize  him!      He's   a   highway 
man !" 

"  Surely,"  said  Roderic,  laughing,  "you  are  both  the 
victims  of  some  extraordinary  delusion." 

"No,  no!"  said  Mrs.  Grant,  with  great  excitement. 
"  No  delusion  at  all ;  or  if  I  am,  tlieso  gentlemen  will 
quickly  set  me  right.  Look — look !  As  I  live,  yonder 
police  officers  are  coming.  Well,  who  would  have  thought 
of  meeting  with  them  twice  running,  just  at  the  very 
moment  you  wanted  them  ?" 

These  words  produced  more  effect  upon  Tom  King 
than  upon  anyone  else  in  the  room. 

This  may  easily  be  imagined. 

He  turned  quickly  to  ascertain  the  truth  or  falsity  of 
what  the  lady  said,  and  then,  to  his  intense  astonishment 
and  surprise,  beheld  rather  a  large  troop  of  police  officers, 
aud  among  them  was  the  familiar  form  of  Elisha  Coles, 
the  apothecary. 

"The  game's  up!"  murmured  Tom,  to  himself.  "I'm 
done!  That  villanous  old  druggist  has  someht/W  con- 
trived to  get  the  police  officers  upon  my  track.  How- 
ev«r,  I'll  make  one  bold  rush  to  escape." 

CHAPTER  CMXLVII. 

TOM    KINO    FINDS    HIMSELF    PURSUED    BY    NOTHING  BUT 
ILL  LUCK. 

It  would  require  many  pages  to  describe  minutely  the 
different  feelings  which  occupied  the  minds  of  those 
persons  assembled  in  the  breakfast-parlour  at  Wilfii'3 
Cress,  and  even  then  it  is  doubtful  whether  any- 
thing like  a  clear  conception  of  them  could  be  con- 
veyed. 

It  will  be  best  to  leave  it  to  the  imagination  of  the 
reader,  and  to  proceed  with  an  account  of  the  incidents 
that  so  rapidly  followed. 

Roderic  etill  held  Tom  King's  hand  within  his 
own. 

He  was  speechless  with  surprise ;  but  certainly  most 
incredulous  respecting  all  that  Mr.  Grant  had  said. 

He  believed  him  the  victim  of  an  extraordinary 
delusion. 

Tom  King  sa"'  this,  and  determi  ed  to  turn  it  to  his 
advantage. 

"  I  have  dont.  you  good  service,"  he  said — "  you  admit 
that,  and  therefore  you  ought  not  to  care  who  I  am.  Let 
me  contbss  I  did  stop  your  friend  last  night  on  the  high- 
way, and  1  am  known  generally  as  Tom  King.  You 
start,  and  witt  surprise;  perhaps  something  like  an^or 
finds  a  place  in  your  breast,  yet  1  feel  it  is  not  asking  too 
much  of  you  to  assist  me  to  escape."  # 

"I  will  defend  y.m  wiih  my  life,"  was  the  impetuous 
reply.  "Who  or  what  you  are  I  care  not — it  does  not 
alter  in  any  degree  tie  service  you  have  rendered." 

"  Well  spoken,"  said  Tom,  moving  swiftly  to  the  door. 
"But  I  shall  not  require  any  such  sacrifice  at  your 
hands." 

Just  thon  a  tremendous  hammering  came  upon  tt# 
f  ront  door  of  the  halL 


THE  KNIGHT  Of  THE  ROAB. 


l&S 


[CLAUDE   DUVAL  AND  SIXTEEN-STRING  JACK  HOLD  A  CONSULTATION.] 


Mrs.  Grant,  with  another  shriek,  sprang  across 
the  breakfast-parlour,  and  dashed  the  window  open. 

"Officers — officers  !"  shecried.  "This  way — this  way  ! 
He  is  here !     The  villain  has  robbed  us  all  this  way  !" 

Tom  King  waited  to  hear  no  more,  but  shut  the  door 
behind  him,  and  turned  the  key  in  the  lock. 

"  Now  I  am  all  ri?ht !"  he  exclaimed,  addressing  him- 
self to  Roderic.  "  Farewell !  It  is  doubtful  whether  we 
shall  ever  meet  again — farewell !" 

He  wrung  his  hand  as  he  spoke. 

"But,"  said  Roderic,  "  where  are  you  going?  How 
can  you  hope  to  escape  these  men  ?" 

"  I  know  where  I  have  left  my  horse,"  was  the  reply, 
"  and  can  gain  him  easily.  Leave  me  to  myself ;  do  not 
gat  into  troable  by  appearing  to  aid  me.  Rest  assured 
that  all  is  well,  and  that  I  am  now  tolerably  safe.  Again 
farewell !" 
.    Wo.  195.«-.6lack:  Bess. 


"Farewell!"  said  Roderic,  sadly,  at  the  same  time 
releasing  his  grasp. 

With  rapid  bounds,  Tom  King  hastened  to  the  door, 
the  position  of  which  he  was  so  well  acquainted  with._ 

Then,  having  passed  through  it,  he  took  his  course  in 
a  direct  line  for  that  portion  of  the  plantation  where  the 
ruined  summer-house  was  situated,  and  close  to  which 
it  will  be  recollected,  he  had  left  his  horse. 

In  the  exciting  events  which  had  occurred,  all  remem- 
brance of  the  gallant  creature  had  been  driven  from  his 
mind,  otherwise  he  would  have  seen  that  it  had  been 
better  taken  care  of. 

And  yet  it  is  questionable  whether  Tom  King  did  not 
owe  a  great  deal  of  his  safety  to  this  forgetfulnoss,  for 
had  the  horse  been  placed  in  the  stable  it  would  have 
been  unsaddled  and  unbridled,  in  which  case  much  delay 
mast  have  taken  place  in  getting  it  ready  for  the  road. 


No.  105, 


Price  One  Halfpenny. 
/Vo,  196  will  be  Published  next  Thurs  lay. 


l**i 


EIACK    BESS  :    OB. 


Kow  the  horse  had  ail  his  trappings  on  him,  and  Tom 
nad  nothing  to  do,  after  gaining  his  steed,  save  to  vault 
tnto  the  saddle 

J  ust  as  he  plunged  among  the  Irrecs  in  the  shrubbery, 
he  looked  back,  and  saw  the  officers  coming  round  thei 
angle  of  the  hall  at  full  speed. 

They  raised  a  loud  shout,  and  trom  this  he  judged  cor- 
rectly that  he  had  been  seen. 

With  flying  steps  he  made  his  way  to  the  summer- 
house. 

On  gaining  it,  he  paused  a  second  for  breath,  and  then 
dashed  through  the  thicket,  heedless  of  the  injuries  he 
received  in  doing  so. 

His  heart  bounded  with  joy  when  he  saw  nis  horse 
was  there  just  as  he  had  left  it. 

Sfeizing  it  by  the  bridle,  he  again  pushed  through  the 
thicket  at  the  least  densest  part,  then  wound  rapidly 
among  the  trees  until  he  reached  an  open  space,  when  he 
sprang  into  the  saddle. 

He  made  his  way  now  towards  the  lane. 

He  reached  it  easily  and  quickly,  yet  not  before  the 
officers  had  seen  him  and  given  another  loud,  thvilliug 
cry. 

That  they  were  fully  in  earnest  Tom  did  not  for  a 
moment  doubt,  and  so  he  gave  his  steed  the  rein,  and 
determined  to  trust  the  rest  to  its  fleetness. 

The  officers  came  on  in  rare  style,  and  here  we  may 
take  occasion  to  remark  upon  what  may  at  first  sight 
seem  rather  strange,  namely,  that  they  did  not  make  their 
RpP'  arance  at  the  hall  sooner. 

But  the  fact  was,  Elislia  Coles  himself  and  all  the 
officers  looked  upon  Tom's  assertion  that  he  had  been 
6ent  down  to  the  village  by  Sir  Ralph  as  an  impudent, 
false   assertion    mado   for   the    purpose   of    gaining   his 

enrtk 

Therefore,  all  the  time  they  had  been  searching  about 
high  and  low,  though  it  was  pretty  clear  they  did  not 
penetrate  the  thicket  where  Tom  had  left  his  horse. 

At  length,  however,  they  had  mado  their  way  to  the 
hall. 

This  movement  was  owing  chiefly  to  the  police  officers, 
who  believed  they  were  once  more  baulked,  though  they 
had  an  excellent  excuse  for  going  to  the  hall  and  making 
a  few  inquiries,  trusting  in  the  event  of  doing  this  that 
some  refreshment  and  hospitality  would  be  offered  to 
them. 

The  result  is  known  to  the  reader,  and  so  noed  not  be 
dwelt  upon  any  further. 

One  more  fact  remains  to  be  stated,  and  that  is,  in  their 
search  during  the  day  they  had  managed  to  get  so  far  as 
lhe  next  town,  where  the  closest  inquiries  satisfied  them 
that  no  one  resembling  Tom  King  in  appearance  had 
passed  that  way. 

Hero  they  were  so  fortunate  as  to  be  able  to  secure 
fresh  horses  in  exchange  for  those  they  had  ridden  so 
far.  Moreover,  these  steeds  were  oi  -at her  more  than 
average  quality,  therefore  the  police  officers  were  de- 
lighted accordingly. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  they  had  every  advantage  in 
their  favour  on  the  present  occasion. 

They  had  got  a  clear  view  of  the  highwayman,  and  all 
they  had  to  do  was  to  hang  persistently  upon  his  trail 
until  they  ran  him  down. 

Tom  King,  however,  by  no  means  despaired. 

Not  only  had  he  a  most  excellent  opinion  of  the  meiits 
of  the  grey  horse  he  had  so  singularly  come  into  posses- 
sion of,  but  he  had  received  from  the  owner  of  the  animal 
a  very  flattering  testimonial,  for  it  will  be  remembered 
Mr.  Grant  called  it  tho  best  there  was  in  his  stable. 

By  this  time,  however,  the  eventful  night  had  almost 
passed  away. 

Morning  had  not  yet  come,  but  it  was  cold,  chill,  and 
miserable. 

Without  the  occurrence  of  any  particular  iucident,  the 
chase  was  continued  for  a  long  time  across  the  level  open 
country,  Tom  King  keeping  a  tolerably  straight  line, 
choosing  his  ct  urse  where  the  land  seemed  best  adapted 
for  speed. 

He  pushed  hi*  norse  to  trie  utmost,  for  ho  fcuew  morn- 
ing was  coming  on,  thereSore  he  was  anxious  whilo  it 
r.as  yet  dark  to  find  some  placo  of  concealment  or  somo 
resaus  oi  oiffiiug  his  fees 

— -  ■?«9ot  of  the  sky  had  altered  greatly. 

jR*uiDunt-ofl  clouds  hwd  made  their  apoetaunce,  &s}  ;t  J 


was  only  at  occasional  intervals  that  the  moon  soared 
forth  her  light. 

This  was  in  the  highest  degree  favourable  to  Tom,  ami 
he  noted  it  with  the  utmost  satisfaction. 

Still,  as  time  passed  on,  he  began  to  grow  anxious. 

His  chances  of  finding  some  hiding-pla^e  before  morn- 
ing had  much  diminished. 

All  that  remained  for  him  to  do  was  to  continue  urging 
his  horse  onward,  and  this  he  did  until  tho  speed  attained 
was  dangerous  in  the  extreme. 

So  rapid  was  it  that  Tom  noticed  with  great  joy  thjtt 
the  officers  kept  dropping  further  and  further  in  the  rear 
of  bini,  until  at  length,  when  the  moon  broke  out  clear 
and  bright  from  among  the  clouds,  he  looked  back  and 
failed  to  perceive  any  sign  of  them. 

But  the  country  was  level  and  open  about  that  part, 
affording  him  no  chance  of  concealment,  and  therefore, 
although  it  appeared  that  urgent  speed  was  not  quite  so 
pressing  as  it  had  been,  he  did  not  draw  rein  in  the 
least. 

Suddenly,  however,  the  faint  report  of  a  gun  reached 
his  ears. 

The  sound  came  from  so  far  off  that  he  was  unable  to 
determine  its  precise  direction. 

Yet  he  glanced  all  round  him  keenly,  and  shortly  after- 
wards another  discharge  reached  his  ears. 

While  galloping  on  at  this  fearful  rate  he  came  suddenly 
upon  a  hedge  dividing  the  meadows  from  the  high- 
road. 

He  could  not  check  the  progress  of  his  steed,  so  the 
obstacle  was  cleared,  and  the  hedge  on  the  other  side  of 
the  road  as  well. 

Then  he  heard  a  loud  and,  as  it  seemed  to  him,  at 
ar^-ry  si;out. 

He  turned  in  the  direction  of  it,  and  to  his  intense 
astonishment  found  himself  close  to  another  troop  of 
officers,  so  close  that  it  was  the  greatest  wonder  in  tha 
■world  he  had  not  ridden  over  them. 

"  Twice,"  he  muttered,  "  I  have  had  this  ill-luck, 
Why,  the  whole  country  must  be  up  in  arms.  Well,  nc 
matter,  I  have  escaped  hitherto,  and  my  horse  is  goodfei 
another  long  gallop." 

So  saying,  he  applied  the  spurs  with  gf  ?at  vigour,  anc 
before  the  offi  •  m-s  hud  time  fairly  to  get  in  pursuit  of  him 
he  had  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  tolerable  ctart. 

The  reader  will  well  understand  this  incident,  and  re- 
member how  Dick  Turpin  was  at  that  time  concealed  in 
one  of  the  trees,  though  this  was  au  idea  that  never  once 
entered  Tom's  imagination. 

The  report  he  had  heard  proceeded  from  the  carbine 
which  it  will  be  recollected  he  guard  of  the  mail-cart  fired 
so  many  times  into  the  trfoB  in  the  hopi  of  dislodging 
Dick  Turpin. 

While  the  officers  contincod  the  pursuit  they  were  not 
a  little  mystified  at  the  incident  which  had  occurred. 

They  could  not  for  tho  life  of  them  make  cut  by  what 
means  Dick  Turpin  could  have  obtained  ft  horse  so 
quickly,  and  marvelled  how  he  should  come  riding  back 
in  that  direction. 

That  it  was  Tom  King  who  was  before  them,  and  not 
Dick  himself,  they  never  guessed,  and  even  had  they 
known  it,  no  alteration  would  have  bren  made  in  their 
actions. 

One  highwayman  was  to  them  aluicst  as  good  as 
another. 

They  were  anxious  to  obtaia  the  reward  offered  for 
their  apprehension,  and  nothing  further. 

It  was  the  first  chance  too  that  these  country  constables 
had  had  of  pursuing  the  redoubtable  highwayman  whose 
name  was  so  familiar  to  their  ears,  and  they  continued 
ou  their  wsy,  running  a  hundred  risks  of  their  lives,  in- 
tent on  effecting  a  capture,  and  quite  undaunted  by  the 
ruauy  failures  that  had  attended  others. 

Tom  King's  horse,  howover,  was  now  beginning  to 
show  signs  of  great  exhaustion. 

It  was  with  difficulty  only  that  he  Kept  him  going  at 
the  same  pace,  and  every  now  and  then  he  could  feel  the 
gallant  animal  tremble  and  stagger  beneath  him. 

On  such  occasions  as  these  Tom  King  would  contem- 
plate pulling  up,  and  he  wouid  glance  back  at  his  v»ir- 
suers. 

On  each  occasion,  ho  vever,  he  saw  them  distinctly  *o* 
tho  officers  flogged  and  spurred  their  own  cattle  van  n»* 
mwar/'jliy 


TIIE    KNIGM   OF  THE   ROAD. 


3KK 


And  all  this  time  Tom  had  been  looking  for  a  hiding- 
f>iaoe. 

Dimmer  and  dimmer  became  the  moon  as  ebo  sasi  still 
lower  in  the  western  sky,  and  every  moment  he  eipected 
to  see  her  light  succeeded  by  the  grey  Lawn  of  early 
morning. 

If  during  the  darkness  he  was  unab.'o  to  snake  off  his 
foes  and  to  conceal  bimself,  how  could  he  hope  to  do  so 
wbeu  morning  was  pouring  its  full  rays  upon  himf 

As  he  asked  himself  this  question  an  anxious,  distressed 
look  came  over  his  countenance. 

He  wiped  away  the  perspiration  that  gathered  fx.  wg<s 
bead-like  drops  upon  his  forehead,  and  again  looked 
back. 

The  officers  were  in  sight,  though  he  fancied  the  dis- 
tance between  himself  and  them  had  slightly  increased. 

lie  tried  to  improve  this  advantage  by  accelerating  his 
horse's  speed. 

But  in  this  attempt  he  failed  most  signally,  aa<3  Degan 
to  grow  apprehensive  that  ere  long  the  horse  would 
founder  altogether 
Struggling  on,  he  again  reached  the  high-road. 
With  a  last,  despairing,  convulsive  effort  of  strength, 
the  horse  leaped  over  the  low  hedge  which  divided  the 
meadows  from  it. 

It  came  down  heavily  and  almost  fell,  but  Tom,  by  a 
oudden  jerk  upon  the  reins,  saved  it. 

Then  ho  felt  that  whatever  his  horse  might  be  able  to 
accomplish  now,  certainly  it  would  never  be  able  to  take 
such  another  leap. 

Under  these  circumstances,  then,  he  had  no  resource 
sr>ve  that  of  continuing  his  way  along  the  high-road,  and 
ihis,  as  will  be  remembered,  was  a  thing  Tom  always 
shrank  from  doing  even  under  the  best  of  circum- 
stances. 

A  disagreeable  conviction  that  ere  k>Dg  he  would  be 
overtaken  began  to  creep  over  him. 
He  tried  to  shake  it  off,  yet  vainly. 
Soon  afterwaeds  the  police  officers  reached  the  high- 
road  as  well — in  time,  indeed,  to  perceive  Tom   King 
making  his  way  at  some  distance. 

They  noticed  with  exultation  the  exhausted  condition 
»f  his  horse,  though  the  animals  they  bestrode  were 
scarcely  in  better  condition 

Yet  they  shouted  and  waved  their  arms,  and  encouraged 
each  o-her  to  keep  up  the  chase  with  unabated  speed. 

Tern  King  at  length  coming  to  a  narrow  lane  which 
branched  oft  from  the  high-road  he  was  pursuing,  pulled 
up  abruptly  and  turned  down  it. 

It  was  dark,  and  so  thickly  overshadowed  with  the 
branches  of  huge  trees  planted  on  each  side  of  it  that  it 
seemed  almost  like  riding  into  a  tunnel. 

Again  a  disagreeable  feeling  came  over  him  like  a 
Bhudder,  and  after  he  had  turned  down  this  lane  he  re- 
gretted having  taken  the  step,  though  without  knowing 
wherefore. 

Once  more  making  the  effort  to  shake  off  this  nervous- 
ness, as  he  termed  it,  he  bent  all  his  energies  towards 
arging  his  horse  onward. 

It  was  just  possible  that  the  officers  might  not  notice 
he  had  taken  this  narrow  turning. 

The  lane  was  very  serpentine  in  character,  and  under- 
neath the  horse's  feet  was  nothing  but  soft,  springy  turf, 
showing  how  very  rarely  travellers  passed  that  way. 

It  was  fortunate  for  Tom,  for  his  horse's  hoofs  made 
scarcely  any  sound. 

Suddenly,  however,  the  aspect  of  this  lane  changed. 
The  trees  were  succeeded  by  high  stone   wa21s  ia  no 
place  less  than  ten  feet  in  height. 

Tom  glanced  from  side  to  6ide  of  him  with  apart*- 
heusion. 

But  there  was  no  such  thing  as  turning  back,  even  had 
he  wished  it,  for  already  he  could  tell  by  the  faint  sounds 
that  floated  to  his  ears  that  the  officers  were  making  their 
way  along  the  lonely  lane. 
A  few  yards  further  on  was  another  abrupt  bend. 
Turning  round  it,  Tom  King  uttered  an  ejar.ulatiou  of 
vexation  and  despair. 
The  end  of  the  lane  was  before  him. 
It  was  composed  tikti  the  sides  of  a  high  stone  wall, 
■^flich  in  tho  centre  was  pierced  by  a  massive  iron  door 
Urge  enough  to  allow  ary  vehicle  passing  down  the  iane 
to  go  through  it. 
But  thu  tVtor  was  closed,  and,  by  the  manner  in  which 


it  was  overgrown  with  ir.oss    and    ivy,  had    eot  been 
opened  for  very  many  years. 

"  Trapped,"  said  Tom,  as  he  wiped  the  perspiration 
from  his  face  once  more — "  trapped  a*  last :  there's  no 
escape  ;  here  they  come !"  ^ 

He  had  paused,  and  having  looked  at  the  ufgh  stone 
walls  and  massive  gates,  feeling  sure  that  it  was  impos- 
sible to  proceed  further  in  that  direction,  he  had  turned 
his  horse's  head  round,  so  that  now  he  faced  his  pur- 
suers. 

He  could  hear  them  coming  on  at  great  speed,  and  from 
the  cries  and  shouts  to  which  they  gave  utterance,  he 
fancied  they  were  well  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  the 
place  in  which  he  had  taken  refuge,  and  that  they  wore 
full  of  joy  at  having  trapped  him  so  securely. 

A  dark,  angry  look,  expressive  in  the  utmost  degree  of 
determination,  settled  upon  Tom  King's  countenance. 

He  allowed  the  reins  to  fall  on  to  tho  neck  of  his  pant- 
ing, exhausted  steed,  then  deliberately  produced  his  pis- 
tois.  and  having  examined  their  primings,  waited,  with 
one  in  each  hand,  for  the  officers  to  approach. 

In  another  moment  at  the  most  they  would  turn  taa 
last  bend  in  the  lane  and  be  upon  him. 

CHATTER  CMXLVIiL 

FOLLOWS  FOR    A  BRIEF  SPACE     THE  SINGULAR  FORTUNES 
OF  SIXTEEN-STRIN'G  JACK. 

The  pale,  grey  morning  light  that,  creeping  over  the 
whole  face  of  the  earth,  making  all  things  more  distinctly 
Vyuble  than  they  had  been  before,  and  which  found  Tom 
King  in  a  position  of  so  much  pori4,  was  the  same  that 
reached  Dick  Tu/piu  and  Maud  in  the  recesses  of  the  old 
stone  quarry. 

Gladly  would  we  return  to  them,  or  relate  what 
further  happened  to  Tom  King,  but  having  brought  the 
narrative  up  to  this  point,  it  is  necessary  to  go  back  and 
relate  the  adventures  tkat  befel  Claude  Duval  and  Six- 
teen-String  Jack  during  the  three  days  and  nights  when 
their  comrades  underwent  so  many  strange  vicissitudes. 
This  done,  all  will  mice  more  flow  on  smoothly. 
It  will  be  remembered,  then,  that  when  the  highway- 
men parted  in  the  wood  at  the  rear  of  the  Three  Spiders 
Inn,  they  each  chose  different  directions,  and  in  doing  so 
it  happened  that  Tom  King  and  Dick  Turpin  emerged 
from  the  western  side,  so  that  the  open  country  lay  imme- 
diately before  thsm. 

Sixteen-String  Jack,  with  whom  we  will  deal  first  in 
cLocsing  an  opposite  course,  of  necessity  emerged  on  the 
eastern  side,  or  that  which  was  nearest  to  London,  and 
though  he  made  use  of  all  the  circumspection  in  his  powei 
he  was  noc  xble  to  leave  the  shelter  of  the  trees  unseen. 

A  loud  voice,  coming  from  he  knew  not  where,  it  reached 
his  ears  so  suddenly,  cried  : 

"Surrender!"  and  scarcely  had  the  word  been  pro- 
nounced than  a  pistol  was  discharged. 

The  bullet  was  a  harmless,  useless  one,  for  Jack,  by 
a  rapid  movement,  had  altered  his  position — this  rapid 
movement  being  consequent  upon  the  start  of  surprise 
he  gave  when  he  heard  some  one  call  out  so  near  to 
him. 

Yet  that  movement  most  unquestionably  saved  his 
life. 

Knowing  his  danger,  he  at  once  set  spurs  to  his  horse's 
flanks,  and  the  next  moment  was  flying  off  at  full  gallop. 
So  rapidly  did  all  this  take  place  that  Jack  had  no 
time  to  consider  which  direction  he  should  take  ;  all  hi* 
thoughts,  indeed,  were  centred  upon  getting  away  from 
his  pursuers  as  soon  as  possible. 

It  was  not  until  he  had  gone  for  some  considerable  dis- 
tance that  he  turned  his  thoughts  in  this  direction,  and 
having  done  so,  he  looked  around  to  ascertain  where  he 
was.  | 

Ho  found  himself  upon  the  Oxford  Road,  with  his 
horse's  head  in  the  direction  of  Loudon,  to  which  place 
t.e  waa  galloping  at  full  speed. 

"It  won't  do  to  keep  this  course,"  thought  Jack;  bu* 
although  he  was  fully  aware  of  it,  he  did  not  .Just  then 
see  any  chance  of  making  a  change. 

He  paused  soon  afterwards  and  listened,  and,  tnough 
fai  itly,  yet  he  cou-ld  hear  distinctly  in  the  distance  tho 
claiter  of  horses'  hoofs — a  greater  clatter  than  could  bo 
produced  by  a  single  pursuer,  and  therefore  he  imagined 
that  the  officer  who  had  made  so   treacherous  an   attack 


JtfM 


BLACK   BESB;   OB, 


upon  him  had  met  with  some  of  his  companions,  who  had 
agreed  to  join  him  in  the  chase. 

"  Forward  yet !"  said  Jack.  "  There's  nothing  better,  I 
am  convinced.  In  a  little  while  something  to  my  advantage 
will  probably  turn  up." 

He  gallopod  on  again,  nor  did  he  draw  reiv  until  he 
perceived  dimly  in  the  distai.ee  before  kin>  t'Ue  dusky- 
white  outline  of  a  tnrnmke  gate. 

He  gazed  at  it  for  a  few  seconds,  then  listened 

This  time,  however,  although  he  stretched  bis  somo  of 
hearing  to  the  utmost,  no  sound  of  his  pursuers  was 
audible. 

Then  he  dismounted  rapidly  and  placed  his  ear  upon 
the  ground. 

This  made  a  great  difference,  for  he  was  now  able  to 
detect  a  succession  of  rapid  shocks. 

"  They  come,"  he  said — "  they  arc  still  upon  the  road, 
and,  if  I  linger,  will  be  soon  upon  me." 

So  saying,  he  vaulted  again  into  the  saddle. 

"Now  which  way  shall  I  take,"  he  murmured.  "Why, 
that  must  be  Tyburn  toll-gate,  yonder.  Let  me  &ro — 
Tyburn — Tyburn  ?  Surely  that  was  the  gate  where  Tom 
King  found  so  warm  a  friend  ;  it  may  be  that  the  man  is 
6tiU  there,  and  if  so,  the  stratagem  that  served  Tom  so 
well  in",   serve  me  also." 

Jack  was  half  incliued  to  make  the  trial,  for  he  knew 
nothing  would  be  of  so  much  advantage  to  him  as  get- 
ting the  officers  on  the  road  before  him,  so  that  he  could 
turn  back  and  retrace  his  course,  in  which  caso  he  would 
have  the  extreme  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  every  step 
hfi  "advanced  took  him  two  6tcps  away  from  his  foes. 

debating  this  point  in  his  mind,  he  rode  slowly  up  to 
the  toll-gate,  unable  to  decide  whether  he  should  try  to 
make  a  friend  of  the  keeper  or  not. 

As  the  hour  was  late — or  more  strictly  speaking,  early — 
the  gates  were  closed  and  fastened,  so  upon  reaching  them 
Jack  had  no  other  resource  than  to  call  out  to  have  them 
opened. 

In  a  few  moments  a  man  appeared,  whose  appearance 
corresponded  tolerably  well  with  the  description  Tom 
King  had  given. 

"Open  the  gate,"  said  Jack,  "and  be  quick  about  it !" 

"All  right,  governer ;  but  don't  be  in  such  a  blessed 
hurry !     Plowed  if  I  haven't  left  the  key  indoors  !" 

"  Then,"  said  Jack,  as  he  pulled  a  guinea  from  his 
pocket  and  tossed  it  to  the  man,  "  perhaps  that  may 
enable  you  to  move  with  a  little  extra  speed." 

The  tollkeeper  looked  searchingly  into  Jack's  face,  and 
then  putting  his  finger  by  the  side  of  his  nose  in  a  very 
waggish,  knowing  maimer,  he  said  : 

"  Many  thanks  to  you,  captain  !  I  know  you  are  one  oi 
the  right  sort ;  you  have  no  need  to  say  another  word  to 
convince  me  of  it.  Perhaps  you  may  have  heard  some- 
thing of  me  before ;  but  at  any  rate,  if  you  want  a  service 
done,  just  say  the  word,  and  pay  me  well,  and  I'm  the  man 
to  do  it." 

These  words,  and  the  Manner  in  which  they  were 
muttered,  enabled  Sixteen-String  Jack  to  come  to  a 
decision. 

"  Good  !"  he  said.  "  I  have  heard  of  you ;  and  you 
once  rendered  a  service  to  a  particular  friend  of  mine  and 
I  should  be  glad  if  you  would  render  one  to  me  as  well  Do 
you  know  what  I  mean  ?" 

"Well,"  said  the  tollkeeper,  removing  his  pipe,  -'I 
think  I  do.  Your  friend  was  the  one  that  I  shut  up  in 
the  house  here,  along  with  his  horse.  Aha  I  that  was  a 
good  joke  !  Whenever  1  think  of  it  I  begin  to  laugh,  and 
when  I  begin  I  never  know  when  to  leave  ofl  It  w°«  ^ 
very  rich — so  very  rich  indeed  !" 

" I  can  reward  you  well  for  this  service,"  said  Jacs; 
"and  you  will  believe  me  when  I  say  that  the  ofiiiMM  are 
in  lull  chase  of  me,  and  not  very  far  in  the  rear.  Listen, 
and  you  will  hear  the  hoofbeats  of  their  horses." 

"  I  can  heai  'em,  captain ;  I  heard  'em  from  the  first. 
Lor'  bless  you,  you  don't  think  I've  been  tollkeeper  here 
all  these  years  without  being  able  to  tell  what  was  coining 
a  long  distance  off  ?  I'm  quite  used  to  it." 

"  No  doubt,"  said  Jasite,  But  if  you  inlaid  to  conceal 
me,  be  quick  about  it ;  ^mere  cannot  l\3  much  time  to 
lose." 

"  There  is  not,"  said  the  ni».n,  "  Wait  aalf  a  secon  1  j  I 
will  fetch  the  key." 

He  vanished  into  the  toll-house,  aud  appeared  a^rain 
almost  immediately,  carrying  the  key  in  his  hand. 


With  this  he  unlocked  the  gate,  and  allowed  Jack  to 
pass  through. 

Then,  carefully  fastening  it  again,  he  said  : 

"  Now  dismount,  and  lead  your  horse  in  by  the  bridle. 
J  hope  it  is  ~  quiet  animal." 

•» Pretty  wed,"  said  Jack.      "  I  think  I  can  control  it." 

"  WelL  you'd  better.  You  will  remember,  of  course, 
how  much  depends  upon  silence.  If  your  horse  neighs, 
or  snorts,  or  tramples  about  with  her  feet  whilo  th< 
officers  are  outside  they  will  know  what's  o'clock  at  once ; 
then  you'd  find  yourself  in  rather  an  awkward  fix." 

"  I  should  indeed !"  said  Jack,  slowly,  and  with  & 
certain  amount  of  misgiving.  "  I  have  scarcely  dwelt 
upon  that ;  it  is  truly  running  a  great  risk." 

"  Why,  so  it  is  ;  you  speak  truly." 

"  As  great  a  risk  as  it  would  be  to  gallop  on,"  continued 
Jack,  speaking  more  to  himself  than  to  the  tollkeeper. 

"  Well,  there  I  can't  agree  with  you,"  was  the  answer, 
"  so,  if  you  are  going  inside,  make  up  your  mind  at  once  ; 
it  will  never  do  to  stand  dallying  thus." 

"I  will  risk  it,"  said  Jack,  suddenly.  "Tom  King 
managed  safely — why  should  not  I?" 

"I  see  no  reason  why  not.  Come  on,  captain,  I'm 
sure  you've  chosen  rightly." 

Jack  slipped  off  his  horse,  and,  taking  the  animal  by 
the  bridle,  he  patted  it  for  some  time  upon  the  neck,  so 
as  to  quiet  it  into  as  composed  a  state  as  possible. 

The  tollkeeper  then  held  open  the  door  of  his  little 
house,  and  Jack  led  his  horse  over  the  threshold. 

As  soon  as  the  animal  was  fairly  inside,  the  door  was 
closed  again. 

"Now,  captain,"  said  the  tollkeeper,  "I  just  recollect 
that  somewhere  or  other  I've  got  a  handful  of  oats  and  a 
little  bit  of  hay  ;  if  we  put  this  down  it  will,  ten  to  one, 
do  more  towards  keeping  your  horse  quiet  than  anything 
else." 

"Very  likely,"  said  Jack.  "But  you  must  be  speedy 
in  youi  movements,  for  I  can  hear  the  officers  now  quite 
plainly." 

"  Oh,  all  rignt,  captain  !  You  leave  them  to  me,"  said 
the  tollman,  in  a  very  confident  tone..  "I  know  how  to 
manage  them,  I  rather  think." 

The  oats  and  hay  were  produced  and  given  to  the 
horse,  who  began  to  nibble  away  at  the  provender  with 
very  great  satisfaction,  seeming  quite  inclined  to  remain 
perfectly  quiet. 

Directly  afterwards  there  was  a  prodigious  clattering 
of  hoofs  outside,  and  a  loud  shout  coming  from  many 
throats. 

"  Gate — gate !"  they  cried.  "  House— house !  Open 
quickly!     Do  you  hear?" 

"  Oh,  go  at  it !"  said  the  tellkecper,  quite  composedly, 
and  never  offering  to  move  an  inch.  "  Go  it,  my  ancient 
cripples!  You  will  have  to  call  again  before  .1  come 
out !" 

Sixteen-String  Jack  did  not  feel  any  easier  than  he 
had  done — in  fact,  we  may  safely  say  that  his  uneasiness 
increased  as  every  moment  elapsed. 

The  officers  bawled  out  again,  and  this  time  they 
accompanied  their  words  with  shaking  violently  at  the 
gate,  aud  hammering  away  upon  it  with  the  butt  ends  of 
their  heavy  riding  whips. 

"Had  you  not  better  go?"  said  Jack.  "You  will 
exasperate  them — perhaps  awaken  their  suspicions  by  this 
delay." 

"  No,  captain,  not  a  bit.  You  leave  this  'ere  job  to  me ; 
I  kuow  how  tn  work  it  You  look  after  your  horse, 
and  don't  interfere;  if  b3  gets  frisky  the  game's  spoilt 
for  both  of  us." 

Jack  knew  this  wel'  enr.urrh,  but  was  in  a  fever  of  im- 
patience for  the  tollkeeper  tc  go  out  and  let  the  officers 
through. 

His  anxiety  was  soon  at  an  end,  for  the  man,  having 
considered  that  the  officers  had  waited  long  eDough, 
opened  the  door  and  stepped  out. 

No  sooner  did  he  >.iske  his  appearance  than  he  was 
greeted  by  a  whole  volley  of  imprecations. 

"  Oh,  then,"  ejaculated  the  tollkeeper,  apparently 
taking  no  notice  of  the  state  of  rage  the  tifiJcer*  were  ia, 
"  so  the  gentleman  was  right,  after  all  ?" 

This  was  a  very  enigmatical  remark  as  much  lor  J»ok 
as  the  officers,  who  stared  at  him  in  surprise. 

"Why,  you  skulking  idiot!"  cried  one,  "wv«t  08 
you  mean  by  that  '—what  are  you  talking  ab-.nu  r " 


THB  KNIGHT  OF  THB  ROAD. 


1561 


«'Oh,  he"B  right— he's  right.'"  said  the  tollkeeper,  and 
m  ho  pronounced  the  words  he  advanced  with  the  key  in 
his  hand,  and  undid  the  padlock. 

"  Here — here,  my  fine  fellow,"  said  the  chief  officer,  as 
tfcey"  passed  through,  "  what  do  you  mean  by  keeping  us 
waiting  like  you  did  ?" 

"  Why,  I'vanse  I  thought  it  was  all  gammon." 

"  What  was    'I  gammon  ?" 

"  Why,  what  an  'uquisitive  man  you  are !  Would  you 
stop  on  your  business,  and  keep  me  here  in  the  oold,  just 
for  the  sake  of  answering     few  questions?" 

There  was  ft  silence  among  the  officers  at  this,  and  thoy 
waited  for  the  one  who  had  command  of  the  party  to 


This  officer  advanced  a  little  from  the  r*st,  an*,,  inking 
his  voice  to  what  he  intended  to  be  a  very  solemn  and 
warning  tone,  ho  cried  : 

"  Look  here,  Mr.  Tollkeeper :  I've  had  my  suspicions 
of  you  for  6ome  time,  and  I  shall  keep  an  eye  upon  you — 
mind  that!  You  know  who  we  are— we  are  c  fficers  of 
police." 

"  Ha,  ha,  ha !"  roared  the  tollkeeper,  pretending  te  be 
convulsed  with  mirt<h — "  ha,  ha,  ha !  Why,  so  yas  are ! 
Well — well,  now,  that's  what  I  call  an  excellent  joke — 
oh,  it's  capital '  I  never  guessed  it  would  be  half  so  rich 
as  this '" 

These  words  put  the  finishing  touch  to  the  officer's 
patience. 

"  You  grinning  fool !"  he  exclaimed.  "  What  do  ycu 
mean  by  talking  such  d— d  nonsense  ?  What  is  there  to 
laugh  at,  I  should  like  to  know  ?" 

"Well,  wait,"  said  the  tollkeeper — "wait,  and  in  about 
two  words»I  will  tell  you  all  about  it.  Are  you  all  listen- 
ing?" 

"  Of  course  we  are '" 

"  Well,  then,  abom  five  minutes  ago,  or  it  might  be  ten, 
or  perhaps  even  more  than  that." 

"Oh,  d — n  you  !  Never  mind  being  so  particular  about 
the  time !"  roared  the  officer,  in  his  impatience.  "  Can't 
you  see  we're  in  a  hurry  ?" 

"Well,  I  thought  you  were,"  said  the  tollkeeper,  com- 
posedly, "  but  why  do  you  stop  here  ?" 

•  To  know  what  you  have  to  tell  us,"  was  the  answer. 
"  In  omf  word  say  have  you  seen  a  man  mounted  on  a 
first-rate  bav  horse?" 

"  Oh,  yes,"  said  the  tollkeeper — "many  a  time !" 

"  But  I  mean  *o-nigkt,  you  fool — 1  mean  within  the 
last  few  minutes !" 

"Well,  yes,  I  have,"  was  the  reply.  "  That  was  just 
exactly  what  I  was  going1  to  say  " 

"  Oh,  was  it?  Well,  go  on,  then — why  don't  you  speak 
(Alt?" 

"  I  thought  I  was,"  answered  the  tollkeeper,  with  great 
gravity.  "  But,  however,  I  sh  uld  thiuk  it  must  now  be 
nearly  a  quarter  of  an  hour  ago  since  I  heard  some  one 
ride  up  and  bawl  out '  Gate — gate — open  the  gate !'  So  I 
jumped  up  in  a  minute,  and  ran  out  to  see  who  was 
there." 

"  Well — well,  what  did  you  see  t" 

"  Why,  a  man  in  a  tall  hat  seated  on  the  back  of  a  first- 
rate  bay  horse." 

"  That's  him,"  cried  the  officer — "  that's  him — tbat'a 
him !" 

"  I  know  that." 

" Oh,  you  know  it,  do  you?  It  strikes  mc  you  ar  tov, 
kaowiug  by  half,  and  I  shouldn't  wonder  if  some  day 
your  knowledge  doesn't  bring  you  iz'-~i  trouble." 

"  Well,  there's  some  consolation  is.  thinking."  replied 
the  tollkeeper,  "  that  you  will  never  have  to  tear  anything 
on  that  score — I'd  warrant  that  for  a  thousand  pounds  f" 

At  this  there  was  a  roar  of  laughter  among  the  ofl  cers 
— a  roar  of  laughter  at  the  expense  of  their  chief,  who 
was  so  furious  with  rage  that  he  swayed  to  and  fro  in  the 
saddle  like  a  drunken  man,  and  seemed  in  imminent 
danger  oi  pitching  to  the  ground. 

"As  1  said,"  continued  the  tollkeeper,  not  wishing, 
perhaps,  to  push  matters  too  far — "as  I  said  I  saw  this 
ehap  on  a  bay  horse,  so  says  ho  to  me  : 

"  '  Open  the  gate  quickly — I'm  in  a  hurrj? 

"  So  I  did,  and  I  said : 

u '  Tuppence — tupp°oce  !'  And  what  *o  you  think  he 
f*Te  me  ?" 

41 A  guinea,  perhaps  ?"  guessed  ono  of  ihe  officers. 

"  Yes,"  said  the  to/  Keeper,  with  pretended  ad-«fr%tf  mu 


"  Yoa  roust  be  a  conjuror !  That  was  exactly  the  amount 
So  I  sa  d,  'Wait  s  moment,  sir — wait  a  moment,  and  I 
will  fetor  you  the  change.' 

"  And  then  says  he  : 

"  '  Oh,  no,  my  good  fellow— keep  it  for  yourself.  I'm 
la  a  hurry ;  but  a  party  of  friends  of  mine  are  on  the 
road  behind  me.  I  have  outstripped  them,  my  horse  is 
such  a  good  one.  But  they  will  bo  coming  on  at  full 
rw.lt,  so,  when  you  hear  them,  let  them  through  the  gate, 
and  take  the  money  for  doing  so  out  of  that  guinea.  The 
change  you  can  keep  yourself.'  " 

"  Why,  d— n  his  impudence !"  reared  the  chief 
officer,  recovering  Llmself  "  Do  you  mean  to  tell  me 
that  he  said  that?" 

"  Do  you  mean  to  call  mo  a  liar  ?" 

"Oh,  stuff — stuff!  Why  don't  you  answer  my  ques- 
tion ?" 

"Well,  of  course  he  said  it'  Didn't  I  tell  you  as 
plainly  as  ever  I  could  speak  .that  he  said  it?  And  no 
sooner  had  he  spoken  the  words  than  ho  was  off  towards 
Li—dou  like  the  wind.  But  I  was  only  half  awake,  you 
know,"  continued  the  tollkeeper.  "  and  didn't  notice  him 
particularly,  and  I  thought  he  w&s  quite  in  earnest  in 
what  he  said.  I  never  dreamed  he  was  a  highwayman, 
and  that  officers  ere  in  pursuit  of  him.  But,  oho! 
what  a  rich  joke  it  is .  Why,  I  shall  never  forget  it  to 
the  last  day  of  my  life !     It's  graiitl !" 

But  the  officers  did  not  seem  to  appreciate  tho  joko 
half  so  well,  and  the  ono  in  command,  riding  back  to  his 
fellows,  said,  in  a  low  voice  : 

"I've  got  my  suspicions  of  this  fellow,  but  we'll  serve 
him  out  another  time.  I  can  see  through  the  scheme 
quite  well — perfectly  well !" 

"Oh,  can  you?"  was  the  whispered  question  coming 
from  the  lips  of  many  officers. 

"  Yes ;  no  doubt  Sixteen-String  Jack  bribed  him  to  de- 
lay us  all  ho  could,  and  he  has  managed  it  very  cleverly 
— I  must  say  that.  He  counted  upon  getting  a  good 
start,  and  now  he's  get  it,  and  no  mistake !  Wo  cannot 
do  better  than  ride  on.  We  must  learn  news  of  him  be- 
fore we  go  much  further.    Are  you  agreed  to  that  ?" 

"  Oh,  quite — quite !" 

"  Then  follow  me,"  was  the  answer,  and  then  the  chief 
officer,  turning  round  to  the  tollkeeper,  who  had  strained 
his  ears  in  a  vain  attempt  to  catch  what  had  been  said,  ho 
exclaimed :  "  Good  night  to  you,  my  clever  friend — good 
night !  But  it's  d — d  odd  to  me  if  I  don't  interfere  with 
your  pleasant  little  occupation  one  of  these  days,  and  put 
a  stop  to  it." 

"  You  be  blowed  !"  said  the  tollkeeper,  sulkily,  and  as 
he  uttered  the  words  he  turned  wund,  walked  into  his 
little  wooden  house,  and  slammed  the  door  shut  behind 
him. 


CHAPTER  CMXLIX. 

SLXTEEN-STRING  JACK  MEETS  RATHER  SUDDENLY  AND 
UNEXPECTEDLY  WITH  HIS  OLD  COMRADE  CLAUDK 
DUVAL. 

Sixteen-Strlng  Jack,  as  the  reader  will  readily  believe, 
felt  by  no  means  convfortable  while  this  humorous  scene 
was  taking  place  between  the  police  officers  and  the  toll- 
keeper — in  fact,  it  may  be  affirmed  that  he  saw  nothing 
humorous  in  it,  and  bitterly  repented  having  trusted  him- 
self with  this  man. 

He  considered  that  to  behave  as  he  was  behaving  was 
like  playing  with  a  lighted  match  close  to  a  barrel  <A  gun- 
powder. 

However,  the  highwayman  was  at  last  released  from 
the  tender  hooks  of  suspense  on  which  he  had  remained 
so  long,  by  the  tollkeeper  returning  to  his  house. 

Just  as  the  door  was  slammed  the  police  officers,  with 
a  parting  curse,  struck  »purs  into  their  horses'  .flanks 
and  galloped  off. 

The  idea  that  bad  taken  possession  of  their  minds  was 
a  very  rcason»Mo  «/Q6  indeed-  What  could  be  more  pro- 
bable than  mat  this  tollkeeper  should  undertake  to  keep 
them  waiting  at  the  gate  as  long  as  he  was  able  ? 

Convinced  that  nothing  else  would  help  them  but 
speed,  they  continued  at  a  rapid  rate,  and  soon  the  sound 
of  their  horses'  feet  completely  died  away. 

Not  tiU  then  did  Sixteen-Striug  Jack  venture  to 
speak. 


m 


kLaQK.    TESP  ;    OS, 


IIo  first  drew  a  long  breath  of  relief,  then  lie  ejacu- 
lated : 

"  Thank  goodness,  they  have  gono  at  last !" 

"  Yes,  at  last,"  said  the  tollkeeper,  wiping  the  teaw 
from  his  eyes,  which  laughter  bad  brougkt  there  "  Ok, 
I  shall  never  forget  this  afgkt!  It's  a  glorious  jofcel — a 
magnificent  joke !  I  would  cot  have  rnheod  'ft-  i&  & 
thousand  pounds !" 

"Well,"  said  Jack,  "  whatevoi  I  may  lev*  feii  a  short 
time  ago,  I  am  by  no  means  disposed  u>  quarrel  with 
you  now,  because  I  cannot  kelp  admitting  that  you  have 
brought  affairs  to  a  very  happy  conclusion.  I  am  much 
beholden  to  you,  and  you  will  find  that  I  am  the  last  man 
in  the  world  to  allow  any  favour  to  go  unrequited." 

"I  am  glad  to  hear  you  say  that,"  said  the  tollkeeper, 
"as  I  shall  not  be  above  recei*Iug  whatever  you  in  your 
generosity  may  feel  disposed  to  give,  simply  because 
there  is  no  knowing  what  charge  the  officers  may  bring 
against  me,  or  now  soon  they  may  get  me  turned  out  of 
my  present  situation ;  then  I  should  want  soma  kind  of 
recon  i  pense." 

"  You  shall  have  it,"  said  Jack,  "  and  have  it  freely.  I 
will  give  you  my  word  that  before  many  nights  are  over 
you  shall  receive  much  more  in  return  for  this  service 
than  ever  you  could  expect." 

"  Right !"  said  the  tollkeeper.  "  You  come  by  your 
money  easy  enough,  and  therefore  you  ought  to  part  with 
it  freely.  Dpou  my  word,  it's  a  jolly  life,  and  I've  a 
good  mind  to  turn  highwayman  myself." 

"Just  as  you  like,"  said  Jack.  "But  I  think  now, 
with  your  permission,  I  will  make  myself  scarce." 

"Yes,  yes,"  said  the  tollkeeper,  "by  all  means.  I 
Ought  to  have  told  you  that  myself.  There's  a  proba- 
bility that  they  will  stop  somebody  and  make  inquiries 
before  they  go  much  further.  It  is  impossible  to  say, 
indeed,  how  soon  they  may  learn  that  no  one  answering 
ycur  description  has  passed  along  the  road." 

"  That's  precisely  what  I  thought  myself,"  was  the 
reply  ;  "  and  so,  as  they  are  riding  so  comfortably  on  to 
Lorfclon,  I  shall  take  just  the  opposite  direction,  and  very 
mod   there  will  be  a  good  distance  interposed  between 

83." 

"So  there  will,"  said  the  tollkeeper;  "and  though  I 
am  sorry  to  part  with  you,  yet  1  cannot  ask  you  to 
stay." 

"  Open  the  gate  then,"  said  Jack,  "  and  I  will  be  off.  I 
needn't  tell  you  who  1  am.  Perhaps  you  may  guess 
it." 

"  Yes— Sixteen-String  Jack,  or  I  am  much  mis- 
taken." 

"  The  same,"  was  the  answer.  "  And  if  you  know 
anything  ol  me  you  must  be  aware  that  when  once  1 
pass  my  word  for  a  thing  I  never  go  back  from  it.  1 
save  spoken  to  you  about  the  reward :  depend  upon  it  it 
shall  be  yours  ere  long." 

"  That's  quite  sufficient.  And  now  just  wait  a  moment 
Dr  so  while  1  open  the  gate." 

With  these  words  the  tollkeeper  passed  out  icto  the 
open  air  again,  his  object  being  not  merely  to  open  the 
gate,  as  ho  stated,  but  also  to  ascertain  that  there  was  no 
one  loitering  about. 

He  glanced  around  him  as  well  as  he  could  in  the 
darkness  which  prevailed,  but  saw  no  one,  and  he  was 
Just  about  to  insert  the  key  in  the  padlock  when  the 
faint  but  unmistakable  sound  of  a  horse's  teet  reached 
his  ears. 

He  listened  attentively  for  a  few  seconds,  then  hastened 
back  to  Jack. 

"  There's  some  one  coming  I"  he  exclaimed. 

"  On  horseback  ?" 

"  Yes,  listen,  and  you  will  hear  the  sound." 

Jack  listened,  and  then  cried  ; 

"  Yes,  1  hear  it  plainly,  but  il  is  only  one  horseman  whe 
K  approaching." 

"  Kight,"  replied  the  tollkeeper — "it  is  probably  oniy 
6ome  chance  traveller ;  still,  if  so,  iet  him  ride  by  without 
eeeing  you,  otherwise  the  oiiir;  re  will  soon  get  on 
your  track." 

"  You  are  perfectly  right,"  said  Jack.  "  I  will  waJi 
until  he  passes." 

"He  s  coming  aiong  in  good  style,"  was  the  toil- 
keeper's  next  reJiark,  "and  he  is  going  towards  London. 
It  may  be  one  of  the  police  officers  who  has  been  left 
behind  by  his  companions." 


«'Xf  such  is  the  case."  said  the  highwayman,  "the 
closer  I  keep  myself  the  better.  However,  our  susponse 
will  soon  be  over." 

"  True,"  j  csponded  the  tollkeeper,  as  he  knocked  the 
ashe3  out  o?  his  pipe  aud  refilled  it  "  Hero  he  is  now, 
close  enough." 

By  the  time  he  had  completed  tbo  operation  of  igniting 
the  tobacco,  the  horseman  arrived  at  ths  toll-gate. 

Ho  struck  sharply  upon  it  with  his  riding-whip,  and 
called  out: 

"  Gate— gate !     Open  !" 

When  fE'ixleen-String  Jack  heard  those  words,  he 
uttered  an  ejaculation. 

"Hush — hush!"  whispered  the  tollman.  "What  on 
earth  is  the  matter  ?  Why,  you  will  be  heard  to  a  cer- 
tainty !" 

"No  matter, "  said  Jack--'' that's  a  friend  of  mine:  I 
know  his  voice  well  enough  !  1  woa'.d  swear  to  it  from 
a  thousand  !  Wha*  in  the  world  can  bring  him  in  this 
direction  ?" 

"Are  yoi  sure  it  is  a  friend?"  said  the  tollkeeper, 
anxiously. 

"  Yes — yes !" 

The  hammering  on  the  gate  was  repeated,  and  another 
loud  outcry  made  to  be  allowed  to  pass  through. 

But  the  tollkeeper  seemed  to  think  that  part  of  his 
duties  consisted  in  making  everyone  wait  who  happened 
to  arrive  when  the  turnpike  gate  was  closed. 

He  sallied  forth  at  last,  striving  all  the  time  to  keep 
Sixteen-String  Jack  back. 

But  the  highwayman  followed  him  closely,  and  took 
thb  first  opportunity  of  peeping  over  his  shoulder  at  the 
horseman  so  as  to  make  sure  there  was  no  mistake. 

The  oil  lamp  that  was  burnirg  dimly  on  one  of  the 
posts  shone  on  Claude's  countenance  with  sufficient  dis- 
tinctness to  enable  Jack  to  recognise  it  at  once. 

He  darted  forward  with  a  c,y  0f  satisfaction,  but 
Claude,  never  suspecting  such  a  meeting  as  this,  stood 
immediately  0n  his  guard,  for  ho  could  not  tell  but  what 
this  meant  a  sudden  attack  upon  him. 

"Claude — Claude!"  cried  Jack.  "Is  it  possible  you 
do  not  know  me  ?  It  is  your  old  comrade  Sixteen-String 
Jack !" 

"  Impossible !" 

"  Look  at  me  and  see  !  I  have  by  the  merest  chance 
in  the  world  escaped  from  the  police." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it,"  replied  Claude,  shaking  his 
comrade  warmly  by  the  hand ;  "  1  was  full  of  alarm  on 
your  account." 

"It  would  have  gone  hard  with  me,"  said  Jack,  "but 
for  our  friend,  the  tollman,  hero.  He  is  the  same  who  did 
Tom  King  such  a  good  turn  some  time  ago.  Do  you 
recollect  ?" 

"  Yes,  perfectly  well.    Is  your  horse  inside  ?" 

"Yes,  I  will  bring  him  forth." 

"  I  should  never  have  suspected  it,"  said  Claude.  "  1 
should  think  it  is  a  trick  that  might  be  played  upon  the 
officers  over  and  over  again." 

"  I  should  never  like  to  try  it  another  time,"  said 
Sixteen-String  Jack.  "  You  cannot  imagine  how  I  felt 
standing  there  inside  while  they  were  surrounding  the 
place,  and,  as  I  might  say,  within  reach  of  me." 

"  Not  very  pleasant  either,  1  expect ;  but  come,  the 
soor/cr  we  make  a  move  the  better." 

Jack  was  entirely  of  this  opinion,  so  while  Wie  toll 
keeper  unlocked  the  gate,  he  led  his  horse  out  and 
mounted. 

"  liemember,"  he  said,  as  he  trotted  through,  and 
placed  hims«Jf  by  the  side  of  Claude  Duval — "remember 
what  I  have  promised  you.  I  shall  not  be  able  to  keep 
my  word  tc-Ziight,  nor  could  I  say  for  certain  I  shall  be 
here  to-morrow ;  but  wait  a  reasonable  time  with  pa- 
tience, and  you  will  find  there  will  be  no  room  for  com- 
plaint." 

"  Kight,  captain — that's  <jaite  enough.  Good  night  to 
yo«  both !" 

"  Gooc1  night !"  was  the  answer,  and  as  the  words  were 
pronounced  the  highwaymen  put  their  steeds  in  motion 
and  trotted  off. 

"  Well,"  exclaimed  the  tollman,  rubbing  his  hands 
briskly  together  aud  shutting  himself  up  in  his  house, 
"  if  the  officers  don't  come  back  here  before  long  and  kicK 
up  a  jolly  row  it's  odd  to  me  J" 

This  reflection,  however,  did  not  deter  him  irann  very 


THS   KKlOm  0?  THB  ROAD. 


im 


deliberately  making  every  preparation  for  ffcfeicg  to 
rest.  •"• 

Here  we  will  leave  him,  and  follow  00  M9  fctaada 
who  had  met  thus  unexpectedly. 

They  trotted  on  at  a  rapid  rate  for  some  distance  with- 
out exchanging  a  word,  and  then  Sixteen-String  Jack, 
unable  any  longer  to  restrain  his  curiosity,  tigviteE»jd  the 
rein  a  little,  and  exclaimed : 

"  Come,  Claude,  tell  me  how  it  is  I  find  you  here  ? 
What  can  have  happened  to  bring  you  to  Tyburn 
Gate?" 

"You  will  laugh  at  me,  no  doubt,"  was  Claude's 
rejoinder,  "but  after  we  had  made  up  our  minds  to 
separate  I  felt  far  from  comfortable.  We  have  been  so 
much  in  the  habit  of  going  together  everywhere  that  I 
felt  lost  without  you.  While  giving  way  to  tiiese 
thoughts,  I  gradually  rode  out  of  the  wood,  and  emerged 
just  in  time  to  see  that  treacherous  attack  made  upon  you, 
and  to  witness  the  officer  start  off  in  pursuit." 

"  Indeed  !"  said  Jack,  "  I  never  guessed  that.  But  what 
followed  ?" 

"  Why,  the  officer  soon  got  others  to  join  him,  and 
away  they  went  after  you  like  so  many  hounds  after  a  fox. 
I  stood  considering  for  a  little  while,  wondering  which 
way  I  should  go,  then  took  it  into  my  head  the  best 
thing  I  could  do  was  to  pursue  the  officers." 

"  Pursue  the  officers  ?"  exclaimed  Jack. 

"  Yes,  I  knew  you  would  laugh  at  so  droll  an  id** ,  but 
mark  you,  I  intend  to  keep  a  safe  distance  from  them.  I 
thought  while  I  was  riding — and  I  was  quite  certain  they 
were  on  the  road  before  me — there  was  little  to  fear  from 
ihefn." 

"  True  enough,"  said  Jack.  "  And  that's  what  brought 
you  hero  ?" 

"  Well,  partly.  But  you  must  a!so  know  that  I  inaaife^j 
in  the  hope  of  being  able  to  como  up  with  you  before 
long.  I  made  quite  certain  that  you  would  adopt  some 
stratagem  or  other  to  throw  your  pursuers  oa  the  scent, 
and  so  I  had  resolved  to  make  inquiries — of  course  with 
•motion — all  along  the  road  until  i  le&rsed  something  of 
you." 

''But  fortunately,"  saj  I  Jack,  "  tlrero  wad  no  oee.ision. 
You  don't  know  how  rejoiced  I  felt  when  I  heard  your 
voice." 

"No  doubt,"  said  Claude,  "and  it  is  agreeable  that  r.ow 
we  have  met  wo  should  continue  together  <?  uring  the 
time  that  has  been  fixed  ?" 

"  Yes,  with  all  my  heart!  I  should  liko  it  coove  all 
things." 

"  That,  then,  is  comfortably  settled ;  and  now,  Jack,  for 
an  account  of  your  adventures." 

"  You  know  all,  or  nearly  all ;  however,  I  will  give  you 
the  details." 

Jack  did  so,  and  concluded  by  saying  : 

"Now  you  see,  Claude,  we  left  the  Three  Spiders 
ix  such  a  hurry  that  I  neglected  to  provide  myself  with 
any  money  at  all,  and  I  suppose  you  are  in  the  same 
predicament  ?" 

"  Precisely." 

"Well,  then,  I  have  promised  the  tollkeeper  he  shall  be 
;e  warded." 

"  He  deserves  to  be." 

"  I  feel  it  so,  and  therefore  I  propose  that  we  take  ad- 
vantage of  the  first  adventure  that  presents  itself  and  turn 
it  to  good  account." 

"  With  all  my  heart  once  more  !"  said  Claude.  *  And 
it  is  so  long  since  I  had  a  little  sport  on  the  high  /v*y  that 
1  look  forward  to  it  with  real  pleasure." 

The  two  highwaymen  being  thus  of  one  mini;  got  on 
quite  capitally  together. 

Having  made  their  arrangements  so  far,  and  listened 
for  any  sounds  that  might  betoken  the  presence  of  police 
officers,  they  carefully  set  to  work  ic  d'amius  the  con- 
dition of  their  weapons. 

Claude's  pistols  were  unloaded,  but  luckily  both  him- 
self and  comrade  were  well  provided  with  ammunition  — 
in  fact,  they  took  good  care  never  to  travel  anywhere  u  - 
less  thus  provided. 

"We  shall  miss  the  comforts  cf  the  old  inn,"  said 
Claude,  as  he  rammed  a  ballot  iuto  his  pistol.  "  We  have 
had  no  difficulty  in  getting  ammunition  lately,  or  what- 
Sver  else  we  required — now  me  shall  find  it  very  dif-( 

fOTOnt."  r 

**  V«ry  different  indeed  i"  said  Jack.     "  If  we  had  only 


had  a  little  notice  wo  might  have  provided  ourseVes  with 
a  supply  that  would  have  lasted  some  time." 

"  Make  the  best  of  it — make  the  best  of  it  I  Wo  have 
managed  well  hitherto,  and  I  see  no  reason  why  we 
should  not  continue  to  do  so." 

"  Yes,"  was  the  answer.  "  Bus  1  would  give  much  to 
know  what  took  place  at  the  iuu  after  our  departure  from 
it.  For  that,  however,  we  must  wait- -it  will  not  do  for 
us  to  venture  near." 

"  Not  m  any  ac/»unt.  But  hark !  something  is  com- 
ing." ,    > 

"Are  you  surer" 

"Quite.     Listen!" 

Both  highwaymen  stopped,  and  then,  distinctly  enough, 
they  heard  a  horse  approaching,  the  clatter  of  his  feet 
being  accompanied  by  the  rattle  of  wheels. 

'•  It's  a  gig,"  said  Claude,  "  or  something  of  that  kind. 
Very  likely  we  shall  get  our  little  business  over  at  once. 
At  any  rate,  be  the  approaching  traveller  who  he  may,  ha 
shall  be  stopped." 

"Yes,"  said  Jack,  "I  am  quite  determined  upon  that 
point.  Remain  where  you  are.  I  will  take  up  a  posi- 
tion on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road.J' 

Sixteen-String  Jack  carried  out  his  intention  while  ho 
spoke. 

Having  crossed  the  road  carefully,  he  backed  his  horse 
as  close  under  the  hedgerow  as  he  could,  so  as  to  remain 
concealed  in  the  shadow. 

Olaude  Duval  did  the  same  thing,  and  certainly  it 
would  have  required  a  very  piercing  vision  to  have 
made  out  their  figures  as  they  stood  there. 

A  profound  silence  was  now  maintained. 

The  highwaymen  had  got  their  weapons  in  readiness 
for  instant  use,  and  they  listened  with  a  slight  degree  of 
impatience  to  the  ever-increasing  noise  made  by  the 
rapidly-approaching  vehicle. 


CHAPTER  CML. 

SUSTFEW-STRIKQ  Jktm*  WD  CLAUDE  DUVAL  HAVE  AST 
ADVENTURE  OM   '"E  HIGHWAY. 

"Claude,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jadv.  in  a  low  tent*** 
voice,  "keep  where  yuu  are;  I  will  ma.. H*f  this  little 
affair,  which  I  consider  as  being  peculiarly m    own." 

"As  you  like,"  returned  Duval,  carehssly.  "I  w„. 
remain  a  looker-on,  unless  I  see  something  «'»/».h  may 
make  my  interference  necessary.'' 

"Good;  no  more.     Silence,  or  we  shall  be  overheard." 

Not  another  word  was  spoken,  and  the  highwaymen, 
as  they  looked  along  the  road,  perceived  witn  a  tolerable 
amount  of  distinctness  that  it  was  a  kind  of  gig  that  was 
nearing  them,  drawn  by  a  large  light-coloured  horse,  and 
seated  in  it  could  be  perceived  the  dusky  forms  of  two 
persons. 

In  a  few  seconds  afterwards  the  gig  was  near  enougu 
for  Jack's  purpose,  so  he  rode  out  with  great  suddenness 
from  his  place  of  concealment  into  the  middle  cf  tha 
road. 

"  Hold  !"  he  said.  "  If  you  value  your  lives,  pull  up ! 
Hold,  I  say !" 

His  sudden  and  unexpected  appearance  evidently  took 
both  travellers  by  surprise,  and  perhaps  it  was  more  tha 
astonishment  into  which  they  were  thrown  than  a  desire 
to  comply  with  this  strange  demand  that  made  the  on» 
who  was  driving  tighten  the  reins. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  easily  kept  up  by  the  side  of  tha 

gig- 
He  had  his  eyes  wide  open,  and  Keenly  on  the  watch 
for  everything. 

Yet  he  was  taken  by  surprise  by  the  rapidity  with 
which  one  of  the  travellers  drew  a  pistcJ  from  his  belt, 
and,  quickly  cocking  it,  pulled  the  trigger. 
There  was  a  snap  and  a  flash,  but  n:>  report. 
"  Don't  try  anotne.r,"  said  Sixteen-Strir.g  Jack,  "  other- 
wise I  shall  feel  bo\»nd  to  try  a  shot  As  ij  is,  I  am  will- 
ing to  let  you  both  go  uninjured  provided  you  will  only 
allow  me  something  you  can  well  spare." 

"  Our  money,   watches,  and  so  forth,"  '  6aid    the  obs 

who  was  driving,  in  an  angry  voice— ' v  that's  what  yott 

consider  we  can  spare,  is  it  not  ?" 

,  "Just  so." 

"  Then,  Jim,"  he  added,  in  a  different  tone  of  voi<*\ 

and  addressing  his  companion,  "  may  I  be  d— d  if  1  »J 


so 


BLACK    B/88  ;     OB, 


h*re  by  your  side  and  submit  to  be  robbed  by  one  man  ! 
We'll  make  an  effort  to  keep  what  we  have  got !" 

"You  are  playing  with  your  safety, "  said  Jack.     "It 
would  have  been  easy  for  me  to  have  returned  the  shjt 


and  no  alight  alarm  of  the  highwaymen,  they  heard  wlti 
great  distinctness  the  approach  of  a'large  body  of  mount  .vj 
men.  ^ 

Looking  back  in  the  direction  of  London,   they  could 


that  was  aimed  at  me,  and  rely  upon  it  there's  no  tear    perceive  a  troop  of  officers  galloping  towards  them,  and 
that    my  pistol   would  miss  fire.      Quick!     Hand   over     " 
what  I  require,  and  you  may  continue  your  journey  *9  if 
nothing  had  happened."  -      » 

"  That's  cool !"  said  the  tr»veller.  "Nothttfg  hnppeneq,' 
indeed  1  No,  no,  my  spark — you  will  have  no  money  or 
valuables  from  either  of  us  without  fighting  fcr  the  n  1" 

"If  that's  yv-cr  humour,"  said  Jack,  "1  will  aocomtao- 
date  you.  But  two  to  ou«>  :s  .aiher  long  odds,  so  I  must 
have  assistance." 

Jack  purposely  raised  his  voice  while  uttering  these 
words,  in  order  that  Claude  Duval  should  hear  them. 

Scarcely  had  the  last  word  left  his  lips  than,  with  a 
sudden  bound,  Claude  Duval  placed  himself  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  gig 

So  swiftly  did  he  make  his  appearance,  that  it  really 
seemed  as  though  he  had  either  sprung  up  from  the 
earth  or  else  been  dropped  from  the  clouds. 

The  appearance  of  another  highwayman  altered  the 
feelings  of  the  travellers  altogether. 

The  one  who  had  proposed  to  fight  it  out,  quietly  took 
down  his  whip,  and  began  to  rummage  in  his  pock "ts. 

"  I  give  in,"  he  said — "  I  give  in.     I  have  net  su.hVfcnt 
yalwe  about  me  to  make  it  worth  while  to  riss  mj  nfa  to 
retain  it.     Take  this — it's  what  ready  money  I  ha  "e.     I 
have  bank-notes  in  my  pocket-book, "but  they  will  be  no  j 
good  to  you,  for  the  numbers  are  all  taken." 

Clauao  took  from  the  traveller  a  *'J1«rably  ^eiffhty 
puree,  and,  as  he  dropped  it  in*  his  paskei.  he  ex- 
maimed  : 

"Hand  over 
bank-notes, 
fairly." 

**•  traveller  laughed,  but  in  a  most  unmusical  man- 
ner. 

WJtb  great  reluctance  he  pulled  his  large  watch  from 
his  fob,  and  dropped  it  into  the  highwayman's  out- 
stretched palm. 

In  the  meanwhile,  Sixteen-String  Jack  had  been  simi- 
larly occupied. 

The  man  who  had  endeavoured  to  shoot  Jp.ck  had  lost 
nrsch  of  his  self-possession  by  the  failure  of  Lis  attempt, 
Bud  certainly  he  never  for  a  moment  dreamt  oi  contesting 
with  two  men. 

"There  you  are."  he  said,  giving  Jack  his  watch  and 
purse — "  take  them,  and  let  us  drive  on.  But  hark  you, 
Uiy  fine  fellow,  I've  had  a  good  look  at  you,  and  sha'n't 
forget  your  appearance  for  some  time,  and  if  I  can  put 
the  officers  on   your   track,  depend  upon   it   1  shall  do 


soar  watch,  and   you  may   keep  your 
Do  not  say  that  I  have  not  treated   you 


•o!" 

"Thanks — thanks!"  said  Jack,  in  an  indifferent  tone, 
as  he  made  an  ironical  bow.  "  You  are  now  quite  free 
to  drive  on." 

The  travellers  did  not  wait  to  be  told  twice  ''jut  the 
one  who  was  driving  took  up  his  whip  again,  and  gave 
his  horse  a  smart  cat  with  it,  and  away  they  went  vrith 
•  rush. 

"  This  is  luck  !"  said  Jack.  "  Between  us,  surely  we 
have  enough  to  satisfy  the  tollkeeper.  I  have  hf-if  a  mind 
to  ride  bae-k  to  him,  and  so  get  the  matt*1;'  over  ac 
once." 

"  I  think  it  would  be  best  not,"  said  Claude.  •'Morn- 
ing is  close  at  hand,  and  we  ought  to  be  on  the  look-out 
for  a  good  place  of  shelter.  Rely  upon  it,  the  country  will 
be  up  in  arms  in  a  veiy  short  time." 

"It  will  be  best.  The  more  we  keep  out  cf  sight  in 
the  daytime  the  better.  Where  do  you  propose  v.bc»  we 
should  bend  our  steps  ?" 

'•1  hardly  know.  But  hark  !  I  fancied  just  then  that  1 
heard  the  sound  of  approaching  horsemen." 

Jack  assumed  a  listening  attitude  immediately,  but  just 
then  a  slight  squall  of  wind  had  sprung  up,  which  made 
fen  odd  whistling  noise  among  the  uve-tops,  effectually 
drowning  all  slight  sounds. 

"  I  hear  nothing,"  said  Jack,  at  length—  'at  lcask  ne- 
tting but  the  wind." 

"Nor  I  now,  but  still  we  will  push  onward  as  fast  as 
we  ecu ;  we  are  as  yet  much  too  near  to  London  to  be 
ttfe." 

Just  then  the  wind  dropped,  and,  to  the  astonisiea&at 


a  little  in  the  rear  could  be  seen  the  gig  with  the  two 
travellers  seated  in  it. 

They  were  waving  the''*  vms  in  an  excited  m«jn:>3r, 
and  pointing  along  the  road. 

"  Confouud  it,  Jack,"  said  Claude,  "  they  have  got  closa 
upon  as.  and  quite  unawares.  Wo  shall  havo  to  look 
sharp  now,  you  may  make  up  your  mind  to  that." 

"  I  should  only  like  to  know,"  said  Jack.  "  whether  th» 
office  rs  are  the  same   who  passed  me   at  the  toll-gate :  it 
so,  tLey  will  be  so  enraged   at   the   trick    *,hat  has   been 
playei  them  that  they  will  strain  every  muscle  to  cap 
ture  us." 

While  these  tew  words  were  exchanged,  the  highway- 
men had  been  making  their  way  onwards  at  a  rapid 
speed. 

Still,  despite  their  efforts,  :he  officers  wsro  muoh  too 
close  to  them  to  be  pleasant. 

At  length  Claude  spoke. 

"Jack,"  he  said,  "  1  havs  aa  idea,  and  I  hoDO  j>m  will 
fall  in  with  it  at  once." 

"What  is  it?" 

"    \>  us  separate." 

"  S-parate  ?  V^t,  I  thought  yoH  said  i  WUls  while 
ago——" 

»ee,  yes — I  know  that !  But  separate  only  for  a  short 
time.  Don't  you  see,  if  we  do  so,  the  effect  will  be  that 
our  pursuers  will  be  divided.  In  that  case,  shall  we  not 
have  a  much  better  chance  of  effecting  an  escape  ?  Re- 
collect how  close  it  is  to  daylight." 

"It's  a  good  plan,  Claude,  a:id  we  will  aciopt  it.  But 
where  shall  we  meet,  and  when  ?" 

"To-morrow  night,"  said  Claude.  -'Suppose,  now, 
that  you  turn  to  the  left  and  I  to  the  right  ?  We  will  mak« 
our  way  in  a  kind  of  semicircle — do  you  understand? — 
and  to-morrow  night  we  will  meet  somewhere  on  this 
ro«d.     1  will  wait  for  yon  till  daybreak." 

'  Agieed!  Let  us  part  now,  for  the  officers  are  dis- 
agreeably close." 

"No  matter,"  said  Claude — "our  manoeuvre  will  dis- 
compose them  in  no  slight  degree,  or  else  I  am  altogether 
mistaken." 

The  officers  were  quite  overdyed  to  think  they  had 
managed  to  approach  the  highwaymen  so  closely,  and 
they  did  all  in  their  power  to  decrease  the  distance  which 
now  inter%Tened  between  them. 

Suddenly,  however,  to  their  great  consternation,  they 
saw  the  highwaymen  divide,  one  taking  to  the  meadows 
on  one  s:'de,  the  other  on  the  opposite  one. 

"Curse  them!"  said  the  one  in  command.  "That's 
double  trouble  !  Still,  we  have  no  resource  tut  to  divide 
also.  I  will  go  after  that  villain  yonder,  and  you. 
Hopkins,  take  charge  of  half  the  men  and  follow  the 
other  one." 

The  police  certainly  deserved  some  credit  for  the  rapid 
manner  in  which  they  divided  themselves  into  two 
parties ;  and  having  done  so,  they  each  took  to  th« 
meadows,  so  that  in  a  much  shorter  time  than  Claude  had 
believed,  he  found  they  were  again  upon  his  track. 

The  two  travellers,  however,  were  compelled  to  pause 
in  the  middle  of  the  road. 

It  was  impossible  for  them  to  continue  the  chase  auy 
further,  though  they  would  have  liked  above  all  things 
to  do  so. 

They  remained  watching  the  officers  until  thsy  disap- 
peared from  sight ;  then,  with  a  most  crestfallen  air, 
they  turned  their  horse's  head  once  more  towards 
London. 

But  quirk  as  the  officers  were,  tho  highwaymen  had 
managed  to  obtain  a  very  excellent  start,  and  Claude, 
having  only  himself  to  look  after,  bent  the  whole  of  his 
efforts  to  the  task  of  urgiug  his  horse  op  wards  at  its 
utmost  speed. 

Preserving  the  couise  he  had  merJioi,^  uo  galloped 
rapidly  on. 

The  ground  favoured  him  exceedingly,  being  cgss^kso<1 
of  little  else  but  smooth  pasture  land. 

But  whenever  he  looked  behind  him  to  obserrc  how 
near  his  pursuers  were,  he  perceived  the  faint  grey  Usjrt 
I  ©I  i:ght  in  the  east  gr--?triag  irigbter  and  brif  liter, 


THE  KNIGHT  OP  7H3  ROAD. 


GU 


tOTCK    ASP    MAfP,    *    TUB   OLP   QUAKE*,    US*  **   TO   THE   APPROACH   OP   XHE   OPPICKP.S.J 


He  did  not  draw  rein  until  he  had  succeeded  in  reach- 
ing the  summit  of  a  piece  of  rapidly-rising  ground. 
Then  from  this  elevated  position  he  took  a  careful  view 

The  light  had  gradually  increased,  and  by  its  aid  he 
was  enabled  to  see  lor  a  considerable  distance,  yet,  though 
be  scanned  every  tree  and  every  hedgerow,  he  was  un- 
fcble  to  catch  sight  ot  his  foes.  . 

But  although  they  were  invisible  to  mm,  he  migtu  oe 
plainly  seen  by  them,  so  hv  resolved  without  delay  to  quit 
Lis  exposed  position. 

The  descent  of  the  hill  was  quickly  made,  and  then 
Claude  perceived  at  no  very  great  distance  a  dark  dense 
mass  of  trees,  either  a  park  or  else,  what  was  more  likely, 
t  small  wood  or  coppice.  .....*  ~* 

"That's  the  place,"  he  ejaculated;  "if  lean  once  get 
beneath  the  trees  unseen  all  will  be  well,  they  may  lock 
lor  me  afterwards  as  long  as  they  think  proper. 
No.  19U.~ Black  Bbss. 


He  at  once  made  his  best  speed  Awards  this  place  and 
gained  it  just  as  a  bright  red  flash  m  the  eastern  sxy 
showed  the  sun  was  about  to  rise. 

Just  before  he  passed  beneath  the  shadow  of  the  dense 
mass  of  treeVheP  looked  long  and  scrntinis.ngly  in  the 

direction  he  had  just  come.  ar.vthin°-  of  the 

Yet,  as  before,  he  was  unable  to  see  anything  01  tne 

0f?Tonlv  trust"  he  muttered,  "that  Jack  has  b*en  as 
fortuna^anTnas  met  with  as  little  trouble  as  I  hjve. 
If  I  am  not  disturbed,  this  wood  f11*  ^rTf  £?:" 
excellently  well  as  a  place  of    concealment   till  night. 

'"With  these  words  Claude  faced  about,  and  rode  as  for 
as  he  could  into  the  little  wood. 

When!  at  length,  the  density  of  the  vegetation  FJ^ 
venld^ny  further 'progress  of  this  kind,  he  duaouied 
and  led  his  horse  slowly  forwa-. 


tfo.  106 


PmcE  One  Halfpenny. 
*r--  ir>7  „,.-77 1.«  Ptthiiahed  next  Monday. 


BLACK    BE&a;    03, 


Having  at  length  penetrated  to  a  sufficient  distance,  he 
paused,  secured  his  horse,  and  sat  down  to  rest. 

By  instinct  ho  assumed  a  position  of  listening,  but 
though  ho  stretched  his  hearing  to  the  utmost,  no  alarm- 
ing sosfnd  reached  him 

He  congratulated  himself  again  and  again  upon  his 
good  luck,  and  afterwards,  feeliug  oppressed  by  the  intense 
silence  which  prevailed  in  this  place,  he  found  himself 
insensibly  sinking  off  into  a  slumber. 

Fully  aware  of  the  great  dauger  there  would  be  of 
sleeping  in  such  a  spot  as  this,  he  tried  his  best  to  keep 
himself  awake. 

With  much  difficulty  he  succeeded,  but  again  and  again 
the  heavy  slumbering  feeling  would  come  over  him,  and 
in  the  end,  unable  to  struggle  any  longer  against  it,  he 
sank  off  into  a  sleep  so  deep  and  dreamless  as  might  have 
beeu  envied  by  many. 

At  length,  with  a  shiver  and  a  start,  he  awoke,  and  then 
the  first  thing  he  noticed  was  that  the  day  was  rapidly 
drawing  to  a  close. 

When  he  remembered  the  length  of  time  he  had  re- 
mained in  so  helples3  a  condition  he  fairly  shuddered. 

But  the  next  moment  his  good  spirits  returned,  and  he 
thought  only  of  his  good  fortune  in  having  escaped  so 
well. 

But  he  now  began  to  be  very  keenly  sensible  to  the 
pangs  of  hunger,  and  wondered  in  what  way  he  should 
be  able  to  satisfy  the  craving  for  food. 

"  I  will  creep  to  the  edge  of  this  wood,"  ho  muttered, 
"and  before  night  quite  closes  in  will  have  another  good 
look  around  me.  Then  if  I  see  nothing  of  my  foes  I  will 
run  the  risk  of  making  a  brief  halt  at  the  first  inn  1  can 
find." 

Having  come  to  this  decision,  Claude  lost  no  time  in 
carrying  it  out. 

He  retraced  his  steps  as  well  as  he  was  able  to  the  very 
spot  where  he  had  first  gained  entrance  to  the  wood,  and 
stood  there  for  a  long  time  watching  earnestly. 

In  the  distance  he  saw  a  lew  farming  men  walking 
slowly  across  the  meadows,  evidently  making  their  way 
homeward  at  the  close  of  their  day's  labor. 

But  except  these,  ho  was  unable  10  make  out  any  other 
human  beings. 

Encouraged  by  this  result,  which  was  almost  more  than 
he  had  dared  to  hope  for,  Claude  sprang  upon  the  back  o! 
his  steed  and  trotted  off. 

Coming  at  length  to  a  cross-country  road,  ho  deter- 
mined to  pursue  its  windings,  feeling  tolerably  certain 
that  before  he  had  proceeded  any  great  distance  he  should 
arrive  at  a  roadside  inn. 

Fortune  seemed  inclined  to  favor  him  again,  for  before 
he  had  gone  more  than  a  mile  he  perceived  before  him 
just  the  kind  of  habitation  he  wished  to  gain. 

It  was  a  small,  rustic,  peaceful-looking  dwelling,  and 
seemed  to  have  all  around  it  an  aspect  of  shelter  and 
safety. 

Perceiving  it,  Claude  quickened  his  speed,  and  riding 
ap  to  the  front  door  he  drew  rein  near  the  large  moss- 
grown  horse-trough,  out  of  which  his  steed  commenced 
drinking  greedily. 
"  Hou3e— house !"  he  cried.  "Sow,  ostler— quick !" 
The  words  had  scarcely  passed  his  lips  before  he  was 
startled  by  a  tremendous  uproar,  though  coming  from 
within  this  peaceful  building. 

He  heard  loud  voices  in  contention,  and  the  rush  of 
hasty  footsteps. 

Wondering,  but  never  guessing  at  the  cause  of  this 
commotion,  Claude  sat  perfectly  still  upon  his  horse. 

The  front  door  of  the  inn  was  closed,  but  now  it  was 
suddenly  dashed  open,  and,  to  Claude's  intense  surprise, 
out  rushed  several  police  officers. 

Pistols  were  in  their  hands,  and  they  no  sooner  gained 
the  open  air  than  they  discharged  them. 

But  such  was  their  state  of  excitement  and  flurry,  that 
not  one  paused  to  take  aim. 

The  whole  of  the  weapons  were  discharged  a£  rf^lotn.i 
With  a  shout  sf  astonishment,  Claude  Duval  put  spurs v 
to  his  horse  and  galloped  off,  leaving  the  police  officers  iu 
a  frantic,  excited  throng  in  the  middle  of  the  crc«*-road. 
The  landlord,  and  ostler,  and  other  persons  who  hap- 
pened to  be  in  the  inn  at  this  time  were  beyoro  ill 
measure  amazed, 

"  The  horses,"  roared  the  one  in  command — "  the  horses 
— bring  them  oat  I     Why,  d — n  the  fellow's  impudence  ! 


The  idea  of  riding  up  to  the  inn  in  that  fashion  1     Unick 
— quick,  bring  the  horses,  I  sav  1" 

Not  finding  his  requests  attended  to  with  sufficient 
alacrity,  he  set  the  example  of  darting  off  to  the  stable 
and  saddling  his  own  steed  himself. 


CHAPTER  CMLI. 

CI.AUDE     DUVAL     FINDS     HIMSELF     ENVIRONED     BY     MANY 
DIFFICULTIES. 

Speedy  as  the  officers  were  in  entering  the  stables  and 
getting  their  norses  ready  for  the  road,  yet  of  necessiiy 
some  time  elapsed,  and  so  by  the  time  they  were  fairly  on 
the  road,  Claude  Duval  had  got  so  good  a  start  that  it 
seemed  quite  hopeless  to  attempt  the  task  of  overtaking 
him. 

Yet,  enraged  beyond  measure  to  think  that  they  had 
missed  their  man  by  so  narrow  a  chance,  the  officers, 
without  pausing  to  use  any  reflection  whatever,  whipped 
and  spurred  their  already-exhausted  animals  in  a  most 
unmerciful  manner. 

The  fact  was,  as  the  reader  may  surmise,  theso  officers 
were  those  who  had  given  chase  to  Claude  Duval  at  the 
time  when  the  two  highwaymen  separated  from  each 
other. 

They  had  spent  very  many  hours  fruitlessly  searching 
around,  and  at  length,  feeling  completely  tired  out  them- 
selves, they  had  determined  to  rest  for  a  short  time  at 
this  roadside  inn,  the  only  dwelling  they  had  come  in 
sight  of  for  a  long  time. 

Scarcely,  however,  had  they  done  so  than,  by  a  strange 
fatality,  Claude  Duval  drew  up  to  the  front  door  in  the 
manner  we  have  described. 

It  was  now  fairly  uiyht,  and,  though  the  moon  occa- 
sionally broke  forth  from  the  many  clouds  that  were  con- 
stantly drifting  across  the  sky,  it  was  very  dark,  these 
occasional  glimpses  of  light  only  serving  to  make  the 
darkness  greater  by  contrast. 

Claude  Duval  did  not  gallop  far  before  he  felt  quite 
sure  that  ho  had  nothing  particular  to  fear  from  those 
who  had  so  hastily  set  out  in  his  pursuit. 

Their  horses  were  no  match  in  point  of  speed  for  hia 
own. 

Accordingly,  then,  in  a  very  short  time,  he  gradually 
decreased  his  rate  of  progress,  and  began  once  more  to 
look  around  him  for  a  place  where  he  could  obtain  a  small 
supply  of  food,  for  the  pangs  of  hunger  increased  in 
severity. 

He  came  at  length  to  a  small  cottage,  built  near  the 
corner  ot  a  lane,  and  apparently  the  abode  of  some  poor 
laboring  man. 

The  stoppage  of  the  horse's  feet  outside  this  humble 
tenement  caused  those  within  immediately  to  approach 
the  door. 

It  was  thrown  open,  and  on  the  threshold  Claude  per- 
ceived the  Jorm  of  a  man  and  woman,  the  former  carry- 
ing a  candle,  and  the  countenances  ot  both  expressive  of 
a  great  amount  of  curiosity. 

"  I  am  weary  and  faint  for  want  of  food,"  said  Claude 
Duval,  in  a  low  tone  of  voice.  "  Bring  me  anything  you 
have — no  matter  how  rude  the  fare  may  be,  it  will  be 
welcome ;  and  rest  assured  you  shall  be  well  rewarded 
tor  it." 

So  great  was  the  astonishment  and  surprise  of  the 
cottagers  that  at  first  they  were  unable  to  reply ;  but 
after  the  lapse  of  a  moment  the  woman  recovered  her 
presence  of  mind  sufficiently  to  say : 

"Well,  we  are  just  sitting  down  to  our  poor  supper, 

and  if  you  like  to  dismount  and  join  us " 

"Yes — yes!"  6aid  the  man,  advancing,  "and  I  will 
take  care  of  your  horse." 

"  Thanks — thanks  !"  said  Claude.  "  But  I  cannot  dis- 
mount, nor  can  I  linger.  Bring  me  something,  and  I  will 
eat  it  here." 

This  request  was  complied  with  at  once. 
Tho  food  was  rude  indeed,  and    roughly  prepared,  yet 
Claude  thought  that  never  iu  all   his  life  had  he  eaten 
anything  with  so  much  relish. 

A  draught  of  weak  home-brewed  ale  washed  down  thia 
frugal  repast. 

As  he  handed  back  the  jug,  Claude  Duval  hoard  behind 
him  the  clatter  of  horses'  feet.  3 

"  They  have  kept  well  upon  my  track,"  he  muttered ; 


rUH   KNIGHT   07   TJIE   ROAD. 


13CS 


"but  no  matter,  I  reel  more  than  a  match  for  them  now. 
Hark  ye,  my  friends,"  he  added,  in  a  louder  tone,  turn- 
ing to  the  cottager  and  his  wife,  "take  my  advice  :  Enter 
your  cottage,  shut  the  door,  and  if  any  question  is  asked 
of  you,  say  nothing  about  my  presence  hero  to-night.  I 
ask  this  more  for  your  Gake  thau  my  own.  Can  you  hear 
that  sound  ?     Hark  I" 

Filled  with  amazement,  the  couple  listened,  and  then 
replied: 

»  We  do." 

"  You  know  wb«£  it  is  ?"  said  Claude,  interrogatively. 

"  Yes.  horses'  feet." 

"  Well,  then,  they  are  police  officers.  I  am  a  highway- 
man !  Without  knowing  who  I  am,  you  have  given  mo 
6uccour,  yet  should  it  bo  known  to  these  men,  that  would 
not  make  any  difference  in  your  favor — you  would  be 
liable  to  imprisonment  for  having  aided  and  abetted  me, 
therefore  say  nothing  about  it,  and  take  that  as  your 
reward." 

He  tossed  them  a  guinea  a3  he  spoke,  and  before  the 
woman  had  time  to  stoop  down  to  take  up  the  glittering 
coin  he  had  disappeared  round  the  corner  of  the  narrow 
lane  which  we  havo  mentioned  was  near  the  cottage. 

Whether  these  people  were  prudent  enough  to  take  his 
well-meant  advice  Claude  had  no  means  of  knowing,  and 
in  a  short  time,  engrossed  \.  ith  his  own  thoughts,  ho  for- 
got all  about  the  circumstance. 

With  low,  encouraging  cries,  he  now  urged  his  horse 
on  by  the  use  of  the  spur. 

The  end  of  the  lane  was  quickly  reached,  and  the  high- 
wayman found  himself  once  again  upon  the  high-road. 

He  hesitated  a  moment  as  to  which  way  he  should 
turn  ;  but  having  made  up  his  mind  as  to  whereabouts  he 
was,  he  turned  round  sharply  to  the  right,  and  galloped 
on. 

Soon,  however,  he  heard  other  sounds  mingling  with 
those  produced  by  the  beating  of  his-  own  horse's  hoofs 
upon  the  hard  roadway. 

He  3topped  at  once  and  listened. 

Just  then  the  moon  again  made  her  appearance  between 
the  interstices  of  a  cloud,  and,  although  the  light  wa3 
misty  and  obscure,  yet  Claude  was  able  to  make  out  a 
dark  body  some  distance  before  him,  which  he  knew  well 
enough  to  be  a  troop  of  police  officers. 

To  turn  round  and  retrace  his  steps  would  probably  bo 
only  to  come  in  contact  with  those  officers  who  had  hung 
so  steadily  upon  his  heels. 

He  had,  therefore,  no  other  resource  than  to  leap  the 
low  hedgerow,  and  take  to  the  open  country. 

This  he  did  so  quickly  after  having  caught  sight  of  the 
officers  in  advance,  that  one  would  scarcely  have  thought 
he  had  time  to  hesitate  as  to  his  mode  of  action. 

His  horse,  once  more  feeling  the  soft  turf  beneath  his 
fset,  put  forth  his  best  powers  of  speed. 

''Confound  it!"  said  Claude,  tightening  the  rein  at  last, 
"the  whole  country  seems  to  be  up  in  arms!  Every 
road  appears  to  have  a  troop  of  officers  upon  it !  I  must 
seek  shelter  somewhere,  that's  very  clear!  But  Jack?  I 
am  forgetting  him  !  How  shall  we  manage  to  meet 
again  ?' 

Claude  reduced  his  horse's  speed  to  a  walk,  for  the 
animal  was  greatly  distressed  by  the  exertion  it  had  been 
compelled  to  make. 

Claude  observed  this  with  regret — he  knew  how  much 
his  own  safct1*  depended  upon  the  condition  of  his 
6teed. 

Wishing  to  give  it  an  opportunity  of  recovering  its 
wind,  he  determined  to  make  a  halt,  being  perhaps  moved 
to  do  so  by  feeling  that  rain  was  beginning  to  fall,  and 
seeing  at  no  great  distance  in  advance  a  rude,  rambling 
kind  of  building  that  seemed  almost  like  a  barn  belonging 
to  some  farm-house,  only  this  building  6tood  completely 
by  itself,  and  out  of  sight  of  any  other. 

Towards  this  Claude  Duval  directed  his  hum-Vs  steps. 

Being  at  no  great  distance,  it  was  quickly  reached. 

The  door  was  swinging  half  open,  so  h<*  had  no  diffi- 
culty whatever  about  makiug  an  entrance. 

He  dismounted  and  tried  to  look  around  him  at  (ha  ,£- 
terior  of  this  barn,  but  found  it  to  be  well-nigh  impossible, 
owing  to  the  darkness  that  prevailed. 

Through  many  chinks  in  the  roof,  -uowever,  the  moott- 
beams  found  their  way,  and  after  a  vinie  Claude's  eyes  be- 
came accustomed  to  the  obscurity. 

Straw  was  at  fraud  in  abundance,  and  with  some  of 


this  he  rubbed   his  horse  down,  nor  did  ho  pause  in  tbid 
lr.be:  until  compelled  to  do  so  by  sheer  fatigue. 

Going  then  to  the  doorway  of  the  bam,  be  endeavoured 
to  take  a  good  look  around  him. 

'3©  believed,  and  with  good  reason,  that  he  had  en- 
tirely flhaken  off  his  pursuers,  and  now  ho  began  to 
wonder  which  way  he  should  turn  m  order  to  meet  with 
nis  old  comrade. 

"  Comfortable  as  these  quarters  may  be,"  he  muttered. 
at  length,  "  I  shall  have  to  leave  them,  though  I  would 
fain  remwn  Jack  may  wait  about  in  expectation  of 
meeting  me,  and  so  uselessly  expose  himself  to  great 
danger.     At  all  risks,  I  must  endeavour  to  find  him." 

With  these  words  he  turned  back  into  the  barn,  and 
took  his  steed  by  the  bridle. 

He  was  about  to  lead  him  forth  and  mount,  when  he 
fancied  a  low,  mui-muring,  distant  sound  reached  big 
ears. 

•He  was  all  attention  immediately,  and,  once  more  look- 
ing out,  he  was  astonished  to  perceive  quite  a  dense 
throng  of  people  approaching. 

They  were  all  on  foot,  and  most  certainly  not  police 
officers,  though  what  they  were  Claude  could  not  guess. 

He  observed  with  some  surprise  that  as  they  came 
along  they  indulged  in  many  wild  and  furious  gestures, 
and  every  now  and  then  a  cry  like  one  of  deep  anguish 
would  arise,  making  itself  heard  above  the  humming, 
murmuring  noise  which  at  first  attracted  the  higwayman'a 
notice. 

Concealed  by  the  deep  shadow  of  the  barn,  Claude 
stood  watching  them  inteutly  as  they  made  their  way 
across  the  vast  meadow. 

He  could  not  make  up  his  mind  whether  to  remain 
where  he  was  until  they  had  passed,  or  gallop  off  with- 
out taking  any  notice  of  them. 

Well  aware,  however,  of  the  importance  of  keeping 
unseen  as  much  as  possible,  he  paused,  though  afterwai-ds 
he  deeply  regretted  having  done  so. 

To  his  surprise,  the  approaching  crowd  of  persons  sud- 
denly changed  their  course,  and,  from  the  manner  in 
which  they  now  advanced,  no  doubt  could  be  entertained 
that  their  intention  was  to  make  their  way  direct  into  tho 
barn. 

Discovery  now  was  imminent,  for  Claude  had  so  many 
enemies  that  he  could  not  look  upon  these  new-comers  as 
friends. 

To  ride  forth  now  unseen  by  them  would  be  impossible, 
but  yet,  he  thought  he  might  well  be  able  to  remain  con- 
cealed within  the  building. 

A  certain  amount  of  curiosity  to  know  who  these  people 
were  and  what  was  their  errand  to  so  strange  and  lonely 
a  place  at  that  late  hour  may  in  no  slight  degree  have 
influenced  Claude  in  coming  to  this  decision. 

At  any  rate,  grasping  the  reins  tightly,  he  led  his  horse 
as  silently  as  possib's  to  the  most  distant  corner  of  the 
barn. 

Pausing  here,  bo  Y3s  surprised  to  find  before  him'a 
small  door  leading  into  another  part  of  the  barn  which, 
for  some  reason  or  other,  had  been  divided  from  the  rest. 

Considering  now  that  he  had  every  chance  of  remain- 
ing securely  hidden,  Claude  congratulated  himself  upon 
the  decision  he  had  arrived  at. 

Ho  crossed  tho  threshold  quickly,  and  closed  the 
door 

Fastening  it  had  none,  but  he  groped  about  until  he 
found  a  stone  lying  on  tho  damp  flooring,  and  by  means 
of  this  he  was  able  to  keep  the  door  closed. 

By  the  time  he  had  done  this,  the  murmuring  sound 
had  much  increased  in  loudness,  for  the  approaching 
crowd,  quickening  their  steps,  had  almost  reached  tho 
barn. 

Claude's  only  fear  was  that  some  movement  or  noise 
made  by  hts  horse  might  betray  his  presence. 

In  this  respect,  however,  he  would  have  to  trust  to  his 
good  fortune.    ■> 

Overhead  a'targo  patch  of  the  roof  baa  ueen  removed— 
probably  had  been  blown  away  by  some  furious  gust  of 
wind,  and  through  the  laths  by  which  it  was  crossed  and 
recrossed  there  came  down  a  very  tolerable  amount  of 
light,  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  look  around  him. 

For  the  present,  however,  he  confined  himself  to 
listening. 

He  had  before  been  struck  with  the  idea  that  tho  sounds 
given  forth  by  these  approaching  persona  were  those  of 


1504 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OH, 


wee,  und  this  idea  was  confirmed,  for  sobs  and  lamenta- 
tions of  sorrow  could  now  plainly  be  distinguished. 

Then  suddenly  the  trampling  of  footsteps  ceased,  the 
outer  door  of  the  barn  was  closed  and  secured  as  well  as 
ihe  means  at  hand  would  permit. 

Then  some  one  uttered  a  singular  word,  chough  what 
it  was  Claude  could  not  make  out ;  evidently  it  was  a  word 
belonging  to  some  language  of  which  he>  was  in  mias 
ignorance. 

He  guessed  afterwards  tnat  it  was  a  C&.13  for  light,  for 
In  a  few  moments  the  other  half  of  the  barn  where  iho 
strangers  stood  was  illuminated. 

Claude  then  noticed  for  the  first  time  that  the  S»*$l 
which  divided  the  barn  into  two  compartments  reached 
up  to  only  a  few  feet  above  his  head. 

Between  the  top  and  the  roof  were  many  hugs  time- 
blackened  beams. 

However  great  the  highwayman's  curiosity  might  in 
the  first  instance  have  been,  it  was  now  very  much  in- 
creased, and  upon  making  this  discovery  his  first  idea 
was  that  by  climbing  up  he  should  be  enabled  to  assume 
such  a  position  that,  while  being  unseen  himself,  and  his 
presence  unsuspected,  he  should  be  able  to  take  ao  ac- 
curate observation  of  everything  that  took  place. 

The  chief  difficulty  was  to  climb  up  without  making 
any  sound  that  might  attract  attention. 

But,  by  feeliDg  with  his  hands,  Claude  discovered  that 
the  wall  was  rough  and  crumbling,  and  presented  many 
places  into  which  he  could  insert  the  ends  of  his  fingers 
and  toes. 

Drawing  himself  up  at  length,  ho  seated  himself  upon 
one  of  the  cross-beams,  and  from  this  elevated  position 
he  found,  as  he  expected,  that  ho  commanded  a  perfect 
view  of  the  other  half  of  the  barn. 

He  waited  a  second  or  two,  in  order  to  make  sure  that 
the  slight  noise  he  could  not  avoid  making  had  remained 
unnoticed. 

He  soon  found  this  was  the  ca30,  which  was  not  at  all 
rarprising,  for  the  whole  of  these  strangers  seemed  quite 
latent  upon  their  own  affairs. 

It  was  in  truth  a  singular  scene  of  which  the  highway- 
man thus  unexpectedly  found  himself  a  spectator. 

By  means  of  several  torches,  consisting  only,  so  far  as 
lie  could  perceive,  of  pieces  of  wood  of  a  resinous  quality, 
all  around  was  plainly  revealed. 

The  garb  of  these  new-comers  was,  without  exception, 
miserably  poor,  and  torn,  and  ragged. 

Members  of  both  sexes  were  present,  some  with  skins 
dark  and  swarthy,  others  comparatively  fair. 

But  the  object  that  immediately  riveted  Claude's  atten- 
tion was  the  bowed,  bont  form  of  a  very  aged  man,  whoso 
white  beard  and  hair  were  of  so  great  a  length  as  to  con- 
ceal a  great  part  of  the  upper  portion  of  his  body. 

This  old  man  had  been  propped  up  into  a  tolerably 
comfortable  position  upon  the  straw. 

The  others  all  stood  around  him  in  various  attitudes, 
all  of  which,  however,  were  expressive  of  the  utmost 
grief. 

The  old  man  showed  little  signs  of  life,  except  that 
now  and  then  a  kind  of  shudder  seemed  to  convulse 
him. 

At  length  he  looked  up,  and  the  light,  falling  upon  his 
countenance,  enabled  Claude  to  perceive  that  his  features 
were  pinched  and  shrunken,  and  carried  upon  thein  the 
impression  cf  extreme  age,  and  beyond  all  doubt  this 
old  man  had  long  outlived  the  average  duration  of 
human  life. 

Claude  began  to  think  that  these  people  were  members 
of  a  large  family  of  gipsies,  and  yet,  by  their  attire,  they 
did  not  seem  to  bo  so. 

They  looked  rather  like  a  band  of  mendicants. 

Having  raised  his  head,  the  old  man  made  several 
ineffectual  attempts  to  speak. 

In  a  moment  a  profound  silence  oversprsjed  U»«  grf  up— 
scarcely  a  breath  could  be  heard. 

"  Remember — remember,"  thoold  rna/i  gasped — *'<k  v>t 
forget  that  I  have  now  no  descendant—  that  it  mn  Jus 
for  you  before  my  departure  to  elect  my  eu&vwwor.  'fcb — 
re " 

He  strove  hard  to  contiuue;  but  after  a  brief  and  use- 
less struggle,  his  gaze  foil,  and  he  sank  Jaack  upon  the 
straw  quite  dead. 


CHAPTER  CMLIJ 

CLAUDE  DUVAL    AT     LENGTH     DISCOVERS    THE  OBJECT  ©» 

HIS  SEAUCIL  * 

Is  a  moment  the  air  was  filled  with  sounds  of  sorrow 
coaiing  from  the  throats  of  every  one  of  the  etrango 
people  there  present,  and  the  various  cries  by  which  grief 
was  expressed  were  continued  for  some  time  without 
intermission. 

Then  ou9  advanced  from  the  rest,  and  going  to  the  old 
tiifu,  placed  his  hand  upon  his  breast. 

Tlif-e  was  a  deep  silence  for  .«  veral  seconds. 

The"  this  man,  removing  his  hand,  exclaimed: 

;i  Trio^e  is  no  longer  hope — life  has  fled  !" 

Again  came  tho  wild  burst  of  sorrow ;  but  this  man 
interrupted  it  by  raising  his  hand. 

Ho  was  a  young  man,  tall,  well  formed,  and  muscular, 
and  was  attired  in  the  garb  of  a  sailor,  though  Claude's 
practiced  eye  detected  at  once  that  this  dress  was  nothing 
more  than  a  disguise. 

"  You  heard  his  last  words,"  said  this  young  man — 
"you  know  what  you  have  to  do,  and  you  know  what 
relation  I  bore  to  him,  and  what  were  his  wishes  •,  tho 
rest  is  left  to  you." 

"We  know — we  know,"  was  the  answer.  "You, 
Bamfylde,  shall  fill  his  place — no  one  is  more  fitting  than 
you." 

At  the  mention  of  this  name,  Claude  Duval  gave  a 
start  of  surprise,  for  it  sounded  familiarly  in  his  ears. 

"  Is  it  agreed,"  said  the  young  man,  who  had  been 
called  by  the  strange  name  Bamfylde — "  do  you  all 
consent  ?" 

"  Wo  do." 

There  was  a  flush  of  triumph  in  his  eyes. 

"That  is,"  added  one,  "as  far  as  we  can  decide  until 
tho  full  meeting  takes  place." 

"  Precisely  so  " 

All  present  were  now  qui  to  prepared  to  look  upon  this 
young  man  as  their  leader  and  ruler,  and  he  assumed  his 
position  immediately. 

Glancing  round  him  with  a  keen  eye,  he  detected  the 
small  door  in  the  partition  wall,  through  which  Claude 
had  passed. 

"This  is  no  place  for  him,"  said  Bamfylde,  pointing  to 
the  inanimate  form  of  tho  old  man.  "Let  him  bo  carried 
in  yonder,  and  left  alone  for  the  present,  until  all 
necessary  things  are  arranged." 

Without  tho  slightest  hesitation,  this  command  was 
obeyed. 

The  words  of  an  absolute,  despotic  monarch  could  not 
have  received  a  prompter  attention. 

Claude  now  saw  that  his  discovery  was  certain ;  but 
the  knowledge  of  this  fact  did  not  discompose  him  in  tho 
least. 

He  had  good  reasons  for  believing  that  this  strange  and 
altogether  unlooked-for  advonture  would  turn  out  well 
for  him  in  the  end. 

Accordingly,  while  they  were  advancing  to  the  door, 
ho  dropped  down  from  the  beam,  and,  grasping  hia  horse 
by  the  bridle,  calmly  waited  for  the  new-comors  to  ap- 
pear. 

When  they  dashed  open  the  door,  and  raised  their  rude 
torches  above  their  heads  in  order  to  look  around,  they 
uttered  an  ejaculation  of  dismay,  not  unmingled  with 
rage. 

T  lie  young  man  Bamfylde  came  forward  with  hurried 
strides. 

"There  is  no  occasion  for  anger  or  fear,"  said  Claude. 
"  With  your  permission,  I  am  willing  to  become  your 
friend." 

Bamfylde  advanced,  and  seizing  a  torch,  held  it  so  that 
the  ruddy  light  fell  full  upon  Claud*  <j  face  and  form. 

He  gazed  at  him  for  a  little  while  in  silence,  then  he 
ejaculated  • 

"  I  believe  you,  for  your  name  is——" 

Claude  raised  his  hand  and  checked  him. 

Bamfylde  advanced  a  few  more  paces,  then  placing  his 
mouth  close  to  the  highwayman's  ear,  whispered  in  faint 
tones : 

u  Your  name  is  Claude  Duval." 

"  It  is." 

"  I  knew  it.  Give  me  your  han4  Uu4ar  a^U  circus* 
stances  I  will  be  your  friend  " 


THB    KNIGHT  OF   lliU  ROAD. 


1565 


The  other  persons  present  looked  at  this  little  incidoji 
with  wondering  eyes. 

Batnfyldo  observing  this,  turned  round  and  addressed 
a  few  words  to  them  in  that  strange  language  which  they 
tad  once  before  employed. 

Then  bending  again  towards  Claude,  he  whispered  : 

"Do  you  know  thtt  poor  old  man  we  brought  hither 
just  in  time  to  die  ?' 

"  Know  him  ?"  ejaculated  Claude,  in  astonishmen/ 

"  Yes ;  do  you  not  recognise  his  features  ?" 

"  I  did  not."" 

"  Woll — well,  he  may  have  been  greatly  changed  by 
age  and  other  causes,  but  his  name  you  will  recollect  at 
once.  That  poor  wasted  body  is  all  that  remains  of  the 
once  famous  Bamfylde  Moore  Carew." 

"Can  it  be  possible  ?"  ejaculated  Claude,  in  the  utmost 
amazement.  "  I  thought  that  he  had  been  dead  many, 
many  years  ago." 

"  No,"  was  the  answer ;  "  his  age  is  extreme,  but  he  has 
survived  till  now." 

"And  you,"  said  Claude — "you  bear  the  name  of 
Bamfylde — you  are  a  descendant  ?" 

"  Yes,  his  grandson,"  was  the  answer.  "  Many,  many 
times  have  I  heard  him  speak  about  the  Claude  Duval  lie 
know  in  his  young  days." 

"  I  have  heard,"  said  Claude,  "  that  thoy  had  many 
strange  adventures  together." 

"  Yes,  many — very  many,  and  the  closest  friendship 
and  good  feeling  subsisted  between  them.  As  we  are 
their  descendants,  let  lh*  -bond  of  union  be  pre- 
served." 

"  With  all  my  heart !" 

"It  must  some  day  stand  you  in  good  stead,"  returned 
Bamfylde,  "for  our  fraternity  grows  every  day  more 
powerful,  and  I  will  make  you  acquainted  with  a  sign 
known  only  to  the  initiated,  which  will  enable  you  at  all 
times  to  claim  the  aid  and  protection  of  any  of  the 
oand." 

"  That  would  bo  a  useful  service,  truly,"  said  Claude, 
"  for  I  havo  few  friends." 

"Look!"  and,  as  the  young  man  spoke,  he  made  a 
strange  6ign  upon  his  breast,  which  Claude,  after  several 
attempts,  succeeded  in  imitating. 

"  There,"  he  said,  "  that  will  do.  You  have  only  to 
remember  anekmake  that  sign,  and  you  may  command 
them  to  the  death  !" 

A  loud  shout  of  welcome  arose  from  those  assembled, 
then  one  and  all  pressed  round,  offering  assurances  of 
their  friendship. 

Bamfylde  was  eager  for  the  highwayman  to  remain 
with  them  for  some  time ;  but  Claude  declined,  alleging 
as  his  reason  for  doing  so  the  necessity  he  was  under 
of  looking  for  his  comrade. 

Tossing  his  purse  to  this  strange  people,  ho  said 
farewell  to  their  leader,  and  departed. 

"  It  may  be,"  he  muttered,  as  he  rode  away,  "  that 
some  time  or  other  I  shall  have  occasion  to  feel  rejoiced 
at  this  chance  incident.  It  may  turn  out  to  the  benefit 
of  us  all." 

Although  immersed  in  these  reflections,  Claude  did 
not  forget  his  caution,  and  continually  looked  around 
him,  to  make  sure  that  no  officers  were  near. 

At  length,  gaining  a-n  elevated  piece  of  ground,  he 
paused  to  take  as  accurate  a  survey  of  his  position  as 
was  possible. 

At  last  he  determined  upon  the  direction  to  take 
that  would  be  most  likely  to  enable  him  to  meet  his 
companion,  and,  having  chosen  his  course,  he  set  for- 
ward at  a  much  more  rapid  pace  than  ha  had  hitherto 
made  use  of. 

After  more  than  half  an  hour's  riding,  che  high-road 
was  gained. 

Here  he  waited  for  some  time,  listening  ;  but,  hearing 
no  sound,  he  rode  gently  along  it,  lookiug  out  on  every 
side  for  some  indication  of  the  presence  of  Sixteen- String 
Jack-. 

lie  looked  in  vain,  however,  and  continued  to  look 
for  a  long  while,  for  when  morning  dawned  it  found 
him  still  at  his  task. 

The  most  serious  fears  now  began  to  press  upon  Lis 
mind. 

He  knew  there  would  be  some  difficulty  in  meeting 
with  each  other,  as  no  precise  place  was  agreed  upoa ; 
but  jet  he  could  not  help  feeling  the   oonvioton   that, 


had  his  comrade  escaped  as  well  as  himself,  he  shcsld 
ero  this  have  ee»*n  something  of  him. 

The  morning  broke  cold  aud  chill,  and  over  all  the 
meadows  hung  a  dense  white  vapour,  thus  making  it  im- 
possible to  see  for  any  great  distance. 

When  the  sun  rose,  however,  this  vapour  was  by  de- 
grees chased  away. 

So  soon  as  ever  the  atmosphere  was  clear,  Claude  once 
more  paused  to  look  around  him. 

J^ist  then  he  heard  the  clatter  of  a  horse's  hoofs,  and 
turning  sharply  round,  6aw  his  comrade  approaching 
him. 

The  next  moment  their  hands  were  firmly  grasped,  for 
Sixteeu-Stiing  Jack  had  been  not  less  fujl  of  anxiety 
than  his  comrade. 

"  You  wonder  de.ubtless  where  it  was  I  sprang  from  so 
suddenly,"  said  Sixtcen-String  Jack,  with  a  laugh,  "  but 
the  fact  is,  I  heard  some  one  approaching,  and  not  know- 
ing that  it  was  you,  took  the  precaution  to  conceal  my- 
self behind  yonder  bushes.  As  60ou  as  I  recognised  you 
I  rode  forth." 

"  And  how  have  you  fared  ?"  said  Claude. 

"Oh,  excellently!  I  have  had  scarcely  any  trouble. 
Over  yonder  is  a  little  inn  far  removed  from  all  other 
dwellings,  and  around  which  there  is  always  a  perpetual 
calmness.  There  I  remained  the  greater  portion  of  the 
ti  me,  and  there,  if  you  are  willing,  we  will  conceal  our- 
selves during  the  day." 

Sixteen-Striug  Jack  pointed  across  the  country  with 
his  whip  while  he  spoke,  in  order  to  indicate  the  position 
of  the  inn  ho  had  just  mentioned. 

"  Are  you  sure  it  will  bo  safe  ?"  said  Claude. 

"Well,  as  safe  as  anywhere,"  was  the  reply.  "But 
come ;  at  all  events,  we  will  ride  in  that  direction,  and 
while  doing  so  I  will  tell  you  all  that  has  happened  to 
me  ;  it  will  be  comprised  in  a  few  words." 

"Do  so,"  said  Claude ;  "  I  am  full  of  curiosity." 

"  Aud  afterwards,"  said  Jack,  "you  shall  tell  me  your 
adventures,  for  I  fancy  by  your  way  you  have  something 
of  far  more  importance  to  communicate." 

"  Well,  that  may  be  ;  but  begin." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  Jack,  "  by  pressing  my  horse  hard  I 
got  away  from  the  polico  officers  without  much  trouble ; 
nevertheless,  I  did  not  bate  my  speed,  but  kept  pushing 
on  in  the  direction  that  we  had  agreed  upon." 

Claude  nodded. 

"  it  was  soon  after  sunrise  that  I  found  myself  in  front 
of  the  inn  I  have  already  spokeu  of.  The  aspect  of  the 
place  took  my  fancy  at  once,  and  as  my  horse  was  ex- 
hausted, I  was  certain  I  could  not  do  better  than  halt 
there,  if  only  for  a  short  time,  and  while  doing  so  keep"  a 
good  look-out  for  the  officers." 

"And  is  it  possible,"  said  Claude,  "that  you  were  so 
fortunate  as  to  remain  there  unmolested  ?" 

"Not  only  possible,"  said  Jack,  "  but  true.  My  horse 
was  comfortably  placed  in  the  stable,  aud  as  the  hours 
slipped  by  without  biinging  me  a  sight  of  the  officers,  I 
came  to  the  conclusion  they  had  abandoned  the  pursuit 
altogether." 

"And  the  landlord  of  this  place?"  said  Claude. 

"  There  is  none." 

"'  Landlady,  then  ?" 

*  Yes,  she's  a  widow,  and  lives  there  a  solitary  life.  I 
suppose  you  were  about  to  ask  me  whether  I  thought  she 
had  any  suspicions  ?" 

"Just  so." 

"  Well,  I  don't  believe  for  a  moment  that  she  has. 
Customers  are  so  rare  at  that  out-of-the-way-place  that 
she  scarcely  knows  how  to  show  them  enough  atten 
tion." 

"  I  like  your  description  of  the  place  well  enough,"  said 
Claude,  "  and  I  believe  that  the  best  thing  we  can  do  is 
to  take  refuge  there." 

"Decidedly." 

"  Let  me  tell  you,"  continued  Claude,  "that  all  the 
roads  that  I  have  been  upon  to-night  have  been  patrolled 
by  olficers.  I  have  scarcely  been  able  to  ride  a  mile  with- 
out seeing  them." 

"I  have  found  much  the  same  thing,"  said  Jar.t, 
"  while  watching  for  you,  and  I  began  to  fear  thai  they 
had  succeeded  in  capturing  you."  * 

No — no,  I  was  safe  enough." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  Jack,  "  push  on  at  a  more  rapid  rata \ 
the  sun  is  rising,  and  soon  many  people  will  be  abroad. 


1*66 


BLA.CS.  BEES  j    OB, 


We  cannot  do  better  than  keep  out  of  sight  as  much  as 
possible." 

"  How  far  ia  this  inu  ?" 

"A  quarter  of  an  hour's  gallop  will  take  us  there  with 
ease."  * 

"  Lead  the  way,  theu."  was  the  response  M  Rest  as- 
sured I  shall  not  be  far  behind  you." 

Siiteen-Striug  Jack  needed  no  second  bidding — lis  was, 
In  truth,  most  anxious  to  return  to  tho  place  of  ooaoeal- 
ment  which  had  served  him  so  welb 

In  something  less  than  the  time  he  had  mentioned,  *.&3 
front  of  the  inn  was  reached,  and  on  observing  tho 
situation,  Claude  exclaimed : 

11  This  is,  in  truth,  the  most  out-of-the-way  nook  1 
have  seen  for  many  a  day!  I  am  glad  you  persuaded  cs9 
tocome,for  I  am  almost  worn  out  with  fatigue." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  had  prepared  the  landlady  of  the 
inn  for  tho  appearance  of  a  companion,  and  she  now  came 
forth  in  a  most  obsequious  manner. 

"No  ostler  is  kept  here,"  said  Jack.  "  We  must  see  to 
our  own  horses — that  is  something  you  will  not  mind  any 
more  than  myself." 

"  Certainly  not,"  said  Claude,  as  he  dismounted — "  in 
fact,  I  rather  prefer  it  than  otherwise." 

The  landlady  stared  a  little  at  this  remark,  and  Claude 
felt  that  he  had  been  rather  imprudent  in  making 
it. 

HowevC'j  be  trusted  that  it  would  pass  off  un- 
noticed. 

Jack  led  the  way  to  the  shed,  which,  for  his  owu  con- 
venience, had  been  turned  into  a  stable. 

Here  they  attended  to  their  horses,  making  them  as 
comfortable  as  possible,  and  at  the  same  time  merely  re- 
moving the  bits  from  their  mouth?,  and  loosening  the 
girths  of  the  saddles,  so  that  they  might  be  got  ready  for 
the  road  at  a  moment's  notice. 

Claude  Duval,  however,  could  not  make  himself  quite 
at  ease  in  his  new  quarters,  though  Jack  set  him  tho 
example  of  doing  so. 

Some  time  was  whiled  away  by  the  relation  of  the 
events  which  had  happened  since  their  parting. 

Then,  with  anxious  faces,  they  began  to  speak  of  the 
probable  position  of  their  companions. 

As  the  hours  passed  on  without  anything  occurring  to 
di.-turb  tho  intense  quiet  that  prevailed  around  the  inn, 
Claude  gave  way  to  its  influence  and  slept,  Sixteen- 
String  Jack  in  the  meanwhile  promising  to  keep 
guard. 

In  •  this  way,  alternately  watching  and  sleeping,  the 
time  passed,  until  once  more  the  welcome  shades  of 
evening  began  to  creep  over  the  earth. 

"  So  soon  as  ever  it  is  fairly  dusk,"  said  Claude,  "  we 
will  depart.  I  cannot  make  myself  content  to  remain 
here  any  longer;  the  chances  of  detection  are  too 
great/' 

"I  differ  from  you,"  said  Jack.  "I  consider  we  are 
lucky  in  having  fallen  into  such  comfortable  quarters. 
You  know  how  closely  all  the  roads  are  watched;  if 
we  venture  forth  to-night  wo  must  of  necessity  en- 
counter the  police  officers." 

"It  may  be  so,"  said  Claudo,  "but  I  have  an  idea 
that  we  shall  be  best  abroad." 

"  Well,  then,  I  am  willing  to  fall  in  with  your  views. 
It  js  dark  enough  now,  if  you  are  so  anxious  to 
depart." 

"  I  am  then,"  said  Claude,  "  though  why  I  can 
scarcely  tell  you." 

With  these  words,  ho  rose  from  his  seat  and  made 
Lis  way  to  the  sta 

Jack  remained  behind  to  settle  with  the  landlady,  and 
his  pay  was  so  liberal  and  so  far  beyond  her  expecta- 
tions that  the  good  woman  could  not  express  her  thanks, 
but  only  stared  with  astonishment. 

In  five  minutes  afterwards  tho  highwaymen  nad  left 
the  premises. 

Crossing  an  open  piece  of  land  in  front  of  the  ion, 
they  immediately  plunged  among  some  bashes,  V.«$3h 
offered  them  partial  concealment. 

Before  going  many  paces,  Claude  exclaimed  : 
"  Down — down,  Jack  !     If    you  stoop  down   we  shall, 
ten  to  one,  remain  unseen !  I  can  hear  horsemen  approach- 
ing i" 

Jack  heard  them  too,  and  so  dismounted  without 
another  word. 


Tho  bushes  then  tolerably  well  concealed  their  forms 
and  those  of  their  horses. 

Raising  their  heads  a  little,  they  were  able  to  command 
a  view  of  the  inn  and  of  much  of  the  flat  country 
around  it. 

.All  at  once,  Jack  uttered  a  faint  ejaculation  : 

"  See,"  ho  said,  "  yonder  are  officers  !" 

"  Yes,"  returned  Claude,  in  a  whisper,  "  I  see  them ; 
and  I  think  we  have  taken  our  departure  just  in  time." 

"  So  think  I.  It  is  in  truth  a  narrow  escape.  Let  ua 
be  moving." 

"  No,"  said  Claude ;  "  wait  a  moment — we  will  watch 
their  movements." 

A  rather  large  body  of  police  officers  now  came  fully 
into  sight,  and  it  seemed  that  as  soon  as  they  perceived 
the  inn  they  turned  their  horses'  heads  towards  it. 

The  highwaymen  continued  to  watch  them  until  they 
pulled  up  in  front  of  the  door. 

"Now,  then,"  said  Claud?,  "let  us  be  off.  Our  friend, 
the  landlady,  will  bd  s»b!s  <o  tell  them  enough  to  put  them 
on  our  track;  and  Jaek,  Zhj  friend,  just  congratulate 
yourself  on  my  uneasiness.  If  wo  had  remained,  as  you 
proposed,  we  should  bv  this  time  b<>  in  a  most  awkward 
lix." 

"You  are  right/'  said  Jack,  as  ha  sprung  into  the 
saddle — "  quite  right.  And  unless  great  good  fortune 
attends  us,  you  will  find  that  we  shall  have  some  trouble 
yet," 


CHAPTER  CMLIII. 

IN    WHICH   SOSSK     CONFIRMATION    13    GIVEN    TO    CLAtTDE'S 
STORY. 

Almost  before  a  dozen  words  had  been  exchanged  be- 
tween the  police  officers  and  the  landlady  of  the  inn, 
the  former  discovered  that  they  had  by  great  good  for- 
tune got  upon  tho  right  scent  at  last. 

Trembling  with  fear,  for  she  knew  not  how  serious 
the  consequences  might  be  to  herself — and  the  officers 
did  not  forget  to  threaten — the  landlady  pointed  across 
the  piece  of  waste  land,  in  the  direction  tho  two  high- 
waymen had  so  lately  taken. 

The  officers  eagerly  followed  the  direction  of  her 
linger,  and  the  next  moment  a  cry  burst  s|muuarieousiy 
from  their  lips. 

"There  they  are,"  they  shouted — "there  they  go! 
Now,  my  lads,  spur  hard,  we  havo  but  to  keep  them 
insight  until  we  are  joined  by  the  rest  of  our  party!" 

The  officers  gave  a  loud  cheer,  for  they  wore  one  aud 
all  inspirited  by  the  prospect  of  overtaking  the  fugitives. 

At  this  time  the  moon  was  shining,  and  with  some 
amount  of  distinctness,  and  at  no  great  distance,  flitting 
over  the  fields  like  shadows,  they  could  perceive  the 
forms  of  tho  flying  highwaymen. 

"Push  on,  Claude,"  said  Jack — "a  sharp  touch  is  the 
best;  it  will  bo  useless  to  think  of  tiring  them  out;  let 
us  get  out  of  sight  as  quickly  as  we  can." 

Claude  made  no  other  reply  save  that  of  burying  his 
spurs  deeply  in  his  horse's  flanks,  thus  accelerating  the 
already  frightful  pace  at  which  they  were  going. 

"  Keep  to  it,  Claude,"  said  Jack,  after  they  had  gone  a 
considerable  distance,  "  we  get  further  and  further  from 
them  every  moment.  Try  to  keep  up  your  present  rate, 
and  we  shall  soon  be  out  of  all  danger." 

Claudo  wanted  no  urging  upon  this  point ;  he  was  to 
the  full  as  anxious  as  his  companion,  and  moreover,  he 
was  filled  with  the  apprehension  that  ere  long  they 
would  come  full  tilt  against  somo  other  party. 

This,  indeed,  was  their  chief  danger,  but  they  knew  it, 
aud  kept  a  sharp-look  out  in  advance  accordingly. 

By  gradual,  yet  perceptible  degrees,  the  police  officers 
dropped  still  further  and  further  in  the  rear. 

Their  mortification  was  excessive,  but  there  was  no 
hejp  for  it,  their   horses  could    not  compete  in   speed 
with  those  possessed  by  the  highwaymeu,  aud  what  was 
.  more,  not  one  had  fully  mastered  the  art  of  riding. 
1     It  was  this  which  so  very  often  gave  the   highway- 
men tho  advantago  over  their  pursuers. 

"  I  think  we  may  venture  to  take  it  easy  now,"  said 
Oiaude ;  "  to  gallop  up  this  hill  will  only  distress  our 
horses  needlessly." 

44  You  are  right,"  said  Jack ;  "  we  have  little  to  fear 
from  oar  foes  at  the  present  time,  and  when  we  gain  the 


THB  KNIGHT  01  TEH  BOAD. 


W7 


eranait  of  yonder  hill,  I  should  not  be  surprised  to  find 
them  out  of  sight." 

"  Let  us  hope  so,  at  ail  events." 

At  a  gentle  walk  the  two  highwaymen  permitted  their 
horses  to  ascend  the  steep  hill  that  lay  before  them. 

The  poor  beasts  panted  for  breath,  and  the  violence 
of  their  exertions  had  covered  them  with  foam  from 
bead  to  foot. 

"  Jack,"  said  Claude,  after  a  brief  pause,  "  it  seems  to 
me  quite  certain  that  it  will  aever  do  for  us  to  continue 
riding  over  the  country  in  tbia  manner." 

"  But  how  is  it  to  be  avoided  ?" 

"  Why,  by  finding  some  remote  or  inaccessible  place 
where  we  can  remain  quiet  until  the  nine  days  have 
expired.  While  wo  are  thus  hunted  from  place  to  place, 
and  occasionally  kept  in  sight,  the  officers  will  indulge 
in  the  hope  cf  eventually  capturing  us." 

"  That's  true  enough,"  said  Jack,  "and  if  we  cat.  only 
hide  somewhere,  they  will  6oon  grow  tired  of  riding 
about  to  no  object." 

"Precisely;  and  that  is  why  I  think  we  ought  to  tern 
our  attention  to  discovering  some  place  that  will  answer 
our  purpose." 

"  Yes,  that's  all  very  well,"  said  Jack,  "  but  the  diffi- 
culty is  where  to  find  it." 

"  Can  you  suggest  anywhere  ?" 

''  Not  at  the  moment,  I  can't.  You  see  the  worst  of  it 
is,  the  officers  pop  up  everywhere,  and  in  places  where 
you  least  expect  them — at  that  inn,  for  example." 

Claude  laughed. 

"  You  were  over  confident  of  your  safety  there,  Jack. 
Jiut  let  us  keep  our  object  steadily  before  us.  I  have 
been  thinking  during  the  past  few  moments  that  there 
is,  or  was  years  ago,  some  miles  from  here,  an  old 
castle,  or  rather  the  ruins  of  one." 

"  Indeed  !"  said  Jack.     "Where?" 

"Not  far  from  a  small  village  called  Nealham." 

"  Nealham — Nealham  ?"  repeated  Jack.  "  I  fancy  I 
have  heard  the  name  before,  yet  cannot  recollect 
it." 

"  It  is  very  likely,"  said  Claude.  "  Many,  many  years 
have  elapsed  6ince  I  saw  the  place,  but  I  remember 
thinking  at  the  time  how  well-suited  it  was  for  the 
purpose  which  we  now  require." 

"  How  far  should  you  think  it  is  ?" 

"Not  more  than  an  hour's  good  ride,  and  I  believe 
that  if  we  could  only  be  so  fortunate  as  to  gain  the 
Bhelter  of  its  crumbling  walls  unseen,  wo  might  make 
certain  of  remaining  there  in  safety  and  unsuspected  for 
a  much  longer  period  than  that  which  wo  have  to  look 
forward  to." 

"  I  like  the  idea,"  said  Jack,  "  and  certainly  cannot 
suggest  anything  better.  But  stay — as  the  summit  of 
the  hill  is  reached  let  us  pause  and  look  back  " 

The  highwaymen  did  so  ;  but  at  the  timo  the  moon, 
being  hidden  by  clouds,  prevented  them  from  seeing  to 
any  great  distance. 

"  I  cannot  perceive  them,"  said  Jack. 

"  Nor  hear  them,"  added  Claude.  "  Come  gb,  Jack— 
don't  linger.  The  moon  will  soon  break  forth  again, 
and  when  it  does  we  are  much  more  likely  to  bo  seen  up 
here,  than  the  officers  are  below." 

"You  are  right;  and  so,  without  any  more  discus- 
sion, turn  your  horse's  head  in  the  direction  of  the 
ruined  castle  you  speak  of ;  when  we  see  it  we  shall  be 
better  able  to  come  to  a  conclusion  concerning  it." 

"It  may  have  greatly  changed  since  I  saw  it  last," 
said  Claude;  "but  that  is  a  point  only  to  be  ascertained 
by  actual  inspection.  But  we  need  not  gw  30  fast  as  to 
distress  our  horses,  nor  to  prevent  our  conversation." 

To  this  his  comrade  assented,  and  at  an  easy  trot, 
which,  without  greatly  fatiguing  the  horses,  yet  which 
got  over  the  ground  in  very  good  style,  they  made  their 
way  in  an  oblique  line  across  the  country. 

The  clatter  of  their  horses'  hoofs,  however,  and  the 
rapidity  of  their  motion  proved  a  great  hindrance  to 
speaking,  and  so  before  very  long  perfect  silence  reigned 
between  them. 

But  although  they  spoke  not,  their  thoughts  were  busy, 
for  whenever  they  turned  their  attention  to  the  probable 
position  of  their  companions  they  had  ample  food  for 
conjecture. 

A3  they  Journeyed  on,  the  clonds  to  a  very  great 
•stent  dispersed,  leaving  the  sky  clear. 


Claude  Dav<u  was  the  first  to  break  the  silence  which 
had  been  for  bo  long  maintained. 

"  Look,  Jack  1"  he  exclaimed,  slightly  reining-in  hia 
steed,  and  pointing  with  his  whip — "  do  you  see  yonder, 
in  (he  distance,  something  dim  and  shadowy,  on  which 
the  moon  is  shining  ?" 

Jack  strained  his  eyes  to  the  utmost. 

"I  think  I  do  see  a  something,"  he  replied,  "but  I 
scarcely  know  what." 

"  You  see  the  ruins  of  the  castle  I  spoke  of,"  responded 
Claude.  "In  a  few  moments  you  will  be  alio  to  per- 
ceive them  with  much  greater  plainness." 

This  quickly  proved  to  be  tho  case,  and  Sixteen-String 
Jack  looked  with  a  very  great  amount  of  interest  upon 
the  scene  that  lay  before  them. 

"There  lies  the  village  some  distance  to  the  right," 
exclaimed  Claude,  "  and  that's  why  I  am  approaching  the 
castle  in  this  direction ;  I  think  we  havo  all  the  better 
chance  of  reaching  it  unseen." 

Jack  nodded,  but  made  no  other  reply,  the  fact  being 
that  his  attention  was  wholly  taken  up  by  what  he  saw. 

Certainly,  the  ivy-grown  wall3  had  a  most  striking 
appearance. 

"I  see  scarcely  any  alteration  at  present,"  was  Claude's 
next  remark.  "I  could  imagine  that  only  a  few  hours 
had  elapsed  since  I  saw  it  last,  so  littlo  change  has 
taken  place.  But  let  us  wait  here  under  the  shadow  of 
these  trees  for  a  few  moments.  Do  you  see  yonder 
cloud  which  is  hurrying  up?  In  a  short  time  the 
moon  will  be  covered  by  it,  and  then  wo  shall  be 
almost  certain  of  gaining  the  interior  of  the  ruins  un- 
perceived." 

Jack  paused  at  once. 

His  eyes  happened  to  be  fixed  upon  the  large  black 
cloud  at  the  moment  when  Claude  spoke,  and  some 
similar  idea  had  suggested  itself  to  his  mind. 

They  had  not  long  to  wait. 

In  a  few  moments  the  light  of  the  moon  was  entirely 
obscured,  and  what  might  be  termed  double  darkness 
prevailed,  for  so  it  appeared  in  this  sudden  withdrawal 
of  light. 

"Now,  then,  forward!"  exclaimed  Claude.  "Follow 
slowly  and  carefully  in  my  footsteps,  for  the  ground  here- 
about i3  rugged,  and  in  many  parts  there  are  deep  places, 
into  which  a  fall  would  bo  unpleasant." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  at  once  dropped  into  the  rear,  and 
Claude  Duval  took  his  way  onwards  with  a  great  amount 
of  confidence,  considering  "the  nature  of  tho  ground  and 
tho  length  of  time  that  had  elapsed  since  his  last  visit  to 
this  spot. 

Soon  after,  and  without  any  accident,  the  interior  of 
the  ruins  was  gained. 

Claude  led  the  way  across  tho  dismantled  court-yard,' 
and  through  a  low-arched  doorway,  into  what  had 
evidently  been  at  somo  time  or  other  a  chapel  connected 
with  the  edifice. 

Walls  surrounded  it ;  but  there  was  no  roof,  and  on 
the  ground  grass  was  growing  tnickly. 

"  This  will  do  excellently  well,  both  for  ourselves  and  for 
our  horses,"  was  Claude's  first  remark.  "  If  we  can  con- 
trive to  keep  them  near  all  will  be  well ;  and  while  we 
keep  within  these  walls  there  will  be  little  fear  we  shall 
be  seen." 

"  How  intense  the  silence  is !"  said  Jack.  "  You  could 
almost  imagine  it  a  city  of  the  dead." 

"  Yes,  so  you  might.  I  did  not  tell  you,  I  think,  the 
reason  why  this  place  is  left  so  much  deserted  ?" 

"  £io,  you  did  not." 

"  Because  of  the  strange  stories  current  respecting  it. 
You  are  not  afraid  of  ghosts,  I  suppose,  neither  am  I,  but 
the  inhabitants  of  this  district  are,  and  so  the  place  is 
shunned  by  all — not  from  one  year's  end  to  another  does 
a  human  foot  penetrato  these  ruins." 

"  It  seems  so,"  said  Jack,  glancing  around  him  with 
scarcely  comfortable  feelings.  "  I  never  before  witnesseu 
such  complete  desolation." 

"  It  is  desolate,"  said  Claude,  "  and  wo  ought  to  re- 
joice at  it.  At  any  rate,  while  we  are  here,  should  any- 
one be  foolhardy  enough  to  approach,  I  will  undertake 
to  give  him  such  a  fright  that  he  will  never  venture  here 
again !" 

"  But  what's  the  story,  Claude  ?"  said  Jack,  following 
Claude's  example  by  sitting  down  on  a  fragment  of  failaa 
I  masonry. 


BLACK  KM,  OB, 


"  I  don't  know  the  legend,"  wa3  the  answer ;  "  but  I 
have  been  told  that  strange  sounds  have  been  heard,  lights 
seen  in  the  night,  and  once,  many  years  ago,  a  stranger, 
who  had  boldness  enough  to  approach  the  rains  after 
nightfall,  averred  that  he  saw  a  form  resembling  that  of 
a  monk.  He  described  veiy  accurately  the  long  gray 
cloak,  and  afterwards  affirmed  that  he  had  seen  the  monk's 
face,  or  as  much  of  it  as  was  visible,  for  the  lower  half 
was  entirely  covered  by  silvery  hair  that  reached  down 
almost  to  his  waist." 

"And  I  suppose,"  said  Jack,  "people  were  sufficieiitly 
terriiied  at  this  to  feel  afraid  of  coming  any  more?" 

"  I  suppose  so  ;  but  no  doubt  it  was  all  imagination,  or 
else  a  freak  played  by  some  one  upon  the  traveller.  Still," 
he  added,  "  the  place  is  large  enough,  and  if  there  are 
ghosts  there  ought  to  be  room  for  them  here  as  well  as 
for  us." 

By  the  light  manner  in  which  Claude  Duval  spoke,  it 
was  evident  that  he  placed  but  a  very  small  amount  of 
credence  in  the  story  he  had  just  related. 

Not  so  Jack,  however,  who  recollected  with  a  very 
peculiar  shuddering  sensation  the  strange  events  which 
had  happened  to  himself  at  the  Three  Spiders  Juu,  and 
racalled,  with  anything  but  comfortable  feelings,  the 
sequel  to  thetn. 

He  marvelled  much  that  Claude  made  no  allusion  to 
these  circumstances ;  he  could  only  account  for  it  by  sup- 
posing that  they  had  slipped  his  memory,  and  such  being 
tho  case,  he  thought  it  not  worth  while  to  revive  so  dis- 
agreeable a  subject. 

"Well,  now,  Jack,"  said  Claude,  after  a  pause,  "tell 
me  what  you  think  of  this  place  ;  is  it  not  likely  that  we 
Bhall  be  able  to  remain  here  concealed  for  tho  length  of 
time  agreed  upon  ?" 

"  I  think  there  is  a  strong  probability  of  it ;  and  at  any 
rate,  no  one  could  approach  us  very  closely  without  cur 
knowledge,  and  one  great  advantage  about  the  nature  of 
the  building  is,  that  we  could  easily  make  our  way  out  at 
any  point." 

"  You  are  right,"  said  Claude,  '  but  it  is  very  strange 
to  mo  if  we  are  troubled  by  the  coming  of  anyone.'' 

While  he  spoke,  Claude  took  from  his  pocket  one  of 
Lis  pistols,  and  in  a  very  leisurely,  business-like  way  be- 
gan to  take  it  to  pieces  for  the  purpose  of  giving  it  a 
thorough  cleaning. 

While  thus  engaged,  the  two  highwaymen  held  a 
consultation  as  to  their  future  movements,  and  it  was 
then  fully  determined  that  unless  something  unexpected 
took  place  that  they  would  remain  in  the  shelter  of  the 
ruins  till  the  time  came  for  them  to  set  out  for  Hampstead. 

The  intense  silence  that  prevailed  in  the  ruins  had  a 
most  chilling  and  depressing  influence  upon  Jack. 

In  vain  he  tried  to  struggle  against  it,  and  to  turn  his 
thoughts  into  some  other  channel ;  if  he  succeeded  for  a 
low  momonts  his  mind  was  sure  to  dwell  upon  the  original 
subject. 

And  now  once  more  the  moon  broke  forth  from  behind 
the  clouds,  and  shed  her  silvery  lustre  upon  the  time-worn 
walls. 

By  this  time  Claude  had  carefully  loaded  his  pistol  and 
placed  it  ready  for  immediate  use,  and  no  sooner  did  he 
perceive  that  the  moonbeams  were  pouring  down  with 
full  force  than  he  started  up  and  exclaimed  : 

"Come,  Jack,  now  that  it  is  a  little  lighter,  follow  me, 
and  we  will  make  as  good  an  examination  as  we  can  of 
our  new  quarters." 

Jack  rose  slowly  and  quietly. 

nis  comrade  noticed  his  manner  in  a  moment,  and  ex- 
claimed, with  a  slight  laugh  : 

"  Why,  Jack,  one  would  think  you  were  no  better  than 
the  rest — that  you  were  frightened  at  the  thought  of  some 
spectre  making  its  appearance." 

"No,  no — not  exactly  that,"  said  Jack.  "But  ?'*»y  not 
change  the  subject  ?" 

"Just  as  you  like.  But  come — look  f'u.in,  and  tell  me 
whether  you  ever  saw  anything  more  beautiful  ?" 

Claude  pointed  to  the  large  courtyard,  which  was  now 
fully  lightwi  up  in  every  part  by  the  moon's  rays. 

"  It  is  truly  beautiful,"  said  Jack ;  "  but — but-"—'* 

"But  what  ?     Why  do  you  hesitate  ?" 

"  1  was  thinking  that  those  stones  yonder  resemble  a 
hyard  more  than  aught  else." 

<?nse,  Jack,"   laughed  Claude — "you  really  gel 
worse  r 


"  Perhaps  so,  and  I  may  as  well  confess  at  once  thai  I 
cannot  prevent  my  thoughts  from  dwelling  upon  thsa 
strange  circumstance  that  occurred  a  short  time  back — 1 
mean  when  we  saw  the  shadow  on  the  wall." 

ff}s*nsibly,  Sixtcen-String  Jack  sank  his  voice  while 
uu  spcKe. 

Tho  words  no  sooner  reached  Claude  Duval's  ears  than 
he  gave  a  slight  start. 

"  Was  it  so  ?"  he  said,  endeavouring  to  appear  com- 
posed. "I  had  quite  forgotten  all  about  it.  Confound 
it,  man !  why  did  you  mention  such  a  Uu'ng  as  that  at 
the  present  time  ?" 

"  Hark  !"  said  Jack.     "  What's  that  ?" 

The  faint  but  clear  sounds  of  a  clock  striking  the  hour, 
floating  through  the  silent  air,  came  gently  to  their  ears. 

Jack  counted  the  strokes  half  aloud. 

"  It's  the  church  in  the  next  village,"  exclaimed  Claude. 
"  How  strange  that  we  should  hear  it  so  far  off!" 

"  And  midnight,"  said  Jack. 

"  Yes,  the  hour  when " 

He  paused  abruptly,  for  Sixteen-String  Jack  just  then 
grasped  him  by  the  arm  with  painful  tightness. 

At  the  same  instant  he  raised  his  other  hand  and 
pointed  to  the  extremity  of  the  courtyard. 

"  Ticok — look  !"  he  gasped.  "  What  do  you  see  there  ? 
You  see,  the  story  you  were  telling  me  has  some  truth  in 
it  aftei  all." 

ClauJe  tried  hard  to  preserve  his  usual  calmness,  but, 
for  all  that,  his  cheeks  grew  white  and  his  form  qui- 
vered. 

Cleany,  distinctly  and  fully  revealed  by  the  moon- 
beams, he  saw  on  the  other  sido  of  tho  courtyard  a  dark, 
shadowy  form,  yet  one  whose  outlines  were  well  de- 
fined . 

Thft  figure  was  one  wrapped  in  a  long  gray  cloak,  the 
cowl  of  which  was  drawn  forwards  to  its  full  extent. 

Then,  while  they  gazoi,  the  figure  paused,  the  cowl 
was  thrown  back,  and  they  saw  a  thin  and  wasted  coun- 
tenance, with  a  huge  white  beard  descending  in  heavy, 
wavy  masses. 

The  highwaymen  both  gazed  until  their  eyes  ached ; 
then,  unable  to  look  longer,  they  averted  their  eyes. 

When  they  recovered  themselves  sufficiently  to  look 
around  again,  they  saw  at  a  glance  that  the  figure  had 
disappeared. 


CHAPTER  CMLIV. 

SIX\  EE2J-STRING  JACK    AND  CLAUD3  DUVAL  EXPLORE   THE 
RUINS   OF  THE   OLD   CASTLE. 

Ui»on  making  this  discovery,  neither  spoke. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  gave  one  glance  at  his  old 
comrade  ;  then,  walking  back  with  an  unsteady  step,  re- 
seated himself  upon  the  piece  of  stone-work,  and  wipod 
the  perspiration  from  his  forehead. 

"  This  is  too  much,"  he  murmured — "  too  much  ! 
Claude,  let  us  depart  at  once." 

"  You  seem  strongly  overcome,  Jack,"  answered  his 
comrade.  "Shake  off  these  superstitious  terrors — be 
more  like  yourself." 

Sixtcen-String  Jack  only  shook  his  head  slowly. 

"  I  can't  forget,"  he  said,  "  what  I  have  seen.  Explain 
that  if  you  can,  then  I  shall  be  more  composed." 

"  To  what  do  you  refer?" 

"  The  shadow  that  wo  all  saw  upon  the  wall.' 

"Bah!  why  not  forget  that  incident,  and  think  about 
the  present  ?  For  my  own  part,  I  am  glad  rather  than 
otherwise  that  we  have  received  this  contirmatisa  of  the 
truth  of  the  old  legend." 

"  Glad  !"  ejaculated  Jack,  in  wonder. 

"  Yes — because  it  is  very  strange  to  me  if  that  figure, 
whatever  it  is,  goes  out  of  its  way  to  harm  us  ;  and  while 
it  remains,  do  you  not  see  that  it  will  bo  a  most  effectual 
protection  to  us  by  scaring  away  all  other  people." 

"But  how  dreadful  to  remain,"  said  Jack — "to  know 
that " 

"  Be  silent  and  listen.  1  looked  well  at  that  strange 
figure,  and  I  mui>t  say  that  never  in  my  life  did  I  see 
anything  that  looked  more  substantial  or  real." 

"  Do  you  think,  then,  that  the——*' 

" I  think  it  was  no  spectre,"  answered  Claude,  "tit  * 
man.' 

« "w«n  gay  that,  but  you  do  not  mean  ft:  you  think  bj 


TBS  KM  Htm*   O*  TttB    *OA». 


(V  POUOK  OFFICERS  MAK£  10M  C&G  A  FAST  PBISON*lt.J 


Making  this  statement  that  yon  will  reconcile  me  to  re-  I 
Mining  here."  ^ 

44  Not  I.    I  speak  what  I  believe." 

44  How  was  it,  then,  that  the  figure  appeared  and  disap- 
peared so  rapidly  and  mysteriously  ?" 

"  That  we  have  to  find  out.  Unfortunately,  it  seems 
we  both  averted  our  eyes  at  the  same  moment,  and  while 
•we  did  so  *-H»>«  was  ample  time  for  anyone  to  get  out  of 
the  way."  £ 

"  But  ahouid  it  be  a  live  man,  what  object  could  he 
have  is  keeping  up  such  a  mummery  as  this  ?" 

"  Ah !  there,  now,  you  put  a  question  to  me  I  am  nc 
better  able  to  answer  than  yourself.  Yet  how  easy  to 
•appose  that  some  one  may,  like  ourselves,  be  anxious  f cr 
remaining  in  concealment,  and  if  so,  what  is  more  na- 
tural than  to  adopt  the  dress  described  to  be  worn  by  the 
f host,  and  imitate  the  movement*  of  a  spectre  as  closely 
As  possible  .'* 

So.  187.— black  Bna 

Na.  197. 


»  That  might  be,"  said  Jack,  after  a  momentary  silence, 

"^You^^think  it," interrupted  Claude.  "That's  whjj 
you  mean  by  your  hesitation.  Well,  time  will  prove.  U 
you  take  my  advice  we  shall  remain  here  in  our  proseu* 
quarters,  and  the  task  of  probing  this  mystery  to  the 
bottom  will  find  us  with  an  occupation. 

After  that,  Sixteen-String  Jack  was  silent. 

It  was  clear  he  by  no  means  relished  the  proposition  of 
his  comrade,  yet  he  did  not  like  to  confess  as  much,  and 
wnen  we  come  to  remember  the  strange  circumstances 
under  which  the  shadow  first  presented  itself  to  him,  we 
shall  not  be  surprised  that  he  should  suffer  on  this  occa- 
sion an  extraordinary  amount  of  agitation. 

"Look  here,  Jaca,"  said  Claude,  "we  will  give  up  our 
idea  of  roaming  about  the  ruins  to-night.  I  can  toll  yoa 
want  a  little  calm,  peaceful  slumber  if  you  can  have  it 
The  diierence  it  will  m»ke  to  you  will  be  »urpn*«* 

Price  One  Halfpenny. 


IStt 


Take  my  advice ;  throw  down  your  cloak  in  yonder  cor- 
ner, wrap  it  round  you  and  go  to  sleep.  In  the  mean- 
while I  will  ait  here  and  keep  watch,  and  while  I  do  so, 
nothing  mortal  or  ghostly  shall  Approach  to  gc  you 
harm."  I 

"  No— no,  Claude,  I  cannot  sleep." 

"  Well,  try,  and  after  you  have  done  so,  i  will  take 
your  place  and  you  can  have  mine.  By  this  means  we 
shall  surely  eotain  safety." 

Alter  some  little  perauasion  Sixteen-Btrfng  Jack  fom- 

Elied  with  his  companion's  wishes,  but  although  be  litre  w 
imself  down  in  the  darkest  corner  and  covered  himself 
with  his  cloak,  his  eyes  refused  to  close  in  sleep 

At  length,  however,  fatigue  and  silence  combined  to 
bring  a  drowsy  feeling  over  him. 

Claude  called  to  him  in  a  faint  tone  of  voice,  and  find' 
ing  he  received  no  reply,  concluded  rightly  that  Jack 
slept. 

The  temptation  came  very  strongly  over  Claude  to 
leave  his  comrade  where  he  was  and  take  a  ramble 
through  the  ruins  alone. 

But  he  remembered  the  assurance  he  had  given,  and 
determined  to  be  as  good  as  his  word. 

The  time  passed  wearily  and  slowly  away,  for  he  had 
nothing  to  occupy  him  save  his  thoughts,  aud  he  ex- 
perienced no  little  difficulty  in  keeping  himself  awake. 

Jack  slept  during  the  remainder  of  the  night,  nor  did 
he  awake  until  the  sun  had  fairly  risen. 

He  started  up  and  glanced  around  him  in  confused  be- 
wilderment, when  his  eyes  lighted  upon  Claude,  who 
looked  pale  and  worn  out  with  watching. 

"  What's  the  matter,  Jack  ?"  he  asked ;  "  you  look 
quite  scared." 

"  I  have  been  dreaming,  and  the  vision  was  so  vivid 
that  I  could  scarcely  porsuade  myself  it  was  not  reality." 

"  Do  not  trouble  yourself  to  tell  it,"  said  Claude,  rising. 
"  I  have  managed  to  keep  my  eyes  open  till  the  present 
moment,  but  now  they  must  close,  and  when  they  do,  let 
ute  ask  you  not  to  wake  me  up  unless  something  import- 
ant takes  place." 

Jack  readily  gave  this  assurance,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
Claude  Duval  was  quite  insensible  to  all  around  him. 

Sixtoen-String  Jack  was  much  refreshed,  and  he  looked 
around  him  at  the  crumbling  walls  with  very  different 
feelings  to  those  he  had  experienced  on  the  night  be- 
fore. 

Yet  still,  when  he  recollected  what  he  had  seen,  his 
foolings  were  far  from  comfortable. 

Claude  slept  till  long  past  noon,  and  his  first  question 
on  awaking  was  whether  Jack  had  heard  or  seen  any- 
thing. 

"Nothing  whatever,"  was  the  answer— "the  silence  is 
as  profound  now  as  it  was  at  midnight." 

"  That  goes  to  show  we  are  alone.  Then,  Jack,  my 
friend,  I  feel  more  and  more  convinced  that  we  have  come 
to  the  right  place  at  last.  The  officers  will  never  think 
of  looking  for  us  here." 

"  I  hope  not  But  would  there  be  any  risk  in  taking  a 
good  look  around  us  ?" 

"  I  think  not,"  said  Claude.  "  I  was  about  to  propose 
a  ramble.  If  we  are  careful  we  can  keep  well  under 
cover  of  the  walls,  and  so  be  in  no  fear  that  we  shall  be 
soon.    Come  this  way." 

With  these  words  the  highwaymen  quitted  the  ruined 
ihapel  and  occupied  themselves  for  a  long  time  in  wander- 
ing about  the  remains  ot  the  castle,  and  making  them- 
selves acquainted  with  its  position. 

In  doing  this  they  saw  no  signs  or  token  tnat  pointed 
to  the  fact  that  any  human  beings  save  themselves  had 
trodden  on  this  ground  for  years  and  years. 

From  time  to  time  they  peeped  forth  from  various 
chinks  and  crevices,  and  every  *~%3  saw  nothing  but  the 
fair,  open  country. 

At  last  they  reached  the  keep  or  this  old  structure,  <_^d, 
doubtless  from  the  fact  that  ft  was  more  strongly  built 
than  the  remainder,  it  had  withstood  more  successfully 
the  ravages  of  time. 

An  iron-bound,  heavy  oaken  door  teas  swinging  upon 
its  hinges,  and  beyond  this  they  perceived. the  commence- 
ment of  a  flight  of  spiral  steps.  * 

»  Let  as  g0  this  way,"  said  Claude.  u  If  we  ouT manage 
to  reach  the  top  of  the  keep,  so  much  the  better ;  we  can 
crouch  down  so  as  to  be  out  of  sight ;  and  think  what  a 


We  can  here  have  ample  warning  of  the  ar/Droaca  c 
friend  or  foe." 

"I«t  us  try  the  ascent,  then." 

"With  all  my  heart!" 

This  was  enough  for  Claude. 

He  sprang  forward  and  commenced  ascending  the  st.ps 
rapidly.  , 

In  many  place*  they  were  broken,  and  evoiywhore 
slippery  and  treacherous  to  the  feet. 

Ah  they  ascended  small  fragments  of  masonry  were  per- 
petually dislodged,  causing  thorn  no  little  apprehension. 

In  the  end  the  summit  of  the  keep  was  reached,  and 
at  the  first  glance  they  toot  around,  neither  of  the  high- 
waymen could  repress  ejaculations  of  delight. 

In  good  truth  the  scene  was  a  most  charming  one,  stioL 
as  would  have  well  ropaid  anyone  to  have  travelled  miles 
to  look  upon. 

Remembering  their  danger,  however,  the  highwaymen 
set  to  work  to  scan  every  bit  of  country  attentively. 

While  so  engaged  they  did  not  speak,  but  when  ;>t  last 
thoy  had  travelled  round  ia  a  complete  circle,  Claude 
observed  : 

"  There's  nothing  to  fear  at  presont,  Jack — I'll  Le 
sworn  no  police  officers  are  anywhere  near  us." 

"  Yes,  1  think  we  may  safely  assort  that." 

"  Well,  is  not  this  the  right  place  to  stay  in  for  a  timo  ?" 
asked  Claude,  somewhat  triumphantly.  "  Why,  if  we 
choose  to  keep  this  elevated  station  we  shall  have  timely 
information  of  anyone's  approach." 

"  Yes,  it's  all  very  well,"  said  Jack,  "  but  yet  I  can  see 
one  objection  to  it — one  difficulty  in  the  way." 

"  What  is  it  ?" 

"Why,  just  at  the  present  time  I  am  most  forcibly  re- 
minded that  a  long  while  has  elapsod  since  I  tasted  food. 
Can  you  tell  me  how  we  are  to  obtain  it  in  this  lonely 
place  ?" 

Claude  Duval  rubbed  his  chin  reflectively. 

"I  have  not  thought  much  about  it,"  ho  added,  "and 
yet  it  soems  to  me  the  difficulty  is  one  easily  to  be  got 
over." 

"  How  so  ?" 

"  Why,  look  1  Yonder  lies  the  village,  and  beyond  all 
doubt  there's  an  alehouse  in  it." 

"  Well  ?" 

"  It  is  well,"  said  Claude,  "for  when  night  comes  we 
can  wrap  ourselves  in  our  cloaks,  set  out  on  foot,  and 
walk  to  the  village.  We  shall  pass  easily  as  travellers, 
and  at  the  alehouse  we  shall  be  able  to  get  a  substantial 
meal." 

"  But  thore's  the  danger  of  detection,"  said  Jack. 

"  Of  course  there  is,  and  so  there  will  bo  everywhere." 

"And  then  what  should  you  do  on  the  next  occa- 
sion?" 

"There — there,"  said  Claude,  with  a  laugh,  "you 
ought  to  know  by  this  time  it  is  perfectly  foolish  for  us 
to  arrange  what  we  shall  do  at  any  future  time.  Let  us 
be  content  with  the  present" 

Sixteen-String  Jack  was  thus  silenced,  for  he  was  un- 
able to  think  of  any  better  plan  of  operations. 

With  great  anxiety  and  impatience,  however,  he 
watched  the  decline  of  day. 

He  longed  most  ardently  for  night  to  come. 

At  length,  when  dusk  began  to  creep  over  the  meadows, 
they  descended  from  the  keep,  and,  having  secured  their 
horses  in  such  a  manner  that  there  was  no  fear  they 
would  stray  away,  the  two  highwaymen,  enveloping 
themselves  in  their  cloaks,  set  out  at  a  sharp  pace  to  the 
village. 

Before  quitting  the  ruins,  they  were  most  careful  to 
ascertain  that  no  one  was  in  sight  who  might  observe 
them,  then  they  made  their  way  to  the  point  they  wished 
to  reach  by  the  most  devious  and  circuitous  route  they 
could  think  of. 

It  was  getting  very  late  when  they  entered  the  long, 
straggling  High  Street  of  the  village,  and,  ere  they  had 
gone  many  paces,  tbey  perceived  a  large,  substantial 
looking  inn,  with  a  huge  swinging  sign  in  front  of  it- 

" Thais  the  place."  said  Claude.  " How  cheerful  auc 
comfortable  it  looks.  If  we  can  only  manage  to  keep 
quiet  there,  I  shall  be  in  no  Imrry  to  take  my  depar- 
ture." 

"  Nor  I  either." 

No  more  was  said  until  the  front  of  the  inn 


^•totsi  view  of  the  unrounding  country  Ho  shall  have  t    fairly  reached,  then  thoy  paused  a  moment,  for  the  noand 


TH»    KNIGHT    OF    THB    KOAD. 


1*71 


Of  tome  one  singing  in  %  most  uproarious  voice  came 
■pon  their  ears. 

A  blind  of  many  colonrs  had  been  drawn  down  orer 
like  window,  yet  ao  carelessly  as  to  leave  a  place  through 
which  the  high vsyinen  could  pe«p  and  take  a  glajwe  at 
the  mterior. 

They  saw  rather  *  targe,  comfortable-looking  room. 
with  a  huge  fire  burning  on  the  hearth,  the  names  ot 
which  shot  up  to  a  tremendous  height,  and  lighted  up 
the  room  with  a  pleasant,  cheerful  glow. 

This  was,  indeed,  the  only  kind  of  illumination  hat  it 
was  amply  sufficient  for  thoso  who  were  present. 

Seated  around  were  several  persons,  who,  by  theh  ap- 
pearance, evidently  were  inhabitants  of  tU®  village  cv  the 
surrounding  parte. 

"That  looks  cheerful  and  welcome,  dees  it  not,  Claude  ?" 
whispered  Jack. 

"  Yes,  very.  Let  us  enter— I  feel  nnwf  Jing  to  remain 
in  the  cold  a  moment  longer." 

"  But  shall  we  go  in  there,  or  ask  for  «.  rrivate  room  ?" 

"  Whichever  you  like." 

"  Nay,  which  would  be  best  r* 

"  Well,  I  am  for  entering  and  marring  one  of  this  irood 
company.  We  shall  be  stared  at  when  we  first  enter,  be- 
yond a  doubt.  But  we  shall  be  able  to  find  some  shady 
corner,  as  there  is  no  other  light  than  comes  from  the 
Gre,  and  after  a  time  we  shall  be  unnoticed." 

"  And  be  able  to  hear  all  that  goes  on  as  well." 

"  Yes,  certainly.  That  may  be  an  advanta^a.  Let  us 
enter." 

With  these  words,  the  highwaymen  drew  their  hats 
down  over  their  foreheads,  and  pushed  open  the  front 
door. 

They  had  no  difficulty  in  finding  their  way  to  the 
room  they  had  taken  a  peep  into  the  interior  of. 

A  burly-looking  man  was  in  the  midst  of  one  of  thoso 
long  old  country  ditties. 

He  did  not  stop  when  the  two  strangers  entered,  and 
bo  they  were  enabled  to  sit  down  in  the  corner  near  the 
chimney  without  attracting  very  much  notice  or  remark, 
though  searching  glances  were  cast  upon  taam.  by 
many. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  song,  the  landlord  entered. 

"A  cold  night,  gentlemen,"  he  said,  addressing  our 
friends — "such  a  night  as  makes  a  seat  by  the  fireside 
most  welcome." 

"  You  are  right,"  replied  Claude,  "  and  therefore  we 
have  entered  to  partake  of  such  hospitality  as  you  may 
offer." 

"  You  can  have  anythin?  you  like  to  ask  for,  gentle- 
men," was  the  reply,   "and  that  of  the  best." 

The  order  was  given,  and  very  soon  a  most  tempting- 
looking  repast  was  laid  before  the  two  highwaymen,  who 
did  it  ample  justice,  listening  all  the  whilo  to  the  conver- 
sation of  those  around. 

In  this,  however,  tbey  found  little  to  interest  them — 
the  subjects  were  those  which,  for  the  most  part,  they 
were  unfamiliar  with. 

During  a  brief  silence  that  all  at  once  came  uron  the 
assembly,  a  sound  was  heard  betokening  tne  a-  rival  of 
another  traveller. 

One  and  all  turned  their  eyes  towards  the  door,  which 
soon  after  was  pushed  open,  and  a  tall,  military-looking 
man,  wrapped  in  a  oioak,  made  his  appearance. 

"  Good  evening,  friends,"  ho  said,  with  a  slight  incli- 
nation of  his  head.  "  I  am  chilled  to  the  bone,  and 
greatly  fatigued.  Perhaps  you  would  allow  me  a  seat  in 
front  of  the  fire." 

One  was  immediately  offered  him. 

He  sat  down,  and  stretched  out  his  feet  towards  the 
blaze. 

"  It's  a  bitter  cold  night,"  he  said,  "or  else  I  feel  it 
more  severely  than  usual.  I've  been,  used  to  rough 
weather,  too,  in  my  time." 

\  glance  at  his  ccuutcnatice,  now  plainly  revealed  by 
the  ruddy  beams  of  the  tire,  would  have  been  trapie 
warrant  for  this  assertion. 

Apparently  he  had  ordered  brondy  of  the  landlord 
before  he  entered,  for  just  then  that  individual  came  in, 
bearing  a  tray  before  him. 

"  Mix  it,  landlord,"  he  said — "plenty  of  sugar,  arid  don't 
be  too  liberal  with  the  water ;  and  while  you  ate  doing 
so,  just  tell  me  what  confounded  place  yoo  call  that  ever 
yonder." 


"  Which  place  ?"  asked  the  landlord*  in  tome  surprise 

"  Why,  those  ruins.™ 

'  Oh,  of  the  old  castle  I" 

"  Yea,  now  you  come  to  speak,  no  doubt  it  is  tha 
remains  of  a  castle." 

At  those  words,  Sixteen-String  Jack  and  Claude  could 
not  help  exchanging  glances. 

Nevertheless,  the  next  moment  they  assumed  as  mucb 
indifference  as  they  were  able,  while,  in  reality,  they 
waited  with  breathless  eagerness  for  the  next  words  that 
might  pass  the  stranger's  lips. 

"  Well,  does  anyone  live  there  ?"  he  inquired. 

"Live  there?"  ejaculated  the  landlord.    " Heaven  for- 
bid !     No  one  would  dream  of  such  a  thing  !" 
_  "  Then  how  was  it   that   I  saw  a  light  there  a  short 
time  since  ?" 

"A  light!"  was  echoed  simultaneously  by  every 
voice. 

u  Yes,  sertainly !  But  bless  me,  what's  the  matter  1 
Why,  you  all  look  scared  to  death !" 

The  landlord  handed  his  guest  the  brandy-and-watet 
while  he  exclaimed,  in  a  trembling  voice  : 

"  You  don't  mean  to  tell  us,  6ir,  that  you  have  seen  a 
light  among  the  old  ruins  to-night?" 

"  I  most  certainly  have.  The  fact  is,  I  lost  my  way  among 
those  confounded  winding  lanes  that  you  have  got  in  this 
part  of  the  country,  and  as  I  seemed  to  be  doing  nothing 
else  but  bend  round  about  first  one  way  and  then 
another,  I  resolved  to  take  a  short  cut  across  the 
meadows,  in  the  hope  of  finding  some  place   of  shelter." 

"Well,  sir?" 

"  Well,  I  thought  it  was  well  indeed,  for  in  a  short  time 
I  caught  sight  in  the  distance  of  a  faint  glimmering  light, 
such  as  might  proceed  at  the  present  time  from  your  win- 
dow. I  galloped  towards  it,  and  at  length  found  myself 
close  to  a  ruined  wall." 

There  was  a  breathloss  silence  while  the  stranger  went 
on. 

"  Then,  to  my  intense  annoyance,  the  light  suddenly 
disappeared.  I  looked  around,  but  could  not  see  it,  and 
the  place  certainly  app'-ared  as  though  it  had  not  been 
visited  by  anyone  for  years. 

'  Directly  afterwards  I  heard  a  laugh — a  wild,  mocking 
laugh — which  echoed  and  re-echoed  among  the  ruius  tc 
such  a  degree  that  I  could  not  for  the  life  of  me  make  out 
from  whence  the  sounds  at  first  proceeded.  1  searched 
hastily,  but  without  result,  then,  feeling  far  from  comfort- 
able, I  turned  my  horse'6  head  in  the  direction  of  this 
village.  Now,  Mr.  Landlord,  don't,  look  so  terrified,  man 
— just  tell  me  the  meaning  of  what  I  have  seen  and 
heard." 

The  landlord  shook  his  head  to  and  fro  sevoral  timns. 
and  wuited  so  long  bofore  he  began  to  make  his  replj 
that  the  stranger  fairly  lost  his  patience. 

"  Sir,"  he  said,  at  last,  "  be  thankful — be  rejoiced  that 
you  have  escaped  to  tell  this  tale  !" 

"Escaped?"  exclaimed  the  stranger.  "  I  had  no  diffi- 
culty whatever." 

"It  seems  incredible,"  said  the  landlord — "quite  in 
credible.     But  let  me  tell  you  that  for  hundreds  of  year* 
that  ruined  castle  has  been  haunted  by  a  spectre  !" 

"  Bah  1"  said  the  stranger,  contemptuously. 

"  Strange  sights  have  been  seen  ere  now,  such  as  lights 
flitting  to  and  fro,  strange  noises  heard,  as  of  rumbling 
th'Jeder  underground.  There  are  some  who  have  de- 
scribed how  they  have  seen  the  spectre.  For  those  there 
was  no  hope." 

"  What  do  you  menu,"  exclaimed  the  stranger,  half 
angrily — "  what  do  you  mean  ?  Why  do  you  not  speak 
out  fairly  and  clearly,  not  keep  alluding  to  things  in  that 
fashion  ?" 

"  If  you  vc'H  listen, "  said  the  landlord  "  I  will  tell  you 
all" 


CHAPTER   CMLV. 

SIXTEEH-STRING    JACK   AND  ClAC/US   DUYAt,    rCLLOW    IIIB 

MTSTERioirs  nouns. 

CLi.ude  Duval  and  Sixteen-String  Jack  were  beyond  all 
doubt  more  deeply  interested  in  this  little  episode  than 
any  other  persons  present 

The  first  thing  they  did  waa  to  congratulate  themsebr« 


Ut2 


BUCK    BBSS  ;     OK, 


upon  having  been  so  fortunate  as  to  quit  the  ruins  at 
the  time  thej  had ;  otherwise,  had  they  lingered,  there 
was  a  strong  probability  that  they  would  have  been  dis- 
covered by  this  military-looking  stranger,  who  by  his 
manner,  seemed  quite  insensible  to  fear. 

But  especially  Claude  waited  with  impatienoi  and 
anxiety  for  the  landlord  to  commence  his  story,  for  he 
hoped,  by  paying  great  attention  to  i*s  datails,  to  b»  *bl« 
to  turn  it  to  good  account. 

Our  two  friends  and  the  Strang,  were  the  only  *«ree 
persons  in  the  room  unacquainted  with  the  legend  con- 
nected with  the  ruined  castle,  and  yet,  so  great  a  fascina- 
tion was  there  in  the  theme  that  the  others,  knowing 
every  word  that  was  about  to  come,  sat  still,  and  pre- 
pared to  listen  as  though  it  was  something  new. 

"You  must  know,  then,"  the  landlord  began,  "that  a 
(rreat  many  years  ago  that  castle  was  in  a  perfect  state  of 
repair,  and  tenanted  by  a  powerful  lord,  the  last  of  his 
race — a  proud,  passionate,  vindictive  man.  For  some 
offenoe  or  other — I  know  not  what,  for  it  has  been  vari- 
ously stated — this  proud  lord  slew  the  father  confessor  of 
the  castle.  You  doubtless  know,  without  me  telling  you, 
what  was-  thought  in  those  days  of  such  a  crime  as 
this. 

"The  dying  monk  with  his  last  breath  oursed  the 
hand  that  had  laid  him  low,  and  prophesied  that,  ere 
many  years  rolled  by,  that  proud  castle  should  bo  a  ruin, 
and  that  the  owner  should  be  mouldering  in  the  dust. 
The  monk  died,  and  the  prophecy  was  fulfilled.  The 
castle  became  the  ruined  place  you  now  see  it,  and  its 
proud  owner  died,  and  with  him  died  the  title,  for  he  had 
no  successor." 

"  Well,  well,"  said  the  stranger,  "  what  of  all  this  ? 
Surely  you  are  not  so  absurd  as  to  believe         " 

"  Wait  a  moment,  sir,"  interrupted  the  landlord,  with 
an  assumption  of  great  solemnity — "  wait  a  moment,  and 
you  shall  hear.  From  that  time,  at  occasional  intervals, 
flitting  lights  were  seen  among  the  deserted  walls,  and 
the  strange  noises  heard  of  which  I  have  spoken.  Then 
one  day  a  man  came  to  the  village,  who  said  that,  as  he 
passed  by  the  castle,  he  caught  sight  of  a  strange,  dim, 
shadowy  figure.  The  form,  he  felt  certain,  was  that  of  a 
monk.  He  was  closely  enveloped  in  a  large  gray  cloak, 
the  cowl  of  which  was  thrown  back.  He  saw  an  aged, 
pinched,  wasted  countenance,  the  lower  part  of  which 
was  completely  hidden  by  a  huge  white  beard." 

"  Well,  what  of  that  ?" 

"  lie  was  believed  by  some,  disbelieved  by  others. 
The  ruins  were  searched,  but  no  trace  of  a  living  being 
fun nd.  Then  this  man  died  suddenly,  and  within  nine 
days  after  the  time  he  had  seen  the  spectre.  This  hap- 
pened again  and  again,  until  it  began  to  provoke  atten- 
tion ;  *ud  as  all  those  who  had  seei?  this  apparition  died 
within  nine  days  of  doing  so,  there  was  only  one  reason- 
able conclusion  to  be  arrived  at,  which  was,  that  the  ap- 
pearance of  this  figure  was  a  sure  forerunner  of  speedy 
death." 

As  the  landlord  finished  speaking,  the  rest  of  the  com- 
pany nodded  their  heads,  while  others  murmured : 

"  That's  true — quite  true,  and  we  never  knew  anyoae 
who  had  seen  the  spectre  live  long  afterwaros," 

It  may  seem  strange,  but  this  narrative  produced  a 
very  deep  effect  upon  our  two  friends. 

Strive  as  they  would,  they  Gould  not  altogether  shake 
off  a  certain  superstitious  feeling  that  came  creeping 
slowly  over  them. 

What  if  there  should  be  some  truth  in  this  wild 
legend  ? 

They  had  seen  this  figure,  beyond  all  doubt — the  de- 
scription given  corresponded  with  its  appearanco  ;  how, 
then,  should  it  be  if  it  foretokened  their  own  death  ? 

Nevertheless,  they  listened  with  attention  to  the  reply 
the  stranger  made. 

"A  very  pretty  story,"  he  said — "  very  good  Lkdeed — 
just  what  I  should  have  expected  under  the  i»';um- 
stances ' 

"  Than  you  don't  believe  it  f"  said  the  hmaiora, 
aghast. 

"  Certainly  r.Jt ;  I  would  refuse  to  give  cadence,  to 
any  such  rubbish." 

"  Rubbish  ?"  repeated  the  landlord.  u  It  is  trw>  I 
have  not  lived  here  all  these  years  wit  boat  knowing  ti. 
Wh  begse  to  think  at  one  time  that  the  ruins  had  been 
feii  w  themselves—that  the  spectre  would  trouble  vm  no 


,  more.  All  at  once,  however,  he  was  seen,  and  from  that 
time  no  one  has  ventured  to  go  near  the  place,  nor  would 
anyone  who  had  the  least  regard  for  their  own  lives." 

"  Bab  I"  said  the  stranger,  more  contemptuously  than 
over.  "Get  me  another  glass  of  brandy,  landlord — a 
little  stronger  than  the  last ;  and,  while  you  are  about  it, 
bring  one  for  yor.rself,  at  my  expense,  and  after  you  have 
drunk  it  you  will  laugh  at  the  idea  of  having  entertained 
these  superstitious  follies.'' 

"  Never  fear,  sir,"  said  the  landlord,  as  he  rose  up  to 
execute  this  command — "  I  know  what  I  know,  and  a 
glass  of  brandy  will  make  no  difference  to  my  feelings." 

The  stranger  smiled  again,  but  remained  silent  until 
the  landlord  returned. 

"Hark  ye,  my  friend,"  he  6aid.  "I  am  bound  on 
rather  pressing  business  just  at  present,  but  when  I  again 
come  this  way,  if  I  can  spare  the  time,  I  will  pay  a  visit 
to  those  ruins,  and  if  I  see  the  figure  you  describe,  my 
sword  shall  find  out  what  it  is  made  of." 

"Then,  for  your  own  sake,"  said  the  landlord,  "as 
Vi  a  seem  a  brave,  generous  gentleman,  though  rash  and 
venturesome,  I  hope  that  you  will  never  come  again.  1 
should  be  grieved  if  any  mischief  overtook  yon." 

"  Thanks,"  said  the  stranger  ;  "  but  I  shall  not  forget, 
and  before  many  days  are  over  you  may  expect  to  see 
mo.  I  have  laid  many  a  ghost  before  now  in  foreign 
lands,  and  if  time  was  less  pressing  I  could  give  you  the 
account  of  several ;  but  I  must  stay  no  longer.  Good 
evening !" 

Ho  drained  his  second  glass  as  he  spoke,  and  sauntered 
in  an  easy,  careless  manner  from  the  room. 

He  had  ordered  his  horse  to  be  ready  at  a  certain 
time.  It  was  at  the  door  waiting  for  him,  and  those 
within  the  inn,  having  listened  for  a  moment,  heard  him 
depart,  setting  forward  at  a  rapid  rate. 

"  There  are  people,"  said  the  landlord,  breaking  the 
silence,  "  who  believe  nothing  that  they  cannot  under- 
stand, and  I  take  it  this  gentleman  is  one  of  them.  If 
anyone  would  offer  me  untold  gold  I  would  not  venture 
within  half  a  mile  of  the  old  ruined  castle." 

"Nor  I,"  said  Claude.  "I  should  think  any  man 
who  did  so  had  more  foolhardiness  than  true  courage." 

This  was  a  sentiment  very  much  approved  of  by  all 
present,  and  it  was  applauded  accordingly. 

Claude  continued : 

"  As  our  worthy  landlord  says,  there  are  plenty  who 
profess  to  believe  nothing,  and  to  fear  nothing.  I  have 
known  many  such,  and  yet  have  found  that  whenever 
they  have  been  put  to  the  test  they  have  been  found 
wanting." 

"You  6peak  most  sensibly,"  said  the  landlord,  "and 
like  a  man  of  experience  and  discernment." 

"I  6peak  as  I  feel"  said  Claude  Duval,  "though  I 
thank  you  for  your  compliment  all  the  same." 

In  conversation  such  as  this  the  hours  slipped  quickly 
by,  until  it  became  very  late  indeed. 

The  guests  one  by  one  took  their  departure,  until  only 
our  friends  were  left,  so  at  last  they,  with  great  reluctance, 
rose  to  depart. 

They  failed,  however,  to  learn  any  additional  par- 
ticulars respecting  the  ruins  and  the  legend  attaching  to 
them. 

"  It  is  late  to  set  forth  on  foot  to-night,  gentlemen," 
said  the  landlord,  when  they  had  expressed  their  deter- 
mination to  leave.  "  You  can  have  here  the  best  of  ac- 
commodation." 

"  I  don't  doubt  it,"  said  Jack,  "  and  we  would  gladly 
stay  if  our  business  was  less  important ;  but  you  must 
allow  us  to  know  best,  and  so  good-night." 

With  these  words  our  friends  departed. 

The  landlord  came  with  them  to  tb*  door  with  the  In- 
tention ot  fastening  it  after  them. 

Observing  this,  the  two  highwaymen  took  a  direction 
thftt  led  them  directly  away  from  the  castle,  so  that  there 
should  be  no  fear  of  giving  rise  to  any  suspicion. 

Thoy  walked  on  rapidly  and  in  silence  until  they 
judged  they  had  got  to  a  sufficient  distance  to  make  it 
safe  to  b^nd  round  towards  their  destination. 

At  :•-•  r  gth  they  did  so,  and  Sixteen-String  Jack  broke 
silence  )<y  saying : 

"Claude,  my  friend,  wnat  do  yon  think  of  all  thai 
we  _Nave  heard  to-night  ?" 

"Think  of  it?" 

"  Yea.    Does  not  the  description  given  by  tke  Uo4 


TO  KNMHT  09  TO  BOAD 


IfW 


lord  agree  exactly  w*'Ui  the  appearinc;*  w-  Ijive 
Nn  ?" 

"  it  does  indeed  t"  \ 

"And  suppose,*  said  Jack,  hesitatingly — "rvuppiwe 
there  is  some  truth  in  it,  after  all?  Suppose  wbi  v»o 
have  witnessed  heralds  our  own  death  ?" 

"I  refuse  to  entertain  the  idea  at  a.",™  said  Clause, 
"  though  certainly  the  legend  is  more  likely  to  he  ratified 
in  our  case,  I  take  it,  than  in  any  others,  for  whet  rune 
such  continual  narrow  escapes  from  death  as  wo  do  ?" 

"Don't  mention  it,  Claude,"  said  Jack— H or,  at  any 
rate,  in  that  tone." 

"I  will  not.  Do  you  know  that  I  felt  strongly  in- 
clined to  remain  at  the  inn  until  early  mo-*iing,  and  then 
take  our  departure." 

"And  why  did  you  not?"  said  Jack.  "How  much 
more  pleasant  it  would  hare  been  !" 

"  I  should  have  done  so  but  for  one  determination." 

"And  what  was  that ?" 

"Why,  I  was  resolved,  if  possible,  to  set  this  affair  at 
rest  without  delay.  Understand  me  distinctly.  I  hope, 
Jack,  that  you  will  second  me  in  all  I  intend  to  do." 

"  Well,  say  on." 

"  In  the  first  place,  then,  I  am  more  convinced  than 
ever  that  it  is  some  person  who  has  a  motive  for  re- 
maining in  concealment  who  has  chosen  to  play  the 
part  of  this  apparition.  At  any  rate,  should  we  see  it 
again,  I  am  determined  to  follow  it  closely,  and  learn 
whether  my  conjecture  is  well  or  ill  founded." 

"  I  will  be  with  you  to  the  utmost,  Claude,"  was  the 
reply,  "  for  it  would  be  a  great  satisfaction  indeed  to  my 
mind  to  discover  that  what  we  have  seen  is  nothing 
more  than  a  human  being  like  ourselves." 

•'  Come  on,  then,  move  quickly,  and  we  shall  reach  the 
ruins  before  midnight.  We  must  not  forget  that  stranger 
— he  is  a  bold,  resolute  man :  I  read  it  in  his  eyes." 

"  Tou  are  right.  He  will  be  as  good  as  his  word,  I'll 
warrant,  and  the  next  time  he  comes  he  will  make  a 
narrow  search. " 

"  Well,  we  must  take  our  departure  before  then.  Re- 
collect that  to-morrow  will  be  the  fourth  day.  We  shall 
not  have  much  longer  to  wait." 

Shortly  afterwards  the  highwaymen  reached  the  rums 
of  (he  castle. 

Their  first  act  was  to  make  their  way  immediately  to 
the  place  whore  they  had  left  their  horses. 

They  were  much  rejoiced  to  find  that  the  aniiatls 
were  safe. 

Tet  they  had  a  look  of  distress  that  puzzled  them. 

"What  ails  the  animals?"  said  Claude.  "How  odd 
they  look!  One  would  think  that  they  had  seen  the 
ghost."  4. 

"  Bah — ccr^ense !" 

"  Bat  hark  1  I  can  hear  midnight  pealing  forth  from 
the  village  church.  Leave  the  cattle  to  themselves  awhile, 
and  watch  with  me." 

Filled  with  an  irrepressible  curiosity,  Sixteen-String 
Jack  obeyed. 

They  took  up  as  nearly  as  possible  the  positions  they 
had  assumed  on  the  preceding  night,  and  gazed  with 
fixed  attention  on  the  spot  where  the  figure  had  made  its 
appearance. 

The  night  was  not  so  favorable  for  their  purpose  ;  but 
their  eyes  had  become  tolerably  well  accustomed  to  the 
obscurity. 

As  the  last  stroke  of  the  hour  of  twelve  died  away, 
Claude  pressed  his  companion's  arm,  and  whispered ; 

"  Look,  it's  there !" 

For  a  few  fleeting  seconds,  despite  their  resolution,  the 
highwaymen  could  not  stir. 

Slowly  the  figure  advanced,  walking  steadily,  and  ap- 
pearing as  though  it  intended  tc  make  a  complete  circuit 
of  the  courtyard. 

The  highwaymen  shrank  .arther  back  into  the 
ahadow. 

"  He  comes,"  whispered  Claude — "  he  coiArSs,  and  II  he 
passes  this  spot  we  will  step  forth  and  follow  in  his  track 
wherever  he  may  lead." 

Sixteen-Btring  Jack  did  not  reply.  All  his  faculties 
were  bent  upon  watching  the  mysterious  figure,  whicV  ap- 
proached with  a  slow  and  steady  motion.  { 

On  it  came,  nearer  and  nearer  itilL 

The  silence  was  so  profound  that  the  highwaymen  were 
•wnpelled  to  hold  their  breath.    It  eeenwA  to  them  the 


slight  noise  made  by  breathing  was  sufficient  to  discover 
their  presence-  in  that  place. 

As  the  figure  drew  nearer,  a  distinct  rustling  sound 
reached  their  ears — such  a  sound  as  would  be  made  by 
any  person  walking  in  a  large  and  heavy  cloak. 

No  footfall  was,  however,  audible. 

Directly  afterwards  the  figure  passed  them,  and  as  sooa 
as  it  had  gone  forward  a  few  paces  Claude  Duval  mur- 
mured, with  great  emphasis: 

"  I  will  stake  my  life,  Jack,  that  what  we  have  seen  is 
no  spectre,  but  a  man.  Come  quickly — follow  in  my  foot- 
steps ;  but  use  all  caution.  We  will  track  him,  and  solve 
the  mystery." 

Noiselessly  the  highwaymen  emerged  from  their  place 
of  concealment,  keeping  close  under  the  shadow  of  the 
huge  walls. 

They  advanced  with  the  utmost  caution,  pausing  every 
now  and  then,  when  the  figure  seemed  about  to  turn  round 
and  look  back ;  but  it  continued  its  solitary  walk,  not 
turning  its  head  either  to  the  right  or  to  the  left. 

After  going  a  little  further,  Claude  noticed  that  they 
were  proceeding  in  the  direction  of  the  keep. 

Dimly  defined  in  the  darkness  they  could  see  the  door- 
way through  which  they  had  previously  passed. 

The  figure  approached  it,  and  then  in  a  moment  became 
lost  to  view. 

This  disappearance  was,  however,  easily  accounted  for 
by  the  darkness,  which  was  so  dense  in  this  part  thatClaude 
almost  lost  sight  of  his  companion. 

"  We  have  lost  him,  I  fear,"  he  whispered.  '*  But  come 
on,  Jack.  If  he  has  ascended  the  steps  we  have  him 
sure."  % 

Groping  their  way  forward,  the  highwaymen  crossed 
the  threshold,  and,  reaching  the  foot  of  the  stone  steps, 
began  to  ascend  as  rapidly  as  they  were  able. 

They  listened,  thinking  perhaps  to  hear  £  Jootfall,  but 
if  so  they  were  disappointed. 

All  was  silence,  save  the  whistling  of  the  wind  among 
the  walls. 

The  summit  of  the  keep  at  last  was  reached,  and  then 
they  glanced  around  them  quickly. 

No  sign,  however,  of  the  mysterious  figure  could  be 
found. 

They  searched  narrowly  into  every  corner,  and  con- 
vinced themselves  that  no  one  was  in  hiding. 

"He  has  disappeared,"  said  Jack,  in  rather  a  changed 
tone — "  vanished  utterly  !" 

"  Yes,  he  is  out  of  our  sight,"  said  Claude ;  "  but  I  see 
nothing  extraordinary  in  that.  These  ruins  must  possess 
many  chambers,  the  existence  of  which  are  unknown  to 
us ;  in  some  one  of  them  this  figure  must  have  sought 
shelter.  Let  us  descend  and  keep  a  closer  watch ;  it  is 
possible  we  may  see  him  even  now." 

Jack  shook  his  head;  but,  nevertheless,  willingly 
enough  followed  his  companion  down  the  staircase. 

They  paused  again  just  outside  the  doorway. 

Claude  was  about  to  speak,  when  all  at  once,  a  strange, 
odd  rumbling  noise  assailed  their  ears. 

"What's  that?"  asked  Jack,  suddenly— "  what  is  it? 
The  ground  fairly  seems  to  shake  under  my  feet." 

"  It  does — it  does,"  said  Claude. 

"  And  do  you  remember  what  the  landlord  said,"  added 
Jack.  "  He  spoke  of  thunder  underground.  Is  not  that 
just  what  this  sound  resembles  ?" 

"  It  does.  But  hark !  let  us  listen,  and  try  to  follow  in 
its  direction." 

They  advanced  a  few  steps;  but  the  rumbling 
increased. 

Then  there  was  a  sudden  noise,  M  of  u  explosion. 

After  that  all  was  silent. 


CHAPTER  CMLVI. 

CLAUDE   DUVAL   AND   SIXTEEN-STRING  JACK 
IMPORTANT  DISCOVBBT. 

"  We  shall  soon  De  into  the  heart  of  the  mystery,  I  take 
it,"  said  Claude  Duval— "that  is,  if  you,  Jack,  will  aid 
me  in  probing  it  to  the  utmost." 

*  I  am  always  with  you." 

«*  V«» ;  but  not  so  heartily  on  the  present  occasion  as 
jSS  *ten  are;  but  never  mind,  wt  wife  Dot  speak  of  that 
io<y.     We  must  search." 

"  Bat  it  is  dork." 


uu 


BLACK   BK88;    OB, 


"Very  true;  but  a  light  can  be  quickly  Hut  easily  ob- 
tained." 

"  Think  of  the  danger." 

"It  is  not  worth  consideration,"  was  the  wply.  "  If 
any  chance  passer-by  saw  it,  which  at  this  time  oi  night 
b  scarcely  likely,  it  would  be  set  down  a  i  some  doings 
of  the  ghost" 

While  he  spoke,  Claude  Duval  advanced  a  few  steps, 
and  paused  when  fairly  across  the  threshold  of  the 
keep. 

Here  the  darkness  was  intense. 

"  I  am  convinced,"  he  said,  "  that  the  Caan  we  saw 
went  this  way." 

Jack  was  silent. 

Claude,  however,  busily  scattered  a  small  quantity  of 
gunpowder  on  the  ground. 

"  Jack,"  he  said,  "you  have  some  small  pieces  of  wax 
taper,  have  you  not  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  Get  one  ready,  then,  an^  '  will  soon  have  a  blaze." 

While  Sizteen-String  Jack  produced  a  small  piece  of 
taper  from  bis  pocket,  Claude  Duval  snapped  the  lock  of 
an  unloaded  pistol. 

As  the  flint  struck  against  the  steel  a  shower  of  sparks 
came  forth. 

The  gunpowder  ignited,  there  was  a  momentary  light, 
and  then  he  picked  up  the  piece  of  paper  on  which  the 
gunpowder  had  been  placed,  and  which  was  now  fairly 
in  a  blaze. 

The  candle  was  quickly  lighted,  and  as  soon  as  it  had 
burnt  up  a  little  and  sent  forth  its  full  amount  of  illumi- 
nation, the  highwaymen  looked  around  them  with  the 
greatest  possible  amount  of  curiosity.  • 

Nothing  of  a  more  striking  character  than  rough 
crumbling  walls  met  their  view,  but  Claude  searched 
closely  and  narrowly,  and  at  last  uttered  an  ejaculation. 

"  Here  you  are,  Jack,"  he  said — "  here's  something  like 
convincing  proof,  and  we  are  on  the  right  track." 

He  pointed  as  he  spoke  to  what  bore  some  resemblance 
to  a  door,  though  time  had  changed  its  aspect  and  that  of 
the  wall  in  which  it  was  placed  so  much,  and  had,  so  to 
speak,  so  assimilated  them,  that  it  was  hard  to  tell  one 
from  the  other. 

What  struck  Claude's  notice,  however,  was  a  small 
piece  of  gray  cloth  that  appeared  to  be  sticking  out  from 
two  stouos  in  the  wall. 

Sixtoen-String  Jack,  whose  attention  was  called  to  it, 
bent  down  and  examined  it  attentively. 

"  There,"  said  Claude,  with  great  complacency,  "  that 
looks  as  though  I  was  near  the  mark.  Take  hold  of  it, 
Jack,  and  tell  me  whether  that  cloth  has  not  a  most 
material  feel." 

"  It  has  indeed." 

"Well,  then,  as  I  never  heard  of  a  ghost  walking 
abroad  with  a  substantial  cloth  cloak  wrapped  around 
him,  we  may  conclude  that  what  we  have  seen  is  no 
spectre  at  all." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  began  in  good  earnest  to  think  so 
— yet,  strange  to  say,  he  was  not  altogether  convinced. 

Claude  continued: 

"  I  knew  the  fellow  went  this  way,  and  in  passing 
through  this  doorway  you  see  he  has  shut  part  of  his 
cloak  in  with  it,  and  then  has  impatiently  torn  it  away — a 
very  incautious  proceeding  on  his  part ;  but  perhaps, 
now,  immunity  from  interruption  has  made  him  over 
bold." 

"  And  shall  you  opon  this  door.  Claude  ?" 

"  Certainly  I  shall,  if  I  am  only  able,  and  that  I  doubt 
not." 

Even  while  he  spoke,  Claude  Duval  felt  industriously 
all  over  the  door,  but  failed  to  discover  any  kind  of 
fastening. 

At  length,  however,  after  much  searching,  he  dis- 
covered a  small  knob  of  iron,  that  was  scarce!1* .  jised 
above  the  level  of  the  woodwork. 

This  he  pressed  upon  with  all  his  strength,  -od  the 
door  creaked  slowly  open. 

The  very  moment,  however,  that  it  swung  bacK  upon 
its  hinges,  such  a  gust  of  smoke  and  dense,  disagreeable 
vapor  poured  forth  that  the  highwaymen  6taggered  back 
before  it,  and  gladly  retreated  »*  tfcis  opon  air. 

The  smoke  followed  them  in  strange,  waving  ta.^ 
and,  curling  upward*  in  f3F.l*$tic  shapes,  was  quickly 
toet  to  sight, 


The  two  friends  regarded  each  other  for  some  time  in 
silence,  and  at  last  Sixteen-String  Jack  said : 

"  You  seem  perfectly  correct  in  all  your  assumptions, 
Claude ;  one  would  think  that  you  had  some  knowledge  of 
this  affair  beforehand." 

"  Why  so  ?" 

"  Because  yon  have  insisted  all  along  that  everything 
we  have  seen  has  been  real  and  not  supernatural— among 
the  rest,  this  explosion,  and  here  we  have  the  smoke." 

"  Yes,  that's  what  puzzles  mo,"  said  Claude — "  I  can't 
make  out  what  has  caused  the  explosion.  I  expected  to 
smell  gunpowder ;  but  this  vapor  is  altogether  unlike  it ; 
it  seems  poisonous." 

"  It  does  indeed." 

They  lingered  for  some  time  longer ;  then,  when  they 
considered  that  sufficient  time  had  elapsed  for  all  the 
pent-up  smoke  within  the  doorway  to  disperse,  they  re- 
lighted the  taper,  which  had  been  extinguished  by  the 
wind,  and  again  advanced. 

Gazing  across  the  threshold  of  this  hidden  doorway, 
they  now  indistinctly  made  out  a  rude  flight  of  steps, 
descending  spirally,  as  it  seemed,  into  the  depths  of  the 
earth. 

They  approached  nearer  and  listened. 

But  no  sound  reached  their  ears. 

Although  the  dense  vapor  was  no  longer  visible,  yet 
they  were  still  sensible  of  its  presence,  for  the  air  was 
hot,  and  seemed  to  scorch  their  lungs  as  they  breathed 
it. 

It  seemed,  indeed,  as  though  the  atmosphere  was  loaded 
with  some  powerful  acid. 

Nevertheless,  they  descended  cautiously  the  flight  of 
spiral  steps. 

They  had  not  far  to  go  to  reach  the  bottom  ;  then, 
looking  around,  the  highwaymen  perceived,  branching  off 
in  various  directions,  what  seemed  to  be  an  extensive 
series  of  vaults. 

No  doubt,  in  former  times,  they  had  served  as  the  cellars 
of  the  castle. 

All  these  passages,  save  one,  seemed  bathed  and  drip- 
ping with  moisture ;  that  one,  however,  presented  a  re- 
markable contrast  to  the  rest,  for  it  was  completely 
dry. 

This,  then,  was  the  direction  the  highwaymen  took, 
and  soon  they  saw  before  them  a  wi de-opeu  door. 

At  every  step  they  now  advanced,  the  impur'.y  of  fee 
air  perceptibly  increased. 

They  experienced  great  difficulty  in  breathing. 

Yet,  impelled  by  the  strongest  curiosity,  they  struggled 
on. 

Beaching  the  door,  they  saw,  by  its  appearance,  that  it 
had  been  suddenly  and  forcibly  wrenched  open,  no  doubt 
oy  the  force  of  the  explosion  which  had  unquestionably 
taken  place. 

Having  penetrated  thus  far  into  the  recesses  of  the 
castle,  a  strange  sight  was  revealed  to  the  view  of  the 
highwaymen — a  sight  which  well  repaid  them  for  all 
their  trouble. 

In  a  spacious  vault  that  was  lighted  by  a  bright  tire, 
burning  in  a  singular-looking  iron  basket,  they  perceived, 
ranged  along  the  walls,  numberless  strange,  fantastic 
objects,  most  of  them  unfamiliar  to  Sixteen-String 
Jack,  L™l  not  to  Claude  Duval ;  and  it  is  probable  that 
these  objects,  as  well  as  those  suspended  from  the 
ceiling,  would  have  attracted  much  more  of  their 
notice  had  not  their  attention  been  suddenly  directed 
and  wholly  absorbed  by  another  object,  that  was 
lying  at  full  length  on  the  ground  near  tho  centre  of  the 
vault. 

This  was  evidently  a  human  form. 

They  shrank  back  a  little  upon  beholding  it,  then 
rapidly  advanced. 

Stooping  down,  then,  they  perceived  the  body  of  a  man 
well  advanced  in  years. 

Me  was  strangely  and  fantastically  attired,  and  his 
whole  frame  was  reduced  to  such  a  degree  of  attenuation 
that  the  bones  seemed  ready  to  break  through  the 
skin. 

A  large  beard  covered  his  breast ,  doubtloss  it  had 
hvn  white,  but  now  it  was  shrivellei'  scorched,  ana 
bWckened  If  smoke. 

'£he  feaKi-es  atso  were  perfectly  black,  and  so  fearfully 
convulsed  .hat  the  two  highwaymen  turned  away,  utt» 
able  to  look  longer  upon  them. 


nm  mum  o»  th»  boas. 


K'# 


Blxteen-String  Jack  turned  an  inquiring  gate  upon 
his  comrade. 

"All  this  loots  strange  enough  to  jn,  Jack,  no 
donbt,"  said  Olaudo,  "but  if  you  will  remnmber  what  I 
told  you  of  my  early  life  you  will  believe  tl  at  it  is  fully 
comprehended  by  me." 

Jack  nodded. 
All  these  strange-looking  vials,  bottles,  alembics,  and 
retorts  are  used  in  alchemy,  and  this  man,  beyond  all 
doubt,  was  one  of  those  dreamers  who  believed  it  was 
possible  to  discover  some  preparation  of  drugs  that  would 
have  the  quality  of  prolonging  human  life  to  an  indefi- 
nite extent,  and  also  that  some  substance  might  be  found 
that  would  change  baser  metals  into  gold." 

"  Yes,"  said  Jack.  "I  have  no  doubt  that  such  is  the 
case.    But  how  do  you  account  for  his  death  ?" 

"  Oh,  it  is  very  simple,"  said  Claude,  pointing  to  the 
ruins  of  what  had  served  a  short  time  since  for  a  furnace. 
"  In  some  of  his  experiments  he  has  made  use  of  some 
explosive  compound,  and  you  behold  the  effects." 

"  Yes,"  said  Jack.  "  But  do  you  mean  to  tell  me, 
Claude,  that  you  had  no  certain  knowledge  that  this  was 
the  actual  state  o'i  affairs  ? " 

"  I  assure  you  I  had  not,  but  from  the  first  I  believed 
that  all  these  supernatural  stories  had  sprung  from  some 
such  cause  as  we  have  traced  them  to.  This  man,  no 
doubt,  for  his  chemical  experiments,  has  been  in  danger 
of  his  life  as  a  magician,  therefore  he  has  come  here  to 
screen  himself  from  notice.  He  has  been  wholly  given 
up  to  the  pursuit  of  his  art,  and,  knowing  how  credulous 
all  these  country  people  are,  he  has  had  no  difficulty  in 
causing  all  those  strange  sounds  which  were  believed  to 
be  caused  by  supernatural  agency.  Leaving  him  for  a 
moment  out  of  the  question,  however,  it  strikes  me  that 
we  have  made  a  most  important  discovery  for  ourselves 
and  for  our  friends." 

"How  so?" 

"Is  it  possible  the  idea  does  not  sugges*  **iolf  to 
you  ?" 

"What  idea?" 

"  Why,  have  we  not  been  turned  out  from  one  ptace  of 
refuge,  and  hare  we  not,  in  the  most  extraordinary 
manner,  discovered  another  equally  as  good— perhaps,  for 
aught  I  know,  better  ?" 

"  Do  you  allude  to  this  place  ?" 

"  I  do.  Just  think  for  a  moment  how  easy  it  would 
be  for  us  all  to  take  up  our  quarters  here  unseen,  and 
then,  having  done  so,  how  we  can  keep  off  all  intruders 
by  personating  the  spectre  occasionally.  As  for  the 
rumbling  noises,  no  doubt  I  shall  find  among  the  mate- 
rials here  the  means  of  producing  them." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  remained  for  a  few  moments 
plunged  in  deep  thought 

Then  he  exclaimed : 

"  Safety  is  a  point  to  be  borne  in  mind  before  «very 
other  consideration,  is  it  noti?" 

"       questionably." 

"  Well,  then,  safety  is  promised  us  if  we  remain  in  this 
gloomy  subterranean  abode,  but  I  confess  nothing  else 
than  that  would  reconcile  me  to  it." 

"  Pooh — pooh  1  You  will  soon  become  accustomed  to 
it  Moreover,  it  is  only  requisite  that  we  should  have 
some  place  of  concealment  to  which  we  could  retire 
whenever  circumstances  made  it  necessary.  We  can 
clear  this  vault  of  that  "—Claude  pointed  to  the  body  of 
the  alchemist  while  he  spoke — "  and  we  can  also  sweep 
away  all  this  lumber.  Kely  upon  it  thi»  van  be  turned 
into  comfortable  quarters." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  began  to  think  so,  imt  above  all, 
he  was  impressed  by  the  probability  of  security  that  was 
held  out  to  them  by  remaining  here. 

It  needed  only  a  little  more  conversation  with  hie  «om- 
panion  to  make  him  7t*olve  upon  this  course,  and,  having 
once  arrived  at  a  determination,  Claude  instantly  set  to 
work. 

In  the  first  place,  the  body  of  the  old  alot;j»ist  was 
rolled  up  in  his  cloak,  and  then,  between  them,  they  car- 
ried him  out  of  the  vault  and  up  the  steps  into  the  open 
air. 

In  a  remote  corner  of  the  ruins  they  scooped  oat  a 
narrow  grave  by  means  of  their  swords. 

la  this  they  placed  him,  and  then  returned  to  the 
fault 

la  1*M  than  an  boor  a  wonderful  difference  was  mad* 


in  its  appearance,  and  Sixteen-8tring  Jack  began  to  look 
forward  quite  hopefully  and  confidently  to  the  future, 
and  to  congratulate  himself  upon  having  been  so  fortu- 
nate, f 

The  door  at  f  #  to?  of  the  steps  had  been  closed,  and, 
therefore,  they  felt  particularly  secure  from  interruption, 
and,  worn  out  by  the  fatigue  they  had  undergone,  both 
lay  down  to  slumber. 

Claude  especially  was  much  gratified  by  his  discovery, 
for  he  guessed  how  well  it  would  be  appreciated  by  Dick 
Turpin. 

And,  moreover,  there  was  the  satisfaction  in  his  mind 
of  knowing  that  his  conjectures  had  turned  out  to  bo  per* 
fectly  correct. 

"  With  a  little  management,"  he  said,  to  Jack,  on  the 
following  morning,  "  this  place  can  be  made  to  answer 
all  our  wants.  I  only  wish  the  time  would  pass  away 
that  has  to  elapse  between  now  and  the  date  fixed  for 
our  meeting  on  Hampstead  Heath." 

"  So  do  1,"  said  Jack. 

"For  one  thing,"  Claude  added,  "we  can  surely  remain 
here  without  making  any  movement  that  may  attract  the 
notice  of  the  police  officers,  and  that  will  give  us  all  the 
better  chance  of  reaching  the  appointed  spot  unmolested." 

"Stay,"  said  Jack.  "There's  one  thing  you  have  for- 
gotten altogether." 

"What's  that?" 

"  Why,  the  promise  that  I  gave  to  the  tollkeeper  who 
proved  so  truly  my  friend." 

"Yes,"  said  Claude.  "I  admit  I  had  forgotten 
that" 

"  And,  what's  more,"  continued  Jack,  "  unless  you  can 
show  me  a  full  purse,  I  fancy  another  adventure  will  be 
necessary  before  we  have  sufficient  to  give  him.  Mine 
was  much  lightened,  I  can  assure  you,  during  my  stay  at 
the  inn." 

"  And  mine,"  said  Claude,  "  I  tossed  to  thdho  gipsies, 
or  mendicants,  or  whatever  they  were.  I  did  so  without 
a  thought  of  the  consequences." 

Jack  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  That's  always  the  way — always  the  way  ;  not  that  I 
regret  it,  for  this  little  incident  will  serve  to  break  the 
monotony  of  our  stay  in  this  place." 

"  And  yet,"  said  Claude,  "  there  are  many  reasons 
that  make  it  advisable  for  us  to  remain  quiet" 

"  I  grant  that ;  but  what  I  propose  is  that  we  gallop 
away  to  a  considerable  distance  from  this  spot,  then  lie 
in  wait  for  an  adventure.  If  it  should  prove  profitably 
we  will  ride  off  at  once  to  Tyburn  Gate,  afterwards  get 
some  refreshment  for  our  horses  and  ourselves,  and  thea 
return  here  before  daybreak." 

Claude  laughed. 

"  Tnat  s  scarcely  like  keeping  in  concealment  Depend 
upon  it,  if  your  intention  is  carried  out,  we  shall  raise  all 
the  country  again." 

"  But  I  have  given  my  word,"  said  Jack.  "  Bemember 
that  it  must  not  be  broken." 

"  It  must  not,"  was  the  answer,  "  and  so  let  us  determine 
at  once  to  set  forth  at  nightfall." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  was  satisfied,  and  said  no 
more. 

He  looked  carefully  to  all  his  weapons,  and  to  his 
supply  of  ammunition ;  but  as  the  time  came  on  he  con- 
tinued to  exhibit  greater  and  greater  signs  of  impatience 
and  restraint 

Night  came  at  last — just  such  a  night  as  he  could  have 
wished  for — cold,  dark,  and  miserable,  with  a  violent  wind 
blowing  in  sudden  gusts,  and  every  now  and  then  carry- 
ing with  it  a  scud  of  rain. 

"  There  could  not  be  a  night  more  to  my  taste,"  said 
Sixteen-String  Jack,  pressing  his  hat  tightly  down  upon 
his  head  as  they  rode  away  from  the  ruins.  "  The  officers, 
I  take  it,  will  be  more  inclined  to  get  under  the  roof  of 
some  inn  than  remain  patrolling  the  roads.  We  shall  have 
the  coast  clear,  and  I  never  felt  in  better  trim  for  an  ad- 
venture." 

"Forward,  then!"  said  Claude — "follow  me.  I  will 
lead  the  way.  All  we  have  to  do  at  present  is  to  take 
every  precaution  to  remain  unseen." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  glanced  round  him  while  his  com- 
panion thus  spoke. 

The  darkness  was  so  great  that  he  could  not  see  far, 
yet  he  believed  that  they  were  quite  alone. 

The  nest  moment  he  folio*  ,xl  Claude's  example  %i 


I  «s 


getting  wpan  to  Ma  steed,  tad  the  hone*  at  oaee  broke 
into  a  long,  stretching  gallop,  that  in  a  abort  time  carried 
tbem  away  from  tbe  rain*  of  tbe  old  castle. 


OHAPTEB  CMLVTL 
KBrmura  to  dick  turpin  and  maud  m  rm  out 

QUARRY. 

At  length  we  return  to  the  deep,  moss-grown  excavation 
where  Dick  Turpin  and  Maud  had  found  a  refuge. 

It  will  be  recollected  that  after  Dick  had  congratulated 
himself  upon  the  safety  of  the  place  they  were  in,  Maud 
had  suggested  at  the  same  time  its  disadvantages,  and 
while  she  spoke,  Dick  felt,  with  an  uncomfortable  sensa- 
tion at  his  breast,  that  should  the  officers  become  ac- 
quainted with  his  whereabouts,  he  would  be  in  a  trap 
indeed. 

They  would  only  have  to  guard  the  one  outlet,  and 
then  advance  and  take  him  prisoner,  alive  or  dead. 

Painfully  apparent  as  this  was  to  his  own  mind,  he 
■trove  to  make  it  appear  otherwise,  and  affected  only 
to  laugh  lightly  at  Maud's  fears. 

But  she  by  this  time  knew  him  too  well  to  be  to 
deceived. 

Her  heart  sank,  therefore,  within  her  breast,  for  tho 
momentary  gleam  of  satisfaction  that  she  bad  experienced 
was  quite  extinguished. 

At  every  slight  sound  she  would  start  nervously  and 
shudder;  then,  bending  forward,  stretch  her  sense  of 
hearing  to  the  utmost. 

But  the  thousand  and  one  odd  noises  that  broke  the 
silence  of  that  deserted  place  passed  over  withcut  any 
result ;  but  by  the  time  morning  dawned  she  was  com- 
pletely worn  out  with  nervous  agitation. 

It  was  not  until  long  after  daylight  prevailed  above 
that  the  glimmer  of  dawn  made  itself  visible  in  the 
depths  of  the  old  quarry. 

By  slow  and  imperceptible  degrees,  however,  the  light 
increased,  and  one  by  one,  the  rugged  features  of  the 
place  were  brought  into  view. 

Dick  and  Maud  both  looked  around  them  with  a 
curiosity  not  unmixed  with  admiration,  for  the  huge 
masses  of  stonework  looked  picturesque  and  grand. 

The  bottom  of  the  quarry  was  of  a  much  greater 
extent  than  Dick  had  at  first  imagined. 

The  ground  of  which  it  was  composed  was  broken  and 
uneven,  yet,  strangely  enough,  vegetation  thrived  there, 
and  in  many  places  trees  of  a  tolerable  siie  were 
growing. 

There  was  a  little  cascade  also,  the  dancing  waters 
of  which  made  pleasant  rippling  music,  and  which, 
when  the  sun's  rays  shone  upon  them,  looked  beautiful 
indeed. 

"  Come,  Maud,"  said  Dick,  in  as  reassuring  a  voice 
as  he  was  able  to  command,  "  look  around  you,  and  feel 
thankful  for  the  shelter  you  have  gained.  Surely,  now, 
if  we  can  but  escape  the  linx  eyes  of  the  officers  we 
shall  be  happy  and  contented  enough  until  the  time  of 
meeting  arrives." 

Maud  sighed  heavily,  as  she  said : 

"  I  hope  so,  Dick — I  hope  so." 

"  Do  not  despond.  Oome  a  little  nearer  to  the  water- 
fall ;  you  see  it  is  in  the  most  sheltered  portion  of  all. 
How  soft  that  mossy  turf  looks.  Lie  down  there  upon 
it  and  sleep ;  you  can  wrap  my  cloak  around  you,  and 
depend  upon  it,  I  will  keep  good  guard." 

In  spite  of  the  anxieties  that  were  crowding  at  her 
heart,  Maud,  who  was  worn  out  by  the  excessive 
fatigue  she  had  undergone,  looked  longingly  to  the  spot 
to  which  Dick  pointed 

It  seemed,  indeed,  like  some  naturally-made  couch. 

"  You  are  sure,"  she  said,  pleadingly,  "  that  you  will 
wake  me  at  the  first  approach  of  danger  ?" 

"  I  will — I  promise  you  faithfully  I  wilL" 

"  Then  I  am  content." 

Wrapping  herself  up  in  tbe  cloak,  as  Dick  had  sug- 
gested, Maud  laid  herself  down  to  rest,  and  so  perfectly 
was  she  worn  out,  both  physically  and  mentally,  *.hei 
slumber  soon  stole  ever  her. 

Dick  remained  watching  by  her  side  for  some  time 
after  she  slept ;  then,  finding,  at  length,  that  she  was 
qnlte  unconscious  of  all  that  was  going  on  around,  he 
toroed  aside,  and  mattered: 


"Now,  then,  I  will  tok*  ike  opportunity  of  making  a 
thorough  search  all  otbt  this  place,  and  ascertain 
whether  there  is  any  other  mew  ns  of  leaving  it  than  thai 
by  wkiea  I  descended.* 

Thus  speaking,  Dick  meved  off,  and  for  a  J  jag  time 
was  occupied  in  searching  all  the  nooks  and  •ornera  at 
the  bottom  of  the  quarry. 

As  he  fully  expected,  however,  he  found  that  there 
was  only  one  pathway  by  which  the  surface  of  the  earth 
could  be  regained. 

"That,  at  all  events,  is  one  comfort,"  he  remarked,  aa 
he  folded  his  arms  and  fixed  his  eyes  upon  the  side  of 
the  excavation.  "  I  know  now  that  my  ioes  can  oaly 
approach  me  at  this  point,  and  while  I  keep  watoh  there, 
all  will  go  well." 

A  faint  cry  at  this  moment  reached  his  ears. 

He  recognised  it,  and  turned  round  suddenly. 

Half  a  doxen  leaps  took  him  to  the  r.pot  where  he  had 
left  Maud. 

She  had  partially  risen  to  her  feet,  and  there  was  an 
expression  of  terror  on  her  face. 

"  Oh,  Dick,"  she  cried,  "  why — oh,  why  did  you  leave 
me?" 

"  Simply  to  look  around.  All  is  well,  Maud — quite  weH , 
for  the  impression  left  upon  me  by  my  search  is,  that  no 
human  feet  save  ours  have  tredden  in  this  place  for  yean 
and  years." 

Maud  gave  a  sigh  of  thankfulness. 

" Moreover,"  said  Dick,  "you  need  not  fear  the  unex- 
pected appearance  of  anyone  while  you  keep  y  our  watch 
upon  yonder  pathway.  You  can  see  how  it  winds  zigtag 
down  the  side  of  the  excavation.  That,  then,  I  am 
assured  is  the  only  means  by  which  a  descent  into  the 
quarry  can  be  effected." 

Maud  turned  her  eyes  in  the  direction  Dick  had  indi- 
cated, and  no  sooner  had  she  done  so  than  a  frantic  cry 
of  alarm  escaped  her  lips,  while  she  clung  frantically  to 
his  breast. 

"  They  come !"  she  said — "  they  come  1  Look— look, 
they  come!" 

"Who?" 

"  The  officers !    Look— look,  there !" 

Pick  followed  the  direction  of  her  finger,  and  then,  at 
tb  j  very  brink  of  the  old  quarry,  he  saw  several  small 
r  />ving  objects — so  small  that  they  scarcely  seemed  like 
human  beings. 

A  second  glance,  however,  assured  him  that  they  war* 
though,  owing  to  the  fact  that  they  stood  back  a  little 
way  from  the  edge  of  the  precipice,  he  was  only  able  to 
discern  the  upper  part  of  their  bodies. 

"  They  may  be  officers,  or  they  may  not,"  said  Dick ;  "  but 
at  any  rate,  do  not  give  way  altogether  to  alarm— be  of 
good  heart.  Follow  me  quickly ;  we  will  get  to  the  shade 
of  some  projection,  and  then,  let  the  officers  be  as  keen- 
eyed  as  they  may,  I  will  defy  them  to  detect  us." 

Maud  was  half  fainting  with  terror,  and  Dick  found  it 
necessary  to  raise  her  in  his  arms,  and  carry  her  to  some 
little  distance. 

He  paused  when  fairly  standing  in  the  dark  shadow 
cast  by  a  huge  overhanging  piece  of  stone,  the  appearance 
of  which  was  truly  terrifying,  for  it  seemed  as  though 
about  to  fall  down  on  their  heads. 

Although  satisfied  that  he  was  thus  tolerably  well 
concealed,  Dick  had  taken  up  his  position  in  such  a 
manner  that  he  was  still  able  to  command  a  view  of  the 
narrow  pathway  and  of  the  moving  figures  at  the  top. 

Whether  they  were  officers  or  not  was  more  than  he  could 
tell  at  that  great  distance,  for  the  sun's  rays  shining  down 
into  the  quarry  dazzled  and  confused  his  eyesight. 

Both  listened,  too,  with  the  utmost  intentness,  in  the  hope 
that  some  words  uttered  in  a  louder  tone  than  others 
might  be  borne  floating  upon  the  air. 

But  ne  aaoh  words  reached  them — the  distance  was  too 
great. 

Dick  >4Vvpin'8  agitation  and  alpj-m— more  on  account  of 
his  companion  than  himself — were  much  greater  than  any- 
one could  have  imagined  by  his  manner. 

At  length  the  officers,  if  such  they  were,  retreated  so 
far  from  the  edge  of  the  excavation  as  to  be  invisible. 

At  that  moment  Dick  drew  a  long  breath  of  exquisite 
relief. 

"  They  are  gone,  Maud,"  he  said—"  they  are  gone.  AM 
willbewelL" 

"  Yoa  aay  »*/'  •**  renlied,  with  a  wan  and  sickly  i 


THE    K-SIGH1    OF  THE   F.OAD. 


fOLAUDB   DUVAL   AND   SIXTEEX-STKISQ  JACK    AT  THS    RENDEZVOUS    OM    HAMPSTKAD   HEATH.] 


44  in  the  hope  that  you  may  induce  me  to  believe  it,  but  I 
know  as  well  as  you  do  that  our  position  is  a  fearful  one, 
and  that  if  the  officers  should  take  it  into  their  heads  to 
descend,  nothing  could  save  us  from  destruction." 

"  Hush  —  hush,"  said  Dick,  "  let  us  remain  silent ! 
Although  their  voices  may  not  have  descended  to  us,  yet 
ours  may  ascend  to  them  ;  at  any  rate,  we  cannot  be  too 
cautious." 

In  this  remark  Mend  fully  acquiesced,  and  became  silent 
according!}. 

Slowly — very  r:>wly  and  wearily  the  hours  dragged 
away,  until  the  sun  passed  the  meridian  and  began  to 
sink  down  slowly  to  the  west. 

Of  the  officers  they  saT7  nothing  more. 

jdaud  noticed  with  regret  the  signs  of  exhaustion 
fisible  in  DickV  blanched  ce'intenance,  and  at  length  she 
Jrged: 

"Why  not  gain  a  few  momenta'  rest  yourself,  Dick  J 

Wo.  198.— Black  Bess, 

No;  198, 


Fear  not— I  shall  be  able  to  keep  good  w«Leh.  I  will  sit 
here,  upon  this  piece  of  stone,  and  never  remove  my  cye« 
from  the  pathway.  If  I  see  anyone  upon  it,  or  if  anything 
else  peculiar  occurs,  trust  me  I  will  rouse  you  instantly." 

"Then  if  you  will,  indeed,  perform  this  seivice,  I  shall 
bo  truly  thankful,"  said  Dick.  "I  did  not  like  to  mak« 
the  request,  lest  you  should  be  fearful.  However,  as  yot 
say,  you  will  be  able  to  give  me  timely  warning  of  the  au- 
proach  of  danger." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  she  murmured,  anxiously,  in  reply — "  you 
can  trust  me." 

Dick  knew  this  well  enough,  and  thcre:ore  hesitated  no 
longer  to  comply  with  her  request. 

He  was  glad  to  accede  to  it,  for  he  thought  never  befoi* 
had  he  experienced  such  a  frightful  sense  of  ntter  ex- 
haustion. 

This  can:>ct  be  wondered  at  when  the  funooftt  of  ****• 
tior  he  hac!  gone  through  is  rwEoUecteA  r> 


Price  One  Halfpenny, 


1578 


BLACK  BESS  ;   OB, 


Wrapping1  his  cloak  around  him,  lio  lay  down  upon 
the  bank  of  moss,  and  closed  his  eyes  iu  perfect  con- 
fidence of  safety,  and  was  soon  asleep. 

No  words  can  tell,  however,  what  an  amount  of 
anxiety  Maud  suffered  while  he  was  thus  unconscious. 

With  painful  intentuess  she  fixed  her  eyes  upon  the 
narrow  zig-zag  path,  and  remained  gazing  upon  it  till 
her  eyes  ached  and  every  object  swam  before  her. 

Wearily  and  slowly  the  time  passed  on,  yet  Dick  did 
not  so  much  as  move. 

To  all  appearances  ho  was  as  likely  to  sleep  for  some 
hours  longer. 

Maud  became  somewhat  more  assured  as  time  passed 
on,  and  she  discovered  that  she  was  not  interrupted  by 
any  sound  whatever. 

She  felt  impelled  many  a  time  to  arouse  her  sleeping 
companion,  but  every  time  she  overcame  the  inclination, 
knowing  well  how  much  depeudod  on  his  strength  for 
the  safety  of  them  both. 

It  was  not,  in  fact,  until  after  the  sun  hid  sunk,  and 
a  chill  air  filled  the  old  quarry,  that  Dick  awoke. 

He  struggled  desperately,  and  seemed  as  though  en- 
gaged in  a  conflict  with  some  one. 

Maud's  voice  recalled  him  to  himself. 

"Bah !"  he  said.     "  1  have  been  dreaming." 

"  And  no  wonder." 

"  Why,  it  is  almost  dark !" 

"  It  is.     Do  you  not  feol  rested  ?" 

"I  feel  like  myself,"  was  the  heartily-uttered  reponse. 
"And  you  have  heard  nothing— seen  nothing r" 

"  Nothing  at  all,"  answered  Maud.  "  Tim  place  has 
been  as  silent  as  the  grave:" 

"  So  much  the  better,  then.  Rely  upon  it,  wo  have 
found  at  last  a  place  of  shelter.  (July  one  thing  is 
necessary  to  make  it  perfectly  comfortable." 

"  And  what  may  that  be  ?" 

Dick  laughed  as  he  roplied  : 

"  Why  food,  Maud — food  !  We  cannot  live  without 
it  ;  and  now  I  have  awoke  I  feel  so  confoundedly  hun- 
gry that  1  could  sot  to  work  on  those  hard  stones." 

Maud  smiled,  but  it  was  only  feebly  and  wearily. 

.She  was  faint  and  sick  for  want  of  food,  yet  had 
shrunk  from  saying  so. 

Dick  noticed  the  change  in  her  countenance  at  once, 
and  divined  the  reason  of  it. 

"  Come — come,"  he  said,  "  cheer  up  !  Don't  imagine 
this  any  obstacle.  I  shall  speedily  overcome  it,  rest 
assured." 

"  How — how  so  ?" 

"Why,  I  will  only  wait  until  it  grows  a  little  darker, 
then  I  will  cautiously  make  my  way  to  the  top  of  the 
quarry.  When  certain  no  one  is  near  to  obsorve  my 
movements,  I  will  cross  over  the  fields  to  the  nearest 
dwelling  I  can  find,  and  there  obtain  what  we  re- 
quire." 

4i  But  the  danger,  Dick— the  danger?" 

"It  must  be  braved  and  met!"  was  the  response. 
"  We  cannot  remain  and  starve  here  !  Best  assured, 
however,  that  I  will  bo  cautious  to  a  degree." 

Maud  was  silent,  for  she  felt  unable  to  urge  him  to 
remain. 

"  It  has  grown  dark  very  suddenly,"  said  Dick,  look- 
ing around  him.  "  Ah  !  I  see  now,  that  huge  black 
cloud  lias  come  up,  and  if  we  do  not  have  a  storm  before 
long  it  is  very  odd  to  me." 

"A  storm  ?" 

"  Yes  ;  do  not  be  alarmed.  How  is  it,  Maud,  that 
the  least  thing  seems  to  agitate  you  so  dreadfully  ?" 

"Hark— hark!" 

Maud  held  up  her  hand  while  sho  spoke,  and  just 
then,  the  low  muttering,  rumbling  souud  of  distant 
thunder  reached  their  ears. 

"  I  prophesied  aright  !"  said  Dick. 

Scarcely  had  these  words  passed  his  lips  than  the 
dark  cloud  he  had  pointed  out  overhead  discharged  its 
contents,  which  cime  down  not  like  rain,  but  like  a 
perfect  sheet  of  water. 

"Back,  Maud — back!"  said  Dick.  "The  rocks  will 
shelter  us  to  a  great  extent." 

They  moved  back  rapidly  while  he  spoke. 

And  the  rain  continued  to  fall  without  showing  signs 
of  any  abatemeut. 

The  rumbling  of  the  thunder,  too,  increased  in  loud- 
ness, and  began  to  be  accompanied  by  lightning,  each 


succeeding  Hash  of  which  seemed  more  vivid  than  the 
preceding  one. 

The  peals  of  thunder  at  length  became  truly  deafen- 
ing, and  when  the  lightning  flashed  the  whole  interior  of 
the  quarry  was  brilliantly  lighted  up. 

Maud  was  greatly  terrified,  and  clung  anxiously  to 
her  companion's  arm. 

"  We  have  nothing  to  fear  here,"  he  said,  noticing  her 
tremor,  "and  while  the  elements  are  thus  at  warfare 
we  shall  be  secure  from  all  interruption." 

While  Dick  spoke,  another  vivid  flash  of  lightning 
came  for  an  infinitesimal  portion  of  time. 

Every  crevice  in  tho  rock-work  around  was  clearly 
revealed. 

Maud  uttered  a  faint,  low  shriek,  as  she  replied : 

"No— no!     See — seo  there  !" 

"  Seo  where  ?"  ejaculated  Dick,  hastily. 

"  You  are  too  late  now,"  said  Maud,  "  all  is  dark." 

"  But  what  was  it  you  fancied  that  you  saw  ?" 

"It  was  no  fancy — my  eyes  were  fixed  upon  that 
particular  spot." 

"  W?ll,  then,  what  was  it  ?" 

"  Something  like  a  human  form  !" 

"  A  human  form  ?"  Dick  echoed,  being  unable  to  say 
anything  else  in  his  surprise. 

"Yes — yes  ;  I  am  sure  of  it." 

"  And  where  was  it  ?" 

"  Near  the  top  of  the  pathway,  down  which  it  was 
slowly  and  with  difficulty  making  its  way." 

"  Nonsense,  Maud— nonsense  ;  your  fears  have  de- 
ceived you.  At  any  rate,  be  prepared  for  the  coming  of 
tho  next  flash  of  lighning,  which  will  doubtless  be  here 
in  a  few  seconds  ;  I  will  watch  keenly  too,  and  wo  will 
clear  up  the  doubt.     Are  you  sure  there  was  only  one  ?" 

"  I  only  saw  one,"  was  the  answer.  "  There  may 
have  been  others — I  cannot  say." 


CHAPTER  CMLVIII. 


DICI 


TUIiPIN     WATCHES     THE    MOVEMENTS    OP  THE 
SI'BANGEB   IN    THE    OLD    QTJABBY. 

Eabnestly  and  intently  Dick  Turpin  kept  his  eyes 
turned  in  the  direction  of  tiio  path,  while  he  waited  with 
the  utmost  anxiety  for  the  coming  of  the  next  flash  of 
lightning. 

Although  inclined  to  believe  that  Maud  had  seen 
what  she  had  described  only  in  imagination,  yet  he 
waited  in  great  suspense  to  be  satisfied  whether  she  had 
been  mistaken  or  not. 

Although  scarcely  probable,  yet,  for  all  he  could  tell, 
the  police  officers  might  in  some  extraordinary  way  have 
managed  to  track  him  to  the  old  quarry. 

Then  again  ho  thought  that  surely  they  would  wait 
until  the  fearful  storm  had  ceased. 

The  rain  which  had  been  descending  in  such  torrents 
now  partially  subsided. 

But  the  thunder  still  rolled  heavily. 

Then  came  a  tremendous  flash  of  lightning,  more 
vivid  and  intense,  Dick  thought,  than  any  he  had  wit- 
nessed. 

He  was,  iu  fact,  half  blinded  by  it. 

Maud  again  uttered  a  despairing  cry. 

An  ejaculation  at  the  same  time  escaped  Dick's  lips. 

During  tho  momentary  illumination  he  had  caught 
sight  of  what  was  certainly  a  human  figure  descending 
the  narrow,  dangerous  path. 

The  glimpse  he  had  was  so  brief  that  it  did  not  enable 
him  to  ascertain  whether  this  individual  was  habited  as 
a  police  officer  or  not. 

He  was,  however,  satisfied  that  he  was  alone. 

"Did  you  seo  him  ?"  asked  Maud,  as  soon  as  the  next 
peal  of  thunder  had  sufficiently  died  away  to  enable  her 
to  make  her  voice  audible — "  did  you  see  him  ?" 

"  I  did — I  did  ;  but  only  one  person.  Did  you  catch 
a  glimpse  of  anyone  else  ?" 

"  I  did  not." 

"Then,"  added  Dick,  "the  circumstance  is  most 
strange  and  peculiar.  Who  on  earth  could  he  be  who 
would  on  such  a  night  as  this  venture  to  make  the  des- 
cent of  this  perilous  path  P  It  was  dangerous  enough 
when  we  descended — how  must  it  be  in  suoh  intense 
darkness  as  this  ?" 

Maud  did  not  reply  to  this  question,  but  asked  J 


ma  KNIGHT  03  TUB  B.0&ZS. 


157? 


"  Was  it  aa  office?,  Dick  ?  Do  you  think  it  was  an 
officer  ?" 

"No,  I  am  almost  sure  it  was  not,  for  no  officer  would 
make  his  way  here  alono.  But  keep  silent  Let  us 
wait  for  the  next  Hash,  which  no  doubt  will  reveal  to  us 
something  rao-ra.  At  present,  do  not  tear — f-?:o  eno 
enemy  we  have  nothing  to  dread."' 

Nevertheless,  Maud  clang  very  closely  and  tiddly  to 
the  highwayman. 

Another  Hash  of  lightning  quickly  Game,  and  tnis  time 
botli  the  watchers  were  better  prepared. 

They  saw.  with  great  distinctness,  a  man  slowly  fsd 
carefully  creeping  along  the  pathwty. 

Despite  the  darkness  an  I  the  many  difflaUiiljo  thsrt 
were  in  the  way,  he  had  managed  to  accomplish  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  tho  descent,  a  circumstance  which 
strongly  excited  Dick's  wonder,  since  it  showed  that 
the  man  must  either  be  nr  r  ■ '  raward  by  some  powerful 
motive,  or  else  he  was  very  ;a:::;!iar  with  the  nature  o: 
the  path  which  he  trod. 

"  Silence  now,  dear  onc,".SMd  Dick,  in  a  whisper,  "We 
may  be  in  no  danger  of  being  heard,  yet  let  us  be  careful. 
Let  it  be  some  sort  of  consolation  to  you  to  know  that 
this  new-comer,  whatever  may  bring  him  here,  L»  not  a 
police  officer." 

"  Yet  ho  may  bo  in  search  of  you." 

"  I  scarcely  think  so ;  but,  at  any  rate,  from  onv,  man 
wo  have  nothing  to  apprehend.  If  he  sees  us  I  will 
tako  good  care  ho  does  not  leave  these  gloomy  depths 
to  communicate  the  intelligence  to  others!  Now  hush 
— silence!" 

Aland  was  still  at  once,  and  after  that  neither  spoke, 
but  both  occupied  themselves  to  the  utmost  in  watching 
the  perilous  descent  of  this  new-comer. 

At  every  lightning's  flash  thej  found  that  he  had 
managed  to  accomplish  a  still  greater  portion  cf  tuo 
ileseeut. 

The  vivid  flashes  now  came  at  longer  intervals,  the 
thunder  only  rumbled,  and  there  was  every  indication 
that  the  storm  was  rapidly  passing  over. 

At  length,  when  the  strauger  had  almost  reached  she 
bottom  of  tho  pathway,  Dick  whispered  to  his  com- 
panion : 

"1  have  been  thinking,  Maud,  that  it  is  of  the 
highest  importance  we  should  gain  soino  knowledge  of 
the  motive  that  brings  this  man  here." 

"Surely,  yes,"  was  tho  response;  "but  how?"' 

"  Do  not  interpose  an  obstacle,  "said  Dick,  "  but  promise 
to  assist  me." 

"  I  will— I  do." 

"  Then  what  I  have  to  n.sk  is,  that  you  will  remain 
here,  standing  beside  Black  Bess." 

"  And  you  ?" 

"  I  will  creep  cautiously  across  the  bottom  of  the 
quarry.  I  am  familiar  enough  with  it  nov?  to  be  able 
to  avoid  all  obstructions,  and  the  darkness  will  conceal 
me  from  view." 

Maud  trembled  excessively  as  she  said: 

"  You  would  creep,  then,  close  to  this  man,  and  watch 
his  movements  carefully?" 

"  I  would  take  care  to  keep  cut  of  sight  and  hear- 
ing." 

"  But  cannot  I  come  too  ?" 

"You  cannot,  beeauso  then  any  slight  sound  that 
would  bo  made  by  the  progress  of  one  would  be  doubled, 
and  it  is  most  important  that  car  presence  hero  remains 
unknown." 

Slowly  and  reluctantly  Maud  unclaeped  her  arms,  and 
Dick  no  sooner  found  himself  free  Lfaan,  with  a  slow 
and  cautious  footstep,  he  began  to  make  his  way  in  the 
direction  of  the  bottom  of  the  pathway. 

The  darknoss  was  profound,  yet  nov  so  great  as  it 
had  been  a  short  time  \,  fore,  :<;r  the  clouds  abovs  were 
bac'iraing  lighter  In  color. 

theless,  it  was  no  easy  task  to  avoid  (he  many 
fragments  of  rock  strewn  everywhere  around,  und  still 
more  difficult  to  proceed  without  creating  noise  enough 
U>  .attract  attention. 

Dick   t,v   full  of  the  deepest   curiosity  to  know  w^s' 
possible  motive  could  have  induced  any  person  to  de 
ny  so  dangerous  a  path  into  so  desolate  a  place,  especiai'.y 
during  •lie  raging  of  a  aborts. 

In  the  hope  that  tbis  curiosity  would  presently  be 
allayed,   he   crept   nnreai  .1   stealthily,  and   at  last,  to   his 


great  satisfaction,  succeeded  in  reaching  the  bottom  of  tho 
pathway,  as  he  believed,  unobserved  and  unsuspected. 

Ho  had  only  just  time  to  crouch  down  behind  a  largo 
jutting  piece  of  stonework  befor?  the  straager  came  iutc 
view. 

He  was  not  more  than  two  feet  distant,  so  Dick  saw 
him  with  tolerable  plainness,  and  felt  perfectly  suro  that 
ho  was  no  polico  officer,  or  at  any  rate,  not  in  the  garb  of 
one. 

When  the  bottom  of  the  old  quarry  wan  reached,  tha 
stranger  paused  and  looked  above. 

A  deep  groan  then  came  from  his  lips,  and  ho  half 
muttered  some  words,  the  purport  of  which  Dick  could 
not  catch. 

Then,  with  a  somewhat  hasty  tread  and  a  firm  step,  the 
stranger  crossed  tho  bottom  of  the  quarry  in  an  obhquo 
direction. 

"  What  on  earth  can  be  his  errand?"  Dick  murmured 
to  himself.  "Certainly  ho  is  fully  impressed  with  the 
notion  that  he  has  this  place  all  to  himself,  or  he  would 
be  more  careful  to  be  silent  in  his  movements." 

While  these  thoughts  were  passing  through  his  mind, 
Dick  carefully  emerged  from  his  place  of  concealment 
and  proceeded  to  follow  in  tho  footsteps  of  the  stranger. 

This  he  had  no  great  difficulty  in  doing,  and  tho  thick 
green  moss  which  was  growing  almost  everywhere 
enabled  him  to  tread  with  an  almost  noiseless  step. 

The  storm  by  this  time  was  quite  over. 

The  sky  wa3  clearing  fast  of  clouds,  and  there  were  in- 
dications that  the  moon  would  shortly  make  her  appear- 
ance. 

The  stranger  did  not  pause  unti!  tho  opposite  side  of 
the  quarry  was  gained,  a  spot  not  far  from  where  Maud 
was  standing — so  close  to  it,  indoed,  that  I>'ck  feared  ho 
was  making  bis  way  directly  thero,  and  iua'.'ty  dreaded 
a  discovery. 

This  fear  proved  groundless. 

"  Oh  for  a  gleam  of  light !''  Dick  hoard  the  stranger  say. 
in  low,  deep  tones.  "But  it  is  useless  to  think  of  it ;  the 
moon  will  never  light  up  these  recesses.  I  forget — I  for 
get — my  brain  reels  i" 

These  disjointed  exclamations  were  in  themselves 
highly  provocative  of  curiosity,  and  Dick  watched  more 
absorbed  than  ever. 

For  the  next  few  moments  he  was  scarcely  able  to  make 
out  what  the  strauger  was  about,  but  at  last  he  discovered 
h"  was  occupied  in  igniting  a  small  lantern  that  he  h*d 
taken  from  one  of  his  pockets. 

lie  closed  tie'  door  with  a  sn;ip,  and  then  through  the 
thick  convex  lens  in  front  came  a  broad  beam  of  light, 
which  revealed  with  great  distinctness  every  object  oa 
which  it  fell. 

Dick  shrunk  down  again  in  concealment,  fearful  lest 
the  stranger,  before  entering  tho  recesses  ho  spoko  of, 
should  flash  the  light  around  him  in  order  to  make  quite 
certain  that  he  was  alone. 

This  caution  was  unnecessary. 

Never  dreaming  that  anyone  was  watching  his  move- 
ments, the  stranger,  timidly  and  reluctantly  as  Dick 
thought,  entered  a  small  crevico  or  fissure  in  the  side  of 
tho  rock,  so  small,  and  of  such  an  appearance,  that  any- 
one gazing  at  it  would  have  imagined  that  it  was  simply 
an  accidental  rift  in  the  stone  such  as  is  often  seen,  and 
penetrated  to  a  depth  of  a  few  inches  only. 

The  stranger,  however,  quickly  disappeared. 

This  proved  that  it  was  in  reality  the  entrance  to  some 
cavern. 

Dick  crept  forward  once  more,  and,  as  soon  as  ho  roachod 
the  indentation  in  the  rock,  redoublod  his  caution. 

Gazing  in,  he  could  perceive  tho  faint  glimmer  of  the 
light  some  distance  off. 

It  was  too  feeble  to  enable  him  to  eeo  what  kind  of 
place  it  was  into  which  he  was  intruding,  but  extending 
his  arms  well  in  front,  he  waiked  forward  on  tiptoe. 

He  found  the  ground  beneath  his  fcot  tolerably  smooth 
and  firm. 

llavi.iy  gone  a  little  distanco,  he  discovered  tc£i  tho 
light   racame  stationary, 

ing  onward  again,  and  scarcely  danug  Uj  brc*the 
lest  ::  e  slight  sound  should  be  heard,  ho  at  last  poused, 
and  found  himself  in  a  tolerably  large  cavern,  that  beyond 
all  doubt  was  the  work  of  nature. 

In  one  corner  of  it  the  stramrer  was  Handing,  and 
Dick  aftur  a  hasty  g\anco  around  glided  towards  him- 


!5S0 


BLACK   BESS,   OR, 


The  lantern  was  raised  high  in  the  air,  but  as  it  was 
furnished  with  a  bull's-eye,  the  light  fell  iu  one  direction 
only,  leaving  ail  around  in  a  darkness  that  seemed  doubly 
great  by  contrast. 

Dick  found  that  the  stranger  was  speaking  in  3  low, 
murmuring  tone,  and  at  first  fancied  he  was  addressing 
some  one. 

Bye  long,  bawever,  Le  found  this  to  be  an  error. 

Either  from  some  sti'a-.ige  habit,  or  else,  pcrhaj*  ho- 
cuuse  lie  fancied  the  sound  of  his  own  voice  looked  in 
some  degree  the  loneliness  of  the  placo  he  rias'.r.,  the 
stranger  spoke  his  thoughts  aloud. 

"  It  is  a  foolish  fear,"  ho  said,  as  though  endeavour:; 
to  persuade  himself  into  something  he  could  not  believe 
— •'  a  vain  and  foolish  fear,  and  to  satisfy  myself  that  it 
is  so  I  will  take  another  hasty  glance,  even  though  the 
B'iglit  should  drive  me  mad  ;  it  would  repay  me  for  all — to 
make  certain  that  my  apprehensions  were  groundless,  to 
be  able,  iu  fact,  to  laugh  at  my  own  fears  !" 

There  was,  so  to  speak,  a  ghastly  kind  of  cheerfulness 
in  the  manner  iu  which  the  strauger  spoke,  aud  Dick 
wondered  greatly  what  it  was  that  he  so  longed  yet  feared 
to  look  upon. 

Venturing  to  creep  even  closer  still,  he  watched  with  a 
keen  eye  the  stranger's  further  movements. 

The  lantern  was  placed  down  upon  the  ground  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  throw  its  light  in  the  direction  required. 

Then  the  stranger,  advancing  to  the  wall  of  the  cavern, 
stooped  down,  and  seized  hold  of  a  huge  piece  of 
rock. 

Grasping  it  with  both  hands,  he  pulled  and  tugged  witn 
all  his  might,  striving  to  dislodge  it  from  its  position. 

As  he  did  so,  small  masses  of  earth  and  stones  fell  con- 
tinually upon  him  from  the  wall  of  the  cavern,  which, 
oddly  enough,  seemed  to  be  composed  of  some  soft 
material. 

Heedless  of  all  this,  the  stranger  continued  his  frantic 
efforts. 

Dick  marvelled  greatly  at  his  strength,  for  the  huge 
piece  of  rock  was,  inch  by  inch,  drawn  further  out  into 
the  cavern. 

At  last,  after  incredible  exertion,  it  was  quite  removed, 
aud  then  a  small  opening  was  disclosed  not  much  larger 
than  would  allow  a  man  to  crawl  through  it. 

This  the  stranger,  having  picked  up  the  lantern,  pre- 
pared to  do 

He  cast  one  hasty,  timorous  gtenoe  around,  then,  ovi- 
dently  nerving  himself  for  a  great  effort,  and  summoning 
up  all  his  courage,  he  crept  through  the  opening. 

As  ho  disappeared,  Dick  drew  closer,  and  endeavored 
to  ascertain  where  ths  stranger  had  gone,  and  what  it  WW 
he  was  looking  for. 

The  opening  in  tho  side  of  the  cavern  was  not  of  any 
great  extent,  and  Dick  caught  sight  of  him  0J7  a  few 
feet  distant. 

"  Yes,  yes,"  the  stranger  said,  and  his  voice  sounded 
odd  aud  muffled,  owing  to  the  strange  place  he  was  in, 
"I  know  I  have  beea  needlessly  terrifying  myself!  The 
evidences  of  my  awful  crime  are  safely  hidden  where 
they  will  never  be  found.  I  feel  it — I  know  it !  But 
yet,  if  I  could  only  summon  up  my  courage  for  one 
glance,  I  should  then  be  sure — quite  sure  !  And  if  I  go 
au-ay  without,  all  my  old  tortures  may  return.  I  will  do 
it!" 

The  last  voids  were  pronounced  with  great  determina- 
tion, and  tho  stranger  crept  a  little  way  further  in. 

Then  ho  raised  the  lantern  for  a  wuiieut,  turaicr; 'ts 
beams  full  before  him. 

Then  Dick  saw  something  which,  when  he  afterwaids 
camo  to  consider  upon  it,  he  fully  believed  was  the  re- 
mains of  some  human  being. 

Tho  glimpse  he  had  was  a  most  transient  one-— the 
strauger  turned  his  lantern  away  almost  instantly. 

But  then  Dick's  attention  was  distracted  by  a  circum- 
stance which  was  well  calculated  to  do  so. 

He  had  noticed,  on  first  approaching  this  opening  in 
lae  cavern,  that,  the  soft  earth  fell  down  continually,  and 
«11  at  once  he  became  caascious  iliat  she  fall  was  greater 
every  moment. 

Then,  beyond  all  doubt,  he  felt  that  this  opening 
through  vrhich  tho  stranger  had  passed  was  gradually 
closing  up. 

Tho  earth  above,  unable  to  sustain  its  own  weight,  was 
rushing  down. 


instinctively  he  drew  back,  aud  at  the  same  moment  he 
uttered  a  warning  cry. 

"  Quick-  -quick  !"  ho  cried.  "Escape — escapo  while 
you  have  yet  time  !  This  support  of  the  cavern  is  failing 
in  !" 

A  dead  silence  followed  his  words. 

Then  came  a  wild  shriek  and  au  awful,  mocking  laugb 
that  raised  many  strange  euiiocs  in  that  gloomy  place. 

The  lantern  fell  from  the  terrified  stranger's  trembling 
grasp,  aud  it  was  extinguished  instantly. 

Almost  at  the  same  moment,  with  a  hideou?  rush,  tho 
earth  descended,  and  the  opening  in  the  ^all  of  tho 
cavern  was  choked  completely  up. 

So  suddenly  did  all  this  take  place,  and  so  singular  vjaa 
the  whole  affair,  that  Dick  Turpiu  remained  for  some 
time  motionless  in  the  dark  cavern,  for  the  simple  reason 
that  Le  was  unable  to  collect  his  faculties  sufiiciently  to 
stir. 

Then  ail  at  once  there  broke  in  upon  him  a  perfect 
understa\id;r.g  of  his  own  great  danger. 

Ho  was  in  a  huge  cavern,  from  which,  for  aught  he 
knew,  there  might  bo  several  modes  of  egress. 

In  tho  intense  darkness  that  prevailed,  how  would  it  be 
possible  for  him  to  discover  the  right  way  out  ? 

His  heart  beat  rapidly,  each  throb  seeming  to  send 
the  blood  with  greater  force  into  his  brain. 

He  grew  faint  aud  dizzy. 

"  Courage,  Dick,"  he  muttered,  at  last — "  courage  ' 
This  will  never  do !  I  have  only  to  preserve  my  coolness. 
)  ind  then  in  a  little  while  all  will  be  well." 

Although  he  said  this,  Dick  could  scarcely  bring  him- 
self to  believe  it;  but  as  soon  as  he  had  finished  speak- 
ing, he  began  to  grope  his  way  forwards,  as  he  believed 
as  nearly  as  possible  in  the  direction  of  the  exit  from  the 
cavern,  through  which  ho  had  so  lately  passed. 

But  the  darkness  altogether  confused  and  baffiVd 
him. 

Onwards — onwards  he  crawled,  and  it  seemed  to  him 
as  though  he  should  never  be  able  to  reach  the  opposite 
side. 

Comd  he  but  once  place  his  hand  on  the  rock-work  he 
would  then  have  better  hopes. 

At  last  he  succeeded. 

Tho  walls  were  damp,  slippery,  and  smooth. 

He  passed  his  hand  rapidly  over  them  as  ho  advanced, 
and  having  taken  many  steps,  he  stopped  to  think,  for  no 
trace  of  the  wished-for  opening  could  ho  find. 


CHAPTER  CMLIX. 

DICK  TUrtPIN   IS  RECOGNISED   AT  THE   FARM-HOUSE. 

A  feeling  of  intense  ana  horrible  despair  overspread 
Dick  Turpin's  heart. 

lie  thought  how  fearful  a  thing  it  won.!1?  be  to  remain 
pent  up  in  the  darkness  of  that  cavern,  uuabi?  t°  grope 
his  way  back  again  to  daylight. 

He  raised  his  voice  and  cried  aloud,  but  no  response 
whatever,  save  tho  dull,  mocking  echo  of  his  own  voice, 
reached  his  ears. 

Then,  all  at  once,  he  recollected  something,  which  it  is 
wonderful  indeed  ho  could  have  forgotten  for  so  long. 

That  was,  that  ho  had  about  his  person  the  means  of 
procuring  a  light,  by  the  aid  of  which  what  would  bo 
more  easy  than  to  escapo  ? 

His  anger  with  himself  upon  making  this  discovery 
kuew  ao  bounds— be  was  unable  to  account  for  such 
strange  forgetfulncss. 

It  is  not  at  all  wonderful,  however,  when  it  is  con- 
sidered how  well  calculated  snob  an  adventure  as  he  had 
just  met  with  was  to  throw  tho  mind  of  anyone  off  its 
balance — in.  fact,  while  seeking  to  escape  in  the  darkness 
he  had,  so  tr.  speak,  confounded  himself  with  the  miserable 
denizen  of  that,  inner  and  smaller  cavern. 

For  him  there  was  no  hope,  and  all  the  time  while 
groping  forward,  Dick  had  fancied  that  the  darkness 
took  strange  shapes,  and  in  imagination  he  could  see  the 
stranger  vainly  endeavoring  to  effect  his  own  release. 

Having  the  prospect  of  the  fate  of  this  unhappy  wretch 
so  prominently  before  his  mind  deprived  him  of  all  hid 
usual  coolness  and  self-dependence. 

Now,  however,  quite  a  reaction  came  over  him,  and  ha 
began  hastily  to  feel  in  his  pockets  for  the  objects  he 
required. 

Thev  were  readv  to  his  hand,  and  in  a  few  moro«Bt« 


FHE    &NIOHT  OP  THE  BOifl. 


1581 


more,  literally  speaking,  the  darkness  of  the  cavern  '"•ss 
made  visible  by  the  flame  of  a  tiuy  wax  taper. 

Dick  waited  till  it  had  burnt  up  a  little,  then,  die 
moment  he  cast  his  eyes  around  him,  uttered  a  cry  of 
surprise,  in  which  satisfaction  was  strongly  mingled. 

In  fact,  only  a  few  paces  before  him  was,  he  believed, 
the  very  identical  opening  in  the  rock  through  yrhich  ha 
had  so  recently  made  his  way. 

Even  in  the  darkness,  had  he  groped  forward  hall  a 
dozen  stops  at  the  utmost  ho  would  havo  discovered 
it. 

Near  the  walls  of  the  cavern  the  ground  was  datup  and 
wet,  so  that  every  step  he  took  left  a  distinct  imprecision 
behind  it. 

Noticing  this,  he  looked  closely  down  at  the  flooring  of 
the  passage  he  had  just  discovered,  and  was  rejoiced  to 
find  traces  of  recent  footprints  upon  it. 

With  rapid,  flying  steps,  he  hurried  on,  and  the  next 
moment,  with  a  sigh  of  unutterable,  inexpressible  relief, 
found  himself  once  more  standing  in  the  open  air. 

He  could  scarcely  believe  even  then  in  the  reality  of 
his  escape  and  of  the  extraordinary  events  that  had  so 
recently  occurred. 

Did  not  the  presence  of  the  stranger  and  his  awful  fate 
seem  more  like  a  wild  dream  than  aught  else  ? 

He  was  recalled  to  a  full  and  perfect  consciousness  by 
hearing  his  name  pronounced  by  a  voice  whose  accents  he 
knew  full  well. 

He  uttered  a  word  in  reply  and  hurried  on. 

Fain  would  he  have  kept  from  Maud  the  horrifying 
details  of  the  scene  he  had  witnessed,  but  she  was  per- 
sistent in  her  inquiries,  and  he  had  no  resource  but  to 
tell  her  all. 

She  was  overcome  with  horror  and  dismay,  and  when 
the  final  catastrophe  was  described,  shuddered  from  head 
to  foot. 

"And — and,"  she  exclaimed,  with  blanched  lips,  "do 
you  really  think  that  there  is  no  means  of  freeing  him 
from  hie  present  terrible  situation  ?" 

Dick  shook  his  head. 

"None  whatever,"  he  replied.  "The  nature  is  euch 
that  hundreds  of  tons  of  earth  must  have  fallen  down  and 
choked  up  the  mouth  of  the  passage,  and  it  would 
require  the  labor  of  many  hands  for  a  long  period  to  open 
it  again." 

"  And  before  that  time " 

"He  would  be  dead,"  added  Dick,  "if  he  t>e  not  so 
already." 

"  But  his  object  in  coming  here  ?"  said  Maud — "  what 
can  havo  induced  him  to  do  so  ?  How  strange  that  he 
should  walk  thus  to  his  own  death  !" 

"  Strange  indeed !  But  from  the  muttered  words  I  over- 
heard, and  from  the  momentary  glimpses  I  obtained  of 
the  inner  cavern,  I  feel  sure  that  that  man,  whoever  he 
may  be,  had  murdered  some  one,  and,  in  order  to  conceal 
his  crime,  had  placed  the  remains  of  his  victim  there, 
blocking  up  the  outlet  with  the  huge  mass  of  rock  I  spoke 
of." 

"  Horrible — horrible  !" 

"  Truly  so  ;  but  what  a  strange  retribution  there  is  in  it 
all.  I  feel  certain  that  the  poor  wretch  had  been  haunted 
and  terrified  by  continual  apprehensions  that  the  body  of 
his  poor  victim  was  not  safe — that  by  some  means  or 
other  it  had  managed  to  escape  ;  that  feeling  had  grown 
and  grown  upon  him  until  ho  could  resist  it  no  longer, 
and  so,  you  see,  he  had  made  his  way  to  this  lonely  spot, 
perhaps  choosing  to  do  so  on  this  night  of  fearful  storm, 
because  he  would  then  be  more  likely  to  be  unob- 
served." 

As  she  listened,  Maud's  terror  seemed  to  grow  greater 
and  greater. 

Probably  she  began  now  fully  to  realise  the  awful  event. 

She  sank  back  slowly,  and  would  have  fallen  had  not 
Dick  stretched  out  his  arm  to  save  her- 

"  This  has  been  too  much  for  you,1*  he  exclafmed ;  "I 
feared  it  wo^i  be,  £s^5"cc  were  so  persistent,  that  I  could 
not  refuse." 

»  No — no,"  she  murmureit,  feebly,  •'  it  is  not  that,  Dick, 
bo  much  that  causes  this  dreadful  feeling  of  faintness  as 
it  is  the  want  of  food." 

"  Of  course  it  is  1"  cried  Dick,  whose  pangs  ov  nunger 
had  for  the  time  passed  away — "  of  courso  it  is !  I  forgot 
that.  You  shall  not  remain  much  longer  withoat  «?bat 
you  need." 


"No — no,  Dick,  do  not — do  not  leave  me!" 

"  But  I  must.  Believe  me,  you  will  bo  quite  safe.  I 
will  haston  back  with  all  possible  despatch.  There  is  no 
difficulty  in  tho  matter—  nono  whatever ;  I  shall  soon 
return." 

Not  without  much  difficulty  did  Dick  succeed  in  tear- 
ing himself  away. 

Having  at  last  parted,  however,  he  hurried  quickly 
towards  the  foot  of  the  pathway,  and  ascended  with 
much  greater  speed  than  was  at  all  consistent  with  his 
personal  safety.  • 

Full  of  eagerness,  he  bounded  on,  never  pausing  until 
close  to  the  brink  of  tho  excavation. 

Then  he  stopped  a  little  to  recover  his  breath  and  to 
glance  around  him. 

As  he  fully  expected,  yet,  nevertheless,  to  his  great 
satisfaction,  he  found  that  no  human  beinj;  was  in 
sight. 

Cautiously,  then,  he  raised  himself  up,  until  he  fairly 
stood  upon  his  feet  in  the  meadow. 

The  night  was  still  squally  and  dark  ;  every  now  and 
then  the  wind  blew  furiously,  and  at  times  a  few  drops  of 
rain  would  be  carried  towards  the  earth  with  terrific 
violence. 

"  So  much  the  better,"  muttered  Dick,  as  he  took  note 
of  the  aspect  of  the  weather — "  so  much  the  better.  V 
am  less  likely  to  meet  with  auy  person  abroad." 

Quite  at  random  he  struck  across  the  meadow,  hoping 
ere  long  to  find  himself  near  to  a  small  village,  or  else 
some  habitation  where  he  should  be  able  to  obtain  the 
articles  he  required. 

Presently,  feeling  certain  that  no  one  was  near,  he  in- 
creased his  speed,  for  he  knew  full  well  how  lonely  Maud 
would  be  left  to  herself  at  the  bottom  of  the  excavation, 
and  was  desirous  of  returning  to  her  as  soon  as  possible. 

As  he  advanced  he  looked  scrutinisingly  around  him, 
and  at  length  Tittered  an  ejaculation  of  satisfaction. 

Far  away  in  tho  darkness  he  could  perceive  a  faint 
twinkling  light,  evidently  proceeding  from  the  window  of 
some  habitation. 

What  kind  of  place  this  might  be  he  had  of  course 
no  idea,  yet  he  hastened  towards  it  full  of  hope. 

F»v*m  its  position,  and  the  nature  of  the  ground  around, 
he  waa  not  long  in  coming  to  the  conclusion  that  it  waa 
a  farm-house,  and  having  made  this  discovery  he  paused 
awhile,  scarcely  knowing  whether  to  apply  therefor  what 
he  wanted. 

But  time  was  precious,  and  as  he  looked  about  him  he 
could  not  see  a  trace  of  another  human  dwelling. 

It  might  be  that  he  would  have  to  trarel  miles  before 
he  came  to  a  village. 

This  probability  decided  him,  and  at  once  quickening 
his  steps,  he  made  his  way  in  a  straight  line  to  the  farm- 
house. 

Having  reached  it,  he  knocked  loudly  at  the  door. 

Somo  delay  took  place  before  it  was  opened. 

A  ruddy-faced  girl  appeared  upon  the  threshold,  who 
Intlted  him  to  enter. 

The  scene  that  now  met  Dick's  view  was  one  that  con- 
trasted very  strongly  with  that  which  he  had  just  left. 

A  place  more  bereft  of  comforts  than  the  oid  quarry 
could  scarcely  be  imagined,  and  certainly  it  would  bo 
hard  indeed  to  find  a  place  where  they  were  more  mani- 
fest than  at  this  farm-house. 

i'ho  huge  kitchen  was  lighted  up  by  the  ruddy  glar* 
of  the  fire  piled  high  upou  the  hearth. 

Around  were  seated  several  persons  of  all  ages,  chiefly 
comprising  the  family  of  tho  farmer. 

An  eager  gaze  was  turned  upon  Dick  as  soon  as  he 
entered. 

It  was  quite  an  event  for  anyone  of  his  appearance  to 
cross  their  threshold. 

Dick  took  off  his  hat  and  bowed  politely. 

"  Well,  sir,"  said  a  voice,  proceeding  from  ttia  chimney 
corner,  "  will  you  be  good  enough  to  tell  us  what  you 
want?" 

Dick  looked  towards  tho  fire,  and  thero  saw  a  small 
red-faced  man  seated  in  a  high-backed,  old-fashioned 
chair. 

"I  hrvve  come  to  ask  a  favor,"  said  Dick.  "It  is  that 
you  will  supply  me  with  a  basket  of  provisions,  for  which 
I  am  williug  to  pay  you  liberally." 

This  probably  was  about  the  strangest  request  that 
j  anyone  of  Dick's  appearance  could  possibly  make. 


1582 


BLACK    BESS  [    OB, 


He  thought  so  himself,  and  wondered  what  reason  be 
could  give  for  making  it. 

He  was  rewarded  by  a  general  stare  of  astonishment, 
Rud  then  the  >ld  farmer,  slowiy  removing  his  pipe  from 
his  mouth,  echoed : 

"A  basket  of  provisions ?" 

"Yes,"  said  Dick — "a  large  one.  You  wonder,  no 
doubt,  that  1  should  ask  for  such  a  thing,  but  the  fact  is 
I  want  it  for  a  poor,  almost  starving  family,  who  have 
rendered  mo  a  service,  and  i  take  this  way  of  repaying 
them." 

The  fanner  conM  (»careely  refuse  compliance  with  this 
demand,  so  ho  answered : 

"  We  have  no  objection,  sir,  certainly  !  What  woald 
you  like  to  take  ?" 

"That  I  leave  to  you,"  he  responded.  <;  Fill  up  -he 
basket  with  whatever  you  pleaso." 

He  produced  a  handful  of  money  as  he  spoke,  and  then 
he  noticed,  with  some  surprise,  that  all  fixed  an  eager, 
hungry  look  upon  the  coins,  more  especially  the  old 
farmer. 

The  task  of  filling  the  basket  was  now  proceeded  with, 
and  Dick,  jingling  the  money  in  his  hand,  asked  '■'hat  he 
should  pay  for  it. 

To  this  there  came  no  response. 

"Well,  then,"  ho  said,  "take  this  guinea — that  c-urely' 
•will  suffice.  The  remainder  you  can  divide  among  your 
young  ones." 

"  Ah !  sir,"  said  the  farmer,  as  he  took  the  coin,  ':  you 
are  happy  1" 

Dick  smiled  doubtfully. 

"What  a  thing  it  is,"  continued  the  old  man,  "to  be 
possessed  of  money  !  Here  have  I  been  toiling  all  my  life, 
and  behold  the  result.  I  have  had  one  bad  season  after 
another,  until  to-night,  when  preparing  myself  for  rent 
day,  which  is  to-morrow,  I  am  short  of  many  pounds." 

"  Indeed  ?"  said  Dick,  thoughtfully. 

"Yes,"  said  the  farmer.  "And  tho  worst  of  it  is,  I 
have  mortgaged  my  property  to  one  who  covets 
himself.  Any  failure  of  payment  on  my  part  will  cause 
utter  ruin — we  shall  be  driven  forth  quite  (lestitnto.  I 
am  convinced  he  would  show  no  pity.  Hitherto  I  have 
managed,  in  some  fashion  or  other,  to  meet  my  engage- 
ments ;  now  I  see  not  the  remotest  prospect  of  it~--nothing 
but  beggary  stares  us  in  the  face." 

"I  am  sorry,"  said  Dick,  "to  hear  of  your  misfortunes, 
and  sony,  also,  I  cannot  assist  you;  otherwise,  I  would 
gladly  do  so.  Yet,  in  return  for  the  kindness  you  have 
done  me  to-night — which  is,  perhaps,  a  greater  one  th&n 
you  imagine — I  am  willing  to  lend  you  whatever  money 
I  have  about  me,  and  you  can  repay  me  when  better  times 
arrive." 

Tho  farmer  made  some  faint  and  feeble  p'-otesv  Against 
receiving  money  from  a  stranger,  but  Dick  took  not  the 
slightest  notice  of  his  words. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  he  had  not  a  very  large 
sum  about  him,  yet  ho  counted  it  out  to  the  last  guinea. 

"Thero,"  he  said,  "take  it  and  welcome.  When  I 
hear  that  you  are  in  better  circumstances  I  will  come 
back  and  claim  it." 

With  these  words,  Dick  rose  abruptly  to  his  feet,  for 
he  saw  the  basket  had  been  brought. 

He  picked  it  up  at  onco,  and,  unheeding  tho  cries  that 
were  made  for  him  to  remain,  he  opened  tho  door  and 
yassed  out  into  tho  darkness. 

CHAPTER  6jtfLX. 
the  Timer's  son  uesolves  to  discs  J  rr.  MCK  I 

HIDING-PLACE. 

No  c^c::cr  had  tho  door  closed  behind  Dick  Turpin  ir.ac 
a  youth,  who  had  been  sitting  in  a  dark  corner,  reap  sud- 
denly, and  came  to  the  fire. 

He  thrust  his  hand  into  his  pocket  and  prouueed  a 
paper,  at  whl.sk  nc  glanced  eagerly,  spelling  it  over  to 
himself  word  by  v, 

So  much  absorbed  ^-pto  tbi>  rest  by  the  strange  in- 
cident which  had  just  occurred  :  hey  paid  no  atten- 
tion to  him,  nor  did  he  attract  'heir  notice  until  be  ex- 
claimed, with  loud  reh  tmeo.ee: 

"I  thought  so — I  thought  so.  Father,  you  have  let  a 
prize  dip  through  your  fir  gers." 

"A  prize?"  repeated  the  farmer,  gazing  at  tho  money 
in  his  hand. 


"Yes.  Don't  look  at  those  few  paltry  guineas.  Yon 
might  have  had  two  thousand  and  more  if  we  had  only 
bfien  a  little  quicker.  That  man  who  has  just  left  is 
Dick  Turpin,  the  highwayman — the  description  is  exact. 
He  is  hiding  somewhere  closo  at  hand-'  that's  why  he 
wanted  the  provisions." 

"  Well — well,"  said  the  farmer,  "  he  Behaved  liberally 
enough  to  me,  and  in  a  manner  to3&  I  imagine  few  else 
would,  and  as  he  has  never  done  mo  or  usios  any  harm 
ic  his  life  I  wish  him  none." 

"But,  father,"  said  the  boy,  "you  have>  always  called 
me  an  idie,  skulking  rascal ;  now  you  will  find  that  in 
point  of  cleverness  I  shall  bo  a  match  for  any  of  you.  I 
made  up  my  mind  to  find  out  whero  this  Dick 
Turpin  is  hiding,  anrt  I  will  do  it!  Don't  you  know 
the  reward  is  offered  for  him  alive  or  dead,  and  I'll 
watch  my  chance,  and  fetch  him  down  with  this.  It 
will  be  easy  enough  to  say  afterwards  it  was  done  in 
self-defence,  and  no  one  will  trouble  themselves  to  dis- 
prove it." 

While  ho  6poko,  this  hopeful  son,  whose  disposition, 
being  so  foreign  to  that  of  his  parents,  had  caused  con- 
tinual uiihappiness,  stepped  up  on  to  a  chair,  and  reached 
down  from  over  the  mantelpieco  a  large  double-barrelled 
horse  pistol,  which  all  know  well  enough  was  constantly 
kept  carefully  loaded. 

"  Well,  Jack,"  eaid  the  farmer,  "  you  are  joking  sure  ? 
Have  you  no  sense  of  gratitude  or  humanity  left  ?  Didn't 
that  man  do  for  us  all  he  could  ?  and  yet  you  would  go 
out  and  murder  him !" 

'■  You're  a  fool,  fathcr,"said  Jack,  as  he  bounded  towards 
the  door,  "and  you'd  better  bo  civil  if  you  want  to  make 
a  friend  of  mo.  Your  troubles  have  all  been  brought 
upon  you  by  soft-hcartedness,  and  serve  you  right ! 
When  I  have  got  the  money  I  fancy  you  will  alter  your 
tine  towards  me." 

'■No — no,  Jack,  never — never!  Nothing  would  tempt 
mo  to  touch  one  farthing  of  moucy  so  obtained !" 

"  Then  thero  would  be  the  more  for  me,"  said  Jack, 
putting  on  his  hat  preparatory  to  leaving  the  farm- 
house. 

But  the  farmer  rose  quickly  to  his  feet,  p.nd  6aid  : 

"Jack,  you  have  always  set  me  at  defiance,  but  now  1 
will  use  my  authority — I  will  be  minded  !" 

"  Catch  me  if  you  can  !"  was  the  response.  "  I'm  off, 
and  when  I  come  back  I  shall  be  worth  more  than  two 
thousand  pounds !  I  will  find  him  if  it  takes  me  a  month  ; 
he  cannot  bo  far  away." 

With  these  words,  Jack,  having  flung  open  the  door, 
bounded  cul,  and  was  in  a  moment  lost  to  view  in  the 
darkness. 

The  farmer  and  his  family  gathered  around  tho  thres- 
hold in  a  dense  throng. 

They  appealed  to  the  boy  to  return,  their  voices  going 
into  one  chorus,  but  the  sounds  were  borne  away  upou 
the  wind,  and  left  unheeded. 

"  It  i;-  useless,"  said  the  old  man.  "  ne  has  gone,  and 
all  the  harm  that  I  wish  him  is,  that  he  may  fail  in  his 
villanous  design.  For  my  own  part,  1  will  take  good 
care  he  never  stands  beneath  my  roof  again." 

And   if  to   show   practically  how  firm  ho  was  in  this 
lination,    tho   farmer    shut   tho   door,   and  closely 
barricaded  it. 

Of  all  this,  of  course,  Dick  Turpin  was  quite  ignorant, 
otherwise  he  might  not  have  stepped  across  the  field  in 
so  confident  a  manner  as  he  did. 

All  tho  way  back  tc  the  quarry  he  was  indeed  con- 
gratulating  himself  upon  the  fortunate  turn  affairs  had 
taken. 

Ho  considered  that  by  promptly  rendering  up  his 
parse  he  had  secured  the  gratitude  of  the  farmer  and  hia 
family,  and  that,  if  by  any  chance  they  found  otit  who  he 
it  they  would  not  betray  him. 
darkness  of  the  night  was  such  that  Dick  had 
some  little  difficulty  in  finding  his  way  back  to  the 
quarry,  therefore  it  is  no  wonder  that  Jack  should  see 
nothing  of  him. 

Host  certainly,  howover,  was  this  uugoremab!?  boy  a 
foe  to  be  dreaded. 

With  rapid-  strides,  Dick  descended  the  pathway,  and 
no  sooner  did  he  reach  tho  bottom  than  he  heard  a  faint, 
low  neigh. 

Directly  aftei  wards,  despite  the  darkness,  he  percefved 
Black  Bess  standing  close  to  him. 


THE  KNIGHx  09   THE  ROAD. 


1583 


She  uttered  again  a  neighing  sound,  which  almost 
resembled  a  cry  of  distress. 

Then,    turning    round,    she    led   the   wny  across    the 
quarry. 
Dick  followed  her  with  a  foreboding  b^rt 
lie  feared  some  evil  bad  befallen  Maud. 
Keaching,  at  length,  the  spot  where  h*  had  left  h:r, 
Lis  presentiments  wero  verified,  for  he    found  she  iim 
lyiDg  upon  the  ground  in  a  state  of  total  insensibility — 
so  total  that  it  ai  emed  like  death  itself. 
With  much  Uitliculty,  Dick  restored  her. 
Her  joy  was  great  at  finding  he  had  returned  in  c'S  sty 
— so  great  that  another  relapse  seemed  imminent. 

Dick,  knowiug  full  well  what  had  produced  her  swoon, 
persuaded  her  to  eat,  and  in  a  short  timo  he  soon  per- 
ceived that  she  was  better. 

The  remainder  of  the  night  passed  away  devoid  of 
a ■ivther  incident. 

^t  when  the  morning  came,  both  Dick  and  Maud 
«ooked  around  thern  with  more  contented  eyes  than  they 
*;ad  done  hitherto. 

The  supply  of  provisions  Dick  had  brought  was  not 
la-^e,  yet  they  fancied  by  care  they  would  bo  able  to 
make  it  last  during  their  stay  in  this  place. 

That  day,  too,  and  the  night  which  followod  it,  passed 
away  without  any  kind  of  interruption  whatevor. 

On  tho  next  morning,  soon  after  daylight,  Maud 
uttered  a  faint  cry  of  alarm. 

Dick  turned  in  the  direction  she  pointed  out,  and 
saw,  near  the  top  of  the  zigzag  path,  tho  form  el  a 
youth,  who  carried  something  carefully  in  his  hand, 
but  what  it  was  they  could  not  from  that  distance  make 
out. 

"Auother  visitor,"  said  Dick,  who  little  guessed  who 
it  was  or  what  was  his  errand.  "  Well,  no  matter,  Moid, 
if  ho  brings  no  one  with  him  all  will  bo  woli  * 
"  He  seems  alone." 

"  He  does ;  and  what  can  be  his  motive  for  coming 
here  passes  my  comprehension." 

As  the  reader  will  guess,  this  was  no  other  than  tho 
farmer's  son,  Jack,  who  had  passed  the  time  which  had 
elapse!  since  we  saw  him  last  in  searching  carefully  all 
around. 

The  country  for  miles  about  was  well  known  to  him, 
and  there  were  many  places  that  ho  knew  of  well  calcu- 
lated to  serve  as  hiding-places. 

These  he  had  visited  first,  for,  oddly  enough,  the 
quarry  never  once  occurred  to  him. 

When,  however,  he  recollected  tho  existence  of  this 
place,  he  felt  a  conviction  that  he  way  h.t  last  en  the  right 
track,  and  still  carrying  tho  huge  hoLatcr  pistol,  he  made 
his  way  towards  it. 

He  had  almost  shrank  from  making  a  descent  into  the 
gloomy  recesses  of  this  place,  ami  even  now,  when  he 
had  so  strong  a  motive  to  urge  hiin  on,  he  hesitated. 

This  was  nut  surprising,  for  it  required  no  ordinary 
amount  of  nerve  and  coolness  to  attempt  to  walk  down 
so  narrow  and  slippery  a  path. 

Growing  stronger  in  resolution,  however,  J«o  at  length 
began  to  descend. 

Dick  watched  him  as  he  camo  lower  and  lower,  still 
looking  more  like  a  tiny  puppet  th»-o  a  human 
being. 

All  at  once,  a  shriek  escaped  Maud's  lipi,  drowned 
by  tho  loud,  hoarse  shriek  that  Dick  g3vo  utterance 
to. 

Froa  dctue  causo  or  other — who  could  t  ill  what  ? — 
the  boy  Jack  in  his  descent  had  lost  his  froting. 

Whether  it  was  that  ho  was  seized  by  su  iden  vertigo, 
or  whether  his  foot  slipped  upon  the  treacherous  moss 
which  overgrew  the  rockwork,  they  could  not  toll. 
Certain  it  is  that,  after  a  frantic  but  vain  attempt  to 
retain  his  balance,  he  plunged  headlong  into  tho  depths 
of  the  quarry. 

In  his  fall,  he  struck  from  tfano  to  time  against  the. 
many  rough  projections,  and  each  timo  with  a  duii, 
sickening  sound,  perfectly  audible  to  Maud  and  Dick. 

Finally,  ho  dropped  into  a  stunted  tree,  where  he 
remained  for  a  second  or  two,  then  fell  heavily  to  the 
earth. 

Dick  at  once  rushed  forwaid  to  his  assistauce, 
toough  he  feared  no  human  aid  could  avail  him. 

He  expected,  indeed,  to  find  nothing  but  0  mangled, 
shattered  corpse, 


his    surprise,  then,    to    hear  a  faint,  deep 


What  was 
groan  ? 

This  caused  him  to  incrcaso  *us  pace;  but  when  ho 
saw  the  fearful  objoct  lying  among  tho  rocks  tv»  felt 
that  it  would  indeed  have  been  a  <earcy  b'id  death 
come  upon  him  earlier. 

Consciousness  had  not  left  tho  unhappy  wretch, 

Although  he  had  struck  so  many  times  upon  tho 
roelcs,  yet  the  only  effect  of  this  was  to  brshio  and 
lacerate  his  flesh,  and  tho  continual  bounding  from 
point  to  point  broko  the  full  force  of  the  fall, 

Had  he  remained  among  the  branches  of  tho  tree  it 
is  possible  that  he  might  have  recovered  from  bis 
hurts. 

That  last  fair  on  to  the  mass  of  broken  stones,  whereon 
he  lay,  had  wrought  fearful  injury. 

"My  poor  lad,"  said  Dick,  compassionately,  "what 
can  I  do  to  aid  you  ?" 

With  a  painful  movement,  tho  boy's  faco  was  turned 
towards  him. 

No  sooner  did  he  catch  sight  of  Dick's  countenance 
than  he  uttered  a  cry  of  despair. 

"Curses  on  my  luck!"  he  said.  "I  have  found  you 
at  last ;  but  tho  discovery  is  no  good — it  comes  "too 
late !" 

"Found  me?"  repeated  Dick,  recoiling  in  astonish- 
ment. 

"Yes!"  said  the  boy,  suddenly  and  painfully  raising 
himself.  "  And  take  that — it  will  at  lea3t  be  a  satisfac- 
tion to  me !" 

While  speaking,  ho  suddenly  raised  a  pistol,  to  which, 
during  his  fall,  lie  had  clung  with  a  gra3p  like  that  of 
death. 

With  the  speed  of  thought,  he  placed  it  on  full  cock 
aod  pulled  the  trigger. 

No  explosion  followed,  however,  for  the  powder  had 
been  shaken  out  of  the  pan. 

He  dropped  the  weapon  with  a  curse. 

Then,  with  an  awful  shriek  that  seemed  to  pierce 
through  and  through  Dick  Turpin's  brain,  the  wretched 
lad  threw  up  his  arms  and  fell  backwards  on  the  stones 
quito  dead. 


CHAPTEE  CMLXI. 

DICF    fURFIN   FINDS    HIMSELF    THREATENED  WITH  A 
FRZSH   DANGER. 

"  Asotvh  tragedy  !"  Dick  murmured,  as  soon  as  he  had 
satisfied  himself  that  life  was  really  extinct.  "How 
strange  too'"  ho  added.  "He  was  evidently  in  pursuit 
of  me,  yet  surely  never  so  mad  as  to  dream  of  effecting 
my  capture  single-handed?" 

A  fragment  of  paper  was  protruding  from  one  of  the 
pockets  of  tho  dead  youth,  aud  Dick,  impelled  by  a 
curiosity  which  he  did  not  attempt  to  resist,  stooped 
down  and  possessed  himself  of  it.  Spreading  it  open,  he 
then  found  that  it  was  one  of  tho  bills  offering  a  reward 
for  himself  aud  his  comrades,  accompanied  by  a  full 
description  of  the  appearance  of  each. 

"  Hu  was  dazzled  by  tho  hope  of  obtaining  so  large  a 
sum,"  Uiek  muttered.  "  Well,  all  is  over  with  him  now, 
and  I  imagine  I  have  little  to  fear  from  anyone  else.  If 
he  had  confided  his  secret  to  anyone  he  would  not  have 
visited  this  place  alone.  Why  he  should  seek  for  mo 
here  baflles  me  completely." 

This  might  well  seem  mysterious  to  Dick,  who  did 
not  notice  Jack  while  in  the  farm-house,  yet  when  he 
camo  to  ponder  upon  tho  circumstance,  ho  came  with- 
out much  difficulty  to  the  conclusion  that  ho  must  bo 
some  member  of  tho  farmers  family. 

Long  aud  anxious  was  the  consultation  that  took 
place  between  Maud  and  himself  upon  the  subject. 

Maud  was  for  quitting  the  quarry  at  once,  but  Dick 
"d. 

He   felt  somehow  that  while  there  he  was  safe,  and 
that  if  he  attempted  to  find  any  other  place  of  shelter 
he  would  only  run  into  greater  danger- 
event  proved  that  he  was  right, 

Time  passed  on  very  slowly  and  very  wearily  for 
tnein,  but  it  did  pass,  and  at  length  fan*  morning  o( 
tho  last  day  dawned. 

''Only  a  few  hours  more,  Maud,"  said  Dick,  "and  w« 
shall  quit  thi3  place,  where  wo  havn  remained  uninU*- 


U44 


BLACK    BESS  ;     OS, 


ruptcd  so  long — &n!j  a  few  Lours.  And  I  trust  that  the 
others  have  been  as  fortunate  us  ourselves." 

iJick  had  long  made  every  preparation  for  starting. 
and  so  he  had  nothing  else  to  do  but  to  sit  down  idly 
and  wait  for  the  coining  of  night. 

Under  these  circumstances,  this  one  day  seemed 
positively  longer  than  all  the  rest  of  the  time  which 
had  'preceded  it.  I 

To  them,  it  appeared  as  if  night  would  never  come. 

At  last  tho  sun  sank,  and  so  great  was  Dick's  im- 
patience to  depart  that  he  could  scarcely  control  him- 
self so  fa>*  as  to  wait  until  dusk  had  overspread  the 
earth. 

Tho  fate  of  the  farmer's  son  was  to  them  a  caution 
and  a  warning  as  to  the  manner  in  which  they  made 
me  ascent. 

For  himself,  Dick  felt  little  apprehension  ;  all  his  fears 
were  centred  in  Maud. 

She,  however,  feeling  how  much  depended  on  her 
own  coolness,  tried  her  best  to  retain  her  calmness  of 
mind,  and  so  by  this  means  the  ascent  was  at  length 
accomplished. 

On  gaining  the  level  ground  once  more,  both  gave 
a  long,    defp-drawn  sigh  of  relief. 

After  that,  Dick's  spirits  seemed  to  return  tG  him  in 
a  wonderful  manner. 

"  Come,  Maud,"  he  cried,  "  all  is  well  now  :  and  look, 
Black  Bess  is  as  impatient  as  we  are  for  a  gallop !  We 
nro  a  long  way  from  Hampstead,  but  not  so  far  but 
that  we  shall  reach  it  long  before  tho  appointed  time. 
No  matter,  I  could  wait  better  there  than  else- 
where." 

Carefully  considering  his  whereabouts,  Dick  deter- 
mined on  the  direction  he  ought  to   take. 

Then,  placing  Maud  on  the  back  of  Black  Bess,  he 
mounted  also,  and,  despite  her  double  burden,  the 
bonny  mare  set  forward  at  a  speed  that  few  steeds  could 
equal. 

When  Dick  felt  himself  in  his  accustomed  place,  and 
found  that  ho  was  getting  over  the  ground  in  such 
gallant  style,  his  heart  throbbed  with  joy,  and  he  ex- 
perienced that  elation  of  spirits  that  can  scarcely  be  pro- 
duced by  anything  else  than  a  good  ride  on  horse- 
bark. 

Die  seemed  at  ouce  to  throw  off  all  his  cares  and 
fears,  and  his  manner  had  a  proportionately  cheering 
effect  upon  Iris  companion. 

He  looked  on  all  objects  with  hopeful  eyes. 

The  darkness  rapidly  increased ;  but  he  trusted  en- 
tirely to  the  sagacity  of  Black  Bess  to  keep  clear  of  all 
obstacles  lying  in  her  path,  and  therefore  made  no 
attempt  to  restrain  her  progress. 

Under  these  circumstances,  the  rough,  open  country 
was  passed  over  rapidly  in  perfect  safety ;  but  had 
Dick  taken  the  management  of  the  reins  entirely  into 
Ins  own  hands  tho  chances  are  a  thousand  to  one  that 
ho  would  not  have  guided  her  so  far  without 
accident. 

This  he  had  learned  by  long  experience,  and  there- 
fore felt  none  of  that  timidity  which  would  naturally 
oppress  anyone  in  a  similar  situation. 

At  last  he  paused  near  a  large  white  gate,  a  the 
other  side  of  which  could  be  seen  the  smooth  high- 
road. 

He  listened  for  some  moments,  but  nG-i,  ilie  faiuteot 
sound  was  carried  to  his  oars. 

"  I  have  a  good  mind  to  risk  it,"  he  muttered. 

"  Risk  what?"  was  Maud's  anxious  inquiry. 

"Why,  a  gallop  along  the  high-road.  It  will  not 
fatigue  Black  Bess  half  so  much  as  "the  heavy  ground  she 
will  otherwise  have  to  pass  over,  and  of  late,  you  must 
kn  pw,  her  food  has  been  none  of  the  best." 

"  Use  your  own  judgment,"  answered  Maud.  "Yon 
ought  to  know  far  better  than  I  what  to  do  under  such 
tircumstances." 

"Then  we  will  try  tho  road,"  said  Dick,  decidedly. 
"  You  must  remember  that  the  hour  is  very  early  yet 
— too  soon  ahnc^t  for  the  officers  to  expect  to  find  us 
abroad  ;  no  doubt  they  will  be  off  their  guard." 

With  these  words.  Dick  slipped  down  and. unfastened 
the  gate. 

He  hei<1  *".  open  to  allow  Black  Bess  to  pass  through, 
then  secured  it  again  bj  means  of  the  chain  attached 
to  the  gate -post 


Once  more  ho  mounted,  and  Black  Bess,  with  a  neigh 
of  satisfaction,  resumed  her  former  speed,  and  it  was 
soon  manifest  that  she  galloped  now  with  much  less 
exertion.  ^ 

Fortunately  the  road  was  deserted,  and  this  circvm 
stat.ee,  strango  as  it  may  seem  now,  was  then  noshiug 
to  be  wondered  at,  for  so  unsafe  were  all  the  highways, 
and  so  liable  were  all  passengers  to  be  interrupted  by 
the  police  officers,  that  none  save  those  who  were  com- 
pelled by  pressing  circumstances  ventured  to  travel  in 
the  darkness. 

Suddenly,  however,  Dick  paused. 

He  brought  Black  Bess  completely  to  a  standstill, 
then  bent  forward  and  listened. 

"What  is  it?"  Maud  asked. 

"  Hush — hush !" 

Dick  listened  for  a  few  seconds,  then  replied : 

"  Horsemen  are  on  the  road  before  us — a  long  way 
it  is  true,  yet  they  are  approaching,  and  ere  long 
shall  meet." 

"But  there  will  be  danger  then." 

"  No  doubt  there  will — great  danger,  for    the    pro 
bility  is  that  these  horsemen  are  police  officers." 

Maud  looked  terrified. 

"Don't  be  .alarmed,"  said  Dick — "all  is  well  now 
that  we  have  timely  notice  of  their  approach." 

"  But  what  shall  you  do  ?" 

"  Seek  out  a  shelter.  If  we  can  hide  ourselves  sorae- 
wheTe,  the  officers  will  pass  by,  and  then  we  can  re- 
sumo  our  journey." 

Dick  looked  around  him  while  he  spoke. 

The  most  noticable  object  in  the  landscape  was  a 
picturesque-looking  little  village  church,  and  on  this 
his  attention  at  once  settled. 

"  There  i3  the  place,"  he  said — "  there  !" 

"That  church?"  she  echoed,  in  some  surprise. 

"  Yes.  Having  no  suspicions  of  our  presence  here, 
the  officers  will  never  dream  of  lookiDg  for  ns  there. 
Quick — in  a  few  moments  we  shall  be  out  of  sight." 

Diik  had  satisfied  himself  that  there  was  no  one  at 
ha.i.l  to  observo  his  movements,  and  so  he  made  his 
way  at  once  in  a  direct  line  to  the  church. 

The  pio-?e  of  ground  surrounding  it  was  bounded  by 
a  low  stcna  wall — so  low  that  anyone  could  with  ease 
h&ve  surmounted  it.  and  Dick  knew  that  Black  Bess 
would  clevr  it  easily. 

She  faced  the  obstacle,  and  then  gave  one  bound 
into  the  air  and  alighted  upon  the  soft  earth  in  the 
graveyard. 

"  Quick — quick,"  Dick  cried — "  on — on  !  I  can  hear 
the  officers  more  plainly  now,  and  we  must  be  out  of 
sight  before  they  come  much  nearer!" 

Black  Bess  picked  her  way  among  the  tombstones, 
and  at  last  reached  the  huge  overhanging  porch  of  the 
church. 

Dick  dismounted  and  assisted  Maud  to  alight,  then 
taking  Black  Bess  by  the  bridle  he  led  her  fairly  into 
the  porch,  and  stood  with  her  close  to  the  church 
door. 

A  very  deep  gloom  prevailed  about  this  spot,  so  dark 
indeed  were  the  shadows  cast,  that  Dick  felt  perfectly 
certain  that  although  tho  church  was  near  the  roadway 
no  eye  could  possibly  detect  him. 

Nevertheless,  both  Maud  and  himself  listened  with  a 
certain  amount  of  anxiety  to  the  clatter  of  tho  horses' 
hoofs,  which  increased  in  loudness  at  every  se- 
cond. 

On  the  horsemen  came  at  a  slashing  pace. 

They  we  not  visible,  being  concealed  from  view  by 
a  tall,  thr'ckly-planted  hedge. 

"Another  moment,"  Dick  whispered,  "and  they  will 
have  passed." 

Scarcely  had  ho  uttered  the  words  than  ho  was  sen- 
sible that  the  whole  troop  had  slackened  pace,  and 
then  immediately  afterwards  they  all  drew  up  their 
horses  in  front  of  tho  rustic  wooden  gate  opening  from 
the  high-road  into  tho  churchyard. 

Maud  could  scarcely  suppress  a  shrieK,  b^t  clinging 
tightly  to  Dick's  arm,  she  whispered,  with  whi:» 
lips : 

"Surely — surely,  Dick,  they  have  not  seen  us  er.-iia 
thia  place  t    If  they  have,  what  is  to  be  dcuo  ?'' 


T&E   KNtGHT   OF  THE   ROAD. 


£DICK   TUKPIN    AND  MAUD  TAKE   SHELTER   IS    THE   CHDRCH    PORCH.] 


CHAPTER  CMLXII. 

fcttATES  HOW  THE  POLICE  OFFICERS  MADE  TOM  KINO  A 
PRISONER,  AND  DESCRIBES  THE  MEANS  THEY  ADOPTED 
TO   KEEP   HIM  SECURE. 

It  is  necessary  now  that  we  should  go  back  and  describe 
the  incidents  that  befel  Tom  King,  for,  as  the  reader  will 
remember,  he  was  left  in  a  very  ticklish  situation. 

Above  him  was  the  sky,  on  three  6ides  of  him  stone 
walls,  so  high  as  to  be  insurmountable,  and  in  front  a 
dense  throng  of  police  officers,  who  completely  choked  up 
the  roadway. 

A  cry  of  gratified  surprise  and  triumph  escaped  their 
lips  as  soon  as  they  came  round  the  bend  of  the  lane 
and  saw  the  fugitive  standing  at  bay,  with  all  retreat  cut 
off. 

They  pulled  up  in  some  confusion  ;  but  in  the  twink~ 
ifajg  of  an  eye  a  pistol  appeared  in  every  Land. 

Bo.  199i— Black  Basa. 


It  was  the  greatest  wonder  in  the  world  that  these 
officers  did  not  save  themselves  all  further  trouble  by 
simultaneously  firing  a  volley  at  the  highwayman  as  he 
sat  so  calmly  before  them. 

The  reward  offered  was  the  same  whether  the  prisoner 
was  captured  alive  or  dead. 

Had  the  officers  belonged  to  London,  or  had  been  any  o! 
those  who  had  been  put  to  so  much  trouble  by  the  high- 
waymen, there  is  no  doubt  that  Tom's  cancer  would  hava 
been  here  cut  short. 

But  this  was  their  first  adventure  of  the  kind. 

They  came  from  a  neighboring  town,  and  had  great 
confidence  in  their  own  powers. 

Instead,  therefore,  of  shooting  Tom  down  like  a  dog, 
one  of  them,  who  seemed  to  hold  command  of  tbo  rest, 
cried  out : 

"  The  game's  up  now — the  race  is  at  an  end  I  QrtW 
in  quietly,  and  I  will  take  care  that  you  are  not  hurt." 


fco.  Y.9. 


Phicb  One  Halfkenny, 
No,  200  will  be  Published  next  Thursday, 


2586 


BLACK  BESS;   OK, 


To  tbis  d:  )h  Tom  only  replied  by  raising  his 

pistols. 

*' I  hold  ths  h vps  of  two  men  here,"  he  said,  in  a  calm 
voice,  "  and  I  van  you,  if  you  do  not  allow  me  to  pass  by 
unmolested,  I  will  discharge  both  my  weapons,  and  do  my 
best  to  cut  a  way  through  you." 

"  1  :>oh — pooh  !"  sa;d  the  officer  who  had  before  spch.cn 
— "  none  of  that  nonsense !  If  you  are  not  a  natural  born 
fool  you  must  know  I  have  only  to  say  the  word,  and  a 
volley  from  those  pistols  will  bring  you  to  the  ground  ; 
not  that  I  want  to  have  your  blood  upon  my  haads.  1 
shall  be  content  by  capturing  you,  and  handing  you  over 
to  the  proper  authorities." 

Tom  saw  at  once  that  this  was  a  dogged,  l.<>?er- 
mined  man,  and  could  not  be  dealt  with  in  any  ordiaary 
fashion. 

Lowering  the  muzzles  of  his  pistols,  he  said : 

"But  if  1  surrender,  what  guarantee  have  I  that  you 
will  use  me  fairly?" 

"  Whatever  guarantee  you  like.  I  have  heard  of  you 
before,  and  if  you  will  give  me  your  solemn  word  not  to 
attempt  to  escape  I  will  not  handcuff  you,  or  confine  your 
limbs  in  any  way." 

"I  shall  give  no  such  promise  as  that,  rely  upon 
it" 

"  Then  I  must  take  all  the  precautions  I  can  to  keep 
ycu  safe.  Now,  then,  make  your  choice.  You  must 
know  that  you  are  wholly  in  our  power,  so  which  will 
you  choose — death  or  capture  ?" 

"Capture,"  answered  Tom,  at  once,  across  whose 
fertile  brain  a  plan  of  escape  had  flashed — "  capture, 
of  course,  for  then  I  do  stand  a  chance  of  my  life." 

"Well,  so  you  may,"  answered  the  officer;  "but  you 
will  not  escape  from  us — I'll  wager  my  head  you  won't ! 
But  come,  you  shall  not  say  I  have  not  dealt  reasonably 
with  you,  so  decide.  Will  you  surrender  quietly  and 
easily,  or  shall  we  use  force  ?  We  are  ten  to  one,  so  what 
could  you  do  on  your  own  behalf  ?" 

"  Nothing,"  said  Tom,  assuming  a  more  dejected  air 
than  ho  felt.     "I  give  in."  Q 

It  was  plain  to  see  that  this  was  just  the  answer 
ihe  officer  wanted. 

"  Very  good,"  he  said.  "Just  give  me  your  pistols,  and 
you  must  not  refuse  to  submit  to  any  measures  that  J 
may  take  in  order  to  keep  you  in  safety.  If  you  do, 
it  will  bo  quite  in  vain.  Now,  then,"  he  added,  address- 
ing his  men,  "get  the  ropo  ready,  and  two  of  you  pull 
out  the  largest  plank  of  wood  that  you  can  find  in  yonder 
fence." 

He  pointed  along  the  lane  while  he  spoke. 

Two  men  darted  off  to  obey  this  command,  leaving 
Tom  filled  with  wonder  as  to  what  they  intended  to  do 
with  a  plank. 

"Aha1'  said  the  officer,  rubbing  his  hands  gleefully, 
"those  London  fellows  havo  made  a  great  fuss,  but  I  fancy 
we  have  done  them  nicely  after  all !  How  mortified  they 
will  feel !     Ah,  it's  good !     It's  an  honor  to  all  of  us  !" 

The  police  officers  looked  vastly  pleased,  and  then  im- 
mediately afterwards  the  two  men  appeared,  carrying 
with  them  a  piece  of  oak  planking  of  tolerable  size. 

"  The  very  thing,"  said  the  officer — "  it  could  not  be 
better.     Now  then,  Tom,  dismount." 

Tom  complied,  but  rather  reluctantly. 

lie  almost  regretted  that  ho  had  chosen  his  present 
course,  and  wished  that  he  had  run  the  risk  of  breaking  a 
way  through  the  officers'  ranks. 

Now  he  came  to  look  at  the  men,  he  fancied  it  might 
have  beon  done. 

He  was  still  more  in  this  frame  of  mind  when  he  found 
himself  suddenly  seized  by  powerful  hands,  and,  in  spite 
of  the  re  istance  and  struggles  that  he  made,  was  bound 
round  with  ropes,  and  tiyd  very  securely  with  his  back 
on  to  the  plank. 

Must  especially  were  they  careful  to  secure  his  hands 
and  feet,  ami  as  they  outnumhered  him  to  such  an  extent 
they  had  little  difficulty  in  doing  so. 

At  length,  when  their  work  was  completed,  the  men 
stood  aside  m  oi  I  pw  their   chief  to  take  a  look 

at  what  they  bad  done. 

His  eyes  grew  bright  with  triumphant  joy. 

"  That's  the  ticket !  Tom.  my  boy,"  ho  said,  address- 
ing his  captive,  "  how  do  you  feel  now? — not  very  <yw<- 
fortable,  I  should  think,  and  by  no  means  sanguine  ci 
moving  an  escape!     An  escape  ?     Aha!  I  fancy  yo a  or 


anyone  else  getting  out  of  Joe  Blogden's  clutches !  I 
don't  mind  telling  you  my  plans,  Mr.  Tom,  J.  feel  so  sure 
of  keeping  you  safe.  I  mean  to  carry  yo'a  all  the  way 
from  hers  to  Newgate  just  in  the  positicj  you  now  are, 
and  no  pretext  of  yours,  no  matter  how  good,  shall  induce 
me  to  loosen  one  of  the  ropes.  There,  now,  what  do  you 
think  of  that?" 

Tom's  heart  failed  him,  for  he  felt  that  his  chance 
of  escaping  was  60  slight  as  to  be  scarcely  a  chauco  at 
all.  i 

Yet  he  would  not  allow  the  officers  to  porceivo  what 
was  the  true  state  of  his  miud,  so,  in  as  off-handed  a  tone 
as  ho  was  able  to  assume,  he  cried  : 

"  You're  not  euch  a  bad  fellow  after  all,  Mr.  Blogden, 
and  I'll  do  you  s>  good  turn  one  of  these  days." 

"Aha,"  said  the  chtof  officer,  "  I  am  sadly  afraid  that 
you  will  take  a  turn  rather  sooner  than  you  expect  or  de- 
sire, by-the-way." 

The  officers  a'l  laughed  in  chorus. 

Tom  know  this  was  intended  as  a  joke  upon  his  being 
turned  off  at  Tyburn,  but  he  would  not  understand  it  so, 
and  rej)lied : 

"  Yes — I  shall  take  a  turn  for  the  better,  and,  rely  upon 
it,  I  shall  owe  you  no  ill  will  at  all.  You  have  done  your 
duty  as  pleasantly  a3  a  man  could." 

The  officer  made  a  mock  bow. 

"  But,"  said  Tom,  "  I'll  wager  you  any  amount  you  like 
that,  in  spite  of  all  your  care  and  pains,  I  shall  give 
you  the  slip  before  we  are  half-way  to  London!" 

1  Well— well,  we  shall  see,"  said  Blogden,  pleasantly. 
"  I  am  not  at  all  alarmed,  and  so  I  give  you  free  leave  to 
try  your  best." 

Then  turning  round  to  his  men,  he  said: 

"  Come — come,  we  have  all  the  rest  of  the  day  before 
us  for  our  little  enterprise,  and  if  we  stick  to  it  we  shall 
manage  to  reach  London  late  to-night." 

"  But  what  do  you  wish  us  to  do,  Mr.  Blogden  ?" 

"  Why,  four  of  you  will  dismount,  and  lift  that  plank 
on  to  your  shoulders,  and  carry  the  prisoner  in  that  man- 
ner.  Your  horses  will  be  taken  care  of  in  the  meanwhile, 
and  when  you  have  gone  a  certain  distance  you  shall  be 
relieved,  and  four  others  will  take  your  places." 

It  was  evident  that  the  men  scarcely  liked  the  idea  of 
this  march  to  London,  and  Tom  King  noticed  the  effect 
with  a  great  amount  of  satisfaction. 

Already  his  brain  was  busy  with  devising  a  TUV.ns  by 
which  he  hoped  to  regain  his  freedom. 

His  reflections  were  somewhat  disturbed  by  tha  o'fficers 
coming  to  him  and  raising  the  plank  in  the  air. 

They  were  by  no  means  so  careful  in  doing  this  as 
they  might  have  been,  and  even  when  tho  corners  of 
the  plank  were  cai-efully  settled  upon  their  shoulders, 
Tom  King  found  it  about  as  unpleasant  a  mode  of 
conveyance  as  could  have  been  thought  of. 

Mr.  Blogden  was  in  the  highest  possible  spirits. 

He  rode  along  by  tho  side  of  the  prisoner,  and  as  he 
drew  his  cutlass  and  placed  it  against  his  shoulder,  lie 
made  quite  an  imposing  appearance. 

One  turn  of  the  rope  had  gone  quite  across  Tom's 
throat,  and  was  secured  underneath  tho  plank,  which 
compelled  him  to  keep  his  head  m  a  very  uncomfortable 
position,  for  if  he  tried  to  raise  or  move  it  in  the  least 
tho  pressure  on  his  throat  became  so  great  as  to  render 
breathing  impossible. 

"  I  am  helpless  enough  now,"  he  thought.  "  I  wonder 
what  is  to  be  the  end  of  it?" 

As  they  journeyed  on,  and  turned  from  tho  Ian©  to 
the  high-road,  a  fresh  danger  occurred  to  Tom's  iuiud, 
winch  diminished  his  chances  of  escaping  most  mat*}' 
ri&lly. 

Iudc^'i  his  courage  failed  him  when  bo  thought  Gl 
it. 

Before  these  officers  could  go  far,  they  would,  beyond 

little  doubt,  meet  with    some    others,    who    would    join 

at  once,  and  then,    with  the  number  of  his  guard 

doubled,  <^r  very  likely  trebled,  how  wa<?  Tom    to  aiip 

away  from  so  many  watchful  eyes? 

A  cold,  clammy  feeling  camo  over  his  heart;  DBC  in  a 
few  moments  it  passed  away,  leaving  behind  ii  a  masis 
better  kind  of  feeling. 

This  was  a  determination  to  watch  carefully  for  tho 
very  first  opportunity  that  presented  ifcself  for  him  to 
make  his  escape. 

Somewhat  to  his  surariaa,  they  travelled  on  aicng  th« 


TE3    KJUOHT  0?  TUB  B&aJi. 


1587 


highway  without  meeting  with  a  single  person  5  bat, 
then,  the  hour  was  early — just  after  sunrise  in  fact,  and 
fit  that  hour  it  was  not  likely  many  peooie.  would  be 
abroad. 

The  first  four  officers  carried  their  barton  welt ;  bat 
at  length  they  grew  too  tiv«d  to  proceed  further  60  four 
others  took  their  places. 

In  this  way  they  journeyed  on  at  what  was,  taking 
all  things  into  consideration,  a  very  tolerable  rate  of  speei 

Their  first  halt  was  made  at  a  road-sido  inn,  a  little 
after  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

This  inn  had  somewhat  a  lonely  situation,  for  neither 
human  beings  nor  dwellings  could  be  traced  in  its 
vicinity,  for  it  seemed  as  though  it  depended  alto- 
gether upon  passers-by  for  custom. 

Upon  seeing  so  strange  a  procession  approaching, 
every  inmate  of  the  place  turned  out  at  once  into  the 
roadway  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  it,  and  as  they  viewed 
it  from  tho  distance  many  and  various  were  the  specu- 
lations indulged  in  by  them  as  to  the  nature  of  the 
object  the  officers  were  carrying. 

When  it  was  found  to  be  a  man,  they  concluded  at 
once  that  he  was  dead. 

Great,  therefore,  was  their  surprise  when  the  officers, 
stopping  in  front  of  the  building,  put  down  their  burden 
and  they  discovered  it  was  a  live  man,  securely  bound 
with  cords. 

The  plank  was  placed  in  a  rather  slanting  position 
against  the  tall,  massive  sign-post  which  stood  in  front 
of  the  inn. 

Tho  position  was  a  very  uncomfortable  one  fcr  Tom 
King,  yet  he  felt  grateful  for  the  change. 

It  was  irksome  to  remain  for  so  long  in  a  horizontal 
position. 

Moreover,  as  tho  officers  walked  along  with  irregular 
steps,  his  head  continually  went  bump,  bump  upon  the 
hard  wood. 

He  was  well  aware  that  expostulation  on  the  subject 
would  be  quite  in  vain,  and  therefore  said  not  a  word, 
contenting  himself  with  catching  an  occasional  glimpso 
of  the  countenance  of  the  chief  officer,  Joe  Blogden, 

He  had  noticed,  as  they  journeyed  on,  that  the  ex- 
pression of  his  features  had  gradually  undergona  a 
great  and  remarkable  change. 

That  aspect  of  joviality  which  he  had  at  first  worn 
quite  disappeared. 

His  forehead  was  furrowed  up  into  reflective  wrinkles, 
his  mouth  worked  as  though  he  was  perpetually  saying 
something  to  himself,  and  his  eyes  shone  with  a  bright 
and  peculiar  glitter. 

What  could  bo  passing  through  his  mind  Tom  had 
not  the  remotest  idea,  nor  did  the  officer  drop  one  hint 
that  served  him  as  a  clue. 

The  apprehensions  and  curiosity  of  the  dwelle.'s  at 
the  inn  were  quickly  put  an  end  to  by  a  statement 
made  by  the  officers  to  the  effect  that  they  had  just 
been  successful  in  capturing  the  notorious  highwayman, 
Tom  King,  and  that  they  had  adopted  the  means  they 
6aw  for  keeping  him  in  safe  custody. 

The  officers  were  then  highly  complimented  upon  the 
ingenuity  they  had  displayed. 

Although  pressingly  invited  by  the  landlord  tC  enter 
Jhe  inn,  they  declined  to  do  so,  but  had  a  loaf  and  a 
luge  piece  of  cheese  brought  outside,  together  with 
some  ale,  and  on  this  they  regaled  themselves  in  the 
open  air. 

Tom  felt  that  one  draught  of  tho  alo  wou'd  be  a 
most  wonderful  refresher,  but  scorned  to  usk  his 
captors  for  even  so  small  a  favor  as  that. 

Joo  Blogden  was  not,  however,  a  very  ill-na'.ired 
sort  of  officer,  and  therefore,  when  his  own  wants 
were  supplied,  ho  turned  his  thoughts  towards  the 
prisoner.  Q 

"Don't  look  so  down,  Torn:"  ho  exclaimed,  smacking 
his  lips  after  the  last  draught  of  ale.  "  You  seem  quite 
rueful!  What  do  you  say  to  a'  drop  of  this  old 
October  ?     Upon  my  life,  it's  the  best  I  ever  taeted." 

"It  wofild  bf>  very  welcome  indeed,"  answered  Tom  ; 
"  and  if  you  will  put  your  hand  to  my  waistcoat 
pocket  you  will  find  a  guinea  there.  I  am  sorry  to 
give  you  so  much  trouble,"  he  added,  with  a  smile. 
"but  I  cannot  help  it." 

"  You  mean  you  cannot  help  yourself "  e&id  Blogden, 
coming  towards  him 


"Just  aa  you  like.  But  with  that  guinea,  suppose 
you  order  a  drop  more  ale  all  round,  and  let  me  havti 
a  mouthful  of  it,  for  I  assure  you  I  am  choked  with 
the  dust." 

Joe  Blogden  loved  a  drop  of  ale,  and  he  had  not 
sufficient  command  over  himself  to  resist  indulging 
himself  in  it  whenever  he  had  tho  opportunity ;  and  as 
for  the  rest  of  the  officers,  Tom  readily  believed  they 
were  nothing  loath. 

But  for  this  love  of  liquor,  Joe  Blogden  might  have 
asked  himself  the  question  as  to  how  far  it  was 
expedient  to  supply  ale  to  his  men. 

If  his  suspicions  had  been  on  the  alert  as  they  ought  to 
have  been,  he  would  havo  perceived  iu  this  offer  of 
Tom  King's  the  first  move  towards  an  ultimate  attempt 
at  escape. 

He  did  not,  however,  but  with  a  loud  voice  called  for 
more  alo  all  round,  insisting  that  Tom  should  drink  4 
whole  quart  of  it,  and  declaring  that  he,  Tom  King,  was 
the  very  best  fellow  in  the  world. 

Presently  the  ale  was  brought. 

Then  Joe  Blogden,  taking  a  large  foaming  measure 
full,  walked  towards  Tom  King  and  put  it  to  his  lips. 

"There,"  he  said,  "drink  away,  old  follow — it  will  do 
you  good." 

Tom  did  drink,  and  that  right  heartily ;  but  ho  did  not 
finish  the  measure. 

Some  little  time  was  occupied  in  discussing  this 
second  supply  of  ale,  but  at  last  Joe  Blogden  gave  the 
order  to  mount. 

Ere  doing  so,  however,  he  turned  towards  his  prisoner 
and  thus  addressed  him  : 

"  Tom  King,  old  fellow,"  he  said,  "  you  are  one  of  a 
good  sort,  and  the  more  I  see  of  you  the  better  I  like  you, 
and  that's  what  makes  me  repeat  the  offer  that  you 
refused  a  little  time  ago." 

"  What  offer  was  that  ?"  asked  Tom 

"Why,  you  must  be  awaie,"  continued  Blogden,  "  that 
while  you  are  tied  to  that  plank  and  watched  by  us,  you 
e»ur.Jt  possibly  stand  a  ghost  of  a  chance  of  escaping, 
therefore  is  it  not  a  pity  that  you  should  suffer  so  much 
discomfort  and  inconvenience  ?  Now,  as  I  said  before, 
if  you  will  give  me  your  word  to  make  no  attempt  to 
escape,  you  may  mount  your  own  horse  aud  trot  comfort- 
ably  by  the  side  of  us." 

CHAPTER  CMLXIII. 

TOM   KING  IS  FRUSTRATED  IK  HIS   EFFORT  TO   ESCAPE. 

"  I  should  be  very  glad  indeed  to  change  places,"  said 
Tom  King ;  "the  back  of  my  horse  would  be  much  more 
comfortable  than  this  board ;  but  you  must  not  ask  me  to 
give  you  any  such  promise,  because  you  may  depend  that 
I  shall  take  tho  first  opportunity  I  can  find  to  get  away." 

"  Then  stay  where  you  are,  and  be  d — d  to  you  !"  re« 
plied  Blogden,  angry  that  this  considerate  offer  should  be 
refused. 

"  Don't  lose  your  temper,"  said  Tom.  "  I  am  all  right, 
and  if  you  will  let  mo  get  on  the  back  of  my  horse,  I 
shall  be  much  obliged  to  you." 

"No,"  said  Blogden,  in  a  sharp,  angry  voice— "you 
have  made  your  decision,  and  you  shall  abide  by  it ! 
While  you  are  there  I  know  you  are  safe,  and  shall  not 
trouble  myself  about  anything  else  but  keeping  you 
so." 

Now  the  cause  of  Joe  Blogdon's  anger  was  that  Tom, 
should  refuse  to  mount  his  steed  under  the  conditions 
named  because,  had  ho  consented,  much  fatigue  and 
dissatisfaction  would  have  been  saved  his  men,  and,  more- 
over, the  journey  to  London  would  have  been  performed 
in  about  one-fourth  of  the  time  it  must  necessarily  occupy 
under  the  present  condition  of  affairs. 

Like  a  wise  man,  however,  he  resolved  to  say  no  moro 
upon  this  subject,  but,  having  seen  hid  men  mounted,  ex- 
cept those  who  were  appointed  to  carry  the  plank,  he 
turned  towards  the  landlord  of  the  inn,  and  said : 

"  We  are  anxious  to  get  to  Loudon  Which  do  you 
consider  the  best  and  shortest  road  ?" 

"Well.  I  can't  say,"  was  the  landlord's  reply.  "I.  can 
tell  you  which  is  the  best,-  and  I  can  tell  you  which  is  the 
shortest  "  ' 

"Well— treH,"  said  the  officer,  "  fclMtt'd  what  I  mean— 
tfes  shortest  is  sure  to  be  the  best." 

"I  don't  know  about  that,"  respciiucf  the  iaad.oW^ 


1588 


BLACK    BESS;    OB, 


"for  you  must  understand  that  if  you  follow  this  high- 
way for  about  eighteen  or  twenty  miles,  it  will  briug  you 
out'upon  the  London  Road,  which  it  crosses.  You  will 
then  only  have  to  turn  to  your  right,  and  your  destina- 
tion lies  before  you.  And  the  road  is  as  good  every  inch 
of  the  way  as  it  is  about  here,  so  you  cdunot  deny  but 
what  it  is  tho  best  route.''' 

"Yes,  so  it  is,"  said  Blogden,  "only  it  is  such  a  con- 
founded long  way.  Yonder  is  the  direction  to  London. 
Is  there  no  road  by  which  we  could  take  our  way  across 
the  country,  and  so  cut  off  that  tremendous  corner  ?  It's 
quite  out  of  our  way  to  ride  straight  on  for  ten  miles  and 
then  turn  round." 

"  Well,  there  is  a  road,"  said  tho  landlord,  "  and  that's 
tho  shortest ;  but,  understand  me  very  distinctly,  it  id  by 
no  means  tho  best." 

"  What's  the  matter  with  it  ?" 

"  Well,  then,  it's  a  cross-country  road,  and  I  daresay 
you  know  what  that  means.  In  some  parts  it  is  bioad 
and  level,  and  as  good  as  this,  but  in  others  so  narrow 
that  only  about  two  of  you  could  ride  abreast,  and  with 
tho  mud  so  deep  that  it  will  take  those  who  are  walking 
up  to  their  knees." 

"Pooh— pooh!"  said  Blogden,  "not  after  such  a  sea- 
son of  dry  weather  as  wo  have  had !  The  road  may  be 
muddy,  but  it  is  not  so  bad  as  you  would  make  it." 

"  Well,"  said  the  landlord,  rather  huffed,  "  perhaps  you 
know  best." 

"Well,  but  how  much  shorter  is  this  road?"  persisted 
Blogden.  "If  we  go  that  way,  how  many  miles  shall 
we  save  ?     That's  the  point  I  wish  to  arrive  at." 

"  Well,"  replied  the  landlord,  "  the  road  is  not  very 
direct — it  winds  and  curves  about  a  great  deal,  but  yet  I 
should  say  you  would  save  ten  or  a  dozen  miles." 

"  Half  a  day's  journey !"  ejaculated  the  officer,  in  as- 
asionishment,  for  ho  did  not  expect  that  tho  difference 
would  prove  to  be  so  great.  "  Why,  that's  tho  road  for 
us,  by  all  means,  oven  though  it  should  not  be  quite  so 
comfortable  underfoot  as  this." 

"  You  ought  to  bo  the  best  judge  of  that,"  arjswered 
the  landlord ;  "  but  if  I  had  a  good  nag  betore  me,  I 
know  which  one  I  should  prefer." 

"  No  doubt,"  said  the  officer.  "  But  just  tell  me  wnere- 
abouts  this  road  branches  off  ?" 

"  About  three-quarters  of  a  mile  further  ou.  You  will 
see  an  old  finger-post  up  there,  which  shows  you  the 
way.  The  entrance  is  dark  and  narrow,  but  after  you 
have  gone  a  little  way  you  will  find  it  wider  and  the 
ground  much  improved." 

"Thanks!"  said  Blogden.  "That's  the  way  for  me, 
and  for  you  too,  my  lads !  I  should  think  you  are  not  so 
fond  of  walking  that  you  prefer  tc  go  a  dozen  miles 
further  round." 

The  officers  assented  at  once. 

"  Well,  then,  as  we  are  all  ready,"  cried  Blogden,  "  we 
will  start.    Good-bye  !" 

With  these  words  he  mounted  his  horse,  drew  his  cut- 
lass again,  and  assumed  the  same  attitude  as  before. 

He  looked  very  sulkily  and  angrily  at  Tom  King,  and 
60  did  the  men,  for  he  was  considered  to  be  the  cause  of 
tho  present  arrangement. 

However,  the  cavalcade  set  off  without  any  grumbling 
being  heard. 

The  cross-road  was  found  with  an  old  battered  finger- 
post at  the  corner  of  it,  just  as  tho  landlord  had  de- 
scribed. 

But  the  entrance  was  dark  and  narrow,  and,  after 
going  a  few  feet  down  it,  they  came  to  a  kind  of  slough  or 
quagmiro  caused  by  tho  waters  of  a  rivulet  that  flowed 
across  the  road,  but  which  at  the  present  time  was  almost 
dried  up,  leaving  its  soft,  oozy  bed  exposed. 

Through  this  the  officers  with  difficulty  floundered,  and 
when  they  emerged  on  tho  other  sido  the  boots  of  those 
who  were  on  foot  presented  a  very  dirty,  disagreeable  ap- 
pearance, for  the  mud  was  green  and  slimy. 

However,  they  marched  onward,  hoping  ere  long  to 
read)  an  improved  part  of  the  road. 

Here  agafr.  the  landlord  proved  to  bo  right. 

Without  the  occurrence  of  any  particular  event,  they 
continued  their  slow  march. 

Tom  King  began  to  feel  his  head  ache  terribly,  owing 
to  tho  number  of  bumps  it  had  from  tho  hard  plank. 

This  might,  too,  be  partly  ascribed  to  the  ale  of  which 
he  had  partaken,  and  if  so  ho  felt  content,  for  bo  judged 


it  would  not  be  without  its  effect  upon  his  captors,  E3 
matter  how  well  seasoned  their  stomachs  might  be. 

Of  course,  his  mind  was  still  intent  upon  making  hia 
escape,  though  how  this  was  to  be  effected  he  could  not 
at  present  decide. 

When  changing  bearers,  tho  officers  generally  paused 
for  a  few  minutes,  placing  him,  or,  rather,  the  plank,  up 
against  a  tree,  or  fence,  or  whatever  might  come  nearest 
to  hand ;  and  for  these  brief  periods  of  rest  Tom  was 
inexpressibly  grateful. 

He  was  chielly  occupied  on  these  occasions  in  watch- 
ing tne  countenance  of  Joe  Blogden,  which  had  again 
changed,  and  now  presented  that  peculiar,  hungry,  anxious 
look  that  he  had  before  observed  upon  it,  only  that  this 
aspect  seemed  intensified. 

There  was  one  question,  however,  which  Blogden  and 
the  officers  recollected  they  had  omitted  to  ask  the  land- 
lord, and  this  was,  what  inns  they  should  meet  with  upon 
this  road,  and  how  far  they  were  apart. 

Now  there  seemed  to  be  no  chance  of  obtaining  this 
knowledge,  for  they  had  not  met  with  or  6een  a  single 
human  being  of  any  description ;  and  it  did  not  appea? 
as  though  this  cross-road  was  much  travelled,  for,  as  a. 
rule,  it  was  overgrown  with  grass. 

In  fact,  Blogden  began  to  think  that,  after  all,  in  his 
anxiety  to  save  distance  he  had  made  a  great  mistake, 
and  heartily  wished  that  he  had  taken  the  landlord's 
advice  and  proceeded  by  means  of  the  high-road. 

It  was  too  late  for  this  now,  and  therefore  useless  to 
regret,  30  he  continued  to  urge  his  men  onward,  whose 
grumblings  now  began  to  make  themselves  heard,  and 
which  quickly  increased  in  loudness. 

The  hour  of  noon  approached,  and  when  it  came,  tho 
officers  found  themselves  still  upon  the  cross-road,  and 
to  all  appearances  no  nearer  to  an  inn  than  they  had  been 
for  many  a  mile. 

So  weary  did  they  become  that  Blogden  was  compelled 
to  allow  them  to  pause. 

Tom  King  was  put  down,  and  the  officers  rested  them- 
selves by  sitting  on  the  grassy  embankment  upon  which 
the  hedgerow  was  planted. 

"I'll  tell  you  what  I'll  do,"  said  Blogden,  addressiug 
them.  "  I  don't  want  to  remain  idly  here,  so  I'll  leave 
the  prisoner  to  your  charge  while  I  gallop  onward  for  a 
few  miles  and  ascertain  whether  there  is  a  public-house 
anywhere  close  at  hand." 

To  this  proposal  the  officers  raised  not  the  faintest  ob- 
jection, and  accordingly  Blogden  sheathed  his  cutlass, 
struck  spurs  to  hia  horse's  side,  and  was  quickly  out  of 
sight. 

Now  Tom  King  could  not  help  considering  this  a  favor- 
able opportunity,  and  yet  he  was  unable  to  6ee  by  what 
means  he  could  avail  himself  of  it. 

He  had  satisfied  himself  by  repeated  trials  that  the 
ropes  were  so  firmly  tied  about  him  that  it  was  quite  out 
of  the  question  for  him  to  unfasten  them  without  the  aid 
of  another  person. 

He  was  forced  to  admit  that  he  was  perfectly  helpless 
and  powerless,  and  that  all  his  captors  had  to  do  to  keep 
him  secure  was  to  fix  their  eyes  upon  him  from  time  to 
time. 

Yet  he  did  not  despair,  and  his  brain  was  busily  at 
work  devising  schemes,  when  all  at  once  he  heard  the 
clatter  of  a  horse's  feet,  and,  looking  up,  saw  Blogden  re- 
turning with  satisfaction  beaming  from  his  countenance. 

"  Up  with  him  again,  my  lads,"  he  6aid — "  put  your 
shoulders  to  it ;  there's  a  capital  inn  not  much  further 
along  tho  road,  where  we  shall  be  able  to  make  ourselves 
comfortable  for  a  little  while.  I  Dave  ordered  something 
good  to  be  prepared,  so  that  it  will  be  n»»rly  ready  by 
the  time  you  arrive." 

These  words  had  a  very  inspiriting  effect  indeed  upon 
the  police  officers. 

They  picked  up  their  burden  with  right  ggod  will,  and 
trudged  it  manfully. 

Nevertheless  they  were  all  so  fatigued  that  they  has!  t© 
change  repeatedly,  even  in  going  the  short  distance  that 
intervened  between  them  and  the  ion. 

At  length  they  came  in  sight  of  a  poor,  wretched-look- 
ing dwelling,  from  the  exterior  of  which  a  truss  of  straw 
was  suspended  in  the  place  of  a  sign,  and  this,  indeed, 
was  the  only  token  there  was  that  the  house  was  one  oi 
public  resort. 

A  little  further  on  they  perceived  a  place  where  thf 


nut  height  or  run  koad. 


1089 


eross-road  was  joined  by  several  others,  so  that  if  the 
inn  hud  not  been  here  they  would  have  been  greatly 
puzzled  to  know  which  was  the  way  to  LcndotL. 

In  expectation  of  their  arrival  they  found  a  small  group 
of  persons  waiting  outside  this  hut,  for  it  was  scarcely 
deserving  of  any  better  appellation,  though  on  coming 
nearer  and  looking  more  attentively  at  it,  it  was  e~rideut 
that  at  some  distant  period  it  had  been  a  substantial, 
good-looking  dwelling,  but  it  had  been  allowad  by  neg- 
lect to  fall  into  its  present  miserable  and  dilapidated 
state. 

A  scene  of  considerable  confusion  now  ensued. 

The  wonder  of  the  landlord,  his  family,  and  dependants 
was  extreme. 

Never  before  in  their  recollection  had  so  strange  or 
exciting  an  incident  occurred  at  their  doors. 

After  a  time,  however,  the  horses  were  all  stowed  away 
in  the  rambling,  broken-down  sheds  which  existed  in 
plenty  at  the  back  of  the  inn. 

Tom  King  was  raised  a  little,  and  thus  was  e'^blcd  to 
take  a  good  look  at  his  halting-place. 

As  he  gazed  upon  it  he  became  conscious  that  at  gome 
time  or  other  he  had  seen  this  inn  before,  but  when  it 
was  he  could  not  for  the  life  of  him  make  out. 

The  countenance  of  the  landlord  was  certainly  a 
strange  one  to  him. 

Matters  having  been  so  far  arranged,  the  officers  again 
picked  up  the  plank  and  carried  Tom  King  through  the 
front  door,  along  the  passage,  and  into  the  large  kitchen 
in  which  they  had  agreed  to  take  up  their  quarters. 

This  kitchen  was  at  the  back  of  the  inn,  and  com- 
manded a  view  of  the  littered,  untidy  yard  in  the  rear, 
and  the  tumble-down  stables  beyond. 

As  before,  the  plank  was  placed  on  end,  with  the  top 
resting  against  the  wall. 

"Now,  Tom,"  said  Blogden,  "I  owe  you  no  ill-will, 
although  you  refused  my  offer  before,  aud  therefore  I 
renew  it.  Your  limbs  must  be  cramped  by  remaining 
so  long  in  one  position,  and  you  must  be  hungry  as  well ; 
why  not  give  the  promise  I  require,  and  then  you  can  sit 
down  among  us  quite  comfortable  ?" 

•'No,"  said  Tom,  "I  very  much  prefer  remaining  as  I 
am  to  making  the  promise  you  are  so  anxious  to  have. 
But  let  mo  tell  you  all  my  bones  ache ;  I  am  cramped 
from  head  to  foot  by  being  thus  tied  to  the  board.  Surely 
it  is  not  asking  too  much  to  request  you  to  release  some 
of  the  bonds,  so  that  my  blood  may  have  a  chance  of 
circulating." 

"  No,"  said  Blogden,  decidedly,  "you  will  find  me  im 
movable.    If   you  will  comply  with  my  conditions,  well 
and  good ;  if  not,  stay  as  you  are ;  you  can  make  your 
own  choice." 

After  that  Tom  was  silent. 

A  tolerable  repast  was  then  spread  upon  the  table,  and 
when  he  caught  sight  of  the  various  eatables,  Tom  King 
experienced  the  pangs  of  hunger  very  sharply. 

Yet  he  resolved  to  say  not  a  word. 

The  officers  ate  voraciously,  and  drunk  in  due  pro- 
portion, the  liquor  being  as  before,  strong,  home-brewed 
ale. 

When  the  meal  was  over,  the  effects  of  it  and  of  what 
they  had  drunk,  and  of  their  fatigue,  made  themselves 
manifest. 

One  by  one  they  dropped  off  into  a  doze. 

Tom  watched  them  anxiously. 

It  was  quite  clear  that  sleep  had  stolen  upon  the  officers 
unconsciously. 

Every  one  who  had  closed  his  eyes  had  left  the  task  of 
watching  to  the  others. 

At  last  Tom  King  felt  that  the  opportunity  he  had 
been  looking  for,  which  seemed  so  far  distant,  now  had 

Now  was  tue  timo  to  mako  a  vigorous  effort  to  escape. 

Carefully  and  yet  vigorously  he  tugged  away  at  the 
ropes  which  confined  his  wrists. 

To  his  joy  they  slackened  a  little — a  very  little,  yot 
enough  to  endow  him  with  courage  and  determination. 

Time  wore  on,  and  the  officers  still  slumbered.. 

Incredible  as  the  feat  may  appear,  Tom  actui  Uy  »»3- 
ceeded  in  getting  his  hands  at  liberty. 

When  this  was  the  case  he  felt  that  the  remainder  cf 
bis  task  was  comparatively  easy. 

He  wcut  on  most  vigorously  with  his  work,  and  so  in- 
tent and  so  wrapped   up  did    ho   become  in  it  i'r>at   be 


omitted  to  glance  every  few  seconds  at  tho  countenances 
of  his  sleeping  captors. 

When,  however,  he  at  last  looked  up  and  saw  Joe 
Blogden's  eyes  wide  open  and  fixed  upon  him,  he  gave 
quite  a  nervous  start  of  surprise,  and  dropped  the  knot 
ho  had  been  attempting  to  untie. 

"Aha!"  said  Joe,  "so  you  have  given  me  a  taste  of 
your  quali*y,  have  you?  Thank  you — I  am  much  obliged 
to  you.  Doubtless  you  thought  /  was  asleep.  What  a 
mistake'  Why,  Tom,  I  have  been  watching  you  all  the 
time  ;  and  as  you  have  been  so  clever  and  done  what  I 
believed  to  be  impossible,  I  shall  know  what  to  expect 
from  you  if  we  are  in  the  least  degree  neglectful.  Ho ! 
wake  up  there  !"  he  bawled,  in  a  voice  that  seemed  power- 
ful enough  to  lift  the  roof  off. 

The  officers  awoke  instantly  and  sprang  to  their  feet. 

Tom  King's  desperation  and  anger  knew  no  bounds. 

Ho  was  almost  free,  and  this  made  his  disappointment 
all  the  more  bitter. 

Ho  resolved  not  to  submit,  however,  without  a  des- 
perate struggle 

In  his  efforts  to  extricate  himself,  however,  he  pulled 
the  plank  over,  and  fell  heavily  to  the  ground. 

The  next  moment,  all  the  officers  were  upon  him,  the 
ropes  were  again  crossed  and  recrossed  over  his  body  in 
all  directions,  and,  indeed,  wherever  there  was  a  chance. 

At  last  he  found  himself  much  in  his  old  position, 
except  that  the  ropes  were  tighter,  and  caused  him 
greater  pain  than  before. 

When  all  was  done,  Blogden  approached  and  cautiously 
examined  every  knot. 

"  Now  you  are  right,  Tom,  my  friend,"  he  said — "  quite 
right.  If  you  can  get  out  of  that,  I  give  you  leave  to  make 
your  escape.  You  little  thought  I  had  my  eyes  upon  you, 
but — aha  ! — catch  a  weazel  asleep,  Tom,  and  then  you 
may  stand  eome  chance  of  finding  Joe  Blogden  napping  I 
Aha!" 

The  officer  was  so  overjoyed  at  his  own  preternatural 
cleverness  that  ho  hardly  knew  how  to  restrain  himself 
within  proper  bounds. 

The  officers  of  course  laughed  heartily,  and  were  vastly 
amused,  but  tho  incident  terminating  so  disappoint- 
ingly to  Tom  King  was  a  very  good  lesson  to  them, 
since  it  taught  them  the  necessity  ot  not  relaxing  in 
tli-air  vigilance  for  the  future  in  the  least  degree. 


CHAPTER  CMLXIV. 

IK     WHICH     JOE    BLOGDEN    MAKES  A  PECULIAR    PROPOSI- 
TION TO   HIS    COMPANIONS. 

So  impressed  were  the  officers  with  this  idea,  that  for 
some  time  after  the  occurrence  of  the  event  just  described 
they  did  nothing  but  sit  6tock  still  with  their  eyes  fixed 
upon  their  prisoner. 

Observing  this,  Tom  smothered  his  anger  and  disap- 
pointment as  well  as  he  was  able,  f.or  he  knew  that  if  he 
allowed  it  to  appear  in  his  fac*  the  officers  would  enjoy 
it  and  triumph  over  him. 

At  last,  when  they  had  calmed  down  a  little,  Blogden 
turned  towards  them  and  taid : 

"  Now,  my  lads,  just  let  me  know  when  you  think  you 
will  feel  rested  enough  to  set  out  again  on  your  journey. 
It  is  a  disagreeable  job,  I  know,  but  still,  tho  sooner  it  is 
over  the  better,  and  when  we  once  get  him  to  Newgate, 
all  the  trouble  will  be  off  our  hands." 

"  So  it  will,"  murmured  the  officers  ;  "but  we  are  re- 
gularly footsore,  Mr.  Blogden,  and  do  you  know  how  far 
it  is  to  the  next  inn  ?" 

"  No,  I  don't ;  but  that  is  well  thought  of— I  will  call  the 
landlord  in,  and  inquire." 
Accordingly  this  was  done. 

"Now,  landlord,"  cried  Blogden,  "just  be  good  enough 
to  listen.  How  far  shall  we  have  to  travel  before  we 
come  to  the  next  inn,  on  the  road  to  London?" 

"  Well,  sir,"  was  the  answer,  "  I  should  say  a  matter 
of  fifteen  miles." 

il  Fifteen  miles  ?"  roared  Blogden.  "  What  do  you  mean 
by  that  ?  Curse  you  for  a  liar !  You  ouly  want  us  to  re- 
main hero  in  order  tnat  you  can  maKe  plenty  out  of  us ! 
1  suppose  it  is  not  every  day  that  a  large  party  stops 
here?" 

"  If  you  know  better  than  I  do,"  said  the  landlord, 
"  what  in  the  world  was  the  good  of  asking  me  the  ques- 
tion?' 


J590 


BLACK    BBSS;    OS, 


"  We  don't  know ;  but  how  can  it  be  possible  that  the 
next  inn  is  so  far  cff  ?  " 

"  Simply  because  it  happens  to  be  the  case,"  said  iW/ 
landlord,  with  a  grin 

The  men  looked  at  each  other  with  a  very  disconcerted 
and  crostfallen  air  upon  receipt  of  this  intelligence. 

A  considerable  portion  of  the  afternoon  had  now  slipped 
away,  for  while  in  their  present  quarters  time  passed  much 
too  quickly  to  suit  them. 

"  Why.  we  should  havo  to  travel  all  night  i"  ejaculated 
Blogden. 

"That  you  would,"  assenteu  the  landlord;  "and, 
moreover,  if  you  found  your  way  in  the  dark  you  would 
be  a  cleverer  lad  than  I  take  you  to  be." 

"  What  do  you  mean  by  that?"  roared  Blogden. 

"Just  what  1  say,"  was  the  response.  "  The  road  is  so 
bad  and  so  hard  to  find  that  it  would  be  quite  a  task  for 
a  stranger  by  daylight,  and  at  night  would  be  altogether 
out  of  the  question." 

"  Wei!,  we  can't  stay  here,"  said  Blogden,  in  a  decided 
voice — "  that  is  perfectly  certain.  We  must  start  off 
without  much  delay.  But  come,  landlord,  can't  you 
suggest  some  means  by  which  we  can  get  to  Loudon  ?" 

"  Well,  now  you  come  to  ask  my  advice,"  answered  the 
landlord,  "of  course  that's  another  matter:  and  besides. 
I  am  bound  to  do  the  best  I  can  for  my  customers." 

"Well— well?" 

"  Of  course,"  he  began,  "  your  prisoner  is  the  diffi- 
culty ?" 

"  Just  so." 

"  Well,  then,  I  will  tell  you  something  which  may 
perhaps  interest  you,  and  you  can  act  upon  the  sugges- 
tion or  not,  just  as  you  think  proper." 

"  Go  on,  then  ;  what  is  it  ?" 

"  Why,  this  evening,  about  six  or  seven  o'clock,  a  car- 
rier's waggon  will  pass  here.  I  know  the  driver  very  well 
and  he  always  stops  to  take  a  jug  of  beer,  and  nine 
times  in  ten  the  waggon  is  empty." 

"  And  you  would  propose " 

"  Simply  that  you  lift  your  prisoner,  plank  and  all, 
and  put  him  inside  the  waggon.  Some  of  you  could 
ride  inside  with  him,  and  the  remaiuder,  surroundip«y  the 
vehicle,  ride  on  horseback." 

"Landlord,"  said  Joe  Blogden,  in  a  voice  of  tlw  utmost 
enthusiasm  and  joy,  "  you're  a  regular  downright  good 
fellow !  Your  advice  is  worth  a  heap  of  money,  so  just 
call  for  whatever  you  like  to  drink,  and  I  will  pay  tor 
it." 

"You're  very  kind," said  the  landlord,  and  he  glanced 
uneasily  behind  him.  "  But  you  must  just  ask  my 
wife." 

At  this  the  officers  gave  a  shout  of  laughter. 

"  Ask  your  wife  ?"  said  Blogden.     "  What  for  ?" 

"  Why,  you  see,  sir,  she  has  a  most  unaccountable  and 
unreasonable  objection  to  any  of  the  good  things  down  in 
the  cellar  passing  between  my  lips.  It's  too  bad,  that  it 
is  !     She  keeps  everything  under  lock  and  key." 

"And  that  makes  you  like  a  drop  all  the  more,  eh  ?" 

"  Well,  perhaps  it  does." 

"  Then,"  said  Blogden,  "  as  you  have  got  me  out  of  my 
difficulty,  I  will  get  you  out  of  yours  ;  and,  if  you  like, 
you  can  amuse  yourself  by  getting  blind  drunk  to-night, 
and  your  wife  sha'n't  know  anything  about  it  until  too 
iate." 

"  Don*  speak  so  loud,"  said  the  landlord,  who  was  an 
inveterate  drunkard,  and  who,  if  not  checked  by  his  very 
strict,  resolute  better  half,  would  long  ago  have  drunk  up 
everything  they  possessed. 

"Well,  first  of  all,"  said  Blogden,  "tell  me  what  you 
like  best  ?" 

"  Brandy." 

"  Then  brandy  be  it !  You  shall  havo  as  much  as  you 
like."  ^  S 

The  landlord  looked  at  him  incredulously. 

"  You  see,  I  will  call  for  it  as  if  for  myself  and  com- 
panions. Your  wife  will  supply  it,  and  I  shall  pay  her; 
and  you  can  have  the  pleasure  of  drinking  until  you  are 
tired." 

The  drunkard's  eyes  gleamed  at  this  prospect,  and  he 
licked  his  parched  lips  in  eager  anticipation. 

Blogden  was  as  good  as  bis  word. 

Brandy  was  called  for  and  kr^ught  in,  but  the  manner 
In  which  the  landlord  poured  l.  down  hia  throat  was 
something  he  was  not  prepared  for. 


When  a  huge  quantity  had  disappeared,  without  pro* 
ducing,  to  all  appearances,  the  least  effect,  he  said : 

"  I  don't  wonder,  old  fellow,  that  your  wife  should 
lock  up  the  cellar.  Why,  hang  me !  if  the  soa  was 
brandy,  you'd  drink  it  dry,  or  die  in  the  attempt." 

"All  right!"  said  the  landlord,  thickly.  "A  drop 
more — let's  have  a  drop  more." 

Bat  Biogden  refused,  for  he  wished  this  man  to  retain 
his  senses  sufficiently  to  enable  him  to  make  tho  bargain 
with  the  waggoner  when  he  arrived. 

"  Leave  us  now  a  little  while,"  said  Blogden  ;  "  I  have 
a  little  talk  I  want  to  have  with  my  companions.  You 
can  come  back  presently,  and  then  we'll  have  more 
brandy." 

On  these  conditions  the  landlord  left  the  room,  and 
soon  afterwards  a  tremendous  commotion  ensued. 

A  shrill  voice,  accompanied  by  blows,  followed. 

The  officers  winked  and  laughed  at  each  other. 

"She's  paying  him  out  for  it  now,"  said  Blogden. 
"Well,  no  matter.  You  ought  all  of  you  to  be  much 
obliged  to  him,  for  wo  shall  get  our  prisoner  a  pood  way 
on  the  road  to  London  without  any  fatigue  at  all." 

"Yes,  it's  a  capital  plan." 

This  was  something  Tom  King  could  not  help  ac- 
knowledging, but  oh,  how  he  hated  the  landlord,  who 
had  so  officiously  made  this  suggestion  ! 

He  wished  from  the  very  bottom  of  his  heart  that  ho 
had  long  since  been  drowned  in  one  of  his  ale  barrels. 

Tom  King  was,  in  reality,  so  disheartened  by  the 
failure  he  had  met  with  that,  coming  as  it  did  almost  in 
the  moment  of  success,  he  began  in  real  truth  to  despair. 

Just  at  this  time,  it  should  be  mentioned,  he  looked 
again  into  the  countenance  of  Joe  Blogden,  and  was 
somewhat  astonished  to  perceive  that  its  expression  had 
again  changed  to  its  former  hungry,  rapacious  look. 

Then,  to  his  unutterable  astonishment,  he  heard  the 
chief  officer  address  hi3  companions  as  follows  : 

"My  lads,"  he  said,  "as  we  have  comfortably  settled 
matters  so  far,  there  is  something  else  that  I've  been 
thinking  of  nearly  all  day  that  I  should  like  to  submit  to 
you,  and  I  believe  you  will  declare  at  once  that  it  is  a 
capital  idea." 

The  c fficers  crowded  round  him  anxiously,  and  Blog- 
den continued : 

"  I  want  to  talk  to  you  about  the  reward.  You  know 
how  much  it  is — five  hundred  pounds— -and  we  had  better 
settle  now  beforehand  how  we  intend  to  divide  it,  so  that 
there  may  be  no  grounds  for  dissatisfaction  in  the 
future." 

The  men  remained  silent,  but  looked  at  him  atten- 
tively, wondering  what  was  coming  next. 

"  Five  hundred  pounds  is  the  amount,"  said  Blogden; 
"and  if  you  will  count,  you  will  find,  including  myself, 
there  are  just  ten  of  us;  so,  if  equally  divided,  that 
makes  exactly  fifty  pounds  apiece — does  it  not?" 

"  It  does — you  are  quite  right." 

"  Well,  now,  it  strikes  me  that  for  all  our  trouble  that's 
a  very  paltry  and  inadequate  remuneration;  so  I  have  a 
proposal  to  make  by  which  it  can  be  made  better  worth 
our  while." 

"  How  so — how  so  ?" 

The  men  were  eager,  yet  scarcely  more  eager  than  Tom 
King,  who  listened  with  a  truly  wonderful  amount  nf 
interest  to  this  conversation,  which  was  something  alto- 
gether different  to  what  he  had  expected  to  hear. 

"Now,"  said  Blogden,  "if  the  chief  part  of  this  sum 
could  come  to  the  share  of  one  of  us.  why,  then  it  would 
be  a  very  good  thing  indeed  for  the  lucky  individual, 
and  the  others  would  not  be  so  very  badly  off." 

"  But  we  don't  understand." 

"I  will  explain,"  said  Brogden,  whose  fingers  and 
msuth  worked  convulsively,  while  Lis  features  seemed  to 
grow  sharper  and  sharper.  "  It  can  be  done  in  this  way : 
We  will  draw  lots  for  the  prisoner — throw  for  him — raffle 
him—  or  decide  it  in  what  way  you  like,  for  instance, 
we  all  know  how  to  rattle  a  dice-box — let  that  way 
settle  it." 

"But  we  don't  understand,"  interrupted  the  officers. 

"You  will  in  a  moment.  Let  us  take  fifty  potindt 
from  the  whole  amount — that  will  leave  four  hundred 
and  fifty,  will  it  not  ?" 

"It  will." 

"  W  ill,  then,  let  the  one  who  gets  the  greatest  numbet 
of  points  be  entitled  to  receive  four  hundred  and  fiftj 


TK2   SNIGUT   0?  TUB   80AI\ 


1591 


potnkfe,  and  let  the  remaining  fifty  be  equally  divided 
fjwong  the  rest,  by  which  means  you  see  that  there  is  a 
certainty  of  all  of  you  making  a  very  tolerable  day's 
work,  and  there's  the  chance  of  oae  of  us  earning  some- 
thing worth  our  while  to  receive." 

Blogden  ceased,  and  watched,  with  eyes  like  thoso  of  a 
vulture,  the  countenances  of  his  companions. 

He  was  filled  with  anxiety  to  know  how  this  would  be 
received. 

He  was  himself  an  Inveterate  gamester,  and  ho  was 
aware  that  thoso  who  were  with  him  often  passed  away 
an  idlo  hour  or  two  with  either  cards  or  dice. 

He  soon  found  opinion  rather  divided  amongst  tnsrn, 
though  it  was  plain  to  see  there  was  not  one  wba  was 
Lot  willing  to  take  the  chance  of  securing  so  large  a 
sum. 

"Take  a  hundred  pounds  from  the  chief  amount," 
said  one,  and  let  that  be  equally  divided  among  the  losers, 
and  let  the  principal  amount  bo  four  hundred  pounds 
instead  of  four  hundred  and  fifty." 

"I  have  no  objection,"  said  Blogden,  "if  that  is  more 
agreeable  to  you,  and  should  we  decide  upon  it,  why,  it 
will  be  the  means  of  passing  the  time  very  pleasantly 
until  the  waggon  arrives." 

For  the  life  of  them  the  men  could  not  resist  the  tempta- 
tion to  gamble. 

They  had  already  become  sufficiently  votaries  of  the 
vice  to  be  infatuated  with  it,  when  Blogden  cleverly  pro- 
duced from  his  pocket  a  dice-box,  and  dropped  a  couple 
of  the  spotted  ivory  cubes  within  it  aud  rattled  them. 

Whatever  scruples  or  hesitations  may  have  remained  in 
any  of  their  breasts  were  banished. 

Their  eyes  gleamed  wildly  with  excitement,  ac  1  they 
drew  their  chairs  up  closely  around  the  table. 

"  Three  throws  shall  decide  it,"  said  Blogden--'  three 
throws  each,  and  if  there  are  any  ties,  three  throws 
again." 

This  being  agreed  to,  the  dice  were  thrown  for  the  fi/st 
time  by  Blogden  himself. 

The  others  followed,  and  when  all  were  donn  it  was 
found  oddly  enough  that  four  had  thrown  and  obtained 
precisely  the  same  number. 

"  Then  you  stand  out,"  said  Blrgden,  in  a  husky  voice. 
"The matter  will  soon  bo  decided  now." 

But  again  ties  were  thrown,  and  Blogden  found  that 
the  chance  rested  between  himself  and  the  man  who 
had  proposed  the  alteration  in  the  division  of  the 
amount. 

The  box  was  rattled,   the  dice  thrown,  then,  with 
wild  shriek  of  triumph,    Blogden  announced  himself  the 
victor. 

"  Mine,"  ho  screamed — "mine!  The  money  is  mine  ! 
The  hundred  pounds  will  be  divided  among  you  !" 

His  associates  shrunk  back,  and  their  countenances 
assumed  a  sullen,  angry  look. 

Blogden  observed  it. 

"It's  no  good  grumbling  now,"  he  cried,  "the  bargain 
is  made,  and  cannot  be  altered.  I  hoped  that  fortune 
would  favor  me,  yet  scarcely  dared  think  it.  However, 
I  will  behave  handsomely  to  you.  We'll  have  wine  all 
round — that  is,  if  such  a  thing  can  be  found  in  the  cellars 
— wine  for  all  of  us  !" 

Ee  rose  to  go  to  the  bar,  and  as  soon  as  the  door  closed 
behind  him  his  comrades  whispered  eagerly  together  for 
a  few  seconds. 

Then  the  one  who  had  been  so  close  to  winning  rose 
also,  and  followed  Blogden  from  the  room. 

What  was  his  errand,  Tom  King  could  not  guess. 

He  stretched  his  ears  to  the  fullest  extent  in  the 
hope  of  overhearing  what  the  officers  whispered  among 
themselves. 

But  they  spoke  in  such  tones  that  he  was  unable  to  do 
to. 

Nevertheless,  he  found  all  these  different  proceedings 
very  distracting  to  him,  while  they  annoyed  him  boyt.nd 
■seasure,  for  he  could  not  help  taking  notice  of  all  that 
was  going  on  around,  aud  the  eventr.  were  so  strange  aud 
varied  that  they  prevented  that  amount  of  concen- 
tration of  ideas  necessary  for  devising  some  plan  of 
escape. 

The  officers  continued  to  whisper  energetically  untU 
Blogden  reappeared. 

!' ••  was  followed  by  the  landlady,  who  was  speaking 
at  i:5;n  to  ah  rill,  angry  tones. 


"I  will  send  down  in  the  cellar  for  what  von  ■xrant," 
she  said.  "  But.  mark  this,  not  another  drop  more  do  yoa 
have  afterwards !  I  will  take  care  that  you  never  enter 
my  doors  again !" 

"  I  have  no  wish  to  return,"  said  Blogden;  "but  then 
wine  we  must  and  will  have !  It  will  soon  be  seven 
o'clock,  and  as  soon  as  the  waargon  comes  up  let  us  know, 
for  we  are  going  by  it." 

Blogden  sat  down,  and,  glancing  around,  immed'ately 
detected  the  absence  of  one  of  his  companions. 

"  Hallo  I"  he  said,  "  where's  Cribbs?" 

The  oGcers  preserved  their  countenances  tolerably 
well,  and  one  said,  in  a  tone  of  indifference  : 

"  He  followed  you  from  the  room.  I  thought  he  would 
have  been  back  before  this." 

"  Mr.  Blogden,"  said  Tom  King,  "  I  wish  to  know  how 
much  longer  you  intend  to  keep  me  in  this  position  ? 
My  limbs  are  all  so  cramped,  that  I  suffer  intense  pain 
from  head  to  foot.  The  circulation  of  the  blood  is  com- 
pletely stopped.  Surely  it  is  base  and  ungenerous  to 
treat  a  prisoner  in  this  manner?" 

"  It  is  your  own  fault,"  growled  Blogden — "quite  your 
own  fault !  If  you  had  given  me  your  promise  you  might 
have  taken  it  easy." 

"  But  that  was  what  I  did  not  feel  inclined  to  do,  and 
which  I  still  refuse." 

"Very  well,  then,"  said  Blogden,  "hold  your  row! 
You're  worth  four  hundred  pounds  to  me,  and  I'll  take 
d — d  good  care  that  I  never  lose  sight  of  you  until  you 
are  safely  under  the  roof  of  Newgate  !" 

"  We  shall  see,"  said  Tom  King,  quietly.  "  I  believe 
there  is  such  a  thing  as  people  being  too  clever." 

"  Aha !  no  doubt,"  chuckled  Blogden — "  no  doubt — no 
doubt!" 

It  was  while  this  conversation  was  going  on  between 
the  leader  of  the  officers  and  the  prisoner,  that  the  man 
who  had  been  called  Cribbs  returned,  and  slipped  quietly 
into  his  seat,  exchanging,  as  he  did  so,  a  glance  of  pecu- 
liar intelligence  with  his  comrades,  unseen,  of  course,  by 
Blogden,  who  had  his  back  turned  towards  them. 


CHAPTER   CMLXV. 

AFFAIitS   AT  THE  INN  TAKE  A  MOST   EXTRAORDINARY   AND 
UNEXPECTED  TURN. 

Directly  afterwards  the  door  of  the  room  was  thrown 
open  by  the  landlady,  who  stood  on  one  side  in  order  to 
allow  some  one  else  to  enter. 

Being  interested  in  everything  that  took  place,  Tom 
King  languidly  turned  his  eyes  in  this  direction.  Ho 
would  have  turned  his  head,  but  this  was  impossible, 
owing  to  the  tightness  of  his  bonds. 

Then  he  saw  enter  the  room  a  person  he  had  not  yet 
6een  at  the  inn. 

This  man  was  dressed  half  like  an  ostler,  half  like  a 
general  servant,  and  in  front  of  him  he  carried  a  kind  of 
tray,  on  which  several  bottles  of  wine  were  laid. 

Directly  Tom  King  caught  sight  of  this  man's  face  he 
felt  perfectly  sure  that  he  had  seen  him  somewhere 
before,  but  in  what  place,  or  under  what  conditions,  hi3 
brain  was  then  too  much  harrassed  and  jerplexedto  allow 
him  to  remember. 

"  Here  you  are,  gentlemen,"  he  said,  as  he  set  the 
tray  down  on  the  table.  "  Prime,  this  'ere  is,  and  na 
mistake  !  I  ought  to  know,  'cause  I've  fetched  it  out  of 
the  cellars." 

"  Then,"  said  Blogden,  who  was  inclined  to  be  par- 
ticularly liberal  "  as  you  are  a  decent  sort  of  a  chap,  I 
don't  mind  asking  you  to  join  us  in  a  glass." 

"  Well,  sir,  I  don't  know  as  I  should  mind ;  but " 

"Jack,"  said  his  mistress,  in  her  usual  shrill,  angry 
tones,  "  do  you  know  what  you  are  saying  ?  Do  you 
know  I  am  here  ?     Leave  the  room  this  moment '" 

Very  much  in  the  manner  of  a  kicked  cur,  Jack  sneaked 
out  of  "the  room. 

The  landlady  stalked  after  him,  and  closed  the 
door. 

"  There's  a  nice  better  half  for  a  mau  to  have  !"  said 
Blogden  "  Thank  goodness  she's  not  Mi's.  B !  Now, 
then,  my  lads,"  he  said,  "  we'll  drink  this  nice  little  drop 
of  wine.  You  see  I  have  ordered  a  bottle  a-piece  for 
us,  and  then  we  shall  be  in  good  trim  for  our  journey." 

It  is  worthy  of  remark  that,  no  soo^r  «ere  these 
vords  spoken  than  the  officers  all  sprang  to  tnsir  ts*t, 


1592 


BLACK    BEH8;     OS, 


and  each  ona  seized   hold  of  a  bottle,  leaving  one  on  tha 
tray,  which,  of  course,  fell  to  Blogden's  share. 

Tom  King  thought  this  circumstance  peculiar;  but 
Blogden  evidently  took  no  notice  of  it,  for  he  picked  up 
the  bottle,  and  taking  the  corkscrew  that  was  beside  it, 
quickly  tapped  it.  ^ 

"  Now,  my  lads,"  he  said,  "  follow  my  example.  We 
must  manage  to  get  through  this  little  business  before 
the  waggon  comes.  I  am  told  we  may  expect  it  herd  in 
rather  more  than  half  an  hour." 

The  other  officers  willingly  enough  drow  forth  the 
corks,  then  each  simultaneously,  or  nearly  so,  pcured  him- 
self out  a  glass. 

"  A  toast,"  said  Blogden — "  a  toast.  Hero'o  good  luck 
to  the  winner  la 

The  glasses  were  drained. 

The  officers  exchanged  glances. 

"Upon  my  word,"  said  Blogden,  "it's  goodl  It's 
many  a  day  since  I  tasted  wine,  or  you  either,  very 
likely.  I  should  take  this  to  be  a  good  old  sort.  It 
tastes  as  though  it  had  been  down  in  the  cellar  a  very 
long  while." 

The  glasses  were  quickly  filled  and  emptied,  then,  for 
the  third  time,  the  wine  was  poured  out,  but  on  this 
occasion  the  glasses  were  allowed  to  stand  before  them 
on  the  table. 

"  It's  d — d  odd,"  said  Blogden,  after  a  pause,  "  but  I 
can't  think  what's  the  matter  with  my  head.  That  must 
bo  uncommonly  strong  wine,  or  else  it's  mixed  with  the 
ale.    Ah  !  that's  it — a  mixture  don't  agree." 

He  carried  his  hand  to  his  forehead  while  he  spoke. 

The  other  officers  seemed  to  bo  to  a  considerable  ex- 
tent under  the  influence  of  the  wine,  for  they  one  and  all 
complained  of  the  feeling  they  had  in  their  heads. 

It  was  rather  odd,  but  every  one  placed  his  hand  to 
bis  forehead,  and  then,  leaning  forward,  allowed  his 
elbow  to  rest  on  the  table,  so  that  they  were  all  very 
nearly  in  the  same  position. 

Some  time  elapsed,  but  not  a  word  was  spoken,  nor  did 
one  move. 

Tom  King  was  overcome  with  astonishment. 

Then  he  began  to  grow  alarmed,  and  finally  hopeful. 

Yet  he  fancied  that  perhaps  this  was,  after  all,  only  a 
scheme  to  annoy  him  ;  perhaps  they  were  pretending  to 
be  overcome  by  drink  in  order  that  they  might  have  the 
pleasure  of  witnessing  his  struggles  to  get  free. 

This  consideration  kept  Tom  King  for  some  time  quite 
still,  but  at  last  he  muttered  : 

"  They  are  drunk — dead  drunk,  every  one  of  them  ; 
it  mast  be,  I  suppose,  the  mixture  of  the  ale  and  wine, 
and  yet  I  should  have  thought  their  constitutions  strong 
enough  to  stand  anything,  Now,  curses  on  it,  ,-f  I  had 
not  made  that  other  futile  attempt,  I  could  get  free !  It 
is  impossible  now — quite  impossible." 

Nevertheless,  Tom  King  tugged  away  at  the  ropes, 
but  all  the  effect  he  produced  was  to  cut  his  wrists  and 
arms  severely. 

All  at  once  ho  stopped,  for  he  heard  a  strange,  faint 
tapping  sound. 

He  looked  up  at  once  in  the  direction  from  which  he 
imagined  the  sound  had  come. 

Evening  was  now  drawing  on  apace,  and  already  the 
room  in  which  the  officers  were  seated  was  plunged  in 
considerable  obscurity. 

The  darkness  had,  howevei,  come  on  so  gradually  that 
Tom  scarcely  noticed  it  until  the  present  moment. 

He  looked  about  him  then  and  saw  nothing. 

The  tapping  was  repeated. 

This  time  he  felt  certain  that  it  came  from  the  win- 
dow. 

ne  looked  keenly,  and  then  saw  the  face  of  a  man. 

For  a  moment  a  wild  idea  that  he  was  about  to  be 
rescued  camo  over  him ;  but  immediately  afterwards  he 
dismissed  ilfas  absurd. 

Nevertheless,  with  perfect  fascination,  he  fixed  his 
eyes  upon  the  face  at  the  window. 

He  saw  it  move. 

An  arm  was  raised,  and  then  the  casement  was  siowly 
and  cautiously  opened. 

The  intruder  listened  for  a  few  seconds,  and  whe*  ho 
heard  the  loud  and  deep  snores  proceeding  from  the 
sleeping  officers,  he  seemed  to  nod  his  head  with  satis- 
faction. 

Then,  stepping  lightly  into  the  room,  be  tarod  oa  tfptoej 


past  the  tablo,  &n 3  paused  close  to  the  Dlank   to  which 
Tom  King  was  bound. 

u  Hush — quiet !"  he  said.     "  Are  you  all  right  ?" 

"  Bcarcfjly,''  said  Tom.     "But  who  are  you  ?" 

"  Never  mind  just  at  present.  Keep  quiet  while  I  untie 
theso  knots." 

"  Yoa  could  not  perform  a  more  welcome  service  But 
how  is  It  that  you,  a  perfect  stranger,  are  willing  to  do 
this  for  me  ?" 

"  Ah  !  captain,"  said  the  man,  almost  with  a  sigh,  "  1 
find  you  have  forgotten  me,  and  it  is  as  well  for  you  to- 
day that  my  memory  is  not  so  short." 

"  I  fancied  I  had  seen  you  before,"  returned  Tom, 
"  but  I  behold  so  many  faces,  and  it  is  bard  to  recollect 
every  one." 

"No  doubt.  Quiet — lie  there;  that  Knot  fs  untied. 
Well,  once  upon  a  time  you  dealt  liberally  and  kindly  by 
mo,  and  I  am  not  the  one  to  forget  it.  But  I  will  explain 
more  in  a  little  while.     How  do  you  feel  now  ?" 

"  Better  I  think — better !"  said  Tom,  faintly. 

The  fact  was,  tho  loosening  of  the  ropes  removed  the 
impediments  to  the  freo  circulation  of  the  blood,  and  this 
being  done  somewhat  suddenly  caused  a  dreadful  feeling 
of  sickness  and  faintuess  to  come  over  the  highwayman. 

But  Jack,  the  ostler,  resolutely  went  on  untying  tho 
knots,  and  really  it  was  something  wonderful  to  see  the 
manner  in  which  they  came  undone  beneath  the  skill  of 
Lli  nimble  fingers. 

"  There,  captain,"  he  said  at  last,  "  you  are  free. 
Hullo  !  though,  that  won't  do !" 

To.n  King  had  endeavored  to  rise,  but  ho  failed. 

His  brain  turned  giddy,  and  he  fell  forward,  and  would 
have  reached  the  ground  heavily  had  not  the  ostler 
stretched  out  his  arm  and  saved  him. 

"  Gently — gently  !"  ho  said.  "  Just  take  hold  of  me 
round  the  neck,  will  you,  and  I  will  carry  you  out  into 
the  fresh  air." 

Tom  had  sufficient  sense  remaining  to  comply  with 
this  demand. 

Accordingly,  he  clasped  his  arms  round  the  ostler's 
neck,  and  that  individual,  by  an  exertion  of  the  great- 
strength  ho  possessed,  hoisted  him  on  to  his  back  and 
carried  him  across  the  room,  through  the  window,  and 
into  iLa  yard. 

"There,  captain!"  he  said.  "Just  keep  your  feef 
half  a  moment,  while  I  shut  the  window.  There,  that's  it 
— capital!     Now  come  along  with  me." 

Once  again  picking  him  up  in  a  similar  fashion,  the 
ostler  carried  the  almost  insensible  form  of  Tom  King 
across  the  yard  to  the  stable. 

As  soon  as  he  was  inside,  he  shook  Tom  roughly. 

"Now,  captain,"  he  said,  "you  must  rouse  yourself  up. 
The  next  thing  you  have  to  do  is  to  climb  up  yonder 
ladder.  I  would  carry  you  up  if  I  could,  but  it's  rathei 
too  much  for  my  strength.  You  go  first,  and  I  will  keep 
behind  you." 

Tom  was  anxious  indeed  to  make  his  escape,  and  his 
faculties  were  in  just  such  a  condition  as  to  make  him 
willing  to  obey  the  commands  of  anyone  wno  spoke  to 
him. 

Up  the  ladder  he  accordingly  with  great  difficulty 
managed  to  climb. 

Reaching  tho  top,  he  found  himself  in  a  rather  spacious 
hay-loft 

"Now,  captain,"  said  the  ostler,  "there's  plenty  of 
fresh,  clean  straw,  and  hay  too,  and  all  you  have  to  do  is 
to  lie  down  on  it,  roll  yourself  in  it,  a  id  you  are  safe  for 
some  time  to  come.  Stretch  yoursel '  out,  and  have  a 
good  rest.  I  will  answer  for  it  the  officers  will  not 
trouble  you  just  yet." 

Tom  King  did  as  he  was  told,  but  he  had  not  assumed 
a  recumbent  position  many  minutf  3  before  he  felt  the 
benefit  of  doing  so. 

The  blood,  working  more  equally,  circulated,  and  the 
dreadful  aching  in  his  limbs  to  some  extent  subsided. 

"  Now,  captain,"  said  the  ostler,  "  just  a  wee  drop  of 
bi  andy — a  wee  drop,  mind — will  be  the  best  thing  you 
can  have,  and  after  that  something  to  eat."        » 

Almost  mechanically  Tom  swallowed  not  much  mora 
than  a  table-spoonful  of  brandy,  which  the  ostler  gave 
him  from  a  small  bottle  he  produced  from  his  pocket. 

Tom's  curiosity  was  greatly  raised  by  the  mysterious 
tn;  »  events  had  taken. 

"  Never  mind  me,"  replied  the  ostler  to  some  of  hw 


THE   KNIGHT     6*  tV3t   EOAD. 


A  m» 


ffrtOi  TTJKPOl    ATT ACtS   TUK   COKSTABL*.  J 


fexjuirioe — "  I  am  your  friend — let  that  be  sufficient.  I 
can  tell  you  something  much  more  interesting  and  to  the 
purpose." 

"  And  what  may  that  be  ?" 

"  Why,  don't  you  think  U  odd  that  the  officera  shoulJ 
all  have  dropped  off  dead  drunk  so  soon  after  having  it 
the  wine  ?" 

"Very  strange  indeed  I"  said  Tom. 

"  Well  I'll  tell  you  the  whole  truth  about  it,  captain. 
I  was  sitting  in  the  stable  thinking  about  you,  and  cud- 
gelling my  brains  to  think  of  some  method  by  which  'I 
could  set  you  at  liberty — for  you  understand,  captain,"  he 
Interrupted,  "  I  recognised  you  at  once,  and  determined 
to  do  what  I  could  for  you." 

"  I  am  much  obliged." 

"  Oh,  don't  mention  it !" 

u  WelL  go  on.  you  were  saying  yon  war*  cJttiag  in 
ibe  stable." 

No.  200.— Black  Bass. 


«  Yea,  I  was  ;  that  was  after  Mr.  Blogd«n,  as  they  C&9 
Lira, -made  master  dead  drunk.  My  eye,  what  a  rage  tb« 
missis  was  in  to  be  sure  !  However,  I  carried  him  up  to 
bed,  and  he  was  all  the  time  muttering  something  about 
the  waggon." 

"Yes,"  said  Tom,  "it  was  arranged  that  when  tha 
carrier's  waggon  passed  I  should  be  placed  in  it  aloug 
with  some  of  the  officers." 

The  ostler  nodded. 

"  I  heard  about  the  kind  of  raffle  they  had  for  you,"'  he 
went  on,  "and  was  thinking  perhaps  that  might  be  turned 
to  your  advantage,  when  all  of  a  sudden  who  should  come 
isto  the  stable  but  one  of  the  officers.  He  took  a  crown 
piece  from  his  pocket  and  slipped  it  into  my  hand,  as  he 
slid: 

u '  Jack,  my  lad,  I  have  »n  Important  service  I  wast 
you  to  render  me,  and  if  you  do  it  well  yo*  shall  b**« 
four  Umes  that  amount  for  your  reward.' 


I\0.  2.0. 


Price  One  Halfpenny. 
M>.  201  will  be  Published  next  Monlay. 


159* 


BLACK.    BESS;    OR, 


"Of  course  I  wantod  to  kr/-*  what  the  ofMeer 
wanted. 

" '  Well,'  ho  said,  •  you  must  know  we  have  thrown 
dice  for  the  prisoner,  and  all  the  reward  is  going  to  be 
taken  by  Blogdeu.  Well,  we  don't  believe  he  played  fair 
for  it,  and  so  want  to  pay  him  off  in  his  own  coin.  Now, 
I  daresay  about  the  premises  you  have  got  some  kind  of 
sleeping  drug  or  other — I  mean  such  stuff  as  you  would 
mix  with  the  ale.' 

"'Oh,  yes,'  I  answered,  with  a  wink.  'I  see  you 
know  all  the  tricks  of  the  trade.' 

" '  1  was  in  the  public  line  myself  once,'  this  officer 
said,  and  then  he  told  me  to  draw  the  cork  out  of  one  of 
the  bottles  of  wine,  and  pop  enough  of  this  drug  into  it 
to  cause  anyone  to  become  insensible  after  drinking  a 
couple  of  glasses  or  so. 

"I  promised,  and  just  then  the  missis  called  me  to  go 
down  into  the  collar  and  fetch  up  the  wine,  so,  you  see, 
everything  favored  me." 

Tom  King  listened  to  these  revelations  with  the  ut- 
most amazement. 

"  Well,  captain,"  said  the  ostler,  "  I  saw  this — that  all 
was  plain  and  straightforward — that  I  could  set  you  free 
without  any  trouble  at  all,  besides  which  I  could  play  the 
officers  a  very  good  trick.  So  what  do  you  think  I  did  ? 
Why,  I  drew  the  corks  of  every  one  of  the  bottles  as  fast 
as  I  could,  and  poured  enough  of  the  stuff  into  each ;  then 
corked  them  up  again." 

"  Extraordinary !"  ejaculated  Tom.  "  I  should  almost 
have  said  incredible,  only  what  has  happened  fully  con- 
firms all  you  have  stated."  » 

"  Yes,  captain,  it's  true — quite  true." 

"But  how  comes  it."  added  Tom,  "that  the  officers 
did  not  notice  that  the  corks  had  been  previously 
drawn  ?" 

"Ah,  captain,  I  see  you  don't  know  any  ot  the  tricks 
of  the  trade.  Why,  there's  a  corkscrew  down  in  the 
cellar — a  hair  corkscrew,  they  call  it — with  wires  almost 
as  fine  as  a  hair,  and  yet  strong  enough  to  draw  out  a  cork. 
When  it  is  done  the  cork  can  be  put  back  again,  and  the 
hole  that  is  left  is  so  small  that  no  one  could  find  it  un- 
less they  guessed  it  was  there  and  searched  very  narrowly 
for  it." 

"  That  accounts  for  it  at  once,"  said  Tom  King.  "  But 
I  feel  that  I  shall  never  be  able  to  thank  you  enough  or 
to  do  sufficient  to  show  you  how  much  I  appreciate  the 
service  you  have  rendered  me.  But  fear  nothing.  You 
shall  not  go  unrewarded — I  will  take  care  of  that!  I 
shall  always  remember  that  I  owe  you  my  life." 

"  There — there,  captain,  that  will  do — I  don't  want  any 
more  of  that!  I  consider  that  what  I  did  just  serves  the 
officers  right.    It's  a  case  of  the  biter  bit." 

"Well,  but  how  shall  you  proceed?"  said  Tom — 
"  what's  the  next  move  ?" 

"  Well,  captain,  that  I  leave  to  you.  I  thought,  per- 
haps, you  might  be  able  to  jump  on  to  the  back  of  your 
horse,  and  gallop  off ,  but  I  sadly  fear  you  are  too  weak 
and  exhausted  for  anything  of  that  kind," 

"  I  don't  think  so,"  said  Tom,  and  immediately  he  made 
an  effort  to  rise  to  his  feet.  ■ 

He  quickly  found  he  had  miscalculated  his  strength 
entirely. 

He  swayed  to  and  fro  for  a  moment,  then  fell  bf.ck  on 
to  the  mass  of  hay  and  straw. 


CHAPTER  CMLXVI. 

IN    WHICH    TOM    KING    HAS    AN    AMPLE    REVENGE    UPON 
THE  POLICE  OFFICERS. 

"  There  you  go,  captain,"  said  the  ostler.  "  I  knew  iusi,- 
how  it  would  be.  You  are  clean  done  up,  and  no  wonder ; 
and  what's  more,  if  you  are  able  to  move  for  the  next  day 
or  two,  it's  an  odd  thiDg  to  me." 

"  Then,"  said  Tom  King,  "  I  am  as  good  ao  a  dead  man 
already,  for  I  must  get  away  from  tho  inn  before  the 
officers  recover  their  senses." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  said  the  ostler — "  either  you  must  go  or 
the  officers.    Yes,  yes — that's  quite  right." 

"What  do  you  mean?"  said  Tom.  "Do  you  for  a 
moment  suppose  tho  officers  will  leave  without  making 
a  rigid  search  of  the  promises  ?" 

"Yes,"  6aid  tho  ostler,  "I  think  it  very  likely  they 
Win." 


"But  how  long  will  it  be  before  they  recover  troT=.  :na 
effects  of  the  drug  ?" 

"  Some  hours,  captain — I  gave  it  'em  strong." 

"  Well,  then,  I  have  that  much  rest  before  me." 

"  So  you  have.  But,  captain,  I'vo  made  my  mind  up 
fa  one  thing." 

"  And  what  may  that  be  ?" 

"  Why,  that  you  can't  go  away  from  the  inn  and  ensuro 
your  safety  that  way.  The  officers  must  go  instead, 
leaving  you  here  snug  and  comfortable." 

"  You  wc/^d  be  a  clever  man,  Jack,  if  you  could 
manage  that." 

"Well,  I  don't  know;  it  seems  to  me  nothing  would  be 
easier." 

"  You  are  jesting." 

"  Not  a  bit,  captain.  Of  course  I  needn't  tell  you  what 
the  officers  hoped  to  do  was  to  leave  Blogden  hero,  over- 
powered by  the  drug,  while  they  took  you  in  the  waggon 
to  Loudon." 

"  Yes,  that  was  their  intention,  simply  because  he  had 
won  the  greatest  share  of  tho  reward." 

"  Well,  perhaps  you  know  how  it  was  arranged  for  tho 
waggon  to  be  made  use  of  ?" 

"  Yes,  I  think  I  do." 

"But,"  said  Jack,  very  impressively,  "that  particular 
arrangement  was  made  with  master,  and  now  he's  lying 
on  the  bed  upstairs  as  drunk  as  a  pig,  and  it's  a  question 
who  will  recover  possession  of  their  senses  first,  he  or 
the  police  officers." 

"  Well,  but  I  can't  see  what  you  are  driving  at." 

"  Oh,"  said  the  ostler,  with  a  twinkle  in  his  eye,  "  it 
will  bo  the  richest  joke  that  ever  was  heard  of  in  this 
world !  I  will  tell  you,  captain  :  When  the  waggon  goes 
by,  of  course  it  will  stop  here — it  always  does ;  then  I 
shall  tell  the  driver  that  a  party  of  gentlemen  have 
stopped  here,  and,  being  overcome  by  liquor,  wanted  to 
ride  back  in  his  waggon  to  Londou." 

"  But  the  landlady,"  objected  Tom — "  she  will  tell  him 
all." 

"Not  so,"  said  Jack.  "I  will  try  to  keep  her  out  of 
the  way  if  I  can.  And  then,  I  must  tell  you  that  she 
hates  the  sight  of  these  officers,  simply  beca-use  they  have 
made  her  husband  so  drunk.  Won't  it  be  a  good  joke, 
captain  ?  Can't  you  fancy  what  a  lark  it  will  be  to  carry 
those  clever  gentlemen  one  by  one,  and  lay  them  down  in 
the  straw  at  the  bottom  of  the  waggon  ?  Then  away 
they  will  go,  and  ten  to  one  if  they  wake  up  much  before 
they  reach  London." 

In  spite  of  the  pain  he  suffered,  and  the  perilous 
nature  of  his  position,  Tom  King  laughed  most  heartily 
at  this  idea. 

It  was  a  thought  that  had  never  occurred  to  him. 

"  If  it  can  be  done,  Jack — if  it  can  only  be  done !  Yet 
upon  second  thoughts,  I  think  I  had  better  endeavor  to 
leave  here." 

"Why,  captain — why?" 

"  Because  discovery  of  the  part  you  have  taken  fa 
certain,  and  the  consequences  will  be  serious  to  you." 

"  I  can't  see  that,  captain — I  can't  seo  that  .at  all." 

"Indeed!     Why  not?" 

"  Because  the  officers,  being  ali  drunk  alike,  won't  bo 
able  to  reproach  one  another,  and  you  may  depend  that 
those  who  are  in  the  secret  of  drugging  Blogden  will  bo 
careful  to  hold  their  tongues.  Then  when  they  come 
back  we  have  only  to  say  that,  not  properly  understand- 
ing the  arrangement  that  had  been  made,  and  having  no 
means  of  asking  questions,  we  had  done  the  best  wo  could 
under  the  circumstances." 

Tom  King  tried  to  rise  again. 

He  would  infinitely  have  preferred  to  leave  the  inn 
behind  him  ;  but,  to  his  dismay,  he  actually  found  that 
he  was  more  helpless  and  weak  than  he  had  been  a  short 
time  beforo. 

"You  must  leave  it  to  me,"  said  the  ostler,  decisively, 
v  and  if  you  will  only  let  me  carry  the  matter  out,  rely 
upon  it,  it  will  end  quite  well.  Hark  !  As  I  live,  I  can  hear 
the  waggon  approaching  now.  We  shall  soon  know 
whether  we  are  to  be  successful  in  getting  rid  of  tho 
office  rs  or  not." 

Tom  King  was  close  to  tho  opening  in  the  loft,  which 
served  as  a  window,  and  being  in  this  position,  he  was 
able  to  hear  with  tolerable  distinctness  the  approach  of 
the  waggon. 

The  tinkling  of  the  bells  upon  the  horses'  harness  sooa 


THE  KNIGHT  OP  THE   KOAD. 


1595 


»*do  itself  distinctly  hoard,  and  then  tho  ostler,  after 
many  injunctions  to  Tom  to  keep  himself  well  covered 
with  straw,  descended  the  ladder,  and  made  his  way  to 
the  front  of  the  inn. 

It  was  only  with  difficulty  that  he  could  restrain  his 
exultation  and  delight  within  something  like  reasonable 
bounds ;  ho  was  almost  bursting  with  laughter. 

Ho  walked  straight  to  the  bar  where  the  landlady  was 
standing. 

"  Missis,"  he  said — "  missis  !" 

"  Yes,  Jack,  what  is  it  ?" 

"Why,  theso  gentlemen  seom  to  have  gcoe  veryv^aiet 
all  at  once,  don't  they  ?" 

"  Yes,  the  drunken  wretches !"  was  the  angry  reply. 
"  I  daresay  they  fire  all  insensible." 

"  Very  likely,"  said  Jack.  "  And  here  cornea  the 
waggow." 

"Well,  what  of  that?" 

"  Why,  they  agreed  with  master  to  rido  in  the  waggon. 
Didn't  you  hear  something  said  about  it?" 

"  Yes,  I  did  hear  something ;  but  I'm  not  going  to 
trouble  myself  about  such  beasts ;  they  should  look  after 
their  own  business;  I  don't  intend  to  look  after  it  for 
them." 

"  Well,  missis,  what  shall  I  do  ?" 

"  Do  as  you  like,"  was  the  answer.  "  I  am  not  going 
to  say  a  word  to  them,  and  trouble  to  wako  them  up  if 
they're  asleep,  or  ask  a  single  question ;  I  only  hope 
their  prisoner  escapes." 

With  these  words,  the  landlady  flounced  round  and 
passed  through  the  door  iuto  another  room,  where  she 
began  working  away  at  a  prodigious  rate,  turning  every 
object  topsy-turvy,  as  was  her  custom  wnenever  her  mind 
was  perturbed. 

"That's  the  ticket!"  said  the  ostler,  as  he  slapped  his 
thigh.  "  It  could  not  be  better ;  now  I  can  manage  it 
first  rate  !" 

At  this  moment  in  walked  the  waggoner.  He  knew 
the  ostler  at  a  glance,  and  nodded  to  him. 

"Just  see  to  my  horses,  will  you,  Jack  ?" 

"Oh,  yes!"  Jack  replied.  "But,  Ben,  there's  den 
such  a  lark  hero  to-day,  and  ain't  the  missis  just  mad, 
that's  all!" 

"  Why,  what's  the  matter  ?"  asked  the  waggoner. 
s  Where's  the  gaffer  ?" 

"Well,  I'll  tell  you,"  said  the  ostler.  "  But  wait  a  bit, 
I  will  draw  you  your  jug.  Missis  has  left  me  to  look 
after  tho  place." 

A  jug  of  ale  was  accordingly  drawn,  and  then  the 
ostler  continued : 

"  Why,  Ben,  a  purty  of  the  nimmest  fellows  came  here 
to-day;  they  look  to  me  like  police  officers;  but,  how- 
ever, they  are  out  for  a  lark.  They  got  master  iuto  tho 
room  and  made  him  dead  drunk,  and  now  he's  upstairs  on 
the  bed  sleeping  it  off ;  and  as  for  the  rest  of  'em  they 
have  guzzled  down  such  a  quantity  of  wino  that  they  are 
as  helpless  as  logs  of  wood." 

1  Well,"  said  Ben,   "  but  what  of  that  ?" 

"  Why,"  said  the  ostler,  "  of  course  some  o'  these  c_/ups 
gave  in  sooner  than  the  rest,  and  the  remainder,  know- 
ing that  about  four  were  already  so  far  gone  as  to  be  un- 
able to  ride  on  horseback,  determined  to  ask  you 
to  give  them  a  ride  in  your  waggon.  Well,  now  they're 
all  in  the.  same  pickle,  and  I  suppose  what  they  want  is 
to  ride  all  together  to  London." 

"  Oh,  ah  !"  said  Ben,  who  probably  smelt  out  some- 
thing profitable  to  himself  in  the  undertaking — "that's 
it,  no  doubt " 

"Well,"  said  Jack,  "I  should  not  like  to  take  upon 
myself  to  >iay.  Let  us  go  into  the  room  and  wake  one  of 
them  up  and  a<k  him.'' 

This  was  agreed  to,  and  to  th^  ioom  accordingly  they 
went. 

Most  of  the  officers  were  still  standing  round  the  table 
in  the  position  we  have  described  ;  but  somo  had  fallen 
forward,  a  a  J  two  had  slipped  under  tho  table. 

"That  seems  to  be  the  head  man,"  said  tho  ostler, 
pointing  to  Blogden,  "because  he  ordered  everything 
and  paid  for  it,  and  it  was  him  that  made  master  so 
awfully  drunk.  I  should  think  wfo'd  better  try  to  wake 
him." 

"Oh,  just  as  you  like  l"  said  the  waggoner.  "1  leave 
It  to  you." 

Jack  shook   Blogden  furiously  for  some  moments,  aDd 


at  last  was  successful  in  extracting  a  kind  of  grumbling 
sound. 

"Sir — sir!"  said  Jack,  putting  h\-3  lips  close  to  ids  or.r 
and  bawling  at  the  very  top  of  his  voice — "  sir — sir  1" 

Another  groan  came  by  way  of  reply. 

"Tho  waggon's  hero!"  bawled  Jack  again— "the 
\j*ggon'scome!" 

These  words  seemed  in  some  confused  manner  to  reach 
the  bewildered  intellects  of  tho  chief  officer,  for  ho  opened 
his  eyes,  and  glared  vacantly  around  him,  like  one  half 
aroused  from  deep  slo-p. 

"  The  waggon  ?  Oti,  yes,  that's  right !  Put  him  in- 
put him  in !" 

"I  told  you  that  was  what  ho  wanted,"  said  Jack  to 
the  waggoner. 

Joe  Blogden  fell  forward,  and  struck  his  head  quite  a 
sharp  blow  on  the  table,  after  which  ho  remained  perfectly 
still. 

"  Well,  they're  a  nice  lot,"  said  the  waggoner — "  a 
very  nice  lot.  But,  however,  as  my  waggon  is  empty,  I 
may  as  well  take 'em  as  not;  they  are  sure  to  give  mo 
something  for  my  trouble." 

"  Oh,  yes !"  said  Jack,  with  a  grin,  "  I  Wouldn't 
wonder  if  you  dou't  find  'em  to  bo  very  liberal." 

"Come  on  then,"  said  Ben,  nothing  loath;  "you  help 
me,  and  we'll  carry  them  into  the  waggon  pretty  quick." 

Jack  'int  a  hand  willingly  enough. 

TIig  officers  were  one  by  one  taken  up  and  carried  by 
tho  head  and  heels  out  of  the  inn  and  placed  on  the  straw 
at  the  bottom  of  the  waggon. 

Some  made  a  few  convulsive  movements. 

In  particular  there  was  one  on  whom  the  drug  did  net 
seem  to  have  produced  so  great  an  effect  as  the  rest,  for 
he  opened  his  eyes  to  their  fullest  extent,  and  in  a  thick, 
husky  voico,  said : 

"What's  the  matter?     Where  are  we  going  ?" 

"Into  the  waggon,"  said  Jack. 

"  Oh,  all  right,"  half-grunted,  half-muttered  the  officer, 
sleepily,  "  the  waggon,  of  course — I  know — I       ■" 

He  lapsed  off  iuto  silence,  and  the  next  moment  was 
lying  comfortably  by  the  side  of  his  companions. 

When  they  had  all  been  bestowed,  and  the  waggoner's 
horse  attended  to,  Jack  and  Ben  returned  to  the  bar  to 
finish  their  jug,  and  just  then,  as  fate  would  have  it,  the 
landlady  came  out  of  the  inner  room. 

"  Good  evening,"  said  tho  waggoner  to  her.  "  I'vo  got 
a  rummy  load  to-night,  missis." 

"  Tho  druiinen  wretches  !"  sho  said,  wrathfully.  "  Have 
you  put  them  in  the  waggon  ?" 

"  Yes,  missis,  I  have." 

" Well,  it's  more  than  I  would  have  done  for  them; 
'hey  deserve  to  be  every  one  rolled  into  a  ditch  and  left 
there  till  sober !" 

The  ale  was  finished,  and  as  they  went  away  tho  ostler 
nudged  his  friend  in  tho  ribs. 

"Missis  is  awfully  mad.  Tho  old  man  has  not  been 
drunk  for  months,  and  she  thought  she'd  got  him  quito 
out  of  it.  Won't  there  be  a  little  bit  of  a  row  to-mor- 
row !" 

"  Very  likely,"  said  tho  waggoner.  "  I  -ihall  most  likely 
bo  back  by  about  this  time  to-morrow  night,  or  perhaps 
by  daybreak  the  next  morning." 

"  All  right,"  said  Jack,  "  and  thin  yru  can  let  me  know 
how  you  have  got  on  with  those  gents." 

"  I  can ;  but  I  say,  Jack." 

"  What  ?" 

"  Suppose  I  was  to  go  all  tho  way  to  Londou  and  they 
<cere  not  to  wako  up  ?" 

"  Well  ?" 

"  What  should  I  do  then  ?" 

"Well,"  said  Jack,  scratching  his  head  with  a  half- 
muzzled  air,  "  I  scarcely  know  what  to  say.  I  don't  nana 
tolling  you  what  I  think,  and  if  1  do  you  are  not  obliged 
\*>  cany  it  out." 

"Ehl  what?"  said  tne  waggoner.  "I  don't  under- 
stand." 

"  Yes  you  dcy'  said  the  ostler.  "  I  believe  these  men. 
are  officers — judging  from  their  dress,  I  should  say  they 
was,  and  judging  from  their  actions  I  should  say  they 
wasn't,  'cause  it  isn't  usual  for  police  officers  to  go  about 
the  country  getting  drunk  and  riding  back  to  London  iu 
a  waggon,  is  it  ?" 

"  I  never  Vsrd  of  such  ?.  thing  before,"  eaid  t&3  Wkg' 
goner. 


159fi 


BLACK  BE88;   OR, 


"Well,  if  you  should  find  them  helpless  when  yon  get 
there,"  added  Jack,  "  I  should  recommend  you  to  drive  to 
Bow  Street  police  station,  then  you  will  know  more  about 
it.  If  they  are  officers,  all  well  and  good,  and  if  they 
are  not,  why  the  police  will  take  care  of  them  unti.  J\uy 
come  to  their  seases." 

"  That's  a  very  good  idea  of  yours,  Jacn.'->  .hat's"  the 
proper  thing  to  do,"  assented  the  waggoner  "  and  if  in 
case  they  don't  wake  up,  that's  where  I'll  take  »*=»." 

"  Very  well.     Good-night." 

"  Good-night,"  said  the  waggoner,  as  ho  climbed  up 
into  his  lofty  seat.  "  Good-night,  Jack,  and  you  may 
depend  on  seeing  me  either  to-morrow  night  or  the  fol- 
lowing morning." 

With  these  words  the  waggoner  smacked  his  whip 
loudly  ond  off  set  his  team  at  a  very  tolerable  rate  con- 
sidering the  nature  of  the  load  they  had  bchmd  them. 

The  ostler  stood  watching  until  darkness  hid  the 
waggon  from  his  sight ;  then,  unable  any  longer  to  restrain 
his  mirth,  he  leaned  up  against  the  gate-post  and  laughed 
until  the  tears  rolled  down  his  cheeks,  and  until  his  sides 
fairly  ached. 

"  Oh,  it's  too  rich  a  joke — too  rich  1  Won't  they  be 
mad  when  they  wake  up !  I  fancy  I  see  'em  ;  I'd  give 
ono  whole  year's  wages  freely  if  I  could  only  be  invisible 
in  the  waggon  at  the  time  when  they  do  open  their  eyes. 
Why,  I  shouldn't  wonder  if  they  were  to  get  into  a  rage 
and  set  to  work  fighting  e.tch  other  like  so  many  mad 
cats.  Oh,  it's  too  good!  I  OAn't  take  it  all  in  yet — I  feel 
I  can't.  But  wait  a  bit — quiet,  Jack,  quiet ;  you  have  got 
a  great  deal  to  do  yet,  and  above  all  things  don't  forgot 
tho  captain." 


CHAPTER   CMLXVIT. 

TOM  KINO    MAKES    HIMSELF   TOLERALLY    CO1S70RTAKLE  IN 
THE  LOFT. 

While  Jack,  the  ostler,  muttered  these  words  half-aloud, 
his  countenance  by  degrees  changed  from  an  expression 
of  uncontrollable  mirth  to  ono  of  extreme  gravity. 

He  shook  his  head  once  or  twice  to  and  fro,  from  which 
it  may  be  inferred  that  he  was  not  altogether  blind  to 
the  danger  and  risk  he  ran  by  thus  aiding  and  abetting 
the  notorious  highwayman. 

He  made  his  way  at  once  direct  to  the  stables,  and  hav- 
ing entered,  closed  tho  door. 

By  the  time  he  had  ascended  the  perpendicular  ladder 
and  gained  the  loft  above,  his  face  had  resumed  its  usual 
cheerful,  jolly  aspect. 

"Hullo!"  he  6aid,  in  a  faint  voice.  "Captain — cap- 
tain, I've  come  back  ;  it's  all  right." 

There  was  no  reply. 

"What  can  bo  the  matter  ?"  thought  Jack.  "Surely 
he's  not  gone.     No — no  ;  but  wait  a  bit,  I'll  get  a  light." 

The  loft  was  now  so  profoundly  dark  that  it  was  im- 
possible to  6ce  from  one  side  of  it  to  the  other. 

From  tho  stable  beneath,  however,  he  pi-oduced  a 
lantern,  and  by  the  aid  of  this  in  searching  about  he  dis- 
covered Tom  King  lying  upon  the  straw  very  much  in 
the  same  position  as  that  in  which  ho  had  left  him. 

"  He's  asleep,"  said  Jack. 

This  was  indeed  the  fact,  although  at  first  it  may  seem 
6trange,  even  unaccountable,  that  Tom  Kin£  could  fall 
off  into  a  slumber  in  such  a  place. 

But  tho  fact  was,  his  slumber  was  one  produced  bv  his 
state  of  utter  and  complete  exhaustion. 

Ho  had  sunk  off  to  sleeo  quite  unconsciously — in  fact, 
he  had  almost  6wooned. 

But  the  ostler  satisfied  himself  tnat  he  was  sleeping 
peacefully,  and  having  done  so,  he  turned  aside. 

"  Lot  him  rest,"  he  murmured — "  let  him  rest ;  ho  will 
wake  up  a  fresh  man.     I'll  see  that  he  is  perfectly  safa." 

Jack  sat  down  at  once  to  watch,  choosing  a  position 
near  to  the  circular  window  of  tho  loft,  which  enabled 
him  to  hear  distinctly  all  that  might  take  place  ou  side, 
and,  should  the  moon  break  forth,  would  allow  him  a  oler- 
able  view  of  the  country  round. 

Here,  then,  he  remained  patiently  on  the  watcu  for  a 
long,  long  time. 

It  may  be  that  ne  dozed  once  or  twice,  for  it  was  not 
until  there  were  palpable  indications  in  the  cast  that  the 
coming  of  the  new  day  was  not  far  distant  that  a  slight 
sound  was  heard  indicating  that  Tom  King  was  rousing 
himself. 


Jack  turned  round  at  onco. 

"Well,  captain,"  h<»  said,  "I  should  think  you  f*»l 
better  after  that  little  Dit  of  a  snooze,;  do  you  not  ?" 

Tom  King  pressed  his  hands  to  his  head  in  a  be- 
wildered way;  he  could  not  understand  at  first  where  he 
was,  and  was  beyond  measure  puzzled  to  know  what  had 
happened. 

By  degrees  recollection  came  back  to  him,  and  then  he 
sat  ap  in  tho  straw  thoroughly  awake. 

"  The  officers,"  he  asked,  anxiously — "  where  are  the 
officers  ?    Tell  me  that !" 

With  great  difficulty  tho  ostler  controlled  his  propen- 
sity to  indulge  in  an  explosion  of  laughter  ;  he  was  only 
ablo  to  succeed  by  noticing  the  extreme  anxiety  with 
whicn  Toil  asked  the  question. 

"They're  gone,  captain,"  he  said,  "  don't  be  alarmed 
about  them  in  the  least — I  assure  you  there  is  no  occa- 
sion." 

"Gone?"  repeated  Tom,  incredulously. 

"  Yes.  Just  wait  a  moment,  and  I  will  tell  you  all  about 
it." 

Jack  diil  60. 

Tom  King  listened  with  unbounded  wonder. 

Then,  in  a  grave  voice,  he  asked  : 

"  And  do  you  really  mean  to  say,  Jack,  that  you  have 
had  the  audacity  to  do  this  ?" 

"  The  what,  oaptain  ?  I  don't  know  that  word ;  but  if 
you  mean  havo  I  done  it,  why,  I  say  yes.  Aha !  isn't  it 
a  good  joke  ?" 

"Jack,"  said  Tom  King,  "it  strikes  me  you  will  have 
to  pay  dearly  for  it.  Where's  my  horse — I'll  be  off  at 
<mce ;  and  if  you  are  wise,  you  will  make  yourself  scarce 
as  quickly  as  you  can  !" 

"  Gently,  captain — gently — not  so  fast,  if  you  ploaso  ;  I 
havt  aot  tol  J  you  all  yet." 

"  Indeed  !    What  have  you  to  say  ?" 

'•  Why,  ihis :  I  think  I  shall  clear  myself  very  well  in 
the  matter;  I  am  not  at  all  alarmed  on  account  of  that.' 

"  But,"  interrupted  Tom  King,  "  tho  officers  will  be 
filled  with  rage  when  they  find  how  they  have  been 
played  with,  and  an  immense  troop  of  them  will  bo  sent 
down  without  delay." 

"  I'm  not  so  certain  of  that,"  wag  the  answer.  "  In 
the  first  place,  they  had  never  been  this  road  before ;  I 
gathered  that  from  what  they  said,  and  it's  odd  to  me  if 
I  didn't  give  them  enough  of  tho  drug  to  make  them  re- 
main fast  asleep  until  they  were  delivered  at  Bow  Street 
station.    Delivered!  only  just  think  of  that  now!" 

Jack  laughed  again,  and  this  time  Tom  King  joined 
in  heartily. 

"Well,  when  they  come  to  themselves,"  pursued  the 
ostler,  "they  won't  be  able  to  tell  just  where  abouts  this 
inn  really  is  ;  they  will  have  an  idea  of  its  locality,  and 
very  likely  will  search  closely  until  they  find  it,  but  that 
will  take  them  some  time." 

"  Yes,"  said  Tom  King,  "  that's  true  enough ;  I  didn't 
think  of  that  before." 

"  But  1  did,  captain  ;  and,  what's  still  more  to  the  point, 
either  to-night  or  early  to-morrow  morning  tho  waggoner 
will  be  passing  this  way  again,  and  from  him  I  shall  learn 
full  particulars,  and  until  then,  captain,  my  advice  is  that 
you  remain  quiet  where  you  are,  and  get  your  strength 
up.     Rely  upon  it  you  shall  not  be  disturbed." 

"  Many  thanks,"  said  Tom — "  many  thanks ;  but  I  rauot 
be  moving,  and  I  think  I  cannot  do  better  than  take  the 
opportunity  of  a  parting  now." 

Jack  looked  disappointed. 

Tom  King  rose  quickly  to  his  fwrl. 

No  sooner,  howover,  had  he  assumed  an  erect  posture 
than  he  became  all  in  a  moment  conscious  of  the  extreme 
state  of  weakness  he  was  in. 

Ho  reeled  and  almost  fell. 

"Now,  captain,"  said  the  ostler,  decidedly,  "you  must 
not  think  of  leaving  here  like  that ;  besides,  there  is  no 
earthly  occasion — take  my  word  for  it,  you  are  safe.  Just 
keep  still — that's  all  you  have  to  do." 

"  But  will  not  this  loft  be  visited  ?" 

"  Not  by  anybody  except  myself,  captain  ;  I  have  the 
stables  all  to  myself.  I  don't  think  master  has  been  up 
here  since  the  last  lot  of  hay  and  straw  was  brought." 

"Then,"  said  Tom,  rather  faintly,  "I  will  stay;  I  am 
not  so  strong  as  I  should  wish  to  be  ;  besides,  1  have  a 
wound  which,  though  getting  well,  gives  me  much  trouble, 
and — and     '»" 


TUB    KNIGHT  0»  THE  ROAD. 


1597 


"  Wnat,  captain  ?" 

"If  you  could  fiud  mo  something  to  eat,  and  bring  it 

horo  unknown  to  everybody " 

•  That  shall  be  done,  captain  ;  nothing  could  be  easier. 
feu  leave  that  to  me ;  why,  I  was  just  about  to  propose  it." 

Tom  came  closer  towards  the  circular  window,  and 
looked  out. 

A  fair,  pleasant  enough  scene  was  spread  before  his 
gaze — one  of  those  pretty,  rural  landscapes  for  which 
England  is  so  famous,  and  upon  which  the  sye  is  never 
tired  of  looking. 

"  You  seem  very  quiet  and  lonely  here,''  was  Tom's  rei- 
niark  as  be  turned  away. 

"  Very  quiet.  We  are  not  much  troubled  by  customers  ; 
they  seem  to  grow  fewer  and  fewer  every  day,  and  if  trade 
doesn't  alter  I  shall  look  out  for  a  fresh  place." 

"  I  will  tell  you  what  you  shall  do,"  said  Tom  King. 
"Such  a  service  as  you  have  rendered  me  shall  not  go 
unrewarded ;  I  will  take  care  to  supply  you  with  the 
means  to  enalle  you  to  6et  up  in  business  yourself." 

"Thanks,  captain,  and  then  1  shall  indeed  be  deeply 
in  your  debt,  yet  I  shall  hope  for  the  ooming  of  the  day 
when  I  may  be  able  to  repay  you." 

"There — there,  that  will  do." 

"  Well,  captain,  J'm  off  now — a  fresh  thought  occurs  to 
me." 

"What  is  it?" 

"  Why,  the  officers,  when  they  come,  will  doubtless  ap- 
proach the  iun  from  the  direction  of  London,  will  they 
not?" 

"  Almost  certain." 

"WelL  then,  a  particular  friend  and  companion  of 
mine  is  at  work  in  a  meadow  some  little  distance  ell — I 
»y  at  work,  but  that's  hardly  right :  I  expect  to  neat  him 
go  by  the  front  of  the  inn  every  minute." 

"  Well,''  said  Tom,  "  what  of  that  ?" 

"  Why,  this  meadow  that  he  is  iu  is  near  the  top  if  a 
hill,  and  from  it  you  can  6ee  for  a  very  long  way.  Ho 
can  be  trusted,  and  I  will  tell  him  to  keep  a  sharp  look- 
out for  police  officers.  If  he  sees  any  he  is  to  come  her* 
and  let  mo  know." 

"  That  would  be  doing  a  good  service  indeed,"  answertJ 
Tom ;  "  I  should  feel  much  more  content,  because  then  J 
should  have  the  chance  of  escaping." 

"  Of  course  you  would." 

"  But  are  you  sure  he  is  to  be  trusted  ?" 

"  I  will  answer  for  him,  captain." 

"  That  is  enough  then." 

"Fmoff.  Hark,  I  can  hear  him — he  always  walks  along 
whistling  like  that." 

The  sound  of  some  person  whistling  a  very  intricate, 
unmelodious  tune  could  tiow  be  heard,  accompanied  by 
the  tread  of  a  heavy  footsiep. 

Jack  descended  the  ladder  precipitately,  and  carried  out 
his  intention. 

He  also  brought  Tom  King  the  materials  of  a  rude  re- 
past, of  whicL  the  highwayman  partook  heartily. 

He  was  now  tolerably  at  ease  in  his  new  quarters,  for 
he  trusted  to  having  timely  intimation  of  the  police 
officers'  approach. 

"Now,  captain,"  said  the  ostler,  "don't  you  feel  won- 
derfully better?" 

"  I  do  indeed." 

"  Well,  then,  just  let  me  have  a  look  at  the  wound  you 
spoke  ot  j  no  doubt  it  will  be  the  better  for  a  little  bathing 
and  fresh  bandaging." 

"  \e» — yes,"  said  Tom,  "it  pains  me  sadly.' 

His  hurt  was  attended  to  by  the  ostler,  who  acquitted 
himself  of  the  task  in  a  very  creditable  manner. 

When  he  had  finished,  he  said : 

"  Now,  captain,  if  you  will  only  take  my  advice  and 
condescend  to  be  guided  by  mo  you  will  remain  just 
where  you  are  for  a  fow  days.  Rest  and  quiet  are  the 
only  things  you  require,  and  if  you  have  them  you  will 
be  yourself  again." 

Tom  King  felt  tne  full  force  and  truth  of  these  re- 
marks. 

He  had  had  enoagh  of  adventures  during  the  few  pre- 
ceding days  to  make  him  desirous  of  a  short  interval  of 
quiet. 

He  reckoned  up  the  time  that  was  still  to  elapse  before 
the  appointed  hour  of  meeting,  and  having  done  so,  felt 
that  it  would  indeed  be  advantageous  if  he  could  remain 
In  his  present  quarters  until  the  time  armed, 


Of  this  he  said  nothing  to  the  ostler,  who,  however, 
watched  the  workings  of  his  countenance  with  some 
anxiety. 

Having  at  last  arrived  at  a  decision,  Tom  said  : 

'•  Well,  then,  my  friend— for  you  have  in  good  truth 
proved  yourself  to  be  such — I  will  follow  your  advice 
and  remain  here,  unless  the  officers  compel  me  to  change 
my  quartors." 

"Don't  be  afraid  oi  them,"  said  Jack,  almost  con- 
temptuously, "it  will  be  two  or  three  days  before  they 
reach  here,  I'll  warrant." 

In  such  conversation  as  this,  much  of  the  time  was 
whiled  away. 

The  extreme  state  of  weakness  to  which  Tom  King 
was  reduced  made  him  require  an  extra  quantity  of  sleep, 
and  therefore  much  of  the  time  that  would  otherwise 
have  hung  most  heavily  upon  his  hands  was  passed  in  the 
unconsciousness  of  slumber. 

So  soon  as  darkness  set  in,  Jack  the  ostler,  having  ap- 
prised Tom  King  of  his  determination,  took  up  his  quarters 
outside  the  inn  with  the  intention  of  watching  patiently 
until  his  friend  the  waggoner  arrived. 

His  impatience  was  great,  although,  as  it  turned  out,  he 
had  to  wait  for  a  much  less  time  than  he  had  antici- 
pated. 

It  was,  indeed,  rather  before  midnight  that  Jack's  atten- 
tive ears  caught  the  sound  of  the  revolving  waggon 
wheels. 

"Now  for  the  news,"  he  ejaculated,  rubbing  his  hands 
briskly  together,  and  starting  up  from  tho  horse-trough 
•^n  which  he  had  been  seated — "now  for  the  news.  Oh, 
hosv  I  wish  I  could  only  have  seen  the  joke  out  to  tLe 
ond" 

At  length  the  waggoner  drew  up  before  the  inn  door. 

Jack  peered  up  at  him,  and  fancied  that  his  face  had  a 
scared,  frightened  look. 

"Hullo!"  he  cried,  "what's  the  matter  with  you? 
Sha'n't  you  get  down  ?" 

"  Not  if  I  know  it,"  was  the  emphatic  reply. 

"  Why  not — why  not  ?" 

"  Why  not  ?"  echoed  the  waggoner.  "  Because  I  never 
mean  to  come  near  this  place  again,  if  I  can  help  it." 

"  Then  why  are  you  here  now  ?" 

"  Just  to  warn  you." 

"Of  what?" 

" That  you  willbe  taken  prisoner  and  transported  for 
life." 

"  Oh,  stuff — rubbish  !     I  know  better." 

"But  just  let  me  tell  you  that  I  drove  along,  never 
thinking  of  anything  till  I  got  to  London." 

"  And  didn't  the  gentlemen  awake  ?" 

"Awake?  Not  they !" 

"  What  did  you  do  with  them,  then  ?" 

"  Why,  I  followed  your  advice,  and  drove  up  to  Bow 
Street.  The  officers  were  there,  and  I  told  them  just  the 
facts  of  the  case.  They  came  at  once,  looked  into  the  wag- 
gon, and  then  burst  out  into  a  roar  of  laughter." 

"  Very  likely,"  said  Jack,  rubbing  his  hands  more 
vigorously  than  ever.     "  Go  on." 

"  Well,  then  they  discovered  that  they  were  not  gentle- 
men at  all,  as  you  had  fancied,  but  really  police  officers ; 
and  what  on  earth  could  have  induced  them  to  get  into 
that  condition  and  give  out  such  instructions  they  could 
not  imagine." 

"  What  did  they  do  ?" 

"  Why,  they  dragged  them  all  out  with  very  little  cere- 
mony, and  tried  quite  in  vain  to  wake  them  up,  then 
they  wanted  to  detain  me,  for  they  said  it  was  a  sus- 
picious affair  altogether,  but  I  took  advantago  of  theii 
indecision  and  drove  off." 

"And  is  that  all?"  said  Jack,  in  a  disappointed  tone. 

"  Not  exactly  all,"  was  the  reply.  "  Tou  don't  know  how 
it  worried  me,  for  I  was  certain  there  was  something  in 
tho  matter  that  I  did  not  understand,  so  I  made  haste 
with  what  I  had  to  do,  put  up  my  horses,  aud  then  re- 
turned on  foot  to  the  police  office." 

"What  for?" 

"  Why,  to  make  inquiries,  to  be  sure  I" 

*'  And  what  did  you  learn  ?" 

"Why,  that  the  officers  had  boon  recovered  from  their 
deep  sleep,  and  they  had  declared  that  they  had  captured 
Tom  King,  the  highwayman,  but  had  been  drugged  at  an 
inn  whe  *e  they  stopped,  the  people  at  which  bad  assisted 
the  high  «r»yman  to  escape." 


1598 


BLACK   BESS ;    OR, 


"Pooh — gammon!"  said  Jack.  "  They  must  have. been 
drunk  or  dreaming!" 

"  Well,  whether  they  were  or  not,  their  story  waa  be- 
lieved, let  me  tell  you  that,  and  orders  were  givou  that  a 
party  of  police  officers  should  be  sent  out  at  once.  The 
only  difficulty  they  were  in  was  about  the  situation  of 
the  inn,  and  I  heard  it  said  that  a  reward  was  offered  for 
the  waggoner  who  had  brought  them.  As  it  was,  they 
suspected  he  was  an  accomplice,  and,  at  all  evenliv,  l>> 
could  show  them  the  way  to  the  inn." 

"But  you  trot  clear  off,  didn't  you?"  atfeed  Jqcfc. 

"Yes." 

"  Then  thank  yonr  stars  for  that.  You  have  had  a 
narrow  escape,  and,  if  you  had  been  Caught,  woald  have 
got  into  trouble." 

"  I  knew  that,"  said  the  waggoner,  sulkily.  "  I  didn't 
think  that  you'd  bo  the  one  to  serve  me  such  a  trick." 

"  You  shall  know  more  about  it  some  day,"  said  Jack, 
"  and  perhaps  you  won't  regret  it  so  much,  after  all.  But 
are  you  sure  that  officers  were  sent  out  to  find  this  inn  ?" 

"  Quite  certain." 

"  Then  thanks  for  the  news ;  I  will  make  myself  scarce, 
for  should  they  return,  they  would,  in  their  rage,  do  1 
don't  know  what." 

"  Very  good,"  said  the  waggoner,  as  ho  cracked  his 
whip  and  drove  off.  "  Good-bye,  Jack  Ostler,  for  may  I  be 
blowod  if  ever  I  stop  here  again,  or  take  up  such  a  load 
another  time  as  you  supplied  me  with." 

At  as  fast  a  rate  as  his  horses  would  go,  the  waggoner 
drove  off,  leaving  Jack  standing  outside  the  inn,  scarcely 
knowing  whether  to  laugh  or  be  serious. 


CHAPTER  CMLXVIIL 

THE    POLICE     67F1CEKS    MAKE     THE     OSTLER'S     FRIEND  A 
PRISONER. 

This  intelligence  was  duly  transmitted  to   Tom   King, 
who,  upon  hearing  it,  decided  at  once  to  make  a  move. 

But  he  was  overruled  by  the  ostler,  who  assutod  him 
that  he  would  have  plenty  of  warning  of  the  officers' 
approach. 

And  indeed,  when  tho  night  passed  away  and  the  next 
morning  dawned  without  anything  of  an  alarming  or 
unusual  character  having  occurred,  Tom  King  began  to 
feel  that  in  all  probability  he  should  be  safer  where  he 
was  than  elsewhere. 

That  day  and  the  following  also  passed  away  in 
quiet. 

Nothing  had  been  seen  or  heard  of  tho  officers,  which,  if 
the  information  given  by  the  waggoner  was  correct,  seemed 
strange  indeed. 

But  the  fact  was  the  officers,  when  they  had  recovered 
from  their  stupor,  could  give  only  a  very  vague  and  in- 
definite idea  of  tho  situation  of  the  inn  whereat  they  had 
been  so  hocussed. 

They  knew  that  it  was  somewhere  on  the  cross-road 
branching  out  of  the  highway,  but  there  were  many  such, 
and  it  was  impossible  to  say  which  was  the  right  one. 

Much  time,  then,  was  spent  in  vainly  searching  for  the 
inn — unnecessarily  spent,  indeed,  for  the  better  plan  would 
fcave  been  to  go  round  to  the  inn  where  they  had  lirst 
halted  with  their  prisoner,  and  from  which  they  would 
have  no  difficulty  in  finding  ther  way. 

But  this  was  many  miles  off ;  and  the  man  to  whom 
the  command  of  the  expedition  had  been  entrusted  was 
about  the  most  obstinate,  pig-headed  officer  that  evei 
breathed. 

He  had  made  up  his  mind  to  con^'.ot  tho  search  iu  a 
certain  way,  and  nothing  on  earth  cuald  turn  hira  from 
it. 

At  last,  however,  after  going  many  miles,  they  ca.^c 
into  an  ill-kept,  unfrequented  road,  which  struck  Bbg- 
clen  and  his  companions  as  boing  somewhat  fa  u.  liar 
to  them. 

"This  is  tho  place,  I  do  belie va,"  he  exclaimed.  "I 
fancy,  if  we  ascend  to  the  summit  of  yonder  hill,  we  shall 
be  able  to  command  such  a  view  as  will  decide  tho  matter 
one  way  or  the  other." 

This  was  agreed  upon  ;  but  before  they  had  ascended 
half-way,  the  eyes  of  the  chief  officer  caught  sight  c>f  the 
figure  of  a  mau  running  hastily  across  ft  !arg«,  open 
taeadow 


Ho  pointed  him  out  to  his  companions,  md  tuen 
Blogden  exclaimed : 

"  I  will  lay  ncy  life  we  are  on  tho  right  track.  That 
fellow  has  been  put  there  as  a  scout ;  ho  will  give  wan^iag 
of  our  approach." 

"Not  if  I  caa  help  it,"  said  the  chief  officer.  "Let  those 
who  have  the  best  horses  gallop  at  full  speed  in  pursuit 
of  him,  capture  him,  and  bring  him  back  to  mc." 

Several  officers  pressed  forward  at  once,  but  there  was 
one  who,  by  the  superiority  of  .his  steed,  rapidly  out-dis- 
tanced his  companions. 

Tho  man  in  the  field  had  by  this  time  gained  tho  cross- 
road 

He  heard  the  clatter  of  horses'  feet  behind  him,  and 
looked  back. 

The  officer  called  to  him  to  stop;  but,  paying  no  hoed  to 
him,  ke  began  to  run  more  swiftly  than  before. 

This  man,  as  the  reader  must  already  ba  aware,  was 
the  one  selected  by  Jack  the  ostler  to  give  warning  of  the 
coming  of  the  officers. 

It  was  not  long,  however,  before  he  discovered  that, 
let  him  run  as  fast  as  he  might,  ho  had  no  chance  of 
getting  away  from  the  well-mouuted  police  officer. 

Panting  and  breathless,  at  last  he  stopped,  and  tho  very 
next  moment  the  officer  was  upon  him. 

With  great  suddenness  and  precipitation,  he  seized  hold 
of  him,  and,  in  spite  of  all  his  struggles  and  entreaties  to 
be  set  at  liberty,  he  was  dragged  back  to  tho  remainder  of 
tho  troop,  who  had  followed  on  at  a  tolerably  brisk 
pace. 

"Now,  then,  rascal,"  said  the  chief  officer,  "confess 
where  you  were  running  to !  If  you  refuse,  or  if  you 
hesitate,  or  tell  a  lie,  you  shall  be  made  a  prisoner,  and 
afterwards  transported  for  life  !" 

This  was  a  threat  that  alarmed  the  country  laborer 
greatly. 

His  cheeks  grew  white,  and  his  knees  knocked  together. 

"Speak,  villain  1"  roared  the  chief  officer  again — 
"speak  ! — tell  me  what  you  wero  about  to  do  !" 

In  broken,  incoherent  sentences,  this  man  told  tho 
officers  all  tbM  had  passed  between  tho  ostler  and  him- 
self. 

He  was  caiied  rupon  by  Blogden  to  give  a  particular 
description  of  Jack. 

He  complied  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  and  Blogden  ex- 
claimed : 

"  We're  right !  I  recognise  the  villain  now !  He 
brought  in  the  tray  of  wino  !  No  doubt  ho  has  got  Tom 
King  in  concealment  somewhere !" 

Upon  receipt  of  this  opinion,  the  officers  all  pushed 
forward  with  fresh  vigor,  and  tho  unhappy  laborer  had 
the  mortification  of  finding  himself  mado  a  secure 
prisoner. 

Ho  had  fancied  that  by  confessing  he  should  get  him- 
self out  of  his  scrape. 

Had  he  foreseen  tho  result  he  would  never  have 
spoken. 

"  All  that  remains  now,"  said  the  chief  officer,  "  is  for 
us  to  approach  this  inn  with  due  cautiou,  and  surround 
it.    Wo  will  take  prisoners  everybody  we  find  thero  I" 

No  voice  dissented  to  this  arrangement. 

By  some  strange  ill-luck,  neither  Jack  tho  ostler  nor 
Tom  King  was  looking  out  at  this  time. 

They  relied  altogether  upon  tho  laborer,  aud  the 
length  of  time  they  had  remained  undisturbed  mado  thorn 
careless. 

It  would  havo  gone  hard  with  them,  beyond  all  doubt, 
had  not  a  voice  suddonly  exclaimed : 

"  Jack — Jack,  you  idlo  rascal,  whoro  are  you  ?  Can't 
you  hear  customers  are  coming  ?  Make  haste,  will 
you  ?"  * 

The  voice  came  from  tne  yard  below,  and  the  voice  was 
that  of  tho  innkeeper,  who  had  by  chavico  seen  a  portion 
of  the  police  officers  riding  towards  his  house. 

Jack  came  at  once  to  the  little  circular  window  in  the 
loft  that  wo  have  so  often  mentioned,  and  no  sooner  did 
ho  peep  out  •£  it  than  he  caught  sight  of  the  officei-a, 
scarcely  more  tha-  two  hundred  yards  distant. 

He  gave  a  low  whistle  <i  alarm,  and  then,  in  a  voico  of 
tolerable  composure,  said : 

"  All  right,  master,  I  will  be  dow  in  a  moment." 

The  landlord  at  once  made  his  way  to  the  front  of  the 
inn,  there  to  be  in  readiness  to  receive  &  guests  upoe 
their  arrival. 


TICS  KNIGHT  OS"  THB  BOAD. 


an 


*  uap&ln,"  said  Jack,  in  a  whisper,  "  they're  here  !" 

'•  I'hea,"  ejaculated  Tom,  starting  to  his  feet-  "we're 
wjtrayed !" 

"  I  fear  so  ;  but  whether  we  are  or  not,  wc  must  be  off 
quickly.  Your  horse  is  already  saddled;  in  the  stable 
below,  and  I  have  been  at  some  pains  to  pick  out  the  best 
from  among  those  left  by  the  officers.  I  told  you  I  should 
have  to  leave  the  inn,  airl  I  shall  do  so  more  unexpectedly 
than  I  at  all  thought  for."  i" 

While  the  ostler  was  uttering  these  words,  To™  tookeil 
carefully  to  his  firearms,  which  during  the  loi%  ctsi  of 
leisure  he  had  had  he  had  got  into  proper  order. 

A  glance  almost  was  sufficient  to  satisfy  him  tbat  they 
were  right,  and  as  he  restored  them  to  his  belt,  in  readi- 
ness for  instant  use,  the  ostler  said  : 

"Now,  captain,  down  the  ladder  as  quick  as  you  can, 
and  in  less  than  a  moment  we  shall  show  them  a  clean 
pair  of  heels." 

Tom  did  not  reply,  but  descended  the  ladder  very 
speedily. 

With  the  utmost  rapidity  the  ostler  brought  tho  two 
horses  out. 

They  were  both  in  excellent  condition,  and  seemed  im- 
patient for  a  long  gallop. 

"Now,"  said  Jack,  "just  look  here,  captain — lean  put 
you  up  to  a  wrinkle.  The  officers  will  come  direct  to  the 
stables,  no  doubt,  so  we'll  bolt  and  bar  the  door — that's 
it!" 

" But  how  are  we  to  get  out  ?"  asked  Tom.  "Bo  quick 
—every  second  is  of  importance !" 

"  I  know  that,  captain.  Lead  your  horse  after  mine 
through  this  narrow  door;  they  will  follow  you,  never 
fear,  for  this  is  where  the  corn  is  kept/' 

Tom  complied,  and  found  himself  in  another  compart- 
ment or  ike  shed. 

"  Woa — gently  now — stand  still !"  said  the  ostler  to  his 
horse,  patting  it  upon  the  neck ;  then,  letting  go  the 
bridle,  he  went  to  one  side  of  the  shed  where  the  planks 
seemed  loose  and  rotten. 

Pressing  his  shoulder  firmly  against  it,  the  whole  mass 
gave  way,  leaving  an  opening  quite  largo  enough  to  allow 
them  to  pass  through. 

"  There,  captain,  I  thought  that  might  be  useful,  so  the 
other  day  I  took  the  precaution  of  loosening  all  the  planks. 
Quick,  and  we  shall  be  off !" 

The  ostler  led  his  horse  through  the  opening,  and 
bounded  at  once  into  the  saddle. 

As  he  did  so,  he  uttered  a  cry  of  warning. 

Tom  mounted  hastily,  and  drew  a  pistol. 

Then  he  saw  there  were  some  police  officers  not  many 
paces  off,  who  were  coming  towards  them  with  all  speed, 
uttering  loud  shouts  and  cries. 

"  They  mean  having  us,  captain,"  cried  the  ostler,  "  for 
it  seems  they  were  trying  to  surround  tho  place  !  But 
spur  your  horse  well ;  ho  can  go  if  he  likes  !  I'll  warrant 
that  there's  not  a  horse  among  all  that  lot  thit  could  come 
near  it !" 

This  advice  wa3  scarcely  needed. 

Tom  allowed  the  reins  to  fall  loose  upon  his  horse's 
neck,  and  at  the  first  touch  of  the  spur  tho  gallant  creature 
went  bounding  off  at  a  tremendous  gallop. 

Jack  the  ostler  had  no  little  difficulty  in  keeping  up 
with  him. 

The  officers  w</re  quickly  distanced,  but  it  was  daylight 
— a  most  unfortunate  circumstance  for  Tom,  since  it  en- 
abled tho  officers  to  watch  his  proceedings  at  a  great  dis- 
tance. 

"Gently,  captain!"  cried  the  ostler.  "I  know  you 
don't  want  me  with  you,  and  therefore,  if  you  like,  we 
will  part  now.     That  will  divide  the  officers." 

"  No,  no,"  said  Tom,  "  you  had  better  keep  with  me, 
under  my  protection." 

"  Thank  yon,  captain,  but  I  can  shift  for  myself. 

"  I  can  readily  behove  that,  yet  I  don't  wish  to  desert 
you."  y 

-  It  is  no  dcMertiou,  captain— none  at  all." 

''  But,  then,"  asked  Tom,  "  when  are  we  to  meet  abd.in, 
for,  remember,  I  am  under  a  deep  debt  of  obligation  to 
yoa,  and  I  shall  not  rest  until  it  is  paid." 

"Anywhere — anytime,  captain,"  was  the  reply.  wSo 
far  from  thinking  there  is  auy  obligation,  I  am  inclined 
to  cry  quits.  But  there's  no  tima  nzvt  for  talk.  Pare- 
well'  aud,  some  day  or  other,  I  trust  wo  shall  meet 
•gain." 


With  these  words,  the  ostler  struck  his  spurs  sharply 
into  his  horse's  flanks. 

The  animal  uttered  a  cry  of  pain,  and  the  next  moment 
was  flying  at  fuli  g&£bp  over  the  meadows  to  the  right. 

Tom  King  chose  the  opposite  direction,  urging  hia 
horse  onward  to  the  utmost.  q 

The  police  officers  still  came  perseveriugly  enough  in 
the  rear,  but  it  was  evident  that  their  horses  were  already 
so  much  fatigued  by  tho  distance  they  had  journeyed  that 
il  was  impossible  to  urge  them  into  a  rate  of  speed  at  all 
approaching  that  at  which  the  highwayman's  horse  was 
going. 

Although awaieOf  this,  Tom  Kings  anxiety  was  con- 
siderable ;  but  when  he  looked  around  and  saw  thick,  dark 
clouds  piling  themselves  up,  giving  token  that  darkness 
w ould  set  in  much  earlier  than  usual,  ho  felt  fresh  con- 
fidence. 

Directly  afterwards  he  gained  a  cross-road. 

He  pursued  it  without  hesitation,  and  as  it  wound 
about  in  a  serpentine  fashion,  he  was  very  quickly  out  of 
sight  of  the  officers,  for  on  each  side  a  tall,  thick  hedge- 
row had  been  planted. 

The  chief  thing  ho  had  to  fear  was  a  reinforcement, 
and  that  was  scarcely  likely  to  take  place  in  so  lonely  a 
part  of  the  country. 

CHAPTER  CMLXIX. 

MT  WHICH  TYBURN    TOLL-GATE  COMES  TO  AN  END. 

We  go  back  now  to  Claude  Duval  aud  Sixteen- String 
Jack. 

It  will  bo  remembered  that  we  left  them  riding  at  full 
gallop  from  tho  ruined  castle  wherein  they  had  found  so 
strange  and  secure  a  place  of  refuge. 

The  night  was,  in  good  truth,  a  most  disagreeable  and 
unpleasant  one  to  be  abroad  in,  yet  the  highwaymen 
found  nothing  to  grumble  at  in  it. 

As  a  measure  of  prudence  they  did  not  attempt  to 
draw  rein  upon  any  of  the  numerous"  roads  which  they 
crossed  on  their  way  from  the  castle,  for  they  were  ex- 
ceedingly desirous  that  there  should  be  no  suspicion  of 
their  piesence  in  that  part  of  the  country. 

At  length,  however,  Claude  Duval  cried  out  rather 
sharply  : 

«  Halt !" 

Sixteen-String  Jack  drew  rein  at  ouco. 

They  were  now  upon  a  broad  high-road,  which  they 
had  gained  by  overleaping  the  hedge  that  divided  it  from 
a  meadow. 

"  What's  the  matter,  Claude  ?"  he  asked. 

"  Why,  I  fancy  we  have  come  quite  far  enough  now. 
Surely  there  can  be  no  risk  in  lying  in  wait  in  this 
place. 

"Net  much,  I  should  think." 

"  Then,"  he  continued,  "  we  have  arrived  just  in  tho 
nick  of  time,  for  I  can  hear  a  horse's  hoofs  quite  dis- 
tinctly." 

"  You're  right,"  said  Jack,  after  listening  for  a  moment  \ 
"  a  single  horseman  is  coming,  though  I  don't  think  he 
will  turn  out  much  good." 

"Why  not?" 

"  Because  his  horse  is  a  poor  one,  or  it  would  never 
come  at  such  a  shuffling  trot  as  that." 

"  Well,  we  shall  see.    Draw  back  into  the  shadow." 

This  was  done,  and  directly  afterwards,  on  looking 
down  the  road,  th»y  perceived,  quite  distinctly,  something 
white,  whicla,  on  a  closer  approach,  turned  out  to  be  a 
white  horse. 

On  this  was  seated  a  man,  who  was  amusing  himself  by 
every  now  and  ihen  breaking  out  into  a  rude  ditty. 

As  soon  as  he  was  near  enough,  Sixteen-String  Jack 
and  Claude  both  rode  out. 

"  Stop !"  they  cried,  as  with  one  voice—"  stop  !  PulJ 
up  !   If  you  refuse,  your  death  is  certain  !" 

They  presented  their  pistols  while  they  thus  ^polco. 

"Bedad  thin,"  said  a  voioe,  which  unmistakably  pro- 
claimed its  owner  to  be  au  Irishman — "  bedad  thin,  I'll  be 
afther  pulling  up,  for  I'm  not  tired  of  my  life  just  yet." 

He  stopped  his  horse  with  the  greatest  amount  of  cool- 
ness in  the  world. 

"  Now,"  said  Claude,  sharply,  "  be  quick — we're  in  a 
hurry — hand  over  all  the  money  you  have  about  you  !" 

"  Oh  1  thin  it's  highwaymen  ye  are,  13  It  ?  Well,  thii^ 
divil  a  ha'penny  will  ye  git  out  of  me  1" 


BLACK    BES8;    Oft, 


"  We  shall  see !"  said  Jack.  "  If  you  don't  think  proper 
to  hand  over  quietly,  we  shall  take  by  force  what  we 
require." 

"  Oh !  shall  ye  now  ?  Thin  I'd  be  ob'eeged  If  you'd 
take  as  much  money  as  ye  could  out  of  me  pockots  and 
give  me  a  little  back  again,  for  it's  none  at  all  I  can  find 
there." 

"  None  at  all  ?" 

"  Di\  il  a  ha'penny,  barring  one  crown-piece,  and  tiitf  I 
epint  at  the  inn  beyant,  and  where  any  more  is  to  »Cie 
from  I  don't  know." 

There  was  something  in  the  maD's  careless  toaes  sn  d  in 
the  indifferent  manner  in  which  he  treated  the  whol )  ol 
The  proceedings  that  impressed  upon  the  highwaymen 
the  belief  he  was  speaking  nothing  but  the  truth. 

"  Then,  if  that's  the  case,"  said  Claude,  angrily,  "  ride 
on!  Only  take  this  caution  with  you:  If  you  meet  aDy 
body,  don't  say  a  word  about  us." 

"  Fakes,  thin,  I  won't,  if  you  will  make  me  a  promise 
in  return.  Of  course  you  know  where  this  road  leads 
to." 

"  Yes,  to  London." 

"  Shure,  man,  you're  right.  Now  jist  take  notice.  If 
anyone  should  ax  you  for  Patrick  M'Gear — that's  me,  ye 
know — just  say  you  saw  me  on  the  high-road,  travelling 
straight  for  Oxford — do  you  understand  that  ? — and  I'll 
be  obleeged  to  you." 

With  these  words,  the  Irishman  jogged  ca  again, 
taking  the  road  to  London, 

The  highwaymen  both  laughed,  in  spite  of  themselves, 
though  they  were  annoyed  that  the  adventure  should  turn 
out  so  unprofitable,  because  the  probability  was  the  Irish- 
man would  ere  long  make  some  one  acquainted  with  their 
presence  on  the  road. 

They  had  no  time  to  exchange  any  words  on  the  sub- 
ject, however,  for  just  then  they  distinctly  heard  the 
rattle  of  wheels. 

"  A  light  cart,"  said  Claude  Duval,  listening  attentively. 
"  Now  this,  let  me  tell  you,  promises  us  a  much  better 
booty." 

The  sharp  stroke  of  a  horse's  hoofs  upon  the  hard  road 
now  became  distinctly  audible  above  the  rattle  of  the 
wheels,  and  it  was  evident  that  the  occupants  of  the  cart 
were  rolling  over  the  road  in  capital  style. 

The  highwaymen  shrunk  back  again  to  their  placo  of 
concealment,  and,  shading  their  eyes  with  their  hands, 
strove  to  make  out  who  was  approaching. 

Ere  long  they  discovered  that  the  cart  was  occupied 
only  by  one  man,  though  he  had  as  much  superabundant 
flesh  as  to  be  big  enough  for  two,  and  was  in  himsall 
quite  a  big  load  for  a  horse. 

"That's  a  farmer,  or  grazier,  or  something  of  that 
kind,"  said  Claude.  "  And  if  he  is  on  his  way  to  market 
— and  there's  no  doubt  that  he  is — we  shall  have  a  profit- 
able adventure.  Keep  quiet,  and,  if  we  both  ride  out 
suddenly,  we  shall,  ten  to  one,  frighten  him  out  of  his 
wits." 

"  If  we  frighten  him  out  of  his  money,"  rejoined  his 
companion,  "  that  will  be  much  more  satisfactory." 

The  highwaymen  were  silent,  for  the  cart  was  now 
very  close  at  hand. 

So  soon  as  the  horse's  head  was  opposite  to  them,  the 
highwaymen  both  pounced  out. 

Claude  Duval  seized  the  horse  by  ihe  bridle,  and  forcibly 
brought  him  to  a  standstill,  while  Sixteen-String  Jack 
presented  a  pistol  at  the  farmer's  head. 

"  Now,  then,"  he  cried,  "  your  money — give  it  quickly, 
or  I  will  find  whether  you  are  in  the  habit  of  carrying 
your  brains  in  your  skull  or  not !" 

This  was  a  threat  that  horrified  the  occupant  of  the 
cart  in  no  slight  degree. 

The  reins  and  whip  dropped  from  his  nerveless 
fingers. 

"  Spare  me  !"  he  ejaculated — "  spare  me !  Pray,  gentle- 
men, do  not  take  my  life  !" 

Beyond  doubt  he  would  have  gone  down  on  his  Knoes 
in  an  attitude  of  supplication,  only  the  shape  of  the 
vehicle  was  such  as  to  make  this  an  impossibility 

"  You  are  all  right, '■  bitid  Jack — "  no  harm  will  hnj-pon 
to  you  if  you  give  up  your  money-bags  quietly." 

With  a  deep  groan  the  farmer  unbuttoned  his  huge 
overcoat  and  thrust  his  hand  into  an  inner  pocket. 

It  lingered  there  for  a  moment  or  so  hesitatingly. 

Jack  h»d  his  eyo  keenly  fixed  upon  him. 


"  Come,"  he  said,  "  no  delay — time  is  preying  '" 

With  another  heavy  groan  the  farmer  withdrew  hta 
hand  from  his  pocket,  bringing  with  it  a  gtfod-sb'jd 
bag." 

Evidently,  however,  he  could  not  mako  up  his  mini  to 
part  with  it  so  easily,  although  in  euch  a  btete  of  mortal 
.'right. 

But  Jjsck  saved  him  any  further  indecision  by  suddenly 
enatching  it  from  him. 
j  "  There,"  he  said,  "  that  will  do  ;  and  as  the  purse  is 
tolerablv  weighty  we  will  trouble  you  «ao  further.  Here, 
iaKe  the  reins,  drive  off,  and  be  thankful  you  have  escaped 
with  your  life." 

The  farmer  did  not  require  a  second  bidding. 

With  the  utmost  alacrity  he  snatched  up  the  reins  and 
gave  the  horse  a  heavy  slash  with  the  whip. 

He  was  quickly  out  of  sight  in  the  darkness,  and  as 
Jack  tossed  the  purse  up  in  the  air  and  caught  it  again, 
he  cried : 

"  It's  heavy — very  heavy — just  enough  for  what  w» 
require." 

"  Then,"  said  Claude,  "  if  that's  the  case  we  cannot  do 
better  than  ride  direct  to  the  toll-gate ;  I  shall  bo  glad 
to  have  that  little  business  over." 

"  Agreed  ;  I  have  not  the  least  objection." 

"  Forward,  then  ;  we  have  but  to  follow  this  high-road 
and  we  shall  reach  it  in  a  short  time." 

No  more  was  said  by  either  of  the  highwaymen,  for 
the  speed  at  which  they  were  going  was  such  as  to 
make  conversation  a  matter  of  difficulty. 

After  a  hard  gallop,  they  at  length  cime  in  sight  of  the 
toll-gate. 

Eeducing  their  speed,  they  approached  with  a  certain 
amount  of  caution,  and  it  was  fortunate  indeed  that  they 
did  so. 

Suddenly,  from  out  of  the  shade  at  the  side  of  the  road, 
about  twj  hundred  yards  from  the  toll-gate,  a  man 
sprang. 

Claude'u  horse  reared  and  swerved,  Eeariy  unseating 
his  rider. 

"  Captains — captains !"  said  a  voice.     "  Is  it  you?" 
.     "  Who  speaks  ?"  asked  Jack. 

"Do  you  not  remember  my  voice?  I  am  the  toll- 
keeper." 

"  Yes — yes,  I  recognise  you  now.  Why  are  you 
here  ?" 

"To  give  you  warning,"  was  the  answer.  "Do  not 
linger  here  a  single  moment — pray  do  not !" 

':  Why  not  ?     What  has  happened  ?" 

"  Why,  you  see,  they  have  turned  me  out  of  my  situa- 
tion. In  fact,  I  have  been  taken  up  before  the  magistrate, 
and  only  escaped  by  the  greatest  wonder  in  the  world. 
But  there  is  not  time  to  enter  into  particulars  now — soma 
other  time  must  suffice." 

"Well,"  said  Jack,  "lam  glad  we  have  met  Here'3 
what  I  promised  you." 

"  Thanks,  captain,  the  amount  comes  most  weicomely. 
And  now  I  will  tell  you  why  I  have  been  so  anxious  to 
waylay  yon  here." 

"What  is  it?" 

"  Why,  the  police  officers  have  gone  to  work  very  cun- 
ningly. One  of  them  has  taken  my  place  at  the  toll-gate. 
He  dresses  just  like  me,  and  inside  are  a  lot  of  his  com- 
panions." 

"  Then  they  must  have  got  scent  of  our  intention  to 
return,"  said  Claude. 

"  It  looks  like  it,"  was  the  reply,  "  though  I  can't  make 
out  how  they  can  have  guessed  it ;  nevertheless,  they  are 
there,  and  if  you  had  galloped  up  to  the  gate  you  would 
both  have  been  shot  down  or  else  captured — there  was  a 
eertainty  of  one  or  the  other." 

"  It  seems,  then,"  said  Jack,  "  that  we  are  indebted  to 
you  for  our  lives  on  this  occasion." 

"  Yes,  gentlemen,  and  I  am  indebted  to  ye*  for  this 
money,  which  will  make  me  independent  for  the  re?t  of 
my  life.  But  hark!"  he  ejaculated.  "Quick— quick ! 
Be  off — they'll  see  us  in  another  moment,  they  will  be  in 
full  pursuit." 

The  highwaymen  looked  towards  the  toll-gate  whl!« 
the  man  spoke,  and  then  they  caught  sight  of  a  dark- 
looking  mass,  evidently  a  troop  of  police  officers. 

"  We  can  save  ourselves  easily,"  said  Jack  ;  "  but  how 
about  yourself — how  shall  you  fare  ?" 

"Don't  trouble  yourself  about  me,"  was  th     &&swa» 


THB  XNISHT  OS"  THK   ROAD. 


IDIC1L  tVKPa,   IN  HIS  DISGUBB,   VISITS  A  BARBER'S  KBOf. j 


ti  #bMfi  *^n8/d  *H  m*  Plans  very  nicel7-    Do  you  see 
that  little  bit  of  a  glimmering  yonder  ?" 

The  man  pointed  to  one  side  of  the  road,  where,  in 
darkness,  something  tha>  looked  like  a  bright  red 
spark  could  be  seen. 
"  Yes— what  of  it?" 

JXl'i  8ha11  ^  f\the  offloere  "*•**>  and  then 
L-  u  ,  f  07"mauCh  1  sba11  touch  a  train  of  gunpowder 
which  leads  from  here  to  the  toll-house.  There  I  have 
some  gunpowder  stored  underneath,  enough  to  blow  the 
old  timbers  to  a  thousand  fragments.  I  rather  expect 
that  will  astonish  the  officers  a  little,  and  while  they  are 
recovering  from  their  surprise  I  shall  make  off." 

The  highwaymen  were  themselves  rather  surprised  by 
this  announcement,  and  before  they  had  time  to  make 
•ii jp  remark  the  late  toll-keeper  exclaimed : 

'  Wow,  then,  be  off  as  quickly  as  you  can— they  are  all 
»•  the  road  now.     If  you  hear  a  slight  nois*  behind  you. 

h*.  201. 


don't  be  alarmed— it  wffi.  onlyfre  the  old  toll-house  jroim. 
to  ruin."  °      B 

It  was  quite  dear  that  the  police  officers  knew 
that  something  unusual  was  taking  place  down  the 
road. 

They  may  have  suspected  the  presence  of  foe  high- 
waymen. 

At  any  rate,  they  rode  forth  tr  ascertain  what  was 
going  on. 

The  tollman  waited  until  they  were  at  no  great  dis- 
tance from  him,  then  taking  up  the  slow-match  he  applied 
it  to  the  train  of  which  he  had  spoken. 

There  was  a  rapid  and  bewildering  flash  of  light  s.Ioug 
the  roadway,  then  a  slight  but  scarcely  appreciable  pause, 
which  was  followed  by  a  furious  roaring  noise-  n,  load 
explosion  and  the  crash  of  parting  timbers. 

A  broad  red  column  of  light  shot  up  high  intc  tM  as* 
revealing  for  a  moment  all  objects  arouad 

Paioa  Ox&  HiLFP.BNxr. 


m» 


BIACX  BBSS;   OA, 


After  that  a  double  darkness  seemed  to  settle  upon  all 
things. 

A  universal  panic  seemed  to  seize  upon  the  officers. 

Their  horses,  alarmed  by  the  explosion,  and  the  ter- 
rific flash  of  light  with  which  it  was  accompanied,  became 
restive  and  unruly,  while  their  riders,  deficient  of  pre- 
sence of  mind  enough  to  guide  them,  had  many  narrow 
escapes  of  being  thrown. 

All  thought  of  continuing  the  chase  after  the  highway- 
men was  at  once  abandoned,  and  the  first  thing  they  did 
upon  recovering  ordinary  possession  of  tk*ir  ?i»calvi8»  was 
to  ride  back  to  the  scene  of  disaster. 

The  whole  occurrence  was,  however,  shrouded  in 
mystery. 

Of  the  wooden  toll-house  nothing  more  than  *  blackened 
heap  of  smouldering  ruins  remained. 

Fortunately  no  one  was  hurt 

The  ex-toll-keeper  made  his  escape  easily — in  fact,  he 
had  no  difficulty  whatever  in  getting  away,  for  the  police 
officers  never  once  suspected  his  presence. 

The  event  startled  the  two  highwayman  not  a  little, 
although  they  were  prepared  for  it.  As  soon  as  the  ex- 
plosion was  over,  however,  Claude  Duval  paid : 

"  Forward,  Jack — let  us  push  on  J  The  officers  may 
not  trouble  us  any  further,  still  it  is  quite  time  we  got 
back  to  our  safe  quarters." 


•^    _v .  i  -    ,    ~      • 


CHAPTEB   OMLXX. 

THE  RENDEZVOUS   ON   HAMPSTEAD   HEATH. — THE  ARRIVAL 
OF  TOM  KING. 

A  chance  belated  wayfarer  passing  over  the  south- 
eastern portion  of  Hampstead  Heath  on  the  night  ap- 
pointed for  the  meeting  of  the  highwaymen  would  pro- 
bably have  perceived,  glimmering  in  the  darkness,  a  dull 
red  speck  of  light. 

The  chances  were,  at  the  time  of  which  we  write,  that 
no  one  would  venture  to  cross  the  heath  after  dark.  There 
were  no  well-kept  roads  intersecting  it  as  now — no  lights 
— no  habitations  near,  except  a  few  little  cottages  round 
the  old  ivy-grown  church  at  Hampstead. 

The  night  was  profoundly  dark — the  ground  itself 
could  scarcely  be  distinguished  beneath  the  feet,  and  a 
light,  soft  rain  was  falling,  that  materially  increased 
the  discomforts  of  those  who  were  compelled  to  be 
abroad. 

The  red  light,  however,  of  which  we  have  spoken,  con- 
tinued to  make  itself  visible — indeed,  as  time  passed  on, 
it  increased  in  brightness. 

This  light,  as  the  reader  no  doubt  suspects,  proceeded 
from  a  fire  kindled  on  the  heath. 

Standing  over  it  were  two  men,  and  the  firelight  shining 
on  their  faces  disclosed  the  familiar  features  of  Claude 
Duval  and  8ixteen-String  Jack. 

"  You  were  quite  right  to  insist  upon  lighting  a  fire, 
Jack,"  said  Claude  Duval,  as  he  stooped  down  and  stirred 
the  embers  with  a  stick.  "  The  night  is  a  most  disagree- 
able one." 

"  It  is,"  said  Jack,  with  a  slight  shiver — "  there  can 
be  no  mistake  at  all  about  that.     What  is  the  time  *" 
"  Nearly  eleven." 

"  Then  we  are  full  early  yet.  No  matter ;  1  w  juld  sooner 
wait  here  than  elsewhere. 

There  was  a  perceptible  amount  of  agitation  in  Jack's 
voice  while  he  spoke.  He  was  exceedingly  anxious  to 
know  whether  his  comrades  had  been  as  fortunate  as* 
himself — whether  they  would  be  able  to  attend  the  place 
of  meeting. 

"I  only  hope,"  continued  Claude,  "  that  acne  of  our 
enemies  will  see  this  light." 

"  There  is  little  to  fear  in  that  respect,  1  thfnk,"  returned 
Jack.      "We  have  left  no   clue  to    guide  them    her-?, 
and  who  would  be  out  on  the  heath  as  suoh  a  night  as 
this  ?" 
"  Hark !" 

"Did  you  hear  anything?" 
"I  fancy  so." 
"What  was  it  like?" 

MA  footstep— a  sUw,  cautious  footstep.  Hush- 
listen  !" 

Both  were  silent  immediately,  and  for  several  succeed- 
ing moments  tbey  listened  intently. 
Bat,  beyond  the  tow  sighing  of  the  wind  as  it  made 


its  way  over  the  uneven  surface  of  the  heath,  no  sound 

was  heard-. 

"  You  must  have  been  mistaken,  Claude,"  said  J  tali,  at 
length. 

•'  Perhaps  so,  and  yet  I  scarcely  think  It." 

"  All  seems  stilL" 

"  Very." 

Claude  Duval  produced  his  pistols. 

"  We  must  be  or  our  guard  against  any  sudden  enr- 

Erise,"  h*  said.     "  It  is  impossible  to  say  whether  we  shall 
e  attacked." 

14 1  am  ready.  Bat  hark — I  am  sure  I  heard  the  footstep 
then!" 

"  Who  goes  there  ?"  cried  Claude  Duval,  in  true  sentinel 
6tyle. 

"  Tom  King — Tom  King !"  was  the  reply. 

The  voice  was  low  and  faint,  and  though  it  evidently 
came  from  somewhere  close  at  hand,  yet  it  seemed  as 
though  it  had  travelled  for  a  long  distance. 

Claude  and  Jack  turned  round,  and  at  the  same  moment 
caught  sight  of  their  old  comrade,  lorn  King. 

Bat  he  was  in  his  appearance  so  greatly  altered  that 
they  shrank  back  with  something  like  dismay. 

"Why,  Tom,"  ejaculated  Claude,  "where  have  you 
been  ?     What  ails  you  ?" 

Tom  King  smiled  faintly. 

"  I  look  like  a  ghost,  I  suppose — do  I  not  ?" 

"  You  do  indeed !" 

"Well,  you  would  not  wonder  at  it  if  you  knew  all  I 
hav6  gone  through.     But  the  captain — where  is  he  ?" 

"  We  have  seen  nothing  of  him  yet,  Tom  ;  but,  as  you 
may  know,  it  wants  quite  an  hour  to  the  time  of  appoint- 
ment." 

"Yes,  yes!  I  hastened  here  with  what  speed  I 
could." 

"  We  did  the  same,"  was  the  reply,  "and,  if  nothing 
has  happened,  we  shall  see  the  captain  ere  long,  depend 
upon  it." 

Tom  King  did  indeed  look  pale  and  wan. 

Since  we  saw  bim  last,  he  had  done  scarcely  anything 
besides  riding  about  the  country  with  the  officers  close 
at  his  heels,  escaping  them  only  with  the  greatest  diffi- 
culty. 

This  exertion,  the  want  of  rest,  and  his  anxiety  of  mind, 
caused  his  wound  to  assume  an  alarming  aspect. 

He  was  glad  to  seat  himself  near  the  fire,  and  as  he  did 
so  he  exclaimed : 

"  See  to  my  horse,  Jack — it  is  close  here ;  I  feel  too 
exnausted." 

"  Then,"  said  Claude,  "  try  a  little  of  this.  I'll  warrant 
that  it  does  you  good." 

He  produced,  as  he  spoke,  a  bottle  of  brandy  from  his 
pocket,  which  he  had  obtained  from  the  inn. 

Tom  felt  wonderfully  refreshed  after  a  draught  of  it ; 
but,  as  he  said,  it  was  rest  and  food  that  he  required  more 
than  stimulants. 

His  state  of  exhaustion  may  be  imagined  from  the  fact 
that  it  was  not  until  now  that  he  appeared  to  notice  the 
presence  of  the  fire,  or,  rather,  become  aware  that  it 
might  be  the  means  of  bringing  their  foes  upon  them. 

"  This  is  a  great  risk,"  he  said — "  by  far  too  great" 

"  Do  you  think  so?" 

"I  do." 

"For  what  reason?"  questioned  Claude,  quickly. 
"Do  you  know  that  the  officers  are  anywhere  at 
hand  P" 

"  I  do  not — I  scarcely  think  they  are ;  but  yet,  in  spite 
of  all  my  precautions  during  the  last  day  or  two,  I  have 
not  been  able  to  keep  out  of  sight  of  them  many 
hours  together.  Through  a  practical  joke  that  has  been 
played  tbem,  I  have  incurred  their  bitterest  animosity 
They  are  resolved  to  hunt  me  down." 

"  Pooh,  pooh,  Tom  !"  said  Sixteen-Striug  Jack.  "  Do 
not  speak  in  that  despondent  voice.  You  don't  seem  like 
yourself.  It  is  your  wound  and  over  exertion  that  makes 
you  look  at  things  in  that  light." 

"It  may  be,"  said  Tom — "it  maybe.  I  assure  you  I 
don't  feel  myself." 

He  leaned  his  head  upon  his  hands  while  he  spoke,  and 
looked  steadily  at  the  fire. 

"  I  will  put  on  some  more  sticks,"  said  Claude — "  that 
will  keep  down  the  blaze  a  little,  and  I  am  in  hopes  toil 
we  shall  not  have  to  wait  long  until  the  captain  is  <\  u* 
us.     When  he  comes  we  shall  change  our  <yraarte»*  " 


TBM    KNIGHT  09  THE  B0AI> 


160S 


Tom  wu  so  listless  and  apathetic  that  he  never 
asked  his  comrades  to  what  place  they  intended  to  go. . 

After  this  a  long  panse  ensued. 

Claude  and  Jack  were  busy  thinking  about  their  comrade, 
who,  still  sitting  by  the  fire,  seemed  to  have  fallen  into  a 
state  of  stupor. 

They  were  silent,  too,  because  tbey  were  listening. 

The  wind  made  odd,  confusing  noises  as  it  swept  over 
the  heath,  and  they  were  anxious  to  become  aware  at  the 
earliest  moment  of  the  approach  either  of  Dick  or  the 
police  officers. 

But  the  hour  of  midnight  was  slowly  given  .Vrth  by 
the  church  at  Hampstead  without  anything  whatever  oc- 
curring to  disturb  them  in  the  slightest  degree. 

Their  anxiety  now  reached  it  highest  point,  liven 
Tom  King  roused  himself  and  rose  slowly  to  his  feet. 

"Surely,"  he  said,  "that  was  the  old  clock  at  Hamp- 
etead  striking  twelve  ?* 

"It  was." 

"  And  no  signs  of  tne  captain  ?" 

"  None  at  present" 

Silence  again  succeeded  these  few  brief  sentences; 
but,  although  they  listened  long  and  intently,  they 
failed  to  catch  the  sound  they  so  much  wished  to 
hear. 

Tom  King's  condition  continued  to  increase  the  uneasi- 
ness his  companions  felt. 

It  was  soon  evident  that  he  was  incapable  of  standing 
tor  any  length  of  time  without  support,  and,  with  a 
weary  sigh,  he  sank  down  again  into  his  former  posi- 
tion. 

Here  he  remained,  motionless  and  silent,  until  all  at 
once  he  raised  his  head  and  exclaimed : 

"  They  are  coming  now — they  are  coming  now  !<  I  can 
hear  them  quite  distinctly.  Put  out  the  fire — put  it  out, 
or  they  will  be  upon  us  at  once !" 

Claude  and  Sixteen-String  Jack  started  when  they  first 
heard  his  words. 

Then  instantly  assumed  listening  attitudes. 

But  their  well-practised  ears  failed  to  cateh  any  sound 
at  all  resembling  that  which  would  be  made  by  the  ap- 
proach of  horsemen. 

"You  have  been  dreaming,"  they  said,  at  last.  "It  is 
your  fancy." 

"No,"  said  Tom,  in  greater  excitement  than  before. 
"  I  tell  you  that  I  can  hear  them  now  plainer  than  ever. 
Listen— listen,  and  you  will  hear  them  too  I" 


CHAPTER  CMLXXI. 

SOME  SINGULAR  EVENTS    TAKE  PLACE     BT   NIGHT  IN  THE 
LITTLE   RURAL   CHURCH. 

u  Hush,  Maud — hush  1"  said  Dick  Turpin,  in  a  suppressed 
voice.  "  Keep  your  calmness,  and  I  will  answer  for  the 
rest." 

"But  where  shall  you  go?"  6he  asked,  in  a  trembling 
voice — "  where  can  you  seek  shelter  now  ?" 

"I  shall  not  move,"  replied  Dick,  "until  I  learn  that 
the  officers — if  such  they  are — really  intend  to  enter  this 
churchyard.  It  may  be  that  they  have  only  just  halted 
there  by  accident,  and  that  they  intend  to  go  riding 
on." 

"Now,  Dick,"  was  the  answer,  "you  must  not  cheat 
yourself  into  that  belief.  They  are  opening  the  gate 
now." 

Maud  was  perfectly  correct. 

The  rattling  sound  made  by  the' nasty  introduction  of 
a  key  into  the  lock  of  the  churchyard  gate  was  distinctly 
heard  in  the  silence  that  prevailed  around,  and  then  after- 
wards there  was  a  grating,  creaking  noise  ae  the  gsU  was 
slowly  pushed  open. 

Dick  took  Black  Bess  by  the  bridle  with  'one  hand, 
while  he  passed  his  other  arm  round  Maud's  waist. 

"We  will  quit  the  porch,"  he  said,  "and  yet  not  go 
far  away — at  all  evenU,  until  we  kD«>w  something  more 
than  we  know  now."  *■ 

Maud  made  not  the  slightest  hesitation  or  demur. 

In  less  than  a  moment  the  church  porch  was  vacated 

Dick  took  up  his  position  close  to  the  side  of  it,  stand- 
ing in  the  angle  formed  by  it  and  the  church  wall — a  spot 
where  the  darkness  was  much  greater  than  anywhere 
else. 

Bapid  as  his  movements  had  been,  however,  scarcely 


had  he  taken  up  this  position  than  footsteps  could  be 
distinctly  heard  upon  the  hard  gravel-path. 

Dick  leaned  forward  and  strained  his  eyes  anxiously, 
in  order  to  make  out  the  nature  of  these  new-comers. 

At  first  he  saw  nothing  save  a  black  moving  mass, 
which  on  a  nearer  approach  resolved  itself  into  *  smaB 
throng  of  persons. 

The  obscurity  was  tot  great,  nevertneless,  for  Dick  U 
say  positively  that  they  were  not  police  officers. 

Evidently  the  poroh  was  their  destination,  for  they 
walked  straight  towards  it,  and  just  as  they  pageed  within 
it,  Dick  caught  sight,  as  he  believed,  of  a  female,  but  she 
was  so  surrounded  by  men  shrouded  in  low  sloaks  that 
he  could  not  make  sure. 

"  Open  the  door,"  said  a  deep  voice,  in  commanding 
tones — "  open  the  door,  and  be  quick  about  it !  We  have 
no  time  to  waste  1" 

"I  am  opening  it,  worshipful  sir,"  was  the  answer. 
"  One  moment !  The  lock  is  rather  stiff,  and  my  strength 
begins  to  fail  me." 

The  person  who  had  first  spoken  uttered  an  impatient 
exclamation,  but  even  as  it  passed  his  lips  the  door  lead- 
ing into  the  church  was  opened,  and  the  whole  throng 
hastily  entered. 

Dick  gave  a  long  sigh  of  relief. 

"  You  see,  Maud,  I  was  quite  right  in  my  suspicions — 
these  people  have  nothing  at  all  to  do  with  us." 

"Yes,  so  I  find,"  said  Maud.  "And  now  that  they 
have  all  entered,  let  us  make  the  best  speed  we  can  to 
Hampstead." 

"  With  all  my  heart,"  returned  Turpin.  "  And  yet 
before  we  move  I  should  like  to  take  one  peep  at  the  in- 
terior of  the  church.  I  am  strongly  filled  with  curiosity 
at  what  I  have  seen.     I  long  to  see  more." 

"  No,  no — do  not  seek  fresh  danger,  Dick — make  your 
escape  while  you  have  the  opportunity." 

"Tush — tushl  There  is  no  danger — none  at  all. 
Keep  still.  I  will  just  take  a  peep  through  yonder 
window — that  will  satisfy  me  abundantly." 

He  pointed  to  a  small  window  close  by — a  window 
which  they  had  not  previously  noticed,  but  now  it  could 
be  distinctly  seen,  in  consequence  of  the  light  that  beamed 
from  it. 

The  sill  of  this  window  was  at  a  tolerable  height  from 
the  ground,  but  Dick  managed  to  peep  through  the  lat- 
ticed casement  by  standing  on  the  broad  flat  stone  of  a 
tomb  that  adjoined  the  wall  of  the  church. 

A  singular  scene  now  presented  itself  to  his  gaze — a 
scene  which  he  had  not  at  all  expected  to  behold. 

He  beckoned  Maud  to  approach  and  take  her  place  by 
his  side. 

She  was  not  proof  against  the  curiosity  which  would 
be  felt  by  anyone  in  censequence  of  such  a  strange  visit 
to  a  church  at  so  late  an  hour,  and  therefore,  despite  the 
agitation  and  terror  that  she  felt,  Maud  stood  upon  the 
tombstone,  and  peeped  into  the  interior. 

She  saw  that  the  church  was  tolerably  well  illuminated 
by  a  number  of  wax  candles  standing  near  the  altar,  and 
which,  though  only  just  lighted,  gave  forth  considerable 
light. 

Every  moment  this  light  increased. 

Then  it  was  seen  that  the  party  which  had  entered  the 
church  was  composed  of  several  persons,  all  dressed  in  so 
rich  and  elegant  a  manner  as  proved  them  to  belong  to 
the  upper  class  of  society. 

They  had  cast  aside  the  long  cloaks  in  which  they 
had  been  enveloped  when  walking  up  the  gravel-path. 

Among  them,  too,  was  a  girl,  fair,  young,  and  beautiful. 

Her  dress  was  of  white  satin,  and  a  white  veil  was 
thrown  over  her  head,  so  that,  in  the  semi-obscurity  pre- 
vailing in  the  church,  she  formed  quite  a  conspicuous 
object. 

But  her  countenance,  upon  whicn  v»<*  raya  of  the 
candles  fell,  WPs  clearly  seen  by  the  two  watchers,  and  it 
was  with  no  aK[rht  amount  of  surprise  that  they  noticed 
the  fair  features  were  convulsed  with  anguish,  aud  that 
tears  were  rolling  rapidly  djwn  her  cheeks. 

Her  hands  were  clasped  tightly  together,  and  she  was 
standing  in  an  attitude  of  imploring  entreaty  before  a 
man  who,  with  folded  arms,  looked  ooldly  on  her,  evi- 
deh'ly  disregarding  her  distress. 

By  the  movement  of  this  girl's  lips,  they  could  tell 
that  she  was  speaking,  though  her  voice  was  weH-nigb 
choked  with  sobs, 


160* 


BLACK     BESS  ;     OK, 


A  faint  murmur  alone  came  to  the  ears  of  Maud  and 
Dick,  who  in  vain  tried  to  make  out  what  was  said. 

The  youug  girl  placed  her  clasped  hands  upon  this 
man's  shoulder,  but  he  instantly  and  roughly  shook  D«r 
off. 

At  the  same  time,  he  turned  his  face  towards  a  distant 
corner  of  the  church,  while,  in  those  deep,  stern  tones 
which  they  had  before  heard,  he  cried : 

"Is  there  to  be  no  end  to  this  delay?  Oannot  the 
ceremony  at  once  be  proceeded  with  ?'  ' 

A  slight  movement  followed  these  words,  aud  then 
from  out  of  a  corner  eraorered  a  white  figure,  which  in  a 
moment  or  so  afterwards  the  two  watchers  had  no  diffi- 
culty in  recognising  as  a  clergyman. 

With  an  aspect  of  humility  in  his  gait  and  deportment, 
this  elergyrnan  walked  up  the  silent  aisie,  and  then,  open- 
ing the  little  gate  in  the  altar  rails,  walked  up  to  .he 
communion-  table,  from  which  he  picked  up  a  book. 

The  grief  of  the  young  girl  was  now  something  terrible 
to  witness — she  at  times  shrieked  aloud  in  the  bitterness 
of  her  anguish. 

Then  the  one  with  the  stern  voice — whc,  from  his 
manner,  as  well  as  from  a  certain  distant  resemblance  be- 
tween them,  Dick  conjectured  to  be  the  girl's  father — ad- 
vanced, and,  seizing  her  by  the  wrist,  dragged  her  vio- 
lently forward. 

At  the  same  time,  he  took  hold  of  the  hand  of  one  of 
his  companions — a  tall,  thin  young  man,  with  dark,  heavy, 
overhanging  brows,  which  gave  a  peculiar  appearance  to 
his  countenance. 

His  brow  was  now  contracted  into  a  frown,  and  so  low 
did  his  brows  descend  that  they  seemed  to  reach  his 
cheeks,  leaving  his  eyes  invisible. 

With  unmistakable  aversion,  the  young  girl  shud- 
dered and  attempted  to  draw  back;  but  her  strength, 
compared  with  her  father's,  was  as  nothing,  and  he  com- 
pelled the  couple  to  join  hands. 

Slowly  and  reluctantly,  the  young  girl  was  then  literacy 
dragged  up  to  the  altar. 

The  clergyman,  who  should  have  interfered  in  such  a 
case,  and  not  have  been  a  willing  accomplice  in  such 
villany,  appeared  to  be  quite  unconscious  of  what  was 
taking  place  around  him. 

He  held  before  his  eyes  a  large  book,  from  which  he 
appeared  to  be  reading  devoutly. 

On  reaching  the  altar,  the  young  girl  fell  suddenly 
upon  her  knees,  and  with  a  rapid  movement  disengaged 
her  hand  from  that  of  the  intended  bridegroom. 

Once  more  assuming  her  former  imploring  ettitude, 
she  again  spoke  as  well  as  her  emotion  would  allow 
her. 

It  was  just  when  events  had  reached  this  point  that 
Dick's  attention  was  distracted  by  another  sou»d,  coming 
from  an  altogether  different  direction,  and  yet  a  sound 
which,  despite  the  interest  he  felt  in  what  was  going  on 
before  him,  he  could  not  disregard. 

This  was  the  loud  and  rapid  clatter  of  a  horse's 
teet. 

Some  one  intent  upon  making  the  utmost  speed  was 
galloping  along  the  high-road. 

Maud  heard  the  sound,  and  instantly  forgot  all  that  she 
was  witnessing. 

"There  is  no  need  for  alarm,  Maud,"  said  Dick,  in  a 
reassuring  voice — "  from  a  single  horseman  we  have  no- 
thing to  fear." 

"  Are  yoo,  sure  that  only  one  it  coming  ?" 

"Quite  sure,  though  the  clatter  is  prodigwaa,* 

Just  as  he  spoke,  the  sound  of  the  horse's  feet  ceased 
suddenly. 

"  There's  an  accident,"  said  Di^tf — " I  feei  sure  of  it!" 

He  was  deliberating  whether  to  quit  the  churchyard,  in 
the  hope  of  being  able  to  render  some  assistance,  when  a 
hasty  footstep  became  audible,  and  directly  afterwards  he 
saw  a-  slight,  sli'a  figure  running  at  full  speed  up  the 
avenue. 

This  figure  maao  its  way  to  the  church  door;  which 
gave  way  bafore  the  sudden  impetos  with  which  ho  rushed 
against  it. 

He  burst  into  the  sacred  edifice  with  the  rapidity  of 
lightning. 

At  the  same  time,  he  drew  his  bright,  pv Wished  awora 
from  its  sheath,  and  whirled  it  round  him. 

Maud  and  Dick  were  now  once  more  gaeing  through  the 
wfowtew 


Loud  exclamations  of  rage  and  hate  followed  the  en- 
trance of  the  stranger,  who,  by  the  light  which  now 
filled  the  church,  was  seen  to  be  a  young  man  of  hand- 
some and  imposing  presence. 

Swords  were  drawn,  but  before  one  of  them  could  make 
a  movement,  the  intended  bride,  with  a  shrill  scream  that 
seemed  to  electrify  all  present,  sprang  from  her  kneeling 
posture,  and,  fleet  as  a  fawn,  hastened  to  place  herself  bo- 
side  the  new-comer. 

It  was  wonderful  to  observe  T"hat  an  effect  this  action 
had  upon  him. 

He  seemed  at  once  to  receive  a  tremendous  accession 
of  courage. 

"  Down  with  him  f!"  cried  the  father  at*  the  intended 
bride — "  down  with  him !  Let  him  not  escape  I  I  will 
hold  you  all  harmless  from  the  consequeuces  of  the 
deed !" 

But  these  words  did  not  cause  the  young  stranger  to 
lose  his  self-possession  in  the  least. 

He  whispered  a  few  wctds  to  the  companion  at  his 
side,  then,  presenting  the  same  bold  front,  slowly  re~ 
treated,  step  by  step,  towards  the  church  door. 

Up  to  now  Dick  had  remained  a  perfectly  passive  spec- 
tator of  the  whole  scene. 

He  had  not  been  able  to  find  any  opportunity  for  inter- 
fering. 

Now,  however,  the  opportunity  presented  itself. 

His  sympathies  were  fully  enlisted  on  behalf  of  the 
young  girl,  and  it  was  a  kind  of  instinct  that  made  him 
resolve  to  side  with  the  young  stranger  against  so  many 
powerful  enemies,  and  assist  him  to  escape. 

There  was  nothing  that  Dick  admired  more  than  cou~ 
rage  and  true  Bravery,  qualities  which  it  was  evident  thu> 
young  stranger  possessed  in  no  common  degree. 

Accordingly,  without  saying  a  word  to  Maud,  Dick 
hastily  stepped  down  off  the  tomb,  and  made  his  way  to 
the  door  of  the  church. 

He  entered  quickly,  aud  found  that  he  had  made  his 
appearance  not  a  moment  too  soon. 

"  Cowards  1"  he  cried,  in  a  loud,  ringing  voice — 
"  cowards !  Would  so  many  of  you  attack  a  single 
man  ?" 

His  words  and  his  unexpected  appearance  for  a  brief 
space  of  time  seemed  to  paralyse  the  young  stranger's 
assailants. 

The  girl's  father,  however,  was  the  first  to  recover 
himself. 

"  This  is  only  one  of  his  vile  associates !"  he  said. 
"  Down  with  them  both !  Surely  you  can  be  a  match 
for  two  !     Drag  Silvia  from  him  I" 

"Back — back !"  cried  Dick,  addressing  the  young  man, 
who  gazed  in  wonder  at  this  new  and  unlooked-for  ally. 
"  Get  to  the  door  as  quickly  as  you  can !  It  is  madness  t© 
contend  against  so  many  !" 

The  whole  marriage  party — if  so  it  may  be  termed — 
mow  attacked  Dick  and  the  young  stranger. 

Had  any  of  them  been  provided  with  firearms,  then, 
beyond  a  doubt,  the  highwayman's  life  would  have  been 
in  great  danger. 

The  only  weapons  they  carried,  however,  were  swords, 
and  under  these  circumstances  there  was  just  the  chance 
that  a  skilful  swordsman  would  be  able  for  a  second  or  so 
to  keep  them  at  bay. 

Few  knew  better  how  to  handle  this  weapon  than  Dick 
Turpin,  and  on  the  present  occasion  he  made  a  good  pro- 
bation of  his  skill. 

The  bright  steel  weapons  clashed  together  with  a  sound 
that  brought  out  many  a  strange  echo  from  odd  nooks  in 
the  old  church. 

Upon  seeing  the  combatants  engaged,  Maud  uttered  a 
piercing  shriek,  and  this  sound  added  not  a  little  to  the 
confusion  of  all  present. 

Silvia,  for  so  she  had  been  named,  was  unable  to  bear 
any  longer  the  horrors  of  the  scene,  and  sank  off  into  a 
state  of  utter  insensibility. 

The  young  man  to  whom  she  had  flown  so  quiokly  for 
protection  evidently  thought  Dick's  advice  was  good,  for, 

Eicking  up  his  inanimate  burden  in    his  arms,  he  ran 
astily  with  her  to  the  door  of  the  church. 
Dick  followed  him  closely,  covering  his  retreat  by  con- 
tinually dealing  circular  sweeps  with  his  heavy  sword, 
which  nothing  could  withstand. 

All  this,  that  has  of  necessity  taken  us  some  time  to 
describe,  actually  took  no  more  than  a  few  seconds  in  oo 


TH8  KNIGHT   OF  TUB   &OAD. 


190f 


flurrlng,  so  that  when  Maud  entered  the  church  porch  the 
young  man  was  in  the  act  of  leaving  it  with  hi*)  senseless 
burden. 

Directly  afterwards  Dick  followed. 

With  the  qtickueas  of  lightning,  he  flung  his  sword  to 
the  ground. 

Then,  seising  the  massive  oaken  door,  he  pulled  it  shut 
after  him. 

His  hands  were  already  upon  the  toy,  which  was  still 
sticking  in  the  lock,  as  SDvia's  father  was  iy-  im- 
patient to  allow  it  to  be  removed 

As  quick,  then,  as  the  eye  could  wink,  the  doe;  etoaed 
with  a  bang,  and  the  key  turned  in  the  lock. 


CHAPTER   CMLXXII. 

CLAUDE     DUVAL     MAKES     A     PROPOSITION     TO     HIS    COM- 
PANIONS. 

"Gaged!"  shouted   Dick  Turpin,  in  a  voice  of  exulta- 
tion— '•  caged !     That  was  neatly  done,  1  ratter  think !" 

He  stopped  abruptly,  for  just  then  Maud  flung  her  arms 
around  him. 

"You  are  hurt,"  she  cried — "  you  are  wounded  I" 

'No,  no — notacratched." 

■•4  But  I  say  you  are — here  in  the  arm !" 

Dick  carried  his  hand  towards  the  place,  and  then,  to 
his  surprise,  felt  that  his  coat  sleeve  was  wet  with 
blood. 

"  It  is  nothing,"  he  replied — "  a  touch  that  in  the  heat 
of  my  blood  I  had  not  felt.     Hark !" 

A  furious  hammering  sound  came  from  the  other  side 
of  the  church  door. 

"  Knock  away,"  Dick  cried,  derisively — "  the  door  is 
strong  enough  to  laugh  at  all  your  efforts.  Come,  Maud, 
we  will  leave  this  place." 

Gladly  Maud  obeyed ;  but  as  soon  as  they  emerged 
from  the  porch,  Dick  again  paused. 

The  young  man  had  placed  Silvia  on  the  ground  in  the 
churchyard. 

Her  head  was  resting  on  his  knee,  and  he  was  endea- 
vouring to  restore  her  to  consciousness. 

"  Fly !"  cried  Dick,  addressing  him — "  Fly  while  you 
have  time !  Tour  only  hope  of  safety  lies  in  instant 
flight !  They  are  all  within  the  church  now,  but  they 
wil  soon  And  a  means  of  leaving  it !" 

"  Then  I  can  die  in  her  defence  !" 

"  There  is  no  need  for  that.  FJj,  i  say,  and  take  your 
companion  with  you !" 

"  If  I  dared." 

'"  Dared  ?"  repeated  Dick,  in  astonishment.  "  She  loves 
you,  and  you  would  save  her  from  a  fate  worse  than 
death !" 

"  I — I  trust  she  loves  me." 

"Believe  it.  Her  actions  prove  it.  Do  not  waste 
another  moment,  as  you  value  your  own  life  and  her 
happiness!" 

"  But  you,  sir  ?"  cried  the  young  man,  rising  to  his 
feet,  and  looking  inquiringly  at  the  highwayman.  "  May 
I  ask  in  whom  I  have  so  strangely  found  a  friend  ?" 

"No  matter.  I  tell  you  there  is  no  time  for  talk!  Raise 
her  up  in  your  anns,  and  follow  me !  Hark  !  I  told  you 
they  would  find  a  way  out !" 

A  terrific  crash  of  glass  accompanied  Dick's  words 

It  seemed  as  though  one  of  the  large  wiadows  in 
the  sacred  edifice  had  been  dashed  completely  ift?Ei  its 
setting. 

The  sound  served  to  arouse  the  young  man  and 
quicken  his  exertions,  though,  tc  tell  the  truth,  fate  brain 
was  in  a  whirl,  for  events  had  taken  so  sudden  and  strange 
a  turn  that  he  is  to  be  excused  for  feeling  a  little  bewil- 
dered. 

Following  Dick's  directions,  he  picked  Silvia  up  iu 
his  arms,  an6  stride  with  her  rapidiy  along  tbagravel- 
path. 

Ditff  and  Maud  hurried  after  them,  and  Buck  Bess, 
who  had  watched  attentively  every  one  of  her  master's 
movements,  brought  up  the  reir. 

At  the  gate  the  stranger  paused. 

"  My  horse  is  utterly  exhausted,1*  he  BGid ,  *  eesides, 
he  fell  heavily  with  me  the  moment  I  reached  the 
gate." 

"  So  much  the  better  !"  cried  Dick.     "  Mount  one  of 
I  will  help  this  lady  to  seat  herself  before  you, 


and  I  will  start  the  other  horses  to  keep  yon   com- 
pany." . 

"Why  do  that?" 

"  Why,  to  prevent  all  chance  of  pursuit,  to  be  sure  I" 

"  Yes,  yes — of  course  I  But  pardon  me— I  am  so  con- 
fused that  I  am  altogether  incapable  of  anything  resem- 
bling calm  thought." 

He  mounted  while  he  spoke. 

Silvia  had  by  this  time  partially  recovered  possession 
of  her  senses. 

Dick  lifted  hev  easily  to  the  saddle. 

"Now,"  he  cried,  "  off  and  away,  and  my  best  wishes 
go  with  you !  Not  another  moment !  See,  they  are  rush- 
ing down  the  path !" 

The  young  man  did  not  stay  to  turn  his  hsad  to  obtain 
confirmation  of  Dick's  words,  but  struck  spurs  to  his 
horse's  flanks  instead. 

It  should  be  stated  that  all  the  horses  had  been  secured 
to  the  gate  leading  into  the  churchyard,  and  left  there. 
Dick  released  them  quickly,  giving  each  a  sharp  cut  with 
a  stick  as  he  did  so. 

Away  they  flew  along  the  high-road  after  the  two 
lovers,  and  ere  the  discomfited  bridal  party  could  emerge 
from  the  gate  they  had  all  disappeared  round  the  curve  a 
few  yards  ahead. 

Dick  Turpin's  course  was  now  clear  and  easy  enough. 

He  placed  Maud  upon  the  back  of  Black  Bess,  then 
mounted  himself. 

He  took  off  his  hat  and  made  an  ironical  bow  to  the 
excited  throng,  who  were  in  various  ways  giving  ex- 
pression to  the  mortification  and  anger  they  experi- 
enced. 

"Good  evening,  gentlemen,"  he  said — "a  pleasant 
walk  to  you  .*  The  young  couple  are  quite  safe  from  your 
pursuit.  Shame  upon  you  all  to  contemplate  such  a 
deed !" 

With  these  words,  Dick  Turpin  allowed  the  reins  to  fall 
upon  the  back  of  Black  Bess. 

That  was  all  the  noble  creature  wanted  to  urge  her 
forward. 

Away  she  flew,  and  when  Dick  next  turned  his 
head  to  look  behind  him  the  church  was  completely  out 
of  sight. 

"  .u  odd  adventure,  Maud,  was  it  not  ?"  he  exclaimed, 
as  he  slackened  his  mare's  speed  slightly.  "Still,  I 
feel  that  I  acted  rightly.  Without  my  interference  I 
believe  two  young  hearts  would  have  been  made  wretched 
for  ever !" 

"Bui  your  arm?"  said  Maud,  apprehensively.  "Are 
you  sure  it  is  no  more  than  a  trifling  hurt  ?" 

"  Quite  sure ;  but,  for  all  that,  it  is  bleeding  yet,  so  we 
will  try  a  bandage." 

Dick's  broad  neckcloth  served  well  enough  for  this 
purpose,  and  after  this  slight  interruption  the  journey  to 
Hampstead  was  continued. 

But  more  time  had  been,  from  first  to  last,  consumed 
by  this  little  incident  than  Dick  believed,  and  he  was 
quite  surprised  to  find  the  hour  was  midnight  while  he 
was  yet  some  distance  from  his  destination. 

On  making  this  discovery  he  pressed  onward  more 
rapidly,  for  he  knew  well  that  his  companions  would  be 
suffering  great  anxiety  on  his  account. 

The  journey  was  one  that  alarmed  Maud  considerably ; 
but  when  she  found  herself  in  the  vicinity  of  Hampstead 
Heath,  without  the  occurrence  of  a  single  incident,  she 
began  to  recover  her  ordinary  composure. 

The  hjath  was  covered  with  a  darkness  so  intense  that 
Dick  found  it  necessary  to  reduce  his  mare's  speed  to  a 
walking  pace. 

Fortunately  he  was  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the 
nature  of  the  ground,  otherwise  he  could  not  have  maie 
his  way  to  that  one  particular  spot  where  they  had  agreed 
to  meet. 

It  was  not  long,  therefore,  before  Dicx  caught  sight 
of  the  red  gloam  of  light  proceeding  from  the  fire. 

At  first  this  baffled  him  considerably,  and  made  him 
doubt  whether  he  had  really  made  his  way  In  the  right 
direction. 

Upon  coming  nearer,  and  finding  that  a  fir*  was  actually 
burning  on  the  heath,  te  paused  irresolutely. 

"  What  is  it  ?"  Maud  asked,  with  anxiety.  **  Why  is 
yen  pause?" 

"  Do  you  see  that  light  yonder  ?" 

"  Yes.    What  is  it  ?    Wtftt  does  it  portend  r 


MM 


BLACB.    BBBB;    OB, 


"That  fa  just  what  I  am  trying  to  find  out,"  replied 
Dick.  "  That  ought  to  be  the  place  where  we  agreed  to 
meet ;  but  how  comes  it  there  is  a  light  visible  ?  Surely, 
if  the  others  have  arrived  firsts  they  have  not  been  so 
foolhardy  as  to  make  a  fire  ?" 

This  was  a  matter  upon  whicu  Maud  could  g;"v»  no 
opinion,  and  therefore  she  remained  silent. 

Iftar  a  few  moments  more  deliberation,  however,  Dick 
again  slowly  advance-'. 

Prom  this  It  will  be  guessed  tda.  '"om  t>  .ng  was  not 
laboring  under  any  mistake  when  he  cried  ou.  lKai  be 
could  hear  some  one  approaching;  but  his  fancy  misled 
him  to  a  certain  extent,  inasmuch  as  he  believed  that 
police  officers,  and  not  Dick  Turpin,  were  approach- 
ing. 

"  Who  is  tnere  ?"  cried  Claude,  raising  his  voice  upon 
finding  that  only  one  horse  was  approaching.  "**that 
you,  captain  ?" 

"  It  is,"  was  the  reply,  and  the  next  moment  Dick  Tur- 
pin joined  his  comrades. 

They  were  rejoiced  indeed  to  find  that  he  had  escaped 
comparatively  unharmed  all  the  many  perils  which  had 
beset  him  since  they  parted,  and  he  experienced  an  equal 
amount  of  satisfaction. 

The  arrival  of  Dick  had  an  inspiriting  effect  upon  Tom 
King,  who,  by  a  great  effort,  shook  off  much  of  the  lan- 
guor with  which  he  had  been  overcome. 

"  I  am  hurt,  captain,"  he  said,  "  but  not  badly.  The 
wound  is  a  trifling  one ;  but  I  have  neglected  it,  and  I 
have  been  much  harassed.  A  little  rest  will  quickly  put 
me  right" 

"I  hope  so,"  said  Dick;  "but  now  that  we  are  all 
here,  let  us,  in  the  first  place,  consider  our  future  move- 
ments. Shall  we  separate  again  or  not ;  and  if  not,  where 
shall  we  go  ?" 

"  I  anticipated  that  question,  captain,"  answered  Claude, 
quickly,  "  and  I  am  glad  to  say  that  the  point  will  require 
very  little  discussion." 

"How  so?" 

"  Why,  Jack  and  myself  have  been  fortunate  enough 
to  discover  a  retreat  that  will  answer  most  admirably  for 
the  purpose  of  concealing  us.  We  have  thoroughly 
examined  it,  and  are  both  fully  impressed  with  its  advan- 
tages." 

"  That,  then,  is  good  news,"  said  Dick.  "  I,  too,  had 
found  a  place  of  refuge,  and  one  which  even  yet  may 
some  day  stand  us  in  good  stead ;  but  there  are  many  dis- 
agreeables and  discomforts  in  connection  with  it — dis- 
comforts which  your  shelter  may  not  possess." 

"  Silence !"  cried  Maud,  at  this  moment — "  silence,  all  of 


you 


!     I  am  certain  I  heard  a  voice." 


"  A  voice  ?"  echoed  the  highwaymen,  in  slight  alarm. 

"  Yes ;  it  is,  indeed,  faint  and  far  off,  but  I  do  believe  it 
was  a  voice." 

"  We  will  listen,"  said  Dick.  "  I  know,  Maud,  that 
your  ears  are  keen." 

They  listened  accordingly,  and  then  they  heard  first 
what  was  unmistakably  a  rapid  footstep. 

Some  one  was  running  across  the  heath  towards  the 
light  at  full  speed. 

Hearing  this|  the  highwaymen  all  produced  their 
arms. 

They  felt  certain  it  could  be  no  friend  that  was  nearing 
them. 

Suddenly,  however,  a  voice  that  was  almost  inarticulate 
from  breathleasness  said : 

"  Captain — captain,  are  you  there  ?  If  s>»,  speak  at  once  ! 
Captain— captain !" 

Upon  hearing  these  words,  the  highwaymen  all  looked 
at  one  another  in  great  surprise. 

But  Tom  King  quickly  exclaimed : 

"  I  know  that  voice — it  belongs  to  one  who  has  be- 
friended me— one  without  whose  aid  I  verily  belinve  I 
should  never  have  escaped  from  the  police  officers;  bat  I 
will  tell  you  all  by-and-by.  Take  my  word  for  it  no  tr- 
ue is  to  be  trusted."  ± 

44  Then  answer  him." 

44  Jack,"  said  Tom,  "  I  am  here." 

The  next  moment,  the  ostler  from  the  lonely  tan  made 
his  appearance. 

He  was  panting  and  breathless,  so  much  so  that  he  could 
not,  for  the  life  of  him,  speak  a  word,  although  he  made 
violent  efforts  to  do  so. 

Locking  at  him,  the  highwaymen  perceived  that  hit 


apparel  was  torn  and  disordered,  as  though  he  had  re- 
cently been  engaged  in  a  severe  struggle,  while  oue  side 
of  his  face  and  head  was  smeared  and  matted  with 
blood. 

"  Take  your  time,"  said  Dick — "  take  your  time ;  then 
tell  us  what  you  have  to  say." 

"Officers!"  the  ostler  gasped  out--"tha  «ffioert  at* 
close  at  band  1" 

"  But  not  coming  here,  snrelv  »" 

"Yes,  yes— in  pur*"-,*  or  me!  They  bare  done 
not,h>j  tzt  iiani  me  for  days  past.  I  knew  that  I  was 
near  the  captain  here,  and  was  certain  that  he  was  coming 
to  this  place — not  that  I  should  have  troubled  him, 
only  my  horse  was  shot  down  under  ma  j  another  bullet 
has  ploughed  up  my  cheek,  and,  as  I  fell  bleeding  to 
the  ground,  the  officers  pounced  upon  me  and  made  me 
prisoner  I" 

"  But  you  have  escaped." 

"  Yes,  I  have  escaped,  and  only  a  few  minutes  sinoe,  and 
that  by  the  greatest  miracle  in  the  world.  But  the  officers 
are  after  me ;  in  a  few  moments  at  the  most  you  will  hear 
them." 

"  I  can  hear  them  now,"  was  the  response,  and  as  the 
words  were  spoken,  loud  voices  could  be  heard  shouting 
in  the  distance,  mingled  with  which  came  the  dull,  heavy 
beat  of  horses'  hoofs  upon  the  turf. 

"  We  must  be  off,"  said  Dick.  "  Are  your  horses  all 
fresh  ?" 

"  Tolerably  so,  captain,"  was  the  reply. 

"  Then,  Claude  and  Jaok,  you  shall  lead  the  way  to  this 
place  of  shelter  you  have  spoken  of — at  any  rate,  we  will 
pay  it  a  visit  now,  and  judge  of  its  merits." 

"Good!"  was  the  reply.  "Hallo,  there,  look  at 
Tom !" 

These  last  words  were  uttered  in  a  very  different  tone 
to  the  preceding  ones. 

They  were  called  forth  by  the  fact  that  Tom  King  had 
made  a  hasty  effort  to  mount  his  horse,  but  had  failed, 
and  after  staggering  a  moment,  fell  to  the  ground. 

"  The  captain  is  weak,"  said  the  ostler,  "  and  I  don't 
wonder  at  it — he  is  badly  in  want  of  rest." 

"  What  is  to  be  done  ?"  said  Dick.  "  It  is  certain  he  is 
incapable  of  retaining  his  seat  in  the  saddle." 

"  If  you  don't  mind  me  speaking  "  said  the  ostler, 
hesitatingly. 

"No,  no.     Say  on — speak  freely !" 

"  Well,  then,  I  was  going  to  propose  that  you  allowed 
me  to  sit  on  the  captain's  horse,  then  you  could  place  him 
on  the  saddle  in  front  of  me ;  I  would  clasp  him  round 
the  waist,  and  by  that  means  he  will  be  able  to  ride  well 
enough." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  said  Tom  King,  faintly,  before  any  of  the 
others  could  reply — "  that's  what  I  wish  to  be  done." 

This  settled  the  matter. 

Jack,  the  ostler,  was  mounted  and  seated  in  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye. 

By  the  joint  exertions  of  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen- 
String  Jack,  Tom  King  was  raised  and  placed  in  front  of 
him. 

"  I  can  hold  the  reins,"  he  exclaimed,  "  if  you  will 
clasp  me  tightly  and  prevent  me  from  falling  off." 

"  Right,  captain — right!" 

"  This  is  one  more  obligation  I  shall  owe  you,"  said 
Tom  King,  "  for  without  your  aid,  it  is  certain  I  should 
never  have  escaped  the  officers." 

"We  have  not  escaped  them  yet." 

44 No,"  sairi  Dick  Turpin,  "  but  we  are  in  a  fair  way  of 
doing  so.  Quick,  Claude,  and  you,  Jack — make  haste  and 
lead  the  way ;  depend  upon  it,  we  shall  net  Ug  many 
paces  in  the  rear !" 


CHAPTER  CMLXX1IL 

Df   WHICH  TH»  HIGHWAYMEN   DECIDE    UPOH   THE    XATURB 
OF  THEIR   FUTURE     PROCEEDINGS. 

The  next  moment  the  highwaymen  raove-4  off,  Dick 
Turpin  insisting  upon  bringing  up  the  rear. 

By  this  time  they  had  all  become  tolerably  well  accus- 
tomed to  the  darkness  that  prevailed,  so  that  they  were 
able  to  distinguish  the  ground  just  in  front  of  their 
horses'  heads. 

But,  very  wisely  under  such  circumstances,  they 
trusted  far  more  to  the  sagaoity  of  the  animals    ahem- 


XlffiS   KNIOHT  OF  THE!   SOAii. 


eel  res  than  to  their  own  ability  to  atoer  them  clear  ot 
obstacles. 

Claude  Duval  led  the  way  with  much  confidence. 

The  speed  at  whioh  they  went  was,  comparatively 
speaking,  slow,  and  yet  rather  faster  than  most  perrons 
would  have  considered  consistent  with  safety. 

"  We  shall  baffle  them  before  we  quit  the  heath,  or 
it's  odd  to  me,"  he  said,  to  Sizteen-String  Jack.  "  The 
darkness  is  terrific — I  will  defy  them  to  see  us ;  and  the 
ground  is  so  soft  and  turfy  that  the  horses'  feet  scaroaly 
make  a  sound,  going  at  this  gentle  pace." 

This  was  true  enough ;  but,  nevertheless,  they  could 
hear  behind  them,  more  distinctly  than  was  at  all  pleasant, 
the  continuous  shouting  of  the  officers  as  they  bawled  out 
to  one  another,  and  occasionally  the  rattling  of  th*  cut- 
lasses which  they  carried. 

When  once  the  highwaymen  gained  the  Dorder  of  the 
heath,  and  their  horses'  feet  felt  the  firm  roadway  beneath 
them,  they  set  off  at  full  gallop. 

By  this  means  they  obtained  a  very  considerable  start 
•f  their  pursuers,  who  were  still  winding  their  way  over 
the  broken  ground,  unable  to  push  on  at  any  faster  speed 
than  a  trot. 

Most  fortunate  indeed  was  it  that  the  friendly  ostler  bad 
appeared  at  so  opportune  a  moment. 

But  for  him  it  would  have  been  hard  to  say  how  Tom 
King  could  have  contrived  to  join  in  the  flight  at  all. 

But  this  ostler,  like  most  of  his  class,  was  an  excellent 
horseman,  and  was  as  secure  and  at  home  when  seated  in 
the  saddle  as  he  possibly  could  be  anywhere. 

Therefore  to  him  the  feat  of  holding  Tom  King  on 
was  easy  enough,  though  to  an  un  practised  horseman  it 
would  have  been  beset  with  difficulties,  for  every  now 
and  then,  in  spite  of  the  command  which  he  strove  to 
keep  over  himself,  Tom  King  would  lean  suddenly  to  one 
side,  to  such  an  extent  on  many  occasions  that  it  required 
the  whole  of  the  ostler's  strength  to  bring  him  back  to 
his  former  position. 

And  now,  with  great  suddenness,  the  wind,  which  had 
so  lo»g  been  moaning  and  sighing,  dropped  altogether. 

There  was  an  unnatural  calm  in  the  atmosphere,  which 
endured  only  for  a  few  seconds. 

Then  a  tremendous  downpour  of  rain  was  discharged 
from  the  clouds. 

80  thickly  and  so  heavily  did  the  rain- drops  fall  that  in 
the  space  of  a  few  moments  the  -whole  of  the  fugitives 
were  soaked  with  wet. 

Still,  although  the  rain  beat  with  painful  force  into  their 
faces,  depriving  them  almost  of  breath  and  of  the  power 
to  see,  they  pushed  on,  knowing  full  well  that,  disagree- 
able as  this  event  was,  they  would  nevertheless  be  able 
to  turn  it  to  good  account. 

Certainly,  if  anything  was  calculated  to  clear  all  the 
roa.ls  in  the  shortest  space  of  time,  that  shower  was,  for  uo 
one  would  willingly  endure  it  any  longer  than  was  re- 
quired for  them  to  gain  the  nearest  place  of  shelter. 

For  some  time  the  rain  continued  to  fall  at  this  violent 
rate ;  but  by  degrees  it  subsided,  and  when  something 
like  tolerable  calmness  prevailed,  the  highwaymen  all 
listened  intently. 

As  they  fully  expected,  not  a  single  sound  could  be 
heard  in  the  rear. 

Evidently  the  police  officers,  baffled  by  the  rain,  bad 
given  up  the  chase  in  despair. 

"On — on!"  cried  Dick  "It  is  not  worth  while  to 
linger  now;  the  sooner  we  reach  this  place  o*  ~*»eUor 
you  speak  of  the  better." 

These  words  were  addressed  to  Claude,  who  wade  no 
other  reply  than  setting  his  horse  in  motion. 

For.  the  rest  of  the  journey  scarcely  a  word,  was 
exchanged. 

Certainly,  nothing  was  said  of  sufficient  importance  to 
merit  being  set  down. 

Nor  did  they  see  or  hear  anything  of  the  police  officers. 
•r  even  of  a  humat,  being. 

When  at  some  distance  fr  ra  tne  ruined  castla,  Claude 
Duval  pulled  up,  and  pointed  towards  it 

The  lofty,  ruined  keep  could  just  be  dimly  tiiati  - 
guished  when  pointed  out  as  amass  of  something  black ir 
than  the  clouds,  which  formed  a  background  to  it. 

"  Let  us  approach  with  caution,"  said  CUude  Du  al. 
"If  we  are  too  careful  w<*  onlT  make  a  mistake  on  the 
right  side,  that's  all" 

This  was  at  once  assented  to 


But  although  they  took  every  precaution  they  could 
think  of,  they  failed  to  see  or  hear  anything  of  an  alarm- 
ing nature. 

When  the  courtyard  was  at  length  safely  gained,  tha 
horses  were  left  in  charge  of  the  ostler. 

In  good  truth,  the  highwaymen  were  by  uo  mean* 
sorry  to  have  met  with  such  an  ally. 

Beyond  a  doubt,  his  fidelity  might  be  depended  upon, 
and  in  more  ways  than  one  he  would  prove  useful, 
nhould  he  feel  inclined  to  share  their  fortunes. 

Even  Dick  did  not  hesitate  to  surrender  Black  Bess  to 
Lis  charge  :  after  which,  drawing  Maud's  shivering  form 
closer  to  him,  he  followed  Claude  and  Sixteen-String 
Jack  to  the  entrance  of  the  secret  passage. 

It  was  easily  found  ;  then  a  light  was  produced,  which 
enabled  them  to  make  the  descent  rapidly  and  easily. 

Many  were  the  ejaculations  of  surprise  that  were  given 
when  they  fully  comprehended  the  nature  of  this  strange 
place. 

They  questioned  Claude  eagerlv  as  to  how  he  had  dis- 
covered it. 

But  he  said . 

"  We  have  many  mutual  explanations  to  give ;  let  this 
stand  over  till  to-morrow.  In  the  meanwhile,  we  will 
make  a  roaring  fire  in  the  alchemist's  furnace,  and  dry  our 
clothes ;  after  that,  a  hasty  meal  and  a  good  long  sleep 
will  be  the  best  things  we  can  have." 

This  proposal  was  universally  assented  to. 

The  fire  was  duly  made,  and  the  remains  of  the  pro- 
visions which  Claude  and  Jack  had  brought  from  the 
village  inn  were  produced,  and  equally  divided. 

There  was  not  one  among  them  that  was  not  thoroughly 
wearied  out,  yet  it  was  necessary  that  some  one  should 
watch  while  the  others  slept. 

Tom  King,  now  that  the  ride  was  over,  seemed  much 
better ;  but  his  wound  was  re-dressed,  and  carefully  band- 
aged up,  after  which  he  seemed  to  sink  off  into  a  slumber, 
so  protound  that  it  was  hard  to  distinguish  it  from  total 
insensibility. 

Claude  and  Jack  went  above  to  watch,  aud  until  day- 
light the  duty  was  shared  between  them  and  the  ostler, 
who  would  have  watched  during  the  whole  of  the  time 
if  they  had  permitted  him,  he  was  so  anxious,  ho  said,  to 
do  something  to  recompense  them  for  having  saved  him 
from  a  capture. 

Not  the  least  alarm  was  given,  and  when  the  highway- 
men met  in  the  morning  they  were  able  to  cougratulate 
themselves  upon  the  fact  that  they  had  managed  to  reach 
their  present  place  of  security  without  their  presence  in 
that  part  of  the  country  being  at  all  suspected. 

Under  these  circumstances,  all  they  had  to  do  was  to 
keep  perfectly  quiet. 

The  greatest  impatience  was  manifested  on  all  sides 
for  an  account  of  all  that  had  happened  since  ihe  separa- 
tion in  the  plantation. 

To  narrate  all  this,  as  the  reader  must  be  aware,  occu- 
pied a  long  time  indeed — the  greater  part  of  the  day  was 
spent  in  this  manner. 

But,  unquestionably,  the  strangest  circumstance  and 
the  one  that  produced  the  greatest  amount  of  discussion 
was  the  account  which  Dick  Turpin  gave  of  having  seen 
his  two  comrades,  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen-String  Jack, 
meet  and  accost  each  other  on  the  summit  of  th6 
hill. 

With  tolerable  accuracy,  Dick  Turpin  described  the 
exact  spot  where  this  strange  event  occurred,  and,  after 
the  most  careful  consideration,  Claude  Duval  and  Jack 
came  to  the  conclusion  that  they  must  have  been  on  that 
particular  morning  very  many  miles  from  the  hill  Dick 
mentioned. 

But  what  was  strangest  of  all  was,  that  on  that  very 
morning  they  had  met  in  the  manner  Dick  described, 
which,  as  will  be  reoollected,  was  after  their  brief  separa- 
tion, and  just  before  Claude  and  Jack  made  their  way  to 
the  inn  from  which  they  departed  so  opportunely. 

Tom  King  was  the  only  one  of  the  party  *no  had 
listened  to  the  whole  of  this  adventure  without  making  a 
remark. 

But  now,  when  all  was  fully  described,  he  said: 

"  There  is  one  way.  and  only  one  way,  in  which  what 
Dick  has  seen  can  be  accounted  for,  and  that,  I  imagine, 
is  the  true  key  to  the  mystery." 

"What  is  it,  Tom?"  they  asked,  eagerly- -'  what  it 
it?" 


BiACs.  sara ;   ok, 


Well,  then,"  he  said,  with  a  melancholy  smile,  for  hie 
spirit  was  always  saddened  when  he  had  occasion  to 
refer  to  the  past,  "  many  years  ago,  in  my  youth — I  mean, 
I  remember  reading — how  such  an  occurrence  is  far  from 
uncommon.  It  depends  upon  some  strauge  state  of  the 
atmosphere,  which  I  cannot  explain  to  you,  but  which 
brings  suddenly  distant  objects  close  to  hand,  so  that 
sometimes,  in  the  midst  of  a  vast  plain,  trees  and  houses 
have  been  seen,  which,  upon  a  closer  approach,  have 
seemed  to  melt  into  the  air." 

"  Let  us  ascribe  it,  then,  to  that,"  said  Dick,  "  and  so 
dispose  of  the  subject,  for  we  have  far  more  pressing 
subjects  that  require  our  attention.  None  of  you  have 
mentioned  Tom  Davis  yet;  I  trust  he  is  not  for- 
gotten." 

"  Certainly  not,  captain — certainly  not  1  We  were 
waiting  for  you  to  speak." 

"Well,  then,  the  question  is,  what  shall  be  dcie?  I 
confess  I  have  already  made  up  my  mind,  and  that  is,  at 
svery  risk,  to  set  him  at  liberty ;  he  deserves  as  much  at 
sur  hands." 

"He  does — he  does  1"  was  the  unanimous  reply. 

"  Such  being  the  case,  then,"  continued  Dick,  "  we  can 
easily  arrange  the  rest.  When  he  is  set  at  liberty  we  will 
furnish  him  with  what  money  we  are  able  to  obtain,  and 
put  him  in  the  way  of  leaving  England.  If  we  can  see 
him  safely  aboard  so*ue  vessel,  then  I  shall  feel  that  we 
have  done  our  duty  to  him." 

"But,"  said  Claude  Duval,  "before  we  go  any  further. 
It  is  necessary  that  we  should  learn  something  more  as  to 
his  position  at  the  present  moment." 

"  Precisely  so,"  said  Dick ;  "  and  a  knowledge  can  only 
be  obtained  by  a  journey  to  London." 

"  But  who  is  to  take  it  ?" 

"  That  remains  to  be  seen." 

"Not  you,  Dick — not  you!" cried  Maud,  for  the  first 
time  joining  in  the  conversation.  "  Surely  you  will  not 
run  the  risk  of  paying  another  visit  ?" 

"  Why  not  ?" 

"  It  is  tempting  your  fate  too  much.  Let  me  go,"  she 
added.  "I  shall  be  less  likely  to  be  suspected  than  you, 
and  I  can  bring  you  back  all  the  information  you  re- 
quire." 

Dick  shook  his  head. 

"  I  am  sorry  to  deny  you,  Maud  ;  but,  in  good  truth,  it 
cannot  be.  I  should  suffer  more  on  your  account  than 
you  could  possibly  suffer  on  mine,  for  you  would  know 
that  I  was  able  to  extricate  myself  from  any  perilous 
situation,  while  you  would  be  incapable  of  doing  so." 

"  Then,"  said  Claude,  "  suppose  I  go." 

"  I  am  willing,  too,"  said  Jack. 

"And  I  as  well,"  said  Tom  King,  faintly,  "  if  I  only 
felt  a  little  stronger  and  better." 

"You  are  out  of  the  question,  Tom,"  said  Dick  ;"  but 
what  I  propose  is,  that  Claude,  Jack,  and  myself  shall 
draw  lots.  It  can  easily  be  managed  by  a  few  splinters 
of  wood — one  longer  than  the  rest.  Whoever  draws  that, 
goes  to  London,  and  the  other  two  will,  in  the  meanwhile, 
set  out  upon  an  excursion  to  obtain  such  a  sum  of  money 
as  would  be  useful  to  Tom  Davis  after  we  have  rescued 
him.' 

This  was  assented  to  without  the  least  demur,  for 
whatever  Maud  may  have  felt  upon  the  subject  she 
kept  to  herself,  knowing  from  experience  that  it  was 
useless  for  her  to  raise  her  voice  in  such  an  affair. 

The  small  pieces  of  wood  were  rapidly  prepared,  and 
held  by  Tom  King. 

Three  were  drawn,  and  Dick  Tnrpin  ivas  found  to  hold' 
the  longest. 

"  That  is  as  I  wished,"  he  exclaimed,  with  sparkling 
•yes.  "  I  have  longed  for  the  opportunity  to  go,  for  1 
feel  that  it  is  something  which  particularly  concerns  my- 
self." 

"  But  when  shall  you  start  ?"  asked  Maud,  timidly. 

"  To-night,  as  soon  as  it  is  dark  enough  to  leave  here 
safely." 

"  But  you  win  need  a  disguise,"  said  Clauds  Unval. 
"Where  shall  you  obtain  that?" 

Diok  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  It  strikes  me  I  shall  take  very  few  precautions  in  that 
way,"  he  replied.  "  If  I  wait  here  until  I  find  a  disguise 
I  shall  never  go  at  all.  I  will  ride  off,  and  trust  entirely 
«*  good  luck  to  befriend  me." 

"We  have  au  hour  or  two  to  spare  yet,"  said  Sixteen- 


String  Jack,  "and  there  would  be  nr>  harm  if  we  were  to 
spend  that  time  in  making  our  arrangements  a  little  more 
fully." 

"None  wnatever.  B%^  first  of  all,  I  will  go  and  see 
that  Black  Bess  is  in  readiness." 

"  Why  not  take  one  of  she  other  horses  ?*  said  Tom 
King.  "Black  Bess  must  be  as  well  knowt,  as  vour- 
self." 

"  That  may  be,"  said  Dick,  '  and  no  doubt  is  the  case ; 
but  if  I  went  without  her  that  would  be  no  safeguard  to 
me,  but  the  reverse.  When  I  am  seated  on  her  back,  I 
feei  an  amount  of  confidence  and  security  which  I 
cannot  feel  elsewhere.  No,  no — Black  Bess  must  ac- 
company me  on  my  mission,  or  I  must  give  it  up  alto- 
gether." 

With  these  words,  Dick  hastened  to  one  portion  of  the 
ruins  which  the  ostler  had  already  extemporised  into  a 
kind  of  stable. 

He  was  rejoiced  to  find  his  gallant  mare  looking  fresh 
and  ready  for  any  amount  of  exertion. 

1  he  time  between  then  and  nightfall  passed  quickly, 
for  there  was  much  to  talk  about  and  decide  upon. 

It  was  agreed  that  Tom  King,  Maud,  and  the  ostler 
should  remain  at  the  ruins — that  Sixteen-String  Jack 
and  Claude  Duval  should  seek  a  night  of  adventures, 
while  Dick  made  his  way  to  Lonaon. 

Oddly  enough,  not  a  word  was  said  about  his  return, 
and  probably  this  would  have  been  left  altogether  nn- 
mentioned  had  not  Maud  put  the  question  just  as  Dick 
seated  himself  in  the  saddle. 

"  There  are  many  hours  between  now  and  daybreak, ,: 
he  replied,  "  and  I  have  them  all  before  me.  I  shall 
try  my  best  to  get  back  here  before  day  dawns.  All 
will,  however,  depend  upon  circumstances.  If  I  can 
see  good  reason  for  remaining  away — if  I  feel  that  I 
should  be  safer  elsewhere — I  shall  not  come  here ;  so 
do  not  expect  me.  Rest  assured  that,  for  my  own  sake 
alone,  I  will  take  the  best  care  of  myself." 

But  Maud  could  tell,  by  the  manner  in  which  he 
pronounced  these  words,  that  he  was  just  then  in  the 
humor  for  any  adventure,  no  mattor  of  how  dangerous 
a  character ;  and  with  a  burst  of  grief  which  she  could 
not  eontroL  for  her  heart  foreboded  much  coming  evil, 
Maud  covered  her  face  and  turned  away. 

"Farewell!"  said  Dick,  in  cheerful  tones — "farewell, 
yet  not  for  long!  I  shall  soon  return,  bringing  the  need- 
ful intelligence  with  me." 

CHAPTER  CMLXXIV. 

GOOD   FORTUNE   APPEARS  TO   INAUGURATE   DICK 

turpin's  EXPEDITION. 

As  he  gave  utterance  to  these  words,  Dick  Turpin  set 

Black  Bess  in  motion,  and  took  his  way  slowly  from  the 

castle  ruins. 

Jack  the  ostler  had  been  sent  out  as  a  kind  of  scout  to 
ascertain  that  there  was  no  one  loitering  near,  and  at 
this  moment  he  appeared,  saying : 

"All  right,  captain — there's  not  a  soul  about.  Ton 
may  venture  to  ride  off  boldly." 

Nevertheless,  Dick  Turpin  did  not  altogether  relax 
his  caution,  but  continued  to  keep  a  sharp  look-out  on 
all  sides. 

But  as  soon  as  the  ruins  were  fairly  behind  him,  he 
allowed  Black  Bess  to  put  forth  her  powers  of 
speed. 

There  was  on  this  occasion  a  feeling  of  freedom  and 
ease,  as  well  as  energy  and  determination,  about  Dick's 
heart  to  which  he  had  been  for  a  long  time  a  perfect 
stranger. 

Maud  had  rightly  defined  his  frame  of  mind. 
But  for  all  his  light-heartedness,  Dick,  as  he  rode  along, 
wondered    by    what   means    he    should    obtain    a    dis- 
guise. 

To  ride  to  London  in  his  own  proper  character  was  a 
feat  of  daring  from  which  even  he  recoiled. 

Such  a  proceeding  would  have  been  nothing  short  of 
actual  insanity. 

But  when  and  how  was  he  to  find  the  means  of  so  well 
disguising  himself  that,  should  he  by  chance  encounter 
any  of  his  foes,  they  would  fail  to  recognise  him. 

This  was  a  question  he  asked  himself  over  and  ovei 
again  without,  however,  being  able  to  frame  anything 
like  *  satisfactory  reply  to  it. 


THF    KNIOHT   OF  THE    BOAD. 


1609 


[DICK  TUBPIN  ASTONISHES   OLD   MATTHEW.] 


Despairing  at  last  of  coming  to  a  conclusion  just  at 
present,  he  exclaimed : 

"On,  Bess,  old  lass— forward  !  Now  there's  plenty 
of  time  before  us,  and  I  must  trust  to  ohanoe  to  put 
something  m  my  way." 

Just  then  Black  Bess  was  crossing  a  smooth,  well- 
kept  meadow  of  vast  extent. 

Coming  to  a  low  hedge,  which  divided  it  from  another 
field,  she  rose  freely  in  the  air,  and  alighted  in  safety 
on  the  other  side.     « 

But  the  manner  in  which  she  came  down  made  Dick 
aware  of  something  which  he  might  have  ascertained 
before,  had  not  his  thoughts  been  so  preoccupied. 

1  his  was  that  the  second  field  had  been  ploughed  ud 
and,  owing  to  the  rain  which  had  lately  fallen,  was  now 
in  a  very  heavy  condition  indeed. 

no?  mlTicKBTss'. was  not  made  *****  late> 


for  suoh  was  the  impulse  Blaok  Bess  had  gained,  that 
it  was  impossible  to  rein  her  up  all  at  once. 

Dick  could  see  the  opposite  side  of  the  field,  and  find- 
ing there  really  was  not  far  to  go,  he  resolved  to  push 
on  rather  than  turn  back. 

All  at  once,  however,  a  loud  voice  struck  upon  his 
ears. 

"  Hoi— hoi !"  cried  some  one—"  hullo,  there  I  What 
are  you  doing  ?  Turn  back— turn  baok,  I  say,  or  I  will 
J  take  you  up!" 

Dick  looked  in  the  direction  from  which  these  sounds 
appeared  to  come,  and  then  he  caught  sight  of  a  stout 
man,  attired  in  the  dress  of  a  parish  oonstable,  running 
hastily  towards  him. 

Although  the  moon  was  not  shining,  yet  a  oertain  por- 
tion of  her  light  found  its  way  from  the  clouds,  and  so 
diffused  a  kind  of  dim  radiance  over  the  earth,  so  that 


No.  202. 


Price  One  Halfpknny. 
No.  203  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


!«it> 


BLAQK     MSB;    OS, 


Dick  was  able  to  see  this  man  with  tolerable  plain. 
ness. 

As  m^y  be  suspected,  however,  the  highwaym^m  pa  fd 
not  the  slightest  attention  to  this  demand  to  turn  back. 

So  far  from  doiug  so,  he  continued  to  advance  a;  the 
same  easy  pace  as  before. 

This  evidently  infuriated  the  constable  to  no  orJ;u»;y 
extent 

He  shouteoT.  and  bawled,  and  ran  until  he  was  out  of 
ireatn,  for  it  was  no  trifling  achievement  to  run  across 
a  ploughed  fi«13  Ln  such  a  condition  as  that  was. 

The  constable,  indeed,  looked  as  ludicrous  as  auy  an  cii 
J  Unified  personage  possibly  could  do  under  any  circs  a- 


itancM 

Every  time  he  lifted  hiS»  feet  from  the  ground  ho 
brought  wiih  him  a  huge  mass  of  soil,  which  was  so 
In  avy  and  clung  so  pertinaciously  to  him  that  it  threat- 
ened to  pull  his  boots  off  at  every  stride. 

Nevertheless,  as  he  was  making  his  way  directly  to- 
wards the  highwayman,  his  slow  rate  of  progression  whs 
not  of  mncti  consequence. 

A  mating  quickly  took  place. 

"  Stop,  you  villain !"  ho  roared,  at  length,  when  he  found 
himself  close  to  Black  Bess — "  stop,  I  say !  Are  you  deaf  ? 
Can't  you  hear  what  I  say  ?" 

While  he  spoke,  he  seized  Black  Bess  by  the  bridle. 

"  What's  the  matter  ?"  asked  Dick,  calmly,  yet  he  spoke 
the  words  in  an  absent  manner,  which  may  be  accounted 
for  by  the  fact  that  just  then  his  mind  was  very 
busily  occupied  with  a  fresh  idea  that  had  j^st  entered 
it. 

"Matter?"  said  the  constable,  endeavoring  to  speak 
calmly  as  well,  but  failing  kmentably.  "  Don't  you  know 
that  you  are  trespassing,  sir  ?  No  one  is  allowea  to  cross 
ttiese  fields,  and  so  I  must  insist  upon  making  you  turn 
back  !  Turn  at  once,  and  be  thankful  that  you  are  let  off 
bo  easily !" 

Dick  took  a  glance  around  him,  as  the  constable  thought 
to  ascertain  hia  position  in  the  field,  for  the  next  words  he 
said  were : 

"  But  look  here,  my  good  friend,  don't  yon  see  that  I'm 
already  half-way  across  this  field,  and,  so  far  as  any  damage 
I  may  do  is  concerned,  it  will  be  just  the  same  tiling 
whether  you  allow  me  to  keep  straight  on,  or  whether 
you  compel  me  to  turn  back." 

"  Do  you  presume  to  dictate  to  me,  sir  ?"  said  the  con- 
stable. "  Is  that  the  return  that  you  make  for  my  leniency  ? 
Consider  yourself  my  prisoner  I" 

"Your  what?" 

"  Prisoner.    I  spoke  plain  enough,  didn't  L,  stupid  ?" 

"But  do  you  know  who  I  am?" 

"  No,  nor  care  either." 

"  So  it  seems,"  added  Dick,  who  had  already,  while 
thfB  brief  conversation  was  going  on,  matured  his  plan  of 
operations.  "  Still,  I  think  it  rather  strange  that  you 
should  presume  to  speak  to  me  like  this  on  my  own 
land." 

"Your  what?" 

"  Land,"  said  Dick,  quickly.  "  I  spoke  plain  enough, 
didn't  I,  stupid  ?" 

"Come — come,"  said  the  constable,  "none  of  your 
nonsense !  I  daresay  you  think  yourself  a  mighty  clever 
fellow,  but  there  are  others  as  clever  as  yourself.  Come 
this  way.     1  won't  say  another  word  to  you." 

"  But  I  shall  to  you,"  said  Dick.  "  I  ask  you  again,  do 
yon  know  who  I  am  ?  Of  course  you  do  not,  or  eise  you 
would  not  presume  to  talk  to  me  about  trespassing  an  my 
own  land/ 

"  How  can  It  De  your  land,"  said  tha  constable,  "  when 
everyone  knows  that  it  belongs  to  Squire  Vermis-*  "Nid  he 
won't  allow  trespassers  on  his  estate." 

"  Well,  it  will  be  mine  some  day,"  said  Dick — "at  least, 
in  a  manner  of  speaking.  Come  a  little  closer,  and  J  will 
tell  you  who  I  am." 

"  Sha'n't  1"  was  the  answer.  "  Yon  can  tew  me  lrovn 
where  you  are,  if  you  like." 

"  You  will  regret  your  behaviour,"  sai<\  Dick.     v  Let 
me  tell  you  that  you  have   been  addressing  yourself  to 
one  who  will  one  day  be  your  Sovereign.     I  »u> 
Frederick  Prince  of  Wales." 


"Nonsense  —  nonsense,"  he  ciied.  recovering  cisa- 
aelf — " nothing  of  the  sortl  Fudge!  I  dont  believe  a 
word  of  it"  *. 

"  Vtry  well,  then.  In  that  case  I  shall  h&ve  to  treat  you 
j  1  flo  everyone  that  I  encounter  who  denies  me  as  yoa 
,'have." 

With  these  words,  and  before  the  constable  could  have 
the  least  idea  of  what  Dick's  intentions  were,  our  friend 
slipped  from  his  hor<""i. and  caught  the  aom-Uble  by  tbf 
throat.  _     , 

"Hiuvis    off,"    cried    the    constable —  •' hands    off,    I 

do,"  safe]  Dick— "  you  shall  be  punished.    I  will 
Bake  a  bird  cf  jci  i" 


The  constable  glared  in  surprise. 

Dick  had  been  caret  ul  to  assume  in  his  tone  and  mannof 
a  certain  amount  of  wildness,  which  began  to  impress  the 
constable  in  a  manner  that  he  intended  it  should — 
namely,  that  the  constable  had  a  madman  to  deal  with. 

"I  will  degrade  you  from  your  office'"  said  Dick,  with 
increasing  wildness.  "  You  shall  be  a  constable  no  lor.ger 
I  will  stri'*  off  your  uniform!  Hark!  Did  yon  heai 
that?" 

"  W-hat  ?"  stammered  the  constable,  in  genuine  alarm 
for,  like  most  people,  he  bad  a  great  horror  of  lunatics^ 
and  by  no  means  relished  the  prospect  of  an  adventure 
with  one  in  that  lonely  field. 

"  Hark !"  repeated  Diek.     "  I  ask  you  again,  can  yo« 
hoar  it  ?" 
^"Hear  what?" 

"  The  moon,"  said  Dick,  with  deep  solemnity.  "  It  tells 
me  that  I  am  right  It  tells  me  to  go  on  and  punish  you 
as  you  deserve." 

As  quick  as  thought,  Dick  produced  a  pistol — so  quickly 
that  the  constable  could  not,  for  the  life  of  him,  make  oui 
where  it  had  come  from. 

No  sooner,  however,  did  Dick  present  it  at  him  than  hi 
dropped  down  suddenly  upon  his  knees  in  the  clayey  mu>i, 
and  roared  lustily : 

"Oh,  murder — murder!  Help — help!  Here— mui 
dor !" 

"  If  you  raise  your  voice  again,"  said  Dick,  in  deter- 
mined accents,  "  you  are  a  dead  man,  so  mind  that !  1 
tell  you  you  shall  suffer  for  your  offence.  Obey  me— 
refuse  me  if  you  dare!  Off  with  your  hat — pull  it  off  a; 
once !" 

The  constable  complied  with  a  quickness  quite  astonish- 
ing. 

But  the  fact  was  he,  fully  believing  Dick  to  be  mad, 
had  made  up  his  mind  to  comply  with  every  demand  that 
he  could,  in  the  hope  that  by  this  means  he  should  be  able 
to  get  away. 

*  Your  wig  as  well,"  said  Dick,  who  noticed  that  the 
constable  endeavored  to  fix  this  article  properly  in  its 
place. 

It  was  given  up  without  a  murmur. 

"  Quick !"  he  continued.  "  Your  cloak,  coat,  and  waist- 
coat !  Do  you  dare  to  hesitate  and  faker,  villain  ?  In 
another  moment " 

Dick  did  not  finish  his  sentence  by  words,  but  very 
suggestively  brought  his  pistol  to  full  cock. 

The  clicking  sound  thus  made  immediately  increased 
the  terror  under  which  the  constable  labored. 

Never  before  had  he  divested  himself  of  his  ap;>arol 
with  so  much  dexterity  and  speed. 

Dick  took  the  articles  one  by  one,  placing  them  care- 
fully across  his  arm. 

The  reader  no  doubt  guesses  what  was  his  hitea- 
tion. 

It  was  to  obtain  from  this  man  these  upper  ontei 
articles  of  chubing  in  order  to  disguise  himself,  and  yei 
to  obtain  them  in  a  manner  that  would  not  lead  any- 
one to  suspect  the  pv.rpose  for  which  he  required  them. 

He  had  now  got  all  he  wanted,  and  nothing  remained 
bnt  to  frighten  the  constable  away. 

The  poor  wretch  was  now  shivering,-  and  his  teeth 
were  chattering,  half  with  cold  and  half  with  fright 

"  Quick  !"  Dick  continued — "  off  with  the  rest  of  your 

O^orge  j  things,  then  you  shall  roll  yourself  over  and  over  in  the 

mud  until  I  tell  you  to  stop.     Hark  again  f    Don't  yoa 


The  constable  was  greatly  taken  aback  by  this  auaa- 
eions  statement. 

f»  »  ««aspd  his  b  >)i  upon  the  bridls  of   Black  Baas  at 


hear   the  moon   that  commands  me  to  make  a  bird  of 
you?" 

If  the  constable  had  had  doubts  li:<grring  In   his  taitgi 
i  a©  to  Dick's  sanity  taey  no  longer  existed. 


TITl    KSKIW7   O*  TBTW   ROAP 


Now  he  wu  impressed  also  with  the  belief  that  he  was 
In  imminent  danger  of  his  life,  and  therefore  resolved  to 
pluck  up  his  courage,  and  make  a  bold  rush  and  eude*,»or 
to  escape. 

This  was  just  what  Dick  had  calculate'?  v.pon. 

With  a  load  shout,  then,  the  constable  turned  HMO«d, 
and  onoe  more  set  to  work  to  run  across  the  ploughed 
Geld. 

Dick  called  after  him  to  stop,  and  made  a  feint  of  pur- 
suing him. 

But  the  constable  ran  on  all  the  more  swiftly. 

Deeper  and  deeper  sank  his  boots  in  the  soft,  miry 
ground,  until  at  last  his  feet  came  out  of  them  en- 
tirely. 

But,  heedless  oi  tais,  he  continued  his  headlong  coarse, 
leaving  them  sticking  up  behind  him. 

He  staggered,  stumbled,  and  fell ;  he  rolled  over  more 
than  once,  and  when,  after  many  efforts,  he  succeeded  in 
paining  his  feet,  he  did  indeed  present  a  most  pitiable 
tspect. 

Pick  watched  him  for  some  time,  then  perceiving  in 
the  distance  that  lights  were  moving  about  hither  and 
thither,  he  guessed  the  alarm  bad  been  given,  ami 
n-olved  to  lose  no  more  time  in  taking  his  depar- 
ture. 

Nevertheless,  he  laughed  so  heartily  at  the  con- 
stable's condition,  that  he  could  scarcely  scramble  into  the 
saddle. 

He  tied  all  the  articles  of  clothing  up  into  the  cloak, 
with  the  resolve  to  attire  himself  in  them  as  soon  as  he 
had  a  good  opportunity. 

The  constable,  floundering  on,  and,  in  his  excitement, 
quite  blind  to  all  objects  in  his  path,  ran  headlong  into  a 
ditch,  and  long  before  those  who  had  been  aroused  by  his 
cries  came  and  helped  him  out  of  it,  Dick  had  left  the 
ploughed  field  a  long  way  behind  him. 

'•  Fortune  favors  me,"  he  cried,  in  an  exultant  tone,  as 
Black  Bess  leaped  over  a  low  hedge  into  the  high-road. 
"  Aha !  it  has  been  a  good  joke !  1  felt  in  need  of  a  good 
laugh  about  something ;  but  I  shall  take  my  success  in 
this  matter  as  an  omen  of  what  is  to  follow.  Dressed  in 
these  things,  I  believe  I  shall  be  able  to  disguise  myself 
effectually." 

This  little  adventure  had,  however,  run  away  with  a 
good  deal  of  time,  and  so,  as  the  linn,  hard  road  was 
lying  beneath  Black  Bess's  feet,  Dick  urged  his  naara  to  a 
little  better  speed. 

While  journeying  on,  however,  he  looked  keenly  about 
him  in  search  of  some  place  to  which  he  could  retire  aupl 
make  the  requisite  change  in  his  apparel. 

In  this  matter  luck  again  appeared  to  befrietd  him,  for 
before  he  had  gono  far  he  perceived  a  small,  broken-down, 
ruined  shed. 

So  far  as  he  could  tell,  it  was  empty  and  deserted,  and 
here  ho  determined  to  remain  for  a  few  moments,  and  don 
the  constable's  apparel. 

He  listened,  but  all  was  still,  and  without  further 
hesitation  he  eutered  the  shed. 

He  fancied  he  heard  a  slight  movement,  but  was  not 
eertain. 

Evidently,  however,  he  did  not  consider  it  worth 
taking  any  notice  of,  for,  untying  his  bundle,  he  put  on 
first  of  all  the  huge  waistcoat  with  its  large  flap  pockets, 
and  after  that  the  coat. 

The  constable  was  so  much  stouter  than  Dick,  that 
theso  articlos  went  on  easily  over  the  highwayman's 
ordinal  y  apparel,  and  when  the  cloak,  wig,  and  gold- 
laced  hat  were  added,  the  metamorphosis  was  com- 
plete. 

In  such  an  eminently  parochial-looking  incnviclu«f  as 
he  now  appeared,  no  one  would  think  of  looking  for  the 
daring  highwayman,  Dick  Turpin. 


CHAPTER   CMLXXV. 

tS   WHICH    DICK  TURPIN    PAPT3  WITH    BT  A..4&   HSR,  AHB 
Fl.\;>3  THAT  HIS   DISGUISE  IS  BY  XC?  if EiS?  FKRP3CTP. 

Just  as  Dick  had  finished  makiuj  these  dhange*  In  his 
appearance,  the  slight  noise  was  agnic  heard,  only  this 
time  it  was  more  unmistakable. 

"  Who's  there  ?"  Turpin  cried,  turning  roci  d  quickly. 
M  Speak — who  are  you  ?  ' 

H  What's  that  to  you  ?"  said  a  growling  T^»ce. 


"  Who  are  you  ?"  said  Dick,  again.  "And  beware  ho<» 
you  trifle  with  me  I" 

"  You  be  blowed !"  said  the  voice,  again.  "  I  should 
just  like  to  know  what  you  have  been  togging  yourself 
up  in  tbose  things  for  ?     Dark  as  it  is.  I  eeed  you." 

"  Did  you  indeed  ?"  said  Dick.  •'  Then  111  see  yort  in  re- 
turn, though,  if  you  have  no  objection,  we  will  have  a 
little  light  on  the  subject."  ' 

A  hasty  movement  follow  '  1  iliese  words. 

As  V6  h\ra  often  stated,  Dick  took  good  care  never  to 
be  without  the  means  <jf  procuring  a  light. 

He  had  not  been  long  in  learning  the  absolute  necessity 
there  was  for  this. 

On  the  present  occasion  he  quickly  ignited  one  of  the 
small  pieces  of  wax  taper  that  he  always  carried  about 
him,  and  as  he  held  it  above  his  head  it  diffused  quite 
light  enough  to  illuminate  the  interior  of  that  ruined  shed. 

Lying  in  one  corner,  covered  over  by  a  heap  of  rags 
and  straw,  was  what  beyond  all  doubt  was  a  human 
being,  though  of  what  sex  it  wa3  impossible  to  discover, 
though  the  voice  had  decidedly  a  masculiue  tone. 

"  1  don't  know  you,"  said  Dick,  "  and  you  need  not 
know  me.  1  thought  I  had  the  place  all  to  myself. 
However,  if  you  like  to  hold  your  tongue  about  what  you 
have  seen,  and  say  nothing  about  it,  you  can  have  this 
for  a  reward." 

As  he  spoke,  he  tossed  a  guinea  in  the  direction  of  the 
miserable  object  in  the  straw,  and  no  sooner  had  he  done 
so  than  he  turned  abruptly  on  his  heel,  and  mounted  Black 
Bess  as  quickly  as  he  was  able. 

"  Confound  it !"  he  muttered.  "  I  am  vexed  that,  after 
all  the  precautions  I  have  taken,  some  one  should  actu- 
ally see  me  assume  this  disguise ;  and  yet  what  hare  I  to 
fear  from  such  a  miserable  object  as  that  was?  Bah  !  the 
matter  is  not  worth  another  second's  thought!" 

But  although  he  said  this,  he  could  not  banish  the  re- 
membrance from  his  mind,  nor  could  he  help  it  making 
him  feel  decidedly  uncomfortable. 

But  soon  afterwards  his  attention  was  diverted,  for, 
happening  to  look  along  the  road  before  him,  he  perceived 
the  figure  of  some  person  on  horseback. 

The  an<inal  appeared  to  be  a  very  spirited  one,  for  it 
was  prancing,  and  curvettiug,  and  rearing  in  a  manner 
dangerous  to  any  inezperienced  rider,  as  the  person  on 
his  back  clearly  seemed  to  be. 

"  He'll  be  off,"  ejaculated  Dick,  after  watching  the 
movements  of  the  horse  and  rider  for  a  few  seconds — 
"  he'll  be  off — I  know  he  will !     By  Jove,  there  he  is !" 

Just  while  he  spoke,  the  horse,  by  a  sudden  movement, 
succeeded  in  unseating  its  rider,  who  fell  with  a  heavy, 
disagieeablo  crash  to  the  earth. 

Luckily,  the  rider's  feet  were  not  entangled  in  the 
stirrups,  ftncl,  what  was  oddest  of  all,  the  horse,  having, 
a-s  one  might  say,  accomplished  his  purpose,  stood  per- 
fectly still. 

All  this  appeared  very  odd  to  tJiek,  who,  however,  ac- 
celerated Black  Bess's  speed  in  order  to  reach  the  scene 
of  accident,  and  ascertain  whether  the  stranger  was 
seriously  hurt  or  not,  and  in  any  case  to  proffer  assist- 
ance. 

The  hors?  appeared  to  view  Dick's  approach  with  con- 
siderable distiust,  and  once  seemed  ready  to  start  off  at 
full  speed. 

Dick  noticed  it,  and  resolved  not  to  allow  the  animal 
the  chance  of  doing  bo  if  he  could  help  it,  so,  with  con- 
siderable adroitness,  he  seized  hold  of  the  rein,  and 
secured  it  to  the  branch  of  a  tree. 

This  done,  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  stranger,  who 
still  lay  immovable  upon  the  ground,  just  in  the  same 
position  as  he  had  fallen. 

Dick  stooped  down  over  bim.  and  then   saw  that  the 
figure  was  slim,  and  the  face  young  ai"4,  almost  too  deli- 
3  cate-looking  for  a  man's. 

Che  costume  of  this  young  man  was,   however,  very 
1  rich  indeed,  and  Dick  concluded  at  once  tiiAS  he  belonged 
to  some,  high  family,  for  air.:.:.*  th;  upper  ranks  of  society 
such  aD  effeminacy  of  appearva-e  was  by  no  means  un- 
common. 

"  Are  you  much  hurt,  young  sir  ?"  said  Dick,  bending 
down  over  him.  "  Do  you  tWnk  you  will  be  able  to  rise 
with  my  assistance  ?" 

Not  a  word  was  given  in  a.  ply  to  thb  speech,  an&JBfafe 
began  to  fear  that  this  young  horseman  bad  met  wiii>  fcVg 
death. 


161B 


BJ^ACF     BES8  ,     OK. 


Placing  his  hand  at  the  back  of  his  neck,  however, 
Dick,  by  an  effort  of  strength,  raised  him  *o  a  sitting 
posture. 

As  he  did  so,  the  cap  worn  by  the  young  stranger  was 
removed,  and  then  immediately  a  quantity  of  hair  showered 
down,  covering  at  once  his  head  and  neck,  and  falling  far 
on  to  the  shoulders. 

This  surprised  Dick  not  a  little,  and  the  ejaculation 
that  he  gave  utterance  to  upon  making  the  discovery 
seemed  to  have  the  effect  of  arousing  the  stranger,  who, 
in  a  low,  faint  voice,  said : 

"Help — help — oh,  help  me  and  save  me !" 

The  tones  of  this  voice  were  inexpressibly  oweet  and 
touohing-  and  if  Dick  had  required  any  fortbsr  proof 
thAn  the  abundance  of  hair  as  to  the  ses  of  this  stranger, 
the  voice  would  have  been  sufficient. 

"I  will  help  you,"  said  Dick,  in  a  reassuring  voice, 
"  and  save  you  if  I  can  Do  you  remember  your  horse 
threw  you  ?" 

"Yes — yes,"  said  the  young  girl,  for  such,  in  truth,  she 
was ;  "  I  remember  all  now,  and " 

She  started,  and  even  in  the  semi-darkness  Dick  could 
tell  that  her  fair,  pale  countenance  was  suffused  by  a  deep 
blush. 

Dick  affected  to  take  no  notice  of  it,  and  he  spoke  as 
though  he  had  not  guessed  the  stranger's  secret. 

"  I  trust,  young  sir,"  he  said,  "that  you  are  not  very 
dangerously  hurt.  Do  you  think,  with  a  little  aid  from 
me,  you  would  be  able  to  remount  your  horse  ?" 

The  young  girl  exhibited  many  traces  of  agitation,  and 
endeavored  to  rise  to  her  feet. 

By  Dick's  assistance  she  was  enabled  to  do  so,  and 
then  she  limped  slowly  and  painfully  towards  the  spot 
where  he  had  fastened  up  her  steed. 

"  I  am  a  little  hurt,"  she  said.  "  I  feel  bruised  and 
shaken,  and  my  ankle  is  sprained,  I  think,  but  nothing 
more  than  that.  Many  thanks,  sir,  for  the  services  you 
have  rendered." 

"  It  is  not  worthy  of  a  thought,"  said  Dick.  "  But  do 
you  not  think  you  are  runnmg  considerable  risk  by  re- 
mounting that  spirited  creature  ?  He  seems  to  me  far  be- 
yond your  strength." 

"  Perhaps  he  may  be,"  was  the  answer;  "but  he  will 
probably  be  calmer  now — at  any  rate,  I  nave  no  other  re- 
source :  I  dare  not  linger  here." 

The  young  girl  tried  to  mount  whije  she  spoko  tujse 
words,  but  it  is  questionable  whether  she  would  have 
succeeded  but  for  the  aid  Dick  afforded  her. 

"Many  thanks,  sir,"  she  said  again — "  many  thanks  !" 

"Here  is  your  hat,"  said  Dick,  picking  it  from  the 
ground;  "you  had  better  put  it  on." 

She  took  it  from  him,  and  was  about  to  place  it  on  her 
head,  when  she  stopped  suddenly,  for  she  had  discovered 
thather  hair,  which  she  had  so  carefully  ooncealed  be- 
neath it,  was  flowing  over  her  shoulders. 

Tn  the  excitement  under  which  she  labored  she  had  not 
nottce^  this  before,  but  upon  making  the  discovery  she 
believed  thai  Disk  must  have  penetrated  her  secret. 

She  was  overcoE*  With  confusion,  but  with  a  great 
effort  she  spoke : 

"  You  have  behaved  so  kindly  to  me,  sir,"  she  said, 
"  that  I  am  anxious  to  stand  well  in  your  opinion.  How 
strangely  you  must  think  of  me  to  see  me  in  this  garb ; 
but,  believe  me,  nothing  but  the  most  urgent  motives 
would  have  induced  mo  to  set  out  thus  attired,  and  even 
now  I  almost  shrink  from  what  I  have  to  do." 

There  was  a  tone  of  deep  sadness  In  *»er  voice,  which 
she  endeavored  to  control. 

Dick  simply  bowed,  and  witk  increasing  hesitation  me 
young  girl  continued : 

"  I  have  known  much  sorrow  and  much  suffering  It 
has  til  been  caused  by  one  who — who  I  have  come  forth 
to  seek  to-night.  I  shall  find  him,"  sne  added,  with  a 
deep,  long-drawn  sigh — "  I  know  I  shall  find  him  i  but, 
alas !  for  me,  I " 

Unable  to  continue  any  longer  in  her  broken  communi- 
cation, she  stopped  with  more  suddenness  than  Dick  hid 
anticipated. 

However,  she  recovered,  and  looking  u  j  to  him,  she  said  : 

"  Farewell,  sir  —  good-night ;  we  shall  never  meet 
again  ;  but  still,  I  shall  always  remember  the  kind  way 
in  which  you  have  treated  and  spoken  to  me." 

freely  had  abe  finished  spsakin^,  these  words  than 
**t  frwrCRvh"d  her  bone  lightly  with  the  spur. 


The  animal  gave  a  sudden  bound,  then  darted  off  si 
full  gallop  down  the  road. 

Dick  stood  for  a  moment  perfectly  still,  gazing  after  the 
flying  form. 

"  This  is  odd  enough,"  he  murmured,  at  length. 
"  There's  a  mystery  there — a  strange  one  too ;  I  would 

five  much  to  unravel  it.    I  will  follow  her.    Yes — yea, 
will  follow  her;  I  may  be  able  to  render  her  some 
assistance." 

Dick  went  a  few  paces  in  this  direction,  which  tw 
opposite  to  the  one  he  ought  to  take. 

But  he  stopped  and  muttered : 

'•  No — no,  hard  as  it  is  to  restrain  myself,  I  feel  that 
this  is  not  the  time  to  look  after  an  adventure ;  I  have 
enough  to  do  before  me ;  besides,  she  has  gone ;  I  may 
not  bo  able  to  overtake  her — at  any  rate,  for  the  sake  o*. 
poor  Tom  Davis  I  will  not  make  the  trial." 

Having  thus  come  to  a  determination,  Dick  turned 
Black  Bess's  head  round,  and,  dropping  the  reins  upor 
her  neck,  urged  her  forward  with  his  voice. 

A  few  minutes  soon  took  him  a  considerable  distance 
from  the  spot  where  he  had  met  with  this  strange  adven 
ture. 

He  was  now  drawing  near  to  London,  and,  finding 
such  was  the  case,  he  'relaxed  his  speed,  for  he  was  re- 
minded that  as  yet  he  had  not  come  to  any  definite  ar 
rangement  as  to  his  proceedings. 

"  It  will  never  do,"  he  muttered,  "to  ride  through  London 
attired  like  this,  and  with  Black  Bess  beneath  me.  No, 
no — that  will  never  do !  Black  Bess  would  be  recognised 
beyond  all  doubt.  Yet  dare  I  part  with  her  ?  and,  if  so, 
where  could  she  remain  ?" 

These  were  harassing  and  perplexing  questions,  and 
they  cost  Dick  much  thought  and  consideration  before  he 
could  come  to  a  conclusion  with  respect  to  them. 

But  while  cogitating,  he  happened  to  remember  that 
near  the  entrance  to  Piccadilly  was  a  small  public-house, 
situate  in  a  narrow  street  turning  out  of  the  thoroughfare 
just  named. 

The  place  was  one  of  a  retired  description,  and  he 
questioned  very  much  whether  the  people  there  in  whose 
charge  he  would  leave  his  mare  would  recognise  her. 

At  any  rate,  Dick  could  think  of  no  better  mode  of  dis- 
posing of  Black  Bess,  and  so  he  resolved,  without  any 
moro  hesitation,  to  adopt  it. 

When  he  rode  up  to  the  inn,  he  found  that  the  front  of 
it  was  in  darkness. 

Over  the  gate  leading  to  the  stable-yard,  however,  a 
dim  light  was  burning. 

He  pulled  away  at  th9  handle  of  the  bell,  and,  after 
some  little  delay,  a  man  appeared,  who  was  so  busy  rub- 
bing the  sleep  out  of  his  eyes  that  he  could  scarcely  see 
anything. 

He  winked  and  blinked  like  an  owl. 

"  Here's  this  horse,"  said  Dick.  "  I  want  you  just  to 
pay  a  little  attention  to  it  for  a  short  time,  and  have  1* 
ready  when  I  call.  I  am  not  going  far,  and  if  you  serve 
me  faithfully  ~au  will  be  well  rewarded." 

"All  right,  sir!"  said  the  man,  who  was  too  sleepy 
to  trouble  himself  even  to  take  a  second  glance  at  the 
highwayman. 

In  quite  a  mechanical  way  he  took  hold  of  Black  Bess 
by  the  bridle,  and  led  her  through  the  gateway. 

The  door  closed  heavily,  and  no  sooner  was  it  shut 
than  Dick  wished  he  had  passed  through  along  with  his 
mare,  and  ascertained  the  spot  where  she  had  been  be- 
stowed. 

This  was  now  too  late,  and,  moreover,  he  thought  per- 
haps it  was  quite  as  well  that  he  had  remained  outside, 
for  if  he  entered  he  might  confront  some  one  else,  and 
then  there  would  be  the  danger  of  recognition. 

He  felt  if  he  remained  lingering  near  the  inn  he  should 
regret  what  he  had  done,  and  therefore,  with  a  hurried 
step,  he  turned  away. 

"I  will  soon  be  back,"  he  rcuttered,  "or  I  will  send 
some  one  for  Black  Bess,  if  I  fancy  there  is  any  danger 
in  going  myself.  There's  plenty  of  time  to  think  about 
that,  though.  I  wonder  how  1  look  in  my  disguise  P 
Do  I  resemble  a  parish  constable,  I  wonder  P  I  think  so. 
Ah,  that  will  not  do — no,  certainly  not!" 

While  he  had  been  speaking,  Dick,  in  accordance  with 
a  habit  of  his,  had  stroked  the  lower  part  of  his  face, 
and  in  doing  so  his  hand  had  passed  over  his  moustache, 
which  caused  him  to  give  utterance  to  the  last  words- 


THB  KNIGHT  OJ  THB   KOAD. 


"Confound  it !"  he  said.  "  I  forgot  that  my  moustache 
will  spoil  it  all !  Who  ever  saw  a  nonstable  with  such  an 
appendage  ?  No,  no — it  will  never  do  to  remain  so !  I 
must  find  some  means  or  other  of  getting  ft  removed.' 

This  was  likely  to  be  a  matter  of  no  ordinary  diffi- 
culty. 

It  was  necessary  that  it  should  be  removal  at  onm,  for 
he  could  not  te'1  how  soon  he  should  be  met  by  some  one 
or  other. 

He  could  not  remove  St  himself,  and  the  hour  waa  so 
late  a  one  tnat  there  was  a  very  slight  probability  indead 
that  he  would  be  able  to  find  auy  barber's  shop  >  >pen,eveo 
if  he  had  relt  inclined  to  run  the  risk  of  enteiinj?  one. 


OHAPTEB  CMLXXV1. 

IS    WHICH     DICK     TURFIN    MANAGES    TO     GBT   KID   0*    HI3 
MOUSTACHE   IN  A  VERY   CLEVER   MANNER. 

But  the  more  Dick  Turpin  pondered  over  this  matter,  the 
more  he  felt  the  necessity  of  having  his  moustache  ^e- 
moved. 
It  was  altogether  incongruous  with  his  disguise. 
He  had  just  reached  this  point  in  his  reflections,  when 
he  caught  sight,  at  some  little  distance  off  up  the  street 
along  which  he  was  hastening,  a  feeble  gleam  of  light. 

On  coming  nearer,  what  was  his  surprise  to  perceive 
that  the  light  actually  came  from  a  barber's  shop. 
He  paused  outside  irresolutely. 

Really  it  seemed  as  though  chance  had  directed  his  foot- 
steps to  that  very  spot,  and  he  was  conscious  that  if  he 
allowed  this  opportunity  to  slip  by  him  he  would  not  have 
another  presented  to  him. 

Nevertheless,  he  could  not  make  up  his  mind  to  walk 
boldly  into  the  shop  ;  but  he  stopped  outside  the  window, 
and  by  peeping  in  between  the  various  objects  it  con- 
tained, endeavored  to  get  a  view  of  the  interior  of  the 
shop. 

While  he  was  so  engaged,  he  heard  a  footstep  near  at 
hand. 

He  looked  up  and  caught  sight  of  a  thin,  little-sized 
man,  with  a  remarkable-looking,  pointed  chin,  approach- 
ing. 

He  ran  into  the  shop  in  what  was  certainly  a  most 
furious  manner,  and  no  sooner  had  he  entered  it  and 
glanced  all  around  than  he  uttered  several  straage  cries, 
all  of  which  were  in  the  strongest  degree  indicative  of 
violent  rage. 

Dick  was  amused  at  his  proceedings,  and  continued  to 
watch  him  with  great  anxiety. 

"I'll  be  the  death  of  him !"  said  this  man,  as  he  pulled 
off  his  coat,  and  flung  it  down  in  a  passion — "I'll  be  the 

death  of  him!     I'll— I'll " 

He  stopped,  and  made  a  frantic  rush  to  a  drawer,  from 
which,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  he  produced  a  razor, 
which  he  began  to  strap  rapidly  on  the  palm  of  his 
hand. 

The  noise  he  had  made  evidently  attracted  the  atten- 
tion of  some  other  persons  in  the  house,  for  just  then  an 
inner  door  was  timidly  opened  to  the  extent  of  about  a 
couple  of  inches,  and  a  woman's  face  appeared. 

The  barber — for  such  no  doubt  he  was — uttered  a 
howl. 

"Where's  that  villain  Sam?"  he  roared — "where  is 
he  ? — where's  he  gone  ?" 

"  Lor,  Mr.  Goodge,  how  in  the  world  suould  I  know  ? 
He's  such  an  awful  boy  that  is  !"  replied  tue  woman,  in 
a  remarkably  mild  tone  of  voice,  wi»ich  contrasted 
strongly  with  the  barber's  infuriated  accents. 

"  I'll  be  the  death  of  him  !"  he  repeated.  "  Let  me'ksk 
vou,  ma'am,  whether  1  did  not  leave  him  m  my  shop  with 
particular  directions  as  to  what  he  was  to  do  ?  Didnt  I 
say  that  as  soon  as  nine  o'clock  came  he  was  to  shut  up 
the  shop  and  go  home — didn't  I  tell  him  all  that/ 
"  I  believe  you  did,  sir  ?" 

11  Of  course  I  did  !  Aud  low  tjero  I  come  home  at  Jiia 
-uiearthly  hour  and  find  the  shop  staring  wide  open,  and 
that  villain  nowhere  to  be  found.  But  let  me  get  hold  of 
tiiu — only  let  mo  get  hold  of  him,  andl'll  finish  him!" 

The  barber  accompanied  these  words  with  such  a 
fiendish  li'ok,  that  the  woman,  thoroughly  alarmed, 
vanished  immediately  from  the  door. 

"Then  the  cause  of  the  shop  being  opened  is  ex- 
plained," thought  Dick,  who  had  heard  every  word  of  this 
job  versatioa.  "  What  au  odd  chance  !  I'll  warrant  there's 


not  another  barber's  shop  open  in  London.  TR  enter 
here  at  all  risks";  perhaps  in  his  excited  state  I  can  work 
upon  him  a  little." 

With  these  words,  Dick  approached  the  door,  and  only 
just  in  timej  for  the  barber  was  beginning  to  think  about 
closing  his  shop. 

Dick  stood  just  on  the  threshold,  and  projected  only 
his  head  and  the  upper  part  of  his  body  into  the 
shop. 

J  Good  morning — good  morning  I"  he  said,  assuming  a 
peculiarly  vacant  smile,  and  making  an  odd  grimace — 
"  good  morning,  Mr.  Goodge  1  I  am  the  Fringe  of  Wales. 
How  do  you  do,  eh  ?     Seen  the  moon  lately  ?" 

To  say  tnat  the  barber  was  astonished  by  Dick's 
sudden  appearance  and  his  extraordinary  words  would 
not  be  to  say  much. 

So  overcome  was  he  that  he    could  do  nothing  but 
stagger  back  a  few  paces,and  goggle  his  eyes  frightfully. 
Dick  availed  himself   of  the  opportunity  to  slip  inside 
the  shop. 

He  closed  the  door  behind  him,  „nd  as  he  did  so 
he  noticed  that  the  key  was  sticking  in  the  lock. 

He  turned  it  round,  and  removed  it  at  once,  then  coolly 
consigned  it  to  his  pocket. 

"Murder!"  said  the  barber,  in  a  faint,  exhausted  voice 
— "  oh,  murder !  This  is  a  madman  escaped  from  some 
asylum !    What  shall  I  do  ?" 

Dick  certainly  simulated  the  manner  of  an  insane 
person  to  great  perfection. 

The  barber  was  completely  deceived  by  it. 
Putting  on  a  most  mysterious  aspect,  and  extending  one 
hand    before    him,   Dick    approached    the    barber,  who 
gradually  retreated  until  he  was  brought  up  by  the  waD, 
and  found  himself  unable  to  go  any  further. 

Then  Dick  took  hold  of  him  by  the  collar  of  his  coat, , 
and  placed  his  lips  close  to  his  ear. 

"  Hush !"  he  said     "  Do  you  wish  to  know  what  must 
be  done  ?" 
"No — no  } 

"  I  have  made  a  vow — yes,  I  repeat  it — a  vow.  It  was 
that  the  first  man  I  met  should  either  shave  me  or  let  me 
shave  him." 

With  these  words,  Dick  pounced  suddenly  upon  a  raaor 
which  his  keen  eyes  had  detected  lying  close  at  hand. 

He  flourished  it  in  the  air  in  a  most  alarming  manner, 
as  he  continued,  with  additional  excitement : 

"  Come  on,  I  am  ready — I  am  armed  !  Sit  down,  and 
I  will  shave  you  as  you  were  never  shaved  before !" 

The  prospect  of  this  operation  horrified  the  barber  be- 
yond all  measure. 

The  bare  thought  oi  sitting  down  in  a  chair  at  the 
mercy  of  a  lunatic  who  held  a  razor  was  too  horrible  to 
bear  reflection. 

"  No,  no,  my  good  sir,"  he  said,  with  shattering  teeth 

and  trembling  knees — "  my  very  good  sir " 

"  Wretch !— dastard !  do  you  know  what  you  are  say- 
ing ?"  cried  Dick,  pretending  all  at  once  to  fall  into  an 
ungovernable  rage.  "  Is  that  the  way  you  address  me, 
you  miserable,  chin-scraping  wretch  ?" 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,"  said  the  barber,  who,  having 
heard  that  the  best  way  of  treating  lunatics  was  to  comply 
as  far  as  possible  with  all  their  wishes — "  I  humbly  beg 
your  pardon,  your  Royal  Highness !  I  hope  you  will  for- 
give me !" 

"Ah,  good!"  said  Dick.  "Now,  then,  down  in  the 
chair  with  you  at  once !" 

"  But,  your  Royal  Highness,"  said  the  barber,  bowing 
and  scraping  at  every  word,  though  he  was  so  horribly 
afraid  that  he  scarcely  knew  what  he  said,  "  may  I  call 
your  Royal  Highness's  attention  to  the  fact  that  I  am 
already  clean  rihaved— that  there  is  not  so  much  as  the 
ghost  of  a  bristle  anywhere  on  my  face?" 

"  No  matter, '  said  Dick — "  the  razor  will  go  all  the 
more  easily  " 

"But  dia  not  your  Royal  Highness  say  sometning  about 
being  shaved  yourself  ?  Suppose,  now,  you  allowed  me 
to  remove  that  untidy  moustache  on  your  lip  ?" 

-'Yes,  yes — of  course!"  said  Dick.  "That's  what  I 
meant  1     How  dare  you  dispute  my  commands  ?     Quick 

come  here  at  once  !     I  have  no  time  to  lose !" 

These  were  welcome  words  indeed  for  the  barber,  and 
he  made  up  his  mind  to  shave  his  disagreeable  customer 
as  quickly  as  he  could,  and  then  trust  to  bis  ingenuity  t* 
get  him  out  of  the  shop. 


1814 


BLACK    BESS  ;     OR, 


He  was  not  without  a  hope  that  he  would  depart 
quietly. 

This  was  just  the  frame  of  mind  that  Dick  Turpin 
wished  to  bring  him  into,  so  he  put  down  the  razor,  and 
calmly  sear-xi  himself  in  the  chair 

But  whik  doing  this,  as  the  reader  mi.^  easily  believe, 
he  kept  the  keened  possible  eye  that  he  could  upon  the 
movempnts  of  the  barber,  for  it  was  quite  likely  vhftt  in- 
dividual would  summon  the  assistance  of  his  t^r.bors, 
and  endeavor  to  capture  the  supposed  lunatic. 

"Come  on  I'  be  cried,  furiously — "come  on.  How 
long  do  you  intend  to  keep  mo  waiting  ?" 

Fearing  some  act  of  violence,  the  barber  replica,  t»tssi 
civilly : 

"Now,  your  Roy».l  Highness — I  am  coming  iiow— • I 
shall  not  be.  another  second." 

He  bustled  about,  and  made  his  preparations. 

As  soon  as  the  barber  approached  the  cbair,  Dick 
cried: 

"  Ah,  villain!  I  read  your  purpose  in  yonr  es  3s — 1  know 
the  intention  in  your  mind  I  You  mean  to  shave  off  my 
eyebrows !" 

"  Nothing  of  the  kind,  your  Royal  Highness — nothing 
of  the  kind,"  said  the  barber.  "  If  you  would  allo-y  via 
to  say  so,  that  is  entirely  a  mistake  oa  vour  ^oysi  High- 
ness's  part,  as  I  will  «"cc  convince  you.* 

Die*  leaned  back,  pretending  to  take  upon  himself  a 
quiet  mood,  as  mad  people  sometimes  do. 

The  barber,  trembling  all  over,  inwardly  cursing  his 
apprentice,  to  whose  door  he  laid  this  disagreeable  ad- 
venture, bent  himself  to  the  task  of  shaving  his  customer 
with  all  possible  dexterity — in  fact,  in  less  than  a  minute 
Dick  found  himself  entirely  divested  of  his  moustache. 

He  happened  to  catch  sight  of  himself  in  a  glass  that 
was  opposite,  and  was  struck  immediately  by  the  great 
difference  it  made  to  his  appearance. 

"  Performed  1"  said  Dick,  with  a  wild  shout,  as  he 
sprang  to  his  feet — "  performed — the  deed  is  performed  ! 
Oome,  rascal — a  towel!" 

This  article  was  handed  to  him,  on  which  he  wiped  his 
face  carefully. 

"  Dear  me,"  Dick  said,  by  way  of  giving  the  barber  a 
parting  fright,  "1  feel  dreadfully  hungry !  1  must  have 
something  to  eat.  Have  you  such  a  thing  as  a  baby  in 
the  house  ?" 

The  barber  turned  pale  with  fear. 

"  I  must  have  a  baby !"  continued  Dick,  making  a 
horrible  sound  with  his  mouth.  "  Is  there  one  in  the 
house,  eh  ?" 

"  No — no,"  stammered  the  barber,  desperately,  "  I 
tfrink  if  your  Eoyal  Highness  would  only  try  next  door 
you  will  find  that  they  have  one  that  will  exactly  suit 
you." 

"  Ah  I"  said  Dick,  suddenly,  "  next  door,  of  course  !  I 
will  go  there." 

The  barber  gave  a  long-drawn  sigh  of  relief. 

Dick  produced  the  key  from  his  pocket,  opened  the 
door  quickly,  and  passed  out. 

No  sooner,  however,  had  he  crossed  the  threshold  than 
the  barber  turned  the  key  in  the  lock  once  more,  and 
then,  not  content  with  that  amount  of  security,  drew  a 
couple  of  bolts,  and  put  up  a  bar. 

•'  Thank  goodness,"  he  ejaculated,  as  he  sank,  limp  and 
half-fainting,  into  a  chair — "  thank  goodness  hi  is  gone  ! 
Oh,  the  dreadful  wretch ! — the  villain !  I  shall  always  be 
frightened  to  death  to  be  in  the  shop  of  a  night  after 
this  I  But  it's  Sam's  fault — I'll  pay  him  out  for  it  to- 
morrow !" 

The  change  that  came  over  Dick's  appearance  aa  coca 
as  the  barber's  door  was  closed  behind  him  was  truly  re- 
markable. 

Stroking  his  face  and  a-ljustsoig  bis  apparel,  b»  c^ai'- 
mured : 

"I  rather  think  I  hare  mssiafH  that  little  affair  ivith 
some  cleverness.  At  any  rate,  lH  wager  tue  barber 
will  never  suspect  who  he  has  done  snch  a  service 
for." 

With  these  words,  Dick  strode  hastily  onward,  for 
the  hour  was  a  late  one,  or  rather  an  early  one,  and  he 
was  anxious  to  reach  the  White  Horse  without  delay. 

The  streets  were  almost  deserted  ;  but  the  few  people 
he  met  did  not  even  trouble  themselves  to  give  a  second 
glance  at  him,  which  was  a  source  of  considerable  satis- 
faction to  the  highwayman,  for  it  filled  h'.va  with  the  hope 


that  he  should  be  able  to  carry  out  his  mission  success- 
fully. 

Soon  after  this  he  found  himself  noar  to  Draw  L&no, 
and  then  began  to  wonder  what  steps  he  should  uiho  ia 
order  to  gain  admiss'on  to  Old  Matthew's  house. 

Certainly  there  was  the  little  secret  door  in  ^hite 
Horse  Yard ;  Lit  then  that  would  doubtless  be  watched, 
and  should  he  bo  seen  entering  by  stealth,  sa^Mou  wo  rid 
at  once  be  aroused. 

This  consideration  made  him  determine  to  w«us  bold'y 
up  to  the  inn  to  pusn  open  the  door,  enter,  and  walk  u  i 
to  the  bar  witttou'  heeding  who  might  be  there. 

This  was  certainly  a  very  bold  plan  of  operations ;  but 
then  its  very  boldness  was  well  calculated  to  carry  success 
along  with  it. 

Having  oome  to  this  decision,  Dick  evinced  no  hesita- 
tion. 

The  oil  iatap  was  burning  outsfde  the  front  door  of  the 
inn  as  usual,  and  through  the  swinging  half-glass  door 
placed  a  little  way  down  the  passsgre  came  another  d>? 
and  feeble  ray  of  light. 

CHAPTER  CMLXXVU. 

OLD   MATTHEW    FENKTKATES   DICK  TTJBJTS's  DISGCLSK. 

"There  is  certainly  a  slight  surprise  in  store  for  Old 
Matthew,"  said  Dick,  as,  after  a  hasty  glance  up  and  down 
the  street,  he  crossed  the  threshold  of  the  White  Horse. 
"  At  any  rate,  I  will  test  the  efficiency  of  my  disguis3.  If 
he  fails  to  recognise  me,  I  shall  have  the  greatest  amount 
of  confidence  in  it." 

These  thoughts  passed  through  Dick's  mind  as  he 
pushed  open  the  swinging  door  we  have  just  mentioned, 
and  which  brought  him  at  once  into  full  view  of  the 
bar. 

IWe  he  was  rejoiced  to  find  Old  Matthew  standing  alone, 
busily  engaged  in  decanting  some  liquid  from  one  bottle 
to  another. 

Dick  marched  up  to  the  counter  with  a  step  very  dif- 
ferent to  his  usual  one. 

Then  pausing,  he  said,  in  a  sharp,  cracked  voioe : 

"  Mr.  Gale,  consider  yourself  in  custody  !" 

Old  Matthew,  heariog  these  words,  naturally  enough 
gave  a  great  start,  and  turned  round. 

He  looked  Dick  full  in  the  face  for  some  moments 
without  saying  a  word,  and  while  he  did  so  his  counte- 
nance wore  a  very  puzzled  look. 

At  length  the  expression  of  the  features  changed  en- 
tirely, and  winking  his  eye,  and  at  the  same  time  shaking 
iiis  head,  he  exclaimed: 

"  No,  no,  Dick — it  won't  do,  though  I  am  willing  to 
surrender  to  you  whenever  you  wish  it." 

"You  know  me,  then?"  said  Turpin,  as  he  gave  a 
hasty  glance  around,  in  order  to  ascertain  that  no  listene/s 
were  near. 

"Yes,  I  know  you,  of  course,"  said  Matthew,  coming 
forward,  and  shaking  him  by  the  hand.  "  At  first,  I  do 
confess,  I  was  puzzli'd.  The  absence  of  your  moustache 
makes  a  wonderful  difference  to  your  face.  But  where  on 
earth  did  you  get  that  strange  costume?" 

u  I  will  tell  you  all  about  it,  Matthew,  and  plenty  more 
besides — that  is  if  we  can  only  have  the  opportunity  oi  ex- 
changing a  few  words  with  each  other." 

"  Well,  we'll  try." 

"Have  you  been  much  troubled  by  the  ofScers 
lately  V 

"No,  not  much — very  little.  After  that  last  adventure 
of  yours,  I  almost  think  that  they  have  made  up  theii 
minds  that  the  wisest  thing  they  can  do  is  to  let  me 
alone." 

"  I  hope  they  have,"  said  Dick.  But  where  are  you 
going  to?" 

"  This  way,"  said  Matthew,  who  cad  q«s*4ad  the  bar. 
"  I've  got  a  comfortable  room  upstairs,  and  we  oan  eurelj 
sit  there  and  converse  in  private  ?" 

"  Will  it  be  safe  ?" 

"  As  safe  as  anywhere." 

"Enough,  Matthew.  I  havo  the  greatest  confidence  ia 
you,  and  place  myself  willingly  in  your  hands.  I  know 
the  great  extent  of  jour  resources." 

Old  Matthew  smiled,  and  it  may  be  thp.t  the  smile  w: . 
one  of  satisfied  vanity. 

He  preceded  Dick  up  the  old  oakan  staircase,  and,  push- 


fHB    KNIGHT  Of  TBM  &OAJJ. 


5814 


lug  open  a  door  at  the  top,  he  ushered  his  visitor  into  ■ 
small  room  plainly  yet  comfortably  furnished. 

Producing  a  light,  Matthew  ignited  a  lamp  standing  on 
the  table. 

Then  he  said,  rapidly : 

*  Wait  here  a  moment,  Dick,  while  i  run  downstairs 
and  leave  the  necessary  instructions  in  case  of  an  aiavm. 
I  will  be  back  directly." 

"  And  bring  something  with  you,"  cried  Dick. 

"Yes,  ye* — never  fear ;  but  do  not  speak  so  loud." 

With  these  words  Matthew  departed. 

He  was  absent  only  a  few  minutes,  yet  to  Dick  it  seemed 
a  long  time. 

When  he  reappeared,  he  was  carrying  before  "aim  a 
huge  tray,  ou  which  was  set  ont  a  verv  tempting  array 
of  aatables  and  drinkables. 

There,  now,"  he  cried,  "what  do  you  China  of  such 
»  teast  as  that,  and  at  a  moment's  notice,  too  ?  Tbe  fact 
is,  I  feel  quite  peckish  myself,  and  shall  have  a  good  deal 
of  pleasure  in  joining  you." 

Old  Matthew  was  a  very  good  hand  with  the  knife  and 
fork,  and,  uo   matter  what  time  in  the  day  or  night  it  I 
might  be,  he  was  generally  ready  to  make  a  meal  with 
anyone. 

"  1  expected  to  astonish  you  much  more  by  my  arrival," 
said  Dick,  after  a  6hort  pause,  during  which  they  had 
both  been  paying  their  respects  to  what  they  had  before 
them. 

"Very  likely  "  answered  Matthew;  "but  the  truth  is, 
I  expected  you." 

"Expected  me?" 

"  Yes — I  have  been  looking  for  you  for  days  and  days 
past.  I'll  warrant  I  know  your  errand — it  coucerns  Tom 
Davis.  You  are  not  the  one  to  leave  a  friend  in  the 
lurch." 

"  Not  by  any  means,"  said  Dick.  "  You  have  guessed 
rightly — my  intention  is  to  get  him  out  of  his  trouble, 
and  I  have  come  to  you  to  ask  you  how  to  do  it." 

"Well,  then,"  Matthew  responded,  "lean  do  that  in 
a  very  few  minutes ;  and  before  we  proceed  to  that,  I  am 
determined  to  have  from  you  an  account  of  your  late 
doings.  You  can  be  as  brief  as  you  like,  but  I  must  have  it." 

Dick  knew  that  it  would  only  bo  an  utter  waste  of 
time  to  hesitate  or  to  attempt  to  persuade  old  Matthew  to 
postpone  the  account  of  his  adventures. 

Taking,  therefore,  what  was  the  shortest  way,  Dick 
began  abruptly,  and,  as  briefly  as  ever  he  could,  placed 
his  old  friend  in  possession  of  those  facts  with  which  the 
refiner  is  already  well  acquainted. 

■Qy  the  time  this  was  done  the  meal  was  over. 

Drawing  the  chairs  closer  to  the  fire,  they  then  set 
aV~«i*  the  consideration  of  the  business  before  them. 

I'hat  the  subject  was  an  important  one  could  be  told  by 
the  very  manner  in  which  old  Matthew  filled  and  lighted 
hi?  pipe  and  drew  the  first  few  whiffs. 

"I've  a  good  deal  to  tell  you,  Dick,"  he  began,  "and 
I  may  as  well  make  a  straightforward  tale  of  it." 

"  By  all  means.  Begin  by  telling  mo  whether  you 
oommunicated  with  him  or  not,  according  to  our  arrange- 
ment." 

"  H  you  will  listen,"  said  Matthew,  "  I  will  tell  you 
all.  And  if  you  abstain  from  inakinjf  interruptions, 
much  time  will  be  saved." 

Dick  simply  nodded  his  head,  and  Matt  taw  took  this 
hint  to  proceed. 

u  When  we  parted  on  the  last  occasion,"  he  said,  "  I  just 
snatched  a  few  hours'  slumber,  and  the  first  thing  the 
next  morning  went  to  a  lawyer  that  I  have  had  some 
dealings  with,  and  who  I  knew  to  be  a  very  oievsr  I  j;iow. 
I  told  him  Tom  Davis's  exact  position,  said  he  was  a 
friend  of  mine,  and  that  I  was  iin&ious  and  willing  to  go 
to  any  expense  iu  order  to  obtain  lae  best  talent  on  '  '.s 
behalf  when  his  trial  took  place  " 

"Good!"  said  Dick,  "it  would  be  impossible  v..  act 
better  ttian  that." 

"So  I  thought,"  answered  Matthew,  oonnplaee v uy. 
•'  You  see  I  have  found  that,  in  a  general  way,  a*  regards 
the  law,  if  you  have  only  got  the  money  to  pay  for  it  ycu 
can  obtain  what  you  require,  and  so  I  had  the  strongest 
hopes  for  Tom  Davis's  safety." 

"  Then  the  lawyer  has  undertaken  tte  cas6  ?" 
"  He  has,  and  has  had  frequent  interviews  with  Tom. 
He  has  told  him  what  we  intend  to  do  on  his  behalf,  and 
:i  thi»,  the  first  attempt,  fails,  another  will  be  made." 


"  He  would  be  glad  to  learn,"  said  Dick,  "  that  he  was 
not  forgotten  by  his  friends." 

"  He  knows  you  too  well  to  fear  being  forgotten,"  said 
Matthew.  "But,  however,  1  have  not  seen  him  myself— 
indeed,  I  have  not  made  the  attempt,  for  I  fancied  any- 
thing of  the  kind  would  only  be  a  means  o'  exciting 
suspicion/ 

"And  perhaps  of  getting  yourself  into  trouble, "  inter- 
rupted Dick. 

"  Very  likely ;  and  the  lawyer  expressly  cautioned  me 
against  it" 

"  And  what  steps  has  this  lawyer  taken  up  to  the  pre- 
sent time  ?"  .-( 

"Nothing  further  than  to  engage  a  moat  eminent 
counsel,  who  will  do  his  best  to  get  the  three  prisoners 
off.  The  charge  against  Tom  is  a  very  grave  and  serious 
one,  and  if  they  succeed  in  obtaining  his  acquittal  they 
will  fairly  be  entitled  to  a  good  round  sum." 

"  And  they  shall  have  it,"  said  Dick — "  they  shall  have 
it!" 

Matthew  smiled  at  the  emphasis  with  which  he 
spoke. 

"  Why,  what  a  foolish  thing  it  would  be,"  he  said,  "  for 
anyone  in  whom  you  place  trust  to  betray  you ;  at  the 
most,  only  a  share  of  the  reward  would  be  received  as 
the  fruits  of  what  they  had  done,  whereas,  by  befriending 
you,  they  can  at  any  time  make  sure  of  double  the  whole 
amount." 

"  That's  very  true,"  said  Dick,  "  and  I  believe  we  have 
all  owed  our  safety  in  a  very  great  measure  to  that  very 
circumstance.  But  the  trial — when  does  that  take 
place  ?" 

"Theassizes  begin  to-day,"  answered  Matthew,  "and 
the  case  is  liable  to  be  called  on  at  any  moment;  it  may 
stand  over  to  the  end  of  the  week,  and  it  may  be  com- 
menced to-morrow  morniug." 

''  Indeed  !"  said  Dick — "  so  soon  as  that  ?  H  so,  that 
leaves  a  very  little  time  for  preparations." 

"  You  are  right,"  said  Matthew.  "  And  yet,  after  all,  I 
hope  in  all  sincerity  it  will  take  place  in  the  morning." 

"  Why  so  ?" 

"  Because  then  the  state  of  suspense  we  are  now  in 
will  be  put  an  end  to — we  shall  know  then  precisely  what 
to  do.  If  the  lawyers  fail,  and  they  are  all  three  sen- 
tenced to  transportation,  we  must  make  up  our  minds 
how  to  set  them  free." 

"  Exactly,"  said  Dick. 

At  this  moment  there  came  a  gentle  rap  at  the  door  of 
the  room. 

Old  Matthew  gave  such  a  nervous  start  that  he  dropped 
his  pipe,  which  broke  into  fragments  on  the  hearth. 

•'  DoD't  be  alarmed,  Dick,"  he  said,  rising  to  his  feet 
and  going  to  the  door.  "  1  think  I  know  now  what  I  am 
wanted  for." 

He  turned  the  key  as  he  spoke,  for  he  had  taken  tne 
precaution  to  lock  the  door. 

Throwing  it  opeu  ou  its  hinges,  he  perceived  the  girl 
who  assisted  him  standing  ou  the  threshold. 

"You  are  wanted,"  she  6aid,  "by a  gentleman  down- 
stairs." 

"  I  thought  so  "  said  Matthew  ;  "  but  at  the  moment  i 
forgot." 

"  Who  is  it  ?"  asked  Dick. 

"  No  one  but  the  lawyer.  He  promised  to  call  here  to- 
night and  let  me  know  in  case  anything  unusual  should 
have  occurred.  I  will  be  back  again  immediately ;  but, 
tor  safety's  sake,  iusi  lock  the  door  behind  me." 

Dick  was  not  slow  to  comply  with  this  request. 

He  wiiUd  in  the  utmost  suspense,  however,  until  the 
landlord  returned. 

He  came  back  at  length,  bearing  on  his  countenance  a 
very  portentous  look. 

"  The  news  ?"  said  Dick,  hastily.  "Do  not  keep  me 
any  longer;  my  impatience  while  you  were  absent  grew 
so  great,  that  I  was  almost  ready  to  come  down  and  joiu 
you  in  the  consultation." 

"  Then  be  glad  that  you  had  the  prudence  to  restrain 
yourself." 

"But  the  news,  Matthew — what  have  you  heard  ?" 

"  Why,  simply  that  the  lawyer  has  ascertained  that 
Tom  Davis's  case  is  put  dow  n  for  the  first  in  tbe  mom-' 
ing,  and  in  all  probability  it  will  be  taken  then." 

"  And  what  time  does  the  court  open  ?" 

"  At  ten  o'clock." 


1616 


HJ.»«K    BBSS  ;    OB, 


"We  have  not  many  hours  to  wait  then,"  ooctinued 
Dick,  "for  it  is  already  past  midnight." 

"So  much  the  better,"  "uswered  Matthew  •  *  I  vai 
anxious  for  it  to  be  over." 

"  Did  tha  lawyer  express  an  Oj/inion  V 

"  Well,  scarcely  ;  but  yet  he  alluded  to  the  difficulties 
he  had  to  deal  with.  The  evidence  ia  so  confoundedly 
straightforward  and  clear  that  it  is  scanely  possible  for 
the  cleverest  man  to  bother  or  confuse  the  brains  of  the 
jury,  easy  as  it  often  is  to  do  so." 

"  Rather  more  than  nine  hours,"  said  Dick,  musingly. 
"  A  very  short  fcteft— ■€,  very  short  time ;  not  long  enough 
to  go  and  return* 

"  What  are  you  atattenng  about  f"  asked  the  land 
lord. 

"  Why,"  said  Dick,  "as  the  trial  is  to  take  piace  so 
soon,  1  will  make  the  attempt  to  stay  in  London  until  it 
is  over ;  but  my  companions  and  Maud  will  all  be  full  of 
anxiety  on  my  account,  and  I  was  wondering  whether  I 
could  ride  over  and  tell  them  all  was  well,  and  be  back  in 
time." 

"  Don't  think  of  any  such  foolish  proceeding,"  said 
Matthew.  "  You  will  be  able  to  return  before  midnight 
to-morrow  night,  and  they  must  endure  their  suspense 
till  then  as  best  they  may. 

"  I  suppose  so,"  said  Dick,  with  a  sigh ;  "  yet  I  could 
have  wished        " 

"What?" 

"  That  we  had  been  able  to  communicate  with  them  in 
some  way." 

"  But  how  is  it  to  be  done  ?" 

"  Have  you  no  one  that  you  can  trust  to  sead  upon  such 
an  expedition  ?" 

"  No  one  at  all ;  and,  believe  me,  Dick,  I  do  not  ifcink 
the  occasion  sufficiently  pressing  to  warrant  you  in 
letting  anyone  else  into  the  secret  of  your  present  re- 
treat." 

"  Perhaps  not,"  answered  Turpin.  "  At  any  rate,  we 
will  think  no  more  about  it." 

"  Wisely  determined,  I  think.  And  now,  Dick,  as  re- 
gards your  staying  here,  I  think,  if  you  will  only  have 
the  prudence  to  remain  in  this  room,  that  all  will  be  well. 
The  ajtention  of  all  the  officers  will  be  very  much  taken 
up  by  Tom  Davis's  trial — they  will  all  want  to  know  the 
result.  For  that  reason,  you  can  count  upon  the  proba- 
bility of  being  left  here  unmolested.  Then,  as  soon  as 
the  verdict  is  pronounced,  I  will  leave  the  court,  and 
come  here  to  you." 

Dick  was  silent  for  a  moment,  and  then  he  said : 

"  That's  all  very  well,  Matthew,  but  I  have  a  word  or 
two  to  say  yet  as  regards  the  bargain.  If  1  stay  here,  as 
I  fully  intend,  I  shall  not  be  satisfied  to  keep  close  pri- 
soner in  this  room  ;  on  the  contrary,  I  have  determined 
to  go  with  you  to  the  court,  and  be  present  at  the  trial 
myself." 

Matthew  started  to  his  feet,  and  spoke  angrily. 

"You  are  mad,  Dick — mad — quite  mad!  No  one  in 
his  sober  senses  standing  in  your  position  would  dream 
of  such  a  proceeding !" 

"  I  don't  know  that,"  said  Dick.  "  I've  done  it  before 
in  safety :  and  I  consider  that  I  have  rather  a  talent  in 
disguises." 

"  But  you  surely  do  not  think  that  mere  change  in  your 
costume  is  sufficient  ?' ' 

"No,  I  do  not,"  was  the  reply;  "but  I  have  been 
tninking  of  that  old  friend  of  yours,  who  has  been  of  as- 
sistance to  me  more  than  once  before." 

"  You  mean  the  old  costumier  in  Bow  Street  ?" 

"  I  do.  Believe  me,  Matthew,  he  will  be  able  to  dis- 
guise me  so  well  that  not  even  you  could  recognise 
me." 


CHAPTEB   OMLXXVIII. 

IiICS  TURPIN  FINDS   HIMSELF  IN    UNEXPEtTTO   rE;r.,„ 

'•  .Don't  try  it,  Dick— (Jon't  try  it !     Take  my  advice,  and 
abandon  that  at  once.'' 

Bui'furpin  only  shook  his  head  resolutely 
"  I  am  sorry  to  differ  from  you,"  he  s*»d,  "aud  i  like 
to  follow  your  advice  whenever  I  can,  Deo«uss  1  huz^r  it 
is  good.  On  the  present  occasion  I  fee;  sure  that  if  I 
underrate  the  danger,  you  overrate  it,  and  therefore  I 
believe  it  will  be  safe  for  me  to  go." 
*  Well.  Dick,  you  know  a  wilful  roan  will  *W«ys  hare 


his  own  way.    If  y>u   find  yourself  in  the  vroug  bos 
don't  blame  me." 

"  I  won't,  you  may  depend  upon  it.  But  in  the  event 
of  such  a  thing,  don't  have  any  ill-feeling  against  me,  but 
do  your  best  once  more  to  get  me  out  of  the  scraps." 

"Ah,  Dick,"  said  Matthew,  more  and  more  £t*vously, 
'  1  feel  imp-sssed  with  the  idea  that  if  you  are$P3Cj  more 
made  a  prisoner  and  confined  in  a  cell  it  will  be  ior  good — 
no  human  aid  will  ever  release  you." 

It  was  more  the  manner  in  which  old  Matthew  spoke 
than  tne  words  he  uttered  that  impressed  the  highway- 
man; nevertheless,  while  he  spoke,  Dick  shuddered,  though 
he  tried  hard  to  feel  at  ease. 

"  Come,  Matthew, "  he  said,  abruptly,  "  may  we  con- 
sider this  matter  settled  ?  If  so,  I  will  set  out  for  the 
costumier's  at  once,  otherwise  it  will  be  too  late." 

"  I  can't  alter  my  opinions,"  returned  the  landlord. 

"And  I  cannot  bear  the  prospect  of  remaining  in  this 
room  all  day,"  said  Dick,  rising  to  his  feet,  "and,  there- 
fore, if  you  will  go  downstairs  and  see  that  the  coast  is 
clear  I  will  take  my  departure." 

"  Only  think,"  said  Matthew,  "  that  you  in  your  posi- 
tion should  have  the  audacity  of  thinking  about  paying 
a  visit  to  a  house  situated  nearly  opposite  the  police 
station  in  Bow  Street — certainly  within  sight  of  it !" 

"  That's  the  reason  why  it's  the  safest  place  in  the 
world,"  returned  the  highwayman;  "  they  would  never 
give  me  credit  for  such  a  daring  act  as  that." 

"  1  don't  know  ;  they  are  getting  used  to  your  audacious 
tricks  now  ;  I  do  not  believe  they  would  be  surprised  al 
anything  you  did." 

"  Well — well,  we  may  stay  here  talking  for  hours  to 
come  without  advancing  any  further.  Go  now  and  see 
whether  it  will  be  safe  for  me  to  depart." 

Very  reluctantly  indeed  did  old  Matthew  obey  this  re- 
quest. 

He  was  not  absent  very  long,  and  when  he  came  back 
he  felt  compelled  to  tell  Dick  the  truth,  for  he  had  never 
deceived  him  yet,  and  so  he  said : 

"All's  well,  Dick;  if  you  wished  it  you  could  not 
have  the  coast  clearer  than  it  is  now." 

"  Then  I'm  off." 

Matthew  gave  a  half  sigh,  and  almost  regretted  his  own 
open-mindedness,  for  he  was  aware  that  in  all  probability 
if  he  had  told  Dick  there  was  danger  abroad  he  would 
have  abandoned  his  perilous  enterprise. 

But  Dick  rapidly  put  on  his  hat  and  wrapped  the 
constable's  cloak  around  him. 

"Now,  Matthew,"  he  said,  "not  another  word  of  dfe- 
oussion.  Lead  the  way.  If  we  linger  only  five  minuCts 
ure  may  miss  this  desirable  opportunity." 

Without  a  word,  Matthew  walked  from  the  room,  Dfcu. 
following  closely  at  his  heels. 

"  Leave  me  here,"  said  the  highwayman,  as  soon  as  ifae 
foot  of  the  staircase  was  gained  ;  "  don't  attempt  to  ac- 
company me  to  the  threshold.  When  I  come  back  I  shall 
be  in  a  widely-different  dress  to  this,  you  may  depend,  and 
so  well  disguised  that  even  you,  although  knowing  my 
intention,  will  be  baffled." 

"  Have  you  made  up  your  mind  what  disguise  to 
take  ?" 

"  I  have  not ;  I  shall  be  guided  by  the  costumier." 

"  You  cannot  do  better ;  he  is  a  perfect  master  of  his 
art.5 

"  Then,  for  the  present,  farewell  I" 

With  these  words,  Dick  walked  hastily  along  the 
passage,  pushed,  open  the  swinging  glass  door,  and  the 
next  moment  was  walking  rapidly  up  Drury  Lane. 

The  nearest  way  tc  his  destination  lay  directly  past  the 
station  in  Bow  Street,  but,  with  all  his  dariug,  Dick  had 
the  prudence  to  avoid  this  route. 

lie  male,  instead,  a  considerable  detour. 

Entering  Bow  Street  from  the  upper  end,  he  crossed  at 
once  to  the  side  on  which  the  cosjuimer's  house  was 
built,  and  a  few  hasty  steps  brought  him  before  the 
door. 

He  remembered  that  in  the  door-post  there  was  a  little 
;bell  handle  so  well  concealed  among  the  carving  that  it 
required  a  keen  eye  to  detect  it. 

Dick  placed  his  hand  upon  it  at  once,  and  as  he  pulled 
it,  the  faint  tinkling  of  a  little  bell  reached  his  ears. 

He  waited,  then,  with  some  impatience  for  the  door  to 
be  opened,  and  while  doing  so,  he  cast  several  stealths 
glances  across  the  road. 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


1617 


[.DICK  TURPIN  AND  THE   OLD  COSTUMIER.] 


A  little  lower  down  ou  his  left  hand  he  could  see  an 
oil  lamp  burning. 

This  lamp  hung  over  the  doorway  of  the  police-station. 

Straining  his  eyes,  he  fancied  he  could  perceive  several 
officers  lounging  near  the  doorway  ;  but  in  this  par- 
ticular he  might  have  been  deceived  by  his  imagination, 
for  the  night  was  dark. 

No  notice  apparently  being  taken  of  his  summons  for 
admittance,  lie  pulled  the  bell  again  ;  but  this  time,  be- 
fore the  tinkling  had  time  to  die  away,  the  door  was 
opened,  and  the  old  costumier,  only  partially  dressed, 
and  carrying  a  lighted  candle  in  his  hand,  appeared 
upon  the  threshold. 

His  eyes  had  a  sleopy,  vacant  look,  and  he  winked 
and  blinked  at  the  guttering  candle  in  a  manner 
ludicrous  to  behold,  yet,  for  all  that,  he  made  out  the 
form  of  his  visitor. 

Bowing  low,  according  to  his  custom,  ha  said : 

No.  203.— Black  Bess. 


"  Munificent  sir,  you  are  welcome.     Enter  !" 

Dick  lost  not  a  moment  in  obeying,  and  when  the 
front  door  was  closed  behind  him,  and  he  stood  in  the 
dark  passage  of  this  house,  he  felt  that  he  was  compara- 
tively safe. 

"  You  wish  to  avail  yourself  of  my  services,  I 
suppose  ?"  said  the  costumier. 

"  I  do,  and  I  wish  you  to  put  forth  your  utmost 
skill." 

"'  I  will  do  so  willingly  and  gladly,  for  I  do  not  for- 
get the  past.  This  way,  sir — this  way  !  Be  good  enough 
to  follow  me  up  the  staircase." 

Dick  obeyed  without  the  slighest  hesitation,  for  he 
had  the  utmost  trust  in  the  old  man's  good  faith. 

Beaching  the  top  of  the  first  flight  of  stairs,  the  cos- 
tumier led  the  way  into  a  room  which  was  in  every  part 
overstrewed  with  miscellaneous  articles  of  all  de- 
scriptions, 


No.  203. 


Pricb  One  Hai.fpfnny« 
M>.  204  will  be  Published  next  Thursday: 


T&8 


BLACK   BKSB  ;    OS. 


"'The  reward  to  bo  earned  by  this  night's  servfce  is 
large,"  said  Dick,  as  he  seated  himself  upon  a  table,  the 
only  available  seat  he  could  find,  "  for  I  am  about  to  set 
out  upon  an  expedition  of  great  danger,  and  najr  disguise 
must  be  complete." 

The  old  man  nodded. 

"  What  would  you  choose  ?"  he  said. 

11  That  I  determine  to  leave  to  you.  I  consider  that 
you  would  be  best  ablo  to  guido  mo." 

The  costumier  appeared  to  fall  into  a  fit  of  profound 
thought. 

His  eyes  closed,  and  Dick  looked  with  inters,  upon 
his  strange,  wrinkled  physiognomy. 

The  muscles  about  tho  lower  part  of  his  face  twitched 
strangely,  and  the  highwayman  wondered,  yet  little 
guessed,  what  was  the  nature  of  tho  old  man's  thoughts. 

Opening  his  eyes  at  length,  ho  said,  as  Dick  fancied, 
with  some  confusion : 

"What  should  you  think  of  a  sailor? — would  the 
disguise  suit  you  ?     Could  you  personate  the  character  ?" 

Dick  reflected  a  moment,  and  said : 

"I  believo  I  could — yes,  I  feel  sure  I  could." 

"Then,"  said  the  costumier,  "I  should  think  it  would 
suit  you  admirably,  for  your  foe3  would  never  think  of 
looking  for  you  in  such  a  garb  as  that." 

"  True,"  said  Dick — "  quito  true." 

"  Then  you  decido  upon  that?" 

*Ido." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  the  old  man,  "  if  you  will  remain 
nere  for  a  few  moments — perhaps,  too,  you  won't  mind 
being  in  the  dark,  for  I  have  no  other  light — I  will  go 
down  and  fetch  a  fow  things  that  are  requisite." 

He  said  this  hesitatingly  and  awkwardly,  yet  tho  cause 
of  this  might  be  that  ho  was  solicitous  not  to  give  offence 
to  one  who  had  proved  himself  to  be  so  good  a  customer 
as  Dick  had. 

"Very  we'll,"  said  Dick.  "I  don't  mind  the  darkness 
in  the  least ;  but,  above  all  things,  make  haste,  for  I  can 
assure  you  I  have  no  time  to  lose." 

"  I  can  fully  understand  that,"  was  the  reply,  spoken 
hurriedly  and  hastily. 

No  sooner  had  tho  last  words  escaped  his  lips,  than 
the  old  costumier  picked  up  tho  candle  and  left  the 
room 

He  closed  tho  door  behind  him 

Dick  was  then  in  utter  darkness,  save  and  exsept  that 
underneath  tho  door  could  bo  seen  a  bright  lino  of 
iight. 

He  remained  perfectly  still,  listening  to  tho  creaking 
noise  produced  by  tho  costumier  descending  the  stair- 
case. 

Then,  drawing  a  long  breath,  Dick  said  : 

"I  wonder  what  it  is  that  ails  me?  What  can  there 
he  in  the  atmosphoro  of  this  place  that  makes  it  so  op- 
pressive? All  these  old  clothes,  I  suppose.  Bah!  it  Is 
enough  to  suffocate  one !     I'll  open  tho  door." 

With  these  words,  Dick  slid  off  tho  table,  and  groped 
his  way  carefully  to  the  doorway. 

He  had  accurately  noted  its  position,  and  so  ho  gained 
it  without  coming  into  contact  with  any  of  the  many 
objects  with  which  the  place  was  literally  crammed. 

The  air  upon  tho  staircase  seemed  to  his  heated  fancy 
to  be  in  no  degree  purer  than  that  in  tho  room,  and  he 
seemed  absolutely  to  bo  gasping  for  breath. 

Then  faintly,  and  coming  from  afar  off,  ho  could  hear 
the  murmur  of  a  voice. 

This  was  a  circumstance  that  roused  up  all  his  energies 
et  once. 

He  immediately  became  on  the  alert,  and  listened 
eagerly. 

But  although  his  sense  of  hearing  was  so  acute,  he  was 
Kaablo  to  distinguish  anything  besides  a  hollow,  inurmur- 
isg  sound. 

"  Who  can  it  bo  ?"  Dick  thought.  "  I  always  /ancied 
that  tho  old  costumier  lived  alono,  and  what  should  he 
havo  to  say,  1  wonder?     I'll  find  out." 

It  was  purely  upon  the  impulse  of  the  moment  that  Dick 
acted.  Ho  did  not  wait  to  reflect  upon  his  decision  ;  but 
very  s'owiy  fend  stealthily  began  to  descend  the  stairs, 
for  ho  knew  that  at  tho  lightest  tread  they  creaked  dis- 
mally. ) 

Thero  vas  a  vague  eensation  of  alarm  in  Turpiu's 
breast-=-a  G?Qf&;iQD  that  Increased  every  momont  iu  in- 


k  It  may  have  been  that  hfs  proximity  to  tho  station  at 
Sow  Street  produced  a  certain  amount  of  nervousness 
— a  greater  amount  than  he  ordinarily  felt. 

Bo  the  cause  what  it  might,  however,  he  was  most 
certainly  apprehensive  of  danger  to  himself,  and  so,  step 
by  step,  he  went  down  the  old,  worm-eaten  staircase. 

At  length  he  paused. 

The  murmur  of  voices  became  more  audible,  and  one 
word  distinctly  reached  his  ears. 

Looking  round  the  anglo  of  the  balusters,  he  perceived 
at  some  distance  off  the  glimmer  of  a  light. 

Prom  his  position  he  fancied  it  came  from  the  shop, 

"  Isaac — Isaac,"  said  tho  voice,  which  Turpin  had  no 
difficulty  in  recognising  as  that  of  the  old  costumier— 
"Isaac — Isaac,  got  your  sleepy  eyes  wider  open.  Are 
you  sure  you  understand  me  ?" 

"Quite  sure,"  said  a  growling  voice,  though  the 
sound  of  it  made  Turpin  aware  that  tho  speaker  was  a 
boy. 

"  Understand,  Isaac,"  the  old  costumier  added,  in  a 
lower  key,  "  it's  a  fortune  that  you  are  going  to  make 
within  the  next  half  hour — a  fortune— that  is,  enough 
for  you  to  spend  for  the  rest  of  your  life." 

"  I  quito  understand,"  was  the  reply ;  "  but  what  is  it 
you  want  me  to  do  ?" 

"  Hush — hush — bo  quiet !  There's  some  ono  above  for 
whom  a  large  reward  is  offered." 

"  You  mean  tho  chap  that  came  here  once  before." 

"  I  do,  Isaac — your  memory  is  good.  His  race  must 
be  nearly  run  now — ho  cannot  last  much  longer.  Such 
being  the  case,  then,  why  may  not  I  reap  the  benefit  of 
his  capture  as  well  as  anyone  else  ?" 

"Better — better!"  said  the  growling  voice.  "You 
know  that  was  what  I  said  to  you  tho  time  before." 

"  You  did,  and  I  have  agreed  to  follow  your  advico ;  so 
now,  as  I  have  got  all  these  things  in  readiness,  slip  out 
of  the  door  across  tho  road  to  the  station.  Just  let  the 
officers  know  that  he  is  here,  and  that  I  am  willing  to 
give  him  up." 

"  All  right,"  said  the  boy,  and  then  there  was  a  hasty 
movement. 

"  Stop — stop,"  cried  the  costumier — "  not  so  much 
hurry  !  Wait  and  hear  my  full  instructions,  for  the  least 
indiscretion  will  ruin  all." 

"Then  mako  haste,"  was  the  response.  "If  you 
stop  down  here  much  longer  ho  will  grow  suspicious." 

"Eight,  Ljaac — that  is  very  likely;  but  all  I  have  to 
say  is  this :  when  you  come  back  with  the  officers,  enter 
as  silently  as  you  possibly  can.  Let  them  surround  the 
house  in  caso  of  accidents,  and  you  coma  with  the  rest  up 
the  stairs,  dash  open  the  door  suddenly,  and  you  will,  in 
all  probability,  find  him  seated  in  a  chair,  and  me  stand- 
ing before  him." 

"  All  right,"  said  tho  growling  voice.  "You  do  your 
part,  and  I'll  do  mine.     I'm  off  !" 


CHAr-TEH  UMLXXIX. 

DICK  TURPIN  TAKES  A  DESPERATE  LEAP  OVER  THE  HOUSE- 
TOPS. 

Dick  Turpin  was  so  unutterably  astounded  by  this  con- 
versation that  during  its  progress  he  had  been  unable  to 
move  a  singlo  limb. 

The  treachery  of  the  old  costumier  was  well  calculated 
to  have  an  overpowering  effect  upon  him,  for,  to  speak 
tho  truth,  he  had  placed  as  much  confidence  in  him  almost 
as  he  had  in  old  Matthew,  and  certainly  after  what  had 
occurred  Turpin  would  scarcely  have  been  surprised 
should  the  latter  prove  treacherous  too. 

But  ho  was  warned  by  the  increasing  brilliancy  of  the 
light,  and  by  the  shuffling  footsteps  of  the  old  man,  that 
it  would  never  do  to  Komaiu  any  longer  in  his  present 
position. 

The  question  was,  in  what  way  should  he  act? — what 
would  be  the  best  step  to  take,  and  tho  ono  most  calcu- 
lated to  insure  his  safety  ? 

Hi3  first  thought  was  to  rush  at  full  speed  down  the 
stairs,  overturn  tho  costumier,  and  immediately  mako  his 
escape  from  the  house  ;  and  perhaps  this  hold  and  violent 
course  might  have  produced  success ;  but  Dick  hesitated, 
and  the  chance  was  lost. 

Not  but  what  he  had  good  cause  for  hesitation. 
.  is  thus  precipitately  leaving  the  housA,  soma  &na 


THE  KNIOHT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


1618 


would  uf  necessity  be  created,  and  the  police  station  was 
Bo  near  that  the  officers  would  be  upon  hiin,  as  one  might 
say,  immediately. 

The  old  costumier  began  to  ascend  the  staircase,  and 
as  he  did  so  Dick  went  back  step  by  step  higher  np, 
until  he  reached  the  doorway  through  which  he  bad 
emerged. 

Here  he  paused  again  in  doubt,  wondering  whether  he 
should  wait  there  for  the  costumier,  and  tfaea  ewte  upon 
him  and  overpower  him. 

A  second  reflection  toll  tho  highwayman  that  fins 
course  could  produce  no  beneficial  result,  though  it  might 
enable  him  to  wreak  some  punishment  on  the  perfidious 
old  man. 

He  felt,  however,  that  to  escape  quickly  was  the  chief 
thing,  and  a  plan  of  operations  suggesting  itself  to  him 
just  then,  he  turned  round,  and  with  rapid  steps  ascended 
the  second  flight  of  stairs. 

He  heard  the  old  costumier  enter  the  room,  for  so 
wrapped  up  was  he  in  the  consideration  of  the  iniquity 
he  was  about  to  perpetrate,  that  he  failed  to  hear  the  slight 
noise  Dick  made  in  ascending. 

By  whom  the  house  was  tenanted  Dick  had  not  the 
slightest  idea. 

A  dim  light  coming  from  some  unknown  source  enabled 
him  to  find  his  way  tolerably  well  up  the  steep,  old- 
fashioned  staircase,  until  at  length  he  reached  the  top. 

While  ascending  the  last  flight,  his  hands  had  been 
busily  groping  in  his  pockets  for  the  materials  wherewith 
to  produce  a  light;  therefore,  without  any  loss  of  time,  ho 
managed  to  ignite  one  of  those  small  pieces  of  wax 
candle  which  once  before  that  night  had  been  of  such 
service  to  him. 

The  dim  light  it  afforded  was,  nevertheless,  sufficient 
to  light  up  the  narrow,  confined  space  in  which  he 
stood. 

Ho  found  that,  as  he  had  fully  expected,  he  had  reached 
the  top  of  the  house,  and  was  standing  on  a  small  squaie 
landing-place. 

Looking  up,  he  saw  in  the  roof  one  of  those  small 
square  openings  covered  with  a  trap  door,  with  which 
almost  every  house  in  London  is  provided,  to  serve  as  a 
means  of  escape  in  case  of  fire. 

A  second  glance  showed  him  a  short  ladder  lying  close 
against  the  wall. 

To  seize  it  was  the  work  of  a  moment,  and  while  he 
was  placing  it  in  the  necessary  position,  he  heard  that  a 
great  uproar  was  taking  place  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
house. 

"Never  mind,"  he  muttered,  as  he  ascended  the  ladder 
rapidly,  "  I  believe  that  I  have  yet  got  time." 

He  stopped  at  the  top  and  drew  back  the  bolts. 

The  trap-door  was  then  quickly  placed  aside,  and  he 
found  himself  with  the  fresh  air  blowing  down  ujjon  him. 

The  candle  was  at  this  moment  extinguished. 

This  did  not  matter,  for  he  had  no  longer  any  occasion 
for  its  use. 

i:  I  can't  fasten  the  door,"  Dick  muttered,  "  and  so  put 
a  stop  to  their  progress  in  that  way,  but  I  will  draw  up 
the  ladder,  and  that  will  make  it  more  difficult  for  them 
to  reach  me." 

He  suited  the  action  to  the  word,  and  sent  the  ladder 
sliding  down  over  the  tiles  until  it  stopped  short  in  the 
gutter. 

He  then  began  to  look  carefully  around  him,  so  as  to 
make  sure  of  taking  the  best  route  across  the  housetops, 
for,  of  course,  his  safety  depeuded  upon  the  course  he 
chose. 

Descending  at  length,  he  crawled  slowly  upop.  the  tiles 
until  he  reached  the  centre  ridge. 

As  he  was  passing  over  this,  a  tile,  upon  whi«.,n  one  toot 
rested,  was  dislodged  from  its  position,  and   so  suddenly 
and  unexpectedly  that  before   he  could   save  himself   or 
even  make  an  effort  to  do  so,  he  was  slipping  at  a  fearful  | 
rate  down  the  sloping  roof. 

Ho  struggled  violently,  and  strove  to  arrest  his  Gssceat 
by  grasping  at  the  edges  of  the  tiles. 

But  these  did  not  afford  him  sufficient  hold  to  enable 
him  to  stay  cis  speed  in  the  least 

Dowk.   he   went,    and  such  a  shfiddering-  norrcr  took 


Yet  vainly  and  spasmodically  clutching,  he  rolkd  down 
until  he  was  brought  up  with  great  force  and  suddenness 
by  the  stone  parapet,  which  most  unquestionably  saved 
his  life. 

Luckily,  he  struck  against  it  feet  foremost,  and  beyond 
a  sharp  shock  and  a  slight  pain,  he  felt  none  the  worse 
for  the  accident. 

_  Yet  a  moment  elapsed  before  he  could  fully  persuade 
himself  that  he  was  really  saved. 

Attracted  by  the  noise  evidently  coming  from  below  in 
the  street,  he  cautiously  raised  himself  from  the  gutter. 

Then,  prompted  by  an  irrepressible  impulse,  he  bent 
his  head  forward  so  as  to  look  over  the  edge  of  the 
parapet. 

To  his  surprise,  he  found  that  quito  a  crowd  of  people 
had  collected,  surrounding  the  costumier's  door. 
^  By  that  mysterious  means   which  puzzles  everybody, 
ail  those  persons  present  had  got  to  learn  what  was   the 
matter. 

Dick  was  satisfied  with  one  hasty  glance;  then  he 
shrank  back,  for  there  was  just  the  possibility  that  one  of 
those  below  looking  up  might  discern  his  head,  in  which 
case  a  fresh  alarm  would  be  raised. 

When  Dick  began  again  to  crawl  along  the  roofs,  he 
became  sensible  of  the  fact  that  he  had  bruised  himself 
dreadfully  in  many  places,  and  when  he  moved  his  limbs 
he  suffered  considerable  pain,  which  kept  increasing  each 
moment. 

But  his  progress  was  now  attended  with  a  much  greater 
amount  of  caution  than  at  first,  so,  after  all,  the  slight 
accident  he  met  with  was  a  fortunate  event,  inasmuch  as 
it  taught  him  the  absolute  necessity  for  caution. 

In  thus  scrambling  over  the  roofs,  Dick  had  no  settled 
idea  further  than  that  he  might  perhaps  be  able  to  gain  an 
entrance  to  some  house  or  other  at  some  distance,  and  so 
descend  to  the  street  uuperceived. 

A  thousand  difficulties  were  in  the  way  of  this  course ; 
yet  he  crept  on  and  on,  though  his  pace  grew  slower  in 
consequence  of  the  pain  in  all  his  joints. 

At  last,  with  a  sigh  of  disappointment,  he  stopped  and 
looked  despairingly  around. 

Just  in  front  of  him  was  a  division  between  the  house- 
tops, not  very  wide,  but  its  great  height  made  the  abys3 
look  perfectly  alarming. 

That  he  could  easily  leap  such  a  distance,  Dick  knew 
very  well ;  but  then  he  was  bruised  and  shaken,  and  he 
shrank  back  with  that  dread  which  everyono  experiences 
upon  suddenly  finding  themselves  in  such  a  situation. 

He  looked  back  as  though  with  the  intention  of  retreat- 
ing, but  just  then  he  heard  many  voices  talking  loudly, 
and  directly  afterwards  a  man  crawled  out  of  the  trap- 
door from  which  he  had  so  lately  emergod. 

Clearly  the  officers  had  found  some  way  of  reaching  tho 
roof  independently  of  the  ladder  which  Dick  had  so  care- 
fully removed. 

They  had  also  provided  themselves  with  torches,  which 
cast  a  bright,  ruddy  glare  around  for  a  considerable 
distance. 

"It  must  be,"  said  Dick,  as  he  gathered  himself  up 
slowly — "  it  is  my  only  chance.  If  I  make  the  effort  all 
will  be  well;  but  I  question  whether  any  of  the  officers 
will  be  bold  enough  to  follow  me." 

He  stepped  up  as  he  spoke  on  to  the  edge  of  the  stone 
parapet,  which  was  not  more  than  a  foot  wide. 

In  doing  so,  he  could  not  avoid  glancing  down  to  the 
ground  below,  and  as  he  did  so  such  a  sensation  of  dizzi- 
ness came  over  him  that  he  almost  lost  his  balance. 

Between  four  and  five  feet  distant  from  him  was 
another  parapet,  similar  in  every  respect  to  tho  one  upon 
which  he  stood. 

This  ho  would  have  to  clear  so  as  to  drop  upon  the 
roof  beyond. 

To  take  such  a  leap  was  terriblo  indeed. 

Truly  was  it  a  leap  for  life,  and  ono  only  to  to  taken 
by  a  men  whose  only  chance  of  safety  lay  in  doing 
so. 

Dick  prepared  himself  for  the  effort  as  best  he  ^ould. 

He  gave  one  spring  into  the  air,  striving  to  forget  thai 
ho  was  standing  on  the  top  of  a  high  house,  endeavoring 
to  cheat  his  fancy  into  the  belief  that  he  was  only  on  the 


possession  of  him  that  ho  was  unable  to  turn  his  eyes    level  ground 

and  look  in  the  direction  in  which  he  was  falling.  f      Ue  alighted  on  the  stone  coping  opposite. 

His  heart  ceased  to  beat,  and  a  mist  seemed  to   fplQftd  j      ffis  footing  was  insecure  •  he  tottered  and  struggled  for 
itself  before  his  eyes.  ■  •.  balance. 


it>20 


ALACK    DBS  ;    OR, 


For  a  socond  it  seemed  as  though  he  must  inevitably 
fall  backwards  into  the  abyss  and  be  dashed  to  pieces  ;  but 
by  asudden  movement  of  the  upper  part  of  his  body,  Ifek 
threw  himself  forward,  and  fell  with  considerable  force 
upon  the  rough  red  tiles.     <> 

But  ne  was  safe,  and  that  in  a  measure  compensated 
for  all  that  he  had  gone  through. 

He  so  far  lost  his  consciousness  in  his  ftl'  as  to  tee*  an 
Inclination  to  lie  just  where  ho  was  without  moving  a 
single  limb ;  but  the  recollection  that  the  officers  were 
near  to  him  enabled  him  to  shake  off  thw  sensation  of 
languor  and  depression. 

Kisiug  stealthily,  he  looked  behind  him,  and  shuddered 
again  when  he  behold  the  dark  black  gulf  he  kad  over- 
leaped. 

The  police  officers  had  by  this  time  all  passed  thrafigh 
the  trap-door,  and  were  making  slow  and  careful  pro« 
gress  across  the  housetops,  for  Dick  had  left  no  track 
behind  him  by  which  he  could  be  followed,  aud  he  was 
now  at  so  great  a  distance  as  to  be  out  of  the  sphere  of 
light  afforded  by  their  torches. 

These  indeed  were  more  hindrance  to  the  officers  than 
good,  for  one  hand  was  constantly  kept  occupied,  leaving 
only  the  other  to  seize  hold  of  the  various  projections  in 
the  roof.       » 

But  Dick,  although  in  comparative  safety,  was  anxious 
to  crawl  away  to  such  a  distance  and  in  such  a  manner 
that  the  officers  should  lose  all  trace  of  him  entirely,  and 
with  this  view  he  crouched  down  again,  so  that  his  form 
was  concealed  by  a  parapet,  and,  almost  on  all-fours,  crept 
along  tho  narrow,  slimy  gutter. 

Bending  all  his  energies  to  the  task  he  had  set  himself, 
Dick  kept  resolutely  on  his  way  ;  but  at  length,  having 
gone,  as  he  considered,  a  sufficient  distance,  he  paused, 
and  slowly  rising  to  an  upright  posture,  took  a  «urvoy 
around  him. 

Although  he  was  invisible  to  the  officers,  yet  they  were 
plainly  to  be  seen  by  him,  owing  to  tho  ruddy  halo  of 
light  their  torches  cast  around  them. 

By  their  manner,  Dick  could  tell  they  paused  at  the 
edge  of  the  abyss  over  which  ho  had  leaped,  and  he 
fancied  by  their  gostures  that  an  animated  discussion  was 
going  on  among  them  as  to  whether  he  had  really  pas9ed 
that  way  or  not. 

Turning  his  eyes  in  the  opposite  direction,  Dick  per- 
ceived, several  yards  off,  a  dim,  glimmering  light. 

At  one  moment  it  would  be  tolerably  bright,  and  then 
it  would  fade  away  so  as  scarcely  to  be  seen. 

"  That's  from  an  attic  window,"  he  muttered,  after  a 
more  attentive  examination  of  it,  "  and  I  should  imagine 
the  light  proceeds  from  a  fire.  I  will  creep  towards  it. 
Perhaps  that  will  present  me  with  au  avenue  of  escape." 

While  these  thoughts  were  passing  through  his  mind, 
Dick  set  himself  in  motion. 

It  took  but  a  short  time  to  gain  this  attic  window,  but 
he  approached  with  tho  utmost  caution,  for  of  course  he 
could  not  tell  whether  the  chamber  was  inlabited  by 
anyone  or  not. 

Beaching  it  at  last,  he  paused  and  listened. 

A  tattered  curtain  was  drawn  partially  across  the 
window,  but  not  so  closely  as  to  prevent  him  from  taking 
a  peep  at  the  interior  if  he  had  chosen  to  do  so. 

But  Dick  did  not  attempt,  for  the  very  instant  that  he 
paused  the  sound  of  voices  came  upon  his  ecxa. 


CHAPTEK  CMLXXX. 

PICK   ONCE   MORE    FINDS    THAT   AUDACITY    COMMANDS 
SUCCESS. 

Upon  making  this  discovery,  Dick's  first  impulse  was  to 
crawl  away  as  silently  and  cautiously  as  he  had  arrived, 
but  the  words  that  first  fell  upon  his  ears  so  interested 
him  that,  despite  the  danger  of  his  situation  and  the 
urgency  there  was  of  immediately  moving,  he  involun- 
tarily waited  to  hear  more. 

The  voice  that  Dick  heard  speaking  was  evidently 
that  of  a  young  girl,  for  the  tones  were  sweet  and  ion-, 
although  her  wards  were  interrupted  by  frequent  chok- 
ing sobs,  and  although  there  was  such  a  tone  of  anguish 
in  it 

"  Do  not  grieve  so — do  not  weep  so  bitterly,"  the  taa. 
"  Innocent  though  he  was,  yet  you  must  have  known  what 
would  have  been  the  result ;   he  was  so  entangled   that 


he  could  not  escape.  Do  not  weep,  I  say  again,  but  be 
of  better  heart,  and  find  consolation  in  the  thought  that 
though  he  has  been  pronounced  guilty  by  his  fellow  - 
creatures,  yet  there  is  One  who,  knowing  all,  will  acquit 
him  of  this  fearful  charge." 

The  girl  was  silent,  and  in  the  short  pause  that 
followed  nothing  could  be  heard  but  sobs  aed  cries  of 
lamentation. 

"Girl,"  said  another  voice,  and  this  one  was  of  a 
character  altogether  different  to  the  first,  for  it  was 
shrill  and  piercing,  and  was  indicative  of  the  utmost 
mental  agony  and  suffering — u  girl,  it  is  well  and  no 
doubt  easy  for  you  to  preach,  but  such  words  as  you 
utter  bring  no  consolation  to  my  breast ;  they  may  console 
you.  for  yon  cannot  feel  for  him  as  1  do,  for  I  am  his 
mo0  cr  and  he  is  my  only  one." 

"  That  reproach  is  unjust — most  unjust,"  was  the  quirk 
reply ;  "  but  you  can  render  hira  no  aid  by  thus  abandon- 
ing yourself  to  sorrow.  You  know  that  now  the  trial  is 
over  there  is  not  the  shadow  of  a  hope — he  will  be  sent 
away,  and  we  shall  never  live  to  see  him  more." 

While  listening  to  this  conversation,  Dick  had  managed 
to  raise  himself  a  little,  so  as  to  be  able  to  peep  over  the 
top  of  the  tattered  curtain  we  have  mentioned,  and  as  he 
did  so  a  sad  spectacle  greeted  his  eyes. 

Tho  attic  was  small  and  destitute  of  nearly  every 
article  of  furniture. 

In  the  small  rusty  grate  a  few  sticks  were  burning, 
which  gave  out  by  far  more  light  than  heat. 

Crouching  down  on  the  floor  near  the  hearthstone  was 
the  figure  of  an  aged  woman. 

She  was  much  emaciated,  although  Dick  could  see 
scarcely  anything  beside  her  long,  bony  arm  and  almost 
tleshless  fingers. 

Her  gray  hair  was  streaming  in  disorder  upon  her 
neck  and  shoulders ;  her  face  was  completely  concealed 
from  view. 

The  youug  girl  was  standing  in  an  attitude  of  easy, 
natural  grace  against  the  chimueypicce ;  her  elbow  was 
resting  upon  it,  and  her  head  supported  by  her  nand. 

Her  cheeks  were  wet  with  tears,  which  continually 
flowed  over  them. 

While  gazing  upon  this  scene  and  listening  to  what 
wao  said,  Dick  had  thought  of  something  which  he  con- 
sidered might  aid  him  to  escape. 

BeJore  beginning  to  put  his  project  into  execution,  he 
looked  behind  him  once  more,  in  order  to  observe  the 
movements  of  the  police  officers. 

They  had  left  the  parapet  where  they  had  been  stand- 
ing, aud  were  busily  engaged  in  draggiug  some  appa- 
rently heavy  object,  but  what  it  was  Dick  could  not 
make  out,  nor  did  he  particularly  trouble  himself  to  do 
so,  for  he  had  seen  sufficient  to  make  him  aware  that  he 
might  safely  do  what  he  intended. 

liaising  his  hand,  he  tapped  lightly  against  the  win- 
dow, aud  at  the  same  time  he  placed  his  mouth  close  to  a 
pane  of  glass  which  had  been  broken,  and  through  which 
the  sounds  of  voices  had  passed,  otherwise  he  could  not 
have  heard  so  distinctly  all  that  had  been  said. 

"  I  am  a  friend,"  he  cried,  in  a  low  voice.  "  Do  not  be 
alarmed — I  have  come  to  aid  you." 

Notwithstanding  the  assuring  nature  ol  these  words, 
the  two  occupants  of  the  garret  both  screamod,  though, 
it  must  be  said,  only  slightly. 

The  young  girl  was  the  first  to  recover  herself  from 
her  astonishment. 

With  a  quick  step,  she  crossed  the  room  and  dashed 
the  curtain  on  one  side. 

"  Open  the  window,"  said  Dick,  "  and  let  me  enter. 
Believe  me  when  I  tilk  you  I  am  a  friend,  and  will  do 
you  a  good  service  in  return  for  one  that  ycu  can  render 
me." 

"Alas,  sir!"  said  the  young  girl,  in  sorrowful  accents, 
as  she  unfastened  the  window,  "if  you  look  to  obtain 
any  service  at  our  hands  you  will  look  in  vain,  for  we 
ire  quite  helplesi.:: 

"  Not  so,"  said   Dick,  as  he  stepped   lightly  into  tha 
room — "  not  so,  and  I  will  quickly  prove  it  to  you." 
The  old  woman    half  rose  up,  and   pushing  the  masse* 
[  of  hair  off  her  face,  looked   scrutinisiugly  into  the  coun- 
'  ienence  of  their  mysterious  visitant. 

"  I  know  the  cause  of  jour  trouble, '  Dick  said— "it  is 
because  one  near  and  dear  to  both  of  you  has  been  found 
guilty  of  a  crime." 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THB  EOAD. 


1621 


"  It  is,  sir,"  said  the  young  girl,  qsickly ;  "  but,  as  we 
well  know — though,  alas !  we  could  not  prove  It — he  is 
quite  innocent.  The  judge  and  the  jury  tbx>UT«t  dif- 
ferently, however,  and  he  is  sentenced  t»  twenty-one 
years'  transportation." 

"  I  will  take  your  word  for  his  innocence,-  said  Dick, 
"  I  may  as  well  confess  to  you  that  I  ha>c  brokss  £&y. 
laws — that  the  police  officers  are  even  now  on  my  track. 
I  look  to  you  to  assist  me  to  escape." 

"How  can  we,  sir?"  said  the  young  girl,  shrin>'""1; 
back — "  how  can  we  ?"  ' 

"Easily,"  said  Dick.  "I  only  want  you  to  conduct 
me  noiselessly  down  the  staircase,  and  let  me  out  of  the 
front  door  of  the  house ;  and,  in  return,  I  will  pledge  my 
word  to  use  my  best  efforts  to  release  the  youag  man  you 
speak  of.  There  are  those  belonging  to  me  who  probably 
will  be  in  the  same  condition  as  he  is  now,  and  I  am  de- 
termined that,  in  defiance  of  the  laws,  they  shall  be 
liberated.  The  same  with  this  young  man  ;  and,  in 
addition,  I  will  put  him  in  the  way  of  leaving  England 
Beoretly,  and  supply  him  with  sufficient  money  to  do 
bo."       — 

"It  is  a  dream,"  said  the  old  woman,  speaking  for  the 
first  time,  and  uttering  her  words  in  a  shrieking,  hysteri- 
cal voice — "  it  is  a  dream — all  a  dream !  You  are  not  in 
earnest  in  what  you  say." 

"But  if  I  prove  it,"  said  Dick,  quietly,  "will  you  be- 
lieve me,  and  will  yon  do  what  I  require  ?" 

"  I  will." 

Dick  beckoned  her  to  approach  him,  and  then  pointed 
out  of  the  attic  window. 

"What  he  saw  filled  Dick  with  some  little  surprise,  and 
caused  him  to  quicken  his  movements. 

The  bulky  object  which  the  police  officers  were  drag- 
ging was  evidently  a  broad  plank,  or  something  of  that 
kind,  which  they  could  put  across  from  one  parapet  to  the 
other,  and  so  continue  their  search  over  the  housetops 
without  hazarding  that  tremendous  jump. 

They  had  now  effected  the  passage,  and  were  fearfully 
close  at  hand. 

"  You  see,"  said  Dick,  "  they  are  police  officers  and 
searching  closely  for  me  ;  you  see  no  time  is  to  be  lost.  I 
tell  you  again  I  will  set  the  young  man  free,  and  those  who 
know  Dick  Turpin  always  say  he  keeps  his  word." 

"  Is  that  your  name  ?"'  said  the  old  woman,  earnestly 

"It  is." 

"  Then  I  believe  you,"  she  answered.  "  Come  with  me 
— I  have  no  fear  that  you  will  deceive  mo." 

"  I  shall  not.  Let  me  fasten  the  window  on  the  inner 
side.  There,  that  will  do.  Now  take  me  unperceived  to  the 
front  door,  and  make  all  speed  back  to  this  room.  If  the 
officers  speak  to  you  or  enter,  make  a  great  show  of  un- 
fastening the  window,  and  then  tell  them  that  you  have 
not  been  disturbed." 

The  old  woman  nodded,  and  seemed  so  alarmed  at  the 
proximity  of  the  officers,  that  she  almost  dragged  the  high- 
wayman from  the  room. 

The  stairs  were  descended  rapidly  and  noiselessly. 

Many  other  persons  were  doubtless  in  the  house  ;  but, 
if  so,  Dick  neither  saw  nor  heard  anything  of  them, 
while  the  passing  of  anyone  up  and  down  the  stairs 
being  heard  would  not  be  paid  the  least  attention  to. 

In  a  very  brief  space  of  time  the  street-door  was 
reached. 

The  old  woman  opened  it,  and  looked  foeth  before  she 
allowed  Dick  to  issue  himself. 

"  The  street  is  clear,"  she  said.  "You  will  escape-un- 
soen.    Quick — quick,  that  I  may  return  to  the  attic  !" 

"But  the  young  man's  name?"  said  Dick— "-what  is 
It  ?     Tell  me,  and  do  not  be  afraid  I  shall  forget. " 

"  Philip  Greythorpe." 

Dick  repeated  it,  and  then  said : 

"Farewell,  and  many  thanks  for  this  service '  If  it  lies 
in  the  power  of  mortal  man  to  do  wha-i;  I  hava  promised 
it  shall  be  done  !" 

With  these  words  he  stepped  quietly  into  the  street, 
being  cairful  to  avoid  all  appearance  of  ..harry  or 
alarm. 

The  do  jt  was  closed  immediately  behind  him,  and  the 
old  woman  ascended  to  the  attic. 

Dick  drew  a  long  breath,  and  gave  himself  a  hearty 
•hake. 

"That  is  what  I  call  an  excellent  escape,"  ho  mut- 
tered, "and  I  fancy  the  officers  will  be  puzzled  not  a 


little  at  my  extraordinary  disappearance.    Ah,  by  Jcve, 
they  are  looking  over  the  parapet  1" 

Dick  could  tell  this  by  the  broad  glare  of  light  that 
suddenly  illuminated  the  dark  thoroughfare  in  which  ho 
wo&d. 

He  walked  on,  however,  with  as  much  composure  as 
before,  though  when  he  turned  round  the  first  corner  he 
came  to  he  felt  a  sensation  of  great  relief. 

Ho  knew,  then,  that  he  was  out  of  danger. 

But  the  consideration  presented  itself  to  him  of  where 
he  was  to  look  for  further  shelter. 

It  is  questionable  whether  anyone  under  such  circum- 
stances w  ould  have  come  so  readily  to  a  conclusion  as 
Dick  did,  and  still  more  questionable  whether  they  would 
have  adopted  his  course  of  action. 

This  was,  in  the  coolest  and  most  matter-of-fact  man- 
ner possible  to  walk  back  agair  to  the  White  Horse  in 
Drury  Lane. 

It  was  a  path  beset  with  Ocngers,  for  the  officers  would 
all  be  on  the  alert,  and  probably  might  jump  to  the 
conclusion  that  as  Dick  had  escaped  he  had  sought  a  re- 
fuge there  at  his  old  quarters. 

But  Dick  did  not  allow  this  consideration  to  influence 
him  in  the  least  degree. 

In  the  most  unconcerned  manner  possible  to  conceive 
he  walked  at  a  steady  rate  along  the  almost  deserted 
streets,  taking  care,  however,  to  proceed  to  old  Mat- 
thew's by  the  most  roundabout  way  he  could  think 
of. 

It  was  when  he  really  entered  Drury  Lane  that  he 
began  to  glance  somewhat  apprehensively  around  him. 

To  his  vexation,  he  perceived  a  police  officer  stand- 
ing at  no  great  distance,  who,  he  fancied,  eyed  him  sus- 
piciously. 

But  Dick  walked  on  as  though  he  did  not  observe  it— 
in  fact,  as  though  he  was  not  troubling  himself  about 
anything  going  on  around  him. 

Upon  reaching  the  White  Horse,  he  glanced  up  at 
the  lamp  over  the  doorway,  and  appeared  to  hesi- 
tate. 

Then,  just  as  though  he  was  a  chance  passenger,  and 
had  made  up  his  mind  to  call  in  for  refreshment,  he 
ascended  the  steps,  and  walked  down  the  passage. 

He  was  greeted  with  an  exclamation  which  came 
from  old  Matthew,  who  was  standing  at  the  bar,  and 
who,  by  his  manner,  was  evidently  on  the  look-out  for 
him. 

"  Good  gracious !"  he  ejaculated.  "  What  on  earth 
can  bring  you  back  like  that  ?  But  don't  stop  to  answer 
me !  Upstairs  with  you — upstairs !  I  can  wait  till 
then  to  hear  your  news." 

Dick  did  not  wait  to  be  told  twice,  but  ran  up  the 
staircase  two  or  three  steps  at  a  time. 

Old  Matthew  was  not  long  behind  him,  though  he  en- 
tered the  room  rather  out  of  breath. 

"What  has  happened?"  he  cried,  in  genuine  alarm 
"  I  heard  a  rumor  that  you  had  been  captured  in  Bow 
Street." 

Dick  smiled. 

"Then  I  am  afraid,"  he  said,  "  the  person  who  told 
you  did  not  speak  the  truth.  In  6ober  earnest  I  was 
very  near  it,  I  assure  you." 

"And  have  you  been  seen  to  enter  here?"  asked  Mat- 
thew.    "  That's  the  question." 

"I  am  afraid  I  have,"  was  the  reply,  "and,  if  so,  1 
shall  look  to  you  for  safety." 

Matthew  gave  a  peculiar  and  reassuring  smile  as  he 
said : 

"  Well,  if  there's  any  danger  approaching,  we  shall  have 
timely  notice  of  it  Just  oblige  me  by  relating  your  ad- 
ventures-" 

Dick  complied  readily  enough. 

But  no  words  could  convey  any  idea  of  the  amount  of 
amazement  Matthew  displayed  upon  learning  the  perfidy 
of  the  old  costumier. 

He  was,  in  fact,  at  first  incredulous,  ocly  Dick'a 
narrative  was  of  such  a  character  as  to  leave  no  room  for 
doubt. 

"  It  was  my  narrowest  escape,"  said  Dick,  "and  more 
than  once  since  then  I  have  felt  that  if  evor  I  get  into 
eerious  trouble  it  will  be  by  the  perfidiousneia  ol  ton* 
one  in  whom  I  placed  the  utmost  trust." 


1838 


BLAC3.    EXS2;    OS, 


CHAPTER   OMLXXXI. 

DSCK    TITEP™  13  MADE    ACQUAINTED    WITH.    THE    HESWC* 
*">F   TOM   DAV1S'3  TEIAU 

"Then,'' replied  old  Matthew,  very  gravely,  "you  may 
make  yourself  quite  sure,  Dick,  that  i  shaC  not  bo  the 
one  ever  to  betray  you." 

"  I  believe  that,"  answered  th6  highwayman,  grasping 
him  by  the  hand — "I  fully  believe  it;  indeed,  should  you 
prove  false  I  should  lose  all  faith  in  human  naturo." 

"But  this  is  profitless  talk,"  said  Matthew.  "Sup- 
posing, now,  that  I  go  downstairs  for  a  minute  aaJ  look 
round  ? — there  can  bo  no  harm  in  that." 

"But  will  it  look  suspicions ?" 

'•I  think  not,  and  if  thoro  is  any  danger  at  hand  I  shall 
let  you  know  it  in  good  time." 

Dick  made  no 'further  opposition  to  this  course. 

Old  Matthew  was  not  absent  long,  but  when  ho  came 
i*\ck  his  face  had  rather  a  grave  aspect. 

"  Is  there  danger  ?"  asked  Turpi n. 

"Not  immediate,"  he  replied,  "but  I  hoar  thero  is  a 
tremendous  commotion  going  on  in  and  about  Bow 
Street." 

"  Are  the  officers  still  searching  for  me  ?" 
'■  "  I  believe  they  are — at  any  rate,   they  were  a  short 
timo  ago.     Your  mysterious  disappearance  puzzles  them 
exceedingly,  and  they  seem  to  be  impressed  with  the  idea 
that  you  are  concealed  in  one  of  tho  houses  there." 

Dick  gave  a  contented,  satisfied  smile. 

"Now,"  said  Matthew,  "  I  will  do  my  best  to  keep  you 
in  safety  while  you  are  beneath  my  roof.     Look  hero." 

Old  Matthow  went,  as  he  spoke,  to  a  large  oaken  cup- 
board which  completely  filled  up  a  recess  on  one  side  of 
the  fireplace. 

He  threw  open  the  large  double  doors  with  which  it 
•was  provided,  and  then  it  turned  out  that  it  was  not  really 
a  cupboard  but  a  closet. 

Various  articles  of  apparel  were  hanging  around  it  on 
different  nails  and  hooks  fixed  in  the  walls. 

Apparently  this  closet  was  formed  entirely  of  wood. 

Matthow,  first  bespeaking  Dick's  attention,  stepped  into 
it. 

"  Now,  Dick,"  he  said,  "  there's  a  hiding-place  hero 
which  I  don't  think  oven  you  could  discover,  even  if  you 
knew  it  to  exist." 

"Indeed,"  said  Dick,  "  then  that  is  saying  a  great  deal 
in  its  favor." 

"  It  is,  and  yet  not  more  than  it  deserves.     Look  hero." 

_  As  ho  spoko,  old  Matthew  stooped  do*™  and  inserted 

his  fingers  in  between  the  floor  and  the  bottom  of  tho 

back  of  the  cupboard,  which  did  not  fit  so  closely  as  to 

prevent  him  from  introducing  the  tips  of  his  fingers. 

Putting  out  his  utmost  strength,  Matthew  then  raised 
this  back,  just  in  tho  manner  that  one  might  raise  the  sash 
of  a  large  window. 

When  this  was  done,  a  small  chamber  in  tho  wall  was 
discovered,  and  in  it  was  a  chair. 

But  the  place  looked  as  though  it  had  never  boon 
pried  into  or  entered  for  many  years,  for  it  was 
thickly  loaded  with  dust,  and  everywhere  huge  cob- 
webs were  suspended. 

"What  do  you  think  of  that?"  said  Matthew,  &3  he 
Stepped  back  to  look  at  it  with  admiration. 

"It  is  very  good  so  far  as  security  is  concerned,"  said 
Dick,  "  but  yet  by  no  means  a  comfortable  place  to  think 
of  taking  up  one's  quarters  in." 

"  You  are  right  enough  there  ;  bat  then,  safety  is  tho 
thing  you  have  to  consider." 

"Just  so.  But  how  in  the  world,  Matthew,  came  you 
to  make  this  discovery  ?" 

"  Oh,  I  have  known  of  it  for  a  long  time,"  vvaa  the 
reply.  "  The  hiding-place  has  been  made  raswiy,  many 
years,  and  I  firmly  believe  that  it  is  now  forgotten  or  un- 
known— at  any  rate,  there  is  no  other  place  in  *he  whole 
houso  which  holds  forth  so  good  a  prospect  of  affording 
safe  shelter." 

"  I  shall  take  your  word.  Matthew,"  replied  Dick, 
**  and  be  guided  by  ycu  entii i 

"You  cannot  do  better,  though  I  **.J  it  $3r&,\tksitl 
have  to  tell  you  is  this:  Wheni  ret  ycu  receive  any 
intimation  of  corning  dangei,  quit  this  room  ;  bt$  bo  care* 
r.d  to  leave  no  token  of  your  presence  behind  you,  and 
•  this  chamber — then  1  firmly  believe  that  the  officers 
>~       '..aart  without  finding  too." 


"  So  do  I." 

"Then,  the  next  Sang  I  have  f?  say,r'  resumed 
Matthew,  "  is,  that  I  am  going  to  shr  ;  up  the  house  for 
l,ho  night.  I  feel  the  want  of  sleep,  aud  1  shall  bo  able  to 
snatch  a  few  hours  before  morning ;  so  will  you,  fo*  when 
1  fasten  up  the  house  at  night  I  do  it  in  so  secure  o 
manner  that  no  one  could  enter  it  unawares." 

"  Th^t  Is  euough,"  said  Dick — "indeed,  to  tell  you  the 
truth,  whenever  I  am  here  I  feel  as  though  I  am  within 
a  strongly-fortified  castle." 

Mattitew  laughed  at  this  idea  and  ieft  tho  room,  leaving 
Dick  to  compose  himself  as  well  as  he  could  upon  the 
couple  of  chairs  which  the  apartment  containod. 

Dick  drew  thorn  near  the  lire,  and  having  got  into  as 
comfortable  an  attitude  as  circumstances  would  allow,  he 
dropped  off  into  a  deep  slumber. 

He  was  aroused  from  it  by  a  sudden  disturbance  of  some 
kind  in  the  street,  and  having  ascertained  what  was  tho 
matter,  he  advanced  cautiously  to  the  window. 

Looking  down,  he  then  saw  a  largo  crowd  of  people 
assembled,  and  among  them  a  body  of  police  officers. 

They  were  all  looking  up  at  the  front  cf  the  White 
Horse,  and  Dick  began  to  feel  that  ho  should  soon  havo  to 
take  up  his  quarters  in  the  secret  chamber. 

To  his  surprise,  howover,  the  officers,  after  conferring 
with  each  other,  departed. 

Then,  by  degrees,  the  crowd  dispersed  as  well,  uatil  the 
street  was  left  in  tolerable  quiet. 

As  soon  as  this  was  the  case,  Dick  heard  a  faint  tap  at 
the  door,  and  directly  afterwards  old  Matthew  entered. 

"  Have  you  looked  out,  Dick  ?"  ho  asked. 

"  Yes,"  was  the  reply,  "  aud  I  am  puzzled  at  what  I 
saw.    What  did  you  make  of  it  ?" 

"  Well,  I  may  be  wrong,  but  my  idea  is  that  tho  officers 
having  failed  to  find  you  anywhere  in  the  vicinity  of 
Bow  Street,  have  imagined  that  you  have  sought  shelter 
here,  but  the  quiet  aspect  of  the  place,  now  that  it  is  shut 
up  and  in  darkness,  seems  to  have  laid  their  suspi- 
cions." 

"  No  doubt  that  is  it,"  said  Dick ;  "  but,  however,  as 
morning  cannot  be  far  distant,  I  shall  not  attempt  to  sleep 
again." 

"  Nor  shall  I." 

The  remainder  of  the  time  was  then  spent  by  Matthew 
aud  Dick  in  discussion. 

In  the  end,  old  Matthow,  after  a  great  deal  of  trouble, 
succeeded  in  persuading  Dick  Turpin  that  it  would  be 
best  for  him  not  to  venture  to  Newgate — that,  in  fact,  ho 
was  running  a  needless  risk  by  doing  so,  and  not  doing 
the  least  good  to  anyone. 

Secretly,  Dick  felt  the  full  force  of  this,  though  he 
would  not  allow  it. 

He  did  not  like  on  any  occasion  to  change  an  opinion 
or  a  determination  that  ho  had  formed. 

Old  Matthow  carried  tho  point,  however,  and  having 
partaken  of  a  good,  substantial  breakfast,  he  set  out  for 
the  Old  Bailey,  leaving  Dick  to  pass  the  time  as  best  ho 
might  in  the  room  alone. 

ill  fore  tho  landlord  departed,  he  again  impressed  upon 
the  highwayman  tho  necessity  of  seeking  shelter  in  the 
secret  room  the  moment  tho  girl  told  him  thero  was  any 
occasion  to  do  so. 

"  In  fact,"  ho  said,  "  upon  tho  approach  of  danger  you 
will  hear  a  boll  ring  violently  ;  when  you  do,  thou,  lose 
no  timo  in  concealing  yourself.'' 

Dick  promised  obedience,  and  his  last  words  to  old 
Matthew  consisted  of  an  earnest  entreaty  that  he  would 
return  and  let  him  know  the  result  the  moment  the  trial 
was  concludod. 

It  was  at  quite  an  early  hour  whon  Matthow  set  out 
from  Ida  houso ;  but  then,  he  knew  very  woll  how  much 
ditlioalty  thero  was  in  forcing  a  way  into  the  narrow, 
confined  court  at  the  Old  Bailey,  where  the  trial*  were 
held. 

Tbo  first  half-hour  or  so  after  his  departure  passed  toler- 
ably woll  to  Dick,  but  after  that  timo  ho  began  to  grow 
impatient  and  restless,  and  continued  to  got  more  and 
•"^ore  so  as  the  day  advanced. 

He  was  yet,  however,  quite  unmolested. 

Beyond  a  doubt,  tho  greater  part  of  tho  police  officers 
who  bad  interested  themselves  in  the  capture  of  the  high- 
wayman were  just  then  present  at  tho  Old  Bailey,  waiting 
the  result  of  tho  trial  with  as  much  ansietv  w»  w*y- 


THE  EJitlGHT   OF  THE  ROAD. 


1623 


Never,  under  any  circumstances,  had  a  day  appeared  to 
lag  so  fearfully  as  that. 

Dick  thought  the  hours  would  never  slip  away.  i 

But,  for  all  his  impatience  and  restlessness,  old  Tims  ■> 
pursuod  his  march  without  the  least  wavering  or  altera- 
tion. 

Noon  came  and  passed  ;  then,  after  a  short  period  of 
daylight,  night  began  to  close  in. 

To  such  a  degree  had  Dick  worked  himself,  that  more 
than  once  or  twice  he  was  on  the  verge  of  issuing  forth, 
in  order  to  come  to  a  conclusion  earlier. 

It,  was,  however,  as  nearly  six  o'clock  as  possible  when 
old  Matthew  returned. 

By  the  look  of  his  face,  Dick  knew  that  he  was  no*  the 
bringer  of  good  tidings. 

"  Well,"  ho  said,  briskly,  "  I  will  not  question  yju. 
Speak,  Matthew,  and  put  an  end  to  this  horrible  suap'jnse 
as  soon  as  you  can !" 

"  Well,  Dick,  the  case  came  on  the  veiy  first  thing  this 
morning,  and  occupied  the  court  up  to  within  a  short 
time  of  my  leaving." 

"  And  the  result  ?" 

"  Is  just  what  I  expected — or,  indoed,  not  quite  so 
bad." 

"  What  is  it,  then  ?" 

"  Why,  I  must  tell  you  that  a  dead  set  was  made  against 
Tom  Davis,  and  the  attempt  made  to  render  what  he  had 
done  a  capital  offence,  so  as  to  be  punished  with  death. 
Luckily,  by  the  efforts  of  the  counsel  I  engaged,  this  was 
not  successful." 

"  But  why  not  come  to  the  point  at  once  ?"  said  Dick. 
"  What  is  his  fate  ?" 

"Twenty-one  years'  transportation." 

"Twenty-one  years  ?"  repeated  Dick.  "  Why,  that's 
equivalent  to  transportation  for  life  I" 

"It  is  indeed.  But  don't  chafe  and  fret  so  ;  waitunt.il 
you  have  heard  all,  then  we  can  talk  over  the  matter,  and 
if  possible  come  to  a  decision." 

"  With  all  my  heart."  ■' 

"I  shall  never  regret  having  taken  the  course  I  have," 
resumed  old  Matthew,  "  for  by  the  efforts  of  the  counsel 
Mrs.  Davis  and  Ellen  have  escapod — when  I  say  escaped, 
that  is  scarcely  what  I  meant." 

"  They  have  been  acquitted  ?" 

"  No,  not  that  either,  but  sentenced  to  one  month's  im- 
prisonment. For  them  you  need  not  trouble ;  a  month 
will  quickly  pass  away — then  they  will  receive  their 
liberty  in  a  legitimate  manner." 

"  I  am  glad  it  is  no  worse  for  them,"  said  Dick ;  "  and 
yet  you  hare  no  idea  how  much  I  regret  even  that.  Still, 
as  you  say,  they  may  be  left ;  it  is  Tom  Davis's  case 
which  demands  our  whole  attention." 

"  You  are  quite  right — it  is,"  said  Matthew.  "And  the 
question  comes,  in  what  possible  way  can  we  contrive  to 
replace  him  in  possession  of  his  liberty  ?" 

"  I  know  not — I  am  too  confused  to  think,"  said  Dick  ; 
"I  must  leave  all  reflection  to  you." 

"  Well,  it  is  certain,"  said  old  Matthew,  "  that  if  ho  is 
liberated  by  our  aid  he  will  have  to  leave  England  at 
once — that's  the  only  course  of  safety  open  to  him." 

"And  he  will  gladly  enough  embrace  it,"  said  Dick — 
"  I  feel  sure  of  that.  Once  let  him  bo  free,  and  I  will  take 
care  that  all  three  of  them  have  the  means  of  quitting 
\his  country." 

"  Well,"  said  Matthew,  "  and  if  I  may  add  a  few  words 
of  my  own,  I  think  while  you  are  about  it,  the  best  thing 
you  can  do  is  to  leave  England  too;  you  have  run  your 
career  quite  long  enough.  Take  my  advice — bo  satisfied 
with  what  you  have  done,  and  quit  this  land  for 
ever." 

Dick  received  this  counsel  with  a  smila. 

"  We'll  talk  about  that  another  day,"  ho  said ,  "  1  have 
no  humor  to  enter  that  discussion  now." 

"Well,  be  it  so,"  said  Matthew,  somewhat  sadly  ; 
"  though,  mark  me,  I  should  prefer  that  to  io  tho  cod 
of  your  career." 

Dick  drummed  upon  the  table  impatiently  with  iiis 
hand. 

"  Well,  tki«,"  said  Matthew,  "  let  us  cons'dor  the 
ways  and  means  of  setting  Tom  Davis  at  liberty.  He 
&  now  in  Newgate,  where  ho  will  remain  for  tome 
short  period." 

"And  after  that?"  asked  Dick. 

**  Why,  in  \he  usual  course  of  tiiaiis,  he  will  bs  put 


into  a  van  or  waggon  along  with  tho  rest  of  the 
prisoners  d*omed  with  him,  and  taken,  most  probaWy,  to 
Greenwich,  where  he  will  be  put  on  beard  the  convict 
ship." 

"  Well,  Matthew,  what  is  to  be  done,  and  whon?;' 

"  Ah,  Dick !  I  cannot  answer  you  that  question ;  hut 
I  can  very  easily  tell  you  what  can  not  be  done." 

"And  what  may  that  be?" 

"  Why,  liber-ate  him  from  Newgate.  From  what  was 
said  at  the  court  to-day,  I  fell  sure  that  it  is  suspected 
that  yom  and  your  comrades  will  make  some  attempt  to 
set  him  free,  and  most- certainly  if  you  approach  any- 
whero  near  the  Old  Bailey  you  will  doom  yourself  t« 
your  own  destruction." 

"  So  we  may,"  said  Dick ;  "  but  for  all  that,  Tom 
Davis  must  be  set  free." 

"  He  must,"  said  Matthew,  rubbing  his  hands  to- 
gether, while  a  pleased  expression  gradually  stole  over 
his  face — "  ho  must.  I  quite  agree  with  you  Just  at 
this  moment  I  thought  of  the  means  by  which,  in  all 
probability,  it  can  be  done." 


CHAPTER  CMLXXXII. 

THE  RECESS  BEHIND  THE  CUPBOARD,  IN  WHICH  DICK 
TURFIN  IS  HIDDEN,  IS  DISCOVERED   BY  THE  OFFICERS. 

"Do  you  mean  it?"  said  Dick  Turpin,  with  eager 
earnestness — "  do  you  really  mean  it  ?  Come — quick  I 
Speak  out — let  me  know  your  plan." 

"  Well,"  said  Matthew,  with  much  complacency,  "  it 
is  only  a  rude  idea  at  present,  but  yet  it  may  be  ela- 
borated into  something  very  good  ftidoed." 

"  Well,  well,  pass  over  all  that." 

But  old  Matthew  seemed  rather  to  enjoy  his  anxiety, 
for  instead  of  speaking  directly  to  the  point  he  went 
on; 

"  And,  by-the-way,  there  i<s  that  young  man." 

"  Confound  the  young  man  !" 

"  Well,  it  isn't  very  grateful  to  say  so.  I  mean  that 
young  man  that  you  promisod  to  rescue." 

':  Woll,  well,  what  of  him  P" 

"  Why,  I  think  my  plan  will  enable  you  to  set  him  at 
liberty  at  the  same   time  as>  Tom  Davis." 

"  Indeed !"  said  Dick.     "  How  so  ?" 

"  Can  you  not  guess  r" 

"  I  cannot,  nor  do  I  intend  to  try ;  I  am  waiting  for 
you  to  tell  me." 

"  Then  I  will  dally  with  you  no  longer.  The  fact  is, 
Dick,  it  occurs  to  me  that  it  will  be  perfectly  possible  for 
you  and  your  three  comrades  to  stop  the  prisoners'  van 
while  on  its  way  to  Greenwich,  or  wherever  the  place  may 
be,  which  I  can  easily  find  out  and  let  you  know." 

"  Good,  Matthew,"  cried  Dick — "  very  good  !  Of  coursa 
we  can.  I  might  have  thought  of  it,  it  is  so  simple,  and  I 
think  so  very  likely  to  succeed." 

"  Very  likely,"  said  old  Matthew — "  in  fact,  I  am  certain, 
for  if  you  only  partially  succeed,  the  prisoners  will  aid  yott 
to  the  very  best  of  their  power." 

"It  is  a  glorious  plan,  Matthew,"  cried  Dick,  enthusiaa- 
tically  and  excitedly — "a  glorious  plan,  and  one  that 
cannot  fail  of  success — I  feel  sure  of  it,  and  a  heavy  load  is 
taken  off  my  mind.  I  can  see  the  means  by  which  Tom 
Davis  can  recover  his  liberty."  • 

"  I  am  glad  yon  approve  of  it  so  well.  But  now  while 
wo  are  on  the  subject,  let  us  come  to  this  arrangement." 

"Woll,  go  on.    Why  did  you  pause?" 

"  Simply  because  I  was  considering.  However,  this  can- 
not bo  done  at  present ;  but  leave  to  mo  the  task  of  find- 
ing out  when  the  prisoners  will  be  removed  from  Newgale, 
and  to  what  place  they  are  going  to  be  taken." 

"  You  can  easily  learn  that,  I  should  think,  Mat- 
thew." 

"Yes — very  Jikcly  I  can;  but  then,  having  done  sq, 
the  question  is,  how  shall  I  make  you  acquainted  with  the 
intelligence  ?" 

"That's  a  point  we  must  settle,  said  Dick.  "Sup- 
pose I  should  come  hero  again  at  the  and  ds  a  certain 
time?" 

"No— no,"  said  Matthew,  very  slowly.  "lam  glad 
enoup;u  to  see  you,  Dick — it  delights  me  when  I  can 
catch  sight  of  your  face ;  but  the  less  you  show  yourseli 
here  1  am  sure  will  bo  the  better.     Dosi't  think  of  It-" 


1624 


BLACK    BES8  ;    OS, 


14  Well,  then "  Dick  cried,  "  how  do  you  propose  to 
aanage  ?" 

"  Why,  by  a  very  simple  means.  It  will  not  do  for  ta€ 
to  arrange  to  meet  you  anywhero,  because  I  feel  sass 
that  I  never  leave  home  on  any  occasion  without  beiag 
followed  by  the  officers.  I'll  tell  you  what  I  can  do.  I 
will  write  a  letter,  and  find  a  trusty  messenger  who  will 
take  it  to  some  place  that  we  agree  upon  between  us, 
and  leave  it  there  for  you  to  come  and  fetch  it  after- 
wards." 

41  That's  a  good  plan,  Matthew.  We  may  as  well  agree 
to  it  at  onee.     But  where  shall  the  place  be  ?" 

"  I  leave  that  to  you." 

Dick  remained  for  several  moments  plunged  in  deep 
thought 

At  length  he  exclaimed : 

"Do  you  know  the  spot  where  the  river  Brent  flows 
under  the  Edgware  Road  ?" 

"  Yes— perfectly  well.' 

"  Then  you  may  be  aware,  perhaps,  that  the  old  bridge 
is  very  much  out  of  repair — most  of  the  stones  at  the  top 
are  loose." 

"  I  see." 

"  Well,  then,  let  your  messenger  move  the  first  stone  he 
comes  to  that  is  loose  as  he  walks  on  to  the  bridge,  taking 
tbe  left-hand  side,  lie  will  then  be  able  to  put  the  letter, 
if  folded  small,  either  between  that  stone  and  the  next,  or 
else  completely  under  it." 

"  Very  good,"  said  Matthew.  "  I  quite  understand. 
And  now,  as  there  is  just  the  possibility  that  the  letter 
will  fall  into  some  one  else's  hands,  we  will  agree  upon 
what  is  to  be  placed  in  it.  If,  as  I  quite  expect,  the 
prisoners  are  to  be  removc-d  to  Greenwich,  I  shall  not 
name  anyplace  on  the  letter  at  all,  but  will  simply  write 
a  figure,  which  will  represent  the  hour  when  the  van 
will  start  from  Newgate,  and  immediately  after  that  will 
be  another  figure,  which  will  represent  the  day  of  the 
month  on  which  thyy  will  set  forth." 

"That  is  quite  enough,"  said  Dick,  "so  thai;  ikase 
figures  are  all  the  paper  need  contain." 

"  Yes,  all,  and  then  if  anyone  else  finds  it,  why,  it  will 
not  matter." 

"  It  is  a  wise  precaution."  said  Dick ;  "  but  I  don't 
feel  the  least  afraid,  for  I  will  have  the  bridge  well  watched 
before  your  messenger  arrives." 

"You  may  expect  him,  then,"  said  Matthew,  "by  the 
second  night  from  this.  I  shall  be  sure  to  know  before 
that  time. 

"  And,"  said  Dick,  "  we  must  arrange  anotner  meeting 
after  that,  for  I  feel  myself  much  indebted  to  you,  and 
whatever  obligation  I  am  under  I  shall  not  rest  until  I 
have  discharged." 

"  Pooh — pooh  !"  said  Matthew — "  never  mind  such 
nonsense  as  that.  I  do  not  render  you  all  these  services 
ssimply  for  the  money  I  can  make  out  of  you,  but  merely 
because  I  like  you,  so  let  us  hear  no  more  about  obliga- 
tions, I  beg." 

"  It  is  all  very  fine,  Matthew,  for  you  to  speak  like 
that,  but  I  shall  not  allow " 

Dick  paused,  for  just  then  he  was  startled  by  the 
ringing  of  a  bell,  which  caused  old  Matthew  to  spring  to 
his  feet. 

"Quick,"  he  cried — "into  the  cupboard  with  you — 
make  all  speed  1  Perhaps  it  is  only  a  false  alarm ;  at 
any  rate,  you  can  shift  for  yourself.  I  will  go  down- 
stairs. "Take  good  care  the  officers  do  not  enter  this 
room  until  you  have  had  plenty  of  ',vDe  to  conceal  your- 
self." 

He  spoke  these  words  very  hurriedly,  and  as  he  pro- 
nounced the  last,  passed  hurriedly  out  of  the  door,  ini 
jlosed  it  behind  him. 

Dick  was  very  rapid  in  all  his  movements. 

Not  knowing  how  long  he  might  have  to  remain  in 
his  uncomfortable  place  of  concealment,  he  picked  up  the 
glass  out  of  which  he  had  been  drinking,  and  carried  it 
into  the  recess  along  with  him. 

To  shut  the  cupboard  doors,  and  afterwards  to  pull 
down  the  back  part  of  the  cupboard,  occupied  bu  t  a  very 
few  moments  indeed. 

Tet  ho  was  only  just  in  time. 

Immediately  afterwards  he  heard,  though  Jndistim.3)y, 
the  sound  of  footsteps  and  the  loud  muruiui  ai 
rsioM, 

Of  what  was  said  he  could  not  form  any  idea ;  but,  from 


the  tone  used,  he  guessed  something  like  an  aitercatiau 
was  going  oa 

Then  tho  door  leading  into  the  room  he  had  so  re- 
cently quitted  was  dashed  open,  affer  which  came  a  brief 
piise. 

"  I  tell  you  you  are  playing  falsely  !"  Dick  heard  a 
voice  cry,  in  high,  exasperated  tones.  "Do  you  mean  to 
assure  me  positive ry  that  a  few  moments  ago  you 
were  not  seated  in  this  room  along  with  another  per- 
son?" 

Dick  did  not  catch  old  Matthew's  reply,  for  ho  spoke 
in  a  more  subdued  voice. 

"  Then  I  say  you  do  not  speak  the  truth,"  was  the  re- 
joinder. "  I  have  just  come  from  across  the  way,  and 
as  I  stood  at  the  barber's  bed-room  window  I  could  see 
into  this,  and  made  out  distinctly  you  and  another  person 
sitting  at  this  table." 

Neither  knew  it,  but  just  as  the  officer  spoke,  both  old 
Matthew  and  Dick  were  engaged  on  tho  very  same  opera- 
tion, and  that  was  in  inwardly,  but  none  tho  less  bitterly, 
cursing  the  barber  for  his  interference. 

As  before,  Dick  could  not  make  out  what  old  Matthew 
said  in  reply,  but  the  officer — for  such  beyond  a  doubt  ho 
was — exclaimed  : 

"  Now,  my  men,  is  the  time  to  show  your  sharpness. 
Never  mind  a  word  of  what  he  says — I  know  him  for  an 
inveterate  liar.  I  saw  two  men  sitting  here  not  five 
minutes  ago.  Thero's  no  one  to  be  found,  so  it's  clear 
there's  a  hiding-place  somewhere,  and  you've  got  to  find 
it." 

After  those  words  were  spoken,  there  was  a  vast  amount 
of  clattering  caused  by  the  hasty  removal  of  the  various 
articles  of  furniture  contained  in  the  room. 

Dick,  having  heard  so  much,  not  unnaturally  began  to 
feel  very  uneasy  for  his  own  safety. 

After  what  Matthew  had  said,  he  fully  believed  the 
officers  would,  with  care  and  time,  discover  the  recess  at 
the  back  of  the  closet. 

A  cold  perspiration  broke  out  all  over  him,  and 
as  minute  after  minute  elapsed,  his  uneasiness  in- 
creased. 

Most  bitterly  indeed  did  he  regret  having  been  per- 
suaded to  take  up  his  quarters  in  such  a  place,  for  how 
inglorious  it  would  appear  for  the  officera  to  break 
down  the  panelling  and  seize  him  hiding  in  such  a 
place ! 

These  thoughts  made  Dick  almost  desperate 

For  the  first  time,  he  began  to  wonder  whether  there 
was  any  outlet  from  this  secret  recess. 

lie  had  forgotten  to  ask  Matthew  anything  on  the  sub- 
ject. ^ 

But  tho  more  Dick  thought,  the  more  assured  he  felt 
that  such  a  place  as  this  would  not  be  constructed 
without  some  means  being  contrived  of  emerging 
from  it. 

Just  then  the  closet  door  opened,  and  one  of  the  officers 
entered,  and  poked  about  very  vigorously  among  the 
clothing  with  his  sword. 

Dick  held  his  breath,  for  there  was  nothing  to 
divido  him  from  his  foe  but  a  thin  partition  of  wood- 
work. 

"Nobody  here,"  was  the  reply,  and  then  this  man, 
who  never  for  a  moment  thought  of  trying  whether  the 
back  of  the  cupboard  had  a  hollow  sound  or  not,  stepped 
out,  and  closed  the  door  behind  him. 

"Escape  number  one,"  said  Dick.  "  But  that  little  in- 
cident only  makes  me  feel  the  more  that  I  shall  not  be  so 
fortunate  a  second  time." 

While  these  thoughts  passed  through  his  mind,  he 
rapidly  produced  from  his  pocket  a  phosphorous  match, 
which  he  ignited  silently. 

The  light  lasted  only  for  an  instant,  yet  '',  enabled  him 
to  glance  at  the  walls  around  him.  4 

lie  saw  no  means  by  which  the  recess  could  be  left, 
but,  believing  that  the  means  of  leaving  it  would  be 
similar  to  those  by  which  he  had  entered,  he  stooped 
down,  and  endeavored  to  insert  his  fingers  in  between  the 
floor  and  the  walls. 

At  his  first  attempt  ho  succeeded,  and  raised  the  piece 
of  woodwork  to  the  extent  of  about  an  inch. 

Then  he  paused. 

"  I  am  all  right  now,"  he  thought,  though  he  had  not 
the  remotest  idea  of  where  he  would  fiud  himself  after 
pas.-ing  through  this  partition. 


THE    KNIGHT    OV  THE    ROAD. 


[DICK   TUKPIN    ENDliAVOUlia   TO    ELUDE    HIS   FOES.] 


It  was  at  inis  moment  that  the  oloset  doors  were 
again  thrown  open,  and  Dick  heard  the  man  with  the 
exasperated  voice  ory : 

"  Don't  you  think  I  can  believe  my  own  eyesight  F  I 
tell  you  I  saw  somebody  hare  ;  and  where's  he  gone  ? 
I'm  sure  there  is  a  secret  hiding-pla?o  somewhere  !  I 
have  been  told  that  this  old  inn  is  full  of  them,  and  I'll 
do  my  best  to  find  out  to-night !" 

While  he  spoke,  the  officer  besran  with  the  butt-end  of 
his  pistol  to  rap  against  the  walls  of  the  closet. 

As  lie  began  at  the  side,  close  to  the  hinges  of  the 
door,  where  the  wall  was  perfectly  solid,  the  sound  re- 
turned  was  of  such  a  character  as  to  make  him  certain 
there  was  no  hiding-place  there. 

On  reaching  the  back,  however,  the  first  blow  pro- 
duced  a  hollow,  reverberating  sound. 

The  officer  uttered  a  shriek. 

"I  have  it,"  he  cried—"  I  have  it— thia  is  the  place  I 

No.  204— Black  Bess. 


Never  mind  finding  out  the  secret !  Break  down  th« 
woodwork — it  will  be  done  in  a  moment !" 

With  these  words,  he  raised  his  pistol  in  the  air  and 
brought  down  the  butt-end  of  it  with  full  foroe  uoon 
the  panelling. 

A  large  crack  was  the  result. 

The  next  blow  produced  another. 

The  officers  came  crowding  round  him,  and  a  few 
more  heavy  strokes  demolished  the  woodwork  to  such 
an  extent  that  the  officers  were  able  to  seize  hold  of  it, 
and  by  main  force  pull  out  a  large  piece. 

The  officer  i  sprang  forward  with  a  cry  of  exultation, 
which  quickly  ohanued  its  tone  to  one  of  disappoint- 
ment. 

There  was  the  recess,  it  is  true,  but  it  was  perfectly 
empty,  save  and  except  the  chair  on  which  Dick  had 
placed  the  glass  out  of  which  he  had  been  so  lately 
drinking. 


Kn.   -MU 


/as* 


bULCK   BBSS  ;    UK, 


Oid  Matthew  had  during  these  occurrences  suffered 
such  an  amount  of  mental  agitation  as  few  oould  have 
any  conception  of,  and  he  looked  upon  Dick's  disappear- 
ance as  something  miraculous,  for  he  was  tot  awar« 
himsell  thai'  there  was  any  means  of  leavii  the  re- 
fjess. 

He  could  scarcely  believe  his  eyes,  indeed}  bat  his 
satisfaction  was,  nevertheless,  most  intense. 

"  There's  nobody  there,"  cried  the  officer,  in  dee  dis- 
appointment— "  nobody  at  all !" 

"  But  there's  this  glass,  sir,"  said  one  of  the  men. 

"  Oh,  d— n  the  glass !     Don't  bother  me  with  that !" 

"  But  there's  ale  in  it,"  continued  the  officer,  sp<  akiug 
cautiously — "there's  ale  in  it;  and,  look,  why,  there's 
froth  on  it,  and  it  looks  ae  fresh  as  though  it  had  only 
been  j  ust  drawn." 

This  occurrence  arrested  the  officer's  attention,  and 
at  the  same  moment  filled  old  Matthew  with  despair. 

"  So  it  has,"  cried  the  one  with  the  angry  oice — "  so  it 
has  !  Aha  !  I  knew  I  was  right.  He  is  close  at  hand,  my 
lads,  depend  upon  it !  Look  around,  and  you  will  see 
the  means  of  leaving  this  recess." 

Just  as  he  spoke,  there  came  a  loud  and  thrilling  shriek^ 
evidently  issuing  from  female  lips. 

At  the  sound  the  officers  all  stood  aghast. 

"Help — help  !"  they  heard  a  voice  cry,  very  distinctly. 
"  Help— help  !     Murder — thieves  !" 

"He's  caught!"  cried  the  chief  officer—" as  I'm  a 
living  man,  he's  caught!  Down  with  that  bit  of  wood- 
work !  Dash  against  it!  The  sooner  you  break  it  down 
the  better !" 

The  officers  obeyed,  but  it  to  >k  them  rather  longer 
to  pull  down  the  panelling  than  they  had  an^- 


CHAPTER  CMLXXXIII. 

DICK  TURPIN   PUTS  IN   EXECUTION  A   BOLD  ANP  NOVEL 
EXPEDIENT. 

In  order  to  explain  the  meaning  of  this  strange  occur- 
rence, we  must  go  back  to  the  proceedings  of  Dick 
Turpin. 

He  waited  until  the  officer  struck  against  the  wood- 
work with  his  pistol,  then  he  knew  discovery  was  cer- 
tain. 

Without  another  second's  pause  or  hesitation,  he 
dtooped  down,  and  slowly  and  noiselessly  raised  the 
large  piece  of  wood  forming  the  back  of  the  recess. 

He  only  did  so  to  a  sufficient  distance  to  allow  him  to 
creep  beneath  it. 

This  he  did  with  all  secrecy  imaginable. 

Then  he  drew  it  down  again. 

He  was  only  just  in  time — indeed,  he  had  scarcely 
composed  himself  before  the  panelling  was  torn  down, 
and  the  recess  discovered. 

He  remained  perfectly  still  after  this,  listening  to  what 
took  place  next. 

Where  he  was  he  had  not  the  remotest  idea,  except 
that  it  was  possible  he  was  in  another  closet  similar  to 
the  one  he  had  recently  left. 

How  much  he  regretted  having  left  the  glass  behind 
him,  as  that  unquestionably  helped  the  officers  to  get  on 
the  right  track. 

When  he  heard  the  remarks  passed  upon  it,  he  was 
sure  that  his  present  place  was  no  abiding  spot,  and  ha 
bejan  to  seek  some  means  of  quitting  it. 

feeling  cautiously  with  his  hands,  his  fingers  encoun- 
tered two  doora  similar  to  those  opening  into  old  Matthew's 
room. 

They  yielded  to  his  touch,  and  he  pushed  them  open 
slowly  and  gently. 

Then,  creeping  out  with  a  stealthiness  that  would  have 
delighted  an  Indian,  he  raised  himself  to  his  feet,  and 
endeavored  to  take  a  peep  at  his  surroundings. 

He  was  in  a  room  evidently,  for  he  could  see  the 
wiudow,  through  which  there  came  a  very  dim  amoujit  of 
twilight. 

He  moved  forward,  as  he  believed,  in  the  direction  if 
the  door,  but  he  was  not  looking  sufficiently  c'oso  to  his 
ieet,  for,  with  great  suddenness,  he  struck  against  the 
post  of  a  bedstead. 

It  was  then  that  the  shrill  scream  tkat  bad  so  startled 
she  officers  broke  forth,  and  it  must  bo  confessed  that  it 
<-..  tiod  Dick  quite  as  much. 


Recovering  his  presence  of  mind    lowever.   h*  ex- 
claimed: 
«    "  Do  not  be  alarmed — all  is  well !" 

But  his  words  were  perfectly  unheeded. 

The  female  by  whom  the  room  was  tenanted  had  evi- 
dently ■  )t  hold  of  the  idea  that  a  man  was  in  the  room, 
whose  intention  was  to  rob  and  murder  her,  and  so  she 
kept  up  the  prodigious  clamor. 

Finding  all  efforts  to  silence  her  vain,  Dick,  who  by 
this  time  had  discovered  the  doorway,  lost  no  time  in 
passing  through  it. 

As  his  hand  passed  over  the  locfc  he  felt  a  key. 

He  took  it  out  instantly,  thrust  it  in  on  the  other  side, 
and  locked  the  chamber  door. 

This  he  knew  would  cause  delay,  and,  in  the  mean- 
time, what  he  had  to  do  was  to  seek  the  street. 

Accordingly,  he  descended  the  stairs  at  full  speed,  but, 
ere  he  had  gone  far,  some  one,  alarmed  no  doubt  by  the 
fearful  shriek,  cried  out : 

"In  Heaven's  name,  what's  the  matter?  Oh,  lawks i 
who  are  you  ?" 

"  The  devil !"  said  Dick,  in  a  sepulchral  voice. 

There  was  a  smothered  kind  of  cry,  and  then  the  door 
was  hastily  shut. 

But  Dick  was  very  far  from  being  anything  like 
safe. 

The  house  would  be  so  thoroughly  alarmed  before  he 
could  get  to  the  bottom  of  it,  that  on  attempting  to  leave 
it  he  would  most  likely  run  into  the  arms  of  the 
officers. 

The  first-floor  landing  was  now,  however,  reached, 
but  just  as  his  foot  touched  it,  a  door  was  opened,  and  a 
man  with  an  extraordinary  worsted  night-cap  on  his 
head,  a  candle  in  his  left  hand,  and  a  dark  object  in  hi* 
right,  appeared. 

fle  seemed  to  cate&  sight  of  Dick,  for  he  cried  : 

"  Take  that,  you  >*ietch,  and  don't  you  disturb  me  any 
more !     I  tell  you  I  won't  be  bothered  with  you !" 

These  words  plainly  showed  that  he  mistook  Dick  for 
somebody  else. 

When  he  said  "Take  that !"  he  lifted  up  his  right  hand 
in  which  he  held  the  dark  object,  which  proved  to  be  a 
missile  of  some  kind,  for  it  flew  past  Diok's  head  with  un- 
pleasant swiftness. 

Its  course  was  stopped  by  the  face  of  a  large  clock 
which  stood  upon  the  landing. 

There  was  a  crash,  and  then  the  mechanism  became  so 
deranged  that  the  clock  began  to  strike  at  a  furious 
rate. 

So  alarmed  was  the  night-capped  gentleman  by  the 
effects  of  his  violence  that  he  dropped  his  candle  and 
precipitately  retreated  into  his  room. 

Dick  made  a  plunge  down  the  staircase,  inwardly 
cursing  his  ill-luck. 

When  about  half-way  to  the  ground  floor,  howevei, 
he  perceived  a  small  window,  whi(<ii  had  been  contrived 
for  the  purpose  of  lighting  the  st  urease. 

Happening  to  glance  through  it,  he  saw  that  it  openetl 
upon  some  leads,  and  this  caused  him  to  pause. 

The  way  of  escape  he  now  believed  lay  clear  enough 
before  him. 

To  open  the  window  took  him  scarcely  more  than  a 
second. 

He  passed  through  it,  closed  it  after  lum,  and  then 
found  himself  standing  on  what  was  to  all  appearances 
the  top  of  a  cistern. 

On  one  side  of  him  was  a  rather  narrow  wall,  whic.'i 
extended  for  a  considerable  distance. 

Without  hesitation,  he  stepped  upon  it,  and,  without 
giving  a  thought  to  the  narrow  space  on  which  he  stooc', 
ran  rapidly  aloug. 

Reaching  the  extremity,  he  »,aw,  only  a  few  feet  oelow 
him,  the  pavement  of  a  narrow  court. 

He  dropped  without  hesitation,  and  running  forward, 
quickly  found  himself  in  one  of  the  streets  lying  between 
Clare  Market  and  Lincoln's  Inn. 

He  set  forward  to  run  immediately,  though  he  instantly 
became  conscious  of  the  impolicy  of  this  course,  and 
certainly  had  he  not  been  so  greatly  excited  ho  would 
never  have  dreamed  of  adopting  it. 

His  flying  form  arrested  the  attention  of  a  man,  who 
set  up  a  tremenuOus  snout. 

"  Stop  him !"  he  cried — "  stop  him !  A  highwayman,  — 
a  highwavman .'    M'^re  he  «oee  I    btor>  him — stop  bins  -v 


THB  KNIGHT  OT  THS   ROAJD. 


1627 


These  cries  were  Instantaneously  followed  by  loud 
shouts  and  a  trampling  of  footsteps,  so  that  in  what 
seemed  a  magical  short  space  of  time  Dick  fouDd 
himself  followed  by  a  crowd  of  persons  of  all  ages  and  both 
sexes. 

His  hopes  of  escape  now  sank  down  to  zero,  yet  he  aid 
joot  on  that  account  in  the  least  degree  abate  his  speed ,  if 
anything,  he  increased  it. 

Panting  and  breathless,  with  the  perspiration  running 
down  his  face  in  streams,  and  with  a  kind  of  mist  before 
his  eyes  that  half  blinded  him,  he  strove  to  think  what 
would  be  the  best  thing  he  could  do  in  order  to  baffle  his 
pursuers. 

He  turned  a  -somer  rapidly,  and  then  another  ;  but  they 
were  so  close  upon  his  track  that  betoro  he  was  able  to 
turn  again  tbey  had  hira  once  more  in  6igiu 

At  every  step  did  the  numbers  of  those  troo  were 
pursuing  him  increase  ;  and  there  was  th's  disadvantage, 
so    far   as   Dick    was  concerned,    that   whereas   he  was 
almost  spent  with  running,  those  who  were  foremost  in 
the  chase  had  only  just  begun  their  task. 

All  at  once,  a  man  started  out  into  the  centra  of  the 
road  and  extended  both  his  arms. 

To  attempt  to  dodge  past  him  Dick  knew  would  be  ab- 
surd, and  «r>  kept  on  his  course,  determined  to  run  the 
man  down,  though  he  feared  that  in  the  scuffle  he  might 
be  delayed  sufficiently  to  enable  his  foes  to  pounce  upon 
him. 

This,  no  doubt,  was  what  the  man  calculated  upon,  but 
he  forgot  to  take  into  consideration  his  own  personal  con- 
dition. 

Clenching  his  right  hand,  Dick  ran  on  straight  as  au 
arrow. 

The  man  stood  resolutely  up,  but  the  tremendous  blow 
from  Dick's  fist  felled  him  like  au  ox. 

The  highwayman  staggered  for  an  instant,  then 
bounded  on. 

Actually  he  had  gained  a  little  on  his  foes,  and,  per- 
ceiving another  turning  which  led  towards  Lincoln's  Inn, 
he  did  not  hesitate  to  take  it. 

But  no  sooner  had  he  turned  the  corner  than  he  was 
struck  with  a  sudden  thought. 

He  was  then  out  of  sight  of  all  his  foes,  and  could 
count  upon  being  for  the  space  of  a  few  seconds,  yet  not 
long  enough  to  enable  him  to  reach  the  top  of  the 
street 

But  he  paused  close  to  a  doorway  of  rather  pretentious 
a  character,  on  which  was  a  brass  plate. 

He  perceived  this,  as  well  as  the  name  upon  it,  by 
means  of  a  lamp  that  was  burning  above,  and  that  was 
placed  purposely1  60  as  to  render  the  words  on  the  door- 
plate  legible. 

With  a  boldness  that  was  astounding,  Dick  stepped  up 
to  this  door,  and  knocked  at  it,  while  at  the  sj^me  time  he 
pulled  the  bell. 

During  the  brief  space  that  he  had  to  wait  for  a  reply, 
he  read  upon  the  plate  the  words  : — 

"  Mr.  Solomon  Cartwright,  solicitor." 

Just  as  the  door  was  opened,  the  -crowd  of  persons 
turned  the  corner. 

Dick  was  hidden  by  the  projecting  portico,  and  no 
sooner  was  the  door  opened  than,  without  waiting  to  be 
invited  to  enter,  he  stepped  in  and  closed  it  after  him. 

Then  he  had  the  satisfaction  of  hearing  his  pursuers 
rush  by. 

"  What  is  it,  please  ?"  said  a  female  voice-  with  toler- 
able clearness. 

"  Is  Mr.  Cartwright  within  ?" 

"Yes,  sir,  he  is;  but  this  is  past  business  nours,  end 
he  cannot  be  disturbed." 

"lam  sorry  for  that,"  said  Dick,  who  scarcely  knew 
what  to  say. 

But  his  active  brain  quickly  suggested  something,  and 
he  added : 

'•  De  good  enough  to  tell  him  that  a  gentleman  wishes 
to  see  him  on  some  matters  connected  witn  the  sale  of 
some  property." 

Now  Dick  hoped  that  the  girl  would  leave  him  ana  go 
to  deliver  this  message,  in  which  case  he  wjuld  have 
slipped  out  of  the  door,  and  trusted  to  his  good  luck  to 
make  an  escape. 

To  his  deep  annoyance,  however,  he  was  frustrated  in 
this  intention,  for  a  dnnr  flnao  at  hand  was  opened,  and  a 
gentleman  stepped  out  into  the  passage. 


"  What  is  it,  Mary  ?"  he  asked — •'  wUo  is  it  ?" 

"A  gentleman  wants  particularly  to  see  you  about 
some  property,"  was  the  reply. 

"  Oh,  certainly  !"  said  the  lawyer,  who  was  never  one 
to  allow  the  chance  of  obtaining  a  fresh  client  to  pass  by. 
"Ask  the  gentleman  to  walk  this  way." 

Dick  had  no  resource  but  to  comply. 

"  I'm  doomed  to  nothing  but  misfortune  to-night,"  he 
thought.  "  What  on  earth  can  ]  do  ?  F^w  can  I  manage 
to  deceive  this  man  ? — what  shall  I  tell  hiri.  ?" 

Eeally  he  had  no  time  for  thought. 

The  door  was  close  at  hand. 

Without  the  lapse  of  a  moment,  he  was  shown  into  a 
room. 

There  was  a  fire  burning  in  it,  and  a  lighted  lamp  was 
standing  on  the  table,  and  surrounded  by  a  great  quantity 
of  papers. 

"  Take  a  seat,  sir — pray  take  a  seat !"  said  the  lawyei 
as  he  turned  up  the  lamp,  so  as  to  cause  it  to  give  a 
brighter  light,    and   to  enable    him   to  see    his   visitor 
better.     "  I  happen  at  the  present  moment  to  be  quite 
disengaged." 

Dick  wished  from  the  bottom  of  his  heart  that  the 
solicitor  was  overwhelmed  with  business. 

Nevertheless,  he  took  a  seat,  and,  with  as  much  calm- 
ness as  he  could  command,  drew  his  handkerchief  from 
his  pocket,  and  wiped  the  perspiration  from  his  face. 

"  Dear  me,"  ejaculated  the  lawyer,  "  how  warm  you 
look !" 

"Yes,"  said  Dick,  concealing  his  breathlessness  with 
much  difficulty,  "it  is  quite  sultry." 

"  flow  odd !"  said  tht>  lawyer,  with  a  shiver.  "  Here 
have  I  been  crouching  over  the  fire  aH  night." 

"  I  am  excited,"  said  Dick — "  very  much  excited,  and 
I  have  come  here  at  a  very  rapid  rate  to  see  you,  as  I  wa3 
fearful  I  should  be  too  late." 

"  I  am  perfectly  ready  to  listen  to  you,"  was  the 
lawyer's  reply.  "  Bo  good  enough  to  let  me  know  the 
nature  of  your  business." 

This  was  a  poser,  for  what  to  say  next  Dick  had  not 
the  remotest  idea,  so,  merely  with  tho  view  of  gaining 
time,  he  once  more  took  out  his  pocket-handkerchief  and 
wiped  his  face  with  it. 

While  he  did  so,  he  could  not  help  noticing  that  the 
lawyer  was  looking  at  him  with  an  expression  of  sus- 
picion and  distrust. 

CHAPTER  CMLXXXIV. 

DICK  TURPIN    VERY     CLEVERLY   MAKES    A  TOOL    OF    THE 
LAWYER. 

But  Dick  Turpin  was  fast  becoming  himself  again — cool, 
calm  and  determined. 

The  silence  that  prevailed  in  tho  street  justified  him  in 
indulging  in  the  belief  that  his  pursuers  had  lost  the 
scent  altogether,  and  that  ho  would  have  nothing  more  to 
do  than  to  speak  for  a  short  time  to  the  solicitor  and  then 
quietly  take  his  departure. 

But  even  at  this  moment  b*  heard  a  loud  hubbub, 
which  gradually  yet  rapidly  increased  in  loudness. 

"  Dear  me,"  said  the  lawyer,  with  an  air  of  vexation, 
"  what  in  the  world  can  be  '.he  matter  with  the  people 
to-night  ?" 

"  Fin  sure  1  don't  know,"  said  Dick.  "  There's  some- 
thing tho  matter ;  but  I  doa't  know  that  it  need  concern 
us." 

"  No,  certainly  not.  Pray  proceed  to  the  business  you 
were  about  to  place  before  me.'' 

The  lawyer  made  a  feint  of  consulting  his  watch,  as  if 
to  show  that  his  time  was  preci.ms. 

"  Well,"  said  Dick,  "  to  be  brief  with  you,  Mr.  Cart- 
wright, the  fact  is  that  a  dear  and  much-loved  friend  of 
mine  is  at  the  present  moment  in  very  deep  distress." 

"  Pecuniary  distress  ?"  asked  the  lawyer. 

«  Yes— in  fact,  he  is  in  debt,  an-  has  been  'hrust  into 
prison.  It  is  a  shocking  thing,  for  I  know  very  well 
that  with  anything  like  reasonable  time  he  cc.ld  pay  off 
tin  whole  of  his  debts." 

'•Then  may  I  ask  your  object  in  consulting  me  ?" 

"  I  will  tell  you  jn  a  moment,"  said  Dick,  who  by  this 
time  had  arr^ggd  hi3  whole  plan  of  future  operations, 
and  Thich  promised  to  be  so  satisfactory  that  he  threw 
off  at  o^ce  a;i  the  fears  and  apprehensions  under  which 
he  h»ji  oeen  laboring. 


i628 


BLACK   BBSS  ;    OB, 


"  I  am  staying  at  the  Regent's  Hotel  in  Piccadilly,  and 
Ifce  head  waiter  there  was  kind  enough  to  mention  your 
name  to  me  as  being  a  gentleman  likely  to  do  what  I 
required." 

"  Indeed  I"  said  the  lawyer.  "  I  am  rather  surprised  at 
that,  for  at  the  momont  I  cannot  recollect  such  an  hotel  as 
that  in  Piccadilly,  nor  can  I  say  that  I  am  acquainted 
with  any  head  waiter  either." 

"Well,  sir,  such  .  ;he  fact,"  said  Dick,  with  unbtaming 
effrontery.  "  I  am  quite  a  stranger  in  London,  and  when 
tMs  dreadful  affair  happened  to  my  friend  I  posted  up  to 
town  at  once.  I  always  stop  at  the  Regent's  Hotel,  and 
as  the  head  waiter  was  the  first  person  I  saw  1  asked  him 
what  I  had  better  do." 

"  But  what  do  you  want  me  to  do  ?"  said  the  lawyer, 
with  a  bland  smile,  for  he  began  to  thici  that  so  excit- 
able a  personage  as  Dick  seemed  to  be  would  prove  a 
very  good  client. 

"I  have  some  property  in  Berkshire,"  said  Dick— 
"  freehold,  and  of  considerable  value.  I  have  brought 
the  title  deeds  with  me,  and  I  want  to  know  whether  a 
mortgage  can  be  executed  upon  it  for  about  one  half  of 
its  value,  which  will  enable  me  t?  set  my  friend  at 
liberty." 

"Yes,  certainly,"  said  the  lawyer  "  I  often  manage 
matters  of  that  kind — not  that  I  have  money  myself,  but 
many  of  my  clients  have,  who  are  anxious  to  lend  it  out 
fa1  mortgage." 

"  That  is  just  what  the  head  waiter  told  me,"  said 
Dick,  with  great  assurance. 

"  Would  you  be  good  enough,"  said  the  lawyer,  "  to 
let  me  look  at  the  title  deeds  you  spoke  of  ?" 

Dick  placed  his  hand  in  the  breast  pocket  of  his  coat, 
then  exclaimed : 

"  Dear  me,  sir,  would  you  believe  it  ?  In  my  great  state 
of  excitement  I  have  left  the  papers  in  my  portmanteau 
at  the  hotel  ?     What  is  to  be  done  ?" 

"Just  what  you  please,"  said  the  lawyer,  in  an  altered 
tone. 

"  Well,  then,"  said  Dick,  "  suppose  you  call  a  hackney- 
coach  :  we  can  then  both  go  to  the  hotel  together,  and 
drink  a  glass  of  wine  :  you  can  look  over  the  title  deeds, 
and  the  matter  put  in  a  fair  way  for  settlement." 

"  Oh,  certainly,"  said  the  lawyer ;  "  I  have  no  objection 
to  that  at  all ;  we  will  go  at  once,  if  you  are  willing." 

"Yes,  I  am  quite  willing,"  said  Dick — how  willing,  the 
lawyer  little  thought. 

They  stepped  out  into  the  passage,  on  a  peg  against 
the  wall  of  which  some  cloaks  and  hats  were  hanging. 

The  lawyer  selected  one  of  each  of  these  articles. 

"  My  dear  sir,"  said  Dick,  "  would  you  mind  doing  me 
the  favor  of  lending  me  one  of  your  cloaks  ?  Now  that 
I  have  got  over  my  excitement  I  feel  the  cold  strike  with 
quite  a  chill." 

"Oh,  certainly,"  said  the  lawyer,  "with  very  great 
pleasure !  Take  this  one.  In  your  present  condition  you 
are  likely  enough  to  take  a  cold  that  will  result  in  your 
death." 

Dick  took  the  proffered  cloak  gladly,  not  that  he  cared 
about  his  heated  condition,  but  he  knew  very  well  that 
wrapping  this  garment  around  him  would  greatly  change 
his  outward  appearance. 

"Mary,"  said  the  gentleman,  "just  call  a  hackney- 
coach." 

The  girl  opened  the  door  and  stood  outside,  and  just  as 
she  did  so,  the  very  vehicle  they  wanted  came  rolling 
by. 

It  was  stopped  at  once,  and  thv..<,  with  a  heart  which  it 
must  be  confessed  beat  faster  than  usual,  Dick  followed 
the  lawyer  across  the  threshold  into  the  street. 

Here  many  people  were  assembled  se<sr?*i??f  in  all 
directions. 

It  was  pretty  clear  that  they  had  formed  •>  to!erat>[y 
good  guess  as  to  the  exact  spot  where  the  highwayman 
had  disappeared. 

"  What's  the  matter  ?"  asked  the  lawyer  of  some  oue 
standing  Bear. 

"They're  after  Dick  Tnrpin,  the  highwayman,  sir" 
was  the  answer.  "  He  was  chased  to  somewhere  hereabout 
and  disappeared." 

"  Oh,  indeed,"  said  the  lawyer,  "  then  I  hope  he  will  be 
caught,  for  Eothing  would  please  me  better  than  to  hear 
the  last  of  him.  I  have  been  twice  robbed  by  his  rascally 
issociatee.n 


While  these  few  words  were  passing,  Dick  had  entered 
the  hackney-coach,  the  door  of  which  was  held  open  bv 
the  driver. 

Mr.  Oartwright  followed,  and  as  the  door  was  closed 
Dick  said : 

"  Drive  to  the  bottom  of  Piccadilly ;  I  will  call  to  yon 
when  to  pull  up." 

Mr.  Oartwright  was  about  to  make  a  remark,  but  just 
then  the  coach  was  set  in  motion,  and  such  a  jolting  and 
such  a  horrible  rattling  noise  ensued  that  he  gave  up  in 
despair  the  attempt  to  make  himself  heard. 

At  last  Dick  felt  that  he  had  reached  the  end  of  his 
troubles,  and  therefore  he  leaned  back  in  the  coach  with 
a  contented  air. 

To  be  sure  there  was  the  little  aifficulty  to  be  got  over, 
that  it  was  necessary  to  dispose  of  the  lawyer  somehow. 

But  Turpin  considered  this  such  a  trifle  that  he  hardly 
bestowed  a  thought  upon  it. 

Over  and  over  again  he  congratulated  himself  upon  his 
good  fortune  in  having  so  availed  himself  of  the  strange 
turn  that  events  took. 

His  object  in  deluding  the  lawyer  with  tbe  story  about 
the  mortgage  of  the  estate  was  simply  to  lind  a  means  of 
reaching  the  bottom  of  Piccadilly,  which  it  will  be  re- 
membered was  the  place  where  he  had  left  his  mare 
Black  Bess. 

Certainly  the  ingenuity  of  the  plan  deserves  commen- 
dation as  well  as  the  successful  manner  in  which  it  was 
carried  out. 

The  distance  to  Piccadilly  was  not  very  great,  and  the 
two  horses  which  were  harnessed  to  the  hackney-coach 
quickly  brought  them  there. 

"  Now,  my  dear  sir,"  said  the  lawyer,  confidentially, 
"  here  we  are  in  Piccadilly.  Be  good  enough  to  point 
out  the  hotel." 

"  It  is  a  little  lower  down,"  said  Dick,  looking  carefully 
through  the  windows,  for  he  was  in  search  of  the  narrow 
turning  in  which  stood  the  stable  where  he  had  left  his 
mare. 

But  while  doing  so,  he  became  conscious  of  the  fact 
that  it  would  be  impolitic  in  the  extreme  to  quit  this 
lawyer  hastily,  or  in  such  a  manner  as  to  give  an  imme- 
diate alarm. 

To  spoil  so  good  a  piece  of  work  by  a  little  bungling 
at  the  end  was  what  Dick  was  very  disinclined  to 
do. 

Therefore,  he  again  set  his  brain  to  work,  and  this 
time  with  as  much  success  as  before. 

"  There  it  is,"  he  exclaimed,  pointing  to  a  well-lighted 
building  which  actually  stood  at  the  very  corner  of  the 
thoroughfare  he  so  much  wished  to  r%ach — "there  it 
is." 

"  Why,  that's  not  the  Regent's  Hotel !"  ejaculated  the 
lawyer.     "  That's  the  Royal." 

"  Of  course  it  is  !"  said  Dick.  "  What  an  absurd  mis- 
take for  me  to  make  !     Did  I  really  say  Regent's  ?" 

"  You  did  indeed,  and  repeated  it  many  times." 

"  Then  you  must  attribute  that  mistake  to  my  state  of 
excitement.     However,  I  am  calmer  now — much  calmer." 

The  lawyer  smiled,  and  then  said: 

"  Still  I  am  puzzled  about  this  head  waiter.  I  most  cer- 
tainly don't  know  him,  for  I  never  was  across  the  thres- 
hold of  this  building  in  my  life." 

"You  will  see  directly,"  said  Dick,  "for  here  we  are." 

He  called  out  to  the  driver,  who  at  once  stopped  oppo- 
site to  the  entrance  of  the  hotel. 

Dick  alighted  and  gave  him  so  liberal  a  fare  that  the 
coachman  actually  said :  "  Thank  you,  sir  I"  a  piece  of 
civility  he  had  never  been  known  to  vouchsafe  to  anybody 
before. 

The  lawyer  knew  that  he  had  given  this  man  about  six 
times  his  proper  fare,  and  smiled  again,  for  he  thought 
a  man  who  was  so  liberal  to  a  hackney-coach  driver 
would  be  equally  so  with  himself,  and  so  on  this  very 
ground  was  not  disposed  to  say  a  word  about  his  extrava- 
gance. 

ScarceH  anyone  would  have  had  the  audacity  to  walk 
up  the  spacious  stone  steps  leading  to  the  fashionable 
hotel  as  Turpin  did,  but  he  had  already  found  that  wher- 
ever he  had  dared  the  most  there  he  had  succeeded  the 
best. 

On  reaching  the  top  of  the  steps,  the  massive  flat* 
glass  door  was  opened  by  an  obsequious  attendant. 

"  Coffee-room."  and  Dick,  laconically. 


inft    ti.MUbl    Ut     iUfc.    K'.iAi; 


The  man  bowed  and  pointed  to  a  door  a  little  way  oil 
on  which  the  words  were  written. 

Dick  nodded  his  head  in  return,  and  stepped  briskly 
forward. 

Reaching  the  coffeo-ronra  door,  Turpin  pushed  it  open 
and  stood  aside  to  allow  the  lawyer  to.  follow  him. 

It  was  rathei  *a  odd  thing,  but  just  at  that  time  the 
coffee-room  happened  to  be  empty. 

"  I  hare  only  a  bed-room  here  "  said  Dick  to  Mr.  Cart- 
wright,  as  that  gentleman  took  a  seat  near  the  fire,  "a^d 
of  course  my  portmanteau  is  there.  It  will  not  take  mo 
a  moment  to  run  upstairs  and  fetch  you  the  title  deeds, 
so  you  will  excuse  me  for  leaving  yoa  here  a  momant 
while  I  do  So." 

This  was  said  with  so  offhand  an  air,  and  aoonded  go 
plausible  and  reasonable  that  the  lawyer  immediately 
gave  his  consent. 

This  was  all  Dick  needed,  and  his  exultation  at  having 
managed  sc  well  could  scarcely  be  restrained  within 
bounds. 

Leaving  the  coffee-room  agais,  he  stepped  swiftly 
along  the  hall  to  the  door. 

Dick  hesitated  for  half  a  second,  then  put  his  hand  in 
his  pocket  and  drew  forth  a  guinea. 

He  slipped  the  coin  into  the  hand  of  the  attendant^  and 
as  he  did  so  he  said,  with  a  wink : 

"  Si  that  gentleman  who  came  in  with  me  a  moment 
ago  should  ask  you  where  I  have  gone,  just  be  good 
emmgh  to  say  that  you  have  not  seen  me." 

Whether  the  man  would  comply  with  this  demand 
Dick  did  not  wait  to  know ;  but  the  way  in  which  he 
slipped  the  guinea  into  his  pocket  was  very  sug- 
gestive. 

"  Free !"  said  Dick,  after  he  had  descended  the  steps  of 
the  hotel — "once  more  free,  after  running  the  gauntlet  of 
so  many  dangers — free,  too,  by  my  own  unaided  exertions  ' 
Truly  has  my  brain  been  busy  to-night,  yet  all  is  well ,  a 
few  minutes  more  and  I  shall  be  in  possession  of  Black 
Bess ;  and  when  1  feel  that  gallant  mare  beneath  me  1 
shall  bid  defiance  to  all  that  my  enemies  can  accom- 
plish !" 

Just  as  he  spoke  these  words,  Dick  reached  the  door- 
way leading  to  the  stables. 

He  glanced  up  and  down  the  street,  but  all  was 
perfectly  silent. 

Seizing  the  bell- handle,  he  pulled  it  somewhat  vigor- 
ously, then  waited  with  a  singular  mixture  of  calmness 
and  anxiety  for  the  ostler  to  make  his  appearance. 


CHAPTER  CMLXXXV. 

■'_  KS  TUttPlH     IS     REMINDED     THAT   HE   13     AS   YET    BY   NO 
MEANS  OUT  OF   DANGER. 

This  feeling  rapidly   intensified,  and  as  it  did   so  his 
ftnxiety  increased. 

It  reached  its  culminating  point  at  the  moment  when 
fcj  heard  a  shuffling  footstep  in  the  inn  yard,  and  caught 
sight  of  a  dim  gleam  of  light. 

"I  have  been  too  precipitate,"  he  muttered — "by  far 
too  precipitate !  My  late  successes  have  blinded  me  to 
caution.  I  should  have  sent  some  one  here  in  case  of 
danger,  or,  at  any  rate,  I  ought  to  have  reconnoitred 
first.'' 

Having  come  to  this  conclusion,  Dick  glanced  wound 
him  as  well  as  the  obscurity  that  filled  the  narrow  turning 
would  permit. 

On  the  opposite  side  of  the  wav,  and  nearly  opposite  to 
the  stable  gates,  was  a  small  doorway,  that  apparently 
formed  a  kind  of  private  means  of  communication  with 
the  back  part  of  the  hotel 

Diok  had  resolved  to  secrete  himself  in  a  place  wnere 
he  could  watch  the  course  of  events,  and,  as  no  better 
one  than  this  presented  itself,  he  darted  across  the  road- 
way in  a  moment. 

He  had  scarcely  passed  into  the  dart  shadow  erased 
by  the  depression  in  the  wall,  when  he  he„*d  the  fast-en 
ings  of  the  stable  gates  noisily  undone. 

"  I'm  coming,  air,"  said  a  voice — "  I'm  coming,  Bir  i 
Just  have  patience  tor  half  a  moment." 

"  What  the  deuce  does  he  mean  by  talking  like  that  ?" 
thought  Dick.  "  And  how  does  he  know  who  is  outside,  I 
Wonder  ?" 

Jost  then  one  naif  of  the  gates  was  thrown  open,  and 


at  precisely  the  same  instant  Dick  discovered  that  the 
door  close  to  which  ho  was  pressing  in  order  to  get  iaor« 
out  of  sight  was  unfastened. 

No  sooner  did  he  make  this  discovery  than  he  instantly 
availed  himself  of  tho  opportunity  which  this  afforded  for 
a  better  concealment. 

His  movements  were  so  rapid,  ana  yet  so  silent,  that 
by  the  time  ho  had  placed  himself  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  door — which  he  held  a  little  ajar  in  order  that  he 
might  observe  all  that  took  place — the  ostler  had  only 
managed  to  get  the  gate  fairly  open. 

He  raised  in  the  air  the  lantern  he  carried,  and  glanced 
around  him  in  great  surprise. 

"  The  devil !"  he  ejaculated,  when  he  found  that  beyon*1 
all  doubt  no  one  was  outside.  "  Why,  it's  a  mistake. 
Some  one  rang  the  bell,  and  ran  off,  drat  'em  i" 

"  What's  that  you  say  ?"  growled  another  voice. 
"Isn't  he  there?" 

"  No,  that  he  isn't." 

The  second  speaker  came  forward — sufficiently  so  for 
the  rays  ot  the  lantern  to  fall  tpon  him  and  reveal  his 
exterior  appearance. 

Dick,  on  seeing  him,  drew  hack  slightly,  and  pushed 
the  door  a  little  closer. 

It  was  a  police  officer — a  runner  from  Bow  Street. 

"Back,  Mr.  Bishop,"  said  tho  ostler — "  back,  sir,  if  you 
please.  Pray  keep  out  of  sight !  He  may  be  on  iae  watch 
for  aught  I  know." 

Thus  admonished,  the  officer  retreated,  and  the  ostler, 
after  taking  another  survey  around  him,  retreated  alsi>, 
and  closed  the  gates,  saying  something  in  a  growling  tone 
all  the  while. 

In  less  than  a  moment  afterwards  all  was  as  silent  as 
before. 

"  Another  narrow  escape,"  thought  Dick — "  by  far  too 
narrow  to  be  at  all  agreeable.  But  certainly  I  must  be  in 
luck's  way  to-night." 

Dick  might  well  think  this,  for,  since  his  departure 
from  the  old  castle,  Fortune  had  constantly  favored 
him. 

But  the  highwayman,  just  at  that  moment,  had  more  to 
think  about  in  tho  present  than  the  past. 

A  rapid  glance  at  his  position  made  him  conscious 
that,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  it  was  a  very  unpleasant 
one. 

What  he  had  witnessed  convinced  him  beyond  all  doubt 
that  by  some  one  or  other  his  mare  had  been  recognised, 
and,  in  consequence,  a  watch  set  in  the  hope  of  securing 
him  on  his  return. 

How  nearly  they  had  succeeded  the  reader  knows 
already — but  for  his  lucky  second  thought,  the  highway- 
man could  scarcely  have  got  free. 

A  slight  noise  behind  him  caused  by  the  opening  an< 
shutting  of  the  door  disturbed  the  highwayman  in  his 
thoughts,  and  reminded  him  that  the  place  he  was  in 
was  not  at  all  adapted  for  an  abiding  spot. 

He  had  no  other  resource  than  to  enter  the  street 
again. 

He  did  this  most  reluctantly. 

But  the  narrow  thoroughfare  still  wore  its  deserted  ap- 
pearance. 

Dick  glanced  up  at  the  high  brick  walls  which  defended 
the  stable-yard. 

"  Black  Bess  is  there,"  he  said  to  himself — "  there,  and 
surrounded  by  my  foes  and  hers.  She  cannot  help 
herself.  [  would  as  soon  part  with  my  life  as  lose  her; 
and  so  I  shall  have  to  depend  upon  my  own  exertions  to 
set  her  free.    It  must  be  done  somehow,  and  that  without 


Dick  Turpin  paced  slowly  down  the  street  in  deep 
thought 

Certainly  the  task  which  he  had  set  himself  was  one 
which  any  othar  man  would  have  given  up  in  despair  as 
being  totally  impossible;  but  its  very  difficulty  only 
served  as  a  stimulus  to  Dick. 

He  was  Dot  long  before  he  arranged  his  plan  of  acilou 
up  to  a  certain  point. 

" Before  I  can  go  any  further,''  ae  murmured,  as  he 
turned  round  and  retraced  nis  steps,  "  I  must  ascertain 
the  exact  force  which  my  enemies  muster.  I  must  also 
find  out  how  they  are  disposed,  and  just  where  about* 
Black  Bess  is  situated.  Yes,  certainly,  that  will  be  the 
preliminary  step  to  take." 

Glancing  up  to  the  (vails,  Dick   fancied  that  he  should 


!BSO 


BLACK     BB88  ;     OR. 


be  able,  by  giving  a  good  spring,  to  get  the  ectia  of  his 

fitgers  over  the  edge, 

He  tried,  and  at  the  first  trial  succeeded. 

His  next  act  was  to  draw  himself  up  by  hfcs  arms  to 
en  '  an  exteut  *^s  enabled  him  to  take  a  peep  at  the  o*****r 
•ide.  w 

Owing  to  the  darkness,  however,  he  was  not  ah'e  »o 
make  out  anything  with  much  distinctness,  thocga  he 
perceived  rather  a  loDg  range  of  low  buildings,  from  a 
window  in  one  part  of  which  a  light  was  shining. 

Here,  he  conjectured,  he  should  find  Black  Bess  ;  hut  it 
was  a  conjecture  merely,  for,  as  the  reader  will  recollect, 
he  was  quite  ignorant  of  the  nature  of  the  premises.  It 
was,  perhaps,  about  the  only  occasion  on  which  he  had 
omitted  to  follow  Black  Bess  to  her  stable  in  order  to  be 
familiar  with  its  whereabouts,  and  now  he  bit.twly  re- 
gretted his  indiscretion. 

But  regrets  were  useless,  and  dismissing  them  from  his 
mind,  he  began  to  draw  himself  up  higher  and  higher 
still  above  the  wall,  being  emboldened  to  do  so  by  the 
perfect  quiet  which  prevailed. 

At  length,  by  dint  of  a  little  scrambling,  Dick  managed 
to  get  fairly  astride  the  wall ;  then,  crouching  down  as 
closely  as  he  could,  he  crawled  in  the  direction  of  the 
light. 

Evidently  there  was  no  one  outside  on  the  watch  ;  but 
this  was  not  surprising,  for  the  night  air  was  too  cold  to 
make  anyone  wish  for  the  job,  and,  moreover,  they  doubt- 
less considered  that  they  should  receive  timely  intima- 
tion of  the  highwayman's  approach. 

Dick  found  that  he  was  on  the  wrong  part  of  the  wall 
to  get  anywhere  near  the  lighted  window ;  but  ho  crept 
as  close  as  he  could,  and  then  waited. 

It  would  almost  seem  as  though  the  slight  noise  he  had 
made  in  his  progress  had  been  heard,  for  a  door  was 
opened,  and  the  ostler  appeared. 

Dick  sank  down  from  observation. 

"It  is  nothing,"  said  the  ostler,  evidently  addressing 
some  one  within — "  nothing  at  all.  Everything  is  quite 
quiet." 

"  Then  come  in,  will  you,  and  shut  the  door,  for  it  is 
confoundedly  cold." 

The  ostler  obeyed  with  alacrity. 

Owing  to  his  elevated  and  awkward  position,  Dick  \.as 
not  able  to  do  more  than  just  get  a  glimpse  through  the 
doorway,  yet  that  was  sufficient  to  show  him  that  the 
interior  was  fitted  up  as  a  stable. 

Most  probably  Black  Bess  was  there,  and  the  officers 
were  watching  near  her. 

What  else  to  do,  Dick  at  the  moment  knew  not. 

How  to  regain  possession  of  Black  Bess  certainly 
seemed  a  greater  mystery  than  over. 

Dick  felt  it  so,  and  chafed  impatiently. 

"It  would  be  something,"  he  thought,  at  last,  'if  I 
could  only  find  out  how  many  I  have  to  grapple  with  If 
no  more  than  the  ostler  and  the  officer  I  saw,  1  will  rw'k 
an  encounter  with  them." 

Dick  felt  much  relieved  at  having  thus  arrived  at  a 
decision,  and  he  was  not  long  before  he  devised  the 
means  by  which  he  could  make  this  important  discovery 
without  running  any  great  riok  himself. 

Looking  back  a  little  way,  he  saw  that  the  large  bell 
he  had  rung  was  fixed  to  the  wall  just  inside  the  gate, 
and  was,  he  believed,  in  such  a  position  that  he  could 
reach  it  without  much  trouble. 

A  peal  upon  it,  he  thought,  would  not  fail  to  drawu.eui 
forth  again. 

A.t  any  rate,  there  could  be  no  harm  in  putting  euch  a 
stratagem  into  execution. 

Dick  seized  hold  of  a  piece  of  the  wire  and  pulled  it 
with  all  his  might. 

The  clanging  was  truly  terrific,  and  he  kept  it  up  for 
some  time,  so  as  to  induce  a  belief  that  whoever  'was  out- 
side was  anxious  and  impatient  to  get  in. 

"That's  him!"  cried  a  voice,  as  the  stable  door  was 
flung  open — "  that's  him  for  certain  !  Coinecs.!  Get  all 
ready ;  but  don't  show  jvouxselves  till  I  give  yoa  tite 
word  1" 

"  Hush— hush !" 

The  ostler  hurried  to  the  gate,  and  as  he  had  not 
replaced  all  the  la»tenings,  he  fluug  it  open  in  much  less 
time  than  he  Lad  taken  before. 

And  now  most  decidedly  did  the  fickle  gcdaess  fortune 
favor  the  perplexed  highwayman. 


It  so  happened  that  just  as  the  ostler  flung  open  the 
gate  a  chance  pedestrian  wrapped  in  a  cloak  was  passing 
oy. 

The  ostler  no  aoor.er  oaught  sight  of  him  than  he 
uttered  a  ggj. 

At  the  same  time  be  sprang  forward,  seising  the 
stranger  by  the  tnroat. 

The  cry  was  followed  by  the  rush  of  footsteps,  and 
then,  from  out  of  the  stable  there  issued  no  less  than 
seven  police  officers. 

Had  any  one  of  them  chanced  to  cast  his  eyes  up  to 
the  top  of  the  wall,  it  is  quite  possible  that  Dick  would 
have  been  detected  there. 

But  of  this  there  was  no  fear. 

All  their  faculties  were  engrossed  by  the  struggle 
which  was  taking  place  in  the  street,  for  the  stranger, 
believing  himself  attacked  by  robbers,  resented^with  right 
good  will  the  attack  which  the  ostler  made  upon  him. 

The  officers  hastened  to  his  assistance,  and  so  con- 
vinced were  they  that  the  right  man  had  been  seized  '.oat 
they  never  troubled  themselves  to  take  a  second  glance, 
but  with  the  greatest  impetuosity  joined  in  the  fray. 

It  was  almost  a  moment  before  Dick  could  properly 
comprehend  what  had  occurred  ;  but  as  soon  as  ever  the 
actual  truth  flashed  upon  his  mind,  he  said  to  himself, 
with  great  determination : 

"Now  or  never  is  the  time  !  Such  a  chance  as  this  is 
more  than  I  could  possibly  have  expected,  and  certainly 
such  a  one  as  will  not  occur  again  !" 

With  these  words  in  his  mind,  if  not  on  his  lips,  Dick 
turned,  lowered  himself  rapidly  from  the  top  of  the  wall, 
and  dropped  into  the  stable-yard. 

He  happened  to  alight  upon  some  littered  straw,  so  that 
no  alarm  was  given. 

The  conflict  was  going  on  outside,  if  possible,  with 
redoubled  violence. 

Like  a  shadow,  Dick  flitted  rapidly  across  the  yard  and 
darted  into  the  stable. 

Here  a  light  was  burning. 

A  cry  of  exultation  escaped  his  lips. 

There,  safe,  and  to  all  appearances  unhurt,  was  his 
bonny  mare,  Black  Boss. 

In  an  instant  she  recognisod  her  master,  and  gave 
utterance  to  a  sharp  neigh. 

Dick  caressed  her  while  he  untied  her  from  the 
manger. 

Her  trappings  had  all  been  removed,  and,  though  he 
made  a  rapid  w&rcn,  ne  tailed  to  find  them. 

He  uttered  an  impatient  ejaculation ;  but  to  linger 
would  spoil  all — probably  bring  on  his  own  death  01 
capture. 

"  It  must  be  thus,"  he  said,  addressing  Black  Bess.  "  1 
have  ridden  you  bare-backed  before,  and  can  do  so  again. 
The  halter  shall  serve  me  for  a  bridle." 

So  saying,  Dick  led  Black  Bess  to  the  stable  door. 

He  sprang  then  into  the  saddle,  for  a  kind  of  lull  had 
taken  place  outside. 

The  ofijeors  had  just  discovered  that  they  had  made  » 
niosi  r'f.liculous  mistake. 

The  a.an  they  had  seized,  and  whom  they  had  at  last 
succeeded  in  overpowering,  they  found,  upon  examina- 
tion, to  bear  no  resemblance  to  Dick  Turpin  what- 
ever. 

The  clatter  of  hoofs  upon  ne  stones  in  the  yard  caused 
them  to  turn"  round. 

What  words  can  express  :heir  astonishment,  rage,  and 
fury,  when  they  saw  before  them  Dick  Turpin  sitting 
composedly  on  th»  y '  jS  of  bonny  Black  Bess  I 

CHAPTER  CMLXXXVI. 

DICK  TURPIN     ESCAPES,    AND  PROVIDES     HIMSELF   WITH   A 
FRESH   SADDLE   AND   BRIDLE. 

"Clear  the  way,  there  !"  cried  Dick  Turpin,  in  a  loud, 
ringing  voice,  for  the  officers  had  all  fallen  into  immovable 
attitudes  indicative  of  their  feelings — "clear  the  wa/ 
there  !     Let  me  pass  I" 

This  speech  at  once  brought  tne  officers  to  their 
senses. 

Releasing  their  hold  upon  the  bewildered  Granger,  thoj 
dashed  headlong,  pell-mell  into  the  yard. 

But  Dick  was  prepared  for  them. 

"  On,  Ibss !"  he  cried,  exultantly.  "  forward,  old  Imi  f 
On — on !     Down  wi  th  them  1" 


tHB   KNIOHT    OF   THis    aO/u). 


1631 


Never  before  did  Black  Bess  respond  so  gallantly  ur 
■o  promptly  to  her  rider's  commands. 

She  gave  one  tremendous  bound  forward — a  bound 
which  soarcely  anything  human  co/ild  withstand. 

The  officers  scattered  before  it  like  so  much  chaff, 
and,  without  experiencing  a  shock,  Dick  Turpin  found 
himself  on  the  other  side  of  the  stable  gates. 

The  ostler  was  furious  at  this  utter  failure  of  his 
deep-laid  plan. 

"Down  with  him!"  he  yelled.  "Shoot  him — shoot 
him  !  Where  are  your  pistols  ?  Shoot  him,  I  say  ! 
Shoot  his  mare— that  will  be  better  !  Cnrae  the  brute  ! 
I  oan  feel  her  teeth  now  1  Lend  me  a  pistol,  somebody, 
and  I'll  shoot  her  !" 

These  vindictive  words  produced  a  total  change  in 
Dick's  feelings,  for  tkey  aroused  all  bis  strongest  passiims. 

Any  injury  meditated  towards  himself  he  thought  no- 
thing of — he  considered  that  the  officers  had  a  fair  right 
to  shoot  at  him  if  they  wished. 

But  with  Black  Bess  it  was  another  thing  altogether. 

Things  which,  had  they  regarded  himself  aloue,  he 
would  have  taken  no  notice  of  whatever.  Assumed  quite 
t  different  aspect  when  Black  Bess  was  concerned. 

Therefore,  when  these  words  were  uttered,  he  turned 
round  with  flashing  eyes. 

In  his  hasty  rage,  he  drew  a  pistol  from  his  belt. 

Without  reflection,  and  acting  only  upon  th,9  impulse 
of  resentment,  he  levelled  it  at  the  cowa/dl^  ostler,  and 
fired. 

In  the  confined  space  in  which  he  stood,  the  report 
seemed  tremendous. 

Tke  ostler  uttered  a  shriek,  and,  throwing  his  arms  up 
abore  his  head,  fell  back. 

Turning  round  again  with  equal  suddenness,  Dick 
hurled  his  pistol  at  his  foes,  and  set  Black  Bess  in  mo- 
tion. 

His  breast  was  still  filled  with  angry  feelings  as  he 
dashed  down  Piccadilly  in  the  direction  of  the  open 
country,  though  he  experienced  a  savage  satisfaction  in 
the  thought  that  the  ostler  had  not  escaped  without  re- 
ceiving some  punishment  for  his  meditated  atrocity. 

"So  he  felt  your  teeth,  did  he,  Bess?"  he  muttered. 
"  I  am  glad  of  it,  and  I  hope  he  will  feel  the  pain  till  his 
last  day  1  What  was  it,  lass,  that  made  you  turn  round 
upon  him  like  that?"  he  added,  aloud. 

By  the  way  he  spoke,  one  would  have  thought  that  he 
really  expected  to  receive  some  comprehensible  reply 
from  his  mare,  and  eertainly  the  odd,  neighing  noise 
which  she  made  immediately  afterwards  seemed  like  an 
effort  at  articulation. 

Dick's  thoughts  were  now  distracted  by  hearing  unmis- 
takable sounds  of  pursuit  coming  from  the  rear. 

"  No  matter  !"  he  said,  as  he  turned  round,  and  looked 
behind  him  with  a  disdainful  smile.  "Let  them  come 
on — I  can  outrun  them  easily  !" 

About  this  there  cduld  be  little  doubt,  provided  he  had 
a  clear  course  before  him,  for  never  had  Black  Bess  ap- 
peared to  be  in  better  coudition  for  the  road. 

Certainly,  while  Dick  had  gone  through  so  many  hair- 
breadth escapes  she  had  been  resting  quietly  in  the 
stable. 

The  night  was  dark  and  inclined  to  be  stormy,  and,  as 
far  as  Dick  was  able  to  see,  there  was  no  one  on  the  road 
before  them.    $r 

Accordingly,  he  allowed  the  rope  attached  to  the  haltei 
to  fall  loosely  upon  the  neck  of  his  steed. 

A  gallop  of  a  few  miles  placed  him  beyond  all  fear  or 
danger  of  pursuit,  and,  such  being  the  case,  he  gradually 
reduced  his  mare's  pac>j,  as  he  never  unnecessarily  dis- 
tressed her  by  a  hard  gallop. 

He  also  found  that  it  was  far  from  comfortable  to'ride 
so  far  without  th  ue  useful  appendages,  a  saddle  and  a 
bridie, 

44 1  must  make  good  this  loss,"  he  cried,  hair  »mnd. 
44  But  that  can  be  done  eisily.  I  make  no  doubt — but  the 
aooner  the  better,  for  all  that." 

Dick  had  not  even  now  recovered  his  usual  equanimity, 
and  there  was  something  angry  and  altogether  unlike  his 
usual  manner  in  the  way  in  which  he  looked  before  fcim 
in  the  hope  of  catching  sight  of  some  solitary  traveller. 

But  no  one  appeared  in  sight. 

A  long  stretck  of  rising  ground  was  before  him,  and 
vr  tw«  he  allowed  Black  tass  to  proceed  at  a  walking 
pam. 


When  the  ascent  was  almost  accomplished,  a  horseman 
suddenly  came  into  view  on  the  brow  of  *he  hill. 

"There  is  the  man,"  was  Dick's  remark.  "  He  has  got 
what  I  want,  and  he  had  better  surrender  it  to  meouietly, 
for  I  am  in  no  humor  to  bo  crossed." 

The  new-comer's  horse  seemed  somewhat  exhausted 
after  making  the  ascent  on  the  opposite  side,  and  so  it 
was  allowed  to  pause  a  little  while  to  recover  its  wind. 

Dick  rode  forward  at  the  same  steady  rate. 

The  sharp  ring  of  a  horse's  footsteps  caused  the  horse- 
man to  loo''  before  him  and  endeavor  to  pierce  the  dark- 
ness. 

He  was  not  loug  in  making  out  the  forms  of  the  high- 
wayman and  his  steed. 

Dick  kept  unwaveringly  on  his  way  until  breast  tc 
breast  with  the  stranger. 

Then  he  stopped  with  great  abruptness. 

"  Good  evening,  sir !"  he  said. 

The  salutation  was  so  courteous  a  one  that  the  stranger 
could  not  refrain  from  returning  it. 

But  evidently  he  either  had  his  suspicions  of  Dick,  or 
else  he  avoided  making  acquaintances  on  the  high-road 
at  night  on  principle,  for  he  gave  his  horse  a  sharp  slash 
with  the  whip,  intending  to  set  it  in  rapid  motion. 

But  this  intention  was  prevented  irom  being  carried 
out  by  Dick,  who,  with  much  promptitude,  stretched  out 
his  hand  and  grasped  the  rein. 

The  horse  swerved  and  pranced,  almost  unseating  his 
rider,  but  Dick  maintained  his  hold. 

"  Not  so  fast,  sir,"  he  cried — "  not  so  fast  I  We  have  a 
little  business  to  settle  together  before  we  part." 

"  You  mistake !  I  have  no  business  with  you.  Let  me 
pass !     I  will  not  suffer  to  be  molested  thus  !" 

"You  cannot  help  yourself,"  said  Dick,  gently  but 
firmly,  "and  if  you  possess  half  the  amount  of  good 
sense  I  give  yoa  credit  for  having,  you  will  listen  in 
patience." 

"  Well,  sir  ?" 

"  It  is  not  very  well — in  fact,  very  ill !  I  am  in  a  IsttU 
difficulty,  and  you  must  help  me  out  of  it  1" 

"  That's  cool,  I  must  nay !" 
..    "  Very  I"  responded  Dick,  imperturbably. 

"Come,  sir,"  said  the  stranger,  impatiently,  "I  dor.1 
feel  inclined  to  be  trifled  with " 

"Nor  I  either,  sir!" 

"What  do  you  want?" 

44  That  is  a  sensible  question,  and  I  will  answer  it  with 
out  delay.  Doubtless  you  perceive,  sir,  that  I  am  unpro 
vided  with  a  saddle  and  a  bridle." 

"I  do  perceive  it.     But  what  has  that  to  do  with  me  ?' 

"  Much,  or  else  I  am  greatly  mistaken." 

"How  so  ?" 

"  Why,  sir,  I  must  trouble  you  to  favor  me  with  yours , 
they  will  just  suit  me." 

"  My  saddle  and  bridle  ?" 

"  Exactly !" 

"  And  you  would  have  the  unblushing  impudence  j 
sit  there  and  ask  me  quietly  to  surrender  my  property  *  j 
that  fashion?" 

"  Exactly  1" 

"  Then  damme,  sir!"  cried  the  stranger,  furious  with 
rage,  "  let  me  tell  you  that  you  have  got  t'ne  wrong  man 
to  deal  with  I  I  won't  stand  anything  i>f  the  kind !  Keep 
off !" 

"  My  dear  sir        " 

"  Oh.  d— n " 

"  Pc  you  see  this  ?  It  is  a  pistol.  One  of  excellent 
make,  I  assure  you !  Hark !  Did  you  hear  that  click  ? 
It  is  now  en  full  cockl  Tho  muzzle  is  within  eighteen 
inches  of  your  breast  Now,  be  good  enough  to  tell  me 
tvhetnci  you  prefer  to  pa. .  with  your  saddle  and  bridle 
or  your  life,  for  I  am  determined  to  have  oie  or  the  othei^ 
or  both  ?" 

There  could  be  no  possibility  of  mistaking  Dick's 
words. 

They  were  terribly  in  earnest. 

Tliey  produced  a  palpable  effect  'jpou  tbo  stranger,  fo»* 
he  shrunk  back  from  beiore  the  muzaie  of  the  pistol,  and 
when  he  spoke  again  there  was  a  marked  difference  in 
his  tones. 

"Put  that  pistol  ii  j,  I  beg!  It  might  go  off  at  any 
moment — accidentally,  you  know.    Put  it  up!" 

"  Anything  to  obblge,''  said  Dick,  quietly.  '  And  now, 
*ir.  since  I  have  gvaate-ri  your  request,  grant  miua.' 


i'532 


BLACK    BBSS;    OH, 


•  What  is  it  ?"     • 

"  Let  mo  recommend  you  to  dismount  without  taakiug 
ire  fu  as,  and,  with  what  speed  you  are  capable  of 
-.  div  est  your  horse  of  his  trappings." 

"  'i.ut  if  I  give  you  my  saddle  and  bridle,  what  the 
devil  am  I  to  do  ?" 

"Oet  another." 

"  Why  dont  you  ?" 

"  I  am  about  to." 

"  Carse  it,  but  you  know  what  I  mean .  My  horse  has 
got  a  backbone  that  sticks  up,  and  it's  as  sharp  as  a  nail  to 
sit  on,  I  assure  you." 

Dick  could  not  forbear  a  smile. 

"  All  that  produces  no  effect  upon  me  whatever,  sir. 
But  come  ;  words  enough  and  to  spare  have  been  wasted 
already.     Dismount  and  off  with  the  saddle  at  once  !" 

The  stranger  appeared  to  hesitate. 

Dick  carried  his  baud  to  his  pocket  in  which  he  had 
carelessly  deposited  the  pistol. 

The  gesture  was  sufficient. 

With  an  execratkm  which,  if  not  loud,  was  deep,  the 
stranger  slid  off  his  horse. 

"  I  don't  mind  confessing  to  you,"  said  Dick,  "  because 
I  suppose  you  suspect  it,  but  I  am  a  highwayman.  I 
have  had  a  close  brush  with  the  officers,  audyou  can 
supply  the  loss  of  a  saddle  and  bridle  with  infinitely  less 
trouble  and  risk  than  1  can.  So  make  no  demur— I*  can- 
not tell  how  soon  my  enemies  may  make  their  appear- 
ance.   Be  quick !" 

Upon  hearing  this,  the  traveller  looked  anxiously  down 
the  hill. 

While  he  did  so  he  fervently  wished  that  he  might  be 
so  fortunate  as  to  catch  sight  of  a  troop  of  police  officers 
approaching. 


OHAPTE  \  CMLXXXVII. 

Dt   WHICH     DICK    TURPIN     HAS  A   VERY   ODD    ADVENTURE 
WITH   A   VERY   ECCENTRIC  PERSONAGE. 

"Curse  it !"  said  the  traveller,  under  his  voice.  "  Who- 
ever knew  of  officers  to  be  at  hand  when  they  were  par- 
ticularly wanted?" 

"What  are  you  muttering  about?"  asked  Dick,  who 
had  noticed  the  rapid  glance,  and  partly  caught  the  half- 
uttered  words. 

"  Nothing,  sir— nothing !  Here,  take  the  saddle,  and 
be  content.  Surely  you  would  not  deprive  me  of  the 
bridle  ?" 

I'Imust — I  cannot  do  without  it.  But  you  shall  have 
this  halter  in  exchange." 

The  stranger  ground  his  teeth,  but  another  glance 
assured  him  that  no  help  was  near,  and  so  he  surrendered 
the  bridle. 

Dick  had  Black  Bess  caparisoned  with  these  fresh  trap- 
pings in  a  moment,  then  lost  no  time  in  vaulting  into  the 
saddle. 

"Now,  look  you,  sir,"  he  said,  "there  is  little  occasion 
to  make  so  much  fuss.  The  loss  you  have  sustained  is 
such  a  one  that  you  can  easily  repair  You  ought,  in- 
deed, to  think  yourself  most  lucky." 

"Lucky?"  repeated  the  traveller,  sardonically. 

41  Yes,  lucky  in  getting  off  so  easily  ;  and  I  should  ad- 
Tise  you  to  part  company  with  me  now,  or  I  may  take  a 
fancy  to  whatever  money  or  valuables  you  may  be  carry- 
ing about  with  you." 

Hearing  this,  the  traveller  gave  a  great  start,  and 
hastily  mounted  his  horse, 

Either  this  idea  had  not  occurred  to  him  before,  or  else 
he  carried  about  his  person  6ome  objects  he  was  by  no 
means  willing  to  part  with. 

"Good  night,  sir!"  said  Dick,  with  a  politeness  that 
made  the  other  furious.     "  A  pleasant  journey  to  you !" 

What  the  traveller  said  in  reply  was  inarticulate,  but 
he  struck  his  spurs  sharply  into  his  horse's  flanks,  and 
set  off  down  the  hill  at  a  pace  that  must  have  caused  him 
great  inconvenience  if  his  horse's  backbone  was  anything 
like  60  siiiip  as  lie  had  declared  It  to  be. 

Dick  'I  orpin  laughed  heartily  at  the  adventure  ,  mdeed, 
he  was  bo  amused  by  it  that  those  angry  feelings  which 
had  heretofore  filled  his  breast  were  vanished. 

"  Now,  Bess,"  he  exclaimed,  -  "  let  us  have  another 
. -s-lop,  and  that  will  go  far  towards  taking  us  to  our 
juamey's  end,  when,  I  doubt  not,  we  shall  find   many 


anxiously  looking  for  our  arriral.  Forward — forward, 
old  girl !  It  seems  to  me  that  we  have  the  read  .\B  O 
ourselves  to-night  I" 

Slackening  the  reins  while  he  spoke,  Black  Bess  broke 
out  into  one  of  those  long,  stretching  gallops  which  get 
over  the  ground  with  so  much  rapidity,  and  which  she 
seemed  to  perform  with  so  little  fatigue  to  herself. 

Ere  he  had  gone  far,  however,  Dick  began  gradually 
to  draw  her  in  again,  for  his  quick  ears  had  detected  the 
approach  of  another  horseman  on  the  road. 

It  was  more  upon  impulse  than  reflection  that  he  re- 
duced his  mare's  rate  of  speed,  but  having  done  so,  1m 
paused  and  began  to  think. 

The  sound  made  by  the  new-comer  s  horse's  h<:  ofs  be- 
came now  much  more  audible. 

'•  AVtat  shall  I  do  ?"  Dick  asked  himself.  "  This  little 
adventure  seems  purposely  thrown  in  my  way.  Shall 
1  neglect  it?  It  goes  against  the  grain  to  do  so;  and 
besides,  in  the  carrying  out  of  the  little  enterprise  I  have 
on  hand  a  good  supply  of  money  will  be  absolutely  ne- 
cessary." 

He  had  no  further  space  for  deliberation,  for  just  then 
the  traveller's  horse  came  into  sight  round  the  bend  in 
the  road. 

An  ejaculation  escaped  Dick's  lips. 

He  reined  Black  Bess  in  with  great  suddenness. 

Then  he  flung  himself  from  the  saddle  with  an  amount 
of  precipitancy  that  looked  dangerous  in  the  extreme. 

The  cause  of  these  actions  is  easily  described. 

The  horse  which  came  round  the  bend  of  the  road  at  so 
violent  a  pace  was  riderless. 

Or  rather,  at  a  first  glance  he  appeared  to  be  so. 

The  highwayman's  keen  eyes,  however,  discerned  that 
this  horse  was  dragging  at  his  heels  some  large,  dark 
object. 

What  was  it  ? 

Dick  recognised  it  with  a  shudder,  and  that  was  why 
he  dismounted  so  precipitately. 

It  was  the  body  of  a  man — 

Evidently  that  af  its  rider,  who  by  some  means  or 
other  had  fallen  to  the  ground,  and  in  doing  so  one  foot 
had  remained  entangled  in  the  stirrup. 

The  manner  in  which  he  was  dragged  over  the  rough, 
hard  road  was  truly  terrible  to  behold. 

There  was  a  groan  and  a  faint  cry  for  help. 

But  Dick  was  ready. 

He  was  standing  cool,  calm,  and  determined  in  the 
middle  of  the  road,  and  when  the  horse  came  thundering 
up  he  sprang  forward  and  seized  it  by  the  reins. 

But  he  almost  lost  his  footing  in  his  attempt  to  curb 
tbe  ^peed  of  the  terrified  animal. 

Clinging  tightly,  however,  he  ran  forward  a  few  yards, 
and  then  brought  it  quietly  and  gradually  to  a  stand- 
still. 

The  animal  exhibited  every  sign  of  intense  fear. 

Its  mane  seemed  standing  half  erect,  its  eyeballs  were 
expanded  and  glaring  wildly,  while  its  flanks  were 
covered  over  with  white  foam. 

Few  understood  better  how  to  treat  a  horse  than  Dick 
Turpin,  and  it  looked  magical  to  see  how  quickly  he  suc- 
ceeded in  taming  and  calming  this  frightened  creaiure. 

This  much  being  done,  and  keeping  tight  hold  of  the 
rein  in  order  to  be  guarded  from  any  other  accident,  Dick 
turned  his  attention  to  the  stranger,  whose  condition 
seemed  to  be  desperate  indeed. 

He  lay  now  without  exhibiting  the  least  sign  of  anima- 
tion. 

Not  without  some  trouble,  Dick  succeeded  in  releasing 
hi.«  foot  from  the  stirrup-iron  ;  bat  having  done  so,  he 
led  tae  horse  to  the  side  of  the  road,  and  well  secure.O  it 
to  the  low-lying  branch  of  a  tree. 

Here  he  knew  it  would  be  safe,  and  require  no  further 
attention,  thus  leaving  him  free  to  devote  all  his  time  to 
the  injured  stranger. 

"  Can  you  speak,  sir  ?"  asked  Dick,  as  he  bent  over 
him.  •'  If  you  can,  tell  me  what  I  can  do  in  order  to  assist 
you?" 

A  very  faint  groan  was  tbe  only  reply  "f)ieic  got  to  this 
speech  ;  but  yet  it  contented  him,  for  his  object  in  inquiring 
was  merely  to  ascertain  whether  the  traveller  was  alive  o' 
not. 

Finding  that  his  injuries  had  not  yet  caused  death, 
Dick  hastened  to  the  side  of  the  road  wherr-  hr  1^.2  noticed 
t  little  brook  was  flowing. 


THE   KNIGHT   OF  THE   ROAD. 


O&ATOS  DOTAL  AND  SIXTBEN-STRINa  JACK  COMPEL  THE  BALIEF3  TO  DISGORGE  THEIB  GOLD. 


He  had  nothing  else  to  carry  water  in  save  bfil  hat ; 
but  he  did  not  hesitate  to  put  it  to  this  use. 

Beturning  quickly,  he  sprinkled  some  of  it  upon  the 
Granger's  face,  who  groaned  again,  and  this  time  more 
audibly  than  before. 

"Help— help,"  he  gasped— "  help!  Save  me,  and  what 
reward  you  ask  for  shall  be  yours  !     Help — oh,  help !" 

"  I  will  help  you  gladly,"  Baid  Dick.  "  Do  you  not 
already  feel  much  better  P" 

"  Thanks  to  you,  I  do.  I  feel  that  I  am  ooming  back 
to  life !  Oh,  my  bitterest  curses  be  upon  them ;  but 
they  shall  rue  this  deed— ay,  they  shall  rue  it !" 

While  speaking,  the  stranger  evidently  in  no  ordinary 
degree  recovered  possession  of  his  senses,  for  he  raised 
himself  partially  upon  one  arm,  though  the  effort  seemed 
*o  oause  him  infinite  pain, 

Diok  now,  for  the  first  time,  had  an  opportunity  of 
noting  hie  personal  appearance. 


As  fco  his  apparel,  it  was  not  easy  to  form  any  deal 
idea  of  its  quality,  for  it  was  thickly  besmeared  with 
mud,  though  by  its  make  Dick  could  tell  that  he  be- 
longed to  the  higher  ranks  of  society. 

"  Water,"  he  said,  faintly—"  give  me  water !' 

Dick  obeyed,  and  the  stranger,  as  well  as  he  was  afcle, 
removed  from  his  face  the  blood  ana  dirt  with  which  it 
was  thickly  covered,  wiping  himself  upon  a  handkerchief 
which  he  took  from  an  inner  pocket. 

When  this  operation  was  completed,  Dick  caught  sight 
of  a  young,  round,  but  very  florid  face,  in  which  a  pair 
of  small  eyes  were  set,  giving  him  a  sleepy  appearance. 

"You  have  had  a  narrow  esoape  of  your  life,  sir," 
said  Dick.  "  I  am  glad  to  find  your  injuries  are  no 
worse  than  they  are." 

'*  Curse  it,  I'm  bad  enough  !  But  corns,  help  me  on 
my  horse — I  oan't  Btop  here  5  ?>nd  just  name  yw»r  rei 
ward,  and  you  shall  have  it  " 


Ho.  206. 


Fbxos  Own  HALrprcNVY. 
No.  206  will  be  Published  next  Thursday. 


1684 


BLACK     BESS ;    OR, 


Dick,  as  may  bo  supposed,  did  not  relish  being  spoken 
lo  in  this  fashion. 

"  I  want  no  reward,"  he  answered.  "  Money  would  not 
purchase  my  services  in  such  a  case.  I  would  bura  done 
as  much  for  anyone." 

"  Is  it  possible,"  asked  the  stranger,  "that  you  do  not 
recognise  me 

Dick  looked  at  him  closely. 

Then  shook  his  bead 

"I  have  no  recollection  of  (W  having  Been  pJS  *  he 
said,  after  a  brief  pause. 

The  stranger  gave  a  peculiar  smile. 

u  And  you  refuse  payment  ?" 

"  I  do." 

"  Then  you  are  an  extraordinary  person,  that  is  all  1 
can  say,  and  I  wish  I  could  have  a  few  about  my  person 
like  you.  However,  I  am  determined  to  reward  you  in 
some  way!" 

" I  want  nothing,  will  receive  nothing.  Good-night! 
You  are  welcome !" 

Dick,  as  he  spoke  moved  to  the  side  of  Rlack  Bess, 
and  with  his  usual  quick  bound  seated  himself  in  the 
saddle. 

"Stay."  said  the  stranger,  with  greater  imperiousness 
than  had  as  yet  been  perceptible  in  his  tones — "  stay,  I 
command  you!" 

"  I  obey  nothing  but  my  own  inclinations.  Once  more. 
good-night!" 

"But  stay,"  cried  the  stranger,  again,  who  seemed 
to  be  much  interested  and  surprised  by  Dick's  manner — 
"stay!  At  least  you  will  let  me  know  to  whom  Iain 
Indebted  for  this  great  service.     What  is  your  name  ?" 

"  It  shall  never  be  said  that  I  refused  to  own  it  1" 

"Well?" 

"Dick  Turpin." 

"  The  highwayman  ?" 

"  At  your  service." 

"  But  you  stand  in  peril  of  your  life." 

'•I  am  aware  of  it,"  was  the  smiling  reply. 

"A  large  reward  is  offered  for  your  apprehension  " 

"  True  again." 

"Then  how  is  it  that  you  are  not  captured  ?" 

"  Because  a  better  man  than  myself  has  never  opposed 
himself  to  me.  And  now,  having  answered  all  your 
questions,  perhaps  you  will  not  object  to  reply  to 
mine  ?" 

"Sir,"  said  the  stranger,  "you  forget  to  whom  you  are 
speaking  I" 

"1  do  not,  for  I  have  not  the  pleasure  of  knowing." 

"Look  you,  then,"  said  the  stranger.  "1  cannot  bring 
myself  to  part  with  you  thus — I  will  not  show  myself  un- 
grateful. Take  this  ring,  and  if  you  will  bring  ft  souk 
night  to  St.  James's  Palace  you  will  hear  of  s^evet'^Mig 
that  will  turn  out  greatly  to  your  advantage." 

"St.  James's  Palace  ?"  echoed   Dick,   for   this  mention 

of  the  ahx I  royalty  not  unreasonably  filled  him  trAh  . 

surprise. 

"Just  so,  and  whether  you  like  to  take  tne  ring  oi  not 
I  leave  you  to  choose.  If  you  don't  care  to  pick  iv  up,  it 
can  stay  there  for  the  benefit  of  the  next  pers*"*  who  passes 
this  way." 

With  these  words,  the  stranger  urged  Ms  horse  for- 
ward, and  before  the  highwayman  thoroughly  recovered 
from  the  state  of  surprise  into  which  these  strange  occur- 
rences had  thrown  him,  he  was  out  of  sight. 

"Well,"  he  ejaculated,  at  length,  "this  is  an  odd  ad- 
venture, at  any  rate.  What  an  eccentric  person  !  Who 
on  earth  can  he  be  ?  However,  I  will  pick  up  the  ring, 
and  keep  it  as  a  memento  of  the  affair.  Some  day  or 
other  I  may  feel  disposed  to  find  out  what  it  all  means, 
and  learn  what  I  am  to  hear  to  my  advantage." 

Having  arrived  at  this  determination,  Dick  once  more 
dismounted  and  picked  up  the  ring. 

"  A  rare  gem!"  be  exclaimed,  as  he  held  it  up.  "  How 
it  glitters  and  sparkles  in  this  darkness!  It  muj<  be  of 
great  value.     Whoever  can  he  be  ?" 

It  was  in  vain  that  Dick  asked  himself  this  question. 
He  might  give  many  guesses,  all  of  which,  possibly,  might 
be  far  romoved  from  the  truth. 

"I  must  take  time  to  consider  of  it,"  he  said,  mentally. 
"Well,  old  lass,"  ha  added,  aloud,  addressing  himself  to 
his  mare,  "I  think  we  have  had  enough  of  adventures 
for  one  night;  besides,  I  ought  to  remember  how  much 
uieasiness  my  lane;  absence  will  occasion      I  will  dally  no 


longer.  Forward  Bess  1  We  will  take  the  nearest  road 
to  our  destination." 

Black  Bess  really  seemed  to  understand  that  she  was 
about  to  return  to  comfortable  quarters,  for  she  set  forward 
with  great  willingness. 

The  highwayman's  thoughts  were  busy  as  he  rode 
swiftly  along  through  the  darkness;  but,  true  to  his  de- 
termination, he  did  not  draw  rein  until  he  perceived  be- 
fore him  the  dark-looking  mass  of  trees  which  formed  a 
background  to  the  ruins  of  the  old  castle. 

Greater  cautiousuess  was  now  required  in  his  progress; 
but  as  he  rode  slowly  towards  the  spot  where  he  had  last 
left  his  companions  he  little  thought  of  the  strange  and 
startling  events  "?«ich  had  taken  place  since  his  depar- 
ture. 

Bat  in  order  that  the  reader  shall  be  no  longer  kept 
in  the  dark  concerning  frhera,  we  will  revert  to  the  pro- 
ceedings of  Claiide  Duval  and  Sixteen-String  Jack,  both 
of  whom  it  will  be  remembered  had  resolved  to  set  out 
upon  a  pecuniary  expedition. 


CHAPTER  CMLXXXVIII. 

SIXTEEN-STRING  JACK  AND  CLAUDE  DUVAL  DO  A  GOOD 
ACTION,  AND  RECEIVE  A  SUBSTANTIAL  REWARD  IS 
RETURN. 

"  It's  a  darkish  night,  Jack.-'  said  Claude  Duval  to  his 
companion,  as  soon  a?  they  gained  the  first  cross-road  ; 
■•  but  it  is  all  the  better  for  us  on  that  account,  1 
fancy." 

"Most  decidedly,"  was  the  reply.  "  And,  to  tell  the 
truth.  I  never  felt  iu  better  tune  for  a  rare  adventure  in 
m«  Jifo !" 

"  Nor  I,  and  it  is  very  odd  to  me  if  we  do  no  meet 
with  what  we  want.  But  come — push  forward  ;  we  are,  as 
yet,  much  too  near  the  castle  to  think  of  attacking  any- 
body." 

With  these  words,  the  highwaymen  at  once  increased 
tin-  pace  at  which  their  horses  had  lately  been  going, 
and  for  some  time  a  perfect  silence  reigned  between 
them. 

It  was  not  broken  until  both,  as  if  animated  by  the  same 
impn  pe,  pulled  up. 

"  There  is  some  one  on  the  road  before  us,  Claude." 

"  Yes,  I  hear  them." 

"  Your  pistols  aro  ready,  of  course  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  So  are  mine." 

"  Then  fall  back.  The  new-comers  are  certainly 
approaching  us,  and  wa  shall  be  able  to  make  up  our 
n>  mis  as  to  whether  we  shall  attack  them,  or  allow  them 
t  /  pass  by  scot  free." 

Without  further  consideration,  the  two  friends  backed 
their  horses  close  to  the  side  of  the  road,  which  happened 
to  be  thrown  into  deep  shadow. 

As  soon  as  they  had  taken  up  their  positions  here 
the  approach  of  horsemen  was  more  unmistakable  thac 
before. 

Claude  was  listening  intently,  and  then  he  said,  in  a  low 
voice : 

"  There  are  three  travellers  on  the  road." 

"  Yes,  there  can  be  no  mistake  about  tb«^-" 

"  Can  we  manage  so  oany  ?" 

"I  am  willing  to  try;  but  we  shall  be  sole  to  form  a 
better  idea  when  they  come  up.     Hark  !" 

The  sound  of  voices  could  now  be  heard  mingling  with 
tno  trampling  of  the  horses'  hoofs,  but  what  wa3  said  they 
could  not  as  yet  make  out. 

As  the  horsemen  came  closer,  too,  it  became  evident 
that  they  were  slackening  their  speed,  and  when  within 
about  twenty  yards  of  the  spot  where  the  highwaymen 
were  lying  in  ambush  they  stopped  altogether. 

"Gentlemen,"  they  heard  a  voice  say,  "pray  listen  to 
me !  Surely  you  must  have  some  degree  of  com- 
passion ?" 

"  Well,  whether  we  have  or  not  is  nothing  to  do 
with  the  present  business!"  was  the  gruff  reply.  "Oui 
orders  are  clear,  and  we  intend  to  carry  them  out." 

"  Theu  I  hope  you  will  never  have  to  plea/1  «s  I  plead 
now.  Not  that  I  care  personally  for  myself  in  U\e  slightes- 
degree.  It  is  my  poor  wife  and  children  that  I  care  aboo' 
They  will  be  involved  in  utter  ruin  I" 

"  It's  a  bad  job,  that's  certain,"  joined  in  the  third 


THE   KNIGHT  OF  THJB   ROAD. 


1635 


"  but  we  cannot  help  it.    You  ought  not  to  blame  us  for 

rt.* 

"  But  I  do  blame  you  !"  wfrs  iho  naif-angry  response. 
'•  Had  you  chosen  to  do  a«  I  asked,  you  would  have  fovuid 
me  on  your  return." 

"Oh,  very  likely;  but  we  have  been  played  that 
game  too  often  to  think  about  grautinp:  such  a  reaucat." 

The  first  speaker  gave  a  deep  sigli. 

"  It  is  a  hard  case,"  La  cried  — "a  very  bard  case,  and 
I  am  sure  the  world  will  join  with  m£  in  thinking  so. 
But  when  I  first  got  into  Joshua's  debt  1  might  have 
guessed  what  would  be  the  end." 

"  Then  you  ought  to  have  known  better,  that's  all  J 
can  say.  But,  come,  we  have  reacned  the  top  of  this  hill, 
and  our  horses  have  winded  themselves  nicely,  so 
forward  once  more,  for  we  have  ma-y  miles  to  journey 
yet." 

There  was  a  stir  among  the  horsemen  immediately. 

Not  a  word  of  the  preceding  conversation  had  been 
lost  by  the  two  highwaymen,  who  at  first  were  rather  at 
a  loss  to  comprehend  the  rights  of  the  affair. 

But  just  as  the  travellers  set  themselves  in  motion, 
Sixteen-String  Jack  bent  sideways  towards  his  comrade 
and  whispered: 

"Put  up  your  pistols,  Claude.  I  have  an  idea!  1 
can't  stay  to  explain  it  now;  but  take  my  opinion  for  it 
that  it  is  good." 

"I  will  do  so  readily ;  but  what  else  am  I  to  do?" 

"  I  cannot  stop  to  explain." 

"  Then  I  will  just  back  you  up  in  everything  you  say 
and  do." 

"  In  that  case  all  will  be  well." 

There  was  not  time  for  another  syllable  to  be  ex- 
changed. 

But  Claude  Duval  had  the  most  implicit  faith  in  hid 
companion's  strategic  powers,  and  60  was  prepared  to 
follow  him  blindly. 

Nevertheless,  Sixteen-String  Jack's  first  movem9n' 
filled  him  with  surprise. 

Biding  slowly  out  from  his  place  of  concealment,  he 
accosted  the  three  travellers,  who  naturally  enougr  shrunk 
back,  half  in  distrust,  half  in  alarm. 

But  the  first  words  uttered  by  Jack  served  to  dispel 
whatever  alarm  they  might  have  felt. 

"  Gentlemen,"  he  said,  in  an  apologetic  voice,  "  excuse 
as  for  troubling  you,  but  we  happen  to  be  journeying 
your  way,  and  we  should  be  glad  to  travel  with  you  for 
protection's  sake,  as  we  have  a  large  amount  of  money 
about  us." 

"  We  purpose  riding  as  far  a3  Oxford,"  was  the  reply 
given  by  the  man  with  the  gruff  voice.  "  But  perhaps 
you  are  not  going  so  far  ?" 

"  No — we  have  not  much  further  to  ride." 

"  Then  you  are  welcome  to  join  us." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  then  very  suitably  expressed  nfs 
thanks,  in  which  he  was  very  well  followed  up  by 
Claude,  who  wondered  what  on  earth  his  comrade's  de- 
signs were. 

They  rode  on  after  that  for  some  few  moments  wii  hout 
speaking. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  broke  the  silence,  as  though  it  was 
irksome  to  him. 

"  I  hope  you  will  excuse  me  for  mentioning  such  a 
thing,"  he  said,  deferentially,  "  but  you  must  understand 
that  when  my  friend  and  myself  heard  some  one  on  the 
road  before  us,  we  tr->.ight  the  most  prudent  thing  we 
could  do  would  be  to  conceal  ourselves,  hoping  by  ihat 
means,  if  robbers  were  abroad  seeking  for  pray,  we  aLjvl'l 
escape  their  notice." 

UA  very  wise  precaution,"  said  the  oue  who  rode 
nearest  to  Claude. 

"  On  the  other  hand,"  continued  Jack,  "  we  made  up 
our  minds  that  should  we  fiud  respectable  travellers  were 
approaching  we  would  ask  them,  as  a  favor,  to, allow  us 
to  ride  along  in  company." 

"  Just  so,"  said  the  gruff  voice,  possibly  merely  oecause 
Jack  paused,  and  he  therefore  **lt  it  incumbent  upon 
him  to  say  something. 

"It  was  then,"  added  Sixteen-String  Jack,  in  a  louder 
voice,  "  that  I  happened  to  hear  a  conversation  between 
you — of  a  very  private  character  I  make  no  doubt — but 
still  I  heard  it,  and,  I  must  confess,  it  not  only  interested 
toe,  but  also  stimulated  my  cariosity  to  such  a  degree  that 
I  am  most  anxious  to  hear  more  I'' 


"  Then,  if  that  is  your  desire,  it  shall  be  soon  gratified," 
exclaimed  the  gentleman  with  the  sad  voice,  joining  in 
the  conversation  for  the  first  time.  "  The  tale  is  not  a 
long  one,  and  when  you  have  heard  it,  it  is  very  strange 
to  nic  if  you  do  not  confess  that  a  case  of  greater  and 
more  unmerited  hardship  was  never  laid  before  you." 

"Pray  proceed,"  answerod  Jack,  coming  a  little  closei 
"  I  am  all  attention." 

"  Then,"  was  the  reply,  "  I  may  just  briefly  say  that  I 
owed  a  certain  person  the  sum  of  c^o  hundred  pounds. 
I  speak  in  the  past  tense,  and  when  you  have  board  a  little 
more  you  will  say  that  I  do  so  advisedly." 

"Perhaps,"  interposed  the  gruff  voice.  "But,  anyhow, 
you  shall  have  your  say  first,  and  then  1  will  have  mine 
afterwards." 

"  You  are  quite  welcome ;  but  I  must  first  declare  that 
which  you  cannot  deny.  When  the  time  came  round  at 
which  the  hundred  pounds  was  due,  I  was  unable  to  find 
the  money  ;  but  I  said  that  if  only  a  short  extra  time 
was  allowed  me  it  should  be  forthcoming. 

"  This  was  promised,  and  I  set  to  work  most  diligently, 
being  determined  to  make  any  sacrifice  rather  than  suffer 
myself  to  be  hauled  off  to  the  debtors'  jail  at  Oxford,  for 
this  is  the  fate  my  stern  creditors  threatened  me  with. 
But  I  am  going  too  much  into  detail.  I  will  now  lose  no 
time  in  coming  to  the  point. 

"  The  allotted  time  expired,  and  this  was  at  sunset  this 
evening,  and  my  mind  was  at  ease  and  content,  for,  by 
dint  of  selling  off  a  great  deal  of  my  stock  at  a  much  re- 
duced price,  I  managed  to  collect  together  the  sum  of  oue 
hundred  and  two  pounds ;  so,  naturally,  I  felt  myself 
secure.  Judge  of  my  surprise  when,  just  about  dusk, 
these  two  gentlemen — Heaven  forgive  me  for  calling 
them  such! — entered  my  house,  and  declared  they 
were  bailiffs,  and  that  if  the  money  was  not  paid  down 
to  them  at  once  they  should  remove  me  to  the  prison. 

"  I  said  at  once  that  there  was  no  need  for.  such  threats 
or  boisterous  behavior,  adding  that  I  had  the  money 
ready.  While  1  spoke  I  took  out  my  money  bag  and 
placed  A  an  the  table. 

"  •  Out  hundred  and  twelve  pounds  we  want !'  said  the 
gentleman  on  my  right. 

"  '■  One  hundred  and  twelve  ?'  I  repeated.  '  That  is 
3::._i  mistake.  My  debt  is  no  more  than  one  level 
hundred.' 

" '  I  know  that,'  was  the  reply ;  '  but  the  twelve  pounds 
is  for  expenses  already  incurred.' 

"  '  Expenses  ?  Good  Heaven  !  there  was  no  occasion 
for  anything  of  the  kind  1  I  had  been  granted  a  certain 
prolongation  of  time,  and  at  its  expiry  the  mouey  was 
ready.  And  then  to  think  the  expenses  should  swell 
up  to  something  like  one-eighth  part  of  the  whole 
debt !' 

"  As  you  may  perhaps  understand,  sir,  I  succeeded  in 
making  no  impression  whatever  upon  these  men.  The 
ex  pauses  had  been  incurred,  they  said,  and  must  be 
paid. 

"  Finding  this  to  be  the  case,  I  said  : 

" '  Well,  gentlemen,  it  will  be  quite  foolish  on  my  part 
to  disguise  the  trufrh,  and  so  1  confess  that  all  the  cash  I 
have  in  this  world  is  contained  in  this  bag,  and  the 
amount  is  one  hundred  and  two  pounds,  which  I  hand 
over  to  you.'  . 

••' I  receive  that  amount  on  account, '  said  the  bailiff. 
'As  for  the  balance,  you  must  go  along  with  us  until  you 
are  able  to  find  it.' 

"  '  What  ?'  I  ejaculated,  almost  bursting  with  indigna- 
tion, for  my  passion  had  been  gradually  rising.  '  Would 
you  carry  a  man  off  to  the  county  jail  for  such  a  paltry 
amount  as  ten  pounds  ?' 

"  '  That's  our  orders,'  was  the  only  reply  I  could  get. 
1  Make  your  choice— pay  the  ten  pounds,  or  come  along 
with  us.' 

:  To  pay  the  ten  pounds  was  utterly  out  of  the  ques- 
tion, and  there  was  no  one  to  w!"hu  I  conld  apply  for  the 
loan  of  the  amount. 

"  In  a  word,  sir,  to  make  a  long  story  short,  these  men, 
having  received  from  me  the  hundred  and  two  pounds, 
are  now  draggiug  me  off  to  jail  for  the  remaining  ten 
pounds.  No  words  have  the  least  effect  upon  them — they 
are  deaf  to  every  entreaty.  I  have  no  doubt  but  what 
they  will  carry  out  their  cruel  intention  to  the  very  letter, 
and  if  so  1  am  a  ruined  man  for  ever — nothing  but  the 
workhouse  stares  my  wife  and  children  {»  tbe  'ace  " 


BLACK     BESS  ;     OR. 


Thn  stranger  s  voice  faltered  while  he  6poke,  and  the 
last  words  were  almost  inarticulate- 

"If  this  is  all  true,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack,  "I  do 
Indeed  agree  with  you  in  saying  that  a  worsr  case  of  op- 
pression was  never  heard  of." 

"  Well,  that  may  be  so,"  said  the  man  with  the  gruff 
voice ;  "  but,  with  all  respect  to  you,  sir,  it  seems  to  m0 
♦hat  a  man  should  never  get  Into  debt,  but,  if  b,  i  daes 
*uch  a  f~-K-ii  -iiaag,  he  must  abide  by  the  ton*e- 
quenees." 

"You  are  weieome  to  your  optalon,5-  repliet  ifacR; 
"but,  for  my  own  part,  I  am  determined  that  this  poor 
gentleman  shall  not  be  carried  off  tc  fail." 

"Perhaps,"  said  the  bailiff,  eneeriugly,  "you  would  be 
good  enough  to  let  me  know  how  you  intend  to  prevent 
it?" 

"I  shall  take  a  very  easy  means  ^f  dsdng  so,"  replied 
Jack,  "  for,  rather  than  allow  such  an  act  of  oppression 
to  be  consummated,  I  will  pay  the  ten  pounds  out  of  my 
own  pocket." 

"  Then,  of  coursft,  if  you  like  to  do  that,  there  is  an 
«nd  of  the  matter." 

The  poor  debtor,  hearing  these  words,  could  scarcely 
believe  the  evidenon  of  his  own  senses. 

He  was  for  a  moment  or  so  struck  dumb  with  sur- 
prise. 

At  last,  in  a  broken,  hesitating  voice,  he  did  his  best  to 
thank  Jack  for  his  generosity. 

"Now,"  continued  the  highwayman,  "where  can  we 
settle  this  business  ?     How  far  is  it  to  the  i.ext  inn  ?" 

"  Not  far,  if  we  turn  back  again,"  was  the  bailiff's 
sulky  rejoinder. 

"But  I  cannot  consent  to  allow  you  to  be  taken  so  far 
out  of  your  way,"  said  the  poor  gentleman.  "Let  as 
journey  on." 

"  Nay,"  said  Jack,  "  I  have  set  my  mind  upon  freeing 
you  from  these  men,  and  it  shall  be  done  at  the  earliest 
possible  moment ;  so  let  us  retrace  our  steps." 

"  It  is  most  extraordinary,"  murmured  the  poor  gentle- 
man, "  that  you,  a  perfect  and  utter  stranger,  should  be 
willing  to  do  what  not  one  of  my  best-known  friends 
would  1" 

While  these  words  were  being  spoken,  the  whole  of 
the  party  turned  their  heads  in  the  opposite  direc- 
tion. 

Claude  found  an  opportunity  to  whisper  to  his  com- 
rade. 

"  What  on  earth  are  yon  after,  Jack  ?"  he  said. 

"  Wait  a  little  while,  and  you  will  see.  I  am  going  to 
lay  out  a  little  money  that  will  pay  a  very  good  rate  of 
interest." 

There  was  no  chance  of  saying  more,  for  there  was 
the  strong  probability  that  every  word  that  passed  their 
lips  would  be  overheard. 

The  bailiffs  scarcely  knew  what  to  thok  of  the  affair, 
but,  not  seeing  how  to  hint  any  objections  or  make  any 
refusal,  they  pushed  on  to  the  inn. 

It  was  situated  just  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  and  on  their 
arrival  Jack  called  out  in  a  loud  voice  for  a  private 
room. 

This  was  a  rt>q  u»t  not  often  made  In  ibat  out-of-the- 
way  place,  aL  J  it  produced  an  immense  efie*i  upon  the 
landlord  accordingly. 

They  were  ushered  into  a  tolerably  comfortable  apart- 
ment, and  by  Jack's  orders  a  plentiful  supply  of  rnr^,  Tras 
brought  in. 

His  next  proceeding  •£*&  to  draw  ten  guineas  from  his 
pocket,  which  he  flocg  c;>f?n  upon  the  table  with  a  care- 
less air. 

"There,"  he  said,  adducing  the  two  bailiffs,  "make 
out  your  formal  discharge,  and  release  this  gentleman 
from  your  custody." 

This  was  accordingly  dobo,  out  as  soon  as  ever  the 
matter  was  completed  Jack  said,  in  a  stern  voice : 

"  Now.  gentlemen,  is  you  will  just  drink  up  yaar  cup 
of  wine,  we  will  part,  ior  I  don't  hesitate  to  tei'  you 
plainly  that  I  would  be  much  rather  without  your  com- 
pany than  with  it.  As  soon  as  yon  are  gone,  this  gentle- 
man and  myself  wili  settle  matters  together/ 

Jack  indicated  the  poor  gentleman  as  he  spoKe. 

The  bailiffs  were  far  from  pleased  with  Jack's  manner, 
but  they  swallowed  their  wine  and  their  displeasure  along 
jrithit. 

Without  any  more  delay,  they  then  took  their  depar- 


ture, looking  very  much  cha^rmedt  aQd  so  doubt  icelicg 
that  they  had  been  very  badlv  o!one  D7- 

As  soon  as  ever  they  left,  the  TC°m,  Jack  jprang  from 
tiis  seat  and  ran  to  the  window. 

He  was  just  in  time  to  see  the  bai'^s  in  the  act  of 
mounting  their  horsos. 

Without  appearing  to  be  particularly  int^rc-surd  in  doing 
so,  he  watched  carefully  the  direction  they  took  when 
they  rode  off.  ^ 

"  I  suppose,"  he  said,  retarnicg  to  the  taole,  that  those 
gentlemen  are  off  to  Oxford  ?" 

11  Yes,  such  is  no  doubt  their  intention,'*  replied  the 
defcior.  "And  now,  kind  sirs,"  he  added,  "as  I  have 
somewhat  recovered  myself  from  my  state  of  surprise, 
permit  me  to  thank  you  for  what  you  have  done.  I  can- 
not express  myself  as  I  should,  and  as  I  wish  ;  bat  come 
with  me  and  see  my  wife  and  little  ones — they  will  prove 
far  more  eloquent  than  myself." 

"  Enough,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack,  who  several 
times  during  this  speech  endeavored  to  interrupt  the 
speaker  —  "you  have  said  alruady  more  than  enough. 
What  we  have  done  has  been  done  freely,  so,  if  you  wish 
to  oblige  us,  you  will  say  nothing  more  about  it." 

"  Such  is  ever  the  way  with  true  generosity.  But  now 
what  bond  or  deed  shall  I  draw  up  as  some  security  to 
you  for  the  loan  of  the  money  ?" 

"None  at  all.     I  will  not  permit  anything  of  the  sort. 
Wait  till  I  am  in  want  of  the  cash,  then  I  will  call  upon 
you.    And  now   good   evening.      You  have   not   tastef' 
your  glass — doubtless  you  are  impatient  to   get   horn 
wards.     As  for  us,  time  presses,  and  so,  if  you  will 
cuse  us,  farewell!" 

The  poor  gentleman  again,  to  the  best  of  his  ab  lity, 
poured  out  his  thanks,  but  Jack  made  a  very  raph  exit 
from  the  room. 

He  was  closely  followed  by  Claude,  to  whom  ho  said, 
in  a  low  voice: 

"  Follow  me.  The  sooner  we  are  in  the  saddle  n  >w  the 
better." 

He  led  the  way  while  he  spoke  to  the  front  part  of  the 
inn,  where,  in  accordance  with  their  instructions,  the 
horses  had  been  left  in  charge  of  the  ostler. 

Without  any  delay  or  hindrance  whatever,  the  high- 
waymen mounted. 

Jack  turned  his  horse's  head  in  the  direction  of  Oxford, 
and  set  forward  at  a  sharp  trot. 

Claude  lost  not  a  moment  in  placing  himself  by  his 
side. 

"  What  on  earth  does  all  this  mean?"  he  inquired. 

"  Cannot  you  guese  ?" 

"  I  think  I  could  if  I  tried ;  but  explain  yourse'f — that 
will  be  much  more  satisfactory." 

"  I  am  going  to  do  60.     Listen !" 

"  Say  on — I  am  paying  the  utmost  attention." 

"That  gentleman  at  the  inn  must  think  us  a  couple  oi 
eccentric  persouages.  Still,  we  have  done  him  a  ver\ 
good  service,  and,  as  I  believe,  prevented  the  execution 
of  a  great  piece  of  injustice.  But  the  end  I  had  m  view 
was  a  profitable  one."  . 

"I  tnougnt  so." 

"We  know  now  that  these  two  men  are  on  th     r;>: 
before  us — we  have  also  certain  knowledge  of  the  at  ior  . 
they  carry  about  their  persons,  so  denial  will  be  aho  ut 
foolish  as  it  will  be  out  of  the  question." 

"  Forward,  then !"  6aid  Claude.  "  The  Sooner  we  over 
take  them  the  better  !" 

"Just  so;  and,  if  you  are  at  all  in  the  same  ir'nd  i*. 
myself,  it  will  afford  you  the  keenest  satisfaction  to 
compel  these  rascally  tipstav.*"  *»  disgorge  tbuii 
money." 

"  But  we  sha'n't  get  the  poor  gentleman  into  trouble 
again,  shall  we  ?" 

"  Certainly  not !  If  he  has  their  receipt  he  n  hold 
himself  clear." 

"  Then  that's  all  right.  And  now,  Jack,  for  a  gallop 
for,  if  you  will  believe  me.  my  fingers  positively  itch  to 
have  the  handling  of  some  of  those  fellows'  gold!" 

"The  same  hero!"  replied  Jack,  and  as  he  spoke  he 
touched  his  horse  rather  sharply  with  the  spur- 

Clande  did  the  like,  and  in  less  than  a  seconc  after- 
wards the  highwaymen  were  tearing  along  the  road  at 
the  utmost  speed  their  horses  were  capable  of  niak  iiig 


riGHT   OF    THE   ROjLD. 


1981 


CHAPTER  OMLXXXIX. 

UUAUDE     DUVAL  AND   SIXTHEN-STRING   JACK   COMPEL  THE 
«.      TWO  BAILIFFS  TO    DISGOKGK   THEIR  GOLD 

Ere  long,  our  two  friends  were  able  to  catch  the  sound 
of  horses'  hoofs  on  tlvj  roadway  before  them,  and  imme- 
diately \\tZ~  mal--'-""  thrt  discovery  they  gently  rained-in, 
their  horses. 

When  their  pw*-  uaa  subsided  to  a  canter,  Oiaodo  and 
Jack  perceived  tb*  forma  of  the  bailiffs  before  them 

By  their  manner,  it  would  Beeni  as  though  they  aad 
heard  the  highwaymen's  furious  approach,  for  tlu  y  had 
drawn  as  close  as  they  could  get  to  one  side  of  the  /oad 
in  order  to  leave  a  free  passage. 

Not  for  a  moment,  however,  did  they  guess  what  Fate 
had  in  store  for  them. 

It  was,  then,  much  to  their  astonishment  and  dismay 
that  they  found  the  two  new-comers  ride  up  to  them, 
pistols  in  hand. 

"  Now,  you  rascals,''  cried  Jack,  in  a  somewhat  excited 
voice,  "  we  will  come  to  a  bit  of  a  settlement !" 

"Settlement?"  ejaculated  the  one  with  the  gruff  voice. 
"  What  do  you  mean,  sir  ?  I  thought  all  matters  were 
perfectly  settled  between  us?" 

"Then  all  I  can  6ay  is,"  returned  Jack,  "that  you 
have  made  a  very  great  mistake  !" 

"  Yes,"  added  -Claude.  "  Hand  over  every  farthing  you 
have  about  you,  or,  as  sure  as  you  are  rascally  tipstaves, 
these  pistols  shall  make  an  end  of  you  !" 

"  But  we  have  nothing — absolutely  nothing,  except  the 
money  we  have  just  received,  and  surely  you  would  not 
rob  us  of  that  ?     Why,  it  would  be  our  ruin  !" 

"  I  can't  help  that !"  said  Jack.  "  It  would  have  been 
ruin  to  that  poor  gentleman  if  you  had  dragged  him  off 
to  prison.  But  that  made  no  impression  upon  you,  so  you 
cannot  expect  any  different  conduct  from  us." 

"Drop  that!"  cried  Claude,  with  great  suddenness,  and 
it  the  same  time  that  he  pronounced  the  words  he 
struck  one  of  the  bailiffs  a  heavy  blow  upon  the  knuckles 
with  the  butt-end  of  a  pistol.  ' 

A  roar  of  pain  followed,  and  the  man's  grasp  rela*  g, 
allowed  the  pistol  which  he  had  drawn  stealthily  from 
his  pocket  to  fall  to  the  ground,  where  it  immediately  ex- 
ploded. 

Fortunately,  no  danger  was  done  either  to  our  friends 
or  their  horses. 

"  You  thought  my  eyes  were  off  you,  did  yon  V  ex  - 
claimed  Claude.  "  Take  my  advice,  instead  of  making  at<  / 
foolish  resistance,  baud  over  the  cash  !" 

"But,  gentlemen "  they  began,  expostulatingly. 

"Silence!"  roared  Claude,  at  the  top  of  his  voice. 
■l  Hand  over  at  once,  or  we  will  blow  your  brains  out 
first  and  then  empty  your  pockets  afterwards,  which  will 
*e  quite  as  troublesome  and  disagreeable  to  yon  (f  *o  us, 
I  can  assure  you !" 

With  a  heavy  6igh  one  took  from  his  pocket  a.  aown- 
piece  and  dropped  it  into  Claude's  hand,  who  asked  imme- 
diately : 

"  What  is  that  for  ?" 

"I  assure  you,  sir,  it  is  all  I  have      i  " 

"Bah!" 

"  All  I  have  of  my  own." 

"I  see  there  is  no  help  for  it,"  saia  Jack,  deliberately 
cocking  his  pistol  while  he  spoke.  "  They  woa't  listen 
to  reason.    Down  with  yours !" 

"  Jim — Jim  !"  yelled  one,  as  soon  as  Jack  levelled  his 
pistol.  "  Give  up  the  dubs !  Don't  be  a  fool !  I  wc!?'t 
6it  here  end  •*•  ejvit — no,  not  for  ten  times  a  hundred 
pound !"  c 

Findi'^g  that  the  highwaymen  were  terribly  in  earnest, 
the  ot&er  bailiff  most  reluctantly  plunged  his  hand  into 
an  inner  pocket  from  which  he  drew  forth  a  large  and 
ipparently  very  heavy  bag. 

Jack  snatched  it  away  from  him  in  a  moment. 
"We're  ruined,"  they  both    cried    together — "niJSLEd 
completely !     What  can  be  doue  ?" 

"Why,  rejoice  to  think  you  have  got  off  so  lightly." 
"Hurray!"  cried  the  one  with  the    grutt  nice,  and 
abruptly  changing  his  manner.     "  Hurray  !     Help — help ! 
Highwaymen  ani  thieves !     Help — help !" 

This  sudden  outcry  took  the  highwaymen  slightly  by 
surprise,  but  turning  their  heads  in  the  direction  the 
bailiff  was  looking  they  perceived  a  small  troop  of  horse- 


men approaching    who  looked  suspiciously  like  police 
officers. 

"  Off  and  away,  Jack,"  cried  Claude  Duval.  "  Let  us 
be  satisfied  with  what  we  have.  It  would  be  worse  than 
folly  to  remain  any  longer." 

"Follow  me  then,"  was  the  reply.  "lean  hear  some 
vehicle  on  the  road  before  us." 

So  saying,  Sixteen-String  Jack  made  his  horse  fare  the 
low-growing  hedge  which  dividea  ona  side  of  the 
roadway  from  a  green,  undulating  meadovr. 

His  horse  leaped  the  obstruction  easily,  and  bo  did 
Claude's. 

Nothing  but  soft,  springy  tmT  being  beneath  them,  they 
urged  their  horses  onward  ut  the  utmost  speed  they  were 
capable  of. 

The  sharp  report  of  a  pistol  and  the  sound  of  many 
voices  made  them  aware  that  the  officers  had  in  good 
earnest  begun  the  pursuit. 

The  discharge  of  the  pistol  was  a  foolish  act,  for  though 
the  highwaymen  were  not  far  off,  yet  they  were  out  of 
range. 

Nevertheless,  it  made  the  highwaymen  turn  their  heads 
and  look  behind  them. 

To  their  unalloyed  gratification,  they  then  perceived 
that  nearly  half  the  officers  had  come  to  grief  in  attempt- 
ing to  overleap  the  hedgerow. 

But  those  whose  horses  had  succeeded  in  keeping  their 
footing  commenced  the  chase  with  a  great  6how  of  ani- 
mation and  courage. 

Well  mounted  as  the  highwaymen  were,  however,  it 
quickly  became  apparent  that  the  officers  had  not  the 
ghost  of  a  chance  of  overtaking  them  unless  some  un- 
looked-for accident  should  occur. 

But  yet  it  was  also  beyond  doubt  that  they  would  be 
able  to  hang  on  in  the  rear  of  the  two  friends  until  they 
met  with  some  additional  assistance. 

This  Claude  and  Jack  determined  to  prevent  if  pos- 
sible, so  they  did  not  scruple  to  push  their  horses  on- 
wards to  the  utmost  of  their  power. 

In  a  short  time,  then,  they  had  the  satisfaction  of  find- 
ing that  the  distance  between  themselves  and  their  foes 
had  visibly  increased,  and  after  the  lapse  of  another 
quarter  of  an  hour  they  could  not,  when  they  looked  back, 
detect  any  signs  of  them. 

"  All  right !"  cried  Claude.  "  Pull  in,  Jack;  don't  you 
see  there  is  a  village  or  town  before  us  ?  H  we  ride 
through  it  at  full  speed  we  shall  cause  such  a  prodigious 
clatter  that  all  the  inhabitants  will  be  aroused." 

The  highwaymen  had  quitted  the  fields  and  entered 
upon  what  seemed  to  be  the  high-road. 

Claude's  advice  wa«  too  good  to  be  neglected,  so  Jack 
pulled  up  at  once. 

"We  will  go  at  a  walk,"  he  said,  wiping  the  perspira- 
tion from  hutface.  "  It  will  enable  our  horses  to  recover 
themselves  a  little  ;  we  have  pressed  them  hard." 

This  was  a  palpable  fact,  for  both  animals  showed  un- 
mistakable signs  of  being  greatly  exhausted  and  dis- 
tressed. 

Quite  at  a  gentle  walk,  then,  the  highwaymen  ap- 
proached the  village. 

A  profound  silence  prevailed  in  the  long,  straggling 
6treet — not  a  light  was  anywhere  to  be  seen.  The  in- 
habitants had  been  doubtless  fast  asleep  for  many  hourt. 

TLev  passed  on  without  exciting  the  least  observation, 
but  just  as  they  were  about  to  pass  out  into  tke  open 
country  again,  both  heard  distinctly  a  low  cry  of  anguisU 
or  sorrow. 

It  was  &>;  dark  around  that  for  some  moments  they 
could  not  peisoive  from  whom  the  cry  proceeded,  but  a 
repetition  of  it  enabled  them  to  discern  a  dark  figure  that 
was  crouching  down  near  a  doorway. 

Whether  lifiile  or  female  it  was  not  possible  for  them  a\ 
that  distance  to  say,  but  as  if  actuated  by  the  sarno  im 
pulse  the  highwaymen  drew  nearer. 

Aroused  probably  by  their  approach,  the  figure  quitted 
its  crouching  position  and  stood  uprigu*      ( 

They  then  found  it  to  be  a  female. 

She  was  still  entitled  to  be  called  young,  out  her  tact 
was  hollow  and  pinched,  and  her  scanty  clothing  disclosed 
how  much  her  person  was  emaciated. 

She  held  what  seemed  to  be  a  bundle  of  rags  in  hot 
arms,  and  but  for  a  faint  wailing  cry  which  at  this  mo- 
ment broke  forth,  the  highwaymen  would  no  doubt  have 
considered  it  to  be  nothing  else. 


IG8S 


BLACK     BESS  ;    OR, 


''My  good  woman,"  6&id  Sixteen-String    Jack,  iu  a 
fciudly  voice,  "  what  can  you  be  doing  here  in  the  street 
at  this  lonely  hour  of  the  night?" 
For  a  moment  there  was  a  silence. 
Then,  in  a  husky  voice,  the  woman  replied : 
"Alas,  sir,   I  am  destitute — nothing  to  eat — nowhere 
to  lay  my  head— nothir.g  for  'his   poor  little  one,  who  is 
half  dead   with   cold   and   huuger.     1  have  knocked   and 
rung   repeatedly  at   this  door,  and  cannot  gain   admit- 
tance." 

The  two  highwaymen  looked  up  at  these  word*,  ai,d 
then  they  noticed  that  they    were  standing  in  front  of  a 
large  and  gloomy-looking  building. 
"What  place  is  it?" 

"  The  workhouse,  sir"  wasvae  answer  given,  reluctantly, 
as  though  from  shame. 

"And  do  you  mean  to  tell  me,"  cried  Sixteen-String 
Jack,  "that,  at  this  place,  erected  purposely  for  the 
relief  of  the  destitute,  you  cannot  gain  an  entrance  ? 
Wftuld  they  leave  you  here  to  perish  on  the  very  thres- 
hold ?" 

"  I  fear  their  hearts  are  hard  enough,  sir.  The  beadle, 
who  seems  in  command,  appears  dead  to  pity.  He  cursed 
me  for  disturbing  his  night's  rest  and  finished  by  telling 
me  to  move  off,  as  this  was  not  my  parish.  Then  he 
slammed  the  door,  and  I,  faint,  sick,  and  broken-hearted, 
sank  down  here,  uuable  to  proceed  another  step.'' 

No  words  of  ours  could  possibly  express  iu  any  degree 
the  amount  of  indignation  which  these  words  excited  in 
the  breasts  of  the  two  friends. 

"  It  is  monstrous — abominable  !"  Sixteen-Stving  Jack 
managed  to  say  at  length.  "  But  thoy  shall  repent  this 
harshness  !     Where's  the  bell  ?" 

He  slipped  from  his  horse  while  he  spoke,  leaving  his 
companion  to  take  care  of  it. 

A  very  brief  search  indeed  enabled  him  to  find  the  bell- 
handle. 

Seizing  it  tightly,  he  pulled  it  up  and  down  with  the 
full  vigor  of  his  arm.  While  doing  so,  it  seemed  to 
him  as  though   his  anger  was  finding  an  outlet. 

Most  ast»"J. '^v  never  such  a  peal  bad  been  rung  upon 
that  bell  since  a  clapper  first  hung  wita^L'*. 
The  clangor  was  tremendous. 

Then,  becoming  more  accustomed  to  the  darkness,  he 
perceived  a  massive  iron  knocker. 

This  he  grasped  with  his  left  hand,  and  pounded  away 
with  all  his  might,  while  the  clangiug  ox  the  bell  seemed 
to  grow  louder  and  louder. 

Very  soon  there  were  signs  that  the  inmates  of  the 
workhouse  were  alarmed. 

Then  came  the  sound  of  the  opening  of  a  door, 
accompanied  by  a  heavy  footstep  and  a  flash  of  li-J  t. 

"Hullo,  there!"  said  a  thick,  wheezy  voice — ,:  hullo! 
What  the  devil  is  the  matter?  Is  the  place  afire? 
D — n  it  all,  1  say,  what's  the  matter?" 

Just  as  these  words  were  pronounced  a  little  wicket  in 
the  centre  of  the  outer  door  was  thrown  back. 

The  ap'erture  which  it  disclosed  was  strongly  barred 
with  iron. 

On  the  other  side  of  this  grating  appeared  i'ce  florid 
countenance  of  a  man,  who  rejoiced  iu  a  huge  o«rbunoled 
nose  and  a  dirty  red  woollen  nightcap. 

"  D— n  it  all!"  he  said  again,  as  he  held  ip  ..he  1'ght. 
"Did  I  speak,  or  <*:i  the  wind  blow,  eh?  WhatV  the 
matter  ?" 

The  woman  tearing  this,  to  her,  ali-dreaded  voice, 
shrank  back  in  fear. 

"  Can  you  ass.  what  is  the  matter,"  said  Jack,  sternly, 
"when  you  know  so  well?  Why,  a  Lunian  being,  a 
lellow-creature  is  dying  at  your  gates  of  cola  and  starva- 
tion— that's  whftts  the,  matter." 

"Good  'Ewings!"  ejaculated  the  beadle,  drawing  a 
long  breath.  "To  think  that  1  should  live  to  hear  such 
words!  A  pauper!  Oh,  am  I  alive?  Well,  curse  your 
impudence !  Slay  there  till  yuu  rot,  aud,  be  d — d  to 
yon  \" 

With  these  words  the  parochial  *unctionajy  shot  she 
Cttle  wicket  again,  and  stalked  back  with  a  heavy,  and 
what  he  fully  believed  in  his  own  self-conceit  was  a 
majestic  step. 

Sixteen -String  Jack  was  so  completely  .dlcen  aback 
by  this  reception  that  he  6tood  for  a  moment  after  the 
beadle  had  retired  more  like  a  man  in  a  dream  ti;yr 
awake  and  in  full  possession  of  his  sen;  - 


'•Can  tins  bo  po»oiL.io/"  t»o  at  last  ejaculated.  " Con- 
found the  rascal!  I  wish  I  had  him  on  tkis  6ide  of 
the  doorway.  I  would  quickly  make  him  alter  Lis 
tone." 

"  Alas,  sir,"  said  the  woman,  '  it  is  quito  in  vain  for 
you  to  trouble  yourself.     He  will  not  let  me  in." 

"We  will  have  another  word  or  two  to  the  bargain, 
then." 

With  these  words,  Jack  once  more  seized  upon  the  bell 
and  knocker,  and,  if  such  a  thing  could  be  possible,  plied 
them  mora  vigorously  than  before. 

"  It  is  quite  useless,  Jack,"  said  Claude,  with  difficulty 
making  his  voice  heard.  "He  will  not  attend  to  you 
again,  or  if  he  comes,  it  will  only  be  to  repeat  his  former 
insolence." 

Jack  felt  the  truth  of  this,  and  knew,  besides,  that  he 
was  losing  time — moreover,  it  was  most  impolitic  on  their 
parts  to  go  up  such  a  disturbance,  and  so  bring  people 
around  them. 

But,  for  all  that,  Jack  said  :  * 

"  I  must  get  him  to  come  out  once  more,  and 
when  he  docs,  if  I  d  tn't  give  him  pepper,  call  me  a 
fool." 

"  But  what  can  you  do  while  he  is  on  one  side  of  the 
gate,  and  you  on  the  other?" 
"  You  will  soon  see." 

"  Oh,  gentlemen,"  cried  the  woman,  much  alarmed, 
"  pray  take  my  advice  and  go  away  !  You  cannot  do  me 
any  good,  and  you  will  only  get  yourselves  into 
trouble." 

But  Jack  paid  no  attention  whatever  to  her  supplica- 
tions. 

Claude  looked  to  see  what  he  was  about. 
To  his  surprise,  Jack  had  taken  his  powder-flask  from 
his  pocket,  and   was  busily  occupied  in  placing  it  upon 
the  ledge  of  the  wicket.     He  found  there  was  just  room 
for  one  measureful  of  powder  in  between  each  bar. 

"There,"  he  said,  as,  having  finished,  he  restored  the 
powder  flask  complacently  to  his  pocket.     "  I  only  hope 
he  will   put  his  ugly  old  nose  as  close  to  the  bars  as 
he  did  the  last  time.     If  he  does,  I'll  warm  it  for  himl" 
1  What  do  you  mean  to  do,  Jack  ?" 
"Can't  yon  see  ?" 

»  ou  had  oetter  come  away." 
"  Not  just  yc<t.     Here  goes  again  !" 
Jack  thereupon  begun  tolling  away  at  the  bell  at  eueb 
a  rate  as  would  make  it  quite  an  impossibility  for  anyone 
to  remain  in  the  house  and  listen  to  it. 

As  he  fully  expected,  before  he  had  been  going  at  it 
long  the  beadle  again  made  his  appearance. 
His  wrath  nnw  was  something  terrific. 
He  flung  open  the  door  of  the  little  wicket,  and  peered 
through  the  grating. 

"  Well,  d — u  your  impudence!"  he  exclaimed.  "The 
end  o:  the  world  has  come  now,  sure  enough!  Be  off, 
curse  you — be  off!  I'll  call  the  watch,  and  have  you 
locked  up !  You're  drunk — .«ad  drunk,  both  of  you ! 
Whal  do  you  menu  by  disturbing  me  at  this  time  of  night, 
eh  ?" 

"  Because,"  said  Jack,  "  a  woman  happens  to  be  dying 
at  your  gate  for  want  of  sustenance." 

"Then  let  her  die,  and  rot,  and  you  and  all!  Ah!  I 
can  hear  some  one  coming  i  Now  we  shall  have  an 
alteration,  I'll  warrant.     Here,  watch — watch,  I  say  !" 

There  was  certainly  some  one  approaching  from  the 
village,  the  inhabitants  of  which  had  doubtless  been 
aroused  by  the  unusual  clamor. 

But  the  beadle,  little  thinking  of  the  trifling  retribution 
that  was  in  store  for  him,  pressed  his  face  close  to 
the  bars  of  the  wicket,  and  bawled  with  all  his 
might. 

This!  was  the  opportunity  Jack  was  waiting  for. 
Already   he  hold  in    his  hand  a  lighted  thieves'  match, 
such  as  the   highwaymen   always  carried,  though,  owin^ 
to  the  manner  in  which  he  'ield  it,  it  was  invisible  to  the 
beadle. 

The  latter,  in  shouting  out,  oiew  away  some  portion  oi 
the  gunpowder,  but  not  much. 

Jack  touohed  some  of  the  black  grains  with  the 
match. 

There  was  a  brilliant  flash,  a  puff  of  white  smoke,  and 
afrorwards  what  seemed  to  be  a  double  darkness. 

The  beadle  uttered  one  of  the  most  awful  yells  that  ifcs 
imagination  of  man  can  possibly  conceive. 


Tins   KNIGHT   OF 


1G3»» 


At  first  he  was  deprivod  of  sight 

"Fire — murder  I"  he  screamed  "Oh,  murder— fire  1 
Help— help !  Ten  thousand  curses  !  I'm  blinded  and 
scorched!  Where  am  I? — where  are  you  all  ?  Wh«rs's 
the  door  ?     D — n  it  all,  can't  none  of  you  speak  ?" 

The  agony  and  pain  which  the  beadle  endured  was 
certainly  terrible,  yet  no  more  than  he  deserved,  for  all 
his  life  he  had  ever  been  readiest  in  inflicting  pain  upon 
others. 

"The  village  is  up  in  arms  I"  said  Claude  Duval  at 
this  moment,  in  a  low  voice.  "  Come,  Jack,  we  must  be 
off."  1 

"Eight!  I'll  be  with  you  In  a  moment.  Here,  my 
good  woman,"  he  added — ''Lere  is  gold.  Taki  care  of 
it,  and  procure  what  you  req>iire.     Farewell !" 

Jack  then  sprang  quickly  on  to  his  horse's  back 

After  doing  so  he  gave  just  one  glance  behind  hunt 

Then  he  saw  approaching  a  dense  crowd  of  persons 
armed  with  weapons  of  every  possible  description. 

Many  carried  lanterns. 

"  There  will  be  a  slight  commotion  in  the  village  after 
this,  depend  upon  it,"  Jack  said,  as  he  set  his  steed  in 
motion.  "  On,  Claude  !  We  will  leave  the  beadle  to  ex- 
plain matters  to  the  best  of  his  ability." 

Claude  did  not  reply,  but,  spurring  his  horse,  followed 
his  friend. 

When  they  drew  rein  again,  it  was  at  a  considerable 
distance  from  the  village. 

"I  think  we  have  had  enough  for  one  night,  Claude," 
exclaimed  Sixteen-String  Jack,  as  he  looked  around  him. 
"What  say  you  ?" 

■^he  same,  for  I  can  already  see  the  coming  ot  the 
dawn." 

"  Then  we  will  make  the  best  of  our  way  to  the  old 
castle.  At  this  hour,  ten  to  one  if  we  see  anyone.  Are 
yoa  willing  ?" 

"  Quite.  We  ought  never  to  venture  to  approach  the 
place  by  daylight.  If  we  are  careful  in  this  respect  we 
may  remain  concealed  there  for  a  long,  long  time. 


CHAPTER  CMXC. 

TOM  KING  AND  MAUD  HAVE  AN  EXTRAORDINARY  ADVEN- 
TURE AT  THE  RUINS. 

Preceding  the  two  highwaymen  in  their  return,  we 
will  narrate  the  events  of  that  same  night  as  witnessed 
by  those  who  had  been  left  behind  at  the  ruined 
castle. 

These,  as  the  reader  will  scarcely  need  reminding,  con- 
sisted of  Maud,  Tom  King,  and  the  new  ally  of  our 
friends,  Jack  the  ostler. 

A  more  useful  fellow  than  the  latter  the  highwaymen 
could  not  possibly  have  met  with  ;  but  what  was  most 
important  was  the  fact  that  his  fidelity  had  been  well 
tried,  and  there  was  little  fear  that  they  would  suffer  be- 
trayal at  his  hands. 

After  the  three  highwaymen  had  departed  upon  their 
excursions,  he  took  up  his  station  at  a  point  which  en- 
abled him  to  command  the  most  extensive  view  of  the 
surrounding  country,  *nd  there  remained  patiently  on  the 
Watch  waiting  for  their  return. 

As  for  Maud,  it  was  with  the  greatest  depression  of 
spirits  that  she  witoessed  Dick  Turpin  take  his  depar- 
ture. 

A  thousanu  wart  thronged  into  her  mind,  and,  strive 
as  she  would,  she  could  not  banish  them. 

She  stood  watching  his  retreating  figure  until  the  trees 
hid  him  from  her  sight ;  then,  with  a  heavy  sigh,  she 
made  her  way  to  the  underground  chamber,  there  to  count 
the  moments  until  his  return. 

The  presence  of  Tom  King  she  was  most  thanVfhl  for. 
In  her  present  state  of  mind  she  felt  that  solitff.ie  was  a 
thing  that  sbo  could  least  of  all  endure. 

Tom's  w*,und,  though  better,  was  still  most  trouble- 
some. 

The  f'*ct  is,  he  stood  in  need  of  proper  skilful  treat- 
ment- -rast  the  very  thin*  ho  could  not  possibly  ob- 
tain. 

r'.'ime  might  bring  him  round  again ;  but  on  this 
Varticular  night  he  felt  extremely  weak,  and  he  was 
xmscious  that  he  was  by  no  means  out  of  danger. 

The  conversation  with  which  Maud  and  himself  whiled 
away  the  time  until  close  upon  the  hour  of  midnight  was 


not  sufficiently  Important  to  be  worthy  of  record;  but 

at  the  time  just  mentioned   they  were  lx»th  startled  oy 
the  rather  hurried  entrance  of  the  ostler. 

They  could  tell  by  hi?  manner  and  the  exwession  ol 
his  fa^e  that  something  ^   {?  amiss. 

"  What  is  it,  Jack  ?'  asked  Tom  King.  "  Speajr 
Quickly." 

'•  Tlicre  may  be  no  cause  for  apprehension,  but--—" 
"What  have  you  seen  ?" 
Why,  a  few  moments  ago,  as  the  air  was  sc  very 
stilt,  I  caught  the  sound  of  carriage  wheels.  I  soon  found 
the  vehicle  was  approaching,  and  then  it  was  stoppeii 
under  the  shadow  of  a  clump  of  trees  close  to  the  castU 
boundary." 

"  A  carriage  ?"  echoed  Maud,  inquiringly,  and  in  great 
amazement.     "  What  kind  of  one  ?" 

"A  close,  shut-up  one — a  regular  gentleman's  car- 
riage." 

"  What  next  ?"  asked  Tom. 

•:  1  crept  closer,  and  saw  descend  from  it  a  tall,  power- 
fui-looking  man  ;  but  I  could  make  out  nothing  else, 
owing  to  the  darkness  and  the  long  cloak  he  is  wrapped 
up  in." 

"  Then,"  said  Tom  King,  rather  languidly,  for  the  ex- 
citement which  had  lent  him  a  temporary  strength 
soon  abated,  "  I  do  not  see  that  it  much  concerns  us." 

"  Well,  captain,  it  may  nut,  but  I  thought  it  my  duty 
to  let  you  know  of  it;  besides,  the  gentleman  cam* 
walking  on  as  though  he  intended  to  pay  us  a  visit." 

"Then  it  is  more  serious  than  I  thought,"  said  Tom 
King,  arousing  himself.  "We  will  watch  his  move- 
ments." 

"  I  am  sure  it  will  be  best  to  do  so,  captain." 
"  Go  on,  then.    I  will  follow." 

"And  I  as  well"  said  Maud — ' I  as  well.  I  could 
not  bear  to  be  left  by  myself  in  this  dreary,  underground 
place." 

Tom  King  did  not  say  a  word  by  way  of  objection,  so 
she  followed  him  closely. 

The  open  air  was  soon  reached,  and  then,  with  much 
caut;on  and  stealthiness,  Jack  the  ostler  directed  their 
footf-ieps  towards  a  crumbling  wall  at  some  little  dis- 
tance. 

This  wall  was  pierced  by  a  dismantled  window,  and  it 
was  from  this  point  of  espial  the  faithful  fellow  had  ob- 
served the  stranger's  approach. 

Certainly  there  was  something  strange  and  highly  pro- 
vocative of  curiosity  in  the  fact  that  anyone  should 
be  about  to  pay  the  ruins  a  visit  at  such  an  hour. 

It  was,  then,  with  great  eagerness  that  all  peered 
through  the  dilapidated  casements. 

Their  ears  gave  them  the  first  imtimation  that  some 
one  was  at  hand,  for  they  caught  the  sound  of  a  voice, 
and  immediately  afterwards  the  unmistakable  rustling 
sound  that  was  produced  when  anyone  walked  through 
the  rank,  luxuriant  grass  with  which  the  ground  in  and 
around  the  castle  was  covered. 

"  Hush  I"  said  Tom  King,  in  a  faint  whisper.  "  Do 
not  speak  or  move,  either  of  you,  on  any  account.  But 
listen  to  all  with  the  utmost  attention." 

The  fears  of  the  three  watchers  suggested  that  those 
who  were  approaching  were  persons  who,  by  some 
means  or  other,  had  scented  out  their  place  of  retreat, 
and  had  now  come  to  reconnoitre  preparatory  to  an 
attack. 

But  this  notion  *..„  at  once  dispelled  when  they  saw 
come  into  view  the  stranger  that  the  ostler  had  des- 
cribed. 

He  was  still  shrouded  in  his  long  roquelaure  cloak ;  but 
«":ii  the  ostler  had  not  mentioned,  and  what  at  once 
raised  their  inteiest  to  the  keenest  point,  was  the  fact 
that  he  led  by  one  haud  a  little  child,  which  proved  to  be 
a  girl. 

Her  age  could  not  have  exceeded  eight  years,  at  the 
most — pernaps  sh"  was  not  so  old,  for  she  was  tall  and 
slender,  though  full  of  grav^.  & 

Above  all,  however,  Tom  noticed  her  rairy-like  appear* 
ance,  and  the  manner  in  which  she  giasped  her  cou- 
pa nion's  huge  hand  with  both  her  own  tiny  oueu  was 
touching  to  see. 

Tom  thought  what  a  loviug  little  creature  it  was,  and 
a  "range  longing  sprang  up  in  his  breast  to  have  such  A 
little  child  to  love,  cherish,  and  protect. 

After  the  pair  came  in  sight  thee*  wM  *  pamse  in  tts* 


1840 


BLACK    BBSS;    OS. 


eonversarion ;  but  the  silence  was  broken  by  the  little 
girl. 

She  looked  np  into  her  companion's  face,  and  then, 
In  inexpressibly  sweet  and  silvery  accents,  she  said  : 

"  But  what  a  strange,  lonely  place  it  is  I  And  oh,  I  «m 
so  very,  very  cold !" 

She  shivered  as  she  pronounced  the  words,  for  sun  was 
but  thinly  clad — her  dress  seeming  rather  suited  for  some 
fashionable  assembly  than  for  the  open  air.  On  her  head, 
too,  the  watchers  noticed  she  had  nothing  bu*-  a  wreath 
of  flowers  and  leaves. 

"Are  you  going  much  further?"  she  asked;  then, 
finding  that  her  question  met  with  no  response  rabe  went 
on :  "  Oh,  do  let  us  turn  back  I  Don't  go  any  further- 
please  dont !" 

"  Don't  be  silly,  Ruth !    Come  on !" 
"  How  cross  you  6peak,  uncle.   Oh,  what  a  dreary  place ! 
Hold  me  tightly,  I  feel  so  afraid  1" 

"  Afraid  of  what  ?"  said  the  man,  snappishly  and 
angrily.  "Don't  let  me  have  any  more  of  your  nonsense. 
Hold  your  tongue  till  I  tell  you  to  speak !  Now  come 
along  1" 

The  tears  rose  quickly  into  the  eyes  of  the  little  girl, 
and,  with  a  sob  that  she  could  not  repress,  and  which 
mado  Tom's  heart  feel  as  though  it  was  breaking,  the 
tears  rolled  down  her  cheeks. 

"  Don't  cry,"  said  her  uncle.     "  Do  you  hear   me  ? 
Don't  cry!" 
He  shook  her  half  savagely  while  he  spoke. 
This  was  a  scene  which  neither  Tom  King  nor  Maud 
could  look  upon  with  anything  like  common  patience. 

It  was  only  by  exercising  the  strongest  possible  con- 
trol over  themselves  that  they  resisted  their  inclination  to 
interfere. 

But  they  felt  how  important  it  was  that  their  pre- 
sence in  that  place  should  be  not  only  unknown,  but  un- 
suspected. 

Not  only  their  own  safety,  but  that  of  their  absent 
companions  depended  upon  it. 

It  was  this  powerful  consideration  that  enabled  Maud 
and  Tom  King  to  have  the  moral  strength  necessary 
to  enable  them  to  remain  mere  passive  spectators  of  the 
scene. 

lu  perfect  silenco  the  strange  pair  came  walking  on, 
and  if  there  had  been  any  doubt  of  their  destination  it 
could  no  longer  have  existence,  for  by  this  time  they 
were  fairly  within  what  might  be  termed  the  outer  por- 
tion of  the  ruins.  ^ 

In  vain  our  friends  tried  to  come  to  some  conclusion 
respecting  the  object  of  this  midnight  visit. 

Only  one  idea  presented  itself  to  them,  and  that  was 
of  such  a  truly  horrible  and  abhorrent  nature  that  they 
strove  to  banish  it  from  their  minds. 

But  the  whole  of  their  attention  was  now  attracted  to 
the  little  girl's  uncle,  who  began  to  speak. 

"If  you  had  not  made  me  so  cross  and  angry,"  he 
began,  adopting  a  conciliatory  tone,  "I  should  have  told 
you  long  ago  what  I  am  bringing  you  here  to-night  for. 
Willyou  be  good  if  I  tell  you  now  ?" 
"  Yes,  uncle,  I  will — indeed  I  will !" 
The  stranger  cleared  his  throat,  as  though  he  had  some 
disagreeable  communication  to  make,  or  as  though  his 
words,  like  Macbeth's  amen,  "stuck  in  his  throat." 

"  Well,  Ruth,  when  your  father  and  mother  were  alive 
-i —  There  now.  you  are  crying  again.  Be  goodj  or  I 
will  not  tell  you  any  more." 

With  much  difficulty  the  little  creature  controlled  her 
emotions. 

"  When    they  were    alive — you  were    a  little   thing 
then — so  little  that  you  cannot  recollect  them——" 
"  Oh,  but  I  can,  uncle  !" 

He  went  on  without  heeding  the  interruption. 
"  They  left  you  in  my  care  to  bring  up  for  them.     I 
have  done  so  till  now.    Yon  are  just  seven  yearo  old,  are 
you  not  ?" 

"  Yes,  to-day,  undo." 

"  Exactly.  Well,  then,  if  yen  had  died  before  reaching 
your  seventh  year,  then  all  the  money  .vid  property  be- 
longing to  your  parents  would  have— would  have  gone 
—gone  to  me !" 

The  last  words  were  only  brought  out  by  a  great 
effort. 

''  VeB)  unele." 

"•Bat,   you  see,  ysu  are  alive,  and  so,  according  to 


the  wish  of  your  poor  father  and  mother,  I  have  brought 
you  here  on  this  your  seventh  birthday." 

"And  did  they  really  wish  you  to  bring  me  he*e?" 
the  young  girl  asked,  looking  all  about  her  with  a  half 
shudder. 

"  Of  course  they  did.    Have  I  not  said  so  P" 

"And  at  this  late  hour  of  the  night?" 

"Yes." 

*  But  what  for,  nncle  ?" 

'•  Because — because  there  5a  in  this  plane  a  large  amount 
of  money  and  jewels,  all  of  which  belong  to  you,  and 
which,  according  to  your  parents'  wish,  were  not  to  be 
touched  by  anyone  but  yourself." 

44  In  the  ruin  ?"  said  the  girl,  incredulously. 

"  Yes,  in  this  rurn.  And  pray,  may  I  ask,  what  right 
you  have  to  call  into  account  any  of  your  parents'  actions, 
who  were  so  much  older  than  you,  and  therefore  so  much 
the  better  able  to  judge  what  was  best?" 

This  rebuke  had  the  effect  of  causing  the  child  to  be 
silent. 

Her  uncle,  however,  quickly  spoke  again. 

"  Come  on !"  he  cried.  "  We  are  close  to  the  place 
now,  and  when  we  have  once  taken  possession  of  the  trea- 
sure we  will  make  haste  back  to  the  carriage." 

With  a  palpable  amount  of  reluctance  Ruth  accom- 
panied her  guardian  still  further  into  the  recesses  of  the 
ruins. 

Young  as  the  child  was,  she  seemed  to  be  conscious 
that  there  was  something  highly  improbable  and  un- 
truthlike in  the  communication  her  uncle  had  just  made  to 
her. 

But,  if  such  were  her  thoughts,  she  did  not  give  them 
utterance,  or  it  may  be  that  it  was  only  a  vague,  indefin- 
able presentiment  of  coming  evil  that  cast  its  influence 
over  her  spirit. 

"Uncle," she  said,  after  a  short  interval,  during  which 
she  seemed  to  have  been  reflecting  deeply,  "  and  when 
we  have  got  this  money,  what  is  to  be  done  with  it  ?•• 

"  There  is  time  enough  to  consider  that  point,  my  dear. 
But  look !  Here,  I  believe,  is  the  entrance  to  the  chamber 
that  was  described." 

Now  Tom  King  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  all 
which  this  man  had  told  the  child  was  false ;  but  this 
belief  was  shaken  when  he  saw  him  take  a  large  key  from 
his  pocket  and  insert  it  into  the  lock  of  a  door  which  was 
Salf  hidden  in  a  thick  wall. 

With  some  difficulty  the  key  was  turned. 

He  pushed  the  door  open  a  little  way. 

The  child  shrank  back  in  natural  terror  whea  she  saw 
the  black-looking  place  in  front  of  her. 

"Now,  Ruth,"  said  her  uncle,  speaking  in  a  high, 
cracked  voice,  as  though  he  was  laboring  under  a  very 
unusual  amount  of  excitement — "now,  Ruth  my  dear, 
enter!" 

"  But  it  is  dark — so  very  dark !" 

"  No  matter  for  that.  I  will  stand  here,  and  you  will 
be  able  to  find  the  treasure  easily." 

"  Yon  come  in  as  well,  unele,"  she  exclaimed,  shrinking 
back  still  more. 

"No,  no — remember  what  I  told  yom.  You,  and  yeo 
alone,  must  touch  this  treasure  !" 

"  Then  get  a  light  that  I  may  see." 

u  No — it  is  needless.  Come,  do  not  delay  so  much  thus  1 
It  is  too  cold  to  remain  here  unnecessarily.  Go  in  I  What 
do  yon  fear  ?" 

She  did  not  reply ;  but  she  asked  him  a  question : 

"  Uncle,  do  you  say  that  this  treasurers  all  mios  P* 

"  It  is  all  yours." 

"  Wholly  ?" 
"  Yes,  wholly" 
"  And  without  any  reserve?" 
"  Yes.    But  why  all  these  questions  P" 
"And  I  can  do  with  it  just  whatever  I  HkeP* 
"  Yes — yes,"  he  answered,  impatiently. 
"Then,  uncle,    come  away.     Let  it  remain  where  ft 
is.    I  do  not  want  it.    I  would  rather  give  it  up  a  thou* 
sand  times  than  enter  that  dark  place  to  fetch  it. 
Her  companion  stamped  his  foot  impatiently. 
"Ungrateful,    forward,    perverse  wretch t"   he    said. 
"  How  dare   you   thus  set    yourself  np   in  defiance  of 
everyone !    Enter  at  once,  I  say — enter  at  once !" 
"  No— no,  undo !" 

"  But  I  say  yes ;  and  what  Is  more,  I  am  determine* 
that  vou  shall  I" 


THE   KNIGHT   OF  THE   EOAD. 


1641 


[tom  king  watches  the  arrival  op  Matthew's  letter.] 


"  Oh,  why  do  you  look  at  me  30  wildl  y  ?  Why  do  you 
speak  thus  ?  What  dreadful  ohango  has  come  over  your 
fa°?  ?  Oh,  help— help  !  Uncle,  spare  me— oh,  spare  me  !" 

Terrified  beyond  a  doubt  by  the  expression  of  her 
unole  s  countenance— an  expression  which  showed  all 
too  plainly  what  his  diabolical  intentions  were— the 
young  girl  thus  sent  forth  her  appeal  for  aid. 

He  shook  her  violently,  and  funis  strong  hands  she 
was  little  more  than  a  feather. 

"  Silenoe,"  he  said,  in  a  suppressed  voioe,  between  his 
teeth—"  Silence,  you  little  wretoh  !  How  dare  you  make 
such  an  outory  ?    Silenoe,  I  say !" 

"  Oh,  uncle,  what  would  you  do  P" 

"  Compel  you  to  be  obedient !  Do  as  I  tell  you,  or  I 
will  use  force  !     I  am  determined  to  be  obeyed  !" 

But  though  his  harsh,  guttural  voice  betokened  so 
much  determination,  the  child  held  back,  as  though  she 
knew  that  to  obey  would  only  seal  her  own  destruction. 

No.  206.— Black  Bess. 


Finding  this  to  be  the  case,  the  villain  grasped  her 
tightly,  and  dragged  her  towards  the  much -dreaded 
portal. 

But  no  sooner  did  the  child  feel  his  hands  thus  harshly 
laid  upon  her,  than  she  seemed  to  beoome  all  in  a  mo- 
ment conscious  of  her  frightful  peril. 

"Help— help!"  she  screamed.  "Oh,  uncle,  would 
you  murder  me  ?  Alas— alas,  there  is  no  need  for  any 
such  harsh  measures !  I  will  give  you  freely  all  that 
you  will  gain  by  my  death.  I  will  pay  you  that  muoh  if 
you  will  only  spare  my  life  !  Oh,  unole— have  meroy— 
have  mer " 

With  an  angry  exclamation  the  monster  dashed  his 
hand  violently  before  her  mouth,  thus  in  a  moment 
stifling  that  voice  which  should  always  have  sounded  in 
his  ears  like  the  sweetest  music. 

The  little  thing  struggled  desperately  again  at  her  in> 
pending  fate. 


No.  20a 


Price  One  Halfpenny. 
No.  207  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


16ft* 


SUOE     BE6B  :     IIK 


The  instinct  of  life  was  strong  within  her,  and  she  made 
efforts  of  which,  under  any  other  circumstances,  she  would 
have  been  totally  incapable. 

But  as  well  might  a  fly  have  endeavored  to  cope  suc- 
cessfully with  a  giant. 

Half  dragging,  half  pushing  her  along  the  ground,  ho 
forced  her  tc  the  dark;  tomb-like  doorway 

The  nearer  she  came  to  it,  the  more  fearful  became  her 
struggles. 

"Now,  ■vrretch,"  he  cried,  in  a  voice  which  well  dis- 
played the  malevolence  that  was  pent  up  in  his  soul — 
"now,  wretch,  begone !  You  shall  trouble  and  haunt  me 
no  more  I" 

As  he  pronounced  these  words,  he  suddenly  released 
his  grasp. 

Then,  without  the  delay  of  a  single  moment,  ke  p-ished 
her  violently  forward. 

The  child  staggered— endeavored  to  stop  herself — to 
gain  a  footing. 

All  in  vain. 

With  a  shrill,  ringing  shriek,  that  echoed  acd  re- 
echoed through  the  ruins,  she  fell  headforemost  across  the 
threshold. 

But  the  shriek  was  abruptly  cut  short  by  the  violent 
closing  of  the  door. 

The  key  was  turned  in  the  lock. 

"It  is  done,"  said  the  stranger,  in  aloud,  exv!cj>.rt  voice 
— "  it  is  done,  and  thus,  by  one  bold  stroke,  I  free  myself 
from  all  those  disagreeable  complications  in  which  I  was 
involved.  Free — free — I  am  now  free !  I  am  a  new 
man !  With  this  child's  wealth  I  shall  succeed  in  all  my 
plans!  I — I  tremble  now;  but  the  time  will  shortly 
come  when  I  shall  look  back  upon  thi3  as  being  the  best 
night's  work  that  ever  was  performed!" 


CHAPTER  CMXOI. 

TQM   KING   RESCUES  THE  LITTLE  GIRL    FROM    HER   LIVING 
TOMB. 

It  was  perfectly  certain  that  the  stranger  fully  and  en- 
tirely believed  that  he  was  all  alone  in  the  old  ruins— that 
no  human  eyes  had  witnessed  the  awful  crime  which  he 
had  just  perpetrated,  for  he  had  taken  tho  greatest 
pains  to  make  sure  that  no  one  had  followed  in  his 
track. 

That  some  one  might  have  taken  up  .a  station  in  tho 
ruins  before  his  arrival  was  a  thought  that  never  entered 
his  imagination. 

Therefore  it  was  that  he  ventured  to  give  vent  to  his 
thoughts  aloud. 

At  this  moment  there  arose  a  faint,  low  cry,  seeming  to 
come  from  a  long  distance  off. 

"Uncle — uncle!" 

"  Yes,  my  dear  !" 

Tho  reply  had  a  refinement  of  cruelty  in  its  tone. 

"  Uncle— uncle !" 

"  I  hear  you." 

'Let  me  out— oh,  do  let  me  out  of  this  dreadful 
place!" 

"You  must  wait,  my  dear,  and  look  about  for  the 
treasure,  and  by  the  time  you  have  found  it  I  shall  be  back 
to  let  you  out." 

With  these  words  on  his  lips  the  stranger  turned 
away. 

He  assumed  for  a  moment  a  listening  attitude,  then, 
with  a  satisfied  air,  rapidly  retraced  his  steps  towards 
the  spot  where  he  had  left  the  carriage. 

Tom  King  touched  the  ostler  on  the  shoulder. 

In  a  suppressed  voico,  which  told  plainly  enough  now 
much  he  was  agitated  by  what  had  just  taken  placo,  he 
said: 

"Jack,  follow  that  man!  Watch  closely  where  he 
goes,  and  do  not  return  until  you  have  housed  him." 

The  ostler  merely  gave  a  nod  to  show  he  fully  com- 
prehended tho  nature  of  the  service  that  was  required 
of  him,  and  at  once  glided  off  in  the  direction  taken  by  the 
stranger. 

We  have  not  interrupted  the  narration  of  the  courura  of 
events  to  show  how  and  to  what  extent  the  spectators  of 
this  scene  were  influenced  by  it. 

Prom  what  the  reader  already  knows  of  the  dispositions 
of  Tom  King  and  Maud  it  may  be  safely  assumed  that  it 
was  only  by  the  exercise  of  the  utmost  self-control  that 
tbey  forebore  from  interruption. 


Indeed,  Tom  King  once  did  start  forward,  detenn^M 
that  the  act  of  iniquity  should  not  be  perpetrated  ;  but  th* 
ostler,  divining  his  intention,  touched  him  on  the  shoulder, 
and  whispered  ■ 

"  Keep  stil?  a  moment,  captain !  For  Heaven's  sake  do 
not  let  him  know  that  we  are  here !" 

This  consideration  came  just  in  time,  and  Tom  King 
paused. 

But  Maud  once  or  twice  felt  as  though  she  could  not 
tamely  remain  there  a  passive  looker-on,  and  several  times  a 
shriek  rose  to  her  lips;  but  on  each  occasion  she  stifled 
its  utterance,  being  enabled  to  do  so  by  recollecting  that 
Dick's  safety  depended  upon  her  discretion. 

When,  however,  Tom  was  able  to  comprehend  what 
kind  of  death  the  stranger  intended  to  inflict  upon  the 
young  girl,  he  grew  more  self-composed,  though  in- 
wardly he  execrated  the  refined  barbarity  of  the  man 
who  could  thus,  without  the  least  remorse,  doom  so  fair 
and  beautiful  a  creature  to  a  lingering  death  by  starvation, 
and  longed  to  be  able  to  mete  out  to  him  such  a  retribution 
as  he  fully  deserved. 

But,  fortunately,  even  under  these  trying  circum- 
stances, Tom  King  retained  sufficient  presence  of  mind  to 
remember  and  be  aware  that  ho  should  actually  be  of 
more  real  and  permanent  service  to  the  little  child  by 
liberating  her  after  her  uncle's  departure  than  he  could 
by  any  sudden  or  violent  interference. 

No  sooner,  then,  had  the  form  of  the  ostler  become 
lost  to  sight  in  the  distance  than  he  hurried  towards  the 
door  of  what  the  stranger  had  meant  to  be  a  living 
tomb. 

Maud  followed  him  with  clasped  hands,  tearful  eyes, 
and  a  wildly-beating  heart. 

All  the  womanly  affection  in  Maud's  nature  was  called 
forth  on  behalf  of  this  young  girl,  for  whom  she  already 
felt  a  most  loving  regard. 

Both  to  her  and  to  Tom  King  it  was  the  greatest  mys- 
tery how  anyone  could  be  of  so  barbarous  and  inhuman 
a  nature  to  treat  anything  so  loving  and  fairy-like  with 
anything  save  tenderness  and  kindness. 

"Oh,  Tom,"  she  said,  " quick— quick !  Do  not  lose  a 
moment  more  than  you  can  help !  Haste — haste !  Let 
the  little  darling  free !" 

"  Can  you  hear  her  ?" 

Maud  listened  intently. 

But  all  was  still. 

No  faint  cry  came  from  the  other  side  of  the  massive 
door. 

"Oh,  Heaven !"  Maud  shrieked,  in  alarm,  "  she  is  dead 
— alas,  alas,  she  is  dead !" 

"No — no,"  cried  Tom.  "But  hush!  You  cannot  be 
too  cautious,  and  I  am  by  no  means  certain  that  we  are 
yet  out  of  all  danger  of  being  overheard." 

"  Yes,  yes,  I  will  be  cautious.  But  speak  to  her— call 
her !" 

Tom  obeyed. 

But  the  same  silence  continued 

"  Oh,  Tom,"  Maud  moaned,  "  if  she  should  prove  to  be 
dead  I  shall  never  forgive  myself  for  not  having  inter- 
fered before.  I  shall  always  blame  myself  fti  being  swayed 
by  purely  selfish  considerations." 

"  You  have  no  cause  as  yet  to  reproach  yourself,"  said 
Tom  King,  who  was  busily  at  work  upon  the  lock  of  the 
door.  "  She  cannot  as  yet  be  dead,  but  ner  extreme 
terror  may  have  caused  her  to  fall  into  a  swoon !" 

This  supposition  was  so  reasonable  a  one  that  Maud 
immediately  became  calm  again. 

"What  was  more  likely  to  have  happened*? 

"Should  you  mind  leaving  me  a  moment?"  asked 
Tom. 

"  Why— what  for  ?" 

"  To  fetch  a  light.  You  will  get  one  down  below ; 
and  when  provided  with  that  I  shall  doubtless  be  able 
to  open  the  door ;  but  now,  in  the  darkness-  the  lock 
baffles  me !" 

Maud  did  not  wait  to  give  any  verbal  answer  to  this 
request,  but  bounded  off  at  once  in  the  direction  of  the 
underground  apartment,  if  we  may  venture  to  bestow  upop 
it  so  ambitious  a  designation. 

Indeed,  she  scarcely  waited  to  hear  the  conclusion  ol 
Tom's  speech.  She  was  only  too  much  delighted  tc 
find  herself  in  the  position  to  be  able  to  readw  tin 
little  girl  a  better  service  that  standing  idly  by  aua  kx«* 
ing  on. 


VHJS    KNIGHT  •?   TTIB    ROAD. 


1643 


But,  rapid  as  she  was  in  her  movements,  she  found 
that  by  the  time  she  returned  Tom  King  had  managed  to 
open  the  door. 

He  took  the  light  "rom  her  hand,  however,  and  held 
it  above  his  head,  so  as  to  light  up  as  well  as  possible  the 
place  into  which  he  was  about  to  enter. 

It  wad  lucky  that  he  took  this  precaution,  for  he  stepjvd 
back  with  a  cry  of  horror. 
"  What  is  it  ?"  askod  Maud— "oh,  what  is  it  ?" 
"  Not  so  bad  as  I  thought,"  answered  Term,  who  by 
i  his  time  had  taken  a  second  glance.  "  I  thought  the 
flooring  of  this  place  was  many  feet  below  the  level  of 
this  ground,  but  I  see  now  it  is  only  a  few  inches." 

Tom   might  weD   be  excused  for  making  this   ma  - 
take. 
The  faci  was,  however,  as  he  bad  stated. 
There  was  on»  step  down  from  the  door  sill  into  this 
chamber ;  but  he  found  it  rather  a  steep  one. 

He  descended  at  once,  however,  and  the  first  thing 
that  met  his  gaze  was  the  little  girl  lying  at  full  length 
on  the  damp  flooring,  to  all  appearances  utterly  bereft  of 
life. 

Again  surrendering  the  light  to  Maud,  he  stooped 
down  and  picked  up  the  insensible  burden  in  his  arms. 

So  light  and  fairy-like  was  she,  that  he  carried  her 
almost  without  being  sensible  of  her  weight. 

With  a  quick  step  Maud  led  the  way,  and  in  a  few 
seconds  the  subterranean  chamber  was  reached. 

The  girl  was  at  once  placed  down  before  the  brightly- 
burniog  fire. 

"  Does  sho  live  ?"  asked  Maud,  bending  anxiously  over 
her. 

"  She  does — I  believe  she  does.  But  look  1  The  poor 
little  thing  has  injured  herself  in  her  fall." 

While  Tom  spoke,  he  pointed  to  a  slight  gash  in  the 
girl's  forehead,  from  which  the  blood  was  slowly  ooz- 
ing. 

Both  now  in  good  earnest  set  themselves  to  work  to  re- 
store her  to  consciousness,  and  after  a  time  their  efforts 
were  crowned  with  complete  success. 

The  child  opened  her  eyes  and  looked  around  her — at 
first  with  signs  of  fear,  and  afterwards  of  wonder. 

When  she  saw  the  two  anxious  faces  bending  down 
over  her  with  kindness  visible  ia  every  lineament,  her 
apprehension  vanished. 

"  I  am  dreaming,"  she  said,  gently,  as  she  closed  aer 
eyes  again.  "  Ye=s  surely  only  dreaming.  I  might  have 
known  that  nothing  half  so  terrible  could  possibly  be 
true." 

Tom  made  a  rapid  sign  for  Maud  not  to  speak.  He 
was  aware  that  before  long  the  little  girl  would  tho- 
roughly recover  possession  of  her  senses,  and  that  until 
then  it  would  be  by  far  the  best  to  leave  her  to  her- 
self. 

In  a  minute  more,  during  which  profound  silence  was 
preserved,  the  little  girl  opened  her  eyes  again. 

She  glanced  around,  and  the  Strange  appearance  of  the 
place  in  which  she  thus  suddenly  and  unexpectedly  found 
herself  affected  her  much. 

Again  a  look  of  terror  overspread  her  countenance,  and 
she  cried : 

"  Oh,  what  place  is  this  ?  Where  am  I  ?  Alas — alas, 
then  it  was  no  dream  1" 

"Compose  yourself,"  said  Maud,  bending  down  nearer 
to  her.  "  Do  not  be  afraid — there  is  no  occasion  for  fear. 
You  are  among  friends — friends  who  will  protect  you  and 
stand  by  you  to  the  last !" 

u  Yes — yes,"  said  Tom — "  keep  calm  and  still,  and  en- 
deavor to  compose  your  thoughts.  I  repeat  that  you 
have  nothing  to  be  afraid  of  now." 

The  assuring  words,  and  the  gentle  tones  in  which  they 
were  spoken,  produced  a  due  effect,  and  it  was  truly 
touching  to  observe  the  great  efforts  the  little  "hild  made 
to  recover  something  like  an  ordinary  amount  of  oalni- 
ncss. 

She  grew  betiirf  rapidly,  and  even  ventured  to  i  ise 
herself  upon  one  arm  acd  look  around  her. 
As  she  did  so,  her  eyec  expanded  in  silent  wonder. 
It  was  evident  that  never  before  had  she  been  the  in- 
mate of  so  strange  a  place. 

"  Tell  me,"  she  said,  as,  after  looking  well  around,  she 
sank  back  into  her  former  position  by  the  fire — "  oh,  tell 
«je  where  I  em  and  what  has  happened  ?" 

*V«m>  'it-nm.-  hack  iu  order  that  Maud  mucht  raols. 


"  I  can  only  tell  you  that  you  are  with  those  who  will 
keep  you  iu  perfect  safety." 
"My  uncle!" 

The  words  were  pronounced  in  evident  fear,  and 
accompanied  by  a  fearful  glance  around  the  subterranean 
chamber. 

"  Even  he  cannot  find  you  here,  and  harm  you." 
"Oli,  it  is  terrible,"  the  child  said,  with  a  shudder— 
"  so  terrible  that  I  can  searcely  think  it  anything  but  & 
dream!" 

"It  is  no  dream,"  said  Maud  ;  " but  a  sad  reality.     But 
tell  rne — your  name  is  Kuth,  is  it  not  ?" 
"  It  is.    But  haw  could  you  know  it  tn 
"  I  heard  your  uncle  call  you  so." 
"  In  the  ruins  ?" 
"Yes." 

rJut  he  told  me  we  were  quite  alone." 
"  He  thought  so,  but  was  mistaken.   We  were  concealed, 
and  witnessed  alL" 

Ruth  bogan  to  weep  and  sob  bitterly. 
She  was,  in  fact,  beginning  to  comprehend  her  true 
position. 

"  Oh,  what  shall  I  do  ?"  sho  moaned.  "  Oh,  what  will 
become  of  me  ?    Where  shall  I  go  ?" 

"Do  not  trouble  yourself  about  that,"  answered  Maud, 
quickly.  "  For  the  present  you  must  remain  here  with 
us.  When  you  feel  better  we  will  consider  what  is  to  be 
done  in  the  future.  H  you  could  sleep  now  it  would  be 
so  much  better.  Rely  upon  it  we  will  guard  you  well,  so 
do  not  be  afraid  to  close  your  eyes  in  slumber." 
Ruth  listened  dreamily. 

She  was  greatly  exhausted  mentally  and  physically, 
and  no  wonder,  after  all  she  had  gone  through.  Moreover, 
the  warmth  of  the  place  wa3  enough  to  draw  her  into  a 
slumber. 

It  was  not  long,  then,  before  her  eyes  closed  and  she 
became  lost  in  the  unconsciousness  of  sleep. 

For  some  time  Maud  and  Tom  King  remained  silent, 
fearful  if  they  spoke  that  the  sound  of  their  voices  should 
disturb  her. 

"The  night  is  going  fast,"  said  Tom  King.  "Surely 
before  long  we  shall  hear  something  of  the  abscat 
ones." 

Maud  started,  for  she  had  bocome  so  deeply  interested 
in  the  fate  of  the  poer  orphan  that  for  a  time  the  recol- 
lection of  everything  else  was  driven  from  her  mind. 

"  Yes,"  she  said,  with  an  anxious  sigh.     "  Let  us  hope 
they  will  return  in  safety." 
"  I  have  little  fear  of  that." 

"  But  how  surprised  they  will  all  be  when  they  sea 
this  little  stranger  among  us." 

"  They  will.  But  what  I  ohiefly  hope  is  that  the  ostler 
will  be  able  to  follow  that  carriage  to  its  destination.  If 
he  does  so- -no  matter  at  what  personal  risk  to  myself — I 
will  take  such  6teps  as  will  unmask  the  uncle's  villany  ! 
No  doubt  he  now  rejoices  in  the  successful  accomplish- 
ment of  his  heinous  designs;  but  he  shall  be  awakened 
from  his  state  of  false  security !" 

"  He  is  a  monster  in  human  shapo  !"  said  Maud.    "  None 
other  could  perpetrate  such  a  deed.    Look  at  her  now, 
and  ask  yourself  what  kind  of  a  wretch  must  the  man  bo 
who  would  harm  her !" 
"  I  feel  with  you,  Maud  " 

"  But  think  wlfit  a  refinement  of  cruelty  it  was  to  work 
upon  her  feelings  with  such  a  specious  tale  as  he  did, 
and  then  doom  her  to  a  lingering  death  by  starvation !" 
"  That  is  where  he  made  his  great  mistake,  and,  surely, 
Maud,  if  this  little  heiresses  restored  to  her  rights  by  our 
instrumentality  that  will  be  a  kind  of  set-off  against  our 
other  deeds  against  society." 

Maud,  at  these  words,  was  about  to  speak — tw  give 
utterance  to  a  thought  that  had  long  been  topmost  in  her 
miDd-~but  she  hesitated,  and  when  she  made  up  her  mind 
again  the  opportunity  to  speak  was  lost,  for  a  faint  tapping 
from  without  came  upon  thoir  ears. 

"That  is  some  one  returned,"  exclaimed  Tom  King, 
springing  to  his  feet.  "  Remain  here,  Maud,  and  watch. 
I  will  soon  biizg  you  word  who  it  is."' 

For  greater  safety,  the  entrance. to  the   subterranean 
apartment  was  always  secured  on  the  inner  side  when 
occupied,  60  that  no  one  could  enter  from  without. 
"  Who  is  there  ?"  asked  Tom. 

"Claude  and  myself,"  was  the  reply.  "But  where  Iff 
the  ostler  ?     How  is  it  tbeie  is  uo  o*e  on  &o  ar*uJ»  V 


1644 


BLACK     BESS  ;     OR. 


Tom  opened  the  door,  and  then  caught  sight  of  the  in- 
distinct figures  of  his  two  comrades,  Claude  Duval  and 
Sixteen-String  Jack. 

"  Strange  things  hare-  happened  since  you  left,"  he  said. 
''You  must  attend  to  your  horses  yourselves." 

"  We  have  done  so ;  but  what  has  happened  ?" 

"  Nothing  alarming.     Come  down." 

The  highwaymen  obeyed,  and  the  entrance  was  r>/s.in 
secured. 

Maud  was  standing  near  the  inner  doorway. 

She  had  learned  already  from  the  voices  that  Dick  had 
not  returned. 

Listening  attentively,  she  heard  Claude  Duva'  <»av  .' 

"  Has  the  captain  come  back  ?" 

"Not  yet," 

"  Have  you  seen  anything  of  him  ?"  asked  Maud,  unable 
to  repress  the  question. 

"  Nothing  whatever.  We  did  not  expect  to  do  so,  as 
we  have  been  in  quite  a  different  direction." 

"He  will  not  be  here  before  to-morrow  night,"  said 
Sixteen-String  Jack,  "  for  in  a  very  short  time  it  will  be 
broad  daylight.  But  what  is  it  that  has  happened  while 
we  have  been  away  ?" 

He  entered  the  alchemist's  chamber  while  he  spoke, 
and  Maud  replied  to  his  question  merely  by  raising  her 
finger  and  pointing  to  the  sleeping  form  of  the  little 
child. 

"Good  Heaven!"  ejaculated  Jack,  "where  has  that 
little  stranger  come  from  ?" 

"  Speak  quietly,"  said  Tom,  "  or  you  will  wake  her.  If 
you  will  give  me  your  attention  for  a  little  while  I  will 
tell  you  all." 

It  was  easy  to  see  how  deeply  interested  Claude  and 
Jack  were,  and  when  Tom  had  reoited  the  brief  events  of 
the  night  they  broke  out  into  loud  execrations  upon  the 
mole's  villany. 


CHAPTER  OMXOII. 

DICK   TURPm  TAKKS  LITTLE  BOTH  TO  ST.   JAMKS'8   PAW«CK, 
AND   MAKES  A  STARTLING   DISCOVERY. 

The  event  proved  that  Sixteen-Strtng  Jack  had  spoken 
rightly  when  he  said  that  Dick  Turpin  would  not  return 
before  the  following  night. 

The  day  was  passed  wretchedly  by  Maud,  for  her  mind 
was  filled  with  tormenting  doubts  and  fears ;  but  the 
companionship  of  Ruth  and  her  innocent  prattle  prevented 
her  from  giving  way  to  them  so  completely  as  she  other- 
wise would  have  done. 

But  her  anxiety  was  fully  shared  in  by  all  three  of  the 
highwaymen,  for  they  well  knew  how  unusually  fraught 
with  danger  his  enterprise  was. 

As  night  approached,  their  uneasiness  grew  more 
marked,  though,  for  Maud's  sake,  they  strove  to  conceal 
H  as  well  as  they  were  able. 

The  hour  of  twelve  had  pealed  forth  from  the  church 
i-n  the  adjacent  village  when  the  listeners  were  aroused 
by  a  summons  at  the  secret  entrance. 

"  It  is  the  captain !"  all  cried,  but  they  were  doomed 
to  disappointment. 

It  was  Jack  the  ostler,  whose  countenance  wore  an  ex- 
pression of  unusual  importance. 

"  Well,"  said  Tom  King,  quickly,  "  have  you  been  sue- 
:essful?" 

"  Ye3,  captain." 

"  You  tracked  the  carriage  *' 

"Yes." 

"To  what  place  ?'' 

"  St.  James's  Palace." 

The  las*  words  were  echoed  bw  all  in  tones  of  amass- 
ment. 

"  And  did  he  enter  there?" 

"He  did." 

"  And  what  else  did  you  learn  ?" 

"Nothing.  I  came  straight  back,  thinking  tt  best  not 
to  show  myself." 

"You  were  right — quite  right!  St.  James's  Palace. 
Then  this  little  girl  must  be  of  higher  rank  than  I  took 
her  to  be." 

"  Why  not  question  her  ?"  said  Claude.  "  No  dowbt 
she  could  give  much  information." 

11 1  scaroely  like  to  trouble  her  at  present.  Let  her  be 
until  the  captain's  retain  :  then,  when  we  feel  no  anxiety 


ou  Lib  iucount,  we  can  give  all  the  more  attention  to  what 
she  has  to  say." 

This  was  assented  to,  and  by  way  of  a  ohange  it  was 
proposed  that  they  should  all  make  their  way  above  ground, 
and  keep  a  vigilant  look-out. 

But  their  patience  was  severely  testea,  for  it  was  not 
until  nearly  dawn  that  they  caught  sight  of  the  welcome 
form  of  their  captain. 

When  they  perceived  him  approaching — being  to  all 
appearances  uninjured — they  were  inexpressibly  relieved, 
for  the  long  delay  had  filled  thorn  with  a  thousand  appre- 
hensions. 

In  the  space  of  a  few  more  moments  he  was  surrounded 
with  his  faithful  companions,  and  had  Maud's  head  resting 
against  his  breast. 

A  dozen  questions  were  asked  him  at  once,  but,  holding 
up  his  hand,  he  said : 

"  Have  patienoe  for  a  little  while,  and  I  will  tell  you 
all." 

Leaving  the  horses  in  charge  of  the  ostler,  and  bidding 
him  also  to  keep  a  sharp  look-out,  they  made  their  way 
to  the  underground  apartment. 

The  sight  of  the  little  girl  was  an  intense  surprise  to 
Dick,  which  was  just  what  his  comrades  intended  it 
should  be. 

"Ah!"  he  ejaculated,  "a  stranger.  Where  on  earth 
has  she  come  from  ?" 

Maud  would  have  answered  him  at  once  and  fully,  for 
her  heart  was  full  of  indignation  at  what  had  taken  place ; 
but  Claude  interrupted  her. 

"  We  will  hear  your  adventures  first,  if  you  please, 
captain.     After  that  we  will  gratify  your  curiosity." 

On  this  ground  Maud  was  deeply  interested,  and  we 
are  justified  in  saying  that  she  felt  more  curiosity  and 
anxiety  to  hear  the  reoital  of  the  captain's  adventures 
than  either  of  his  three  comrades. 

"  I  will  gratiiy  you,"  6aid  Dick,  "  for  though  I  have 
been  away  from  you  bo  long,  I  can  describe  what  has 
taken  place  in  a  very  few  words." 

With  this  he  commenced;  but  he  soon  found  the 
narrative  took  much  longer  in  delivering  than  he  had  an- 
ticipated. 

When  he  described  his  singular  adventure  with  the 
gentleman  who  had  given  him  the  ring  and  mentioned 
St.  James's  Palace,  his  hearers  exchanged  glances,  and 
wondered  whether  there  would  prove  to  be  any  connection 
between  the  two. 

"And  now,  my  friends,"  Dick  said,  "that  is  all.  I 
have  no  more  to  tell.  But  do  not  keep  me  any  longer 
in  suspense  about  that  little  girl.  Where  did  you  find 
her  ?" 

"I  will  tell  you,"  said  Tom  King,  who  thereupon  gave 
a  very  full  description  of  the  occurrences  in  the  ruins  on 
the  preceding  night. 

"Never,"  said  Dick,  interrupting  him,  and  speaking 
in  a  voice  which  well  showed  the  state  of  his  feelings — 
"  never  have  I  heard  of  a  case  of  more  atrocity.  But  go 
on — go  on." 

Tom  complied 

While  he  was  speaking,  the  young  girl,  who  had  awoke 
from  her  long  sleep,  stood  beside  Maud,  listening  with  as 
much  eagerness  as  anyone,  though  every  now  and  then 
tears  would  spring  into  her  eyes. 

At  last,  when  Tom  concluded,  Dick  said : 

"  I  cannot  but  commend  you  strongly  for  having  pre- 
served so  much  command  over  yourself.  I  question 
whether,  under  such  circumstances,  I  should  have  been 
controlled  by  any  considerations  of  safety." 

"  Perhaps  I  should  not  have  been,"  answered  Tom, 
"had  I  been  in  full  possession  of  my  health  and 
vigor." 

"  At  any  rate,  it  is  a  most  fortunate  circumstance,  for 
no  one  now  knows  anything  about  our  being  concealed 
here,  and  you  have  saved  the  child  as  well." 

"  Perhaps  saved  her  more  effectually  than  we  could 
have  done  by  an  active  interference." 

"Very  likely.  But  come  here,  little  pet,"  said  Dick,  in 
a  gentle  voice,  and  drawing  her  towards  him  as  he  spoke. 
"  Do  not  be  afraid  of  me,  but  believe  that  I  will  be  your 
friend,  and  never  fear  that  any  harm  will  come  to  you 
while  I  am  by." 

Ruth  placed  her  hands  in  Dick  Turpin's  with  the  ut- 
most confidingness. 

"  But  what  think  you  of  her  uncle's  rank  ?"  whispero* 


THE    h.MUHT    OF   THJS    UOAD. 


lftt 


Tom.     "  The  ostler  tracked  him  to  St.  Jaines'a  Palace. 
Who  can  he  be  ?"    ' 

"  I  can  give  no  guess,"  answered  Dick,  glancing  at  the 
r.ag ;  "  but  I  believe  there  is  one  within  those  walls  who 
feels  himself  indebted  to  me  on  the  score  of  gratitude.  I 
fancy,  too,  that  he  possesses  power  there.  At  any  rate,  I 
will  go  to-night,  and  ask  him  to  interest  himself  and  use 
his  influence  m  this  little  thing's  behalf." 

"  But  I  have  set  myself  the  task  of  seeing  her  right*^" 
exclaimed  Tom  King,  quickly. 

"  If  you  have,  there  are  many  reasons  why  you  snould 
pass  the  charge  over  to  me.  I  have  the  means  of  gaining 
admittance  to  the  palace,  which  you  have  not,  and  although 
you  may  feel  better  than  you  did,  yet  1  think  you  are 
scarcely  well  and  strong  enough  to  undertake  such  an  im- 
portant matter." 

Tom  was  silent,  tor  he  could  not  but  admit  the  absolute 
truth  and  reason  of  these  remarks. 

"  But,"  said  Maud,  timidly,  "  will  it  be  safe  to  go  ?  Will 
there  not  be  a  general  look-out  for  you  ?" 

"  There  may  be,  but  I  feel  no  apprehension  as  to  the 
result  Besides,  there  is  time  for  a  good  rest  between 
now  and  nightfall,  and  it  so  happens  that  we  have  no 
business  of  any  kind  until  to-morrow,  when  some  one 
must  go  to  receive  old  Matthew's  letter  on  the  bridge." 

"  Then  I  bespeak  that  duty !"  cried  Tom  King.  "  I 
am  tired  to  death  of  being  imprisoned  here.  I  can  manage 
th  at  easily." 

"Agreed,"  said  Dick — "that  is,  supposing   that  you 
find  yourself  sufficiently  recovered  of  your  wound." 
"  I  shall  be  all  right  after  a  rest." 

"1,  too,  feel  much  fatigued,  yet,  first  of  all,  I  should 
like  to  ask  some  questions  of  our  little  stranger  here,  if  she 
would  answer  them." 

Hearing  this,  Kuth  looked  up  with  wonder  in  her  eyes. 
"I  want  you  to  tell  us,"  said  Dick,   "  who  you  are,  aud 
who  your  uncle  is.    I  shall  then  be  better  able  to  judge 
what  to  do." 

"  My  name  is  Ruth — Lady  Ruth  sometimes  they  call 
nie." 

'•  Lady  Buth  what  ?" 

Oomynge." 
v  A.nd  was  your  father  known  by  that  title  ?" 
"  \res." 

"  A  ud  your  uncle  ?" 
"He  is  Lord  Oomynge  now." 
"And  does  he  live  at  St.  James's  Palace  ?" 
"  Yes — that  is  where  he  is  in  attendance  upon  the  King, 
which  is  nearly  always." 

"But  how  was  it  he  brought  you  here  ?" 
"I  was  at  a  party — this  is  the  dress  I  wore.  I  was  iu 
the  garden,  and  happened  to  be  alone.  Suddenly  my  uncle 
appeared,  and  told  me  he  wanted  me  to  go  with  him  a 
litile  way — that  my  parents  wished  me  to  do  so  wueu  1 
attained  my  seventh  year." 
u  And  you  complied  ?" 

"Oh  yes.  I  thought  no  harm,  though  I  had  always 
greatly  feared  my  uncle.  I  wanted  to  re-enter  the  hou^e 
to  put  on  my  things,  and  tell  them  of  my  departure  ;  but 
ho  said  there  wa3  no  necessity,  as  his  carriage  was  wait- 
ing close  by,  and  that  he  had  already  announced  his  in- 
tention of  taking  me  away  for  an  hour  or  so." 

"  Poor  thing,"  said  Dick,  stroking  her  glossy  hair.     "  I 
can  easily  understand  how  you  would   fall  into  such   a 
well-laid  trap  as  that.    And  so  be  brought  yoa  here  to 
murder  you?" 
The  child  was  silent. 

"  The  mention  of  the  name,"  interrupted  Claude  Duval, 
"reminds  me  that  this  place  is,  or  used  to  be,  called  Com- 
ynge-Castle." 

Then  if  that  is  the  case  it  will  account  for  the  villain 
bringing  his  niece  here.  I  wonder,  now,  whether  there 
is  any  truth  in  this  tale  about  a  secreted  treasure  f " 

"  I  should  think  not,  and  yet  there  may  bo  some  founda- 
tion of  truth  iu  it.  However,  we  can  easily  look  ia  the 
norning  and  see." 

"  True ;  but  at  present  I  propose  some  rest,  and,  if  I 
may  j  udge  by  your  lo**ks,  my  proposal  will  be  welcomely 
enough  received." 
He  was  right. 

All  were,  without  exception,  thoroughly  worn  out 
The  care  of  the  place  was  left  entirely  to  Jaok  the  ostler 
above,  about  whose  fidelity  net  the  shadow  of  a  doubt  was 
mrw  entertained. 


In  a  short  time  afterwards  the  profoundest  stillnes* 
prevailed,  and  it  was  not  until  just  as  evening  was  ap- 
proaching that  the  highwaymen  reassembled. 

Claude  aud  Jack  had  made  known  the  pecuniary  result 
of  their  last  expedition,  and  as  the  amount  w^s  not  suffi- 
cient for  their  purpose  it  was  agreed  that  they  should  take 
another  turn  upon  the  highway  while  Dick  repaired  to 
St  James's  Palace. 

He  had  little  doubt  that  if  he  merely  declared  his  story, 
and  left  the  little  girl  in  charge  of  the  stranger  he  had  be- 
friended, she  would  be  well  taken  care  of  in  the  future, 
and  her  villanous  uncle  punished. 
At  any  rate,  this  was  what  he  hoped. 
As  the  time  drew  near  for  the  little  girl  to  take  her  de- 
parture, Maud  wept  plenteously,  for  short  as  had  been 
the  time  of  their  acquaintance,  yet  she  had  learned  to  love 
this  little  girl  with  no  common  affection. 

As  for  little  Lady  Ruth  herself,  she  fully  reciprocated 
this  feeling,  and  also  wept  at  the  prospect  of  separation. 
Not  only  was  she  extremely  fond  of  Maud,  but  the  novelty 
of  her  situation  charmed  and  delighted  her. 
Dick  only  waited  until  it  was  perfectly  dark. 
In  spite  of  her  hard  gallop  on  the  previous  night, 
he  found  Black  Bess  in  capital  condition  for  the  road. 

Tom  King  looked  with  an  eye  of  envy  upon  the  prepara- 
tions for  departure,  and  almost  felt  inclined  to  join  them; 
but  Maud's  earnest  entreaties  for  him  to  remain  and  bear  her 
company,  as  well  as  sundry  sharp  twinges  which  his  arm 
gave  hiin  now  aud  then,  induced  him  to  overcome  this  in- 
clination. 

Dick  took  his  departure  first. 

The  ostler  had  given  him  the  word  that  the  coast  was 
perfectly  clear,  so  ne  sprang  iuto  the  saddle  and  then  had 
the  little  girl  seated  in  front  of  hiin. 

"  Expect  me  before  daybreak,"  he  cried,  as  he  allowel 
the  reins  to  fall  upon  the  back  of  Black  Bess  ;  "  but  if  1 
do  not  return  by  then  on  no  account  set  out  to  meet 
me." 

The  little  girl  wa3  for  some  moments  terrified  at  her 
situation,  which  appeared  to  her  to  be  full  of  danger. 

Perceiving  this,  Dick  hastened  to  reassure  her,  and  in 
a  few  moments  succeeded  in  dispelling  her  fears. 

On  his  way  Dick  glanced  continually  about  him,  for  he 
fully  expected  to  meet  with  the  officers  before  going  far. 
He  was  tolerably  certain  that  such  a  commotion  as  he  had 
raised  on  the  two  preceding  nights  would  not  die  out  vjry 
readily. 

The  little  girl  noticed  his  perpetual  vigilanc3,  but 
never  once  guessed  the  cause,  for  they  had  all  been  most 
cautious  to  keep  their  occupation  a  secret. 

To  Dick's  agreeable  surprise  the  journey  to  London 
was  performed  without  any  accident ;  but  when  he  drew 
near  to  St.  James's  Palace  he  began  to  wonder  in  what 
manner  he  could  dispose  of  his  mare. 

After  the  result  of  placing  her  in  the  stable  in  Piccadilly 
he  was  scarcely  likely  to  attempt  that  mode  of  disposal 
again ;  but  the  question  arose  of  what  else  he  could 
do. 

He  came  in  sight  of  the  dull,  dingy-looking  palace  with- 
out having  come  to  a  decision. 

"  It  will  not  do  to  hesitate  or  loiter,"  he  muttered. 
"  Such  a  course  would  inevitably  give  rise  to  suspicion. 
I  have  a  good  mind  to  ride  boldly  beneath  the  gateway, 
and  give  one  of  the  palace  lackeys  the  job  of  holding 
her." 

This  was  an  idea  that  probably  would  have  occurred  to 
no  one  else  but  Dick  Turpin. 

Yet  the  usore  he  considered  it,  the  more  Ue  liked  it, 
and  so  he  continued  to  ride  on  at  his  former  easy 
pace. 

As  usual,  a  sentinel  stood  at  the  entrance  of  the  court- 
yard. 

Hearing  the  sound  of  an  approaching  horse's  hoofs,  Le 
looked  up. 

By  the  aid  of  the  dark,  flickering  oil  lamp  suspended 
above  him,  and  which  was  the  best  exterior  illumination 
the  palace  afforded,  he  made  out  the  form  of  out 
hero. 

Dick  rode  on  without  bestowing  any  notice  upct 
him. 

Finding  himself  treated  iu  this  unceremonious  manner, 
the  sentry  allowed  Dick  to  pass  without  questioning  : 
but  had  Dick  shown  any  hesitation,  admittance  would 
doubtless  have  been  denied  to  him. 


1646 


RLACTK.    BESS;    OR, 


Ere  going  tar,  however,  turpin  encountered  another 
soldier  on  guard,  and  this  one  was  more  particular. 
"Your  business  ?"  ho  said,  briefly. 
"  Be  good  enough  to  look  at  this  ring." 
He  extended  his  hand  as  he  spoke. 
The  sentry  made  as  good  an  examination  as  the  dark- 
ness  permitted:  but   it  seemed  a  satisfactory  one,  for  he 
said: 

"  All  right— pass  on  !     Knock  at  the  fourth  doc 
funic  to  on  your  left  hand." 

"  Does  your  beat  extend  so  far  ?" 
"  Yes — just  beyond,  sir.    Why  ?" 

"Because,  if  you  like,  I  will  leave  you  in  charge  of 
my  mare.  She  will  be  no  trouble  whatever,  as  sho  will 
stand  quietly  enough  by  the  door  if  she  is  not  iritoiferod 
with  ;  and  as  you  go  by,  if  you  will  just  beep  an  eye  upon 
her,  that  is  as  much  as  will  be  required." 
"  All  right,  sir." 

Dick  rode  on  till  he  reached  the  door  mentioned  by  the 
guard. 

Then  dismounting,  ho  assisted  the  little  girl  to  her  feet. 
"  Woa,  Bess,"  he  said,  in  a  low  voice — "steady,   lass! 
Wait  here  till  I  como  back." 

Having  thus  spoken,  he  knocked  loudly   at  the   door, 
raising  a  thousand  echoes  in  the  silent  courtyard. 
His  summons  met  with  a  speedy  response. 
Without  waiting  to  say  or   hear  a  word,   Dick  coolly 
crossed  the  threshold. 

"Who  are  you,  sir?"  said  a  man,  clad  in  the  cos- 
tume of  a  yeoman  of  the  guard.     "  What  do  you  want  ?" 
Dick  held  out  his  hand. 
"Just  look  at  that  ring,  will  you?" 
"All  right,  sir,"  said  the  man,  respectfully,  after  a  hasty 
glance — "  pass  on.     Ascend  the  stairs.     At  *.he  top  you 
will  bo  challenged  again." 

The  little  girl  walked  by  Turpin's  side  with  tho  air  of 
one  who  had  long  been  accustomed  to  tread  beneath  that 
royal  roof.  Indeed,  if  Diok  had  thought  of  applying  to 
her,  she  would  have  made  an  excellent  guard. 

Sure  enough  at  the  top  of  the  stairs  they  were  stopped 
again — this  time  by  a  man  who  was  not  attired  in  any 
uniform  whatever. 

Having  looked  at  the  ring,  he  gazed  upon  Turpin  with 
no  little  surprise  and  curiosity. 

"  You  cannot  see  him  to-night,"  said  this  plainly-attired 
individual. 

Dick  was  strongly  inclined  to  ask,  "  See  who  ?"  for  l<e 
had  not  the  least  "idea  to  whom  the  ring  belonged.  But 
the  manifest  impolicy  of  saying  anything  of  the  kind 
made  him  silent. 

In  a  moment  after  he  replied  is  a  very  different 
manner. 

"  I  must !"  he  said,  ourtly. 
"Impossible!" 

"But  I  say  I  must;  and  if  not  now,  I  will  wait  till  I 
can !" 

"If  your  business  is  urgent  you  can  confide  it  to 
me." 

Dick  shook  his  head  resolutely. 

"  Then  you  can  just  go  back  tho  way  that  you  came; 
and  the  next  time,  if  you  do  not  chou.Je  to  tell  me  your 
business,  you  will  have  a  great  deal  of  difficulty  in  getting 
this  far,  let  me  tell  you  !" 

"  What's  that,  eh— eh— what's  that  ?"  said  a  voice. 
A   door  was    opened   hastily,   and  some  one   stepped 
forward  with  a  hurried,  undignified,  ungraceful  step 

The  gentleman  in  the  plain  suit  no  sooner  heard  this 
voice  than  he  uttered  an  ejaculation  of  dismay,  and  seemed 
ready  to  fall  flat  to  the  floor. 

He  faced  round,  however,  and  began  to  muttas  eome 
excuses. 

Dick  looked  up,  and  at  once  recognised  the  stranger  he 
had  befriended. 

His  countenance  showed  the  marks  of  the  injuries  he 
had  received. 

"Your  Royal  Higbnoss->j-"  gasped  tho  gentleman  in 
black. 

The  words  filled  Dick  with  amazement. 
At  tm.  -*me  time  he  felt  th  )  little   girl  tugging  «.t  JiJs 
hand,  and  looked  down  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  her  doing 

•o.  .... 

"It's  the  Prince  of  Wales,"  she  said,  in  a  whispor. 
»  Be  careful  what  you  say  and  **N  for  he  has  got  an  awful 
towyser." 


CHAPTER  CMXOIII. 

FOLLOWS  TUB  ADVENTURES   OF   DICK    TURl'IK    ASTD    BLACfc. 
BESS. 

The  way  in  which  little  Hath  spoke  would  at  any  other 
time  have  brought,  a  smile  to  Diek  Turpin's  lips. 

But  on  the  present  occasion  such  an  expression  of  feel- 
ing was  altogether  impolitic  and  not  to  be  thought  of. 

It  was  not  possible,  however,  for  Dick  all  in  a  moment 
to  overget  the  astonishment  that  was  produced  by  the 
discovery  that  the  person  he  had  saved  from  such  im- 
minent danger,  and  whose  behavior  seemed  so  eccentric, 
was  no  less  a  personage  than  his  Royal  Highness  the 
Prince  of  Wales  and  grandson  of  the  King. 

But  much  of  the  eccentricity  of  his  behavior  was  r.  >  w 
accounted  for. 

He  was  not  allowed  any  further  time  for  thought,  how- 
ever, for  the  prince  said : 
"  Cameron !" 

"Ye — ye — yes,  your  Royal  Highness!"  stammered  tb.6 
man. 

"  Be  off,  and  don't  attempt  to  pry  into  my  private 
affairs  again." 

"  But,  your  Royal  High -" 

"Be  off,  I  say!" 

Warned  probably  by  the  tone  of  the  prince's  voice  that 
it  would  bo  unwise  to  exasperate  him  any  further, 
Cameron  beat  a  retreat. 

"And  now,  sir,"  said  the  prince,  addressing  himself  to 
Dick,  "  may  I  ask  your  business  with  me  ?" 

Once  again  by  way  of  reply  Dick  simply  held  out  his 
hand. 

"  What,  is  it  you  ?"  said  the  prince,  in  accents  of  sur- 
prise. "  Well,  well — never  mind.  But  you  must  be  some-, 
thing  more  than  a  mau,  that  is  all  I  can  say." 

"Nay,  your  Royal  Highness,  you  requested  me  to 
call!" 

"  I  did — I  did ;  yet  never  thought  that  you  would  be 
foolhardy  enough  to  do  so." 
"  I  am  here." 

"  I  see  you  are.  Follow  me  into  this  room,  where  we 
can  converse  in  private." 

The  prince  led  the  way  back  into  the  room  from  which 
he  had  so  unexpectedly  emerged. 

"  Shut  the  door  and  sit  down,"  said  the  prince,  as  he 
flung  himself  into  a  luxurious  easy  chair.  "  I  don't  want 
to  play  the  prince  just  now — bah  !  I  am  sick  of  it." 
Dick  complied  with  the  greatest  readiness. 
"  I  told  you,"  began  the  prince,  "  that  if  you  liked  to 
call  here  some  night  you  would  hear  something  to  your 
advantage." 

"  Your  Royal  Highness  was  good  enough  to  say  so,  but 
believe  me,  I  had  not  then  the  remotest  idea  of  who  yoa 
were." 

"  I  believe  not ;  but  I  expected  you  would  come  alone. 
What  little  girl  is  that  you  have  with  you  ?" 

"  Does  not  your  Royal  Highness  recognise  her  ?" 
The  prince  stretched  his  little  sleepy-lookiDg  eyes  as 
wide  opeu  as  his  fat  cheeks  would  let   him,   then  said, 
slowly : 

"  I  fancy  I  have  seen  her  before." 

"  Your  Royal  Highness,  this  is  the  Lady  Ruth  Oom- 


"Comynge?"  repeated  the  prince,  while  a  black,  por- 
tentous-looking frown  almost  hid  his  eyes  altogether. 

"  Yes  ;  and  if  your  Royal  Highness  will  only  be  kind 
enough  to  listen  to  what  I  have  to  relate  you  will  at  once 
take  this  poor  child's  part." 

"  I  don't  know  that !"  muttered  the  prince. 

This  was  by  no  means  encouraging — moreover^  Dick 
was  considerably  puzzled. 

Nevertheless,  he  steadily  began  his  narrative,  relating 
everything  in  connection  with  the  little  girl  He  pro- 
ceeded at  some  length,  for  the  prince  listened  with  avidity, 
but  what  was  strangest  of  all,  with  evident  gratification. 

Dick  trusted  ere  leng  to  be  able  to  solve  all  these  mys- 

Wheu  he  had  brought  his  narrative  to  a  conclusion  the 
prince  said : 

"  This  is  the  second  service  you  have  rendered  me. 

"Second  service?"  ejaculated  Dick,  amazed.  --How 
so?" 

«  In  this  way :  This  girl's  uncle,  Comynge,  is  the  Kings 
l  confidant.    He  has  his  car  in  everything,  and,  what  i* 


THE  KNIGHT  OB  THE  ROAD. 


1647 


mere,  he  is  my  bitter  foe.  Tee,"  said  the  prince,  spite- 
fully, "I  hate  him!  He  is  ever  prying  into  rny  private 
affairs,  and  poisoning  the  King's  mind  against  me.  I 
won't  fall  in  with  his  views,  and  so,  you  see,  he  is  deter- 
mined that  I  shall  be  disgraced." 
Dick  nodded. 

"  But  now,"  cried  the  prince,  springing  to  his  feet,  and 
pacing  the  room  in  exultation,  "  I  have  him  in  my  power 
— completely  in  my  power !     I  will  crush  him !" 

The  prince  clenched  his  hands  tightly  as  he  spoke,  and 
the  expression  on  his  countenance  was  one  fff  unmitigated 
hatred. 

"  Tour  Royal  Highness,"  said  Dick,  also  rising  to  jjs 
feet. 
"  Well  ?" 

"  Excuse  me  a  moment." 

So  saying,  Dick  pointed  to  the  door,  towards  which  he 
strode  rapidly. 

The  thick,  soft  carpet  beneath  his  feet  prevented  the 
least  noise. 

By  his  movements,  the  prince  comprehended  that  Dicli 
suspected  that  some  one  was  listening  at  the  door,  and  so 
he  looked  on  with  great  suspense  and  curiosity  to  see 
what  the  highwayman  was  about  to  do. 
Dick  carefully  took  hold  of  the  knob. 
Turning  it  quickly,  he  opened  the  door  about  a  couple 
of  feet. 

Then,  with  equal  quickness,  closed  it  again. 
But  there  was  a  sudden,  sharp  crack  audible,  so,  in  the 
most  natural  manner  possible,  Dick  opened  the  door  to  see 
what  was  the  matter. 

On  his  knees  on  tho  mat,  and  rubbing  his  forehead  with 
a  veiy  rueful  air,  was  Cameron,  the  prince's  valet. 

"  Dear  me !"  said  Dick,  pretending  to  be  greatly  con- 
cerned. "  I  had  no  idea  you  were  there !  I  hope  you 
are  not  hurt,  sir  ?" 

Cameron  took  no  further  notice  of  this  speech  than  to 
mutter  some  curses  under  his  voice. 

Then  he  struggled  to  his  feet,  and  retired,  looking  com- 
pletely crestfallen. 

"Serves  him  right  1"  said  the  prince,  laughing 
heartily. 

Dick  closed  the  door  again,  and  resumed  his  seat 
"You  understand  now,"  said  the  prince,  after  a  pause 
of  a  few  minutes'  duration — "  you  understand  now  in 
what  manner  you  have  contrived  to  render  me  this  second 
service.  My  enemy  will  now  be  effectually  removed. 
Leave  Lady  Ruth  to  me,  and  I  will  see  not  only  that  her 
unnatural  kinsman  is  duly  punished,  but  that  she  shall  be 
fully  restored  to  the  rights  he  would  have  deprived  her 
of." 

"  The  word  of  your  Royal  Highness  is  quite  sufficient," 
said  Dick,  with  much  deference,  "  and  I  trust  yuu  will 
accept  my  thanks,  though  I  feel  myself  unable  to  express 
them." 

"  Enough  1"  said  the  prince.  "I  feel  myself  under  a 
deep  debt  of  obligation  to  you,  and,  in  spite  of  what  you 
are,  I  cannot  forget — besides,  I  have  a  still  further  call  to 
make  upon  your  services." 

"  Your  Highness,  you  will  always  find  me  ready  and 
willing." 

"  I  do  not  doubt  it.    I  cannot  unfold  my  plans  to  you 
to-night,  however.     Come  to  me  again,  and  I  will  be  pre- 
pared.   I  require  a  secret  agent  in  an  affair  of  much  im- 
portance." 
Diok  bowed  to  intimate  his  perfect  readiness. 
"Come,  Lady  Ruth,"  said  the  prince,  taking  her  by  the 
hand,  "  I  will  be  answerable  for  your  safety." 
'•  Your  Royal  Highness,"  said  Dick,  "  I  take  my  leave , 

but  if " 

41  If  what  ?    Say  on !" 

"  If  your  Highness  would  reward  me  so  far  as  to  give 
me  a  safe  conduct  from  the  palace.  I  have  only  made  my 
way  here  at  a  great  risk,  and  I  am  fearful  that  on  my  re- 
turn I  may  be  intercepted  by  my  enemies." 

Dick,  as  he  spoke,  walked  to  one  of  the  windows  in  the 
room,  and  drew  aside  the  heavy  curtain  with  which  it 
was  covered. 

Placing  his  face  close  to  the  glass,  he  peeped  out, 
and  found  that  he  commanded  a  view  of  the  court- 
yard. 

At  some  distance  off  he  could  perceive  Black  Bess 
siaiimug  as  still  as  any  statue. 

"  411  deems  well !"  he  exclaimed,  turning  back  into  the 


apartment.     "I  fancy  there  will  be   no  need  of  your 
Royal  Highness's  interference." 

"So  much  the  better  then,  for  I  wish  our  dealings  to  bn 
kept  as  seoret  as  possible.  Go,  and  have  no  fear;  I  wiil 
watch  at  this  window  until  you  take  your  departure." 

Dick  could  not  depart  without  saying  farewell  to  little 
Lady  Ruth. 

The  child  wept,  for,  young  as  she  fas,  yet  she  was 
conscious  th*t  she  was  parting  wi'h  a  well-tried 
friend. 

"1  shall  never  forget  you — never!"  she  cried,  through 
her  tears,,  as  Dick  Turpin  left  the  apartment. 

The  highwayman  had  taken  particular  notice  of  the 
different  corridors  he  had  passed  through  and  tho  various 
staircases  he  had  ascended,  so  he  was  able  to  find  his  way 
to  the  little  door  by  which  he  had  entered  with  as  much 
precision  as  any  inhabitant  of  the  place. 

The  yeoman  of  the  guard  who  had  admitted  him 
opened  the  door  and  allowed  him  to  pass  out. 

The  next  moment  he  was  standing  beside  Black 
Bess. 

But  just  as  he  was  about  to  place  his  foot  in  the  stirrup, 
a  man  sprang  out  of  the  darkness  and  seized  him  by  the 
throat. 

"  Dick  Turpin,"  he  said,  "  you  are  my  prisoner.  Sur- 
render quietly,  for  you  cannot  escape !  Tho  courtyard 
is  full  of  my  men  !" 

Dick  shook  off  his  grasp,  and  spoke  in  indignant 
tones : 

_"  I  am  not  in  the  humor  to  be  jested  with !    Stanc 
aside  !     What  do  you  mean  ?" 
Dick's  perfect  coolness  staggered  the  officer. 
"Surely,"  he  ejaculated — "surely  you  don't  go  for  to 
deny  your  'dentity  ?" 

"  You  are  drunk,  I  think." 

"No  ;  but  you  are  Dtck  Turpin,  and  at  all  hazards  I 
will  make  you  my  prisoner." 

"  Then  you  are  a  fool,  and  will   suffer  for  your  pains  ! 
Stand  off,  I  say !" 
"  If  you  are  not  Dick  Turpin,  who  are  you  then  ?" 
"  What  business  is  that  of  yours  ?" 
The  officer  placed  a  whistle  to  his  lips,  and  blew  it 
shrilly, 

"  Ycm  will  get  yourself  into  trouble,  you  wrong-headed 
fool !"  said  Dick.  "  I  am  a  friend  of  the  Prince  of  Wales's, 
and  am  even  now  about  to  set  forth  on  his  business  " 

"How  jolly  green  you  must  think  me!  It  won't  do, 
Dick,  for  you  won't  impose  upon  me  by  such  a  tale." 

Dick  played  his  part  very  well,  but  to  no  effect,  and  he 
now  looked  up  with  some  anxiety  at  the  window  at 
which  the  prince  had  promised  to  station  himself. 

Ho  was  wondering  how  far  the  prince  would  feel 
inclined  to  compromise  himself  on  his  behalf. 

But  surely  if  there  was  any  such  thing  as  gratitude 
existing,  the  Prince  would  interfere. 

The  officers  now  clustered  around  Dick  in  a  dense 
throng. 
He  began  to  grow  anxious. 
His  sole  hope  rested  with  the  prince. 
If  he  failed  to  keep  his  word  he  was  lost  indeed. 
"  Are  you  coming  quietly,  Dick  ?"  said  the  officer.  "  If 
not,  we  can  easily  overpower  you  by  force." 
"  Hark— behold !" 

At  this  moment,  with  a  clashing  sound,  one  of  the  upper 
casements  was  thrown  open. 

"  B-low,  there  !     Guard — guard  I" 
inere  was  an  immediate  stir  and  bustle,  and    then 
from  out  of  a  low  doorway  there  issued  several  soldiers. 
u  Halt !"  said  the  officer. 
The  soldiers  came  to  a  standstill. 

"  Give  that  gentleman  safe  escort  from  the  palace.  He 
is  engaged  on  my  private  business." 

The  voice  of  the  prince  was  well  known. 
Indeed,  there  was  somothing  so  peculiar  in  its  tone  that 
once  heard  it  was  never  forgotten. 

"Yes,  your  Royal  Highness,"  replied  the  officer  in 
command  of  the  soldiers. 

The  casement  was  closed  again. 

The  police  officer  who  was  so  certain  of  capturing 
Dick  Turpin  knew  the  prince's  voice  full  well,  so  he  shrank 
back. 

"  Be  careful  how  you  interfere  another  time,"  said  Dick, 
"or  his  Highness  will  have  you  removed  from  youi 
post" 


1648 


BLACK    BBSS  ;    OK, 


With  these  words  the  highwayman,  escorted  by  the 
small  troop  of  soldiers,  quickly  trotted  out  of  the  palace 
yard. 

When  once  in  the  open  street  he  felt  that  he  was  QJMte 
safe. 

But  he  made'up  his  mind  to  get  out  of  the  vicibuj-  of 
the  palace  with  all  speed. 

Accordingly  he  loosened  the  reins  upon  the  back  of 
Black  Bess,  and  the  next  moment  he  was  galloping 
up  St.  James's  Street  at  a  pace  that  raised  a  prodigious 
clatter 

"Home  now,'  Dick  muttered,  as,  having  reached  Pic- 
cadilly, he  turned  his  mare's  head  westward — "  home  now. 
I  ought  to  be  well  satisfied  with  all  that  I  have  accom- 
plished to-night." 

This  was  certainly  right ;  but  before  he  had  gone  v&ry 
far  Dick  found  that  he  was  troubled  with  a  most  torment- 
ing thirst. 

'  I  should  not  have  raised  an  objection  if  the  prince 
had  offered  me  a  glass  of  wine,"  he  murmured,  with  a 
smile.  "  However,  at  the  next  inn  I  come  to  I  will  pull 
up  for  a  moment  and  ha^e  a  good  draught  of  ale." 

'Being  in  England,  Dick  had  not  to  travel  far  without 
finding  what  he  sought. 

In  fact,  in  rather  less  than  five  minutes  afterwards  he 
caught  sight  of  one  of  those  pretty  roadside  inns  which 
were  more  plentiful  along  the  lines  of  the  different  high- 
ways then  than  they  are  now. 

The  place  looked  quiet  enough  in  all  conscience, 
and  Dick  at  any  rate  ran  whatever  risk  there  was  in 
stopping. 

He  pulled  up  in  front  of  the  long  horse  trough,  from 
which  he  allowed  Black  Bess  to  drink,  but  only  spar- 
ingly. 

"Hilloa!"  be  shouted.  "  House— house  !  Landlord- 
ostler  !"  . 

These  outcries  brought  to  the  front  door  of  the  inn  a 
young  and  rather  good-looking  girl,  and  to  the  yard  gate 
a  thin,  wiry  little  man,  evidently  the  ostler. 

"  A  tankard  of  your  very  best  old  October  ale,  my 
dear!"  said  Turpin,  to  the  girl.  "Make  haste,  for  lam 
very  thirsty,  and  if  the  ale  is  as  good  as  you  are  beautiful, 
it  will  be  very  welcome,  I  assure  you  !" 

The  o-irl  was  by  no  means  insensible  to  a  compliment, 
so  she  smiled  quite  pleasantly  upon  the  highwayman,  and 
ran  back  into  the  house. 

"  A  little  hay,"  added  Dick,  to  the  ostler—"  just  a  hand- 
ful, that's  all." 

At  this  momnct  the  blind  hanging  over  ODe  of  the 
windows  was  drawn  aside,  and  a  man  peered  out. 

One  of  the  upper  panes  of  this  window  was  broken, 
and  through  this  the  sound  of  voices  came  with  tolerable 
distinctness. 

"All  right/'  said  some  one — "I  can  see  her.  She 
is  quiet  enough ;  but  I  would  not  sell  her  for  a  thou- 
sand !" 

Dick  looked  about  him,  wondering  to  what  these  words 
could  apply. 

His  state  of  doubt  did  not  continue  long,  for  he  caught 
sight  of  a  very  handsome  bright  bay  horse,  that  was 
secured  by  the  rein  to  a  ring  that  was  fixed  in  the  wall 
near  the  window  from  which  the  man  had  looked 
out. 

"It's  a  beauty,"  he  muttered,  admiringly— " a  real 
beauty  1     She  could  almost  rival  my  own  bonny  Black 

The  horse  upon  which  Didft  gazed  was  in  good  truth  a 
splendid  creature,  and  it  is  very  probable  his  admiration 
would  have  gone  still  further,  but  just  at  this  moment  the 
young  girl  appeared,  carrying  the  tankard. 

Dick  took  it  from  her  with  a  glance  and  manner  that 
brought  the  color  to  her  cheeks. 

The  ale  was  of  good  quality,  and  Dick  was  very  thirsty, 
both  of  which  occurrences  combined  caused  the  liquid  to 
disappear  with  great  rapidity. 

When  he  paused  to  take  breath,  the  ostler  came  -with 
the  hay. 

A  few  unimportant  words  were  exchanged,  and  thea, 
when  just  about  to  ride  off,  Dick  slipped  a  crown  -piece 
into  the  palm  oi  the  ostler,  and  gave  the  girl  another, 
bidding  her  get  change  and  give  it  him  the  next  time  he 
sailed. 

At  a  gentle  trot,  Dick  now  set  forward,  tor  he  believed 
that  he  was  at  present  quite  out  of  danger,  and  as  there 


was  no  occasion  to  hurry  himself,  he  tho?sg!rt  he  might 
as  well  ride  to  the  oastle  quietly  as  not. 

But  just  at  the  moment  when  he   took  his  departure 
from  the  inn,  a  gentleman  came  out  of  the  front  door. 
"  Now,  ostler,"  he  cried,"  bring  my  nag  this  way  I" 
"  Are  you  off  now,  sir  ?" 
"  Yes ;  be  quick." 
"  All  right,  sir." 

The  gentleman  glanced  along  the  road,  and  caught 
sight  of  Dick  mounted  on  Black  Bess. 

They  had  indeed  only  got  a  few  yards  away. 
"  By  Jove !"  he   ejaculated,  in  a  voice  of  enthusiasm, 
"what  a  splendid  creature !    What  a  magnificent  trot,  to 
be  sure !" 

As  he  pronounced  the  words  several  other  persons 
sallied  forth  from  the  inn. 

They  were  idlers,  every  one  of  them,  and  only  came  in 
order  to  witness  the  traveller  ride  off,  for  he  had  been 
vaporing  for  at  least  an  hour  about  the  qualities  of  his 
steed — so  much  so  that  the  curiosity  of  all  was  strongly 
excited. 

Upon  hearing  the  remark  made  by  the  traveller,  the 
ostler  said : 

"  Mayhap,  sir,  you  don't  know  who  that  is  ?" 
"  I  certainly  do  not.     Do  you  ?" 

"  Yes,  very  well,"  returned  the  ostler,  with  a  peculiar 
smile. 

"  Well,  who  is  he  ?  I  should  like  to  know  him  on 
account  of  his  horse.  I  would  ride  any  distance  to  see  a 
bit  of  choice  horseflesh." 

The  gentleman  was  evidently  an  enthusiast  in  the 
matter  of  horses. 

"  I'll  tell  you  if  you  like,"  said  the  ostler. 
"  Well,  who  is  he  ?" 
"  You  have  heard  of  Dick  Turpin?" 
"  Of  course  I  have." 
"Well,  that's  him." 

The  ostler  poin*~d  down  the  road  as  he  uttered  these 
emphatic  words. 
"  Impossible !" 

"  It  is  not  impossible  at  all,  sir !  I  know  him !" 
"  Then,  you  rascal,  why  didn't  you  raise  an  immediate 
outcry,  and  try  to  capture  him  ?" 
"  What  for  ?" 

"  What  for  ?  Because  he  is  a  highwayman !" 
u  He  never  robbed  me  of  nothin'." 
"  That  may  be." 

"  Nor  I  never  saw  him  rob  nobody  else." 
"  That's  not  to  the  point.    If    you  knew  it  was  Dick 
Turpin,  your  duty  was  to  raise  the  alarm  immediately." 

"  Oh,  was  it  ?  Very  well,  I  shall  know  what  to  do 
when  I  see  him  again." 

Evidently  the  ostler  was  not  inclined  to  regard  Dick  in 
an  unfriendly  light. 

The  gentleman  gazed  after  the  retreating  forms  of  the 
highwayman  and  his  steed — both  of  them  now  nearly  out 
of  sight — with  feelings  very  different  to  those  he  had 
lately  looked  at  them  with. 

"Why  not  pursue  him    now?"   said  the  gentleman, 
turning  to  the  throng  of  idlers  near  the  inn  door*    "  We 
might    keep    on    his    track    till    we    met  with    assist- 
ance." , 
The  ostler  laughed. 

"  What  are  you  grinning  at,  yon  great  idiot  ?"  said  the 
gentleman,  angrily. 

"Why,  at  you,  for  thinking  of  such  a  thing.  Why, 
you  might  as  well  gallop  over  a  marsh  after  a  will-o'-the- 
wisp  as  after  Black  Bess  when  Dick  Turpin  was  on  ber 
back — you  would  have  about  as  good  a  chance  of  captur- 
ing one  as  the  other." 

"You  are  evidently  in  collusion  with  this  r<3bber,"  said 
the  gentleman,  hotly,  "  so  I  should  advise  you  to  be  very 
careful  what  you  say  and  do." 

"Collusion?"  repeated  the  ostler  slowly,  and  scratch^ 
ing  his  head  while  he  spoke.  'And  what  may  that 
mean  ?" 

"  Oh,  confound  you,  don't  bother  I'll  ride  off  after 
this  Dick  Turpin  myself."  ^ 

"Then  you're  mad,  sir,"  said  the  landlord,  coming  for- 
ward. 

"  Are  you  a  confederate  too  ?"  asked  the  gentleman, 
with  a  sneer. 

"  No,  I  am  ^ot ;  but  every  man  must  be  mad  T»ho 
would  heedL*sly  ride  to  his  death." 


THE   KNIGHT   CF  THE   ROAD. 


1 

1G49      '' 


[.SIXTEEN-STRING   JACK  AND  CLAUDE   DUVAL   FOLLOW  THE   MY&TERIOUS   LIGHT.] 


"  Bah  !  I  have  no  patience  with  you  at  all !  You 
seem  to  be  frightened  to  death  at  the  fellow's  name  ! 
He  is  but  a  man,  I  tell  you,  and  as  such  I  will  be  a  match 
for  him,  aa  my  nag  here  will  be  for  his  mare  !" 

"  Dick  Turpin's  match  has  not  been  found  yet,"  mut- 
tered the  ostler,  "  and  that  is  why  he  remains  at  liberty. 
Plenty  have  pitted  themselves  against  him,  but  they  have 
always  failed." 

"  No  matter  !"  said  the  stranger,  as  he  sprang  into  the 
saddle.  "  I  know  it  would  be  worse  than  useless  to  ask 
any  of  you  to  accompany  me,  so  I  shall  start  alone.  But 
don't  he  snrprised  to  see  me  come  back  with  my  prisoner 
all  safe!" 

"  I  shall !"  tho  ostler  was  heard  to  mutter,  under  his 
voice,  as  he  tnrned  aside  ;  and  he  was  further  heard  to 
say,  more  indistinctly,  something  about  a  wilful  man 
having  his  own  way. 

The  gentleman  took  not  the  slightest  notice  of  him, 

Na.  207.— Black  Bess. 


however,  but,  giving  a  patronising  nod  by  way  of  fare- 
well to  those  who  stood  at  the  inn  door,  ho  rode  away 
at  a  pace  that  was  indeed  wonderful. 

Tho  horse  he  bestrode  was  iD  good  truth  a  wonderful 
creature,  and  justified  him  to  a  very  great  extent  in 
boasting  about  it  as  he  did. 

"If  ho  goes  on  long  at  that  rate,"  said  the  iandlord, 
"he  will  not  be  long  in  overtaking  Dick  Turpin,  I'm 
thinking." 

"  That  depends  whether  he  lets  Black  Bess  have  her 
head  or  not,"  replied  the  ostler. 

The  gentleman  evidently  thought  ho  should  quickly 
overtake  Dick,  and  therefore  pushed  his  horse  to  tho 
utmost  of  his  capacity. 

He  was  quite  right  in  this,  but  the  event  was  brought 
about  in  a  manner  he  had  not  for  a  moment  expected, 
and  which,  consequently,  took  him  greatly  by  surprise. 

Hearing  some  one  coming  along  the  road  at  such  a 


MO.  207, 


i       fearful  rate,  Dick  Turpin,  so  far  from  urging  Bess  onward, 
pulled  her  up  altogether. 

Then,  turniug  her  head  in  the  opposite  diroclion,  he 
planted  her  in  the  middle  of  the  l-oad,  and  there  iraited 
quietly  to  see  who  was  approaching. 


CHAPTER  CMXCIV. 

DICK  TURTIN  SIEETS   UNEXPECTEDLY   WITH   A  NOVE».    CT 
PROFITABLE   ADVEN'TURE. 

This  manoeuvre  on  Dick'3  part  quite  disconcerted  his 
pursuer,  and  by  slow  degrees  he  reined-in  his  steed,  until 
its  pace  was  reduced  to  a  slow  wallc 

The  gentleman  really  thought  that  Dick  would  be 
afraid  of  anyone  who  had  courage  enough  to  face  him 
boldly;  but  the  highwayman's  behavior  quickly  dispelled 
tbis  very  erroneous  idea. 

Had  there  been  any  satisfactory  way  of  doing  so,  the 
gentleman  would  unquestionably  have  turned  back  again  ; 
but  he  could  not  do  so  without  passing  the  inn,  aud  he 
was  one  who,  above  all  things,  hated  to  be  laughed  at,  so 
he  held  on  his  way,  filled  with  hesitation  and  wondering 
what  he  should  do. 

It  was  not,  either,  without  a  great  deal  of  trepidation 
that  he  thus  rode  forward,  for  he  had  heard  many  strange 
stories  of  Dick  Turpin  and  his  doings,  and  consequently 
he  was  rather  nervous  as  to  what  fate  he  might  have  in 
store  for  him. 

His  horse  walked  on  until  it  reached  the  spot  where 
Black  Bess  was  standing. 

Dick  recognised  the  horse,  and  it  may  be  he  partially 
comprehended  what  was  the  gentleman's  intention. 

He  took  off  his  hat,  and  made  a  very  elaborate  bow. 

'■  Good  evening,  sir !"  he  said,  with  the  utmost  polite- 
ness.    "  I  feel  much  pleasure  in  meeting  with  you." 

The  gentleman  had  not  yet  recovered  his  self-posses- 
sion, nor  bad  he  made  np  his  mind  as  to  just  what  he 
should  do,  so  in  his  confusion  he  returned  Dick's  salutation 
with  a  great  deal  of  ceremony. 

"That  is  a  splendid  nag  you  have,  sir,"  remarked 
Dick. 

This  seemed  to  put  the  gentleman  more  at  his  case,  fw 
he  replied : 

"You  say  rightly,  sir.  His  equal  has  yet  to  be 
found.  I  have  never  met  him,  and  1  don't  beliefs  X  ever 
shall." 

"  Indeed !     Then  he  must  be  of  rare  quality  ?•■ 

"  He  is — he  is.  I  have  heard  much  about  a  mare  called 
Black  Bess,  and  have  been  told  wonderful  stories  of  her 
powers ;  but  I  should  not  be  afraid  to  match  mine  against 
even  her." 

"  Wouldn't  you  indeed  ?" 

"I  really  should  not." 

''  Now  supposing,  sir,  you  had  the  opportunity  of  taking 
a  trial  race  with  this  Black  Bess,  what  odds  would  you 
take  ?" 

"  Any." 

In  his  excitement  and  enthusiasm  about  his  horse,  the 
gentleman  was  ready  to  forget  anything. 

But  most  especially  did  he  congratulate  himself  upon  the 
turn  the  conversation  had  taken,  since  it  would  enable 
him  to  escape  an  encounter  with  the  redoubtable  highway- 
man without  any  disagreeable  imputations  upon  his  own 
courage. 

"  You  speak  boldly,"  said  Dick,  after  a  brief  pause. 

"  I  mean  what  I  say." 

"  That  is,  if  you  had  the  chance  of  trying  the  speed  of 
your  horse  agaiust  Black  Bess,  you  would  be  ready  to  bet 
any  amount  that  your  horse  would  win  ?  Well,  then,  sir. 
you  can  have  your  inclination  gratified,  provided  you  don't 
change  your  mind." 

"  Indeed,  sir?" 

"Yes,  in  deed  and  in  truth,  too.  For,  hark  vo,  sir,  a 
word  in  your  ear——." 

«  Well— well  ?" 

"  I  am  Dick  Turpin,  at  your  service,  and  this  is  Black 
Bess,  at  your  service  too." 

It  was  on  the  tip  of  the  stranger's  tongue  to  say : 

"  I  kttow  that  very  well  !" 

But  he  restrained  himself,  and  merely  repeated  the 
vTord : 

"  Indeed !" 

"  Yes,  sir,"  said  Dick ;  "and  if  you  don't  mind  makinjr 


it  worth  my  while,  wby,  you  shall  have  the  trial  race  yon 
so  much  wish  for." 

"  Make  it  worth  your  while  ?     How  ?" 

"  Why,  as  I  am  sure  to  win        " 

The  traveller  interrupted  him  with  a  laugh. 

Dick  repeated  his  words. 

"  As  T  am  sure  to  win,  you  must  make  something  like  a 
tolerable  bet,  otherwise  I  should  not  think  of  putting  my 
mare  and  myself  to  so  much  trouble." 

"  Upon  my  word  you  take  it  coolly." 

"  Always  did.  But  come,  sir,  time  is  passing.  Is  your 
inclination  unaltered  ?" 

"  Quite." 

"  Then  what  is  the  figure  ?  How  much  have  you  about 
you — I  mean  in  the  shape  of  ready  money,  rings,  jewels, 
ar;d  other  valuables  ?" 

The  traveller  stared  at  this  cool  question,  and  asked: 

u  Do  you  think  I  shall  tell  you  ?" 

"  Yes— -why  not  ?" 

"  Why,  I  suppose  that  would  only  be  preliminary  to 
asking  me  to  hand  them  over  to  you,  and  I  have  heard  so 
much  of  your  courage  and  prowess  that  I  don't  know 
whether  I  should  feel  inclined  to  run  the  risk  of  a  personal 
conflict  with  you." 

Dick  bowed  to  this  compliment. 

'•if  you  have  heard  much  about  me,"  he  said,  "you 
will  unquestionably  have  been  told  that  one  of  my  cha- 
racteristics is  that  whenever  I  pass  my  word  1  never  go 
back  from  it." 

'  I  have  heard  something  of  it." 

'  Then  on  the  present  occasion  I  give  you  my  word 
that,  if  you  will  answer  the  question  I  asked  you,  I  will 
not  make  the  slightest  attempt  to  take  what  you  have 
from  you." 

"  Then  why  do  you  want  to  know  ?" 

"  Answer  my  question  first.  Do  not  be  afraid  to  do 
so." 

"  Well  then,"  said  the  gentleman,  "  I  should  think  that, 
taking  the  ready  money  I  have  about  me,  and  placing  a 
fair  value  on  my  ornaments,  there  may  be  somewhere 
about  six  hundred  pounds." 

"  Indeed,  sir,  I  am  glad  to  hear  it." 

c  May  I  ask  why  ?"  *"' 

"Yes — because.now  there  is  a  chance  of  our  race  to 
come  off." 

"  Be  good  enough  to  explain  yourself." 

"  Certainly — nothing  is  easier.  As  you  may  be  aware, 
there  is  a  reward  of  one  thousand  pounds  to  bo  gained 
by  whoever  captures  me  and  takes  me  to  Newgate.' 

"  I  believe  it  is  so." 

"  It  is  a  fact,  I  can  assure  you,  and  tnat  being  under- 
stood, I  will  proceed  to  give  you  a  form  of  the  wager." 

"  I  am  all  attention." 

"Well,  then,  we  are  now  on  a  capital  bit  of  roadway 
— about  the  best  in  England,  I  should  think,  and  we 
are  by  no  means  likely  to  meet  with  anyone  at  this  late 
hour,  so  I  propose  that  we  adopt  it  for  our  race." 

"Agreed!" 

a  Then  as  to  the  distance.  Let  me  see,  Ealing  is  the 
village  next  on  before  us.  How  far  should  you  reckon 
it  to  be?" 

"  Rather  better  than  seven  miles,  I  should  think." 

"  You  are  about  right.  We  will  call  it  seven  miles, 
and  we  will  let  the  Horns  at  Ealing  be  our  goal." 

"  You  mean  the  little  inn  on  the  left-hand  side  of  the 
road  ?" 

"  Yes ;  and  whoever  reaches  there  first  shall  be  the 
winner  of  the  race." 

"  Agreed — that  is  fair  enough." 

"  And  now,  sir,  for  the  wager  itself.  If  I  get  to  the 
nn  first  you  will,  without  any  demur  or  resistance  what- 
ever, hand  over  everything  in  tka  shape  of  valuables  you 
possess — on  the  other  hand,  should  you  get  there  first,  I 
will,  when  I  arrive,  surrender  myself  to  you  in  au  instant, 
and  you  can  then  gain  the  thousand  pouuds  reward  offe-«d 
for  my  apprehension." 

The  gentleman  had  the  utmost  faith  in  the  capacity 
of  hi3  steed,  and  upon  hearing  the  highwayman  make 
this  proposition  his  eyes  glittered  with  cupidity. 

"And  you  are  willing  and  content  to  abide  by  that  ?" 

"  Perfectly." 
'Then  give  me  your  word." 

•'1  give  you  my  word,  which  has  never  once  been 
brokeu. " 


TUB    KNIGHT   OF  THE    ROAD. 


1651 


Enough." 

"You  clearj  anderstand,  and  unhesitatingly  agree  to 
(he  terms?" 

**  I  do." 

••  Then  no  moi\  aeed  be  said.  Let  us  ha  off  at  oace. 
I  am  ready  whenever  you  are." 

Dicfe'e  confidence  made  the  stranger  somewhat  uneasy  j 
but  he  strove  to  calm  bis  miud  by  tbiuking  that  it  wao 
more  braggadocio  on  Dick's  part  than  aught  else, 

"How  shall  we  arrange  to  start  at  the  same  mo- 
ment?" 

"  Easily.  You  see  the  moon  yonder  ?  It  is  just  emerging 
from  behind  that  dark  cloud.  When  it  perfectly  breaks 
forth  make  your  start." 

"Agreed!"  said  the  stranger  again. 

He  slightly  shifted  his  position  as  he  spoke,  so  as  to  be 
just  abreast  of  the  highwaymau. 

They  had  not  to  wait  long  before  making  the  start. 

The  moon  came  completely  out  from  behind  the  cloud 
which  had  for  so  long  obscured  her  radiance. 

The  very  instant  that  the  whole  of  her  silvery  disc 
was  exposed,  the  stranger  cried  : 

"  Off  now  and  away  !" 

At  the  same  moment  he  gave  his  horse  so  vicious  a 
dig  with  the  spurs  that  the  animal  cleared  a  tremendous 
distance  at  ono  bound,  and  then  went  tearing  along  at 
a  speed  which  could  only  be  characterised  as  terrific. 

But  Dick  adopted  no  such  violent  means. 

Simply  dropping  the  reins  upon  the  neck  of  Black  Bess 
as  he  was  in  the  habit  of  doing,  he  cried : 

"Now,  old  lass — forward — forward!  Lot  us  see  what 
you  can  do  to-uight !  I  have  staked  my  lifo  on  your 
powers,  old  gin — don't  forget  that !  Forward,  now — for- 
ward!    That  is  it!" 

It  was  truly  beautiful  now  to  see  the  manner  in  which 
Biack  Bess  covered  the  ground. 

Her  gallop  just  resembled  that  of  the  greyhound — being 
«.x)mposed  of  long,  swinging,  graceful  bounds. 

But  the  horse  upon  which  the  stranger  so  prided  him- 
self was  of  no  every-day  kind. 

The  start  that  it  gakiod  at  the  first  it  preserved  well, 
and  Dick  found  before  he  had  gone  far  that  Black  Bess 
would  have  to  tax  herself  to  the  utmost  to  beat  him. 

The  stranger  pressed  his  hat  tightly  on.  his  head,  and 
from  time  to  time  looked  back  behind  him  with  the  greatest 
exultation. 

But  Dick  took  tf  very  easy,  making  no  further  effort  to 
increase  bis  mare's  speed — in  fact,  he  had  hit  upon  a 
capital  mode  of  proceeding. 

About  her  competency  to  outstrip  the  horse  in  front  he 
had  not  the  least  doubt.  He  had  tried  her  too  often  for 
that.  It  is  true  he  recollected  how  well  Sir  George's 
horse  bad  kept  behind  him  on  a  former  occasion  ;  but 
then  Black  Bess  was  wounded  and  weak  from  loss  of 
blood,  while  now  she  was  in  the  best  possible  condi- 
tion. 

Going  at  the  furious  pace  they  did,  it  was  not  long  be- 
fore Ealing  came  into  view. 

At  this  time  the  two  horsemen  wore  almost  lovol  with 
each  other. 

But  there  was  this  difference  to  be  noted  between 
them. 

The  stranger  was  spurring  his  horse  at  every  step,  and 
making  the  most  frantic  efforts  to  urge  him  onwards  at  a 
more  rapid  rate. 

Dick,  on  the  contrary,  was  sitting  quite  at  ease,  letting 
Black  Bess  have  all  her  own  way. 

It  was  not  until  within  a  quarter  of  &  mile  from  Ealing 
that  he  made  the  least  effort. 

Then  all  he  did  was  to  say  : 

"  Sir,  you  have  lost  your  race." 

That  was  all  that  reached  the  strangb,  J  ear*,  for  at 
the  very  moment  saat  he  pronounced  the  words  Dick 
slackened  the  reins  still  more,  and  gave  uttBianoe  to  that 
6trauge  sound  so  well  comprehended  by  Black  Bes3,  and 
which  meant  that  she  was  to  put  forth  her  very  utm'v< 
powers. 

She  responded  right  gallantly,  for  she  dashed  past  tbe 
bay  horse  like  an  arrow,  aud  at  sach  stroke  of  her  hoofs 
tbo  distance  could  be  seen  to  increase  between  them. 

Although  be  must  have  seen  that  it  was  totally  impos- 
sible for  his  horse  to  win,  the  stranger  was  so  exasperated 
at  his  defeat  that  he  continued  to  goad  the  poor  creature 
in  a  most  fearful  manner, 


Dick  drew  up  with  some  suddenness  in  front  of  the 
Horns. 

"Bravo,  Bess!"  ho  cried,  exultantly.  "I  knew  you 
would  not  fail  me.  Bravo,  old  lass,  you  have  bchived 
yourself  right  gallantly  and  well !     Ah,  here  ho  comes  !" 

These  words  were  culled  forth  by  the  clatter  of  hoofs, 
for  the  stranger  came  thundering  along  like  a  whirl- 
wind. 

He  pulled  up,  however,  a  moment  after  in  front  of  taa 
inn,  where  Dick  was  waiting  for  him  so  calmly. 

The  stranger's  horse  was  covered  from  head  to  foot  with 
white  foam,  and  now  that  it  had  been  brought  to  a  stand- 
still it  trembled  in  every  limb. 

Black  Bess,  on  the  other  hand,  though  breathing  rapidly, 
showed  no  othor  sign  of  distress.  Her  flanks  were  a  little 
wet,  but  nothing  more. 

"I  told  you  you  would  lose,"  said  Dick;  " but  I  hope 
jOU  are  satisfied  that  all  was  quite  fair  ?" 

The  stranger  was  silent. 

"Don't  bo  disappointed,  man,"  cried  Dick.  "It  is  no 
disgrace  to  your  horse  that  he  has  been  outrun  by  Black 
Bess.  When  I  staked  my  life  you  might  have  guessed 
what  would  have  been  the  result.  Don't  think  auy  the 
less  of  your  horse  either  for  this  defeat,  for  I  question 
much  whether  there  is  auother  that  could  have  done  to- 
night what  he  has  done." 

"  He  is  beaten,"  said  the  stranger,  "  that  is  enough.  He 
has  now  lost  all  value  in  my  eyos." 

"  Nay — say  not  so." 

"  I  do  say  it,  becauso  I  prided  myself  upon  possessing  the 
fleetest  horse  in  England." 

"  And  I  repeat  that  it  is  no  depreciation  to  him  that  he 
has  beon  outrun  by  Black  Bess." 

But  the  traveller  would  not  look  at  it  in  this  light. 

Attracted  by  the  noise  made  by  their  arrival,  several 
persons  sallied  forth  from  the  inn,  which  was  only 
waiting  for  the  stage-coach  to  pass  by  to  be  closed  for  the 
night. 

Among  these  were  the  landlord  and  ostler. 

The  latter  came  close  to  Dick,  who  beckoned  him  to  ap- 
proach still  nearer. 

Then,  in  a  low  voice,  ho  said: 

"  Be  quick.  I  want  you  to  bring  me  a  quart  of  sandy 
— the  best,  mind — in  a  stable  bucket." 

The  ostler  opened  his  eyes  in  amazement. 

"  A  quart  of  brandy  in  a  bucket  ?"  ho  ejaculated 

"  Yes — make  haste !  The  sooner  you  are  back  the 
sooner  you  will  see  what  I  intend  to  do  with  it." 

Struck  probably  by  the  force  of  this  remark,  the  csi let- 
hurried  away. 

"  Now,  sir,"  said  Dick,  addressing  himself  to  tbe 
stranger,  "let  us  settle  our  little  sffair  before  we  go  auy 
further.    I  cannot  spare  any  more  time,  I  assure  you." 

For  bis  honor's  sake,  the  stranger  could  not  refuse  com- 
pliance with  this  request. 

But,  nevertheless,  it  was  with  the  very  worst  possible 
grace  in  the  world  that  ho  thrust  his  hand  into  his 
pockets  and  produced — first  a  purse,  then  a  pocket- 
book,  then  a  watch,  and  lastly  some  rings  from  his  lingers, 
and  jewellery  from  various  parts  of  bis  apparel. 

This  operation  occupied  some  little  time,  however, 
and  while  he  was  thus  engaged  tho  ostler  made  his  ap- 
pearance, carrying  a  bucket  in  one  hand  and  a  quart 
measure  in  the  other. 

"  You  are  sure  you  want  tho  brandy  in  this  here 
bucket?" 

"  Yes — pour  it  in.  Be  quick,  and  then  All  it  up  with 
water." 

The  ostler  obeyed,  indulging  the  while  ja  vague  sp", ■il- 
lations as  to  whether  the  gentleman  was  going  to  drink 
a  bucketful  of  brandy  aud  water  fcr  a  wager. 

"  Here  it  is  sir,"  he  said,  as  soon  as  he  had  added  ths 
water. 

"Just  give  it  my  mare,  then." 

The  ostler's  astonishment  reached  its  culminating 
point. 

iirandy-and-water  to  a  horse  !  Ho  had  never  heard  of 
such  a  thing. 

But  Black  Bess,  knowing  full  well  that  the  compound 
wus  intended  for  her,  began  drinking  iway  at  it  at  a  rate 
that  left  no  room  for  doubting  whether  she  liked  it  or 
not. 

ft  was  just  as  Black  Bess  drained  the  las'  drop,  thai  th« 
stranger  said ; 


1652 


BLACK    EKSS  ;     OB, 


"  There,  then,  is  all  I  have.  I  have  kept  my  word  to 
you,  have  I  not  ?" 

"You  have,  iudoed.  Here,  take  this  five-pound  note 
back  again — it  will  do  to  pay  the  toll-gates.  How  what 
will  you  take  to  drink  at  my  expense  ?" 

"Nothing." 

The  tone  in  whioh  the  traveller  pronounced  this 
one  word  showed  what  an  amount  of  aggravation  he 
fait. 

"Oome — come,  sir,"  Diok  cried,  "tkiDk  no  more  of 
your  defeat." 

"  I  have  kept  my  word  to  the  letter,"  said  the  stranger, 
raising  his  voice  so  that  all  around  might  hear  what  he 
said  ;  "  but  having  done  so,  1  call  upon  these  good  people 
for  assistance !" 

"  Assistance  ?"  Dick  echoed,  while  he  tightened  his 
grasp  upon  the  reins. 

"  Yes.  Although  I  promised  to  surrender  to  you  all  I 
had,  I  did  not  undertake  that  I  would  keep  your  identity 
a  secret." 

"  But  it  would  be  base  to  disclose  it!" 

Dick  backed  his  mare  as  he  spoke,  for  the  people 
were  clustering  around  him  by  far  too  closely  to  be  plea- 
sant. 

"  Base  or  not,  I  don't  care !"  shouted  the  traveller,  now 
quite  beside  himself  with  vexation.  "  Good  people  all, 
this  is  Dick  Turpin,  the  celebrated  highwayman,  for 
whose  apprehension  a  thousand  pounds  reward  is  offered  ! 
Help  me  to  secure  the  rascal !" 

This  announcement  was  productive  of  an  immense 
commotion. 

"  My  blunderbuss,"  criew  the  landlord — "where  is  my 
blunderbuss ?     I  will  blow  him  to  atoms!" 

"  Will  you  help  me  ?"  roared  the  traveller. 

"  Yes,  yes,"  was  the  uoanimous  cry. 

"  Then,  gentlemen,"  said  Dick,  "  I  can  only  say  you 
will  have  a  long  and  fatiguing  run.  1  have  the  honor  to 
wish  you  all  a  very  good  night." 

So  saying,  Dick  slackened  the  reins  upon  the  neck  of 
Black  Bess. 

As  usual,  the  gallant  creature  perfectly  well  understood 
what  was  requirod  of  her. 

Before  the  landlord  and  the  others  in  front  of  the  inn 
could  quite  make  up  their  minds  where  to  turn  and  what 
to  do  Dick  Turpin  was  full  half  a  mile  off  down  the  road, 
and  going  at  a  pace  that  soon  promised  to  take  him  out 
of  sight. 

Muttering  curses,  the  discomfited  stranger  rode  off  in 
pursuit,  though  the  exhausted  condition  of  his  steed 
showed  how  perfectly  ridiculous  it  was  for  him  to  attempt 
a  pursuit. 

But  the  traveller  just  then  was  not  in  a  condition  to 
think  very  dearly  or  reason  very  correctly  about  any- 
thing, and  so,  with  his  breast  full  of  angry  feelings,  he 
pmshed  on,  trusting  in  the  end  either  to  overtake  the 
highwayman,  or  else  meet  with  officers  or  others  whom 
he  could  set  upon  his  track. 

CHAPTER  OMXGV. 

TOM  KING.   IS  FRUSTRATED  IN   HIS  ATTEMPT  TO    TAKE  POS- 
SESSION  OF  OLD  MATTHEW'S  LETTER. 

"  Easy — easy,  Bess — take  it  easy,  old  lass !  There  is  no 
need  for  you  to  exert  yourself  now.  You  have  behaved 
yourself  bravely,  old  girl !  By  Jove,  who  wsvdd  have 
thought  that  such  an  odd,  unlooked-for  advonture  should 
have  turned  out  so  profitably  ?  I  am  possessed  of  six 
hundred  pounds  in  value,  at  the  very  lowest  estimate. 
Of  that  I  am  quite  certain.  Well,  well,  it  could  not  have 
dropped  into  my  hands  at  a  better  time,  i  h&ve  a  use  for 
ev«-ry  penny  of  it." 

He  was  thinking  of  Tom  Davis. 

'■  If  old  Matthew's  plan  can  only  be  carried  out,"  he 
said,  half  aloud,  as  Black  Bess  went  slowly  on  her  way, 
"  it  will  be  a  glorious  thing,  and  for  my  part  I  can  sue 
no  reason  why  it  should  not.  I  should  feel,  then,  that  1 
had  done  my  duty  to  one  who  has  ever  been  a  faithful 
ally." 

The  hour  now  was  very  late — or,  more  strictly  speak- 
ing, very  early.  There  was  little  probability  of  meeting 
with  anyone  upon  the  road,  and  so  Dick  made  his  mind 
up  to  ride  direct  to  the  castle.  -6 

Accordingly  he  left  the  high-read  and  struck  off  aci\««$ 
the  opeu   country,   thus    unknowingly   completely    dis- 


appointing the  traveller  in  his  hope  of  getting  ipon  hit 
track. 

Upon  Dick's  arrival  at  the  ruins  the  ostier  at  once  umo 
forward. 

"  You  are  back  soon  to-night,  captain,"  ho  &aid. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Dick.  "  The  others  have  r^t,  returned, 
I  suppose?" 

"  Not  yet,  captain." 

Dick  dismounted  and  gave  Black  Bess  into  the  ohargo 
of  the  ostler,  who  at  once  took  her  off  to  her  accustomed 
place  in  the  ruins. 

Maud  had  heard  Diok's  arrival,  and  hastened  forward 
to  meet  him. 

"  Well,"  said  Tom  King,  as  soon  as  Dick  entered  the 
subterranean  apartment,  "  have  you  been  successful  iD 
finding  a  friend  for  the  little  girl  ?  You  do  not  know 
how  much  I  regret  parting  with  her.  She  had  qoite  won, 
my  heart !" 

"  I  believe,"  answered  Dick,  "  that  I  have  left  her  in 
the  hands  of  one  who  is  better  able  to  befriend  her  thau 
almost  anyone." 

"  But  will  he  ?" 

"  Well,  little  Ruth's  uncle  is  his  personal  enemy,  and 
he  has  suffered  much  at  his  hands.  However,  I  can  see 
by  both  of  your  looks  how  interested  you  are,  so  I  will 
give  you  an  account  of  every  incident  that  has  befallen 
me." 

"  A  rare  night's  sport !"  said  Tom  King,  as  soon  as  the 
narrative  was  concluded.  "  I  wish  I  could  only  be  for- 
tunate enough  to  meet  with  such  a  one.  I  feel  to  be 
growing  absolutely  rusty !" 

"How  is  your  arm ?" 

"Better — much  better.  In  fact,  I  feel  nothing  of  it 
worth  mentioning.  It  is  getting  well  as  fast  as  it 
can,  and  I  shall  be  all  the  better  for  a  little  ex- 
ercise." 

"  You  still  think  of  looking  for  old  Matthew's  letter  ?" 

"H  you  have  no  objection,  oaptain." 

"  Well,  to  speak  truth,  I  had  quite  made  up  my  mind 
to  look  after  that  bit  of  business ;  but  as  yon  seem  to  de- 
sire it  you  shall  go." 

Maud  heard  these  words  with  manifold  pleasure,  though 
she  said  nothing. 

Morning  came,  bright,  clear,  and  beautiful ;  but  it 
did  not  bring  either  Sixteen-JString  Jack  or  Claude 
Duval. 

Their  non-appearance  excited  but  little  apprehension  in 
the  breasts  of  those  who  watched  for  them. 

They  had  to  endure  suspense  as  to  the  safety  of  their 
comrades ;  but  it  was  better  for  them  to  do  that  than 
for  the  security  of  their  abiding  place  to  be  affected. 

During  the  day  Tom  King  was  restless  to  the  utmost 
degree.  His  impatience  made  him  feel  as  though  night 
would  never  come. 

No  sooner  was  it  dusk  than  he  was  in  perfect  readiness 
to  start. 

His  pistols  had  been  loaded  and  put  ready  for  use, 
his  horse  saddled,  and  every  possible  preparation  made  at 
least  an  hour  before. 

Diok  restrained  him  until  it  was  really  dark  enough  for 
him  to  take  his  departure  safely. 

No  prisoner  released  from  a  long  and  weary  con- 
finement ever  felt  more  elation  of  spirits  than  Tom 
King. 

He  would  have  shouted  out  aloud  in  his  gratification, 
but  the  manifest  imprudence  of  doing  so  fortunately  pre- 
sented itself  to  him  and  restrained  him. 

Diok  Turpin  and  Maud  watched  him  till  he  passed  out 
of  sight,  then  the  former  turned  round  to  the  ostler  and 
said: 

"  Is  Black  Bess  saddled  ?" 

"  Yes,  oaptain." 

Maud  clung  to  Dick's  arm,  and  looked  appealiugfy  into 
his  face. 

"Surely — surely,"  she  said,  in  a  tremulous  voice,  "you 
are  not  going  away  to-night?" 

"Yes — why  not?" 

"  Consider  I  am  quite  alone." 

"There  is  Jaok.  He  will  keep  good  watch  and 
ward." 

"I  do  not  doubt  it;  still  think  what  long  and  weary 
hours  they  wfll  be  till  you  return ;  besides,  Claude  and 
Jack  are  absent,  and  how  can  you  toll  but  what  they  may 
be  in  danger  ?'' 


"All  tbo  better  reason,  then," said  Dick,  smiling,  "  why 
I  should  go  out  in  quest  of  them.  I  might  chance  to  be 
*f  real  service."  , 

"No,  no — for  once  stay  h;  3 1"  ** 

"As  you  wish,  Maud,"  sa:.1  Die!'  aftei  a  brief  pause  : 
then,  turning  to  the   ostler,  '  3d :  "  Take  the  saddle 

and  bridle  off  again.    BlacK  ajubb  shall  hare  a  rest  to- 
right."  f 

With  these  words  Maud  and  Dick  made  tneir  way  down 
below,  where  we  will  leave  them  watching  for  the  return 
of  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen-String  Jack,  while  we  follow 
in  the  footsteps  of  Tom  King. 

The  elation  of  spirits  which  he  experienced  .increased 
rather  than  .otherwise  as  soon  as  his  horse  broke  out  iuto 
a  gallop.  The  animal  was  very  fresh  and  full  of  spirit,  in 
consequence  of  the  long  rest  it  had  had. 

Tom  King  was  so  familiar  with  the  country  that  he  was 
able  to  take  his  way  almost  in  a  direct  line  to  the  bridge 
over  the  river  Brent,  which,  it  will  bo  remembered,  was 
the  appointed  spot. 

He  was  sorely  tempted  to  indulge  in  some  adventure  on 
the  way ;  but  the  uncertainty  of  how  long  it  might  be  the 
means  of  delaying  him,  and  the  remembrance  of  tho  im- 
portance o*  reaching  the  bridge  early,  enabled  him  each 
time  to  overcome  the  iacliuation. 

Coming  at  length  to  a  portion  of  the  river  Brent  at 
some  distauee  from  the  6pot  where  it  flowed  under  the 
Edgware  Road,  he  pulled  up  his  steed  and  indulged  in 
a  brief  consideration  as  to  the  best  thing  ho  could 
do. 

He  quickly  determined  to  follow  the  windings  of  the 
little  stream,  which,  at  the  place  where  ho  hf.d  halted, 
seemed  more  to  deserve  the  name  of  brook  than  the  am- 
bitious appellation  river. 

Tom  recollected  that  near  the  old  bridge  the  river  was 
bordered  on  one  side  by  a  line  of  tall,  stately  trues. 

Under  cover  of  these  he  expected  to  be  able  to  reach 
tixe  appointed  spot  without  danger  of  being  seen  by  any- 
one. 

The  event  proved  him  to  be  perfectly  right. 

The  night  was  not  a  dark  one,  yet  the  shadow  cast  by 
the  row  of  trees  was  dense  indeed. 

Upon  reaching  the  bridge,  Tom  alighted,  and  secured 
his  horse  to  a  tree  in  such  a  manner  that  he  could  feed 
in  plenty  upon  the  luxuriant  grass  beneath  his  feet. 

This  done,  the  highwayman  crept  cautiously  forward 
on  foot,  and  at  length  took  up  his  position  behind  a  pro- 
jecting buttress  of  the  structure. 

The  kind  of  recess  in  which  he  took  up  his  station  wao 
wrapped  in  such  obscurity  that  a  passer-by  would  have 
required  a  keen  eye  to  detect  him. 

From  this  point  Tom  King  commanded  a  view  of  the 
whole  of  the  bridge,  and  also  of  a  considerable  portion  of 
the  road  stretching  towards  London,  so  that  it  was  quite 
impossible  for  anyone  to  approach  from  this  direction  un- 
seen by  him. 

The  silence  was  profound,  and  ou  that  one  particular 
night  the  Edgware  Road  appeared  to  be  deserted. 

This  soon  began  to  grow  very  irksome  to  Tom,  when, 
all  at  once,  the  idea  flashed  across  his  mind  that  old  Mat- 
thew's messenger  might  have  come  and  gone,  and  that  the 
letter  he  was  waiting  for  might  be  at  that  very  moment 
lying  beneath  the  stone. 

This  was  a  point  Tom  resolved  to  safefyTiimself  upon 
without  delay,  but  first  he  listened  intently  in  order  to 
make  sure  that  no  one  was  close  at  hand. 

The  continuance  of  the  unbroken  silence  made  him 
certain  that  he  had  the  place  all  to  himself,  and  that  a 
more  favorable  opportunity  than  the  present  could  not  be 
found. 

Accordingly  he  quitted  his  hiding-place,  and  with  rapid 
steps  made  his  way  to  the  opposite  end  of  Uw>  bridge. 

fleeting  the  stone  which  had  been  described  to  b'm, 
he  lifted  it  carefully. 

But  there  was  no  letter  t?eneath  it. 

Resolved  to  be  satisfied  beyond  all  possibility  of  doubt, 
he  lifted  successLvedy  every  stone  he  could  find  loowe  upon 
the  parapet.  ^y 

This  examination  convinced  him  that  old  MattLSv's 
messenger  had  not  arrived. 

The  clatter  of  a  horse's  hoofs  coming  upon  his  ears  su 
this  moment  warned  him  to  once  more  seek  shelter  in  his 
hiding-place. 

Ere  long  a  horseman  appeared  in  sight,  and  as  he  drew 


nearer  the  bridge  he  reduced  his  horse's  paco,   which 
made  Tom  think  that  this  must  be  the  messenger. 

He  quickly  found,  however,  that  he  was  mistaken. 

The  traveller  had  merely  reined-in  his  steed  to  e°£3 
bim  up  the  rather  steep  hill  which  led  on  to  the  bridge. 

Upon  reaching  tho  summit  the  ho«ae  was  again  pot  it. 
jnotion,  and  the  traveller  rode  on. 

Tom  gazed  after  him  longingly. 

Somehow  or  other,  and  certainly  without  any  good  or 
uiffieient  reason,  the  idea  had  taken  firm  possession  of 
Tom's  mind  that  Matthew's  messenger  would  be  of  the 
male  sex  and  that  he  would  arrive  on  horseback. 

Therefore  when,  some  time  afterwards,  his  quick  ear 
detected  a  light  footfall  ou  tho  hard  road,  he  paid  no  at- 
tention to  it. 

Presently,  however,  a  female  form  appeared  walkin" 
slowly  up  the  hill. 

Tom  looked  at  her  attentively  for  the  simple  reason 
that  he  had  nothing  else  upon  which  to  bestow  his 
notice. 

As  she  came  nearer,  Tom  perceived  there  was  a  certain 
air  of  mystery  about  her,  for  she  glanced  behind  her  re- 
peatedly with  an  air  of  apprehensiveness,  as  though  she 
feared  some  one  was  behind  her  watching  her  move- 
ments. 

Upon  nearing  the  bridge  her  pace  increased  until  she 
fairly  stood  upon  it. 

Then  she  stopped  abruptly. 

She  listened. 

Then,  with  great  rapidity,  she  darted  to  the  left  side  ol 
the  bridge,  lifted  a  loose  stone  from  it,  and  afterwards  Tom 
distinctly  saw  her  place  a  letter  beneath  it. 

No  sooner  was  this  action  performed  than  the  girl 
bounded  on  as  swiftly  as  an  antelope,  passing  Tom  King 
in  his  hiding-place  so  closely  as  almost  to  touch  him  with 
her  garments. 

"  That's  neatly  done,"  said  Tom  King.  "  And  now  for 
the  letter.  The  sooner  I  take  possession  of  it  the  better, 
that's  curtain  !     Ah  !  what  is  that  ?" 

Tom  heard  a  slight  noise,  and  darted  back  into  his  place 
of  concealment  jusi  in  time. 

Peering  out  cautiously,  he  saw  a  dusky  figure  ap- 
proaching. 

It  was  a  man. 

Ho  was  glancing  around  him  with  great  keenness. 

When  ho  came  fairly  on  tho  bridge  he  paused,  and 
Tom  King  heard  him  muttor : 

"  That's  tho  little  game,  is  it  ?  Well  I'll  see  if  I  can't 
spoil  it,  as  6ure  as  my  name's  Bishop.  '  I'll  keep  an  eye 
upon  you,  my  lady — I  6hall  know  you  again,  never  fear !" 

Upon  hearing  these  words,  Tom  King  did  indeed  con- 
gratulate himself  upon  having  got  back  to  his  hiding- 
place  in  good  time. 

He  could  see  the  new-comer  now  very  plainly. 

His  dress  proclaimed  him  to  be  a  police  officer. 

It  was  indeed  no  other  than  tho  individual  who  had 
triod  so  unsuccessfully  to  capture  Dick  Tsrpin  in  the 
stable  at  Piccadilly. 

"Confound  the  fellow!"  Tom  King  said,  mentally. 
"He  has  been  following  and  watching  that  girl,  and  of 
course  has  seen  her  secrete  the  letter. 

Tom  said  this,  and  endeavored  to  reconcile  himself  to 
it  as  a  certainty,  yet  at  tho  same  time  hoped  that  the  con- 
trary would  prove  to  be  the  case. 

Whatever  suspense  he  may  have  felt  in  this  respect 
was  very  quickly  put  an  end  to,  for  Bishop,  the  officer, 
said: 

"  I  6aw  her  with  a  letter — I'm  sure  I  saw  her  with  a 
letter,  and  she  has  hidden  it  somewhere  on  the  bridge- 
under  one  of  these  loose  stones,  I  expeet." 

From  these  words  it  became  maniioat  that  he  tad  not 
been  near  enough  to  observe  whefe  the  letter  had  really 
been  placed. 

But  in  a  very  matter-of-fact,  business-like  way  he  lifted 
the  stones  one  after  the  other,  looking  carefully  jjnder 
every  one  before  he  replaced  it. 

All  at  once  he  uttered  an  ejaculation 

The  letter  had  been  found. 

"  What  shall  I  do  now  f "  askod  Tom  King,  of  himeslf. 
"I  must  have  that  letter,  and  the  question  is  which  will 
be  the  best  way  to  obtain  it  ?" 

This  promised  to  be  a  very  difficult  problem,  and  its 
difficulty  was  increased  owing  to  the  fact  that  Tom  King'd 
attention    was  pretty  fully    occupied  in  watching    th-i 


1634 


DEE3  ;     OR, 


movements  of  the  officer,  aud  this   distraction    prev^^t^1 
him  from  giving  the  subject  proper  consideration. 

'I  wonder  what  the  letter  is  about?"  was  Bishops 
nest  remark,  as  he  seated  himself  upon  the  parapet  of 
the  bridge.  "I  ought  to  find  out  who  it's  addressed  to,  at 
»wy  rate.  Ha,  ha!  If  it  shemd  turn  oat  as  I  expect,  I 
rather  think  I  shall  have  you,  Mr.  Matthew  Gale,  clever 
is  you  think  yourself !  Ha,  ha!  I  should  catch  you  W* en 
nicely !     Wait  a  bit !" 

Bishop  placed  the  letter  carefully  beside  him,  and  !hfn 
began  fumbling  in  his  pockets. 

The  first  object  he  produced  was  from  the  skirt  si  feie 
iso-it 

It  was  frwKarthiug  dark  looking,  and-  afterwards  proved 
to  be  one  of  those  «Jark  lanterns  which  all  polics  officers 
made  a  point  of  carrying. 

After  a  little  delay  the  officer  succeeded  in  Kghtbsg  i3is 
lantern,  for  the  wind  blew  rather  strongly  on  the  bridge, 
making  this  operation  a  matter  of  no  small  difficulty. 

Then  ho  said,  in  a  satisfied  tone,  as  a  broad  beam  of 
light  came  shining  through  the  lens: 

"  There,  that  will  do  nicely.  Now  to  see  the  address 
on  the  letter.  Really,  I  do  believe  this  will  turn  out  to 
be  about  the  best  night's  work  I  have  ever  done  *" 

The  letter  was  then  placed  so  that  the  light  of  the 
lantern  fell  fully  upon  it. 

Bishop  uttered  an  exclamation  of  angry  impatience. 
"  Confound  his  caution  !"  he  cried.    "  But  I  might  have 
<vspeetcd  as  much — it's  just  like  him.     But  I'll  try  w  j 
best  to  nail   him,  and  so   I'll  see  what  the  letter  con- 
tains." 

There  could  be  no  doubt  that  Bishop  fully  expeoted 
that  he  was  about  to  make  some  very  important  discovery 
— indeed,  he  fairly  believed  that  the  communication  he 
held  in  his  hand  was  of  such  a  character  as  to  place  old 
Matthew  completely  in  his  power. 

A  dreadful  disappointment  was  in  store  for  him,  as  the 
reader  very  well  knows. 

With  much  superfluous  caution,  the  officer  opened  the 
letter  and  unfolded  it. 

"Hullo!"  he  cried.  "What's  this?  Am  I  done  after 
all  ?  Is  there  nothing  in  it?  There  must  be  something 
surely  ;  and  yet  perhaps  this  paper  was  only  placed  hero 
to  throw  mo  off  the  right  track.  The  girl  may  have 
gone  on  with  the  real  letter,  and  by  this  time  doubtless 
has  delivered  it." 

This  was  such  a  dreadful  idea  that  the  officer  felt 
almost  inclined  to  fling  himself  backwards  off  the  para- 
pet of  the  bridge  into  the  water  below. 

Indeed,  in  his  state  of  intense  aggravation,  there  is  no 
knowing  what  he  might  have  done,  had  not  his  eyes  all 
at  once  lighted  upon  something  in  the  letter. 

"  Ah  !"  he  cried,  "  what's  this  ?  —  something  after 
all  ?" 

He  looked  closely,  and  then  perceived  the  figures  that 
Matthew,  in  case  of  such  a  contingency  as  the  present, 
had  agreed  to  write. 

"What  does  it  mean?"  asked  Bishop,  locking  up  and 
apparently  addressing  himself  to  the  obscurity  around 
him — ''  what  does  it  mean  ?  '9,' and  then  21?'  Who 
can  make  anything  out  of  such  a  letter  as  that  ?" 

Having  asked  this  question,  Bishop  made  a  microscopic 
examination  of  the  sheet  of  paper,  the  result  of  which 
was  to  convince  him  that  nothing  more  than  the  figures 
had  been  written  upon  it. 

Then  he  appeared  to  give  himself  up  to  deep  reflec- 
tion. 
Tom  King  was  full   >f  exultation. 

"Bravo,  Matthew!'  he  exclaimed,  mentally.  "You 
lire  a  clever  fellow- -indeed  you  are — a  wonderfully 
clover  fellow  !  9  and  21 !  I  shall  not  forget  That  is 
all  I  want  to  know.  B'a,  ha !  Mr.  Bishop,  you  have  been 
bo  sagacious  actually  as  to  outwit  yourself.  , 

Tom  King's  satisfaction  is  something  to  ne  imagined 
more  than  described.  ( 

*I'!1  be  off  now,"  he   murmured.     UI  know  all  that  1 J 
wish  to  learn,  and,  if  I  d  o  not  linger  here,  I  6hall    have  ] 
time,  perhaps,  for  an  adventure.     No  dsubt  I  can  tieul 
away  unheard  and  unperoeived,  and  7§J  very  likely  if  I  J 
stay  here  a  little  longer,  Mr.  Bishop  will  be  good  enough 
to  take  his  departure." 

Tom's  attention  was  now  particularly  directed  towards 
sne  officer,  who  by  this  timo  seemed  to  have  re*  shed  a 
definite  point  in  bis  reflections. 


I'll  put  the  letter  back  again,"  he  said,  as  he  put  i:is 
r   cunningly   by  the  side  of  his   nose — "  that's  what 
[  111" do.     I'll  put  it  where  I  found  it,  and   then   I'll  hide. 
Ilia,  ha!  capital!     That  letter  is  put  hero  for  somebody 
who  hasn't  arrived  yet,  and  if  I  stay  here  ho   won't   ap- 
proach.    Who  knows,   it   may  be  Dick  Turpiu  wL^  U 
coif-   05  "■S'J1  H  so,  I'll  have  him,  dead  or  alive — I  don't 
'jare  which  of  the  two 

With  these  words,  Bishop  quitted  his  sitting  position 
on  the  parapet  of  the  bridge,  and  carefully  placed  tho 
letter  '.vhere  ke  had  found  it. 

"Now  111  hide,"  he  muttorod.  "Let  me  £«•>,*■  f<  i 
added,  as  he  looked  about  him,  "  where  will  bo  the  best 
place  ?  Why,  yondur  buttress,  of  course !  I  should 
think  it  was  made  on  purpose.  I'll  hide  there,  and  wait 
patiently — yes,  patiently,  for  in  this  instance  I  feel 
sure  patience  will  meet  with  its  due  reward." 

So  saying,  Mr.  Bishop  put  his  legs  in  motion. 

From  the  direction  in  which  he  now  made  his  way,  it 
was  evident  the  buttress  he  had  decided  upon  as  being 
a  good  hiding-place  was  the  very  one  behind  which  Tom 
King  had  ensconced  himself. 

Immediately  upon  making  this  discovery,  Tom  King 
cautiously  withdrew,  and  so  well  did  he  accomplish  his 
difficult  task  that  he  got  completely  away  without  caus- 
ing Bishop  to  have  the  remotest  suspicion  that  any  other 
human  being  save  himself  was  near. 

Tom  King  glided  gradually  away,  but  ere  he  had  gone 
far  an  unexpected  difficulty  presented  itself. 

If  Bishop  should  keep  a  sharp  look-out — as  beyond  a 
doubt  he  would — Tom  felt  it  would  be  next  to  an  impos- 
sibility to  make  his  way  unseen  to  tne  spot  where  he  had 
left  his  horse. 

It  is  true  he  might  have  managed  to  get  off  without 
any  danger  of  an  encounter  with  the  officer,  but  that  was 
not  what  Tom  wanted. 

He  was  exceedingly  anxious  that  Bishop  should  remain 
all  night  watching  behind  the  buttress. 

"  I'll  find  some  means  of  circumventing  you  yft,"  tho 
highwayman  said  to  himself,  as  he  glanced  back  at  the 
tenant  of  his  late  hiding-place.  "You  shall  have  ro 
suspicion  of  my  presence,  and  you  shall  have  the  comfort 
of  a  long  watch  in  the  cold  till  daylight.  If  all  is  quiet, 
ho  may  even  in  his  exceeding  cleverness  be  fool  enough 
to  como  here  to-morrow  night.  I  hope  he  does — it  w  ill 
keep  him  out  of  further  mischief." 

With  these  words  Tom  King  set  himself  in  motion 
again,  and,  as  there  was  no  longer  so  much  need  of  silence 
in  his  movements,  he  made  much  more  rapid  progress. 

He  made  a  very  considerable  detour,  and  at  length 
emerged  upon  tho  high-road  at  a  spot  rather  less  than 
half  a  mile  from  the  bridge. 

No  sooner  had  he  reached  here,  however,  than  he  heard 
a  sound  upon  the  road  which  told  him  that  a  traveller  of 
some  kind  or  other  was  approaching. 

"I  don't  like  to  pad  tho  hoof,"  said  TojB,  to  himself; 
"still,  it  would  be  a  capital  joke  to  do  a  Bil  of  business 
while  that  highly-intelligent  and  astute  officer.,  Bishop, 
was  so  close  at  hand." 

CHAPTER  CMXCVI. 

TOM      1.TNQ     TAKES     A     PUIZE,     AND      BEFOOLS    TUB     OU) 
MISER     TO     HIS     HEART'S     CONTEST,    AND     BISHOP,    THR 

OFFICER,  AS   WELL. 

To  attempt  to  stop  a  traveller  in  such  near  proximity  to 
a  police  officer  seemed  to  bo  a  needlessly  daring  and  reck- 
less experiment ;  but  by  tho  way  in  which  Tom  King 
produced  his  pis'  -5^  it  became  evident  that  he  fully 
intended  to  carry  his  expressed  resolution  into  effect. 

"  How  wild  old  Bishop  will  be  with  himself,"  he  mut- 
tered, "  when  he  comes  to  know  what  has  taken  place. 
He  will  wish  he  had  employed  his  time  better  than  by 
watching  on  tho  bridge.  Ha !  the  traveller  is  close  at 
land  I  shall  soon  see  whether  I  am  to  hare  anything 
worth  while  for  my  trouble." 

Tom  was  right. 

Viie  traveller  was  indeed  very  close  at  hand. 

On  he  came  at  a  steady  jog-trot  pace,  little  thinking 
of  the  interruption  La  was  so  soon  to  meet  with. 

(  Hold!"  said  Tom  King,  tho  next  moment — "hold,  1 
ar/p .'     Pull  up,  on  your  life  !" 

He  spoke  in  a  suppressed  tone,  for  he  did  not  want  hit 
voice  to  travel  far  through  the  still  nigh*  <ii>'. 


THE   E SIGHT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


10. 


P^  long  as  it  reached  the  ears  of  the  traveller  and  s*d?  f 
s  aue  impression  upon  him,  that  was  all  he  required. 
His  command  was  obeyed. 
"  What  is  it — oh,  what  is  it  ?" 

Yhe  trembling  tones  of  the  voice  and  the  appearance 
ai  the  rider  made  Tom  King  aware  that  it  was  an  aged 
can  he  had  stopped. 

Ho  also  saw  that  he  presented  the  oddest  figure  he  had 
ever  seen. 

His  clothes  were  of  the  most  tattered  description,  3eetniBg 
here  and  there  to  hold  together  by  nothing  bet  a  thread, 
while  the  anioW  he  bestrode  was  a  vicious  dookiug  mule, 
that  seemed  to  be  quite  as  odd  a  character  as  its  rider. 

At  a  first  glance,  one  would  have  come  to  the  ?4*icla- 
eion  that  this  old  man  was  miserably  poor ;  but  a  more 
attentive  observation,  such  as  Tom  King  bestowed  upon 
him,  served  to  show  that  his  poverty  was  nior«  assumed 
than  real. 

Moreover,  the  highwayman's  keen  eyes  detected  that, 
upon  being  challenged,  the  old  man  suddenly  clasped  his 
hands  over  his  breast,  as  though   he   had  something   of 
value  secreted  there. 
In  reply  to  his  question,  Tom  King  said  : 
"  I  want  what  money  and  valuables  you  m:y  happen  to 
fcavo  with  you  !     Be  quick — hand  them  ovei,  *px  there  is 
a  police  officer  a  little  way  up  the  road  !" 
The  old  man  laughed  a  shrill,  imbecile  laugh. 
"  The  idea  now,  that  anyone  should  think  of  robbing  a 
poor  wrttch  like  myself !     Why,  I  am  not  worth  a  groat 
—absolutely  not  worth  a  groat  f   Let  me  pass  on  in  peace, 
voung  man,  otherwise  I  will  raise  my  v»ico  and  summon 
"the  police  officer  you  mentioned.     Ha — ha!" 

"  If  you  did,"  replied  Tom  King,  with  a  most  menacing 
voice  and  gesture,  "  that  cry  would  be  your  last !  Before 
you  had  well  finished  uttering  it  the  bullet  in  this  pistol 
would  clear  a  passage  through  your  skull." 

"Nay — nay,  young  man!"  said  the  traveller,  with 
Increasing  agrtation  and  uneasiness.  "  Never  mind  threats, 
bat  allow  me  to  pass  on.  I  am  poor— oh,  so  very, 
very  poor  P 

"  That  may  be ;  and  yet  I  am  not  going  to  allow  you 
to  proceed  until  I  have  thoroughly  satisfied  myself  that 
you  do  not  carry  anything  about  you  that  I  think  worth 
taking." 
The  old  man  nttered  a  cry  of  dismay. 
"No — no!"  he  exclaimed.  "You  are  wrong — ;juite 
wrong !" 

He  would  have  pushed  on,  but  Tom  prevt^ted 
him. 

"  Hark  ye  !"  he  said,  "  I  am  not  inclined  to  stand  any 
bother !  Either  you  must  give  me  what  you  have,  or  else 
I  must  search  you  ;  and,  for  your  information,  let  mo  tell 
you  that  I  never  search  a  living  person — I  shoot  them 
first,  and  then  examine  their  pockets  afterwards." 

This  threat  greatly  terrified  the  old  man,  who  pressed 
his  hands  more  tightly  than  ever  upou  his  breast. 

"  I  have  nothing,"  he  repeated — "  absolutely  nothing  I" 
"  Then  what  is  that  yon  hold  so  tightly  ?" 
»'  Hold  so  tightly  ?" 

"  Yes — I  spoke  plainly  enough,  did  I  not  ?" 
"  Well,  then — a — it — it — is  nothing  !" 
u  False  !"  said  Tom — "  fe.lse !" 
*  He  had  been  watching  the  old  man  closely,  and  now 
availed  himself  of  an   opportunity  to   seize  hire   by  thy 
breast  of  his  apparel,  for  at  the  moment  w*»«n  he  replied 
the  old  man  had  removed  his  hands 

A  loud  yell  was  the  result  of  this  action. 
Then  a  frantic  but  vain  struggle. 

Tom  King  felt  something  hard,  and  the  next  moment 
beheld  in  his  hands  a  large  leather  hag  so  full  of  money 
that  scarcely  room  was  left  to  tie  up  the  mouth. 

"  What  do  you  call  this  ?"  said  Tom  King,  as  he  flung 
the  heavy  bag  in  the  air  and  dexterously  caught  it  as  it 
descended.  "  How  could  you  sit  there  and  proclaim  such 
a  monstrous  falsehood  ? 

But  the  old  miser,  for  such  indeed  ne  was,  suffered  too 
much  agony  of  spirit  to  be  able  to  pay  any  attention  to 
what  the  highwayman  said. 

"  My  gold !"  he  said — "  my  gold  !  Give  me  back  my 
precious  treasure !  It  has  cost  mo  years  and  years  to 
amass  it,  and  many  a  sleepless  night  to  guard  it.  Oh,  if 
I  had  only  taken  the  landlord's  advice  and  stopped  at  his 
lau  all  night,  this  would  not  have  happened  !  Oh.  my  gold 
—  my  gold  '     What  now  will  become  of  nm  >" 


The  apparently  old  man — for  he  was  not  old  In  reality, 
tmt  merely  aged  with  penury  and  anxiety  of  mind-*- 
Ktirly  wept  over  his  loss  like  a  little  child. 

But  the  spectacle  of  so  much  avarice  raised  no  feelings 
of  compunction  in  Tom's  breast.  He  belietfsd  that  he  was 
really  doing  the  poor  wretch  a  service  bjr  despoiling 
him 

"  Bide  on !"  he  said,  "  or  if  you  linger  X  may  bo  tempted 
to  make  a  further  search  about  your  perron,  and  then  I 
doubt  not  I  shall  discover  some  other  hoard.  Feel  thank- 
ful that  I  have  let  you  off  so  easily,  for  your  avarice  and 
lying  deceit  disgust  me !" 

Mournfully  and  sadly  the  old  miser  set  his  mule  in. 
motion. 

Tom  King  gazed  after  him  with  mingled  feelings,  but 
ere  he  had  gone  many  yards  a  fresh  thought  entered 
Tom's  mind,  and  acting  impulsively  upon  it,  he  said  : 

"Stop — stop,  my  frieud  !  I  want  to  spoak  to  you  !  I 
have  something  of  importance  to  say — something  that 
will  very  likely  turn  out  to  your  advantage." 

Hearing  these  words,  the  old  man,  after  a  little  hesita- 
tion, pulled  up. 

"  If  you  like  to  render  me  a  little  service,"  cried  Tom 
King,  a  wicked  smile  playing  round  his  lips  the  while, 
which  the  old  man,  owing  to  the  darkness,  could  not  see 
— "if  you  are  willing  to  do  what  I  require.  I  will,  by  way 
of  recompense,  give  you  back  the  bag  of  gold  I  have 
just  taken  from  you." 

"  What— what  is  that  you  say  ?" 

"  You  are  incredulous ;  but,  believe  me,  I  am  quite  in 
earnest" 

"What  is  it,  then,  you  want  me  to  do?— some  fearful 
crime,  perhaps  ?  What  is  it  that  I  can  do  to  be  worth  so 
great  a  sum  ?  " 

"I  place  a  different  value  upon  money  to  what  you  do. 
But,  in  a  word,  are  you  willing  to  undertake  this  ser- 
vice ' r 

"  "flTiat  is  It  ?" 

"  Listen,  and  I  will  tell  you." 
The  miser  leaned  forward  eagerly. 
"A  little  further  on  along  the  road  you  will  come  to 
an  old  stone  bridge  that  crosses  the  river  Brent." 

"  Yes — yes,  I  know  it  well." 
i      "Attend,  then.     Under  one  of  the  loose  stones  upon 
ths  parapet  there  ^       »«tter.     I   want  you  to  go  there, 
•fetch  it,  and  bring  it  to  me.™ 

"  And  is  this  all  ?"  asked  the  miser,  in  tones  of  wosdej. 
"  Would  yeu  pay  so  much  for  this  slight  service  ?" 
"  I  have  said  so." 

"  Then— then " 

"Then  what?" 

"  There  must  be  some  special  and  hidden  danger  con- 
nected with  it  ?" 
Tom  nodded. 

"  There  most  certainly  is,"  he  replied. 
"But  let  me  know  its  nature." 

"  I  am  quite  willing.  You  must  know,  then,  that  I 
have  g^od  reason  to  believe  that  the  bridge  is  well  watched 
by  police  officers,  who  are  on  the  look-out  to  capture  me. 
1  be  letter  contains  the  description  of  the  place  where  a 
osstfade  of  mine  has  hidden  a  vast  treasure." 

'•  Treasure,  say  you?"  for  the  eld  man's  faculties  be- 
came, if  possible,  doubly  sharpened  by  the  pronunciation 
of  this  word. 

"Yes,  treasure!  You  understand,  my  comrade  buried 
it,  then  wrote  down  a  description  of  the  place,  and  left  it 
beneath  the  stone." 

"  Then  why  not  fetch  it  ?" 

"Because  it  I  venture  to  go  near,  tne  officers  will  seize 
me,  while  of  you  they  will  have  no  suspicion  whatever. 
You  can  take  up  the  letter,  bring  it  back  to  me,  and  when 
you  do  I  promise  faithfully  to  return  you  your  bag  of 
gold." 

The  old  miser's  eyes  sparkled  brightly. 
"7t  is  »  bargain,"  he  cried — "  it  is  a  bargain  !" 
"  I  km  glad  to  hear  it,"  said  Tom.     "  Set  forward  cow, 
it'i  once." 

;4  And  where  shall  I  find  you  ?" 

« I  will  sit  down  here  upon  this  old  milestone,  and  wan 
patiently  for  your  return." 
I      "  Good— good  !     Do  not  stir." 
I      "  I  will  not,  depend  upon  it.    Be  qufck ! ' 

1 1  will ;  and  if   you  do  not  stir  I  shall  ne  awe  *•  I* 
]  able  to  find  you." 


The  old  miser,  without  another  word,  arged  his  mule 
forward  at  the  best  speed  it  was  capable  of  making,  which 
tu  not  very  rapid. 

Tom  King  watched  him  for  some  rarose&ta. 

fie  observed  the  old  man  frequently  and  anxiously  look 
round,  in  order  to  be  sure  that  Tom  had  not  sti7red. 

The  latter  waited  until  a  turn  in  the  roadway  hid  him 
from  his  sight 

Then  he  sprang  from  his  feet. 

"  If  events  turn  out  as  I  believe  they  will,"  he  ex- 
claimed, "yoQ  will  be  taught  a  lesson  you  will  neve/  for- 
get to  your  dying  day — perhaps  it  may  cure  you  of  your 
insatiable  avarice — and  it  is  pretty  sure  to  make  a  fool  of 
clever  Mr.  Bishop." 

Having  utterod  these  words  half  aloud,  Tom  sprang 
lightly  over  the  low  hedge  that  bordered  the  tigh- 
road. 

He  alighted  upon  the  soft  turf  of  a  meadow,  and  then, 
crouching  down,  he  ran  along  at  a  rapid  rate. 

He  did  not  keep  altogether  under  the  shadow  of  the 
hedge,  but  left  it  some  distance  on  his  left. 

By  doing  this,  he  cut  off  the  curve  of  the  high-road. 

Having  gone  some  distance  in  a  straight  line,  he 
reached  the  hedge,  and  waited  there  a  moment,  partly  to 
recover  his  spent  breath  and  partly  to  listen. 

He  then  discovered  that  he  had  outstripped  the  old 
miser,  who  came  jogging  along  and  muttering  all  the 
time. 

"  Yes — yes,"  Tom  overheard  him  say,  "  I  can  see  my 
way  clearly  now  in  all  I  have  to  do.  Yes — yes,  beyond 
all  doubt  this  will  turn  out  a  good  night's  work  for  me. 
What  a  shallow  fool  he  mu9t  be.  Let  me  consider  now 
how  I  shall  act.  1  will,  first  of  all,  obtain  possession  of 
this  letter  he  speaks  of — I  will  secure  it.  Fool — fool,  to 
let  me  know  that  it  contained  such  priceless  information  ! 
Then,  having  done  that,  I  will  find  out  the  officers  who 
are  lurking  near,  and  tell  them  where  the  rascal  can  be 
found.  Yes,  yes — that  will  be  it.  They  will  make  their 
way  round  to  him  by  the  meadows,  and  pounce  out  upon 
him.  Yes,  yes — of  course ;  and  if  necessary,  I  can  hold 
him  in  conversation.  I  shall  then  get  my  share  of  the 
reward — perhaps  recover  possession  of  what  he  has 
robbed  me  of,  and — then — then  afterwards,"  he  added,  in 
shrill  tones,  "  I  will  repair  to  this  secret  spot,  and  obtain 
possession  of  the  buried  treasure  !" 

Either  he  had  brought  all  his  arrangements  to  a  satis- 
factory termination,  or  else  the  prospect  of  obtaining  tho 
buried  treasure  overpowered  him  to  such  a  degree  that  he 
could  only  muse  upon  it,  not  speak,  for  having  said  so 
much  he  became  silent. 

"  Just  what  I  expected,"  said  Tom,  mentally,  "  though 
I  scarcely  thought  I  should  obtain  so  good  an  insight  into 
your  plans.  It  will  be  a  lesson  for  you,  old  man,  and  one 
which  you  richly  deserve." 

With  these  words,  Tom  King  continued  to  make  his 
way  forward,  though  this  time  with  more  caution. 

He  was  as  anxious  to  get  as  close  to  the  bridge  as  he 
could  wfthout  being  perceived,  in  order  that  he  might  be 
an  observer  of  the  scene  that  was  about  to  be  enacted. 

To  this  end,  he  followed  in  the  footsteps  of  the  old 
miser,  whose  mule  went  at  his  steady  jog-trot  on  to  the 
bridge. 

Oh,  how  Tom  laughed  and  chuckled  to  himself  I 

The  old  miser  had  comprehended  very  well  where- 
abouts the  letter  had  been  hidden. 

So  well  that  the  first  stone  he  raised  proved  to  have 
the  letter  beneath  it. 

He  seized  the  precious  paper  with  a  frantic  gesture  of 
delight. 

But  his  feelings  were  destined  to  undergo  a  thorough 
alteration. 

Bishop,  the  officer,  had  watched  the  old  man  seize  the 
letter  with  almost  as  much  extravagant  delight  as  the 
*>ld  miser  himself  had  experienced. 

Like  some  wild  boast  that  had  been  long  and  patiently 
awaiting  the  coming  of  its  prey,  ho  bounded  out  of  his 
hiding-place  and  seized  tho  miser  by  the  back  of  the  nock 
with  a  grip  so  powerful  that  it  forced  him  to  utter  i  loud 
yell  of  surprise  and  fear. 

Bishop  nothing  doubted  that  he   had  got  one  of  the 
*  '"hwaymen  in  his  grasp,  who  had  thus  disguised  hinj- 
in  order  to  avoid  recognition. 
%g  was  a  very  probable  supposition  indeed  for  bin*  ** 


"  Release  me !"  said  the  old  man,  speaking  with  a 
difficulty — "release  ma,  I  say!" 

"  Oh  yes  !  of  course  I  shall — you  may  depend  1  shall 
do  that  1  Is  there  anything  else  in  a  trifling  way  you 
would  like  ?     If  so,  speak  out — don't  be  bashful,  pray  '" 

Bishop  was  so  delighted  that  he  grew  quite  facetious. 

'•You  make  a  mistake  in  seizing  me!"  whined  the 
miser.     "  I  am  no  highwayman !" 

"  Very  likely  not ;  but  I  intend  to  take  you  whether 
you  are  or  not — so  surrender,  and  let  us  have  no  more 
fuss!" 

The  miser  groaned. 

"  Ay,  groan  away !"  cried  Bishop,  in  groat  exultation. 
"  You  feel  very  bad,  I  daresay  ;  but  you  will  feel  worse 
before  long !  Short  work  will  be  made  of  you,  that  I  can 
promise  you !" 

"  I  am  a  wretched  man !" 

"  No  doubt  of  it." 

"  I  am  lost — lost !" 

"  Not  a  bit  of  it,  my  spark ;  it  rather  strikes  me  you're 
found !     Ha,  ha!" 

At  which  stroke  of  wit  Bishop  laughed  so  heartily  that 
he  almost  released  his  hold  upon  the  miser's  collar. 

"  Got  your  lantern,"  cried  the  latter,  at  length — "get 
your  lantern,  I  say,  and  look  in  my  face  !  You  will  see 
then  that  you  have  made  a  mistake — a  great  mistake  1 
You  will  find  I  am  not  the  man  you  take  me  for  i" 

By  this  time  Bishop's  excitement  had  abated  somewnat, 
and  consequently,  being  calmer,  the  old  man's  peculiar, 
shrill  voice  falling  upon  his  ears,  made  him  feel  cold  and 
clammy  with  a  dreadful  doubt. 

Surely  such  a  voice  as  that  was  not  simulated. 

In  his  nervous  agitation,  he  thrust  his  hand  into  his 
pocket  and  drew  forth  his  lantern. 

Is  was  still  burning. 
"•-  With  an  unsteady  hand,  he  directed  the  light  upon  the 
old  miser's  countenance. 

The  very  first  glance  at  the  pinched  features  and 
attenuated  form  convinced  him  that  it  was  no  highway- 
man he  held  in  his  grasp. 

With  a  sigh  of  bitter  disappointment,  he  restored  his 
lantern  to  his  pocket. 

"If  you  are  not  actually  one  of  the  accursed  lot,"  he 
crTed,  wrathfully,  "  you  are  one  of  their  agents,  and  being 
such,  I  will  take  good  care  that  you  receive  in  full  tho 
punishment  which  the  law  awards.  Come  with  me — you 
are  my  prisoner !  If  you  resist,  it  will  be  all  the  worse 
for  you!" 

"Mr.  Officer!"  said  the  miser,  earnestly — so  earnestly 
that  Bishop  felt  constrained  to  pause  and  say  : 

"  Well  ?" 

"  You  are  laboring  undor  a  great  mistake.  I  am  not 
indeed  the  man  you  take  mo  for ;  but  I  assuro  you  I 
know  where  he  is,  and  if  you  will  only  listen  to  what  I 
have  to  say,  I  will  make  a  clean  breast  of  all,  and  take 
you  to  whore  he  is  now  awaiting  my  return." 

"  Cut  along  then,"  said  Bishop,  "  and  be  quick t" 

CHAPTER    CMXCVII. 

IN  WHICH   TOM   KINO  OEB   HIMSELF  INTO   SERIOUS 
TROUBLE. 

•Patience!"  said  the  old  man — "patience,  and  I  will 
tell  you.  But  I  am  old  and  I  am  frightened  well-nigh 
out  of  my  life." 

"Well,  go  on,  can't  you  ?"  interrupted  Bishop,  angrily. 
"  Don't  let  us  have  so  much  of  your  palaver !" 

"  As  I  was  journeying  along  the  road,  I  was  stoppod 
by  a  man  who,  with  many  fearful  oaths,  despoiled  me  of 
my  purse  and  threatened  to  deprive  me  of  my  life." 

"  Where  was  thiR  ?" 

"  A  few  hundred  yards  off,  down  the  road." 

Bishop  ground  his  teeth  savagely. 

"  But  at  last,"  resumed  the  old  man,  "he  promised  to 
return  me  all  he  had  taken  from  me  if  I  would  only 
undertake  to  render  him  a  service.  1  asked  him  what  it 
was,  and  he  told  me  merely  to  fetch  this  let-tor,  which  ho 
stated  I  should  find  hidden  under  one  of  the  stones  on 
the  parapet  of  the  bridge." 

"Well,  what  then?"  asked  Bishop,  in  a  suspicious 
tone. 

I  agreed,  and  you  seized  me." 
">      '*  And  what  arrangement  did  yon  make  about  the  *a» 
lilrerj  of  this  letter?" 


THE    KNIGHT    OF   THE    ROAD. 


|TRB  FOUR   HIGHWATMEN   IK    WAIT  FOR  THE   PRISON  Kits'    VAN.  J 


"I  •will  tell  you.  The  robber  promised  to  reinaiu 
seated  on  a  milestone  about  haK  a  mile  hence,  where  I 
left  bin,  until  I  came  back.  Then  I  was  to  give  up  the 
letter  in  exchange  for  the  purso." 

Having  heard  this  much,  Bishop  for  eoveral  moments 
gave  ldmself  up  to  deep  reflection. 
At  list,  in  a  wrathful  voice,  he  said: 
"Old  man,  I  believe  you  to  be  neitb&;  more  nor  less 
than  an  infernal  liar!" 

"  II 1  swear  I  speak  the  trutn !" 

"I  ilon't  doubt  but  what  you  would  swear  to  anything. 
Of  on j  thing  1  am  certain:  If  you  are  not  actually  one 
of  th<  men  I  am  so  anxious  to  capture  you  are  at  least 
m»  of  their  aqcomplices.  Don't  deny  it,  for  to  prove  you 
1  will  walk  (Quietly  down  the  road  with  you  to  the  miie- 
itone  you  mention,  and  if  there  is  no  one  there  I  shall 
iaul  you  off  to  jaii,  you  may  depend  upon  that |r 
Th«  old  man  wrung  hie  hands  in  despair 


it*.  JWi   -iiij.es,  fi«* 
No.  208. 


"  I  am  lost  and  undone !"  he  saiu. 

"  Why why  ?     What  i3  the  matter  now  ?     Do«a  50-uj 

*<eaTt  begin  to  fail  you  ?" 

"  No— no  !  I  will  swear  by  all  that  id  sawed  I  spoai 
nothing  but  the  truth  !" 

"  Come  en,  then  !  Why  do  you  object  <lat  your  worde 
should  be  proved  ?" 

"  Because,"  replied  the  miser,  "  he  will  Tjeyona  %  douol 
1  be  on  the  look-out,  and  when  he  llnds   I  am   roturmu| 
!  with  sonre  one  in  my  company  he  will  ooaclude  a.  ouct 
that  1  have  betrayed  him,  and  be  off!" 

This  struck  Bishop  as  being  a  very  reasonable    nau 
for  in  spite  of  all   he  had  said  to  the  contrary,  l«e  e.*!d 
not  help  thinking  that  the  old  miser  w&«  telling   lam  t.j* 
troth. 

"Look  here,"  he  said,  abruptly ;  '  L  will  deprive  vo* 
of  even  that  excus».  I  will  go  ou  the  other  side  of  M» 
hedge  and  creep  cautiously  along  under  cover  of  it.     li* 


Prick  One  Halfpenny. 


No.  209  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


1658 


BLACK     BB8B  ;     OR, 


will  know  not!  ng  of  my  presence  then.  But  if  you  at- 
tempt to  escape  I  will  put  a  stop  to  you  by  firing  a  bullet 
after  you  !" 

'  You  have  no  occasion  for  such  threats.  It  is  not  my 
.nii'iition  to  play  you  false." 

"  We  bball  soon  see  about  that.    Start  on !" 
Yes,  the  sooner  the  better.     The  delay  that  "*,«•  al- 
ready taken  place  may  make  him  suspicious." 

Bishop  just  glanced  at  his  pistols  as  he  waJLtj  «B  %te 
bridge. 

Then  forcing  his  way  through  a  prickly  hedge  at  the 
axpense  of  his  skin  and  clothing,  ho  said  : 

"Ride  on,  old  man,  and  beware  how  you  attempt  to 
play  false  with  me." 

The  miser  complied.  ». 

Tom  King  had  boon  a  witness  of  this  scene  with  'iie 
most  unbounded  delight. 

"  Clever  Mr.  Bishop !"  he  said,  as  he  emerged  from  his 
place  of  concealment.  "You  have  overreached  yourself 
this  timo  and  no  mistake,  and  so  have  you,  old  man.  Your 
covetousuess  will  meet  with  its  due  reward,  and  I  hope 
it  will  be  the  means  of  teaching  you  a  lesson." 

As  the  coast  was  now  quite  clear  of  his  foes,  Tom  King, 
in  the  most  leisurely  manner  possible,  made  bis  way  to 
the  spot  where  he  had  left  his  horse. 

"  I  am  much  obliged  to  you,  Mr.  Bishop,  for  being  so 
kind  as  to  take  yourself  out  of  the  way  just  at  the  time 
to  suit  me.     I  am  very  much  obliged  indeed !" 

Tom  found  his  horse  in  perfect  safety. 

He  mounted  and  rode  up  on  to  the  bridge. 

By  the  time  he  reached  it  he  could  hear  sounds  of  con- 
tention in  the  distance. 

"  They  have  failed  to  find  me,  I  suppose.  Well,  here 
goes  for  something  to  bewilder  them  a  little  more,  and 
after  that  I  will  be  off !" 

With  these  words,  Tom  King  discharged  t*»c  pistols 
in  rapid  succession. 

The  reports  rang  out  clearly  and  sharply  upoo  tie  etlll 
night  air,  and  were  doubtless  heard  far  and  wide 

The  explosion  of  the  gunpowder  produced  a  t>»9i«ien- 
ta'ry  illumination. 

After  that  a  double  darkness  seemed  to  reign. 

Tom  King's  object  was  to  puzzle  the  police  officer  and 
the  miser,  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  he  fully 
succeeded. 

Of  course  he  did  not  wait  to  hear  the  result,  but  at 
once  rode  off  towards  London. 

He  did  not  for  long  continue  in  this  direction,  for  the 
)ight  was  already  far  gone — so  far  that  it  became  time 
for  him  to  think  about  making  his  course  towards  the 
ruined  castle. 

Yet  he  felt  unwilling  to  make  his  way  back  there 
exactly  until  he  had  tried  his  hand  at  another  adven- 
ture. 

But  as  he  continued  to  ride  on  he  found  the  roads  were 
completely  deserted. 

"  Confound  it !"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  pulled  up  at  length 
at  a  spot  where  three  roads  diverged.  "  I  wonder  which 
will  be  the  best  way  for  me  to  take  ?" 

He  had  nothing  wlwxtever  to  guide  him  in  making  his 
selection,  and  while  he  sat  there  debating,  he  was  sud- 
denly startled  by  a  violent  downpour  of  rain. 

At  first  he  could  not  make  out  what  was  the  matter, 
the  storm  came  on  with  so  much  suddenness. 

The  hard  pelting  of  the  hailstones,  which  were  of  un- 
usual size,  soon  made  him  conscious  that  the  pleasautest 
thing  would  be  to  seek  out  some  place  of  shelter. 

The  question  was,  where  would  this  be  found  ? 

He  took  the  road  before  him  at  a  venture,  and  soon  dis- 
covered that  his  choice  was  a  wise  one,  for  directly  he 
passed  round  a  bend  that  was  a  few  yards  off  he  came  in 
sight  of  a  small  public-house. 

The  sign  that  swung  upon  the  post  outside  the  door 
was  creaking  most  dismally  as  the  force  of  the  wind  com- 
pelled it  to  swing  backwards  and  forwards  with  more 
than  usual  violence. 

The  exterior  of  the  inn  was  completely  dark,  as  though 
the  inhabitants  had  long  since  retired  to  "est ;  but  in 
despite  of  this,  Tom  King  determined  to  make  an  effort 
to  get  shelter  from  the  storm,  the  violence  of  "*thich  in- 
creased rather  than  abated. 

"  Hilloa  —  hilloa !"  he  shouted.  "  Houm  —  bouse ! 
Hilloa  I — house  !     Open — open !" 

His  words  were  echoed  by  a  loud  cry  as  if  of  exo<r»tkm, 


and  immediately  afterwards  a  man  appeared,  who  seamed 
to  spring  up  out  of  the  darkness  so  quickly  that  it  was 
impossible  to  say  from  whence  he  came. 

Nor  was  he  raich  less  speedy  in  disappearing,  tor  he 
dashed  past  Tom  King  and  forced  his  way  through  the 
hedgerow  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  way. 

He  was  gone  almost  before  Tom  King  was  thui  inghly 
cogi.isant  of  his  presence. 

But  the  highwayman  noticed  that  as  he  flea  some  rathe* 
heavy  objects  appeared  to  fall  upon  the  ground. 

Ta  attempt  to  pursue  this  man  was  perfectly  useless ; 
moreover,  Tom  had  no  particular  motive  to  do  so. 

But  he  could  not  resist  the  temptation  of  springing  of! 
his  torse  and  looking  to  see  what  the  man  had  dropped 
in  his  hasty  flight. 

The  first  thing  Tom's  hand  came  in  contact  with  as  I. » 
groped  along  the  ground  was  a  bag,  which  by  its  fet 
evidently  contained  money. 

Tom  King  weighed  it  in  his  hand,  then  complacently 
consigned  it  to  his  pocket. 

A  few  steps  further  on  he  found  another  bag  of  similar 
appearance  ;  and  perhaps  there  might  have  been  auothei 
still  further  on,  but  he  did  not  stop  to  look,  for  just  ther 
doors  and  windows  were  suddenly  thrown  open,  showing 
that  the  inhabitants  of  the  inn  were  thoroughly  aroused. 

Tom  King  advanced,  leading  his  horse  by  the  bridle. 

"  I  want  shelter  from  this  storm,"  he  said.  "  Can  I  have 
it,  and  can  you  put  my  horse  under  cover  until  the  fury 
of  it  is  past  ?" 

"Yes,  sir — yes — yes — certainly  1" 

At  this  moment  loud  sounds  as  of  a  great  disturbance 
taking  place  within  came  upon  their  ears. 

"I  rather  think,"  said  Tom  King,  "that  you  have  beer 
robbed,  for  just  as  I  pulled  up  before  the  door  a  man  rat 
away  at  full  speed,  breaking  his  way  through  the  hedgf 
yonder." 

"Thieves — thieves !"  cried  a  loud  voice  at  this  moment 
— "thieves — thieves!  I  have  been  robbed!  Call  the 
police  !     Thieves — thieves !" 

In  front  of  the  inn  there  was  a  large  old-fashioned,  over- 
hanging porch,  upon  the  trellis-work  of  which  there  grew 
in  summer  time  quite  a  profusion  of  leaves,  and  it  was 
under  this  that  Tom  had  stood  while  these  few  words 
passed  between  him  and  the  landlord. 

The  porch  was  quite  large  enough  to  shelter  his  horse, 
so  Tom,  without  more  ado,  secured  the  reins  to  a  ring  in 
the  doorpost. 

Upon  hearing  these  words  from  Tom  King,  and  upon 
hearing  the  alarming  cries  in  the  house,  the  landlord 
stood  struck  with  consternation. 

Lights  could  now  be  seen  approaching,  and  diroctly 
afterwards  a  throng  of  excited  persons  appeared  in  the 
entrance-passage  of  the  inn. 

Foremost  was  a  tall,  thin,  wiry  man,  attired  in  a  vei,, 
singular-looking  dressing-gown. 

He  spraug  forward  and  clutched  the  landlord  by  th< 
throat. 

"  Wretch — rascal  1  Do  you  hear  what  I  say  ?  Buf 
this  is  all  your  work  I  I  might  have  guess«d  it  <when  you 
showed  yourself  so  anxious  that  I  should  stay  here  all 
night.  You  preached  weD  about  the  dangers  of  the  road 
but  you  said  nothing  about  the  dangers  of  this  d — nable 
inn,  curse  you !" 

"  I  protest,"  said  the  landlord,  speaking  with  some 
difficulty,  for  the  traveller's  clutch  upon  his  throat  was  s 
very  tight  one — "  I  protest  I  am  quite  uiaocent  in  the 
matter !" 

"  D — n  you,  yes — of  course  you  are !" 

"  I  am  sure  I  am ;  and  if  you  ask  this  gentleman  ht 
will  tell  you  al! — ikat  lust  wh«n  he  rode  up  he  saw  a  mat 
ride  away." 

"  Yes,  yes — it's  all  very  well  managed  indeed  !  But  lei 
me  tell  you  I  can  see  a  hole  through  a  ladder  before  any- 
one kuocks  a  round  out.  This  is  part  of  your  plan 
Gentleman,  forsooth ! — more  likely  the  robber ! ' 

"You  are  heated,"  said  Tom  King,  "and  1  excuse  you 
for  you  are  speaking  quite  at  random,  What  I  tell  you  u 
no  more  than  the  truth." 

"  Of  course  not — I  know  all  about  that,  very  weU 
Let  me  tell  you  I've  seen  a  thing  or  two,  and  you  wun'i 
impose  upon  me  very  easily." 

"  If  you  waut  to  find  the  man  who  robbed  you.  jusi 
push  through  that  gap  id  yonder  hedge— that  ie  |}.e  <v»j 
he  took." 


TBDB    KNIGHT   0?  THB  HOAJX 


10*9 


"Wouldn't  yon  like  it?  A  light— a  light!  D— n  it 
all,  won't  you  give  me  a  light?  I  will  just  have  a  look 
at  this  fly-by-night's  face  !  What  respectable  traveller 
would  be  abroad  at  this  hour  ?  I  may  recoguise  hipj,  for 
aught  I  know." 

Upon  hearing  this,  Tom  King,  as  may  bp  exp^e'ed.  felt 
anything  but  comfortable.   * 

He  wished  to  escape  observation  as  muc^  as  pos-iole, 
but,  if  the  traveller  did  not  happen  to  recos*cn.:e  turn,  per- 
haps when  the  light  of  a  candle  fell  full  upon  kit  i-saiares 
some  of  the  others  would. 

It  was  a  very  serious  risk  indeed,  and  Tom  glanced 
around  him  without  seeing  any  means  by  which  ho  could 
avoid  it. 

During  this  conversation,  he  had  been  gradual. y  sur- 
rounded and  hemmed  in  by  the  various  ijtuiates  of  the 
inn,  and  to  such  an  extent  did  they  now  press  upon  him 
that  he  could  not  possibly  beat  a  rapid  retreat. 

A  candle  was  quickly  thrust  into  the  traveller's 
land. 

He  held  it  in  such  a  manner  that  its  rays  fell  full  upon 
Tom's  features. 

"Ha!"  he  yelled,  in  a  furious  voice.  "This  is  just 
what  I  expected  !  Now,  then,  to  prove  whether  you  are 
good  men  and  true,  or  whether  you  are  all  rascally  accom- 
plices of  this  execrable  wretch !  Assist  me  to  take  him 
prisoner !"  he  cried,  as  he  sprang  at  Tom,  and  fastened 
on  1  lis  throat  like  a  tiger. 

"But  who  is  it?  What  has  he  done?"  cried  all,  in 
chorus. 

"  Done  ? — what  hasn't  he  don©  ?  Why,  he  has  robbed 
me  to-night,  and  many  another  before  me  !  But  his  time 
is  up  I  This  is  Tom  King,  the  highwayman!  I  will 
8we>ir  to  it !  I  say  again,  this  is  Tom  King  the  highway- 
tuaa  J" 


CHAPTER  CMXCVIII. 

RELATES   TOM    K.INO'3   ADVENTURES   WITH   THE   TRAVELLER 
AT  THE  INN. 

In  anticipating  the  worst,  Tom  King  had  hardly  thought 
that  the  stranger  would  have  recognised  him  so  readily, 
therefore  our  old  friend  was  taken  somewhat  by  sur- 
prise. 

The  feeling  passed  away  so  quickly,  however,  that  not 
jne  of  those  who  were  present  could  have  told  that  it  had 
existence. 

The  people  in  the  inn  crowded  closer  and  closer. 

Tom's  first  act  was  to  free  himself  from  the  stranger's 
grasp,  a  feat  which  apparently  he  performed  with  the 
greatest  ease. 

"  Your  loss  has  turned  your  brain,  sir,"  he  said,  in  a 
cold  and  haughty  tone  of  voice,  "  and  you  may  think 
yourself  fortunate  that  I  have  not  as  sudden  and  hasty  a 
temper  as  yourself,  otherwise " 

Tom  did  not  trouble  himself  to  finish  the  sentence — 
the  significant  look  with  which  he  accompanied  the  words 
rendering  it  quite  unnecessary. 

All  traces  of  his  early  life  and  training  had  not  become 
extinct  in  Tom  King.  In  spite  of  his  continual  attempts 
to  disguise  his  nature,  there  were  times  when  the  true 
gentlemanly  bearing  would  peep  forth  an£  show  it- 
self. 

The  present  was  one  of  them. 

His  manner  caused  the  traveller  for  a  moment  to  recoil, 
wondering  whether  he  was  a  victim  to  a  complete  dehtaion 
of  the  senses. 

But  he  quitfcly  recovered  himself,  and,  with  e 
ate  exclamation,  sprang  forward  again. 

But  this  time  Tom  King  was  prepared  for  him,  and 
stopped  him. 

"  Keep  your  nands  off  !"  he  roared  —  •' keep  your  hands 
off,  or  I  shall  lose  all  control  over  my  temper  1" 

The  stranger  was  awed. 

Nevertheless,  he  cried  out : 

"  I  declare  this  is  Tom  King,  the  n''ghw*«iQ«B  !  I  de- 
clare he  has  robbed  me  I  If  his  pockets  wore  searched, 
vou  would  find  my  money  upon  him  !" 

This  was  true  enough,  and  it  seemed  to  be  quite  a  pco- 
blem  bow  Tom  would  get  out  of  his  awkward  jx.ii- 
tion. 

But  Tom,  with  his  ready  mind,  had  thoroughly  compre- 
hended his  ei'uation.  and,  what  was  more,  had  resolved 
what  to  do. 


"  It  is  generally  a  hopeless  task  to  attempt  to  reason 
with  a  man  in  your  condition,  but,  if  you  like  to  step  with 
me  into  any  of  these  adjoining  rooms,  I  will  quickly  give 
you  a  proof  that  you  never  made  a  greater  mistake  in  all 
your  life  " 

"  Why  not,  give  the  proof  now  ?" 

•  Simply  because  i  do  not  choose  to  do  so,  and,  if  you 
hesitate  a  moment  longei,  I  shall  refuse  to  satisfy  you  at 
all — mark  that !" 

Tom  King's  cool,  collected,  haughty  bearing  produced 
an  immense  effect  upon  the  stranger. 

Although  it  seemed  against  his  inclination,  he  could  not 
resist  compliance. 

Pushing  open  the  door  nearest  to  him,  he  strode  into 
the  chamber  beyond. 

Tom  followed. 

"  Close  the  door,"  he  said,  as  he  entered,  "  and  lock  it 
as  well." 

"  What  for  ?" 

"  In  order  to  guard  against  interruption  ;  and,  if  you 
are  still  demented  enough  to  persist  in  your  belief,  it  will 
be  a  means  of  preventing  my  escape." 

Whichever  of  these  reasons  it  happened  to  be  which 
weighed  with  the  stranger  does  not  matter ;  but  he  obeyed 
Tom's  order,  closing  and  locking  the  door. 

Then,  turning  round,  he  said: 

"  Now,  sir,  as  I  have  complied  with  all  your  demands, 
let  me  request  you  to  be  quick." 

Tom  King  approaohed  very  closely. 

Strangely  enough,  the  traveller's  suspicions  were  not 
at  all  excited. 

But  with  the  suddenness  of  lightning,  Tom  seized  the 
stranger  by  the  throat,  at  the  same  time  that  he  thrust  a 
pistol  roughly  into  his  mouth. 

"  A  word,"  he  murmured — "  a  syllable  above  a  whisper 
and  your  brains  will  be  scattered  round  this  room  I" 

The  stranger  turned  pale,  and  was  silent. 

Much  of  his  excitement  had  abated. 

"  Make  no  mistake,"  said  Tom  King — "  I  am  indeed 
what  you  declared  me  to  be;  and  your  position  just  at  the 
present  moment  is  one  of  great  danger,  though  perhaps 
you  may  not  realise  it.  H  you  know  anything  of  me,  you 
will  be  certain  that  I  shall  be  as  good  as  my  word  in  this 
affair." 

Evidently  the  stranger  thought  so,  for  he  neither 
offered  tospeak  nor  to  make  the  slightest  movement. 

The  knowledge  that  the  muzzle  of  a  cocked  pistol  was 
between  his  teeth,  and  that  its  trigger  was  encircled  by 
Tom's  fingeroverawed  him. 

"You  might  have  known  that  single-handed  you  could 
be  no  match  for  me.  You  do  not  take  into  account  that 
when  a  man  is  fighting  for  his  life  he  would  do  that  from 
which  all  others  not  so  circumstanced  would  naturally 
shrink.  I  could  have  escaped  without  this  trouble,  but  I 
did  not  want  a  hue  and  cry  at  my  heels — do  you  under- 
stand ?" 

The  traveller  nodded,  to  show  that  he  thoroughly  eom- 
prehended. 

"Then,"  said  Tom  King,  "you  will  have  to  submit  to 
be  bound  and  gagged.  When  I  know  you  are  safe  I  shall 
take  my  departure  from  the  inn.  You  will  not  suffer  the 
inconvenience  long — the  people  here  will  soon  peep  in 
upon  you." 

"  But  my  money  ?"  the  traveller  managed  to  summon" 
up  courage  enough  to  mutter. 

"I  tell  you  the  truth  concerning  it,"  replied  Tom  King, 
"  and  you  may  believe  me  or  not,  just  as  you  like  :  I  am 
quite  indifferent  upon  the  point.  Once  more  I  repeat 
that  when  I  rode  up  to  the  front  door  a  man  hastily  started 
up  and  ran  away ;  I  have  not  the  l<  **»t  doubt  that  he  was 
the  robber." 

"Then  have  pity  upon  me,"  said  the  traveler,  in  a 
husky  voice,  "  for  I  assure  you  1  am  a  worthy  object  of 
commiseration.  The  money  and  valuables  I  have  lost 
represent  a  very  large  sum  indeed.  Had  the  amount 
been  my  own,  I  could  have  borne  my  loss  with 
more  patience;  but,  unfortunately,  I  only  held  it  in 
trust  for  another  In  fact,  sir,  as  you  have  kindly  taken 
away  the  pistol,  I  assure  you  that  I  am  neither  more  nor 
less  than  a  commercial  traveller,  and  the  goods  I  carry 
with  me  consist  of  watches,  rings,  and  other  such  article! ' 
—very  valuable,  and  all  lying  in  a  small  space.  To-night, 
at  this  accursed  inn,  I  have  lost  all.  I  questioB  wbfctUei 
I  shall  ever  recover  a  fraction." 


ieeo 


BLACK    BBSS  ,     OB, 


Tom  was  silent.  He  was  interested  in  what  the 
traveller  was  stating;  but  he  kept  a  sharp  eye  upon  hiai, 
and  waited  to  hear  more. 

" My  master,"  continued  the  commercial  traveller,  "is 
a  Jew,  and  as  I  dont  happen  to  be  of  bis  religion  he  will 
have  no  mercy  upon  me.  I  am  a  ruined  man ;  and  when 
I  make  known  my  loss,  what  will  become  of  my  poor 
wife  and  children  I  know  not.  And  yet,  in  v»Uiat  way  am 
]  to  blame,  except  that  the  violence  of  thfc  weather — 
which  I  ought  to  have  disregarded — made  nie  comply 
with  the  urgent  solicitations  of  the  landlord  to  remain  all 
night  at  this  place." 

"  I  do  not  see  that  you  are  to  blame,-  replied  Tom 
King,  for  the  great  distress  which  the  traveller  manifested 
touched  him  to  the  heart. 

But  his  words  produced  no  consoling  effect. 

"  Go,"  said  the  traveller—"  go '  I  will  do  nothi  lg  to 
hinder  your  departnre — I  will  not  say  one  syllable.  I 
will  take  your  word  that  you  have  had  no  hand  in  rob- 
bing me  of  what  I  bave  lost." 

He  sank  down  upon  a  seat  while  he  spoke,  and  bowing 
down  his  head,  covered  his  face  with  his  hands. 

Tom  King  moved  slowly  towards  the  door ;  but  when 
within  a  few  paces  cf  it  he  paused,  and  stood  irresolute. 

The  traveller  appeared  to  be  unconscious  of  every- 
thing. 

Tom  King  did  tot  feel  quite  at  his  ease,  and  while  he 
continued  to  gaee  upon  the  sorrowing  form  he  feit  less 
and  less  so. 

The  traveller  had  acquitted  him  of  all  share  in  the 
robbery;  but  thi3  was  wrong,  and  Tom  felt  It  to  be 
so. 

Then  a  struggle  began  in  his  breast. 

Should  he  give  up  the  two  bags  of  money  he  had 
picked  up?  Surely  that  would  be  better  than  taking  them 
away. 

Thinking  so,  Tom  King  turned  round  with  the  inten- 
tion of  restoring  them  ;  but  all  at  «uce  he  thought  how 
strange  it  would  be  for  them  to  be  founll  in  his  possession, 
for  the  stranger  had  stated  his  disbelief  that  Tom  had  had 
any  hand  in  the  robbery,  and  our  friend  had  not  denied 
it. 

Quickly  he  thought  of  a  means  by  which  he  could 
relieve  himself  of  his  embarrassment. 

Taking  from  his  pocket  the  money  he  had  obtained 
from  th«  miser,  he  exclaimed  : 

"  Look,  sir — to  show  you  there  is  such  a  thing  some- 
times as  good  returned  for  evil,  I  give  you  this  money. 
Take  it,  and  never  mind  troubling  yourself  to  utter 
thanks ;  you  are  heartily  welcome.  Not  a  word !  i  am 
off." 

The  traveller  took  with  trembling  hands  the  wealth 
lhat  was  so  unexpectedly  offered  him. 

But  he  was  not  going  to  allow  Tom  to  depart  so 
e    sily, 

Springing  up,  he  caught  him  by  the  hands,  and  in  a 
bro    en  voice,  poured  out  his  thanks. 

So  firm  was  his  grasp  that  Tom  felt  himself  unable  to 
shake  it  off  without  doing  so  roughly. 

At  1  ngth  the  traveller,  completely  overcome  by  what 
had  tak    n  place,  burst  into  tears. 

Tom  took  this  opportunity  to  break  away  from 
him. 

But  ere  he  left  the  room  he  exclaimed  : 

"  I  ha*  good  reason  to  think  the  robber  was  disturbed, 
»nd  that  i  i  his  hasty  flight  he  dropped  some  portion  of 
his  booty,  which  he  did  not  dare  stop  to  pick  up.  He 
broke  thro  ugh  the  gap  in  the  hedge  yonder,  so  you  will 
have  no  d  ifficulty  in  getting  upon  his  track." 

With  these  last  words,  Tom  King  passed  tastily 
through  t.  ie  doorway 

Just  out  side  he  encountered  the  landlord  and  the  other 
inmates  of  the  inn,  who  doubtless  had  been  eager 
listeners  to  what  few  ebastf-e  words  napm  ued  fcr>  rrA\ 
upon  theii-  ears. 

They  re  yarded  Tom  King  distrustfully. 

But  the  highwayman  took  not  the  least  notice  of  tt^s, 
apparently  but  said,  with  admirable  coolness  : 

"Thestjrm  is  well  over  now,  I  think.  GooduigM, 
gentlemen.  I  think  if  you  go  in  yonder  room  you  will 
find  that  I  have  succeeded  in  satisfying  the  gentleman 
that  he  wasi  laboring  under  a  most  extraordinary  delusion. 

Thero  wt,s  a  general  move  in  the  direction  of  the  room 
the  travalltr  occupied. 


Tom  took  advantage  of  it. 

Passing  out  quickly,  he  sprang  into  the  saddle,  and 
rodo  rapidly  away. 

The  storm  was  indeed  fairly  over,  but  a  soft  and  gentle 
summer  rain  was  falling. 

This  Tom  paid  no  attention  to — in  fact,  he  iound  the 
cool  sprinkling  iropp  ^rather  agreeable  than  other- 
wise. 

He  was  not  in  the  mood  for  any  further  adventures  lhat 
night,  so  turned  his  horse's  head  at  once  in  the  direction 
of  the  ruins. 

Fortunate  it  was  that  he  did  do  so,  for  although  he 
made  quite  as  much  speed  as  he  well  could  without  dis- 
tressing his  horse,  daylight  was  very  close  at  hand  indeed 
when  he  arrived. 

He  found  Dick  Turpin  waiting  for  him  at  the  usual 
spot  amid  the  ruins,  and  quickly  learned  that  the  captain 
had  yielded  to  Maud's  persuasions,  and  had  remained 
there  all  the  night. 

Dick  was  very  anxious  about  the  letter. 

"  Did  you  get  it  ?"  ho  asked. 

"I  did  not.  But  yet  I  was  made  acquainted  with  the 
contents  ;  but  tue  circumstances  were  so  very  strange 
that  I  will  relate  them  to  you  at  full  length." 

"Satisfy  me  first,"  said  Dick,  "what  time  they 
start." 

"  At  nine  o'clock." 

"  In  the  morning  ?" 

"  I  suppose  so." 

"And  the  day?" 

"The  twenty-first." 

"  Two  days  hence,"  said  Turpin,  musingly.  "  That 
will  give  us  time  to  mature  all  our  plans  and  make  ever} 
preparation.  There  is  only  one  thing  that  1  am  afraid 
of." 

"  What  is  that,  captain  ?" 

"Why,  starting  at  so  early  an  hour  in  the  morning,  1 
am  afraid  they  will  reach  their  destination  by  daylight,  in 
which  case  the  difficulties  of  our  task  would  be  increased 
tenfold." 

"  Yet  they  must  be  overcome." 

"Yes,  as  you  say,  they  must  be  overcome;  and,  be- 
tween now  and  the  time  mentioned,  we  shall  have  ample 
opportunities  for  consideration." 

"  We  shall.     But  where  are  Claude  and  Jack  ?" 

"  Not  returned." 

"  Not  returned  ?" 

"  No — I  have  seen  nothing  of  them  since  they  left  last 
night — or,  rather,  the  night  before  last,  for  it  is  fairly 
morning  now." 

"  It  is.     I  sadly  fear " 

"  That  something  serious  has  happened  to  them  ?" 

"  I  do  indeed." 

"  That,  also,  is  my  fear.  Still,  a  little  time  must  elapse 
between  now  and  daylight.  Let  us  hope  that  they  will 
return." 

Tom  did  not  say  a  word  in  reply,  for  his  mind  was  full 
of  uneasiness  on  account  of  his  absent  comrades. 

He  shifted  his  position  to  a  place  where  he  was  ab'e  to 
obtain  a  more  extensive  view  of  the  way  by  which  I  boy 
would  be  likely  to  approach,  and  looked  out  anxiously. 

But  he  was  unable  to  see  anything  of  them. 

Dick  placed  himself  by  his  old  companion's  side,  and 
immediately  afterwards  they  were  joined  by  Maud. 

She  needed  only  to  give  one  glance  at  tLjit  counte- 
nances to  see  that  their  minds  were  gi-?atly  troubled. 

"  What  is  it  ?"  she  asked — "  oh,  what  is  it  ?" 

Her  tones  were  filled  with  alarm. 

"  Nothing — nothing  serious — that  is,  at  present" 

"  But  tell  me !" 

"  It  is  a  dread." 

"Caused  by  the  long-~"r>*inusd  absence  of  *5t>mdo  aua 
Jack  ?" 

"Yes,  Maud,  that  is  it.  When  they  did  not  returo 
yesterday  morning  I  thought  but  little  of  it,  believing 
that  they  had  got  too  far  away  to  be  able  to  return  with- 
out the  risk  of  being  seen.  But  if  that  supposition  h*<l 
been  correct,  they  would  have  been  here  soon  alter  mm 
n'gh*,." 

"  Yes,  that  was  the.  arrangement,"  said  Tom  Kin;;. 

aThen,"  exclaimed  Maud,  in  much  anxiety,  "you  jusil; 
dread  that  some  serious  accident  has  befallen  them  ?'* 

Dick  was  silent,  but  Tom  King  said  : 

"Certainly,  our  uneasiness  ou^htto  abate  when  we  think 


I'HJt   J&NIOHT   OF   TUM   ROAD. 


u;;>i 


fcov  vfell  competent  both  are  to  take  care  of  themselves, 
aid  how  often  they  have  got  themselves  out  of  difficult 
situations." 

But  Dick  Turpin  appeared  to  d-rive  but  little  »ti*  cla- 
rion from  this  reflection. 

As  minute  after  minute  passed  away,  the  gloom  araon 
Dick  Turpin's  countenance  settled  and  deepened  while 
Maud's  features  soon  became  the  reflex  of  his  owa 

And  thus  they  stood  and  watched  for  the  coming  of  tlie 
absent  ones,  and  while  thus  engaged  and  a  prey  to  all 
manner  of  anxious  doubts  and  fears,  we  will  go  back  aad 
endeavor  to  explain  the  mystery  of  their  long  absence. 

It  will  be  recollected  that  Claude  Duval  and   Sixteaa-  \ 
String  Jack  both  set  off  together  with  no  other  object  be- 
fore them  than  that  of  obtaining  an  additional  Amount  of 
money  to  be  placed  along  with  that  they  had  already  in 
their  possession. 

The  purpose  for  which  this  money  was  destined  we 
need  scarcely  inform  the  reader  was  to  enable  Tom  Davis 
and  his  relations  to  quit  England,  auJ  find  them  in  such 
means  as  would  enable  them  to  live  in  tolerable  comfort 
and  independence  abroad. 

Whether  the  highwaymen  were  ever  destined  to  acaieve 
this  important  purpose  time  alone  can  show,  but,  as  we 
have  said,  we  will  in  the  meantime  follow  the  fortunes  of 
Sixteen-String  Jack  and  Claude  Duval,  on  whose  behalf 
it  is  hoped  the  reader  feels  the  same  amount  of  anxious- 
ness  as  their  companions  in  the  ruins. 


CHAPTER  CMXCIX. 

IN     WHICH     CLAUDE    DUVAL     AND     SIXTEF.N-STR1NO     JACK 
SEEK   FRESH   GROUND     FOR  THEIR   ADVENTURE8. 

We  go  back,   then,  to  the  time   when  they   took  their 
departure. 

For  some  considerable  period,  the  highwaymen  rods 
onward  without  pausing.  This  was  for  a  double  reason. 
They  did  not  wish  to  make  an  attack  tv/o  near  their 
present  abiding-place,  and,  what  was  still  more  cog»ut, 
they  did  not  meet  with  anyone,  so  they  were  not  assayed 
by  temptation. 

"  The  roads  seem  empty  enough  to-night,  Clauds," 
said  Sixteen-String  Jack — "at  present  bj  no  means 
protoising  for  our  expedition." 

"  You  are  right,"  was  the  reply.  "  Do  you  know  what 
I  have  just  been  thinking  ?" 

"No." 

"  Well,  then,  I  will  tell  you.  It  is  that  for  once  in  a 
way  we  quit  the  highway  and  try  our  fortune  in  some  of 
the  by-lanes,  or  cross-country  roads." 

"  But  why  ?" 

"Because  it  is  so  generally  kuuwu  uCT?  Snpc^ti  the 
high-roads  are,  and  therefore  I  fancj  pocpU  ~;~6  iz.  the 
habit  of  making  their  way  from  place  to  place  by  other 
routes,  less  frequented  in  a  general  way,  and  therefore  by 
them  considered  as  safer." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  reined-in  his  steed  as  he  said  : 

"  Claude,  my  friend,  there  is  a  very  great  deal  of  truth 
in  what  you  say,  depend  upon  it ;  I  wouder  we  have  not 
thought  of  that  before." 

"  Well,  it  ie  all  in  good  time." 

"  80  it  is." 

"  Are  you  agreed,  then,  that  we  shall  turn  down  the 
next  narrow  turning  we  come  to  ?" 

"  Yes— quite." 

"  Forward,  then." 

At  a  more  gentle  rate  of  speed  than  before.  Claude 
Duval  and  Sixteen-String  Jack  took  their  way  along  the 
high-road. 

Ere  they  hail  ^one  far,  they  carne  upon  the  entrance 
of  one  of  those  picturesque,  leafy  lanes  that  form  so 
eharacteristic  a  feature  in  English  scenery. 

So  densely  overgrown  was  it  that  had  the  highway- 
men been  journeying  along  more  rapidly  they  would  in 
all  probability  have  passed  itunperceived. 

"  Here  we  are,  then,"  said  Claude,  changing  the  direc- 
tion of  his  horse's  head. 

Sixteen-StriDg  Jack  followed  his  example. 
It  was  intensely  dark;    but   after  going  about  thirty 
yards,  the  trees  on  each  side  by  no  means  grew  »;  thickly, 
so  that  it  was  much  lighter  in  consequenoe. 

Tuey  pushed  on  for  nearly  a  mile  at  a  tolerab'*  epeed. 


then  they  paused,  in  order  to  allow  their  hors«*  to  ascend 
a  hill. 

It  was  not  that  this  hill  was  so  very  steep,  but  the 
ground  underfoot  was  very  miry,  and  as  the  soil  was  of 
a  clayey  character  it  clung  almost  as  heavily  to  the 
horses'  hoofs  as  new-ploughed  land  would  have  done. 

u  There  is  one  thing  about  these  lanes,  Claude,"  said 
Ja*>k,  "  if  tneir  condition  in  a  general  way  is  at  all  like 
this,  they  must  be  very  unpleasant  to  travel  over." 

'•  You  are  right  there  ;  but  people  afraid  of  losing  their 
purses    would     consider    it     of     minor     importance,    I 
]  expect" 

Just  then  the  summit  of  the  hill  was  reached,  and  a( 
the  same  moment  Sixteen-String  Jack,  with  a  slight 
exclamation,  drew  his  horse  close  to  one  side  of  the  lane, 
ia  order  to  be  shadowed  by  the  hedgerows. 

"  There  is  some  vehicle  below  us,  Claude,  toiling  up  the 
hill.     Draw  aside,  or  we  shall  be  seen  " 

Claude  lost  not  a  second  in  complying  with  this  hastily- 
uttered  injunction,  and  from  the  secure  position  he  occu- 
pied, proceeded  to  reconnoitre. 

He  quickly  made  out  the  character  of  the  approaching 
vehicle. 

"  Why,  as  I  live,  Jack,  it  is  nothing  more  than  a  clumsy 
old  waggon !  Push  on  once  more.  The  driver  in  all 
probability  is  fast  asleep,  and  therefore  will  not  heed 
us." 

"  Gently  !"  said  Jack.  "  Do  you  know  in  all  proba- 
bility we  shall  find  a  booty  in  that  waggon  well  worth 
■ijar  taking  ?" 

"  What  makes  you  think  so  ?" 

"  You  must  be  aware  that  there  are  many  who,  when- 
ever they  can,  adopt  such  a  conveyance  as  this  in  prefer- 
ence to  the  stage-coach,  because  it  costs  much  less  money, 
and,  by  the  rule  you  have  just  been  mentioning,  people 
travelling  with  valuable  property  may  be  riding  in  this 
waggon,  beiug  under  the  impression  that  by  so  doing  they 
were  running  a  much  better  chance  of  security." 

"  That  is,  if  this  waggon  should  happen  to  be  empty." 

" Of  course;  and  as  there  will  be  little  trouble  to  ascer- 
tain, I  propose  that  we  ride  on." 

:l  Why  not  wait  till  the  waggon  reaches  the  top  of  the 
hill?" 

"  We  can  stop  it  more  easily  where  it  is.    Come  on  !" 

No  second  bidding  was  needed,  and  so,  at  a  smart  trot, 
the  highwaymen  made  the  descent  of  the  hill. 

Beaching  the  waggon,  Claude  Duval  cried,  in  a  stento- 
rian tone : 

"  Stop !  Confound  you,  stop  '  Are  you  asleep  that 
you  can't  see  the  toll-gate?  Stop,  I  say — I  want  the 
toll !" 

The  driver  was  really  asleep  when  Claude  spoke.  Ho 
knew  from  experience  that  his  horses  were  well  enough 
acquainted  with  the  road  to  make  their  way  to  their  desti- 
nation by  their  own  instinct. 

But  Claude's  words  bothered  the  driver  completely. 

Although  he  had  been  awakened  so  suddenly,  yet  he 
seemed  to  know  just  whereabouts  he  was,  therefore  he 
gazed  about  him  with  the  most  penect  bewilderment. 

"  Toll-gaate?"  he  drawled,  in  a  strong  provincial  dia- 
lect. "  There's  ne'er  a  toll-gaate  here,  mun,  nor  never 
was.     Get  out — you're  drunk !     Come  up,  captain  '" 

The  last  words  were  addressed  to  the  leading  horse, 
who  beyond  shaking  his  ears  lazily  made  no  move- 
ment. 

"  Come,"  said  Claude,  "  let  us  have  no  more  nonsense. 
There's  a  toll-gate  on  this  or  any  other  road  whenever 
we  feel  inclined  to  set  one  up.  Keep  still  and  quiet  as 
you  value  your  life." 

"  Highwaymen  by  Gom  I"  ejaculated  the  waggoner. 

"  yes,  depend  upon  that" 

A  chorus  of  screams  came  at  this  moment  fram  the 
interior  of  the  vehicle,  at  once  letting  our  friends  know 
that  it  carried  a  living  freight. 

"  Take  care  of  the  front,  Jack,  and  just  let  ma  nav« 
the  pleasure  of  looking  after  those  inside."     ' 

Sixteen-String  Jack  complied  without  any  2">sitation, 
and  Claude  Duval  rode  direct  to  the  back  pav*  of  the 
waggon. 

As  usual,  the  interior  of  the  vehicle  was  concealed 
from  view  by  means  of  two  huge  canvas  flaps,  but  Clauds 
very  quickly  drew  these  on  one  side. 

The  interior  of  the  waggon  was  then  dimly  revoalso 
to  bim — the  illumination,  such  as  it  was,  proceeding;  iro-j 


1C<32 


bLAOK.     BJiiba  ,     Oi», 


a  email  oil  lamp  that  was  flickering  as  though  at  the  point 
of  extinction  at  the  upper  end  of  the  waggon. 

At  the  first  glance  Claude  Dnval  saw  tbAi  the  vahiole 
contained  several  persons  of  both  sexes. 

But  it  would  appear  that  he  was  even  more  distinctly^ 
beheld  by  the  occupants  of  the  waggon,  for  immediately 
upon  his  appearance  there  arose  a  general  crj  of  dismay, 
while  one  fearfully  stout  old  lady  went  right  off  into  a 
faint,  at  once,  falling  father  heavily  upon  the  person  who 
sat  ne^t  to  her. 

As  Soto  as  ever  he  had  a  chance  of  making  himself 
heard,  Ciiude  Duval  spoke. 

Taking  off  his  hat  and  making  a  very  deep  a-.d  rv 
spectful  bow,  he  said  : 

"  Ladies  and  gentlemen,  I  beg  you  will  not  be  nnder 
the  least  alarm  :  there  is  not  the  slightest  occasion,  for  it 
— tnat  is,  unless  you  wilfully  bring  danger  upon  your- 
selves, and  I  hope  you  have  all  too  much  sen»e  to  think 
of  doing  that." 

"  Since  you  are  so  d — nably  polite,"  said  a  voice  at  the 
further  end  of  the  waggon,  "  perhaps  you  will  be  kind 
enough  to  inform  us  why  we  are  thus  stopped  and  hin- 
dered in  our  journey  ?" 

"  I  have  no  objection  whatever,"  replied  Clasde.  "  In 
fact,  that  was  just  what  I  was  about  to  inform  you  when 
you  spoke." 

"  What  is  it,  then  ?" 

"  To  levy  a  contribution  upon  yon — not  for  any 
charitable  purpose,  mind — so  please  be  generous.  You 
will  comprehend  the  facts  of  the  case  immediately  when 
I  inform  you  that  this  is  a  portion  of  my  dominions,  and 
it  is  always  a  custom  for  persons  passing  to  pay  tribute. 
That  is  my  business  on  the  present  occasion,  ladies  and 
gentlemen,  and  I  hope  you  will  not  delay  me  any  longer 
than  you  can  help." 

Claude  said  all  this  in  such  a  calm,  matter-of-fact  man- 
ner, that  the  people  in  the  waggon  looked  at  each  other 
in  perfect  bewilderment. 

"  It's  a  d — d  odd  thing,"  said  the  voice  which  had  pre- 
viously spoken,  "  but  I  have  travelled  this  way  for  manv 
a  year  and  never  before  heard  of  anything  of  the  sort !"" 

"That  may  be,"  said  Claude.  "But  as  you  are  doubt- 
less anxious  to  resume  your  journey,  and  as  I  am  not 
desirous  of  losing  any  more  time,  I  should  be  glad  if  you 
would  at  once  begin  to  make  a  display  of  your  liberality. 
Here,  take  my  hat  and  pass  it  round — it  will  serve  ad- 
mirably well  to  receive  donations." 

Bui  the  person  to  whom  he  offered  the  hat  refused  to 
take  it. 

"  Confound  it,  ma'am  !"  cried  the  individual  upon  whom 
a  fainting  female  had  chanced  to  fall,  and  who  had 
been  making  frantic  but  unavailing  efforts  to  restore  her 
-o  consciousness.  "  Confound  it,  ma'am,  wake  up  !  You 
ie  on  a  fellow  just  like  a  ton  weight!" 

There  was  a  general  laugh  at  this. 

Claude  Duval  even  joined  in  the  merriment. 

The  incident,  was  a  most  ludicrous  one ;  the  female  was 
truly  of  Herculean  dimensions,  while  the  unhappy  wight 
upon  whom  she  had  fallen  was  one  of  those  little  men 
who  cannot  be  better  or  more  forcibly  described  than  by 
the  word  insignificant. 

But  his  words  were  paid  no  attention  to  by  his  bur- 
den. 

He  strove  at  mst  to  lift  her  up,  but  he  might  just  as 
well  have  tried  to  lift  up  a  house. 

Then  he  endeavored  to  wriggle  himse'i  from  under- 
neath her,  but  in  this  seooud  attempt  he  succeeded  no 
better  than  in  the  first,  so,  with  a  sigh  of  despair,  he  was 
obliged  to  resign  himself  to  his  situation,  being  about  as 
helpless  as  a  worm  under  a  stone. 

"  It  seems  to  me,"  said  another  person  who  had  not  as 
yet  spoken— "it  seems  to  me  that  all  this  foolery  means 
neither  more  nor  less  than  highway  robbery." 

Claude  assented  by  a  bow  and  a  smile 

"Highway  robbery!"  cried  a  shrill  Jernale  voice. 
"Highway  robbery  !  Do  yon  hear  that,  Captain  Septi- 
mus Smith,  or  have  you  turned  deaf  all  of  a  sudde*?'f 

*  I  hear  it  plain  enough,  ma'am— a  d— d  deal  too  plain  !" 
said  the  first  speaker,  who,  as  it  would  appear,  retoitv-d  in 
the  name  and  title  of  Captain  Septimus  Smith.    ' 

11  Then  in  that  case,  sir,"  said  the  lady,  addressing  him 
*tth  still  greater  asperity  of  tone—"  in  that  case,  why 
don  t  you  give  us  the  opportunity  of  witnessing  a  little 
af  your  prowess  ?     You  were  telling  us  all  a  little  while 


ago  what  you  should  do  in  such  a  case  as  this.  Win 
don't  you  blow  the  robber's  brains  out  at  once  ?  I  would, 
pretty  quick,  if  I  only  happened  to  be  a  man ! " 

"  I  wish  you  were,  with  all  my  heart !" 

"Do  you,  you  abomiuable  wretch?  But  I'll  be  even 
with  you,  you  contemptible,  not-worth-looking-at  scum 
of  the  earth !  I'll  be  even  with  you,  depend  upon  it ! 
The  idea  of  sach  a  creature  aa  you  being  a  captain ! 
Faugh  !  it's  enough  to  make  anyone  sick  !" 

"Really,  ladies  and  gentlemen,"  cried  Claude  Duval, 
1  •  a  deprecatiug  tone  of  voice,  "I  am  extremely  sorry  to 
interrupt  yoar  agreeable  conversation,  but  the  facts  of 
the  case  are  just  as  I  have  laid  them  before  you.  Once 
more  I  present  mv  hat.  Make  it  heavy  enough  to  satisfy 
me,  and  you  can  depart  in  safety ;  until  then  you  will  re- 
main xhere  you  are.  I  don't  wish  to  threaten,  but  still 
if  you  persist  in  giving  me  trouble,  I  shall  take  the 
wheels  off  the  waggon  and  leave  you  to  perform  the  rest 
of  your  journey  on  foot.  You  won't  like  that,  for  per- 
haps I  need  not  tell  you  this  is  a  very  lonely  part  of  the 
country,  and  you  will  have  to  go  a  great  distance  before 
you  either  meet  with  a  human  habitation  or  any  other 
means  of  conveyance." 

"Come — come,  all  of  you,"  said  the  little  man  with  the 
fainting  lady,  and  speaking  with  difficulty  in  consequence 
of  the  great  weight  upon  his  internal  combinations,  "  why 
don't  you  contribute  a  little  each,  and  let  the  gentleman 
ride  away?" 

"  That  is  a  very  sensible  speech  indeed  "'  said  Claude 
Duval,  approvingly. 

"  Perhaps,  my  little  Jacky,"  said  the  person  who  sat 
opposite  to  him.  "  you  will  be  kind  enough  to  set  us  the 
example." 

This  undignified  epithet  threw  the  little  fellow  into  an 
ungovernable  fury,  but  he  managed  to  reply : 

"  How  the  devil  do  you  think  I  am  going  to  get  to  my 
pockets  with  this  great  porpus  atop  of  me  ?  I'll  be  d — d 
if  she  doesn't  grow  heavier  every  minute  !" 

Upon  this  the  huge  female  uttered  a  scream. 

"  Oh,  you  have  woke  up  at  last,  have  you,  ma'am  ?  I'u 
glad  to  hear  it  !  Just  put  out  your  strength  a  little,  and 
then,  perhaps,  you  will  be  able  to  raise  yourself  up,  with 
my  assistance." 

"  Your  assistance,  you  miserable  little  dandiprat — your 
assistance  ?  I  wonder  what  good  that  would  be  ?  Talk 
of  strength — why,  you  could  not  crack  a  flea,  you  con- 
temptible, under-sized  mortal !" 

This  scene  in  the  waggon  amused  Claude  mightily,  and 
there  is  no  knowing  how  long  he  rti'ght  have  felt  disposed 
to  remain  as  a  witness  of  it  bad  he.  not  been  aroused  by 
the  sound  of  Sixteen-Stnng  Jack's  voice  calling  out  to 
him  in  very  impatient  tones. 

"  Hark — hark  !"  exclaimed  Claude.  "  Do  you  hear, 
ladies  and  gentlemen,  my  honorable  companion  is  grow- 
ing tired  of  being  kept  waiting  so  long.  Be  good  enough 
to  comply  with  my  demands!" 

"I'll  be  hanged,"  said  a  respectable-looking  man,  who 
sat  at  the  tail-end  of  the  waggon — "  I'll  be  hanged  if  you 
are  not  about  the  coolest  customer  I  ever  met  with  or 
even  heard  of  !" 

"  Yes,  very  likely — 1  always  was.  But  excuse  me — we 
must  make  a  beginning,  so,  as  you  happen  to  sit  nearest, 
be  good  euough  to  let  me  have  your  donation." 

Although  Claude  Duval  spoke  in  such  a  tone  of  banter, 
yet  the.  person  he  addressed  could  tell  that  he  was  tho- 
roughly in  earnest,  and  he  felt  it  would  be  unwise  to 
tempt  the  highwayman  too  far. 

Notwithstanding  this  conviction,  he  produced  a  purse, 
and  flung  it  into  Claude's  hat  with  a  very  bad  grace  in- 
deed. 

"  That  is  a  capital  commencement !"  ejaculated  the 
highwayman.     "  Fray  hand  it  round  to  the  next!" 

This  was  done,  and  very  slowly  the  hat  made  a  com- 
plex circuit  of  the  different  people  occupying  the 
waggrro. 

At  last  it  reached  Claude. 

He  took  hold  of  it  with  a  very  dissatisfied  air,  for, 
looking  in,  he  saw  that  it  contained  very  little  'ndeed  be- 
yond the  purse  wt'ich  had  been   first  of  all  pUced  into 

"  Upon  my  word,"  he  said,  "  this  is  what  I  call  too 
bad — by  far  too  bad  !  As  there  are  so  many  young  *nd 
charming,  ladies  present  "—here  Claude  made  a  bow  And 
gave  a  glance  which  comprehended  all  of  thera  — "  I  cai> 


TU.*  KNIQHT  OF  TUB  ROAD. 


1663 


aui  bring  myself  to  utter  any  threats  or  resort  to  any 
violent  measures ;  but,  unless  I  am  treated  botteir  I  can- 
sot  ^ay  what  I  may  be  tempted  to  do !" 

"Oh,  yon  paltry  villains!"  cried  the  lady  wife  ii* 
shrill  voice.  "  How  I  wish  I  was  a  man,  that  I  might 
give  you  an  example  of  what  a  man's  conduct  ought  to 
bo  in  an  aifair  like  this!  You  mean-spirited  wretches, 
either  give  up  what  you  have  and  let  us  go  on  cm  way 
in  quiet,  or  else  staud  ?^  tor  your  own.  and  fia-t  id  out 
like  man !" 

Taifl  martial  address  was,  however,  provocative,  ,oi  Tinio 
effect. 

Either  the  male  travellers  were  sadly  defkiient  in 
courage,  or  else  they  felt  that  they  did  not  carry  about 
with  them  enough  of  this  world's  wealth  to  make  it  worth 
their  while  to  run  any  great  risk  in  ordef  to  retain  it. 

"  Very  good  I"  responded  Claude,  in  a  Oeep  voice,  after 
a  brief  pause  had  taken  place.  "  The  lady  speaks  well. 
Just  be  good  enough  to  let  me  know  whether  you  intend 
to  deliver  up  quietly  what  you  have,  or  whether  you  in- 
tend to  fight  it  out— I  shall  know  then  what  to  do." 


OHAPTEB  M. 
COSTUiVRS  TO    follow    in    thk    footsteps    OF  CLAUDE 

DUVAL  AND    SIXTEEN-STRING   JACK. 

The  travellers  quickly  came  to  a  decision. 

The  hat  was  once  more  passed  round. 

By  this  time  Claude's  eyes  had  become  much  more 
familiar  with  the  dim  light  which  pervaded  the  interior 
of  the  waggon. 

At  first  the  obscurity  was  so  great  thai  he  could  scarcely 
distinguish  the  outlines  of  the  people. 

Now  he  could  see  them  quite  plainly,  and,  moreover, 
was  able  to  make  out  all  that  they  did. 

The  contributions  cast  into  the  hat  were  tiow  of  a 
much  more  valuable  nature  than  before. 

Every  time  a  fresh  object  was  dropped  in,  CTIaude 
nodded  his  head  approvingly. 

Presently  the  hat  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  one  who 
immediately  attracted  Claude's  notice. 

This  was  a  young  girl,  upon  whose  thin  and  pallid 
features  the  marks  of  premature  old  age  could  be 
descried. 

*    She    was    attired    in    deep    black,    which    made  the 
ghastliness  of  her  countenance  seem  more  appareut. 

By  the  peculiar  cap  she  wore,  she  was  proclaimed  a 
widow. 

She  gazed  at  the  hat  for  a  moment,  as  Claude  thought, 
with  tearful  eyes ;  then,  with  an  audible  sigh,  she  pro- 
duced from  a  little  reticule  she  carried  a  small  bead 
purse. 

There  was  another  moment  of  hesitation — another  deep 
sigh,  and  the  little  purse  was  dropped  into  the  hat,  which 
was  passed  on  to  the  next  passenger. 

When  it  again  reached  Claude's  hands,  he  found  the 
weight  very  much  increased — indeed,  the  booty  was  quite 
as  much  as  he  could  have  hoped  to  obtain  from  sqph  a 
source. 

To  be  sure,  if  he  had  searched  the  travellers  one  by 
one  the  booty  would  have  been  increased,  but  then  Claude 
Duval  infinitely  preferred  his  present  mode  of  managing 
the  affair. 

Emptying  all  the  valuables  into  his  capacious  pockets, 
he  made  anov.her  bow.  and  said  : 

"  Ladies  a,id  gentlemen,  I  have  the  honor  aujj.  .the 
pleasure  of  wishing  you  a  very  good-night." 

"  Hark  ye  !"  said  the  man  who  sat  nearest  to  Claude. 
"  Tou  have  carried  things  off  with  a  very  high  hand,  and 
doubtless  you  are  mightily  satisfied  with  what  you  have 
done;  but  let  me  tell  you  I  have  in  the  meantime  had  a 
very  good  look  at  your  face  all  this  time.  Your  features 
are  so  imprinted  upon  my  memoiy  that  I  shall  never  toar- 
get  them,  and  no  matter  when  or  where  I  see  you  agaiu 
I  shall  know  you.  And  what  is  more,  should  you  ever 
be  captured,  as  no  doubt  you  will  be,  I  will  make  my  way 
to  the  court  and  swear  this  little  job  on  to  you,  which 
will  be  quite  sufficient  to  insure  you, a  hempen  coll**  &t 
Tyburn." 

"  Thank  you !"  said  Claude,  quite  calmly,  tnotjgh 
Inwardly  he  could  not  help  feeling  a  good  deal  of  annoy- 
ance—  "  I  am  much  obliged  to  yon  for  your  candor,  and 
when  I  am  captured,  1  hope  to  have  the   pleasure  of  seoitig 


you  tu'EMn.     Once  more,  good-night,  ladies  and  gentle- 
men !" 

Tbr  last  words  particularly  were  pronounced  with  a 
tnoot  unruffled  demeanor.  fc 

At  the  same  womeut,  he  turned  his  horse's  head  and 
.i-Je  away. 

Perceiving  this  movement,  Sixteen-String  Jaoi.  dis- 
contin«ed  the  guard  ke  had  bee"  «*.'v'l;g  •▼»  the 
waggoner. 

"  Lmve  on,"  he  said,  "  and  be  quick  I" 

1  ho  waggoner  smacked  his  whip ;  bat  before  his 
«eavy  team  had  fairly  got  the  cumbersome  vehicle  in 
niotKHi  again,  the  two  highwaymen  wore  a  loug  way  of! 
down  the  lane. 

"Ill  be  hanged,  Claude,"  exclaimed  Sixteen-String 
Jack,  ''if  1  did  not  think  you  new  meant  to  bring  that 
adventure  to  a  conclusion !  What  on  earth  were  you 
about  to  be  so  long  ?  I  shall  expect  to  see  a  capital 
booty." 

"  You  will  have  little  to  grumble  at  on  that  score,  my 
friend.  But  the  incident  altogether  was  such  a  comical 
one,  owing  to  the  number  of  odd  people  who  rode  in  the 
waggon,  that  I  could  not  forbear  lingering  over  it." 

"  I  heard  a  great  deal  that  passed,  and  could  not  help 
laughing  heartily  myself." 

"  You  ought  to  have  seen  as  well  as  heard,"  replied 
Claude,  laughing  at  the  bare  recollection  ;  but  suddenly 
the  sounds  of  merriment  died  out,  and  his  couutenan « 
assumed  an  unusually  grave  appearance. 

At  the  same  time,  very  much  to  the  surprise  of  hif 
comrade,  he  reined-in  his  steed. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  of  course  did  likewise. 

Then,  in  a  voice  the  tones  of  which  well  expressed  hfc 
wonder,  he  exclaimed : 

"  What  on  earth  is  it,  Claude — what  is  the  matter  ?" 

"  I  did  not  tell  you,  Jack,"  was  the  slow  reply — "  I  did 
not  tell  you  there  was  one  seated  in  the  waggon  with  the 
rest,  whose  years  were  little  more  than  those  of  girlhood. 
who  was  attired  in  widow's  weeds.  Her  faco  was  pair 
and  deeply  marked  with  careworn  lines." 

"  Well,"  said  Jack,  interrupting  him  and  speaking  some- 
what impatiently,  "  what  of  her  ?" 

"Why,"  said  Claude,  huskily,  for  the  saddened  face 
rose  up  vividly  in  his  mind,  "she  seemed  half  dead  with 
fright ;  and  when  the  hat  was  handed  to  her  she  dropped 
a  little  bead  purse  into  it,  and  as  she  did  so  she  gave  a 
heavy  sigh.  I  do  believe,  Jack,  that  was  all  the  wealth 
that  she  possessed." 

"  Why  did  you  take  it  ?" 

"  I  know  not ;  but  now  I  bitterly  reproach  myself  for 
having  done  so.  Poor  thing !  I'll  warrant  she  has  had 
trouble  enough  already,  without  any  of  my  causing." 

"  Never  mind,  Claude.  Come  on — it  is  past  and  done 
for." 

"No,  no,  Jack,  I  feel  that  1  cannot  come  on." 

"  Not  come  on  ?" 

"No.  Although  I  have  taken  the  poor  widow's  all,  it 
is  not  too  late  to  make  restitution." 

"Kestitution  ?"  repeated  Jack.  "  Do  not  think  of  any- 
thing so  foolish." 

"  Foolish  or  not,  I  mean  to  take  back  her  little  purse." 

"Think  of  the  risk!  We  got  off  safely,  but  by  tbit 
time  perhaps " 

"Jack,  it  is  quite  in  vain  for  you  to  urge  any  such  con- 
siderations ;  I  cannot— will  not  listen  to  them.  Bisk  oi 
no  risk,  that  purse  shall  be  returned." 

He  thrust  his  hand  into  his  pocket  while  he  spoke. 

'"Think  again!" 

"Never,  for  fear  I  might  change  the  resolution  I  have 
come  to,  and  which  I  feel  to  be  a  right  one.  li  you  do 
not  like  to  accompany  me  in  my  return  you  need  not. 
Stay  where  you  are  until  I  return." 

"  Nay,  Claude,  I  can  tell  now  that  you  are  offended." 

"  No,  but  if  you  do  not  like  to  come——" 

"  Where  you  go  I  gc  too  ;  if  1  did  not,  1  should  be  us. 
\  worthy  of  your  comradeship." 
I      "  That  sounds  more  like  yourself,  Jack.    Come  on  1" 

Ae  he  pronounced  these  last  words  Claude  Duvai  turned 
his  horse's  head  in  the  opposite  direction  and  rode  swiftly 
after  the  waggon. 

At  the  rate  he  went,  it  was  clear  he  would  not  be  !.•;; 
j  in  overtaking  it. 

On  the  way  :o  further  words  were  exchanged,  aj.ftougt 
j  Uisteen-Htri'.tf  J*ck  kept  breast  to  breast  with  him. 


(664 


BLACK    BE88   OS 


Although  he  could  not  but  condemn  Claude's  act  as 
being  a  meat  imprudent  one,  yet  Jack  could  not  withhold 
his  admiration  of  the  motives  which  had  jvumptod  his 
friend  to  act  in  this  manner. 

In  a  short  time  the  waggon  appeared  in  sight  creeping  on 
its  tedious  way  like  some  huge  black  snake. 

"Hold!"  cried  Claud*,  at  the  top  of  his  voice.     "  Hold, 

I  B9J  I" 

But  as  the  sound  canto  irom  the  rear,  all  the  wag/oaer 
did  w»s  to  whip  his  horses,  for  he  feared  nothitig  «*.<• 
than  another  attack,  out  of  which  he  might  not  chano  >  to 
come  so  well  as  out  of  the  last. 

This  was  a  circumstance  that  signified  little,  for  Cttaude 
was  soon  able  to  overtake  the  slow-moving  vehicle. 

But  even  as  he  reached  the  back,  some  horsemen  sud- 
denly reined-up  in  front,  and  in  a  loud  voice  called  jpon 
the  waggoner  to  stop. 

"  Officers,  by  all  that's  unlucky  !"  ejaculated  Sixteen- 
String  Jack,  who  at  once  perceived  who  the  new-comers 
were. 

"  Impossible !" 

"  It  is  true,  Claude.  Fly — fly  at  oncb  .  That  is  the 
only  chance  you  have  of  saving  yourself  •     Fly — fly  !" 

"Never — at  least,  not  until  I  have  performed  my 
errand !" 

These  proceedings  occasioned  a  vast  amount  of  com- 
motion inside  the  waggon,  the  inmates  of  which,  filled 
with  an  insatiable  curiosity,  drew  aside  the  back  flaps 
just  as  Claude  reiued-in  his  panting  horse. 

This  was  fortunate,  as  it  prevented  a  delay,  the  conse- 
quences of  which  might  have  been  most  serious  for  him. 

Claude  knew  just  where  the  young  widow  was  seated, 
so,  leaning  slightly  forward  in  the  saddle,  he  toss«£  the 
purse  into  her  lap. 

"Take  it!"  he  cried— "take  it,  and  keep  it,  and  1 3- 
member  that  it  is  possible  for  a  highwayman  to  has  a  as 
much  feeling  as  anyone/ 

At  the  6ame  moment,  Ciaude  drew  back,  or,  rather,  at- 
tempted to  do  so,  for  all  at  once  he  experienced  a  sudden 
check  upon  his  movements. 

The  traveller  seated  next  the  end,  and  who  had  an- 
nounced his  intention  of  appearing  against  Claude  should 
he  ever  have  the  opportunity  of  doing  so,  seized  him  by 
the  arm  with  a  tenacious  grasp. 

"Help,  hoi"  he  cried— "help,  ho!  Assist  me,  all  of 
you  1  The  officers  are  at  hand,  and  if  we  can  only  keep 
him  a  moment  or  so  all  will  be  well !" 

"  Fool !"  said  Claude  Duval,  as,  by  an  exertion  of  the 
immense  strength  he  possessed,  he  shook  off  the  traveller's 
detaining  hold.     "You  will  tempt  me  too  far!' 

But  just  as  he  spoke  Claude  gave  his  horse  the  reins, 
and  pressed  him  sharply  on  the  flanks  with  the  spur. 

The  animal  obeyed  the  impulse  bravely. 

With  one  bound  it  cleared  the  low  hedgerow,  and  after- 
wards flew  at  a  tremendous  rate  across  the  long  stretch  of 
meadow  land  that  lay  before  it. 

Sixteen-String  Jack,  as  the  reader  may  make  sure,  was 
not  very  far  behind  his  old  ally. 

It  must  be  understood,  however,  that  the  officers,  when 
they  rode  up  to  the  waggon  and  hailed  the  driver,  never 
suspected  for  an  instaut  that  those  they  sought  were  so  near. 

Their  object  in  speaking  to  the  waggoner  at  all  was 
merely  in  order  to  ask  him  whether  he  had  chanced  to 
notice  on  the  road  any  such  persons  as  they  required. 

The  bulky  waggon  hid  the  highwaymen  from  their 
view  while  the  clatter  of  their  own  horses'  feet  effectually 
drowned  those  of  our  two  friends. 

But  the  loud  cries  coming  from  the  interior  ot  the 
vehicle  soon  made  them  aware  of  what  was  amiss,  though 
at  first  they  were  unable  to  credit  that  the  highwaymen, 
bold  as  they  knew  them  to  be,  could  actually  have  the 
audacity  to  plunder  the  passengers  in  the  waggon  while 
they  were  by,  and  this,  of  course,  not  knowing  the  facts 
of  the  case,  was  just  what  they  thought. 

With  a  loud  hue  and  cry,  the  officers  set  on"  acre*,  ae 
■  KVrtrsuit  of  their  prey. 

The  highwaymen  were  fairly  iu  sight,  and  their  grati- 
fication w»s  extreme  accordingly. 

They  had  come  out  purposely  with  the  hope  of  meet- 
ing with  their  prey,  and  this  success  so  far  waa  O'Uch 
more  than  they  had  ventured  to  look  for. 

Their  horses  were  Iresh,  and  of  the  best  quality  they 
'mild  procure. 

The  rvtsre  thcmwlvea  were  bold  and  determined 


Under  these  circumstances,  despite  the  nurabe*  of  tfee^? 
failures,  they  not  unreasonably  hoped  on  the  pieseafc  ;»> 
easion  to  bring  the  chase  to  a  successful  termination. 

As  for  the  highwaymen,  their  danger  had  been  so  im- 
minent and  so  gr«at  that,  by  comparison,  tbey  were  wjW 
at  ease. 

But  Sixteen-String  Jack,  happening  soon  to  look  baefc. 
oror  his  shoulder,  perceived  with  what  vigor  tbeir  pur- 
suers were  pushing  on  after  them. 

'  You  must  push  on,  Claude,"  he  cried,  we  have 
b«..'-j  taking  matters  too  easily!  Look  behind  you' 
and  see  how  close  they  are." 

Claude  did  so,  and  immediately  increased  his  speed. 

"What  course  shall  you  adopt  to  shake  them  off?' 
asked  Jack,  riding  as  close  to  his  companion  as  he  was 
able.  "  Have  you  made  up  your  mind  ?  It  will  never 
do  for  us  to  have  them  dangling  at  our  heels  all  night." 

"lam  inclined  for  making  one  good  hard  push — a 
sudden  effort.  So  far  as  I  can  tell,  that  seems  to  me  the 
most  likely  means  of  shaking  them  oft." 

"  It  does  indeed." 

"  Are  you  agreed  ?" 

"  Yes,  quite." 

"  Then  make  what  effort  you  are  able.** 

Now  the  police  officers  had  indulged  tuemselves  fu  the 
flattering  but  fallacious  hope  that  the  horses  ridden  by 
the  highwaymen  were  weary. 

What  words,  then,  would  suffice  to  paiut  their  chagrin 
when  they,  all  at  once,  noticed  their  prey  start  off  at 
almost  a  double  rate. 

Already  the  officers  had  been  urging  their  horses  to 
the  utmost  of  their  capacity,  so  that  the  manner  in  which 
the  two  highwaymen  shot  ahead  seemed  alarming  indeed. 

The  one  in  command  of  the  officers  could  not  help  feel- 
ing this,  and  he  could  tell  that  the  same  might  be  said  of 
his  companions,  for  the  expression  of  their  countenances 
spoke  plainly  enough. 

Wishing  to  encourage  them  as  much  as  possible,  he 
assumed  a  cheerfulness  of  manner  that  he  was  far  from 
feeling  as  he  said  : 

"  Come,  come,  my  lads,  don't  be  downcast  at  such  a 
trifle  as  this.  It  is  only  a  spurt,  and  will  soon  be  over, 
leaving  their  horses  more  exhausted  than  before.  You 
have  only  to  keep  steadily  on  their  track,  and  we  shall 
have  them  in  the  long  run." 

If  the  police,  had  not  failed  so  very,  very  often,  it  is 
probable  that  this  speech  would  not  have  been  made  with- 
out good  effect. 

As  it  was,  the  officers  would  not  allow  themselves  to  be 
much  animated  by  it,  and  no  wonder,  for  they  saw  the 
distance  between  them  and  the  highwaymen  was  rapidly 
and  surely  increasing. 

Claude  and  Jack  certainly  did  push  their  steeds  un- 
mercifully; but  they  did  so,  believing  that  it  would  turn 
out  the  best  in  the  long  run. 

The  event  proved  that  they  were  right. 

It  was  shortly  afterwards  that  Claude,  looking  behind 
him,  exclaimed: 

"  Look  back,  Jack  !  Your  eyes  are  much  better  than 
mine  "if  they  can  descry  them  now  !" 

"  They  are  out  of  sight,  surely  enough  ;  but  it  will  not 
be  for  long — we  shall  soon  lose  what  ground  we  have 
gained." 

"  I  know  thai. ,  but  while  they  are  out  of  our  sight  we 
can  make  up  our  minds  what  step  to  take  next." 

"  What  do  you  think  ?" 

"  Why,  to  hide  will  be  best. " 

"  We  have  no  other  resource.     But  where  ?" 

"  That  is  just  the  question.  It  won't  do  to  push  jur 
horses  much  further  at  this  rate;  if  we  do,  we  shall  hnock 
the  poor  beasts  up  completely." 

"  We  shall  indeed."  4 

Claude  Duval  to?k  a  good  look  around  hiu». 

"For  my  patt,"  he  said,  at  length,  in  a  deliberate  tone 
of  voice,  "  I  don't  believe  we  can  do  better  than  get  under 
cover  of  youd#r  trees.  They  ».re  close  at  hand,  and  seem 
to  form  i  pcrtiou  of  a  wood  of  vt>  v  considerable  extent." 

"  llui  we  must  get  within  their  fiieiter  unst- 

"Thai  will  be  easily  managed  it  we  are  speedy,  aua  it 
even  they  do  suspect  us  of  having  entered  the  wood,  it 
will  be  just  like  looking  for  a  needle  in  a  bottle  of  hay 
for  them  to  attempt  to  find  us." 

"  So  it,  would — so  it  would.       Push  on,    a  couple  oi 
I  xUcntes  gallop  will  take  us  fairly  under  the  tree*." 


THE   KNIGHT   OF   THE    ROAD. 


1665 


[the  highwaymen's  attack  on  the  prisoners'  van.] 


CHAPTER  MI, 

SIXTEEN-STRING  JACK  AND  CLAUDE  DUVAL  FOLLOW 
THE  MYSTERIOUS  LIGHT  INTO  THE  RECESSES  OF 
THE   WOOD. 

As  soon  as  the  two  highwaymen  fonnd  themselves 
fairly  past  the  border  of  the  wood  they  pnlled  up. 

"Safe  and  sound  so  far,  Jack,"  cried  Claude  Duval. 

"Yes,  undoubtedly." 

"  Then  we  ought  to  congratulate  ourselves  upon  our 
good  luck." 

"  Decidedly.  But  hark  !  How  the  wind  has  got  up 
and  how  the  darkness  has  increased  all  at  once.  What 
does  it  mean  ?" 

During  the  excitement  of  the  chase,  the  two  high- 
waymen had  failed  to  notice  the  changes  which  had 
gradually  come  over  the  face  of  nature. 

The  wind  had  increased  from  a  stiff  breeze  to  what 

No.  209,— Black  Bess. 


might,  with  scarcely  any  exaggeration,  be  called  ah  urri. 
cane. 

This  had  been  accompanied  with  dense,  heavy  rain- 
clouds,  which,  by  the  immense  force  of  the  wind,  were 
drifted  furiously  across  the  face  of  the  heavens. 

There  is  no  doubt  that  had  the  wind  lulled  but  a 
single  second  they  would  have  poured  down  their  con- 
tents  upon  the  earth. 

But  the  darkness  grew  greater  and  greater  every 
moment  as  more  and  more  clouds  were  drifted  in  from 
windward. 

"  What  a  gust  that  was  !"  exclaimed  Claude  Duval, 
as  the  wind  rushed  and  roared  with  terrific  violence 
among  the  tree-tops. 

"  A  gust  indeed  !     And  how  dark." 

"  Yes  ;  if  the  officers  find  us  now,  I  will  admit  that 
they  possess  far  more  cunning  than  I  give  them  oredit 
for." 


No.  209.  Price  One  Halfpenny. 

No.  210  will  be  Published  next  Thursday. 


1666 


BI^OE     BESS  :     OH. 


•-Nevertheless,"  answered  Jack,  "it  would  be  best  Dot  I 
to  make  too  sure," 

"  Decidedly." 

"Then  let  us  penetrate  still  further  into  the  wood. 
We  shall  not  be  bo  exposed  to  the  storm  which  I  feel 
enre  is  about  to  break  out,  and  <ve  shall  not  be  in  bo 
such  danger  of  boing  seen  by  our  foes." 

Claude  turned  round  without  a  word,  and  led  the  way 
into  the  recesses  of  the  wood  with  as  much  confidence  as 
he  would  had  they  been  thoroughly  well  known  to  him. 

The  space  between  the  trees  was  narrow,  so  Jack  had 
to  follow  at  his  heels. 

At  last,  having  as  they  believed  gone  far  enough  to 
answer  their  purpose,  Claude  said  : 

41  We  will  tether  our  horses  here  for  awhile,  Jack.  It 
is  a  quiet,  retired  spot,  and  it  will  take  them  some  time  to 
recover  from  their  late  exertion." 

"  And  in  the  meantime  we  can  shelter  ourselves  from 
the  storm." 

"  J  ust  so." 

The  wind  still  blew  with  great  fury  among  the  tree- 
tops,  but  no  rain  fell. 

Suddenly  Ciaude  Duval  gripped  Sixteen-String  Jack 
tightly  by  the  arm  as  he  said,  in  a  low  whisper,  which 
the  angry  blast  made  almost  inaudible  : 

"Look — look!  What  is  the  meaning  of  that?  Do 
you  see?  Yonder — look — look  I  Surely  they  cannot 
have  tracked  us  so  quickly  and  so  well !" 

"What — what  ?"  exclaimed  •Sixteen-String  Jack,  who 
was  slightly  taken  by  surprise — "  oh,  what  is  it  ?" 

"  There — there!     Surely  you  see  now  ?" 

"  That  light  ?" 

"  Yes." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  now  observed  that  a  faint  light 
was  at  some  distance  glimmering  through  the  trees. 

He  gazed  at  it  attentively,  and  so  did  Claude. 

To  both  the  light  appeared  to  flit  about  in  a  most  ex- 
traordinary fashion. 

At  one  moment  its  light  would  seem  to  be  absolutely 
brilliant — then  the  next  moment  it  almost  died  away. 

"  What  do  you  make  of  it,  Claude  ?"  asked  Jack,  at 
length. 

"I  am  unable  to  form  any  opinion.  My  firsi  idea 
was  that  it  proceeded  from  a  lantern  carried  by  some 
officer." 

"  No,  no — I  scarcely  think  it  can  be  that." 

"  Nor  I  now." 

"  Then  you  confess  yourself  puzzled*1" 

"I  do." 

"  I  have  only  one  idea  about  it,  which  is,  that  it  must 
be  some  will-o'-the-wisp.  You  have  heard  of  that,  have 
you  not  ?" 

"  Yes,  and  seen  one ;  but  this  light  seems  altogether 
different." 

"  It  is  getting  further  and  further  away." 

"  It  has  that  appearance." 

"  I  am  sure  of  it." 

"Shall  we  follow  it?" 

"  If  you  like — we  have  nothing  else  better  to  occupy  our 
time  just  at  the  present  moment,  and  I  look  upon  it  as 
in  some  sort  our  duty  io  look  closely  into  every:>Mng  we 
cannot  understand." 

"  Decidedly." 

"  Come  on,  then." 

<i  Yes — but  be  silent.  There  Is  no  fear  inat  wo  shall 
be  overheard,  still  it  is  always  wisest  to  remember  to  be 
cautious." 

With  these  words  the  highwaymen  crept  forward  with 
stealthy  steps. 

In  good  truth  this  seemed  like  a  superfluous  amount  of 
caution,  for  the  wind  was,  if  possible,  blowing  with 
greater  violence  than  before,  and  the  noise  that  it  created 
among  the  tree  tops  was  sufficient  to  drown  completely 
every  other  sound. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  happened  to  be  first  as  they  stood, 
and  bo  he  led  the  way,  his  comrade  keeping  slose  upon 
his  heels,  for  the  way  between  the  trees  was  not  wide 
enough  to  allow  two  to  pass. 

The  mysterious  light — for  it  Ind  good  claims  to  this 
designation — continued  to  flit  about  in  a  very  remarkable 
and  eccentric  manner. 

Sometimes  it  would  <*£sappear  altogether. 

Then  tne  next  moment  Wa*y  would  see  it  abiair  £  some 
distance  off. 


Ai  they  pushed  still  deeper  and  deeper  Into  the 
recesses  of  the  wood  the  curiosity  of  the  highwaymen  in- 
creased. 

Suddenly  the  wind  droppea-     -' 

At  this  instant  a  scud  of  vat..,  Aat  actually  seemed  to 
have  been  held  in  suspension  by  the  gale,  fell  with  great 
violence  to  the  earth. 

It  lasted  only  for  about  a  couple  of  seconds — then  the 
wind,  as  ii  rested  by  its  short  lull,  began  to  blow  more 
furiously  than  ever. 

It  so  happened  that  the  countenances  of  the  two  high- 
waymen were  turned  in  such  a  direction  that  the  mass  of 
rain  dashed  upon  them,  and  such  was  the  suddenness  of 
it  that  for  a  moment  or  so  they  were  half  blinded.  The 
effect  was  as  though  a  quantity  of  eea  spray  had  been 
da  ihed  into  their  faces. 

But  when  they  had  succeeded  in  removing  the  moisture 
from  their  eyes  and  took  another  glance  around  them,  tne 
light  was  nowhere  to  be  seen. 

At  first  this  occasioned  them  but  slight  surprise,  and 
they  continued  to  gaze  around,  expecting  to  see  it  start 
out  again  in  some  fresh  quarter.  ~\ 

But  they  were  disappointed. 

They  waited  for  what  seemed  to  be  a  long  and  weary 
time  ;  but  they  perceived  no  signs  of  the  light. 

"  How  vexatious  !"  cried  Sixteen-String  Jack. 

"It  has  gone  now  for  certain,"  replied  Claude,  "i 
begin  to  think  it  was  a  will-o'-the-wisp  after  all." 

"  Can  you  form  any  precise  idea  of  the  spot  where  it 
disappeared  ?" 

"  I  think  so." 

"  Then  let  us  push  on.  Perhaps  when  we  reach  there 
we  may  be  able  to  make  some  fresh  discovery.  It  galls 
me  to  be  baffled  thus  !" 

Accordingly  they  advanced. 

Before  they  had  gone  very  many  paces  they  found 
themselves  in  a  small  open  spot  that  was  not  more  than 
ten  or  twelve  feet  in  diameter. 

It  was  thickly  surrounded  by  trees,  which  cast  a  deep 
gloom  upon  it. 

"A  strange  place,"  remarked  Claude,  as  he  glanced 
around. 

"  Yes,  and,  if  I  am  not  very  much  mistaken,  this  is  just 
where  the  light  vanished." 

"  But  where  can  it  have  gone  ?" 

"  I  know  no  better  than  yourself." 

"  Hilloa !  Why,  there  it  is  I  Look !  Can  you  see 
it?" 

"  Yes — quite  plainly." 

"  Then  follow  it." 

The  light  had  indeed  most  strangely  reappeared  among 
the  trees.  », 

The  highwaymen  quickly  quitted  the  enclosure ;  but 
before  going  many  paces  Claude  stopped. 

"  Why  do  you  halt  ?"  asked  his  companion. 

"Why,  look!  Can't  you  see  the  light  is  actually  ap- 
proaching us?" 

A  second  glance  satisfied  Sixteen-String  Jack  that  this 
was  indeed  the  case. 

"  That  is  very  odd,"  he  ejaculated.  "  We  shall  soon 
know  now  the  solution  of  the  mystery." 

"  It  seems  like  it " 

The  light  most  unquestionably  advanced,  and  it  was 
apparent  that  it  burnt  more  steadily  than  before,  although 
it  occasionally  vanished  and  reappeared  ;  but  this  might 
be  caused  by  the  interposition  of  one  of  the  thick-trunked 
trees. 

"  Stand  back,"  said  Claude.  "  The  lighjt  is  manifestly 
coming  nearer.  If  we  conceal  ourselves  here,  we  may 
watch  it  closely  as  it  passes  by." 

"A  good  thought,"  replied  Jack,  as  he  at  once  con- 
cealed himself  among  the  dense  vegetation. 

Both  now  bent  the  whole  of  their  attention  upon  the 
approaching  light. 

After  looking  at  it  very  steadily  for  some  time,  during 
which  it  came  closer  and  closer,  Sixteen-String  Jack 
whispered: 

"  As  I  live,  Claude,  I  do  believe  that  it  is  some  one  carry- 
ing a  lantern,  after  all." 

"  I  should  think  so  but  for  the  odd,  fantastic  manner 
in  which  it  has  flitted  about.  What  on  earth  object  oould 
anyone  have  in  turning  and  winding  about  among  the 
trees  at  this  hour  ?" 

"  It  ia  very  strange." 


BjrfQHt   OV  THB    ROAD. 


16« 


'•Very  strange  indeed.     But  keep  quiet — perhaps  we 
shall  yet  succeed  in  finding  a  solution  to  tks  mystery." 
"  Hush — hush  !" 

There  was  an  immediate  silence. 

The  light  was  now  very  close  at  hand — so  clos®  thai 
the  highwaymen  could  n«  longer  doubt  the  coifUctness 
of  tteir  conjecture.         <v 

Moreover,  there  also  came  upon  cheir  ears  at  frequent 
intervals  a  rustling,  craekliug  sound,  which  made  itself 
occasionally  heard  above  the  howling  of  the  wind. 

This  sound  was  just  such  a  one  as  would  be  pioduced 
by  a  man  forcing  s  passage  through  the  thickly-growing 
forest  trees. 

"  It  is  a  man  with  a  lantern,"  said  Claude,  faintly. 
"  What  can  be  his  errand  and  his  purpose  in  wandering 
thus  among  the  recesses  of  the  forest  ?" 

u  That,  I  trust,  we  shall  shortly  find  out,  my  friend." 
"  Hush— hush !" 

"  He  cannot  hear  us — the  wind  roars  too  violently." 
Nevertheless,  his  comrade  preserved  silence. 
To  watch  the  proceedings  of  this  man  sufficiently  oc- 
cupied their  attention. 

He  came  on  with  tolerable  steadiness,  though  he  swung 
the  lantern  carelessly  about  in  his  hand. 

By  the  course  he  was  taking,  it  was  certain  that  he 
would  pass  very  near  the  spot  where  our  two  friends  had 
hidden  themselves. 

To  desory  what  kind  of  looking  individual  he  was 
seemed  impossible,  owing  to  the  dazzling  effect  produced 
by  the  lantern. 

At  length  he  passed  them — so  closely  that  if  the  high- 
waymen had  chosen  to  extend  their  arms  they  could  have 
touched  him. 

Our  friends  held  their  breaths. 

The  man  passed  on,  but  when  he  gained  the  little  open 
space  which  Claude  and  Jack  had  so  recently  quitted,  he 
came  to  a  dead  stop. 

"  I  dare  not  go  any  nearer  with  the  light,"  he  muttered 
— and  the  highwaymen  heard  him  plainly,  for  his  position 
was  such  that  the  wind  carried  al1  sounds  from  him  to 
them — "  but  curse  all  such  caution,  say  I !  Just  tell  me, 
will  you,  who  is  likely  to  be  watching  for  a  light  in  the 
forest  at  this  time  of  night?  But  here  goes— anything 
for  a  quiet  life !" 

Having  uttered  these  singular  words,  the  man  opened 
the  door  of  the  lantern,  and  extinguished  the  light. 

A  double  darkness  then  seemed  to  reign  around,  but, 
by  straining  their  eyes  to  the  very  utmost,  the  highway- 
men were  able  to  keep  him  in  view. 

He  advanced  a  few  more  paces,  and  finally  paused  again 
at  the  opposite  side  of  the  clearing. 

Then  above  the  roaring  of  the  wind  there  arose  shrilly 
and  clearly  the  sharp  notes  of  a  whistle,  whose  tone  admir- 
ably counterfeited  the  cry  which  would  be  uttered  by 
some  night  bird. 
The  whistle  was  repeated  thrice. 

Scarcely  had  the  last  notes  died  away  than  a  faint  gleam 
of  light  ascended  into  the  air. 
"  Is  that  you,  Drotchill  ?" 
"  Yes." 

"  Come  down,  then !    Be  quick  with  you  V 
By  the  misty  illumination  whicii  was  shed  around — and 
which  appeared  to  emanate  from  some  light  burning  be- 
neath the  surface  of    the  earth — the   highwaymen   saw 
the  form  of  the  man  more  distinctly  than  ever. 

He  gradually  descended  till  ho  passed  out  of  sight,  then 
there  was  a  faint  sound,  succeeded  by  darkness  and 
silence. 

The  two   highwaymen  were  so   much   surprised — for 
what  they  beheld  was  something  quite  unexpected — that 
some  moments    elapsed    before  they  either  moved    or 
spoke. 
At  last  Claude  said : 

'•  Well,  Jack,  what  do  you  think  of  that  ?" 
"I  scarcely  know  at  present." 

"Nor  do  I,  though  I  have  arrived  at  one  conclusion." 
'•  What  is  it  ?" 

"  Why,  that  the  light  we  saw  first  of  all  was  not  the 
game  as  that  which  has  just  been  extinguished." 
"What  was  it,  then?" 

"Why,  it  must  have  been  some  other  man.  His  passage 
through  the  wood  may  not  in  reality  have  been  so  devious 
us  we  imagined.  Then  don't  you  recollect  that  upon 
reading  this  spot  the  light  vanished  ?" 


"  Yes." 

"  Then  the  second  light  was  carried  by  some  other  per- 
son approaching  this  self-same  spot." 

"No  doubt  you  are  right,  Claude.  I  thought  it  odd 
the  light  should  show  itself  again  so  far  off  and  in  a  dif- 
ferent direction.  But  stilL  that  does  not  enlighten  us 
much." 

"  Not  very  much  ;  still,  it  is  something." 

"  At  any  rate,  there  is  some  underground  cavern  here- 
abouts, iuhabited  by  at  least  two  yersons." 

"  Yes,  that  much  i«  eertain." 

"Then  shall  we  rest  content  with  possessing  that 
amount  of  knowledge,  or  shall  we  try  to  make  some  fur- 
ther discoveries  ?" 

"  I  am  in  favor  of  the  latter  course." 

"  So  am  I,  for,  who  knows,  it  may  turn  out  to  our  ad- 
vantage." 

"  Creep  forward,  then,  and  let  us  try  to  discover  the 
exact  spot  where  they  disappeared." 

"  Yes,  but  be  cautious." 

The  highwaymen  crept  forward  with  great  f^salthi- 
ness. 

Beyond  their  determination  to  discover,  if  possible,  the 
entrance  of  the  cavern,  they  had  made  no  arrange- 
ments as  to  what  else  they  should  do,  and  it  was  quite  as 
well,  for  they  would  have  been  rendered  of  no  avail. 

Suddenly,  to  their  great  surprise,  the  dim  light  showed 
itself  again  not  many  paces  off. 

The  murmuring  of  voices  could  be  heard. 

Then,  one  aiten-  another,  the  two  highwaymen,  who 
had  at  once  drawn  back  into  concealment,  counted  four- 
teen men  appear. 

They  all  looked  dusky  and  shadowy. 

"  Are  you  all  here  ?"  said  a  voice. 

"  All  but  old  Robin." 

"  Then  let  him  come  forth  as  well,  for  what  wo  have  to 
do  will  require  the  united  assistance  of  all  of  ua." 


CHAPTER  MIL 

IN     WHICH    CLAUDE     DUVAL    AND     SIXTEEN-Sf  RING    JACK 
SUFFER  THE   PENALTY   OF   INTRUDERS. 

The  man  who  pronounced  these  words  spoke  in  an 
authoritative  tone  of  voice,  and  stood  rather  aloof  from  the 
rest,  his  manner  and  bearing  being  clearly  that  of  a 
leader. 

In  response  to  his  words,  one  said : 

"  Hilloa,  Robin  !  Come  forth !  You  will  have  to  quit 
grubbing  underground  for  an  hour  or  two.  Come  forth, 
you  lazy  old  mole  !" 

"I'm  coming,"  said  a  grumbling  voice — "  Pm  coming  ' 
But  what  on  earth  do  you  want  me  up  above  for  ?" 

"  Xou  must  ask  the  captain  if  you  want  to  know." 

"  Robin,"  said  the  one  who  had  been  styled  captain, 
"you  are  wanted  to  come  with  us— let  that  much  suf- 
fice." 

"  But  the  old  place  ?" 

"It  must  take  care  of  itself  for  once.  We  cannot 
spare  anyone.  Make  up  the  entrance  as  well  as  you  are 
able,  then  be  in  readiness  to  follow  us." 

Old  Robin  made  some  grumbling  reply. 

After  that  the  faint  halo  of  light  which  had  ascended 
from  below,  rendering  these  strange  beings  dimly  visible, 
faded  completely  away. 

No  sooner  did  this  happen  than  at  a  word  all  the  men 
walked  hurriedly  off,  quickly  disappearing  from  view. 

Our  two  friends  waited  until  all  sounds  of  their  pro- 
gress had  died  away,  and  then  Claude  cried : 

"  Fortune  favors  us,  Jack !" 

"  It  does  indeed.  That  secret  band  have  a  habitation 
of  some  kind  underground,  and  it  seems  to  me  that  at 
the  present  moment  all  its  inhabitants  appear  to  have  de- 
parted." 

"  There  can  be  no  doubt  of  it." 

"  Then,  my  friend,  if  you  fpel  half  as  curious  as  I  do, 
you  will  not  miss  the  opportunity  of  paying  their  strong- 
hold a  visit." 

"  There  is  only  onfl  thing — It  is  getting  on  towards 
daybreak,  remember." 

"  We  have  some  hours  before  us  yet,  and  this  little  ad- 
venture will  not  occupy  us  for  long,  you  may  depend." 

"  Come  on,  then,  I  am  willing." 

So  saying,  the  highwaymen  quitted  (heir  place  01  cob- 


BLACK    BBSS;    OR, 


cealment,  and  stepped  forward    as  well    as  they  could 
judge  in  the  direction  of  the  opening  into  the  care. 

"  It  must  be  somewhere  near  here,"  said  Jack,  as  he 
paused  and  bent  down  towards  the  ground.  M  Yet  I  can- 
not see  anything  of  it." 

"  Depend  upon  it,  we  shall  have  to  get  a  light" 

"  Then  we  must  be  cautious  in  its  use.  Remember  the 
light  of  a  lantern  betrayed  these  men  to  us." 

"  It  will  be  easy  to  be  as  careful  as  they  were." 

With  these  words,  Olaude  produced  a  small  lantern 
whioh  he  invariably  carried. 

It  was  quickly  ignited  by  means  of  a  phosphorous 
match. 

The  lanteru  ^as  provided  with  a  condensing  lens  of 
excellent  quality,  and  the  beam  of  light  that  came  from 
it,  though  small,  was  very  brilliant. 

Claude  turned  it  so  that  the  light  fell  upon  the  green- 
sward, of  which  he  was  thus  enabled  to  make  an  accurate 
examination. 

But  nothing  whatever  resembling  the  entrance  to  a 
cavern  met  his  view. 

"  If  I  did  not  know  for  certain  that  it  was  somewhere 
close  here,"  he  said,  at  length,  "  I  should  begin  to  grow 
doubtful." 

"  So  should  I." 

The  search  was  continued  for  some  moments  longer, 
but  with  no  better  result. 

"  The  entrance  is  indeed  well  hidden  !"  exclaimed  Jack, 
in  a  tone  of  mingled  vexation  and  admiration.  "  Where 
on  earth  can  it  be  ?" 

"I  don't  know,'*%aid  Claude.  " Let  us  sit  down  here 
for  a  moment,  and  look  carefully  all  around." 

He  pointed,  while  6peaking,  to  the  stump  of  a  huge  old 
tree,  which  projected  some  little  distance  above  the  ground. 

There  were  several  stumps  scattered  about  the  open 
space,  which  6erved  to  show  that  the  clearing  was  an 
artificial  one,  but  this  was  the  largest  of  all,  since  it  allowed 
the  two  highwaymen  room  to  sit  6ide  by  side. 

There  was  a  silence  of  a  few  seconds,  and  te>  n  Pixteen- 
8tring  Jack  observed  i 

"  Ckude,  I  feel  certain  we  are  as  nearly  as  possible  on 
the  very  spot  where  those  men  stood." 

"So  am  I,"  was  the  unexpected  reply;  "and  what  is 
more,  I  believe  we  are  at  this  moment  much  nearer  tbe 
secret  entrance  than  we  have  been." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"Why,"  6aid  Claude,  rising  to  his  feet  again,  "  it  is  my 
Belief  we  have  been  sitting  upon  it." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  sprang  quickly  to  his  feet,  for  this 
was  an  idea  which  had  not  occurred  to  him. 

"Why  do  you  think  so?"  Le  asked.  "The  stump 
looks  as  natural  as  the  rest  " 

"  Well,  we  shall  soon  see,"  said  Claud&,  kneeling  down 
and  making  a  rigid  examination  of  it. 

But  he  saw  nothing. 

He  tried  to  move  or  shake  the  mass  of  wood,  but  in 
vain. 

But  he  was  not  to  be  baffled  very  easily. . 

All  at  once,  Sixteen-String  Jack  uttered  a  low  cry  of 
gratification. 

"  Have  you  found  the  secret  ?" 

"  I  have.     Look  here  1" 

Just  as  he  spoke,  he  pushed  against  the  stump  hori- 
zontally, and  the  result  was  that  the  upper  portion  slid 
quite  away,  turning  freely  on  a  kind  of  pivot  at  one 
side. 

The  reason  the  highwaymen  had  not  made  this  dis- 
covery sooner  was  because  they  had  been  looking  for  a 
secret  spring  or  fastening  of  some  kind,  whereas,  the 
entrance  had  been  left  quite  unguarded. 

"  That's  very  odd,"  said  Claude,  remarking  it ;  "  but  I 
suppose  they  had  no  means  of  fastening  it  outside." 

"No ;  depend  upon  it  that  is  the  reason.  Old  Robia..  as 
they  called  him,  was  always  left  in  charge." 

The  dim,  misty  light  again  rose  into  the  air,  and  apon 
looking  down,  the  highwaymen  perceived  tliat  it  pro- 
ceeded frorr  an  oil  lamp  that  was  hung  many  feet  below 
them. 

The  construction  of  this  covering  to  the  cavern,  though 
so  simple,  was  admirably  planned. 

The  upper  portion  of  the  stump  of  the  old  tree  had 
been  carefully  sawed  off,  then  the  remaining  or  lower 
half  next  the  ground  had  been  as  carefvlly  hollowed 
oat. 


As  we  have  said,  the  upper  part  had  then  been  fitted  on 
and  secured  in  its  place  by  a  pivot  at  one  side,  which 
allowed  it  to  turn  freely. 

The  aperture  at  the  top  was  not  muob  larger  than 
would  suffice  for  the  passage  of  a  man's  body  ;  but  a  little 
way  down  the  width  materially  increased. 

Some  rudely-cut  steps  were  discernible. 

"  Here  we  are,"  said  Jack,  after  they  had  both  peered 
down  for  some  time  in  silenoe. 

"  It  noems  quiet  enough." 

"  As  the  grave. 

"  Let  us  descend,  then.** 

"  With  all  my  heart." 

"  Will  you  go  first  ?" 

"  Yes,  if  you  like." 

Jack  nimbly  descended. 

Claude  followed  with  the  lantern. 

"  Wait  a  moment,"  the  latter  said ;  "  perhaps  there  may 
be  some  kind  of  inner  fastening;  if  so,  the  best  thing  we 
can  do  is  to  make  use  of  it" 

"Certainly." 

"  Just  hold  the  light  then." 

Claude  was  glad  he  thought  of  taking  this  precaution, 
for,  upon  examination,  he  found  that  there  was  a  very 
strong  fastening  indeed,  consisting  of  a  hasp  and  staple, 
into  which  fitted  an  iron  pin. 

"  There,"  said  Claude,  in  a  tone  of  very  great  satisfac- 
tion, "  I  shall  feel  much  better  contented,  I  oan  assure 
you,  for  I  feel  certain  that  no  one  can  make  a  sudden 
entrance  upon  us.  We  shall  have  timely  warning  if  any- 
one attempts  to  gain  admittance." 

"  Very  good,"  said  Jack,  as  he  cautiously  descended 
the  rude  flight  of  steps  ;  "  but  I  rather  think  before  any 
of  that  crew  returns  we  shall  be  many  a  mile  away." 

Just  as  he  spoke  these  words,  he  reached  the  bottom  of 
the  steps,  and  having  done  so,  he  paused  to  look  about 
him  at  the  strange  place  in  which  he  found  himself. 

The  oil  lamp  was  a  very  primitive  affair,  and  was  sus- 
pended by  r.ieans  of  an  iron  chain. 

The  uri  vl  this  lamp  was  obvious. 

It  was  pl&ced  there  in  order  that  the  difficult  descent  of 
the  steps  might  be  made  in  safety. 

Leading  from  the  bottom  step,  and  sloping  downwards, 
was  a  kind  of  passage,  the  extremity  of  which  wae 
covered  over  with  some  dark  substanoe. 

Advancing,  the  highwaymen  found  this  to  be  a  kind  of 
curtain. 

As  it  hung  there,  it  served  the  purpose  of  a  door. 

Drawing  this  aside,  they  6aw  before  them  an  under- 
ground chamber,  which,  from  the  regularity  of  its  form 
and  the  manner  in  which  it  was  shored  up  with  wooden 
supports,  was  evidently  the  work  of  human  hands. 

A  stilling  kind  of  heat  was  in  this  place,  arising  doubt- 
less, in  part,  from  defective  ventilation,  and  partly  from 
a  smouldering,  half- extinguished  fire. 

This  chamber,  if  60  we  may  term  it  was  furnished  with 
a  rude  kind  of  table  and  several  blocks  of  wood,  which 
did  duty  for  chairs. 

On  this  table  stood  bottles  and  glasses,  presenting  an 
aspect  of  great  disorder 

It  seemed  as  though  some  merry-making  had  recently 
been  going  on. 

The  floor  of  the  oavern  was  littered  all  ever  with 
objects  of  every  description — articles  by  far  too  varied 
and  numerous  to  allow  of  recapitulation. 

"A  strange  place,"  was  Jack's  remark,  after  a 
silence  of  some  minutes,  during  which  they  had  beeD 
engaged  in  gazing  upon  the  various  objects  to  which  we 
have  adverted. 

"Very,"  said  Claude.  "Yet  there  can  be  no  doubt  as 
to  the  profession  of  these  men." 

"  Bobbers  ?" 

"Most  certainly,  and,  I  will  warrant,  of  the  worst  sort, 
accompanying  all  they  do  with  deeds  of  ruthless,  needless 
violence. 

"  What  makes  you  think  so  ?" 

"  The  aspect  of  this  place,  and  the  fact  that  so  many 
are  banded  together.  They  are  arrant  cowards,  every  one 
of  them,  I'll  warrant." 

"Let  us  come  a  little  closer  and  make  a  better  examina- 
tion. I  am  inclined,  however,  to  think  yon  are  quite 
right" 

"  I  am  sure  of  it." 

The  highwaymen  now  advanced  into  the  cavern  ;  but 


THE   KNIGHT   07   THB  ROAD. 


166* 


they  did  not  fiud  within  it  anything  more  than  they 
Dad  already  noted. 

On  the  opposite  side,  however,  they  eame  to  a  crevice 
in  the  wall,  that  was  protected  by  a  door,  &$"&  so  far  in 
as  to  be  at  first  invisible. 

"  Now,  then,  Jack,"  cried  Claude,  "  the  ligai !" 

The  door  yielded  to  a  touch. 

Grossing  the  threshold,  the  highwaymen  fousd  them- 
selves in  another  cavern,  much  smaller  than  the  first,  but 
stored  up  with  a  great  number  of  small  packages,  dvoM- 
less  containing  ai'icles  of  value. 

There  was  another  door  close  at  hand,  leading  into 
another  cavern  \  bat  this  was  perfectly  empty. 

"Snug  quarters,  truly,"  observed  Jack,  as  they  returned 
to  the  outer  chamber,  "  and  it  is  certainly  too  bad  that 
they  should  be  occupied  by  such  a  crew  as  hold^pr'«*ssion 
of  them.*5 

"  Have  you  seen  enough  ?" 

"  Yes,"  was  the  reply,  given  &  .  fingering  tone,  and 
with  a  reluctant  glance  around. 

"  Then  let  us  be  going.  Time  is  flying  past ;  and  this 
close  atmosphere  is  disgusting  to  me." 

Without  waiting  to  hear  what  more  his  companion 
might  have  to  say  upon  the  subject,  Claude  led  the  way 
to  the  flight  of  steps. 

He  ascended  them  as  rapidly  as  he  was  able. 

Jack  followed  more  slowly  at  his  heels. 

The  iron  pin  was  withdrawn  from  the  staple,  the  hasp 
removed,  and  Claude,  with  a  sigh  of  satisfaction,  was 
about  to  push  the  covering  away,  when,  to  his  dismay,  he 
heard  a  voice  close  to  him  exclaim : 

"What  the  devil  is  the  matter  with  the  trap?  It's 
d — d  odd  that  it  should  be  fast.  There  cannot  be  anyone 
below  ?    I'll  try  again." 

What  was  Claude  to  do  ? 

It  was  too  late  to  refasten  the  hasp  and  staple.  More- 
over, if  there  had  been  time  for  him  to  do  so  it  would 
have  been  of  no  avail — they  would  have  been  like  rats  in 
a  trap. 

Jack  overheard  what  was  said,  and  luckily  decided  on 
the  right  course  to  adopt. 

"Down,  Claude — downl  Leave  the  door — ws  must 
hide!" 

Even  while  he  uttered  these  words  in  a  suppressed 
voice,  yet  quite  loudly  enough  to  reach  his  comrade's 
ears,  he  descended  the  steps  with  the  utmost  precipitation. 

Claude  heard  the  individual  above  endeavoring  to 
remove  the  trap. 

A  kind  of  instinct  made  him  follow  in  Jack's  foot- 
steps. 

The  cavern  was  quickly  reached,  and  then  both  gave 
a  hasty  glance  around  them  in  search  of  some  place  of 
concealment. 

But  at  first  none  presented  itself. 

Footsteps  were  heard  upon  the  stairs. 

"  Where  shall  we  hide  ?"  asked  Claude. 

"  I  see  no  other  place  than  this.  Be  quick,  and  all 
will  yet  be  well !" 

Sixteen-String  Jack,  as  he  spoke,  placed  his  hand  upon 
a  large  barrel  which  was  standing  upon  end  in  one 
owner. 

It  had  evidently  served  for  a  seat,  and  as  there  was  a 
large  bunghole  at  the  side,  it  was  quite  clear  that  it  was 
perfectly  empty. 

"  Do  you  mean  inside  ?" 

"Yes." 

"  But  there  is  not  room  for  two." 

"  There  is  another  barrel  yonder,  of  similar  appear- 
ance. Quick — quick!  If  you  stay  to  utter  another 
word,  we  shall  be  lost !" 

About  this  there  could  be  no  doubt,  for  the  sound  of  a 
footstep  could  be  heard  just  outside  the  covered -door- 
way. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  at  once  crept  into  his  hiding- 
place,  and  Claude,  who  had  not  yet  recovered  from  his 
bewildermant,  hastened  to  do  the  same. 

They  were  only  just  in  time. 

Scarcely  had  the  barrels  been  settled  intC,  something 
like  their  former  position  than  the  curtain  was  d?awn 
aside  with  an  impatient  hand. 

It  was  rather  strange,  our  two  friends  thought,  that 
the  man  should  have  been  so  long  in  making  his  appear- 
ance ,  but  the  fact  was  that  he  had  stopped  to  carefully 
secure  tha  trap-door  in  its  place. 


The  delay  was  most  fortunate  for  the  highwaymen ; 
without  it  they  could  not  have  escaped  discovery. 

Upon  entering,  this  man  paused  and  stood  near  the 
threshold. 

The  two  highwaymen  were  able  to  observe  his  move- 
ments with  ease  and  precision  by  placing  their  eyes  close 
to  the  bungholes,  which,  as  we  have  said,  were  iu  the 
sides  of  the  barrels.  * 

The  new-comer  looked  about  him  for  some  moments 
with  a  suspicious  air. 

But  the  quietude  of  the  place  appeared  to  reassur# 
him. 

He  passed  his  hands  once  G2  fcfriec  before  his  eyes. 

Then  spoke. 

"It's  d — d  odd  I"  he  said  ;  "but  I  could  have  sworn 
that  when  I  tried  the  first  time  the  trap-door  was  fast- 
ened. And  yet  it  could  not  have  been,  for  it  yielded 
easily  the  next  time  I  tried.  I  must  have  bungled.  My 
brain  feels  strange  and  dizzy.  I  have  not  had  enough — 
oertainly  not  enough.  I  want  more  brandy  to  steady  my 
narves." 

From  off  a  small  shelf  at  one  side  of  the  caver  a  the 
man  took  a  bottle,  which  without  a  moment's  hesitation 
he  placed  to  his  lips. 

A  loud  gurgling  sound  followed,  and  from  the  length 
of  time  which  this  continued  it  was  evident  that  a  great 
quantity  was  imbibed. 

"  Ah  !"  he  ejaculated,  "  I  feel  better  now  ;  and  yet  if 
I  did  not  know  that  was  the  best  spirit  to  be  had,  I  should 
declare  it  to  be  no  better  than  water.  Bah !  but  I  am 
better — much  better!" 

Claude  and  Jack  had  thought  it  strange  that  the  man's 
suspicions  about  the  fastened  door  had  very  quickly  been 
allayed ;  but  now  it  was  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that 
he  was  some  distance  gone  in  intoxication,  yet  not  so  far 
as  to  prevent  him  knowing  what  he  was  about,  or  to 
incapacitate  him  for  action. 

CHAPTEE  MIIL 

THE    TWO     HIGHWAYMEN  ARE     WITNESSES   OK  SOME  VE1S1 
SINGULAR  SCENES  BENEATH  THE  EARTH'S  SURFAGE. 

To  speak  the  honest  truth,  Sixteen-String  Jack,  now  that 
he  found  himself  ensconced  in  a  comfortable  hiding-place, 
felt  rather  pleased  than  otherwise  with  the  turn  affairs 
had  taken. 

Although  his  attention  was  fully  occupied  in  watching 
all  the  movements  of  the  man,  yet  each  moment  he 
recovered  more  and  more  his  usual  self-possession. 

With  something  like  sensations  of  perfect  composure, 
he  noted  that  this  man  had  nothing  peculiar  enough  ir 
his  dress  to  make  him  conspicuous  among  his  fellow- 
creatures. 

As  to  his  countenance,  that  was  about  as  hideous 
and  repulsive  as  a  countenance  well  could  be  and  yet 
reserve  some  traits  of  humanity  about  it. 

Jack  anxiously  wondered  who  he  could  be,  and  what 
was  the  errand  that  had  brought  him  back  there  alone. 

Beyond  all  doubt,  patience  and .  the  progress  of  time 
would  give  a  satisfactory  answer  to  these  questions. 

"  Now,  to  complete  my  work,"  the  man  muttered,  "  I 
have  got  rid  of  them  all;  and  what  is  more,  without 
exciting  any  suspicions  against  myself.  But  I  must  make 
the  best  use  of  my  time.  It  is  lucky  that  I  have  so  little 
left  to  do." 

With  these  words  on  his  lips,  the  man  opened  the  door 
communicating  with  the  cavern  where  our  friends  had 
noticed  so  many  articles  stored  up. 

Making  use  of  the  utmost  expedition,  this  man  rapidly 
carried  out  the  various  packages,  and  stored  them  in  the 
contiguous  ohamber  that  had  been  so  recently  explored 
by  the  highwaymen. 

This  labor  he  continued  for  a  great  length  of  time,  so 
long    tSat    the    two  watchers    grew  tired  of  observing 

There  was  one  discovery,  however,  which  both  made, 
and  almost  at  the  same  moment. 

This  was  that  this  man  was  no  other  tnan  the  one  who 
had  assumed  the  manner  of  a  leader  among  those  outside, 
and  who  had  uttered  his  commands  in  so  peremptory  a 
voice. 

It  was  strange  that  he  should  be  there  alone,  and  under 
circumstances  of  so  muoh  mystery. 

One  infarence  could  only  be  drawn,  which  was,  that  ha 


1670 


BLACK     BK88  <    OB, 


v.iis  engaged   in  doing  something    which,   for  particu  ;ar 
xasons,  he  wished  to  keep  secret  from  his  companions. 

Such  an  act  must  be  one  of  a  villanous  character- _at 
least,  that  was  Jack's  assumption,  aud  he  determine  %to 
do  his  best  to  prevent  its  consummation. 

Claude  Duval.  '  tU»  other  hand,  felt  fidget"  sj\d 
uneasy. 

n-  was  sure,  from  the  length  01  time  that  had  elapsed, 
that  dawn  could  not  be  tar  distant,  and  he  had  wis  ^d  to 
return  to  the  ruins. 

Clearly,  however:,  it  was  too  late  to  think  of  doi  g  this 
now. 

Then  there  was  no  knowing  how  long  he  might  be 
detained  by  this  man  and  his  associates,  and  he  looked 
forward  to  remain  cooped  up  under  the  barrel  for  an 
indefinite  period  with  anything  like  pleasure. 

There  was  no  help  for  it,  however,  and  this  krowledge, 
so  far  from  enabling  him  to  become  reconciled  to  his  posi- 
tion, only  made  him  chafe  the  more. 

In  the  meanwhile,  the  robber  captain — for  such  Sixteen- 
String  Jack  had  designated  him — proceeded  steadily  with 
his  task  until  he  had  completed  it. 

This  was  net  until  what  seemed  to  the  highwaymen  a 
long  aud  weary  time  had  passed — how  long  they  were 
unable  to  form  any  definite  idea. 

"  At  last,"  he  murmured,  with  a  heavy  sigh  of  relief, 
as  he  sank  down  and  wiped  the  perspiration  from  his  face 
— "at  last  the  task  is  completed.  Now  I  am  in  readiness, 
let  them  come  when  they  choose." 

He  waited  for  a  short  time  as  if  to  recover  hir&self ; 
then,  having  closed  both  the  doors  and  restored  the  place 
to  its  ordinary  appearance,  he  entered  the  passage, 
ascended  the  steps,  and,  so  far  as  our  friends  were  able  to 
judge,  pushed  open  the  trap-dcor  aud  went  outside. 

For  some  moments  our  friends  remained  perfectly 
silent,  listening  intently. 

But  Claude,  whose  impatience  had  in  no  degree  abated, 
at  length  said,  in  a  faint  -yhisper; 

"  Jack." 

"  Yes,  Claude  ?" 

"  Has  he  gone  ?" 

"I  think  so." 

"  Then  let  us  go  too." 

"  That  would  be  most  unwise.  I*'e  may  be  only  wait- 
ing just  above.  Consider  that  by  this  time  it  is  day- 
light." 

"  Yes,  confound  it,  I  have  no  doubt  it  is  1" 

"  You  seem  vexed." 

"Yes,  I  cannot  look  forward  with  anything  like  calm- 
ness to  remaining  here  for  perhaps  twelve  or  fourteen 
'  hours." 

"  It  will  be  irksome ;  but,  then,  as  it  is  impossible  to 
return,  and  as  the  day  must  be  spent  in  some  place  or 
other,  I  think  we  cannot  do  better  than  remain  here.  In 
all  probability  we  shall  be  quite  safe." 

"  I  should  prefer  being  above  ground." 

M I  <Jon't  know  that  I  should." 

"  You  seem  to  like  your  quarters." 

"  Not  particularly ;  but  I  have  a  presentiment  that  if 
we  only  remain  we  shall  see  aud  hear  something  well  I 
worth  witnessing." 

"  Then,  if  that  is  your  impression,  I  will  reconcile  my- 
self to  remaining." 

"  Hush— hush !" 

There  was  instant  silence. 

After  a  short  pause,  Jack  spoke  again. 

''I  thought  I  heard  him  returning,"  he  whispered, 
"  but  it  must  have  been  my  fancy.  How  lucky  it  was 
we  escaped  down  the  steps  so  well  as  we  did  !" 

"Most  lucky  1  I  can  scarcely  understand  how  it  was 
the  fellow  did  not  discover  us." 

"He  is  in  a  state  of  great  excitement — that  is  H5  and, 
if  I  am  any  judge  of  matters,  I  should  give  my  deliberate 
opinion  that  this  niau  meditates  an  act  of  ciore  than  ordi- 
nary atrocity." 

"  But  of  what  nature  ?" 

"There  I  confess  I  am  in  the  dark.  We  m^si  wateb 
closely  the  course  of  events/ 

"And  what  do  you  thiuk  of  doing?" 

"Interfering,  if  I  can  see  my  way  clear  to  so  doing." 

"Well,  Jack,  my  friend,  I  will  not  say  to  you  one  word 
of  my  private  thoughts,  simply  because  they  are  in  en- 
tire opposition  to  yours.  But  it  is  quite  clear  that  you 
have  set   your    heart    upon    seeing    this    little    drams 


played    out,  and  therefore  I  will  not  attempt  to  balk 
you." 

"I  shall  avail  myself  of  vour  generosity  of  spirit, 
Claude,  and  I  am  moved  to  do  so  because  I  feel  more 
strongly  than  ever  that  you  wiD  have  no  cause  to  regret 
having  done  so." 

"  Very  well,  Jack — I  resign  myseh  entirely.    You  will 
excuse  me,  however,  for  just  mentioning  one  thing." 
What  is  that  ?" 
k  Jan  you  tell  mo  how  we  are  to  make  our  exit  from 
this  place  when  you  feel  that  we  have  stayed  here  long 
enough  ?" 

"  I  have  not  thought  about  that,  Claude." 
"  I  fancied  not." 

"  And,  what  is  more,  I  believe  it  would  be  foolish  to 
think  of  it,  because  we  cannot  possibly  tell  what  extra- 
ordinary turn  events  niav  take.  At  any  rate,  if  we  find 
here  a  day's  safe  shelter,  that  will  be  something  to  feel 
satisfied  about." 

"So  it  will.  Yet  I  could  have  wished  for  more  com 
fortable  quarters." 

"  It  is  the  barrel  you  don't  like,  Claude  ?" 

"  I  confess  it." 

"  Well,  then,  as  this  fellow  seems  to  have  sought  the 
upper  earth  we  may  venture  to  emerge.  It  will  be  more 
comfortable  than  remaining  cooped  up,  and  when  we 
hear  him  returning  there  will  be  plenty  of  time  for  us  to 
conceal  ourselves  again." 

"  I  was  thinking  so,  but  was  in  doubt  whether  it  would 
be  prudent." 

But  Claude  hesitated  no  longer,  for  he  lifted  the  barrel 
to  one  side  and  crept  out. 

Jack  did  the  same. 

Their  first  act  was  to  hasten  to  the  curtained  door- 
way. 

They  listened  a  moment  or  so,  and  convinced  them- 
selves that  the  man  had  really  passed  out  at  the  trap- 
door. 

And  now  really  one  would  have  thought  the  wisest 
course  that  the  highwaymen  could  possibly  have  adopted 
would  be  to  have  taken  advantage  of  the  present  oppor- 
tunity to  get  away  from  such  close  and  uncomfortable 
quarters. 

By  remaining  they  ran  a  thousand  and  one  risks. 

But  Jack  would  not  think  of  any  one  of  them. 

It  was  decidedly  a  comfort  to  be  freed  from  the  casks, 
aud  they  stretched  themselves  every  now  and  then,  as  if 
rejoicing  in  their  liberty. 

Their  conversation  was  not  sufficiently  to  the  point  to 
be  worth  placing  before  the  reader — it  consisted  ckielly 
in  speculations  as  to  what  was  likely  to  be  the  termina- 
tion of  what  they  had  witnessed. 

In  this  manner  the  whole  day  passed — not  that  they 
were  able  to  tell  anything  about  light  or  darkness  by 
absolute  observation,  but  Claude  happened  all  at  once  to 
recollect  that  he  had  a  watch  in  his  pocket. 

They  remained,  then,  quite  undisturbed  until  close 
upon  the  verge  of  midnight. 

Then  a  faint,  grating  sound  reached  their  ears. 

It  was  produced  by  the  removal  of  the  cleverly-con- 
tri  ved  trap-door. 

No  sooner  did  the  s>und  strike  upon  their  ears  than 
our  friends  hastened  to  regain  their  respective  places  of 
shelter. 

This  was  quickly  done,  but,  although  they  were  so  rapid 
in  their  movements,  they  had  scarcely  settled  themselves 
before  some  one  entered. 

The  noise  which  now  became  audible  informed  them 
that  the  whole  of  the  gang  had  in  all  probability  come 
back. 

Our  friends  at  first  rather  shrank  back,  but  gaining 
confidence  after  the  lapse  of  a  few  moments,  they  looked 
through  the  bungholes. 

Among  the  rest,  they  quickly  caught'  sight  of  the  leader, 
who  looked  more  flushed  and  excited  than  usual. 

lu  a  voice  that  sounded  high  aud  auuatural.  as  though 
he  was  endeavoiing  to  conceal  feelings  which  would  be 
betrayed  by  the  tones  of  his  voice,  he  said  : 

■•  Gallant  comrades,  are  we  all  here  ?" 

This  question  caused  everyone  to  glance  in  the  counte- 
nance of  the  one  who  happened  to  be  standing  next  to 
him. 

Then  followed  a  unanimous  1 

"  Y»»s  |" 


TUB   KNIGHT  OP  TUB  ROAD. 


1671 


•  Good  I     And  Is  the  trap-door  above  secured  ?" 

■  Yes,  captain." 

••  Is  that  you,  old  Robin  ?>- 

"  It  is." 

u  And  you  have  fastened  it  ?' 

"I  have." 

"  Then  we  need  not  be  much  afraid  o*  feeing  dieturbed. 
Beat  yourselves,  my  gallant  comrades — seat  yourselves 
once  more  around  this  board,  which  has  witnessed  so 
many  of  our  meetings.  Ccme,  come — be  quick.  As  you 
know,  we  have  much  befors  us  to-night." 

"  What  the  deuce,"  Jack  asked  himself,  "  can  it  be  til 
about?" 

Consequent  upon  these  words  from  their  captain,  the 
men  assembled  themselves  round  the  table,  choosing  for 
aeats  whatever  movable  object  came  nearest  to  hand. 

And  now  our  friends  found  themselves  threatened  with 
a  great  danger,  because  it  was  altogether  unlooked  for. 

One  man  walked  deliberately  up  to  the  barrel  beneath 
which  Jack  was  concealed,  and  placed  his  hands  upon  itj 
in  order  to  roll  it  up  to  the  table. 

Jack  considered  all  was  over. 

But  a  feather  will  serve  to  turn  a  balance. 

If  the  man  had  actually  moved  the  cask,  Jack's  presence 
must  infallibly  have  been  discovered. 

At  the  very  moment  that  he  stooped,  however,  the 
captain  called  out : 

"  Don't  roll  that  great  lumbering  thing  up  to  the  table  ; 
see,  there  are  plenty  of  seats  without  that !" 

With  a  grumbling  sound,  the  man  rose  again. 

What  a  long-drawn  breath  of  relief  Jack  gave  ! 

It  was  about  as  narrow  an  escape  from  discovery  an 
anyone  well  could  have. 

Little  dreaming  what  had  been  the  consequence  of  his 
speech,  the  captain,  with  a  kind  of  forced  hilarity,  invited 
the  men  to  seat  themselves  around  the  table. 

They  complied,  and  in  a  short  time  something 
resembling  order  was  obtained. 

Several  bottles  were  placed  upon  the  table,  containing 
urines  and  spirits  of  every  variety. 

Glasses  were  rapidly  filled  and  erupted,  an<S  &t  length 
the  captain  rose  to  his  feet  and  glanced  down  the  table  at 
the  two  rows  of  ferocious-looking  faces. 

There  was  a  general  silence. 

"  My  gallant  comrades,"  said  the  captain,  "  let  me,  first 
of  all,  drain  a  bumper  to  the  good  luck  that  has  attended 
us  in  our  late  enterprises." 

The  bnmper,  without  the  least  hesitation,  was  drained 
with  enthusiasm. 

Iu  fact,  the  men  seemed  as  though  they  were  quite  in- 
clined to  drink  upon  the  least  pretext  or  provocation. 

"Now,  then,  friends  all,"  the  captain  resumed,  "ac- 
cording to  our  usual  custom,  let  the  proceeds  be  pro- 
duced.   I  will  set  you  the  example." 

So  saying,  he  took  from  his  pockets  a  considerable 
quantity  of  gold  coin,  which  he  placed  in  a  heap  on  the 
table  before  him. 

No  sooner  had  he  finished,  than  those  around  him 
followed  his  example. 

In  the  space  of  a  few  moments  the  table  was  covered 
with  an  immense  amount  of  money,  which  was  roughly 
made  up  into  one  great  heap. 

"  Is  not  that  a  glorious  sight,  my  comrades  ?  Have 
wo  not  had  a  slice  of  luck  ?" 

Various  murmurs  escaped  the  lips  of  the  men — ap- 
parently murmurs  of  dissatisfaction. 

It  was  evident  the  captain  took  them  for  such,  for  he 
cried : 

"  What — what !  do  I  hear  grumbling  ?  Who  could 
find  fault  with  such  a  night's  work  as  this  ?  What  do 
you  all  mean  ?  Speak,  somebody  !  Let  me  know  what 
is  passing  in  your  minds.  Remember,  no  concealments  is 
our  rule." 

Some  whispering  followed  this  speech,  and  then  one  of 
the  men,  with  the  common  consent  of  bis  felloes, 
said :  » 

"  Captain,  it  i&  because  we  are  satisfied,  not  dissatisfied, 
with  our  night's  work  that  we  grumble." 

The  captain  opened  his  eyes  wide  with  astonish- 
ment. 

"Because  you  are  satisfied?" 

"  Yes.  You  seem  surprised.  But  It  is  because  we 
see  what  can  be  done  if  we  remain  together,  that  makes 
u  dislike  agreeing  to  your  proposition.    Now  it's  out, 


and  I  hope  you  will  not  be  offended,  captain,  but  that  yon 
will  think  twice  before  you  act." 

The  captain's  countenance  was  fully  revealed  to  Six- 
teen-String  Jack,  who  noticed  that  there  came  over  it  an 
awful  and  ominous  change. 

It  would  seem  as  though  the  captain  himself  was  con- 
scious that  his  face  betrayed  the  state  of  his  mind,  so,  to 
conceal  it,  he  poured  out  a  glass  of  Drandy  and  held  it  to 
his  lips. 

But  Jack  noticed  that  his  hand  trembled  so  excessively 
that  much  of  the  brandy  was  spilt. 

But  of  this  fact  the  captain  either  was,  or  affected  to  be, 
unconscious. 

The  men  sat  in  what  seemed  to  be  a  sullen  silence. 

They  were  evidently  waiting  in  great  anxiety  for  the 
captain  to  speak. 

.Th^  had  not  long  to  wait. 


CHAPTER  MIV. 

D*  WHICH  THE  ,  <PTAIN   FINDS  THERE  IS  SUCH  A  TOING  AS 
RETRIBUTION  EVEN  IN  THIS   WORLD. 

The  captain,    still   holding  the   glass  of  brandy  in  his 
hands,  rose  deliberately  to  his  feet. 

"My  comrades,"  he  said,  glancing  all  around  him,  "I 
am  not  altogether  surprised  at  your  feelings  in  one  re- 
spect. But  in  another  I  am.  I  quite  thought  that  this 
business  had  been  so  far  settled  as  to  need  no  further  dis- 
cussion, but  simply  a  few  plain  statements  from  myself. 
What  say  you  ?" 

There  was  a  silence. 

"  Then,"  said  the  captain,  after  a  brief  pause,  "  I  shall 
take  your  silence  for  consent.  What  I  have  to  say,  then, 
is  this  :  We  have  carried  on  our  little  transactions  for  a 
long  time  in  perfect  immunity.  We  numbered  twenty  at 
the  first,  but  one  after  another  your  companions  have  in 
various  ways  been  removed  from  you." 

The  captain  moistened  his  mouth  with  some  brandy, 
for  he  spoke  with  difficulty. 

"  I  need  scarcely  remind  you  of  the  terms  of  our  asso- 
ciation. We  were  to  remain  banded  together  for  a  cer- 
tain time  for  the  general  good,  then  at  the  last  all  which 
we  had  was  to  be  equally  divided  and  the  association 
dissolved. 

"  The  time  has  now  come,  but  at  the  very  last  moment 
it  seems  to  me  some  of  you  are  inclined  to  raise  disputes. 
Once  for  all,  I  will  not  listen  to  them  ;  the  general  safety 
compels  the  adoption  of  the  plan  I  laid  before  you." 

The  excitement  under  which  the  captain  labored  visibly 
increased. 

To  what  point  his  remarks  were  about  to  tend,  or  what 
would  be  the  upshot  of  the  whole  affair,  the  highwaymen 
could  not,  for  the  life  of  them,  imagine,  and  this  made 
them  look  on  with  redoubled  instead  of  diminished  in- 
terest. 

"  It  is  not  necessary  to  tell  you  that  we  have  been  sur- 
prisingly successful,  and  I  have  no  doubt  many  of  yon 
think  that  the  association  can  be  carried  on  for  a  much 
longer  period  to  our  mutual  advantage." 

There  was  a  general  murmur  of  : 

"  We  do— we  do  f" 

"  That  is  just  what  I  thought,  but  let  me  assure  you  it 
is  an  error — a  fatal  error ;  and  what  is  more,  if  we  were 
to  adopt  it  we  should  lose  what  we  have  already,  instead 
of  gaining  more.  No,  no,  take  my  word  for  it,  the  scheme 
has  been  carried  on  quite  as  far  as  will  be  safe.  After 
to-night,  any  attempt  to  prolong  it  will  end  in  destruc- 
tion." 

There  was  a  whispered  conference  among  the  men, 
and  then  one  said : 

"  Well,  captain,  you  know  very  well  by  the  terms  of 
our  agreement  that  we  are  bound  to  obey  you.  We  have 
always  done  so,  **»d  don't  intend  to  break  through  a  good 
rule  now." 

"  That  fs  well  I"  cried  the  captain,  trying  hard  to  stifle 
the  sigh  of  relief  that  rose  to  his  lips. 

"  But,"  said  the   man  who   had   hitherto  served  as  a 
mouthpiece  for  the  expression  of  the  opinions  ot  his  com 
rades,  "after  this  association  is  dissolved,  I  suppose  them 
is  nothing   to  prevent  those  of  us  who   choose  to  do  so 
forming  another  association  of  a  similar  character  ?" 

"None  whatever,"  cried  the  captain — "none  whatever 
— only  bear  in  mind  no  persuasion  will  induce  mo  to  join 
you  " 


1672 


BL&.CS   BFSS  ;  OB, 


This  announcement  /vas  received  with  silence. 

Then,  with  a  resumption  of  all  that  excitement  and 
nervousness  which  had  previously  characterised  his  words 
and  movements,  the  captain  said  : 

"A  few  words  now  will  have  tc  pass  "Detweei.  as. 
The  time  has  come  for  the  wealth  which  has  been  accu- 
mulated to  be  divided  amongst  you  all.  That  shall  be* 
done  at  once,  '/ou  have  all  helped  to  pack  this  wealth 
up  into  a  portable  6hape — all  except  this  gold  on  the 
table,  which  remains  to  be  divided.  It  wfcj  placed  in 
yonder  inner  cavern,  as  you  all  well' know." 

So  saying,  the  captain  pointed  to  the  door  communi- 
cating with  the  smaller  cavern,  in  which  our  friends  had 
seen  so  many  parcels  packed  up,  all  of  which,  it  must  bo 
understood,  had  been  most  carefully  removed  by  the 
captain  on  the  preceding  night,  or  rather  morning. 

"When  you  are  ready,"  continued  the  captaic^  "rise 
and  go,  all  of  you,  to  th«  door,  bring  forth  the  wealth, 
and  let  it  be  divided." 

With  surprising  alacrity  all  the  men  rose  to  their  feet 
in  perfect  readiness  r*  this  occasion  to  obey  their  captain's 
commands.  < 

A  grim  smile  came  over  the  latter  s  countenance  as  he 
observed  it. 

In  a  dense  throng  they  stood  together,  as  if  waiting  for 
the  captain  to  lead  the  way. 

But  he  hung  back,  pretending  to  be  vary  busy  with  a 
small  hand-lantern  which  he  carried. 

"  Go  on,  my  friends,"  he  cried,  in  quavering  tones — 
"  go  on.  There  is  no  need  for  you  to  hold  back  for  ma, 
Go  on.     Be  quick,  and  bring  forth  the  wealth." 

Still  keeping  in  a  body,  the  men  ad  ranced  to  the  door 
which  had  been  indicated. 

They  threw  it  open  on  its  hinges  and  entered. 

No  sooner  had  the  last  one  crossed  the  threshold  than 
the  door  closed. 

Then  the  captain,  who  had  been  stooping  down,  flung 
himself  flat  on  his  face. 

There  was  a  flash  of  light — 

A  dull,  heavy,  roaring  sound  like  thunder — 

Blows — cries — groans — another  roar — then  silence. 

Silence  and  darknoss. 

The  highwaymen  were  stunned  and  bewildered. 

The  barrels  in  which  they  had  concealed  themselves 
were  overturned,  and  hurled  with  great  violence  against 
the  walls  of  the  cavern. 

Upon  recovering  possession  of  their  senses,  Jack  was 
about  to  call  aloud  to  his  comrade,  when  fortunately  he 
was  arrested  by  hearing  a  voice  exclaim : 

"  It  is  done — the  deed  is  done !  At  last — at  last  all — 
all  is  over  I  Dull  fools  never  to  suspect  me !  But  that 
is  over  now.  I  will  get  together  all  these  valuables,  and 
depart.  Then,  sleeping  or  waking,  I  will  try  to  forget 
that  there  is,  or  ever  was,  such  a  place  as  this.  How  the 
powder  roared.  Well — well,  I  will  not  think  of  it.  Why 
should  I  ?  It  did  its  work  effectually  and  well.  They 
are  dead — all  dead — every  one  perished,  and  so  there  is 
no  one  who  can  contest  my  claim  to  the  whole.  Ha,  ho.  I 
This  is  indeed  a  good  night's  work,  and  yet  why  should  I 
feel  so  nervous  ?  Why  should  my  flesh  crawl,  and  the 
blood  seem  to  turn  cold  in  my  veins  ?  It  is  all  fancy  !  I 
must,  and  will  get  the  better  of  it  I  It  is  impossible  for 
one  of  them  to  be  alive." 

By  the  time  the  man  had  done  giving  utterance  to  these 
ejaculations,  Sixteen-Str.ing  Jack  was  able  to  arrive  at  a 
tolerably  correct  conclusion  respecting  what  had  hap- 
pened. 

Much  that  had  been  obscure  to  him  before  was  now 
made  clear. 

He  guessed  at  once  what  would  be  an  awful  punishment 
to  this  treacherous  monster. 

Placing  his  hands  in  a  peculiar  manner  before  his 
mouth,  he  gave  utterance  to  a  most  awful  groan. 

It  was  echoed  by  a  shriek  of  dismay. 

"Mercy — mercy  1"  cried  the  captain — "have  mercy 
upon  me!  Is  it  possible  that  some  one  has  socaoed  with 
life?" 

Jack  groaned  again — this  time  more  awfully  tlfcin  before. 

The  captain  seemed  to  fall  down  on  his  face. 

To  him  the  intense  darkness  thai  prevailed  had  a  thou- 
land  terrors. 

ITis  imagination  peopled  it  with  all  manner  of  hideous 
things,  and  it  is  no  exaggeration  to  say  that  in  a  few 
moments  he  suffered  whole  ages  of  torment. 


Claude  Duval  had  been  dashed  down  with  greatei 
force  than  his  companion,  for  he  appeared  to  be  much 
nearer  to  the  doorway. 

Consequently,  it  was  some  time  before  he  recovered 
possession  of  his  senses. 

He  did  so  with  Jack's  first  groan  ringing  in  his  ears. 

Puzzled  and  bewildered,  he  remained  perfectly  still  for 
a  moment,  not  able  to  comprehend  exactly  where  he  was 
or  what  had  happened. 

Then  came  the  second  groan. 

Recollection  then  rushed  full  upon  him. 

His  first  thought  was  for  his  companion's  satety 

"Jack— Jack,"  he  cried,  "where  are  you?  Speak — 
speak !    Are  you  much  hurt?" 

The  captain  heard  these  words. 

His  terrors  increased,  for  the  impression  came  over 
him  that  bis  deliberate  plan  of  wholesale  murder  had  by 
some  mysterious  means  or  other  completely  failed,  as  in 
his  agitation  he  did  not  notice  that  Claude's  voice  was  a 
strange  one. 

"Help— help!"  he  gasped — "help  and  6aveme!  No 
— it  is  uselesa  to  ask  for  mercy — I  must  escape !  If 
needs  be,  I  must  fight  my  way  to  freedom  1  No  mercy — 
no  mercy !" 

Jack  guessed  at  once  what  were  the  captain's  feelings, 
and  hastened  to  take  advantage  of  the  circumstance. 

"  Villain  !"  he  cried,  at  the  very  top  of  his  voice,  "  you 
shall  receive  the  reward  due  to  such  atrocity  as  yours  I 
It  will  be  in  vain  fer  you  to  attempt  to  escape — you  are 
doomed  I" 

With  a  wild  shriek  of  terror,  which  proclaimed  the 
fearful  condition  of  his  mind,  the  captain  sprang  to  his 
feet  and  made  a  frantic  dash  across  the  cavern. 

Jack  heard  him,  and  felt  certain  that  he  had  'gone  in 
the  direction  of  the  steps. 

Fearful  that  his  knowledge  of  the  intricacies  of  the 
cavern  would  enable  him  to  escape — a  thing  which  Jack 
was  most  anxious  to  prevent — our  friend  cried  : 

"  Hold — hold,  villain  that  you  are !  If  you  attempt  to 
move  another  step  your  death  will  bo  certain  ! " 

But  his  words  were  disregarded. 

The  captain  was  struggling  furiously  with  the  curtain 
which  obstructed  his  progress,  and  which,  for  the  life  of 
him,  owing  to  the  state  of  mortal  fright  he  was  in,  he 
could  not  dash  aside. 

"  Hold !"  cried  Jack,  again  groping  his  way  through 
the  darkness— "hold,  or  I  fire  !" 

But  the  captain  gave  a  cry  of  delight. 

The  curtain  was  now  torn  down,  and  he  was  now 
hurrying  towards  the  steps. 

Guided  by  the  sound  only,  Jack  raised  his  pistol  and 
fired. 

There  was  a  tremendous  report,  which  caused  number- 
less fragments  of  earth  to  fall  to  the  floor  of  the  cavern 
— fragments  which  had  been  detached  by  the  explosion. 

Then  came  an  awful  cry  that  rang  with  terrific  effect 
through  the  cavern. 

It  was  a  cry  such  as  Claude  and  Jack  hoped  never  to 
hear  again. 

It  was  followed  by  a  heavy,  crashing  noise. 

"  Claude— Claude !" 

"  Yes,  Jack  ?" 

"  Where  are  you  ?" 

"  Here — here." 

"  Quick— a  light !" 

"  In  a  moment.     Are  you  unhurt  ?" 

"  Yes,  quite." 

A  momentary  delay,  which  seemed  almost  like  an  ago. 
took  place. 

Then  there  was  a  faint  glimmering  of  light. 

Claude  quickly  had  his  lantern  lighted. 

Then,  advancing,  he  held  it  up. 

The  first  object  upon  which  its  beams  fell  was  the 
haggard  countenance  of  his  companion 

"  Why,  Jack,"  ho  exclaimed,  "  you  look  as  though  you 
had  seen  a  ghost !" 

"  No  matter — no  matter,"  was  the  impatient  answer. 
"  Give  me  the  light,  and  follow  me.  This  way — this 
way !" 

Guided  as  much  as  anything  by  a  succession  of  awful 
groans,  the  two  highwaymen  made  their  way  across  th« 
cavern. 

Upon  reaching  the  kind  of  passage  leading  from  it,  t 
most  horrible  sight  presented  itself. 


THB   KNIGHT   OF    THE    BOA». 


167a 


(TOM  1>AVTS   B  OVKRCOMR   WITH   WRATITUM.J 


f?**Z.  ,n  *  strauge,  huddled-up  mass,  and  literally 
•athed  in  blood,  was  the  man  who  had  been  styled 
rnptain. 

Jack's  bullet  had  told  fearfully. 

But  without  any  great  stretch  of  the  imagination,  it 
would  be  easy  to  believe  that  the  bullet  had  been  guided 
by  some  retributive  power  that  was  unwilling  to  nllow 
mich  a  monster  to  escape. 

^  At  any  rate,  there  he  lay,  bleeding  profusely,  his  eyes 
nmost  starting  from  his  head  with  horror. 

It  would  seem  that  at  the  time  when  he  was  struck  by 
•he  bullet  he  was  in  the  act  of  "wending  the  rude  flight 
of  steps. 

It  was  either  that,  or  else,  directly  after  the  infliction 
of  the  wound,  he  had  staggered  and  attempted  to 
-scend —  ■* 

Then  fallen  headlong  back. 

Jack  turned  the  light  of  the  lantern  foil  npon  hhn. 

Wo.  210 — Black  Bm. 


After  the  first  glance,  howe  ver,  fca  *?*s  compelled  V 
avert  his  eyes. 

"  Mercy — mercy !"  gasped  the  captain,  in  a  feeble  voice- 
"  Oh,  have  mercy  upon  rae !  I  was  tempted — yes,  sorel  j 
tempted  to  do  this  deed ;  and  you  see  how  I  have  been 
punishel!     Mercy — mercy — oh,  have  mercy  upon  me  !" 

"You  are  past  our  help,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack, 
"  but  you  have  brought  death  upon  your  own  head.™ 

"I  know  it — I  know  it,  and  rejoice  in  the  knowledge 
that  at  the  most  I  haye  only  a  few  minutes  to  exist. 
Al  cer  this  night,  life  would  be  a  greater  punishment  to  me 
thm  I  could  bear."  ""> 

"  I  meant  not  to  slay  you,"  said  Jaclc  ;  ''my  intention 
was  merely  to  put  a  stop  to  your  escape." 

"  And  you  have  done  it.  But  ah  I  who  are  you  J 
Strangers — yes,  strangers,  for  although  the  mist  of  death 
is  thicfk  before  my  eyes,  yet  I  am  sure  that  I  never  88* 
vc*i  before." 


No.  ?ltt 


Peicf,  One  Halfpknny. 
No,  211  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


1674 


BLACK     BBSs  ;      oJL, 


It  was  strange  that  the  captain  had  not  made  this  dis- 
covery sooner. 

"  Yes,  we  are  strangers,"  said  Jack,  "  but,  beyond  bay- 
ing that,  7  do  not  intend  to  give  yon  any  informa- 
tion." 

"I  do  not  waDt  it — I  do  not  want  it  1  I  fancy,  too, 
that  there  is  little  need  for  me  to  tell  yon  what  is  the 
meaning  of  all  that  has  occurred." 

"  I  think  we  comprehend  it  pretty  fully." 

"  I  had  laid  my  plans  well — yes,  exceedingly  well.  All 
went  well  to  the  last — quite  well ;  then  I — I — I        " 

He  gasped  painfully  several  times  for  breath. 

But  at  each  effort  to  recover  the  wonted  action  oi  his 
lungs,  he  grew  palpably  weaker  and  weaker,  until,  after  a 
long-drawn  sigh,  he  expired. 

After  this  there  was  a  momentary  silenoe. 

It  was  broken  by  Sixteen-String  Jack,  who  simply  ex  • 
claimed : 

"  He  is  dead  1" 

"  Yes,  quite  dead,"  said  Claude,  touching  the  bleeding 
mass  with  the  toe  of  his  riding-boot.  "  Now  let  us  get  to 
the  upper  air  ;  this  place  stifles  me." 

He  pushed  forward  as  he  spoke  ;  bnt  Jack  cried  ; 

M  Hold — hold,  my  friend !  Yon  forget." 

u  Forget  what  ?'r 

u  Why,  it  is  just  within  the  bounds  of  possibility  that 
some  of  this  man's  companions  may  have  escaped  the 
effects  of  this  explosion ;  if  so,  it  is  clearly  no  more  than 
oar  duty,  bad  as  they  are,  to  render  them  what  assist- 
ance lies  in  our  power." 

This  was  something  which  Claude  could  not  dispute. 

He  turned  back,  though  somewhat  reluctantly., 

Jack  led  the  way  with  a  rapid  step  across  the  cavern, 
and  paused  at  the  door,  or  rather  where  the  door  had 
been. 

The  doorway  was  now  filled  up  with  earth,  and  a  little 
examination  seemed  to  show  them  that  the  force  of  the 
explosion  had  caused  the  roof  and  side  of  the  inner 
cavern  to  fall  in. 

Therefore  if  any  of  those  unfortunates  who  entered  it 
had  happened  to  escape  from  the  explosion  they  must 
have  been  buried  under  many  tons  of  earth. 

"  We  can  do  no  good  here,"  cried  Jack ;  "  they  are  past 
our  help." 

"Hark  I" 

Both  listened. 

But  the  silence  of  the  verj  g?ave  itself  reigned  around 
them. 

"  All  is  over,"  said  Jack — "  all  is  over.  But  what  an 
awful  slaughter  1" 

He  shuddered  as  he  spoke,  and  turned  to  leave  the 
cavern. 

Claude  hastily  followed  him. 

As  he  did  so,  his  eye  fell  upon  the  pile  of  glittering 
gold,  which,  strangely  enough,  had  remained  undis- 
turbed. 

"  What  shall  be  done  with  thio  ?"  he  asked. 

"  Nothing — at  least,  nothing  just  at  present.  Like  yon. 
I  feel  sick  and  faint.    Some  other  time  perhaps        " 

Jack  ceased  abruptly,  for  just  at  that  moment  a  death- 
like feeling  came  over  him. 

With  an  effort,  he  shook  it  off,  he  wever,  and  managed 
to  stagger  across  the  cavern. 

The  steps  were  ascended  with  still  greater  difficulty ; 
but  at  last  the  top  was  reached,  the  strange  covering  was 
removed,  and  then,  with  a  sensation  of  most  indescribable 
and  inexpressible  relief,  the  highwaymen  found  tho  fe*sh 
breath  of  heaven  blowing  in  their  faces. 


CHAPTER  MV. 

TUB  TWO  HIGHWAYMEN    MEET  WITH  A  SINOULAB  INdDKVT 
AT  THE    ROADSIDE   INN. 

For  some  moments  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen-fttrfag 
Jack  literally  seemed  to  dc  nothing  but  drink  in  the  cold 
night  air. 

No  words  can  describe  how  welcome  and  refresning  it 
was  to  their  panting  lungs. 

"Thank  Heaven,  Jack,"  said  Claude  Duval,  "that  we 
are  safely  out  of  that  place !  It  will  be  some  tint  before 
I  feel  inclined  to  barrow  underground  again,  I  rather 
Winx !" 

"It  h*«  be*r  am  awful  ao*  °-    Would — ob-  would  that 


I  could  have  guessed  at  the  intentions  of  that  monster  I 
It  is  terrible  to  think  that  so  many  have  perished." 

"  Well,  Jack,  yon  may  think  so. 

"  Do  not  you  ?" 

"  I  cannot  exactly  6ay  I  do.  They  were  a  very  bad  let 
indeed — that  is  quite  certain ;  and  we  may  be  sure  that, 
if  they  had  lived,  ev^ry  one  would  have  come  to  soma 
bad  end  or  other." 

'*  That  may  be,  and  yet—" 

"Do  not  waste  time  to  speak  of  them.  Are  you 
better  ?" 

"  Much." 

"  Then,  my  friend,  if  you  will  be  guided  by  me,  you 
will  do  your  best  to  recover  possession  of  our  horses,  and 
after  that  we  will  make  our  way  back  to  the  castle." 

"  I  shall  be  ready  in  a  few  moments,  but  I  cannot  so 
readily  banish  from  my  mind  the  remembrance  of  this 
affair.  Besides,  before  we  leave  we  ought  to  take  accu- 
rate note  of  the  exact  position  of  this  place,  so  that, 
shonld  it  ever  be  necessary,  we  can  find  it  again." 

"I  don't  think  there  will  be  much  difficulty  about 
that." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  looked  well  around  him,  so  as  to 
imprint  every  feature  of  the  place  upon  his  mind,  then 
glanced  upwards  to  note  the  position  of  the  stars. 

"  I  shall  know  it  again,"  he  said.  "  But  the  gold  which 
was  upon  the  table — what  about  it,  Claude?" 

"  If  you  ask  me,  I  should  say  let  it  remain  where  it  is. 
What  would  it  be  worth,  think  you,  to  encounter  that 
dreadful  scene  again  ?" 

Jack  was  silent. 

"My  opinion  is,"  continued  Claude,  "that  the  best 
thing  we  can  do  is  to  lay  all  the  facts  before  the  captain 
when  we  return,  and  hear  what  he  has  to  say  upon  the 
subject." 

"Agreed,  then.  There  aro  many  things  connected 
with  the  affair  which  I  should  much  like  to  have  cleared 
up.  But  I  suppose  we  can  do  no  more  than  indulge  in 
speculations  ?" 

"Nothing;  but,  for  all  that,  I  feel  tolerably  certair 
that  we  shall  come  somewhere  very  near  the  truth." 

"  Do  you  think  so  ?" 

"  Yes.  These  men  have  been  in  the  habit  for  some 
time  pas;  .-s*  committing  depredations.  The  booty  was 
brought  here.  At  first,  no  doubt,  it  was  intended  that 
all  should  be  fairly  and  equally  divided,  but  the  spirit  of 
avarice  came  in  and  took  a  lodging  in  the  captain's  breast. 
That  led  him  to  tho  deed  he  perpetrated  to-night." 

"  Yes,  that  must  be  so." 

"He  must  have  availed  himself  of  various  opportu- 
nities to  lay  a  mine  beneath  that  small  cavern,  in  which, 
of  course,  his  companions,  when  they  entered  it,  believed 
the  booty  was  stored." 

"  He  must  have  made  some  excuse  to  them  to  get  away 
from  them  during  some  part  of  their  last  expedition." 

"  Yes,  and  all  the  rest  is  clear.  •  As  soon  as  all  were 
standing  in  the  treacherous  inner  cavern,  he  applied  his 
light  to  the  train  of  gunpowder.  That,  it  seems  to  me, 
isthfc  long  and  the  short  of  the  whole  affair." 

"But  how  awful  1" 

"  Truly  so." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  sat  still  for  some  time  in  perfect 
silence. 

At  length  rising  and  giving  a  parting  glance  around 
him,  he  exclaimed : 

"Come,  Claude,  let  us  go.  But,  like  you,  I  think  I 
shall  be  most  reluctant  to  visit  this  place  again." 

Without  another  word,  the  two  highwaymen  set  out  in 
quest  of  their  horses. 

As  may  be  imagined,  it  was  no  easy  task  for  them  to 
retrace  their  steps  among  the  trees,  for  not  the  slightest 
trace  remained  to  show  them  the  track  by  which  they 
had  come. 

They  soon  discovered,  too,  that  the  wood  was  of  a 
muih  greater  extent  than  they  had  at  first  imagined  it  to 
be,  and  the  trees  were  all  so  much  alike  that  they  began 
to  fear  their  search  was  a  hopeless  one. 

Suddenly,  however,  Claude  paused  and  exclaimed: 

"  Hark,  Jack — did  your  hear  that  ?'' 

"  Yes,  quite  plainly.  It  was  a  neigh,  and  of  course 
from  one  of  our  horses.  We  must  be  close  to  them 
now." 

"  Have  you  a  good  idea  of  the  direction  from  which 
the  sound  proceeded  ?" 


THE   KNIGHT  OJF  THE   UOAD. 


1674 


u  Yes,  I  think  so." 

"Lead  the  way,  then.'' 

Jack  stepped  forward  with  a  tolerable  amount  of  con- 
fidence, and,  after  a  brief  search,  the  eyes  of  the  two 
highwaymen  were  gladdened  by  the  sight  of  their 
steeds. 

They  were  standing  just  as  they  had  left  them,  havhi^ 
made  apparently  no  effort  to  break  their  tether. 

Taking  them  by  the  bridles,  our  friends  led  them  to- 
wards the  borders  of  the  wood. 

From  the  length  of  time  that  had  elapsed,  and  from  the 
fact  that  their  horses  had  not  been  discovered,  there 
seemed  little  to  fear  that  the  officers  were  still  "■>  the 
look-out  for  them. 

No  doubt  when  they  once  discovered  that  the  high- 
waymen had  fairly  gained  the  recesses  of  the  wood,  or 
forest — for  it  seemed  more  like  the  latter  than^he  former 
— they  gave  up  the  chase  in  despair. 

Nevertheless,  Claude  and  Jack  did  not  V6w.are  to  quit 
the  protecting  shadow  of  the  trees  until  they  had  satis- 
fied themselves  by  reconnoitring  that  there  was  no  one 
lurking  about. 

The  darkness  prevented  them  from  executing  their 
task  with  any  amount  of  exactness,  still  the  darkness  was 
in  their  favor,  for  it  would  serve  to  keep  their  forms  con- 
cealed. 

"  I  think  we  may  venture,"  said  Jack ;  "  there  does  not 
seem  to  be  anyone  about." 

"  The  coast  seems  perfectly  clear,"  replied  Claude.  As 
he  spoke  he  at  once  rode  out  into  the  waste  ground  with 
which  the  wood  was  engirdled. 

"  The  night  is  already  far  spent,"  exclaimed  Jack.  "  I 
think  now  our  wisest  course  will  be  to  make  our  way 
back  to  the  ruins  where,  doubtless,  Dick  and  the  rest  are 
waiting  for  us  with  great  anxiety." 

14  That  is  exactly  what  I  was  about  to  propose." 

"  Push  on,  then.  Our  horses,  after  their  long  rest,  ought 
to  be  able  to  make  tolerable  speed." 

Having  uttered  these  words,  the  two  highwaymen  with- 
out further  delay  set  their  steeds  in  motion,  and  soon 
were  stretching  across  the  open  country  in  the  direction 
of  their  destination. 

During  the  time,  however,  that  they  had  remained 
concealed  in  the  cavern  much  rain  had  fallen,  and  they 
soon  discovered  that  the  heavy,  soddened  nature  of  the 
ground  taxed  their  horses'  powers  most  severely. 

Presently  they  pulled  up,  and  with  some  abruptness, 
for  they  saw  that  a  ploughed  field  of  vast  extent  lay  be- 
fore them. 

"  It  will  never  do  to  attempt  to  take  them  across  there, 
Claude,"  said  Jack — "it  would    knock  them   up   com- 


fou  are  right,  it  would ;  even  now  they  show  signs 
of  great  exhaustion." 

"  What  is  to  be  done  ?" 

"  I  fancy  the  best  thing  will  be  to  keep  along  under 
this  hedge  until  we  meet  with  a  lane  or  cross-country 
road.  Rely  upon  it,  we  shall  not  have  to  go  far  before 
finding  one." 

The  direction  of  their  horses'  heads  was  now  changed, 
and  at  a  much  slower  rate  than  before,  they  journeyed  on. 

Our  friends  found  their  anticipations  well  founded. 

Ere  they  had  gone  much  more  than  half  a  mile  they 
found  themselves  near  a  narrow  winding  lane. 

It  was  separated  from  them,  however,  by  a  tall,  stout 
wooden  fence,  the  top  of  which  was  garnished  with  a 
great  quantity  of  rusty  iron  hooks. 

Claude  and  Jack  shook  their  heads  at  this  obstruction. 

It  would  not  only  be  foolish  but  cruel  to  make  their 
horses  face  such  an  obstacle,  as  in  case  it  should  no^_  fee 
cleared  very  serious  injuries  would  be  t  he  result. 

"We  must  look  for  a  gate,"  said  Claude.  '•  It  will 
never  do  to  try  such  a  rasper  as  that  while  our  horses 
are  in  this  exhausted  condition." 

■  "  There  is  no  occasion  for  the  attempt  to  be  made,  I 
think,"  replied  Jack,  "  for  unless  my  eyes  deceive  jie  I 
can  see  a  gat*  a  little  way  down  yondor." 

Claude  looked  in  the  direction  to  which  his  companion 
pointed,  and  cried : 

"  Yes,  there  is  a  gate,  sure  enough  We  are  all  right 
now."        • 

Upon  the  gate  being  reached,  however,  it  was  found 
to  be  very  strongly  and  carefully  secured  by  means  of  a 
padlock  and  a  stoat  iron  chain. 


Claude  was  unprovided  with  any  materials  requisite 
for  removing  such  an  obstacle  as  this,  but  he  dismounted 
quickly,  for  his  eye  happened  to  light  upon  a  large  round 
stone  at  least  as  large  as  his  own  head. 

Baising  this  with  Doth  his  hands,  he  flung  it  against 
the  gate. 

A  sharp  crash  was  the  result,  and  upon  examining  toe 
padlock  afterwards  it  was  found  to  be  compfetely  de- 
molished. 

The  gate  swung  open,  and  Claude   rapidly  remounted. 

Neither  had  a  very  good  idea  of  where  this  lane  was 
likely  to  take  them,  for  to  the  best  of  their  knowledge 
they  had  never  been  in  it  before. 

After  a  brief  consideration,  however,  they  turned  to 
the  right. 

For  some  time  they  rode  on  rapidly  and  in  silence,  for 
the  ground  beneath  their  hcrses'  feet  was  good,  showing 
that  the  lane  was  well  cared  for. 

Passing  round  rather  a  sharp  curve,  they  came  in  sight 
very  suddenly  of  the  high-road. 

Mechanically  they  drew  rein  and  looked  around. 

The  first  tiling  that  attracted  their  notice  was  a  build- 
ing  situated  just  at  the  spot  where  the  lane  joined  the 
highway. 

A  second  glance  at  it  made  them  aware  that  the  build- 
ing was  an  inn. 

Having  made  this  discovery,  they  rode  forward  with 
greater  cautiousness  than  ever. 

Lights  were  shining  from  most  of  the  windows  on  the 
ground-floor,  showing  that  the  inmates  had  not  yet  re- 
tired to  rest,  or,  what  was  more  likely,  that  they  had  just 
risen,  for  the  hour  was  that  dark  one  which  is  popularly 
supposed  invariably  to  precede  the  dawn. 

Seeing  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  roadside  inn  were 
astir,  Claude  said : 

"  What  say  you,  Jack,  to  halting  here  for  a  few  mo- 
ments ?  There  cannot  be  much  risk  in  doing  so,  and 
our  horses  will  be  all  the  better  for  a  little  refreshment." 

"  They  are  sorely  in  need  of  it ;  and  I  feel  that  nothing 
would  be  so  welcome  to  my  lips  as  a  tankard  of  good 
home-brewed  ale." 

"  We  ire  very  likely  to  get  it  here.  No  doubt  they  are 
up  at  this  early  hour  to  be  in  readiness  for  one  of  the 
coaches  passing  by." 

"  No  doubt  that  is  it.  Come,  I  can  see  there  is  a  horse- 
trough  in  front.  We  have  no  time  to  spare,  but  yet  our 
halt  here  will  not  prove  any  loss  of  time." 

With  this  understanding  the  two  highwaymen  guided 
their  horses  to  the  front  of  the  inn. 

No  sooner  did  they  pause  than  a  man  made  his  appear- 
ance from  round  an  angle  of  the  building. 

"Well,  gentlemen,"  he  said,  "are  you  going  to  favor 
me  with  a  call?" 

"No,  I  think  not,"  answered  Claude.  "But  if  you 
will  bring  us  a  tankard  of  your  best  ale,  and  while  we 
are  drinking  it  supply  the  horses  with  something  eatable 
that  they  can  amuse  themselves  with  while  we  drink  it, 
I  shall  be  obliged." 

"Tour  instructions  shall  be  carried  out,  gentlemen. 
But,  excuse  me,  I  have  no  stable  accommodation  at  dis- 
posal ;  but  if  you  like  to  let  your  horses  stand  round  the 
corner  for  a  few  minutes  with  the  rest,  they  can  have 
what  they  require,  and  you  cau  step  indoors  the  while 
and  warm  yourselves,  for  it  is  'nation  cold." 

44  It  is  indeed,"  said  Jack,  shivering,  "  but  we  are  in 
too  great  a  hurry." 

"  You  know  best,  gentlemen,  so  wait  half  a  moment 
while  I  attend  to  you." 

"  That  must  be  the  landlord,  3  should  think,"  observed 
Jack,  as  the  man  bustled  into  the  house. 

"  What  horses  did  he  mean?"  asked  Claude.  "I  have 
a  great  mind  to  have  a  look." 

Just  then  there  seemed  to  be  a  graat  commotion  all  at 
once  within  the  public-house,  and  in  a  second  afterwards 
several  individuals  rushed  forth. 

Our  friends  did  not  need  to  give  a  second  glance  to 
recognise  them. 

They  were  police  officers. 

"  Off  and  away,  Jack  I"  cried  Claude  Duval,  for  ho  f«'- 
ceived  at  once  that  they  were  known. 

It  was  a  great  disappointment  to  be  disturbed  at  tnia 
moment,  but  they  thought  not  of  it 

Wheeling  their  horses  round  with  great  suddeanctia, 
they  set  off  at  a  full  gallop  along  the  road. 


1676 


CLACK    BE88  ;    OK. 


As  they  passed  the  angle  of  the  ion  from  where  the 
landlord  had  appeared,  the  highwaymen  caught  sight  of 
the  horses  belonging  to  the  officers,  which  were  standing 
with  their  heads  turned  to  the  wall,  and  eating  away  at 
a  great  rate. 

"  What  a  narrow  escape  .'"  cried  Jaok. 
"  Yes — yes  1    But  push  on — push  on !     We  mnst  get 
clear  of  them  at  once,  or  we  shall  take  them  too  '  "ear  the 
castle." 

Jack  felt  this,  and  spurred  his  horse  hard. 

For  one  thing,  they  had  obtained  a  good  start,  for  as 
yet  their  enemies  had  not  begun  the  chase. 

Jack  glanced  back  again,  and  as  he  did  so  he  uttered  a 
loud  laugh,  for  a  most  amusing  spectacle  met  his  gaee. 

Claude  turned  round  and  laughed  heartily  as  well. 

Still  they  did  not  linger,  and  the  next  moment  a  curve 
In  the  road  hid  the  inn  from  tbeir  sight. 

To  explain  what  Jack  saw,  it  is  necessary  to  go  back  a 
little. 

These  officers,  then,  were  no  others  than  those  who  had 
made  such  strenuous  efforts  to  overtake  the  highwaymen 
on  the  preceding  night. 

They  had  kept  up  the  chase  ever  since,  but  fruitlessly, 
for  they  were  clover  enough  to  get  altogether  upon  a 
false  scent. 

Worn  out  at  last  with  fatigue,  they  all  pulled  up  at  the 
inn  where  our  two  friends  chanced  to  pause. 

In  default  of  stable  room,  the  horses  were  placed  at 
the  side  of  the  house,  where  they  were  tolerably  well 
sheltered  from  the  cold. 

The  officers  went  inside. 

This  was  about  half  an  hour  previous  to  the  arrival  of 
Claude  and  Jack. 

When  the  landlord  entered  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining 
the  tankard  of  ale  Claude  had  asked  for,  he  remarked 
that  two  travellers  had  arrived  outside,  and  were  in  too 
great  a  hurry  tr»  enter. 

This  communication  caused  a  couple  of  the  officers  to 
start  up  and  look  through  the  window. 

They  recognised  the  highwaymen  at  the  very  first 
glance,  and  rushed  out  pell-mell. 

They  made  a  frantic  dash  for  their  horses,  shouting 
and  swearing  all  the  time  at  the  very  top  of  their  voices. 

In  order  to  allow  the  animals  to  eat  more  at  ease,  the 
landlord  had  taken  upon  himself  to  remove  the  bits  from 
their  mouths  and  also  to  loosen  their  saddle-girths. 

The  first  delay  occurred  in  replacing  the  bits. 

This  done,  the  officers  went  in  hot  haste  to  mount. 

But  the  moment  the,y  put  foot  in  the  stirrup  and  sprang 
up,  the  weight  of  their  bodies  caused  the  saddles  to  turn 
round. 

Down  went  the  officers  on  their  backs  in  a  moment. 

As  they  lay  sprawling  about  under  their  horses,  they 
did  indeed  present  a  most  ludicrous  spectacle. 

No  wonder  Jack  and  Claude  laughed  so  heartily. 

The  officers,  however,  failed  to  see  the  moat  diat^nt 
semblance  of  a  joke  in  the  incident. 

Covered  with  mud  from  head  to  foot,  and  suffering 
some  little  pain  from  the  bruises  they  had  sustained,  they 
struggled  to  their  feet,  pouring  out,  as  they  did  so,  the 
most  awful  imprecations  that  can  be  imagined. 

But  it  was  against  the  landlord  that  their  wrath  was 
directed,  for  beyond  doubt  he  was  the  cause— though  an 
innocent  one — of  the  mischief. 

Animated  by  a  spirit  of  revenge,  which  for  a  time  made 
them  oblivious  of  all  else,  they  made  a  simultaneous  rush 
upon  the  unfortunate  man. 

He  was  seized  in  a  moment. 

The  officers'  fury  was  augmented  by  t&.-<  landlord's  de- 
meanor, for  the  accident  had  so  tickled  k<s  fancy  that, 
instead  of  hastening  to  the  assistance  of  hi*  guests,  he 
had  leaned  up  against  the  wall,  and,  with  nib  hands  to 
his  sides,  had  indulged  in  a  tremendous  bucst  of 
laughter. 

The  officers'  rage  was  redoubled. 

"  To  the  horse-trough  with  him !"  roared  one.  "D — n 
him— I'll  let  him  know  whether  he  is  going  to  play  off 
such  tricks  as  these  upon  us  with  impunity !  This  way 
—this  way!"  r       '  ' 

Never  was  command  aaire  promptly  obeyed. 

The  landlord's  merriment  subsided  with  amazing  sud- 
denness. 

In  vain  he  assured  them  that  it  was  no  practioal  joke 
that  he  had  played  upon  them. 


In  vain  he  entreated  them  to  have  mercy  upon  him. 

The  officers  were  completely  deaf. 

In  the  hands  of  so  many,  the  landlord  was  utterly 

powerless. 

His  frantic  struggles  were  au  ctahle  to  save  Mp*  from 
his  impending  fate. 

The  horse-trough  was  reached. 

By  main  strength  the  unfortunate  man  was  raised  wad 
tossed  into  it. 

Tkoa,  not  content  with  gin»<  him  this  icy  bath— for 
the  KLOcfcTig  was  a  bitterly  cold  one— some  huld  him 
down,  while  others  with  hearty  good  will  plied  the 
handle  of  the  pump  which  stood  at  one  end  of  the  horse- 
trough. 

Nor  did  they  cease  their  discipline  until  compelled  to 
do  so,  partly  from  exhaustion,  and  partly  because  reflec- 
tion returning  reminded  them  that  all  this  time  they  had 
been  neglecting  important  business. 

Ceasing  suddenly,  then,  their  treatment  of  the  land* 
lord,  they  hurried  back  to  their  horses. 

With  many  horrible  curses  they  tightened  the  saddle- 
girths,  and,  having  seen  that  all  was  secure,  mounted. 

By  this  time  the  landlord  recovered  himself  sufficiently 
to  scramble  out  of  the  trough. 

He  presented  a  deplorable  spectacle. 

The  water  ran  from  him  in  streams,  and  as  he  walked 
he  left  a  perfect  brook  behind  him. 

He  was  breathless,  yet  he  contrived  to  stammer  out 
threats  of  vengeance. 

But  the  officers  only  laughed  at  him,  which  increased 
his  incensement  tenfold. 

"  Forward  I"  cried  the  police  officer  who  was  in  com- 
mand of  the  rest — "  forward,  1  say,  or  we  shall  be  too 
late  I" 

As  he  spoke,  he  clapped  spurs  to  his  horse's  sides. 

His  example  was  followed  by  his  companions,  and 
away  they  went  at  full  speed  down  the  *Oad  in  the  direc- 
tion the  highwaymen  had  taken. 

But  a  considerable  delay  had  by  this  time  taken  place 
— so  considerable  that  it  enabled  the  highwaymen  to 
obtain  an  excellent  start. 

Although  their  prey  was  now  out  of  sight,  the  officers 
pressed  onwards. 

Their  course,  however,  was  taken  completely  at  ran- 
dom. 

Yet  it  was  not  until  daybreak  that  the  chief  officer  ad- 
mitted that  he  had  been  utterly  foiled. 

''It's  no  use,  my  lads!"  he  cried.  "D — n  that  land- 
lord— it's  all  his  fault,  though.  But  we'll  be  even  with 
him  one  of  these  next  days.  It's  no  good  going  on  any 
further — not  a  bit.  We  must  turn  back.  But,  for  all 
that,  I  mean  to  have  another  try,  whenever  I  get  the 
chance." 

So  saying,  the  officer  turned  round,  and  the  whole  of 
the  troop,  looking  very  tired,  very  angry,  and  very  crest- 
fallen, retraced  their  steps. 

In  the  meantime,  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen-S bring 
Jack  had  improved  this  incident  to  the  utmost. 

By  pushing  their  horses  to  the  utmost  of  their  capacity 
at  the  first  starting,  they  had  managed  to  get  quite  out  of 
sight  of  the  officers. 

Then,  gradually  reducing  their  rate  of  speed,  they 
changed  their  eourse  again,  and  once  more  rode  direct  to- 
wards the  place  they  wished  to  reach. 


CHAPTER  MVL 

THE  FOUR   HIGHWAYMEN     DEPART  OH   THEIR   PERILOUS 
EXPEDITION. 

It  v  :3  very  close  indeed  upon  daylight  when  Claude 
Duval  and  Sixteen-String  Jack  reached  the  ruins  of  the 
old  castle. 

While  approaching  it,  they  had  kept  the  most  careful 
look-out,  and  felt  satisfied  that  they  bad  gained  the 
rendszvous  unperceived. 

As  tbey  fully  anticipated,  they  found  their  companions 
anxiously  awaiting  and  looking  for  their  arrival. 

"  Safe  and  sound,  1  6ee,"  were  Dick  Turpin'e  first 
words.  *  I  had  begun  to  grow  anxious  about  youi 
safety." 

"  And  no  wonder,"  said  Claude,  as  ne  alighted.  "  Here 
Jack  Ostler,  take  my  horse ;  i  am  too  weary  to  do  aay 
thing  myself." 

Sixteen-fitrh.g  Jack  wae  not  Lesa  fatigued. 


THB  ELNIOHT  OF  THB  BOAS. 


1671 


Nevertheless,  they  were  not  permitted  to  rest  until 
ihcy  had  given  an  account  of  their  adventures. 

Dick  Turpi  a  listened  to  the  whole  recital  with  great 
interest,  and  so  did  Maud. 

"  Have  you  any  idea,"  asked  the  former,  "  wfc*t  might 
be  the  actual  am  owe*  of  wealth  contained  *B  \\e 
cavern  ?" 

"  I  have  not''  repfted  Jack ;  **  it  is,  howev&r,  "if  con- 
siderable amount,  though,  if  it  was  twice  as  much,  I 
question  whether  Claude  would  descend  to  fetch  it.'' 

"Is,  then,  the  sight  so  very  horrible?"  asked  Maud, 
speaking  with  considerable  hesitation. 

"  It  is  indeed,"  answered  Jack,  with  a  shudder. 
Maud  looked  deeply  disappointed. 
"  At  any  rate,"  said  Dick,  "  should  we  ever  be  Dadly 
in  need  of  a  sum  of  money,  and  not  know  where  to  ob- 
tain it,   there  would  at  least  be  that  resource  to  fly 
to." 
"  Beyond  all  donbt  there  would." 
Hearing  these  words,  Maud's  countenance  brightened 
again. 

The  reason  why  she  grasped  so  eagerly  at  the  idea  of 
taking  possession  of  this  wealth  was  that  during  the 
night  Dick  and  herself  had  passed  alone  in  the  ruins  she 
had  made  use  of  every  argument  she  could  think  of  to  in- 
duce him  to  abandon  his  present  mode  of  life. 

Dick  loved  Maud  too  tenderly  and  truly  to  listen  un- 
moved to  her  entreaties,  yet  he  knew  not  hew  to  comply 
with  them. 

At  last  he  was  induced  to  promise  that,  should  he  ever 
be  able  to  amass  a  sufficient  sum  of  money  to  keep  them 
above  want,  he  would,  without  delay,  seek  out  a  place  in 
some  foreign  land  where  he  was  unknown,  and  live  there 
a  life  of  peacefulness  and  rest. 

Oh,  how  glad  this  promise  made  the  heart  of  Maud  ! 
for  she  could  at  last  see  something  like  a  definite  prospect 
of  her  husband  quitting  his  perilous  career. 

How  this  account  of  Sixteen-String  Jack's  coming  so 
close  upon  the  promise  naturally  filled  her  with  excite- 
ment! 

As  for  Dick  himself,  he  felt  inclined  to  look  upon  the 

matter  in  a  light  more  serious  than  he  had  hitherto  done. 

It  was  with   a  keen    pang  at  his  heart  that  he   reflected 

how  truly  fearful  would  be  Maud's  career  should  he  by 

any  means  be  deprived  of  life. 

It  is  true  that  so  far  he  had  with  impunity  braved 
almost  every  danger ;  but  yet  a  time  might  come  when 
his  good  fortune  would  desert  him. 

At  any  night,  upon  one  of  his  excursions,  a  bullet  might 
lay  him  low. 

Then,  deprived  of  his  support,  what  was  Maud  to 
do? 

It  is  easy  to  understand  how  well  calculated  to  induce 
serious  feelings  these  thoughts  were. 

Yet,  with  admirable  self-possession,  he  contrived  to 
keep  them  locked  up  in  his  breast,  though  he  could  not 
help  dwelling  mentally  upon  the  account  which  his  two 
comrades  had  given  him. 

There  are  moments  in  our  lives  whon  all  seems  dark 
and  dull — when  favourite  and  eagerly-followed  pursuits 
lose  all  their  charm — when  a  kind  of  despondency  weighs 
upon  the  spirits,  and  when  we  long  for  some  great  change 
to  take  place  in  our  lives. 

It  was  thus,  to  a  certain  extent,  with  Dick  Turpin  at 
this  moment. 

A  longing  for  something  like  repose  urne  over  his 
mind — a  desire  for  some  sort  of  respite  from  his  adven- 
turous course. 

The  prospect  of  a  peaceful,  happy  home  with  Maud, 
in  some  fair  clime,  where  summer  alwuys  reign**,  &Lti 
where  he  would  have  nought  to  fear  from  his  foUw* 
creatures,  seemed  most  enticing,  and  just  then  he  locked 
ardently  for  its  realisation. 

He  believed  tha*  could  this  dream  only  become  reality 
he  should  be  happy  and  content. 

It  is  very  questionable,  however,  whether  sucb  would 
nave  been  the  case  for  long. 

After  a  time,  in  all  probability  the  desire  would  return 
with  redoubled  force  for  adventure  and  excitement 

Whether  this  was  ever  destined  to  be  the  case,  the 
course  of  errata  only  can  disclose. 

During  that  day  nothing  occurred  important  enough  to 
ieserve  recordation. 

At  nightfall,  however,  the  highwaymen  assembled,  and 


gave  themselves  up  to  a  careful  consideration  of  the  en- 
terprise that  lay  before  them. 

Despite  its  risks,  they  were  fully  resolved  89  undertake 
it. 

Still  they  consulted  carefully  together,  for,  depute  their 
resolution,  they  could  not  but  foel  that  ih&j  w,r*»  about 
to  run  into  a  very  serious  danger-  perns i»s  *-h»  ooLihsi 
in  which  they  were  about  to  engage  would  prove  fata*  t< 
one  or  more  of  them. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  place  their  deliberations  before 
the  reader. 

Events  will  soon  show  their  nature. 

Every  preparation  was  made 

Maud  wept  bitterly. 

She  dreaded  to  see  Dick  depart  on  an  errand  fraught 
with  so  much  peril. 

Most  earnestly  did  she  entreat  him  to  allow  her  to  ac- 
company them. 

Over  and  over  again  she  assured  him  p.he  would  not  be 
in  the  way — that  she  would  be  brave  and  that  the  expe- 
dition would  be  shorn  of  half  its  dangers. 

But  Dick  felt  it  impossible  to  accede  to  her  request, 
though  it  pained  him  much  to  deny  her. 

He  felt  that  Mauds  presence  at  such  a  time  would  be 
the  very  thing  that  would  unnerve  him. 

He  would  be  concerned  and  abstracted  all  the  while, 
on  account  of  her  safety,  whereas,  by  leaving  her  at  the 
ruins,  this  anxiety  was  avoided. 

But  to  Maud  there  was  something  inexpressibly  dread- 
ful in  remaining  for  so  long  a  period  in  the  ruins'  by  her- 
self. 

She  soon  found,  however,  that  Dick  was  determined, 
and  that  it  would  bo  utter  futility  to  attempt  to  persuade 
him  to  change  his  resolution. 

But  it  was  with  a  heavy  heart,  and  with  many  fore- 
bodings of  coming  danger,  that  she  resigned  herself  to 
her  dreary  fate. 

What  caused  the  highwaymen  the  most  consultation 
and  the  greatest  uneasiness  was  the  doubt  they  experi- 
enced as  to  whether  the  van  would  start  in  the  morning 
or  at  night. 

In  the  former  case  their  destination  would  be  reached 
before  midday,  in  the  latter,  before  midnight. 

It  was  as  likely  to  be  the  one  as  the  other. 

If  the  first,  the  hazard  of  making  the  attack  would  be 
so  great  that  one  would  think  no  sane  men  would  ven- 
ture it. 

But  Dick  and  his  comrades  were  not  ordinary  mortals, 
and  therefore  unswayed  by  ordinary  considerations. 

It  was  finally  thus  determined  by  Dick  Turpin  : 

"Wo  will  make  sure  both  ways,"  he  cried,  ''and  we 
will  contrive  to  do  it  in  this  way  t  On  the  night  of  the 
20th— that  is  the  night  next  following — we  will  set  out 
for  our  destination." 

"That  is  very  soon,"  observed  Maud,  timidly. 

"  Not  a  moment  too  soon,"  replied  Dick,  with  decision 
"  In  case  the  vau  should  start  at  nine  in  the  morning  we 
shall  be  there  in  readiness  to  intercept  it.  If  at  night,  so 
much  the  better.  It  will  be  an  easy  matter  for  us  to  con- 
ceal ourselves  until  the  proper  moment  arrives." 

It  was  felt  at  once  that  no  better  arrangement  than 
this  could  possibly  be  made,  and  it  was  decided  rpon 
without  the  least  hesitation. 

So  great  was  the  suspense  and  impatience  of  all  cou-> 
cerried,  that  the  time  seemed  as  though  it  would  never 
pass  away. 

At  the  appointed  hour,  however,  the  shades  of  evening 
began  to  close  in,  and  the  ruined  castle  at  once  assumed 
an  aspect  of  bustle  and  excitement. 

So  soon  as  ever  it  was  dark  enough  to  make  it  safe,  the 
highwaymen  mounted  in  readiness  to  depart- 

Maud  clung  tightly  to  Dick,  and  seemed  as  though  it 
would  be  a  total  impossibility  for  her  to  part  with 
him. 

Gently  but  firmly,  however,  Dick  released  hiinseg  irom 
her  close  embrace. 
As  he  did  so,  he  said: 

"  Be  brave,  Maud — be  of  good  heart  1  Believe  me  aft  will 
yet  be  well.  Do  not  suffer  greater  apprehensions  on  my 
account  than  you  can  help ;  and  above  all  things  do  not 
on  any  account  be  induced  even  for  a  moment  to  leave 
the  protecting  shadow  of  the  ruins.  I  leave  you  with 
one  whose  fidelity  has  been  well  tried,  and  I  do  not  feel 
afraid  but  that  he  will   protect  and  save  yo»  from  tJ) 


BLACK    BKSS  ; 


harm.  Farewell  for  a  brief  space,  and,  while  I  am  away 
console  yourself  with  the  thought  that  you  are  perhaps 
much  nearer  to  the  realisation  of  your  great  hope  than 
you  imagine.     Once  mors,  farewell !" 

As  be  uttered  this  last  word,  Dick  Turpin  rode  so<ae- 
what  hastily  awar.  for  be  was  afraid  to  trust  hinaeli  to 
finder  loneer. 

Maud,  with  »  faint  „1*Ding  cry,  sank  back  and  leaned 
against  the  niins  for  support. 

It  was  only  with  the  greatest  difficulty,  and  by  the 
exercise  of  the  greatest  possible  amount  of  self-control, 
that  she  prevented  herself  from  fainting. 

What  helped  her,  however,  perhaps  more  than  any- 
thing else  to  retain  possession  of  her  senses  was  the 
etrong  desire  she  felt  to  watch  as  Jong  as  she  was  able 
the  retreating  forms  of  ber  husband  and  bis  com- 
panions 

Pressing  hei  hand,  then,  tightly  upon  ber  heavt,  and 
leaning  against  the  crumbling  walls,  she  watched  them 
until  a  projection  of  the  stonework  hid  them  from  her 
sight. 

Dick  did  not  trust  himself  to  look  back,  but  pushed  on 
at  a  pace  almost  too  rapid  for  the  exercise  of  due  cau- 
tion. 

London  lay  between  the  highwaymen  and  their  desti- 
nation, but  they  carefully  avoided  the  metropolis. 

This  necessitated  a  very  considerable  detour,  but  then 
there  was  not  so  much  fear  that  they  would  encounter 
any  band  of  police  officers,  and,  moreover,  they  were 
able  to  put  their  horses  to  good  speed. 

Dick's  intention  was  to  ride  direct  to  Greenwich  with 
all  possible  speed ;  then,  upon  his  arrival  there,  to  work 
his  way  back  towards  London,  until  they  could  either 
obtain  the  information  they  required,  or  else  take  up  their 
position  in  a  favorable  spot 

Owing  to  the  unfrequented  routes  they  were  careful  to 
take,  they  succeeded  in  reaching  Greenwich  without  en- 
countering any  interruption  whatever. 

They  paused  outside  the  town,  and  just  then  a  church 
clock  began  to  strike. 

By  counting  the  strokes  they  found  the  hour  to  be 
ten. 

"  We  have  plenty  of  time  before  us,"  Dick  remarked, 
"  but  we  must  be  careful  what  we  do.  It  is  quite  certain 
that  we  are  here  first,  and  all  we  have  to  do  is  to  go 
quietly  towards  London.  We  shall  then  be  certain  of 
meeting  with  the  van. 

Accordingly,  keeping  in  twos  and  at  some  distance 
apart,  so  as  not  to  appear  all  in  one  company,  which 
might  have  attracted  suspicion,  they  journeyed  at  an 
easy  rate  along  the  high-road. 

By  the  hour  of  eleven  they  found  themselves  some  six 
or  seven  miles  distant,  and  close  to  an  inn  that  was  very 
pleasantly  shaded  by  some  tall  trees  of  luxuriant 
foliage. 

"  This  is  the  place  to  gain  the  information  we  require," 
said  Dick. 

"  But  you  must  conduct  your  questionings  r*re- 
fully." 

"  Oh,  of  course !  We  will  just  pause  hero  fer  &t>^* 
few  moments,  but  not  dismount." 

To  this  Tom  King  assented,  at  the  same  time  making 
a  sign  to  his  comrades  behind  to  ride  on  without  taking 
the  least  notice  of  them. 

It  was  a  bold  step  for  Dick  to  take,  but  then  he  had 
borne  in  mind  the  fact  that  he  was  now  in  a  part  of  the 
country  which  he  had  never  before  visited,  and  where, 
consequently,  there  waftnot  much  fear  that  he  would  be 
recognised. 

"  House — house  V  he  cned,  in  a  loud  voice ;  bat,  to  his 
8'Xrprije,     -»  notige  was  taken  of  his  summons^ 

He  repeated  it,  with  no  better  effect. 

"One  would  think,  Tora,  that  all  the  peop»„  had  gone 
lo  bed,  only  it  is  scarcely  likely  they  would  do  so  and 
leave  the  house  open  and  lighted  up  in  this  fashion." 

"It  is  odd,"  said  Tom,  ** i.  will  call;  perhaps- my 
voice  may  reach  further  than  youra." 

Tom  called  accordingly,  but  all  remained  aa  sites '  as 
before. 

This  was  more  than  strange. 

The  inn  had  a  remarkably  quirt  look,  as  thougL)  as  a 
rule,  but  little  Nrade  was  done  at  it ;  and  if  the  present 
was  a  sample  of  the  amount  of  atteation  they  paid  to 
callers,  want  of  business  was  not  to  be  wondered  at 


Our  two  friends  waited  for  several  moments  in  pa- 
tience, but  with  no  better  success  than  at  first. 

"  This  is  about  the  oddest  thing  that  ever  happened  to 
me,"  said  Dick. 

"  It  seems  to  me  we  snail  get  no  good  by  waiting 
here,"  rejoined  his  comrade. 

"  It  does  indeed ;  but  still  my  erariosity  is  exiited  by 
such  an  unusual  circumstance.  Let  us  aright  for  a 
moment,  and  ascertain,  if  we  can,  what  it  means.* 

Nothing  loth,  Tom  fingW/J^  saddle. 

The  two  horses  were  then  secured  to  a  couple  of  rings 
fixed  in  the  trough  for  that  purpose,  and  then  the  two 
highwaymen  boldly  crossed  the  threshold  of  the  inn. 

The  first  room  they  came  to  was  illuminated  by  the 
Mane  of  a  cheerful  fire,  but  a  glance  served  to  show  them 
that  it  was  vacant. 

WonderiDg  more  and  more,  the  two  friends  strode  on. 

Suddenly  both  paused,  for  a  strange  and  muffled  noise 
bad  just  then  assailed  their  ears. 

After  listening  for  a  moment  they  ascertained  its 
character. 

Some  person  or  persons  were  sobbing  and  sighing  at  • 
great  rate,  as  though  suffering  an  extremity  of  woe. 

Guided  by  the  sounds,  they  pressed  onwards,  and 
presently  paused  at  a  door  that  was  slightly  ajar. 

It  was  evidently  from  the  room  beyond  that  the  sounds 
of  sorrow  came. 

Dick  gently  pushed  the  door  open  about  an  inch  wider, 
and  peeped  in. 

His  eyes  then  fell  upon  a  most  sorrow-stricken 
group. 

Seated  in  a  most  dejected  attitude  by  the  fireside  was  a 
man. 

Dick  could  not  see  his  features,  for  his  face  was  turned 
towards  the  fireplace. 

Next  to  him  sat  a  woman,  who,  though  of  middle  age, 
yet  preserved  in  a  remarkable  degree  an  appearance  of 
youthfulness. 

Her  face  Dick  could  see,  and  as  he  gazed  upon  it,  he 
felt  that  he  should  not  forget  it  for  many  a  day. 

The  expression  it  wore  was  one  of  stolid,  soul-chilling 
despair. 

It  was  as  though  all  hope  had  been  frozen  in  her 
bosom. 

Near  her  wa3  a  young  girl,  whose  face  was  buried  in 
her  hands. 

But  glistening  tears  forced  their  way  through  hsr 
fingers,  while  her  sobs  were  truly  heart-rending  to  listen 
to. 

A  man,  attired  half  like  a  waiting  man,  half  like  ai 
ostler,  was  sitting  on  one  corner  of  a  table,  dangling  his 
legs  to  and  fro,  and  keeping  his  eyes  resolutely  fixed  upon 
the  floor. 

There  seemed  to  be  several  others  in  the  room,  but  these 
were  all  that  could  be  seen  distinctly  through  the  narrow 
crevice  of  the  door. 

For  a  moment  or  so,  Dick  hesitated. 

He  was  in  doubt  whether  he  should  retire  quietly, 
leaving  the  peopl#at  the  inn  altogether  ignorant  of  his 
visit,  or  whether  he  should  make  his  presence  known. 

It  almost  seemed  aj  though  their  grief  was  of  too  deep 
and  sacred  a  character  to  be  intruded  upon  by  strangers. 

It  was  evident  that  it  utterly  absorbed  their  faculties, 
rendering  them  quite  oblivious  of  all  that  was  taking 
place  ardflsd  them. 

But  i;  was  the  very  intensity  of  this  grief  which  made 
Dick  Turpin  hesitate. 

He  was  full  of  curiosity  to  know  what  species  of 
calamity  it  could  have  been  to  have  wrought  such  great 
ejects,  ^ 

His  inclination  was  strong  to  enter,  and  most  assuredly 
he  would  have  done  so  had  he  had  the  slightest  inkling 
that  he  could  have  been  of  any  service  to  them,  or  if  he 
thought  he  could  in  any  way  assuage  and  mitigate  their 
great  grief. 

With  a  sudden  effort,  fce  Armed  at  a  decision 

Pushing  open  the  doer  sasaewhal  suddenly,  be  strode 
into  the  room. 

The  noise  rrtJe  bv  uu  ,,krance  cause*  *He  different 
members  of  the  group  to  look  up. 

But  when  Dick  encountered  so  many  tearful  visages, 
and  saw  so  many  stony  eyes  turned  upon  him  he  wiahev 
he  had  decided  differently. 

But  it  was  now  too  late  to  retreat 


THB    KNIGHT  OF  THS  BOAS. 


1671 


All  gazed  at  him  inquiringly. 

"  I  am  very  sorry  to  intrude  upon  a  scene  of  such  great 
domestio  trouble,"  he  said,  in  a  gentle  voice  that  came 
naturally  to  him  on  occasions  like  the  present,  and  which 
had  a  most  soothing  effect  upon  his  hearers.  "  I  repeet 
I  am  sorry  to  intrude,  but  I  did  so  inadvertently.  Wo 
halted  at  your  door,  called  aloud  fn  vain,  and  at  last 
entered  to  see  whether  the  place  could  bo  deserted." 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  the  man  before  the  fire,  and  who, 
beyond  a  doubt,  was  the  landlord — "  gentlemen,  if  you 
wish  for  refreshment  of  any  kind  do  not  seek  it  here — 
quit  this  abode  of  misery.  Ride  on  a  Utile  further,  and 
you  will  find  another  inn  where  all  your  wants  will  be 
attended  to.    We  cannot  serve  you  here." 

It  was  palpable  that  the  landlord  spoke  with  cmj  *.ne 
greatest  possible  effort.     "1 

Every  now  and  then  nis  voice  would  become  choked 
and  almost  lost. 

Then  it  would  quaver  in  a  manner  which  showed  to 
what  a  sore  extent  his  heart  was  oppressed. 

Again  Dick  hesitated. 

The  landlord,  without  troubling  himself  to  see  whether 
his  words  were  attended  to,  resumed  his  fonrer 
attitude. 

So  strange  a  reception  surely  was  never  given  in  an 
inn  before,  and  Dick  wished  from  the  bottom  of  his  heart 
that  he  should  be  able  to  arrive  at  some  solution  of  the 
mystery,  though  how  to  set  about  it  he  had  not  the  least 
idea. 


CHAPTER  MVIL 
or  which  rr  will  bb  seek  that  fortune  favors  the 

HIGHWAYMEN   IN  AN    UNCOMMON   DEGREE 

A  few  moments  elapsed,  and  then  the  landlord,  raising 
his  head,  said,  in  a  voice  of  extreme  bitterness : 

"  Is  the  sight  of  our  woe  so  pleasing  to  you  that  you 
can  do  nothing  but  feast  your  eyes  upon  it  ?  If  so,  gaze 
on— ^ou  are  welcome." 

"You   mistake  my  motive  for  lingering  altogether," 
said  Turpin,  who  was  not  a  little  embarrassed  by  the 
manner  in  which  he  had  been  addressed 
"What  is  it,  then?" 
'•  To  offer  you  consolation,  such  aa    ■  ■" 
The  landlord  interrupted  him  with  a  shrill,  contemptu- 
ous laugh.  * 

"  Or,  what  would  be  better,"  continued  Turpin,  retreat- 
ing towards  the  door,  "  to  do  anything  which  happened 
to  be  within  my  power  to  alleviate  your  distress, 
which,  I  can  assure  you,  wrings  my  heart  to  witness." 

It  was  impossible  for  anyone  to  doubt  the  earnestness 
of  what  Dick  said. 
Sincerity  itself  was  fa  every  tone  of  his  voice. 
The  landlord  seemed  to  think  so,  for,  in  a  voice  of  less 
asperity,  he  replied: 

"  Sir,  such  behaviour  as  this  from  a  stranger  is  unusual 
indeed.  I  am  sorry  1  so  much  mistook  your  intention. 
Let  me  assure  you,  however,  that  my  grief  is  so  deep 
and  so.irremediable  that  it  must  be  far  beyond  the  power 
of  any  stranger  to  mitigate  it  in  the  least  degree." 

"I  regret  to  hear  that,"  answered  Turpin.  "Still,  it 
would  be  quite  possible  for  you  to  be  perfectly  ignorant 
of  the  powers  I  possess.  Would  money  serve  you?" 
The  landlord  slowly  and  sadly  shook  his  head. 
"I  see  how  it  is,"  he  said.  "  You  are  curious,  ano.  it 
is  not  unnatural  that  you  should  be.  Have  what  you 
want.  You  shall  not  depart  unsatisfied,  and  I  will  lay 
bare  all  my  troubles  to  you."  • 

"  I  can  only  express  my  satisfaction  at  your  determina- 
tion ;  and,  oddly  enough,  there  comes  over  my  mind  a 
conviction  that  I  may  be  able  to  sootho  your  pangs." 

The  landlord  shook  his  head  in  token  of  dissent,  then  , 
said: 

"  Sit  down,  gentlemen — sit  down.  What  I  have  tc  tell 
I  shall  not  be  long  relating,  though  I  little  thought 
that  I  should  ever  make  a  stranger  acquainted  with  my 
disgrace." 

This  was  rather  a  difficult  speech  to  mcite  any  reply  to, 
bo,  very  wisely,  Dick  Turpin  remained  silent,  waiting  for 
the  landlord  to  commence. 

His  suspense  was  soon  at  an  end,  for  in  a  trembling, 
hesitating  voice  the  landlord  began  the*  ; 

14  Sir,  you  must  understand  I  had  a  ooc — indeed,  I  have 
feim  bow  in  one  sense,  though  he  is  lost  to  me  for  over. 


My  only  son,  sir,  yoa  understand,  and  therefore  petted 
and  fondled,  and  indulged  too  much — until,  in  fact,  the 
very  kindness  with  which  we  treated  him  proved  his 
ruin.  I  lay  the  blame  more  upon  myself  than  upon  him," 
he  added.     '  Don't  you,  wif*  r" 

This  appeal  was  ansv/aH  bf  a  load  and  passionate 
burst  of  grief. 
After  a  brief  pause  the  landlord  resumed : 
"  He  was  always  a  wild,  harum-scarum  young  fellow— 
always  in  mischief  from  his  very  birth  ;  but  his  pranks 
amused  us,  and,  so  far  from  checking  him,  we  encouraged 
him  in  them.  £ui,l  shall  tire  your  patience  if  I  go  on 
thus." 

Dick  warmly  protested  the  contrary. 
"  Nevertheless,  I  will  pass  over  all  that,  and  come  to  my 
trouble  at  once.  Things  went  on  and  on,  and  at  Jast  my 
poor  boy  got  into  companionship  with  a  lot  of  bad  fellows. 
I  was  sure  they  would  bring  him  to  no  good,  and  remon- 
strated with  him  on  the  subject,  pointing  out  to  him  "*hat 
would  be  the  inevitable  result.  But  he  only  laughed  at 
my  '  groundless  fears,'  as  he  called  them,  and  went  on 
as  before.  Then,  indeed,  did  I  blame  myself  for  the 
course  I  had  pursued.  Had  I  kept  a  better  check  upon 
my  boy  in  his  younger  days  I  should  have  been  able  to 
control  him  then.  As  it  was,  I  had  not  the  slightest 
influence  or  power  over  him.  And  then  he  was  always 
so  lively,  so  kind,  so  generous,  and  so  happy.  His  cheer- 
ful spirits  always  filled  the  house  with  sunshine,  and  I, 
weak,  insensate  fcol  that  I  was,  could  not  bring  myself 
to  think  even  of  adopting  any  harsh  measures  towards 
him.  But  I  am  running  on  and  on,  and  not  coming  to 
the  point." 

But  Dick  again  declared  how  deeply  interested  he  was 
in  every  word,  which  was  not  to  be  wondered  at. 

There  was  a  rude  kind  of  pathos  in  the  landlord's 
manner,  and  the  way  i?  which  he  spoke  of  his  scape- 
grace son,  and  the  construction  he  tried  to  place  upon 
his  acts,  showed  all  a  fond  parent's  devoted  love. 

Alas,  how  often  is  this  precious  love  poured  out  and 
unrequited ! 

"  In  a  word,  sir,"  resumed  the  landlord,  suddenly,  and 
speaking  with  apparent  effort,  "  my  boy  got  from  bad  to 
worse.  Insensibly  his  bad  companions  led  him  on,  and 
he  began  to  descend  the  steep  hill  of  ruin.  He  was  past 
me  now,  although  I  still  made  use  at  every  opportunity 
of  prayers  and  expostulations. 

"  At  length,  sir,  he — he  was  accused  of  being  concerned 
in  a  robbery. 

"  The  charge  seemed  to  crush  me,  but,  rallying  myself, 
I  set  forth  at  once  to  see  what  could  be  done  on  my  boy's 
behalf. 

"  I  tried  my  utmost  to  compromise  the  affair,  but  the 
prosecutor  was  a  stem,  unmerciful  man,  who  had  never 
known  what  it  is  to  feel  a  father's  affection  for  his 
child. 

"  Despite  all  my  efforts,  my  boy  was  arrested,  brought 
up  before  a  magistrate,  examined,  and,  on  the  evidence 
then  produced,  committed  for  trial. 

"Still,  I  did  not  relax  my  efforts,  but  they  were  all 
quite  unproductive. 

"  He  was  carried  to  Newgate,  and  a  few  days  ago  took 
his  trial. 

"  I  engaged  eloquent  counsel  on  his  behalf,  but  their 
skill  availed  not  against  the  array  of  incontrovertible 
evidence. 

"  The  rascally  busw  with  whom  he  had  been  associated 
managed  matters  so  that  my  boy  was  their  scapegoat. 

"He  suffered  for  all  their  sins,  while  they  escaped  scot- 
free. 

"Oh,  sir,"  the  landlord  continued,  with  a  fresh  burst  of 
feeling,  "  you  cannot  conceive  what  a  terrible  blow  this 
iuas  been  to  me !  To  tbink  that  my  only,  much-loved  son 
should  be  the  first  to  bring  shame  and  disgrace  upon  otw 
name!  It  is  more  than  a  hundred  and  fifty  years  since 
this  house  was  bu;U  by  one  of  my  ancestors.  His  de- 
scendants have  lived  In  it  ever  since,  and  during  all  that 
time  there  has  not  beeo  even  the  shadow  of  a  stain  casi 
upon  their  characters. 

"  Now  that  good  name,  so  long  preserved,  so  highly 
valued,  is  gone — gone  for  ever!" 

With  a  sob  that  sounded  more  like  a  groan,  the  land- 
lord allowed  his  face  to  fall  between  his  hands. 

Dick  and  Tom  King  were  deeply  moved  by  this  recital, 
for  quite  unconsciously  the  landlord  in  his  excitement  haw 


1680 


BLACK    BE8B;    OS, 


•isen  to  a_pitch  of  rude,  untutored  eloquence  that  was  all 
the  more  touching  on  that  very  account. 

Quickly  raising  hia  head,  he  continued : 

"I  ought  to  disown  him — to  cast  him  forth — never  to 
think  of  him  again  1  He  has  proved  himself  unworthy 
of  all  consideration.  I  ought  to  curse  him — to  curse  the 
very  day  and  hour " 

"No,  no,  John,"  said  his  wife,  tearfully,  rising  from 
her  seat  and  placing  her  hand  upon  the  landlord's  shoulder, 
'  you  ought  not  to  curse.  It  is  not  so  mush  our  poor 
boy  who  is  to  blame,  but  ourselves.  If  we  had  acted  more 
wisely,  the  result  would  have  been  very,  very  different." 

"  Yes,  wife,  you  are  right !"  ejaculated  the  landlord, 
dashing  his  hand  violently  against  his  forehead — "you 
are  quite  right — the  fault  is  ours.  And  now,  sir,  I  have 
done.     Is  not  my  grief  inconsolable  ?" 

"  I  trust  not." 

"  Trust  not  ?     In  what  way  can  i.  be  relieved  P" 

"  You  have  not  told  me  the  result  of  the  trial." 

"  No.  no— I  forgot  that.  Well,  then,  by  the  sanguinary 
laws  oi  this  land,  my  poor  boy  was  liable  to  a  shameful 
death  upon  the  scaffold." 

"Yes,"  said  Turpin;  "but  the  time  will  come  when 
that  sanguinary  law  will  exist  no  longer,  and  when  the 
legislature  will  not  believe  the  theft  of  any  sum  over  a 
shilling  in  value  shall  be  heinous  enough  to  deserve 
death." 

"  Well,  well,  it  may  be  so,  but  that  will  not  alter  my 
ease." 

"  No,  truly.    But  your  boy— is  he—" 

"  Condemned  to  die,  you  would  ssy." 

"  Yes." 

"  He  had  a  narrow  escape,  but  the  counsellor  I  engaged 
pleaded  for  mercy  so  effectually  and  so  well  that  his  sen- 
tence was  commuted  to  transportation  for  life." 

"For  life?" 

"  Yes,  and  we  are  now  about  to  gaze  upon  him  for  the 
last  time — one  more  glimpse  will  be  accorded  to  us.  As 
if  to  make  the  disgrace  more  bitter  and  hard  to  bear,  he 
will  be  brought  from  London  to  this  place,  where  we  are 
all  known  so  well,  and  from  whence  he  will  embark  on 
board  a  vessel  chartered  to  take  out  him  and  ether  con- 
demned prisoners.  Now,  sir,  you  do  indeed  know  all, 
and  I  cannot  but  thank  you  foi  the  interest  and  sympathy 
you  have  shown  in  the  whole  narration." 

Again  the  landlord  buried  his  face. 

Dick  glanced  into  Tom  King's  countenance. 

A  meaning  look  was  exchanged  between  them. 

Dick  rose. 

"  Perhaps,"  he  said,  "  we  may  be  able  to  render  you 
more  effectual  assistance  in  your  strait  than  you  imagine ; 
but  before  I  commit  myself  by  saying  anything  further, 
1  will  just  hold  a  brief  conference  with  my  companion." 

The  landlord  was  so  amazed  at  this  speech  that  he 
could  not  utter  a  single  syllable. 

But  his  countenance  well  expressed  his  astonishment. 

Tom  King  followed  Dick  Turpin  to  the  front  of  the 
inn,  where  they  found  their  horses  in  perfect  safety. 

"  Could  anything  have  happened  more  fortunate  than 
this  ?"  exclaimed  Dick. 

"  Fortunate  !  that  is  a  strange  word  to  use." 

"  It  is  on  the  present  occasion,  but  you  know  what  I 
mean?" 

"  Oh,  yes." 

"It  was  very  strange  that  I  should  feel  rio  much 
curiosity  in  the  landlord's  trouble  from  the  very  first." 

"  1  suppose  you  intend  to  tell  him  what  we  are  to 
do?" 

"  Yes,  in  this  way :  H  he  is  willing  that  his  son  should 
be  rescued " 

"  You  may  make  sure  of  that,  Dick.  He  is  so  foM  that 
he  would  sacrifice  his  own  life  for  him." 

"  Well,  then,  supposing  that  to  be  so,  he  will  be  a  meat 
important  ally — in  fact,  just  the  man  we  require,  and  that 
we  could  not  very  well  do  without." 

"  We  should  have  pretty  good  hostage  of  his  fidelity." 

"  Yes,  I  should  not  be  afraid  to  trust  him,  and  now 

I  propose  that  we  broach  the  subject  to  him.     Should 

he  fall  in  with  our  views,  ho  will  find  us  safV  Ahelter 

till  the  moment  for  action  arrives." 

"  And  he  will  be  able  to  tell  us  what  time  we  may 
expect  the  van."  « 

"  Of  course  he  will,  and  we  could  soarcely  have  put 
the  question  to  anyone  without  exciting  suspicion," 


"  That  is  just  what  I  was  thinking." 

"  Well,  then,  suppose  you  mount  and  ride  after  Jaci 
and  Claude,  bring  'Kn  here,  and  you  can  explain  matters 
on  the  road." 

"  And  you  ?" 

"  I  will  remain  here  and  sound  the  landlord." 

Feeling  certain  that  no  better  arrangement  than  this 
could  possibly  be  made,  Tom  King  sprang  upon  the  back 
of  his  horse  and  galloped  after  his  companions. 

Turpin  watched  him  for  a  moment,  then  turned  into 
the  inn. 

He  encountered  the  landlord  in  the  passage,  that  in- 
dividual having  recovered  possession  of  his  senses  suffi- 
ciently to  rise  and  walk  towards  the  front  door. 

"Step  into  a  private  room  with  me,"  said  Dick,  "I 
have  something  of  importance  to  communicate." 

Almost  mechar'cally  the  landlord  obeyed. 

Dick  shut  the  ioor. 

Then  turning  round,  said : 

"  In  the  first  place,  I  am  about  to  confide  to  you  a  mo- 
mentous secret,  but  I  shall  trusi  to  your  honor  to  keep  it 
inviolate.  If  you  betrayed  me  it  would  be  the  depth  of 
baseness." 

"  Never  fear,  sir ;  but  what  may  this  secret  be  ?" 

"  Wait  a  moment  and  I  will  tell  you ;  but  first  of  all 
you  must  answer  me  some  questions." 

The  landlord  inclined  his  head. 

"  In  the  first  place,  you  would  be  glad  if  by  any  means 
your  son  could  recover  his  liberty  ?" 

"Sir — sir,  forbear!" 

"  Forbear  ?" 

"  Yes ;  do  not  mention  such  a  thing  to  me,  or  you  will 
drive  me  mad  1  That  is  a  hope  and  a  thought  I  dare  not 
entertain !" 

"  But  for  supposition's  sake  ?" 

The  landlord  shook  his  head. 

"  Tell  me,"  said  Dick,  speaking  in  an  impressive 
whisper;  "suppose  it  should  be  possible  to  set  him  free, 
should  you  scruple  much  at  the  means  employed  ?" 

"  I  do  not  understand  you,"  answered  the  landlord, 
breathlessly. 

"  If  you  could  rescue  him  from  his  guard,  would  you 
do  so  ?" 

"  But  that  would  be  utterly  impossible." 

"  But  supposing  it  was  in  your  power,  should  you  do 
so?" 

"Yes;  and  if  I  thought  I  should  succeed  I  would 
gladly  pour  out  every  drop  of  my  heart's  blood." 

"  That  is  exactly  what  I  expected,"  said  Dick  ;  "  but 
hark  !  I  hear  some  one  approaching — they  are  friends  of 
mine." 

"  Friends  of  yours  ?" 

"  Yes,  true,  devoted  allies — not  friends  in  the  ordinary 
sense  of  the  word.  Wait  a  little  while.  What  else 
passes  between  us  shall  be  said  in  their  presence." 

There  was  a  brief  pause,  and  then  the  three  highway- 
men entered. 

"  I  should  think  we  had  better  not  leave  our  horses 
outside,"  said  Tom. 

"No,  no,  gentlemen,  you  shall  not.  I  will  see  to  them. 
*Here,  Isaac — Isaac!" 

In  response  to  this  cijl  the  servant  man  appeared. 

He  looked  to  the  full  as  dejected  as  his  master;  but 
then  the  landlord's  sou  had  ever  been  his  favorite. 

"  Only  put  the  horaes  somewhere  under  cover,"  said 
Dick ;  "  do  nc*  remove  any  of  their  trappings.  We  may 
require  them  at  an  instant's  notice." 

The  ostler  simply  nodded  his  head,  and  passed 
out. 

"  You  can  trust  to  him,  gentlemen,"  said  the  landlord. 
"  In  his  charge  your  cattle  will  he  Perfectly  6afe,  I  will 
answer  for  that." 

The  door  was  then  carefully  closed. 
The  landlord  trembled    with    e'ouwnenl,   while   tan 
heart  beat  at  so  violent  a  ra^e  ,n»t  he  could  scarcely 
breathe. 

He  expected  some  Grange  and  startling  disclosure,  yet 
could  not  for  the  lire  of  him  make  out  what  its  exact 
nature  would  be. 

But  Dick  tfurpin  soon  relieved  him  from  his  state  of 
suspense. 

"Just  listen  attentively,"  he  began.  "We  have  all 
mf.de  up  our  minds  to  stop  the  prisoners'  van  before  it 
.eaohes  Greenwich    *«d   to  rescue  from  it  one  of  the 


THE   KNIGHT  OF  THE   ROAD. 


1681 


[MAUD   AND  JACK   OSTLER  WATCHING.   THE   INTRUDERS.] 


prisoners — a  friend  of  ours,  yon  understand — who,  like 
your  eon,  ia  under  .sentence  of  transportation." 

Upon  hearing  this  announcement,  the  landlord  stag- 
gered baok,  until  he  was  brought  up  rather  violently 
by  a  wall  behind  him. 

Dick  spoke  in  the  calmest  and  most  matter-of-fact 
manner  possible  to  oonceive,  and,  having  spoken,  waited 
patiently  for  the  effect  it  produced  upon  the  landlord 
to  subside. 

"  Stop  the  prisoners'  van  ?"  he  gasped,  at  length. 

"  Yes,  such  is  our  intention." 

"  What,  you  four  ?" 

"Tea." 

"  Impossible  !" 

"  Why  so  ?" 

"  It  is  too  well  protected  by  officers.  You  would 
lose  your  lives  in  the  attempt." 

"  Leave  that  to  ub,"  said  Diok,    "  We  are  not  at  all 

No.  211.— Black  Bess. 


!  alarmed  on  that  score.  Now  I  will  tell  yon  what  we 
require  of  you.  In  the  first  place,  we  want  to  know 
when  the  van  is  likely  to  reach  here — in  the  second, 
whether  you  will  afford  us  safe  shelter  until  then  ?  If 
you  consent,  then,  in  return  for  doing  so,  we  will  take 
care  to  set  your  son  at  liberty.  You  are  surprised,  but 
take  a  minute  to  recover  yourself." 

"  No,  it  is  not  requisite.  Still,  I  must  say  that  I  con- 
sider your  attempt  will  be  nothing  short  of  utter  mad- 
ness, and  will  inevitably  result  in  your  destruction." 

"As  I  said,  you  must  leave  that  to  us.  You  can  be- 
lieve me  or  not  when  I  say  we  shall  do  it.  Now,  then, 
are  you  inclined  to  agree  ?" 

"  It  would  be  folly  to  hesitate  in  such  a  case." 
"  I  thousht  that  would  be  your  decision." 
"  But — but  I  have  my  doubts  still  about  your  suc- 
cess." 
"  Time  will  soon  show  whether  they  are  well  or  \ll 


N0.21L 


Pbicb  Onb  Halfpenny. 


1682 


BLACK    BBSS;     OR. 


foonded.      But   about   the   Tan  —  when   wfll    It    pass 
here  ?" 

"I  expect  between  ten  and  twelve  to-morrofe." 

u  That  is  awkward." 

"  That  is  what  I  thought,"  said  the  landlord.  M  If  you 
Siad  proposed  to  carry  out  your  attack  under  cover  of 
darkness  I  should  have  thought  it  touch  more  feasible." 

"Daylight  does  indeed  tearfully  augment  the  dimcu'^es 
of  our  task ;  but  still,  for  all  that,  our  associate  must  be 
set  free." 

*•  I  don't  see  how  it  is  to  be  done.  The  van  is  always 
so  well  guarded,  a;id;  except  at  night,  this  road  is  always 
well  frequented." 

A  shade  of  uneasiness  overspread  Dick's  face  upon 
hearing  this  intelligence,  for,  of  course,  the  landlord  knew 
perfectly  well  what  he  was  talking  about. 

"  No  matter,"  he  said,  resolutely — "  it  must  be  done,  and 
I  have  never  set  my  mind  upon  a  task  yet  and  failed  in 
it.  However,  we  must  have  a  private  consultation  among 
ourselves.  Are  you  willing  that  it  should  take  place  in 
your  house  ?" 

"  How  could  I  refuse  you  so  reasonable  a  request,  for% 
crack-brained  as  I  consider  your  scheme  to  be,  yet,  for 
my  son's  sake,  I  most  heartily  hope  that  you  will  be  suc- 
cessful, though,  at  the  same  time,  I  feel  that  it  is  hoping 
in  defiance  of  probability.  Can  I  be  of  any  further  as- 
sistance to  you  ?" 

"Not  at  present,  I  think ;  but  you  can  bring  us  some 
refreshment,  for  we  are  all  thirsty." 

"  You  are  heartily  welcome  to  all  the  house  affords ; 
and  if  you  only  save  my  son  from  his  dreadful  fate,  I  shall 
ever  look  upon  you  as  the  greatest  benefactors  the  world 
oan  show." 

"Hark!"  said  Dick. 

"What  do  you  hear?" 

"  Horsemen  on  the  road." 

"  Yes,  I  hear  them  now  quite  plainly,"  answered  tho 
landlord. 

tt  Who  are  they,  think  you  ?" 

"It  is  a  troop  of  some  kind — ten  c*  a  dozen  at  least ; 
bnt  I  will  soon  have  a  look." 

With  these  words  the  landlord  sallied  forth. 

"I  de  believe,"  he  said,  returning  quite  out  of  breath, 
"  that  they  are  soldiers." 

"Or  police  officers,"  suggested  Dick. 

"Yes,  or  officers."         ' 

"Then,  if  they  are,  you  can  easily  understand  that 
we  wish  to  run  no  risk  of  being  seen  by  them.  Have 
you  got  any  private  chamber  that  we  can  occupy  ?" 

"Yes,  upstairs." 

"  Then  conduct  us  to  it." 

"I  don't  think  it  at  all  likely  the  officers  will  call 
here." 

"  Still,  in  case  they  do  ?" 

"  You  shall  go  if  you  wish  it." 

"We  do." 

"  Then  follow  me  at  once." 

With  these  words  they  all  sallied  forth  into  the  pas- 
sage. 

They  were  headed  by  the  landlord,  who  at  once  led 
the  way  to  the  staircase. 

Just  as  he  placed  his  foot  upon  the  bottom  step  the 
horsemen  drew  up  with  a  dash  in  front  of  the  inn,  and 
began  bawling  at  the  top  of  their  lungs  for  the  land- 
lord. 

"  I  did  not  think  they  were  so  near,"  he  said. 

"  Nor  I,"  answered  Dick.  "  Tell  us  which  the  room  is, 
and  we  will  ascend  alone.  You  go  at  once  to  the  floor, 
and,  above  all  things,  preserve  your  calmness." 

"  You  may  depend  upon  me  doing  that." 

"  Which  room  ?" 

"  The  first  door  on  your  right  at  the  top." 

"Enough  ;  and  bear  in  mind  if  those  outside  are  officers, 
and  if  they  ask  you  any  questions  about  us,  yoo  must  be 
tare/ill  to  tell  them  that  yuu  have  not  seen  us." 


CHAPTER  MVIH. 

DICK  TURPIN   AND   HIS   -JOMRADES   LEAT1N    BOHB    IM- 
PORTANT INFORMATION  FROM  THE  POLIOE  OFFICERS. 

Wwh  these   words,  Dick   Turpin  and    his  comrades 
rapiG«y  ascended  the  stnirou.se  while  the  landlord  v 
teced  to  the  front  door  of  the  inn. 


It  took  onr  friends  bnt  a  moment  to  reach  trie  doot 
whioh  ha<3  been  described  to  them. 

Opening  it,  they  found  themselves  in  a  tolerably 
spacious  and  well-furnished  apartmerX. 

It  was  quite  dark,  with  the  exception  of  what  slight 
amount  »>f  illumination  proceeded  from  the  two  latticed 
casements,  through  which  the  night  6ky  could  be  dimly 
seen. 

But  our  friends  liked  it  all  the  better  for  being 
dark. 

Their  first  act  was  to  secure  the  door. 

This  done,  they  crept  on  tiptoe  along  the  flooring  to- 
wards the  windows,  being  careful  not  to  make  an  uproar 
by  coming  unexpectedly  into  collision  with  any  article  of 
furniture. 

Two  things  afforded  them  especial  gratification. 

The  first  was  that  the  room  was  iu  the  front  of  the 
house,  and  that  the  wie&ows  commanded  a  view  of  the 
high-road  below. 

The  second  was,  that  one  of  the  windows  was  open. 

At  a  first  glance  they  saw  that  a  troop  of  mounted 
police  officers  had  drawn  up  near  the  horse-trough. 

Upon  counting,  they  found  the  number  to  be  nine— 
in  all  probability  eight  subordinates  and  a  sergeant. 

Our  friends  were  careful  to  keep  back  so  as  to  be  out  of 
sight. 

The  open  window  allowed  them  to  listen  to  every  word 
that  was  uttered  below. 

So  expeditious  were  they  in  their  movements  that  they 
had  actually  just  taken  up  their  position  at  the  window 
when  the  landlord  accosted  the  officers. 

"  Good  evening,  gentlemen  J"  he  said.  "  What  shall  I 
ha^e  the  pleasure  of  serving  you  with  ?" 

,l  Nothing  on  the  present  occasion.  We  are  on  important 
business,  which  admits  of  no  delay,  only  we  called  here 
to  ask  you  a  question." 

"A  question?"  echoed  the  landlord,  not  knowing  ex- 
actly what  better  to  say. 

"  Yes.  I  want  to  know  whether  you  have  happened 
to  see  four  dashing-lookbig  horsemen  anywhere  in  the 
vicinity — one  mounted  on  a  magnificent  coal-black 
mare  ?" 

"  Four  horsemen  ?" 

"  Yes.  I  may  as  well  tell  you  who  they  are.  Their 
names  are  Dick  Turpin——" 

"  Good  gracious!"  ejaculated  the  landlord 

"Tom  King,"  continued  the  officer,  without  heeding 
the  interruption  in  the  least,  "  Claude  Duval,  and  Sixteen- 
String  Jack." 

"Good  gracious!"  said  the  landlord  again.  "You 
don't  mean  to  say  that  those  desperate  characters  have 
taken  this  road  ?  It  they  have,  there  will  be  an  end  to 
my  custom !" 

"  I  will  tell  yon  how  it  is,"  said  the  officer.  "  But  stay, 
here  is  a  bill  describing  their  persons,  and  offering  a 
reward  of  three  thousand  pounds  if  they  are  all  cap- 
tured. A  gentleman  who  has  been  robbed  lately  has 
just  added  five  hundred  pounds  to  the  amount." 

"  Three  thou " 

"  Sand  tjunds,"  added  the  officer.  "Bear  that  in  mind, 
and  keep  a  sharp  look-out,  will  you?" 

We  are  sure  the  reader  can  form  but  a  slight  idea  of 
the  state  of  mind  the  four  highwaymen  were  in  during 
this  conversation. 

They  were  apprehensive,  and  not  without  good 
cause. 

They  knew  but  little  of  the  landlord,  and,  for  aught 
they  could  tell,  the  hope  of  gaining  a  share  of  so  large  a 
sum  as  three  thousand  pounds  might  overcome  all  other 
cor  si  derations. 

Then  any  incaution  on  his  part  would  serve  to  excite 
the  suspicions  of  the  officers. 

If  once  these  were  aroused  their  situation  would  ba 
ticklish  indeed,  for  they  were  quite  ignorant  of  the 
whereabouts  of  the  stables,  so  it  was  scarcely  possible 
that  they  would  be  able  to  gain  possession  of  their 
steeds. 

It  was,  therefore,  with  the  most  acute  suspense  and 
anxiety  that  they  watched  the  progress  of  events  De- 
low. 

The  landlord,  by  the  aid  of  the  lamp  hanging  over 
the  front  door  of  the  inn,  had  taken  a  good  look  at  the 
bill. 

Of  course   he  bad  perused    the  descriptions,  and  0 


thb  rnxtaat  or  thb  hoad. 


1888 


■o,  could  not   have  failed   to   know  who   his  gnosis 
were. 
Tt  was  a  critical  moment. 

•'  Wetf,"  asked  the  officer,  "  have  yon  6eea  any  .ae 
answering  that  description  lurking  about?" 

"No — I  am  pleased  to    say  I  haven't,   and,   wh-*i's 
more,  I  hope,  for  the  6ake  of  my  trade,  I  never  shall-' 
The  highwaymon  drew  a  long  breath  of  relief. 
One  anxiety  was  removed. 

The  landlord  had  committed  himself,  and,  for  hi-s  cub 
safety's  sake,  would  take  care  not  to  betray  the  hi^i  way- 
men,  otherwise  he  would  be  liable  to  punishm  Kit  as  an 
accomplice. 
Still  the  danger  was  by  no  means  over  ye* 
"  Then  you  haven't  6een  them  ?"  said  the  officer. 
"  I  haven't." 

"Well,   then,   jost  let  ma    tell  you   the   oest   thing 
yon  can  do  is  to  keep  an  uncommonly    sharp  log- 
out" 
"  But  are  they  really  on  this  road  ?" 
"It  is  suspected  so,  and,  if  yp'a  must  know,  the  facts 
are  just  these :    An  accomplice  of  theirs  has  been  sen- 
tenced to  transportation.     It  was  expected  they  would 
try  to  rescue  him  from  Newgate,  and  every  precaution 
was  taken  in  case  the  attempt  should  be  made.     But  all 
has  gone  quiet  so  far;  but,  from  circumstances  which 
have  occurred,   there  is    reason  to  believe    they  will 
attack  the  van  that  will  convey  the  prisoners  to  Green- 
wich." 
"  Uoo£  gracious  1"  said  the  landlord  again. 
"  Tl"  ey  are  known  to  be  somewhere  north  of  London, 
aad   at  this  moment  all  the  roads  about  London  are  so 
osely  watched  that  they  cannot  get  here  unseen." 
"But    you  fancy  they  have   been   beforehand  with 
yon?" 

"  Well,  there  is  just  the  possibility  of  it,  and  we  are 
determined  not  to  leave  a  point  unguarded,  so  we 
have  come  on  in  order  to  clear  the  way  for  the  van." 

"  But  that  wou't  be  here  till  to-morrow,  will  it?"  asked 
the  landlord. 

The  officer  put  his  finger  to  the  sick  of  his  noeo,  and 
E&4iraed  a  highly  sagacious  look. 
«  That's  ».-*  *„-we  ^  rtttH  trf«k  W 
*ls  it,  indeed?" 

"Yea — nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning  is  the  tJme 
given  out  for  the  van  to  start  from  Newgate ;  but  we  are 
to  steal  a  march  upon  the  rascals  altogether.  By  that 
time  all  the  prisoners  will  be  wtfe  under  hatches,  or  it's 
d — d  odd  tome!" 

"I  see,"  said  the  landlord;  "and  a  very  good  plan  it 
is." 

"  Yes — there  is  reason  to  believe  they  know  the  time 
first  appointed  for  the  setting  out  of  the  van ;  but  that 
they  are  quite  ignorant  of  the  alteration.  So  they  will 
come  a  day  after  the  fair,  and  we  shall  be  assembled  here 
In  such  force  that  we  cannot  fail  to  capture  them-" 

"I  hope  you  will,  and  not  let  them  play  up  their  game 
on  this  road.  It  is  no  credit  to  you  that  you  have  not  cap- 
tured them  long  before  this." 

"  It's  because  so  many  innkeepers  like  yourself  befriend 
them,"  said  the  officer,  "and,  while  that  continues  to 
be  the  case,  we  shall  have  a  good  deal  of  trouble  in  cap- 
turing them." 

"  Well,  they  won't  make  any  such  friends  on  this  r«sd. 
I  assure  you." 

By  this  time  the  officer  seemed  to  realise  th«n  fee  fead 
stopped  chatting  long  enough,  so  he  at  once  gave  the 
word  to  push  on,  repeating  his  caution  to  the  landlord  to 
keep  a  sharp  look-out. 

liot  until  the  last  man  in  the  troop  of  police  oflrcers  was 
fairly  out  of  sight,  did  the  landlord  venture  to  quit  his 
position  beside  the  horse-trough. 

But  as  soon  as  the  last  one  was  invisible,  he  hurried 
with  all  speed  up-stairs. 

"There,"  he  said — "  there,  did  you  hear  that  ?" 
"  Every  word." 
"  And  what  do  you  thins:  t" 

'•  That  fortune  is  befriending  us  as  she  always  does,  *nd 
this  time  to  a  greater  extent  than  we  could  have  ventured 
to  hope  for." 

"Fortune  favours  you?"  repeated  the  landlord,  as  if 
unable  to  credit  the  evidence  of  his  own  senses. 

"Yes — most  assuredly  Our  chief  obstacle  is  r«~ 
■MV6V 


The  landlord  clearly  could  not  comprehend  our  friend 
at  all. 

"  I  suppose,  now,"  said  Dick,  "  there  is  no  certainty 
when  the  van  will  arrive  ?" 

"  No — it  may  reach  here  at  any  moment." 

"  It  won't  be  long  first,  I  feel  convinced,  and  so  I  will 
make  my  arrangements  accordingly.  Come  on-  -we  V! ill 
set  out  at  once." 

"Stay,"  said  Claude  Duval.  "Perhaps  the  landlord 
here,  from  his  knowledge  of  the  locality,  may  be  able 
to  tell  ua  which  would  be  the  most  advantageous  point  at 
which  we  can  take  up  our  positions." 

"Well  thought  of,"  said  Turpin,  who  at  once  turned 
an  inquiring  glance  upon  the  landlord,  who  replied : 

'*  About  a  mile  from  here,  or  it  may  be  rather  less, 
there  is  a  capital  place — just  suited  for  your  purpose.  It 
is  what  we  call  about  here  a  holloway,  and  even  by  day- 
light it  is  quite  gloomy  there,  and  at  night,  pitch 
dark." 

"I  know  what  you  mean,"  answered  Dick.  "It 
will  suit  us  excellently — nothing  could  be  better." 

"  Is  this  holloway  to  the  right  or  the  left  when  we  leave 
your  door  ?" 

44  To  the  right." 

"  Then  the  van  will  pass  this  house  before  we  attaca 
it?" 

"Yes." 

"  So  much  the  better,  then.  Is  there  any  chance  of  it 
stopping  ?" 

"I  think  not" 

"  Still,  if  it  should,  endeavour  to  loosen  the  pins  in  the 
wheels.  If  there  Bhould  be  a  break  down  it  will  make 
our  task  so  mnoh  the  easier." 

"  I  fear  there  is  not  much  ohance  of  that  either.  How- 
ever, you  may  depend  that  I  shall  do  all  that  lies  in  mf 
power  to  assist  you." 

"  I  do  not  doubt  it.* 

"Will  you  start  now  ?" 

"  Yes,  if  you  will  lead  us  to  the  stablos." 

•'Follow  me,  then." 

Without  another  word,  the  landlord  coude«*-v£  t!t£ 
highwaymen  to  the  stables,  wh***'  'icay  fa&ni  all  tfc* 
horses  nerfseiiff  saJ*t  '-,',  Vooilag  very  oomfortebia. 

To  J«*a  them  out  and  mount  only  occupied  a  few  me 
ments. 

"Be  prepared  tor  the  result,"  said  Diok,  to  the  land- 
lord. 

"  I  will." 

But  fancying  his  meaning  was  not  thoroughly  compre- 
hended, Turpin  added  t 

"  The  chances  are  a  thousand  to  one  whether  you  will 
see  any  of  us  again." 

"I  shall  never  forget  you!"  was  the  answer,  given 
with  great  warmth.     "  My  everlasting  gratitude " 

"  Tush— tush  I  I  want  to  hear  no  more  of  that.  We 
are  merely  serving  ourselves." 

"  I  cannot  look  upon  it  in  that  light." 

"  Well — well,  what  I  was  going  to  say  is  that,  imme- 
diately upon  releasing  our  friend  we  shall  beat  a  precipi- 
tate retreat — in  a  short  time  we  shall  be  miles  from  here, 
no  doubt." 

The  landlord  nodded. 

14  Your  son  will  then  be  left  to  shift  for  himself.  I 
shall  not  be  able  to  single  him  out  from  the  rest,  for  I 
have  net  the  slightest  idea  what  his  personal  appearance 
is  like,  ana,  even  if  I  have,  I  question  whether  I  should 
have  any  chance  of  recognising  him." 


"  What  will  he  do,  then  ?" 

"TEal 


_nat  I  must  leave  to  you.  If  you  can  contrive  to 
meet  with  him  soon  after  his  liberation  is  effected  all 
will  be  well  Of  course  he  will  have  to  o,ait  the 
country." 

The  landlord  sighed. 

"  Better  do  that  voluntarily  than  in  the  convict  ship. 
One  thing  you  may  depend  upon,  and  that  is,  that  the 
closest  search  and  most  vigorous  pursuit  will  be  mad* 
after  all  those  who  are  set  at  liberty,  so  that  your  son  will 
have  to  be  both  careful  and  expeditious  In  hifl  move- 
ments.'' r 

The  landlord's  countenance  grew  still  more  thoughtful 
in  its  expression.  ,-  rt '  k: 

It  was  pretty  clear  that  he  had  beeu  too  ranch  excited 
and  bewildered  by  what  had  occurred  to  give  muc*> 
thought  to  future  arrangements. 

w 


1684 


'I 


"  If— if "  he  eaM,  and  then  stopped. 

44  Speak  on,"  cried  Dick. 

"  If,  then,  you  would  not  n>ind  adding  to  She  tfond  of 
obligation " 

"  Pooh — pooh .     State  your  wish  freely  and  clearly." 

"  You  are  generous.  I  was  about  to  ask  yon  to  gi  re 
me  your  advice  in  this  matter.  What  do  you  think  would 
be  the  best  thing  for  my  son  to  do  ?" 

Dick  seemed  deeply  plunger!  in  thought  for  a  few  me 
bents. 

Then,  looking  up,  he  replied: 

"My  advice  is  simple  enough." 

"And  no  doubt  all  the  better  on  that  „ery  account." 

"You  shall  judge.  I  should  recommend  your  son  to 
push  on  with  all  speed  to  Sheerness — or  the  nearest  point 
on  the  coast  where  he  can  get  a  6hip.  Then  let  him  em- 
bark, and  as  soon  as  he  is  in  a  place  of  safety  he  can  com- 
municate with  you." 

"  Nothing  could  be  simpler  and  better !"  cried  the  land- 
lord, with  the  air  of  one  who  feels  immensely  relieved. 
"My  best  thanks,  gentlemen,  are  your  due;  and  should 
there  ever  be  an  opportunity,  you  may  depend  I  shall  do 
my  best  to  requite  you." 

"Enough — enough  1  As  that  point  is  settled,  we  will 
say  farewell.  It  is  quite  time  we  took  up  our  posi- 
tion." 

In  this  the  landlord  coincided,  and  after  the  exchange 
of  a  few  more  words  they  separated. 

It  was  at  a  quiet,  easy  pace  that  Dick  Turpin  led  the 
way  towards  the  spot  that  had  been  described  to  him  by 
the  landlord. 

"  We  have  abundant  cause  to  congratulate  ourselves," 
he  remarked  to  his  comrades.  "  Fortune  has  indeed 
favoured  us  to  an  extraordinary  degree." 

"You  are  quite  right,  Dick,"  returned  Claude  Duval, 
"  and,  what  is  more,  I  am  inclined  to  look  upon  the  good 
luck  we  have  already  met  with  as  a  presage  of  the  success 
which  is  to  attend  our  efforts." 

"It  will  be  well  to  think  so — at  the  same  time,  in 
spite  of  every  obstacle,  Tom  Davis  must  be  set  at 
liberty!" 

"We  will  do  our  best,  Dick,  and  we  can  do  no 
more." 

"  I  am  aware  of  H.  I  am  chiefly  concerned  to  know 
how  many  officers  are  actually  in  attendance  upon  the 
vehicle." 

"  That  is  an  important  point ;  but  we  have  no  means  of 
ascertaining  it" 

"  That  is  just  what  I  regret.  However,  as  soon  as  we 
eommence  the  attack  let  us  direct  all  our  energies  to  the 
liberation  of  the  prisoners,  because,  as  soon  as  they  are 
free,  they  will  assist  us  in  our  struggles  with  the 
officers." 

This  speech  was  received  in  silence,  from  which  it  may 
be  inferred  that  Dick's  comrades  felt  somewhat  doubtful 
regarding  this  conclusion. 

Dick  did  not  speak  again,  but  changed  his  mare's  speed 
from  a  walk  to  a  gentle  trot 

This  soon  served  to  bring  them  to  the  spot  they  wished 
to  reach. 

Upon  arriving,  they  found  that  the  landlord's  descrip- 
tion of  the  holloway  was  perfectly  correct,  and  a  close 
examination  convinced  them  that  a  better  place  for  their 
purpose  sould  not  possibly  have  been  found. 

They  looked  upon  this  as  a  good  omen,  and  were  In  the 
best  of  spirits  accordingly. 

At  one  time  it  would  seem  as  though  the  high-road  had 
been  carried  over  a  high  but  steep  hill— or,  more  properly, 
ridge,  which  extended  to  the  right  and  left  for  a  consider- 
able distance. 

The  difficulty  and  dangur  consequent  upon  musing  so 
sleep  an  ascent  and  descent  had  led  to  the  road  being 
made  level,  or  nearly  so,  by  cutting  a  way  through  the 
ridge  in  question. 

The  consequence  was,  that  for  a  distance  of  something 
like  two  hundred  yards  the  road  was  bounded  by  a  high 
and  almost  perpendicular  embankment,  which  w#«  some- 
what higher  on  one  side  than  the  other. 

These  embankments  were  covered  all  over  witn  orake, 
furze  bushes,  and  such  like  vegetation,  while  here  and 
there  a  huge  tree  rose  up,  stretching  its  giant  branches  far 
aver  the  roadway. 

The  size  of  these  trees  sufficed  to  show  that  this 
lowering  of  the  road  was  no  modern  improvement 


From  these  causes  this  part  of  the  roadway  was  In- 
volved in  great  obscurity. 

The  high  banks  shut  out  a  great  deal  of  light,  and  cast 
a  deep  shadow,  and  the  trees  only  served  to  increase  the 
gloom. 

So  dark  was  it  that  when  they  backed  their  horses 
close  to  one  side  and  stood  together,  the  highwaymen 
were  scarcely  able  to  distinguish  each  other's  counte- 
nances. 

They  listened  for  some  moments  in  perfect  silence. 
No  sound,  however,  resembling  the  approach  of  the 
vehicle  reached  their  ears. 

"  Look  to  your  weapons,"  said  Dick,  at  length,  and 
setting  the  example  of  examining  his  own  while  he  spoke. 
"  You  cannot  be  too  careful,  and,  above  everything,  have 
your  firearms  in  readiness." 

His  companions  soon  ascertained  that  all  was  well  in 
thi°  particular,  and  Tom  King  observed  : 

"  1  have  been  wondering,  Dick,  what  means  you  think 
of  adopting  in  order  to  bring  the  vehicle  to  a  standstill. 
It  will  not  be  like  calling  out  to  an  ordinary  driver,  bear 
in  mind.  The  officers,  depend  upon  it,  will  be  sharp 
enough  to  know  that  their  best  chance  will  be  in  lashing 
their  horses  onwards,  and  you  may  depend  this  is  what 
they  will  do.  If  they  once  get  out  of  this  shadow  they 
will  ascertain  our  exact  force,  and  I  fear  matters  will  go 
hardly  with  us." 

"I  have  been  thinking  about  all  that,"  replied  Dick, 
"  and  I  cannot  quite  see  my  way  clear  at  present" 
"  How,  captain  ?" 

"  Why,  if  we  place  any  obstruction  in  the  road  It  must 
be  of  a  somewhat  substantial  character  to  bring  a  heavy 
vehicle  to  a  standstill." 
"Well,  what  of  that?'- 

"  Why,  it  will  necessarily  take  some  time  to  construct, 
and  then,  by  the  time  we  have  done  it,  something  else 
may  come  along." 

44  You  are  right,  captain." 

"Then  if  we  wait  till  we  know  the  van  is  coming 
we  shall  not  have  time  to  get  ready  the  obstruction  at 
all." 

44  Some  means  of  stopping  the  van  must  most  certainly 
be  devised,"  replied  Claude  Duval,  "and  I  should  suggest 
that  one  of  us  should  ride  on  towards  London  for  soma 
distance,  take  up  a  good  position,  and  then,  upon  hear- 
ing the  van  approach,  gallop  back  and  let  you  know." 

"  That  is  about  all  that  can  be  done,  I  fancy,"  returned 
Dick.     "  Who  will  take  this  duty  ?" 
"  I  will,  if  you  like,"  said  Claude. 
41  Then  do  so,  as  you  were  the  first  to  propose  it." 
44  Then  about  the  obstruction  ?" 

"That  can  easily  be  managed,"  Sixteen-String  Jack 
cried,  "  for  in  the  yard  at  the  back  of  the  inn  we  have 
just  left  I  saw  some  large,  strong,  square  pieces  of  wood. 
One  of  these  brought,  and  placed  right  across  the  road- 
way, and  firmly  fixed  a  foot  or  two  above  the  ground, 
will  be  the  thing  above  all  others  to  stop  the  van. 

"It  will,*  said  Dick,  '-and  now  let  us  spend  no  further 
time  in  consultation.  You,  Claude,  ride  off  at  once, 
and  give  us  timsly  notice  of  the  police  officers'  approach  ; 
and  you,  Jack,  obtain  one  of  the  pieces  of  weed  you 
mention.  In  the  meanwhile  Tom  and  myself  will  remain 
here  together,  awaiting  your  return." 


CHAPTEE  MIX 

DICK  TORPTJI  AND  HO  COMPANIONS  ATTACK  THE  PBIBONKBS* 
VAN. 

Uron  tnis  understanding  both  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen^ 
String  Jack  took  their  departure. 

Dick  Turpin  and  Tom  King  watched  them  in  silence 
till  they  had  both  disappeared  in  the  darkness,  tkea,  turn- 
ing round,  the  latter  said  • 

"  It  will  be  sharp  work,  Dick,  you  may  depend ;  and 
after  this  event  rely  upon  it  the  officers  will  make  greater 
efforts  than  ever  to  capture  us." 

'  I  have  been  thinking  so  myself,  and  believe  the  best 
tning  we  can  arrange  to  do  is  to  lie  quiet  for  a  time 
somewhere." 

44  Unquestionably  it  would ;  but  what  shall  you  do  with 
Tom  Davis  ?" 

44  Oet  him  safely  out  of  the  country,  I  think." 

44 It  would  be  muoh  the  best;  for  after  having  bees 


fHB    K2TCQHT  09  TBB  Mill. 


1685 


successful  so   far  the   authorities  will    be  furious  when 
they  find  their  prey  has  slipped  through  their  fingers." 

"  And,    what   is  more,  they  will   spare  no  efforts  to 
make   him  a  prisoner   again,  and  should   the;  once    dp 
that  it  will  be  all  over  with  him.    Hark !'' 
''  What  do  you  hear?" 
*'  it  is  Sixteen-String  Jack,  I  think." 
"  Yes,  or  some  one  else  on  horseback  coming  horn  the 
direction  of  the  inn.     But,  Dick^— " 
"  What  now  ?" 

"  I   have  just  thought  of   something  which  w¥  iave 
forgotten." 
"  What  is  it?" 

"  To  provide  a  horse  for  Tom  Davis.' 
Dick  uttered  an  exclamation. 

"That  quite  escaped  me  altogether;  but  it  is  not  now 
too  late  to  supply  the  omission." 

"Stay.     I  think  is  is  quite  as  well  that  we  have  not 
incumbered  ourselves  with  a  spare  horse." 
"  But  where  is  Tom  to  ride  ?" 

"  Why,  it  will  be  better  for  him  to  ride  by  turns  be- 
hind all  of  us.  Besides,  he  may  not  be  altogether  iu  a 
fit  condition  to  spring  on  to  a  horse  and  ride  off  at  full 
gallop.  We  think  nothing  of  it  because  we  are  used  to 
it ;  but  it  is  impossible  to  say  in  what  way  his  imprison- 
ment may  have  affected  him." 

Dick  assented,  and  then  both  became  silent. 
After  the  lapse  of  a  few  moments,  during  which  the 
beat  of  a  horse's  feet  had  become  more  and  more  distinct, 
Sixteen-String  Jack  appeared  dragging  after  him  a  long 
piece  of  wood,  such  as  would  be  suitable  for  building 
purposes. 

His  companions  sprang  forward  eagerly  to  assist 
him. 

"  This  is  just  what  we  want,"  cried  Dick. 
"  Is  it  long  enough?" 
"Yes,  quite." 

Nevertheless,  to  make  quite  sure,  the  wood  was  tried, 
and  found  to  be  quite  long  enough. 

They  also  perceived  that  there  would  be  little  difficulty 
in  wedging  the  ends  of  it  between  the  masses  of  seod- 
stone  of  which  the  lower  part  of  the  holloway  was  00m- 
posed. 

Once  more  drawing  back  to  their  former  positions, 
they  waited  with  great  impatience  for  Claude  to  appear 
and  give  them  warning  of  the  approach  of  the  prisoners' 
van. 

It  so  happened  that  their  suspense  was  not  put  to  a 
very  severe  trial,  for  Claude  Duval  appeared  suddenly 
among  them. 

So  suddenly  that  his  appeararce  caused   them  aU  to 
give  vent  to  expressions  of 'amazement. 
"  Is  it  coming  ?" 

"  Yes — yes,"  he  answered,  somewhat  breathlessly. 
"  But  how  is  it  you  have  come  upon  us  with  so  much 
abruptness — we  never  heard  your  horse's  hoofs." 

"  I  did  not  intend  you  should.  I  purposely  took  to 
the  meadows  at  the  6ide  of  the  high-road  in  order  that 
no  suspicions  should  be  awakened  in  the  breasts  of  the 
police  officers." 

During  this  hurried  conversation  all  four  of  the  high- 
waymen were  busily  occupied  in  raising  the  barrier  which 
they  had  devised. 

It  promised  to  be  an  effective  one,  for  the  piece  of  wood, 
though  slight,  was  strong,  and,  as  they  expected,  they 
succeed  ;d  in  wedging  the  ends  in  between  the  rocks  with 
great  firmness. 

"Now,  my  comrades,"  said  Claude,  "just  let  me  Did 
you   to  prepare,  for  we  shall  have  the   toughest   bit  of 
fighting  to  do  to-night  that  we  have  ever  had  in  oil  our 
lives  before !" 
"  We  <ue  ready." 

"So  am  I.  Did  I  tell  you  I  had  a  peep  at  the 
van?" 

'No,  no — have  you  seen  it?" 

"Yes.      After    going    some    distance    I    took    to  the 
meadows,  and  pushed  on  until  presently  a  vehicle   came 
in  sight.     1  pulled  up,  and,  taking  care  to  keep  well  under 
cover,  watched  it  go  by." 
"  And  was  it  well  guarded  It" 
"  Pretty  well." 
14  By  how  many  officers  ?" 
M  Six  or  seven." 
Dick  gave  a  long  whistles  and  then  ejaculated  1 


"  Bather  long  odds !" 

"  Very,  i  should  say." 

"  Are  you  sure  there  are  so  many  ?" 

"  Tolerably  so.  I  saw  either  four  or  five  riding  on  the 
outside  ot  the  ran,  and  two  more  were  riding  on  horseback 
at  the  sides." 

"  Indeed,  then,  you  may  depend  that  these  will  be  the 
men  who  will  give  us  the  most  trouble.  There  must  be 
no  blundering,  mind,"  Dick  added.  "  You  must  under- 
stand that  it  is  a  life  or  death  matter — either  they  will 
slay  us  or  we  must  slay  them,  and  of  the  two  evils  I 
should  prefer  the  latter.  When  those  officers  come,  attack 
them  at  once,  and  down  with  them  !" 

"  There  they  are,  then,"  cried  Clause. 

Scarcely  had  the  words  escaped  his  lips,  than  a  dis- 
tant rumbling  sound  was  heard — a  sound  which  could 
not  be  mistaken. 

"  Are  your  weapons  all  ready  ?"  askod  Dick.  "  Make 
quite  sure." 

"All's  well,  captain." 

"  Then  keep  well  out  of  sight  until  the  horses  reach  the 
barrier,  then  the  greater  suddenness  with  which  you 
spring  out  the  better." 

They  were  anxious  moments  that  elapsed  while  they 
listened  to  the  approach  of  the  heavy  vehicle — anxious 
in  every  sense  of  the  term. 

Keeping  a  tight  hand  upon  their  bridles,  they  watched 
with  eyes  strained  in  the  endeavour  to  pierce  the 
gloom. 

At  length  a  dark  object  appeared  in  view,  and,  as  if 
to  assure  his  comrades  that  there  was  no  mistake,  Claude 
whispered : 

"  There  it  is — that  is  it  I* 

"  Be  ready,  then,"  said  Dick,  in  a  low  but  firm  tone. 

There  was  neither  time  nor  opportunity  to  utter 
another  word. 

The  prisoners'  van  was  drawn  by  four  horses,  for  the 
authorities  were  anxious  that  the  journey  should  be 
made  with  all  possible  speed,  and  it  came  on  at  a  truly 
slashing  pace. 

This  the  highwaymen  were  glad  enough  to  see,  because 
it  promised  them  all  the  more  success. 

Even  if  the  driver  should  catch  sight  of  the  barrier  he 
would  not  be  able  to  pull  up  in  time  to  save  his  horses, 
while,  if  they  kept  up  their  speed,  the  vehicle  would  be 
brought  to  a  standstill  with  so  much  suddenness  that  the 
whole  of  the  officers  would  for  a  second  at  least  be  quite 
overcome  with  surprise. 

And  bow,  strangely  enough,  the  two  officers  on  horse- 
back wLn  had  been  riding  a  little  in  advance  of  the  two 
leading  horses  dropped  back  to  the  rear  for  some  purpose 
~r  other. 

Had  they  kept  their  proper  positions,  and  the  posi- 
tions they  were  intended  to  take,  namoJy,  about  twenty 
paces  in  frout  of  the  leading  horses,  the  barrier  would 
have  boen  discovered. 

But  it  was  fated  that  events  should  turn  out  otherwise. 

With  a  crash  that  was  truly  awful  and  sickening  to 
hear,  the  two  first  horses  dashed  with  full  force  against 
the  barrier. 

Down  they  went  as  if  struck  by  lightning,  and  it  was 
a  thousand  wonders  they  did  not  bring  the  other  two 
horses  down  with  them.  They  la.,  on  the  ground  kick- 
ing and  plungiag  at  a  furious  race,  and  making  terrific 
though  ineffectual  attempts  to  rise. 

Owing  to  the  sudden  stoppage,  the  van  swayed  back- 
wards and  forwards  in  an  alarming  manner  for  a  moment, 
and  it  really  seemed  for  a  time  as  though  it  would  over- 
balance and  topple  to  the  ground. 

But  it  righted  itself. 

In  the  meantime  Sixteen-String  Jack  had  hastened  to 
the  spot  where  the  two  fore  horses  wore  lying. 

With  about  three  strokes  of  his  sword  he  demolished 
the  harness  which  obstructed  their  movements. 

No  sooner  were  the  animals  freed  from  this  incum- 
brance than,  making  another  tremendous  effort,  they  rose 
to  their  feet  and  started  off  at  a  headlong  gallop  down  the 
road. 

While  Jack  was  thus  employed,  his  comrades  were 
fully  occupied. 

The  police  officers  for  a  few  fleeting  seconds  seemed 
absolutely  paralysed  by  the  suddenness  of  the  shock. 
Our  friends  made  the  most  of  this  advantage. 
In  a  loud  voice  Dick  Turpin  cried : 


1686 


BLACK  BEMf  OR, 


"  Surrender — surrender !  Resistance  is  folly,  and  can 
only  end  in  death !  Our  force  far  exceeds  yours,  and  we 
lire  determined  ;  therefore  surrender  ere  blood  be  spilt !" 

"  Surrender  be  d— d •"  said  a  voice.  "  Here  they  are 
at  last !  Down  with  them !  One  good  ▼"Hoy  sweeps 
them  from  our  path  !     Fire  "* 

Before  the  officers  had  time  to  obey  this  ^_  fdsr  of  the 
one  who  had  command  of  them,  the  highwaymen  fired 
their  pistols,  thon  rapidly  shifted  their  positions. 

The  consequence  was  that  when  the  officers  firea  their 
volley — and  as  they  had  their  fingers  pressing  on  the 
triggers  they  could  not  stop  themselves — it  was  a.hio- 
lutely  of  no  effect,  while  the  highwaymen  had  seriously 
wounded  two  of  their  assailants,  and  injured  the  right 
arm  of  another.  % 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  a  tremendous  uproar  began 
to  make  itself  heard  within  the  van. 

The  prisoners,  with  wonderful  quickness,  seemed  to 
have  arrived  at  a  correct  conclusion  respecting  what  was 
going  on  outside,  and  were  making  the  most  Irantic 
efforts  to  liberate  themselves  accordingly. 

At  this  our  friends  rejoiced,  nor  did  they  lail  to  call 
aloud  to  the  prisoners,  urging  them  to  use  their  best  efforts 
to  procure  their  own  liberal?"'?.. 

The  officer  who  drove  the  9&n  was  possessed  of  no 
jrdinary  amount  of  courage,  for,  in  spite  of  the  peril  of 
nis  position,  he  laid  about  him  with  his  whip  with  great 
rigour,  doing  his  utmost  to  get  his  horses  once  more  in 
motion. 

He  might  have  succeeded  in  his  intent,  for  the  barrier 
had  been  broken  down  by  the  weight  of  the  horses  fall- 
ing upon  it,  but  Claude  Duval  kept  a  tight  hold  upon  the 
bridle  of  the  off  horse  with  his  right  hand,  while  with  his 
left  he  brought  down  with  one  shot  the  remaining  mounted 
officer. 

The  odds  against  the  highwaymen  were  now  by  no 
means  so  great  as  before,  therefore  not  unreasonably  they 
looked  forward  with  great  hopes  to  their  success 

Still  there  was  much  to  be  done. 

The  officers  who  remained  were  resolute,  determinad 
men,  and  seemed  as  though  they  would  fight  to  the  last 
gawp  rather  than  surrender  their  prey. 

There  was  great  necessity  for  speed,  as  the  alarm  might 
be  spread  and  reach  the  officers  who,  as  our  friends  knew, 
were  before  them  on  the  road,  and  who  had  a?most  hat] 
time  enough  to  reach  their  destination  and  turn  back 
again. 

In  all  probability  it  was  the  belief  that  assistance  was 
near  at  hand  which  made  the  officers  hold  out  and  fight 
with  so  much  desperation. 

All  at  once  there  was  a  terrific  crash. 

The  prisoners  within,  by  some  means  or  other,  had  con- 
trived to  burst  open  the  door  at  the  back. 

They  rolled  out  pell-mell,  and  the  scene  of  confusion 
which  now  ensued  defies  all  description. 

When  this  event  took  place  the  officers  gave  up. 

They  knew  too  well  the  general  character  of  the  pri- 
soners to  doubt  but  that  they  would  seek  the  very  earliest 
opportunity  of  wreaking  vengeance  upon  them. 

Therefore  those  who  were  unhurt,  and  those  who  were 
wounded  as  well,  turned  towards  the  highwayman  and 
cried : 

"We  surrender — we  surrender,  upon  condition  that 
you  save  us  from  the  brutality  of  the  prisoners  1" 

This  supplication  was  at  once  granted. 

At  the  command  of  Dick,  the  officers  unharnessed  the 
two  remaining  horses,  mounted  them  as  best  tliey  could, 
carrying  their  wounded  companions  witf".  them,  and  so 
they  made  their  escape ;  for,  as  Dick  said,  he  conid  not 
possibly  hope  to  exercise  much  control  over  the  men  who 
had  been  liberated,  and  who,  for  the  most  part.  wer«  qui*© 
unworthy  of  receiving  such  a  benefit. 

But  in  the  haste  and  hurry  of  the  moment,  Dick  and 
his  comrades  overlooked  a  most  important  circu  «■- 
stance. 

They  ought  to  have  taken  care  vdat  the  officers  had 
ridden  off  in  the  direction  of  London,  as  then  there  would 
have  been  less  danger  of  meeting  with  assistance  ;  ss  it 
was,  they  were  permitted  to  gallop  off  in  precisely  t£,3 
opposite  direction. 

The  coast  was  bow  quite  clear,  and  Dick  called  orA,  in 
a  loud  voice : 

"Tom  Davis — Tom  Davis,  where  are  you?  Speak 
eat  I    We  are  your  friends  come  to  your  aaaistanoe  I" 


There  was  no  reply. 

The  highwaymen  looked  uneasy. 

But  just  as  they  were  beginning  to  wonder  whether, 
after  all,  they  had  not  made  an  awful  mistake  and  released 
the  wrong  lot  of  prisoners,  they  heard  a  well-known  voice 
say,  faintly : 

"  Here  I  am,  captain — here  I  am !  l  could  not  speak 
before — joy  overcame  me,  and  took  away  my  voice." 

Guided  by  the  sound,  Dick  and  his  comrades  made  their 
way  towards  the  back  part  of  the  van. 

Then  ensued  an  immediate  hush  and  si'ienoe. 

Those  who  had  been  thus  unexpectedly  released  stood 
stfil  and  noiseless,  in  order  that  they  might  satch  sight  of 
their  deliverers. 

"Quick — quick!"  cried  Turpin,  to  tn»m.  "Do  not 
dally,  as  you  value  your  liberties!  Fly-  fly  at  once,  or 
you  will  have  the  officers  once  more  among  you  !" 

The  prospect  of  this  ev«nt  seemed  to  strike  an  imme- 
diate panic  to  their  hearts. 

With  one  rapid  and  simultaneous  rustling  movement, 
they  turned  round,  and,  with  incredible  swiftness,  dis- 
appeared in  the  darkness. 

They  dispersed  in  all  directions,  so  that  it  would  be  no 
easy  task  for  the  officers  to  capture  them  now. 

But  Dick  soon  ceased  to  observe  them. 

His  attention  was  concentrated  upon  a  single  object 

This  was  Tom  Davis,  who  still  seemed  thoroughly  over- 
come. 

All  at  once,  however,  he  started  to  his  feet,  and  sprang 
towards  Dick  Turpin,  whose  hands  he  seized  upon  with 
a  frenzied  grasp. 

Despite  Dick's  resistance,  he  carried  them  to  his  lips, 
pressed  them  to  his  bosom,  and  displayed  a  thousand 
frantic  emotions  of  joy  and  gratitude. 

Then,  sinking  dc-"n  upon  one  knee,  he  said  : 

''  Captain — captain,  my  life  now  is  yours — do  with  ii 
■*»  hatever  you  think  fit !  I  could  not  believe  that  you 
would  forsake  one  who  has  proved  true  to  you  after  so 
many  have  proved  false !  And  yet  this  was  more — far 
more  than  I  dared  hope  for — nay,  more  than  I  deserved, 
for  you  have  all  perilled  your  lives  for  me." 

"Nonsense — nonsense,  Tom!"  cried  Dick  Turpin,  in 
careless  tones.  "  You  might  have  known  that  we  should 
not  abandon  you  to  your  fate  without  making  at  least  an 
effort  to  save  you.  Rise — rise  !  Quit  that  position,  for 
we  must  fly  at  once  if  we  mean  to  secure  your  safety  !" 

With  much  difficulty,  Tom  Davis  was  prevailed  upon 
to  rise  to  his  feet,  and  even  then  he  continued  to  pour  out 
his  protestations  of  gratitude. 

His  state  of  mind  is  easily  understood,  for  he  had  been 
suddenly  and  unexpectedly  transported  from  the  lowest 
depths  of  despair  to  the  very  summit  of  hope. 

He  had  given  himself  up  for  lost  when,  on  leaving 
Newgate,  he  was  placed  with  the  rest-  in  the  hearse-like 
prisoners'  van. 

Now,  almost  with  the  suddenness  of  enchantment,  he 
was  a  free  man. 

The  change  was  almost  enough  to  overpower  any- 
one. 

With  what  rapidity  they  could,  they  mounted  their 
horses,  Tom  Davis  being  first  accommodated  with  a  seat 
behind  Dick  Turpin. 

It  was  then  found  that  Sixteen-String  Jack  had  been 
wounded  in  the  conflict. 

The  others  had  sustained  no  greater  injuries  than  a 
few  scratches,  and  these  were  of  so  insignificant  a 
character  that  they  were  not  worth  talking  about. 

Jack,  however,  had  been  struck  in  the  left  shoulder  by 
a  pistol  bullet 

At  first  he  had  thought  nothiag  ot  it  whatever,  believ- 
ing the  wound  to  be  much  less  serious  than  it  proved. 

Now,  however,  that  he  had  had  time  to  grow  some- 
what cool,  he  found,  upon  attempting  to  move,  that  his 
shoulder  was  perfectly  still  and  the  least  change  of  posi- 
tion was  the  cause  of  intolerable  pain. 

So  great  was  the  anguish  caused  by  the  exertion  of 
mounting  his  horse  that  lie  almost  fell  from  the  saddle 
after  he  had  seated  himself,  owing  to  the  deathlike  feel- 
ing of  faintness  and  dizziness  that  came  over  him. 

Claude  was  the  first  to  notice  this  circumstance,  and  he 
oried  out : 

"Jack — Jack,  you  are  hurt  more  severely  than  jo* 
gave  us  to  understand !" 
I     «*1— 1— fearlam." 


THS    KNIGHT    OF    THB    BOAS. 


168? 


*  I  am  sure  yon  are." 

•*  I  should  be  better,  I  think,  if  you  could  bandage  my 
wound  up  with  my  neckcloth.  Now  I  have  moved,  I 
oan  feel  it  has  begun  to  bleed  afresh." 

"By  all  means  do  so,"  said  Dick  Turpin,  who,  never- 
theless, felt  rather  uneasy  at  the  delay  that  must  of 
necessity  occur. 

But  Claude  Duval  was  wry  expeditious  in  his  move- 
ments. 

It  was  by  no  means  the  fint  time  that  he  h*d  %andagrd 
a  wound,  though  this  time  th?  difficulty  of  tha  /p°ration 
was  much  increased,  owiug  tt  Jack's  position  on  horse- 
back, and  he  would  by  no  means  allow  him  to  avighl,  for 
his  experience  told  him  that  tl  i»  dressing  of  tin.  wound 
would  cause  a  renewal  of  the  sei^ai'-jr;  uf  iai&?uc»  < ;  more- 
over, there  would  be  the  danger  of  shifting  tit*  ..*a&^ 
in  the  act  of  mounting. 

A  piece  of  the  linen  was  first  torn  off  his  a*.ct  Itith  ana 
soaked  in  water,  plenty  of  which  was  trickling  iowu  ?s« 
sides  of  the  rocks. 

This  piece  was  folded  square  and  piaced  upon  the 
wound,  and  the  neckcloth  bound  tightly  over  the 
whole. 

"  There,"  said  Claude  Duval,  "  it  is  true  a  professed 
surgeon  might  have  made  a  better  job  of  it  perhaps,  but 
I  question  whether  it  would  have  been  more  effectual  in 
stanching  the  blood." 

At  this  moment  the  attention  of  all  was  aroused  by 
hearing  on  the  road  the  clatter  of  horses'  feet. 

"  The  officers  at  last !"  ejaculated  Dick.  "  I  have  been 
expecting  them  for  some  time  !     Forward — forward  I" 

"  Ride  on  first,"  said  Claude  Duval ;  "  you  carry  a 
double  burden.  I  shall  have  time  to  complete  my  opera- 
tions." 

"No,  no,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack,  "you  shall  not 
run  any  risk  of  fresh  danger  on  my  behalf  ;  I  shall  do 
very  well  as  I  am." 

"  Be  quiet  1"  said  Claude.  "  Save  your  strsngtk  tjt 
something  better  than  mere  words." 

"  Yes,"  said  Dick,  "  go  on  with  your  task ;  w»  will 
neither  of  us  start  until  it  is  completed.!' 

It  would  have  greatly  annoyed  anyone  to  have  seen 
how  coolly  Claude  Duval  proceeded  with  his  task  ;  one 
would  have  thought  that  there  was  no  occasion  for  haste 
at  all. 

But  those  who  watched  him  closely  would  have  seen 
that  this  slowness  was  only  apparent,  and  was  caused  by 
his  extreme  calmness. 

That  he  was,  on  the  contrary,  very  rapid  in  his  move- 
ments was  evinced  by  the  few  seconds  it  took  him  to 
finish  properly  bandaging  the  wound. 

Nevertheless,  by  that  time  the  officers  had  now  got 
very  close  to  the  highwaymen. 

Looking  along  the  road,  the  officers  could  plainly  be 
distinguished  coming  along  like  a  cloud,  though  it  was 
questionable  whether  they  could  see  the  highwaymen  as 
yet,  because  our  friends  were  standing  in  the  deep  shadow 
of  the  holloway. 

CHAPTER  MX. 

THB  HIGHWAYMEN  SUFFER    THEMSELVES    TO     Z»E  LTTLLED 
INTO  A  8TATE  OF    FALSE   SECURITY. 

"Are  you  ready,  Claude?"  asked  Dick. 

"  Yes,  quite." 

"Forward,  then — forward,  then  I  We  have  not  a 
second  to  lose !    Follow  me  1" 

As  he  spoke,  Dick  Turpin  turned  Blaok  Bess's  head  in 
the  direction  of  London.  * 

But  he  did  not  long  pursue  this  course. 

He  availed  himself  of  the  first  lane  he  'ame  to  being 
anxious  to  get  fairly  into  the  open  country. 

The  turning  down  the  lane,  however,  was  not*?ecom- 
plished  without  being  seen  by  the  oflkeis,  who,  observing 
the  movement,  uttered  a  cry  of  gratification. 

They  did  not  dare  to  expect  that  they  should  be  able  to 
overtake  the  fugitives ;  but  they  did  hope  to  be  able  to 
keep  upon  their  track,  and  not  lose  sight  of  them. 

As  was  generally  his  custom  in  such  a  case  as  the 
present,  Dick  Turpin  urged  his  mare  onwards  to  the  full 
extant  of  her  power,  being  aware  that  a  sharp  push  for  a 
short  time  would  not  be  likely  to  fatigue  her  so  much  as  a 
long  gallop  at  something  like  an  ordinary  rate  of  speed. 

Although  Black  Bess  carried  a  doable  load,  it  was  sur- 


prising   to    see    with    what    ease  she   maintained    th« 
lead. 

The  other  horses  had  "M  the  advantage,  but  yet  they 
kept  in  the  rear. 

The  speed  they  mad\  ^>wever,  was  something  pro- 
digious, and  it  is  probable  they  would  never  have  accom- 
plished it  but  for  the  stimulus  Black  Bess  was  to  them. 

The  officers  werequicKiy  left  in  the  rear;  but  yet,  as 
the  lane  had  gone  winding  on  without  branching  off  in 
any  fresh  direction,  there  Ov,uld  he  no  doubt  that  they 
were  still  fairly  on  the  track 

This  was  a  state  of  things,  however,  that  Diet  Turpin 
was  resolved  to  put  an  end    •-. 
I     Finding  a  five-barred  gatt  3ome  distance  ahead  which 
led  into  a  field,  he  pulled  up. 

I  (is  companions  hastened  to  follow  his  example,  and 
when  the  commotion  caused  by  their  stoppage  had  died 
Mvny,  Dick  assumed  an  attitude  of  listening. 

*•  I  <%n  hear  nothing  of  them,"  he  said  at  length,  "so  it 
is  fa'.f  to  presume  they  cannot  hear  us — indeed,  they  may 
not  be  listening  at  this  precise  momeDt." 

"  Black  Bess  has  carried  her  double  load  long  enough, 
I  think,"  responded  Tom  King. 

"  Yes-  and  you  may  take  your  turn  next,  if  you  have 
no  objection,"  replied  Dick. 

"None  in  the  world,"  was  the  answer.  "Come 
Tom  Davis,  the  sooner  we  are  off  again,  I  am  sure,  tin 
better." 

u  Through  the  gate  yonder,"  said  Dick.  "I  will  open 
it  and  close  it  securely  afterwards.  In  the  meanwhile, 
you  push  across  the  meadow  ;  I  will  quickly  overtake 
you" 

"  Shall  you  attempt  to  regain  the  ruins  to-night  ?" 

"  I  think  not ;  it  would  be  unwise,  for  at  the  most  wa 
cannot  count  upon  more  than  an  hour's  darkness" 

"  Scarcely  that." 

"  But  I  was  thinking  of  Jack's  wound.  If  we  could  by 
any  possibility  get  back  it  would  be  an  advantage  to 
him." 

"  Never  mind  me,"  murmured  Sixteen-String  Jack, 
faintly. 

Tom  replied,  without  taking  any  notice  of  the  inter- 
ruption. 

"  We  can  easily  obtain  some  place  of  shelter  where  we 
can  pass  the  day,  then  we  can  set  out  for  the  ruins  at 
nightfall ;  rely  upon  it,  that  would  be  much  the  best  in 
every  way." 

"  It  would  be  better  for  Jack,"  said  Claude  Duval 
"  The  less  exertion  he  goes  through  during  the  next  few 
hours  the  better,  and  the  sooner  he  will  recover." 

"  That  is  sufficient  to  decide  me.  Quick!  On — on,  or 
we  shall  have  the  officers  at  our  heels  again !  Once 
through  the  gate  we  shall  be  tolerably  safe  from  their 
pursuit,  for  they  will,  ten  to  one,  ride  on." 

Not  another  moment  was  lost  in  carrying  out  Dick 
Tur pin's  suggestions. 

The  gate  was  opened,  the  little  party  passed  through, 
an  J  Dick  carefully  closed  it  after  them,  so  that  there  was 
actually  nothing  whatever  to  induce  the  officers  to  sup- 
pose that  the  fugitives  had  passed  that  way. 

Rapidly  mounting,  he  rode  after  his  comrades. 

Trifling  as  was  the  delay  caused  by  fastening  the  gate 
yet,  as  his  companions  had  put  their  horses  to  speed,  it 
had  enabled  them  to  get  a  long  way  in  advance. 

But  Black  Bess  seemed  to  pass  over  three  yards  while 
they  passed  over  two,  so  that  very  quickly  indeed  she 
was  in  hor  accustomed  place  in  front. 

Dick  then  checked  her  speed,  and  as  he  did  so,  and 
thought  how  quickly  she  had  outstripped  the  rest,  he 
could  not  help  the  reflection  occurring  to  him  that  had 
he  been  alone  he  could  easily  have  regained  the  ruins 
before  daylight,  and  so  have  saved  Maud  many  hours  of 
anguished  suspense. 

Somehow,  whenever  he  thought  of  her  he  experienced 
a  strange  tightening  at  the  chest  and  heaviness  of  heart, 
which  made  him  dread  that  some  evil  had  befallen  her. 

And  yet  in  the  next  breath  he  would  ask  himself  what 
harm  could  happen  to  her  there. 

Certainly  none. 

The  only  fear  was  that  she  might  find  the  solitude 
insupportable  and  quit  the  protection  of  the  ruins. 

In  this  case  it  was  hard  to  say  what  harm  rnig"&3 
happen. 

So  much  did  thw  feeling  of  uneasiness  grow  upon  bta 


1688 


BL4CK   BUS;    Ok, 


ki  spite  of  all  the  strenuous  efforts  he  made  to  banish  it, 
that  he  felt  almost  inclined  to  propose  to  his  comrades 
that  he  should  gallop  off  alone,  and  leave  them  to  follow 
at  their  leisure. 

But  this  looked  by  far  too  much  like  deserting  his 
friends  to  make  Dick  feel  inclined  to  adopt  it,  and  so  he 
/ode  on,  though  his  impatience  was  manifested  by  the 
long  distance  he  kept  in  advance  of  his  comrades,  who 
continued  to  press  forward  with  all  the  speed  ttafir  horses 
were  capable  of. 

In  this  manner  they  continued  tt  journey  on  asrose 
the  open  country  without  meeting  with  aay  interruption 
till  morning  dawned. 

Where  they  were  was  rather  a  difficult  thing  to  ascer- 
tain, and  Dick  began  to  look  around  him  accordingly,  in 
the  hope  of  being  able  to  recognise  some  features  of  the 
landscape. 

But  no — all  was  strange  to  him,  and  to  the  best  a  his 
belief  it  was  a  portion  of  the  country  he  had  never  before 
been  in. 

Upon  making  inquiry  of  his  companions  he  found 
them  to  be  equally  at  fault. 

"  No  matter,"  lie  answered.    "  In  all  probability  before 

going  much  further  we  shall  find  a  little  habitation  where 

we  can  ask  for  shelter  without  fear  of  being  recognised." 

"  Yes,  surely  no  resident  of  this  part  could  be  familiar 

with  our  outward  appearance." 

"  I  should  think  not." 

During  this  brief  consultation  the  little  party  had 
halted  upon  the  summit  of  a  piece  of  gently-rising 
ground,  from  which  a  tolerably  extensive  view  of  country 
could  be  obtained. 

It  was  growing  lighter  every  moment  now,  and  the 
longer  they  gazed  more  objects  came  into  view. 

Raising  his  arm  and  pointing  straight  before  him,  Tom 
King  exclaimed : 

"  Look,  Dick,  I  fancy  among  those  trees  I  caa  perceive 
a  thin  wreath  of  smoke  curling  up  as  though  from  a  cot- 
tage fire  freshly  lighted !" 

Upon  looking  in  the  direction  indicated,  Dick  perceived 
that  his  companion  was  right. 

"  Shall  we  make  our  way  towards  it  ?"  asked  Tom  King. 
"  It  seems  to  be  in  a  very  sheltered  situation,  and  there- 
fore just  the  place  for  us  on  that  very  account  '* 

"  Yes,"  said  Dick,  "  that  will  suit  as  well  as  an;  wnere, 
no  doubt." 

Accordingly  they  set  r>ut  for  the  cottage,  the  thin 
wreath  of  bright  blue  «r*ioke  curling  upwards  enabling 
them  to  direct  their  coiuse  with  great  precision. 

The  scenery  around  was  truly  delightful,  and  from 
every  bush  and  tree  birds  could  be  heard  pouring  out 
their  twittering  melodies,  to  which  the  murmuring  of 
water  and  the  rustling  of  the  tree-tops  made  an  excel- 
lent accompaniment. 

Gazing  upon  such  a  scene,  it  was  hard  to  believe  that 

there  could  be  in  the  world  such  things  as  strife  and  crime. 

As  they  rode  on  there  was  not  one  of  the  group  that 

was  not  amenable  to  the  influences  of  this  sweet  morning 

in  early  spring. 

As  they  drew  nearer  to  the  hot  or  cottage  the  harmony 
of  the  scene  was  rudely  broken  in  upon  and  disturbed 
by  the  sound  of  harsh,  discordant  voices  engaged  in 
quarrelling. 

Our  friends  heard  this  long  before  the  habitation  itself 
came  into  view. 

At  last,  breaking  through  the  trees,  they  saw  before 
them  a  little  thatch-covered  building  of  picturesque^  ap- 
pearance. 

In  front  and  at  the  rear  was  a  large  piece  of  garden 
ground,  which  showed  signs  of  having  once  been  in  the 
highest  state  of  cultivation,  but  now  everything  had  a 
forlorn,  negleoted  look. 

At  one  time,  and  certainly  not  long  ago,  the  front  of 
the  house  had  been  ornamented  with  honeysuckle  and 
woodbine,  which  had  been  made  to  twine  all  over  it,  but 
now  their  long  branches  trailed  upon  the  ground  in  the 
utmost  disorder. 

Near  the  garden  gate  were  a  couple  of  children,  a  boy 
and  a  girl,  both  of  whom  were  crying  bitterly. 

The  sounds  of  contention  that  had  come  from  within 
now  abruptly  ceased. 

Probably  those  engaged  in  the  wordy  war  had  looked 
through  the  windows  and  witnessed  the  arrival  of  the 
new-comer  a. 


This  was  no  doubt  the  case,  for  at  the  doo/  two  swm- 
mens  of  humanity  made  their  appearance. 

One  was  a  man  of  particularly  brutal  and  sinister 
aspect,  although  there  lingered  about  him  indications 
which  to  a  close  observer  pointed  to  the  fac'.  that  he  had 
once  been  a  very  different  individual. 

Behind  him,  shading  the  light  from  her  eyes  in  ordei 
to  take  a  better  view  of  their  visitors,  was  a  dirty,  untidv 
woman — undoubtedly  the  wile  of  the  man. 

Dick  Turpin,  as  may  be  guessed,  was  by  no  means 
pleased  with  the  exterior  of  these  people,  and  wished 
from  the  bottom  of  his  heart  that  they  had  turned  some 
other  way. 

There  was  no  positive  reason  why  they  should  not  ride 
on  and  seek  some  other  place,  but  a  second's  reflection 
told  Dick  that  it  was  the  best  and  wisest  course  to  keep 
out  of  sight  as  much  as  possible. 

These  people  had  seen  him,  and  he  was  determined  if 
possible  that  they  should  be  the  only  ones  who  would. 

Therefore,  controlling  that  disgust  which  he  could  with 
difficulty  prevent  from  showing  in  his  countenance,  he 
said: 

"  We  are  travellers,  as  you  see,  and  have  been  30  un- 
fortunate as  to  lose  our  way  in  the  darkness ;  we  have 
wandered  I  know  not  how  many  miles,  and  have  not 
been  able  to  find  a  human  habitation  of  any  kind  except 
this  cottage  of  yours,  which  we  deem  ourselves  lucky  in 
having  lighted  upon.  We  are  now  quite  weary,  and 
should  be  glad  if  you  would  allow  us  shelter  for  a  little 
while  in  order  that  our  horses  and  ourselves  may  obtair 
a  rest." 

This  was  a  very  long  speech  for  Dick  to  make,  but  he 
paused  frequently  in  order  to  give,  as  he  thought,  an  op- 
portunity of  speaking  or  of  offering  that  for  which  he 
was  in  the  end  obliged  to  ask. 

He  might  have  spoken  for  an  hour  resultlessly,  for  even 
after  he  had  finished  there  was  no  reply  whatever  made. 
The  man  and  woman  looked  in  each  other's  faces  and 
seemed  to  be  having  a  silent  conversation  between  them- 
selves— most  likely  as  to  whether  an  affirmative  or  nega- 
tive answer  should  be  returned. 

At  last,  with  considerable  awkwardness  ana  embarrass- 
ment, the  man  said : 

14  If  your  honors  don't  mind  taking  up  with  suoh  an 

untidy  place  as  ours  is " 

"  It  will  suit  us  very  well,"  said  Dick.  "  We  are  quite 
exhausted,  so  make  no  more  apologies." 

"I  was  only  going  to  say,"  continued  the  man,  "that 
not  very  far  from  here  there  is  a  decent  inn,  where  you 
would  find  much  better  accommodation  than  we  can  give  ; 
there  are  also  stables  where  your  horses  could  be  fed." 

Dick's  determination  to  keep  as  much  out  of  sight  as 
possible  exerted  its  full  influence  on  this  occasion,  and 
made  him  resolve  to  refuse  this  tempting  offer. 

"  We  will  go  there  if  you  like,"  said  Dick,  "  but  we 
prefer  staying  here  to  going  even  a  yard  further,  we  are 
so  completely  knocked  up— so  if  you  like  to  do  your  best, 
rely  upon  it  we  will  pay  you  well  for  the  accommoda- 
tion." 

These  last  words  appeared  to  be  productive  of  great 
effect. 

"  It  shall  be  just  as  your  honours  like,"  replied  the  man 
— "  it  is  not  for  such  as  me  to  dictate  to  you." 

While  the  man  was  giving  utterance  to  these  not  very 
hospitable  words  the  whole  party  alighted. 

It  was  now  for  the  first  time  that  it  struck  Dick  that 
the  faot  of  one  of  their  horses  carrying  a  double  burden 
was,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  a  suspicious  circumstance. 

This  might  perhaps  account  to  some  extent  for  the 
surliness  of  the  man's  behaviour. 

What  plausible  explanation  to  give  Diok  did  not 
know,  therefore  very  wisely  determined  to  pass  it  over 
in  silence. 

The  highwaymen  all  regretted  that  there  was  no  ac- 
commodation for  their  horses,  but  this  oould  not  be 
helped,  so  they  had  to  submit  to  it. 

The  man,  upon  promise  of  reward,  however,  under- 
took to  obtain  for  them  a  plentiful  supply  of  fresh  green 
grass. 

Our  friends  now  entered  the  oottage,  and  found  that 
the  interior  corresponded  well  with  the  exterior,  for  it 
was  a  complete  picture  of  dirt  and  neglect. 

That  the  woman  was  not  dead  to  its  oondition  waa 
proved  by  her  apologies. 


THE    KNIGHT    G*    THi    ROAD. 


[THB  DUXADWTJh  VAT>  or  maud's  companioh.) 


"  Ah,  gentlemen,  this  is  a  sorry  place  fox  3  on  to  put 
four  heads  in,  is  it  not  P"  she  exclaimed,  heaving  a  deep 
wgh  while  she  spoke.  "  It  was  not  always  so,  however, 
though  I  am  in  despair  of  any  change  for  the  better 
taking  place  again.  It's  drink  that's  done  all  this,  sir — 
nothing  but  drink.  My  husband  was  the  best  man  in  the 
whole  country-side  until  he  became  what  he  is  now — a 
confirmed,  hopeless  drunkard.  It  will  bring  us  to  the 
workhouse  yet,  for  I  have  followed  his  bad  example,  and 
am  little  better  than  he  is,  though  I  take  shame  to  myself 
for  saying  it.  But,  then.  >f  it  was  not  for  the  drink 
stupefying  me,  how  do  you  think  I  could  bear  all  this  ?" 

The  woman  paused  in  her  gossip,  and  with  her  apron 
wiped  the  tears  from  her  eyes. 

The  cottage  was  divided  into  two  rooms,  and  into'the 
inner  one4  she<now  proceeded  to  asher  the  highwaymen. 

It  had  no  doubt  been  called  at  one  time  the  parlour, 
uut  now  most  of  the  articles  it  had  contained  had  been 

No.  212.— Black  Bess. 
No.  212/ 


tarried  away,  though  still  it  was  a  comfortable  aparfc 
fluent  contrasted  with  the  other. 

It  was  not  likely  that  our  friends  would  fare  very 
well  in  such  quarters  as  these,  yet  they  managed  to 
make  a  tolerable  meal. 

Their  success,  however,  and  the  belief  iha  they  were 
now  in  a  position  of  absolute  safety,  caused  them  to 
forget  that  amount  of  caution  which  they  generally 
exercised,  for  they  talked  loudly,  and  called  one  anothes 
by  their  names  without  the  least  reserve. 

As  the  day  wore  on,  they  one  by  one  felt  a  great 
drowsiness  come  over  them,  to  whic  j  the  profound 
silence  around  in  no  slight  degree  con  tributed. 

The  woman,  who,  like  all  her  sex,  was  curious  m  the 
highest  degree,  crept  cautiously  ciose  to  the  door,  and. 
applying  her_ear  to  the  keyhole,  liste  ned  intently 

She  had  little  difficulty  in  making  oat  what  we* 
uttered. 


Prick  One  Halfpenny 
No.  213  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


hU.CH.    titl&S  j    OS, 


After  llatenlng  for  sonie  time,  sho  rose,  and  quitted  the 

bouse. 

She  glanced  around  for  her  husband,  and  caught  sight 
af  him  carrying  some  fodder  to  the  horses. 

"Jack,  you  lazy,  drunken  villain."  she  said,  lo  a  gup- 
pressed  voice,  "  come  hero  ! ' 

:i  What  now?"  he  growled.  "What  do  you  want  to 
be  throwing  that  in  my  teeth  for  ever  ?" 

"  You  deserve  it,  you  idle  wretch !  Come  here,  I  say ! 
What  was  that  I  heard  you  talking  about  the  othei  day  ? 
You  know  what  I  mean — about  those  robbers  ?" 

"  What  robbers  ?"  said  the  man,  sulkily,  having  ao- 
parently  paid  but  slight  attention  to  his  wife's  words. 

"  You  know  very  well  what  robbers  without  asking.  I 
mean  Dick  Turpin,  and  all  that  lot." 

"Don't  bother." 

" But  I  shall,  you  idle  sotl  What  reward  d\\  yuu  tell 
me  was  offered  for  them  ?" 

"Why,  somewhere  about  three  thousand  lounds,  1 
fti»k.  But  why  do  you  ask  ?"  he  added,  struct  by  the 
unusual  expression  upon  his  wife's  countenance. 

"Because,"  said  she,  clutching  him  by  tne  arm  so 
tightly  that  her  nails  were  almost  buried  in  the  flesh 
— "because  they  are  all  four  in  the  house  now,  and 
another  mau  with  them,  whom  they  call  Toiu  Davis." 

Having  made  this  communication,  she  released  her 
bold  upon  hei  husband's  arm. 

II-  staggered  hack  aghast  with  surprise. 

"  Blow  .io  you  know,  you  witch  ?"  he  at  last   gasped 

quiet,  fool;  they  will  hear  you  !" 
...  yon  know  it  ?" 

•I  have  been  listening  at  the  door,  and  have  heard 
them  talking 

This  was  so  rational  and  probable  a  source  of  know- 
that  the  man  could  not  utter  another  word. 

11"  >at  down  upon  a  log  hard  by,  aud  rubbed  his  fore- 
head vigorously. 

It  was  more  thau  his  mind  could  take  in  at  once. 

"  N->w,  dolt,"  cried  his  wife,  "  do  you  know  what  you 
must  do  t " 

He  gazwd  blankly  at  her. 

"  Listen  to  me  and  I  will  tell  you,"  she  added.  "  You 
must  make  the  best  of  your  way  to  the  nearest  place 
where  you  are  likely  to  find  any  officers — don't  speak  a 
word  to  anyone  on  the  way,  mind,  or  you  will  lose  the 
reward — then  tell  them  to  come  here." 

"And  perhaps  by  that  time  they  will  have  left." 

"  No  fear  of  that  if  you  make  haste.  They  seem  very 
tired,  and  some  are  actually  going  to  sleep,  so  you  cannot 
have  a  better  chance.  They  are  6ure  to  stay  an  hour  or 
two ;  but  make  as  much  haste  as  you  can." 

Upon  this  the  man  rose  from  his  seat  and  prepared  to 
start. 

Just  then  his  eyes  happened  to  alight  upon  the  horses, 
and  as  they  did  so  his  face  brightened  as  though  he  had 
been  struck  by  a  capital  idea. 

"  Hadn't  I  better  take  one  of  those  horses  ?"  he  said.  "  I 
could  be  back  then  in  half  the  time." 

"  No,  you  fool,"  was  the  reply,  "  you  had  better  do 
nothing  of  the  sort  1  Ten  to  one  if  they  did  not  hear 
you,  and  then  it  will  be  all  up  at  once  ;  and  one  might 
pop  out  while  you  are  away  aud  then  what  could  I  tell 
them  ?  and  besides,  you  have  never  been  across  a  horse's 
back  in  your  life,  you  looby,  a&  how  can  you  ride.  I 
should  like  to  know  ?" 

The  woman's  words  were  poured  out  with  tnat 
particular  amount  of  fluency  for  which  the  feminine 
organs  of  speech  are  so  remarkable. 

The  last  point  seemed  to  settle  the  matter. 

*'  Make  haste,  you  besotted  idiot,"  she  muttered,  "  and 
aever  mind  bothering  your  own  stupid  brains ;  just 
attend  to  me — that  is  all  you  have  to  do!  Be  off,  I  say — 
be  off  without  another  word!" 

With  these  words  ringing  in  his  ears,  the  man  hurried 
off,  while  the  woman,  in  a  perfect  fever,  returned  to  the 
house.  • 

All  was  silent  In  the  inner  room,  <>r  parlour,  as  she 
always  called  it. 

The  fact  was,  the  whole  of  the  party  was  asloep  with 
the  exception  of  Sixteen-String  Jack,  the  pain  of  whose 
wound  prevented  from  slumbering,  therefore  ho  had 
ondertak^n  to  keep  good  watch  and  ward  while  his  com 
Qanioaa  repose.  1  themselves. 


But  even  the  ailenoe  was  not  without  its  effect  on  h^ra. 
for  he  was  greatly  fatigued,  and  every  now  and  then  ha 
dozed  off  for  a  few  moments ;  but  the  intolerable  smart- 
ing of  his  wound  would  make  him  start  awake  again. 

At  length,  desirous  to  shake  off  his  drowsiness,  tie  rosa 
and  gently  opening  the  door,  stepped  out. 

She  woman  no  sooner  saw  him  than  she  speared  over- 
come with  terror. 

Jack  noticed  her  confusion,  but  was  very  far  from  sus- 
pecting the  cause  of  it. 

Passing  out  quickly,  he  made  his  way  to  where  tho 
horses  were  standing. 

The  animals  were  perfectly  safe  and  quiet,  and  ap- 
parently tolerably  comfortable. 

Observing  that  all  the  grass  was  eaten,  he  looked 
around  him  for  the  man,  and  not  seeing  him,  went  back 
towards  the  front  door  of  the  house. 

"  My  good  woman,"  he  said,  "  where  is  your  husband  ?♦ 

"  My  husband,  sir  ?"  she  said,  her  voice  quavering  like 
some  extraordinary  musical  instrument  out  of  tune — "  my 
— my — husband,  sir?" 

"  Fes  !"  said  Jack,  speaking  rather  augrily,  for  hie 
wound  just  then  gavo  him  a  terrific  twinge.  "  Where  ii> 
he?  Where's  he  gone,  I  say  ?  What's  the  matter  with 
you  t     Are  you  struck  dumb  or  what?" 


CHAPTER   MXI. 

THE     HIGHWATMKN     RETURN    TO     THE     KUINS     AND     MKK1 
WITH   A  SURPRISE   OF    AN     UNEXPECTED    CHARACTER. 

How  true  it  is  that  a  guilty  conscience  stands  in  need 
of  no  accuser  ! 

The  woman  jumped  at  once  to  the  conclusion  that 
Jack  had  fathomed  all,  without  pausing  to  think  how 
highly  improbable  it  was-  that  such  should  be  the 
case. 

Her  hesitation  and  confusion  went  far  towards  chang- 
ing suspicion  into  certainty. 

Jack  eyed  her  closely. 

"I — I  am  not  drunk,  sir,"  the  woman  managed  tt, 
articulate  at  last ;  "  but  you  spoke  so  sudden  and  sharp- 
like, that  I  thought  something  must  be  the  mattei,  and 
felt  frightened  " 

JacK  was  only  half  satisfied  with  this  explanation. 

"Where  is  your  husband,  woman?  Why  do  you  not 
answer  me  that  question  ?" 

"1 — I  thought  he  was  outside.  He— he  must  have 
gone  to  look  for  some  more  food  for  the  horses." 

"  It  may  be  so,"  said  Jack,  "  for  they  require  it,  and  I 
was  going  to  tell  him  to  seek  for  some  at  once." 

The  woman  drew  a  long  breath  of  relief. 

Finding  that  her  worst  expectations  had  not  beon 
realised,  she  recovered  her  usual  calmness  and  presence 
of  mind  with  wonderful  rapidity. 

"  Shall  I  go  and  look  for  him,  and  tell  him  what  you 
say  ?     I  daresay  I  can  find  him." 

"  Yes,  do  so.  If  our  horses  are  not  fed  we  can  no: 
complete  our  journey." 

Without  another  word  the  woman  withdrew. 

Jack  stood  at  the  front  door  and  watched  her  take  her 
departure. 

He  was  unable  to  see  ner  for  long,  however,  as  the 
dense  masse*1  of  trees  around  quickly  hid  her  from  his 
view 

How  long  ne  remained  leaning  idly  against  the  door- 
post Sixteen-String  Jack  had  no  conception,  for  ho 
seemed  to  fall  off  into  a  drowsy  half-slumber,  during 
which  he  was  just  conscious  of  where  he  stood  and  nothii.g 
more. 

When  at  length  he  started  up  wide  awake,  he  found 
the  setting  sun  shining  redly  in  his  face. 

**.t  first  he  was  dazzled  and  half  blinded  with  tue 
glare,  but  putting  his  hands  to  his  eyes  to  screen  off  lao 
ardent  rays,  he  perceived  the  woman  approaching. 

She  was  alone. 

"Have  you  found  your  husband?"  Jack  asked,  as  she 
came  nearer. 

"  Yes,"  was  the  reply.  "  All  is  well.  He  will  be  k*re 
in  a  short  time." 

U  Jack  had  known  exactly  how  long  he  had  *.**» 
at  the  door  his  suspicions  would  have  Ltd  $u£ 
force. 


TK»    KNIGHT    OF     TH»     «ruuf 


As  It  ?«  ?>o  tamed  ronnd  And  entered  the  room  where 
fe«  had  lett  his  companions 

The  noise  he  made  in  entering  aroused  them. 

They  all  looked  up  inquiringly. 

"Well,"  said  Dick,  who  was  the  first  to  speak,  "how 
now.  Jack  ?    Is  all  well  ?" 

"I  scarcely  know  how  to  answer  you,"  said  Jack,  in 
a  faint  whisper,  for  the  conviction  irrosistibly  came  over 
him  that  the  woman  was  listening  at  the  door.  "  But 
the  man  has  gone  off  somewhere—  perhaps,  for  aught  I 
know,  to  betray  us." 

"Pooh — pooh,  Jack,"  returned  Turpin,  "there  k  no 
fear  of  that.  How  is  he  to  know  us*  Just  s*U  u.e 
that"  f  i 

Jack  was  silent. 

"  It's  your  wound,"  added  Dick.  u  It  has  tag.  1e  you 
feel  nervous  and  unnecessarily  alarmed.  Sit  down  and 
calm  yourself.  We  will  make  another  levy  upon  the 
provisions  in  this  house,  and  then  we  will  di  part.  By 
then  darkness  will  have  fairly  set  in." 

Bixtcen-String  Jack  was  not,  however,  in  the  tetwt  in- 
clined to  sit  down. 

He  walked  to  the  window  and  looked  out. 

Suddenly  he  uttered  an  exclamation. 

"Look — look  I"  he  ejaculated.  "This  is  just  exactly 
what  I  feared  and  expected." 

"  What— what  ?" 

"  We  are  betrayed  1  Yonder  is  a  troop  of  police 
officers  I  Quick — quick  I  If  we  are  speedy  we  may  be 
able  to  mount  and  ride  away." 

This  intelligence  was  so  startling  and  unexpected,  that 
for  a  second  or  so  it  had  a  paralyzing  influence  upon  all 
present. 

Then  simultaneously  they  rushed  to  the  window,  as 
though  unable  to  credit  the  statement  that  had  just  been 
made  by  Jack. 

One  glance,  however,  served  to  dissipate  every  doubt 

A  troop  of  police  officers  were  just  emerging  from  the 
trees. 

They  did  not  stay  to  count  them;  but  from  the  balk 
if  the  throng  their  numbers  could  not  have  been  mudh, 
if  any,  under  a  dozen. 

They  were  every  one  well  mounted,  and  by  their 
manner  it  was  evident  that  they  were  approaching 
stealthily  in  order  that  they  might  take  the  highwaymen 
all  the  more  by  surprise. 

There  could  be  no  doubt  in  the  minds  of  the  highway- 
men as  to  the  person  by  whom  they  had  been  betrayed,  for 
the  man  was  walking  in  front  of  the  officers,  andjpointiag 
excitedly  in  the  direction  of  the  cottage. 

Dick's  course  of  action  was  decided  upon  in  a  moment. 

"Come,  my  friends,"  he  said;  "I  do  believe  it  is 
possible  for  us  to  get  round  to  the  place  where  our  horses 
stand  without  being  seen  by  these  fellows.  If  so,  we 
shall  be  off  and  away  before  they  are  aware  of  it,  and 
shall  in  consequence  obtain  so  good  a  start  that  by 
nightfall  there  is  every  probability  that  we  shall  elude 
them  altogether." 

"Come  on,  then!"  cried  Tom  King.  "Do  not  let  o« 
waste  another  moment." 

As  he  spoke,  Tom  hastened  to  the  door,  and  pUae£  his 
hand  upon  the  latch. 

In  an  instant  he  discovered  the  door  was  fast 

"  Caged !"  he  shouted.     *'  The  door  is  locked !" 

"Stand  aside,  then  1"  sail  Claude  Duval. 

Tom  did  so,  for  he  guessed  what  his  comrade  was  about 
to  do. 

Gathering  up  all  his  energies,  Claude  Duvnl  rushed 
across  the  room,  and  bore  with  full  foroe  against  the  door 
with  his  shoulder. 

It  turned  out  that  he  put  fortfc  abosi  three  times  as 
much  force  as  was  necessary. 

He  had  not  taken  into  consideration  the  flimsy  con- 
struction of  the  door,  and  the  consequence  was  that  bo 
sooner  did  his  shoulder  strike  against  it  tb»n  it  flew  oocn 
with  great  suddenness. 

Claude  could  not  stop  himself,  and,  inaeed,  before  he 
well  knew  what  had  happened,  he  was  half-way  across 
the  outer  apartment 

In  his  headlong  course  ha  came  in  contact  with  the 
woman,  who  had  not  time  enough  to  get  out  of  the  way. 

Down  she  went,  as  if  struck  by  a  cannon  ball,  and 
down  went  Claude  as  weJl,  after  making  several  futile 
sfioru  to  retain  his  footing 


Despite  the  peril  of  their  position,  our  friends  couW 
not  forbear  a  hearty  burs*  of  laughter  at  this  inci- 
dent 

It  was  clear,  however,  that  the  noise  of  the  scuffle  had 
reached  the  ears  of  the  police  officers,  for  they  could  now 
be  se«.n  coming  across  the  open  space  very  rapidly  in- 
deed. 

'*  Quick  r"  said  Dick   Turpin,  as  he  observed  this  cir- 
cumstance— "quick,  or  we  shall,  after  all,   be  too  late 
Through   yonder  window— that    wil*.    be  the   best  and 
nearest  way.     The  officers  may  aot  sse  us  at  all  until 
after  we  are  mounted.     Quick — quick !" 

Dick  Turpin  set  his  companions  the  example  as  well  as 
issued  his  directions 

Flinging  open  a  small  window,  he  sprang  through  it 
with  remarkable  dexterity,  and  found  himself  close  to 
Black  Bess. 

"Now,  Tom  Davis,"  he  exclaimed,  "come  on!  I 
fancy  you  had  better  share  my  saddle." 

In  less  time  than  anyone  would  have  deemed  pos- 
sible, the  highwaymen  were  all  fairly  seated  in  their 
saddles,  though  a  slight  delay  had  taken  plnce  owing  to 
Sixteen-String  Jack  having  but  one  arm  at  liberty. 

The  police  officers,  however,  must  have  guessed  the 
highwaymen's  design,  for  they  came  galloping  up  at  full 
speed,  and,  despite  all  the  expedition  our  friends  had 
used,  they  found  themselves  threatened  with  a  hand- 
to-hand  encounter. 

This  was  by  no  means  what  they  desired,  and  no 
sooner  had  Dick  seen  that  Jack  was  safely  seated  in  the 
saddle  than  he  gave  the  word  for  an  immediate  rush. 

This  was  obeyed,  though  the  officers  set  up  a  loud 
shout,  in  which  the  word  "Surrender!"  could  be  de- 
tected. 

Not  the  least  notice  was  taken  of  it  by  the  highway- 
men, however,  who  bent  all  their  energies    to    get  clear  . 
from  the  present  embarrassing  situation. 

Finding  no  regard  paid  to  them,  the  officers  discharged 
a  volley  from  their  pistols,  and  set  off  in  immediate  pur- 
suit. 

The  first  act  was  a  very  thoughtless  and  inconsiderate 
one,  but  it  was  performed  upon  the  impulse  of  the  mo- 
ment 

When  the  pistols  were  discharged  the  fugitives  were, 
well  out  of  range. 

Consequently  no  harm  was  done. 

It  was  fortunate  that  the  trees  grew  so  close  at  hand, 
for  Dick  was  thus  enabled  to  get  himself  and  his  comrades 
out  of  sight  of  their  pursuers  almost  immediately- 
Still,  he  was  careful  not  to  penetrate  too  deeply  into 
the  recesses  of  the  trees,  lest  they  should  suddenly  en- 
counter some  obstacle  to  their  progress. 

The  police  officers,  however,  were  by  far  too  resolute 
and  too  close  behind  them  to  be  shaken  off  very  easily  or 
rapidly. 

Dick  Turpin  nevertheless  experienced  but  a  slight 
amount  of  uneasiness. 

Every  moment  the  shades  of  evening  grew  darker  and 
darker,  for  by  this  time  the  sun  had  dipped  below  the 
horizon. 

In  a  short  time,  however,  the  confines  of  the  wood 
were  reached,  and  a  vast  extent  of  open  country  lay 
spread  out  before  them. 

Dick  paused  a  moment  iQ  order  to  allow  Tom  Davis  to 
change  to  Tom  King's  horse. 

The  officers  oould  not  be  very  far  in  the  rear,  but  at 
present  the  trees  hid  them  trom  sight,  while  the  soft 
turf  which  was  growing  everywhere  prevented  the  hoof- 
beats  of  their  horses  from  being  heard. 

"I  think  the  best  plan  now  will  be  to  push  on  with  all 
the  speed  our  horses  are  capable  of  making,"  said  Dick 
Turpin.  "  And,  if  we  are  careful  to  make  a  considerable 
detour,  I  believe  we  shall  be  able  to  reach  the  ruins  un- 
perceived,  while  the  period  of  our  arrival  need  not  h» 
later  than  midnight" 

'  As  you  like,  captain — you  ouali  decide." 

"Forward,  then !''  cried  Dick,  without  another  second's 
hesitation 

It  was  perfectly  certain,  thoug'i,  that,  let  them  use 
what  speed  they  might,  it  would  be  impossible  to  get  so 
far  away  as  to  be  out  of  sight  of  the  officers,  who  they 
expected  each  moment  to  see  make  their  appearance 
among  the  trees. 

The  speed  at  which  our  friends  started  ou    howa^ai 


1699 


SLACK    BX8S  ;    OB. 


was  such  that  in  a  very  little  while  they  got  over  a  great 
deal  of  ground. 

Looking  back,  however,  Dick  perceived  that  the 
officers  had  by  no  means  abandoned  the  chase,  nor  did 
they  show  any  indications  of  being  about  to  cease  their 
endeavours. 

That  they  would  be  able  to  come  up  with  our  friends 
was  most  unlikely,  however,  for  almost  at  each  moment 
it  could  be  seen  that  the  distance  between  them  b-vl 
increased. 

As  they  journeyed  thus  rapidly  awdg  that  feeling  of 
uneasiness  and  impatience  to  which  we  ha$v  before 
adverted  again  filled  Dick's  breast,  and  this  time  the 
intensity  of  the  feeling  was  increased  tenfold. 

His  imagination  busily  suggested  a  thousand  arils 
which  might  have  happened  in  his  absence,  and  as  he 
went  the  presentiment  of  some  great  grief  and  danger  in 
store  pressed  more  and  atore  heavily  upon  his  spirits. 

In  vain  he  tried,  as  before,  to  banish  thes>  sensa- 
tions. 

They  seemed  to  laugh  at  all  his  efforts. 

In  such  a  state  of  mind  as  we  have  faintly  and  im- 
perfectly described  the  rapid  motion  was  a  relief  rather 
than  otherwise,  though  to  his  feverish  mind  the  speed  at 
which  they  went  seemed  tediously  and  insufferably 
slow. 

The  desire  to  reach  the  ruins  with  as  little  delay  as 
might  be  caused  him  not  to  make  so  considerable  a 
detour  as  he  had  at  first  proposed,  although  by  doing  so, 
as  he  was  well  aware,  he  voluntarily  courted  danger. 

His  comrades  noticed  the  change  in  his  course  with 
some  surprise;  but  they  had  undertaken  to  leave  the 
carrying  out  of  the  affair  in  his  hands,  and  they  had  so 
high  an  opinion  of  his  abilities  in  such  a  matter  that  they 
never  once  for  a  moment  thought  of  making  any  com- 
ment upon  it. 

The  pursuing  officers  were  by  this  time  completely 
out-distanced,  and  this  circumstance  made  a  great  differ- 
ence. 

In  the  midst  of  all  his  terrible  forebodings,  Dick  did  not 
forget  what  he  had  overheard  respecting  the  roads  being 
watched,  in  order  that  he  might  be  intercepted,  and  there- 
fore, to  guard  against  any  possibility  of  coming  into 
collision  with  his  foes,  he  directed  his  course  in  such  a 
manner  that  the  ruins  were  left  considerably  on  his  right 
hand. 

He  rode  on, bending  round  slightly,  and  at  length,  with 
a  sigh  of  relief,  made  his  way  in  a  direct  line  to  the  place 
he  wished  to  reach,  though,  as  well  as  he  understood,  he 
approached  in  precisely  the  opposite  direction  to  what  be 
expected. 

He  congratulated  himself  upon  having  adopted  this 
course,  for  they  met  with  no  opposition  whatever. 

They  did  not  so  much  as  catch  sight  of  a  single  living 
being. 

But  as  he  drew  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  ruins,  instead 
of  increasing  his  pace  in  order  that  he  might  all  the 
sooner  put  an  end  to  the  suspense  he  had  been  so  long 
enduring,  an  unaccountable  feeling  made  him  tighten  his 
hold  upon  the  rein,  until  Black  Bess's  speed  was  reduced 
to  a  walk. 

He  did  not  attempt  to  analyse  this  feeling,  but  he 
seemed  irresistibly  impelled  to  act  in  the  manner  we  have 
described 

"Hullo  I"  eaid  Tom  King,  pressing  forward  a  little. 
"What  is  the  matter,  captain?  Why  are  you  pulling 
op?" 

Just  as  he  spoke  he  happened  to  catch  sight  of  Dtck'a 
countenance. 

He  was  so  struck  by  its  aspect  that  he  immediately 
added: 

"  Why,  what  on  earth  is  thfc  matter,  W>rf  ?  You  seem 
as  though  you  had  seen  a  ghost  I  Can  it  be  possible  *hat 
you  are  hurt?" 

"  No — no,  Tom,  it  is  not  that.  I  am  almost  ashamed 
to  confess  it ;  but  if  you  will  believo,  my  heart  is  so 
heavily  oppressed  that  it  seems  as  though  it  would  weigh 
me  down. 

"But  what  is  the  ow-se,  captain?"  asked  Claude 
Duval,  who  was  close  enough  behind  to  overhear  what 
had  passed. 

"  I  fear  that — that  while  we  have  been  away  some  great 
calamity  has  happened,  of  what  nature  I  cannot  even 
guana;  cut  so  strongly  has  the  presentiment  taken  hold 


of  me  that  I  positively  dread  to  approach  any  nearer, 
because — because  I  feei  some  terrible  discovery  awaits 
me." 

"  Why,  Dick,"  said  Tom  King,  after  a  long  pause,  for, 
to  tell  the  truth,  he  scarcely  knew  how  to  reply,  "  I 
thought  you  were  one  never  troubled  by  any  such 
fancies." 

"  Fancfe-or  not,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack,  "  I  should 
be  the  last  to  disregard  them.  Still,  let  us  approach. 
Knowing  the  worst  will  not  be  60  bad  as  this  state  oi 
terrible  suspense,  with  our  suspicions  suggesting  all 
manner  of  terrible  occurrences." 

"Jack  says  rightly,"  observed  Claude.  "  Oome,  Dick, 
shake  off  tLis  heaviness — let  us  approach." 

Thus  urged,  Dick  Turpin  once  more  pushed  Black  Bess 
forwards  at  a  better  speed. 

There  was  one  spot  where,  on  nearly  every  occasion 
when  they  returned,  they  had  found  Jack  the  ostler  waiU 
iug  for  them. 

It  was  a  kind  of  out-post  in  the  ruins,  from  which  a 
view  of  considerable  extent  could  be  obtained. 

This  time  he  was  not  to  be  seen. 

His  absence  struck  a  chill  to  the  breasts  of  everyone — it 
seemed  so  like  a  confirmation  of  Dick's  forebodings. 

It  was  a  moment  before  anyone  could  speak,  and  then 
Dick  said : 

"How  strauge  it  is  that  Jack  Ostler  is  not  here  to  meet 
us  as  usual !" 

His  voice  was  unsteady  and  constrained. 

"  It  is,"  returned  Tom ;  "  but  push  on.  It  may  be  that 
Maud  feels  disinclined  to  remain  alone  in  the  ruins." 

Dick  shook  his  head  at  this  supposition. 

He  knew  full  well  that  Maud's  anxiety  would  be  equal 
to,  if  not  greater,  than  his  own. 

So  far  from  making  any  such  excuse,  he  thought  she 
would  be  the  first  to  place  herself  at  the  nearest  point, 
and  watch  untiringly  for  his  return. 

With  a  thousand  more  apprehensions  than  before,  Dick 
continued  on  his  way. 

By  this  time  his  apprehensions  were  fully  shared  in  by 
his  companions,  so  highly  contagious  is  everything 
resembling  fear. 

It  might  have  been  fancy  in  a  great  measure,  and  yet  to 
them  it  seemed  as  though  there  was  an  unusual  air  of 
desolation  pervading  the  place — 

A  desolation  and  silence  which  they  had  never  before 
notice  d. 

A  few  minutes  brought  them  to  the  courtyard,  where, 
at  least,  Dick  felt  oertain  Maud  would  be  watching  fee 
his  arrival. 

But  this  spot  seemed  even  more  silent  and  deserted 
than  elsewhere. 

Without  a  word,  Dick  alighted  from  his  steed. 

He  did  not  speak,  but  all  co^ld  see  how  deeply  his 
heart  was  moved,  and  they  knew  IbaJ  such  feelings  as  he 
then  experienced  could  not  be  expressed  in  words. 

Silently,  then,  they  too  followed  his  example. 

At  length,  in  a  faltering  voice,  Tom  ventured  to  sug- 
gest that  both  Maud  and  Jack  had  for  a  short  time 
descended  into  the  secret  chamber. 

Dick  shook  his  head. 

"That  is  a  point  soon  enough  ascertained,"  satd  Dick. 
"  Follow  me.'* 

"Shall  we  lead  the  horses  after  us,  or  leave  them 
here?" 

"Better  leave  them  here.  They  are  familiar  enough 
with  the  place  not  to  stray  away.  If  it  turns  out  as  you 
suggest,  they  will  quickly  be  attended  to." 

From  this  r pooch  it  was  evident  that  Dick  Turpin  was 
doing  his  best  to  cheat  himself  into  the  belief  that  Tom 
King's  suggestion  was  likely  to  prove  correct. 

The  horses  were  released,"  though  no  attempt  was  made 
to  remove  any  of  their  trappings. 

The  animals  justified  the  remark  that  bad  beer, 
made.  <  * 

They  were  familiar  with  tne  place,  and  showed  no 
disposition  to  stray  off. 

Indeed,  Black  Bess  seemed  more  than  half  inclined  » 
follow  at  her  master's  heels ;  but  after  going  a  little 
distance  she,  at  a  word  from  him,  came  to  a  halt. 

In  perfect  sibmce,  then,  and  with  heavy,  slow,  linger- 
ing footsteps,  the  highwaymen  made  their  way  in  the 
direction  of  the  entrance  to  the  subterraneous  apart- 
ment. 


THB    KNIGHT  OF  THB  ROAS. 


1«W 


To  reach  it  took  them  little  more  than  a  moment. 

The  aperture  was  not  closed,  and  this  discovery  caused 
%  thrill  of  delight  to  shoot  through  their  frames,  tor  it  did 
indeod  seem  as  though  Maud  and  Jack  the  ostler  were 
below 

'"It's  all  right,"  said  Tom.  "Go  on,  Dick;  you  nad 
better  be  the  first.  They  will  be  surprised  at  our  return  ;! 
rely  upon  ik  they  did  not  expect  us  back  so  soon." 

"  Maud— Maud!"  cried  Dick,  as  he  began  to  descend. 
"  Maud — Maud,  speak  to  me — let  me  hear  your  voice ! 
Maud,  I  say !    I  have  returned  in  safety  and  uDhurt !" 

Dick  paused. 

His  heart  beat  violently. 

A  cold  perspiration  started  forth  in  large  drops  upon 
his  forehead,  while  he  gasped  painfully  and  laboriously 
for  breath,  as  though  his  lungs  had  suddenly  refused  to 
perform  their  proper  functions. 

"Good  heavens!"  he  exclaimed,  his  voice  se6?:ing 
rather  to  burst  from  his  lips  than  to  be  a  natural  articula- 
tion. "  What  can  be  the  meaning  of  this  ?  What — oh, 
what  can  have  happened?" 

"  Descend— descend !"  cried  Claude  Duval.  "Be  quick  I 
We  can  ascertain  nothing  here ;  or  stand  aside,  if  you 
would  rather,  and  I  will  go  first  and  lead  the  way." 

"  No — no !"  groaned  Dick,  while  they  could  see  that  he 
trembled  from  head  to  foot  like  an  aspen.  "  My  worst 
forebodings  are  now  realised !  This  was  the  direction  in 
which  all  my  ghastly  fears  pointed !  Alas ! — alas  ! — 
what  is  to  be  done  ?" 

"  Descend — descend !"  said  Tom  King,  in  a  scarcely 
less  agitated  voice  than  that  of  his  leader. 

His  injunction  was  complied  with. 

The  whole  party  slowly  descended  the  flight  of  steps, 
and  with  faltering  steps  made  their  way  along  the 
passage. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that,  with  a  triumphant  shout,  or 
rather  yell,  of  exultation,  an  officer  dashed  round  from 
one  of  the  corners  of  the  ruins,  where  evidently  he  had 
been  in  hiding. 

He  was  followed  quickly  by  a  dense  throng  of  others, 
who  exhibited  scarcely  less  frantic  demonstrations  of  ex- 
citement than  himself. 

They  clustered  round  the  entrance  to  the  under- 
ground apartment. 

Then  the  first,  who  was  no  other  than  Bishop  the 
police  officer,  threw  his  hands  up  above  his  head  and 
screamed  aloud : 

"  Caged— caged !  I  knew  it  would  be  done !  Ha,  ha  ! 
Ha,  iha !  Earthed — earthed — run  to  earth  I  I  told  you 
so 1    Caught — caught !    Caught  at  last '" 

CHAPTER   MXIL 

EXPLAINS  THE  APPEARANCE  OF  THE    POUCE  OFFICERS 
AT  THE  RUINS. 

To  explain  the  mysterious  disappearance  of  Maud  and 
Jack  the  ostler,  and  the  no  less  mysterious  appearance  of 
Bishop  and  a  troop  of  officers,  it  will  be  necessary  to  go 
back  and  relate  sequentially  what  took  place  at  the  castle 
ruins  after  the  departure  of  Dick  Turpin  and  his  com- 
rades 

We  have  said  already  that  Maud  stood  and  gazed  after 
her  husband  until  the  stonework  hid  him  from  her  sight. 

But  she  continued  to  gaze  long  after  that,  for  in  fancy 
he  was  yet  present  to  her  vision. 

Jack  Ostler  withdrew  to  a  distance,  leaving  her  to  her- 
self. 

When  afterwards  she  came  to  give  an  account  of  what 
had  happened,  she  was  unable  to  give  anything  like  a 
clew  idea  of  how  long  she  might  have  remained  in  this 
position. 

Her  thoughts  wandered,  and  she  gave  herself  up  to  a 
kind  of  waking  day-dream. 

8he  was  longing  for  the  time  when  Dick  voild  leave 
England  with  her,  and  when  there  would  succeed  to  this 
turbulent  career  a  period  of  peace  and  rest. 

Suddenly,  however,  her  attention  was  aroused  by  a 
sound  which  instantly  put  all  hex  dreams  to  flight. 

It  was  only  by  the  exercise  of  the  greatest'  lf-control 
that  she  was  able  to  suppress  a  shriek. 

The  sound  which  struck  upon  her  ear  was  the  one 
above  all  others  to  cause  her  the  most  alarm. 

It  was  a  human  voice. 


At  first  she  might  have  been  incredulous,  but  soon 
there  was  no  room  left  for  the  least  amount  of  doubt. 

The  sound  of  voices  continued,  and  Maud  quickly  be- 
came conscious  that  more  than  one  person  was  epfoach- 
ing  the  ruins. 

How  many  more  she  could  not  estimate. 

Hsr  heas  t  fairly  stood  still. 

The  feeling  was  an  awful  one 

In  vain  she  tried  to  draw  her  breath 

In  vain  she  strove  to  move. 

Then  sli6  became  conscious  that  she  was  about  to  fall 
;nto  a  swoon. 

This  knowledge  enabled  her  by  a  sudden  effort  to  re- 
gain possession  over  her  almost  paralysed  faculties. 

It  was  just  as  she  thus  recollected  herself  that  she 
found  Jack  the  ostler  was  standing  by  her  side. 

Eis  presence  was  to  her  a  source  of  infinite  relief,  for 
she  had  just  been  assuring  herself  that  it  was  necessary 
for  her  to  set  out  in  quest  of  him. 

Jack  placed  his  fingers  to  his  lips,  in  token  of  silence. 

Then,  in  the  faintest  possible  whisper,  he  murmured  : 

"Don't  be  alarmed,  but  strangers  have  entered  the 
ruins." 

Maud  nodded,  and  by  her  manner  signified  to  him  that 
she  was  already  acquainted  with  the  fact. 

"  There's  three  of  them,"  he  continued,  in  the  same 
cautious  tones,  "  and  what  they  want  I  cannot  imagine." 

"  They — they — are  not        "  gasped  Maud. 

"No— no,"  answered  the  ostler,  without  waiting  for 
her  to  complete  her  question — "they  are  not  police 
officers." 

Maud  involuntarily  gasped : 

"  Thank  Heaven !" 

The  knowledge  that  these  new-comers  were  not  police 
officers  had  a  wonderfully  reassuring  effect  upon  her. 

"  Who  can  they  be,  then  ?"  she  murmured.  "  What 
can  they  want  here  ?" 

Jack  shook  his  head. 

"  It  will  be  best  not  to  talk,  miss,"  he  said — he  always 
called  Maud  "Miss" — "we  may  be  overheard.  Look 
there  I" 

He  pointed  across  the  ruins  as  he  spoke. 

Maud  looked  in  the  direction  in  which  he  pointed,  and 
then  saw  three  persons  come  into  view. 

One  walked  in  advance  of  the  other  two,  and  by  his 
costume  it  could  be  seen  that  he  belonged  to  a  higher 
grade  of  society  than  they  did,  while  their  manner  showed 
that  they  were  ready  to  do  his  bidding  in  anything  that 
he  required. 

The  first  one  came  very  near  to  the  spot  where  Maud 
and  Jack  Ostler  were  concealed. 

Indeed,  they  had  to  shrink  back  very  closely  into  the 
shadow  of  an  abutment  to  escape  detection. 

Even  then  they  would  have  been  in  great  danger  of 
being  seen  but  for  the  obscurity  which  prevailed,  and 
which  seemed  to  increase  rapidly  every  moment. 

The  gentleman — for  such  by  his  attire  he  seemed  to  be 
— paused,  and  raising  one  arm,  pointed  towards  the  keep. 

"  There  can  be  no  doubt  this  is  the  place,"  he  said — 
"  not  the  least  doubt  in  the  world ;  but  if  I  had  known  it 
was  such  a  devilish  long  way  off,  I  should  have  waited 
till  the  morning." 

"  What  is  to  be  done,  then,  sir  ?"  asked  one  of  the  men, 
in  a  respectful  voice. 

"  Done  ?— why,  nothing  at  all  can  be  done  to-night— 
that  is  the  worst  of  it." 

"  Shall  we  go  back,  sir?"  asked  the  one  who  had  before 
spoken. 

"  Wait  a  moment — I  will  think." 

The  stranger  appeared  to  consider  carefully  for  a 
minute  or  two,  and  then  he  replied  ■ 

"  My  orders  were,  not  to  leave  this  place  until  my  tasfc 
is  completed ;  but,  as  I  said  before,  it  is  no  use  attempt- 
ing to  commence  to-night.  Tou  two  shall  stay  here. 
however,  and  make  yourselves  as  comfortable  as  you  can, 
and  I  trill  ride  on  to  the  next  village,  and  try  if  I  can 
find  any  accommodation  at  an  inn.' 

By  the  expression  upon  the  countenances  of  the  two 
men,  it  was  quite  evident  that  they  by  no  means  relished 
this  proposition ;  but  they  were  too  much  under  the  sub- 
jection of  the  stranger  to  utter  even  a  word  by  way  oi 
remonstrance. 

By  tne  way  the  gentleman  spoke  it  was  clear  that  ha 
,  intended  to  seek  accommodation  for  himself  only. 


1694 


BLACK    BESS;    OB, 


"  You  quite  understand,"  he  added.  "  On  no  account 
•re  you  to  quit  these  ruins  even  for  a  moment,  and  wait 
here  till  my  return.  I  will  be  here  by  daybreak  in  the 
saorning,  and  don't  you  stir  till  then — you  know  what 
the  consequences  will  be  if  you  disregard  my  injunctions. 
You  have  some  provisions,  so  make  yourselves  as  com- 
fortable as  you  can." 

"  And  the  horses,  sir  ?" 

"Oh,  they  will  be  right  enough — there  is  plenty  of 
good  grass  about.     Above  all,  iniud  what  I  have  said." 

With  these  words  the  gentleman  turned  on  his  beels 
and  departed. 

The  men  looked  after  him  Tory  sullenly,  and  &s  soon  as 
ever  he  was  out  of  sight,  one  said : 

"Curse  me,  Isaac,  if  I  like  this  job !" 

"Nor,  I,"  was  the  answer  given  by  the  other .  ;iit  was 
a  fool's  trick  to  start  so  late  from  London." 

"  We  had  better  have  come  in  the  morning  that'*  <wr- 
tain." 

"  We  must  grin  and  abide  by  it,  mate,  I  suppose." 

"Come  further  into  the  place,  then.  Lei  us  have  a 
good  look  all  ovor  it  first  of  all.  It  will  serve  to  pais  the 
time  away." 

The  other  assented,  and  the  pa!"  passed  on  into  tho 
courtyard,  going  so  close  to  Maud  and  the  ostler  in  doing 
so  that  it  is  a  thousand  wonders  a  discovery  was  not 
made. 

Jack  waited  a  moment  or  so  after  they  had  disappeared 
before  he  ventured  to  speak. 

Then  he  said : 

"  I  can't  think  who  they  are,  miss,  nor  what  they  want 
here.     It  bothers  me  entirely." 

"Alas,"  replied  Maud,  "I  fear  we  shall  be  no  longer 
able  to  find  a  shelter  within  these  crumbling  walls.  The 
Dne  who  announced  his  intention  of  returning  by  day- 
break seems  to  me  to  have  some  authority — perhaps  he  is 
the  owner  of  the  property." 

"That's  very  likely,"  said  Jack.  "I  never  happonod 
to  think  of  that;  but  in  the  meantime,  miss,  what  are  we 
to  do  ?" 

"  Alas,  I  know  not 1" 

"  Don't  be  down,  miss — don't  be  down.  If  we  think  a 
little  while  we  are  sure  to  be  right." 

Jack's  confident  and  cheerful  manner  was  not  without 
its  effect  upon  Maud. 

"  I'll  tell  you  what,"  Jack  continued.  "  I  can  give 
these  chaps  a  regular  fright,  and  perhaps  scare  them  off 
in  that  way." 

Maud  shook  her  head. 

"  That  won't  answer.  Jack,  because  they  would  come 
again  in  the  morning." 

"  True — true,  we  should  be  no  gainers  in  iheead,  I  can 
see." 

Jack  scratched  his  head  with  a  puzzled  air. 

"  It  seems  to  me,"  said  Maud,  after  a  brief  panso,  and 
her  heart  beat  hard  and  fast  as  she  spoke — "  it  seems  to 
me  that  the  only  course  opon  to  us  is  to  follow  them  to 
Greenwich." 

Jack  looked  very  grave  at  this  proposition. 

"  It  would  be  running  a  very  great  danger,"  he  said  ; 
"perhaps  we  might  get  the  captain  and  the  rest  into 
trouble." 

"  Yes ;  but  it  will  not  do  to  let  them  arrive  here  while 
these  strangers  are  here.     They  would  be  discovered." 

"  True  again,"  said  Jack,  who  was  now  quita  unable 
to  see  his  way  out  of  the  difficulty. 

While  in  this  state  of  indecision  his  attention  was  Jis  • 
tracted  by  another  sound. 

This  was  most  unmistakably  the  trampling  of  horses' 
feet,  and  of  a  considerable  number. 

They  came  nearer  each  moment. 

"Fresh  arrivals,"  said  Jack,  as  he  passed  his  hand  over 
his  face.    "  Sure,  the  place  must  be  bewitched." 

Maud  trembled  and  turned  very  pale. 

"  Who  can  these  be  ?"  she  gasped.  "  Sursly  they  have 
not  returned  already." 

"  No— no,  they  are  not  back— besides,  1  asm  fcear  at 
least  a  dozen  horses." 

"A  doeen?" 

"Yes.    Hush— hush!" 

The  horsemen  were  now  very  olose  at  hsa.^ 

It  was  quite  evident  that  the  ruined  castla  wan  t&oii- 
destination. 

iu  aether  moment  they  came  into  sijrht 


Their  arrival  had  been  heard  by  the  two  men.  (or  they 
came  out  into  the  open  space  again  with  tneir  oo»e&> 
tenances  wearing  an  expression  of  the  utmost  sur» 
pi  be 

The  new-comer»  were  police  officers,  and  they  num- 
bered something  like  a  dozen. 

"  Surrender — surrender !"  they  cried,  as  soon  as  the? 
aaught  sight  of  the  two  men.  "  Surrender,  if  you  wish 
your  lives  to  be  spared ! " 

"  We  have  no  intention  of  resisting,"  said  one  of  the 
men.    "  What  on  earth  do  you  want  with  us  ?" 

"  Well,  curse  me,  that's  cool  I  Seize  them,  my  lads- 
seize  them !" 

"  Perhaps  you  will  first  of  all  be  kind  enough  to  ehov 
me  your  warrant?" 

"  Wan-ant  ?  the  idea  of  such  a  thing  1"  said  the  chief 
officer,  who  was  no  other  than  Bishop.  "  Well — well,  I 
uaver  heard  a  richer  thing  than  that  in  my  life — never  !" 

"  You  are  all  mad  or  drunk,"  said  the  other  man,  "  or 
labouring  under  some  strange  mistake  or  other !" 

"  Nothing  of  the  kind  !     Seize  them  I" 

The  order  was  promptly  obeyed,  for  the  men  nev?r 
offered  to  make  the  least  resistance. 

"  Now,  then,  out  with  your  lanterns." 

Bishop  fully  believed  that  he  had  made  an  important 
capture,  but  the  coolness  of  these  men,  and  the  quiet  way 
in  which  they  surrendered,  caused  hira  to  have  his 
doubts. 

For  this  reason  he  called  for  the  lanterns. 

They  were  quickly  produced. 

Long  and  earnest  was  the  scrutiny  bestowed  upon 
Hhese  two  men,  and  in  the  end,  though  most  unwillingly, 
Bishop  was  obliged  to  admit  that  he  was  very  far  in- 
deed from  having  made  the  important  capture  he  had 
imagined. 

"  Perhaps,"  said  the  man  who  had  previously  spoken 
— "  perhaps  now  you  will  be  good  enough  to  explain  all 
this  ?     Pray,  who  did  you  take  us  for?" 

His  manner  irritated  Bishop  excessively,  and  therefore, 
with  ill-suppressed  rage,  he  cried : 

"  You  may  consider  yourselves  in  custody.  Keep  then 
secure,  my  men !  Your  presence  at  this  hour  in  this 
place  is  sufficiently  suspicious  to  warrant  me  in  taking 
you  prisoners." 

"  Oh,  is  it  ?"  said  the  man,  sarcastically.  "  I  have  al- 
ways heard  that  police  officers  were  promoted  and  placed 
in  command  in  proportion  as  they  showed  themselves 
blundering  and  incompetent.  I  believe  it  now,  and  what 
is  more,  I  am  sure  your  talents  fit  you  for  the  highest 
position  in  the  force." 

Bishop  ground  his  teeth  with  rage — indeed,  his  anger 
was  so  great  that  it  stifled  him. 

Had  his  life  depended  upon  it  he  could  not  have  uttered 
a  syllable. 

The  man  continued : 

"You  will  please  understand  that  we  are  here  by  the 
express  commands  of  the  Lord  Chancellor,  whose  express 
commands  to  us  were  that  wo  were  to  take  up  our 
quarters  here,  and  on.  no  account  to  leave — even  for  a 
moment.  If  you  don't  like  to  believe  us  you  can  run  the 
risk  of  not  doing  so.  The  Chancellor's  private  secretary 
is  now  at  the  inn  in  the  next  village.  He  will  be  here 
again  at  daybreak.  H  you  remove  us  from  here  you  will 
forfeit  your  place,  for  not  even  ten  times  the  amount  of 
stupidity  you  possess  would  save  you." 

There  was  something  so  clear  and  distinct  in  this  man's 
voice — somethiug  so  calm  a:id  unruffled  in  his  demeanour, 
that  every  word  he  uttered  carried  an  impression  of 
truth  along  with  it. 

There  was  not  one  of  the  officers — even  including 
Bishop — but  what  was  compelled  into  belief. 

The  latter  a.t  length  comiranded  himself  sufficiently 
to  speak. 

"  What  you  say  may  or  may  not  bo  true,  but  we  have 
information  that  four  highwaymen  have  been  seen  in  this 
vicinity,  and  your  looks  are  such  as  to  raise  suspicion  in 
anyone's  mind." 

Bishop  felt  he  had  his  antagonist  thore,  for  the  niau's 
outward  appearance  was  certainly  most  unprepossess- 
ing. 

"That  may  be,"  was  the  answer,  "but  if  they  locked 
people  up  on  account  of  their  looks  you  would  never  b» 
out  of  jail." 

"  Come — eoma,"  said  Bishop,  biting  his  lips  and  enr*** 


I'HB    KJUOHT   OF  1'HB    BOAU. 


■oaring  to  aseame  a  calmness  that  he  was  far  from  feeling, 
"  let  vie  have  no  more  of  this.  At  the  least  I  consider 
you  ought  to  give  a  more  satisfactory  account  of  your- 
selves than  you  have  yet  done." 

"  I  don't  know  what  more  you  can  want.  I  can  only 
say  that  you  will  find  every  word  we  have  uttered  per- 
fectlv  true." 

"  Tell  him,"  said  the  other—"  tell  him  all,  or  W3  shall 
have  no  peace." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  the  man,  "  since  you  must  kn  jw, 
this  property  belongs — or  rather  did  belong,  for  he's  dead 
now— to  Lord  Comynge.  His  daughter,  a  little  girl,  is 
now  a  ward  in  Chancery.  Her  uncle,  who  has  for  sense 
time  been  known  as  Lord  Comynge,  is  accuasd  of  attempt- 
ing to  murder  his  niece." 

"  Yes,"  said  Bishop,  interrupting  him.  M I  hive  Heard 
something  of  this  before." 

"Perhaps  you  have  heard  all,  in  which  case  L  may  as 
well  save  myself  the  trouble  of  talking  as  not." 

"  No — no.     Go  on,  I  beg." 

"  In  the  morning  we  are  to  make  a  thorough  seaK,  « Jl 
over  these  ruins." 

"  What  for  ?" 

"  Ah,  that's  just  what  we  don't  know." 

"  It  seems  like  a  matter  in  which  police  officers  ought 
to  be  employed.'* 

"  But  you  see,"  replied  the  man,  maliciously,  "  the 
Lord  Chancellor  happens  to  be  of  a  precisely  opposite 
opinion." 

Bishop  could  make  no  reply  to  this  hit,  so  he  turned 
the  conversation. 

With  an  affectation  of  great  communicativeness  he  ex- 
claimed: 

'•  The  reason  why  we  are  here  is,  that  from  informa- 
tion we  have  received,  we  believe  Dick  TurpLn  and  his 
gang  have  been  secreting  themselves  somewhere  in  this 
neighbourhood,  and  this  ruined  castle  struck  is  as  being 
the  most  likely  place." 

Upon  hearing  these  words,  the  two  met-  dxchanged 
significant  glances. 

Bishop's  eyes  were  keen  enough  to  perce  re  it,  *>  he  at 
once  said : 

"  You  know  something  of  this." 

•'Well,  it  is  not  much,  but  from  the  look  of  the  inside 
of  the  place  I  should  say  there  have  been  several  horses 
here  for  a  length  of  time." 

u  Are  they  here  now  ?" 

"  No,  and  I  don't  believe  anyone  else  is,  for  we  liave 
had  a  good  look  around." 

Bishop  considered  for  some  time  in  silence. 

At  last  he  said : 

"  Let  me  enter  and  have  a  look,  I  shall  then  be  able  to 
judge  for  myself." 

With  these  words,  Bishop  and  his  companions  followed 
the  two  men  into  the  interior  of  the  ruins. 

It  needed  only  a  glance  to  convince  the  police  officers 
that  horses  had  been  there,  and  very  lately. 

"We  are  on  the  scent  at  last,"  he  cried,  in  an  exultant 
voice.  "  Do  you  know  we  have  been  quite  at  a  loss  where 
to  look,  although  we  have  known  them  to  be  in  hiding 
somewhere." 

"But  I  rather  think  the  scent  is  cold,"  said  the  man 
Isaac. 

"  I  don't  believe  they  have  left  here  yet,"  o_M  Bishop, 
confidently. 

"Why  not?" 

"  Because  they  would  never  quit  such  a  place  a<  shelter 
unless  driven  from  it." 

"  Then  you  think  they  will  return  ?" 

•'Undoubtedly.    Depend  upon  it,  they  are  cut  upon 
some  expedition,   and  will  return   here    towards    day- 
break." 
«•     "There  is  a  good  reward  offered   for  their  captor*  h 
there  not  ?"  asked  Isaac's  companion. 

"  Yes,   very  good,"  said  Bishop.     "  And,  if  you  like, 
we  will  share  your  watch  in  this  place,  and  you  shall  take 
an  equal  share  of  the  reward  with  the  rest." 
"  Providing  we  are  successful  ?" 

' '  ?es,  of  course ;  but  1  don't  feel  very  do-ab*ra'  IKta 
time." 

■'  Well,  we  agree,"  repKed  Isaac,  after  a  ori(  I  wfc**- 
g«red  conference  with  his  companion 

"Very  well,  then ;  we  will  say  that  is  settled." 
'Tea,  quite*" 


"  Yon  say  there  is  no  one  in    the  rutins  but   e*s 

selves?" 

"  No  one  but  ourselves,  though,  depend  upon  it,  we 
have  yet  some  discoveries  to  make." 
What  is  your  meaning  ?" 

•'  Why,  you  don't  suppose  these  fellows  kept  out  oi 
doors  all  the  time,  do  you  ?  No.  no — rely  upon  it  there  is 
some  chamber  or  such-like  place  where  they  could  make 
themselves  tolerably  comfortable." 

"Of  course  not,"  said  Bishop  "1  wonder  I  did  not 
think  of  that." 

"  So  do  I,"  said  Isaac,  in  his  asual  sarcastic  manner. 
"  However,  let  us  set  about  it." 

The  police  officers  were  by  no  means  loth  to  comply 
with  this  proposition. 

In  one  throng  the  wholo  party  passed  into  the  recesses 
of  the  ruins,  and,  after  dispersing  themselves,  they  after 
a  brief  search  discovered  the  entrance  to  the  subter- 
raneous chamber. 

Indeed,  it  is  rather  wonderful  they  did  not  make  the 
discovery  earlier,  for,  owing  to  the  sudden  manner  it 
which  the  secret  apartment  had  been  left,  the  highway- 
men had  omitted  to  close  the  entrance. 

They  would  scarcely  have  thought  such  a  thing  neces- 
sary, as  Maud  was  about  to  return  to  it  in  a  short 
time. 

The  man  who  noticed  tho  opening  at  once  set  up  a  loud 
shout,  which  had  the  immediate  effect  of  assembling  all 
the  rest  around  him. 

The  exultation  of  Bishop  knew  no  bounds,  and  no 
doubt  his  delight  would  have  manifested  itself  in  some 
extravagant  manner  or  other  but  for  the  sarcastic  obser- 
vations of  Isaac. 

After  a  brief  consultation  held  round  the  entrance  to 
the  subterranean  chamber,  it  was  decided  that  they  should 
descend  and  make  a  thorough  exploration. 

Some  little  difficulty  then  arose  as  to  who  should  be 
the  one  to  lead  the  way. 

Bishop,  for  his  own  part,  was  inclined  to  take  up  a 
general's  position — that  is,  keep  in  the  rear,  so  as  to  be 
as  much  out  of  danger  as  possible,  but  it  was  insisted  on 
all  hands  that  no  one  was  so  tit  to  lead  the  van  as  him- 
self. 

The  jeers  of  Isaac  made  him  unwilling  to  refuse. 

It  was,  however,  with  no  slight  amount  of  reluctance 
thaf  he  began  the  descent  of  the  step3. 

He  was  by  no  means  assured  that  the  highwaymen  had 
all  left  the  ruins,  and  he  was  haunted  by  the  terrible 
dread  that,  if  really  absent,  the  highwaymen  might  have 
left  behind  them  some  contrivance  for  bringing  down 
death  and  destruction  upon  the  head  of  any  intruder. 

It  was,  therefore,  with  very  slow  and  cautious  steps 
that  he  advanced. 

Each  moment,  however,  as  he  found  no  ill  consequence 
ensue,  his  confidence  increased. 

At  length  they  fairly  stood  within  that  little  chamber 
wherein  the  highwaymen  had  passed  so  many  hours  in 
perfect  security  and  freedom  from  interruption. 

Here  abundant  proofs  of  their  recent  presence 
manifested  themselves  to  the  lynx-like  eyes  of  t^ie 
officers. 

The  result  of  their  search  convinced  them  that  the 
whole  of  the  highwaymen  were  reaiiy  absent. 

This  being  ascertained,  they  made  their  way  occa 
more  to  the  upper  air. 

A  consultation  was  now  immediately  held. 
"  Tte*  d'reotion  of  this  affair  must  be  left  to  me  !"  cried 
Bishop,  arrogantly.  "And  when  you  have  heard  the 
plan  of  operations  I  am  about  to  propose  I  am  sure  you 
will  agree  with  -ro  that  nctliiug  better  could  by  any  pos- 
sibility be  devised.  •* 

"  Well,  that's  modest,  anyhow,"  observed  Isaac,  in  his 
usual  aggravating  manner. 

Bishop  affected  to  take  no  notice  of  the  remark,  but 
spoke  shortly  and  decisively  to  the  point. 

•'  Depend  upon  it,"  he  said,  "  these  fellows  will  come 
back  if  we  are  only  careful  to  keep  from  them  the  know- 
ledge that  we  are  here.  We  will  hide  ourselves  behind 
yonder  wall,  and  on  their  arrival  will  wait  until  they 
have  every  one  descended  into  the  cavern — or  whatever 
yce  like  to  call  it.  Then  all  we  shall  have  to  do  will  be 
tc  rush  forward  and  surround  the  entrance.  Thov  will 
be  completely  at  our  mercy,  and  we  shall  roak^  i..<*m 
prisoners  with  scarcely  any  trouble  whatever.     Lai  ms 


►•»* 


■LACX     BE8B  ;     OB, 


hear  a  better  plan  than  that  proposed,"  he  added,  giving 
a  triumphant  glance  around,  "  and  I  will  give  in  at  onoe 
and  for  evermore.* 


CHAPTER  MXIIL 

MAUD     AND     JACK     THE    OSTI.ER     DETERMIli..     OO    WARN 
DICK   TURPEN    AND    HIS   COMRADES  OF  THEIR   DANGER. 

Bishop  paused,  and  he  had  the  infinite  satisfaction  of 
finding  that  his  plan  was  received  with  universal  accla- 
mation. 

Not  even  Isaac  raised  a  dissentient  voice. 

On  the  contrary,  he  liberally  applauded  the  plan  ae 
being  of  all  others  the  one  best  calculated  to  suc- 
ceed. 

In  order  that  there  might  be  no  further  difficulty,  they 
at  once  withdrew  to  the  place  mentioned,  which  was 
exactly  calculated  to  afford  them  safe  shelter. 

The  horses  were  taken  with  them,  and  every  precau- 
tion adopted  to  efface  every  trace  that  they  or  their 
animals  might  have  left  behind  them. 

Once  having  taken  up  their  position  behind  the  wall, 
several  huge  blocks  of  stone  that  had  apparently  fallen 
from  the  summit  of  a  crumbling  tower  were  rolled  ap 
into  convenient  situations,  so  as  to  serve  them  for 
seats. 

Uere  they  resolved  to  wait  patiently  for  the  arrival  of 
their  prey. 

Leaving  tnem  here,  we  will  revert  lo  the  proceedings 
of  Maud  and  Jack  the  ostler. 

After  a  little  deliberation,  they  decided  that  it  was 
most  important  that  an  effort  should  be  made  to  overhear, 
if  possible,  the  plans  of  their  foes. 

"If  you  will  only  stay  here,  miss,"  said  Jack,  "you 
will  be  perfectly  safe.  I  will  then  creep  on  silently,  and 
gather  all  the  information  I  am  able." 

"No,  no,"  said  Maud — "I  cannot  remain  here  alone! 
/jet  me  come  with  you !" 

"  But,  miss,  consider  the  extra  danger." 

"  I  will  be  cautious — very  cautious !  But  do  not  ask 
me  to  remain  here — anything  would  be  preferable  to 
that !" 

Jack  hesitated. 

"  Oh,  stay,"  said  Maud — "  you  remain  here,  and  I  will 
venture  nearer  to  listen.    J  could  not  bear  suspense." 

As  she  spoke  she  moved  forward. 

Of  course,  Jack  did  not  for  one  moment  think  of  re- 
maining behind. 

Without  uttering  a  syllable,  he  followed  cautiously  in 
Maud's  steps. 

All  the  time  he  was  in  an  agony  of  dread  lest  the  slight 
rustling  of  her  dress  should  betray  them  to  their 
foes. 

But  Maud  was  extremely  careful,  and  at  length  was 
fortunate  enough  to  approach  sufficiently  near  to  over- 
hear every  syllable. 

She  listened  with  the  utmost  dread  and  terror,  though 
there  was  little  fear  Dick  and  the  rest  would  arrive  that 
night. 

When  the  officers  withdrew  behind  the  wall  and  seated 
themselves  upon  the  stones  in  the  manner  we  have 
described,    Jack     endeavoured    to     persuade    Maud    to 

But  she  refused  to  listen  to  any  such  suggestion,  and 
changed  her  position,  so  that  she  was  able  once  more  to 
listen  to  their  conversation. 

The  first  words  she  caught  were  uttered  by  Bishop, 
who  said : 

"  We  have  told  you  onr  business  here,  and  a  good 
thing  it  is  for  you,  I  consider,  therefore  you  ought  to 
satxdy    our    curiosity    as     to    your    presence    i%.  this 

"We  have  little  to  tell,"  replied  Isaac,  "beyond  wnafc 
you  know  already.  We  have  been  sent  down  here  on 
behalf  of  the  little  heiress,  and  we  are  thorasjrhljr  to 
search  the  ruius  for  something,  but  I  know  not  what. ' 

"  Still  you  could  hazard  a  shrewd  guess  ?" 

"  Perhaps  I  could." 

"  Let  us  hear  it,  then." 

"  I  don't  know  whether  I  ought  to  mention  anything 
?f  the  kind,"  was  the  hesitating  reply. 

"  We  have  taken  you  into  our  confidence.,  so  I  iVn'l  sec 
s©«  you  can  with  very  good  grace  refuse." 


Isaac  was  silent  a  moment  or  so ;  tnen,  in  a  iowei  retot 
he  said: 

"Well,  it  is  my  own  belief  that  somewhere  among 
these  ruins  a  large  amount  of  money  has  been  hidden, 
and  in  the  morning  when  the  Lord  Chancellor's  secretary 
arrives  we  shall  have  to  search  for  it.  Don't  ask  me 
for  any  more  information,  because  if  you  do  you  won't 
get  it. 

"Very  good,"  said  Bishop.  "But  you  might  say 
whether  what  I  have  heard  about  Lord  Oomynge  la 
correct  or  not." 

"What  is  it?" 

"  Why,  that  Ue  made  an  attempt  upon  the  life  of  his 
niece." 

"  Yes,  it  was — in  these  very  ruins." 

"  And  that  in  consequence,  although  he  stood  so  high 
in  the  favour  of  the  King,  he  has  been  arrested  on 
this  capital  charge  ?" 

"  Quite  right,"  said  Isaac.  "  But  I  don't  suppose  that 
result  would  have  been  brought  about  but  for  the  Prince 
of  Wales." 

"  Indeed.     How  so  ?" 

"Why,  you  see,  Lord  Coraynge  has  ever  been  his 
most  bitter  enemy,  and  done  more  towards  estranging 
him  from  the  King  than  all  the  world  besides,  therefore 
it  may  be  chiefly  on  this  account  that  he  has  taken  up 
the  case  of  the  little  heiress.  Anyhow,  he  has  declared 
that  he  will  know  no  rest  until  he  has  seen  her  fully  re- 
stored to  her  rights,  and  until  her  guardian  has  been 
justly  punished  for  his  crime.'* 

At  this  moment  Maud  touched  Jack  upon  the  arm,  and 
made  a  sign  that  she  had  heard  enough,  and  was  ready 
to  retire. 

Jack  moved  awa)  a  Mi  great  readiness  and  willingness, 
for  he  was  well  aware  of  the  great  risk  they  were  run- 
ning by  remaining  so  near. 

The  retreat  was  effected  with  the  utmost  amount  of 
caution,  and  without  raising  the  least  suspicion  in  the 
breasts  of  the  ambushed  officeiw. 

As  the  reader  may  suppose,  it  was  with  feelings  of  the 
greatest  satisfaction  that  Maud  listened  to  the  communi- 
cation made  by  Isaac. 

Her  interest  in  the  fate  of  the  little  girl  was  great,  and 
she  was  truly  rejoiced  to  learn  that  she  was  at  last  in 
safety,  and  in  so  fair  a  way  of  recovering  her  rights. 

But  the  circumstances  of  her  position  prevented  her 
from  dwelling  so  much  upon  the  subject  as  she  would 
otherwise  have  done. 

So  soon  as  ever  they  had  got  to  a  safe  distance  from 
the  wall,  Maud  asked,  eagerly  : 

"  What  is  to  be  done  now,  Jack — oh,  what  is  to  be 
done  ?" 

"Well,  miss,"  was  the  answer,  "  it  seems  to  me  that  the 
best  thing  will  be  for  us  to  have  a  few  words  together 
about  that." 

"  Give  me  your  opinion — you  are  calmer  than  I  am." 

"  Come  on,  then,  miss — we  will  get  as  far  away  from 
that  varmint  as  ever  we  can." 

"  But  we  can  talk  now  as  we  move  forward  ?" 

"  Oh,  yes,  of  course  we  can  !" 

"  Well,  then,  what  do  you  advise  ?  Let  mo  h«a/,  for  1 
am  all  impatience  and  anxiety." 

"  Well,  miss,"  said  Jack,  with  great  emphasis,  "  if  so 
be  the  captain  or  any  on  'em  walks  up  to  the  secret  en- 
trance without  knowing  what's  o'clock,  why,  nabbed  they 
would  be  to  a  certainty ;  and  if  thej  went  down  below 
they  would  be  caught  like  rats  in  a  trap." 

"  Very  true,"  said  Maud,  shuddering  at  ihe  bare  idea 
of  such  a  catastrophe.  "  The  thing  for  us  to  decide  is, 
how  we  can  prevent  it" 

"  Right  you  are,  miss." 

"  How  is  it  to  be  done  ?" 

"  In  my  opinion  there  is  just  one  way,  and  only  one." 

"  And  that  is " 

"  For  you  and  me,  miss,  to  leave  this  here  place  at 
once  and  meet  the  captain  and  the  rest  on  their  way  back. 
We  should  then  be  able  to  warn  them  of  their  danger." 

"  Yes — yes,  so  we  should.  That  is  the  course  we  must 
pursue,  Jack." 

"  You  are  decided,  miss  ?" 

"  Yes,  quite." 

"  I  only  wish,  then,  we  had  a  couple  of  ho  ses,  for  ia 
that  case  it  would  make  our  task  infinitely  easier ;  bow- 
|  ever,  as  we  are  without  them,  the  less  said  the  better." 


THE    KNIGHT    OP   THE    ROAD. 


1G97 


[MAUD'S  ARRIVAL  AT   THE    ROAD -IDE   INN.] 


Yes,  yeB,  we  can  do   quite  well   on  foot.     Come, 
come,  Jack,  we  will  not  lose  another  moment.     I  shall 
know  no  rest  until  I  have  seen  and  warned  them." 
Nor  shall  I." 

During  this  conversation  they  had  been  moving  for- 
ward somewhat  rapidly,  and  by  this  time  had  got  quite 
clear  of  the  castle  ruins. 

Jack  knew  well  enough  what  was  the  destination  of 
the  highwaymen;  but  another  difficulty  presented 
itself  rather  vividly  to  his  mind. 

It  was  more  than  he  or  anyone  else  could  tell  which 
way  they  might  take  on  their  return. 

Therefore,  although  they  thus  set  out,  the  chances 
were  a  hundred  to  one  that  they  would  be  missed. 

This  consideration,  however,  had  evidently  not  yet 
presented  itself  to  Maud,  and  Jack  had  not  the  h^art 
to  suggest  it  to  her. 

She  was  now  in  the  nest  of  spirits,  doubting  nothing 

No   213.— Black  Bess. 


that  she  should  be  able  to  convey  her  warning  in  good 
time. 

It  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  the  excitement  she 
had  so  recently  undergone  should  render  her  less  capable 
than  usual  of  calm  thought. 

No  surprise  must  be  manifested,  then,  that  she  should, 
without  asking  a  single  question,  walk  confidently  by 
the  side  of  her  companion,  for  she  firmly  believed  that 
he  was  capable  of  conducting  her  to  her  destination. 

A  furious  blast  of  wind  coming  from  the  north-east 
caused  her  to  shiver  and  draw  her  little  cloak  or  cape 
she  wore  closely  around  her  shoulders. 

Jack  noticed  the  movement,  and  looking  up,  ob- 
served : 

"  I  am  afmid,  miss,  it  is  going  to  turn  out  a  roughish 
night." 

Maud  looked  up,  and  for  the  first  time  noticed  that 
the  eky  was  covered  up  with  dense,  black  clouds,  which 


No.  213. 


Price  One  Hai.fp;  nnt. 
A'o.  214  will  te  Published  next  Thursday. 


1698 


■LACK    BRA!  ;    OS, 


went  scudding  onward  at  a  viotsssi  rate  as  they  were 
driven  by  the  fury  01  the  gale. 

So  preoccupied  was  she  that  not  until  now  htui  she 
observed  the  as  pect  of  the  weather. 

"I — I  fear  there  will  be  a  storm,"  she  said 

"Yes,  miss,"  was  the  reply,  "it  looks  uncommon  like 
U." 

HTben  we  will  push  on  with  all  the  speed  we  are 
capable  of  making,  se  u  to  get  as  far  as  possible  before  it 
breaks  forth." 

As  she  spoke  she  quickened  her  steps  to  such  an  extent 
that  Jack  found  some  little  difficulty  in  keeping  pace 
<si*h  her.  • 

But  soon  the  indications  of  the  approaching  conflict 
of  the  elements  became  more  and  more  unequivocal. 

Large,  heavy  spots  of  rain  began  to  fall,  the  precursors 
of  the  drenching  descent  of  water  that  was  to  follow. 

Still  Maud  hurried  on  with  more  rapid  though  uncer- 
tain steps. 

She  was  filled  with  the  forebodiag  dread  that  this 
storm  would  be  the  means  of  preventing  her  from  giving 
the  necessary  warning. 

The  plashing  of  the  rain-drops  increased,  and  then 
from  the  distance  came  a  low,  muttering  sound. 

"  Thunder,"  observed  Jack,  as  soon  as  ever  he  heard 
it 

Scarcely  had  tne  words  escaped  his  lips  than  there  came 
a  sudden  flash  of  lightning. 

When  it  was  over  a  double  darkness  seemed  to  pre- 
vail around  them. 

Maud  stopped  affrightedly. 

In  common  with  many  persons,  the  crashing  of  thunder 
and  the  vivid  coruscations  of  the  forked  lightning  filled 
her  with  the  utmost  alarm. 

"  Can  we  not  seek  a  shelter  somewhere  ?"  she  asked. 
"  This  storm  is  terrible  I" 

"And  the  rain  is  not  comfortable,  by  any  means;  and 
if  we  are  not  quick  we  shall  be  drenched  to  the  srm !" 
answered  Jack. 

"  But  is  there  do  shelter  ?"  Maud  asked,  for  the  flasl  es 
of  lightning  terrified  her  to  such  a  degree  that  she  dared 
not  lift  up  her  head  to  look. 

"There  is  a  big  tree  yonder,  miss,"  said  Jack.  "I 
should  think  that  will  serve  our  purpose." 

"Yes— oh,  yes!" 

"Come,  then— do  not  be  afraid;  I  will  lead  the  way." 

Maud  grasped  Jack's  arm  very  tightly,  and  ran  by  the 
side  of  him  to  the  tree  of  which  he  had  spoken. 

It  was  a  magnificent  oak — many  centuries  old,  no  doubt 
— with  huge  branches  stretching  far  across  the  road- 
way. 

Its  leaves  were  large,  and  grew  so  closely  together  that 
they  formed  an  almost  impervious  screen  from  the  rain, 
which,  however,  raised  a  prodigious  pattering  upon 
them. 

"  That  is  better,  miss,  is  it  not  ?"  said  Jack,  speaking 
in  as  encouraging  a  tone  as  he  was  able. 

The  shadow  of  the  huge  tree  was  indeed  most  wel- 
come to  Maud,  who,  cowering  down,  clasped  her  hands 
over  her  eyes  so  as  to  shut  out  the  vivid  flashes  of  light- 
ning. 

In  a  few  moments  the  storm  was  at  its  height. 

The  forked  lightning  flashed  almost  without  intermis- 
sion, while  the  claps  of  thunder  followed  each  other  so 
japidly  that  the  effect  produced  resembled  a  continuous 
peal. 

Maud's  alarm  increased  tenfold. 

^he  rain  descended  in  a  deluge,  and  In  o«der  to  escape 
it  they  bott  ^*  to  press  as  closely  as  they  could  to  the 
trunk  of  the  tree. 

Maud  closed  her  eyes,  for  intense  is9*  «uade  he"  una'ol". 
te  keep  them  open  any  longer.    * 

Suddenly  she  experienced  a  strange  sensation 

It  was  altogether  indescribable,  and  quite  different  to 
anything  which  she  had  previously  experienced. 

For  a  few  seconds  she  seemed  deprived  9f  all  motion, 
though  she  partially  retained  possession  of  h«t  senses. 

There  was  upon  her  mind  an  impression  of  an  intense 
scorching  sensation — a  faint  cry,  and  now  h;i  sense  of 
smell  was  invaded  with  an  odour  of  a  sickening  character, 
and  which  she  could  liken  to  nothing. 

An  oppressive  stillness  reigned  around  her,  for  the 
thunder   so    longer    reverberated    In    such    incessant 


Tremblingly  she  opened  her  eyes,  and  was  costoanfea 
by  the  intense  darkness. 

She  called  aloud  upon  her  companion  who  she  vriw  aa 
able  to  perceive. 

In  vain. 

There  was  no  irsponso  to  he»v <rds. 

Then  a  terrible,  i ii  iefinablo  fueling  of  dread  toon  entire 
possession  of  her. 

She  apprehendsd  something  awful  but  what  she  knew 
not. 

She  called  agate.  • 

The  same  result. 

Then,  with  a  frsniied  aU/p,  she  advanced  a  pace  or 
two. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  the  lightning  again  blazed 
forth. 

The  biilliant  though  evanescent  illumination  disclosed 
to  her  eyes  a  sight  of  horror. 

Lying  stretched  at  her  feet — she  must  have  stumbled 
over  him  had  she  attempted  to  advance  another  step— lay 
the  body  of  Jack  the  ostler. 

He  was  dead — dead  beyond  all  doubt. 

One  glance  was  sufficient  to  assure  anyone  of  this,  for 
his  countenance  was  so  scorched  and  disfigured  as  to 
present  an  awful  spectacle ;  and  had  not  Maud  been 
aware  of  who  had  been  standing  by  her  side  she  could 
never  have  recognised  him,  for  his  features  were  so  dis- 
torted and  rendered  so  hideous  that  their  appearance  was 
totally  changed. 

Maud  shrieked  in  horror  at  the  awful  sight  thus  for  a 
second  revealed  to  her  affrighted  gaze. 

How  thankful  she  was  when  darkness  again  surrounded 
every  object  I 

Cautiously,  though  trembling  in  every  limb,  she  turned 
away. 

She  felt  that  no  earthly  consideration  whatever  would 
induce  her  to  bestow  another  glance  upon  anything  so 
fearfuL 

She  quitted  the  dangerous,  treacherous  shelter  of  the 
tree,  and  with  a  sensation  of  relief  felt  the  heavy  rain- 
drops beat  upon  her  head  and  face. 

There  could  be  no  doubt  about  the  cause  of  Jack 
Ostler's  sudden  death. 

The  lightning,  attracted  by  the  tree,  had  struck  it,  and 
the  treacherous  fluid,  passing  through  his  body,  instanta- 
neously  deprived  him  of  his  life. 

Maud  must  have  escaped  by  something  little  short  of  a 
miracle,  for  she  was  standing  close  beside  him. 

She  must  have  been  affected  in  some  slight  degree,  as 
was  evidenced  by  her  partial  loss  of  consciousness. 

No  words  of  ours  can  adequately  describe  the  nature  of 
her  feelings  at  this  juncture. 

A  sudden  death  even  of  a  stranger  cannot  fail  to  make 
a  deep  effect  upon  the  most  callous  heart. 

How  much,  then,  must  the  effect  be  increased  when  the 
person  is  one  who  stands  in  the  light  of  a  protector  1 

Maud  was  distracted,  and  as  she  stood  alone  in  the 
drenching  wet,  wrung  her  hands  in  anguish  and  despair. 

Deprived  of  the  ostler's  faithful  guidance  and  advice, 
where  was  she  to  turn — rehat  step  should  she  t*ke 
next? 

She  stood  distracted. 

All  the  difficulties  of  her  position  rushed  upon  her 
with  overwhelming  force,  and  she  felt  crushed  by  them. 

No  one  could  possibly  be  more  ignorant  of  her  where- 
abouts than  she  was,  and  she  had  not  the  remotest  idea 
of  the  direction  in  which  her  destination  lay. 

Under  these  circumstances  the  task  of  meeting  with 
Dick  and  his  comrades  seemed  a  hopeless  one. 

While  she  was  thus  wandering  at  random  they  might 
pass  her  a  thousand  times. 

This  knowledge  increased  if  possible  the  poignancy  of 
her  grief. 

She  wept  and  sobbed  aloud,  and  to  hoi  distempered 
lao-rv  the  very  wind  seemed  to  laugh  among  the  branches 
of  the  trees  and  mock  her  grief. 

For  a  brief  space  she  indulged  in  the  only  hope  that 
was  left  to  her. 

This  was,  that  Jack  the  ostler  might  not  have  perished. 

Oh,  how  she  clung  to  this  vain,  improbable  idea. 

She  felt  it  was  improbable,  for  it  was  as  much  the 
dread  of  having  this  last  hope  destroyed  as  it  was  un- 
willingness again  to  encounter  the  hideous  spectacle  thai 
made  her  hold  back. 


TOT   KNIGHT  OF  THH    HOAD 


\69S 


At  length  aho  raised  her  voice,  bat  there  caine  no 
reply.  • 

At  last,  with  a  fresh  burst  of  grief,  she  exclaimed  : 

"  Alas — a'as !  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  he  has  periled 
—and  I  am  indeed  forlorn  !  What  to  do  now  for  my  own 
safety  and  for  theirs  I  know  not  '•" 

It  was  a  long  while  before  sne  could  arouse  hors/d!  and 
calm  in  a  slight  degree  her  agitated  feelings. 

But  the  necessity  there  was  for  immediate  actku  pressed 
itself  most  strouglv  npon  her. 

With  a  resolute  effort  she  dashed  the  tear-drous  from 
her  eyes  and  gazed  about  her. 

She  was  standing  either  in  a  lane  or  cross-country 
road,  and  that  was  the  sum  total  of  the  knowledge  she 
was  enabled  to  gather. 

Hesitatingly  she  advanced  with  the  airot  one  ignorant 
of  where  their  steps  may  lead. 

But  the  remembrance  of  her  husband's  danger  and  the 
reflection  that  her  husband's  life  rested  in  her  hands  were 
burnt  into  her  brain  and  served  to  animate  her. 

Her  hesitating  steps  became  decisive  ones,  her  w&lk 
quickened  into  a  run,  nor  did  she  pause  until  compelled 
to  do  so  by  sheer  breathlessness. 

During  this  time  she  had  done  nothing  but  follow  the 
winding  of  the  road,  which  bent  about  in  a  most  dis- 
heartening fashion. 

Again  Maud  looked  about  her,  but  was  unable  to  form 
any  better  opinion  of  her  locality. 

The  thunder  and  lightning  had  altogether  ceased,  but 
the  rain  continued  to  fall  with  unabated  steadiness,  and 
by  the  inky  aspect  of  the  sky  above  there  seemed  every 
probability  that  it  would  continue  to  do  so  for  a  consider- 
able length  of  time. 

Her  impatience  would  not  suffer  her  to  pause  and  re- 
cover possession  of  her  breath  and  strength,  but  she 
struggled  on,  though  her  pace  was  exceedingly  slow,  yet 
she  was  comforted  by  the  knowledge  that  she  was  ad- 
vancing. 

At  the  same  time,  however,  the  utter  hopelessness  of 
her  undertaking  pressed  more  and  more  heavily  upon 
her. 

She  was  conscious — fully  conscious  that  success  was  %U 
but  an  impossibility. 

Could  she  but  have  seen  before  her  the  prospect  of  aiU 
mate  success  it  would  have  urged  her  onward  with  en 
flagging  spirit. 

As  it  was,  her  bodily  strength  decreased  as  her  epirits 
sank  lower  and  lower. 

More  than  once,  overcome  by  fatigue,  she  relt  as  though 
she  must  sink  down  upon  the  damp  earth  in  the  road, 
but  with  a  sudden  effort  she  would  start  and  struggle  on 
her  lonely  way. 

No  sounds  of  human  life — no  prospect  of  a  human 
habitation,  however  humble,  gratified  her  view. 

AM  around  was  a  darkness  and  gloom  that  well  typified 
the  condition  of  her  own  mind. 

Never  before  in  the  whole  course  of  her  life  ^ia<*  sne 
experienced  so  much  utter  wretchedness. 

She  was.  drenched  to  the  akin  now  with  the  rain,  and 
her  soaked  garments  clinging  tightly  to  her  materially 
increased  the  difficulty  of  motion. 

At  last,  after  a  weary  intenraL  she  saw  before  her  a 
dark-looking  mass  of  something,  but  what  she  knew 
not. 

A  closer  approach  showed  it  to  be  a  dwelling  of  some 
kind. 

She  ww  now  so  entirely  overcome,  that  it  was  only  by 
the  greatest  effort  that  she  could  place  one  foot  before  the 
other. 

When  nearly  opposite  the  building  she  was  ocoy^^d 
to  pause,  for  all  strength  seemed  to  forsake  her. 

Had  she  not  clung  tightly  to  the  massive  *vAt»  jjcst 
which  supported  the  swingin?  jign  she  -cu^t  have 
fallen. 

As  it  was,  li  .seenied  as  though  the  earth  and  til  things 
else  were  slipping  away  from  beneath  her  feet 


OHAPTElt  MXIV. 

MAUD     MKKT9     WITH  A    8TRANGR   ACQUAINTANCE    AT    TUB 
JOLLY    SAILOR   INN. 

Sjivkkal  moments  elapsed  before  Maud  became  conscious 
•f  the  nature  of  lue  support  to  which  she  eluux,  but. 


having  ascertained  It,  she  knew  at  once  that  by  great 
good  fortune  she  had  halted  before  an  iisa. 

Either  her  eyes  had  become  more  accustomed   to  the 
darkness,  or  else  tho  obscurity  w&s  not  so  great  as  it  had 
been,  for  sho  was  now  able  to  make  out  that  the  struc- 
j  ture  was  <i  very  old-fashioned,  picturesque  one 

From  the  manner  in  which  it  was  built,  it  \»^>  clear 
that  at  least  a  couple  of  centuries  had  lapsed  since  its 
erection. 

The  exterior,  however,  was  plunged  in  utter  dark- 
ness. 

Not  even  from  one  of  the  upper  windows  did  a  gleam 
of  light  appear,  so  that  Maud  very  justly  concluded  that 
the  whole  of  the  inmates  had  retired  to  rest. 

Just  as  she  made  this  reflection,  such  an  accession  of 
the  fainting  feeling  came  over  her  that  she  feared  this 
time  consciousness  would  entirely  abandon  her. 

As  before,  a  vigorous  effort  of  the  will  saved  her. 

She  then  determined  that  at  all  hazards  she  would 
knock  at  the  door  of  this  inn,  and  endeavour  to  arouse 
its  inhabitants. 

She  would  implore  them  to  allow  her  brief  rest  and 
shelter,  for  she  was  now  so  fatigued  that  it  was  impos- 
sible for  her  to  proceed  any  further. 

Another  reflection  only  served  to  confirm  her  in  this 
resolution. 

This  was  that  it  might  be  that  at  this  inn  she  should 
be  fortunate  enough  to  find  a  horse  which  she  could  hire  • 
or  purchase. 

Luckily,  she  carried  wi|h  her  a  considerable  sum  of 
money,  so  that  all  was  well  upon  this  score. 

The  prospect  of  obtaining  a  horse  seemed  in  a  wonder- 
ful degree  to  reanimate  her  drooping  spirits. 

She  fancied  that  with  a  good  steed  beneath  her  all 
those  difficulties  which  now  appeared  so  gigantic  would 
shrink  infeu  comparative  insignificance. 

She  would  be  able  to  take  so  much  wider  a  range  with 
so  little  fatigue  to  herself,  that  the  chances  of  her  success 
were  at  least  doubled. 

It  was  these  considerations  that  lent  her  the  requisite 
strength  to  quit  her  sustaining  grasp  upon  the  sign-post 
and  totter  to  the  front  door  of  the  inn. 

She  knocked  loudly  and  boldly  at  it,  the  sound  echo- 
ing strangely  in  the  intense  silence  which  prevailed. 

For  a  long  time  she  knocked  in  vain. 

At  length,  however,  a  crashing  sound  was  heard 
above. 

This  was  followed  by  a  volley  of  oaths. 

Looking1  >».p  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  this,  Maud  found 
that  a  gxiut  off  wind  had  torn  the  latticed  casement  from 
the  grasp  of  the  man  who  opened  it,  and  dashed  it  with 
such  violence  against  the  wall  that  several  panes  were 
totally  demolished. 

"Hilloa!"  cried  a  rough  voice*— "  hilloa  I  I  say,  who 
is  there — what  is  the  matter?" 

"I  want  shelter  from  the  storm,"  answered  Maud, 
in  a  faltering  voice,  for  her  heart  sunk  within  her  ut  such 
a  reception  as  this.  "  Fear  not  that  I  am  unable  to  pay 
for  the  accommodation,"  she  added — "  rest  assured  that 
I  will  reward  you  welL" 

These  words  were  not  without  their  due  effect. 

In  a  considerably  mollified  voice  the  man  above  said ; 

"  Wait  where  you  are  a  moment,  miss,  and  you  shall 
be  attended  to.    We  are  all  a-bed." 

"  I  will  wait,"  said  Maud — "  wait  patiently." 

A  brief  space  of  time  elapsed,  and  then  her  ears  caught 
the  welcome  sound  caused  by  the  removal  of  bars  and 
bolts. 

The  next  moment  the  door  was  opened. 

Such  a  blaze  of  light  seemed  to  stream  across  the 
threshold  that  for  a  moment  or  two  Maud's  vision  was 
quite  confused. 

But  this  was  only  the  effect  of  the  darkness. 

When  it  wore  away,  she  perceived  that  the  illumina- 
tion proceeded  only  from  a  c*ndle,  behind  which  stood  a 
man  of  sinister  aspect 

Ho  was  regarding  Maud  suspiciously 

Her  drenched  and  bedraggled  appearance  hy  no  means 
prepossessed  him  in  her  favour 

Maud  by  one  glance  into  his  faco  could  read  his  thoughts 
with  as  much  ease  and  readiness  as  she  could  have  road 
a  book. 

1  i  ,...i.;   k„ow  whether  lean  accommodate  you,"  U 
said,  at  last,  in  gruff,  surly  tone*. 


1700 


8LACX     BUS  ;     OS, 


"  You  judfcr"  fruia  my  appearance,"  saiu  Maud,  "that  I 
shall  be  unablh  to  pay  you." 

The  man  started  ipon  finding  his  thoughts  so  rightly 
interpreted. 

"You  need  have  no  fear  on  that  head,"  Maud  con- 
tinued. "Lock — here  is  more  than  sufficient  to  discharge 
the  most  extortionate  reckoning." 

So  saying,  she  produced  from  her  pockef  a  go '"u-*ited 
purse,  which  she  opened  just  wide  enough  to  allow  the 
man  to  see  that  it  was  filled  with  guineas. 

The    sight    of    this    wealth    wi  ought    an    immediate 
change. 
All  his  gruffness  »nd  sullenness  vanished 
He  was  ready  to  prostrate  himself  before  Maud,  and 
in  the  most  cringing  tones  invited  her  to  enter. 

Maud  was  so  disgusted  with  his  behaviour  that  she 
felt  almost  inclined  to  retreat,  but  the  uncertainty  of 
whether  she  should  be  able  to  find  another  r  lac*  }l  rest 
overcame  every  other  consideration,  and  she  entered. 

The  man,  with  great  obsequiousness,  ushered  her  into 
a  room,  in  which  he  requested  her  to  seat  herself. 

At  the  same  time  he  placed  the  candle  upon  the  table. 
"I  cannot  eat,"  said  Maud,  in  reply  to  his  question  as 
to  what  he  should  place  before  her.  "  I  feel  that  if  I 
attempted  to  swallow  a  mouthful  it  would  choke  me. 
No — no  !  all  that  I  require  is  the  opportunity  to  rest  my 
wearied  limbs." 

"  Very  good,  miss,"  said  the  man,  with  a  peculiar  light 
blazing  in  his  eye,  which  if  Maud  had  noticed  would 
have  served  to  make  her  feel  very  uneasy.  "  Indeed,  I 
will  make  you  as  comfortable  as  I  can.  But,  perhaps, 
while  I  am  getting  your  bed-room  ready,  you  would  like 
to  take  a  glass  or  two  of  wine  ?" 

Maud  did  not  reply,  for  just  then  her  thoughts  were 
wandering  far  away,  and  although  the  man's  words  fell 
upon  her  ears,  yet  their  signification  did  not  penetrate  to 
her  understanding. 

lie,  however,  evidently  took  her  silence  for  consent, 
for  he  left  the  room  immediately,  and  after  the  lapse  of  a 
few  moments  returned  with  a  bottlo  and  a  wine- 
glass. 

41  Here  you  are,  miss,"  he  said,  as  he  put  the  articles 
down  upon  the  table. 

His  entrance  roused  Maud  from  her  reverie. 
"  Your  room  will  soon   be  ready,"  said  the  man.     "  As 
you  are  so  wet,  a  glass  of  wine  will  do  you  good." 

Maud  shuddered,  for  just  then  her  thoughts  reverted  to 
Jack  the  ostler  and  the  fearful  aspect  he  had  presented 
as  he  lay  stark  and  stiff  beneath  the  tree. 

The  man,  attributing  this  to  cold,  officiously  poured 
out  a  glass  of  wine,  and  pressed  her  to  drink  it. 

Maud  was  just  about  to  raise  the  glass  to  her  lips, 
when,  happening  to  turn  towards  the  door,  she  saw  the 
most  singular-looking  head  and  face  she  had  ever 
happened  to  behold. 

It  was  only  for  a  moment,  however,  that  aha  caught 
sight  of  it. 

The  man,  following  the  direction  of  her  eyes,  w> 
sooner  caught  sight  of  the  head  and  face  than  he  seized  a 
heavy  boot-jack  that  happened  to  lie  upon  the  table  and 
flung  it  with  all  his  force. 

So  suddenly  was  this  act  performed,  and  so  accurate 
was  tho  aim  taken,  that  before  the  head  could  be  with- 
drawn it  received  a  terrible  blow  that  echoed  and  re- 
echoed through  the  house. 

A  loud  yell  of  pain  followed,  suseeeded  by  a  lumbering 
sound. 

Then  all  was  still. 

Mdud  put  down  her  glass  ot  wine  antasted  on  the 
table,  and  gazed  on  tike  man  with  mingle  1  wonder  and 
disgust. 

Perceiving  the  naturo  of  the  regara  mat  was  ben',  'ipon 
him,  he  said,  in  an  apologetic  tone  of  voice,  and  wim 
considerable  confusion  in  his  niauner: 

"  You  see,  miss,  I  am  apt  at  times  to  be  a  little  shc-rt- 
tempered.  But  it's  over  in  a  moment,  and  then,  Lor' 
bless  yon,  I  thinks  nothing  of  it.  Now,  that  was  a 
rascally  young  uephew  of  mine,  who  has  been  shamefully 
misbehaving  himself,  »nd  I  ordered  him  to  keep  bis 
room,  do  you  see,  miss,  but  he  must  needs  disobey,  and 
eome  peeping  and  prying,  so  you  see  he  has  g.it  what  he 
deserved." 

Maud  could  by  no  means  see  this  very  clearly,  but  -was 
silent.  f-T  al"    i-h.  towww  nn!<*l<   °'\e  might  disapprove, 


yet  she  could  not  presume  to  find  fault  with  the  domestic 
arrangements  of  the  house. 

"  You  have  not  drunk  your  wine,  miss." 
"  No — no  ;  believe  me,  I  cannot.     Is  my  room  ready  ?" 
"I  dare  say  it  is,  by  this  time." 

"  I  do  not  want  to  remain  here  any  longer  than  wilS  be 
necessary  for  me  to  recover  my  strength  ;  but  in  order  to 
continue  my  journey  I  want  a  horse.  Can  you  provide 
me  witb  one?     I  will  either  buy  or  hire  it." 

*  I  can  accommodate  you,  no  doubt,"  answered  the 
man,  with  a  grin  that  inuot  increased  the  natural  hideou?- 
ness  of  his  countenance  ;  "  but  as  you  are  very  weary, 
suppose  we  leave  the  settling  of  that  until  after  you  have 
rested  yourself-" 

Maud  was  only  too  willing  to  consent. 
Her  fatigue  momentarily   increased,    and   her   eyelids 
seemed  as  though  pressed  down  with  leaden  weights. 

Mechanically,  like  one  walking  in  a  dream,  she  followed 
the  man  up  a  flight  of  old-fashioned,  crumbling,  oaken 
stairs. 

He  paused  at  a  door  situated  at  the  extremity  of  a  long 
corridor. 

Pushing  it  open,  Maud  saw  that  a  lamp  was  burning  on 
a  large  chest. 

As  she  crossed  the  threshold,  the  man  said : 
14 1  don't  know  whether  you  ueed   anyone  to  wait  upon 
you,  miss.     H  you  do,  I  will  call  up  my  wife,  and  she  will 
be  with  you  in  a  few  moments." 

"  No — no,"  6aid  Maud.  "  I  shall  manage  best  by  my- 
self." 

"Very  good,"  was  the  gruff  answer.  "Good  night — 
or,  rather,  good  morning,  for  it  is  nearer  the  one  than  the 
other." 

With  these  words  the  man  departed,  closing  the  door 
carefully  behind  him. 

Maud  shivered  from  head  to  foot,  and  glanced  arouud 
her  with  a  sensation  of  trembling  dread  for  which  she 
could  not  account. 

It  was  probably  imagination  merely,  but  to  her  it 
seemed  as  though  the  atmosphere  of  this  bed-chamber 
was  heavily  lad<;n  with  some  thick,  oppressive,  sickening 
odour,  of  a  kind  she  had  never  experienced  before. 

The  aspect  of  the  room,  too,  was  in  itself  quite  enough 
to  strike  a  chill  into  any  heart. 

It  was  barely  and  plainly  furnished ;  the  principal 
articles  consisting  of  a  massive  bedstead  and  a  huge  oaken 
chest,  which  did  duty  for  a  dressing-table. 

There  waa  no  tire  in  the  grate,  aud  the  damp  and  cold 
from  without  seemed  to  penetrate  through  tho  window. 
But  Maud's  exhaustion  was  complete. 
Despite  the  oppressive  odour,  the  dullness,  the  choer- 
lessness,  she  removed  a  portion  of  her  upper  apparel,  and 
lying  down  on  the  outside  of  the  bed,  covered  herself 
with  the  coverlet. 

Almost  as  soon  as  she  assumed  a  recumbent  attitude 
her  eyes  closed,  and  she  fell  off  into  a  deep  sleep,  that  for 
a  time  rendered  her  oblivious  of  everything. 

How  long  this  heavy  slumber  continued  she  knew  not; 
but  presently  she  began  to  dream. 

She  fancied  that  Dick  Turpin  was  in  [some  place,  aud 
only  separated  from  her  by  a  window. 

Slight  as  this  obstruction  seemed,  yet  it  appeared  to  be 
more  than  Dick  could  overcome,  so  he  was  -apping  upon 
it  with  his  finger  nails,  and  making  signs  for  Maud  to 
open  it  for  him  and  allow  him  to  escape. 

Maud  comprehended  this  fully,  and  made  the  most 
superhuman  efforts  to  rise  and  do  his  bidding. 

But  every  limb  refused  to  obey  the  dictates  of  her 
'will. 

Again  and  again  she  struggled  to  rise,  but  it  seemed  as 
tnough  tons  aud  tons  had  been  piled  upon  her  breast. 

Her  anguish  was  increased  by  the  impatiep-e  which 
was  expressed  upon  Dick's  features.  t 

Suddenly,  however,  the  spell  was  dissolve!. 
She  opened   her  eyes,  and  found  he^elf   lying  on  the 
bed. 

During  that  confusedness  of  feeling  which  all  experi- 
ence whsn  awaking  in  a  strange  plaice,  her  ears  were  still 
assails<i  by  the  faint  clattering,  tapping  now*  which  she 
had  heard  in  her  dream. 

Sh«  listened  for  several  moments;  but  the  sound  <*»»- 
tiuued  without  any  intermission. 

"  What  can  it  be?"  she  murmured,  as  ahe  geuviv 
herself  to  a  siltiug  postuc. 


TBB   EJOOHT   OF    TKB    HOAX" 


1701 


Her  heart  beat  quickly  with  alarm. 
8he  apprehended  she  knew  not  what. 
On  muring  she  had  left  the  i»n:lle  burning. 
It  was  alight  now;  but  it  carrHd  a  wick  of  such   por- 
feutious  length,  and  with  such  a   huge  Turk's  head  sur- 
rounding it,  that  it  gave  forth  only  the  dimmest  and  most 
ancertain  illumination  conceivable. 

Her  alarm  increased,  for  eithe'  in  fancy  or  reality  the 
tapping  increased  in  loudness. 

VVrih  the  exception  of  this  the  silence  whioh  prevailed 
wa<  oppressively  profound. 

The  longer  itlaad  remained  thus  the  more  did  her 
courage  evaporate. 
The  dread  of  all  kinds  of  evil  came  over  her. 
At  last,  by  a  most  vigorous  and  determined  effort,  she 
slipped  off  the  bed,  resumed  those  clothes  she  had  re- 
moved, and  looked  around  her  with  a  calmness  that  was 
more  assumed  than  real. 

It  appeared  now  that  the  sound  was  less  equivocal  in 
its  character. 

Maud  was  certain  that  it  was  produced  by  tapping 
upon  glass. 

But  the  sound  was  so  strange,  so  constant,  that  all  kinds 
of  superstitious  imaginings  came  crowding  unbidden  into 
her  mind. 

To  what  kind  of  visitation  was  she  to  be  subjected  ?  for 
the  could  scarcely  believe  that  the  mysterious  sound  pro- 
ceeded from  any  human  agency. 

Her  heart  throblied  so  painfully  that  she  seemed  every 
moment  in  danger  of  suffocation. 

Nevertheless,  it  was  almost  involuntarily  that  her  eyes 
turned  in  the  direction  of  the  window. 

Having  gazed  upon  it,  she  could   no   longer  doubt  that 
the  tapping  was  given  upon  one  of  its  panes. 
But  by  whom  ? 
For  what  reason  ? 

Vainly  she  asked  herself  these  questions. 
Her  curiosity  was  raised  to  the  highest  pitch,  yet  it  was 
gome  time  before  she  could  summon  up  sufficient  courage 
to  enable  her  to  move  slowly  towards  it. 

As  6he  approaches \  the  tapping  abruptly  ceased. 
Drawing     closer    still,    Maud     endeavoured   to    peep 
through  the  glass,  but  at  first  the  intense  darkness  with- 
out completely  battled  her. 
Auother  tap,  tap,  was  given. 

She  saw  something  move,  and  recoiled  in  affright. 
Just  then  she  thought  of  the  condition  of  the   candle, 
and,  with  a  trembling  hand,  removed  the  snuff. 

A  bright,  clear  light  immediately  ensued,  by  the  aid  of 
which,  as  she  again  glanced  towards  the  window,  she 
saw  a  human  face  pressed  closely  against  the  panes. 

She  seemed  about  to  shriek  aloud  in  the  extremity  of 
tier  alarm,  but  terror  seemed  to  freeze  up  her  voice,  and 
..uly  a  hoarse  whispering  sound  escaped  ner  lips. 

The  countenance  was  one  well  calculated  to  strike 
terror  into  any  sensitive  breast,  and  its  ugliness  was 
piobably  much  increased  by  the  manner  in  which  all  the 
features  were  flattened  against  the  glass. 

Maud  had  to  clutch  the  edge  ot  the  table  very  tightly 
to  support  herself,  otherwise  she  must  have  fallen. 

All  the  time  her  eyes  remained  riveted  upon  the  face 
at  the  window  as  though  her  eyes  had  been  fascinated 
by  some  serpent. 

The  tapping  was  resumed,  and  Maud  was  no  longer  In 
•ny  doubt  as  to  the  exact  cause  which  had  produced  it. 

The  person  outside,  whoever  he  might  be— Maud  had 
no  doubt  about  the  sex — was  clatteriDg  with  his  finger 
nails  upon  the  glass. 

A*  she  continued  to  gaze,  however,  she  could  Lot  help 
fancying  that  the  face  had  upon  it  a  friendly  expression, 
and  which,  if  rightly  interpreted,  meant  that,  for  s^me 
reason  or  other,  a  communication  was  desired. 

This  idea,  having  once  taken  possession  of  her  zund, 
increased  so  much  in  force  that  she  by  slow  degrees 
again  approached  the  window. 

There  could  be  no  mistakvu:  the  eatisfactiop  visible 
upon  the  features  of  the  face  outside. 

The  hand  that  had  been  so  busily  engaged  la  tapping 
was  now  employed  in  making  signs,  the  evident  purport 
•i  which  was  that  she  should  open  the  casement. 

But  naturally  Maud  hesitated  to  comply  witn  this  de- 
***ud. 

It  might  be  a  most  serious  thing — perhaps  a  fatal  step 
to  admit  this  stranger  to  her  apartment 


Her  feelings  must  have  expressed  themselves  upon  hoi 
countenance,  for  the  face  assumed  an  aspect  of  so  im- 
ploring and  entreating  a  nature  as  to  be  almost  irrssist- 
ible. 

Hesitatingly  Maud  stretched  forth  her  Hand  to  remove 
the  fastening. 

Then  drew  it  back  again  without  effecting  her  pur- 
pose. 

The  face  looked  deeply  disappointed — nay,  despairing. 

Again  Maud  hesitated. 

Her  hand  touched  the  fastening. 

It  was  removed,  and  a  gust  of  cold  night  air,  carrying 
l  pon  it  some  thousands  of  watery  particles,  dashed  into 
the  room. 

Its  immediate  effect  was  to  extinguish  the  candle. 

Finding  herself  in  the  dark  so  suddenly  by  no  means 
tended  to  calm  Maud's  feelings,  though  the  cool  wind 
seemed  to  disperse  those  vapours  which  hitherto  had 
seemed  to  hang  about  her  brain. 

"  Don't  be  afraid,  lady,"  said  a  suppressed  voice,  in 
what  was  doubtless  intended  to  be  a  very  encouraging 
tone — "  don't  be  afraid.  I  have  come  to  save  your  life  I 
Do  not  doubt  me,  but  let  me  enter." 

"  Come  in,"  said  Maud — "  come  in.  If  you  intend  me 
any  harm,  may  Heaven  pardon  you  for  your  wickedness 
in  thus  deceiving  a  poor,  helpless  woman !" 

Almost  before  she  had  finished  giving  utterance  to 
these  words,  she  found  one  of  the  strangest  and  most 
uncouth-looking  figures  she  had  ever  beheld  standing 
before  her. 

Her  first  sentiments  were  those  of  undissembled 
terror. 

The  being  who  had  entered  was  scarcely  an  inch  taller 
than  the  oak  chest  close  to  which  he  stood,  yet  his  head 
and  face  had  the  appearance,  both  in  size  and  expression, 
of  a  full-gr*:;vn  man. 

In  this  appearance  his  shoulders  joined,  for  they  were 
uncommonly  broad,  square,  and  muscular. 

His  arms,  too,  were  long  and  powerful,  and  so  out  of 
proportion  to  the  rest  of  his  body  that  when  he  stood 
upright  he  could  almost  touch  the  ground  with  the  tips  of 
his  fingers. 

His  back  seemed  to  have  received  some  kind  of  injury 
in  childhood,  which  had  prevented  the  growth  of  the 
lower  part  of  his  body,  so  that,  in  fact,  he  presented  the 
appearance  of  a  child's  body  surmounted  from  the  waist 
upwards  by  the  body  of  a  man. 

Well,  then,  might  Maud  feel  terrified  at  beholding 
this  iutruder  into  her  chamber,  for  the  darkness,  although 
it  permitted  her  to  make  out  his  general  appearance, 
would  not  allow  her  to  scrutinise  him  with  any  close- 
ness. 

"  Don't  be  afraid,  lady,"  he  said,  in  a  faint,  piping  voice, 
which  sounded  very  oddly  coming  from  so  capacious  a 
chest,  "  Hunch  will  not  hurt  you,  lady.  Wait  a  moment— 
I  will  shut  the  window  and  get  a  light." 

There  was  something  assuring  in  these  words,  and  also 
in  the  manner  in  which  they  were  uttered,  and  Maud 
felt  much  of  her  fear  abate. 

The  window  was  closed,  and  when  the  candle  was  re- 
lighted, Maud  was  able  to  look  more  closely  at  the  form  of 
her  nocturnal  visitor. 

So  far  from  exhibiting  any  aversion  or  disgust,  her 
heart  filled  with  pity  and  commiseration  for  the  unfortu- 
nate being. 

She  was,  however,  scarcely  prepared  for  the  result. 

He  recognised  in  a  moment,  as  if  by  intuition,  the  state 
of  her  feelings  towards  him,  and  the  tears  rose  thickly  to 
his  eyes. 

At  the  same  time  he  threw  himself  down  upon  his 
knees,  and  seizing  her  dress,  pressed  it  repeatedly  to  his 
lips. 

"  My  life  is  yours — my  life  is  yours,  lady,  for  you  are 
the  very  first  that  has  ever  given  a  kind  glance  at  poor 
Hunch!  Be  kind  to  me;  but  whether  you  are  or  not,  1 
nave  come  here  to  save  your  life !  Don't  be  frightened, 
Hunch  can  doit!  Hunch  will  save  your  life— he  will 
iudeed.  lady— he  will  indeed !" 

CHAPTER  MXV. 

FR1.BH  DANGER  IS  FOUND  BY  MAUD  AT  THE  OLD  INN. 

.V  ADD  gazed  for  a  moment  or  two  in  silence  upon  this 
singular  specimen  of  humanity. 


1702 


slack.  bt*b  j  ua, 


Then  in  a  low  volc»  which  she  vaiuly  ttfeKJ  fen  make 
ealm,  sue  asked : 

•'  If  my  life  is  in  danger,  how  came  you  to  know  h  f 

Upon  hearing  these  words,  Hunch,  as  he  called  himself, 
looked  arouDd  with  wildness  and  terror  in  his  looks. 

Then,  very  faintly,  he  whispered : 

"Hush,  husn,  lady,  and  I  »?iil  tell  you  all  T 

"All  what?" 

"All  the  mysteries  and  orimes  of  this  fearfui  p§*cc. 
Have  you  not  felt  the  effect  of  its  shadow  opos  you  ? 
Does  not  your  breath  come  short  and  thick  ?  [>.»*«  not 
your  heart  knock  against  your  ribs  ?" 

Maud  was  fain  to  confess  feeling  these  sensatf.'O *. 

"  It  is  because,"  continued  Hunch,  in  a  mnrt  hollow 
whisper — "it  is  because  you  scent  the  b»ocd  whicn  is  in 
the  air — because  you  feel  that  you  breathe  tae  atmosphere 
of  murder." 

At  these  dreadful  words,  which  were  pronounced  w*th 
bated  breath  and  flaming  eyes,  Maud's  very  lips  gr«w 
white. 

"I  frighten  you,  lady,"  observed  Hunch,  perceiving 
the  effect  his  words  had  wrought  "  But  be  not  afraid. 
I  will  save  your  life." 

"If  you  would  tell  me  how  it  is  in  danger,"  answered 
Maud,  "and  if  you  would  make  me  acquainted  with  the 
means  by  which  you  intend  to  save  it,  I  should  be  more 
content." 

"  I  know  that,  lady." 

"  Satisfy  me,  then." 

"  I  will,  without  delay ;  but  do  not  speak  so  loud,  or  you 
may  be  overheard ;  then  even  I  will  be  powerless  to  save 
you — ay,  as  powerless  as  you  would  be  to  save  yourself." 

"I  will  bo  silent." 

"  I  wonder  how  it  is,"  began  Hunch,  musingly,  "  that 
ever  you  came  to  cross  the  threshold  of  the  Jolly 
Sailor?" 

"  Is  that  the  name  of  the  inn  ?" 

"It  is.  Did  you  not  see  it  on  the  sign,  and  the  figure 
of  the  sailor  over  the  door  ?  Ha,  ha  !  the  Jolly  Sailor 
and  myself  are  the  very  best  of  friends !" 

These  words,  coupled  with  the  wildness  and  strange- 
ness of  his  appearance  and  demeanour,  strengthened  an 
opinion  which,  during  the  last  few  minutes,  had  been 
growing  in  Maud's  mind,  namely,  that  this  uncanny 
creature  was  not  in  proper  possession  of  his  senses. 

"It  was  dark,"  she  said,  replying  to  his  question,  "  and 
I  was  unable  to  see  anything.  I  came  in  here  for  shelter 
from  the  storm." 

"  Yes,  yes,  I  might  have  known  that.  And  now, 
lady,  listen  to  me.  You  have  had  the  ill-fortune  to  enter 
a  deu  of  murder,  for  this  place  is  nothing  more  " 

Maud  gasped  for  breath. 

"  Whenever  a  solitary  traveller  enters  this  place,  who 
happens  to  have  about  him  any  considerable  sum  of 
money,  he  never  departs  again.  He  is  ruthlessly 
slaughtered,  and  his  body  thrown  down  the  -s!a  well, 
na,  ha !  what  a  tale  could  be  told  by  that  old  well,  to  be 
sure,  if  anyone  would  bring  its  contents  to  the  light  of 
day !" 

"  You  affright  me,"  said  Maud  ;  "surely  you  cannot  be 
in  earnest  in  what  you  say  ?" 

"  You  shall  judge  shortly.  Did  you  not  show  my 
uncle  your  purse  when  you  stood  outside  the  door?" 

"  I  did— I  did  I    Oh,  Heaven !     Yes,  I  did !" 

••That  obtained  your  admittance,"  said  Hunch,  slowly, 
and  nodding  at  every  word  as  though  in  order  to  give 
the  utmost  emphasis  to  what  he  said,  "  bnt  it  was  only  in 
order  that  you  might  be  murdered  and  despoiled  of  it. 
Oh,  I  know  all !" 

"  Then — then — the  landlord  of  this  awiai  place  is-  is 
— your  uncle?" 

"He  is,  and  treats  me  just  like  a  nephew.  Did  you 
notice  him  throw  the  boot -jack  at  me  t" 

"  Was  it  at  you  ?" 

"Rather!    Look  here. w 

As  he  spoke  he  removed  a  rough  fri^ae  cap  which  he 
wore,  and  Bhowed  one  side  of  his  head,  in  which  was  a 
icop  gash,  from  which  the  blood  was  slowly  ooaicg 

rt  I  wonder  it  did  not  kill  you." 

"Lor"  bless  you,  lady,  that's  nothing.  He  has  treated 
me  like  a  dog,  and  so  has  everyone  el.se  that  I  have  met 
with  except  you.  But  I  am  planning  my  revenge,  and 
before  the  new  day  comes  it  is  odd  to  me  if  I  am  uot  lully 
swtwUtd  foi  all  IU-'  iuiuritib  he  Laj  douw  uw  I" 


"  What  do  yoc  mean  ?" 

"flush— hush  1  1  will  explain  directly.     ilark  1  hark  I* 

A  strange  sound  came  from  below. 

"  He  id  getting  ready,"  said  Huncti,  in  a  hearse 
whisper.     "  What,  after  all,  if  thoy  should  bo  too  late  I" 

"  Explain — explain  yourself  !" 

"  No  time — no  time  I"  said  Hunch,  moving  to  the 
window  and  looking  out.  "  Listen — listen !  Can  yea 
hear  anything  like  the  tramp  of  horses'  feet  ?  If  so,  all 
will  be  well." 

"No — no!"  said  Maud,  with  chattering  teetn.  "  I  caa 
hear  nothing  but  the  sighing  of  the  wind  among  the  tree 
tops." 

•'  Then  he  will  discover  us '" 

"  Can  wo  not  escape  ?"" 

"  What,  by  the  window  f" 

"Yes." 

"  No,  no  ;  that  would  be  impossible." 

"  How  so— how  so ?     By  what  means  did  you  ascend?" 

"  Lady,  they  tell  me  I  am  like  a  cat— can  climb  any- 
where. Look,  here  is  an  old,  half-rotien  pear-tree 
fastened  to  the  wall — that  was  the  means  I  used  to  maKe 
my  ascent." 

"  Can  it  be  possible  ?" 

•  You  cannot  get  that  way ;  but  I  have  another 
expedient  ready.  Quick — quick !  Off  with  your  dress 
and  cloak." 

Maud  hesitated  to  comply  with  this  demand,  and  yet 
she  could  see  by  the  hasty  movements  of  Hunch  that 
there  was  the  utmost  necessity  for  speed. 

As  for  the  latter,  he  with  great  rapidity  removed  every 
object  which  stood  upon  the  oaken  chest  we  have  before 
had  occasion  to  mention. 

There  was  so  much  mystery  in  all  these  occurrences 
that  Maud  could  do  nothing  more  than  stand  still  like  a 
statue  and  watch  all  that  her  companion  did. 

The  lid  of  the  chest  was  very  heavy,  and  she  saw  him 
struggling  to  raise  it 

Although  quite  ignorant  of  his  intentions,  she,  un- 
bidden, stepped  forward  to  assist  him. 

But  when,  by  their  united  efforts,  the  lid  was  fairly 
raised  an'i  Maud  took  a  glance  at  the  interior  of  the  chest, 
she  almost  swooned  with  horror  and  disgust 

For  a  few  seconds  everything  spun  round  her  with 
lightning  speed. 

She  could  tell  Hunch  was  saying  something  to  her  in 
earnest  tones,  but  his  voice  sounded  only  like  tho  fa'ut 
and  distant  murmur  of  the  sea. 

The  first  words  she  distinguished  wore : 

"  I  ought  to  have  told  you  of  this;  but  here  is  a  proo! 
— an  awful  proof  of  the  truth  of  what  1  have  told 
yoa.  That  which  lies  within  the  chest  is  the  body  of  a 
traveller  who  halted  here  last  night  after  sunset.  You 
see  how  he  has  been  treated.  He  was  lying  on  your  bed  ; 
and  how  do  you  think  this  room  was  prepared  for  your 
reception?  Why,  simply  by  biting  the  murdered  traveller 
out  of  the  bed  and  placing  the  body  in  this  box,  as 
there  was  no  time  to  carry  him  to  the  well  in  the  cellar  !" 

The  reader  may  perhaps  be  able  to  form  some  slight 
idea  of  the  effect  which  these  horrifying  details  produced 
upon  Maud. 

She  stood  like  one  changed  into  stone. 

But  her  companion's  next  words  aroused  her. 

"  Look  here,  miss,  this  is  what  I  intend  to  do,  and, 
rely  upon  it,  the  scheme  will  answer.  I  am  going  to 
lift  this  fellow  out  of  here  on  to  the  bed  again,  wrap  him 
in  part  of  your  clothes,  and  leave  him  there.  My  uncle 
will  know  nothing  of  the  substitution,  for  he  is  always 
obbged  to  prime  himself  well  with  brandv  before  he  caD 
undertake  a  job  like  this !" 

Maud's  blood  ran  cold. 

"  And — and  we,"  she  gaspod — •'  where—  wLereshaii  we 
bo?" 

"  We  will  hide." 

"Where?- 

"  Beneath  the  bwi" 

The  sound  >.'f  a  footslop  ascen Hfig  the  st*irca*3  ©ouid 
now  be  hoard. 

"Quick — quick,"  saiJ  Hunch,  "out  with  the  caudle  I 
must  bo  no  light  save  the  one  he.  will  bri'-y  with 
him,  Then  load  tue  y.-or  cloak.  I  will  make  shiit  to! 
that  to  do.     Never  mind  your  dress.*' 

While  isBuiug  these  baity  Injunctions  Bunch   «&sdj 

no  uicu.ua  iult> 


TOT    KKTGHT  0*  TOT  BOAB 


•  TO 


With  an  eiertion  of  strength  for  which,  certainly,  no 
one  would  have  {river,  him  credit  for  possessing,  but 
which  was  due  to  the  singular  conformation  of  the  upper 
part  of  kis  body,  h(  raised  the  dead  body  of  the  traveller 
from  the  box  and  staggered  with  it  to  the  bed,  ~  Hch, 
luckily,  was  only  about  two  paces  distent. 

He  had  to  be  particularly  careful  in   placing   .' 
upon  the  bedstead,  bnt  he  aoeoaiplistied  the  ieat  snoceea- 
fully. 

Quickly,  then,  he  wrapped  Maud's  cloak  about  tee  in- 
animate form,  and  covered  it  over  with  the  bed-clothe*. 

Without  any  pause  he  then  closed  the  chest,  replaced 
the  articles  upon  it,  and  taking  Maud  by  the  arm,  bade 
her  creep  beneath  the  bed. 

This  was  no  time  for  demur,  and  Maud  obeyed  with 
the  utmost  promptitude,  for  happening  to  look  towards 
the  door  she  saw  a  bright  light  shiuing  beneath  it-  and 
heard  some  one  speak  in  a  low  whisper. 

All  attempts  to  describe  her  feelings  now  must  be 
futile. 

We  leave  it  for  the  reader  to  imagine  her  sensations 
while  she  waited  for  the  conclusion  of  this  the  most 
awful  adventure  she  had  ever  encountered,  or  ever  heard 
of. 

It  was  some  satisfaction  to  her  when  she  felt  her 
strange  companion  take  hold  of  her  hand,  for  it  assured 
her  that  she  had  a  protector  near. 

All  considerations  were,  however,  quickly  swallowed 
up  by  the  absorbing  interest  caused  by  the  events  that 
ensued. 

The  whispering  sound  lasted  only  for  a  few  seconds, 
and  was  succeeded  by  a  profound  silence. 

Probably  those  outside  were  listening. 

Maud  fancied  she  had  secured  the  door,  but  if  so,  the 
intruders  must  have  possessed  some  ready  and  mysterious 
means  of  removing  the  fastenings,  for  the  door  was 
slowly  and  gently  opened  just  wide  enough  for  one  par- 
son to  enter. 

Then  came  another  pause. 

At  last,  with  a  slow  and  shrinking  step,  a  man  entered 
the  room. 

Maud  could  see  him  plainly,  for  the  person  by  whom 
he  was  accompanied  stood  upon  the  threshold  holding  a 
ight,  the  rays  from  whicft  fell  clear  and  bright  into  the 
roeae. 

The  man  crept  towards  the  side  of  the  bed,  then 
pausing,  faintly  whispered  . 

"  Why  the  devil  don't  you  ix>me  nearer  with  the  light  I 
Are  you  afraid,  or  do  you  wish  me  to  blunder  up  against 
something  in  the  dark  and  spoil  the  game  ?" 

"  I  was  afraid  the  light  would  wake  her." 

"Never  fear!  You  mean  you  are  afraid  to  eoaje 
in." 

"  Nothing  of  the  kind." 

With  these  words,  the  second  speaker  came  into  view 
of  the  two  watchers. 

It  was  a  woman,  though  both  in  her  mind  and  person 
all  traces  of  femininity  had  long  since  been  trampled 
•ut 

The  former  was  embrutalised,  and  the  latter  hideous 
in  the  highest  degree. 

Although  she  had  declared  herself  free  from  fear,  yet 
the  candle  trembled  in  her  grasp  while  she  shook  like  an 
aspen  from  head  to  foot,  thus  giving  the  lie  to  her  asser- 
tion. 

She  did  not  advance  very  far  into  the  room,  but  stood 
near  the  door,  and  held  the  candle  in  such  a  way  that  its 
light  was  well  diffused,  though  the  draught  wliich 
seemed  to  ascend  the  staircase  caused  the  flame  to  flicker 
in  such  a  manner  that  tho  illumination  was  most  un- 
certain. 

Nevertheless,  It  was  sufficient  to  enable  tos  imrderer 
to  make  out  that  something  reneuiUing  the  form  of  their 
last  guest  was  lying  on  the  bed. 

He  did  not  dare  treat  himself  u>  k>ok  at  it  too  closely, 
lest  the  spurious  courage  which  enabled  hiss,  to  execute 
such  deeds  should  abate. 

"Get  your  knife,"  whispered  the  woman — "lake  my 
advice  and  get  your  knife  1     It  wfli  bo  much  the  best." 

"Not  I,"  answered   the  man,  in  the  same  hushed  tones 
—"there  is   no  need   for   it.       The   pillow    will   do   as 
well." 
"Bnhl"  ejaculated  hie  com  pinion,  sSntemptuously. 
-  k'oo  know  I  hats  to  have  anything  liifp  this  u?  ri»> 


with  a    woman,      f  don't  think  it   worth   while   oven 
now." 

"  Bah  1"  said  the  woman  again,  but  with  much  greater 
contempt  than  before.  "  Either  do  it  01  ataud  back  and 
let  me  r 

The  man  did  not  say  *  word  more,  hot.  took  a  step  to* 
wards  the  bed. 

Hs  did  not  approach  any  nearer  the  h^ad  of  it  than  he 
w&s  positively  compelled,  ent,  stretching  out  his  arm  ae 
far  as  ever  he  possibly  aoald,  he  tore  hold  of  the 
pillow. 

His  movements  now  were  ku  very  rapid. 

Neither  Maud  nor  Hunch  could  see  exactly  what  he 
was  about,  yet  they  could  tell  that  he  took  hold  of  the 
pillow,  aud,  placing  it  over  the  face  of  the  supposed 
sleeping  person,  held  it  in  that  position  for  several 
minutes. 

During  this  time,  Maud  and  her  companion  only  drew 
their  breaths  by  stealth,  so  fearful  were  they  that  the 
slight  sound  would  be  overheard  by  the  two  watchers  ia 
the  painfully-intense  silence  that  now  prevailed. 

At  length  the  woman  whispered: 

"  That  will  do — that  is  quite  long  enough !  She  has 
drawn  her  last  breath  now." 

Silently  the  man  removed  the  pillow,  and  stood  listen- 
ing. 

Maud  and  Hunch  now  held  their  breaths  altogether 

"  It's  all  right,"  cried  the  woman.  "  Oome  away  now. 
She  is  dead  enough !" 

Just  as  she  spoke  these  words,  the  sound  of  a  tre- 
mendous knocking  from  below  reached  their  ears. 

The  two  guilty  wretches  were  so  alarmed  at  it  that 
they  both  ran  against  each  other. 

The  candle  was  knocked  from  the  woman's  feeble 
grasp,  and,  falling  to  the  floor,  was  instantly  extin- 
guished. 

The  man,  upon  gaining  possession  of  his  voice,  poured 
out  a  volley  of  curses. 

'•  What — what  can  it  be  ?"  gasped  the  woman. 

'  Why,  some  one  at  the  door." 

"  But  who — who  ?" 

"  Why,  some  chance  travellers,  of  course  Wo.- 
else  ?" 

"  I — I  felt  terrified,  and  so  did  you,  though  uow  you 
wili  try  to  brave  it  outl" 

'*  Nothing  of  the  kind,  fool  1  Stand  aside  I  What  the 
devil  did  you  want  to  drop  the  light  like  that  for,  curse 
you !" 

With  these  words  the  man  groped  his  way  out  of  the 
room  in  the  best  way  fee  could,  and  stumbled  down  the 
stairs. 

The  woman  followed  him,  all  the  time  crying  on  him 
to  stay. 

But  he  disregarded  all  her  appeals. 

No  sooner  had  they  both  quitted  the  apartment  than 
Hunch  quitted  his  place  of  concealment. 

Maud  hastily  followed  his  example,  though  such  was 
the  state  of  horror  she  was  ia  that  she  was  scarcely  con- 
scious of  what  she  was  about 

llunch  rubbed  his  hands  together  briskly,  and  in  various 
eccentric  ways  testilied  to  feeling  a  great  amount  of  satis- 
faction. 

"  Do  you  hear  that  knocking  ?"  he  asked,  gleefully.  "  li 
seems  to  have  increased  tenfold." 

"It  does — it  does !" 

"  Hark  1  is  it  not  musio !" 

"Do  you  know  the  cause  of  it  t" 

"I  do — I  do  I"  replied  the  singular  creature,  more  tri- 
umphantly than  before. 

"Explain  it — explain  it!  Do  not  keep  me  for  a  mo- 
ment, in  suspense!  Lot  me  know  at  oure  just  what  it 
menus  i 

"Be  onder  no  apprehension — all  is  welL  You  ate 
safe  now,  lady— quite  safe;  and,  as  for  my  uncle,  why, 
his  little  game  is  done  witk  for  ever." 

"eHill  I  do  not  understand-     Spsak  plainer. r 
"Well,  then,   I  will  make  alt  so  clear  that  you  cannot 
full  to  understand  it. " 

"  Quick,  '.hen— be  quick  1" 

"  Well,  lady,  if  you  onJy  kuew  how  ill-treated  I  have 
been   by  my  uncle  you  would  not  wonder  that  I  sh<>^id 
burn  to  avenge  my  wrongs  I" 
"Well?" 
"For  a  long  time  I  have  been  nnabie  to  find  «nv  3i«aBS 


1704 


RLAOT     BESS  ;    OB, 


of  doing  so,  brt  at  last  I  hit  upon  the  plan.    They  kept 
me  closely  confined  here,  not  allowing  mo  to  leave  the 

r remises,  but  I  found  out  how  to  baffle  then: — ha,  ha  I 
made  a  pen  with  a  piece  of  sharp-pointed  wood,  and 
with  the  blood  that  I  purposely  made  to  flow  from  one 
of  my  fingers  I  wrote  a  letter  to  the  magistrate  lit  Bow 
Street,  describing  the  situation  of  this  house  and  tho  awful 
deeds  enacted  in  it,  requesting  him  to  send  down  a  troop 
of  officers  with  all  possible  secrecy  and  despatch.  They 
have  arrived  now.*  *jark  !  how  they  hammer  at  the  door! 
Nunky  must  know  who  they  are,  and  is  frightened  to 
admit  I  hem  I     Ha.  ha  !     Oh,  it's  good — it's  good  !" 

To  nay  that  Mann  listened  to  this  explanation  with 
speechless  horror  would  be  only  to  convey  a  very  'ee'ole 
idea  of  the  state  of  her  mind. 

So  appalled  was  she  that  her  lungs  refused  to  perform 
their  usual  functions — respiration  was  completely 
stopped. 

Her  eyes  started  from  their  sockets. 
Her  teeth  chattered,   and   she   stood  slightly    bending 
forward  in  an  attitude  of  intense  fear. 

Hunch  observed  the  effect  of  his  disclosure  <&ft\i  an 
astonishment  that  was  ludicrous. 

"  Have  you  heard  aright,  lady  ?"  he  inquired  at  length 
— "  have  you  understood  me  ?" 
She  nodded. 
Speech  was  denied  her. 

"  What,  then,  causes  this  terror  ?     There  must   be  a 
mistake  somehow." 
By  making  a  great  effort,  Maud  managed  to  murmur  : 
"  No,  no— no  mistake  !" 
u  Why,  then,  this  terror  ?" 

"Because  the  presence  of  officers  is  to  the  full  as 
perilous  to  me  as  it  can  be  to  your  uncle." 

"  But — you — you  do  not — mur "  gasped  Hunch. 

"No,  no — not   that !     But    I   have   been  arrested   and 
tried    for   a   crime   of    which     I   was   and    am   perfectly 
innocent ;  nevertheless,   I  was  pronounced  guilty." 
"  And  you  escaped  ?" 

"  Yes,  by  the  aid  of  friends  I  escaped,  and  since  then 
have,  with  the  utmost  difficulty,  eluded  the  officers.  Now 
they  are  here,  and  I  cannot  escape.  At  the  first  glance 
they  will  recognise  me.  I  shall  be  powerless  to  resist 
them!     Then — then — oh,  then  all — all  will  be  lost!" 

As  she  uttered  these  last  words,  in  tones  of  indescrib- 
able agony,  Maud  threw  her  arms  up  above  her  head, 
and,  with  a  cry  of  intense  anguish,  sank  sobbing  and 
fainting  upon  a  seat. 

Hunch  gazed  at  her  for  a  second  or  two  in  silence ; 
then,  by  that  time  being  able  to  comprehend  pretty  well 
what  mischief  he  had  caused,  he  went  deliberately  to  the 
wall,  and  dashed  his  head  a  great  many  times  against  it. 

This  action  diverted  Maud's  attenticn,  and  caused  her 
to  look  up. 

"Good  heavens!"  she  ejaculated,  "what  are  you 
about  ?" 

"  Only  serving  myself  out,  lady,  that's  all,"  replied 
Hunch,  pausing  in  his  self-inflicted  punishment. 

"  Do  not  be  so  foolish  Ho.  that !  What  you  did  was  for 
the  best," 

"  But  that  does  not  make  matters  any  better  for  you, 
lady." 

"  No,  but " 

What  Maud  would  have  said  then  V»  uncertain,  for  she 
was  interrupted  by  a  terrific  crash,  whieh  came  from  the 
\ttom  of  the  house,  and  which  completely  drowned  all 
other  sounds. 

"  What — what  is  that  ?"  she  gasped,  as  soon  as  the 
noise  ceased. 

Hunch  ran  immediately  to  the  door,  and  opened  it  to 
the  extent  of  two  or  three  inches 

The  crash  was  caused  by  the  yielding  of  tho  front 
door,  which  had  given  way  before  the  furious  blows 
rained  upon  it  by  the  police  officers. 

There  was  then  a  hasty  rush  of  fe-t,  and  a  voice 
cried : 

"Lights — HgTits !     Lights,  I  say — at  once  i 
Then,  almost  immediately,  the  same  voice  exclaimed: 
"Seize    them — seize     them     both,    and      bind    them 
securely !     Beyond  a  doubt  they  are  the   miscreants   of 
whom  we  are  in  search  I" 

A  slight  souffle  ensued,  but  the  officers  were  so  over- 
powering in  their  numbers  that  after  a  brief  struggle  the 
•an  and  the  wum&u  were  securely  made  prisoners. 


This  scene  was  imperfectly  beheld  by  Hunch,  woe 
projected  his  head  a  little  way  through  the  paitially  open 
doorway  and  peeped  down  the  staircase. 

In  his  interest  there  is  do  knowing  how  long  he  might 
have  stood  a  spectator,  oblivious  of  aught  else 

Suddenly  he  felt  a  slight  touch  upon  his  arm. 

Turning  round,  hs  caught  sight  of  the  pallid  face  of 
Maud  close  to  his  own. 

'•  Tha  officers  have  entered  ?"  she  said,  intei*ogatively. 

"  Yes,"  replied   Hunch,   whose  astonishment   was  un- 
bounded at  the  calm  manner  in  which  Maud  now  spoke 
i      "  Then — then,  you  must  assist  me  to  escape !" 

"  flow — how  ? 

"Cannot  you  suggest  the  means?" 

"  I  fear,  lady,  it  is  impossible  !  Oh,  I  wish  I  had  died 
a  thousand  times  before  I  had  lived  to  bring  you  into  so 
much  peril !" 

Some  loudly-uttered  words  now  struck  upon  the  ears 
of  both  and  arrested  their  attention. 

"  That  is  right,"  said  a  voice  below.  "  Now  search  the 
place  thoroughly  from  top  to  bottom,  and  particularly  an 
old  well  situated  in  one  of  the  cellars.  We  shall  then 
soon  know  whether  we  have  been  deceived  by  false  in- 
formation, or  whether  what  we  have  heard  is  quite 
correct." 

An  immediate  movement  followed  these  words,  and 
the  voice  continued  : 

"Two  or  three  of  you  keep  a  sharp  look-out  on  the 
outside  of  the  building,  so  that  no  one  shall  leave  the 
premises  unperceived.  Then  as  for  the  rest,  let  them 
follow  me  upstairs,  where  I  fancy  the  most  important  dis- 
coveries are  to  be  made." 

No  sooner  were  these  injunctions  utterer'  than  the 
sound  of  heavy  footsteps  informed  the  listeners  that  they 
were  in  the  act  of  ascending  the  staircase. 

"  Fasten  the  door,"  said  Maud,  calmly,  though  she 
spoke  only  with  the  calmness  of  despair — "fasten  the 
door;  end  that,  if  it  does  no  more,  will  impede  their  pro- 
gress, aud  give  us  a  little  time  to  think  what  can  be 
done." 


CHAPTER  MXVI. 

THE  OFFICERS    ADOPT    SOME    ENERGETIC     MOVEMENTS  AT 
THE  INN. 

Hunch  rapidly  complied  with  Maud's  commaud,  though 
when  she  gave  it  she  really  knew  not  what  would  be  the 
good  actually  effected. 

At  any  rate,  it  would  prevent  the  officers  from  entering 
so  speedily  as  they  would  otherwise  have  done. 

"  What  next,  lady  ?"  said  Hunch,  turning  round  to 
her. 

"  Escape  !"  she  cried.    "  I  must  escape !" 

"  You  heard  what  the  officers  said  ?" 

"I  did." 

"  Then  how  is  it  to  be  managed  ?" 

Maud  only  shook  her  head. 

Huneh  was  anxious  and  bewildered. 

•'  I  irust — I  must  escape,"  Maud  murmured,  •'  no  matter 
what  risk  I  incur  in  doing  so !  Not  only  my  own  life 
and  liberty,  but  also  the  lives  of  those  near  and  dear  to 
me  depend  upon  my  gettirg  away!  At  all  hazards  it 
must  be  done !" 

"  1  fear  it  is  impossible." 

Maud  just  at  this  moment  darted  to  the  window. 

In  the  tumult  of  her  mind  she  had  lorgotten  all  about 
It. 

Now  it  presented  itself  to  her  as  an  ouflet  for  escape.  - 

Dashing  open  the  casement  she  looked  out,  but  the 
intense  darkness  appalled  her. 

"  I  don't  know  how  you  can  get  that  way,  lady." 

"  Did  not  you  ascend  ?"  said  Maud,  overcoming  as  well 
f  she  could  her  sensations  of  terror,  and  endeavouring  to 
crtstinguish  the  nature  of  the  various  objeets  outsido 

"  1  climbed  up,"  said  Hunch  ;  "but  it  was  by  clinging 
to  the  branches  of  the  old  cherry-tree.  You  could  never 
make  such  a  descent"  » 

It  was  just  at  this  moment  that  the  officers,  having 
made  a  hasty  search  of  tho  other  rooms,  came  to  the  one 
in  which  Maud  and  Hunch  were. 

They  tried  the  door  and  found  it  fast. 

The  sound  of  tier  iocs   haing   so   ueai    to   he.i    m>dued 


THE   KNIGHT  OF  THE   ROAD 


1701 


[bishop,  the  officer,  tries  a  shot  AT  BLACK  BESS.] 


Maud  with  a  degree  of  courage  whioh  she  never  dreamt 
Bhe  had  possession  of. 

Comprehending  the  means  by  which  Hunch  had  made 
his   way  into   the    chamber,  she  did   not    hesitate   to 
attempt  to  leave  it  by  the  same  means. 
Hunch  in  vain  attempted  to  prevent  her. 
Almost  before  he  was  aware  of  it,  she  had  lowered 
herself  through  the  casement. 

Perilous  as  the  attempt  was,  yet  she  preferred  mak- 
ing it  to  remaining  in  the  room  and  facing  her  foes. 

With  the  strength  which  nothing  but  despair  can  give, 
■he  clung  to  the  branohes  of  the  tree. 

Most  fortunate  indeed  for  her  was  it  that  she  was 
surrounded  by  so  intense  a  darkness,  for  it  prevented 
her  from  beholding  her  perilous  position. 

Could  she  but  have  had  one  glance  at  the  ground 
below,  all  nerve,  strength,  and  self-possession  would 
have  deserted  her. 
No.  214.—  Black  Bass. 


Clinging  close  to  the  wall,  however,  she  direoted  all 
her  energies  to  keeping  a  secure  hold  upon  the  tree. 

Hunch,  finding  that  she  desoended  with  safety,  did 
not  hesitate  to  lower  himself  through  the  window. 

To  him  the  feat  was  the  most  ordinary  feat  in  the 
world.  .     ,. 

The  immense  strength  which  he  possessed  in  tie 
upper  part  of  his  body  easily  enabled  him  to  hold  on 
with  one  hand  while  with  the  other  he  closed  the  win- 
dow, though,  of  course,  he  was  unable  to  fasten  it  from 

the  outside.  ....         ..  c  ±u 

He  had  scarcely  done  this  before  th,.  door  ot  the 
room  yielded  to  the  violent  kick  given  to  it  by  one  of 
the  police  officers.    Several  rushed  aoross  the  threshold. 

Hunch  waited  to  behold  no  more,  but  lowered  him- 
self  with  a  speed  that  looked  reokleas  in  the  extreme. 

Bat  he  reached  the  ground  with  absolute  safety. 

He  found  Maud  cowering  down  oloae  to  the  wall. 


Ko.  214. 


Price  One  Halfpenny. 
iVo.  215  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


l"0'3 


BLACK   BESS;   OR, 


Now  that  she  had  escaped  so  far  her  nerves  became  | 
unstrung,  and  she  had  no  longer  the  power  to  d«  •"•n?*A.'AY)g 
to  assist  herself. 

Tears  were  rolling  down  her  cheeks. 

Her  sudden  prostration  filled  Hunch  with  surprise. 

Without  exactly  comprehending  it,  he  said : 

"  Come— come,  lady,  you  must  not  give  way  thus. 
Coumge — courage!  The  worst  is  over,  though  we  aro 
by  no  means  out  of  danger." 

Maud  roused  herself  a  little,  as  she  asked : 

"  What  is  to  be  done  now  ?  Tell  me — oh,  tell  me  wbat 
will  be  our  next  step  ?" 

"  Why,  to  get  away." 

"  But  the  officers  are  watching." 

"  True,  and  on  that  account  it  will  De  no  easy  umter. 
Yet  it  must  be  accomplished  '" 

"And  you  remember,"  said  Maud,  with  a  iresn  burst 
of  grief — "you  remember  what  I  told  you  about  my 
friends?" 

"  I  do,  my  lady." 

"  Time,  precious  time,  is  flying  fast,  and  here  am  I 
doing  nothing  on.  their  behalf.  If  I  do  not  see  them  and 
warn  them  of  their  danger,  they  will  go  headlong  to 
death !" 

"Keep  your  heart  up,  lady.  We  have  succeeded 
wonderfully  at  present.  In  the  end,  no  doubt,  all  will  be 
well." 

These  words  had  quite  an  encouraging  and  re- 
assuring effect  upon  Maud,  who  rose  silently  to  her  feet. 

Hunch  glanced  up  to  the  window  of  the  room  tuoy  had' 
just  left,  through  which  came  a  bright  light  and  also  the 
sound  of  many  voices  speaking  in  loud  tones. 

"  They  have  made  a  discovery,"  he  whispered  to 
Maud,  "  which  will  doubtless  occupy  them  for  some 
time.  This  is  the  opportunity  we  ought  to  seize  to 
escape." 

"  Are  there  any  horses  on  the  premises  ?"  Maud  asked. 
"  If  so,  let  us  endeavour  to  gain  possession  of  them.  We 
shall  not  only  staud  a  better  chance  of  getting  away  from 
these  officers,  but  I  shall  be  enabled  to  meet  with  my 
friends." 

«  Yes — we  have  two  horses  in  the  stable  close  at  hand  ; 
but, " 

"But  what?" 

"  I  question  very  much  whether  there  is  the  least  hope 
of  our  being  able  to  get  possession  of  them  unseen  by  the 
officers." 

"  Nevertheless,  let  us  try,"  replied  Maud,  with  that  de- 
cision which  seemed  to  come  nataral  to  her  in  moments 
of  the  greatest  difficulty. 

"  Come,  then,"  said  Hunch,  in  a  faint  whisper-—"  follow 
me.     1  will  lead  the  way." 

Although  the  storm  was  over,  yet  the  sky  had  by  no 
means  cleared,  and  the  density  of  the  clouds  caused  an 
intense  darkness  to  prevail. 

Yet,  by  straining  her  eyes,  Maud  was  able  to  keep  the 
form  of  her  strange  companion  in  view. 

She  followed  him  across  a  kind  of  yard,  uttered  over 
with  rubbish  of  every  description. 

At  length,  without  baviug  apparently  attracted  the 
attention  of  anyone,  or  raised  the  least  alarm,  they 
paused  before  a  roughly-made  door  communicating  with 
a  wooden  shed. 

This  door  yielded  to  the  slight  touch  which  Hunch 
gave  it. 

He  beckoned  to  Maud  to  cross  the  threshold. 

Then  closed  the  door  again. 

"We  may  congratulate  ourselves  so  far,  lady,"  he 
murmured,  in  the  same  cautious  tones.  "If  Icancily 
manage  to  get  the  horses  bridled.  I  do  believe  we  shall 
get  off  safely." 

Maud's  heart  beat  high  with  hope. 

Hunch  groped  about  in  the  dark. 

He  must  have  been  wonderfully  well  acquainted  with 
the  place,  for  he  found  what  he  wanted  with  very  little 
trouble. 

As  soon  as  the  two  animals  were  caparisoned  he  cau- 
tiously led  them  out. 

The  utmost  rapidity  now  characterised  every  one  of 
hia  movements. 

He  assisted  Maud  to  mount,  and  vaulted  into  the  saddle 
timselt. 

Scarcely  had  he  gained  his  seat  than  a  loud  cry  ci 
alarm  was  uttered  by  some  one  close  at  hand. 


The  aiscnarge  or  a  pisroi  loiWwed,  'Jipusu  it  would 
seem  that  the  weapon  had  been  fired  merely  aa  ;t?e  meant 
of  attracting  attention. 

"  Follow  me,"  cried  Hunch,  in  hia  odd,  shrill  tone*-* 
"  follow  me  closely,  and  all  will  be  well." 

Maud  followed  this  injunction  without  hesitation. 

Dimly — very  dimly  before  her  she  could  perceive  the 
form  of  the  hunchback. 

In  order  to  leave  the  premises  at  the  rear  of  the  inn  it 
was  necessary  to  emerge  into  the  road. 

This  was  the  moment  of  greatest  danger. 

Hunch  felt  it,  and  knew  that  if  they  could  once  get  * 
clear  start  there  was  a  strong  probability  of  ultimate 
escape. 

The  explosion  of  the  pistol  had  put  every  one  cf  the 
officers  on  the  alert. 

The  alarm  was  general. 

"Hold — hold!"  cried  a  load  voice,  as  the  fugitives 
went  dashing  by.  "  Hold,  or  the  consequences  of  refuual 
be  on  your  own  heads  1     Pull  up,  or  we  fire  1" 

Hunch  took  not  the  least  notice  of  this  command,  neither 
did  Maud. 

The  officers,  enraged  at  this  contumacy,  at  once  dis- 
charged a  volley. 

The  report  was  deafening,  and  for  an  infinitesimal. y 
brief  space  of  time  everything  around  was  revealed  by 
the  flash. 

A  faint  cry  came  to  Maud's  lips. 

As  she  uttered  it  she  fancied  one  of  a  similar  character 
came  from  her  companion. 

Of  this  she  could  not  be  pure ;  but  observing  that  he 
put  his  horse  to  additional  speed  she,  without  hesitation 
followed  his  example. 

The  officers  were  not  mounted,  and,  consequently,  the 
slight  delay  which  was  inevitably  caused  by  their  mount- 
ing to  their  saddles  enabled  the  two  fugitives  to  get  a 
tolerably  good  start. 

Maud  called  out  several  times  to  her  companion  to  know 
whether  he  was  hurt. 

But  on  no  occasion  did  she  receive  a  reply. 

She  urged  her  own  horse  onward,  and  endeavoured  to^ 
get  breast  to  breast  with  Hunch,  but  was  unable  to  daflr 
so,  for  the  more  she  tried  to  overtake  him  the  faster  he 
went. 

Her  fears  were  now  aroused  by  hearing  the  tremendous 
clatter  caused  by  the  hoofs  of  the  officers'  horses,  which 
were  thundering  along  at  the  top  of  their  speed. 

At  this  moment  Hunch,-  with  great  suddenness  and 
abruptness,  turned  his  horse's  head  down  a  narrow  lane 
on  the  right  hand. 

So  short  was  the  turn  he  took  that  she'feared  at  first 
it  would  hurl  him  from  the  saddle. 

The  manner  in  which  he  swayed  about  from  one  side 
to  the  other  was  truly  wonderful  to  behold. 

Again  and  again  Maud  called  out  to  him. 

But  so  far  from  taking  any  notice  of  her  voice,  he 
leaned  first  to  one  side  then  to  the  other  in  a  manner 
more  alarming  than  before. 

It  seemed  to  her  as  though  he  was  making  frantic — nay, 
superhuman  efforts  to  retain  his  balance. 

All  these  efforts  quickly  proved  in  vain. 

With  a  sudden  lurch  his  body  fell  over  to  on» 
side,  and  reached  the  earth  with  a  dull,  sickening 
crash. 

Maud  closed  her  eyes,  and  shrieked  aloud  in  horror. 

The  horse  still  continued  his  frantic  career,  and  Maud's 
horror  was  now  greatly  intensified  by  perceiving  that, 
in  falling,  Hunch  had  not  been  fortunate  enough  to  cleat 
his  foot  from  the  stirrup. 

At  every  bound  the  now  thoroughly  terrified  animal 
took,  his  body  was  dashed  with  fearful  violence  upon  the 
ground. 

Whether  life  was  extinct  or  not  Maud  could  aot  tell, 
nor  had  she  any  means  of  ascertaining. 

In  vain  she  urged  her  own  horse  to  the  utmost  of  its 
capacity,  in  order  that  she  might  make  an  attempt  to  put 
a  stop  to  the  frautio  creature's  oareer. 

As  before,  however,  Huuch's  horse  maintained  the  lead, 
and  at  last  Maud  was  obliged  to  resign  herself  to  the 
conviction  that  it  was  out  of  her  power  to  overtake  Uin, 
or  do  anything  to  help  or  save  him. 

In  the  intense  interest  she  felt  in  this  pursuit  she  fot- 
got  for  a  brief  period  all  about  the  police  officers  wfca 
were  pursuing  her  so  eagerly. 


THJB    KNXUHT    OS'  THE    ROAD. 


1VW 


Beyond  question  the  endeavour  to  overtake  her  com- 
panion caused  ber  to  make  greater  speed  than  she  would 
otherwise  have  done. 

The  intense  excitement  deadened  her  to  the  danger 
that  naturally  attached  itself  to  such  a  headlong 
course. 

The  animal  in  front  of  her  was  now  quite  mad  with 
terror,  and  consequently  it  is  easy  to  conceive  at  what 
a  furious  rate  it  went,  since  all  its  efforts  seemed  to  be 
to  outrun  the  mass  that  was  lumbering  at  its  heels. 

Nevertheless,  although  its  speed  was  so  terrific,  Maud 
managed  to  keep  up  with  it,  and  the  terrified  animal,  in 
spite  of  all  its  efforts,  was  unable  to  increase  the  dis- 
tance there  was  between  theiu. 

How  long  this  terrible  chase  continued  Maud  knew 
not,  but  long  ere  it  was  brought  to  a  termination  she 
felt  an  odd  sensation  of  faintness  and  sickness  oome  over 
her  for  wuioh  she  was  not  altogether  able  to  account. 

Then  she  became  sensible  of  a  dull,  aching  puin  in  her 
right  side. 

Meohanically  she  pressed  her  hand  upon  it,  believing 
the  pain  to  be  produced  by  nothing  else  than  the  hasty 
gallop. 

She  withdrew  her  fingers  with  an  ejaoulation  of  terror. 
Her  dress  on  that  side  was  wet   and  sticky,  and  in  a 
moment  she  became  aware  that  when  the  officers  had 
fired  their  volley  she  had  not  escaped  injury. 

She  could  not  believe,  however,  that  the  injury  was  a 
very  severe  one,  because  had  it  been  it  would  unques- 
tionably have  manifested  itself  sooner  and  in  a  different 
manner. 

When  the  first  shock  of  this  discovery  was  over,  Maud 
again  turned  her  attention  to  her  unfortunate  pro- 
teotor. 

Just  as  she  glanoed  down  the  road  the  horse  oontrived 
in  some  way  to  get  rid  of  his  burden. 

Either  from  the  stirrup-leather  giving  way,  or  from 
bis  foot  beooming  released  from  the  stirrup,  Hunch's 
frightful  course  was  brought  to  a  termination. 

So  suddenly  did  this  event  ooour  that  Maud  had  much 
ado  to  pull  her  horse  up  in  time  to  prevent  herself  from 
riding  over  him. 

As  soon  as  over  her  own  steed,  which  showed  eyery 
symptom  of  great  terror,  was  brought  to  a  standstill, 
she  dismounted  and  bent  over  the  prostrate  form  of  her 
unfortunate  proteotor. 

It  was  now  each  moment  growing  lighter,  for  morn- 
ing was  close  at  hand. 

By  the  dim,  gray  illumination,  Maud  beheld  a  terrible 
and  fearful  spectacle. 

Poor  Hunch  was  from  head  to  foot  nothing  but  one 
disfigured  mass  of  bruises  and  scratches  covered  witu 
dust  and  blood. 

The  manner  in  which  his  torn  apparel  was  soaked  by 
the  latter  showed  that  he  must  have  been  badly  Woun- 
ded by  one  or  more  bullets  when  the  officers  discharged 
their  volley. 

Maud  pronounced  his  name,  but  it  was  in  a  most 
hopeless  tone  of  voice. 
There  came  no  reply. 

Indeed,  it  was  too  much  to  suppose  that  any  human 
being  oould  survive  such  frightful  injuries  as  he  had 
received. 

Upon  making  the  discovery  that  he  was  indeed  no 

more,  Maud  burst  out  into  a  passion  of  regretful  tears. 

Misfortune  and  death  did  indeed  seem  to  follow  in 

her  footsteps,  and  to  be  the  fate  of  those  who  were 

willing  to  befriend  her. 

The  fatality  was  a  strange  one. 

This  was  the  second  faithful  protector  she  had  lost 
upon  this  truly  fearful  night,  and  now  she  found  herself 
once  more  solitary,  alone,  and  unprotected,  and  as  re- 
gards the  important  expedition  upon  which  she  had  set 
out,  so  far  from  being  nearer,  she  actually  seemed  fur- 
ther from  the  accomplishment  of  the  important  errand 
upon  which  she  had  set  out. 

Despairingly,  and  with  her  heart  completely  weighed 
down,  she  rose  and  looked  around. 

The  dull,  distant,  but  unmistakable  sound  produced 
by  the  horses  of  the  pursuing  officers  struck  upon  her 
ears,  and  once  more  aroused  her  into  fresh  life  aud 
aotivity. 

She  remembered  most  vividly  aid  painfully  no*-  ie. 
Biiousible  was  her  pr<  sent  expedition. 


For  herself  she  oared  little,  if  anything. 

She  felt  that  her  life  oould  not  be  better  spent  than 
in  saving  Diok,  who  to  her  was  far  dearer  than  her 
own  existence. 

Nothing  else  but  this  feeling  oould  have  enabled  her 
to  struggle  against,  and  finally  to  some  extent  overcome, 
the  deathlike  sensation  of  faintness  which  now  came 
over  her. 

She  reeled,  and  every  object  seemed  to  be  gyrating 
round  her  at  an  awful  speed. 

Nevertheless,  with  the  manner  of  one  deprived  of 
sight,  she  groped  aboufc,  in  order  to  obtain  a  grasp 
upon  her  horse's  saddle. 

The  animal  stood  perfectly  quiet,  though  intense 
torror  caused  him  to  tremble  in  every  limb. 

Maud  feared,  however,  that  to  remount  was  a  task 
far  beyond  her  failing  powers. 

She  tried  again  and  again. 

But  in  vain. 

Eaoh  attempt  was  of  a  more  feeble  onaraoter  than 
its  predecessors. 

But  now  the  sound  of  her  pursuers  came  upon  her 
ears  with  much  greater  distinctness  than  before. 

Surely  now  they  must  be  close — very  close  at  hand. 

This  knowledge  nerved  her  to  one  more  trial. 

Summoning  up  the  whole  of  hor  remaining  strength, 
she  renewed  her  endeavours. 

This  time  she  succeeded,  though  before  she  had  time 
to  settle  herself  properly  in  the  saddle  and  obtain  a 
firm  seat  the  terrified  horse  dashed  off. 

By  clinging  partly  to  the  mane  and  partly  to  the 
pommel  of  the  saddle,  Maud  contrived  to  save  herself 
from  falling. 

Then,  despite  her  insecurity,  she  urged  her  horse  on- 
ward with  her  voioe,  so  anxious  was  she  to  make  all 
speed. 

But  there  was  little  need  for  this. 

The  creature's  terror  seemed  to  increase  rather  than 
abate. 

Every  moment  his  paoe  became  more  terrific. 

Closer  and  oloser  upon  his  back  Maud  crouched  as 
she  felt  herself  in  more  and  more  imminent  danger  of 
falling  off. 

Great  as  this  peril  was,  yet  it  shrunk  into  absolute 
insignificance  when  compared  with  that  from  which  she 
was  escaping  ;  and,  under  the  circumstances,  there  was 
one  thing  which  could  not  fail  of  affording  her  satis- 
faction. 

She  was  certainly  distancing  her  foes,  for  now  they 
could  no  longer  be  heard  trampling  so  loudly  upon  the 
roadway. 

It  would  almost  seem  as  though  Maud  was  now  about 
altogether  to  elude  her  foes. 

But  such  was  not  the  case. 

Again,  and  with  tenfold  intensity,  the  sensations 
caused  by  the  loss  of  so  much  blood  as  had  flowed  from 
her  side  reasserted  themselves. 

And  now  indeed  was  the  great  danger. 

Her  position  upon  the  back  of  the  horse  was  not  in 
the  least  degree  more  secure  than  it  had  been. 

Every  objeot  seemed  to  fade  away  from  her. 

The  hedgerows  retreated  until  they  were  lost  to  sight 
altogether. 

Strange  sounds,  like  the  clanging  j»  rar-off  bells, 
wer<j  ringing  in  her  ears. 

Yet,  with  the  grasp  of  despair,  she  continued  to  main* 
tain  her  hold. 

Unconsciously,  however,  her  fingers  relaxed. 

Gradually  all  musoular  power  was  departing. 

She  gasped  for  breath. 

She  tried  to  utter  a  ory — to  call  out  for  assistance  in 
that  spot,  although  eh«s  was  dimly  conscious  that  she 
should  find  none. 

More  and  more  to  cn<»  side  her  body  hung. 

The  horse,  snorting  with  alarm  as  he  felt  the  flutter- 
ing of  her  apparel  against  his  flanks,  dashed  on  more 
furiously  than  ever. 

There  was  &  euddeu,  rushing  sound — 

A  gurgling  ory— 

A  heavy  splash,  and  the  next  moment  the  horse  con- 
tinued his  headlong  oourse — 

But  he  was  riderless  ! 


1708 


urti AC7K   BESS  ;    OB, 


CHAPTER  MXVII. 

CONTINUES   TO    DESCRIBE    MAUD'S    MISFOUTUNEb. 

It  so  happened  that  at  tho  moment  when  Maud  slipped 
from  the  saddle  the  horse  was  passing  over  a  rustic 
wooden  bridge  whioh  spanned  a  stream. 

In  a  general  way  but  a  small  amount  of  water  flowed 
beneath  the  rudely-oonstructed  arch,  but  now  tho 
volume  of  the  stream  was  much  increased  by  the  quan- 
tity of  rain  that  had  80  recently  fallen. 

The  effect  of  this  was  also  that  the  little  water-course 
flowed  with  much  greater  swiftness  than  was  common. 

In  one  sense,  it  was  fortunate  that  this  should  be  the 
spot  where  Maud  fell. 

In  some  strange  way,  she  seemed  to  slip  from  the 
saddle,  and  dropped  in  comparatively  speaking  a  geuUe 
manner  into  the  brook. 

Such  was  the  force  of  the  ourrent  that  she  was  in- 
stantaneously drifted  beneath  the  arch,  narrowiy  escap- 
ing a  violent  blow  from  some  of  the  massio  wooden 
Bupports  belonging  to  the  structure. 

The  sudden  i aimers  on  into  the  cold  water  had  the 
effect  of  partially  restoring  her  to  the  proper  possession 
of  her  faculties. 

Still,  she  was  not  able  to  make  any  effort  to  support 
herself  upon  the  surface  of  the  water. 

Luckily,  her  garments  becoming  distended  by  wind 
oaused  her  to  float,  and  to  this  circumstance  alone  must 
the  saving  of  her  life  be  attributed. 

She  knew  nothing  about  the  officers  who  oame  gallop- 
ing up,  and  who,  upon  reaching  the  little  narrow  wooden 
bridge,  oame  to  a  pause,  in  order  that  they  might  ride 
in  single  file  across  it. 

These  men  could  still  hear  the  olatter  of  horse's  feet. 
before  them  ;  and  never  dreaming  that  Maud  had  quit- 
ted the  saddle,  they  oontinued  the  chase  without  delay. 

But  of  all  this  Maud  knew  nothing. 

The  rapid  current  of  the  stream  carried  hor  along  for 
a  great  distanoe,  until  suddenly  she  experienced  a  fall, 
as  thonerh  she  had  passed  over  the  verge  of  some  mimic 
waterfall. 

Tiien  her  further  progress  down  the  stream  was 
arrested  by  an  obstacle  of  some  kind. 

What  it  was  she  knew  not,  but  with  the  instinot  of 
self-preservation  she  seized  hold  upon  it. 

The  water  no  longer  rushed  past  her. 

All  was  comparatively  calm  and  still. 

Gradually  and  slowly  morning  dawned. 

The  early  light  shone  grayly  and  chilly  upon  the  water 
and  the  two  buildings  that,  were  near  it. 

One  was  a  singular-looking  white  edifice,  built  quite 
close  to  the  water's  edge, 

Tho  other  was  a  cot — a  humble  yet  pleasant-looking 
building. 

It  was  just  as  the  sun  rose  above  the  horizon  that  the 
door  of  the  little  cottage  was  opened, 

A  man  appeared  upon  the  threshold. 

The  sun  fell  clear  and  red  upon  him,  shoving  that  he 
was  past  the  middle  age,  and  apparently  Msa  possessor 
of  immense  strength. 

In  his  outward  aspect  there  was,  however,  little 
calculated  tc  prepossess  an  observer  in  his  favour. 

Pausing  for  a  moment  on  the  step  of  the  dwelling,  he 
placed  his  hand  before  his  eyes  to  screen  off  the  rays  of 
the  sun,  and  as  he  did  so  he  remarked  to  some  one 
within : 

"  Just  as  I  expected,  wife — just  as  \  expected.  It'fl 
an  ill  wind  that  blows  nobody  good,  that's  true  enough. 
There  are  plenty  no  doubt  to  whom  last  night's  storm 
has  done  much  harm,  but  there's  water  enough  now  in 
tho  pool  to  turn  the  old  mill  for  many  a  day." 

These  words  were  uttered  with  a  degree  of  cheerful- 
ness that  one  would  scarcely  have  expected  ir  a  man  of 
his  appearance. 

No  sooner  were  the  words  pronounced  than  he  stepped 
towards  the  water. 

It  now  became  clear  that  the  sit.gulttr-looking  build- 
ing was  no  other  than  a  water-mill. 

Having  readied  the  water's  edge,  the  man  made  his 
way  to  one  particular  portion  of  it,  where  some  sluice 
grates  were  fixed. 

His  objeot  evidently  was  to  open  them  so  as  tc  allow 


the  water  to  flow  sufficiently  to  set  the  water-wheel  in 
notion. 

But  no  sooner  did  he  reach  the  old,  mosR-grown  sluice 
gates  than  he  uttered  a  loud  cry,  which  had  the  imme- 
diate effect  of  bringing  his  wife  to  the  door  of  the 
cottage. 

"  What  is  it— what  is  itp"  she  asked. 

"Here— here!"  said  the  man.  "  Look  here.  Did  yon 
ever  see  the  like  ?" 

The  woman  hastened  to  place  herself  by  her  husband*! 
side. 

Then  looked  in  the  direction  in  which  he  pointed, 

"  Why,"  she  gasped,  "it's — i.fc!a  a  woman  !" 

"  Tes — and  a  dead  one." 

"  How  came  she  there  ?" 

"  I  know  no  better  than  yourself,  for  I  have  only  Just 
seen  her." 

"  It  is  fortunate  yon  did  not  open  the  gates." 

"  It  is.  If  I  had,  nothing  could  have  saved  her  from 
going  under  the  wheel." 

The  reader  probably  comprehends  that  the  stream 
down  which  Maud  had  been  carried  discharged  itself 
into  a  large  pool,  whioh  served  the  purpose  of  a  reservoir 
to  the  mill. 

This  pool  had  but  one  outlet — the  sluice  gates. 

It  was  against  those  that  Maud  had  been  carried, 
and  it  was  to  these  she  had  olung  with  the  tenacity  of 
a  drowning  person. 

The  man  and  his  wife  gazed  upon  her  for  some  momeuta 
in  silence. 

At  length  the  woman  spoke. 

"  Surely — surely,  John,"  she  said,  "  she  must  be 
dead !" 

"  Oh,  yes,  dead  beyond  a  doubt !  She  cannot  be 
alive !  The  great  puzzle  is,  to  me,  how  on  earth  she 
came  there." 

"  What  is  to  be  done  ?" 

"  I  don't  know." 

"  If  she  is  dead " 

" There  is  no  'if  about  it !" 

"Well — well,  you  need  not  be  so  sharp.  As  she  is 
dead  we  shall  probably  find  ourselves  in  some  trouble  !" 

"  How  so?"  asked  the  man,  with  a  start  of  surprise. 

"  Why,  as  you  know  full  well,  we  have  more  enemies 
than  friends  hereabouts,  and  when  they  come  to  hear  of 
this  we  shall  have  hard  work  to  persuade  them  that  we 
have  had  no  hand  in  this  oreature's  death." 

The  man  knit  his  brows  savagely  and  muttered  a 
curse. 

"  It's  no  good  swearing !"  said  his  wife.  "  What  is 
to  be  done  P    Be  quick  and  make  up  your  mind!" 

"  What  do  you  advise  ?" 

"Advise  P" 

"  Yes ;  let  me  hear  what  you  have  to  propose.  What 
do  you  consider  would  be  the  best  ?" 

"  Oh,  how  kind  you  are,  to  be  sure,  John,"  said  his 
wife,  with  a  sneer  ;  "  but  don't  think  I  am  such  a  fool 
as  to  be  taken  in  by  you !  Wouldn't  you  just  like  me 
to  tell  you  what  to  do  ?" 

"  I  should,  for  I  don't  know  myself." 

"  Oh,  of  course  not !  You  would  like  to  put  all  the 
responsibility  on  my  shoulders,  so  that  if  anything  should 
arise  from  it  you  would  be  able  to  say,  '  There,  that's 
your  doings !'  No — no,  John  Costard,  I  am  determined 
not  to  allow  you  the  opportunity !     There  now !" 

These  words  were  pronounced  in  a  very  triumphant 
tone  indeed,  and  their  emphasis  was  increased  by  the 
manner  in  whioh  she  clapped  her  hands  together  at  the 
conclusion. 

The  miller  looked  very  wroth  for  a  moment,  but  pro- 
bably he  had  long  ago  learnt  that  any  demonstration  of 
anger  was  quite  useless. 

Therefore,  smothering  his  resentment,  he  said,  in  as 
calm  and  quiet  a  tone  as  he  could  assume : 

"  Well,  then,  in  my  opinion  the  best  thing  that  can  be 
done  is  to  get  her  out  of  the  water  at  once  and  ascertain 
whether  she  is  really  dead  or  not." 

"  Very  well,  John  Costard.  Do  just  as  you  like.  But 
I  have  one  great  consolation — you  won't  be  able  to  blame 
me  afterwards  for  what's  done  !  That  is  a  great  conso- 
lation!" 

The  miner  oursed  again,  but  this  time  it  was  under 
his  breath. 

Without  taking  any  further  notice  of  his  helpmate,  he 


THE    KNIGHT   OF    THX    QOAD. 


170t 


bent  himself  seriously  to  the  task  of  recovering  the  bod; 
of  Maud. 

This  was  no  easy  task,  owing  to  the  situation  of  the 
sluice  gates. 

After  a  short  delay,  however,  the  miller  succeeded  iu 
slipping  a  rope  round  Maud's  waist. 

Then,  orawling  baok  to  the  shore,  he,  by  means  of  it, 
pulled  her  towards  him. 

When  near  enough,  he  stooped  down  and  lifted  heron 
to  the  smooth  grass  by  which  the  pool  was  bordered. 

"  1  fancy  she  is  dead,"  he  muttered,  after  gazing  at 
Maud  for  a  few  moments. 

"  Then  if  she  is  just  let  me  ask  you  what  is  to  become 
of  ua  ?  We  Bhall  be  found  guilty  of  murder  1  What  is 
to  be  done?" 

"  I  should  think  we  had  better  try  all  we  possibly  can 
to  revive  her ;  if  we  succeed  there  will  be  an  e"<i  to 
that  danger." 

"  Very  well — do  just  as  you  like  ;  I  shall  not  nave  a 
word  to  say  either  way  in  the  affair." 

The  fear  these  people  had  that  a  dead  body  would 
get  them  into  trouble  made  them  most  anxious  that 
Maud  should  recover. 

By  the  assistance  of  his  wife,  the  miller  carried  her 
into  the  house,  and  every  means  was  used  to  restore 
her  to  sensibility. 

But  for  a  long  time  their  efforts  were  quite  in  vain. 

In  removing  her  apparel,  the  weight  of  her  dress  was 
noticed. 

The  miller's  wife  was  ourious  enough  to  ascertain  the 
oause. 

It  was  found  to  be  the  heavy  purse  whioh  Maud 
carried,  and  the  sight  of  whioh  had  excited  the  cupidity 
of  the  villanous  innkeeper. 

Even  the  miller's  eyes  gleamed  when  he  caught  sight 
of  so  much  wealth. 

The  interior  of  his  dwelling  did  indeed  present  a 
melancholy  speotacle,  for  on  all  sides  could  be  seen  un- 
mistakable tokens  of  the  presence  of  the  gaunt  spectre 
Poverty. 

For  a  long  time  things  had  gone  badly  with  the 
miller. 

The  water  which  turned  the  mill  had  lately  been  very 
deficient  in  supply,  and  consequently  his  mill  had  rusted 
with  disuse. 

To  him  the  purse  of  gold  that  his  wife  held  up  before 
his  eyes  represented  wealth — a  fortune. 

"Put  it  away,"  he  said,  averting  his  eyea — "put  it 
away !     Do  not  tempt  me  with  the  sight!" 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  Maud  showed  some  signs 
of  returning  animation. 

The  woman's  guilty  conscience  made  her  hastily 
secrete  the  gold,  and  immediately  afterwards  she  was 
bending  over  the  cold  form  with  an  appearance  of  hypo- 
critical solicitude. 

Wearily  and  heavily  Maud  opened  her  eyes. 

Iho  daylight  confused  and  blinded  her. 

"  What  place  is  this  ?"  she  gasped.  "  What— oh, 
what  has  happened  ?" 

The  utterance  of  these  words  proved  too  much  for  the 
slight  amount  of  strength  which  she  then  possessed. 

Her  eyes  closed,  and  she  again  lapsed  into  uncon- 
sciousness, 

The  fears  which  had  hitherto  animated  the  minds  of 
Jhe  miller  and  hi*  wife  were  now  at  rest. 

The  latter,  however,  fixing  her  eyes  upon  her  husband, 
said  : 

"  What  think  you  now  will  be  the  reward  we  shall 
receive  for  thus  restoring  her  to  life?" 

"  Reward  ?" 

"Yes.     How  muoh  do  you  think  she  will  give  us ?" 

The  miller  shook  his  head. 

His  wife  stamped  her  foot  impatiently,  as  she  ex- 
claimed : 

"  Answer  me,  dolt  that  you  are — answer  me,  I  say!" 

"  Something  considerable,  no  doubt,"  replied  fcke 
miller,  in  a  voice  of  restraint. 

"Yes — yes;  but  how  muoh  ?"  ,-.. 

"  The  contents  of  that  purse,  perhaps."* 

"Never  fear;  I'll  warrant  that  is  all  she  possesses,  ' 
and  I  don't  suppose,  by  the  look  of  her,  that  she  came  j 
by  it  honestly."  j 

In  good  truth,  poor  Maud's  outward  appearance  at] 
this  time  was  far  from  being  prepossessing. 


She  bore  upon  her  garments  the  marks  of  the  many 
vicissitudes  she  had  lately  gone  through ,  and  in  particular 
this  last  adventure  had  by  no  meane  improved  them. 

After  a  long  disoussion  between  themselves,  it  was 
determined  by  this  precious  pair  that  they  would  do  the 
best  they  oould  for  the  stranger  who  had  been  in  so 
peouliar  a  mauner  thrust  upon  their  care,  and  that  on 
her  recovery  they  would  trust  to  her  generosity  to 
reward  them  handsomely. 

Accordingly,  she  was  laid  upon  the  only  bed  the  place 

oould  boast,  and  it  was  not  until  this  was  done  tbat  the 

wound  in  her  side  was  discovered. 

The  hemorrhage  had  for  some  time  completely  ceased. 

No  doubt  the  sudden  immersion  into  the  cold  water 

had  had  the  effeot  of  checking  the  flow  of  blood. 

The  first  shock  of  surprise  being  over,  the  miller's 
wife  set  herself  to  work  to  examine  it. 

She  quickly  found  that  the  hurt  was  by  no  means  a 
serious  one,  and  certainly  not  beyond  her  own  powers 
of  surgery. 

With  oonsiderabe  skill  she  bandaged  up  the  wound, 
and  then  waited  patiently  for  Maud  to  show  some 
symptoms  of  returning  animation. 

But  she  waited  for  a  long  and  weary  time — until,  in- 
deed, the  whole  of  that  day  had  passed — until  the  thick 
shadows  of  evening  began  to  fill  the  apartment.    * 

Suddenly,  with  a  loud  scream,  Maud  awoke  as  though 
from  some  dreadful  dream. 

She  sprang  up  at  once  into  a  sitting  posture,  and 
gazed  around  her  with  a  countenance  upon  whioh  alarm 
was  most  vividly  depicted. 

"  What  is  your  fear  ?"  said  the  miller's  wife,  somewhat 
gruffly.  "  Keep  still,  or  you  will  make  yourself  worse 
than  you  already  are." 

The  voice  caused  Maud  to  turn  her  eyes  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  speaker. 

Her  gaze  was  one  of  inexpressible  surprise  and 
wonder. 

It  was  quite  evident  that  at  present  Maud  had  noidet 
of  where  she  was,  nor  any  recollection  of  what  had 
happened. 

"  Tell  me,"  she  said  at  length,  speaking  with  a  great 
effort — "  tell  me  where  I  am  and  how  I  came  here? 

"Nay — nay,"  said  the  woman.  "Be  calm — be  still. 
You  shall  know  all  in  good  time." 

"  Calm  ?"  echoed  Maud — "  calm  ?     You  know  not 
whom  you  speak,  or  you  would  not  address  such  a  word 
to  me !     Keep  me  not  in  suspense,  I  entreat  you,  but 
answer  my  question  witnout  delay  !" 

As  she  proceeded,  Maud's  agitation  increased. 
By  degrees  recollection  was  coming  back  to  her,  and 
all  this  time  her  heart   painfully   fluttered   with   dis- 
may. 

With  that  rapidity  of  which  thought  alone  is  capable, 
she  followed  up  all  the  different  events  whioh  had  oc- 
curred to  her  until  the  fall  from  her  horse,  of  whioh  she 
had  only  a  very  slight  and  dim  remembrance. 

"  Tell  me,"  she  said  again,  and  with  so  muoh  addi- 
tional excitement  that  the  miller's  wife  was  afraid  to 
withhold  the  information  any  longer. 

Maud  listeued  with  a  terror  and  alarm  for  whioh  the 
narrator  could  not  acoount. 

"And — and,"  gasped  Maud,  with  parting  lips  and 
panting  breath,  "you  say  that  it  was  this  morning- 
early  this  morning  that  you  found  me  ?" 
*'  Yes,  lady,  at  sunrise?" 
"And  now — what  is  it  now  P" 
The  woman  looked  bewildered. 
"  I  mean,  how  long  is  it  since  then  ?" 
"About  twelve  hours." 
"  Then  it  is  close  upon  night  ?" 
"It  is.    Do  you  not  perceive  that  the  room  grows 
darker  every  moment  ?" 

"I  must  go — I  must  go  at  once,"   said   Maud,  in 
shrieking  tones.     "  I  cannot  stay  here  any  longer — I 
must  go  this  moment !" 
"  You  oannot." 

"  Woman,  do  not  be  so  cruel  as  to  try  to  stop  me ! 
I  tell  you  many  lives  hang  upon  my  movements  !     Get 
me  a  horse,    Fear  not  that  I  shall  fail  to  reward  you 
well  !" 
"  But  I  say  again  you  cannot." 
Maud,  with  a  cry  of  despair,  slipped  off  the  bed. 
No  sooner  did  her  feet  touch  the  ground,  however, 


1710 


BLACK   BE8B  ;    OB, 


than  she  beoame  fully  sensible  of  her  extreme  weak- 
ness. 

She  tried  to  move,  but  all  motion  was  denied  her. 

"  Lost — lost!"  she  cried,  in  a  voice  of  such  terrible 
anguish  that  it  penetrated  even  to  the  heart  of  the 
miller's  wife — "lost,  now — all — all  is  lost — lost — lost!" 

And  with  these  words  upon  her  lips,  she  threw  up 
her  arms  above  her  head,  and  sank  down  upon  the  floor 
again  totally  bereft  of  consciousness. 


CHAPTER  S1XV.II. 

DISCLOSES   THE  PERILOUS   FOSITiON  O?  PICK  TUBPrN 
AND    HIS   COMRADKS   AT  THE   OLD  CASTLE. 

To  say  that  Dick  Turpin  arid  his  com.-sdes  were 
astounded  and  amazed  upon  hearing'  the  loud  yells  of 
the  police  officers  and  their  triumphant  cries  as  they 
clustered  around  the  entranoe  to  the  subterraneous 
chamber  would  only  be  to  convey  a  very  faint  impression 
of  the  actual  condition  of  their  minds  at  this  juncture. 

Dick  Turpin  stopped  short  as  though  by  some  magical 
process  he  had  been  instantaneously  transformed  to 
stone. 

His  comrades  paused  as  well,  and  gazed  blankly  at 
aaoh  other. 

In  this  manner  they  remained  until  the  first  outburst 
of  triumph  on  the  part  of  the  officers  was  over. 

"  Below,  there  !"  oried  Bishop,  in  a  stentori.tn  voice — 
"  below,  there,  1  say  !" 

This  was  probably  intended  as  a  summons  for  the 
highwaymen  to  reply  ;  but  if  so,  no  notice  was  taken 
of  it  whatever. 

"  Surrender — surrender  !"  cried  Bishop,  "  and  so  save 
your  lives  !  Dick  Turpin,  give  in  game  and  handsome, 
as  a  fillow  like  you  ought  to.  Our  number  more  than 
trebles  yours,  and  you  are  down  there  like  rats  in  a  trap. 
Escape  is  out  of  the  question  quite,  so  make  the  best  of 
a  bad  job  by  giving  in  quietly  !" 

These  words  had  the  effect  of  dissolving  the  kind  of 
spall  which  had  hitherto  pressed  upon  the  minds  of  our 
friends. 

So  perfectly  seoure  did  they  oonsider  themselves  in 
their  present  quarters,  that  when  they  first  heard  the 
sound  of  voices  and  the  trampling  of  feet  above  they 
oould  scarcely  believe  that  their  ears  had  served  them 
aright. 

"  Good  heavens !"  ejaculated  Tom  King.  "  What  is 
to  be  done?" 

"Alas!"  said  Dick,  "I  now  feel  myself  incapable  of 
all  action  and  direction." 

"  Nay — nay,  captain  !  Look  up !  Do  not  suffer  your- 
self to  be  cast  down  by  this  ?" 

Dick  groaned. 

"It  is  not  of  myself  that  I  am  thinking,"  he  re- 
sponded— "  for  my  own  part  I  care  little,  but  it  is  M  iud 
— Maud  !     What  can  have  become  of  her  ?" 

The  uncertainty  Dick  Turpin  was  in  about  Maud's 
fate,  and  the  apprehensions  he  experienced  concerning 
it,  unmanned  him  quite. 

His  companions  witnessed  it  with  genuine  grief. 

"  Something  must  be  done,"  remarked  Claude  Duval, 
after  a  brief  pause.  "  Let  us  be  quick  and  decide,  or 
we  shall  have  those  fellows  down  upon  us." 

"  But  what  can  be  done  ?"  asked  Tom  King.  "  They 
have  the  advantage  of  us  in  every  way.  I  believe  any 
attempt  at  resistance  would  be  perfectly  futile."  i 

A  gloomy  silence  followed  tho  expression  of  this 
opinion. 

It  was  so  fully  shared  in  by  everyone  present  that 
not  a  single  word  could  be  said. 

As  for  Dick,  he  almost  seemed  as  though  every  word 
uttered  by  nis  comrades  was  lost  upon  him,  so  absorbed 
was  he  by  his  grief  for  Maud. 

The  officers,  however,  by  no  means  seemed  tc  relish 
the  idea  of  descending  the  steps.  \ 

They  much  preferred  remaining  where  thoy  were. 

A  short  time  having  elapsed,  however,  Bishop  bent 
over  the  abyss,  and  in  as  loud  a  voioe  as  he  possibly 
Could,  shouted  out: 

"  Dick  Turpin  and   the  rest  of  you,  listen  to  what  I 
say.     I  will  give  you  three  minutes  to  consider  my  pro-  j 
posal,  and  if  at  the  end  of  that  time  we   hear  nothing  I 
from  you  we  shall  use  our  weapons,  for  this  time  wo  are  I 
determined  to  have  you,  alive  or  dead  1     If  w«  suffered  I 


you  to  slip  through  our  fingers  on  such  an  oooasion  as 
this  we  should  be  a  laughing-stock  for  the  whole 
country  !     Are  you  listening  to  what  I  say  '" 

The  same  profound  silence  was  preserved  by  the 
highwaymen- - 

A  silence  that  made  the  officers  begin  to  feel  rather 
uncomfortable. 

Tom  Divis  all  this  time  had  been  too  dumbfounded 
to  open  his  lips. 

Indeed,  the  whole  place  being  strange  to  him,  he 
scarcely  comprehended  his  position. 

Yet  it  was  singular  that  when  he  did  speak  he  was 
the  first  to  propound  a  really  praotical  question. 

"is  there  no  other  way  of  getting  out  of  this  pla'se 
exceyt  that  by  which  we  have  entered  it?" 

Sixteen-String  Jack  started  at  this  question. 

"A  way  might  be  made,"  he  answered,  "if  those 
fellows  would  only  allow  us  the  time  to  do  it." 

Tom  Davis  shook  his  head. 

"  Is  it  possible,"  he  asked,  "  that  yon  have  remained 
here  so  long  without  taking  care  to  have  several  exits  ? 
That  ought  to  have  been  your  first  care." 

"  It  ought;  but  it's  too  late  to  talk  of  that  now." 

Tom  Davis  was  much  grieved  to  observe  the  apathy 
which  had  settled  upon  the  captain. 

No  oue,  however,  knew  Turpiu's  disposition  better 
tnan  he  did,  and  on  the  present  occasion  he  hastened  to 
make  use  of  his  knowledge. 

Touching  his  old  companion  on  the  arm,  he  saidj 

"  Dick,  if  you  were  by  yourself,  and  had  no  one  de- 
pending upon  you  whatever,  this  total  abandonment  to 
grief  could  be  defended.  As  it  is,  we  are  here  awaiting 
your  judgment  and  commands,  therefore  the  indulgence 
is  unjust." 

Dick  raised  his  head. 

His  voioe  was  trembling  and  almost  inarticulate  as 
he  replied: 

"  Tom,  you  can  form  no  opinion  of  my  feelings,  be- 
cause you  have  .never  known  what  it  is  to  sustain  suoh 
a  fearful  loss.  However,  I  must  admit  that  your  reproof 
is  just,  and  therefore,  shaking  off  as  well  as  I  can  all 
my  own  private  sorrows,  I  will  do  my  beBt  to  obtain 
your  safety." 

"That  is  spoken  like  yourself.  Now,  then,  tell  us 
what  to  do.  The  officers  surround  the  opening  above, 
so  that  there  is  no  hope  whatever  of  making  our  escape 
that  way.  As  we  ascended  the  steps,  we  could  be 
picked  off  one  by  one,  like  sparrows ;  and  you  may 
depend  the  officers  would  not  hesitate  to  do  it." 

"No;  that  is  certain." 

"I  have  just  been  blaming  you  all,"  said  Tom  Davis, 
"  that  you  did  not  provide  against  such  a  contingency 
as  this  by  making  another  outlet." 

"  It  should  have  been  dene." 

"  But  it  is  not,"  said  Claude,  "aud  therefore  to  talk 
about  it  now  is  only  to  waste  preoious  time." 

"  Kight,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack  ;  "  but  if  you  will 
,'0  to  the  foot  of  the  flight  of  steps,  I  will  show  you  a 
passage  which  I  have  partially  explored." 

"And  whither  does  it  lead?"  asked  Dick,  eagerly. 

"That  I  cannot  tell  you." 

"  Do  you  know  whether  there  is  an  outlet  ?"' 

"  I  do  not  yet.    I  fancy  one  might  be  made." 

"  WhyP" 

"  Because  I  could  feel  fresh  air." 

"Let  us  go  there,  then." 

"Wilt  all  my  heart,"  said  Jack;  "for  we  cannot 
possibly  make  our  position  worse  by  moving  from  one 
part  of  this  subt-rrauean  plaoe  to  another," 

No  sooner  were  these  words  spoken  than,  with  the 
greatest  amount  of  caution  possible,  they  made  their 
way  back  to  the  foot  of  the  steps. 

Careful  as  they  were  yet  it  would  seem  that  their  ap- 
proach had  not  been  made  without  reaching  the  keen 
ears  of  the  officers  above. 

"Ba  ready,"  thoy  heard  Bishop  say,  in  a  suppressed 
voioe — "  be  ready,  for  I  can  hear  them  coming.  Per- 
haps they  intend  to  make  a  rush.  If  so,  discharge  all 
your  pistols  at  once  down  tho  staircase.  We  cannot 
fail  to  have  every  one  of  them  then." 

Bishop  uttered  this  cold-blooded  command  in  the  calm* 
ost  aud  mo*t  business-like  tone  possible  to  conceive. 

Dick  could  not  avoid  shuddering  as  he  heard  it,  for  he 
thought  of  what  Maud's  fate  wai  likely  to  be,  if  she  had 


THE   KNIGHT  OF  THK   BdAD. 


1711 


fallen  into  snoh  hands  ;  and  he  believed  she  had,  for  all 
circumstances  seemed  to  point  to  this  conclusion. 

"  Below  there  !"  oried  Bishop,  again.  "  Did  yon  hear 
what  I  said  ?  Are  you  inclined  to  accept  my  proposal 
or  not  ?     At  any  rate,  I  shall  wait  no  longer." 

"  Hilloa!"  said  Turpin,  though  the  tone  in  which  he 
pronounced  the  word  was  so  unlike  his  usual  voice,  that 
his  comrades  could  scarcely  believe  that  he  had  spoken. 
"Oh,"  said  Bishsp.  "you  have  found  a  voice  at  last, 
have  you  ?     How  do  yon  feel  down  there  now?" 
"  Much  the  same  as  you  do  above." 
"  Oh,  do  you  ?     Perhaps  you  intend  that  for  a  joke. 
If  you  do,  I  can  assure  you  you  will  find  in  a  little  while 
that  you  will  be  ready  to  laugh  the  other  side  of  your 
month." 

"  Oh,  shall  we !  I  suppose  you  are  not  concent  with 
the  one  capture  you  have  made,  eh  ?'' 

Now  these  words  were  spoken  by  Dick  with  a  view 
if  possible  of  ascertaining  something  about  Maud. 

Surely,  he  thought,  if  Bishop  had  made  her  a  prisoner 
this  would  elicit  some  remark  concerning  her. 

But  Bishop  had  not  been  successful  enoagh  to  do 
anything  of  the  kind. 

Therefore,  Diok's  words  were  not  a  little  enigmatical 
to  him. 

In  the  course  of  a  moment,  however,  that  sagacity  for 
which  he  was  so  famous  suggested  that  Dick  must  re- 
fer to  the  capture  of  himself  and  companions. 

To  Dick's  great  surprise,  then,  the  astute  officer  an- 
swered : 

"  Yes,  I  am  tolerably  satisfied,  because  I  know  yon 
cannot  escape.  I  am  only  waiting  to  have  you  securely 
bound,  and  then  my  satisfaction  will  be  complete." 

"Will  it?" 

"  Yes,  decidedly ;  and  now  listen  to  reason :  Ton 
must  by  this  time  have  realized  that  you  are  completely 
trapped — yes,  trapped  is  the  word.  We  could  starve 
you  into  submission  if  we  only  liked  to  wait  and  take 
the  trouble  ;  or  by  making  a  sudden  descent  we  could, 
by  one  volley  down  the  passage,  sweep  every  one  of  you 
from  the  earth.  But  you  area  decent  fellow,  Dick,  and 
I  should  be  sorry  to  take  your  life;  I  have  a  respect 
for  you,  and  I  hope  you  will  surrender  quietly  to  my 
power  in  order  that  I  may  have  the  credit  of  having 
captured  you  alive." 

"  You  are  remarkably  kind,"  said  Dick,  in  a  sarcastio 
voice.  "  Perhaps  you  will  allow  me  to  speak  to  my 
companions  and  ask  them  whether  they  prefer  being 
shot  down  by  your  pistols  or  whether  they  will  give  in 
quietly  ?" 

Bishop  concluded  from  this  speech  that  he  really  had 
a  chance  of  achieving  what  he  so  wished  to  accomplish. 
He  believed  he  could  perceive  the  symptoms  of  an  in- 
clination to  yield  without  bloodshed. 

It  was,  therefore,  while  labouring  under  this  pleasing 
bnt  delusive  impression  that  he  said  : 

"  Yon  shall  never  say  that  I  did  not  treat  you  properly, 
so  I  will  give  you  two  minutes  to  decide." 

Bishop  thought  he  was  arranging  matters  very  cleverly 
indeed. 

Not  so  Isaao,  who  proclaimed  his  disgust  in  loud 
tones. 

'*  You're  a  d — d  fool !"  he  remarked,  in  an  audible 
voice,  aa8oon  as  Bishop  had  concluded  the  last  sentence. 

The  chief  officer  turned  round  and  cried,  indignantly  : 

"Who,  sir  ?" 

"  Why,  you,  of  course !  Did  you  imag'ne  more  chan 
one  was  in  the  company?" 

"  I  know  there  is  one,"  said  Bishop,  with  a  significant 
glance ;  "  and  what  is  more,  he  is  an  ioterm«ddler  and 
a  busybody  besides  !"  *<• 

"  I  understand  your  insinuation,  but  I  don't  hesitate 
to  call  you  a  blundering  fool,  nevertheless  ;  and  what  is 
more  still,  I  wash  my  hands  entirely  of  this  affair— I 
will  have  no  more  to  do  with  it !" 

"Very  well,  please  yourself  J" 

"The  idea,"  muttered  Isaao, ''of  a  man  being  fool 
enough  to  stand  at  the  top  of  a  flight  of  steps  while  he 
knows  those  he  wants  are  below,  and,  instead  of  rushing 
down  upon  them  at  once,  kindly  gives  them  as  much 
time  as  they  want  to  make  an  escape  !" 

"  Hold  your  row !"  said  Bishop,  savagely. 

"  I  shall  speak  if  I  like ;  and  this  1  will  say,  I  have 
wondered  many  and  many  a  time  how  on  earth  it  was 


that  Diok  Turpin  and  his  comrades  have  managed  to 
avoid  capture  on  snch  a  many  occasions.  But  I  shall 
wonder  no  longer,  for  I  daresay  your  brother  officers 
have  been  kind  enough  to  allow  them  every  opportunity 
of  escape,  as  you  have  !"  & 

"  How  escape  ?"  asked  Bishop,  contemptuously.  "  If 
you  must  make  your  voice  heard,  do  let  ua  have  the 
satisfaction  of  now  and  then  hearing  a  few  words  of 
sense!  How  can  they  escape,  you  idiot?  Ain't  they 
as  fast  as  rats  in  a  trap  ?" 

"Don't  you  make  too  sure  of  that,  my  friend  ! — don't 
you  make  too  sure  !  However,  I  am  dear  of  the  whole 
affair  now;  and  whether  you  capture  them  or  whether 
you  don't  does  not  signify  to  me  in  the  least  degree.  I 
know  I  should  have  acted  verw  differently  under  the 
8ame  circumstance* !" 

"And  pray,"  said  Bishop,  ptifting  on  as  sneering  a 
tone  and  manner  as  he  knew  how — "and  pray  may  I 
make  so  bold  as  to  venture  to  ask  what  my  very  wise 
fiiend  would  have  done  under  the  circumstances  ?" 

The  mock  humility  which  Bishop  displayed,  he 
thought,  was  cutting  in  the  utmost  degree. 

"  Yes,"  said  Isaao,  "  I  will  tell  you,  though  I  don't 
suppose  you  will  have  the  sense  to  aot  up  to  it  on 
another  occasion." 

"  Well,  well — I'm  a-waiting." 

"  Well,  the  moment  they  descended,  instead  of  flourish, 
ing  my  arms  about  and  bawling  aloud  like  a  madman,  as 
you  did,  I  should  have  rushed  as  speedily  as  I  could 
down  the  steps  and  should  have  had  hold  of  every  man 
Jack  of  them  before  they  had  the  least  idea  of  what 
was  the  matter." 

"  Very  clever— very  clever  indeed,"  and  Bishop,  who 
nevertheless  could  not  help  inwardly  suooumbing  to  the 
conviction  that  the  course  of  action  proposed  by  Isaao 
was  by  far  the  most  rational  and  the  most  likely  to  sue 
ceed. 

The  allotted  time  had  by  this  time  expired,  so  Bishop 
approached  more  closely  to  the  secret  entrance. 

He  was  much  annoyed  with  himself,  and  just  in  the 
humour  to  be  put  out  by  any  trifle. 

A  most  ominous  silence  seemed  to  him  to  prevail 
below. 

He  would  not  allow  any  signs  of  hia  anxiety  to  mani- 
fest themselves  in  his  countenanoe,  though  ho  could  not 
altogether  control  a  slight  unsteadiness  in  his  voice. 

"Time's  up,"  he  said — "  time's  up,  Dick.  Have  yon 
made  up  your  mind  ?  Whether  you  have  or  have  not, 
I  can't  wait  any  longer.  Dick,  I  say,  have  you  made 
up  your  mind  ?" 

No  reply  whatever  oame  to  this  inquiry. 

The  men  began  to  murmur. 

As  for  Isaao,  he,  by  various  contemptuous  and  aggra- 
vating actions,  expressed  that  this  was  just  what  he 
expected. 

"Told  yon  so,"  he  cried — "  told  yon  bo  1  You  kindly 
gave  them  the  time  and  opportunity  they  required,  and 
by  this  time  are  far  enough  off,  laughing  at  your  mon- 
strous oredulity." 

This  speech,  and  the  disagreeable  inward  conviction 
that  what  Isaao  stated  was  no  more  than  the  truth, put 
the  finishing  stroke  to  Bishop's  aggravation. 

He  could  stand  these  taunts  no  longer. 

Clenohing  hia  fists,  he  rushed  up  to  the  spot  where 
Isaac  stood  with  the  intention  of  administering  severe 
bodily  chastisement  to  that  individual. 

But  Isaao  was  prepared  for  him. 

With  that  ca  m  iess  which  waa  so  habitual  to  him, 
and  which  had  such  an  aggravating  effect  upon  almost 
everybody,  he  stepped  back,  and,  clenching  his  fists, 
struck  out  straight  from  his  shoulder  just  as  Bishop 
was  rushing  up  to  him. 

The  consequence  was  that  the  last-named  gentleman'g 
nose  came  into  most  violent  contact  with  Isaac's  fist. 

Indeed,  such  was  the  force  of  the  blow  that  I  ishop'a 
onward  careeer  was  instantaneously  checked  and  a 
contrary  direction  imparted  to  his  motion,  inasmuch 
that  he  staggered  back  several  paces. 

"How  do  you  like  that  r"  said  Isaac,  more  imper- 
turbably  cool  than  ever.  "  If  you  are  not  satisfiod  with 
that  yon  had  better  come  on  again,  my  ancient 
Trojan." 

But  either  Bishop  had  come  a  little  more  to  his  senses, 
or  else  the  stunning  blow  upon  his  nose  had  cowed  hiiu. 


1712 


BLACK  BESS;    OB, 


for  he  showed  no  symptoms  nor  inclinations  of  renew- 
ing' the  contest. 

Wiping  away  the  ensanguined  stream  that  flowed 
from,  his  nostrils,  he  returned  to  the  secret  entrance. 

"  No  more  dallying,"  he  said  to  his  men,  who  could 
not  help  smiling  at  his  ludicrous  appearance.  "Down 
With  yon  !     Take  them  alive  or  dead  !" 

The  officers,  it  would  seem,  were  a  little  stung  by  the 
taunts  to  which  Isaac  had  given  utterance,  for  with  a 
great  assumption  of  boldness  and  courage  they  dashed 
down  the  steps. 

Some  had  taken  the  precaution  to  provide  themselves 
with  lights,  and  as  soon  as  these  reaohed  the  bottom 
they  held  them  aloft. 

A  ruddy  light  was  oast  aronnd. 

But  it  fell  only  on  the  damp  walls. 

The  highwaymen  were  nowhere  to  be  seen. 


CHAPTER  MXIX. 

MB.   BISHOP  TK1ES   A   SHOT    AT    BLACK   BESS. 

Op  this,  however,  Bishop  was  ignorant,  for  he  very 
prudently  kept  in  the  rear,  and  did  not  reach  the  bottom 
of  the  steps  until  after  all  the  others. 

"Down  with  them  !"  he  cried,  now  thoroughly  infuri- 
ated, and  only  too  glad  to  find  some  object  to  «xpend 
his  wrath  upon.  "  No  quarter  1  Shoot  them  down  and 
make  an  end  of  it !" 

The  officers  were  silent. 

Of  course,  as  there  was  no  one  to  be  seon,  no  dis- 
charge of  weapons  took  place. 

"  Why  don't  you  fire?"  yelled  Bishop, 

"There's  nobody  here,  sir." 

"  Nobody  here  P"  he  screamed.  "  Forward — forward, 
they  can't  have  got  away — they  must  be  somewhere 
close  at  hand." 

The  loud,  mocking  laugh  of  Isaac  above,  who  had 
heard  what  had  passed,  made  the  officer's  blood  boil  in 
his  veins. 

The  next  moment  he  stood  at  the  bottom  of  the  steps. 

When  here,  he  had  ample  proof  that  his  men  had 
spoken  correctly. 

Not  a  trace  of  the  highwaymen  could  be  seen. 

The  men,  however,  in  obedience  to  his  ootnmands, 
had  rushed  along  the  passage  into  the  chamber  habitu- 
ally occupied  by  those  of  whom  they  were  in  quest. 

But  not  the  least  trace  could  be  perceived  of  them  here. 

"  This  way,  idiots !"  roared  Bishop — "  this  way  !  Can't 
you  see  ?  this  way  !     Where  are  your  eyes,  dolts  ?" 

The  officers  hastened  to  place  themselves  by  the  side 
of  their  leader. 

He  was  pointing  to  a  passage  that  branched  off  from 
the  bottom  of  the  stairs,  but  which,  strangely  enough, 
they  had  not  noticed. 

"  That  is  the  way,"  he  said.  "  Quick — quiok  !  they 
have  not  had  time  to  get  far  off.     Quick — quick,  I  say  !" 

The  officers  hurried  down  the  passage  with  great 
alacrity. 

They  could  feel  thai;  fresh  air  was  blowing  in  their 
faces,  and  this  circumstance  caused  them  to  push  on  at 
the  greatest  speed  they  were  capable  of  making. 

In  a  short  time  they  found  the  passage  communicated 
with  a  series  of  vaults  or  dungeons. 

They  did  not  turn  aside  or  pause  to  attempt  to  enter 
any  one  of  them,  for  the  strong  massive  doors  were  all 
closed,  and  had  been  apparently  for  many  centuries. 

Moreover,  they  fancied  they  could  hear  ill  advance 
the  trampling  of  footsteps,  though  probably  the  sound 
was  no  more  than  the  echo  of  their  own  feet. 

Suddenly  they  came  to  a  door  that  was  partly  shut. 

Pushing  it  open,  they  found  themselves  in  an  arched 
stone  chamber.  I 

At  one  time  it  had  been  used  as  a  repository  for  the 
dead,  as  numerous  coffins,  or,  rather,  the  remains  of  them, 
could  be  seen  staeked  up  in  niohes  against  the  *~31s. 

Upon  these,  however,  the  officers  soarcely  bestowed 
a  glance.  • 

Their  attention  was  attracted  and  absorbed   by  the 
dusky  figure  of  a  man  which  they  could  indistinctly  see 
creeping  through  the  window — or,  more  properly  speak 
ing,  the  grated  aperture  at  the  end  of  the  vault  f  urthaat 
from  the  door. 

"  Fire— fire !"  roared  Bishop.    "  Why  do  you  p* 
Firo— fire!" 


JIalf  a  dosen  of  his  men  obeyed  his  command. 

In  the  confined  space,  the  noise  resulting  from  tbo 
simultaneous  discharge  of  so  many  firearms  was  some* 
thing  terrific. 

Mingling  with  the  lond  report  oarne  a  loud  splash  as 
of  some  heavy  body  falling  from  a  considerable  height 
into  water. 

The  vault  was  instantaneously  filled  with  dense  blno 
smoke,  which  the  light  of  the  torches  oould  not  pene- 
trate. 

'•  On— on !"  cried  Bishop,  setting  the  example  of 
rushing  forward. 

His  men  kindly  gave  him  plaoe,  and  allowed  him  to 
take  the  lead. 

The  disappointment  and  rage  of  the  chief  offioer  at  the 
present  juncture  are  beyond  all  expression. 

But  what  most  galled  him  was  not  his  defeat,  but  the 
mockery  of  Isaac  to  which  he  would  be  subjected. 

At  the  extremity  of  the  vault,  and  rather  high  up  from 
the  ground,  was  an  aperture  in  the  stone  wall. 

It  was  not  much  wider  or  higher  than  was  requisite 
to  permit  the  passage  of  a  man's  body  through  it. 

Being  near  the  foundation  of  the  old  castle,  the  wall 
was  of  uncommon  thickness. 

The  aperture  gradually  widened  to  about  double  the 
size  at  the  other  end. 

By  the  aid  of  his  men,  Bishop  was  raised  up  suf- 
ficiently  high  to  enable  him  to  crawl  along  this  tube — 
for  this  was  what  it  more  resembled  than  aught  else. 

He  called  aloud  to  his  men  to  follow  him  speedily. 

So  little  time  had  been  lost  by  these  proceedings  that 
when  he  reaohed  the  end  he  caught  sight  of  those  of 
whose  capture  he  had  a  little  while  before  made  so 
sure. 

But  upon  reaching  the  extremity  of  the  aperture 
Bishop  paused,  and  well  he  might. 

At  a  distance  of  about  fifteen  feet  below  him  was  a 
wide  sheet  of  water,  which,  from  its  appearance  and 
situation,  was  no  doubt  the  remaius  of  the  moat  whioh 
had  at  one  time  surrounded  the  castle. 

In  the  act  of  swimming  across  this  piece  of  water 
was  Sixteen-String  Jack. 

His  comrades  were  all  standing  on  the  opposite 
bank,  shaking  and  wringing  the  wet  from  their  apparel. 

Bishop's  position  was  a  most  awkward  one,  yet  never- 
theless he  endeavonred  to  draw  a  pistol  from  one  of  his 
poclcets. 

The  attempt  was  very  nearly  oosting  him  a  good 
ducking,  for  he  leaned  forward  so  muoh  that  heali  but 
lost  his  balance. 

Dick  Turpin  divined  his  intention,  and  producing  a 
pistol,  levelled  it  at  him. 

"  Retreat,  Bishop,  retreat,  and  leave  us  in  peace ! 
Retreat,  I  say,  or  I  fire  !" 

Bishop  had  a  conviction  that  from  that  distanoe 
Dick's  bullet  would  be  unpleasantly  effective,  so  he 
drew  back  with  a  suddenness  that  was  ludicrous. 

"  Back  again!"  he  cried  to  the  men.  "  Up  the  steps, 
and  run  round  to  the  other  side  of  the  keep — they  are 
all  there,  and  if  yon  are  speedy  you  may  yet  be  in  time  ! 
Down  with  them,  if  yon  have  the  ohance !  Show  them 
no  mercy  !" 

An  immediate  movement  followed  this  injunction. 

The  men  had  made  so  sure  of  gaining  the  large  re- 
ward on  the  present  occasion  that  they  could  not  bear 
to  entertain  the  idea  that  they  were  about  to  lose  it. 

At  any  rate,  they  ^termined  upon  making  a  last 
great  effort. 

Accordingly,  very  little  time  was  lost  by  them  in 
gaining  the  upper  air. 

To  tell  the  truth,  they  muoh  preferred  being  there  to 
groping  about  in  the  subterranean  portton  of  an  old 
ruined  castle.  , 

For  a  brief  space,  however,  we  will  return  to  the 
movements  of  the  highwaymen,  whioh  must  to  onr  rea- 
ders possess  infinitely  more  interest  than  the  doings  of 
the  police  officers.  Already  a  tolerably  good  idea  can 
be  formed  of  the  manner  in  which  the  escape  from  the 
subterraneous  passages  had  been  accomplished. 

Isaac  little  thought  how  truly  he  spoke  when  he  said 
that  the  two  minutes'  delay  granted  by  Bishop  was  just 
what  the  highwaymen  wanted  to  allow  them  to  get  off. 

Such,  however,  actually  proved  to  be  the  case. 

Sixteen-String  Jack,  who  had  been  the  first  to  mention 


T»E    KNIGHT   OJ     fHB    KOAB. 


mi 


[wck  Ttmrja  asks  black  &&ss  a  question,  j 


frLo  other  passage,  set  the  example  of  hastening  along  it 
as  soon  as  the  conference  between  Bishop  and  Dick 
Tnrpin  was  brought  to  a  conclusion. 

The  others  followed  quickly  in  his  footsteps. 

Upon  reaching  the  dungeon  doors  we  have  already- 
mentioned,  the  highwaymen  were  in  doubt  whether  it 
would  be  policy  to  open  any  of  them  or  to  rush  on. 

The  latter  was  the  course  agreed  upon  by  the  geEeral 
voice. 

On  arriving  at  Xbe  vault  at  the  extremity,  a  little  delay 
took  place  in  consequence  of  the  difficulty  which  they 
experienced  of  opening  the  door. 

The  rusty  old  fastening  had  to  be  removed  by  force, 
and  consequently  they  had  no  means  of  securing  the 
door,  and  so  use  that  as  a  protection  between  themselves 
and  their  foe9.  £ 

The  aperture  qulcKly  attracted  th*ur  attention* 

No.  215.— Black  Bkss. 


Dick  mounted  first,  and  crawling  along,  encountered  a 
large  iron  grating. 

But  time  and  the  weather  had  had  such  a  destructive 
effect  upon  it,  that  a  few  hearty  shakes  enabled  him  to 
dislodge  it  altogether  from  its  setting. 

He  released  it  from  his  grasp,  and  it  fell  with  a  terrific 
splash  into  the  water  below. 

The  sound  caused  Dick  great  apprehension,  for  he 
made  sure  that  it  would  be  heard  all  over  the  ruins. 

Looking  forward,  he  found  that  the  iron  grating  had 
covered  a  kind  of  loophole  in  t*\e  outer  wall  of  the  castle, 
that  was  at  a  considerable  altituds  from  a  large  shest  of 
water. 

Escape  lay  in  this  direction,  yet  it  was  by  no  mean* 
pleasant  to  think  of  taking  a  head-foremost  plunge  from 
such  a  height,  and  without  any  knowledge  as  to  the  3«ptk 
oi  the  water. 


No.  216. 


Pbicr  One  Halfpenny. 
No.  216  will  be  Published  next  Thursday. 


in* 


BLACK   BUS;    OB, 


Yet  there  was  no  resource. 

The  dimensions  of  the  apartment  were  bo  confined,  and 
the  stonework  so  very  smooth  and  slippery,  that  to  turn 
round  seemed  a  matter  of  impossibility. 

Looking  ba~k  over  his  shoulder,  Dick  explained  the 
situation  and  the  difficulties  of  it  to  his  comrades. 

Tom  King  was  next  to  him.  so  he  said : 

"  Hold  my  hands,  and  I  will  endeavour  to  descend  feet 
first," 

Dick  tried,  and  succeeded. 

He  dropped  with  unpleasant  force  Into  the  moat,  the 
depth  of  the  water  in  which  was  by  no  means  so  great  as 
he  had  expected. 

In  fact,  when  he  stood  upright  the  water  reached  no 
higher  than  his  waist. 

It  was  lucky  he  did  not  try  to  plunge  head  first. 

If  he  had  he  must  have  sustained  some  injury. 

No  sooner  did  he  find  himself  in  safety  on  his  feet  than 
he  dashed  the  water  from  his  face,  and  said,  in  cautious 
tones : 

u  Come,  Tom— it  Is  all  right !  Be  quick,  and  we  shall 
escape  them  yet !" 

Tom  King  needed  no  further  bidding. 

Following  his  leader's  example,  he  lowered  himself 
without  hesitation. 

Dick  was  standing  ready  to  receive  him,  so  that  Tom 
made  the  descent  with  comparative  ease. 

Tom  Davis  followed ;  but  as  he  was  of  much  greater 
bulk,  and  by  no  means  so  agile  in  his  movements  as  the 
highwaymen,  he  failed  to  turn,  and  came  down  with  a 
splash  almost  loud  enough  to  rouse  the  people  in  the  next 
village. 

However,  all  continued  silent. 

Apparently  no  alarm  had  been  given. 

Claude  followed. 

Last  of  all  came  Sixteen-String  Jack. 

Ho  found  he  laboured  under  a  considerable  disadvantage, 
for  he  had  no  comrade  to  hold  him  by  the  hand  while  he 
turned  round. 

Nevertheless,  in  spite  of  this'  and  a  certain  amount  of 
awkwardness  resulting  from  his  wound,  he  accomplished 
the  feat  successfully.  # 

But  he  was  just  in  time,  and  that  was  all. 

The  delay  of  another  couple  of  seconds  must  have  cost 
him  his  life. 

Nothing  could  have  saved  him  when,  by  the  direction 
of  Bishop,  the  officers  fired  that  volley  into  the  loop- 
hole. 

Indeed,  so  little  was  Jack  beforehand  that  the  splash 
which  he  made  by  falling  into  the  water,  and  the  dis- 
charge of  the  pistols,  seemed  simultaneous  sounds. 

What  occurred  on  the  appearance  of  Bishop  we  have 
already  described. 

The  highwaymen  and  Tom  Davis  waded  quickly  to  the 
bank,  and  did  not  fail  to  congratulate  each  other  when 
they  once  again  found  themselves  on  firm  earth. 

Perceiving  how  impossible  it  was  to  do  anything  in  his 
present  position,  and  influenced  to  a  very  great  extent  by 
the  pistol  which  Dick  Turpin  had  pointed  so  calmly  at 
him,  Bishop,  as  we  have  already  stated,  beat  a  precipitate 
and  very  undignified  retreat. 

With  oil  the  speed  he  oould  make,  he  followed  his  men 
on  their  way  to  the  staircase. 

"Hwenadbut  our  horses,"  exclaimed  Claude  Dural, 
"  we  should  be  able  to  get  clear  off  without  much  further 
trouble." 

"Or,"  added  Sixteen-String  Jack,  "by  making  good 
6peed,  we  might  be  able  to  reach  the  secret  entrance  first 
We  could  then  close  it  and  make  them  every  one 
prisoners." 

There  was  a  general  laugh  at  this  proposition  of  turn- 
ing the  tables  upon  the  officers,  in  which  Dick  Turpin 
himself  could  not  help  joining. 

"  It  is  not  half  a  bad  idea,"  said  Claude,  quickly ;  "  and 
to  prove  that  1  think  so,  I  will  try  to  carry  it  iuto 
effect" 

It  was  a  matter  that  would  not  allow  of  discussioS,  for 
while  the  pros  and  cons  were  being  considered  the  oppor- 
tunity would  be  gone. 

All  the  rest  followed  rapidly  in  Claude's  footsteps — uot 
that  they  thought  bis  scheme  was  likely  to  be  carried 
ont.  but  because  it  was  necessary  for  them  to  go  in  that 
direction  to  recover  their  horses. 

With  a  great  deal  of  confidence,  Claude  hurried   for- 


ward and  actually  was  just  in  time  to  close  the  secret 
door  as  the  first  of  the  returning  officers  was  about  to 
emerge. 

That  gentleman,  to  his  very  great  astonishment,  found 
the  door  suddenly  banged  in  his  face,  and  then  the  whole  of 
them  were  in  total  darkness,  for  the  concussion  of  the  air 
consequent  upon  the  discharge  of  the  pistols  had  extin- 
guished their  lights. 

But  this  act  very  nearly  cost  Claude  his  life. 

Of  course  our  friends  knew  nothing  about  Isaac  and 
his  companion,  both  of  whom  had  been  left  outside  by 
Bishop. 

The  former,  seeing  Claude  and  guessing  from  his 
actions  who  he  was,  carefully  levelled  a  pistol. 

By  great  good  fortune  Diei:  espied  him  and  fired  as 
well,  but  without  having  time  to  take  any  particular 
aim. 

Nevertheless,  his  shot  produced  just  the  effect  he 
intended  it  should. 

It  startled  Isaac  and  distracted  his  attention  at  a  very 
critical  time. 

Isaac  fired,  but  the  careful  aim  was  lost 

Nevertheless,  the  bullet  whistled  past  Claude  in  much 
too  close  proximity  to  be  at  all  pleasant. 

"  This  way,  Claude,"  cried  Dick  Turpin,  in  a  loud 
voice—"  this  way !  Quick — quick !  we  shall  yet  be  in 
time!" 

Isaac  no  sooner  perceived  how  very  much  he  was  out- 
numbered than  he  very  prudently  desisted  from  any 
further  hostilities,  and  our  friends  were  not  the  sort  of 
men  to  seek  vengeance  for  what  had  occurred. 

The  cooped-up  police  officers,  however,  upon  hearing 
the  discharge  of  firearms,  became  greatly  infuriated. 

Loud  blows  were  rained  upon  the  door. 

But  it  was  strong,  and  withstood  them  well. 

They  were  not  in  the  secret  of  opening  it,  and  had  not 
Isaac  and  his  companion  been  outside,  the  highwaymen 
would  have  been  able  to  take  it  very  easily. 

No  sooner,  however,  had  the  latter  vanished  round  a 
projection  of  the  masonry  in  quest  of  their  horses,  than 
Isaac  with  great  haste  ran  to  the  door. 

He  was  not  in  possession  of  the  secret,  but,  his  effort* 
from  without,  joined  to  those  of  the  officers  on  the  other 
side,  quickly  demolished  the  door. 

On  they  rushed  in  such  hurry  and  confusion  that  the 
entrance  for  a  moment  was  choked  completely  up. 

No  sooner,  however,  had  Dick  and  his  friends  got  out 
of  sight  than  the  former  said : 

"  Some  inward  presentiment — for  I  can  call  it  nothing 
else — seems  to  assure  me  that  shortly  before  our  arrival 
Maud  must  have  been  made  prisoner  by  some  of  these 
men.  If  so,  she  is  now  in  the  ruins,  in  which  case,  as  1 
need  scarcely  6ay,  I  cannot  think  of  retreat  until  she  is 
rescued." 

His  companions  remained  silent,  waiting  to  hear  what 
he  would  say  next 

Dick  continued : 

"  To  get  the  horses  <£"ill  probably  occupy  a  few  minutes. 
While  you  are  thus  o^gaged,  I  will  take  a  stealthy  look 
1-ound  and  try  to  ascertain  where  they  have  bestowed  her." 

"  Dick." 

"Yes,  Tom?"     \ 

♦•  I  am  your  comrade,  am  I  not  tn 

u  Certainly." 

H  We  are  all  your  comrades,'"  cried  the  rest 

"  And,  therefore,"  added  Tom,  "  we  will  all  join  you  in 
your  search." 

"  Many — many  thanks !"  said  Dick.  "  I  should  be  glad  to 
believe  tbat  my  poor  Maud  occupies  a  warm  place  in  ah 
your  hearts." 

"  She  does — she  does — believe  us,  she  does." 

"  Well  then,  my  friends,"  said  Dick,  in  a  voice  which 
displayed  how  deeply  he  haa  affected,  "  you  can  render 
me  signal  aid  by  dispersing  yourselves  all  over  the  ruins, 
as  then  we  should  search  narrowly  every  part — that  is," 
he  concluded,  "  if  you  are  willing  to  run  so  much  extra 
risk  solely  on  my  behalf,  when  the  path  of  your  own 
safety  lies  clear  and  plain  before  you,  if  you  only  choose 
to  avail  yourselves  of  it." 

Tom  and  the  rest  scarcely  waited  to  hear  tne  conclusion 
of  this  speech,  but  separated  at  once,  and  without  hesita- 
tion, in  order  to  do  their  captain's  bidding. 

Of  course,  being  acquainted  with  tho  exact  nature  of 
all  the  events  that  have  occurred,  the  reader  knows  how 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  TUB   ROAD. 


me 


very  erroneous  was  D  ick's  impression  regarding  Maud's 
presence  in  the  ruins. 

But  a  moment's  reflection  will  show  that  this  idea  was 
of  all  others  the  one  most  likely  to  tix  itself  in  his  mind, 
and  one  about  which  there  was  the  strongest  degreb  of 
probability. 

What  k  pity  it  was  tsat  he  and  his  companions  should 
run  this  perfectly  unnecessary  aui  frightful  risk,  for,  of 
course,  the  search  would  prove  totally  resultless.  as  Maud 
was  at  that  time  many  miles  away  from  the  p \ace. 

The  length  of  stay,  however,  which  our  friends  had 
made  at  the  ruins  had  enabled  them  to  become  well 
acquainted  with  all  its  intricacies. 

Therefore  the  search  when  once  made  would  bo  a 
thorough  one,  and  executed  without  any  loss  of  time  by 
foing  over  the  same  ground  twice. 

As  the  reader  is  aware,  no  trace  of  Maud  or  J  act  the 
ostler  could  be  seen. 

Dick  was  distracted. 

Bather  than  abandon  his  preconceived  idea,  tie  con- 
tended that  she  must  have  been  conveyed  to  some  other 
place. 

Very  certain,  however,  was  it  that  she  was  nowhere 
about  the  ruins. 

Thus  was  much  valuable  time  lost,  and  thus  were  the 
officers  enabled  to  improve  their  position  in  no  incon- 
siderable degree. 

For  a  brief  space,  then,  we  will  leave  them,  and  revert 
to  the  energetic  proceedings  which  were  now  taken  by 
the  police  officers. 


CHAPTER   MXX. 

IN  WHICH      DICK    TURPIN     RESENTS    BISHOP'*    COWARDLY 

SHOT. 

Bishop  now  was  in  such  an  exalted  state  of  exasperation 
that  there  is  no  knowing  what  absurdity  he  might  have 
been  guilty  of  had  he  not  happened  to  catch  a  remark 
which  fell  from  the  lips  of  Isaac,  and  which  brought  about 
*  condition  of  partial  calmness. 

Isaac's  remark  was  this : 

"  There,  I  have  done  with  you  now — I  am  determined 
\o  have  no  further  hand  in  the  affair ;  yet,  if  I  had  the 
conduction  of  it,  I  should  take  care  to  secure  the  horses 
oelonging  to  the  rascals ;  it  would  not  be  very  difficult, 
ind  they  would  find  it  by  no  means  so  easy  to  get 
iway." 

Bishop  seized  upon  the  hint  at  once. 

But  he  pretended  not  to  have  overheard  one  word  that 
Isaac  had  said. 

Summoning  his  men  around  him,  ho  gave  thenv  the 
>rder  to,  first  of  all,  bend  all  their  energies  towards 
japturing  the  horses. 

An  immediate  move  was  made  to  carry  out  this 
lirection. 

Isaac  observed  this  with  a  contemptuous,  sarcastic 
smile,  but  he  made  no  remark. 

In  his  own  mind,  he  was  exceedingly  sorry  to  think 
he  had  made  the  suggestion,  for  his  feelings  towards 
Bishop  now  were  of  such  a  character  that  he  really 
wished  the  highwaymen  to  escape  in  order  that  he  might 
have  the  opportunity  of  exercising  his  powers  of  aggrava- 
tion to  the  utmost  advantage. 

a.  i-  ""Qicers  were  not  long  in  making  the  discovery  that 
tb*^.  .rere  just  a  few  minutes  too  late. 

leaving  satisfied  themselves  that  Maud  was  nowhere  in 
the  ruins,  the  highwaymen,  with  the  exception  of  Dick, 
had  taken  their  horses,  and  had  seated  themselves  in 
readiness  to  sturt. 

But  Turpin  could  not  by  any  means  divest  himself  of 
the  notion  that  Maud  must  be  there,  for  he  could  scarcely 
think  that  she  had  succeeded  in  making  her  escape 

It  was  thus  being  animated  by  this  feeling  that  m*de 
Dich  unable  to  tear  himself  away  from  the  castle. 

Systematic  as  the  search  had  been,  he  was  by  no  means 
satisfied  with  it,  and  therefore  lingered  until  the  very 
latest  moment,  in  the  hope  of  making  the  much-wished - 
for  discovery. 

Suddenly,  the  officers  burst  upon  the  highway- 
men. 

Claude  Duval  had  taken  Tom  Davis  up  into  the  saddle 
behind  him. 

Black  Bess  was  standing  at  a  little  distance- 


Self-preservation  compelled  the  highwaymen  to  shift 
from  their  position,  but  they  took  good  care  to  do  so  in 
such  a  manner  that  they  would  prove  a  partial  defeuce  to 
thair  captain,  to  whom  they  cried  aloud  at  the  top  of 
their  voices. 

"  Fire  !"  yelled  Bishop—"  fire,  I  say !" 

The  order  was  immediately  obeyed,  and  it  was  only  by 
making  a  sudden  movement  that  cur  friends  saved  them- 
selves from  being  riddled  by  the  bullets,  which  clattered 
against  the  stone  walls  like  rain. 

It  was  immediately  after  this  discharge  that  Bishop 
caught  sight  of  Black  Bess. 

He  recognised  the. noble  creature  instantly. 

In  a  moment  the  impulse  seized  upon  him  to  try  and 
capture  her. 

She  was  standing  there  so  still  and  quiet  that  he 
fancied  the  capture  would  not  be  a  very  difficult 
one. 

Not  only  would  Black  Bess  herself  prove  to  be  to  him  a 
most  valuable  acquisition,  but  if  he  had  her  in  his  hands 
his  chances  of  capturing  her  owner  would  be  very  much 
increased. 

His  men  wondered  what  on  earth  he  was  about  when 
they  6aw  him  walk  quietly  forward,  for  he  did  not  utter 
one  syllable  as  to  his  intontion. 

Black  Bess  still  retained  her  former  attitude. 

But  she  was  not  unaware  of  the  police  officer's  ap- 
proach, as  could  be  seen  by  the  manner  in  which  she  pro- 
jected her  ears  towards  him. 

Bishop  put  into  practice  all  the  coaxing  ways  he  could 
think  of. 

His  heart  beat  with  exultation,  for  he  got  closer  and 
closer,  and  still  Black  Bess  did  not  stir. 

He  reached  out  his  hand  as  soon  as  he  believed  him- 
self near  enough  to  clutch  the  bridle,  and  made  a  sudden 
effort. 

But  his  fingers  did  not  so  much  as  touch  the  loosely- 
dangling  reins. 

Black  Boss  divined  his  intention,  and  gave  a  sudden 
bound,  that  had  the  effect  of  making  the  distance  between 
herself  and  her  would-be  captor  about  the  same  as  it  was 
at  first. 

Bishop  was  never  blessed  with  a  very  patient  temper, 
and  now  it  was  exacerbated  to  such  a  degree  that  the 
moment  anything  went  wrong  he  fell  into  a  kind  of  furf 
that  more  resembled  the  transport  of  a  lunatic  than  an  out- 
break of  passion  on  the  part  of  a  sane  person. 

"D — n  you  !"  he  cried,  savagely,  "I  believe  you  are 
no  better  than  a  witch !  No  human  horse  could  have 
djne  what  you  have,  and  escaped  with  your  life  so  many 
times  !  I  will  make  one  more  attempt  to  seize  you,  and 
if  that  fails  I  will  try  whether  you  will  be  proof  against 
one  of  my  pistol  bullets  !" 

Bishop  had  a  loaded  pistol  in  his  hand,  and  while  he 
spoke  these  words  he  rapidly  cocked  it. 

Then  advanced  in  the  direction  of  the  spot  to  which 
Black  Bess  was  standing. 

But  this  time  the  gallant  animal  distrusted  him  more 
than  before. 

She  seemed  ready  to  start  at  once. 

Suddenly  a  faint  chirping  sound  was  heard — 

A  sound  which  more  resembled  the  twittering  of  soma 
little  bird  than  aught  else. 

It  was  Dick  Turpin  s  well-known  signal. 

No  sooner  did  it  strike  upon  the  ears  of  Biaca  beaa 
than  she  gave  a  rapid  bound,  which  carmfi  her  clear  ever 
the  trunk  of  a  fallen  tree  tb*t  happened  to  be  lyh  ■%  near 
her 

"  Curse  the  beast !"  said  Bishop.  "  I  could  have 
wished  her  alive,  for  she's  a  beauty  ;  but  I  will  put  a  stop 
to  her  galloping  for  the  future  1" 

With  this  he  took  as  good  an  aim  rss  he  could 

His  fi/igei  pressed  the  trigger 

There  was  a  loud  report. 

Mingled  with  it  was  a  faint  snorting  sound,  but  so 
faint  and  so  brief  that  it  was  hard  to  say  whether  it  was 
reality  or  fancy. 

Bishop  shouted  aloud  to  his  men,  and  immediately 
rushed  forward. 

He  was  in  hopes  of  making  a  capture  of  Dick  Turpin 
aimself,  for  he  gave  a  shrewd  guess  as  to  the  meaning  of 
the  twittering  sound. 

In  a  general  way,  Bishop  took  good  care  not  to  nush 
himself  too  forward,  for  fear  he  should  by  cH^^  loss  his 


1716 


BLACK    BBSS  ;     OR, 


life,  which  would   have  been   a   serious   calamity  for  the 
world  at  large. 

On  the  present  occasion,  however,  his  impetuosity 
carried  him  more  forward  than  usual,  and  he  soc*  had 
occasion  to  repent  it. 

All  at  once  Disk  Turpin  started  into  view. 

Bishop  earn©  to  a  halt  at  once,  and  feJi  for  anotner 
pistol. 

The  former,  however,  cried  in  a  stem,  menacing 
voice : 

41  You  are  welcome  to  try  as  many  shots  upon  me  aa 
you  like — I  don't  mind  it,  and  should  never  seek  for 
vengeance  on  that  account ;  hut  to  aim  at  my  mare  is 
an  action  that  I  can  neither  forget  nor  forgive  !  Take 
that — you  deserve  it,  for  I  believe  bonny  Black  Bess  has 
been  severely  injured  by  your  dastardly  shot !" 

While  speaking  these  words,  Dick  Turpin  levelled  a 
pistol  full  at  Bishop's  head,  and  pulled  the  trigger. 

But  the  weapon  only  flashed  in  the  pan.  ) 

Dick  gave  utterance  to  an  angry  exclamation,  and  at 
the  same  time  hurled  the  pistol  with  all  his  force. 

His  resentment  was  now  worked  up  to  its  highest 
pitch. 

So  accurate  was  his  aim  that  Bishop  fell  to  the  ground 
stunned. 

But  more  than  this  Dick  did  not  wait  to  see,  for  the 
officers  now  came  rushing  upon  bin  in  a  body. 

"On,  Bess  !"  cried  Turpin,  as  he  ran  hastily  after  her 
— "  on,  old  lass !  Do  not  stop  ioi  me ;  I  can  mount 
easily  as  you  are  !"  r . 

Black  Bess  cantered  on. 

Dick  Turpin  put  forth  all  his  powers. 

The  officers  perceiving  him  run  before  them,  gave  him 
hearty  chase. 

They  strained  every  nerve,  for  they  felt  that  if  once 
they  permitted  him  to  mount,  all  chance  of  overtaking 
him  was  at  an  end,  or  nearly  so. 

But  there  were  few  fleeter  runners  than  Dick. 

A  few  seconds  enabled  him  to  place  himself  side  by 
side  with  Black  Bess,  for  the  noble  creature  doubtless 
comprehended  his  purpose,  and  adapted  her  pace  accord- 
ingly. 

Suddenly,  Dick  seized  hold  of  the  saddle,  and  while 
thus  holding  it,  ran  for  a  moment  or  so  by  her  side. 

Then,  giving  a  sudden  spring,  he  swung  himself 
clearly  and  lightly  into  the  saddle,  where  he  seated  him- 
self in  a  moment. 

His  comrades  had  viewed  all  these  proceedings,  but 
without  having  a  chance  of  interfering  in  any  way. 

No  sooner,  however,  did  they  perceive  their  captain 
mounted  than  they  put  spurs  to  their  steeds  and  galloped 
off. 

Some  little  delay  took  place  before  the  officers  were 
ready  to  pursue  them,  and  by  the  time  the  former  fairly 
started,  Dick  and  his  comrades  had  got  to  a  considerable 
distance. 

Still,  in  the  present  state  of  their  tempers,  it  was  not 
likely  that  the  officers  would  very  readily  abandon  the 
pursuit. 

Bishop,  however,  was  in  a  state  of  utter  unconscious- 
ness, and  therefore  unable  to  join  in  the  chase. 

For  a  time  he  was  oblivious  of  all  things. 

Those  officers  who  actually  commenced  the  -pursuit 
began  in  good  earnest. 

They  were  also  very  well  mounted,  and  therefore,  not 
unreasonably,  they  looked  forward  to  a  satisfactory 
termination  to  this  troublesome  piece  of  business. 

Had  not  the  highwaymen  been  hampered  with  Tom 
Davis,  their  chances  of  escape  would  have  been  very 
much  increased. 

Olaude's  horse  was  a  powerful  one,  and  carried  him 
with  tolerable  ease,  it  is  true,  but  then,  had  it  not  been  for 
the  double  load  his  rate  of  6peed  would  have  been  very 
much  greater. 

Of  course  the  others  accommodated  the  pace  of  their 
horses  to  his,  for  it  was  important  thev  should  all  keep 
together. 

Tom  Davis  soon  rightly  comprehended  his  p^i.ws.-. 
"Put  me  down,"  he  said.     "I  can  see  just  how   the 
land  lies,  and  it  would  bo  much  better  that  1  should  bo 
recaptured   than   that    you  should   all  run  the   risk   of 
another  encounter." 

"  And  is  that  the  sort  of  return,  Tom,  that  you  think 
wo  should   make  for  the  unwavering  fidelity  yon   have 


shown  us?    No,  no,  we  know  better   how  to   serve  a 
friend  than  that." 

"Say  no  more  upon  the  subject,"  said  Tom  King. 
"Either  we  will  place  you  in  some  place  oi  complete 
security,  or  else  we  will  perish  in  the  attempt." 

Dick  Turpin  paid  but  little  attention  to  this  conversa- 
tion. 

The  pace  at  which  they  were  going  was  one  that  Black 
Bess  could  perforin  without  the  slightest  effort. 

As   for   the   injury  she   had    received,   it  fortunately 
turned  out  quite  contrary  to  Dick's  fears. 
It  was  what  might  be  termed  a  trivial  one. 
The  bullet  had  passed  very  near  to  the  top  part  of  her 
head — 

So  close  that  it  had  cut  out  a  small  circular  piece  from 
the  extreme  tip  of  one  ear. 

The  blood  flowed  freely — but  that  was  in  consequence 
of  the  motion — but  not  in  any  quantity  to  excite  appre 
hension. 

But  Dick's  heart  burned  with  anger  within  him  as  he 
gazed  upon  it. 
Patting  her  upon  the  neck,  he  muttered : 
"  A  very  little  more,  and  there  would  have  been  an  end 
to  the  best  piece  of  horseflesh  in  the  kingdom.  The 
difference  of  a  hair's  breadth  in  pulling  the  trigger,  and 
the  bullet  must  have  entered  her  brain  1  It's  an_escape, 
old  lass,  and  a  narrow  one.  Most  thankful  am  I  rnat  it  is 
no  worse  !" 

But  the  satisfaction  derived  by  Diok  from  this  refiectior. 
was  but  slight,  for  the  mark  was  one  which  his  mare 
would  always  carry. 
Another  consideration  now  pressed  itself  upon  him. 
What  steps  should  be  taken  to  shake  off  the  officers 
who,  although  not  able  to  get  up  to  our  friends,  neverthe- 
less succeeded  in  keeping  at  a  uniform  distance  behind 
them  ? 

In  a  short  time  morning  would  be  upon  them,  and 
Dick  felt  the  stern  necessity  of  shaking  off  his  foes  before 
that  time. 

The  question  was,  how  could  it  be  done  ? 
"  Claude,"  he   cried,   turning  back,  "  those   fellows  be- 
hind us  seem  to  me  to  be  coming  on  as  fast  as  they  are 
able." 

"  They  keep  well  on  our  track." 
"  They  do,  and  I  want  to  shake  them  off  " 
"  How  is  it  to  be  done  ?" 

"Do  you  think  that  for  a  short  distance  you  could  push 
your  horse  on  faster?  If  so,  we  shall  soon  distance  them, 
and  when  once  out  of  sight  we  can  adopt  twenty  expedi- 
ents if  necessary." 

But  Claude  shook  his  head. 

"  I  wish  you  would  make  the  effort,"  said  Dick,  with  an 
air  and  tone  of  vexation.  "  I  don't  want  to  get  any 
further  away  from  the  ruins  than  I  can  help,  and,  besides, 
it  will  soon  be  daylight." 

"  Wait  a  bit,"  said  Tom  King.  "  If  you  put  Davis  be- 
hind me,  that  will  give  Claude's  horse  a  rest.  H^  seems 
fatigued  already,  and  for  a  little  while  I  am  sure  my  horse 
can  push  on  well." 

"  Be  it  so,  then.  I  can  see  only  one  objection,  and  that 
is,  the  delay  caused  in  changing.  You  must  be  speedy  in 
your  movements." 

"You  had  better  leave  me  behind,"  said  Tom  Davis; 
"  that  will  be  the  easiest.  I  might  slip  ofl  and  conceal 
myself  behind  the  hedge  without  the  officers  being  any 
the  wiser." 

"  You  might,  it  is  true  ;  but  we  do  not  intend  to  give 
you  the  chance.  No,  no,  Tom — we  would  never  be  so 
base  as  to  desert  you.  So  say  not  another  word,  but 
jump  up  as  quickly  as  you  can." 

The  delay  caused  by  this  change  was  really  very 
slight,  and  no  sooner  was  it  effected  than  a  wonderful 
difference  was  made  in  their  speed. 

Tom  King  pressed  his  horse  hard  without  scruple,  for 
ne  knew  that  it  would  only  be  a  sharp  touch  and  soon 
over,  and  not  so  much  calculated  to  distress  him  as  a  long, 
continued  gallop. 

In  order  that  he  might  not  relax  in  his  endeavours,  the 
others  kept  a  few  yards  in  advance. 

The  natural  spirit  of  Tom's  horse,  therefore,  made  him 
endeavour  to  overtake  or,  at  least,  keep  pace  with  the 
others. 

The  officers  observed  this  alteration  with  mnch  alarm 
and  dissatisfaction. 


THB    KNIGHT   OF   TH»  BOAS. 


171T 


Thej  spurred  their  horses  again  and  again,  but  to  no 
purpose. 

The  horses  were  already  going  at  their  best  sp-ied. 

To  their  unmitigated  chagrin,  they  perceived  the  d!s- 
tance  between  *-hem  end  the  fugitives  gradually  bat 
surely  widening 

They  felt  then  that  they  might  almost  as  well  confess 
themselves  beaten ;  but  yel  they  could  not  at  present 
bring  themselves  to  admit  it. 

As  for  the  highwaymen,  the  success  they  had  met  with 
served  to  inspire  them  to  make  fresh  exertions. 

At  length,  when  Dick  considered  that  a  safe  distance 
had  been  placed  between  the  officers  and  themselves,  he 
began  to  look  out  for  some  narrow  turning  that  would 
enable  them  to  leave  the  high-road. 

Some  time  elapsed  before  anything  of  the  kind  presented 
itself;  but  at  length  he  caught  sight  of  a  cross-road — it 
wad  too  wide  to  be  called  a  lane. 

At  this  spot  stood  the  remains  of  what  had  once  been  a 
finger-post. 

It  had  now  fallen  into'  thorough  decay. 

The  upright  post  leaned  far  out  of  the  perpendicular, 
and  was  thickly  overgrown  with  moss,  the  dampness  of 
which  materially  served  to  rot  the  wood. 

One  arm,  and  only  one,  was  remaining,  and  that  "was  in 
so  mutilated  a  state  that  it  was  impossible  to  discern  any 
lettering  upon  it. 

Seen  by  the  very  dim  gray  light  which  now  began  to 
creep  over  the  landscape,  this  finger-post  had  an  inex- 
pressibly forlorn  and  dreary  look. 

"  This  way  !"  shouted  Dick,  to  Tom  King,  and  point- 
ing to  the  left  while  ho  spoke — "  this  way  i  One  more 
push,  and  the*  I  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  lase  it  more 
easily." 

It  did  not  appear  that  this  cross-road  was  made  maeti 
use  of,  for  in  the  middle  were  two  very  deep  ruts,  and  all 
the  rest  was  overgrown  with  grass  so  tall  that  it  reached 
up  to  the  horses'  knees. 

Over  this  their  progress  could  not  fail  to  be  silent. 

Having  gone  to  some  distance,  Dick  pulled  up. 

"My  friends,"  he  said,  "I  have  an  idea;  let  me  know 
what  you  think  of  it." 

They  prepared  to  listen  intently. 

"  It  strikes  me  very  forcibly  that  as  soon  as  ever  the 
officers  come  to  the  finger-post  they  will  guess  which 
way  we  have  gone,  and  then,  although  we  may  be  rid  of 
them  for  a  time,  yet  they  will  eventually  plague  us." 

To  this  all  assented. 

"Now,  what  I  want  to  do  is  to  throw  them  off  the 
track  altogether,  so  as  to  leave  us  free  to  adopt  any 
course  we  may  think  proper,  without  having  the  dread 
of  their  appearance  at  any  unexpected  moment  upon 
us." 

"  That  would  lie  very  desirable  indeed,"  said  Tom 
King;  "but,  for  my  own  part,  I  don't  see  how  it  is  to  be 
accomplished." 

"  Listen,  and  I  will  tell  you  my  idea — it  is  only  an 
idea,  mind  you,  and  if  you  don't  like  it,  why,  do  not,  out 
of  any  consideration  for  me  or  my  judgment,  omit  to  say 
it — promise  me  that." 

"  We  promise,  Dick  j  but  do  not  keep  us  any  longer  in 
suspense." 

"  I  will  not." 

The  highwaymen  were  silent,  and  prepared  themselves 
to  listen  with  the  utmost  intentness  to  what  Disk  Turpin 
had  to  say. 


CHAPTER  MXXI. 

DICK  TURPIN   ASKS  BLACK   BESS  A   QUESTION. 

"My  idea  J  consider  is  a  very  simple  one,"  began  Dick 
Turpin,  "and  yet  perhaps  you  may  think  it  veiy  extra- 
ordinary. It  is,  to  quit  this  lane  at  once,  and,  completely 
doubling  our  course,  make  our  way  back  to  the  ruins." 

"  To  the  ruins  ?"  echoed  Tom  King,  in  a  ton°  of  vtwc« 
which  showed  plainly  enough  how  much  he  was  sut- 
prised. 

"Just  so."  answered  Dick,  gravely. 

'But  you  surely  do  not  think  of  entering  them 
»^ain  ?'! 

"  No,  I  can't  say  that  I  do.  My  intention  is  merely  to 
get  back  to  their  vicinity,  for  I  believe  that  is  aDout  the 


last  place  where  the  officers  would  think  of  looking  for 
us." 

"  Perhaps  so,"  said  Tom  Kiug. 

"At  any  rate,"  added  Claude  Duval,  "it  would  be 
much  better  to  do  that  than  to  attcnipt  to  seek  any  shelter 
hereabouts,  for  if  we  did  we  should  be  disturbed  in  an 
hour  or  two  at  the  most." 

"  I  see  you  are  getting  reconciled  to  the  idea,"  con- 
tinued Dick,  "  and  let  me  request  you  to  make  up  your 
minds  quickly." 

"You  are  captain,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack — "the 
direction  of  our  movements  ought  to  be  left  to  you." 

"  I  know  all  about  that,  but  the  best  of  generals  is  not 
the  one  who  relies  most  on  his  own  judgment,  but  the 
one  who  in  situations  of  doubt  and  difficulty  holds  a  con- 
sultation with  his  chief  and  most  experienced  officers." 

"Then  I  for  one,"  cried  Claude  Duval,  "am  inclined 
to  adopt  Dick's  idea." 

"  It  is  certain,"  remarked  Tom  King,  "  that  we  must 
ere  long  get  shelter  somewhere.  In  a  little  while  day- 
light will  be  full  upon  us,  and  such  a  party  as  we  now 
make  could  not  pass  anywhere  without  attracting  a  great 
deal  of  notice." 

"Our  horses  are  weary,"  said  Dick;  "we  must  rest, 
and.  what  is  more,  it  is  necessary  that  we  should  find 
some  place  where  we  can  remain  an  hour  or  two  in  per- 
fect quiet  and  talk  over  our  position.  We  shall  have  to 
consider  most  carefully  what  is  to  be  the  nature  of  our 
future  movements." 

"  On,  then  I"  exclaimed  Tom  King.  "  Lead  the  way  ! 
Let,  there  bo  no  more  delay,  for  every  moment  is  of 
value." 

This  was  true  enough. 

A  little  time  had  been  consumed  by  this  conference, 
bat  it  ecild  not  by  any  means  be  said  that  time  had  been 
lost. 

Indeed,  the  brief  halt  had  enabled  the  horses  to  recover 
their  wind  to  a  very  considerable  extent,  and  now,  after 
this  temporary  rest,  they  seemed  to  set  for  ward  with  fresh 
vigour. 

The  speed  made  for  some  time  was  all  that  the  high- 
waymen could  desire. 

Their  way  lay  across  a  succession  of  smooth  meadows, 
the  turf  in  which  was  particularly  grateful  to  the  horses' 
feet. 

Dick's  comrades  were  by  no  means  surprised  that  he 
should  manifest  so  strong  a  desire  to  return  to  the  old 
ruins. 

Not  a  word  had  been  breathed  respecting  Maud,  but  yet 
all  knew  that  it  was  Dick's  strong  impression  that  she  was 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  castle,  which  made  him  so  anxious 
to  return. 

At  any  rate,  the  step  which  they  had  taken  seemed,  so 
far  as  thsy  could  tell  at  present,  a  wise  one. 

The  oft?«ers  appeared  to  be  completely  baffled. 

By  this  time  the  daylight  had  much  increased  in 
inteusity,  and  in  the  east  could  be  perceived  a  ruddy  glow 
that  proclaimed  the  speedy  rising  of  the  sun. 

As  our  friends  happened  to  ascend  some  rising  ground 
they  were  able,  by  looking  back  when  they  had  gained 
the  summit,  to  command  a  very  extensive  view  of  the 
country  around  them. 

Hill  and  dale,  river  and  stream,  bush  and  tree,  were  all 
revealed  with  a  clearness  and  brilliancy  that  was  delight- 
ful to  contemplate. 

In  vain,  however,  did  our  friends  strain  their  eyes  in 
the  endeavour  to  catch  sight  of  their  pursuers. 

At  some  distance  several  men  could  be  seen  in  the  act 
of  crossing  a  ploughed  field  ;  doubtless  they  were  on  the 
way  to  the  scene  of  their  daily  labours,  but  these  were 
the  only  human  beings  the  highwaymen  were  able  to 
discern  after  the  longest  and  closest  scrutiny. 

"All's  well,"  said  Dick,  at  last,  though  his  voice  pro- 
claimed that  in  truth  all  was  not  well  with  him.  "For- 
ward once  more,  my  comrades;  the  ruins  cannoJ  be  far 
distant  now." 

"Do  not  forget  that  we  are  on  the  look-out  fo*  a  place 
of  shelter,"  observed  Tom  King.  "It  is  true,  we  have 
been  singularly  fortunate  at  present,  but  then  we  are 
running  a  very  serious  amount  of  risk  by  riding  thus  by 
daylight." 

"  I  am  well  aware  of  that,"  answered  Turpin,  "  and 
it  shall  continue  no  longer  than  we  can  possibly 
help  " 


1T18 


BLAGS    BBSB  ;    OB. 


After  this  the  highwaymen  rode  on  for  a  considerable 
distance  in  perfect  silencn. 

Each  one,  indeed,  was  busy  with  his  thoughts. 

At  last  they  found  before  them  a  pretty  narrow  lane — 
one  of  those  places  that  are  so  charming  in  the  glorious 
summer  time,  either  at  sunset  or  sunrise. 

"  We  will  go  a  little  way  up  and  down  this  lane,"  said 
Turpin,  after  a  brief  consideration.  "If  we  do  not  suc- 
ceed in  finding  any  shelter  near,  we  shall,  at  least,  have 
reconnoitred  well,  and  made  sure  that  none  of  our 
.nemies  are  lurking  Bear,  s-.i  that,  any  way,  the  step  is 
well  worth  taking." 

From  this  fan  cw.ades  did  not  for  one  moment  thmk 
of  dissenting'. 

The  hedge  dividing  them  from  this  lane  was  a  low  one, 
so  that  it  was  easily  overleaped. 

Tom  King  then  went  to  the  right,  and  Sixteen-Stricg 
Jack  to  the  left. 

The  other  two  waited  for  their  return. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  was  the  first  to  appear. 

The  expression  of  his  countenance  showed  that  he  had 
made  some  welcome  discovery. 

"  What  is  it,  Jack  ?"  asked  Dick  Turpin. 

"  There  is  an  inn  a  little  below  here,"  Le  said—"  a 
capital  place,  and  one  that  would  suit  ns  exactly,  I  should 
think." 

"Is  it  retired?" 

"Very.  About  the  most  sleepy-looking  place  you 
could  imagine,  I  should  think.  It  looks  as  though  never 
more  than  one  traveller  a  week  stopped  there." 

"  That  is  the  place  for  us,  then.     Is  it  in  this  lane  ?" 

"  Well,  scarcely ;  for  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  below 
here,  the  lane,  after  a  sudden  turn,  emerges  into  a  cross- 
road, and  this  inn  stands  just  at  the  corner." 

"Wait  a  moment,  then,  I  can  hear  Tom  King  coming. 
Let  us  hear  what  news  he  brings." 

In  a  few  seconds  afterwards  Tom  made  his  appearance. 

"There  is  nothing  to  be  seen  that  way,"  he  said  ;  "  the 
lane  goes  winding  on  for  I  don't  know  how  far,  and 
the  further  you  go  the  more  unfrequented  it  looks." 

"  Then  you  have  not  seen  an yc4  <,  Tom  ?" 

"  Not  a  soul." 

"Then,  Jack,  we  will  bend  our  way  to  this  inn  you 
speak  of." 

The  next  moment  the  little  party  was  in  motion. 

It  took  them  but  a  brief  space  of  time  radeed,  and  on 
their  arrival  they  found  that  Sixteen-String  Jack's  de- 
scription had  been  a  very  good  one. 

The  noi.se  of  their  arrival  brought  a  fat,  sleepy -looking 
individual  to  the  door. 

This  they  conjectured  was  the  landlord. 

It  would  seem  as  though  he  had  only  recently  risen, 
for  it  cost  him  quite  an  effort  to  keep  his  eyes  open  suffi- 
ciently wide  to  observe  our  party. 

"  Going  to  stop  here,  gentlemen  ?n  he  asked,  perceiving 
that  they  were  drawing  rein. 

"  Yes." 

The  reply  evidently  took  him  by  surprise. 

He  had  expected  a  negai^ve,  for  such  a  laige  party  as 
that  to  stop  at  his  door  for  refreshment  was  quite  an  un- 
paralleled circumstance. 

But  the  realisation  of  this  fact  produced  a  wonderful 
effect  upon  him. 

His  eyes  opened  wide  at  once,  and  remained  so  with- 
out any  trouble  while  he  bawled  aloud  : 

"Robin— Robin!  You  idle  skulk!  Bobin,  I  say! 
This  way !" 

In  response  to  these  words  another  sleepy-looking  per- 
sonage came  upon  the  scene. 

This  was  the  ostler  and  general  factotum  upon  the 
establishment. 

"  Coming,  master !"  he  growled,  lazily.  "  Coming— com- 
ing !     Oh,  my  eye !" 

The  last  exclamation  was  wrung  from  him  by  the  un- 
expected sight  at  the  front  door. 

"Never  mind  your  eye,"  said  the  landlord,  who  had 
overheard  the  ejaculation,  " l  nt  just  attend  to  these  gentle- 
men's horses." 

In  the  meantime  Dick  and  his  friends  had  dismounted. 

Just  as  the  ostler  took  charge  of  the  horses,  Dick  said  : 

"  I  suppose,  landlord,  you  can  find  us  accommodation 
fcc*  an  hour  or  two  ?" 

-  Oh  yes,  sir,  the  best — tne  very  best,  I  assure  you !" 

•That  is  all  right,  then.    But  the  fact  is,  you  see,  we 


have  made  a  very  long  and  tiring  journey.  We  aid  uoy* 
to  have  accomplised  *,he  whole  of  It  without  making;  any 
halt  whatever,  but  one  of  our  horses  met  with  an  accident, 
you  understand." 

Dick  made  this  remark  in  order  to  account  for  Tom 
Davis  being  unprovided  with  a  steed. 

The  landlord  appeared  to  be  perfectly  satisfied,  and, 
with  a  groat  deal  of  obsequious  ceremony,  ushered  them 
into  a  decently-furnished  room. 

Dick  looked  around  him  with  satisfaction. 

"  The  accommodation  will  suit  us  very  well,"  he  said, 
"  provided  you  like  to  agree  to  one  con»,;tion." 

"  And  what  may  that  be,  sir  ?" 

"Why,  tbat  during  our  stay  here  we  have  this  apart- 
ment entirely  to  ourselves ;  we  should  not  like  the  in- 
trusion of  a  stranger.  Of  course,"  he  added,  "we  don't 
want  to  have  a  private  room  without  paying  for  it  ac- 
cordingly." 

"  Lor'  bless  you,  sir !  Why,  you  need  not  have  any  fear 
upon  those  grounds.  Why,  1  shall  think  business  is  very 
brisk  if  1  see  one  more  traveller  between  now  and  this 
day  week." 

Our  friends  heard  this  declaration  with  an  amount  of 
satisfaction  which  they  could  scarcely  conceal. 

A  good  meal  was  then  ordered  as  a  preliminary,  and 
during  its  preparation  Torn  King  strolled  about  the  pre- 
mises and  peeped  into  the  stables  with  the  air  of  a  list- 
less idler. 

This,  in  fact,  is  what  anyone  would  have  taken  him  to 
be  by  his  movements. 

It  would  have  proved  a  very  great  mistake,  however, 
for  Tom  was  busily  engaged  in  making  himself  familiar 
with  the  whole  of  the  premises,  so  as  to  know  just  what 
to  do  and  where  to  go  in  case  of  an  alarm. 

Situated  as  the  highwaymen  were,  the  reader  cannot 
fdil  to  see  that  this  was  a  very  necessary  precaution  in- 
deed. 

While  thus  engaged,  the  ostler  crossed  the  yard,  carry- 
ing under  his  arm  a  quantity  of  corn,  which  he  had  just 
received  from  the  laudlord. 

He  touched  his  hat  respectfully  to  Tom,  as  he  said  : 

"Perhaps,  sir,  you  would  like  to  see  the  horses  have 
their  corn." 

Tom  assented  eagerly,  being  only  too  anxious  to  em- 
brace any  such  opportunity  as  this  for  the  reason  above 
stated. 

There  was  only  just  sufficient  accommodation  for  the 
horses  but  Tom  Kiug  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  each 
manger  well  filled  with  corn. 

After  a  few  casual,  unimportant  remarks,  he  withdrew. 

"Is  all  well  at  the  back?"  asked  Dick,  as  60on  as  he 
entered  the  room  Chey  had  engaged  and  closed  the  door 
after  him. 

"  Yes  ;  we  seem  to  have  tumbled  into  capital  quarters. 
I  have  seen  the  horses  fed.  Each  one  has  a  manger.'ul 
of  corn." 

"  Then  they  will  do  very  well." 

Just  after  this,  the  meal  they  had  ordered  was  brought 
in,  but  before  sitting  down  to  it,  Turpin  rose  upon  some 
slight  pretext  and  quitted  the  room. 

He  was  anxious  to  see  for  himself  that  all  was  as  well 
as  his  comrade  had  reported. 

He  was  absent  only  a  few  moments. 

As  soon  as  the  landlord  had  retired  and  they  were  once 
more  alone,  Tom  said : 

"You  found  all  right,  did  you  not?" 

"  Yes.  But  did  not  you  say  you  saw  each  horse  well 
supplied  with  corn  ?" 

"  Certainly  I  did." 

"  Then  they  must  have  eaten  it  with  amazing  quickness, 
for  now  every  manger  is  quite  empty." 

Tom  looked  incredulous. 

"  It  is  doubtless  some  roguerj  on  the  pait  of  the  ostler," 
continued  Dick.  "  I  have  often  suspected  that  some  such 
trick  as  this  was  played.  Of  course,  it  is  impossible  that 
the  animals  cau  have  eaten  such  a  large  quantity  of  food 
in  so  brief  a  space  of  time." 

"Well,  just  wait  till  we  have  finished  this,"  said  Tom 
King,  alluding  to  the  meal  they  had  boare  them.  "I 
will  go  out  again  then  and  try  to  find  out  fctoe  trick,  for 
some  trick  there  is  I  am  quite  convinced." 

u  And  aftei  that,"  said  Turpin,  sadly — "  after  that • 

"  We  will  hold  a  consultation,"  interrupted  Tom ;  "  and 
if  we  all  lay  our  heads   together    you  may  depend    v» 


TBM  KNIGHT  OF  TH1  BOAS. 


ttn 


•call  hit  upon  the  course  of  action  that  will  be  the  beet 
lur  ua  to  pursue." 

•' Let  us  discuss  this  first,"  said  Claude  Duval.  "My 
appetite  is  prodigious,  and  this  is  the  first  oomfori&ble 
meal  1  have  sat  down  to  for  a  very  long  time." 

By  common  conseut,  all  consultation  as  to  tht.it  ft»*are 
actions  was  postponed,  while  the  whole  of  their  attention 
was  paid  to  the  gocu  things  oefore  them. 

No  sooner,  however  ^ras  the  meal  over  than  Tom  King 
made  his  way  to  tne  stables,  upon  pretence  of  seeing  that 
the  horsen  bad  been  supplied  with  water. 

He  was  &o  fortunate  as  to  enter  unseen  by  the  ostler, 
•v'uo  ju-t  then  happened  to  be  engaged  indoors. 

Tom  was  considerably  puzzled  to  know  how  the  corn 
had  been  disposed  of  so  suddenly  and  completely,  for  the 
mangers  were  positively  bare. 

The  horses  looked  hungry  and  discontented,  having 
nothing  to  satisfy  themselves  with  besides  some  not  oyer 
sweet  hay  in  a  rack  above. 

Tim,  however,  happening  to  look  very  closely,  per- 
ceived that  at  one  extremity  of  the  manger  a  small  bag 
was  fitted,  so  placed  and  so  contrived  that  a  great  quan- 
tity of  corn  could  be  swept  into  it  in  a  moment,  which, 
falling  to  the  bottom  of  the  bag,  was  of  course  quite  out 
of  the  horses'  reach. 

Having  made  this  curious  discovery,  Tom  scarcely 
knew  what  to  do. 

However,  he  determined  to  return  and  confer  with 
Dick  before  taking  any  decisive  step. 

The  ostler  being  still  absent,  Tom  quitted  the  stable 
without  any  of  the  occupants  of  the  inn  being  aware  of 
his  visit  to  it. 

He  quickly  communicated  his  discovery  to  DicK,  who, 
of  course,  was  much  incensed. 

"  1  don't  believe  the  landlord  is  to  blame,"  said  Tom. 
"It's  the  villanous  ostler.  By  adopting  this  little  ex- 
pedient you  may  depend  he  makes  a  capital  addition  to 
his  wages." 

"  Come  along  with  me,"  said  Dick — "  I  have  aj  idea. 
Jfou  will  see  what  it  is  in  a  moment  without  my  taking 
the  trouble  to  describe  it  to  you." 

With  these  words  the  whole  of  the  party  repaired  to 
the  yard. 

No  sooner  did  Dick  cross  the  threshold  t^ian  he  gave 
that  signal  which  always  had  the  effect  ol  .  inging  Black 
Bess  to  his  side. 

The  stable  door  was  open,  but  Bess  was  confined  by  a 
halter. 

One  sudden  snatch,  however,  enabled  her  to  break  the 
rope,  and  she  at  once  trotted  out  into  the  yard,  to  the 
great  astonishment  of  the  landlord  and  the  ostler,  who 
both  came  out  into  the  yard. 

"  Hilloa  !"  said  Dick,  as  soon  as  he  caught  sight  of  his 
mare.    "  So  there's  some  roguery  here,  is  there  1" 
"  Roguery  !"  gasped  the  landlord. 

"  Yes,"  answered  Dick  ;  "  this  mare  of  mine  is  a  very 
sagacious  and  intelligent  animal,  and  whenever  she  msHs 
with  any  ill  usage  she  always  contrives  to  let  me  know 
of  it." 

"  111  usage  ?"  ejaculated  the  landlord  and  the  osifc  in 
one  breath. 

"  Yes ;  and  by  the  way  of  her  I  don't  believe  she  feas 
nad  any  corn  given  to  her.  She  is  hungry — that  Is 
what's  the  matter." 

The  landlord  looked  inquiringly  at  the  ostler. 
The  ostler  at  once  appealed  to  Tom  King. 
"  Why,  sir,"  he  said,  "  did  not  you  see  me  carry  the 
corn  through  the  yard,  and  did  not  you  see  me  fill  every 
one  of  the  mangers  ?" 

"  I  did,"  answered  Tom,  "  and  therefore  I  cannot  help 
thinking  my  friend  is  mistaken." 

"  Of  course  he's  mistaken !"  cried  the  ostler,  with  a 
long-drawn  breath  of  relief. 

"  We  shall  soon  see,"  said  Dick,  carelessly,  and  ad  vamp- 
ing a  few  pa^es  while  he  spoke,  so  that  he  could  pla ie  his 
hand  on  his  ma:e  -  asck. 

'"See?"  ejaculated  the  landlord.  "Howcan  ycusee? 
I  hope  you'll  be  carefnl  in  what  you  are  saying!  Don't 
you  try  to  take  away  the  good  name  of  my  house"; 

"  Well,"  said   Dick,  with  the  same  affectation  of  care- 
lessness,  "  I  shall  just  ask  my  mare  the  question,  and 
shall  be  satisfied  with  her  reply." 
'•With  her  what?" 
"  Her  reply  " 


The  ostler  grinned. 

"  You  don't  mean  to  tell  nse  that  youi  horse  can  eps&e. 
do  you  ?"  cried  the  landlord. 

"  You  shall  see  and  judge  for  youa.  eJves,"  aoewerod 
Dick.     "  Just  wait  a  moment." 

With  these  words  he  put  his  mouth  cloue  to  his  mfcT^'e 
ear,  and  pretended  to  ask  some  question  in  a  faint  whis- 
per. 

Having  done  so,  he  touched  her  upon  the  flank.  aac« 
the  immediate  effect  of  this  was  to  cause  Black  Bess  to 
turn  her  head  round  so  that  her  mouth  was  close  to  Vet 
master's  ear. 

The  effect  was  just  the  same  as  if  the  creature  had 
really  spoken. 

"  Just  what  I  thought,"  said  Dick,  looking  ujs,  and  en 
countering  the  wondering  countenances  of  the  landlord 
and  the  ostler.     "  My  mare  declares  that  she  has  not  had 
more  than  one  mouthful  of  the  corn  that  my  friend  over 
there  put  into  her  manger." 

The  ostler  laughed  very  loudly,  but  he  was  not  at  hi;: 
ease  for  all  that — indeed,  he  felt  decidedly  uncomfort- 
able. 

The  landlord  looked  at  the  matter  in  a  serious  light. 


DICK    TURPIN 


CHAPTEK  MXXII. 

AND   HIS   COMPANIONS   MEET    WITH    A   9CR- 
PRISE    AT  THE   INN. 


"I  don't  know,  gentlemen,"  he  said,  "what  may  be  the 
meaning  of  this  little  farce — for  so  I  cannot  help  calling 
it — but,  understand,  you  have  not  a  fool  to  deal  with. 
and  I  won't  suffer  the  good  name  of  my  inn  to  be  taken 
away  with  impunity  !  Do  you  mean  to  try  to  impose 
upon  me  with  the  tale  that  a  horse  can  speak  ?" 

"I  have  said  it,"  answered  Dick,  "and,  if  you  don't 
believe,  I  will  give  you  a  proof." 

" A  proof  ?" 

"Yes." 

"  But  how  ?" 

"  Why,  by  my  mare." 

"  I  don't  understand  you  !" 

"  Then  I  will  quickly  make  my  meaning  clear.  I  am 
going  to  ask  my  mare  what  became  of  the  corn  that  my 
friend  saw  put  in  the  mauger,  and  rely  upon  it  she  will 
tell  me  the  truth  about  it." 

At  this  the  landlord  looked  incredulous  and  im- 
patient— 

The  ostler  uneasy  and  confused. 

As  before,  Dick  made  a  great  pretence  of  whispering  to 
Black  Bess,  and  afterwards,  in  the  same  manner  as  be 
fore,  she  placed  her  mouth  to  his  ear. 

Dick  nodded  his  head  as  though  he  had  received  a 
communication  of  a  very  satisfactory  nature  indeed. 

"Well,  sir?"  asked  the  landlord,  haughtily. 

"  I  am  glad  to  say  that  all  doubt  and  suspicion  will  now 
be  at  an  end." 

"How  so?* 

"  Because  my  mare  has  given  me  a  proof  of  her  formei 
assort  ion. 

"  May  I  ask  what  it  is  ?"  said  the  landlord,  more  Stiffly 
than  before. 

"Oh,  certainly!    My  mare  tells  me  that  fixed  at  th 
end  of  her  manger  is  a  bag,  into  which  all  the  oorn  we 
swept  by   the   ostler  as  soon  as  my  friend's  back  wa- 
turned,  and  tho  other  horses  were  served  just  in  the  sam- 

"And,"  said  the  landlord,  staggering  back  a  HttL , 
"do  you  mean  to  «ook  me  in  the  face  and  sny  that  youi 
mare  told  you  that?" 

"  You  don't  believe  it,  then  ?' 

«  We— well,  1— I " 

"Your  hesitation  is  quite  sufficient.  Yon  need  not 
trouble  yourself  to  utter  the  denial  which  is  trembling 
on  your  lips." 

"  Enough  !  I  will  give  yov.  the  proof  which  fortunately 
is  in  my  power.  Slop  your  ostler  from  entering  the 
stable,  and  then  come  in  with  me  yourself,  and  thee,  if  you 
do  not  find  the  bags  just  as  I  have  described  them,  you 
are  welcome  to  persevere  in  your  disbelief.  If  you  like, 
1  will  lay  you  two  hundred  guineas  against  two  that  alj 
I  have  told  you  is  neither  more  nor  less  man  the  tfut^r 


trw 


BLACK    BESS;   OR, 


The  Dositive  toae  in  which  Dick  spoke — 

The  'anxiety  which  the  ostler  manifested  to  rush  into 
the  stable  first — 

And,  above  all,  Dick's  offer  to  stake  so  large  an  amount 
made  so  deep  an  impression  upon  the  landlord  that  he 
began  to  waver  in  his  disbelief  and  credit  that  a  horao 
could  speak. 

"  If  there  is  any  sueti  contrivance  as  you  say,"  the 
landlord  managed  to  say  at  last,  "  I  beg  to  assure  you 
it  is  altogether  against  my  knowledge.  I  would  not  wit- 
tingly a'low  such  a  dishonest  prc-'ice  to  be  followed  on 
my  premises." 

"  I  don't  say  that  you  know  anything  ot  it,"  cried 
Turpin,  quickly— "in  fact,  I  firmly  believe  that  you  are 
guiltless  of  all  complicity  in  the  deed." 

"Thank  you  for  that,  sir!  I  have  always  taken  the 
utmost  care  that  all  should  be  square  and  straightforward. 
As  you  saw,  I  do  not  allow  the  horse  corn  to  be  kept  in 
the  stable,  but  serve  it  out  in  the  house  as  wanted." 

"  Let  us  have  a  look,"  said  Dick—"  that  is  the  best 
way  to  satisfy  ourselves.  If  the  bags  are  not  there,  I 
will  never  believe  a  word  my  mare  says  again." 

Leaving  Black  Bess's  side,  Dick  took  hold  of  the  land- 
lord's arm,  and  led  him  into  the  stable. 

They  walked  at  once  into  the  stall  that  had  been  occu- 
pied by  Black  Bess,  because  that  was  the  only  one  that 
was  vacant. 

Full  of  curiosity  and  amazement,  the  landlord  ap- 
proached, and  quickly  discovered  that  what  he  had  been 
so  strangely  informed  of  was  perfectly  correct. 

The  proper  end  of  the  manger  had  been  removed,  and 
at  this  place  the  bag  had  been  affixed. 

A  sweep  or  two  with  the  hand  was  then  all  that  was 
required  to  empty  the  contents  of  the  manger. 

In,  fact  upon  further  examination,  it  was  found  that 
this  bag  contained  the  whole  of  the  corn. 

No  one  could  have  been  more  surprised  at  this  dis- 
covery than  the  landlord  was. 

Dick  at  once,  and  for  ever,  exonerated  him  from  any 
share  in  the  petty  theft. 

"  Confound  the  rascal!"  the  landlord  cried,  after  having 
examined  all  the  other  mangers  and  found  them  fitted 
with  a  similar  appliance.  "  Confound  him  !  I  can  un- 
derstand how  it  is  that  my  trade  has  dropped  off  so  much 
lately.  But  wait  till  I  catch  him,  that's  all !  Ill  be  even 
with  him,  I'll  warrant !" 

With  these  words  the  landlord  rushed  hastily  out  of  the 
stable  into  the  yard  with  the  full  intention  of  visiting 
condign  punishment  upon  the  ostler. 

But  that  individual,  finding  that  his  cheat  had  been 
discovered,  took  care  to  make  himself  scarce,  for  he  was 
nowhere  to  be  found. 

For  some  moments  the  landlord's  transport  of  rage  con- 
tinued. 

Then  it  suddenly  abated. 

His  eyes  fell  upon  Black  Base,  who  was  still  standing 
quietly  in  the  yard. 

He  gazed  at  her  with  a  stare  of  so  ludicrous  a  character 
that  all  the  highwaymen  were  forced  to  laugh. 

But  the  landlord  neither  saw  nor  heard  them 

All  his  faculties  were  centred  upon  Black  Bese 

With  hesitating  steps  he  ventured  to  approach  her,  but 
stopped  short  when  some  few  paces  distant,  and  gazed 
again  with  a  look  full  of  mute  amazement. 
°He  was  evidently  fully  impressed  with  the  belief  that 
Black  Bess  was  gifted  with  the  powers  of  speech — that  he 
had  really,  for  the  first  time  in  his  life,  looked  upon  the 
surprising  and  unheard-of  phenomenon  —  a  talking 
horse. 

He  peeped  at  her  inquisitively  everywhere,  as  though 
anxious  thoroughly  to  imprint  her  image  upon  his  mind. 

At  length  he  turned  towards  Dick,  who  was  so  amazed 
at  the  scene  that  he  felt  he  could  have  continued  to  gaze 
much  longer  without  tiring. 

"  Sir,"  he  said,  "  this  surprises  me  very  much  It  does 
indeed !  I  can't  reckon  it  up  at  all — no,  not  a  bit !  I 
never  in  my  born  life  heard  of  a  horse  telling  taleo — 
never !  Can  you  give  me  another  proof  of  her  powers  in 
this  way  ?" 

Dick  graveiy  shook  his  head 

The  landlord  looked  deeply  disappointed. 

"  At  least,"  he  said,  "  you  will  tell  me  how  it  was  yon  came 
by  her  —  how  it  was  you  found  out  that  she  could 
talk?" 


Now  this  was  a  difficulty  which  Dick  had  not  at  ail  taVeti 
into  consideration. 

He  felt  ho  had  been  somewhat  indiscreet  thus  to  call 
such  public  attention  to  his  mare. 

It  would  have  been  most  easy  for  him  to  have  declined 
to  answer  these  impertinent  questions  of  the  landlord, 
but,  then,  Dick  felt  it  would  be  far  better  to  allay  his 
curiosity,  if  possible ;  otherwise,  if  permitted  *o  e>ert  it- 
self without  restraint,  it  might  pass  all  bounds. 

The  highwaymen  wished  to  stay  for  a  few  hoars — say 
during  daylight — and  be  perfectly  undisturbed  the  while. 

Now,  if  the  landlord  was  not  satisfied  in  some  way,  the 
secret  would  burn  in  his  breast  to  such  a  degree  that  he 
would  be  obliged  to  ease  himself  by  telling  the  whole  ac- 
count to  some  one. 

All  these  considerations  presented  themselves  to  Dick 
in  a  moment,  but  he  could  not  so  readily  or  so  quickly 
hit  upon  the  means  of  doing  what  he  wished. 

Re  therefore  affected  to  hesitate,  but  in  reality  it  was 
only  to  gain  a  little  time  in  order  to  think. 

The  landlord  renewed  his  entreaties,  and  at  length,  as 
if  suffering  himself  to  be  overpowered  by  them,  Dick  led 
him  to  one  side  with  a  very  mysterious  aspect,  and  then 
said,  in  a  solemn  whisper: 

"  I  am  going  to  tell  you  something  which  will  have 
the  effect  of  placing  my  life  in  your  power.  Don't  start, 
but  listen." 

The  landlord  did  listen,  with  his  eyes  so  staring  that 
they  actually  seemed  as  though  about  to  start  from  his 
head. 

"  Many  years  ago,"  said  Dick  Turpin,  in  the  same 
mysterious  and  solemn  tones,  "  I  devoted  myself  very 
closely  to  the  black  arts,  and  made  such  progress  in 
magic,  that  I  learned  the  secret  of  metempsychosis.  Do 
you  know  what  that  is  ?" 

The  landlord  professed  his  entire  ignorance  of  so  ab- 
struse a  subject. 

"  Then,"  said  Dick,  speaking  if  possibly  with  addi- 
tional solemnity,  "  I  must  inform  you  that  metempsy- 
chosis Cleans  the  art  of  possessing  the  power  to  change 
tLa  form  of  living  creatures — that  is  to  say,  to  change  a 
cat  to  a  rabbit,  or  a  rabbit  to  a  wolf,  and  so  forth." 

The  landlord's  jaw  dropped. 

"  I  made  many  experiments,  by  which  I  fully  demon- 
strated that  I  possessed  the  power ;  and  now  I  can  go  no 
further  unless  you  swear  solemnly  never  to  divulge  to  a 
living  soul  what  has  taken  place.     Do  you  swear  ?" 

"I  do." 

"  That's  enough.  Now,  do  not  start !  Don't  be  incre- 
dulous.    But  you  *»ee  that  mare  yonder  ?" 

"  I  do." 

"  Then  that  is  ray  wife." 

"  Your  what  ?"  ejaculated  the  landlord,  fairly  staggering 
back 

"  My  wife." 

"  That— that " 

"  Tes.  Or,  rather,  I  should  have  said,  she  was  my  wife 
until  I  practised  my  art  upon  her." 

"  Met— met " 

"  Metempsychosis." 

"  Ah !  that's  it,"  said  the  landlord,  drawing  a  breath  of 
relief  and  wiping  the  drops  of  perspiration  from  his 
brow. 

"  Now,  that  is  alL" 

"  But— but " 

"  But  what  ?" 

"  You  have  not  told  me  what  were  your  motives  for 
transforming  your  wife  into  a  horse." 

"  Oh,  I  will  tell  you  that." 

"  Ah,  do !" 

"  She  was  a  dreadful  scold." 

"  Yes — yes." 

"  So  dreadful,  that  I  never  knew  what  it  was  to  have  a 
moment's  peace  of  my  life.  I  triad  everythiug  I  could 
think  of.  In  vain.  Indeed,  I  began  to  think  that  she  grew 
more  and  more  a  vixen  every  day,  so  that  at  last,  in  sheer 
self-defence,  I  was  compelled  to  practise  my  art  upon  ner." 

"  And  you  succeeded  !"  gasped  the  landlord. 

"Behold  the  result?" 

Dick  Turpin  pointed  to  Black  Bess  as  he  spoke. 

The  landlord  could  not  remove  his  eyes. 

Dick  Turpin  hardly  thought  the  landlord  would  be' 
credulous  enough  to  swallow  so  monstrous  an  Invention 
as  this. 


jsan&wt  tr  *v«  vtoAA. 


m\ 


{■me  DBAD  BOOT  IB  CARRIE©  TO  TTTE  WH.J 


«  No  doubt.    You  see.  *e  was  before  the  plague  of  «W 
life;  now  1  bave  turnef  bcr  to  tbe  best  account.    She  & 

**?$£*; jk  you  d.,1  wt  stop  her  tongue,"  said  tbe  land- 
lord,  grinning. 

"How  so?" 

"  Why  she  tells  t&los  now. 


A  MS  astonishment  ©3®ry  word  was  implicitly  bo- 

" It's  amazing,"  the  landlord  at  last  managed  to  utter— 
M  truly  amazing !   But,  sir— sir " 

"  What  now  ?"  .         .  .__ 

The  landlord  came  closer  to  Dick,  with  ms  face  wearing 
a  most  mysterious  aspect  . 

He  looked  cautiously  around  aim  in  order  to  make  sure 
.hat  no  one  was  near. 

Then  he  took  bold  of  Dick  by  the  lapel  of  his  coat, 
and  in  a  whisper  he  said  again : 

"  Sir— sir !" 

"  Well,  what  now  ?"  , 

«  Such  a  secret  as  you  say  you  possess  must  be  worth  a 
Tery  great  deal  to  one  who— who 

«  w'ho  Sppeued  to  be  troubled  with  »  Bcolding  wife,  as  I  ^  g j^J^  he  said.    -  V*  «*  fa.  *~J * 
you  were,  sir." 
Bo.n6.-&ACK  Baa  pRICE  Qjjg  halfpenny. 


Wbysue  tens  wm'»  uuvi.  n    .      j^ 

•■  But  she  can  only  speak  in  a  whisper,"  sail  »»*2g 
was  sl-htly  taken  aback  by  the  last  remaris,  ''«*™* 
lot ■  uitess  I  speak  to  her  first,  so  you  see  that  is  an  adv*^ 
tage  rather  than  otherwise." 

'« Decidedly.    But  now,  sir • 

The  landlord's  mysteciousnees  increased. 

Dick  felt  curious,  for  he  could  not  imagioe  *J**g 
m^n  was  driving  at.  There  was  evidently  somethta* 
SmblSg  oVSSp  of  his  tongue  to  which  he  hesitote3 


Iso.  2:6. 


a^   ?/*  «,//#  ftfi  Published  next  Monday. 


Wfi 


BLACK.    CESS  :     02, 


"  Wefl,  then,"  began  the  landlord,  after  a  second  appro- 
tensive  glance  round  the  yard  and  particularly  towards 
the  house,  "you  must  kaow  that  I  am  at  tho  present 
time  afflicted  in  the  same  way  that  you  say  you  wero."1 

"  With  a  scolding  wife  ?" 

"Yea:  but  however  bad  ye-rj  may  have  been,  I  makp 
bold  to  affirm  than  mine  is  ten  times  worse." 

"But  I  get  not  a  second's  reet  night  or  day  5  I  live 
like  a  tcad  under  a  harrow." 

"So  did  I." 

"Then,  sir,  as  you  know  what  it  is  like,"  said  the 
landlord,  beseechingly,  "have  pity  upon  me." 

"  What  do  you  want  me  to  do  ?" 

"Why,  bo  kind  enough  to  exercise  your  art  upon 
her." 

"Transform  her?" 

"  Yes.  I  should  then  be  eYer  your  debtor — I  should 
Indeed,  believe  me.  You  must  know  that  by  an  accident 
I  have  recently  lost  the  very  best  horse  in  my  stable. 
Trade  is  so  bad  that  I  cannot  afford  to  buy  another  to 
take  his  place.  My  wifo  I  could  well  spare,  and  there- 
fore if  you  would  only       ■" 

Dick  now  found  himself  in  another  dilemma. 

But  his  ready  invention  quickly  helped  him  out  of 
it. 

"Do  you  know,"  he  said,  "  that  if  what  wo  have  been 
talking  about  was  to  pome  to  the  ears  of  a  third  poison  it 
would  cost  us  our  lives  ?" 

"  Yes,  yes— I  know  that." 

"  We  should  be  hung,  drawn,  quartered,  and  afterwards 
burnt  if  wo  were  known  to  have  plotted  anything  of  the 
kind  against  a  fellow-creature." 

"Yes,  yes — I  know  that  too.  But  excuse  me,  sir,  you 
ran  the  risk,  and  I  am  quite  willing  to  do  so." 

Dick  saw  that  the  landlord's  anxiety  to  get  rid  of  his 
scolding  wife  made  him  credulous  to  the  utmost  de- 
gree. 

No  imposition  would  be  too  gro33  for  him  to  swallow. 

"I consent,"  he  said,  as  it  appeared,  after  a  few 
moments' reflection — "I  consent,  out  of  the  fellow  feeling 
I  have  for  you,-  but  upon  condition  that  one  stipulation 
is  scrupulously  observed  by  you " 

"  Yes— yes.     Anything — anything !" 

"  In  order  for  my  spells  to  work,  time  must  be  had.  I 
havo  many  things  to  prepare,  and  you  must  yourself  sro 
through  a  preliminary  courso." 

"  Eh  ?     How  ?" 

"  Why,  for  nine  days  you  must  eat  nothing  but  t>read, 
and  drink  nothing  but  water.  Do  you  promise  to  observe 
this  faithfully  ?" 

"  I  do,"  answered  the  landlord,  who,  as  his  appearance 
denoted,  was  strongly  addicted  to  the  good  things  of  this 
life,  therefore  he  pronounced  the  words  somewhat  unwill- 
ingly. 

"  In  the  next  place,  not  a  syllable  must  bo  mentioned 
about  what  you  have  seen  to-day,  nor  respecting  your 
intentions.  Lastly,  but  not  by  any  means  the  least  in  im- 
portance," continued  Dick,  laying  his  hand  upon  the  land- 
lord's shoulder,  "money  must  be  provided,  in  order  that 
the  necessary  preliminaries  can  be  carried  out  fully  and 
properly." 

"  How  much  will  be  required  ?" 

"  Well,  of  course  you  cannot  expect  me  to  tako  all  this 
trouble  for  nothing;  besides,  it  is  worth  something  to 
possess  such  a  secret,  and  it  cannot  bo  made  use  of  unless 
well  caid  for." 

'Itovv— uiw — much?"  aokc-a  *Ve  landlord,  breathless 
now  with  impatience  and  anxipty. 

"  Why,  to  commence  with,  I  shall  wan;   fifty  jjounds." 

"  Fifty  pounds  ?" 

"  Exactly.  That  you  rnu3t  pay  down  to  me  before  the 
business  can  be  carried  any  further." 

"And  how  much  afterwards  ?" 

"  Are  you  in  the  mind  to  find  the  first  fifty  ?" 

"  Well,  you  boo,  sir,  my  wifo  is  a  miser— -a  regular 
miser,  and  that's  tho  long  and  tho  short  of  ii..  i  can  never 
got  hold  of  any  money ;  but  she  has  plenty." 

"  How  shall  you  manage  ?" 

"  Why,  it  happens  most  providentially.  But  this  Very 
saornin"  sir,  as  true  as  I  stand  hero,  I  discovered  one  of 
a»y  wiies  secret  receptacles  for  money,  and  I  should  say 
tnere  is  as  nearly  fifty  pounds  there  as  can  lie." 

"Thai  will  be  the  very  thing  tnea.    Bhe  utile  thought 


for  what  purpose  she   was  saving  np  her   money ;  <M 
she?" 

"  No,  no — 111  warrant  not."  m 

"  Well,  thsn,  this  fifty  pounds  must  be  placed  in  my 
hands  at  the  earliest  moment  possiblo,  and  the  rest " 

"  Ye3 — yes,  the  rest " 

"  That  will  be  fifty  pounds  more  you  must  bring  on  tho 
ninth  night  from  this  to  the  ruins  of  the  old  castle  • 
by  here." 

"  You  mean  Coroynge  Ca3tle  ?" 

"  I  do." 

The  landlord's  teeth  chattered  with  fear 

"  I  have  heard  frightful  stories  about  that  plape,"  he 
said — "yes,  truly  frightful  stories." 

"  Disregard  them.  You  must  meet  me  there  in  the 
courtyard ;  at  the  hour  of  midnight  I  6hall  be  with 
you." 

"Midnight?" 

"  J  have  said  it." 

Clearly,  the  landlord  did  not  relish  the  concluding 
portion  of  the  adventure,  but  doubtless  ho  considered  he 
had  now  gone  too  far  to  retract. 

"  I — I  will  bo  there." 

14  Give  me  your  hand,  then." 

A  mutual  grasp  followed,  and  then  Dick,  after  many 
more  injunctions  about  secrecy,  and  particularly  bidding 
him  to  bring  the  money  at  once,  ho  accompanied  him  to 
the  house. 

Dick's  comrades  followed. 

As  soon  as  they  had  entered  the  room,  and  the  door 
was  closed,  they  everyone  indulged  in  a  hearty  but  yet 
by  no  means  noisy  laugh. 

Dick  held  up  his  hand  for  silence. 

"  Oh,  captain,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack,  In  whoae  eyes 
the  tears  caused  by  his  suppressed  laughter  were  stand- 
ing, "  I  will  give  you  credit  for  ingenuity,  though  I  could 
never  have  believed  that  any  man  would  have  been  such 
a  gudgeon  as  to  swallow  so  monstrous  an  invention" 

•'Nor  I,"  said  Dick,  "only  I  discovered  his  intense 
gullibility  as  I  went  on." 

"  Do  you  think  ho  will  bring  tho  fifty  pounds  ?" 

"  I  have  no  doubt  of  it." 

"  And  shall  you  meet  him  at  tho  ruins  ?" 

"  That  I  can't  toll  at  present." 

"I  only  hope,"  said  Tom  King    "that  he  will  not  be 

fool  enough  to  leak  out  anyC.->ag ;  if  he  does,  there  will 

be  so  much  curiosity  raised  that  our  recognition  muii 

'nevitably  follow  ;  then  who   can  say  what   trouble  will 

' ensue  ?" 

"  I  don't  think  there  is  much  need  for  apprehension. 
We  will  keep  a  sharp  watch  upon  everything  that  goes 
forward." 

"And  we  shall  only  stay  here  till  dusk,  I  suppose?" 
said  Claude  Duval. 

u  Not  a  moment  later.  And  now  things  having  been  so 
far  settled,  let  us  occupy  the  rest  of  the  time  in  deciding 
upon  our  future  movements,"  answered  Turpin. 

At  this  moment  there  wa3  a  faint  tap  at  tho  door 

"  Como  in  !"  said  Dick. 

The  landlord  entered,  carrying  in  his  hand  a  well- 
filled  leather  bag,  which  he  placed  in  Dick's  hand. 

"  I  have  performed  my  part  of  the  contract  so  far,"  he 
said,  significantly,  "and  I  fancy  that  ought  to  be  suffi- 
cient proof  of  my  sincerity." 

Ho  pointed  to  the  bag  as  he  spoke. 

"  I  have  no  doubt  of  it,"  answered  the  highwayman, 
as  he  very  contentedly  consigned  the  money  to  hid 
pocket:  "and  if  you  are  only  careful  to  bo  di-jci-eet  all  w^ 

ct>  '»*.'?." 

"  Depend  epon  me." 

"I  will.  Bat  understand,  the  least  disclosure — tbo 
slightest  allusion  to  what  is  going  to  take  place,  and  wa 
shall  both  be  ruined  in  this  world  and  the  next." 

The  landlord  made  so  many  protestations  of  his  deter- 
mination to  preserve  strict  secrecy  that  it  would  bo 
tedious  to  repeat  them. 

Much  pleased  with  the  prospect  of  getting  rid  of  hu 
scolding  wife,  he  left  Dick  and  his  companions  to  them- 
selves, though  not  until  the  former  had  impressed  upon 
hi  in  the  importance  of  being  at  tho  ruius  at.  the  appointed 
hour. 

'•  Now,  my  comrades,"  said  Dick,  "  let  us  dismiss  this 

fellow  from  our  minds.    Perhaps  it  is  as  well  that  we 

|  have  had  this  iittie  incident  to  divert    our  atteiSSS  .  HM 


TFIB  KS'IOHT   OP  THE   ROAD. 


1723 


now  wo  must  devote  ourselves  to  more  serious  business. 
I  want  you  to  view  our  position  in  every  possible  way, 
and  to  assist  me  to  come  to  a  determination,  for  I  never 
felt  less  able  to  rely  upon  my  judjrmeut  in  my  life." 

"  You  may  depend  that  we  6hall  do  our  best,"  said  Toci 
King ;  "  but  still,  for  all  that,  Dick,  I  consider  you  era 
the  proper  persoi  to  speak  first  in  the  affair." 


CHAPTER  MXXIII. 

EVENTS    OCCUR  AT  TBB    INN   WHICH  CAUSE  DIGS.  TORJn* 
TO   ALTS*  ins  ARRANGEMENTS. 

"Since  you  will  have  it  so,"  began  DkK,  "I can  only 
Bay  that  my  chief  anxiety  is  to  discover  what  has  become 
of  Maud." 

"  Yes,  certfcioly — that  is  the  first  step,*"  „ssented  Tom 
King. 

"  H  is  still  my  Impression,"  continued  Turpin,  "  that, 
despite  our  unsuccessful  efforts  to  discover  lier,  both  sho 
and  Jack  the  Ostler  have  been  pouivsed  upon  suddenly  by 
the  officers,  made  prisoners,  and  carried  away." 

"  This  must  be  ascertained,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack 
— "  there  must  be  no  doubt  about  it ;  and  should  things 
turn  out  as  you  imagine,  she  must  be  rescued." 
"  Or  I  die,"  said  Dick,  with  earnest  emphasis. 
u  And  so  say  all." 

Dick  was  much  gratified  by  the  ready  response  from 
his  comrades  ;  it  was  a  proof  of  that  oft-made  assertion 
that  they  would  if  requisite  die  to  serve  him. 

"  Then,  now,"  he  continued,  "  let  us  think  which  would 
be  the  best  aud  likeliest  way  for  us  to  gathor  the  infor- 
mation we  require.  I  confess,  for  my  own  part,  that  the 
likeliest  course  seems  to  hover  about  the  ruins,  which  I 
believe  might  be  done  without  the  risk  of  much 
danger." 
In  this  opinion  his  comrades  coincided. 
"  You  are  forgetting  me,"  said  Tom  Davis,  who  had 
been  waiting  for  an  opportunity  to  speak.  "  I  can  see 
very  plainly  that  I  am  a  very  great  clog  upon  all  your 
movements,  and  that  I  shall  be  the  means  of  materially 
increasing  your  danger." 

"  I  cannot  deny  that,"  said  Turpin ;  "  still,  the  evil  such 
as  it  is,  cannot  be  avoided,  therefore  must  be  endured." 
"  I  do  not  agree  with  r~u." 

"Very  likely;  but  you  need  not  imagine  that  wo  shall 
show  ourselves  so  ungrateful  for  what  you  have  doiso  La 
our  behalf  as  to  abandon  you  now  to  your  enemies." 
"It  would  be  no  abandonment,"  answered  Davie. 
"  But  it  would." 

"Nay,  listen.  Do  not  you  think  that  the  landlord's 
credulity  could  be  turned  still  further  to  account  ?" 

There  was  a  general  laugh  at  this  question,  and  Dick 
asked : 
"How? — in  what  way?" 

"Why,  could  you  not  induce  him  to  give  me  eafe 
shelter  for  a  few  days  ?  I  could  easily  meet  you  when 
and  where  you  liked  to  appoint ;  and  I  should  think  the 
threat  of  the  disclosure  of  his  plot  against  his  wife  would 
b*i  sufficient  to  overawe  him  should  he  prove  re- 
fractory." 

"  Wo  will  discuss  that  further  presently,"  said  Dick. 
11  The   idea    is  not   a  bad    one;    but,   first  of  all,  we 

will " 

Ho  paused  abruptly. 

His  comrades  started  rapidly  to  their  feet. 
The  deep  and  sleepy  silence  which   had  hitherto  pre- 
vailed around  them  was  now  broken  in  upon  by   sounds 
which  were  precisely  of  such  a  character  as  to  excite  ap- 
prehension iu  the  breasts  of  our  friends — 
The  hoarse  murmur  of  many  voices— 
The  heavy  trampling  of  many  feet. 
"  That  means  danger,"  said  Claude,  as  he  hastily  seised 
his  pistols. 

Dick  held  up  his  hand. 

"Silence I"  he  said.  "  Do  not  lot  us  be  too  hasty.  Ap- 
proach the  window  with  me  and  reconnoitre ;  but  take 
care  that  you  are  not  seen  by  anyone  without." 

This  sensible  suggestion  was  immediately  complied 
with. 

Peeping    cautiously    through    the    panes,    tho    high- 
waymen caught  signt  of  a  large  crowd  of  persons  &p- 
|coa(.-«iug 
Thoy  w°re  all  on  foot 


Amidst  them  6eomed  to  be  some  object  which  attracted 
all  their  interest. 

Dick  and  his  comrades  gave  a  sigh  of  relief. 
Tho  new-comers  were  not  police  officers,  though  a 
constable  and  a  beadle  could  be  distinguished  among  the 
throng. 

As  they  camo  nearer,  it  was  perceptiblo  that  those 
persons  occupying  the  centre  of  the  crowd  were  engaged 
in  carrying  some  heavy  object. 
What  it  was  our  friends  had  no  means  of  telling. 
The  very  moment,  however,  that  Dick  discovered  wlizt 
these  people  were  about,  he  experienced  a  sensation  such 
as  one  might  imagine  to  bo  produ<*ed  by  the  pressure  of  an 
icy-cold  hand  upon  the  heart. 

His  cheeks  blanched,  and  Ae  leaned  forward  without 
daring  to  breathe,  for  now  his  mind  was  occupied  by  a 
worse  foreboding  than  he  had  hitherto  entertained. 

The  procession,  if  such  wo  may  term  it,  came  stcadirj 
aloug  the  road. 

It  was  approaching  the  inn,  and  by  the  glances  given 
and  motions  made  by  the  beadle  aud  the  constable,  it 
would  seem  as  though  this  was  to  bo  their  destination. 

We  cannot  possibly  describe  with  what  intentness  and 
anxiety  all  the  highwaymen  watched  the  movements  of  tho 
throng. 

All  seemed  to  foel  that  it  was  in  somo  way  connected 
with  them  and  with  their  fortunes. 

At  length  tho  door  of  the  inn  was  reached,  and  then  all 
doubts  as  to  the  destination  of  these  persons  was  set  at 
rest. 

They  stopped,  and  the  beadle  spoke  for  a  fow  moments 
with  the  landlord,  who,  no  less  full  of  curiosity  thau  our 
friends,  stood  upon  the  threshold. 

What  it  was  the  beadle  said  the  highwaymen  could  not 
overhear,  but  it  was  certainly  assented  to  by  the  landlord. 
They  could  tell  that  by  his  gestures. 
The  beadle  raised  his  long  gilt-crowned  staff,  and  cried, 
in  a  loud,  authoritative  voice  : 

"Now,  then,  you  who  are  carrying  the  body,  this  way ! 
Keep  quiet — no  rushing !  Only  the  bearers  will  bo  allowed 
to  enter  the  inn.  Mr.  Samuels,  please  stand  by  that  doorpost, 
and  betweeu  us  we  6hall  bo  able  to  keep  tho  rabble  back." 
Tho  person  thus  addressed  was  the  parish  constable, 
and  he  took  up  the  required  position  without  a  moment's 
hesitation. 

A  great  deal  of  dissatisfaction  was,  however,  created 
among  the  crowd  by  this  order,  but  the  two  officials  stood 
firm. 

Tho  crowd  of  people,  being  thus  forbidden  to  enter, 
clustered  thickly  round  the  door — so  thickly,  that  nono 
of  our  friends  wore  able  to  obtain  a  single  glimpse  of 
what  was  carried  by  so  many  men. 

From  the  beadle's  words,  they  knew  it  to  bo  a  body  ; 
but  without  this  it  could  have  been  guessed  by  the  expres- 
sion upon  the  countenances  of  the  crowd. 

There  was  a  hurried  trampling  of  heavy  footsteps  iu  tho 
passage  outside — the  same  continued  upon  tho  staircase, 
then  a  heavy  lumbering  overhead,  aud  finally  comparativa 
silence. 

Those  five  porsous  in  whoso  fortunes  we  are  so  much 
inteiested  stood  aud  stared  blankly  at  each  other. 
But  Dick  Turpin  was  the  one  who  was  most  overcome. 
His  countenance  was  pale  even  to  ghastliness,  while  the 
manner  in  which  his  features  quivered  was  painful  to  bo- 
hold. 

Fain  would  they  all  have  hastenoi  to  the  room  above, 
whither  the  body  had  been  carried,  and  by  one  glanco 
have  satisfied  the  terrible  doubts  which  assailed  thek 
hearts. 

But  the  fear  of  recognition  held  them  back,  for  it  could 
scarcely  happen  that  among  so  many  persons  the  appear- 
ance of  our  friends  was  unknown. 
The  risk  was  one  too  great  to  bo  run. 
"  It  is  strange,"  6aid  Tom  King,  breaking  the  oppressive 
silence,  aud  speaking  with  a  palpable  effort  —  "  very 
strango  that  this  incident  should  have  had  such  an  over- 
powering effect  upon  us." 

» I I — would  give  much  for  one  glance  at  the  body." 

Dick  did  not  speak. 

"Let  us  call  the  landlord,"  suggested  Sixteen-String 
Jack.    "  There  is  a  bell  here  by  which  we  coizld  lummoi 
him." 
Dick  held  ap  his  hands. 
M  This  suspense  and  uncertainty  is  painlui— very  pain 


1724 


BLACK    BBSS  ;    OB, 


fill  to  all  of  yon,  but  especially  to  me ;  but  I  feel  that  our 
wisest  course  is  to  remain  quiet  a  littlclonger,  and  endure 
it  as  best  we  can.  In  a  6hort  time  these  people  will  doubt- 
less leave  the  inn.  Let  us  keep  out  of  sight  till  then.  If  we 
make  no  movement,  the  landlord  may,  in  the  excitement 
ot  this  fresh  arrival,  forget  all  about  us,  and  bo  tb^e 
others  will  be  quite  ignorant  of  our  presence  hers." 

Dick  spoke  firmly  and  quietly. 

His  companions  listened  intently  to  every  wwo,  and, 
when  he  had  finished,  unanimously  signified  their  belief 
that  the  course  proposed  was  the  best  that  could  be 
adopted. 

But  to  no  wretched  criminal  awaiting  the  promMscfa- 
tion  of  his  doom  did  time  lag  so  fearfully  as  it  did  on  this 
occasion  to  Dick  Turpin  and  his  c<Miiradaa. 

It  seemed  as  though  the  curiosity  of  tho  crowd  outside 
would  never  abate. 

There  was  a  complete  Babel  of  sounds. 

Fruitlessly  did  the  highwaymen  endeavour  to  make  out 
a  few  distinct  words  from  the  mass  of  gabble. 

More  than  once  they  felt  as  though  their  patience  must 
give  way. 

At  List  the  constable,  beadle,  and  those  who  had  carried 
the  body  left  the  inn. 

iSome  who  were  outside  followed  them. 

Others  indulged  themselves  with  a  longer  and  more 
minute  inspection  of  the  building  before  they  finally  took 
their  departure. 

Shortly  after,  according  to  Dick's  anticipation,  the  land- 
lord knocked  at  the  door. 

Now  that  the  moment  had  arrived  when  all  their  doubts 
would  be  resolved,  Dick  Turpin  became  quite  unnerved. 

He  was  too  agitated  to  pronounce  the  words,  "  Come 
in!" 

The  landlord,  however,  did  not  wait  for  this,  but  opened 
the  door. 

His  face  was  full  of  mystery  and  importance. 

"  Gentlemen,"  he  said,  with  a  deprecating  bow,  and 
rubbing  his  hands  together  as  he  spoke,  "  I  hope  you  have 
not  wanted  for  anything,  and  that  you  will  pardon  my  neg- 
lect, but— but " 

"  What  has  all  this  commotion  been  about  ?"  asked 
Tom  King,  speaking  with  tolerable  steadiness.  "  I  thought 
you  told  us  this  inn  was  such  a  quiet  place  ?" 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  the  landlord,  uplifting  his  hands  to 
give  additional  assurance  to  what  he  said,  "  I  assure  you 
this  is  such  a  thing  as  has  never  happened  at  this  inn  since 
I  have  been  the  landlord  of  it,  and  that's  a  good  many 
years,  I  can  assure  you.  Why,  you  see,  it's  quite,  as  I 
may  say,  a  history — yes,  quite  a  history." 

11  But  come  to  the  point  at  once." 

"  I  am  sure  I  don't  know  how,  for,  you  see    '■  ■" 

"What  was  it  those  people  brought  in  ?'* 

"  A  body." 

"  A  dead  body  ?* 

"  Yes,  a  corpse." 

"Of— of— wh " 

"Ah,"  cried  the  landlord,  interrupting  him,  "that's 
what  nobody  knows  ?" 

The  highwaymen  repeated  the  words  in  extreme  as- 
tonishment. 

"  A  perfect  stranger,  gentlemen — a  perfect  stranger-" 

"But  cannot  you  tell  us,"  cried  Dick  Turpin,  in  a  voice 
of  the  utmost  agitation,  for  this  suspense  was  to  him  the 
most  acute  of  tortures — "cannot  you  tell  us  whether  it  is 
a  man  or " 

The  landlord  gazed  at  Dick  aghast,  and  well  he  might. 

His  eyes  were  gleaming,  his  lips  trembling,  and  the 
cold  dew  of  apprehension  was  on  his  forehead. 

Well  might  the  landlord  be  surprised  at  the  manifesta- 
tion of  60  much  anxiety. 

"  Why,"  ho  said,  "  it's  a  man — of  course  it's  a  man  I  I 
thought  that  you  knew  that.  But,  bless  us  and  save  ns, 
what's  amiss?" 

A  fervent  "  Thank  Heaven !"  burst  from  Dick  Tiurpic's 
lips. 

Then  he  was  himself  again. 

The  troublo  that  had  weighed  him  down  seemed  to 
have  rolled  away  as  a  mist  suddenly  rolls  upon  the  sides 
of  a  mountain. 

The  reader  has  no  doubt  interpreted  his  terrible  fear 
aright. 

He  was  not  unreasonably  under  the  dread  that  tho  body 
was  that  of  Mai  d. 


He  fancied  in  some  way  6he  must  have  met  with  her 
death — and  what  was  more  probable  ?  for  the  reader  knows 
already  how  near  was  the  occurrence  of  that  catastrophe 
—and  that  her  body,  having  been  found,  was  carried  to 
to  tho  inn,  there  to  await  a  judicial  inquisition. 

But  now  that  fear  was  completely  dissipated. 

The  shock,  however,  was  almost  too  much  for  endurance, 
for  he  flattered  himself  with  the  idea  that  he  had  pre- 
pared himself  for  the  worst. 

"  What  man  ?"  asked  Claude  Duval,  for  the  landlord, 
having  spoken,  stood  stock  still,  gazing  upon  Dick,  whose 
extreme  emotion  seemed  to  have  raised  a  dim  kind  of 
suspicion  in  his  breast. 

Claude  had  to  repeat  his  question  before  it  was  responded 
to. 

Then,  with  a  start,  tho  landlord  said  : 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,  sir,  ten  thousand  times — I  do  in- 
deed; but  really,  what  with  one  thing  and  the  other,  I 
really  don't  know,  as  the  saying  is,  whether  I  stand  upon 
my  head  or  my  heels,  or  whether  I  am  myself  or  not." 

The  landlord  did  indeed  seem  greatly  flustered,  and  it 
would  have  been  a  great  wonder  if  he  had  been  other- 
wise. 

Wiping  the  perspiration  from  his  forehead,  he  sank  into 
a  chair,  and  ejaculated : 

"  Gentlemen,  if  you  will  allow  me  I  will  try  to  give 
you  an  account  of  this  affair  from  the  beginning  to  the 
end.  You  will  understand  it  better  and  so  shall  I,  for  I 
am  so  flabbergasted,  in  a  manner  of  speaking,  that  I 
scarcely  at  present  comprehend  the  rights  of  it  myself." 

"  Sit  down,  then,  and  begin.  Tell  the  tale  after  your 
own  fashion." 

The  highwaymen  felt  that  now  their  minds  were  so 
much  relieved  that  they  could  endure  any  amount  of  pro- 
lixity upon  the  landlord's  part. 

"  It  appears,  then,"  he  began,  "  that  early  this  morning, 
as  a  cowboy  was  going  along  a  cross  road  not  far  from  here, 
he  saw  what  he  thought  was  a  man  asleep  under  a  tree.  As 
he  came  nearer,  however,  he  saw  that  tho  animal  he  was 
in  search  of  was  bending  its  head  down  on  the  prostrate 
form,  while  a  dense  swarm  of  flies  and  insects  filled  the 
surrounding  air." 

"  So  it  was  a  dead  man  ?" 

"  Yes,  that  was  what  it  was  found  to  be.  The  boy  was 
frightened  out  of  his  wits  almost,  and  ran  along  the  road 
as  if  the  devil  was  after  him,  nor  did  he  stop  until  he  Met 
with  some  men  who  were  on  their  way  to  work.  To 
them  he  communicated  his  discovery,  and  they  all  went 
back  in  a  body." 

"  And  then  tho  corpse  was  brought  here  ?" 

"  Yes,  sir,"  said  the  landlord,  rather  annoyed  to  find  hia 
narrative  thus  interrupted.  "  The  constable  was  fetched, 
and  so  was  the  beadle.  Tho  body  was  examined  and 
found  to  be  that  of  a  perfect  stranger.  Many  looked  at 
him,  but  none  could  remember  having  seen  a  man  of  hia 
appearance  in  the  neighbourhood." 

"  And  what  was  the  cause  of  death  ?" 

"  Ah,  that  is  to  come." 

"Well,  proceed." 

"  The  beadle  was  the  first  who  dared  to  have  a  good 
look  at  this  man's  face.  I  don't  wonder  that  the  others 
shrunk  from  it,  for  it  is  an  awful  sight,  such  as  I  hope  I 
may  never  see  again !" 

Tho  landlord  shuddered  while  ho  spoke. 

"  Go  on— go  on .'"  criod  Dick. 

"  It  is  most  frightfully  disfigured,  so  much  so,  that  it  u 
scarcely  possible  to  distinguish  one  feature  from  another. 
They  seem  to  be  charred  with  fire.  The  plain  fact  is  the 
mau  must  fcave  been  struck  by  a  thunderbolt  in  that  fear- 
ful storm;  the  tree  itself  under  which  he  was  found  is,  1 
am  told,  terribly  shattered." 

*Then  by  that  and  your  description,"  said  Turpin, 
•'  thero  can  be  little  doubt  that  he  met  with  his  death  by 
a  stroke  of  lightning." 

"  He  has  been  brought  here,  I  suppose,  in  order  that  an 
inquest  might  be  held  ?"  observed  Tom  King,  who  had 
hitherto  listened  in  deep  thought,  and  who  now  brofc* 
the  silenco  w  hich  followed  Dick's  last  words. 

"  Yes  sir,  that  is  it." 

"  Wnere  is  he  now  ?" 

"  Upstairs." 

"  In  the  room  over  this,  I  thiai  tm 

"Yes." 

"  Li  there  anyone  with  him  ?" 


THB   KNIGHT  OF  ID  MAD. 


\m 


u  Ho,  the  door  is  locked." 

M  Where  is  the  key?" 

*  In  my  pocket." 

"  Then,"  said  Tom,  bringing  his  series  of  questions  to 
a  close,  "  I  hare  a  very  great  desire  to  hare  one  look  upon 
(hi?  body." 

"  But— but " 

u  What  objection  have  you  ?" 

"  The  sight  is  dreadful !" 

°  You  said  so." 

"  I  dare  hot  look  upon  it  again !" 

"  You  need  not.  Show  us  up.  You  need  not  oo  tench 
as  cross  the  threshold.    We  will  loave  you  at  the  door." 

"Yes,"  6aid  Turpin,  rising,  for  he  fancied  he  knew 
what  was  passing  in  Tom  King's  mind,  "  I  have  this  desire 
quite  as  strongly  as  my  friend  has — so,  landlord,  show  us 
up  at  once." 

"  But  I  had  particular  orders  from  the  beadle  and  the 
constable  on  no  account  to  allow  anyone  to  enter  the 
room  unless  they  were  present,  and  if  I  disobey  the  in- 
junction, why,  I  shall  get  myself  into  serious  trouble." 

"Nothing  of  the  kind,"  said  Dick.  "Who  is  to  learn 
anything  about  it,  I  should  like  to  know  ?  We  shall 
never  mention  it,  and  surely  you  would  not  be  fool 
enough  to  do  so  ?" 

CHAPTER  MXXIV. 

Dl   WHICH  THE    HIGHWAYMEN     DETERMINE    THE  NATURE 
OF  THEIR  FUTURE  PROCEEDINGS. 

"Well,  I  can't  say  that  I  should,"  answered  the  land- 
lord, with  a  smile  at  Turpin's  brusqueness. 

"  Then  let  us  have  no  more  words  about  it.  Show  the 
way  upstairs." 

The  landlord  did  not  like  to  refuse  Dick  anything,  so 
great  was  the  dread  and  respect  he  felt  for  the  pewers 
which  he  supposed  him  to  possess. 

Rising  then  from  his  seat,  he  advanced  to  the  door,  bid- 
ding our  friends  follow  him. 

They  needed  no  second  bidding. 

Knowing  what  has  happened,  the  reader,  beyond  all 
doubt,  guesses  accurately  at  the  identiyr  of  the  dead 
stranger. 

A  dim  suspicion  of  who  it  might  be  was  floating  in  the 
minds  of  all  the  highwaymen. 

It  was  most  important  that  this  suspicion  should  be 
resolved. 

Treading  in  the  landlord's  steps,  they  ascended  the 
staircase  and  paused  before  a  door. 

A  key  was  inserted  into  the  lock. 

"  Enter,  gentlemen,"  the  landlord  cried,  "  and  be  quick 
out  again.  As  for  myself,  I  have  seen  the  horrid  sight 
once  too  often  already." 

The  highwaymen,  of  course,  did  not  press  him  to  ac- 
company them. 

Indeed,  they  were  glad  that  he  manifested  a  disinclina- 
tion to  be  present,  lest,  in  the  event  of  their  suspicions 
being  correct,  he  should  observe  some  alteration  in  their 
demeanour  and  so  begin  to  suspect  them. 

The  dead  body  had  not  been  laid  upon  a  bed,  hut  upon 
a  table  formed  by  placing  several  planks  upon  some 
trestles. 

A  white  sheet  concealed  the  relics  of  humanity  from 
view,  but  it  had  been  cast  over  long  enough  to  have 
settled  down  close  to  the  form,  so  there  would  have  been 
no  difficulty  in  making  out  the  nature  of  the  object  that 
lay  there  so  calm  and  still. 

It  was  Dick  Turpin  who  took  hold  of  one  corner  of  the 
sheet  and  removed  the  covering  from  the,  face  of  the 
corpse. 

A  sensation  of  unutterable  loathing  came  over  him. 

Conquering  the  feeling,  however,  he  turned  down  tne 
sheet  still  more. 

The  moment  their  eyes  fell  upon  the  apparel  iney  re- 
cognised it.        ■» 

It  was  well,  indeed,  that  the  landlord  was  *._„  at  hand 
to  look  upon  Dick  Turpin's  countenance  at  th;^  judfeture. 

It  fully  expressed  the  dreadful  agitata  of  his  mind. 

Several  minutes  were  pajssd,  during  which  all  con- 
tinued to  gaze^t  i"_ ,  btark  and  inanimate  form  before 
them,  and  so  knight  some  time  more  had  they  not  been 
arous  I  by  the  voice  of  the  landlord. 

"New,  gentlemen,"  he  said,  "if  you  have  seen  enough, 


let  us  be  going.    I  am  afraid  every  moment  that  the 
beadle  and  constable  will  be  here." 

Without  the  utterance  of  a  syllable,  the  sheet  was  re- 
placed, and  the  little  party  betook  themselves  to  the  room 
below. 
"  Well,  gentlemen,  what  think  you  of  it  ?" 
It  was  the  landlord  who  asked  the  question. 
"  The  sight  is  an  awful  one." 

This  was  all  they  would  say  in  reference  to  the  sub* 
ject. 

So  soon  as  ever  they  were  alone  they  drew  close  to- 
gether and  waited  for  the  captain  to  address  them. 

"  I  scarcely  know  what  to  make  of  this  discovery,"  he 
said,  in  grave  tones.  "Let  me  hear  what  is  your  opinion 
of  it  ?" 

"  I  can  give  you  my  views  in  a  very  few  wcrds,"  said 
Tom  King. 
"  Then  do  s*.* 

"  I  consider  that  your  belief  about  Maud  s  capture  in 
the  ruins  is  quite  erroneous." 

"  You  have  entertained  that  opinion  all  along,  have 
you  not  ?" 

"  I  have,  and  now  it  is  an  opinion  no  longer." 
"What  then?" 
"  A  conviction." 

"Ycu  think  that " 

"  Patience,  and  I  will  tell  you.    Depend  upon  it,  Maud 
and  Jack  the  Ostler  were  aware  in  good  time  of  the  ap- 
proach of  the  officers.    They  then  hastily  made  their  re- 
treat." 
Dick  was  not  convinced. 

"Remember,"  Tom  King  continued,  "I  once  had  an 
excellent  sample  of  Jack's  cleverness  in  dealing  with 
police  officers,  and  that  makes  me  fancy  that  he  would 
neither  be  surprised  easily  nor  yield  readily.  Let  us 
suppose  that  he  was  aware  of  the  presence  of  the  officers 
in  good  time,  then  what  would  be  the  most  likely  thing 
for  him  to  do  ?" 
"  Beat  a  retreat." 

"  Of  course,  and  take  Maud  with  him.  They  would 
immediately  seek  safety  in  flight,  and  would  also  leave 
the  ruins,  beyond  doubt  with  the  intention  of  meeting  us 
and  warning  us  of  our  danger." 

The  reader  knows,  of  course,  how  very  closely  Tom's 
supposition  approached  the  truth. 

Dick  could  not  fail  to  see  the  plausibility  of  it,  and  yet 
he  was  only  half  convinced. 

"  You  think,"  he  remarked,  after  a  brief  pause,  "  that 
they  left  together,  took  shelter  under  the  tree  together  to 
escape  the  violence  of  the  storm,  and  that  Jack  the  Ostler 
perished  ?" 

"  I  do,  and  that  by  great  good  fortune  Maud  escaped." 
Dick  shook  his  head. 

"It  is  still  as  easy  to  believe,  and  quite  as  probable, 
that  Jack  escaped  alone.     If  they  had  both  been  under 
the  tree  together  one  could  scarcely  have  perished  and 
the  other  escaped." 
Tom  could  not  gainsay  this  ;  but  he  observed : 
"  At  any  rate,  this  discovery  will  «ause  somo  alteration 
in  our  plans  as  heretofore  decided  upon.    I  think  the 
first  thing  we  ought  to  do  is  to  find  out  the  particular 
tree,  and  make  a  close  search  in    its  vicinity.     Who 
knows  but  what    we  may  light  upon    some    trace  of 
Maud?" 
Dick  smiled  sadly. 

"  It  may  seem  strange — nay,  foolish  to  cling  with  such 
persistency  to  what  is  after  all  no  more  than  an  idea ; 
still,  I  must  confess  that  my  original  impression  remains 
almost  unshaken." 

"  At  any  rate,"  said  Claude,  "  wo  will  go  first  to  this 
tree  before  wo  come  to  any  absolute  decision." 
"  Yes,"  said  Turpin,  "  1  think  it  would  bo  best." 
"Then  lot  us  call  in  our  friend,  the  landlord!"  cried 
Six  teen-String  Jack;  "  ho  will  be  able  to  describe   to  us 
tolerably  well  whereabouts  the  tree  Li  " 
"  Very  good." 

Tw  landlord  accordingly  was  summoned  and  ques- 
tioned. 
He  was  easily  able  to  direct  them. 
"If  you  will  go  along  this  lane,"  he  said,  "instead  ot 
going  out  upon  the  high-road,  and  if  you  will  keep  on 
until  you  come  to  an  inn,  and  then  go  past  that  inn 
almost  as  far  as  it  is  from  here  to  it,  you  will  see  the  tree 
ou  the  right-hand  side  ;  it  is  a  magnificent,  wide-spread- 


1»6 


BLACK  BESS  ;  OS, 


Ing  oak.    Yoa  cannot  fail  to  find  it,  because  I  am  told  it 
is  quite  rifted  by  the  lightning." 

"Stop  a  bit,"  said  Claude. 

"  What  is  it  ?"  asked  the  landlord,  turning  to  Lira. 

"  It  appears  from  your  account  that  there  is  an  inn 
nearer  to  the  scene  of  the  catastrophe  tiian  this  ?'' 

"  Yes,  of  course  there  is — the  Jolly  Tar." 

"  Then  why  was  not  the  body  carried  in  thsrs,  &nd 
the  inquest  held  upon  it  in  that  place  ?" 

"  Ah  1"  said  the  landlord,  in  reply,  "  thereby  hangs  a 
talc,  as  1  heard  a  man  say  in  a  play  once." 

"  Be  quick ;  let  us  have  it,  then." 
'   "  Well,  I  must  begin  by  telling  you  that  the  Joiiy  Tar 
has  had  rather  a  queer  name  for  along  time  past.  Persons 
have  been  heard  of  entering  its  doors,  but  neve?  passing 
out  of  them  again." 

Dick  nodded. 

"  Well,  I  have  just  heard  that  there  was  truth  in  these 
reports ;  a  body  01  police  have  found  out  all  about  it. 
The  place  is  a  regular  murder  den,  and  the  landlord  and 
landlady  are  by  this  time  safe  in  jail." 

"  So  the  place  is  shut  up,  I  suppose  ?'"' 

"  Yes ;  and  that  was  the  reason  why  the  body  was  not 
carried  in  there." 

This  was  all  the  intelligence  of  any  importance  that 
they  were  able  to  obtain. 

It  did  not  interest  them  very  much,  for  they  little 
guessed  how  close  a  connection  that  closed-up  inn  had 
with  Maud's  fortunes,  and  how  narrow  was  the  escape 
she  had  of  losing  her  life  there. 

Litile  did  they  imagine  that  they  were  so  very  close 
upon  her  track. 

There  was  no  chance,  however,  that  they  would  be 
enlightened  as  to  the  true  facts  of  the  case. 

Indeed,  the  probability  was  that  in  their  unhappy 
mental  blindness,  they  would  recede  from  instead  of  ap- 
proach the  object  they  were  so  anxious  to  attain. 

At  length  this  long  and  weary  day — for  so  it  was  to  our 
friends,  iu  spite  of  the  strauge  incidents  with  which  it 
was  diversified — wore  away. 

The  welcome  shades  of  twilight  came  creeping  over  all 
things. 

So  soon  as  they  deemed  it  prudent,  they  took  their 
departure. 

So  far  as  they  could,  not  the  faintest  suspicion  as  to 
their  identity  existed. 

The  landlord  assisted  them  to  prepare  the  horses  for 
the  road. 

Just  as  he  was  on  the  point  of  riding  away,  Dick 
Turpiu  turned  round,  and  said,  solemnly : 

"  Bemember  our  compact  and  the  appointed  hour.  Do 
not  fail ;  I  shall  be  there." 

Leaving  these  words  to  have  their  due  effect  upon  the 
credulous  landlord,  Dick  Turpin  hurried  off. 

It  was  easy  enough  to  find  the  road,  they  knew ;  but  as 
soon  as  a  turn  of  the  lane  concealed  them  from  the  land- 
lord's view,  Dick  said : 

"lam  glad  we  obtained  the  information  concerning 
this  Jolly  Tar  Inn.  Ten  to  one  some  police  officers  are 
still  there,  for  in  such  cases  the  premises  are  rarely  left, 
so  that  if  we  rode  by  we  should  stand  a  very  good  chance 
of  being  recognised." 

"Eight,  captain,"  said  Claude.  "I  wa?  wondering 
whether  you  would  think  about  that.  I  should  propose 
that  we  take  to  the  fields  at  once,  and  make  a  considerable 
detour — in  fact,  approach  the  treo  from  precisely  the 
opposite  direction  to  this." 

A  unanimous  consent  was  given  to  this  proposal,  and 
the  next  moment  they  were  all  making  their  way  at  a 
rapid  rate  across  the  open  meadows. 

In  this  manner  they  were  able  to  keep  altogether  out  of 
sight  of  the  Jolly  Tar  Inn,  so  that  they  avoided  all 
possible  danger  of  detection  in  that  quarter. 

At  length  Dick  changed  his  course,  for  oe  saw  Ixsfore 
him  something  that  looked  like  a  human  habitation 

Shortly  afterwards  he  emerged  into  a  lane — that  very 
lane  down  which  Maud  had  ridden  at  euch  a  fearlui 
speed  in  company  with  Hunch. 

They  looked  about  them,  however,  without  tot  a 
moment  suspecting  anything  of  the  sort. 

All  was  calm  and  quiet,  and  accordingly  they  ventured 
to  approach  the  tree. 

They  reached  it  undisturbed. 

How  that  the  lightning  had  struck  it,  this  tree  ww 


indeed  a  strange-looking  object,  and  would  for  t&a 
future  form  an  unmistakable  and  easily-recognised  land- 
mark. 

Dismounting,  they  made  a  close  search  around,  but  the 
result  of  it  did  not  prove  at  all  successful. 

There  was  no  trace  of  Maud — 

Nothing  whatever  to  point,  however  distantly,  to  the 
fact  that  she  had  stood  side  by  side  with  Jack  the  Ostler 
beneath  its  branches. 

lom  King  was  the  last  to  give  up  the  search. 

He  was  compelled  to  own  that  his  expectations  wero 
not  realised. 

Dick,  of  course,  was  only  the  more  confirmed  in  his 
opinion. 

As  the  spot  seemed  silent  and  retired,  the  highwaymen 
chose  it  as  their  place  of  conference. 

Long  and  anxious  was  the  discussion  which  ensued. 

Eventually,  their  future  movements  were  decided 
upon. 

It  was  agreed  that  a  separation  should  take  place. 

Tom  Davis,  feeling  how  great  a  clog  he  was  upon  the 
movements  of  the  highwaymen,  was  most  anxious  to  be 
left  behind. 

But  it  was  considered  that  the  presence  of  police 
officers  at  the  Jolly  Tar,  and,  above  all,  the  fact  that  an 
inquest  was  about  to  be  held  at  the  inn  they  had  lett, 
made  it  most  unsafe  and  dangerous  for  him  to  linger  in 
that  neighbourhood. 

"No,"  said  Dick  Turpin,  "  you  shall,  Tom,  if  you  have 
no  objection,  come  with  me,  and  I  will  at  the  earliest 
moment  either  provide  you  with  a  place  that  holds  out 
some  slight  prospect  of  safety,  or  else  obtain  you  a  horse." 

"And  I,"  said  Tom  King,  "feeling  sure  that  my 
opinion  is  the  true  one,  will  do  my  best  to  get  upon 
Maud's  track." 

"And  we,"  said  Claude  Duval  and  Sixtoen- String 
Jack,  "  will  work  together  to  the  same  end." 

"  Agreed,"  said  Turpin.  "My  course,  as  you  know, 
lies  in  the  direction  of  the  ruined  castle." 

"Be  careful,  captain,  for  there  is  much  danger  there." 

"  Trust  me — I-will  be  careful." 

"And  now,"  said  Claude  Duval,  "when  we  havo  de- 
cided upon  our  meeting  place,  I  think  we  may  venture  to 
part  company  without  any  more  discussion." 

"  Let  this  be  the  place,"  said  Dick  Turpin,  "or  some- 
where near  it." 

"  Agreed.    And  the  time,  when?" 

"  Between  midnight  and  dawn." 

"  To-morrow  night  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  And  if  we  can  none  of  us  keep  the  appointment, 
then  it  will  hold  good  for  the  next  night." 

"  Enough." 

"  We  part,  then.     Farewell." 

A  few  more  words  were  exchanged,  and  then  the  high- 
waymen separated  according  to  their  arrangement. 

Sixteen-fcString  Jack  and  Claude  Duval  were  the  last  to 
leave  the  spot. 

The  reason  for  this  was,  that  they  wished  to  alio* 
Tom  King  to  choose  his  own  course. 

As  soon  as  they  observed  in  what  direction  he  rode  off 
they  departed  in  just  the  opposite. 

There  was  chance  alone  to  direct  them,  and  it  so  hap- 
pened that  this  led  them  far  away  from  that  water-mill 
where  certainly  some  tidings  of  Maud  would  have  been 
gained. 

The  country  around  was  remarkably  desolate. 

There  were  few  trees  around,  and  no  vestige  whatever 
of  human  habitations. 

Still  Claude  and  Jack  rode  on  for  some  distance,  but  at 
leugth,  upon  a  word  from  the  former,  they  arrested  their 
horses'  steps. 

"  I  am  afraid,  Jack,  that  we,  at  least,  are  upoB  the 
wrong  track." 

"  So  do  I.  I  should  imagine  Maud  would  not  go  very 
tar  on  foot,  and  certainly  would  have  no  reason  to  eer 
sevsr3  iu  this  direction." 

"I  think  not." 

"  Shall  we  turn  back,  then  ?" 

"  And  try  another  way  ?" 

"Yes." 

M I  don't  know,"  was  the  reply.  "  Suppose,  before  giring 
a  reply,  we  go  on  a  few  miles  further  ?" 

**  Agreed," 


THE    KNIGHT   OF   THE   B.OXD. 


mi 


"The  nature  of  our  surroundings  may  then  b»  con- 
siderably altered." 

"  True." 

"  Forward,  then." 

Once  more  the  highwaymen  get  their  steeds  in  motion. 

Ere  they  had  advanced  many  steps,  however,  tbey  were 
Btartled  by  hearing  the  sound  of  hasty  footsteps. 

The  next  moment  a  niau  came  into  view. 

He  was  on  foot,  and  running  at  the  vory  top  of  his 
■peed. 

So  excited  did  he  seem,  that  he  appeared  altogether  un- 
conscious that  horses  were  on  the  road  before  him,  which 
happening  to  be  narrow  about  that  part,  there  was  every 
probability  that  he  would  come  into  violent  contact  with 
them. 

At  the  very  last  moment  ho  beheld  oor  friends,  and 
stopped  himself  abruptly. 

For  a  moment  it  seemed  as  though  he  was  alxmt  to 
turn  round  and  endeavour  to  force  a  hasty  passage 
through  the  quick-set  hedge  with  which  the  road  was 
bounded. 

But  if  this  had  been  his  intention  it  was  immediately 
abandoned. 

A  great  change  camd  over  him. 

With  one  bound  he  placed  himself  in  front  of  Claude 
and  Jack,  and  then,  in  the  accents  of  indescribable  fear, 
he  cried : 

"Gentlemen — gentlemen,  in  the  name  of  common 
humanity  I  call  upon  you  to  protect  me  1  Save  me — oh, 
save  me !     Gentlemen,  save  me — save  me  I" 

T here  was  something  so  extraordinary  and  withal  so 
ludicrous  in  the  appearance  of  this  new-comer,  that  the 
two  highwaymen,  instead  of  responding  to  his  appeal,  sat 
stock  still  upon  their  horses,  regarding  him  fixedly. 

While  thoy  are  thus  engaged  we  will  take  the  oppor- 
tunity of  describing  in  a  few  words  the  nature  of  this 
man's  exterior. 

He  was  about  the  middle  age,  and  somewhat  inclined  to 
be  corpulent. 

His  attire  was  that  of  a  tolorably  well-to-do  London 
tradesman,  but  it  was  now  in  a  terrible  condition. 

His  coat  had  been  split  up  the  back,  so  that  it  hung  be- 
hind him  in  two  most  extraordinary-looking  tails. 

The  rest  of  his  clothing  was  torn  in  many  places  and 
literally  beplastered  with  mud,  looking  as  though  in  his 
headlong  race  he  had  tumbled  down,  and  then  had  rolled 
over  and  over  in  some  mysterious  way  until  he  had  rolled 
himself  on  to  his  feet  again. 

His  hat  and  wig  were  both  gone,  and  his  bald,  shining 
pato  added  not  a  little  to  the  ridiculousness  of  his  appear- 
ance. 

"  My  good  man,"  said  Claude  Duval  at  length,  "  what 
is  the  matter,  and  what  do  you  want  me  to  save  you  from  ? 
So  far  as  I  can  tell  we  are  the  only  people  near  this 
6pot." 

The  stranger  was  so  exhausted,  and  so  scant  of  breath, 
that  he  could  not  immediately  make  a  reply. 

Puffing  and  blowing  like  a  grampus,  he  cast  apprehen- 
sive glances  around  him. 

"  They  are  coming  after  me,"  he  gasped  at  length — "  I 
am  pursued,  but,  luckily,  I  have  out-distanced  them  a  little. 
Hark !   can  you  hear  ?" 

Our  friends  listened  intently,  but  no  sound  whatever 
came  upon  their  ears. 

"  What  is  the  meaning  of  all  this?"  asked  Jack.  ','  By 
whom  are  you  pursued  ?    I  can  hear  no  one." 

"Ah,  gentlemen,"  said  the  man,  "you  have  no  idea 
what  I  have  gone  through  during  these  last  two  days  and 
nights — no  idea  whatever !  Ah  me !  and  when  I  tell  folks, 
I  shall  be  disbeUeved  and  laughed  at,  I  know  I  shall. 
Ah !" 

He  wiped  the  perspiration  from  his  brow  while  he 
spoke,  and  seated  himself  on  a  long  stone  that  happened 
to  be  close  to  the  hedge-bank  on  one  side  of  the  road. 

•  I  do  believe,"  he  continued,  "  that  I  am  in  a  lair  way 
of  making  my  escape.  If  I  could  only  rest  a  little,  gentle- 
men, and  recover  my  wind  and  strength  a  little,  I  should 
doubtless  get  away  altogether.  But  I  €arv  not  stop  hero 
mnless  you  will  be  so  kind  as  to  remain  and  protoct  ma  if 
tbey  come." 

"  Thoy  ?"  echoed  Claude.  "  Who  do  you  mean  by  they, 
and  what  have  you  done  that  yon  should  be  pursued  ?" 

*  Done  ?" 
Tea,  done.'' 


•'  Nothing,  gentlemen — nothing  at  all  S* 

11  Then  why  are  you  pursued  ?" 

u  That  would  take  some  time  to  tell ;  but  while  I  am 
resting  here  for  a  few  moments  I  will,  if  you  like  to 
listen-  make  you  acquainted  with  the  most  extraordinary 
concurrence  of  circumstances  you  ever  heard  of  1    Ah  '■" 

This  interjection  is  to  represent  the  peculiar  kind  of 
sigh  with  '.vhich  this  singular  personago  concluded  <?>-ery 
sentence. 

The  cariosity  of  Claude  and  Jack  wa3  greatly  r»*  *d, 
and  therefore  they  at  once  desired  their  singular  com- 
panion to  speak  freely. 

"  I  am  glad  of  that,"  he  ejaculated,  immediately  k.?ou 
receiving  their  permission — "  very  glad  indeed,  for  do  7 ou 
know  that  I  am  so  perplexed  and  bewildered  by  the 
many  events  which  have  occurred,  that  a  narration  such 
as  I  am  about  to  make  will  materially  assist  me  to  com- 
prehend them." 

"  Be  speedy,  then,"  said  Sixteon-String  Jack,  "  for  we 
aro  engaged  upon  business  of  importance  and  cannot 
afford  to  stay  long." 

"Ah,  me  I  Well,  lam  a  tradesman  from  London — a 
respectable  tradesman.  My  shop  is  at  the  cornet  of 
Bucklersbury.    Perhaps  you  may  know  it,  gentlemen." 

The  highwaymen  shook  their  heads. 

"It  don't  matter,"  continued  the  stranger.  "You  will 
have  to  take  my  word  for  more  than  that.  However,  it 
is  a  fact.  Mine  is  one  of  the  largest  establishments,  and 
I  deal  only  in  the  very  best  silks,  velvets,  and  such 
like." 

Some  little  impatience  was  manifested  by  the  highway- 
men at  this  detail. 

The  stranger,  however,  went  on. 

"  Lately  I  have  had  a  very  constant,  and  as  I  believed, 
excellent  customer — quite  a  lady  she  appeared  to  be, 
aud  sho  bought  many  of  my  things  and  paid  a  good  price 
for  them.  Who  she  was  I  neither  knew  nor  cared,  but  I 
learned  that  she  kept  a  first-class  house  in  a  fashionable 
street,  and  lived  in  first-class  style.  Don't  think  I  am 
going  about  the  bush  too  much.  I  am  not  indeed.  Oblige 
me  by  listening,  gentlemen,  for  I  assure  you  the  strange 
part  of  my  story  is  to  come,  and  you  will  admit  that  you 
never  heard  anything  so  monstrous.    Ah !" 

CHAPTER  MXXV. 

6IXTEEN-STBING  JACS    AND    CLAUDU    DUVAL  FOLLOW  VP 
THEIR  ODD  ADVliSTUKE. 

Upon  receiving  this  intimation,  our  friends  prepared 
themselves  to  listen  more  attentively,  and  the  stranger 
continued,  in  a  rapid  voice : 

"  Two  days  ago  I  received  a  letter  from  an  unknown 
correspondent,  warning  me  that  a  suspicious  character 
had  been  frequenting  my  shop  of  late,  aud  that  she  no 
doubt  intended  to  make  a  victim  of  mo. 

"  Unfortunately,  the  writer  of  the  letter  was  not  suffi- 
ciently explicit. 

"  1  was  thinking  over  this,  and  endeavouring  to  re- 
member all  the  different  people  who  had  been  in  the  shop 
lately,  when  the  lady  I  have  mentioned  to  you  drove 
up  to  the  door  in  her  carriage. 

"  I  went  myself,  opened  the  door,  and  assisted  her  to 
alight,  and  this  completely  drove  out  of  my  head  all  recol- 
lection of  t  he  letter. 

"  You  will  not  wonder  at  this  when  I  tell  you  that  the 
lady  was  in  a  very  gracious  humour.  She  told  me  she 
wanted  to  make  some  very  extensive  purchases  in  silks 
and  velveta.  Nothing  that  I  put  before  her  was  too 
good  or  too  dear  in  price,  and  I  began  to  think,  as  one 
roll  after  another  was  bought,  that  I  was  going  to  do  a 
capital  day's  work." 

"  This  lady,  I  presume,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack, 
"was  the  cause  of  all  your  troubles?" 

"  Sho  was.  But  you  shall  hear.  Have  the  patience  to 
listen  to  mo  for  a  few  moments  longer." 

Jack  promised,  and  the  stranger  coutinued  his  narra- 
tive : 

"  At  last  she  told  mo  she  had  bought  all  that  she  re- 
qu>rod.  She  asked  for  th9  bill.  It  was  made  out  in  due 
course.  The  ainoutt  was  just  over  two  hundred 
pounds. 

"  She  put  her  hand  into  her  pocket,  and  thea  *e- 
claimed : 

"  •  Oh,  sir,  I  have  not  enough  with  me  to  pay  yon.' 


tftt 


BLAOT    BIN;    OB, 


M  She  looked  awkward  and  confused  for  •  moment,  and 
I  suppose  so  did  I,  for  I  did  not  like  to  offend  such  a  good 
customer;  and  just  then  the  recollection  of  the  warning 
letter  flashed  with  unpleasant  vividness  upon  my  mind. 
I  resolved  to  be  careful. 

"After  a  moment's  reflection,  the  lady  seemed  to  recol- 
lect herself. 

*  'It  is  very  annoying,'  she  exclaimed,  with  a  smile, 
'  and  I  don't  know  how  I  could  be  so  careless ;  however, 
I  have  been  thinking  that,  after  all,  it  will  be  for  the 
aast!' 

"  I  expressed  my  satisfaction. 

" '  Yes,'  she  continued, '  I  am  now  very  glad  X  thought 
Ot  it.  You  must  know  that  I  have  an  aunt  stay  Sag  with 
mo  at  my  house  a  little  way  out  of  town,  and  I  as  certain 
she  wants  to  make  some  similar  purchases  to  mine, 
though  not  to  so  great  an  extent.  What  I  am  going  to 
propose  to  you  is  that  you  should  get  into  tho  carriage 
and  ride  home  with  me.  On  our  arrival,  I  will  give  you 
the  money ;  and  in  order  that  your  journey  may  not  be 
lost,  you  can  take  some  other  things  in  the  carriage  with 
you  for  my  aunt  to  select  from.' 

"  Now,  gentlemen,  I  appeal  to  you — did  you  ever  hear 
anything  more  reasonable,  or  straightforward,  or  proper 
than  that  ?  I  ask  you  before  I  go  any  further." 

44 Nothing,"  said  Claude.  "But  what  that  has  to  do 
with  your  running  away  I  really  don't  know." 

"  But  you  will  see  in  a  moment,  sir.  Delighted  and 
overjoyed  with  the  prospect  of  doing  so  large  and 
excellent  a  stroke  of  business,  I  selected  silks  and  velvets 
that  I  thought  likely  to  suit  to  the  value  of  between  two 
and  three  hundred  pounds  more.  The  whole  was  placed 
inside  the  carriage,  and  the  lady  would  insist  upon  my 
entering  with  her,  though  I  refused  for  a  long  time,  and 
declared  my  resolution  of  sitting  beside  the  driver  on  the 
box. 

"  Eventually,  however,  she  overruled  me.  The  car- 
riage was  entered,  and  away  we  went. 

"Now,  I  left  tho  shop  in  such  a  hurry  that  I  never 
went  behind  to  speak  to  my  wife  and  tell  her  where  I 
was  going;  but  just  as  I  passod  out  I  told  the  assistant 
in  the  shop  that  I  should  be  back  in  three  hours  at  the 
most. 

"  Ah,  gentlemen,  now  for  my  misfortunes.  You  will 
ask  why  I  have  troubled  you  with  all  these  trade  details, 
but  it  is  necessary  that  you  should  be  made  acquainted 
with  them  in  order  "for  you  to  understand  what 
follows. 

"  I  confess  I  never  enjoyed  a  ride  so  much  in  my  life, 
though  now  I  shall  look  back  to  it  with  feelings  of  any- 
thing but  pleasure.  The  lady  proved  herself  to  be  a  most 
entertaining  companion,  and  laughed  and  chatted  on  the 
way  in  the  most  affable  manner  you  can  conceive. 

"  London  was  left  behind,  and  thelcountry  gained.  I 
looked  about  me  with  pleasure,  for,  like  most  inhabitants 
of  cities,  I  was  delighted  with  the  6ight  of  a  green 
field. 

"  Well,  we  rode  on  and  on  a  long  way  into  the  country ; 
I  knew  that,  although  the  time  passed  so  agreeably  and  so 
quickly. 

"  At  last  we  came  to  a  very  high  and  long  red  brisk 
wall  such  as  may  be  often  seen  surrounding  a  gentleman's 
estate.  This  one  appeared  to  be  of  unusual  height  and 
strength,  for  at  frequent  intervals  it  was  supported  on  the 
outer  side  by  stout  buttresses. 

"  The  carriage  here  sensibly  slackened  pace,  and  there- 
fore I  imagined  we  had  reached  our  destination. 

"  I  was  about  to  ask  the  question,  but  was  saved  the 
trouble,  for  jast  thon  the  carriage  stopped  before  6ome 
large,  massive  wooden  doors  set  in  the  wall,  and  coco 
epondiug  well  witfi  it. 

"  The  stoppage  was  only  momentary,  however.  ' 

"  The  gates  were  opened. 

"  The  carriage  rolled  through  tbem,  and  immediktcly 
afterwards  I  found  that  we  were  traversing  a  broad,  weli- 
kept  avenue. 

*  I  was  now  quit,  elate  and  $*.**«  satisfied  of  the  rank 
and  position  of  my  customer. 

M I  was  wondering  what  extra  price  I  should  put  upon 
the  goods,  when  the  carriage  stopped  again. 

"This  time,  it  was  in  the  front  of  the  house. 
*  ''The  carriage- door    was  opened,   and    I  officiously 
furaj^d  out  in  order  to  assist  the  lady  to  alight. 

*  Biks  is  warded  me  with  a  taula. 


"I  waa  about  to  remove  the  piles  of  velvet  and  silk,  bat 
she  said,  sweetly : 

" '  Never  mind,  I  wil1  send  for  them.  Please  to  enter 
with  rae.' 

"  Just  then,  the  front  uoor  was  opened. 

"  I  followed  the  lady  up  tho  flight  of  steps  and  crossed 
the  threshold. 

"  The  door  was  immediately  closed,  and  the  first  thing 
that  struck  me  was  the  obscurity  of  the  entranse. 

"  It  struck  me  as  being  very  great,  for,  having  just  coma 
from  the  glare  of  sunshine  without,  I  could  scarcely  see 
who  was  standing  before  me. 

"But  the  voice  and  manner  of  my  companion  altered 
suddenly. 

"  So  great  was  the  change  that  I  could  scarcely  believe 
the  evidence  of  my  ears,  which  were  the  only  organs  of 
sense  I  could  make  use  of,  my  eyes  being,  as  I  told  you,  of 
very  little  service. 

"The  lady  seemed  to  be  weeping,  and  her  voice  was 
that  of  one  enduring  the  utmost  affliction,  as  she  said : 

44  4  Alas,  sir,  you  see  I  am  here.' 

44  4  Yes,  madam.  Is  this  the  person  you  spoke  to  me 
about  yesterday?" 

" '  It  is,  sir.  This  is  my  truly  unfortunate  husband. 
Oh,  sir,  what  shall  I  do  ?' 

"  Husband ! 

"  Gentlemen,  I  can  assure  you  my  backbone  opened  and 
shut  just  then,  for  all  the  world  like  a  great  clasp-knife. 

"  Husband !  I  could  scarcely  believe  I  was  in  posses- 
sion of  my  senses. 

" '  Pray,  my  dear  madam,'  said  the  same  voice  which  had 
before  spoken — '  pray  be  calm ;  any  agitation  on  your  part 
may  be  productive  of  the  worst  consequences — the  very 
worst.' 

"  What  on  earth  were  they  talking  about  ?  I  asked  my- 
self.   What  did  it  all  mean  ? 

"  But  I  could  not  manage  to  pronounce  a  syllable  alert, 
I  was  so  entirely  flabbergasted. 

44 1  stood  there  like  a  stock-fish. 

44  4Oh,  his  delusion  is  now  most  painful,'  continued  m? 
strange  companion.  4 1  had  to  get  him  here  by  pretext ;  but 
all  the  way  he  has  declared  I  am  not  his  wife — that  ho 
does  not  know  me — that  his  wife  is  at  home  in  tho  parlour 
behind  the  shop  in  Bucklersbury ;  and  then  he  babbles 
about  velvets  and  silks.' 

"  'Such  hallucinations,  my  dear  madam,  I  am  sorry  to 
say,'  answered  the  soothing  voice,  '  are  far  from  being  un- 
common. However,  you  may  depend  that  all  that  lies  in 
my  power ' 

"  '  Yes — yes,  I  know  you  will  do  everything  yon  can ; 
but,  oh,  it  is  so  very,  very  dreadful !' 

44  Gentlemen,  I  can't  describe  to  you  what  an  actress  she 
was. 

44  Even  I  felt  in  doubt  once  or  twice. 

44  A  little  reflection  soon  brought  me  to  myself. 

u  I  had  a  dim  idea  of  the  nature  of  my  situation. 

44 1  resolved  to  be  calm,  and  to  give  quietly  an  explana- 
tion. 

44  4  Sir,'  I  said,  addressing  the  man  with  tho  suasfre 
voice, '  I  beg  to  assure  you  that  I  have  been  brought  hero 
under  false  pretences-  '  This  ie  ne  wife  of  mine,  I  assui* 
you,  but ' 

44  At  this  point  the  lady  fluttered  her  handkerchief  and 
became  deeply  affected. 

44  4  Yes,  yes,  my  dear  sir,  we  know  all  about  it  Como. 
come,  be  calm  and  reasonable.  Let  me  assure  you  this 
will  be  all  for  your  good.' 

"  '  Ok.  oh,'  sobbed  the  lady, '  I  cannot  bear  this  trying 
scene  any  longer  !  Good-bye,  my  dear  husband,  I  hope 
you  will  soon  be  better — pray  be  calm,  for  my  sake. 
Good-day,  doctor !' 

"  •  Good-day  doctor  the  dovil !'  I  roared,  unable  to  re- 
strain myself  any  longer.  Stop  her — stop  that  woman  ! 
Don't  let  her  go.  Murder!  Stop  her,  I  say.  There's  nil 
my  velvet  and  silk  in  the  carriage  ;  five  hundred  pounds' 
wortn  at  the  least.  Oh — oh  !  I  see  it  all  now.  It's  a 
swindle— a  swindle !  I  understand  the  letter  now.  Help — 
nelp !  wilJ  none  of  you  stop  ner  r 

44  At  the  first  word  I  darted  forward,  and  endeavoura4 
to  put  a  stop  te  her  depart  arc 

"  But  in  a  second,  I  felt  many  strong  hands  upon  ma 

44 1  was  held  quite  powerless. 

44  What  aggravated  rae  most,  however,  was  fiie  sootfein 
manner  adopted  by  the  deeter. 


THE   KNIOBI  0»  THI   EOAB. 


fTOM  KING   ESTERS  THE  JOLLY  TAK  EKS.] 


'••My  dear— dear  sir,  bj  said,  most  beseechingly,  ldo 
way  be  calm !  You  cannot  imagine  what  injury  you  are 
doing  your  case  by  being  thus  violent.  You  will  much 
retard  your  recovery  if  you  persevere  in  such  be- 
haviour.' 

" '  Recovery !'  I  cried,  my  voice  rising  in  spite  of  all 
my  efforts  to  restrain  it.  '  Let  me  assure  you  there  is  no- 
thing the  matter  with  me.  Feel  my  pulse— feel  my 
pulse,  I  6ay,  and  you  will  find  me  as  hale  and  as  sane  as 
any  man  in  the  kingdom.' 

"  The  doctor  carried  the  soothing  system  out  perfectly. 

"He  did  not  for  a  moment  refuse  my  request,  but,  with 
an  appearance  of  interest  and  earnestness  that  raised 
faJlacious  hopes  in  my  brain,  pressed  his  fingers  over  my 
pulse. 

"  He  waited  a  moment,  then  very  gravely  shook  his 
head. 

"  '  I  am  very  sorry — very  sorry  to  fitd   your  pulae  so 

V.o.  217.— Black  Bass. 

No.  217. 


exalted,  the  danger  is  imminent  I  would  noi  hare 
answered  for  the  consequences  if  he  had  been  allowed  to 
remain  one  day  more  at  large — I  would  not  indeed.' 

"  These  last  words  were  spoken  in  a  lower  key,  and  not 
addressed  to  me,  but  to  the  vile  wretch  who  had  so  spe- 
ciously decoyed  me  to  this  place,  but  they  reached  my 
ears  as  well. 

"  '  I  suppose  I  can  do  nothing  for  him  t ' 

"  'Nothing  whatever — leave  all  to  me.' 
••  I  will.    I  am  most  anxious  to  depart,  for  the  scene  is 
more  than  I  can  bear.' 

"  'Stop  her  I'  I  yelled  again.  '  Listen  to  me,  all  of  you— - 
listen,  I  say.  My  wife,  I  tell  you,  is  at  homo,  sitting  ia 
the  parlour  behind  the  shop.  If  you  don't  like  to  believe 
me,  keep  us  both  hero  while  you  send  some  one  to  see 
Can  I  say  fairer  than  this  ?' 

"The  sympathetic  but  incredulous  smile  upon  the 
doctor's  countenance  aggravated  me  to  scai  a  d©tm* 

Peice  One  Halfpenny. 


1780 


BLACK.   BESS;  OK, 


that  I  felt  as  though  I  should  like  to  rush  upon  him  and 
full  him  to  the  earth. 

"But  I  was  too  tightly  hold  for  that. 

"'My  dear — dear  sir,'  he  said,  smiling  still.  'Let  ms 
entreat'you — let  me  implore  you  to  drive  this  unfortunate 
hallucination  from  your  mind,  for  6uch  it  is.  If  yurj  thus 
persist  in  it,  you  will  be  iu  great  danger  of  becoming  per- 
manently insane.' 

"lD — n  you  for  a  grinning,  batter-brained  fool!'  I 
yelled,  unablo  to  contro:  myself  any  longer.  '  I  tell  you  I  em 
being  robbed — robbed  in  tub  most  barefaced  maimer  over 
neard  of.  It's  a  swindle — an  awful  swindle  ;  I  can  seo  it 
all  now  I  This  is  a  private  lunatic  asylum,  is  it 
not  ?' 

"  The  doctor  assented  with  a  bow  and  ar'ther  of  his 
d — nably  aggravating  smiles. 

"  '  I  know  it — I  know  it ;  I  comprehend  the  whole  plan 
cow.  Seize  her,  I  say— I  give  her  in  charge.  Take  her 
into  custody.     She  is  a  swindler.     Do  ycu  hear  me  ?' 

"I  was  heard,  certainly,  but  no  attention  whatever  was 
paid  to  my  words. 

"The  viper  appeared  to  be  mere  and  more  affected 
every  moment,  and  the  doctor  at  length  led  her  to  the 
door. 

"  It  was  opened. 

"I  saw  them  both  descend  the  steps  that  led  down  to 
tbe  graveled  avenue. 

"  1  saw  the  doctor  hand  her  into  tho  carriage  and  cloze 
f.he  door  after  her. 

"  A  few  more  words  were  exchanged,  the  order  given 
to  tho  coachman  to  proceed,  and  away  rolled  the  carriage, 
with  the  thief  and  my  five  hundred  pounds'  worth  of 
property  in  it. 

"My  fury,  then,  I  must  admit  -was ungovernable. 

"  But,  gentlemen,  I  appeal  to  you.  Does  it  stand  to 
reason  that  any  man  could  stand  quietly  by  and  see  his 
wealth  carried  away  from  him  in  such  a  fashion  ? 

"So  frantic  were  my  struggles  that  I  almost  broke 
away  from  my  captors,  strong  as  they  were. 

"  But  the  door  was  closed,  more  keepers  were  sum- 
moned, and  I  was  finally  overpowered,  for  my  tremendous 
efforts  greatly  exhausted  me. 

"  You  will  bo  surprised,  perhaps,  but,  gentlemen,  I  can 
assure  you  I  burst  into  tears. 

"  Five  hundred  pounds  is  a  very  serious  losg  to  me, 
especially  at  the  present  time,  when  many  of  my  most 
important  ventures  have  turned  out  unfortunately. 

"  '  There — there,  he  will  ba  better  now,  poor  man,'  said 
the  doctor.  'Carry  him  to  one  of  the  dark  cells,  and  be 
sure  you  are  sparing  with  his  diet.  I  will  send  the 
barber  to  him  before  long.' 

"These  words  aoted  upon  me  like  the  contact  of  Oe 
with  gunpowder. 

"All  my  angry  passions  broke  out  afresh. 

"Another  furious  struggle  commenced. 

"  '  I  see — I  see,'  the  doctor  ejaculated,  '  leniency  will 
not  do  in  this  case — compassionatcness  is  thrown  away 
altogetherl  Drag  him  away ;  clap  a  strait  waistcoat  on 
him,  and  let  him  remain  for  twelve  hours  in  the  dark.' 

"  In  spite  of  all  my  efforts  to  prevent  it,  this  barbarous 
purpose  was  carried  into  effect. 

"I  was  confined  in  that  atrocious  instrument  of  torture 
called  a  strait  waistcoat,  and  in  this  helpless  condition 
was  carried  through  several  passages  and  down  various 
flights  of  stone  steps. 

"  A  door  was  opened,  and  I  was  roughly  thrust  into  a 
kind  of  cellar  that  smelt  for  all  the  world  like  a  grave. 

rl  The  door  was  closed  again,  and  I  found  myself  sur- 
rounded by  the  deepest  darkness  you  can  sonceive — in 
fact,  I  never  knew  before  what  was  expressed  aud  meant 
by  the  word  darkness. 

"  There  I  was  allowed  to  remain,  as  I  suppose,  for  the 
time  specified.  I  had  no  means  of  noting  the  flight  c-t 
time. 

"No  sound  whatever  penetrated  to  that  darSr  sud 
gloomy  place 

"  How  I  passed  thosa  nours  I  can  scarcely  describe  to 
you ;  certainly  you  can  form  no  conception  of  them  your- 
selves. I  wept,  prayed,  raged  all  by  turns  until  con»» 
pelled  to  cease  from  sheer  exhaustion. 

"  I  now  fully  comprehended  >by  what  a  clover  and 
v,  ell-planned  scheme  I  had  been  defrauded  of  my  goods. 

"Nothing  more  ingenious  I  had  ever  heard  of. 

•*  What  pu?.sled  rao  most  was  to  know  whether  the 


people   at  this  asylum    were    in    league  with  tne  ad 
i  venturess. 

"  Such  a  thing  was  far  from  improbable  ;  but  then,  01 
the  other  hand,  I  could  see  how  very  easy  it  would  b« 
for  her  to  impose  upon  and  make  dupes  of  them. 

"  My  property  was  gone — of  that  thero  was  no  doubt— 
and  1  endeavoured,  with  what  philosophy  I  c«uld  com- 
mand, to  reconcile  myself  to  my  loss.  This  I  found  » 
difficult  and  almost  impossible  task. 

''  I  was  determined  that  I  would  in  tho  morning  bo  as 
calm  and  quint  as  it  was  possible  for  any  human  being  to 
be,  for  I  could  see  that  was  the  only  chance  I  should 
have  of  regaining  ray  freedom — unless,  indeed,  it  was  all 
a  planned  job  to  keep  me  there. 

"I  suffered  a  fever  of  apprehension  on  account  of  my 
wife,  who  would,  I  knew,  be  tormenting  herself  to  death 
on  my  behalf. 

"  At  last  I  heard  the  welcome  sound  caused  by  the 
removal  of  the  fastenings  of  the  door. 

"  I  sat  quite  still. 

"  Several  keepers  entered. 

"  '  He's  quiet  enough  now,'  said  one,  in  a  low  tone. 
'  We'll  venture  to  take  the  waistcoat  off  him.  If  he's 
obstreperous  we  can  soon  master  him  again.' 

"  While  ho  spoke,  this  man  very  ostentatiously 
flourished  and  cracked  a  huge,  heavy  cart  whip. 

"A  sympathetic  shudder  thrilled  me. 

"  I  sat  as  still  as  a  statue  while  I  was  unbound. 


CHAPTER  MXXVI. 
OLjJCDE    dtjval    and    sixteen-stkinq    jack    continue 

THEIR   SEARCH  FOR  MAUD. 

The  interest  with  which  Claudo  Duval  and  Sixteen- 
String  Jack  listened  to  thi3  interesting  narrative  was  so 
great  that  they  manifested  great  impatience  while  the 
poor  man  paused  a  moment  or  so  for  breath. 

"  I  suffered  myself  to  be  led  to  an  upper  chamber,"  he 
continued,  "  and  when  there  I  was  told  to  sit  down  in  a 
chair  that  was  placed  near  the  centre  of  tho  floor- 
ing. 

"  I  obeyed. 

"  No  sooner  did  I  seat  myself,  however,  than,  wit) 
great  suddenness,  several  springs  started  forth  and  held 
me  fast. 

"  One  confined  me  across  the  chest,  another  clasped  my 
legs,  and  so  on,  while  two  others  held  my  head  in  such  a 
manner  that  I  could  not  move  it  in  any  direction  in  the 
least  degree. 

"  I  wondered  what  was  coming  next. 

"  I  was  not  kept  very  long  in  suspense. 

"  The  door  opened,  and  in  stalked  the  doctor,  who  was 
followed  by  another  individual  wearing  a  white  cap  and 
a  white  apron. 

"  I  guessed  their  purpose  at  once,  and  a  cold  sweat 
burst  out  all  over  me. 

"  But  I  was  as  powerless  as  I  should  have  been  had  I 
by  some  magical  power  been  suddenly  converted  into 
stone. 

'' '  How  is  the  patient  ?'  asked  the  doctor. 

'• '  Uncommon  quiet,'  answered  the  keeper. 

"  Tho  doctor  shook  his  head,  and  again  felt  my 
ptdse. 

"  Oh,  how  I  wiahed  that  one  limb  was  at  liberty.  What 
inteuse  delight  it  would  have  given  me  to  have  felled 
him  to  the  eairc! 

"But  there  I  was,  as  I  have  described  to  you,  unable  to 
move  a  muscle. 

" '  His  pulse  is  still  very  high,'  said  the  doctor,  with 
the  utmost  gravity,  '  and  therefore  we  may  safely  conclude 
that  this  present  unusual  oalmuess  of  demeanour  is  only 
assumed,  aud  that  immediately  upon  recovering  his 
liberty  he  would  resort  to  deeds  of  violence.  This  is  a 
very  severe  case,  and  I  shall  have  to  use  unremitting  care 
to  bring  about  a  cure.' 

'•  I  cannot  give  you  an  idea,  gentlemen,  of  how  much 
these  words  galled  me. 

"  My  indignation  was  something  I  cannot  describe,  and 
I  feel  proUy  sure  that  had  I  at  that  moment  beon  released 
from  my  fastenings  I  should  havo  perpetrated  some  rash 
act  or  other. 

"  But  I  was  not  allowed  the  opportunity. 

"  '  He  must  bo  reduced,'  said  the  doctor,  '  and  every 


THE   KNIGHT   OF   THE   ROAD. 


XJ8*as  tried  to  got  hiin  really  quiet.    First  of  all,  barber, 
we  will  cool  his  brain.' 
"  I  knew  very  well  what  this  meant. 
"  My  tongue,  which  I  had  contrived  to  keep  stDl  all 
this  time,  would  be  restrained  no  longer. 

"  I  broke  out  into  a  furious  burst  of  angry  invective — I 
reviled  the  doctor  and  his  associates — declared  what  I 
would  do  to  them  if  I  only  had  the  opportunity,  and 
repeatedly  averred  that  I  was  not  mad. 

"  All  listened  with  *  nitying  smile,  which  went  far  to 
increase  my  fury. 

"  However,  there  I  was,  more  helpless  even  ihan  a  new- 
born babe— they  could  do  with  my  person  jusi  whatever 
they  thought  fit. 

"Gentlemen,"  continued  the  unfortunate  tradesman, 
"  you  see  my  head — it  was  lately  covered  with  hair,  cf 
which  my  wife  was  so  fond  that  she  would  not  let  mo 
wear  a  peruke,  according  to  the  fashion  of  the  times. 
Well,  while  I  sat  there  in  that  abominable  chair,  one  of 
the  keepers,  with  some  huge  bright  scissors,  snipped  it  off 
close  to  my  head,  and  then  the  barber  finished  the  horrid 
work  with  his  razor ;  in  less  than  a  moment  my  head  was 
as  smooth  as  the  back  of  my  hand. 

"  I  was  so  grieved  over  my  loss  that  I  positively 
wept. 

"  Here  was  an  accumulation  of  one  misfortune  after 
mother. 

"  I  began  to  dread  that  the  upshot  of  all  this  would  be 
lhat  I  should  go  mad  in  reality. 

"  My  fury  again  became  ungovernable,  for  it  required 
a  greater  amount  of  self-command  than  I  possessed  to 
think  over  such  wrongs  as  mine  unmoved. 

'"  Ah,  well,' said  the  doctor,  who  had  been  watching 
me,  '  I  see  it  is  a  desperate  case,  and  we  may  as  well  do 
all  we  can  for  him  at  once ;  it  will  be  a  saving  of  time 
and  trouble  in  the  long  run.' 

"  While  he  spoke,  he  took  a  lancet  from  his  pocket. 
"  I  looked  at  the  little  glittering  instrument  with  the 
utmost  apprehension. 

"My  arms  were  tightly  bound  down  to  my  sides  by 
means  of  the  strait  waistcoat ;  but  I  discovered  that  there 
was  an  opening  left  in  this  by  which  my  arms  could  be 
punctured  without  being  removed  from  restraint 

"This  the  doctor  at  onco  proceeded  to  do.  The 
incision  was  made,  and  I  watched  the  outpour  cf  the 
blood  until  I  grew  sick,  faint,  and  giddy. 

"'That  will  do,'  I  heard  the  doctor  say  at  last,  though 
his  voice  seemed  to  me  to  sound  as  though  it  came  from 
miles  and  miles  off.  '  Release  him,  and  carry  him  back 
to  the  dark  room ;  you  will  find  him  tame  when  you  visit 
him  next  time.' 

"  He  was  right,  for  when  I  aroused  myself  from  the 
state  of  dreamy  torpor  into  which  the  loss  of  blood  had 
thrown  me  I  was  so  fearfully  weak  that  I  could  hardly 
raise  my  head  from  the  hard  mattress  on  which  I  had 
been  thrown. 

"  How  long  I  remained  thus  I  know  not,  for  in  that 
dismal  place  it  was,  as  I  have  told  you,  impossible  to  keep 
any  note  of  time — not  even  the  ordinary  distinction  of 
night  from  day  could  be  observed. 

"At  length  my  tormentors  made  their  appear- 
ance. 

"  One  carriod  a  small  basin]  containing  some  delected 
nutriment ;  this  was  placed  to  my  lips,  and  I  swallowed 
it  half  unconsciously. 

"  I  quickly  experienced  the  benefit  of  it. 
"  I  was  pronounced  to  be  by  no  means  so  dangerous  as 
I  was.     The  fellows  declared  that  the  mad  light,  as  they 
called  it,  had  gone  out  of  my  eyes. 
"  Then  afterwards  the  doctor  came. 
"  He,  too,  declared  me  better,  and  allowed  the  stcait 
waistcoat  to  be  removed,  asd  also  had  me  conveyed  to 
another  chamber. 

"  As  soon  as  1  was  left  alone  nere  I  began  to  give  my- 
self up  to  serious  thought. 

"  An  end  must  be  put  to  the  present  state  of  tnings  some- 
how— 1  felt  that  keenly;  if  net,  I  should,  beyond  all 
doubt,  eventually  become  quite  mad. 

"I  began  to  see  that  nothing  but  the  greatest  bypocrie? 
would  save  me. 

"  My  loss  I  now  began  to  bear  with  greater  patienoA 
"  It  was  severe  certainly,  but  then  it  was  not  irretriev- 
able. 

"My  anger  always  rose,  however,  when  my  thoughts 


dwelt  upon   the  villanous  woman  who  hod  eo  craelly 
duped,  robbed,  and  deceived  me. 

"  I  promised  myself  that  when  I  recovered  my  freedom 
no  effort  should  be  wanting  on  my  part  to  bring  about 
Ler  capture. 

"  I  fancied,  however,  that  if  I  humoured  the  doctor's 
notions,  and  no  longer  persisted  in  a  denial  of  what  he 
held  to  De  facts,  that  I  should  bo  set  at  liberty. 
"  Therefore  I  resolved  to  dissemble. 
"  The  next  time  the  doctor  saw  me,  I  looked  at  him 
without  any  of  that  fierceness  of  aspect  with  which  I 
had  hitherto  invariably  regarded  him. 
"  He  noticed  the  change  at  once. 
"'Ah!'  he  said,  rubbing  his  hands  brisldy,  'how  are 
we  now  ?' 

"  '  How  am  I  ?'  I  said,  passing  my  hand  over  my  fore- 
head. '  Has  there  been  anything  the  matter  with  me  ? 
I  have  been  trying  to  make  out  where  I  am  and  how  I 
came  here  until  my  brain  is  in  a  whirl.' 

"'Hush — hush!'  said  the  doctor.  'Becalm — pray  be 
calm !  In  good  time  you  will  know  all.  At  present  you 
cannot  keep  yourself  too  quiet.' 

"A  few  more  words  were  exchanged  between  us,  and 
then  the  doctor  left,  promising  to  send  mo  a  draught 
that  would  put  me  right,  and  assuring  me  that  after  I  had 
partaken  of  it  I  should  leave  for  my  own  home. 

"'Yes,'  I  said,  ' Bucklersbury,  No.  97.  Alas!  what 
will  not  my  wife  have  suffered  during  my  inexplicable 

absence  ?     That  villanous  wretch ' 

"  I  stopped  myself,  for  I  saw  the  doctor's  eye  was  upon 
me. 

"  I  had  forgotten  my  caution,  and  felt  ready  to  bite  the 
end  of  my  tongue  off. 

"  I  could  see  then  that  the  doctor  did  not  believe  in 
my  restoration  to  sanity — that  I  was,  with  the  cunning 
for  which  lunatics  are  celebrated,  deceiving  him  by  a 
false  calmness  in  order  to  regain  my  liberty. 

"  He  did  not  say  a  word  of  all  this,  but  quietly  backed 
out  of  the  room. 

"As  soon  as  he  was  gone,  I  sprang  to  my  feet,  for  I 
was  no  longer  under  any  species  of  personal  restraint, 
and  was  considered  to  be  so  far  better  as  to  have  a  light 
and  cheerful  apartment  allotted  to  me. 

"  I  felt  that  now  or  never  was  the  time  for  me  to  make 
my  escape ;  and  if  I  did  not  succeed,  there  was  no  knowing 
how  long  my  stay  in  that  place  might  be  protracted. 

"It  was  already  growing  dusk,  so  I  considered  all 
things  favourable  for  my  design. 
"  I  rushed  to  the  window. 
"  This  was  protected  by  iron  bars. 
"  Anxiety  and  excitement  lent  me  a  strength  such  as  I 
had  never  dreamt  of  possessing. 

"  One  bar  was  partially  removed  from  its  place,  and  I 
at  once  set  to  work  to  force  myself  through  the  narrow 
opening  thus  made. 

"  I  received  many  injuries  in  the  attempt,  but  I  perse- 
vered, for  I  considered  this  to  be  my  only  chance  of  suc- 
cess. 

"  My  hands  were  lacerated,  my  clothes  torn,  and  my 
flesh  terribly  bruised,  but,  heedless  of  these  minor  evils, 
I  persevered  with  my  task. 

"  At  last  I  got  through,  and  dropped  a  considerable 
distance  to  the  ground. 

"  Fortunately,  I  alighted  upon  some  soft  mould  in  a 
garden. 

"  I  was  stunned  by  the  fall,  but  soon  recovered  myself. 
"  I  found  that,  beyond  a  good  shaking,  I  had  not  sus- 
tained any  injury. 

"  Rushing  along,  I  made  my  way  to  the  boundary  wall 
which  I  have  before  mentioned. 

"  My  heart  now  sunk  within  me,  for  how  was  I  to  sur- 
mount such  an  obstacle  ? 

"  My  spirits  roriTed  again  directly  afterwards,  for  at 
some  little  distance  I  perceived  a  man  standing  on  a 
ladder  that  was  leaning  against  the  wall. 

"  I  crouched  down  to  observe  his  movements. 
"  I  was  not  long  before  I  found  that  he  was  engaged  in 
studding  the  top  of  the  wall  with  numberless  pieces  of 
broken  glass,  doubtless  with  a  view  to  prevent  such  an 
escape  as  I  was  now  contemplating. 

"  The  question  now  arose  of  how  I  was  to  pass  him  on 
the  ladder.  I  was  afraid  that  I  should  bo  hurled  to  the 
ground — that  an  alarm  would  be  raised  and  that  I  should 
bo  recaptured. 


1732 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OR, 


"  Luckily,  I  recollected  that  he  would  be  compelled  ere 
bng  to  descend  for  more  materials,  and  iust  as  I  thought 
of  it  he  began  ta  come  down. 

"  I  now  held  my  breath  with  anxious  aaticipatior,  for 
I  was  determined,   at  all  risks,  that  as  soon  as  his  fetit 
touched  the  ground   I  would  bound  forward,  ascend  the 
Udder,  and  drop  myself  from  the  opposite  side. 
"  The  man  reached  the  ground. 

"He  stooped  down  to  supply  himself  Vfi'ch  mCTO 
materials  for  his  work. 

"  With  a  sudden  dash  i  reached  the  foot  of  the  ladder, 
and  then  ascended  it  with  more  speed  than  I  felt  con- 
vinced a  ladder  had  ever  been  ascended  with  before. 

"  Ere  the  man  could  recover  himself  from  his  state  of 
surprise,  or  even  comprehond  what  had  takon  place,  I 
had  reached  the  top. 

41  He  bawlod  frantically  to  me  to  stop. 
"  But  I  disregarded  him,  for  just  th^n  I  had  fairly 
gained  the  wall. 

"  For  a  moment  I  sat  astride  it. 

"  I  seized  the  ladder  with  both  hands,  and  threw  it 
«lown. 

"  The  man  had  to  step  back  to  escape  injury,  and  I  felt 
".ertain  that  I  had  prevented  him  from  following  me  so 
speedily  as  he  would  have  done. 

"  But  a  general  alarm  had  now  been  raised. 
"My  escape  so  far  had  been  discovered,  and  they  were 
organising  a  pursuit. 

"  I  looked  down  on  the  outer  side  of  the  wall  with  a 
feeling  of  great  misgiving. 

"However,  I  could  not  hesitate,  having  succeeded  so 
far. 

"  I  lowered  myself  as  well  as  I  was  ablo  till  I  hung 
down  at  the  extreme  length  of  my  arms,  and  lot  go. 

"  I  reached  the  hard  road  with  great  force,  but  I  was 
on  my  feet  again  in  a  moment. 

"  I  knew  at  once  which  way  would  take  me  towards 
London,  so  I  ran  with  all  my  might ;  but  before  I  had 
gone  far  I  could  tell  that  the  doctor  and  his  crew  were  on 
my  track. 

"  This  circumstance,  so  far  from  causing  me  to  despair, 
only  made  me  double  my  speed,  and  when  I  found  thai  1 
was  actually  distancing  them  I  made/  increased  exer- 
tions. 

"  Now,  gentlemen,  I  have  done,  for  it  was  soon  after 
this  that  I  was  so  fortunate  as  to  meet  with  you.  And 
let  me  thank  you  for  having  patience  to  listen  to  so  long 
a  narrative." 

"  But  I  hear  nothing  of  your  pursuers,"  said  Claude 
Duval ;  "and  besides,  if  they  were  so  close  after  you  as 
you  describe,  they  must  have  reached  this  spot  ere 
now." 

"  They  must  have  abandoned  the  chase.  Perhaps  I 
have  distressed  myself  with  running  without  al»soluto 
occasion.    At  any  rate,  my  best  thanks  are  yours." 

"  You  are  welcome,"  said  Claude.  "  And,  what  is 
more,  should  we  encounter  any  of  your  pursuers,  we  will 
send  them  upon  a  wrong  track." 

"  Thanks  again  !  And  if  ever  you  call  at  97,  Bucklers- 
bury,  you  will  find  Simon  Pursall  will  make  you  wel- 
come." 

•»  It  is  the  most  extraordinary  narrative  I  ever  listened 
to,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack. 

"It  is  indeed,  gentlemen.  I  knew  you  would  say 
that." 

"  Farewell !"  cried  Claude.  "  We  have  stayed  here  too 
long  already,  for  we  have  much  important  business  to  at- 
tend to." 

They  rode  ©ff  as  ho  spoke,  scarcely  giving  the  man 
time  to  utter  the  word  farewell- 

"  What  do  you  thiuk  of  that  adventure,  Claude  ?*  asked 
8ixteen-String  Jack,  when  they  h&J  got  to  a  title  dis- 
i  ance. 

"Why,  that  it  was  about  the  oddest  we  haveevei  en- 
countered." 

"  So  I  thiuk ;  but  my  chief  concern  is  to  know  whether 
the  man  has  been  insane  or  not." 
"  What  is  your  opinion  ?" 

"  I  can  hardly  give  one.  It  mar '.»«  all  true  ;  aud  if  so, 
lie  has  been  badly  used,  though  at  the  same  time  the 
cheat  is  of  a  more  elaborate  description  thau  I  have 
ever  before  heard  of." 

"  There  is  n  certain  amount  of  probability  about  it,  i» 
there  not?" 


"  Yes,  there  is ;  but  then  I  have  often  hoard  that  mad 
people  are  very  cunning  sometimes  in  concocting  appar- 
ently coherent,  but  yet  extraordinary,  narratives,  such 
as  this  we  have  just  listened  to." 

"  We  may  speculate  upon  it  till  doomsday,  I  expect, 
without  coining  much  nearer  to  a  conclusion." 

"  Yes,  and  therefore  we  may  as  well  give  it  up  at  once 
and  turn  our  attention  to  the  business  we  have  in  hand." 
They  rode  on  for  some  distance  in  silence,  but  at  leDgtb 
Jack  said : 

"  We  are  getting  too  far  away,  Claude,  I  feel  convinced 
we  are.  Let  us  retrace  our  steps  and  start  off  upon  a 
fresh  track." 

"  With  all  my  heart." 

"  I  have  been  tryiug  to  think  what  would  br-corne  ol 
Maud." 

"  So  have  I." 
"  With  what  success  ?" 
"None.     Have  you?" 

"  I  have  not.  If  she  was  with  Jack  the  Ostler  under 
that  tree  when  it  was  struck  with  lightning,  I  cannot 
conceive  how  he  could  perish  and  she  escape." 

"  It  baffles  me  completely,  and  I  feel  like  one  gropiug 
in  the  dark." 

"  So  do  I,  and  therefore  I  consider  there  ia  but  ou<» 
course  open  to  us." 
"  And  what  is  that  ?" 

"  To  leave  all  to  chance.    We  have  nothing  better  to 
direct  us ;  and — who  knows  ? — we  may  by  mere  accident 
stumble  upon  the  right  track." 
"  It  is  possible." 

"  Come,  then,  we  will  get  a  little  nearer  to  the  blighted 
tree.  I  feel  certain  we  are  taking  the  wrong  course 
now." 

With  these  words  they  changed  the  direction  in  which 
,  they  were  going. 

Scarcely  had  they  turned  round,  however,  and  fairly 
got  their  horses  in  motion,  before  Sixteen-String  Jack 
perceived  in  advance  of  him  a  faint  and  distant  light. 

Immediately  upon  making  this  discovery  he  directed 
the  attention  of  his  companion  to  it  and  pulled  up. 

No  sooner  were  the  horses  at  a  standstill  than  Claude 
exclaimed : 

"  I  can  hear  wheels  now." 
"  So  can  I." 

All  doubt  about  the  character  of  the  light  wa3  now  at 
an  end. 

A  vehicle  could  be  hoard  approaching,  though  what 
puzzled  the  highwaymen  was  to  see  only  one  light,  as  it 
was  the  custom  for  carriages  of  almost  every  description 
to  carry  two. 

Our  friends  remained  in  the  middle  of  the  road  where 
they  had  paused,  undecided  what  to  do. 

"  Come,  Claude,"  said  Jack,  arousing  himself,  "  what 
is  to  be  done  ?  If  we  wait  here,  the  carriage  will  in  a  few 
moments  be  upon  us." 

"  I  think  we  had  better  not  interfere  with  it,  under  the 
circumstances,"  said  Claude,  though  he  manifestly  spoke 
with  great  reluctance.  "  Let  us  attend  first  of  all  to  the 
task  we  have  undertaken." 

"  Very  good,"  replied  Jack,  who  did  not  like  to  say  any- 
thing in  contravention  to  his  companion's  expressed  deci- 
sion. 

As  he  spoke  he  backed  his  horse  close  under  the  shadow 
of  the  hedgerow. 

"  Why  are  you  taking  up  that  posiKon  ?"  asked  Claude, 
in  suspense. 

"  Simply  in  order  that  the  carriage  may  pass  freely.  If 
you  place  yourself  by  my  side,  those  approaching  will  pass 
on  without  having  the  least  suspicion  that  we  are  on  the 
road  at  all." 

"  Which  may  be  important,"  said  Claude,  as  he  at  once 
bi  -y^8^  his  steed  close  to  his  friend's. 

\if  this  time  the  approaching  vehicle  was  very  close  at 
hand  indeed — so  close,  that  there  was  no  reason  to  fear 
that  their  patience  would  be  exhaustT"1  *\y  ntnch  waiting 


CHAPTER  MXXV1I. 

IN   WHICH    CLAUDE   DUVAL  HAS  QUITE  A  CHIVALBIC   AND 
PLEASANT  ADVENTURE. 

Not  anothor  syllable  was  spoken,  on  account  of   the  fear 
they  had  that  the  sound  of  their  voices  might  be  floated 


THE    KNIGHT   OF  THB  BOAD. 


17S3 


en  the  still  night  air  to  the  ears  of  those  who  were  so 
rapidly  nearing  them.  ,, 

As  may  be  expected,  the  highwaymen,  despite  their  re- 
resolution  not  to  attack  the  carriage,  kept  their  eyes  riveted 
upon  it,  for  they  could  not  help  experiencing  a  consider- 
able amount  of  curiosity  and  interest. 

They  were  soon  able  to  make  out  that  the  carriage 
was  a  closed  rt**>— something  after  the  tasnion  ot  a  post- 
chaise. 

But  it  looked  very  odd  to  see  a  lamp  burning  at  one 
side  of  it  and  not  at  the  other. 

The  horsos  that  were  attached  to  it  seemed  ot  good 
quality,  for  they  drew  it  along  at  a  tolerablo  rate. 

This  was  about  all  the  highwaymen  were  able  to  make 
out. 

In  another  moment,  with  a  sudden  rush,  the  vehicle 
swept  past. 

As  soon  as  the  rattle  of  the  vehicle  had  died  away  a 
little,  Claude  exclaimed : 

"  Hang  me,  Jack,  if  I  like  to  remain  idle  like  this,  and 
allow  a  carriage  to  go  by  in  that  fashion  !  Follow  me ! 
We  will  overtake  and  stop  it  at  all  hazards !" 

Sixteen-String  Jack  was  not  very  much  surprised  at 
this  sudden  change  of  his  eomrade's  determination. 

Without  a  single  word  of  dissent — for  the  proposal 
exactly  accorded  with  his  feelings— ho  followed  his 
friend. 

Their  weapons  they  knew  were  in  perfect  readi- 
ness. 

They  now  put  their  horses  to  the  utmost  speed  they 
were  capable  of  making,  and  the  manner  in  which  they 
flew  over  the  ground  was  something  extraordinary. 

As  the  pace  they  were  going  at  was  at  the  very  least 
double  to  that  made  by  the  vehicle  in  front,  it  follows 
that  they  overtook  it  in  a  very  short  time  indeed,  despite 
the  efforts  which  the  driver  made  upon  hearing  some  one 
powdering  after  him  at  such  a  rate. 

"Hold!"  cried  Sixteen-String  Jack,  who  happenea  to 
be  first — "hold,  I  say!  Pull  up  your  horses!  If  you 
disobey,  I  will  let  daylight  into  you  !" 

A  chorus  of  screams  came  from  the  interior  of  the 
vehicle  immediately  after  the  pronunciation  of  this 
threat. 

The  coachman,  like  a  prudent  man  who  placet  a  duo 
value  upon  his  life,  tightened  the  reins,  and  the  panting 
horses  very  gladly  came  to  a  standstill. 

Jack  turned  round  and  saw  that  Claude  had  made  the 
best  use  of  his  time. 

He  had  already  gained  the  door  of  the  carriage,  and 
was  looking  into  the  interior. 

Perceiving  this,  Sixteen-String  Jack  thought  he  could 
not  be  better  occupied  than  by  keeping  guard  over  the 
driver ;  he  resolved  to  remain  in  the  position  he  had  taken 
up,  and  leave  the  rest  to  his  companion. 

Leaving  Jack  to  this  piece  of  duty,  we  will  return  to 
the  proceedings  of  Claude. 

The  moment  he  rode  up  to  the  window  and  looked  in, 
he  beheld  a  sight  for  which  he  was  scarcely  prepared. 

The  carriage  contained  half  a  dozen  persons  ;  and  what 
was  surprising  was  that  they  were,  without  exception, 
young  girls  whose  ages  might  be  taken  at  an  average  of 
seventeen  or  eighteen  years. 

By  the  manner  in  which  they  were  attired  it  could  bo 
perceived  at  once  that  they  belonged  to  tho  upper  ranks 
of  society. 

They  were,  too,  all  beautiful,  so  that  Claude  was  for  a 
moment  quite  dazzled  and  overpowered  by  the  sight  of 
bo  much  loveliness. 

Our  friend's  appearance  was  greeted  by  a  succession  of 
faint  screams. 

The  loudest  Was  uttered  by  a  young  lady  who  held  in 
one  hand  a  lamp,  evidently  the  one  that  shouldjiave  been 
at  the  side  of  the  carriage. 

In  her  real  or  affected  consternation,  she  suffered  it  to 
slip  from  her  hand. 

It  would  have  fallen  to  the  floor  of  the  carriage  but 
for  the  quickness  with  which  Claude  put  oui  his  hand 
and  caught  it. 

This  he  was  able  to  do  easily,  for  .mmediately  upon 
finding  that  he  had  nothing  but  ladies  to  deal  with,  he 
bad  consigned  his  pistol  to  the  holster  of  his  saddle. 

The  manner  in  which  he  now  held  the  carriage  lamp 
was  such  as  to  allow  its  beams  not  only  to  fall  upon  the 
bevy  of  fair  Mies,  but  also  upon  himself,  for  he  could 


perceive  that,  despite  their  real  or  pretended  terror,  they 
were  stealing  glances  at  him,  and  Claude  was  rather  in- 
clined to  be  vain  of  his  personal  appearance. 

And,  indeed,  rarely  had  he  appeared  to  greater  advan- 
tage than  he  did  at  that  very  moment. 

His  countenance  was  one  which  even  his  detractors 
could  not  but  admit  was  a  most  pleasing  one,  and  his 
dark  moustache — then  quite  an  unusual  appendage  to  the 
face— gave  him  a  decidedly  foreign  and  distinguished  look. 
Then  his  eyes  were  remarkably  fine  and  bright,  and  as 
the  light  of  the  lamp  fell  upon  thorn  they  seemed  to 
glitter  almost  like  diamonds. 

Then  there  was  his  picturesque-looking  hat. 
His  n  •  less  picturesque-looking  costume,  for  his  bright 
scarlet  eoat  and  white  vest  gave  him  quite  a  military  ap- 
pearance. 

It  did  nit  require  much  penetration  to  discover  that 
his  exterior  had  made  a  very  favourable  impression  upon 
the  ladies. 

With  a  smile  which  was  really  charming,  and  which 
seemed  at  once  to  dissipate  any  apprehension  which  the 
ladies  may  have  experienced,  he  said,  with  a  graceful  in- 
clination of  the  head  and  many  gentle  accents  : 

"  Excuse  me,  fair  ladies,  for  my  seeming  rudeness,  but 
I  little  dreamt  this  road  would  be  enriched  with  so  much 
loveliness  to-night.    I  cannot  bow,  I  fear,  for  both  my 

hands  are  occupied,  and  yet " 

Even  as  he  spoke  he,  with  a  rapid  movement,  shifted 
the  lamp  from  his  right  hand  to  the  left,  in  which  he  held 
the  reins. 
He  found  it  was  able  to  do  this  double  duty  very  well. 
His  right  hand  was  now  at  liberty,  and  the  first  use  he 
made  of  it  was  to  remove  his  hat  and  make  a  very  deep 
and  respectful  bow. 

Now  it  is  not  a  very  easy  thing  to  bow  gracefully  on 
horseback,  but  Claude  managed  it  to  perfection. 

Then  with  a  slight  shake  of  his  head  he  caused  his 
dark  mass  of  hair  to  fall  into  a  profusion  of  natural 
curls. 

At  this  time  it  was  no  less  singular  to  see  a  gentleman 
wearing  a  moustache  than  it  was  to  seo  him  with  his  own 
hair,  for  barbarous  fashion  dictated  that  nothing  but  wigs 
should  be  worn. 

The  effect  produced  upon  all  the  ladies  by  this  was 
greater  than  before. 

One  was  so  overcome  by  it  that  she  actually  uttered  a 
sigh,  which  had  the  effect  of  bringing  Claude's  eyes  full 
upon  her,  and  which,  of  course,  threw  her  into  a  great 
deal  of  confusion. 

A  rather  awkward  pause  now  ensued. 
It  was  broken  by  the  young  lady  who   had   held  the 
lamp,  and  who  appeared  to  be  of  a  more  sprightly  dis- 
position than  the  rest. 

The  manner  in  which  she  glancod  at  Claude  while  she 
spoke  clearly  showed  that  our  adventurer  had  made  quito 
the  reverse  of  a  disagreeable  impression  upon  her. 

"  Perhaps,  sir,"  she  said,  with  a  saucy  toss  of  the  head 
and  an  air  of  assumed  indifference,  "  you  would  bo  kind 
enough  to  let  us  know  why  you  have  interrupted  our 
journey  in  this  threatening  manner  ?" 

"Ladies," said  Claude,  resuming  his  hat  and  placing 
his  hand  upon  his  heart,  "  I  beg  you  will  not  prove  your- 
self so  unkind  as  to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  my  supplicating 
apologies.  I  do  indeed  most  heartily  regret  that  I  should 
have  disturbed  your  journey ;  but  can  you  wonder  if  I 
confess  that  now  I  feel  rejoiced,  for  never  before  have  my 
eyes  rested  upon  such  an  effulgence  of  loveliness." 

This  speech  was  very  favourably  received  by  the  ladies 
to  wliom  it  was  addressed,  and  from  whose  features  all 
appearance  of  fear  had  completely  faded  away. 

"It  6eems  very  6trange,"  6aid  the  one  who  had  first 
spoken,  "  that  you  should  stop  us  thus.  May  we  inquire 
your  motive  for  doing  so  ?" 

"Ahem I"  said  Claude.  "I— I— am  ft  wandering 
knight." 

"  A  wandering  knight  ?"  echoed  all  the  iWlies  in  chorus, 
and  with  a  manifest  accession  of  interest. 
"Yes."  • 

"Oh,  how  delightful!"  said  the  one  who  had  first 
spoken,  and  who  appeared  to  be  the  youngest  of  the 
party.  "  Why,  do  you  know,  1  have  been  reading  the 
most  charming  book.  Here  it  is :  •  Rosalba,  or  the  Wan  - 
dering  Knight.'  Put  then,  it  can't  be  you— your  nam* 
is  not  Rosalba?" 


1734 


BLACK    BESS;    Oft, 


"  It  is  not,"  said  Olaude ;  "  but  yet  I  am  a  wandering 
knight,  as  I  informed  you." 

By  this  time  our  friend  had  discovered  that  he  had 
chanced  to  fall  in  with  some  very  romantically-inclined 
young  ladies,  and  he  made  a  mental  determination  to 
bring  the  adventure  to  a  pleasant  termination. 

The  reason  of  the  lamp  b«;ng  carried  inside  the  car- 
riage was  now  apparent. 

The  young  ladies  had  beguiled  the  tedium  of  their 
journey  by  reading  aloud  one  of  those  old  romfiucro  of 
chivalry  which  were  at  that  period  so  much  in  favour. 

"  Eeally  a  wandering  knight  ?"  pursued  the  lady,  in 
accents  of  incredulity. 

"Indeed  and  in  truth.'1  i 

"And  in  search  of  adventures?" 

"  Yes,  though  when  I  set  out  to-night  I  little  thought 
that  I  was  about  to  experience  so  much  happiness,  or,  as 
I  said  before,  that  my  eyes  would  be  gladdened  by  such 
a  galaxy  of  beauty." 

The  ladies  fluttered  their  dressea  and  looked  at  each 
other,  but  they  were  so  overcome  at  having  encountered, 
as  they  imagined,  one  of  their  favourite  heroes  of  romance, 
that  they  could  say  nothing. 

"  Ladies,"  said  Olaude,  after  the  silence  had  continued 
a  moment  or  so,  "  believe  me,  I  could  remain  thus  for 
ages  feasting  my  eyes  upon  your  beau-teous  features  ;  but 
you,  I  doubt  not,  are  all  anxious  to  resume  your  inter- 
rupted journey,  I  should  therefore  esteem  it  a  favour  if 
you  would  answer  me  one  question." 

The  ladies  were  at  once  filled  with  curiosity,  and  anx- 
iously assured  him  that  he  was  welcome  to  ask  a  hundred. 

"Then,  ladies,"  said  Claude,  with  an  air  of  affected 
embarrassment,  "  what  I  wish  to  know  is,  whether  your 
favourite  knight,  of  whom  you  have  been  reading " 

"  Rosalba  ?" 

"Yes.  Well,  I  want  to  know  whether  he  was 
poor?" 

" Poor  ?" 

"  Yes — whether  he  was  in  want  of  money,  or  whether 
he  possessed  an  ample  share  of  that  not-to-be-despised 
commodity?" 

The  ladies  shook  their  heads. 

"  Then  he  was  poor?" 

"  Oh,  very !" 

"  Then  I  resemble  your  knight  in  more  ways  than 
one  ?" 

"Are you  poor,  then?" they  asked,  with  compassionate 
earnestness. 

"  Oh,  very !" 

Their  looks  bespoke  their  regret 

"  I  am  even  now  pressingly  in  need  of  a  considerable 
sum  of  money;  and  if  you,  ladies,  could  help  me  to  it,  I 
should  never  fail  to  look  back  during  the  rest  of  my  life 
to  this  adventure  with  the  liveliest  sensations  of  gratitude 
and  joy." 

"Oh,  it's  impossible!"  said  the  young  lady  who  had 
been  reading  the  adventures  of  Rosalba.  "  We  have 
nothing  in  the  shape  of  money  with  us  except        " 

"  Ah,  there  is  an  exception." 

"Yes,  we  carry  with  us  what  all  true  knights  would 
regard  as  a  sacred  deposihm." 

"  Ahem !     May  I  ask  its  nature  ?" 

"  Oh,  certainly !    You  see  this  young  lady  here  ?n 

She  pointed  to  one  who  sat  nearly  opposite  to  her. 

Olaude  bowed. 

"  Well,  that  is  my  dear  friend,  Angela,  and  she  is  going 
to  be  married." 

"  Then,"  said  Claude,  "  I  take  the  present  opportunity 
of  wishing  her  eveiy  p"Qsible  happiness  which  she  cai- 
enjoy  in  that  state." 

The  confusion  which  Angela  now  witnessed  only  made 
her  look  more  charming  than  ever. 

She  thanked  Claude  for  his  good  wishas  wS£t»  > 
perfectly  intelligible  glance. 

"  And  the  deposition  t"  he  asKed. 

"  That  is  her  dower— her  marriage  portion." 

"  And  have  you  that  in  the  carriage  with  you  ?" 

"Yes,  in  three  b^gs,  each  one  containing  a  thousand 
pounds." 

Claude  looked  amazed. 

He  was  scarcely  prepared  for  the  exhibition  towards 
himself  of  such  an  amount  of  confidence. 

The  bride  elect  looked  as  though  sho  considered  her 
friend  somewhat  indiscreet. 


"  I  shou'd  think  that  is  rather  an  unsafe  way  01  carry- 
ing money." 

'  'But  who  is  to  know  of  it  ?" 

"  Why,  I  do  for  one." 

11  But  that  does  not  matter." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  that,"  answered  Claude,  with  a 
smile.  "  But  you  remember  what  T  told  you  about  my 
wants  ?" 

"  Oh  yes ;  but  now  we  have  explained  this  to  you  of 
course  you  will  not  think  of  touching  it." 

Claude  was  amused  at  the  confident  tone  in  which  the 
young  girl  spoke. 

"  My  wants  are  so  very  pressing,"  ho  said,  "  that——" 

He  was  regarded  with  surprise  and  suspicion. 

"Really,"  he  continued,  "if  yeu  only  knew  now  many 
misfortunes  I  have  experienced  lately  you  would  not  be 
surprised  at  my  importunacy.  If  there  was  time  I  would 
relate  them  to  you  at  full ;  as  it  is,  I  must  leave  them  to 
your  imagination.  Such  a  sum  as  you  mention  as  having 
with  you  would  relieve  me  of  the  whole  of  my  troubles ; 
and  as  for  the  bridegroom,  surely  he  would  be  content  to 
be  united  to  so  much  personal  beauty  without  wishing 
for  the  riches." 

The  words,  and,  above  all,  the  manner  in  which  they 
were  spoken,  awoke  the  girls  from  the  illusion  in  which 
they  had  indulged. 

They  began  to  see  their  incaution  in  its  proper  light, 
and  felt  that  the  wedding  portion  was  already  as  good  as 
lost. 

"I — I — am  afraid,"  said  the  girl  who  had  been  read- 
ing, "  that  you  have  been  deceiving  us." 

"  I  have  not  indeed." 

"You  cannot  be  a  knight— I  begin  to  fear  that " 

"  Nay — nay,  be  under  no  apprehension  ;  I  would  not 
injure  you  for  the  world." 

"  I  mean  I  begin  to  believe  that  so  far  from  being  a 
knight,  you — you  are  only — — " 

"Only  what?" 

"  A  high " 

"  Wayman  ?" 

"Yes!" 

"Surely  you  would  not  call  me  by  so  harsh  ft 
name?" 

"  That  depends  upon  your  demeanour,  sir." 

"  Then  I'm  afraid  you  will  have  to  think  harshly  of  me. 
If  I  was  not  so  much  pressed  I  would  allow  you  to  pass 
free,  but  as  it  is- " 

They  were  all  pale  now  and  trembling. 

"  I  regret  to  say  that  I  must  have  the  dower  ;  and  yoa 
will  always  be  able  to  have  the  satisfaction  of  reflecting 
that  it  will  bo  of  infinitely  more  service  to  me  than  it 
could  possibly  be  to  the  intended  bridegroom." 

"  Nay,  nay — do  not  be  so  cruel !" 

"  The  cruelty  is  on  your  side,  fair  ladies,  to  deny  me 
thus." 

"  Must  you  have  it  ?" 

"  I  must." 

The  bride  elect  burst  out  into  a  passion  of  tears. 

She  sobbed  as  though  her  heart  would  break. 

"  Must  you  have  all  ?"  the  other  asked  again. 

Claude's  heart  was  touched  by  the  distress  he 
witnessed — so  much  so  that  his  heart  seemed  in  danger 
of  melting  altogether,  for  he  was  one  that  could  not  bear 
to  contemplate  the  spectacle  of  a  fair  and  lovely  being  in 
tears,  and  know  himself  to  be  the  cause. 

"  I  will  not  take  all,"  he  said  after  a  momentary  pauso ; 
"  and  do  not  any  longer  accuse  me  of  harshness  or 
cruelty." 

"  How  much  do  yon  ciomand,  then  ?" 

"  One-third  only  of   the   whole  amount.     Surely  you 
j  will  consider  that  proposition  a  reasonable    one.      My 
'  urgent  nwds  will  be  temporarily  supplied,  aud  the  bride 
will  suffer  no  great  Joss  of  fortune." 

Every  occupant  of  the  carriage  was  by  this  time  half 
fainting  with  terror, 

The  bride  half  dried  her  tears. 

Then,  stooping  down,  she  pulled  from  beneath  the  seat 
a  smali  Palise. 

So  great  was  her  agitation  that  she  could  scarcely 
insert  the  key  into  the  lock. 

At  length  she  succeeded,  and  produced  a  bag,  whioh 
w  as  evidently  very  weighty. 

It  was  handed  to  Claude,  who  lowered  his  oyes  when 
he  received  it,  for  he  could  tell  that  all  the  ladies  wera 


TUB  KNIGUT  OP  THE  ROAD. 


1233 


gazing  r.*,>en  hftn  with,  very  different  looks  to  those  with 
which  a  short  time  before  they  had  regarded  him. 
The  bride's  distress  now  much  increased. 
"  Shall  you  really  take  it  ?"  said  the  young  lady  who 
had  carried  on  most  of  the  conveisation. 
"  I  cannot  leave  it.    What  am  I  to  do  ?" 
As  he  spoke,   Claude  placed  the  heavy  U_rf  into  his 
pocket,  though  his  conscience  smote  him  heavily  as  he 
did  so. 
The  whole  party  was  now  in  tears. 
Claude  half  turned  away. 
But  his  heart  failed  him.    . 
Looking  once  more  into  the  carriage,  he  Ksid  : 
"  Believe  me,  ladies,  I  cannot  depart  astf  esxtg  away 
with  me  the  knowledge  that  I  am  leaving  eo  sji3ta  acute 
distress  behind  me — I  cannot — indeed,  I  cannot,  so  I  fear 
that,  despite  all  the  inconveniences  to  whicia  I  shall 
inevitably  be  exposed,   I  must  leave  this  wealth  behind 
me." 

"  Nay — nay,"  said  the  bride,  speaking  only  by  a  very 
great  effort.     "  Take  it,  sir — take  it,  and  depart, !" 

"  I  cannot,"  said  Claude.  "  And  yet  J  cannot  bring 
myself  to  depart  altogether  empty-handed.  Ladies,  I 
will  tell  you  what  I  will  do.  Listen  to  my  proposi- 
tion." 
The  utmost  curiosity  was  manifested. 
"This  wealth,"  said  Claude,  producing  the  bag,  "can 
be  recovered — that  is,  if  you  are  willing  to  pay  ransom 
for  it." 

"Ransom?" 
"Yes." 

"  But  what  ransom  can  we  pay  ?" 
"  One  that  I  hope  will  not  cost  you  so  much  reluctance 
and  grief  as  this.    What  say  you — do  you  consent  ?" 

"  That  depends  upon  the  nature  of  the  ransom.  What 
is  it?" 

Claude  smiled  a  roguish  smile,  and  said  : 
"  That  each  of  you  fair  ladies  will  come  one  by  one 
and  press  your  sweet  and  charming  lips  to  mine.     If  that 
is  done,  you  are  welcome  to  your  gold,  for  I  should  prize 
such  a  favour  above  a  dukedom." 

This  audacious  proposal  was  received  with  six  .separate 
and  distinct  screams  of  dismay. 

"  Are  you  iu  earnest  ?"  said  the  lady  who  had  held  the 
lamp. 

"I  assure  you  I  am." 

"Then  you  are  a  most  audacious  wretch !" 
"Just  so." 
"  And  very  ugly." 

"  That  is  why  I  admire  your  beauty  so  much." 
"  But  really,  in  order  to  get  rid  of  such  a  disagreeable 
monster  one  ought  to  be  prepared  to  do  disagreeable 
things,  so  I  will  set  an  example  to  the  rest.  I  feel  that 
I  am  most  to  blame  for  making  you  acquainted  with  the 
fact  of  the  money  being  with  us,  and  that  I  ought  to  pay 
the  penalty.  Take  off  your  hat,  sir,  and  as  I  contributed 
tc»  place  that  money  in  your  possession,  I  will  do  my  beat 
to  recover  it." 

With  these  words,  she  rose  and  shook  her  curls  care- 
lessly and  yet  saucily  from  her  brow. 

Claude,  with  a  throbbing  heart,  removed  his  hat. 
His  veins  tingled  with  anticipated  pleasure. 
The   young  girl   drew    back  once  or  twice  without 
having  the  courage  to  carry  out  her  intention. 

Her  colour  rose  to  her  very  temples,  for  she  could  ob- 
Berve  what  glances  of  intense  admiration  Claude  bent 
upon  her. 

Suddenly  she  bent  forward  and  just  touched  the  high 
wayman'3  lips  with  hers. 

So  quickly  and  so  lightly  was  the  act  performed,  tha  a 
bystander  might  weli  u»7»  been  ii  some  doubt  vrbet'  er 
the  salute  was  given  or  not 

But  in  spite  of  its  transiency,  Claudo  waa  in  ao  doabt 
upon  the  subject. 

The  light,  scarcely-perceptible  pressure  ol  her  lips  upon 
his  own  thrilled  through  every  n^rve  and  fibr&  of  his 
body  like  an  electric  shock,  only  tho  feeling  wa»  one  of 
the  most  intense  and  intoxicating  pleasure  that  can  by 
any  possibility  be  conceived. 

Claude  was  confused — overpowered. 
He  was  recalled  to  himself  Uy  hearing  her  say : 
"There,  sir,  your  claim  rs  jaid.     Now,  then,"  she    on- 
kinued,  "  follow  my  example,  and  then  w i  shall  the  soi  ner 
bo  rid  ot  him." 


But  the  manner  in  which  she  spoke  clearly  showed 
that  she  was  by  no  means  so  displeased  with  OC&ude  as 
her  words  would  have  led  anyone  to  imagine. 

The  bride  elect  was  the  next  who  paid  her  share  of  the 
ransom,  and  the  others,  after  many  pretty  delays,  fol- 
lowed. 

The  last  kiss  was  given,  but  none  impressed  Claudo 
like  the  first. 

"  Here  is  the  prize.'-  he  said,  as  fee  surrendered  the  bag 
of  gold.  "  Take  it ;  and  my  forvent  wishes  will  always 
be  for  your  happiness  and  welfare  1     Farewell !" 

"Stay,"  said  the  young  girl.  "You  have  forgotten 
the  lamp." 

Claude  in  his  excitement  had  forgotten  it. 

He  gave  it  oack  with  a  smile,  and  as  he  did  so  his 
fingers  came  in  contact  with  hers. 

He  would  have  given  much  to  have  pressed  it  in  his 
own. 

"Once  more,  ladies,"  he  said,  "farewell!  I  trust  you 
will  perform  tho  remainder  of  your  journey  unmo- 
lested." 

"  We  have  very  little  further  to  go." 

Claude  onco  snore  raised  his  hat  and  bowed. 

"  Stay  !"  said  the  young  girl  again. 

He  stopped  at  once. 

"  Now  and  ever,"  he  exclaimed,  fervently,  "  I  am  at 
your  commands." 

"You  will  not  leave  us  until  we  know  who  you 
are?" 

"  A  wandering  knight." 

"Yes,  I  know — you  said  that!"  she  answered,  half  im- 
patiently.    "  What  I  want  to  hear  is  your  name." 

"  It— it  is " 

"  Yes,  yes.     What  ?" 

"Claude  Duval!" 

The  announcement  was  received  with  the  utmo3i  ~d- 
tonishment  conceivable. 

But  Claudo  would  not  linger  now 

"Come,  Jack,"  he  cried,  "away — away!" 

He  galloped  off  as  he  spoke,  leaving  his  comrade  to 
follow  him. 

They  did  not  pull  up  until  tho  next  hill  was  reached 

"  Well,  Claude,  what  luck  ?" 

"  Eh  ?"  said  Claude,  with  a  start,  for  his  thoughts  were 
so  busily  engaged  that  he  had  not  heard  his  compauion'p 
question. 

"  What  luck,  I  say  ?" 

"  None,  if  you  mean  booty/' 

"How  !  did  not  I  hear  something  about  three  thousand 
pounds  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  Let  me  know." 

Claude  related  the  adventure. 

"And  you  actually  had  a  thousand  pounds  in  your 
hands  ?"  asked  Jack. 
"  I  believe  so." 
"  And  you  gave  it  back  ?" 

"I  did.  I  could  not  find  it  in  my  heart  to  keep 
it." 

"  Ah,  Claude,  my  friend,  it  is  all  very  fine  for  you  to 
say  that,  but  it  seems  to  mo  pretty  clear  that  my  turn 
ought  to  come  next,  for  you  had  decidedly  tho  best  of 
that  adventure." 


CHAPTER  MXXVIII. 

TOM  KING  HEARS  UNEXPECTED  TIDINGS  OF  MAUD,  AND 
SUCCEEDS  IN  EFFECTING  AN  ENTRANCE  INTO  TUB 
JOLLY  TAR  INN. 

Leaving  Sixteen-Striug  Jack  and  Claude  Duval  for 
awhile,  we  now  revert  to  the  proceedings  of  Tom  King, 
whose  adventures  on  this  particular  uight  will  be  found 
to  possess  no  ordinary  amount  of  interest. 

The  route  which  he  took  was  exactly  that  which  Maud 
had  followed. 

Of  this  he  was  ignorant,  thougn  he  knew  he  was  making 
his  way  towards  the  Jolly  Tar  Inn,  so  that  he  was  par- 
ticularly careful  in  all  his  movements. 

As  ho  thus  slowly  rode  down  the  lane,  looking  keenly 
in  every  direction,  he  fancied  he  saw  somo  glittering  ob- 
ject lyilg  upon  the  ground.    . 

It  caught  his  eye  only  for  a  moment. 

Ho  stopped,  however,  and  proceeded  to  searvfc  ;aor* 
cl:ssly. 


iW6 


BLACK   BSSB;    OB 


The  result  was  that  he  found,  close  to  the  edge  of  the 
ditch,  a  bracelet,  which  he  recognised  in  a  moment  as 
having  belonged  to  Maud, 

Here,  then,  was  something  like  proof  r-aait;7e  that  be 
had  got  upon  the  right  track. 

He  remained  gazing  upon  the  jewel  for  some  moments 
in  deep  thought. 

Ho  was  more  than  half  inclined  to  rida  back  after  his 
comrades,  and  make  them  acquainted  WJ'.h  hi3  dis- 
covery. 

Eventually,  nowever,  he  decided  to  do  aothing  of  the 
kind. 

Much  time  would  have  been  occupied  by  the  adoptioc 
of  this  course,  and  then  it  was  questionable  whether  the 
search  could  be  so  successfully  conducted  as  it  could  be  if 
he  was  left  to  his  own  resources. 

This  decided  him,  and,  once  more  mountiug  his  horse, 
he  rode  with  still  greater  slowness  and  caution  down  the 
lane. 

On  one  side  of  him  there  was  quite  a  tall  hedge,  and 
just  as  he  was  passing  by  Tom  was  greatly  startled  to 
hear  a  strange  voice  pronounce  the  words  : 

"  Good  night!" 

Tom  King  returned  the  salutation,  and  at  once  pulled 
up  his  horse,  greatly  wondering  who  it  could  bo  that  had 
thus  addressed  him,  and   what  was  the  object  for  doing 

BO. 

Some  of  the  twigs  of  the  hedge  were  then  parted. 

It  was  not  so  dark  but  that  Tom  could  see  through  the 
leaves  the  head  and  face  of  an  elderly  gentleman,  whose 
countenance  was  certainly  expressive  of  good  temper  and 
benevolence. 

"  I  think,  my  friend,"  he  said,  addressing  Tom,  "  I 
iiw  you  pick  up  something  in  the  lane  a  few  minutes 
ago?" 

"  It  is  quite  possible  you  might,  sir." 

"  May  I  ask  what  it  was  ?" 

"  Certainly,  if  you  can  show  me  any  good  reason  y.  -*y 
1  should  tell  you." 

"  Well,  then,  it  is  just  in  this  way.  I  happen  to  be 
Lord  of  the  Manor  here,  and  I  always  consider  I  have  the 
best  claim  to  anything  that  maybe  found  hereabouts." 

"  In  a  great  way,  my  lord,  perhaps  yeu  have,  but  you 
certainly  have  not  in  the  present  instance." 

"  Indeed-^why  not  ?" 

"  Because  what  I  have  found  happens  to  belong  to 
some  one  with  whom  I  am  well  acquainted,  and  of  whom 
I  happen  to  be  in  search." 

"  In  search  ?"  echoed  the  old  gentleman.  "  Are  you  a 
police  officer,  then  ?" 

"  I  am  not." 

"  I  thought  you  did  not  look  like  one  ;  but  come,  tell 
me  who  this  is  of  whom  you  are  in  quest ;  perhaps  I  may 
be  able  to  afford  you  some  information,  for  in  default  of 
having  something  else  to  do  I  occupy  myself  in  walking 
over  my  property  and  making  myself  acquainted  with  all 
that  occurs." 

Upon  hearing  this  statement,  Tom  King  immcJiately 
became  deeply  interested. 

It  flashed  upon  him  that  chance  might  so  far  have 
favoured  hkn  as  to  bring  him  face  to  face  with  the  very 
man  who  would  be  able  to  furnish  the  information  he  so 
much  required. 

"Without  the  slightest  hesitation  then,  he  gave  a  full 
description  of  Maud's  personal  appearance,  stating  that 
she  was  a  dear  friend  of  his,  and  that  he  was  most 
anxious  to  discover  her. 

"Have  you  seen  anyone  answering  to  this  description," 
was  Tom  King's  earnest  inquiry,  as  soon  as  he  had 
finished,  "  or  have  you  heard  anything  ?' 

"  I  have  not." 

Tom  was  deeply  disappointed  at  tiii3  replr,  for  he  had 
suffered  his  hopes  to  carry  him  away. 

"  Can  you  tell  me  wnither  this  lane  leads  T*  1-3  asked, 
at  length. 

"Yes,  on  to  the  ijondon  Road." 

"  And  are  there  any  intermediate  places  where  you 
think  she  might  be  likely  to  stay  ?"  asked  Tom. 

"  Only  two  inns :  one  a  long  way  off— lust  at  the 
lunction  of  the  London  Koad,  in  fact— the  other  is  not  so 
iar  away,  being  just  beyond  the  boundary  of  my  estate." 

Tom  knew  this  perfectly  well. 

41  As  for  the  last,"  continued  the  old  pentleman,  "  I 
hare  heard  that  it  is  a  fearful  place,  though  no  suspicion 


has  existed  until  recently.  I  believe,  however,  it  is  o»« 
of  those  murder  dens  of  which  it  is  to  be  feared  then 
are  many  throughout  the  land.  If  the  young  person  738 
seek  has  sought  shelter  there,  I  fear  her  fate  would  be  a 
sad  one." 

"  The  place  is  now  in  the  occupation  of  police  officers, 
is  it  not  ?" 

"  It  is." 

"  Alas !"  said  Tom,  with  a  sigh,  "  I  fear  I  have  a  diffi- 
cult task  before  ma  Many  thanks  for  the  information 
you  have  been  able  to  afford.  Good-night,  for  time  ia 
precious,  ard  I  cannot  linger." 

The  salute  waa  returned,  and  Tom  King  resumed  his 
progress  down  the  lane. 

His  mind  was  now  filled  with  many  anxieus  thoughts. 

That  Maud  had  made  her  way  down  that  very  laue 
there  could  be  little  or  no  room  to  doubt. 

The  question  was,  what  had  become  of  her? 

"Beyond  all  doubt,"  he  said,  "she  was  beneath  that 
tree  with  Jack  the  Ostler.  They  would  foolishly  seek 
its  dangerous  shelter  to  escape  the  rain.  Yes — yes,  that, 
must  oe  so.  Then  when  the  awful  catastrophe  happened 
she  would  fly  in  horror.  The  rain  and  the  storm  would 
have  no  terror  for  her  then." 

As  the  reader  is  aware,  Tom  King  came  vefy  closely 
indeed  to  the  truth  in  these  conjectures. 

"  Then,"  he  resumed,  "  so  great  would  be  her  alarm 
that  she  would  run  on  at  so  violent  a  rate  as  rapidly  to 
exhaust  herself  altogether.  She  would  again  look  out 
for  shelter,  and  if  she  happened  to  see  this  Jolly  Tar,  she 
would  bo  likely  to  enter  there  and  remain  until  the  storm 
was  over." 

Still  Tom  felt  that  these  were  only  conjectures,  and  it 
was  quite  possible  that  Maud  had  acted  in  entirely  a  dif- 

Jferent  manner. 
He  was  only  judging  by  what  he  himself  would  have 
done  under  similar  circumstances. 

"If  she  entered  there,"  he  muttered,  "  I  fear  it  is  no 
use  looking  for  ber  any  further.  She  could  scarcely 
escape  the  double  danger.  Still  it  would  be  satisfactory 
to  ascertain  her  fate  ;  and  better  me  execute  the  task  than 
Dick  for  he  would  be  carried  away  too  much  by  his  feel- 
ings the  entemrise  would  be  doubly  dangerous  to 
hiw." 

'Ji'om  was  right  enough  here. 

"  1  am  afraid,"  he  murmured,  "that  the  police  officers 
wc«ai3  arrive  during  her  stay  here.  They  could  not  fail 
to  recognise  her  in  a  moment,  and  they  would  make  her  a 
prisoner,  tor  she  would  not  be  able  to  do  anything  in  her 
own  defence.  If  so,  they  have  had  time  enough  to  take 
her  to  London  and  lodge  her  in  Newgate  before  now." 

Tom  was  6ilent,  but  his  mind  was  busily  engaged  in 
wondering  by  what  means  he  could  free  himself  from 
these  suppositions — how  he  was  to  make  certain  whether 
they  were  right  or  wrong. 

"  There  is  only  one  course  to  pursue  that  I  can  think 
of,"  he  said,  at  length,  "and  that  is  to  go  direct  to  the 
Jolly  Tar  Inn.  There  is  danger  in  the  adoption  of  such 
a  course,  but  then  I  would  gladly  run  ten  times  as  much 
risk  for  her  or  Dick.  Yes — yes,  if  she  has  visited  the 
Jolly  Tar  I  will  take  care  to  learn  all  about  it." 

When  Tom  had  come  to  this  decision  his  miad  grew 
quite  easy. 

Many,  however,  would  have  wondered  by  what  earthly 
means  he  was  about  to  put  his  design  into  execution. 

It  seemed  like  a  man  running  into  the  lion's  mouth. 

Our  gallant  friend,  however,  did  not  allow  this  portion 
of  the  affair  to  disturb  him  much. 

His  arrangements  were  soon  made. 

He  rode  on  until  he  came  to  within  quite  a  short  dis- 
tance of  the  place  he  wished  to  reach. 

Then  dismounting,  he  secured  his  horse  to  the  branch 
of  a  tree  that  grew  at  some  little  distance  from  the  road- 
side. 

This  much  accomplished,  lie  bestowed  a  careful 
examination  upon  his  weapons. 

Finding  them  all  in  periect  order,  he  crept  forward 
cautiously  on  foot 

He  made  his  way  first  of  all  towards  tho  back  part  of 
the  inn,  for  he  believed  that  he  stood  a  much  better 
chance  of  gaining  the  rear  of  the  premises  unperoeived 
by  his  foes. 

Getting  nearer,  he  found  that  all  the  windovo  at  tat 
back  were  plunged  in  profound  darkness. 


the  knight  of  the  road. 


173? 


[TOM  KING  WATCHES  THE  MOVEMENTS   OP  THE   POLICE   OFFICERS.] 


Indeed  so  dark  and  so  silent  seemed  the  place,  that 
he  began  to  think  that  the  police  officers  had  deserted 
it  altogether. 

«,  i^ft  yiew  °f  ascertaining  this,  he  crept  round  with 
redoubled  caution  to  the  front. 

Here    however,   from  one   of  the   windows   on  the 
ground  floor  he  discovered  a  faint  light  gleaming 
doubt8  WaS  "         tHe  officers  were  matching,  beyond  all 

Tom  would  have  given  much  to  know  how  many  were 
engaged  upon  this  important  service,  and  what  they 
wei£  about  at  that  precise  moment  of  time. 

This  seemed  to  be  impossible  to  ascertain 

Accordingly,  he  retraced  his  steps  to  the  b'ack. 

Ine  yard  was  reached  without  difficulty 

Drawing  nearer  to  the  house,  he  began' to  look  about 
mm  very  closely  in  order  to  discover  some  means  by 
Which  he  could  effect  an  entrance 

No.  218.— Black  Bess, 


I      So  fur  as  ho  could  tell,  every  precaution  had  been 
I       Sf"  to  ,usten  b°th  doors  and  windows. 

This  was  no  more  than  he  expected. 

Still  he  kept  perseveringly  to  his  task. 

He  was  rewarded  by  discovering  a  window  which 
seemed  to  promise  to  answer  his  purpose. 

It  was  a  small  latticed  casement  opening  like  a  door 
—the  modern  sash  window  had  not  been  invented  then 

A  great  number  of  small,  diamond-shaped  panes  were 
fatted  into  it,  being  held  in  position  by  means  of  a 
lattice  of  lead. 

_  One  of  these  panes  Tom  King  had  not  much  difficulty 
in  removing,  for  the  only  tool  ho  made  use  of  was  a, 
clasp-knife,  by  means  of  which  the  lead  was  bent  back. 

With  great  care  the  piece  of  glass  was  lifted  out  and 
placed  clown. 

.1"  ThTt^™UioIl.  ha-3,  £,oen  done  wit"out  creating  any 
alarm,  I  think,"  said  Tom  King  to  himself. 


No.  218. 


Fkice  One  Halfpenny. 
No,  219  will  be  Published  next  Monday, 


tm 


BlifTK   B-ES8  ;   OS, 


JBowever.  In  order  to  assure  himself  upon  this  head, 
fie  placed  his  ear  close  to  the  opening  of  the  window,  and 
littered  intently  for  several  minutes. 

All  was  still,  and  certainly,  but  for  the  fact  that  he  had 
lecn  a  light  shining  from  oue  of  the  front  windows,  Tom 
would  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  bouse  was 
empty. 

Nevertheless,  he  had  now  every  encouragement  to  pro- 
secute his  enterprise. 

Replacing  the  clasp-knife  in  his  pocket,  He  cautiously 
introduced  his  hand  through  the  aperture  he  had  made. 

There  was  only  just  room — indeed,  he  found  no  little 
difficulty  in  turning  the  little  button  by  means  of  which 
the  window  was  secured. 

At  length,  however,  this  important  object  wasacftieved. 

The  casement  swung  slowly  open. 

The  way  was  now  clear  before  Tom,  if  he  thought  fit 
to  enter. 

He  bestowed  another  careful  examination  upoa  his 
weapons,  listened  intently  once  more,  and  then,  with  a 
nod  of  satisfaction,  he  jtepped  over  the  window-sill. 

Having  done  this  much,  his  first  act  was  to  refasten  the 
window  again. 

He  was  plunged  in  the  most  profound  darkness. 

What  kind  of  room  it  was  into  which  he  had  penetrated, 
and  what  kind  of  furniture  it  contained,  he  had  not  th« 
least  idea. 

To  exhibit  a  light  was  something  more  than  he  dared 
do  under  such  circumstances,  for  what  would  be  more 
likely  to  bring  about  a  discovery  of  him  than  that  ? 

And  yet  he  dreaded  to  advance  even  a  single  step,  for 
fear  that  he  should  come  into  sudden  and  violent  contact 
with  some  heavy  object,  and  so  cause  such  a  noise  as 
would  infallibly  reach  the  ears  of  the  police  officers. 

To  remain  standing  still  was,  however,  quite  useless 
and  ridiculous. 

Accordingly,  Tom  stooped  down,  and  with  his  hands 
etretched  out  before  him,  groped  his  way  along  in  this 
fashion 

To  his  surprise  he  encountered  nothing. 

It  almost  seemed  as  though  that  chamber  was  destituto 
even  of  a  single  article  of  furniture. 

Suddenly,  however,  in  spite  of  all  his  precautions,  some 
hard,  cold  object  struck  him  a  sharp  blow  on  the  forehead. 

A  slight  exclamation  involuntarily  escaped  him. 

"  D — n  it  1"  he  muttered,  "  what  was  that  ?" 

He  put  up  his  hand  to  feel,  and  his  grasp  presently  en- 
countered what  ho  found  to  be,  after  a  little  further  ex- 
amination, the  handle  of  a  pump. 

There  could  now  be  no  sort  of  doubt  as  to  the  nature  of 
the  chamber  he  was  in,  and  its  destitution  of  furniture 
was  comprehensible. 

Still  groping  on,  Tom's  hands  at  last  encountered  a 
door. 

This  he  opened  with  a  great  deal  of  caution. 

No  sooner  had  he  done  so  than  the  faint  murmur  of 
Toices  came  upon  his  ears. 

It  was  evident  that  either  the  speakers  were  a  long  way 
off,  or  else  that  a  closed  door  intervened  between  them. 

All  was  still  profoundly  dark — indeed,  Tom  was  not 
able  ocularly  to  distinguish  one  single  objoct. 

Adopting  the  same  method  of  progression  as  before, 
however,  he  cautiously  crept  on,  taknig  tho  sound  of  the 
voices  for  his  guide. 

He  was  now  in  a  kind  of  passage,  which  was  tolerably 
straight,  and  along  which  ho  was  able  to  make  his  way 
with  a  certain  amount  of  ease,  for  he  had  only  to  keep 
close  to  the  wal'  upon  one  side  of  it. 

Suddenly  h«  encountered  a  door. 

He  paused  ;vt  once,  and  carefully  passed  his  Land  over 
it  until  he  found  the  fastening. 

Before  he  ventured  to  raise  the  latch,  however,  ho 
listened  with  an  intensity  that  was  almost  painfuL 

He  could  still  hear  the  murmur  of  voices  engaged  in 
conversation,  but  finally  he  came  to  the  conclusion  that 
the  speakers  were  not  just  on  the  other  side  of  this  door. 

Cautiously,  then,  the  door  v»  -is  opened. 

He  paused,  and  was  half  inc.Ined  to  close  it  again,  so 
Very  audible  did  the  voices  ns.  w  become. 

A  peep  which  he  ventured  to  take  enabled  him  to  com- 
prehend the  cause  of  this. 

With  renewed  confidence  he  glided  into  the  room  with 
which  this  door  communicated. 

The  apartment  in  which  he  now  fousd  himsc!f  was 


not  altogether  dark,  but  was  pervaded  °J  *  k!"d  ot  a'"™" 
twilight. 

This  proceeded  from  a  door  that  was  standing  a  littlt 
way  open. 

The  clearness  with  which  he  could  beat  two  mel?  ta'|f" 
ing  convinced  Tom  that  tno  police  C-flioore  were  i°  tne 
adjoining  room. 

Double  caution  was  now  requisite 

On  tiptoe  Tom  crossed  the  room,  nor  did  he  pauw  until 
he  reached  this  inner  door. 

Ho  made  his  way  towards  the  hiuges  of  it,  for  owing  to 
its  position  there  was  a  cliiuk  here  through  which  he 
hoped  to  be  able  to  see  his  foes,  and  observe  all  their 
movements  as  well  as  listen  to  their  words. 

Scarcely  had  he  taken  up  his  station  here,  than  he 
heard  a  voice  say  : 

"  Did  you  hear  something  then  ?r 

"  Of  course  I  did.     Didn't  you  ?" 

"  Well,  I  might  have  heard  a  faint  sort  of  a  kind  of  a 
noise,  but,  as  I  said  before,  in  a  quiet  old  place  like  this  yos 
are  sure  to  hear  hundreds  on  'em." 

41  But  I  tell  you  I  heard  something  then." 

"What  was  it  like?" 

"  Why,  like  a  door  opening  and  shutting." 

"Well,  old  fellow,  if  you  pay  attention  to  every  trine 
you  hear  like  that  you  will  have  enough  to  do.  Why 
you  will  be  running  about  and  a-worryiug  of  yourself  all 
night,  to  say  nothing  of  me." 

"But  I  am  satisfied — I  felt  sure  I  heard  somebody." 

"Then  you  had  better  go  and  look." 

"I  will;  and  if  I  don't  see  anything  this  time,  d — n 
mo  if  I  pay  any  attention  to  my  ears  again!" 

A  dark  lantern — of  that  kind  commonly  carried  by 
police  officers — was  on  the  table;  but  in  order  that  they 
might  obtain  tho  benefit  of  a  diffused  light,  the  door  was 
left  standing  open. 

Taking  this  in  his  hand,,  the  officer  who  had  last 
spoken  rose  from  the  chair  on  which  he  had  been  sitting 
and  advanced  towards  the  door. 

Tom  King,  hearing  and  seeing  him,  grasped  his  pistols 
tightly,  eo  as  to  be  in  readiness  to  use  them  at  a  second's 
notice. 

He  was  well  aware  that  he  was  in  most  imminent 
danger  of  discovery. 

Indeed,  to  escape  being  seen  seemed  next  to  an  im- 
possibility. 

But  Tom  was  prepared  for  tho  worst,  and  resolved  not 
to  yield  himself  a  captive  without  a  desperate  struggle. 

The  police  officer  advanced  about  a  couple  of  paces 
into  the  outer  room. 

He  pushed  the  door  open  considerably  wider. 

The  effect  of  this  was  that,  owing  to  the  position  our 
friend  had  taken  up,  he  was  more  completely  con- 
cealed. 

The  officer  held  the  light  above  his  head  and  peered 
around  him. 

Tom  held  his  breath,  fearful  that  this  slight  sound 
should  betray  him. 

It  now  became  a  very  nice  question  as  to  what  extent 
the  officer  would  carry  his  investigations. 

If  he  advanced  far  into  the  interior  of  the  room  he 
would  scarcely  fail  to  behold  Tom  King. 

But  his  fellow-officer,  who  had  been  left  inside  ili  the 
dark,  was  beginning  to  grow  impatient. 

CHAPTER  MXXIX. 

THE  EVENTS  WniCII   OCCUR   AT  THE    JOLLY  TAR  KTV  BE» 
COME  EXCITINGLY   IXTliP.ESTIXa. 

"  Now  thee,  mate,"  he  cried,"  what  can  you  see  ?° 

"  Nothing  yet." 

"  Then  come  back,  can't  you,  what  do  you  Want  to 
leave  a  fellow  in  the  dark  all  this  wnile  for?" 

These  words  caused  the  other  officer  to  turn  back  at  a 
moment  when,  if  he  had  gone  a  couple  of  steps  further, 
Tom  must  have  been  discovered. 

But  such  cnances  are  happening  every  day. 

"  D — d  if  I  believe  my  ears  again  !"  lw  growled  as  h« 
retraced  his  steps.  "  I'll  nhut  the  door — I  sha'n't  bo  bothered 
with  healing  every  slight  sound  then." 

Tom  was  in  despair. 

If  the  door  was  closed,  all  hopes  of  listening  to  *nf 
part  of  the  officers'  conversation  was  at  an  end. 

But  his  good  fortune  again  befriended  hiifi. 


THE   KMOHT   OF   THX   SOAD. 


1789 


u  Don't  make  such  a  fool  of  yourself,  Moggs.  Sit  down, 
can't  you,  and  let  the  door  alone  ?" 

"I  will  when  I've  shut  it." 

"Leave  it  a  little  way  open,  I  say,  and  leave  the  listen- 
ing to  me.  If  it  is  shut,  how  are  we  to  tell  whether 
there's  any  disturbance  or  not  ?  I  tell  you  again — don't 
be  a  fool ;  don't  go  for  to  make  a  hass  of  yourself !" 

Moggs,  for  such  apparently  was  the  cognomen  in  which 
this  officer  rejoiced,  growled  out  something  that  was  not 
very  intelligible,  and  came  back  to  his  seat. 

"  Stir  the  fire,"  said  his  companion,  just  as  h*  was  about 
to  resume  his  seat ;  "  you  may  as  well  now  you're  up, 
and  put  another  log  on—  I  am  as  cold  as  a  key." 

Moggs  complied  witb  this  request. 

There  was  already  an  excellent  tire  burning  on  the 
hearth,  and  when  the  embers  were  stirred,  the  blaze  that 
jhot  up  into  the  ohimney  imparted  to  the  whole  of  the 
chamber  a  highly  comfortable  look. 

"  That's  something  like,  Moggs,"  said  the  officer,  as  he 
rubbed  his  hands  briskly  together.  "  I  shall  feel  quite  like 
myself  in  a  little  while."  _ 

"  That's  more  than  I  shall,"  growled  Moggs.  "  1  hate 
the  sight  of  this  infernal  place,  and  I  wish  from  the  very 
bottom  of  my  heart  that  I  was  well  out  of  it.  Whenever 
I  breathe,  the  air  seems  full  of  blood." 

"  Oh,  stow  that!"  said  the  other,  with  an  uncomfortable 
movement.  "  What  do  you  want  to  be  talking  like  that 
for  ?" 

"  You  ain't  frightened,  Joel,  I  hope?" 

"Frightened  ?  No,  but  what,  the  dovil  do  you  want  to 
say  such  things  as  that  for?  If  you  can't  find  anything 
more  pleasant  to  talk  about,  shut  up  1" 

"  Oh,  you  be  blowed  !  You  always  was  a  houtragious 
fellow,  Joel  1" 

After  this  there  was  a  pause. 

From  his  post  of  espial,  Tom  King  could  see  very  well 
into  the  inner  room. 

Moggs  was  sitting  in  a  large  arm-chair  on  one  side  of 
the  fire,  and  Joel  on  the  other. 

Between  them  was  au  old  rickety  table,  on  which 
stood  several  bottles  and  a  couple  of  partially-filled 
glasses. 

Both  men  were  engaged  in  smoking. 

During  the  lull  in  the  conversation  which  now  ensued, 
each  sat  with  his  eyes  fixed  upon  tho  blazing  fire,  and 
smoked. 

The  atmosphere  was  so  laden  with  the  reek  of  tobacco 
smoke  that  Tom  King  felt  once  or  twice  as  though  it 
would  be  utterly  impossible  for  him  to  resist  clearing  his 
lungs  by  a  slight  cough. 

The  first  movement  was  made  by  the  police  officer  who 
had  been  called  Joel. 

He  stretched  out  his  hand  and  took  hold  of  the  bottle 
with  the  intention  of  filling  up  his  glass. 

"  I  told  you  how  it  would  be,  Moggs,"  he  ejaculated. 
"  We  shall  have  to  go  poking  about  down  in  the  cellar  for 
some  more  gin,  or  else  we  shall  have  to  sit  the  rest  of  the 
night  without  any." 

"  Is  it  all  gone  ?" 

"Not  quite,  but  it  will  be  by  the  time  you  have  filled 
your  glass.     Come,  pour  up  I    Don't  shirk  the  bottle !" 

Moggs  complied. 

"I  was  thinking,  Joel,"  he  remarked,  after  having 
div.ak  about  half  a  glass  of  gin. 

"  Thiuking  what  about?" 

"  Why,  this  here  place,  and  what  a  rum  start  it  was 
from  the  first." 

ii  Very  rum  indeed !  How  was  it  that  it  got  foand  o«t  ?  " 

"Don't  you  know?" 

"  Do  you  think  I  should  have  asked  you  if  1  did  ?" 

"Well,  you  needn't  be  so  sharp — I  thought  you  did. 
But  if  you  think  it  rum  now,  I'm  blessed  if  1  know  what 
you'll  think  of  it  when  you  come  to  hear  (he  pertik'laro." 

"  Let's  hear  'em,  then." 

"  Why,  one  day,  as  a  cove  was  a-going  down  the  lane, 
what  should  he  see  but  a  pieco  of  paper." 

"  A  piece  of  paper  ?" 

"Yes,  it  came  fluttering  out  of  one  of  the  top  windows, 
you  understand,  and  naturally  dropped  in  tho  road." 

"  In  course !"  said  Joel,  with  a  grave  nod. 

*  When  th«  cove  picks  up  this  paper  and  reads  it — 
whitii  of  course  he  did — what  should  he  see  in  it  but  that 
Use  inn  was  a  den  of  murder,  where  all  travellers  who 
aalered  with  money  were  dropped  down  a  deep  well  in 


the  cellar  and  never  heard  on  arterwards,  and  a  request- 
ing hius  to  let  the  police  know  about  it  without  delay,  for 
the  writer  of  this  here  precious  note  was  kept  a  close 
prisoner  upstairs,  and  that  he  had  managed  to  write  by 
dipping  a  stick  in  his  own  blood." 

Joel  at  this  point  of  the  narrative  removed  the  pipe 
from  his  mouth,  and  sat  with  his  jaws  fixed  open,  wait- 
ing for  what  was  coming  next. 

"  Well,''  said  Moggs,  "I  don't  say  that  there's  anything 
very  extraordinary  so  far,  but  what  I  look  at  is  this — when 
we  gets  in  here,  we  finds  only  a  man  and  his  wife  and 
a  dead  body,  but  net  no  signs  of  the  person  wot  had 
wrote  that  note.     You  know  there  wasn't." 

"  No — no,  that's  right." 

"  Well,  then,  I  want  to  know  who  it  was  that  wrote  it." 

"  Mightn't  it  be  the  dead  body." 

"  How  could  it  bo,  you  fool  ?" 

"  Why,  I  means  before  it  was  a  dead  body." 

"Oh!" 

"What  do  you  think?" 

Moggs  very  giavely  shook  his  aeaa  ev  feral  times, 

"  You  don't  think  it  ?" 

"  I  don't." 

"Why  not?" 

"  Because  I've  »ormed  my  own  opinion." 

"  And  what  may  that  bo  ?" 

Moggs  glanced  around  him  with  evident  apprehension. 

Then  sinking  his  voice  to  a  very  low  key,  he  said. 

"Why,  Joel,  it's  my  own  private  and  particular  opinion 
that  the  letter  was  wrote  by  the  ghost  of  one  of  the  per- 
sons wot  have  been  murdered  here." 

Joel  pushed  his  chair  back  several  paces,  as  he  gasped  : 

"No — no,  Moggs,  you  don't  mean  that?" 

"  Indeed,  but  I  do." 

"  Pooh — nonsense  !  I'll  never  believe  it  t" 

"Nobody  axed  you  to  that  I  knows  on.  Yon  needn't 
without  you  like. 

"  Then  I  won't" 

"  Perhaps,  then,  you  will  tell  me  how  it  was  that  the 
letter  came  to  be  wrote  ?" 

Joel  sat  silent  for  some  moments. 

Then,  very  diffidently,  he  remarked : 

"  You  seem  to  have  forgotten  all  about  those  folks  that 
ran  away.  How  do  you  know  but  that  it  might  be  one  of 
them  ?" 

Moggs  regarded  his  companion  with  the  utmost  con- 
tempt. 

"  Why,  you  ninny,"  he  cried,  "  do  you  think  they'd  run 
away  after  writing  like  that  ?  Why,  we  should  be  the 
very  folks  to  take  care  of  them,  shouldn't  we  ?" 

"  It's  a  mystery  to  me  altogether." 

The  reader  may  perhaps  be  able  to  imagine  with  what  in- 
tense eagerness  Tom  King  listened  to  every  word  of  this 
conversation. 

Indeed,  so  absorbed  was  he  by  it,  that  he  became  un- 
conscious of  everything  else. 

He  would  have  given  much  to  have  been  able  to  ask  one 
or  two  questions. 

Most  anxious  was  he  to  obtain  some  additional  informa- 
tion about  those  who  had  ran  away  from  the  inn  on  the  ap- 
proach of  the  officers,  but  this  information  was  not  likely 
to  be  imparted,  because  one  officer  probably  knew  as  much 
about  the  matter  as  the  other. 

Of  course  it  was  to  the  flight  of  Hunch  and  Maud  that 
they  were  alluding. 

A  remark  dropped  by  Joel,  however,  set  Tom  in  a  per- 
fect fever  of  impatience. 

"  But  don't  they  declare,"  he  said,  "  that  one  of  those 
who  ran  away  was  a  woman  ?" 

"  Yes,  they  say  so,  but  I  don't  know  how  true  it  is,  for 
I  was  no  more  in  the  pursuit  than  you  were.  But  they 
did  not  catch  her,  and,  ten  to  one,  would  not  have)  had 
the  other  but  for  tho  accident." 

"You  mean  the  hunchback?" 

"  Yes." 

"  What  an  odd-looking  creature  he  is." 

"Don't  ncvo  it,"  said  the  other;  "  I  can't  get  his  hor- 
rible face  out  o»°  ;ny  mind.  Why  they  didn't  leave  him 
in  the  road,  1  don't  know.  Curse  them  for  bringing  such 
a  thing  under  this  roof,  say  I!  There's  horror  enough 
already  1" 

Both  shuddered,  aud  again  there  was  a  pause. 

Tom's  exoitemeut  and  anxiety  now  Rue"?  no 
bound* 


1740 


BLACK   BESS;    OB, 


"If  it  was  a  woman,"  remarked  Moggs,  at  length,  "she 
must  have  been  a  regular  out-and-outer.  Why,  she  made 
no  more  account  of  a  pistol  bullet  than  nothing  at  all, 
and  rode  like  the  very  devil  himself." 

"  Yes,"  assented  Joel ;  "  and  then  I  have  ueard  of  high- 
waymen slipping  off  their  horses  whilo  going  at  full 
speed,  and  then  hiding  while  the  officers  went  by  in  pur- 
suit of  the  riderless  horse;  but  the  idea  of  a  woman. 
Oh,  no,  it's  out  of  the  question.  It  was  no  woman,  I'll 
be  bound." 

"  But  they  say  it  was." 

"  I  know  they  do,  but  I  don't  believe  Jt— -no,  tot  a  bit ; 
and  now  then,  as  all  the  gin  is  gone,  let  me  ask  you  what 
is  to  be  done  for  some  more  ?" 

"  Go  down  in  the  cellar." 

"It's  very  fine  to  say  that;  but  who  would  relish  tho 
idea  of  doing  that  now  ?  Why,  it  must  be  clos3  upen 
midnight." 

"  Well,  for  my  part,"  said  Moggs,  as  he  settled  himself 
more  comfortably  in  his  chair,  "  I  consider  it  would  be 
nothing  more  nor  less  than  flying  in  the  face  of  providence 
to  go  down  in  the  cellar  where  that  well  is  at  this  time 
of  night ;  and  so  I  tell  you,  plump  and  plain,  I  don't  in- 
tend to  do  anything  of  tho  sort !" 

Joel  grumbled  and  growled  for  some  moments  in  an 
inarticulate  voice. 

Then  he  took  up  the  bottle  and  carefully  drained  out 
of  it  tho  very  last  drop  that  it  contained. 

"A  nice,  pretty  go,"  he  muttered,  "  to  sit  here  for  six  or 
eight  hours  and  no  more  to  drink  than  this!" 

"Hold  your  row  !"  said  Moggs. 

"I  shan't!" 

"  Then  if  you  want  some  gin,  why  the  devil  don't  you 
go  down  in  the  cellar  and  fetch  it  ?" 

"  You  <v>me  with  me." 

"I  shan't!" 

"  What  are  you  afraid  of?" 

"Never  mind.     In  that  cellar  there's  a  well.* 

"  D— n  the  well !" 

"  Oh,  you  can  curse  it  if  you  like,  but  I  wouldn't  do 
such  a  tiling,  and  I'm  not  very  particular,  as  you  know. 
There's  nobody  knows  how  many  dead  bodies  are  lying  at 
the  bottom  of  that  well,  and  let  me  ask  you  whether  the 
spirit  belonging  to  any  one  of  them  could  rest  quiet  in 
6iich  a  grave  ?     In  course  not !" 

"Shut  up!" 

"  It  don't  stand  to  reason,"  continued  Moggs,  alto- 
gether ignoring  his  companion's  injunction.  "  In  course 
it  don't  stand  to  reason  to  think  of  any  mau  coming  here 
and  goiug  to  bed,  and  then  being  murdered  in  his  sleep 
and  his  body  thrown  down  that  well  where " 

"  Shut  up  !"  yelled  Joel,  iu  such  stentorian  tones  that 
the  voice  of  his  companion  was  completely  drowned. 
"  Shut  up,  I  say !" 

"  Who's  afraid  now  ?*'  sneered  Moggs. 

"  Why  you !" 

"No  I  ain't,  it's  you !" 

u  why " 

What  more  would  have  been  said  no  one  can  possibly 
form  the  least  idea,  for  it  was  just  at  this  point  that  tho 
two  speakers  wore  interrupted  by  a  loud,  heavy,  and  long- 
continued  knocking. 


CHAPTER  MXXX. 

CONTINUES    TO     RELATE    TOM   KINgV     .ADVENTURES     WITH 
THE   OFFICER*.. 

SimcltaKZously  the  two  police  officers  sprang  to  their 
feet — 

Simultaneously  they  mad9  a  rush — with  what  purpose 
is  not  clear — and  both  iu  one  direction. 

The  consequence  was  that  one  Came  in  contact  with 
the  other,  and  with  so  miich  violence  that  the  breath  was 
knocked  out  of  both. 

It  was  a  wonder  the  table  was  not  overturned. 

Bang — bang — bang — bang!  came  the  knocking  again, 
and  this  time  with  so  much  violence  that  it  echoed  and 
re-echoed  through  the  silent  house  like  the  clangour  of 
ten  thousand  hammers. 

The  panic  of  the  two  officers  increased. 

Tom  King  was  in  no  slight  degree  perturbed. 

Onco  more  his  hands  grasped  his  pistols. 

This  knocking,  he  thought,  could  not  fail  to  pressgo 
daujrer  lo  him 


It  was  mysterious  and  unexpected,  or  the  officers  would 
not  be  so  disconcerted  by  it. 

"  Moggs,"  gasped  Joel,  at  length,  "  who's  that  Knock- 
ing?" 

"How  the  devil  do  you  think  I  should,  know,  you 
fool?  Let  go,  can't  you!  What  do  you  want  to  claw 
me  like  a  wild  cat  for  ?" 

"I  ain't!" 

The  officers  separated. 

"I'll  tell  you  what  it  is,"  said  Joel — "you're  frightened 
— that's  it ! — so  d— nably  frightened  that  you  don't  know 
what  you  are  about !" 

"  Bah !  Go  and  see  what  the  knocking  is,  and  don't  be 
a  hass  /" 

"  Go  yourself !" 

"  I  shan't !" 

"  Pick  up  the  lantern,  then,  and  como  with  me," 

"  Pick  it  up  yourself !" 

"  Do  you  know  who  you're  a  6peaking  to,  eh  ?" 

"  Yw ;  do  you  ?" 

"  Yes,  I " 

During  this  brief  colloquy  there  had  been  a  cessation 
of  the  furious  knocking. 

It  almost  seemed  during  the  interim  that  the  two 
officers  would  work  themselves  up  to  fighting  point. 

But  then,  with  great  suddenness,  the  knocking  was  re- 
newed. 

The  sound  appeared  to  cause  all  their  valour  to  sink 
down  into  their  shoes. 

Their  mutual  recrimination  ceased,  and  while  the 
knocking  lasted  all  they  were  capable  of  doing  was  to 
hold  fast  to  the  backs  of  tho  chairs  on  which  they  Lad 
been  seated,  and  stand  stock  still  with  wide-open 
mouths. 

"  It's — it's,"  gasped  Joel — "  it's  the  ghosteses,  Moggs ! 
I  feels  sure  of  it — I  knows  it!" 

"  Gammon !"  replied  Moggs,  though  the  incredulous 
word  was  uttered  in  anything  but  a  decided  tone. 

"  It — it  must  be  !" 

"No — no!"  said  Moggs,  faintly. 

"What  is  it,  then?" 

"  Somebody  at  the  door." 

"  Door  ? — what  door  ?" 

"  Why,  the  front  door." 

"  Who  could  be  there  at  this  time  of  night  ?'-» 

M  How  should  I  know  ?     Travellers,  perhaps.* 

"And  do  you  think  travellers  would  knock  like  that? 
Just  hark!" 

The  knocking  was  more  furious  than  ever. 

Moggs  and  Joel  listened  for  some  time  in  silence. 

It  is  to  be  presumed  that  a  little  reflection  came  to  their 
aid. 

Certain,  however,  is  it  that  after  an  interval  it  began 
to  dawn  upon  their  obtuse  mental  faculties  that  the 
knocking  could  only  be  caused  by  some  one  outside 
clamouring  for  admittance. 

"  You're  a  fool,  Joel !"  said  Moggs,  6peaking  in  some- 
thing like  a  reasonable  Yoice. 

"  So  are  you !"  retorted  Joel. 

"  Como  along !"  cried  Moggs,  as  he  snatched  up  the 
light  off  the  table — "  come  along,  and  let  us  see  who  is 
there.  If  we  are  not  quick  they  will  have  the  door 
down !" 

Joel  was  not  disposed  to  remain  in  the  dark,  so  he  fol- 
lowed closely  in  his  companion's  footsteps. 

So  rapidly  did  they  make  their  way  across  the  outer 
room  that  they  never  once  glanced  behind  them,  so  Tom 
King  remained  in  his  place  of  concealment  undetected. 

But  the  question  was,  how  long  would  he  remain 
so? 

Tom  had  come,  as  he  believed,  to  a  correct  conclusion 
regarding  tho  cause  of  the  knocking. 

He  was  quite  under  the  impression  that  by  somjj  means 
or  other  a  detachment  of  police  officers  had  traced  h[m 
there.  • 

If  this  was  so,  what  was  he  to  do  ? 

He  glauced  rapidly  around  him,  but  he  could  see  no 
outlet  for  escape. 

That  his  present  hiding-place  would  not  be  tenable 
much  longer  was  certafh. 

Even  if  the  knocking  had  a  different  origin  to  what 
he  was  persuaded  it  had,  no  one  C0ll]^  posajbly 
enter  the  outer  room  from  the  passage  without  seeing 
him.  e 


THB  KNIGHT  OF  fHB  fiOAD. 


1741 


Tom  gave  up  all  hope  of  making  an  escape— at  least, 
just  for  the  present. 

He  looked  about  foi  a  fresh  place  of  concealment. 

Thia  was  no  easy  matter,  for  the  room  would  have  ap- 
peared to  be  quite  dark  to  anyone  who  had  not  been  in  it 
80  long  as  Tom  had. 

A  dim  kind  of  twilight  came  from  a  small  unshuttered 
window,  through  which  the  dull  night  sky  could  be  dis- 
cerned. 

Tom  coun*  only  see  one  place  that  offered  him  the 
slightest  chance  of  security,  and  that  was  behind  a  kind 
of  screen  or  seat,  furnished  with  a  high  wooden  back, 
of  a  kind  frequently  to  bo  seen  at  country  inns  to  this 
day. 

This  was  a  very  slight  kind  of  hiding-place  indeed — 
one  that  would  not  hold  out  against  a  moment's 
search. 

But,  then,  it  was  what  would  suit  Tom  very  well. 

lie  had  resolved  that  the  moment  he  found  his  hiding- 
place  was  so  much  as  guessed  at  he  would  sally  forth 
and  do  battle  with  his  foes  as  best  he  might. 

Having  come  to  this  determination,  then,  he  carefully 
made  his  way  towards  the  screen,  which  happened  to  be 
only  a  few  paces  from  him. 

Less  than  a  moment  served  to  enable  him  to  get  behind 
it. 

When  standing  up,  he  was  able  to  see  well  over  the 
back,  and  so  command  a  view  all  around  him. 

This  was  the  position  which  he  first  of  all  took 
up. 

At  the  first  approach  of  his  foes  he  would  be  able  to 
sink  down  silently ;  and  so,  with  his  head  inclined  for- 
ward, he  stretched  his  hearing  to  the  uttermost,  in  order 
to  make  out  as  much  as  possible  of  what  was  going 
on. 

All  these  movements  of  Tom's  were  made  very  rapi  l"y 
indeed,  though  the  reverse  might  be  suspected  from  the 
length  of  time  which  it  has  taken  us  to  describe 
them. 

Indeed,  when  he  assumed  the  listening  attitude  just 
mentioned,  the  officers  had  done  no  more  than  reach  the 
front  door. 

There  was  no  longer  any  room  for  doubt  about  the 
cause  and  origin  of  the  knocking. 

Some  one  was  outside  most  impatient  for  admis- 
sion. 

"Who's  there?"  bawled  Moggs,  speaking  very  loud, 
in  order  to  conceal,  if  possible,  the  trepidation  he  was 
in. 

"Let  us  in  I"  roared  a  voice,  in  authoritative  tones. 
"  Where  the  devil  have  you  been  all  this  time  ?  A  nice 
lot  you  must  be  to  keep  guard  in  a  house,  and  not  hear 
such  a  knocking a3  this!" 

"Oh,  stockings  !"  cried  Moggs. 

From  this  remarkable  ejaculation,  and  from  the  fact 
that  Moggs  and  Joel  suddenly  became  as  silent  as  the 
grave,  Tom  inferred  that  the  voice  which  bad  just 
spoken  was  well  known  to  them. 

"Open  the  door,  you  dolts!"  said  the  authoritative 
voice  again — "open  the  door,  I  say  !  What  the  devil  do 
you  mean  by  keeping  us  here  like  this  ?" 

"  Is  that  you,  Mr.  Clarke  ?"  said  Moggs,  but  very 
humbly  indeed. 

"  Yes,  it  is— of  course  you  know  it  is  '  Open  the  door 
at  once,  and  be  d — d  to  you ! " 

The  sound  caused  by  the  removal  of  bolts  and  baro  now 
came  quite  clearly  to  Tom's  ears. 

Finally,  a  chain  was  flung  down  with  considerable 
violence,  and  the  door  was  opened. 

Tom  endeavoured  to  make  out  by  the  sounds  how 
many  people  entered,  but  there  was  such  a  sudden  rush 
of  footsteps  that  he  found  this  to  be  impossible. 

"As  we  are  here  at  last,"  said  Mr.  Clarke,   "perhaps 
you  will  give  us  some  account  of  your  conduct !" 
,"Gonduct?"  asked  Moggs  and  Joel  both  together. 

"  Yes.    Didn't  you  hear  me  knock  ?" 

"  Yes,"  was  the  dogged  answer. 

•*  Then,  why  did  you  take  no  notice  of  it  ?" 

"We  did  not  Jvcw  who  it  was,"  Moggs  managed  to 
stammer  forth. 

"  Oh,  didn't  you  ?  Well,  it  seems  tr  me  that  tte  aalee 
threw  you  into  a  devil  of  a  fnght.  Why,  you  are  as 
white  as  ghosts  now !  Yes,  you  must  have  been 
frightened  to  death,  and  afraid  »o  move !" 


There  was  a  general  laugh. 

The  approach  of  footsteps  now  warned  Tom  that  it 
was  time  for  him  to  6ink  down  into  his  conceal- 
ment. 

He  did  so  only  just  in  time,  for  it  was  at  this 
precise  moment  that  the  whole  party  entered  the  apart- 
ment. 

Tom  had  the  audacity  to  come  quite  to  the  end  of  the 
screen  and  peep  round  it. 
He  did  so  very  carefully. 

At  the  first  glance  he  perceived  tha'.  the  number  of 
the  police  officers  had  been  increased  to  five, 

There  were  Moggs  and  Joel,  the  one  who  nad  been 
called  Mr.  Clarke,  and  two  others,  who  brought  up  tho 
rear. 

Without  troubling  themselves  much  to  look  about 
them,  they  passed  through  the  doorway  into  tho  adjoin- 
ing room. 

"  I'll  be  d — d,"  said  Mr.  Clarke,  whose  voice  was  so 
peculiar  that  Tom  could  easily  recognise  it — "  I'll  be  d — d 
if  this  don't  look  ljke  being  comfortable !  You  won't 
care  about  being  disturbed,  I'll  warrant." 

"  Sha'n't  we !"  said  Moggs.    "  I  only  wish  as  how  I  was 
pAyer  going  to  see  the  blessed  place  again  1" 
"Why,  what's  the  matter  ?" 

"There's  nothing  to  drink,"  was  the  reply — "at  least, 
toothing  without  going  down  into  the  cellar  to  fetch 
it." 
"And  is  that  too  much  trouble  ?" 

"  Trouble  ?     It  ain't  a  question  of  trouble.    J  should 
like  to  see  the  man  that  could  do  it." 
"  Why,  not  go  down  ?" 
"Not  at  night." 
"  Why  not  ?" 
"  Because  of  the  well." 
"  What  well  ?" 

"  Tho  one  with  the  dead  bodies  in  ft." 
"  Bah !" 

Moggs  was  silent. 

"You  are  frightened,"  said  Clarke —"yes,  that's  it. 
You  have  sat  here  talking  to  one  another  until  you  have 
both  got  horribly  afraid.  Don't  deny  it ;  I  can  see  it  in 
your  looks.  I  know  as  well  as  if  I  saw  you  that  our 
knocking  almost  frightened  you  out  of  what  little  wits 
you  have  got.  Perhaps  you  thought  a  whole  troop  of 
ghosts  were  coming  down  upon  you  at  once.    Ha,  ha !" 

The  two  officers  who  had  arrived  in  company  with 
Mr.  Clarke  laughed  heartily. 

But  neither  Moggs  nor  Joel  could  see  the  fun. 
"You  did  not  expect  to  bo  disturbed,  I'll  warrant," 
said  Clarke,  after  a  pause,  during  which  he  had  been 
amusing  himself  by  stirring  the  fire  vigorously;  "but 
you  will  have  to  change  your  quarters,  let  me  tell 
you." 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  Tom  King,  having  the 
audacity  to  quit  his  place  of  concealment,  reached  the 
door  and  took  another  peep  through  the  chink. 

He  saw  Moggs  and  Joel  looking  considerably  sur- 
prised upon  hearing  this  last  announcement  made  by  their 
chief,  Mr.  Clarke,  who  continued  speaking : 

"Knight  and  Cunningham  will  take  your  places 
here,"  he  6aid,  "and  you  will  return  with  me  to 
London."  * 

"Very  glad  to  hear  it,"  muttered  Moggs,  while 
Joel  gave  a  sigh  expressive  of  the  relief  which  he  ex- 
perienced. 

"  Don't  believe  you,"  said  Clarke.  "  It's  a  d— d  sight 
colder  outside  than  it  is  here,  let  me  tell  you ;  and  what  is 
more,  it's  beginning  to  rain." 

"  I  don't  care,"  said  Moggs,  resolutely. 
"  Nor  I,"  answered  Joel,  with  equal  determination. 
"You  are  a  couple  of  chicken  hearts,"  said  Clarke 
— "  that's  what  you  are.    I  can  see  you  are  frightened 
almost  to  death  now." 

tt  We  have  been  frightened,"  said  Moggs,  "and  I  don't 
go  for  to  denv  rt" 

"  But  upon  what  grounds  ?" 

"Never  mind  ;  let  those  who  are  left  hero  find  out  for 
themselves.  1  don't  care  how  soon  I  am  oat  in  the  cold 
and  the  wet." 

"  Well,  you  will  be  in  a  moment  or  so,"  said  Clarke, 
who  looked  curious  and  somewhat  uneasy.    "  I  want  to 
start  at  once." 
"  The  sooner  the  better." 


1742 


BLACK   BES8  ;    OB, 


"  You  are  wanted  to  give  your  evidence  before  the 
magistrate  in  the  morning,"  Clarke  continued.  "  The 
prisoners  now  aro  under  remand,  and  as  you  were  here 
at  the  time  of  capture,  you  are  wanted,  though  what  for 
exactly  is  more  than  I  know.  If  I  had  thought  there 
was  the  least  likelihood  of  your  being  wanted  I  ehould 
not  have  left  you  here." 

"  And  what  am  I  wanted  for  ?"  asked  Joel. 

"I  don't  know,"  was  the  reply.  "My  instructions 
were  to  bring  you  both  to  Loudon,  and  tc  leave  two 
police  officers  here  in  your  stead." 

"  1  wish  them  joy  of  the  job,  then  I"  said  Moggs,  rub- 
bing his  hands  slowly.  "There's  nothing  to  drink  on 
the  table,  but  there's  plenty  down  in  the  cellar  to  be  had 
for  the  fetching.     Ha,  ha !" 

In  the  laugh  Joel  joined,  though  somewhat  feebly. 

"  None  of  your  larks,  now,"  said  Clarke.  "  I  have  told 
Knight  and  Cunningham  all  the  particulars — overy  one. 
They  are  used  to  jobs  of  this  sort,  and  have  courage 
enough  to  face  a  thousand  ghosts — haven't  you  ?" 

Both  declared,  with  a  great  deal  of  bluster,  that  their 
courage  had  not  been  overrated. 

"  I'll  warrant  they  won't  bo  frightened  to  death  and 
unable  to  move  if  they  happen  to  hear  a  tap  at  the  front 
door,  but  will  come  at  once  to  see  what  is  the  matter." 

To  this  neither  Moggs  nor  Joel  seemed  able  to  make 
an  effective  reply,  for  they  remained  silent  and  looked 
very  sheepish. 

"  But  come, '"continued  Clarke,  "  we  must  be  moving — 
there  is  no  time  to  lose.  I  am  not  surprised  at  your  get- 
ting a  little  nervous  remaining  hero  so  long  by  yourselves. 
Come  along — let  us  bo  off  at  once  I" 

Moggs  and  Joel  were  both  quite  ready  and  willing  to 
depart. 

Upon  hearing  this,  find  perceiving  that  the  words  were 
followed  by  an  immediate  stir,  Tom  King  once  more  re- 
turned to  his  hiding-place. 

So  light  and  so  rapid  were  his  movements  that  he  suc- 
ceeded in  reaching  it  unseen. 

Clark  in  the  meanwhile  busied  himself  by  issuing  his 
instructions  to  the  two  men  about  to  bo  left  in  charuro, 
though  the  low  tone  in  which  he  spoke  prevented  'torn 
King  from  catching  the  import  of  his  words. 

The  next  moment  the  threshold  was  crossed. 

"  I  suppose  there  will  be  no  fear  about  our  being  able 
to  prove  the  charge  against  them  ?"  Tom  heard  Moggs 
eay  as  he  followed  Clarke  into  the  outer  roois. 

"Against  whom?" 

"  Why,  the  people  who  kept  the  house,  to  hi  eure." 

« I  should  think  not." 

"I  asked,"  continued  Moggs,  "because  it  almost 
6eemed  as  though  there  was  some  proof  wanting,  and 
that  we  were  sent  for  to  supply  it." 

"  Well,  it  may  be  so — I  cannot  take  upon  myseif  to 
say.  But  be  careful — remember  tta  convictioB  must 
follow." 

"  I  know.    But,  Mr.  Clarke." 

"  What  now  ?" 

"How  about  the  girl?" 

"What  girl." 

"  The  one  you  pursued." 

"  Along  with  the  hunchback  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  I  should  have  called  her  a  woman— ehe  ia  more  like 
one  than  a  girl." 

"  Well,  perhaps  you  aro  right.  You  havo  not  heard 
anything  of  her  since,  I  suppose  ?" 

"Nothing." 

"  Well,  as  I  said  a  littlo  while  ago,  she's  a  regular  out- 
and-outer.  I  have  heard  of  highwaymen  slipping  off 
their  horses  while  going  at  full  gallop  and  then  hiding  in 
in  the  hedge,  but  for  a  female  to  do  it — there,  I  can 
hardly  believe  it  I" 

"  It  is  true,  nevertheless,"  said  Clarke,  in  a  tone  which 
testified  to  the  existence  of  no  slight  annoyance  concern- 
ing the  matter*     "  We  caught  tho  horse." 

"  Did  you  get  any  clue  from  that  as  to  the  rider  ?" 

"None;  but  I  have  had  a  close  watch  set  all  arojat-H 
tho  place  where  she  must  havo  disappeared  and,  if  my 
men  only  do  their  duty,  she  cannot  fail  to  be  discovered 
ere  long." 

"  And  have  yuu  no  suspicion  as  to  who  she  io  ?"  asked 
Moggs,  whose  curiosity  and  interest  were  evidently 
Powerfully  Broooed. 


"  We".  I — a     ■  ,"  said  Clarke,  hesitatingly. 

"  Therf  you  have  a  suspicion  ?"  criod  Moggs,  eagorfy. 

"  T  don't  mind  saying  that  I  havo." 

B  Wbo  is  she,  then  ?" 

"  Why,  it  is  my  belief — founded  on  a  gooo  many  cir- 
cumstance?— that  she  is  nt»  other  than—" 

"Who— who?" 

"  Why,  the  girl  Maud,  for  whose  apprehension  so  large 
a  reward  is  offered." 

"  Do  you  mean  Dick  Turpin's  wife  ?" 

'  I  do.  I  cannot  think  of  any  other  woman  who  would 
act  with  so  much  resolution ;  and,  if  you  will  remember, 
we  have  had  more  than  one  specimen  of  what  she  cat 
do." 

"  But  what  should  bring  hor  to  this  place,  and  sepa- 
rated from  all  her  companions  ?" 

"  That's  just  what  I  should  like  to  know.  But  come, 
we  have  stayed  here  long  enough.  We  can  chat  the 
matter  <F?er  further  as  we  ride  to  London." 

With  these  words  the  trio,  who  had  paused  during  this 
brief  conversation,  left  the  room. 

Can  the  reader  imagine  with  what  breathlessnesa  Tom 
King  listened  to  every  word  which  had  passed  between 
them? 

So  strongly  was  he  moved,  that  he  was  more  than  half 
inclined  to  follow  them  at  all  risks  in  the  hope  of  heariug 
something  more. 

For  a  moment  he  hesitated  and  was  undecided. 

During  that  moment  the  opportunity  was  lost. 

A  sudden  bang  came  upon  his  ears,  proclaiming  that 
the  front  door  had  been  shut. 

The  officers  had  taken  their  departure. 

After  this,  for  a  little  while,  Tom  remained  perfectly 
still. 

He  was  thinking  deeply. 

Tho  next  sound  lie  noticed  was  that  produced  by  the 
concussion  of  horses'  hoofs  upon  the  road,  and  which 
showed  that  Clarke  and  his  two  subordinates  had  fairly 
started  for  London. 

Torn  had  now  only  two  officers  to  deal  with. 

But  what  he  had  heard  was  provocative  of  mucr  re- 
flection. 

In  his  own  mind  he  felt  an  inward  presentiment,  which 
amounted  almost  to  a  conviction,  that  Clarke's  suspicions 
were  perfectly  well  grounded  and  correct. 

What  had  become  of  Maud  was  tho  question. 

Clearly  she  was  not  a  prisoner  in  the  hands  of  the 
police. 

Noither  was  she  anywhere  about  the  inn. 

These  two  circumstances  being  taken  for  granted,  it 
became  clear  that  Tom  was  not  likely  to  do  much  good 
by  remaining  in  his  present  dangerous  position. 

Having  obtained  this  clue,  what  he  had  to  do  was  to 
follow  it  up  with  the  least  possible  loss  of  time. 

Yet  as  the  reader  may  suppose,  Tom  was  in  a  good 
deal  of  doubt  and  confusion. 

Maud's  flight  from  the  inn  seemed  mysterious,  for  who 
could  be  the  person  with  whom  she  was  in  company  ? 

"  Clearly  not  Jack  tho  Ostler,"  he  said  to  himself,  "  for 
he  was  dead." 

He  could  scarcely  understand  her  making  a  new  friend 
so  very  soon  after  she  had  lost  her  other  one. 

Yet  the  more  he  thought  the  more  did  his  belief 
strengthen  that  it  was  indeed  Maud  and  no  ono  else  of 
whom  the  officers  had  been  speaking. 

Many  things  pointed  to  this  conclusion. 

First  ho  had  indisputable  evidonco  of  the  fact  that  she 
had  recently  been  very  near  to  the  inn. 

There  was  the  bracelet  ho  had  found  in  support  of 
ibis. 

Then  from  what  Tom  knew  of  Maud's  character,  he 
felt  certain  that  the  presence  of  danger  would  suffice  to 
stimulate  her  to  the  doing  of  deeds  from  which  at  other 
times  sho  would  have  shrunk  in  the  utmost  terror. 

When  the  police  officers  arrived  at  the  inn,  ho  could 
well  imagine  what  desperate  steps  sho  would  take  in 
order  to  effect  her  escape,  especuUly  at  a  time  like  tho 
present,  when  she  would  be  impressed  with  tho  belief 
that  sho  had  not  only  her  own  safety  to  look  after,  but 
that  the  lives  of  the  rost  rested  entirely  upon  her  ability 
to  warn  them  of  their  danger. 

Having  reached  this  point  in  his  reflections,  Tom  King 
determined  to  leave  tho  inn  without  delay. 

It  was  certain  that  Maud,  uot  long  ajjo,  had  been  ia 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  TUB  KOAD. 


1713 


the  vicinity,  and  therefore  he  indulged  in  the  hope  that 
by  making  the  utmost  exertions  he  should  be  able  to  dis- 
cover her. 

But  when  ho  had  arrived  at  this  decision,  he  quickly 
became  sensible  that  he  should  have  some  little  difficulty 
in  carrying  it  out. 

The  two  officers  who  now  occupied  the  adjoining  room 
were  o*  *  very  different  type  to  those  who  had  just 
left. 

Tcm  nad  had  ample  opportunity  to  look  closely  ittie 
their  countenances. 

He  was  a  little  bit  of  a  physiognomist,  and  the  result 
of  his  examination  was,  that  ho  felt  they  would  by  no 
means  be  easily  deceived. 

There  was  also  a  special  aud  particular  watchfulness 
about  them,  and  he  felt  assuiei  that  if  any  slight  noise 
of  a  suspicious  character  did  strike  upon  their  ears,  they 
would  not  allow  themselves  any  rest  until  they  had  used 
their  best  efforts  to  discover  the  origin  of  it. 

Of  course  this  alertness  was  no  doubt  mainly  owing  to 
the  fact  that  they  had  only  just  entered  upon  their  new 
duties,  and  there  was  a  probability  that  after  a  time  much 
of  their  vigilance  would  wear  off. 

But  then  Tom  King  could  not  afford  to  wait  for  this. 

It  was  necessary  that  ho  should  depart  at  onco. 

It  therefore  became  a  most  anxious  considera'ion  for 
him  as  to  whether  he  should  be  able  to  quit  his  place  of 
concealment,  cross  the  room,  pass  out  at  the  door,  and 
finally  leave  the  premises  without  the  watchers  being 
aware  of  it. 

Such  a  feat  seemed  like  an  impossibility. 

But  Tom  King  had  great  faith  in  his  own  powers,  and 
therefore  made  no  scruple  of  attempting  to  carry  out  his 
design. 

Just,  however,  as  he  was  about  to  quit  his  place  of 
concealment,  some  words  uttered  by  the  police  officers 
caused  him  to  pause. 


CHAPTER  MXXXI. 

EVENTS  AT  THE  INN  CONTINUE  TO  INCREASE  IN  INTEREST. 

"  I  say,  Knight." 

"What  now?" 

"I  have  just  been  thinking  that  we  ought  sot  to  have 
been  so  ready  in  sitting  down  like  this." 

"  So  have  I." 

41  Confound  it !  I  wish  we  had  only  thought  of  it  a  f9W 
minutes  ago — now  it's  too  late." 

"What's  too  late?" 

"Why,  what  we  T"ght  to  have  done  upon  entering 
upon  this  duty  wa3  to  iave  gone  all  over  the  premises  in 
every  part,  leaving  no  place  unexamined,  taking  Clarke 
and  those  other  two  fools  with  us,  so  that  we  should  have 
known  what  condition  the  place  was  in  when  we  look  to 
it." 

"  We  most  certainly  ought,"  assented  Knight.  "  As  you 
6ay,  truly,  it  is  now  too  late,  for  they  are  all  throe  a  goodish 
way  off  by  this  time." 

"  I  can't  think  how  I  could  have  been  so  incautious — so 
forgetful,"  6aid  Knight,  in  a  voice  which  ahowed  tho  ex- 
tent of  his  vexation. 

"  I  can  account  for  it,  I  think,"  said  his  comrade. 

"  How  so  ?" 

"  Why,  having  to  wait  so  long  at  the  door  was  enough 
to  drive  thoughts  out  of  anybody's  head,  and  standing;  in 
the  rain,  too,  all  the  while,  after  such  a  long  ride  ;  then, 
when  we  got  in  here,  this  fire  looked  so  comfortable  that  I 
could  think  of  nothing  but  enjoying  it." 

"  That  was  it,  no  doubt ;  still,  we  deserve  to  suffer  for 
oar  stupidity." 

"  I  don't  think  it  quito  so  serious." 

M I  do,  though." 

"  Suppose  now,  as  our  clothes  have  got  tolera*  \f  dry  by 
this  time,  that  we  set  out  without  any  icoro  regrets  and 
delays,  and  examine  tho  place  ourselves?" 

"  What,  alone  ?" 

"  Yes,  there  is  no  one  to  go  with  us,  and  I  think  we  had 
better  do  it  thus  than  leave  it  undone  altogether." 

"  Yes,  so  do  I." 

"  Come  on,  then,  at  once — there  is  nothing  like  time 
present." 

"  Jgght.  But  what  cowardly  fellows  they  must  have 
been  to  be  afraid  of  going  down  in  the  cellar  for  a  drop  of 


something  good !  Do  you  think  we  shall  be  so  squeamish, 
eh,  old  boy?" 

"  Not  exactly." 

"  I  think  not.    Now  come  on  I" 

"  Nay,  I  have  a  fresh  thought." 

"  What  is  it  ?" 

u  Sit  down  a  moment,  and  I  will  tell  you.  A.  few 
minutes  one  way  or  the  other  cannot  make  much  difference, 
v.)w,  and  the  result  may  be  important." 

"  What  do  you  mean*  Why  don't  you  come  to  the  point 
at  oace  ?" 

•'  1  will,  never  fear.  First  there  are  two  dead  bodies  in  the 
house,  are  there  not  ?" 

"  Clarke  said  so." 

"One  a  traveller,  an  1  tho  other  a  hunchback  lad  that 
nobody  knows  anything  about." 

"  Yes." 

"  Well,  we  must  have  a  look  at  them  first ;  and  now 
listen  :  These  people  have  been  carrying  on  their  game 
for  some  time,  have  they  not  ?" 

"  No  doubt  of  it." 

"  Then  thoir  spoil  must  be  immense." 

"  Not  so  much ;  I  don't  think  Clarke  found  so  very 
much  valua  upon  the  premises  considering." 

"  Nor  do  I,  and  that's  what  I  have  been  thinking  about.  I 
feci  pretty  sure  that  there  must  be  a  great  deal  of  swag 
hidden  somewhere  in  this  placo." 

"  What  makes  you  think  so  ?" 

"  Why,  the  fact  of  Clarke  having  been  able  to  find  so 
little." 

"  And  a  good  reason  too." 

"Then  my  proposition  is,  that  wo  look  most  carefully 
around,  and  what  we  find  belongs  to  ourselves — no  one  will 
know  anything  about  that" 

"  Certainly  not." 

"  I  have  a  presentiment  that  this  will  turn  out  a  capital 
night's  work  for  us ;  and  what  is  more,  the  occupation 
will  serve  to  make  the  time  pass  quicker." 

"  It  will,  and  we  have  searched  houses  before  to-day." 

"  Rather." 

"And  you  understand  share  and  share  alike  is  the 
understanding  ?" 

"  Of  course !" 

•'  Then  that  being  settled,  we  will  set  about  the  business 
at  once." 

The  sound  which  now  reached  Tom  King's  ears  con- 
vinced him  that  the  officers  were  about  to  sally  forth  upon 
their  questionable  errand. 

Our  friends'  position  was  now  most  ticklish. 

Very  little  penetration  or  attention  would  have  quickly 
convinced  anyone  that  these  two  men  were  sharp  and 
astute,  and  not  by  any  means  to  be  thought  of  at  tho 
same  time  as  Moggs  and  Joel. 

What  Tom  was  anxious  to  know  was  whether  they 
would  commence  their  search  in  that  outer  room. 

Nothing  was  more  likely,  and  if  60,  nothing  could  pre- 
vent his  discovery. 

That  he  should  be  a  match  for  these  two  men  our  old 
friend  did  not  doubt,  but  yet  he  might  sustain  such  an 
injury  as  would  disable  him. 

He  was  therefore  desirous  of  avoiding  a  contest,  if 
such  a  thing  was  possible. 

Another  moment  would  decide  the  matter. 

Liko  prudent  men,  the  two  police  officers  bad  carefully 
examined  their  weapons,  so  as  to  bo  in  readiness  in  case 
of  any  emergency. 

This  done,  they  took  up  the  lantern  which  the  others 
had  left  behind,  and  sallied  forth. 

When  about  half-way  across  tho  outer  room  they 
paused. 

Knight  lifted  tho  lantern  above  Lrs  head  aud  glanced 
around  him. 

"There  seeme  nothing  here,"  he  said,  after  a  abort 
pause. 

"Nothing,  Dut  wo  will  look  mors  closely  upon  our 
return.  It  is  no  good  beginning  to  do  ft  thing  in  tbe 
middle." 

"  Nono  at  all." 

"Come  on,  then." 

'•  But  we  havo  not  settled  about  where  wa  shall  com- 
mence the  search." 

'>  What  do  you  say  ?" 

M  Ob,  I  don't  mind !  It  will  come  to  much  tho  s&iue 
thing,  I  suppose,  whether  we  begin  at  the  top  of  tfa* 


1744 


BLAOX    BESS  ,     OS. 


house  and  work  our  way  down,  or  T  -nether  wo  begia  in 
the  cellar." 

"  No,  no — the  former  ia  tho  be6V 

"  As  you  like." 

"We  will  go  at  once  to  the  top  o?  the  house,  and  work 
our  way  gradually  down.  Wa  shall  pass  over  nothing, 
and  we  shall  clear  the  way  before  us  " 

"  Very  good." 

"  You  think  that  will  bo  best  ?" 

"  I  do." 

"  Then  follow  me — we  will  look  for  tLe  otairs  at  once." 

With  these  words,  the  two  poXce  officers  quitted  the 
room. 

While  they  remained  in  it,  Tom  King  had  not  ven- 
tured to  draw  his  breath. 

Ho  had  been  crouched  in  the  smallest  possible  compass 
behind  tho  screen. 

Now  that  his  foes  were  gone,  However,  he  noiselessly 
rose  to  his  feet. 

The  sound  of  footsteps,  the  glimmer  of  the  light,  and 
the  murmur  of  voices  all  grow  fainter  and  fainter  each 
second. 

Still  Tom  listened. 

At  last  the  peculiar  sound  caused  by  tho  heavy  riding- 
boots  of  the  officei'3  creaking  upon  the  stairs  reached 
Tom's  ears. 

Then  he  ventured  to  step  out  from  his  hiding- 
place. 

The  way  of  escape  lay  plain  before  him. 

While  the  officers  were  at  the  top  of  the  house,  what 
would  be  easier  than  for  Tom  to  slip  out  by  the  same 
means  that  he  had  employed  to  enter  ? 

Fortune  had  favoured  him  indeed. 

When  the  search  was  first  talked  about,  the  little 
window  by  which  he  had  entered  occurred  to  his  mind, 
and,  though  he  had  taken  the  precaution  to  close  it,  yet 
the  suspicions  of  the  officers  could  not  fail  to  be  aroused 
by  it. 

Yet  this  danger  was  avoided. 

With  perfectly  noiseless  steps  Tom  crossed  tha  room. 

His  intention  was  to  make  his  way  to  the  little  window 
without  a  moment's  delay. 

But  all  at  once  he  stopped. 

A  fresh  thought  had  occurred  to  him,  and  he  remained 
for  about  a  mement  in  an  attitude  of  deep  reflection. 

Then  he  seemed  to  come  suddenly  to  a  decision. 

"  I  will  do  it !"'  he  muttered  to  himself,  with  an  air  of 
great  resolution.  "  It  would  be  foolish  to  miss  such  a 
chance!  I  should  ever  repent  if  I  missed  it,  and  am 
glad  I  thought  of  it  in  time." 

What  Tom  intended  to  do  will  quickly  be  seen. 

He  took  one  pistol  in  his  hand,  and  held  it  i^  readiness 
for  instant  use. 

Theu  he  crept  stealthily  towards  the  staiicase. 

He  had  but  little  difficulty  in  making  out  where  it  was, 
foi  as  yet  Knight  and  Cunningham  had  not  ascended  so 
high  as  to  prevent  all  beams  from  their  light  finding  their 
way  down  below. 

Cautiously,  then,  Tom  began  to  ascend. 

The  reason  for  this  sudden  chasge  in  his  proceedings 
was  the  intense  anxiety  and  curiosity  he  experienced  to 
have  a  peep  at  the  body  of  the  person  w  ho  had  accom- 
panied Maud  in  her  flight. 

It  cannot  be  wondered  at  that  he  should  be  anxious  on 
this  head. 

He  had  overheard  that  he  was  a  hunchback,  that  he 
had  met  with  an  accident,  and  that  he  had  been  brought 
back  to  the  inn. 

Now  Tom  not  unreasonably  thought  that  he  should 
gain  something  if  he  could  ooiy  take  one  peep  at  thy1 
hunchback's  face. 

Most  people  doubtless  would  have  thought  tho  risk  by 
far  too  groat. 

Tom,  how»wA*.  considered  the  matter  in  <|isiie  a  af- 
ferent light. 

He  believeu  that  a  special  opportunity  was  afforded 
him,  and  that  he  should  be  much  to  bl&me  if  he  neglected 
it. 

Accordingly,  he  rapidly  ascended  the  6tairs. 

The  speed  he  made  use  of  actually  prevented  av»y 
noise  being  made  by  his  ascent,  but  yet  whea  near  the 
top  lie  paused  and  listened  somewhat  anxiously. 

Looking  through  the  old  oaken  bauister3,  he  could  per- 
»»ive  a  long  kind  of  passage  or  corridor. 


At  the  extremity  if  this  could  be  perceived  the  gtau 
•f  light. 

"  I  tell  you  t b«wb  Is  ao  other  way  up ! "  he  heard  one  say . 

"Come  on,  the^!     ( thought  there  was." 

The  officers  now  both  approached  Tom,  who  crouched 
down,  scarcely  comprehending  what  they  were  about. 

Nearer  and  nearer  they,  came,  until  they  reached  a  kind 
of  ladder  which  appartu^p-  formed  a  rude  means  of  com- 
munication with  an  upper  chamber. 

This  the  officers  ascended. 

They  were  absent  only  for  a  moment,  and  then  re 
turned. 

From  their  remarks,  Tom  understood  that  the  ladder 
did  not  communicate  with  any  upper  room,  but  with  the 
roof. 

The  officers  did  not  trouble  themselves  about  the  stair- 
case upon  which  Tom  was  hidden,  for  they  did  not  so 
much  as  cast  a  glance  towards  it,  so  sure  were  they  that 
Tit^one  could  bo  there. 

The  first  room  they  entered  was  the  one  nearest  to  the 
head  of  the  staircase. 

A  moment  only  was  required  to  enable  them  to  ex- 
amine this,  and  they  came  out,  leaving  tv/  door  ajar. 

The  next  door  was  the  one  communicating  with  the 
room  in  which  Maud  had  endured  so  much  horror. 

No  sooner  did  they  cross  this  threshold  than  Tom 
King,  with  the  same  noiseless  step,  bounded  up  the  re- 
maining stairs. 

When  at  the  top,  one  stride  took  him  to  tho  mat  that 
lay  just  outside  the  door  through  which  the  police 
officers  had  passed,  and  which  they  had  left  hall 
open. 

Standing  here,  Tom  was  able  to  command  a  tolerably 
good  view  of  the  interior  of  the  room,  though  he  took 
care  to  keep  in  such  a  position  as  would  prevent  the 
officers  from  seeing  him. 

In  this,  however,  he  was  almost  unnecessarily 
cautious. 

So  intent  and  so  absorbed  were  tho  police  officers  by 
what  they  beheld,  that  had  Tom  stood  beside  them  they 
would  scarcely  at  first  have  noticed  his  presence. 

And  no  wonder  at  all  was  it  that  their  faculties  should 
be  thus  enwrapped. 

Lying  side  by  side  upon  the  bed  were  two  dead 
bodies. 

At  all  times  is  death  an  unpleasant  and  unoomfortable 
spectacle,  but  on  this  occasion  there  was  everything  to 
aggravate  its  horror. 

The  first  body  was  that  of  tho  traveller,  whose  corpse, 
as  the  reader  will  remember,  Hunch  had  removed  from 
the  large  chest  and  placed  upon  the  bed. 

The  light  from  the  officer's  lantern  fell  full  upon  the 
face  which  Tom  could  tell  belonged  to  one  who  might 
justly  lay  claim  to  the  title  of  gentleman. 

Upon  his  distorted  features,  however,  there  was  an 
expression  which  seemed  to  convey  the  idea  that  at  tho 
moment  of  his  dissolution  he  was  conscious  of  the  horrible 
and  appalling  fact  that  he  was  being  secretly  murdered, 
and  that  nothing  more  would  be  heard  of  him  upon 
earth. 

One  glance,  however,  was  all  that  Tom  bestowed  upon 
this  unknown  personage. 

Lying  by  the  side  of  him  was  Hunch. 

The  poor  fellow  presented  a  truly  revolting  sight. 

His  apparel  had  become  soaked  in  blood,  which  had 
escaped  from  a  wound  in  the  breast,  given  him  just  a3 
the  inn  was  left. 

Then  his  face  was  horribly  battered,  scratched,  and 
disfigured,  in  consequence  of  the  distance  he  had  been 
dragged  at  the  heels  of  his  awe-struck  horse. 
His  features  were  scarcely  distinguishable. 

Altogether,  he  was  in  a  terrible  plight,  for  the  officers 
had  carried  him  to  the  inn  and  placed  him  upon  the  bed 
in  the  same  condition  as  they  had  found  him. 

'A  nice  piece  of  work!"  said  Cunningham,  who  was 
the  first  to  speak.  "  It  is  not  very  comfortable  to  think 
you  have  got  to  keep  guard  over  such  things." 

"Bah!"  said  the  other.  "Don't  think  of  It  except  in* 
the  way  of  business ;  I  never  do,  and  I  find  it  to  be  by 
far  the  best  and  wisest  plan." 

"  If  you  can  do  so,"  replied  the  other,  with  a  shuddei. 
"Come  on,  I  have  had  enough  of  this." 

There  was  an  immediate  movemeut,  and  Ton 
at  once  beat  a  retreat 


THE   KNIGHT   OF  THE   ROAD. 


[TO*   KING  PURSUES  THE   FLTWQ   FIGURE.  | 


Ills  first  thought  had  been  to  seek  again  the  shelter  of 
the  staircase,  but  he  reared  that  he  should  not  be  able  to 
descend  unseen. 

A  second  thought  told  him  that  it  would  be  much 
better  for  him  to  have  the  officers  in  front  of  him  than  at 
bis  b&ck 

Accordingly,  he  just  stepped  to  the  door  of  the  room 
the  officers  had  lately  visited,  and  which  he  reached  with 
one  stride. 

To  enter  took  him  but  an  infinitesimal  portion  of  time; 
and  when  once  fairly  in  the  chamber,  he  felt  that  he  was 
about  as  safe  as  he  well  co'^d  be  while  beneath  that 

The  officers,  having  once  satisfied  themselves  that  there 
was  no  one  there,  would  scarcely  enter  it  again. 
80  thought  Tom. 
There  was  but  one  more  bedchanbei.  and  in  that  they 

Mo.  819.— Blacx  Bess. 
No.  219. 


remained  so  long  that  Tom  was  almost  tempted  to  go  and 
tee  what  they  were  about.  ,  ,  .     .    „rae 

His  sense  of  hearing,  however,  enabled  h ^"•J^ 
to  the  conclusion  that  they  were  _engaScd  in  making^ 
minute    examination  of    the    various    articles  it 

al«  I  understand,"  said  Tom,  to  himself,  wiih  a  satisfied 
nod.  «  That  must  be  the  room  generally  occupied  by  the 
two  wretches  who  kept  this  place.    They  are  looking  for 

This  was  no  doubt  the  absolute  fact  of  the  case. 

At  length  the  officers  came  out  agam  into  the  £>as- 

SaTom  Just  caught  sight  of  their  faces  as  they  were  about 
to  descend  the  stairs.  •  .      .. 

It  was  easy  to  see  that  they  had  been  baulked  Ux  tbrir 
expectation  of  Knding  money. 


Peice  One  Halfpenny. 


T  U..~c-rl. 


I74£ 


CLACK  BESS ; OS 


"  Depend  upon  It,"  said  Knight,  "  they  have  choseu  a  [ 
cood  piaco  to  keep  their  ill-gotten  wealth." 

"But  whete  is  it?— that's  the  question." 

"•Wo  must  find  out." 

"I  fancy  that  will  give  us  some  trouble.53 

"No  doubt,  But  what  does  it  matter — we  have  cctlw.g 
else  to  do?" 

"True;  .mly  it  would  bod — d  annoying  to  work  3w 
nothing !" 

By  this  time  thoy  had  rcachea  the  bottom  of  tee  st-air- 
tase. 

Tom  came  from  his  hiding-place  and  looJced  down. 

The  officers  were  busy  looking  for  the  means  uf  gain- 
ing admittance  to  the  cellar — their  impatience  si;d  the 
fact  that  they  had  made  no  discovery  hitherto  causing 
them  to  abandon  their  expressed  intention  of  searching 
the  house  methodically. 

The  ground  floor  then  was,  by  mutual  consent,  left 
unexamined  for  the  present. 

A  door  was  found  opening  from  tinder  the  staircase 
which  apparently  led  down  into  the  cellar. 

"This  is  the  way,"  said  Knight.     " Come  on  !" 

He  commenced  the  desceut  as  he  spoke. 

His  comrade  followed  without  loss  of  timo. 

All  now  was  dark. 

As  noiselessly  as  before,  Tom  King  descended  the 
stairs. 

Once  more  was  the  way  of  escape  open  before  him. 

All  he  had  to  do  was  to  make  his  way  back  to  the 
little  window  by  which  he  had  entered,  and  so  depart. 

But  again  he  hesitated  to  avail  himself  of  this  oppor- 
tunity, though  what  ho  did  seemed  neither  more  nor  less 
than  daring  danger  to  the  uttermost. 

An  insatiable  and  uncontrollable  curiosity,  not  only 
to  sea  the  cellar  where  the  innkeeper  and  his  wife  had 
disposed  of  the  evidences  of  their  atrocities,  but  also  to 
know  what  success  the  officers  met  with  in  their  search 
for  wealth,  made  him  resolve  still  further  to  follow  in  their 
steps. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  this  boldness  was  engendered 
by  the  success  ho  had  previously  met  with. 

But  other  ideas  were  floating  in  Tom's  mind — ideas 
which  he  hoped  he  should  so  elaborate  as  to  cause  them 
to  turn  out  to  his  advantage. 

What  these  ideas  were  will  be  quickly  seen. 

It  did  not  take  him  more  than  a  moment  to  decide 
upon  his  course. 

By  the  time  the  two  police  officers  had  reached  the 
bottom  of  the  steps  he  was  ready  to  follow  them. 

He  did  so,  and  discovered  that  now  there  was  little 
fear  that  his  footsteps  would  be  overheard. 

For  some  reason  or  other,  the  steps  leading  down  into 
the  cellar  had  been  thickly  covered  with  sawdust — 

So  thickly  that,  as  Tom  King  descended,  his  feet  sank 
deeply  into  it,  so  that  he  was  absolutely  able  to  make  hi3 
way  down  with  the  noiselessncss  of  a  spectre. 


CHAPTER  AIXXXII. 

TOM    KING  TURNS  HIS  ADVENTURE  TO   GOOD   ADVANTAGE, 
ANO   SUCCEEDS  IN   FRIGHTENING  THE  TWO   OFFICERS. 

When  Tom  reached  the  bottom  of  the  steps,  ho  found 
the  officers  before  him  in  a  cellar  of  considerable  ex- 
tent. 

There  were  few  barrels  and  bottles  to  be  seen,  how- 
ever. 

In  the  cen'.ro  of  the  sawdust-covered  floor  was  a  large, 
dark  object,  the  nature  of  which  ho  could  not  at  the  lust 
glance  make  out. 

This,  however,  he  soon  after  found  was  t.'io  well  of 
which  he  had  heard  such  a  horrible  account. 

It  was  bricked  rouud  to  a  height  of  between  three  and 
four  feet. 

This  was  liio  most  notable  object  the  ceLai  con- 
tained. 

The  officers  at  once  advanced  to  it. 

Tom,  concealed  behind  the  brickwork,  watched  them 
eagerly. 

The  one  with  the  light  held  it  so  that  most  cf  iis  bean* 
were  thrown  down  the  terrible  abyss. 

"  How  deep !"  said  one. 

"  Hark !  I  can  heat  the  water !  It  seams  to  be  rushing 
»t  s  fearful  rate." 


The  other  loosened  a  brick  at  tho  side  of  the  weii,  and 
threw  it  down. 

There  was  a  succession  of  sharp  blows,  each  one  fol- 
lowing its  predecessor  more  swiftly,  and  than  finally  a 
heavy  splash. 

"Depend  upon  it,'  said  Knight,  as  soon  as  tho  sound 
had  died  away,  "  that  no  one  ever  thrown  down  that  well 
wciid  be  found  again." 

1  It  seems  like  it.     Th"?  depth  must  bo  immense." 
"  Truly  so.    But  we  shall  not  find  hero  what  we  seek, 
&o  let  us  set  to  work." 

Hearing  this,  Tom  King  drew  back. 
The  cellar  was  searched  thoroughly,  but  with  no  re- 
sult. 

Tom  King,  however,  was  much  interested  in  noticing 
tho  busiuess-like  manner  in  which  they  set  about  their 
work. 
It  was  clear  they  had  had  plenty  of  experience. 
"There's  nothing  here,"  said  Knight;  "but  still,  don't 
despair — there  is  the  other  cellar  to  search  yet.  Perkapo 
there  we  shall  be  rewarded." 

"  I  fancy  that  is  the  likeliest  place." 
"So  do  I." 

Tom  King  up  to  the  present  moment  had  not  noticed 
that  there  was  another  cellar  beyond  the  one  in  which  the 
two  officers  stood,  and  which  communicated  with  it  by 
means  of  a  low,  arched  doorway. 

The  officers  passed  through  this  in  a  moment,  and  the 
effect  was  that  Tom  King  found  himself  again  in  dark- 
ness. 

Determined  not  to  miss  seeing  what  they  were  about, 
he  quickly  crossed  the  floor  of  the  cellar — which,  like  the 
steps,  was  covered  with  sawdust — and  cautiously  peeped 
in. 

He  saw  before  him  a  number  of  miscellaneous  articles, 
chiefly,  however,  consisting  of  bottles  and  casks. 

Tho  latter  tho  officers  examined  very  particularly,  as 
though  they  expected  to  find  what  they  sought  concealed 
in  cue  of  them. 

If  such  was  the  case,  their  expectation  was  quickly- 
realised,  for  Knight  suddenly  gave  utterance  to  a  loud 
cry,  which  was  unmistakably  one  of  triumph. 

"  nere  we  are,"  he  said — "  here  we  are !     Hurrah  I" 
"  Quietly — quietly,"   said  his  less-impressionable  C03S=» 
;  anion.     "  Don't  make  too  sure." 
"  Let's  settle  it  at  once." 

Knight  held  in  his  grasp  a  small  cask,  or  rather  fesg-«» 
one  of  the  kind  used  for  small  quantities  of  brandy. 

This  apparently  was  of  great  weight,  and  the  contsa'3 
were  loose  and   rattled,   so   that   there   were  reason 
grounds  for  conjecturing  that  this  contained  what  tL:y 
wanted. 

But  Knight,  as  he  spoke,  took  speedy  and  effectual 
means  of  removing  all  doubts  whatever. 

Depositing  the  keg  upon  the  ground,  ho  glance  .3 
around  him,  as  though  in  search  of  something. 

His  eye  immediately  fell  upon  a  wooden  mallai  and  3 
chisel. 

Seizing  upon  these,  he,  by  their  sid,  q'.iiet'y  broke 
open  the  cask. 

The  head  fell  out,  and  immediately  there  rolled  upon 
the  ground  a  quantity  of  glittering  objects  of  all  descrip- 
tions. 

Tom  distinguished  watches,  rings,  brooches,  guineas, 
silver  coins,  and,  iu  fact,  almost  ever"  article  of  person*! 
adornment  that  was  of  value. 

The  contents  of  tho  keg  could  not  bo  estimated  as 
being  worth  less  than  several  hundred  penned,  so  tha 
officers  might  consider  themselves  as  being  well  paid  frsr 
the  trouble  they  had  taken,  as  of  course  they  intended  t-0 
keep  this  little  find  all  to  themselves. 

"Cunningham,  my  boy,"  cried  Knight,  in  avoiC-3  02 
great  exultation,  "  this  is  something  like,  is  it  net  ?" 
"  Bather  ;  but  no  more  than  I  expected." 
"Ha,  ha  I  it's  capital  Now  you  see  what  a  thing  it 
is  to  have  a  littio  courage  !  Why,  lor'  bless  you,  nins 
officers  out  of  every  ten  would  be  frightened  to  death  *5 
come  down  into  such  a  place  as  this." 

"  I  can  easily  believe  that,  for  I  don't  ba'J  J.&3  £t  3^« 
ealf." 
,     "  Bah  ! — nonsense  !" 

"  But  I  tell  you  I  don't !  I  fancy  that  well  sceii's  fe&3 
whole  place.  To  me  it  seems  as  though  1  kept  on  drisi^ 
ing  blood  instead  of  merely  breathing  the  air. 


TTTS   KNTGirT   OF  TttB    EOJLD. 


17-if 


*j&i?|d  your  row,  you  fool !  What  do  you  waut  to  talk 
&Ve  that  for?  If  you  go  on  so,  you  will  end  by  being  as 
Inghtened  as  the  rest." 

;  i"  I — I  can't  help  it !  I  shudder  now,  aivi  my  back  (eels 
as  though  some  ono  was  pouring  cold  water  dowD 
it." 

"  Ha— ha !    Well,  this  is  rich  I    But  I'll  toli  you  w"o&i. 
nate,  is  the  best  thing  you  can  do." 
"  What— what  ?" 

"  Why,  turn  the  whole  of  your  attention  to  this  nice 
little  heap  of  treasure  here.    Just  look  at  it — feast  your 
eyes  upon  it,  and  you  will  soon  get  the  better  of  all  those 
ridiculous  fancies." 
"  I — I  can't  do  it !" 

"  Nonsense  !     Here,  have  something  to  drlak." 
"  I  eould  not  touch  it!" 

"Yes,  but,  d— n  it  all,  you  are  not  going  on  like  this,  1 
hope !  Come,  bundl*  the  things  together  again,  and  we 
will  carry  them  upstairs." 

"But— but " 

"What  now?" 
"  Why,  can't  you  see  ?" 
"See  what?" 

"That  they  are  all  covered  with—  ^yith  blood!  Yes, 
look,  there  is  blood  upon  every  one !" 

"  I'll  be  d — d  if  I  should  have  thought  this  of  you,  old 
fellow;  you  are  quite  beside  yourself." 

The  officer's  teeth  chattered  together  like  castanets, 
and  his  eyes  rolled  in  the  most  fearful  manner  around 
the  vault,  as  though  he  expected  every  moment  to  en- 
counter some  horrible  spectacle. 

The  alteration  in  his  demeanour  seemed  at  first  to  be 
sarprising ;  but  then,  when  the  nature  of  the  place  is  duly 
eonsidere.l,  it  is  not  so  much  to  be  wondered  at. 

It  is  a  well-known  fact,  however,  that  there  is  nothing 
more  infectious  than  fear. 

Now,  Knight  was  about  as  free  from  all  kinds  of  super- 
stitious, or  rather  supernatural,  impressions  as  any  man 
well  could  be,  yet  this  change  in  his  comrade's  demeanour 
produced  a  marked  effect  upon  him. 

Cunningham  seemed  every  moment  to  grow  moro  and 
more  overcome. 

Staggering  slowly  back,  he  paused  at  length  with  his 
back  against  the  wall,  his  eyes  rolling,  hi3  teeth  chatter- 
ing, and  drawing  his  breath  in  short  and  fitful  gasps. 

Tom  King  watched  all  this  with  feelings  of  the  greatest 
satisfaction. 

It  was  just  what  he  had  been  wishing  for. 
He  now  believed  that  he  saw  before  him  the  means  of 
accomplishing  the  purpose  which  had  been  hovering  in 
his  brain. 

After  a  moment's  reflection,  he  seemed  to  decide  upon 
his  course. 

With  hasty  steps,  ha  made  his  way  to  the  staircase  and 
ascended. 

With  the  same  rapidity,  he  entered  the  room  where 
he  had  concealed  himself,  and  where  he  recollected  there 
was  something  which  would  be  necessary  to  the  eanying 
out  of  his  intention. 

This  was  nothing  else  than  a  large  white  table- 
cloth. 

It  was  really  astonishing  to  observe  with  what  quick- 
ness Tom  moved  the  different  articles  that  6tood  upon 
the  table,  and  then  removed  the  cloth. 

Rolling  it  up  into  a  small  compass,  he  again  descended 
to  the  cellar. 

Pausing  at  the  bottom  of  the  steps,  he  ascertained  that 
the  two  officers  were  still  standing  where  he  had  left 
them,  the  one  endeavouring  to  inspire  the  other  with 
courage,  while  he  was  conscious  that  his  owaQnnaciss 
was  fast  giving  way. 

Silently,  Tom  glided  to  the  well  and  took  up  hio  posi- 
tion in  such  a  way  that  the  brickwork  around  it  w&3 
between  himself  and  the  entrance  to  the  *nner  cellar,  thus 
eerviDgj  him  with  a  slight  and  temporary  hiding- 
place. 

His  first  act  was  to  spread  out  the  Ubie-cioi&,"4n3:'>*&n 
thoroughly  to  envelop  himself  in  it. 

The  cloth  was  not  long  enough  to  cover  the  whole  of 
Ike  lower  part  of  his  person,  but  he  considered  th*s  U 
would  answer  his  purposo  admirably. 

One  corner  of  the  cloth  ho  arranged  to  fall  over  his 
head  and  face,  after  the  manner  of  a  monk's  cowl. 


it  has  taken  us  to  describe  them,  and  by  the  time  thoj 
were  completed  there  was  a  stir  made  by  the  officers. 

Tom  crouched  down  as  low  as  ever  he  possibly 
could. 

Tho  brickwork  of  the  well  was  quite  sufficient  to  con- 
ceal him  from  tho  gaze  of  the  two  police  officers  when 
tbey  emerged. 

The  reader  will  perceive  that  Tom's  intention  was  to 
give  them  a  terrible  fright. 

To  what  extent  he  succeeded  will  be  quickly  seen. 
"  D — n  it  all !"  cried  Knight,  "  don't  stop  here  1    Corns 
on  !     Help  me  to  carry  tho  swag,  and  you  may  go  on  how 
you  like  upstairs." 
"  J  -I  csunot  touch  it !" 

"  If  you  don't  halp  me  you  shall  not  have  a,  shilling  of 
it  I" 

"  Tho  curse  of  blood  is  on  all  1" 

"  Tho  curse  of  a  fiddlestick!  Hero — take  tho  light! 
Are  you  afraid  to  carry  that?" 

There  wa3  no  reply;  but  Tom  concluded  that  the 
lantern  was  put  into  Cunningham's  hands,  for  Knight 
said : 

"  There,  there— hold  it  steady  !    Don't  shake  it  abo'it 
liko  that !    D— d  if  I  don't  believe  you  will  drop  it,  after 
all ;  if  you  do.  we  shall  bo  in  the  dark,  recollect !" 
"  No— no  !"  gasped  Cunningham. 
"  But  I  say  we  shall !" 
"  I  mean  I  shall  not  drop  the  lantern." 
"  All  right  then.     Come  on  !     That's  the  way.     Pluck 
up  your  courage.    What  is  there  to  be  afraid  of,  I  should 
like  to  know  ?" 

Knight  pronounced  these  words  in  a  very  defiant  way , 
but  yet  it  did  not  seem  as  though  ho  was  quite  assured 
that  there  was  nothing  to  be  terrified  about. 

Stooping  down,  he  picked  up  the  keg  of  treasure,  and, 
with  heavy  steps,  advanced  towards  the  doorway. 

"You  must  go  first,"  ho  said  to  his  companion,  "in 
order  to  show  the  way." 
"  D— d  if  I  do,  then  !" 
"  How  can  I  6ee  ?" 

"  I  don't  care.    Put  the  treasure  down." 
"Don't  you  think  you  see  me  doing  it,  cL  P" 
"  I  do  not  want  it." 
"  I  do,  though." 
"  Then  carry  it." 

Thus  disputing,  tho  two  officers  passed  from  one  cell  r 
to  the  other. 

Cunningham  already  was  so  frightened  that  he  couJd 
scarcely  move — indeed,  it  was  only  his  strong  desire  to 
quit  his  present  uncomfortable  quarters  that  enabled  him 
to  make  use  of  his  legs  at  all. 

Knight  was  just  iu  that  condition  of  mind  which 
enabled  him  to  preserve  an  outward  semblance  of  bold- 
ness, but  which  would  change  into  panic-stricken  fear  at 
the  slightest  unusual  occurrence. 

Just  as  the  pair  passed  through  tho   doorway,  Tom 
King  placed  his  lips  close  to  the  brickwork  of   the  well, 
and  uttered  a  low,  deep  groan. 
The  sound  was  most  peculiar. 
Tom  himself  was  half  startled  by  it. 
The  whole  of  the  cellar  seemed  to  ring  with  it,  and  to 
decide  upon  its  source  was  assuredly  a  matter  of  impossi- 
bility. .     , 

It  was  echoed  by  a  dismal  yell  from  Cunningham,  wLl0 
gave  so  great  a  bound  that  it  is  ten  thousand  wonders 
the  lantern  did  not  fall 
Knight  stood  motionless. 

Silently,  and  without  tho  least  sound,  Tom  King  roso 
to  his  feet.  „,,,«■ 

It  so  happened  that   tho   eye3  of   both   officers  were 

turned  towards  the  inner  cellar,    as  though   they  were 

under  the  impression   that  the   sound   had  come    from 

thence.  .  . 

torn  extended  ono  baud  in  a  warning,  denunciatory 

n  anner.  . 

Just  then  Knight  and  Cunningham  caught  eight  of 
him,  and  both  at  the  same  moment. 

The  view  cf  this  ghastly-looking  apparition  standing 
as  though  it  had  just  ascended  from  tho  well,  made  whfit 
little  courage  and  fortitude  they  possessed  aisttdoo 
tkom. 

They  were  at  first  struck  dumb  and  motiouless. 

It  would  have  been  an  ineffable  relief  to  both  eouid 


These  preparations  were  made  in  much  less  time  than    they  but  have  given  utterance  to  the  yell  of  fear  that  wsi 


1748 


BLACK    BE8g;     OR, 


ready  to  burst  from  their  lips,  or  if  they  could  have  fled 
from  the  spot. 

But  speech  and  motion  were  alike  denied  them,  so  they 
remained  silent,  rooted  to  the  spot. 

So  hideous  was  the  scene  that  Tom  had  raucu  difficulty 
in  repressing  a  smile. 

But  he  saw  how  slight  a  thing  would  now  suffice  to 
put  a  finishing  stroke  to  their  alarm,  aod  caauso  them  to 
flee  as  though  ten  thousand  demons  were  at  their  heeb. 

"Impious  villains!"  he  said,  in  low  and  6epukhi"al 
tones.     "  Your  doom        " 

He  had  time  to  say  no  more. 

The  awful  words,  and  the  still  more  awful  yoke'  f o 
which  they  were  pronounced,  dissolved  the  spell  that  hail 
weighed  upon  the  officers. 

Simultaneously,  awful  yells  came  from  their  lips. 

Then  there  was  a  crash  and  total  d>*kness. 

Knight  had  dropped  the  cask — 

Cunningham  the  lantern. 

The  former  fell  to  the  ground  with  so  much  force  that 
it  burst,  and  the  valuable  contents  were  strewed  iu  all 
directions. 
.-    But  Knight  was  quite  heedless  of  them  now. 

The  lantern  had  slipped  from  Cunningham's  trembling 
fingers,  and  after  rolling  over  once  upon  the  sawdust 
was  extinguished. 

Then  there  was  an  awful  rush. 

The  officers  were  anxious  to  a  degree  to  quit  this  hor- 
rible place,  but  that  very  anxiety  defeated  their  inten- 
tion. 

So  blinded  were  they  by  their  terror,  and  so  confounded 
by  the  darkness,  that  though  the  steps  were  within  a  few 
feet  of  them,  they  groped  about  vainly  and  fruitlessly. 

Tom  groaned  again. 

Their  terror  was  redoubled,  and  the  scuffling  incredibly 
increased. 

At  last,  however,  the  foot  of  the  steps  was  reached, 
and  up  they  went  with  greater  speed  than  ever  they  had 
made  use  of  before. 

Tom  was  delighted  to  think  his  stratagem  had  been  so 
successful. 

So  soon,  however,  as  he  was  certain  that  the  officers 
were  fairly  on  their  way  to  the  upper  regions  of  the 
house,  Tom  proceeded  to  put  the  remainder  and  by  far 
the  more  important  portion  of  his  plan  into  execution. 

This  related  to  the  valuables  which  the  officers  had 
been  terrified  into  leaving  behind  them. 

Hastily  throwing  off  the  table-cloth  which  had  served 
him  so  well,  Tom  folded  it  and  proceeded  to  put  it  to  still 
further  use. 

The  darkness  was  profound,  but  yet  he  was  able  to 
find  his  way  without  difficulty  to  the  spot  where  the  pre- 
cious contents  of  the  cask  lay  scattered  upon  the  floor. 

With  great  speed  ho  gathered  them  together  and  placed 
them  in  the  middle  of  the  cloth. 

No  doubt,  in  his  haste,  many  escaped  him — indeed,  Tom 
intended  that  some  should  remain  in  order  that  when  a 
little  calmness  took  possession  of  the  officers,  which 
would  probably  be  towards  daylight,  they  would  bo  able 
to  perceive  that  they  had  been  tricked  out  of  their 
epoil. 

The  anticipation  of  their  state  of  aggravation  gave 
Tom  much  delight. 

By  far  the  greater  part  of  the  valuables  was  placed  in 
the  cloth  ;  and  then  hastily  forming  the  whole  into  a  largo 
bundle,  Tom  threw  it  over  his  shoulder  and  hastened  up 
the  steps. 

Upon  gaining  the  top  ho  stopped,  in  older  tvst  he 
might,  if  possible,  form  some  conception  of  the  whero- 
abouts  of  his  terrified  foes. 

But  all  was  profoundly  still. 

So  still  that  Tom  began  to  think  that  they  had  actu*l]y 
quitted  the  premises. 

Whether  they  had  done  so  or  not,  however,  or  whether 
they  had  concealed  themselves  in  some  inner  room,  Tom 
took  no  steps  to  discover. 

He  felt  that  the  best  thing  ho  ct>uld  do  now  was  to  get 
from  beneath  that  roof  with  all  convenient  speed,  as  at 
any  moment  the  courage  of  the  officers  might  return  to 
them,  and  then  an  awkward  encounter  might  ensue,  as 
they  would  be  in  a  state  of  absolute  frenzy. 

Accordingly,  when  he  had  satisfied  himself  that  the 
coast  was  clear,  our  friend  made  his  way  as  well  as  he 
could  to  the  littlo  window  by  which  he  h»<\  entered. 


He  succeeded  in  finding  it  without  much  diffloulty,  and 
gained  the  open  air  without  hearing  or  seeing  augkt  of 
his  foes. 

Altogether  Tom  had  ample  grounds  upon  which  *o 
congratulate  himself  respecting  the  whole  affair,  Vnrt 
most  especially  upon  the  conclusion  of  it. 

The  bundle  upon  his  shoulder  was  both  large  and  heavy, 
and  he  felt  that  it  woirid  not  be  over  convenient  for  him 
to  carry  it  with  him  to  any  distance. 

He  made  his  way  with  it  to  tho  spot  where  he  had  left 
his  horse. 

The  animal  ho  found  safe  onough,  and  very  contentedly 
cropping  the  sweet  grass  that  grew  about  its  feet. 

It  w»3  not  until  after  some  moments'  consideration  that 
Tom  mounted,  and  then  it  was  with  the  resolution  to  find 
as  speedily  as  possible  some  retired  nook  whore  he  could 
bury  his  booty. 


CHAPTER  MXXXIII. 

IN  WHICH  TOM  KING  GETS  VERY  STRANGELY  OH  TUB 
WRONG    TRACK. 

It  was  not  long  before  just  such  a  place  as  Tom  King  re- 
quired presented  itself  to  his  notice. 

At  no  great  distance  from  the  inn  he  camo  across  a 
small  pool  of  water,  over  which  hung  a  remarkable-look- 
ing weeping  willow  tree. 

Among  tho  roots  of  this  he  determined  the  treasure 
should  be  deposited. 

He  had  no  other  tool  for  the  purpose  of  making  an 
excavation  except  his  sword. 

With  this  weapon,  however,  ho  set  to  work  in  good 
earnest. 

It  was  not  tho  first  time  he  had  put  a  sword  to  a  similar 
use,  and  so  he  worked  rapidly. 

Moreover,  the  ground  was  of  a  very  soft  nature,  which 
assisted  him  materially. 

As  soon  as  the  hole  was  deep  enough  for  his  purpose, 
ho  wrapped  the  cloth  well  round  the  valuables  and  de- 
posited them  in  it. 

The  earth  was  quickly  covered  over  and  the  place  re- 
stored to  its  usual  appearance — tho  superfluous  earth 
being  easily  got  rid  of  by  beiug  thrown  into  the  water. 

Tom  hastened  over  these  proceedings  as  much  as 
ho  could,  for  he  was  well  conscious  that  the  night  was 
wearing  fast  away. 

He  had  set  his  mind  upon  discovering  Maud's  where- 
abouts, if  possible,  before  morning  came  upon  him. 

Mounting  his  steed  and  looking  well  around  him  in 
order  that  ho  might  'm  able  to  recognise  the  placo  easily 
again,  ho  rode  off  £a  the  direction  mentioned  by  the  two 
officers. 

This  was  actually  for  some  distance  on  the  direct  roa.l 
to  tho  old  water-mill  where  Maud  had  had  so  narrow  an 
escape  from  death. 

Tom  looked  about  him  very  cautiously,  for  he  did  not 
know  how  soon  he  might  catch  sight  of  his  pursuers. 

But  for  a  long  time  his  pains  and  trouble  met  with  no 
reward. 

All  at  once,  on  passing  round  a  sharp  curve  in  the  cross- 
road, he  believed  he  saw  something  like  a  female  figure 
flit  before  him  at  some  distance  on  in  front,  and  imme- 
diately vanish  round  the  next  turn. 

This  was  quite  enough  to  stimulate  him  to  the  utmost. 

Touching  his  horse  lightly  with  tho  spur,  he  set  for- 
ward at  full  gallop. 

The  next  turn  was  rounded,  and  again  the  figure  came 
in  sight. 

There  was  no  room  for  doubts  now. 

It  was  unquestionably  a  female,  though  in  tho  darkness 
the  outlines  of  her  form  were  dim  and  ill-defined. 

It  would  seem  as  tnough  at  this  moment  that  she  be- 
came conscious  some  one  was  pursuing  her,  for  she 
uttered  a  shrill  cry,  which  was  unmistakably  one  of  terror, 
and  bounded  onward  at  a  rate  which  intense  terror  could 
alone  have  enabled  her  to  make. 

Tom  echood  her  cry  by  another. 

But  his  was  ODe  of  encouragement. 

He  did  not  suffer  his  horse  to  abate  his  speed,  and  a* 
ho  galloped  on  he  shouted : 

"  Maud — Maud  !  Fear  nothing !  All  is  well !  I  hav« 
come  to  save  you  !" 

But  either  his  words  failed  to  reach  her  ears  altogether, 
or  else  her  great  alarm  rendered  her  icaf  to  every  souni^ 


TH3    KNIQHT  OF  TBB  BOAD. 


1749 


for  she  continued  to  ran  with  even  greater  swiftness  than 
before. 

But  remarkably  fleet  as  she  was,  it  is  not  to  be  supposed 
that  she  could  long  keep  ahead  of  Tom. 

Yet  although  dhe  must  have  known  that  to  b-,  over- 
taken was  inevitable,  ehe  continued  to  strain  overv 
nerve. 

Again  and  again  Tom  called  after  her,  but  rjf}^  no 
more  result  than  at  first. 

Once  Tom's  horse's  head  almost  touched  her  shoulder. 

At  the  same  time  she  turned  to  lookback,  and  the  sight 
60  startled  her  that  she  gave  a  tremendous  bound,  which 
at  once  carried  her  several  feet  ahead. 

But  it  was  a  last  effort. 

With  a  wild,  despairing  cry,  which  thrilled  strangely 
to  Tom's  heart,  she  sank  down  in  front  of  him  as  though 
all  at  once  struck  down  by  lightning. 

Tom  uttered  a  shout. 

lie  felt  assured  that  nothing  could  save  her  from  being 
run  ovor. 

He  pulled  the  rein  hard,  and  the  horse,  seeing  some- 
thing lying  in  its  path,  swerved  aside,  and  with  so  much 
abruptness  that  Tom  was  almosi  unseated. 

The  effort  he  made  to  regain  his  proper  position  in  the 
saddle  increased  the  fright  which  the  horse  already  felt, 
and  he  broke  out  into  a  terrific  gallop. 

It  was  some  moments  before  Tom  could  bring  him  to  a 
standstill,  but  having  done  eo,  he  compelled  him  to  re- 
trace his  steps. 

On  regaining  the  spot  where  she  had  fallen,  Tom  pre- 
cipitately alighted. 

He  fancied  she  had  lost  all  consciousness,  but  this  was 
not  the  case,  for  on  his  appearance  6ho  endeavoured  to 
rise  to  her  feet  and  resume  her  headlong  flight. 

But  her  strength  was  gone,  and  she  sunk  down  again 
with  a  moan. 

Now  Tom  was  never  more  certain  of  anything  in  his 
life  than  ho  was  that  this  was  Maud. 

It  never  once  occurred  to  him  that  there  could  bo  a  pos- 
sibility of  its  being  anyone  else. 

What,  then,  was  his  surprise  when  he  all  at  once  dis- 
covered that  he  had  been  quite  upon  a  wrong  track. 

Although  not  exactly  morning,  yet  there  was  sufficient 
dim  gray  light  to  enable  him  to  perceive  that  this  was  & 
young  girl  many  years  younger  than  Maud,  and  that  her 
skin  was  so  dark  that  she  looked  like  an  Indian. 

Indeed,  Tom  came  at  once  to  the  conclusion  that  she 
was  not  of  European  birth,  thero  was  something  so  foreign- 
looking  in  her  countenance. 

But  for  all  that,  the  dusky  features  were  truly  beauti- 
ful. 

No  tiny  bird  fluttering  beneath  a  hawk  could  have 
manifested  greater  terror  than  this  young  girl  did  when 
Tom  bent  over  her. 

Perceiving  it,  he  endeavoured,  by  speaking  in  gentle 
tones,  to  reassure  her. 

"  Fear  nothing,"  ho  said  — "  do  not  be  afraid.  You 
have  not,  believe  me,  the  least  cause  for  alarm.  I  took 
you  for  another  of  whom  I  am  in  search." 

Tom  spoke  without  thinking  whether  his  words  would 
be-  understood. 

Evidently,  however,  they  were  not  only  comprehended, 
but  believed,  for,  raising  her  head,  she  clasped  one  of  his 
hands  in  both  her  own,  and  sank  down  upon  her  knees. 

"  Help  me — help  mo  I"  she  said,  faintly.  "  Help  me  and 
save  me,  for  I  am  sorely  in  need  of  protection  !" 

"  Be  calm — be  calm !"  cried  Tom,  allowing  her  to  con- 
tinue her  appeal;  "such  help  as  I  can  give  you  shall  be 
afforded  freely.     Tell  me  what  it  is  you  fear." 

The  young  girl  glanced  around  her  timorously. 

Sue  placed  one  of  her  tiny  hands  to  her  esr  and  liswjned 
intently. 

Tom  noted  hat  the  fingers  were  loaded  ,/ith  jewelled 
rings. 

"  I  have  escaped,"  she  said — "  escaped  from  a  fate  far 
worse  than  death  itself.  Yes — yes,  I  think  I  can  now 
venture  to  say  that  I  have  escaped." 

"  No  harm  shall  reach  you  while  I  am  near,"  said  Tom, 
resolutely,  "so  be  under  no  more  apprehension.  Tell  me 
what  I  can  do  to  serve  you  ?" 

This  was  a  question  that  seemed  to  cause  the  girl  con- 
siderable perplexity. 

Tom  saw  she  was  in  deep  thought,  and  waited  patiee*ly 
for  hor  answer. 


But  instead  of  giving  it,  she  burst  into  a  flood  of 
tears. 

Tom  allowed  her  grief  to  have  full  vent  for  some  mo- 
ments, for  he  knew  how  much  her  heart  would  t»  r* 
lieved. 

Then,  if  possible,  with  greater  deference,  he  repeawa 
his  question. 

"Alas— alas,  sir!"  she  replied;  "I  know  not  how  to 
answer  you — in  fact^  I  feel  myself  unable  to  givo  you  a 
reply." 

"CJan  I  assist  you  with  my  advice  ?" 

"  Would  you  have  patience  to  listen  to  a  few  particu- 
lars of  my  life  ?    If  60,  then " 

"  Say  on.  Speak  freely.  Believe  mo,  on  my  word, 
when  I  say  that  from  this  moment  forth  I  am  devoted  to 
your  service  until  I  can  place  you  in  somo  safe  posi- 
tion." 

The  young  girl  looked  the  thanks  she  was  not  able  to 
express,  and  murmured : 

u  It  is  strange  indeed  to  meet  with  so  much  sympathy. 
Believe  me,  I  shall  ever  bo  your  debtor." 

Tom  laughed. 

"  Think  not  of  me  in  such  a  light,"  ho  said.  "Indeed, 
the  less  you  know  of  me  the  better." 

His  words  caused  a  look  of  surprise  to  flit  across  her 
features,  but  observing  that  Tom  stood  waiting  to  hear 
the  particulars  of  which  she  had  spoken,  she  said  t 

"I  must  go  so  far  back  as  to  tell  you  that  my  mother 
was  the  only  daughter  of  an  English  officer  in  India. 
She  was  his  pot — his  idol.  But  as  she  grew  up,  chance 
threw  her  in  the  way  of  one  of  the  native  Indian  princes. 
He  was  young,  chivalric,  rich,  and  handsome.  A  mutual 
love  ensued,  which,  however,  upon  discovering,  her  father 
sternly  forbid. 

"  But  his  mandate  was  unheeded.  The  young  Indian 
chief's  tonder  entreaties,  glowing  pictures  of  the  f uturo, 
and  assurances  that  in  the  end  all  would  be  well,  proved 
of  far  greater  power  than  her  father's  mandates. 

"  Flight  followed.  They  were  married,  and  a  year 
afterwards  I  was  born. 

"It  seems  strange  that  I  should  tell  you  all  this.  Yet 
in  a  few  moments  you  will  perceive  the  necessity  of  it, 
for  I  am  utterly  friendless  and  helpless  in  a  foreign  land, 
where  I  have  known  little  save  unhappiness  since  my 
arrival  in  it." 

"I  am  deeply  interested,"  Tom  observed;  "and  if  I 
made  any  remark  upon  the  subject,  it  would  be  to  request 
you  to  enter  fully  into  all  particulars.  Rely  upon  it  I 
shall  be  a  patient  and  observant  listener." 

"Thanks — many  thanks!  My  reason  for  telling  you 
so  much  of  tho  past  is  that  you  may  the  better  compre- 
hend the  present.  My  grandfather  was  bitterly  wroth 
when  he  discovered  my  mother's  flight,  and  his  hatred 
now  became  as  intense  as  his  love  had  been. 

"  My  father  perished   in  a  skirmish  with  his  foes,  and  * 
my  mother  after  that  endured   many  privations,  all  of 
which  I  shared,  though  I  was  then  too  young  thoroughly 
to  comprehend  them. 

"  One  day,  however,  the  news  came  that  my  grand- 
father had  died  in  England — that  with  his  last  breath  ho 
had  forgiven  his  daughter  and  left  her  the  whole  of  his 
vast  wealth.  At  that  time  he  was  not  certain  whether 
she  was  alive  or  dead.  If  the  former,  then  she  was  to 
mako  her  way  to  England  without  loss  of  time ;  if  tho 
latter,  then  her  children  were  to  do  so ;  and  in  case  none 
survived,  tho  property  was  to  pass  into  the  hands  of  a 
nephew  of  my  grandfather's. 

"  This  nephew  was  also  appointed  executor  for  tno 
time  being — I  believe  that  is  the  proper  word. 

"My  poor  mother  had  lived  so  long  without  hot 
i  father's  pardon  that  she  had  ceased  to  hope  for  and  ex- 
pert it.  Tho  knowledge  that  his  displeasure  still  con- 
tinued, aud  tho  loss  of  hor  much-loved  husband,  weighed 
upon  her  spirits  to  such  a  degree  that  she  pined  away 
daily.  I  have  heard  it  6aid  that  joy  never  kills,  but  it  is 
certain  that  after  this  news  my  mother  sank  quickly  into 
the  grave. 

"However,  she  started  for  Calcutta,  in  company  with 
t  rtiyself,  her  only  child.     We   took  passago   on   board  a 
vessel,  but  ere  we  had   gone  a  hundred  miles  my  mother 
breathed  her  last. 

"  My  position  then  was  sad — sad  indeed — sadder  indeed, 
I  think,  than  you  would  be  able  to  form  any  conception 


1750 


BLACK    13JESS  ;    OK, 


"  But  1  must  not  linger.  In  brief,  we  reached  London, 
and  then  I  met  this  nephew  of  whom  I  spoke,  and  who  I 
cow  learned  had,  in  consequence  of  my  mother's  death 
become  my  guardian. 

"When  I  saw  him  first  1  shuddered  involuntarily.  I 
knew  not  why,  for  there  was  nothing  extraordinary  or 
repulsive  in  his  manner  or  appearance,  and  I  felt  asl  a<sn*i 
&i  my  sensations. 

"  Ho  took  me  at  once  to  a  magnificent  house  a  little 
way  from  London,  and  in  a  few  days  he  began  to  maao 
proposals  of  marriage  t/i  me. 

"  I  felt  assured  that  it  was  not  love  for  ms  which 
prompted  him  to  take  this  course. 

"  It  was  merely  in  order  that  ho  might  not  lose  lb 
money  and  estates. 

"  I  at  once  repliod  firmly  in  ths  negative,  and  posi- 
tively assured  him  that  his  suit  was  useless.  But  he 
took  not  the  least  notice  of  my  denial,  ~nd  urged  upon 
me  that  it  was  my  grandfather's  last  wish  that  r,e  should 
be  united. 

"  This  consideration  had  not  the  least  weight  with  me ; 
indeed,  as  I  had  never  heard  of  this  before,  I  believed  it 
to  be  neither  more  nor  less  than  a  fabrication  made  to 
answer  his  own  ends  and  purposes. 

"  He  little  thought,  perhaps,  that  I  was  one  who  would 
not  bo  moved  from  a  course  resolved  upon.  Even  had  he 
prepossessed  mo  favourably,  instead  of  the  reverse,  his 
suit  would  have  been  equally  in  vain,  for — for — there — 
there— was " 

"Another?"  said  Tom,  perceiving  her  hesitation. 

"Yes,  one  whom  I  had  known  from  childhood — my 
constant  playmate — one  that  I  loved  dearer  than  life — the 
only  son  of  my  father's  dearest  friend,  and,  liko  my 
father,  a  native  Indian  prince. 

"  We  were  affianced'  before  my  departure  from  the 
land  of  my  birth,  and  he  promised  to  follow  rne  here 
with  all  speed." 

"  Aud  has  ho  done  so  ?" 

"Yes,  and  on  his  appearance  my  guardian  grew 
furious.  He  called  him  a  barbarian,  and  declared  that 
his  consent  should  never  be  given  to  such  a  union,  and 
accordingly  began  by  preventing  all  communication  be- 
tween us. 

"  At  the  same  time  he  took  prompt  measures  to  coerce 
me  into  a  marriage  with  himself.  I  resisted  to  the  utmost 
of  my  ability;  but  it  availed  little,  his  power  was  so 
much  greater  than  mine. 

"  At  last,  soon  after  sunset  yesterday,  I  was  suddenly 
surprised  by  the  entrance  of  many  persons  into  my  cham- 
ber, which,  though  a  luxuriously  appointed  one,  was 
nevertheless  to  me  nothing  mora  than  a  dungeon,  for  I 
was  not  allowed  on  any  pretext  to  leave  it. 

"  I  was  amazed  at  what  I  saw,  and  for  a  little  while 
was  quite  unable  to  comprehend  it. 

"  But  I  soon  discovered  that  every  preparation  had 
been  made  for  the  performance  of  the  marriage  ceremony. 

"In  spite  of  my  entreaties,  remonstrances,  and  resist- 
ance, a  mockery  of  the  solemn  service  was  gone  through. 
Those  persons  who  were  present  were  clearly  mere  tools 
of  my  villanous  guardian's.  In  a  few  moments  1  was 
declared  a  wife,  the  ceremony  being  pronounced  a  legal 
and  a  binding  one — indeed,  all  those  present  were  willing 
to  swear  such  was  the  case. 

"  This  overwhelmed  me  quite,  and  I  burst  into  a 
frantic  passion  of  tears. 

"My  guardian  approached  me  with  an  exultant  emile 
upon  his  lips. 

"  '  Fool !'  he  said.  •  Did  you  for  a  moment  think  that 
3  should  suffer  myself  to  be  reduced  to  beggary  by  such  a 
one  as  you  are?  No,  no!  Learn  now,  if  you  were 
ignorant  of  it  before,  that  you  are  irrevocably  mine  ' ' 

"His  words  rang  in  my  ears  like  a  death-knell.  1  was 
overcome,  and  in  a  faint  voice  murmured  a  request  to 
the  effect  that  I  might  be  left  alone. 

"'Willingly,'  he  said.  'You  need  be  under  no  fear 
that  I  shall  trouble  you  much  with  my  company.  My 
end  now  is  achieved,  and  I  am  content.' 

"  With  these  words,  ho  left  me. 

"  I  6ank  down  distracted. 

"  What  was  I  to  do  ? 

"  I  felt  that  the  time  had  not  yet  altogether  passed 
away  for  me  to  make  resistance,  and,  impressed  with  this 
conviction,  1  sprang  to  my  feet. 

"  *  darted  at  once  to  tbe  door  of  my  chamber. 


"  For  the  first  time  for  a  long  while,  it  was  unfastened. 
When  I  found  it  yield  easily  to  my  hand,  I  could  scarcely 
believe  iu  tho  reality  of  so  much  good  fortune. 

"  Without  pausing  to  consider,  however,  I  passftd  cut, 
wondering  all  the  while  whether  in  his  excitement  my 
guardian  had  forgotteu  his  habitual  cautiou,  o  whether 
he  believed  that  1  was  now  hopelessly  and  for  ever  in  his 
power. 

"  Be  this  how  it  may,  I  descended  the  staircase  with  a 
fast-beating  heart. 

'  I  was  so  fortunate  as  to  rea^-a  tho  foot  of  it  unheard- 
unseen. 

"  There  was  a  door  close  by  opening  into  tbe  garden  ;  I 
gained  it,  passed  out,  and  finally  got  quite  clear  of  tho 
premises. 

"  Before  I  had  time  to  run  far — for  I  fled  with  all  the 
speed  I  was  capable  of  making,  though  chance  alono 
directed  my  footsteps — I  became  conscious  that  my  flight 
had  been  discovered  and  a  pursuit  commenced. 

"I  had  not  time  to  think  which  way  I  should  go — to 
mo  all  roads  were  the  same,  60  that  they  led  me  away 
from  my  hateful  prison. 

"  My  strength,  however,  quickly  failed  me,  and  I 
almost  gave  myself  up  for  lost. 

"My  pursuers  were  coming  on  rapidly  behind  me. 

"  But  in  India  I  had  had  to  fly  more  than  once,  and 
therefore  knew  what  stratagem  to  put  into  execution. 

"  Observing  a  dark  place  in  tho  road,  I  concealed  my- 
self behind  tho  bushes  that  grew  there,  forcing  myself 
among  their  roots,  and  lying  so  closely  on  the  ground 
that  I  felt  certain  nothing  but  a  rigid  search  could  dis- 
cover me. 

"But my  pursuers  rode  on  without  dreaming  I  should 
put  any  such  stratagem  into  practice ;  aud  as  soon  as 
ever  they  were  out  of  hearing,  I  rose  again,  and  swiftly 
retraced  my  steps,  for  then  I  knew  that  I  was  getting 
away  from  them  at  a  double  speed. 

"  Ere  long,  I  felt  certain,  they  would  guess  what  I  had 
done ;  but  before  that  I  hoped  to  be  on  tho  road  to  a  place 
of  safety. 

"  Not  to  detain  you  longer,  I  can  say  that  all  this  night 
I  have  been  pursued,  with  difficulty  keeping  out  of  their 
hands.  I  was  just  congratulating  myself  that  I  had 
shaken  them  off  at  last  when  1  perceived  you,  and,  of 
course,  at  once  took  you  for  one  of  my  foes." 

"A  very  natural  mistake,"  said  Tom. 

"  Tell  me,"  she  continued,  with  greater  earnestness 
than  sho  had  before  employed — "tell  mo  where  1  am  to 
go — what  I  am  to  do  !" 

This  was  a  matter  not  easily  decided. 

Tom  looked  thoughtful. 

Ho  began  to  feel  that  he  had  incurred  a  very  serious 
responsibility. 

The  more  he  thought  over  his  position,  the  more  his 
embarrassment  increased. 

"  Is  there  no  friend  under  whose  protection  I  can  place 
you  ?"  he  asked,  at  length. 

"  None  whatever.     I  am  a  total  stranger  in  England." 

Tom  looked  more  perplexed  still. 

Just  then  ho  felt  ho  had  quite  enough  to  do  to  look 
after  his  own  safety  without  being  burdened  by  any- 
one. 

Still,  his  wcrd  having  been  given,  he  felt  also  that  ho 
could  not  ran  back  from  it. 

What  added  to  his  embarrassment  very  considerably, 
however,  was  the  fact  that  the  Indian  girl  kept  her  full 
black  lustrous  eyes  bent  upon  his  face. 

Suddenly,  however,  she  started  up. 

A  strange  cry  escaped  her  lips — a  cry  that  echoed  far 
and  wido  over  the  mist-covered  meadows. 

Then,  in  shrill  tones  of  great  excitement,  she  crisd, 
clasping  her  hands  together : 

"  Zariel — Zariel — Zariel !" 


CHAPTER  MXXXIV. 

TEE   P&UCB    GFFICEKS   KEEP   CLOSE    UPON     TOM'S  TRACii . 

It  would  be  easy  enough  to  say  that  Tom  King  was  very 
much  startled  and  surprised  at  this  sudden  change  in  thii 
manner  of  the  Indian  girl,  but  then  those  words  would 
be  very  far  indeed  from  convoying  a  just  conception  c-f 
his  amazement. 

Her  hands  were  clasped  together,  and  her  arms  est 


THE  KNIGHT  OF   THB  KOAD. 


17cl 


stretched,  while  her  eye3  appeared  to  bo  fiiod  upon  some 
d'.^tart  object. 

As  soon  as  ever  he  recovered  from  the  first  shock  of  hi3 
astonishment,  Tom  turned  round  to  look  in  th*  direction 
upon  which  his  companion's  gaze  was  riveted 

He  then  saw,  riding  aloftg  at  a  rapid  rate,  a  Voi;n,^  msn 
whoeo  appearamce  was  very  extraordinary,  fcr  ha  w^0 
clad  in  Indian  costume. 

Nevertheless,  he  sat  in  the  sawdle  with  peculiar  graco 
and  the  horse  which  he  bestrode  was  one  cf  the  mos\ 
magnificent-looking  creatures  that  Tom  had  ever  beheld. 

His  speed  and  action,  too,  were  in  rccordance  with  hia 
appearance. 

By  this  time  the  day  had  fairly  dawned,  though  It  Was 
not  yet  light  enough  for  distant  objects  to  bo  descried 
distinctly. 

It  was  evident  that  the  horseman  had  heard  the  woiftls 
which  had  just  been  pronounced,  for  he  reined-iu  his  steod 
with  great  abruptness  and  looked  eagerly  about  him. 

The  spot  occupied  by  Tom  King  and  the  Indian  girl 
happened  to  bo  in  deep  shadow,  so  at  first,  owing  to  the 
uncertain  light,  he  failed  to  perceive  them. 

But  she  was  determined  not  to  let  him  remain  long  in 
ignorance  of  her  whereabouts,  for  she  cried : 

"  Zariel — Zariel !    Come— come !    I  am  here !" 

The  words  evidently  reached  the  horseman's  ears,  for 
he  immediately  galloped  towards  them. 

As  he  came  nearer,  Tom  saw  that  he  was  both  young 
and  handsome,  though  his  beauty  was  of  tho  Oriental 
type. 

The  unmistakable  joy  and  delight  visible  upon  the 
countenance  of  the  young  girl,  and  tho  ardour  of  tho 
horseman,  very  quickly  let  our  old  friend  know  that  this 
was  the  lover  of  whom  mention  had  been  made. 

When  he  had  reached  to  within  a  few  yards  of  where 
they  stood  the  girl  bounded  forward,  again  pronouncing 
the  singular  but  yet  musical  name. 

Zariel,  seeing  her  approach,  at  onco  stopped  his  horse 
and  slipped  from  the  saddle  and,  altogether  heedless  of 
Tom's  presence,  clasped  her  tightly  to  his  breast. 

The  manner  in  which  tho  embrace  was  received  was 
quite  enough  to  let  the  highwayman  know  that  they 
were  on  the  best  of  terms  with  each  other. 

To  tell  the  truth,  he  was  heartily  rejoiced  at  this  en- 
counter, which  had  taken  place  just  at  the  moment  when 
his  perplexity  was  greatest. 

He  was  conscious  also  that  he  was  not  wanted  any 
longer,  so  he  quickly  mounted  his  steed  and  rode  off. 

But  no  sooner  were  the  first  transports  of  joy  over 
between  the  lovers  than  the  Indian  girl  poured  out  a 
rapid  account  of  what  Tom  King  had  done  in  her  behalf. 

Consequently,  before  our  friend  had  gone  far,  he  heard 
a  loud  voice  calling  upon  him  to  stop. 

He  obeyed  with  great  willingness,  for  his  eyes  having 
been  busily  at  work  glancing  around  him,  disclosed  to  his 
view  a  small  party  of  police  officers. 

They  would  have  been  invisible  but  for  tho  fact  that 
the  just-risen  sun,  towards  which  Toni's  back  was  tixrned, 
poured  his  rosy  rays  full  upon  them. 

Moreover,  at  this  precise  moment  of  time  they  happened 
to  occupy  a  slightly-elevated  piece  of  ground. 

To  have  gone  on  any  further  in  that  direction  would 
have  been  madness. 

So  far  as  he  could  tell,  Tom  believed  that  the  police 
officers  had  not  been  sufficiently  lynx-eyed  to  catch  flight 
of  him. 

He  turned  round,  therefore,  in  a  momeuij  and  the  nrst 
thing  he  saw  alter  having  done  so  w*s  Zariel  waving  his 
hand  to  him. 

On  reaching  the  spot  where  the  lovers  were,  ffom 
bowed  and  paused. 

"  We  cannot  let  you  leave  us  thus,  sir !"  said  Zariel, 
6peaking  English  with  some  hesitation  and  difficulty,  and 
with  a  peculiar  foreign  accent.  "  I  have  just  heard  of 
your  sympathy  and  devotion,  and  cannot  allow  yea.  to 
part  without  making  you  some  recompense  for  it." 

"1  seek  no  recompense,"  replied  Tom,  somexdat 
haughtily.  "  What  1  have  dono  has  been  cf  my  own 
free  will  and  without  any  expectations  whatever,  la  a 
word,  you  are  quite  welcome." 

"  But  we  cannot  allow  you  to  part  thus,"  said  Zariel — 
"  indeed  ws  cannot!  Surely  your  position  cannot  be  such 
that  it  is  impossible  tor  mo  to  do  something  for  you  in 
return  V 


"There  is  one  question  to  which  I  much  wish  aa 
answer,"  said  Tom ;  "and  if  you  havo  been  riding  1m 
to-night  you  may  be  able  to  answer.  That  will  be  quits 
a  sufficient  return  for  what  I  havo  done." 

"  Speak— speak !" 

Tom  then  gave  a  close  description  of  Maud's  personal 
appearance,  and  asked  if  he  had  seen  her. 

The  reply  was  a  negative. 

"  'That  is  enough  1"  ho  said.    "  Farewell !" 

"  Nay,  nay,"  said  Zariel;  "surely  you  will  not  refuse 
to  accept  of  some  sligh'  hospitality  ?  I  cannot  enter- 
tain you  as  I  could  wisn,  oui  a  short  distance  off  there  is 
a  dwelling  where  I  reside,  and  to  which  you  are  heartily 
welcome  if  you  will  only  favour  me  so  far  as  to  come." 

These  words  caused  Tom  to  hesitate. 

He  was  thinking  busily. 

A  took  him  but  a  moment  to  decide.  ■ 

He  remembered  the  officers  of  whom  ho  had  caught 
sight. 

He  recollected  that  it  was  not  until  midnight  that  ho 
should  be  able  to  meet  with  his  companions. 

All  the  day  was  before  him— tho  very  period  when  it 
was  hardest  to  conceal  himself  from  his  foes,  and  when 
he  could  do  least  towards  a  discovery  of  Maud. 

These  considerations  rapidly  presenting  themselves  to 
him  induced  him  to  murmur  a  few  words  of  thanks  for  the 
invitation  which  had  been  given,  and  to  accept  it. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  the  young  Indian  was  in 
earnest,  for  his  face  lighted  up  immediately. 

"Come,  sir,"  he  said;  "henceforth  I  hope  we  shall  be 
to  each  other  as  friends  and  brothers.  Follow  me  ;  you 
are  heartily  welcome  to  share  all  I  have." 

With  these  words  he  alighted,  lifted  tho  Indian  girl  to 
the  saddle  before  him,  and  led  the  way. 

Tom  breathed  freely,  for  the  direction  was  such  as  to 
lead  him  right  away  from  the  spot  where  he  had  seen  the 
officers  standing. 

After  this  no  words  of  importance  were  exchanged,  for 
Tom  King  purposely  kept  some  distance  in  the  rear,  in 
order  that  the  youug  couple  might  converse  freely  with 
each  other. 

In  a  few  moments  Tom  perceived  a  large,  stately- 
looking  edifice  surrounded  by  a  high  brick  wall,  and 
which  he  doubted  not  was  destined  to  be  his  halting- 
ptace. 

"  I  ought  to  deem  myself  lucky,"  he  said,  "for  surely 
beneath  this  roof  I  shall  be  able  to  remain  a  few  hours 
unmolested." 

His  conjecture  respecting  his  destination  proved 
correct. 

The  young  Indian  prince  rode  direct  towards  some  fine 
massive-looking  gates. 

His  approach  must  have  been  expected,  or  at  least 
perceived,  for  immediately  upon  his  arrival  one  half  of 
the  folding  doors  receded  upon  its  hinges. 

A  broad,  well-kept  gravel  path  was  then  disclosed, 
along  which  they  proceeded  rapidly,  and  finally  paused 
in  front  of  the  mansion  itself. 

Quite  a  troop  of  servants — but  all  of  them  Indians, 
doubtless  devoted  followers  of  the  prince — came  forth, 
and  after  many  salaams  assisted  him  to  alight. 

But  Tom  slipped  from  his  horse  before  anyone  had 
time  to  reach  him. 

"This  way,"  said  Zariel — "this  way.  Would  that  I 
could  give  you  such  a  reception  as  I  should  wish — such 
as  you  shall  have  if  ever  you  visit  me  in  my  own 
land !" 

Tom  murmured  a  few  words  of  thanks  and  crossed 
the  threshold. 

He  looked  about  him  with  great  interest  and  curiosity, 
for  all  that  he  beheld  possessed  the  charm  of  no* 
velty. 

Tho  young  prince  had  endeavoured  to  make  the  in- 
terior of  the  plainly-built  mansion  as  much  like  one  ot  hi* 
own  palaces  as  possible,  and  the  effect  was  in  conse- 
quence rather  incongruous,  and  yet  by  no  means  un- 
pleasing. 

An  Oriental  repast  was  quickly  laid  before  them,  to 
which  Tom  did  ample  justice. 

He  was  able  to  discover,  however,  among  the  frequeur 
pauses  in  the  conversation  that  the  young  couple  were 
far  from  being  well  at  ease. 

His  presence  could  not  fail  to  be  a  restraint  upon  them, 
and  therefore  he  resolved  to  relieve  them  of  it. 


1752 


BLACK  BBSS;  OB 


Accordingly  ho  pleaded  extreme  fatigue,  and  requested 
that  he  might  be  shown  into  an  apartment  «bere  he 
could  refresh  himself  with  a  few  hours'  sleep. 

His  request  was  readily  complied  with. 

Zariel,  however,  would  insist  upon  accompanying  him 
to  this  fresh  chamber,  for  he  was  grateful  for  what  Tom 
had  done  in  his  loved  one's  behalf,  and  ho  feit  that  *"} 
could  not  do  him  too  much  honour. 

The  apartment  they  entered  was,  like  all  t->e  rest, 
fitted  up  in  Indian  fashion. 

Tom  never  could  tell  what  it  was  that  prompted  him  to 
advance  to  the  window  and  look  out,  but  ho  did  so  in 
obedience  to  an  impulse  that  he  could  not  resist. 

Perhaps  in  his  mind  lingered  some  remembrance  of 
the  officers  he  had  seen,  together  with  the  fact  that  this 
window  being  on  an  upper  floor  would  enable  him  to 
command  a  tolerably  extensive  view  around. 

Be  it  what  it  may,  however,  this  was  his  first  act. 

He  shrank  back  at  once. 

At  the  very  first  glance  he  had  caught  sight  o!  the 
officers. 

They  were  on  foot,  and  walking  up  the  broad,  gravelled 
path  leading  to  tho  house. 

Although  some  little  distance  Jrora  the  window,  Tom 
was  able  to  observe  their  movements,  though,  owing  to 
this  change  of  position,  ho  felt  certain  that  thero  was 
little  danger  of  the  officers  catching  sight  of  him.     • 

How  on  earth  they  could  have  tracked  him  hither  was  a 
mystery,  for,  of  course,  by  no  other  supposition  than  this 
could  their  presence  be  accounted  for. 

What  was  to  be  done  ? 

Tom  asked  himself  this  important  question  with  a 
slight  amount  of  uneasiness. 

He  glanced  towards  the  prince,  who  at  that  moment 
was  busily  occupied  in  giving  some  directions  to  an  at- 
tendant. 

The  moment  the  highwaymen's  eyes  fell  upon  hi  in  he 
was  struck  by  an  idea. 

"Prince,"  he  said,  "one  moment!  I  wish  you  to  look 
through  this  window." 

The  prince  came  forward  at  once. 

But,  to  Tom's  infinite  chagrin,  the  officers  were  out  of 
sight. 

"  I  wished  to  call  your  attention  to  some  men  I  saw 
approaching.  They  must  be  concealed  by  that  clump  of 
evergreens.     Yes,  look — look!  here  they  come!" 

At  this  moment  tho  officers  appeared  in  view  again, 
their  disappearance  being  merely  owing  to  the  fact  that 
tho  path  they  were  pursuing  wound  round  a  large  mass  of 
dark-leaved  trees. 

And  if  Tom  had  had  any  doubt  about  the  intentions 
and  destination  of  these  officers  it  would  have  been  com- 
pletely dissipated  by  their  actions. 

One  who  was  walking  slightly  in  advance  half  turned* 
round  to  those  who  were  behind  him,  while  at  the  same 
time  he  raised  one  arm  and  pointed  towards  tho  man- 
sion. 

That  he  said  something  was  certain,  though  of  course 
the  distance  was  much  too  great  for  the  words  to  be  over- 
heard where  Tom  stood. 

Having  pointed  out  the  officers  to  the  prince,  he  led 
him  from  the  window,  and  said,  in  a  low  and  impressive 
voice : 

"Prince,  there' is  no  time  now  for  explanation— let  it 
suffice  to  tell  you  that  those  men  you  have  just  seen  are 
my  foes,  and  that  they  seek  my  life." 

The  prince  at  once  carried  his  hand  to  tho  hilt  of  his 
jewelled  sword,  as  if  to  show  his  readiness  and  villing- 
uess  to  do  battle  on  his  guest's  beh^'A 

But  Tom  restrained  him. 

•'  They  must  be  met  by  cunning,  a  j;  violence." 

"  I  do  not  understand  you." 

"  I  can  soou  explain." 

"  Do  so — do  so !     Command  me  to  the  uttermost  i" 

The  prince  was  so  accustomed  to  sudden  enco'aiiVJWS  of 
one  sort  or  another  in  his  native  land  that  ho  woul<5,  if 
Tom  had  permitted  him,  have  put  the  mansion  instantly 
in  a  state  of  defence,  and  called  upon  his  army  of  attend- 
ants to  do  battle. 

But  such  a  course  as  this  Tom  knew  very  woil  would 
eventually  produce  more  harm  than  good. 

Stratagem  must  be  adopted. 

"Prince,"  he  said,  '.'what  I  wish  is  to  induce  in  tho 
minds  of  these  men  a  belief  that  I  am  not  here. ' 


The  prince  looked  half  puzzled. 

"  No  hiding-place  would "  be  secure  against  tfaeta,  and 
so  what  I  want  you  to  do  is  simply  to  disguise  mo  in  some 
apparel  like  your  own,  and,  if  questioned,  merely  say 
that  I  am  a  friend  who  has  accompanied  you  from 
India." 

The  piinco  caught  at  the  idea  at  onoe. 

He  clapped  his  hands. 

The  door  opened,  and  he  immediately  poured  out  a 
torrent  of  words  that  Tom  could  not  understand,  but 
which  ha  guessed  wore  instructions  what  to  do. 

The  servants  rushed  out,  tumbling  over  each  other  in 
their  eager  haste. 

But  they  made  good  speed. 

Tom  was  attended  by  a  wonderful  retiatae. 

More  hands  than  he  could  count  were  busy  about  his 
person. 

He  remained  quite  passive,  for  he  thought  he  could  not 
-do  better  than  resign  himseif  totally  to  them. 

Their  dexterity  was  surprising. 

Almost  with  the  quickness  of  a  magical  transformation, 
Tom  King's  outward  semblance  was  quite  changed. 

Last  of  all  was  brought  some  liquid  in  a  vial,  which 
was  sparingly  applied  to  his  face  and  nands. 

The  effect  was  to  impart  to  the  skin  of  both  that  pe- 
culiar tint  which  so  well  became  the  prince  himself. 

This  done,  tho  troop  of  busy  attendants  stood  on  ono 
side,  and,  for  the  first  time  since  the  commencement  of 
these  operations,  Tom  King  caught  a  full-length  view  of 
himself  in  a  large  swinging  mirror  that  hung  opposite  to 
him. 

He  started  with  surprise,  as  well  he  might. 

He  failed  utterly  to  recognise  himself. 

At  this  moment  there  came  one  loud,  heavy,  blunder- 
ing knock  upon  the  front  door  of  the  mansion,  thus  mak- 
ing known  the  coming  of  the  officers  for  the  first  tiiao. 

The  fact  that  Tom's  metamorphosis  had  boen  male 
complete  while  tho  officers  were  walking  up  the  winding 
avenue  will  serve  to  convey  a  tolerable  idea  of  how 
speedy  it  had  been. 

But  our  friend  happened  to  bo  about  tho  same  height 
and  build  as  the  prince,  so  that  the  apparel  fitted  him  ad- 
mirably, and  when  thus  costumed  they  looked  like  two 
twin  brothers. 

"  Caution  your  attendants  not  to  say  a  word  about  this, 
and  to  secrete  my  apparel,"  whispered  Tom. 

"  It  does  not  matter,"  answered  Zariel,  "  thero  is  not 
one  that  can  speak  or  understand  a  single  word  of  Eng- 
lish ;  still  it  will  be  best  to  bo  on  the  safe  side." 

Some  words  of  caution  were  then  addressed  to  the  ser- 
vants, who  quitted  the  chamber  and  separated. 

In  tho  meantime  the  officers  were  admitted. 

"  I  think  you  can  make  yourself  content  now,"  said  the 
prince,  as  he  sank  indolently  upon  a  pile  of  cushions. 

"  Yes,  thanks  to  you." 

"  Nay,  do  not  mention  it." 

"  I  cannot  forbear  doing  so." 

"  I  am  only  too  glad  to  think  that  an  opportunity  has 
so  soon  arisen  of  requiting  you  for  the  servico  you  have 
rendered  me." 

"There  is  one  thing "  said   Tom,   and   then   he 

checked  himself. 

"  What— what  ?    Say  on." 

"  It  would  serve  to  blind  the  officers  still  more  if  we 
were  to  descend  the  staircase  together,  and  go  for  a  walk 
in  the  grounds.  They  would  not  be  able  to  gaze  at  me 
so  narrowly  as  they  perhaps  would  if  they  found  me  in  a 
room,  nor  would  they  be  able  to  stay  so  long." 

"  Be  it  so,"  said  Zariel — "  the  thought  is  good — come  !" 

With  these  words  he  arose. 

Ton*  followed  him  quickly. 

On  passing  round  a  bend  in  the  staircase  they  caught 
sight  «'f  the  officers  down  below  in  tho  hall. 

They  were  endeavouring,  though  vainly,  to  make  their 
errand  known  to  the  priace's  retainers. 

The  latter,  apon  seeing  their  master  approach,  turned 
round  and  greeted  him  after  the  Oriental  fashion,  remain- 
ing wilh  their  heads  hung  down  until  after  he  should 
have  pissed. 

Thm  to  walk  right  up  to  the  officers  was  subjecting 
Tom's  disguise  to  a  very  severe  ordeal ,  but,  then,  he  felt 
assured  that  the  very  boldness  of  this  proceeding  wculd 
go  far  towards  causing  success. 

In  spite  of   his  boldness,   he  co-aid  net  help  feer»g 


•KfB  KWWIPT  or  vzm  BOAB. 


:«A5S  DSraROS  SBftgSSr   «K>K  THE  MH.WS8  ASD  HM  WW*  1 


Mgbt\j  uuea^  at  the  e^iaeiausnesa  that  tbs  sy*»  af  at> 
many  of  his  foes  were  upon  him. 

But  of  Hrls  Tom  admirably  coweaLJ  »Vt  outward  , 
manifestation. 

Watching  tho  movements  ">f  rii*«  princ*  very  closely, 
be  imitated  thorn  as  well  as  he  was  able. 

He  succeeded  much  better  than  he  dared  to  flatter  hv>v-  | 
*>lf  he  did.  \ 

The  foremost  officer  involuntarily  made  an  awkward 
how  when  he  saw  Zand  approach,  and  as  he  did  so  he 
said: 

"  Beg  pardon,  sir,  I  am  sure — very  sorry  J— but  we  nave 
traced  a  desperate  charactei  to  the  neigkboirehood  of  your 
dwelling.  Wc  are  most  anxious  to  capture  him,  and 
wish  for  your  permission  t«  make  a  thorough  search 
ibout  these  premises." 

"  You  are  welcome,"  said  the  psuioe—  go  where  yo« 
thorn," 

«o  220— Br.ACJf  "&*** 


H»  waved  hia  haad  as  he  apete 

The  police  officers  mech*ueaily  stood  asWfe  W  5Uo» 
hi  in  to  pass. 

Tom  accompanied,  as  before. 

So  close  did  lie  pass  to  his  foes,  however,  that  uis 
ample  dress  almost  touched  them. 

But  bo  suspicion  of  bis  identity  was  entertained. 

-%  was  easy  enough  to  see  that;  and p  besides,  nad 1  there 
Wn,  those  officers  must  have  bee^  gifted  with  an  ahnort 
supernatural  share  of  cleverness. 

The  prince  and  the  highwayman  passed  out  of  the 
doorway  together,  descended  the  steps,  and  strolled  into 

Tom  bad '  not  been  ca-ndid  enough  to  give  the  prince 
his  principal  reason  for  wishing  to  be  in  the  open  air. 

It  was  because  he  knew  full  well,  in  case  of  his  disguist 
being  penetrated,  he  should  then  have  s  ten  tuaes  hot** 
chance  of  making  his  escape 


No.  220. 


Peicb  One  Halfpenny. 
No.  221  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


1754 


BfcAOK    BE8B  ;     OB, 


But  that  danger  was  to  all  appearances  over. 

Tom,  however,  was  not  one  to  suffer  himself  to  be 
•  uiled  into  a  stated  false  security,  and  therefore,  although 
things  seemed  going  on  so  well,  he  kept,  a  vigilant  look- 
out. 

As  soon  us  they  had  retired  to  a  safe  distance,  the  prince 
laughed  lightly,  and  said : 

"Excellent!  No  one  could  recognise  you  now,  I  reel 
convinced,  so  greatly  are  y  ju  altered.  "You  are  deserving 
of  much  credit." 

"Nay— nay,  the  credit  belongs  to  you.  I  shall  ever 
be  your  debtor."       » 

"  No  mure  of  that.  But  it  amuses  me  to  think  you 
sli"  lu  have  wa/sed  before  them  in  so  barefaced  a 
manner.  I  know  not  who  you  are,  but  that  act  convinces 
me  that  you  are  gifted  with  no  ordinary  share  of  courage. 
I  .should  never  h£Te  thought  of  so  bold  a  thing." 

Tom  laughed. 

In  this  maimer  a  considerable  time  elapsed,  during 
which  the  police  officers  were  busily  occupied  with  un- 
necessary labour. 

By-and-by,  however,  they  came  into  the  grounds,  and 
then  the  prince  and  Tom,  without  particularly  appearing 
to  avoid  them,  sought  the  shelter  of  the  house. 

Still  it  seemed  as  though  the  officers  were  by  no  means 
satisfied,  but  at  length,  after  much  lingering,  they  took 
their  departure,  to  Tom's  great  content. 

Again  he  betook  himself  to  his  chamber,  but  he  did 
not  venture  yet  to  shange  his  costume,  lest  he  should  be 
favoured  by  another  visit. 

All  hope  of  getting  a  few  hours'  sleep,  too,  was  at  an 
end,  for  he  felt  that  it  was  requisite  for  him  to  keep  a 
sharp  look-out  from  the  window. 

He  maintained  this  position  until  nearly  mid-day. 

Up  to  that  time  all  had  gone  well,  and  as  he  was  over- 
come with  fatigue,  he  flung  himself  upon  the  cushions 
and  fell  asleep. 

It  was  not  until  dusk  had  fairly  crept  over  the  earth 
that  he  opened  his  eyes  again. 

Perceiving  how  late  it  was,  he,  after  a  little  recou^oi- 
tring,  resumed  his  own  apparel,  which  he  was  very  glad 
to  do. 

He  had  scarcely  finished  when  the  prince  entered 

"  With  your  leave,"  said  Tom,  "  I  will  now  take  my 
departure.  I  have  an  important  appointment  to  keep  at 
some  distance  from  this  place,  and  so  I  must  bid  farewell 
to  your  hospitalities." 

"I  am  glad  you  have  spoken  first,"  said  the  prince, 
"  otherwise  you  might  have  thought  that  I  was  anxious 
for  you  to  depart,  and  rather  than  that  I  would  put  up 
with  any  inconvenience." 

"  I  do  not  understand." 

"I  will  explain  in  a  few  words.  During  the  day  we 
have  been  holding  an  anxious  consultation,  and  the  result 
of  it  is  that  we  have  determined  to  quit  England  together 
with  the  least  possible  loss  of  time." 

"  And  a  very  wise  determination  too,"  said  Tom.  "  It 
was  the  very  course  of  action  I  was  about  to  recommend 
you  to  follow,  for,  by  what  I  know,  I  fancy  that  the 
guardian  has  by  far  the  better  claim.  The  only  difficulty 
is  her  wealth,  to  which  he  has  no  manner  of  right  and 
title,  and  therefore  he  ought  not  to  be  permitted  to  enjoy 
it." 

The  prince  snapped  his  fingers  contemptuously. 

"  I  care  not  that  much  for  all  the  wea)*w — I  have  now 
all  that  I  require." 

"  In  that  case,  then,"  said  Tom,  "  let  me  assure  you 
that  yo*  cannot  too  soon  take  your  departure  from  Eng- 
land, and,  in  order  that  no  time  be  lost,  let  me  now  bid 
you  farewell." 

The  prince  seemed  much  affected  at  this  separation,  for 
short  as  had  been  the  time  during  which  they  had  been 
together,  yet  it  was  long  enough  to  enable  Tom  t*  win 
his  way  to  hie  heart. 

It  is  only  natural  that  the  prince  should  lifce  mm,  for 
from  his  earliest  years  he  had  been  taught  to  look  upon 
bravery  as  the  most  important  of  all  personal  qualifica- 
tions, and  Tom  had  shown  that  he  possessed  more  than 
»*i  ordinary  share  of  that  quality. 

After  the  exchange  of  a  few  more  words,  the  prince 
clapped  his  hands,  and  upon  the  appearance  of  the 
attendant  gave  orders  for  Tom's  horl»«  to  be  immediately 
got  in  readiness. 

Our  friend  then  descended  with  him  and  took  hie  fare- 


well of  the  Indian  girl,  who  was  no  less  affected  ttoan 
Zariel  at  the  prospect  of  a  separation. 

His  last  words  to  the  prince,  who  followed  unit  to  ifie 
door  of  the  mansion,  were  • 

"Do  not  fail  to  take  my  advice.  1  snould  be  glad  to 
know  that  the  happiness  of  both  of  you  was  assured  iu 
the  future,  and  it  will,  I  feel  confident,  if  you  are  left 
unmolested.  Therefore,  qv''  England  without  loss  of 
time." 

"  I  have  made  every  preparation,"  was  the  reply,  "and 
shall  take  my  departure  almost  immediately.  In  ordei 
that  we  may  travel  with  all  speed,  I  shall  leave  nearly 
the  whole  of  my  attendants  behind  me." 

"That  is  right.  Let  nothing  occur  to  make  you 
change  your  determination.  H  you  do,  I  feel  assured 
that  you  will  rue  it." 

So  saying,  Tom  descended  the  steps  before  the  front 
door  and  mounted  his  steed,  which  was  held  by  a  swarthy 
attendant  of  the  prince's. 

Tom's  eye  sparkled  when  Ue  saw  how  well  cared  for 
the  animal  had  been. 

Never  had  he  seen  it  look  to  better  advantage. 

Never  did  it  seem  to  manifest  so  much  impatience  tf. 
be  off,  and  never  did  it  seem  more  competent  to  outrun 
any  others  that  might  pursue  it. 

In  a  moment  Tom  was  seated  in  the  saddle. 

All  around  him  was  very  still — suspiciously  still,  he 
thought. 

As  he  rode  slowly  away,  and  got  behind  the  clump  of 
evergreens  which  we  have  mentioned  as  having  for  a 
tiina  concealed  the  approach  of  the  officers,  he  thoroughly 
examined  all  his  weapons. 

After  having  satisfied  himself  that  all  were  in  perfect 
order  and  in  readiness  for  instant  use,  he  increased  his 
bpeed. 

The  massive  gate  opened  at  his  approach,  and  closed 
behind  him  again  with  a  heavy  clang,  which  seemed  to 
Tom  like  a  harsh  note  of  separation  between  himself  and 
his  new-made  friends. 

Bu-t  this  fancy  was  quickly  dispelled  by  the  sound  of 
foc'*meps  and  the  cry  of  voices. 

"  There,  now !"  he  heard  some  one  say  quite  distinctly. 
"I  told  you  so — didn't  I?  Quick — quick  1  We  shall 
have  him  after  all !" 

Tom  turned  quickly,  and  caught  sight  of  the  police 
officers  who  had  made  so  ineffectual  a  search  about  the 
mansion  and  grounds. 

They  had  concealed  themselves  behind  an  abrupt  angle 
formed  by  the  high  brick  wall  which  we  have  already 
described. 

There  was  a  sudden  rush  while  these  words  wera 
spoken,  and  then  the  foremost  officer  rapidly  raised  a 
pistol  and  discharged  it  before  Tom  King  was  aware  of 
his  intention. 

"  My  orders  are,  alive  or  dead,"  muttered  the  officer. 
as  he  pulled  the  trigger,  "  and  I  mean  to  make  sure  of 
you.  I  don't  see  why  one  need  be  so  very  particular 
about  a  d — d  highwayman  !" 

Tom  reeled  in  the  saddle. 

For  a  mom-ent  he  fancied  he  should  fall. 

So  did  the  officers,  and  with  loud  yells  of  triumph 
they  came  bounding  on. 

But  Tom  recovered  himself. 

Although  believing  that  he  was  badly  hit,  yet  he  d.» 
temiined  to  show  fight  to  the  last. 

Rapidly  drawing  one  of  his  own  pistols,  he  turned 
round  and  fired,  taking  no  particular  aim  ex3»;pt  that  he 
marked  at  the  throng  of  officers. 

Then,  without  waiting  to  see  what,  if  any,  effect  was 
produced  by  this  discharge,  he  faced  his  horse  round  and 
urged  him  onward  at  full  speed. 

The  first  thing  he  wondered  at  was  that  he  should  fee', 
such  slight  effects  from  the  bullet  which  had  been  di» 
charged  at  him. 

It  was  a  mystery,  and  while  galloping  along  at  that 
terrific  pace  he  resolved  to  do  his  best  towards  elucidat 
ing  it. 

The  discovery  was  quickly  made. 

The  bullet  had  actually  struck  against  one  of  the  large 
metal  buttons  on  the  front  of  his  coat- 
But  it  had  struck  obliquely,  and  had  then  glanced  ofi, 
doing  him  no  injury. 

The  force  and  suddenness  of  the  blow,  however,  wer# 
such  as  to  cause  him  to  reel  in  the  manner  we  have  stated 


THIS    RNIGHT  OIT   THIS    KOAJB. 


175* 


This  was  a  most  agreeable  discovery  to  make,  and 
Tom  heartily  congratulated  himself  upon  his  good  for- 
tune. « 

Still,  the  narrow  escape  he  had  had  from  death  did  not 
fail  to  make  him  feel  decidedly  uncomfortable. 

He  was  therefore  very  wise  to  make  the  resolution  of 
bauishing  the  thought  altogether. 

Under  such  exciting  circumstances  as  the  present  it 
was  likely  enough  that  he  would  succeed. 

Glancing  back,  he  saw  that  the  police  officers  had  com- 
menced a  pursuit,  and  if  the  manner  in  which  they 
whipped  and  spurred  their  horses  oould  be  taken  as  an 
indication  of  their  intentions,  then  most  assuredly  did 
they  intend  to  strain  every  nerve  to  attempt  the  accom- 
plishment of  their  purpose. 

But  Tom  only  smiled  while  he  observed  their  efforts. 

He  had  got  an  excellent  start  already,  and  was  well 
aware  how  important  a  thing  that  was  in  a  race. 

Then,  his  horse  he  felt  certain  could  go  at  a  speed 
which  would  utterly  preclude  all  hope  of  any  of  the 
officers  overtaking  him.  unless  he  should  be  so  unfortu- 
nate as  to  meet  with  some  accident. 

Tom  King  accordingly  took  off  his  hat  and  made  a 
very  low  bow  with  it,  just  as  he  would  have  done  had 
he  been  wishing  some  one  good  night  with  an  extra 
amount  of  politeness. 

This  act  was  thoroughly  well  understood  by  the 
officers,  and  the  reader  will  not  need  to  be  told  that  it 
would  have  a  most  galling  effect  upon  them. 

It  was  well  calculated  to  work  up  their  aggravation  to 
the  highest  pitch. 

Tom  King  now  turned  his  attention  in  good  earnest  to 
getting  away. 

Already  the  night  was  closing  in,  and  although  it 
wanted  several  hours  of  the  time  when  he  had  appointed 
to  meet  his  companions,  yet  he  wished  to  have  his 
actions  unfettered  without  delay,  in  order  that  he  might 
make  one  more  attempt  to  discover  the  whereabouts  of 
Maud. 

Tom's  horse  galloped  on  in  gallant  style. 

Indeed,  it  is  no  exaggeration  whatever  to  say  that  for 
every  three  yards  which  the  officers'  horses  made  he 
went  six. 

Such  being  the  case,  it  follows  as  a  matter  of  course 
that  they  were  ere  leng  left  quite  behind. 

When  completely  out  of  sight  and  hearing,  Tom 
abruptly  changed  his  course,  for  all  this  time  he  had  been 
going  in  a  direction  almost  opposite  to  that  which  he  had 
made  up  his  mind  to  take. 

He  did  not  very  greatly  relax  his  speed  until  he  found 
himself  once  more  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Jolly  Tar  Inn. 

But  he  was  not  so  temerarious  as  to  venture  too  near 
to  it  this  time. 

Working  round  this  building  in  a  circle,  Tom  sought 
everywhere  for  some  trace  of  Maud. 

But  quite  in  vain. 

.  cthing  at  aD  -^  „©  Been  of  her. 

Yet,  despite  his  non-success,  he  continued  his  search 
perse  veringly. 

At  laagth  the  hour  of  midnight  drew  near. 

"  I  must  give  up,"  he  said,  "  and  yet  it  vexe*  me  ex- 
tremely to  have  to  do  so.  I  made  sure  that  I  was  on  the 
right  track.  I  ought  to  have  discovered  her— I  feel  that 
I  ought,  and  I  shall  ever  blame  myself  for  not  having 
done  so.  My  only  hope  is  that  some  of  my  comrades 
may  have  been  more  fortunate  than  myself,  but  that,  I 
Seel,  is  a  frail,  frail  hope  indeed." 

It  was  therefore  in  great  depression  of  spirits  that  Tom 
slowly  made  his  way  to  the  place  of  rendezvous. 

He  reached  the  blasted  tree  somewhere  about  the  ap- 
pointed time. 

On  his  arrival  he  found  all  dark  and  dreary. 

He  had  arrived  first. 

The  wind  howled  with  a  dismal  sound  among  the 
oranches  of  the  trees  around,  and  sounded  in  Tom's  earj 
like  a  prognostication  of  coming  evil. 

Time  passed. 

Still,  save  and  except  for  the  melancholy  wailing  of 
the  wind,  the  silence  remained  unbroken. 

Ml  the  while  Tom  kept  his  sense  of  hearing  on  fall 
wretch. 
At  last  he  was  rewarded  by  hearing  a  welcome  sound. 
It  was  the  clatter  of  horses  feet. 
viewer  and  clearer  and  more  unmistakable  became  Um 


sound,  and  he  leaned  forward  eagerly  in  the  saddle,  In 
the  hope  of  being  able  to  see  who  it  was  approaching. 

"Three  riders,"  he  muttered,  as  he  detected  the  foot- 
falls of  three  horses — "three  riders.  Who  can  they  be  ? 
Am  I  doomed  to  a  disappointment  after  all  ?" 

As  he  asked  himself  the  question,  he  shrank  back  as 
far  as  he  was  able  into  the  concealing  shadow  cast  by  the 
gloomy  trees. 


CHAPTER  MXXXV. 

RETURNS  TO  MAUD  IS   THE  MILLER'S    COTTAGE. 

It  is  necessary  now  that  we  should  revert  to  the  pro- 
ceedings of  Maud. 

We  feal  assured  that  the  reader  will  willingly  follow 
us  in  a  reoital  of  her  fortunes,  especially  as  w«  have  left 
her  for  so  long  a  space. 

We  go  back,  then,  to  that  poverty-stricken  cottage,  or 
rather  hut,  that  adjoined  the  water-mill. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  when  Maud  learned  from 
the  lips  of  the  miller's  wife  that  the  time  had  passed 
when  she  ought  to  have  conveyed  the  warning,  she,  with 
a  despairing  cry,  had  sprung  up  from  the  bed,  intending 
to  set  out  then. 

But  she  had  miscalculated  her  strength,  and  at  ence 
fell  down  in  a  swoon. 

When  she  recovered  her  consciousness,  she  found  her- 
self again  upon  the  bed,  and  the  woman  occupied  in 
sprinkling  water  upon  her. 

A  copious  flow  of  tears  now  same  to  her  relief. 

But  sad  indeed  and  full  of  anxiety  was  her  heart,  for 
she  dreaded  that  Dick  and  his  companions  had  perished. 

Nothing  else,  save  that  utter  bodily  prostration  to 
which  she  was  a  prey,  could  have  kept  her  there  in- 
active. 

Anything  would  have  been  preferable  and  better  than 
lying  there  so  helplessly. 

And  yet  after  a  time,  when  she  grew  calmer,  she  began 
to  ask  herself  what  she  should  do — where  she  should  go, 
supposing  the  use  of  her  limbs  had  not  been  denied  her  ? 

But  she  asked  these  questions  vainly. 

And  so  the  weary,  weary  hours  passed  by. 

Her  heart  ached  when  the  dim  gray  moonlight  found 
its  way  into  the  room,  for  she  was  suffering  from  the 
worst  of  all  agonies — suspense. 

During  the  day  her  strength  partially  returned  to  her, 
and  beyond  doubt  her  recovery  would  have  been  more 
rapid  had  the  requisite  things  been  at  hand  ;  but  in  that 
lonesome  hut  scarcely  the  bare  necessaries  of  life  cou4d 
be  obtained. 

Still,  when  night  ame  she  was  better— so  much  so 
that  she  r*  aud  reapparelled  herself  with  but  little 
*flsi»4-«ice. 

At  present  she  had  said  not  a  word  to  the  woman  re- 
specting the  payment  she  intended  to  make  for  these 
services ;  but  the  truth  was,  Maud's  mind  was  by  far  too 
busily  engaged  in  other  matters  to  think  of  these,  and  so 
the  hints  and  remarks  which  the  woman  threw  out  were 
passed  over  unregarded. 

Neither  did  Maud  observe  on  this  night  that  the  womaa 
cast  upon  her  threatening  looks,  and  conversed  in  a  low 
tone  with  her  husband,  who  did  nothing  but  crouch  over 
the  Are  in  an  attitude  of  sullen  indolence. 

"  John— John !"  whispered  the  woman,  for  at  least  the 
twentieth  time  that  evening. 

"  Well,  well — what  do  you  want?" 

"  Yon  know  what  I  want" 

The  man  moved  uneasily. 

"  Have  you  made  up  your  mind  ?"  continued  his  wife. 

"  Silence— still !" 

"I  tell  you  you  are  a  fool  and  a  coward,  John  Costard. 
So  you  have  always  been,  and  so  you  ever  will  be,  I 
suppose." 

"Hold  your  row!' 

"  I  eha'n't  I  I  shall  talk  if  I  like  1  I  ask  you  again, 
have  you  made  up  your  mind  ?" 

"  Hold  your  row,  I  say !" 

"  I  sha'n't !  You  have  the  chance  now,  but  who  knows 
how  long  you  may  have  it  ?  Perhaps  not  more  thao 
half  an  hour.  Look  I — she  seems  half  inclined  to  be  ofl 
now." 

The  man  turned  his  bloodshot  eyas  towaroa  M-j.iv 
with  a  wolfish  gaze- 


1756 


BLACK  BBSS  ;  Oft 


Not  one  word  of  this  discourse  had  reached  her  ears — 
or,  at  any  rate,  noiw»  had  penetrated  to  her  understand- 
ing.        • 

There  could  be  no  mistaking  the  meaning  of  that 
gaze. 

It  would  have  had  the  effect  of  warning  Maud  and 
putting  her  upon  her  guard ;  but  she  beheld  it  not. 

The  glance  meant  murder. 

The  word  was  expressed  almost  as  unmistakably  as  it 
it  had  been  uttered  by  the  lips. 

His  wife's  instigations  had  produced  a  partial  bJect 

The  man  had  all  the  inclination  to  commit  the  hideous 
crime,  but  he  lacked  the  courage  to  set  about  it. 

But  his  wife,  noticing  his  irresolution,  and  perceiving 
too  that  some  impression  had  been  made,  continued  with 
her  urgings. 

"What  are  you  afraid  of,  John?"  she  hissed  in  his 
ear — "what  do  you  dread ?" 

"  Suppose  she  should  get  away  ?" 

"  We  must  prevent  it." 

"  Why  not  do  the  deed  yourself  ?" 

••  A  fine  idea,  truly !  You  want  the  money,  do  you 
not?  Wouldn't  such  a  sum  as  that  set  you  up  in  the 
world  again  ?  Look  what  rings  she  has  on  her  fingers, 
too!" 

"I  cannot  do  it." 

"  But  I  say  you  can  and  shall  1     You  must  do  it  J" 

He  shook  his  head  and  shuddered. 

"Who  is  to  know?"  urged  his  wife.  "What  have 
you  to  fear?  Surely  we  can  master  her  easily  enough. 
Not  a  soul  knows  of  her  presence  here — no  one  will 
know  then.    You  saved  her,  didn't  you  ?" 

"  I  did." 

"  Then  what  difference  will  it  make  whether  she  goes 
in  the  old  mill-pond  now  or  then  ?" 

"  But— but " 

"  What  now  ?" 

M  If  you — threw  her  in—- " 

"  Well— well  ?" 

"  The— body— would — would  be  fouca.' 

•'  No." 

"But  it  would?" 

"I  say  no!  We  could  put  her  into  one  of  the  sacks 
and  tie  a  weight  to  it — then  who  would  see  her  again,  I 
should  like  to  know  ?" 

The  man  recoiled. 

He  was  not  quite  so  hardened  in  iniquity  as  his  wife. 

u  Then— then,  she  would  scream,"  he  urged. 

"Nothing  of  the  kind — nothing  of  the  kind!  There 
— take  this  >  fake  it,  I  say !  What  are  you  frightened 
of  ?     That  will  do  the  business !" 

Not  without  considerable  difficulty,  the  woman  slipped 
something  into  her  husband's  hand. 

She  stole  stealthy  glances  at  Maud  all  the  time,  who 
Still  sat  unconscious  of  what  was  going  on. 

The  something  thus  stealthily  conveyed  was  a  knife. 

A  bright,  sharp,  crmil-looking  weapon,  well  suited  for 
auch  a  deed  as  that  which  they  had  in  contempla- 
tion. 

The  man's  cheek  blanched  as  he  gazed  upon  it. 

**  Now,  then,"  whispered  his  wife,  "  what  could  be 
more  easy  ?  Look  where  she  sits  like  one  in  some  deep 
sleep.  One  stride  will  take  you  to  her  side— one  stroke 
with  the  knife  will—" 

"  Hush — hush  !" 

Maud  moved  and  looked  up. 

She  had  just  then  made  up  her  mind  that  she  would, 
in  spite  of  all  hazards,  leave  the  hut  and  resume  her 
search  for  Dick. 

She  fancied  that  her  strength  was  now  adequate  to 
such  a  task. 

But  the  man  at  once  jumped  to  the  conclusion  that  she 
had  either  overheard  what  had  been  passing  between 
Aia  wife  and  nimself,  or  else  that  she  suspected  their 
le--ign. 

How  very  true  it  is  that  a  guilty  conscience  stands  in 
teed  of  no  accuser. 

He  trembled  excessively,  and  it  is  a  thousand  wonders 
;nat  the  knife  did  not  fall  from  his  strengthless  hand. 

"I  did  not  mean  it,  miss,"  he  said,  abjectly — "indeed 
-indeed  I  didn't!" 

Maud  regarded  him  with  unmixed  surprise. 

••  Mean  what?"  she  asked. 

14  Bilence,  tool !"  said  the  woman,  in  a  low  tone,  which, 


however,  reached  Maud's  ears — M  silence,  idiot !  Do  yo« 
want  to  spoil  all  ?"  m 

Maud  wondered  what  was  meant. 

Some  inward  kind  of  presentiment  camti  <sver  her  at 
this  moment. 

Without  knowing  exactly  how,  6he  became  conscious 
that  she  was  menaced  by  danger  of  some  kind  or 
other. 

But  of  what  precise  nature  she  could  form  no  accurate 
idea,  so  that  she  felt  particularly  uneasy. 

The  looks  of  the  man  and  his  wife  by  no  means 
pleased  her,  but  she  scarcely  thought  of  them,  for  she 
intended  to  leave  the  place  without  delay. 

At  this  moment  the  woman  came  forward  with  a  great 
affectation  of  hypocritical  solicitude. 

"  Don't  pay  any  attention  to  my  husband,  miss,"  she 
said,  in  sycophantic  tones,  which  grated  terribly  on 
Maud's  ears.  "  He  is  a  good  enough  man  in  his  way, 
but  a  little  bit  odd  at  times.  Don't  take  any  notice  oJ 
him,  but  let  me  know  what  you  may  please  to  want." 

"  I  want  nothing  further,  tnank  you,"  said  Maud, 
quietly.  "  I  am  about  to  take  my  departure  now  ■  and 
I  must  again  and  again  thank  you  for  the  attention  you 
have  paid  me.     It  shall  not  go  unrewarded." 

Maud  placed  her  hand  in  her  pocket,  intending  to  draw 
forth  her  purse. 

Of  course  she  would  have  liberally  recompensed  these 
people  with  its  contents. 

But  the  purse  was  gone. 

The  woman  had  taken  good  care  to  remove  it. 

Maud  at  once  stepped  back  into  the  adjoining  room, 
fancying  she  must  have  left  the  money  there. 

"Now,  John  Costard,"  hissed  the  bold,  bad  woman, 
"  what  are  you  going  to  do  ?  We  have  got  the  money— 
you  know  we  have.  She  will  find  out  the  robbery  in  a 
moment ;  and  just  tell  me  whether  you  feel  ready  to  go 
to  the  gallows,  when  you  have  such  an  easy  means  of 
getting  out  of  it?  She  will  scream  out,  and  all  the 
neighbours  will  hear  her.  Then,  when  it  is  too  late,  yott 
will  wish  you  had  taken  my  advice." 

These  last  words  seemed  to  work  more  upon  the  ma* 
than  any  which  had  previously  been  uttered. 

His  lips  moved  convulsively,  while  he  grasped  the 
handle  of  the  murderous-looking  knife  with  a  savage 
grip. 

"  One  stroke,"  cried  his  wife,  urgently — "  only  one, 
and  then  all  is  over.  Mind,  there  must  be  no  second 
blow!" 

The  miller  seemed  to  have  made  up  his  mind  at  last. 

It  appeared  that  he  could  no  longer  withstand  the  in- 
citement of  his  wifo. 

With  stealthy  steps  he  made  his  way  across  the  rough 
flooring  to  the  doorway  through  which  Maud  had  just- 


But  just  as  he  reached  it  she  appeared  upon  the  thresh- 
old. 

Maud  started  back,  uttering  a  loud  scream  of  terror. 

There  was  no  possibility  of  mistaking  the  purpose  of 
those  to  whom  she  had  been  giving  so  much  credit  for 
kindness  and  charity. 

"  Too  late !"  groaned  the  man. 

"No,  no!"  shrieked  his  wif».  "Forward — forward! 
If  she  escapes  now  we  are  as  good  as  hanged  already ! 
Stop  her — stop  her,  I  say  !" 

Worked  up  to  the  highest  pitch,  the  man  made  a  blun- 
dering rush  forward  with  the  full  resolution  of  putting 
an  end  to  the  matter  before  he  could  have  time  for  further 
reflection. 

But  Maud  eluded  him  without  much  trouble,  for  1  it 
movements  compared  to  his  were  those  of  a  fawn  to  »n 
elephant. 

Nevertheless,  she  was  almost  half  dead  with  terror. 

In  the  extremity  of  her  fear,  however,  she  caugb' 
sight  of  an  oH  rusty  sword,  which  was  hanging  agains 
one  of  the  walls.  « 

To  rush  towards  this  spot  and  to  seize  the  weapon 
took  her  so  little  time  that  the  man  seemed  stupified 
with  amazement  when  he  saw  the  sword  in  her  hand. 

Maud  grasped  it  by  the  hilt,  and  held  it  before  her  in  a 
posture  of  defence. 

Her  life  was  dear  not  only  to  herself  but  to  others,  and 
therefore  she  resolved  not  to  resign  it  to  these  murderous 
wretches  without  a  struggle. 

She  saw,  too  what  an  arrant  coward  she  Lad  to  OeaJ 


THB  KNMJHT  OF  THB   BOAS. 


l?tf 


with,  a>>.i  this  inspired  her  with  more  courage  than  she 
Gould  otherwise  have  called  to  her  aid. 

The  threatening  attitude  which  she  assumed,  and  the 
expression  of  determination,  made  the  miller  shrink  back. 

Despite  of  all  consequences,  he  would  then  and  there 
have  abandoned  his  purpose. 

But  his  instigating  wife  was  still  behind  him  urging 
him  on. 

"  Kill — kill,"  she  cried — "  kill  he*,  or  perish  youi  *It  l" 

•* Beware  1"  said  Maud.  "I  know  how  to  use  this 
weapon,  and  shall  have  plenty  of  resolution  to  enable  me 
to  do  so  to  advantage.     Oome  nearer  at  your  ^eiil  I" 

Even  while  she  spoke,  Maud's  heart  sank  within  her, 
for  she  mentally  asked  herself  what  could  she  do  against 
these  two. 

Her  eyes  just  then  fell  upon  the  door,  and  she  thought 
in  a  moment  that  if  she  was  speedy  in  her  movements 
she  might  gain  the  open  air  and  escape  unhurt. 

No  sooner  did  the  idea  occur  to  her  than  she  proceeded 
to  carry  it  out. 

She  made  a  sudden  feint,  as  though  her  intention  was 
to  rush  forward  and  commence  the  attack. 

The  ruse  succeeded  to  perfection. 

Uttering  a  loud  yell  of  fear,  the  man  dropped  the 
knife  and  endeavoured  to  interpose  his  wife  between 
himself  and  the  threatened  danger. 

Maud  flung  the  sword  at  the  pair  with  all  her  strength, 
and  then  darted  out  of  the  cottage  like  a  flash  of 
light 

When  she  saw  her  thus  suddenly  disappear,  the 
woman's  fury  knew  no  bounds. 

She  was  maddened  to  think  she  had  been  deceived  by 
such  an  artifice. 

She  soothed  her  mind  a  little  by  bestowing  a  heavy 
blow  upon  her  husband. 

Then  snatching  up  the  knife,  she  dashed  out  of  the 
hut. 

She  just  caught  a  sight  of  Maud  bounding  forward  in 
the  distance. 

This  was  enough  to  urge  her  to  the  utmost. 

The  manner  in  which  she  now  started  off  in  pursuit 
was  astounding. 

Maud  had  fear  as  an  incentive  to  speed — the  woman 
angry  passions. 

Poor  Maud  heard  this  fury  bounding  on  behind  her, 
and  looked  back  in  affright. 

Her  terror  was  redoubled  when  she  saw  how  close  be- 
hind her  her  pursuer  was. 

No  sooner  did  the  miller's  wife  catch  sight  of  har  back- 
turned  face  than  she  uttered  a  frantic  cry  and  brandished 
the  knife  above  her  head. 

Faint  and  sick  with  dread,  Maud  endeavoured  to  in- 
crease her  speed. 

All  objects  seemed  to  swim  before  her,  and  6he  was 
only  dimly  conscious  that  she  had  gained  what  looked 
like  a  well-beaten  road. 

Her  breath  came  panting  from  h  er  breast. 

She  felt  each  moment  as  though  she  should  sink. 

Indeed,  it  was  a  truly  wonderful  circumstance  that  she 
should  have  been  able  to  maintain  such  a  rapid  rate  of 
speed  for  so  long  a  time. 

But  her  limbs  now  failed  her. 

She  staggered  and  nearly  fell. 

By  an  almost  superhuman  effort.  *he  recovered  herself 
and  continued  her  headlong  course. 

But  the  woman  had  gained  upon  her  wonderfully. 

Maud  could  hear  her  heavy  footsteps  sounuing,  through 
the  exaggeration  of  intense  fear,  like  thunder. 

She  could  hear  her  heavy,  labouring  bre»th,  and 
every  now  and  then  a  half-articulate  summons  to  come 
to  a  standstill. 

The  summons  was  disregarded,  but  it  was  quite  evi- 
dent that  Maud's  strength  would  not  l"*ld  out  a  rodent 
longer. 

What  she  then  endured  we  are  unable  to  ixmvvjr  an 
adequate  conception  of. 

In  imagination  she  could  see  the  woman  behind  her 
with  uplifted  knife,  only  waiting  for  a  favourable  oppor- 
tunity to  strike. 

So  impressed  was  she  by  this  dread  that  J.  rendered 
hur  oblivious  of  all  things  else. 

A  small  twig — it  could  scarcely  be  called  by  any  oAer 
oame — lay  directly  in  her  path. 

It  wo'dd  hav«   beta  under  ordinary  circumstances  the 


easiest  thing  in  the  world  to  have  stepped  over  it,  or  gone 
a  little  to  one  side. 

But  Maud  did  neither. 

She  did  not  even  see  it ;  and  consequently,  before  she 
was  aware  of  it,  her  feet  became  entangled,  and  she  fell 
face  foremost,  to  the  ground. 

Consciousness  almost  left  her,  but  not  quite. 

The  intense  horror  she  had  of  what  was  to  oome  pre- 
vented her  Irom  losing  her  senses  entirely. 

But  she  did  not  hear  the  clatter  of  a  horse's  hoofs, 
though  the  next  instant  a  powerful  yet  pleasant  voice 
struck  upon  her  ears. 

"What  hellgame  is  this,  you  old  witch?"  the  voice 
cried.  "Be "off,  or  I  will  be  the  death  of  you — be  off,  I 
say !" 

Then  all  was  still. 

The  next  thing  Maud  became  aware  of  was  an  un- 
pleasant stinging  sensation. 

She  opened  her  eyes  and  looked  up,  though  she  fancied 
she  was  about  to  take  her  last  look  of  this  world. 

To  her  astonishment,  and  joy  as  well,  she  caught  sight 
of  some  one  bending  over  her  with  an  air  of  tender 
interest. 

The  moon  was  shining  clearly  and  brightly,  lighting 
up  everything  with  her  magic  lustre. 

The  clear,  cold  beams  showed  Maud  that  she  was  in- 
debted to  a  stranger  for  the  piece  of  good  fortune  she  had 
just  received. 

Almost  in  doubt  whether  what  she  saw  was  real,  Maud 
closed  her  eyes  again,  but  only  to  open  them  the  next 
moment. 

CHAPTER  MXXXVI. 

IK  WHICH  MAUD  MAKES  A  FRESH  ACQUAINTANCE,  AND  ONE 
WHICH  SHE  IS  DESTINED  TO  RENEW. 

The  form  of  the  stranger  was  still  there. 

It  needed  no  more  than  one  glance  to  show  her  that  he 
was  young  and  not  without  good  pretentions  to  being 
considered  handsome. 

His  face  had  upon  it  a  pleasant  though  somewhat  reck- 
less expression — and  this  was  more  noticeable  about  the 
eyes. 

He  was  well  formed,  and  his  somewhat  pioturesque- 
looking  apparel  showed  off  his  figure  to  the  utmost  ad- 
vantage. 

"lam  glad  you  have  recovered,"  he  said,  in  those 
peculiar  accents  which  always  distinguish  those  who  are 
in  the  habit  of  moving  in  good  society.  Then  observing 
that  Maud  glanced  about  her  in  terror,  he  added  :  "  Be 
under  no  apprehensions  now.  The  danger  is  over — the 
old  hag  is  gone." 

His  words  afforded  wonderful  relief  to  Maud's  heart, 
and  now  for  the  first  time  the  tears  began  to  flow. 

Young  as  the  stranger  was,  he  must  have  possessed 
some  knowledge  of  what  was  best  to  be  done  in  such  a 
case,  for  instead  of  making  the  least  attempt  to  check  her 
weeping,  he  removed  to  a  little  distance,  under  the  pre- 
tence of  seeing  whether  his  horse  was  properly  secured 
to  the  branch  of  the  tree  to  which  he  had  attached  the 
reins. 

Thus  left  to  herself,  Maud  rapidly  recovered  her  com- 
posure. 

The  tears  she  shed  wonderfully  relieved  her  breast, 
and  in  a  moment  or  so  she  made  an  attempt  to  rise. 

The  stranger  at  once  hastened  forward  and  assisted 
her. 

"  You  are  better  now,  I  hope  ?" 

"Yes— yes,  "answered  Maud,  with  some  slight  hesita 
tion,  for  she  fancied  the  stranger  had  an  admiring  eye 
upon  her.  "  My  best  thanks,  sir,  are  your  due,  though  I 
cannot  express  myself." 

"  Tush— tush  I" 

"  It  is  in  vain  for  you  to  attempt  generously  to  under- 
rate the  service  which  you  have  tendered  me.  I  am  well 
aware  that  but  for  your  most  timely  interposition  I  should 
before  this  have  fallen  a  victim  to  that  woman's  fury." 

Maud  could  not  avoid  shuddering  and  glancing  around 
her  while  she  spoke. 

"She  is  gone  now,"  the  stranger  hastened  to  remark,  in 
reassuring  tones.     "  But  did  she  really  mean  murder  ?  " 

"  1  fear  so." 

The  stranger  looked  at  once  eurious  and  interested. 

Maud  brelly  told  him  that  circumstances  had  induced 


1T58 


BLACK    BB88  ;    OB, 


her  tc  take  up  a  temporary    abode  in  Mill  Cottage,  and 
the  result. 

"  You  have  had  a  fortunate  escape,"  he  said  ;  "  and  I 
rejoice  to  think  that  chance  should  have  led  ins  in  this 
direction." 

"  I  am  deeply  grateful  to  you,  I  assure  j  ou,  bin — — " 

''No  more — no  more.  Excuse  me,  but  if  I  am  any 
judge,  I  should  say  from  your  manner  that  you  had 
some  other  cause  for  grief  and  trouble  than  even 
this." 

Maud  was  silent. 

"Don't  think  mo  intrusive,"  he  continued,  "but,  if 
there  is  anything  else  I  can  do  to  save  you,  you  have 
only  to  name  it,  and  I  am  quite  at  your  disposal." 

"  Thanks — many  thanks,"  said  Maud,  speaking  with 
difficulty  through  her  tears.  "  It  may  sound  ungrateful, 
and  yet  the  only  favour  I  can  ask  you  is  to  leave." 

"  And  it  is  the  one  that  I  should  grant  with  the  most 
difficulty.     But,  however,  if  you  persist " 

"  It  must  be  so !    Do  not  bo  offended,  but — but -" 

"  Why  do  you  pause  ?     What  would  you  say  i" 

"  Simply  leave  me  I" 

"  Enough." 

The  stranger  took  off  his  hat,  and  made  a  bow  that  was 
full  of  grace. 

••  Farewell,  since  you  will  have  it  so,  but,  take  my  word 
for  it,  these  roads  are  by  no  means  safe  for  a  woman  to 
travel  alone  and  unprotected,  s»,  if  you  are  going  far——" 

"  I  am  not  afraid,"  Maud  answered.  "  But  do  not  press 
me  further,  I  am  distracted." 

"  I  can  6ee  that  you  are  much  troubled,  and  that  is  why 
I  urge  you  thus.  Under  other  circumstances,  rely  upon 
it  I  should  not  do  so." 

"I  appreciate  your  kind  intent,  and  believe  me  when  I 
say  that  I  feel  deeply  grateful ;  but  still  I  must  renew  my 
request." 

"  You  are  strangely  persistent,  and  must  have  some 
strong  reason  for  being  so,  I  make  no  doubt.  Since  you 
will  have  it  so,  once  more  farewell." 

This  time  he  not  only  bowed,  but  went  to  the  spot 
where  be  had  left  his  horse,  unfastened  the  noble  animal 
from  the  bough,  and  with  one  boubd  vaulted  clean  into 
the  saddle. 

But  he  did  not  so  readily  take  his  departure. 

"It  is  not  yet  too  late,"  he  said.  "Forgive  me  for 
being  thus  urgent,  but  I  feel  that  I  ought  not  to  leave 
you  thus.     Let  that  be  my  apology." 

"No  apology  is  needed,  sir,"  answered  Maud,  who 
could  not  feel  offended  at  the  manifestation  of  so  much 
interest  in  her  behalf,  for  she  was  judge  enough  of  human 
nature  to  feel  certain  that  it  was  well-intentioned. 

"And  you  are  still  resolved  to  go  alone  ?"         , 

"  I  am." 

"  Once  more  good  night,  then.  Let  me  sa^,  however, 
that  I  feel  more  than  a  common  interest  in  this  encounter. 
Why  I  should  do  so  I  know  not.  There  is,  too,  a  presenti- 
ment upon  my  mind  to  the  effect  that  we  shall  meet 
again — that  we  are  destined  to  become  much  better  ac- 
quainted rtith  each  other.  However,  this  will  be  proved 
by  time." 

While  speaking  these  words,  he  turned  his  horse  round 
and,  reiterating  the  word  "  Farewell  1"  rode  slowly  away, 
as  though  in  the  expectation  that  at  this,  the  last  moment, 
Maud  would  call  to  him  to  come  back. 

Ere  he  had  gone  much  more  than  t>  dozen  paces  he 
stopped  again. 

41 1  forgot  to  mention,"  he"  added,  "  that  my  name  is 
Hawk — commonly  known  as  Captain  Hawk  ;  and  if  ever 
you  find  yourself  in  any  great  distress,  you  can  hear 
of  me  at  the  old  inn  about  a  mile  further  along  the 
road — the  Horns  they  call  it.  Speak  to  the  landlord — he 
will  tell  you  all  about  mo,  and  if  what  you  want  lies 
within  the  power  of  mortal  man  to  accomplish,  I  wiW  do 
it.     Now,  for  the  last  time,  farewell !" 

Having  made  this  singular  speech,  tbe  strangot- — or 
Captain  Hawk,  as  we  may  as  well  call  him,  since  he  had 
given  himself  that  designation — struck  spurs  t«  his  steed, 
and  galloped  off. 

As  may  be  supposed,  his  last  words  took  V*ua  quite 
by  surprise,  and  as  she  watched  his  retreatL"<g  form  she 
murmured  to  herself : 

"  Captaiu  Hawk,  and  the  old  Horns  Inn  upon  this  road. 
1  will  not  :orget  that.  I  like  him,  for  he  seems  bold  and 
generous     He  bas  a  face,  too,  whieh  would  command 


trust  and  confidence  in  any  breast  1  may  require  his  «M 
— Heaven  knows! — and  I  ought  not  to  despise  it,  for 
where — where  am  I  to  look  for  a  friend  ?  " 

This  question  brought  Maud  back  to  a  full  sense  of  her 
present  wretched,  desolate  position. 

Wringing  her  hands,  she  buret  out  into  a  violent  fit  of 
sobbing  and  weeping. 

The  paroxysm  lasted  for  some  time ;  but  of  course, 
eventually  it  expended  itself,  and  she  began  to  think  a 
I  little  more  calmly  about  her  position  and  prospects. 

"Where  am  I  now  ?"  she  asked  herself,  as  she  glanoed 
around  at  all  the  objeots  about  he*  now  beautifully  re- 
vealed by  the  moon's  rays. 

She  had  not,  of  course,  the  least  idea  of  her  where- 
abouts. 

Everything  she  looked  at  was  fresh  and  strange  to 
her. 

She  wrung  her  hands  again,  and  once  more  her  tears 
poured  forth. 

Sho  began  to  oe  sensible  that  she  ought  not  so  readily 
to  have  refused  the  stranger's  offer  of  assistance,  for  at 
each  moment  she  began  te  be  more  and  more  sensible  of 
the  difficulties  by  which  she  was  environed,  and  from 
which  she  was  not  able  to  see  the  way  to  an  extrica- 
tion. 

"  What  shall  be  my  first  step  ?"  she  murmured,  half 
aloud.  "  Alas  !  I  fear  that  all  my  efforts  will  be  of  no 
avail  1  Too  late — too  late  1  Dick  and  the  rest  are, 
beyond  doubt,  by  this  time  either  slain,  or  else  prisoners 
in  the  hands  of  the  police,  and  it  is  my  fault — all  my  fault  1 
I  ought  to  have  warned  them,  and  failed  to  do 
so !" 

Maud  was  scarcely  right  in  thus  taking  all  the  blame 
to  herself,  and  yet  she  did  so. 

"  But  it  is  suspense  that  I  suffer  now,"  she  continued  ; 
"  and  what  can  be  worse  than  that  ?  Nothing — nothing  ! 
It  would  be  better  far  if  I  was  able  to  comprehend  the 
full  extent  of  my  misfortunes,  for  how  do  I  know  whether 
Dick  is  alive  or  dead?" 

Tears  again  choked  her  utterance,  and  this  time  she 
seemed  to  abandon  herself  to  her  grief  more  than  she  had 
done  on  any  former  occasion. 

As  before,  however,  the  violence  of  her  grief  abated. 

"  I  must  and  will  know  the  worst  I  I  will  set  about 
that  at  once  !     That  shall  be  my  course  1" 

As  she  made  this  resolution  she  dried  her  tears,  and 
plucked  up  what  resolution  she  was  able. 

But.  another  difficulty  presented  itself  to  her,  and  the 
readiness  with  which  it  started  into  her  mind  only  serves 
to  show  how  thickly  she  was  beset  by  them. 

No  matter  which  way  she  turned,  one  sprung  up 
before  her. 

She  had  determined  to  discover  what  had  befallen 
Dick  and  his  comrades. 

But  how  was  she  to  do  it  ? 

In  vain  she  endeavoured  to  frame  some  reply  to  this 
pertinent  question. 

She  knew  not  which  way  to  turn. 

Uuce  she  thought  of  making  her  way  towards  London, 
where,  as  she  knew  full  well,  she  should  quickly  learn 
what  had  happened. 

But  she  had  not  the  remotest  notion  of  which  way  to 
take  in  order  to  reach  the  metropolis. 

There  was  not  one  thing  she  knew  to  guide  her. 

Then  she  thought  perhaps  something  could  be  learned 
at  the  ruined  castle. 

But  here  again  the  same  difficulty  confronted  her. 

She  knew  the  way  there  no  better  than  to  London. 

Upon  consideration,  however,  she  believed  she  could 
find  her  way  back  to  this  place,  and  then,  if  her  inquiries 
here  proved  futile,  she  could  but  go  on  to  the  metropo- 
lis. 

Scarcely,  however,  had  she  reached  this  point  in  her 
deliberations  than  she  heard  the  sharp  clatter  of  a  horse's 

hoofs. 

She  was  well  enough  experienced  in  such  sounds  to 
know  that  it  was  a  single  horseman  who  was  approach- 
ing. 

Not  wishing  to  be  seen,  she  drew  back  to  one  side  of 
the  road,  where  an  umbrageous  tree  cast  a  deep 
shadow. 

This  position  had  not  been  occupied  many  seconds 
before  Maud,  to  her  great  surprise,  saw  her  protector 
come  in  view 


ran  rnioht  of  thb  road. 


1759 


"Why— why,"  she  said,  "surely  that  is  Captain 
8«wk !     What  can  bring  him  back  this  way  ?" 

It  would  seem  strange  he  should  thus  have  altered  his 
direction. 

Maud  looked  again,  fancying  some  accidental  resem- 
blance had  misled  her. 

But  no. 

The  moon,  which  was  shining  so  brightly,  poured  tier 
full  light  upon  him  as  he  advanced,  and  made  anything 
like  difficulty  of  identification  impossible. 

Maud's  immediate  thought  now  was  thai  uc  might  be 
able  to  direct  her  to  the  ruined  castle. 

Should  she  ask  him  ? 

There  was  no  time  to  deliberate. 

She  made  up  her  mind  to  do  so,  for  it  \"*as  hard  to  say 
how  long  it  would  be  before  she  had  another  oppor- 
tunity. 

Acting  upon  this  decision,  she  stepped  out  of  the  sha- 
dow on  to  a  spot  when  the  moon's  rays  fell  uudimnied. 

Captain  Hawk  saw  her  immediately. 

She  knew  it,  for  the  ejaculation  to  which  he  gave  utter- 
ance was  carried  to  her  ears. 

He  pulled  up  with  great  abruptness,  and  the  manner  in 
which  his  steed  rose  upon  his  haunches,  in  his  endeavour 
to  check  his  speed,  told  Maud  how  swiftly  he  had  been 
coming  on. 

"  One  word,"  she  said — "  only  one  1" 

He  did  not  reply,  but  simply  held  up  his  hand  as  though 
he  would  have  commanded  silence. 

At  the  same  time  he  turned  his  ear  in  the  direction  from 
which  he  had  just  come,  and  listened  intently  for  several 
seconds. 

Seeing  him  do  so  thrilled  Maud  strangely. 

It  was  an  action  she  had  seen  Dick  perform  hundreds  of 
times. 

"  I  can  spare  a  momont  or  so,"  he  said,  patting  his  pant- 
ing steed;  "  but,  you  see,  urgent  business  has  compelled 
me  to  ride  swiftly  back  to-night.  However,  as  I  said,  I 
am  now  and  ever  at  your  service.    Command  me  !" 

"Many  thanks,'"  said  Maud  ;  ''  but  the  favour  I  require 
will  scarcely  detain  you  a  second." 

"  Speak — speak  !"  he  said.     "  Speak  freely." 

Then,  in  an  altered  tone,  he  exclaimed: 

"Quiet,  Satan— quiet,  I  say!  Stand  still,  Satan ! 
Woa,  old  boy  1" 

These  last  words  were  addressed  to  his  horse,  which 
Maud  noticed  now  more  particularly  than  she  had  yet 
done. 

It  was  of  a  magnificent  jetty  black — truly,  a  beautiful 
creature — such  a  piece  of  horseflesh  as  one  rarely  sees  in  a 
whole  lifetime. 

No  briefer  or  more  fitting  description  could  b-i  Juund 
than  that  given  by  Shakspere  of  the  steed  of  Adoii's  : — 

u  Round  hoof  d,  shor*  jointed,  fetlocks  shag  and  long, 
Broad  breast,  full  eye,  small  head  and  nostril  wide, 

High  crest,  short  ears,  straight  legs,  and  passing  strong, 
Thin  mane,  thick  tail,  broad  buttock,  tender  hide, 

And  what  a  horse  should  have  he  did  not  lack." 

As  she  gazed  upon   him,  Maud's  thought  was,  that  if  a 

atch  or  mate  for  Black  Bess  was  anywhere  to  be  found 
it  certainly  stood  before  her. 

But  she  had  not  then  a  very  good  opportunity  of  ob- 
serving him  closely,  for  sue  could  tell,  in  spit*  of  the 
rider's  manner,  that  he  was  most  anxious  to  bo  off. 

What  struck  Maud  most  was  the  strange  n*ine  which 
had  been  given  to  the  steed,  and  under  any  leas  pressing 
circumstances  she  would  certainly  have  asked  what  had 
led  to  his  receiving  so  unusual  a  designation. 

As  it  was,  however,  she  contented  herself  merely  with 
inquiring  the  way  to  the  ruins. 

"  Comyuge  Castle  ?"  repeated  the  stranger,  slowly.  "  I 
have  heard  the  name  somewhero,  but  I  cannot  remember 
where." 

He  observed  the  look  of  disappointment  which  clouded 
Maud's  face,  and  asked  : 

-   "  Can  you  describe  the  place  ?   I  may  know  it  well  by 
S'ght  if  not  by  name." 

As  well  as  she  was  able,  Maud  gave  a  description  of 
it. 

"  Yes — yes,  1  Know  now.  And  it  puzzles  EM  how  I 
forgot.  Why,  you  have  but  to  keep  straight  on  the  way 
I  have  just  corns,  till  you  reach   the  top  of  a  steep  hill. 


Then,  if  you  look  over  the  fields  to  the  left,  you  will  see 
the  gray  walls  plainly  enough  in  the  moonlight.  Ha !  I 
hear  them  now,"  he  broke  in,  abruptly.  "  They  still  keep 
at  me.  If  I  am  not  quick,"  he  added,  addressing  Maud, 
"  my  friends  will  overtake  me.  Qood-night.  We  shall 
meet  again." 

Without  waiting  for  her  to  otter  a  syllaDlo,  he  let  the 
reins  fall  upon  his  impatient  courser's  neck. 

No  other  impulse  forward  was  needful. 

Away  he  flew  almost  with  the  speed  of  an  arrow  newly 
discharged  from  a  bow. 

A  bend  in  the  road  quickly  took  both  borse  and  rider 
from  Maud's  sight. 

Strange  thoughts  were  passing  through  ner  brain. 

What  to  think  of  her  new  acquaintance  she  scarcely 
knew.  It  was  evident,  however,  that  he  was  no  ordinary 
individual. 

Further  reflection  was  at  this  moment  cut  short,  for 
the  sound  which  now  reached  Maud's  ears  was  such  as  to 
fill  her  mind  with  the  liveliest  apprehension. 

It  was  that  produced  by  the  hoofbeats  of  a  number  of 
horses — a  dozen  at  the  least. 

Maud,  had  she  been  asked,  could  not  have  told  why 
she  felt  alarmed,  nor  why  she  felt  impelled  to  break  her 
way  through  a  narrow  gap  in  the  hedge  and  crouch  down, 
trembling,  out  of  sight. 

She  had  not  taken  up  her  quarters  here  very  long  be- 
f»r<)  the  horsemen  whose  approach  she  had  heard  came 
in  right. 

Maud  could  see  them  plainly  through  the  interstices 
near  the  roots  of  the  hedgerow. 

Upon  catching  sight  of  them,  she  had  to  compress  hei 
lips  very  tightly  to  suppress  a  scream. 

Then  she  crouched  down — lower — lower  down,  though 
this  was  needless,  for  there  was  scarcely  a  possibility  that 
she  could  be  seen. 

The  riders  were  police  officers,  every  one  of  them, 

They  were  all  well  mounted  and  well  armed. 

They  were  lashing  and  spurring  their  steeds  most  un- 
mercifully, and  clashed  by  Maud's  place  of  concealment 
like  a  whirlwind. 

There  was  a  jingling  of  accoutrements — 

A  cloud  of  dust. 

Then  they  swept  round  the  corner  we  have  already 
mentioned. 

But  it  was  not  until  long  after  the  heavy  clatter  of 
their  horses'  feet  had  died  away  that  Maud  venturod  to 
look  up. 

Even  then  she  trembled  so  excessively  that  she  was 
scarcely  able  to  rise  to  her  feet. 

The  danger,  however,  was  over,  and  when  once  as- 
sured of  it  Maud  thought  of  her  determination,  and 
forced  her  way  into  the  high-road  again. 

It  was  not  more  certain  that  they  were  police  officers 
who  had  dashed  by  than  it  was  that  they  were  in  pursuit 
of  the  so-called  Captain  Hawk. 

But  why  ? 

Maud,  of  course,  was  not  in  a  position  to  return  any 
definite  answer  to  this  question,  and,  moreover,  her  owt 
affairs  now  pressed  too  much  upon  her  mind  to  allow  hei 
to  reflect  upon  any  foreign  subject. 

At  the  same  time,  she  could  not  help  acknowledging  tc 
herself  that  she  fully  shared  in  the  presentiment  that 
they  were  destined  to  become  much  better  acquainted 
with  each  other. 

The  dread  she  was  in  about  the  officers  who  had  passed 
by  lent  great  speed  to  her  feet,  so  that  she  reached  the 
summit  of  the  hill  Captain  Hawk  had  mentioned  in  much 
less  time  than  she  would  have  done  under  ordinary  cir- 
cumstances. 

Panting  and  tired,  she  stood  upon  this  piece  of  elevated 
ground,  and  strained  her  eyes  in  the  endeavour  to  catch 
sight  of  that  well-known  place,  which  almost  seemed 
to  her  like  a  home  from  the  length  of  time  she  had  so- 
journed there. 

The  sight  of  it  seemed  to  have  the  effect  of  restoring 
her  failing  energies. 

Now  that  her  destination  was  in  sight,  she  seemed  all 
at  once  to  necome  possessed  of  the  requisite  vigour  tc 
reach  it. 

That  she  should  be  so  near  to  the  ruins  seems  very 
strange.  Such,  however,  was  the  fact,  and  it  only  serves 
to  show  how  much  she  must  have  doubled  upon  hei 
course. 


i?«0 


BLACK    BEBB;   OB, 


The  descent  of  the  hill  was  accomplished  without 
much  difficulty,  and  theo  Maud  had  the  boldness  to 
strike  off  across  the  meadows,  keeping  her  eyes  fixed 
upon  the  tall  keep  uf  the  castle,  which,  from  its  great 
height,  formed  a  conspicuous  object  in  the  landscape. 

But  as  she  wearily  walked  on,  she  found  that  the  dia- 
tance  she  had  to  go  was  much  greater  than  it  had  appeared 
to  be. 

To  her  it  seemed  that  as  she  advanced  so  did  the  ruina 
retreat,  thue  mocking  all  her  efforts  to  reach  them. 

More  than  once  she  was  glad  enough  to  sink  down  and 
rest  her  weary  limbs. 

Nothing  but  the  strong,  all-powerful  desire  to  ascertain 
if  possible  the  fate  of  her  husband  and  his  companions 
could  have  kept  her  up. 

But  the  longest  and  most  tedious  journey  must  ooipo  to 
an  end  at  last. 

After  the  lapse,  then,  of  a  long,  long  time — so  long  that 
Maud  was  unable  to  form  a  clear  idea  of  its  duration — the 
outer  portion  of  the  ruiued  castle  was  gained. 

Maud's  heart  now  beat  so  fast  as  almost  to  prevent  her 
breathing. 

Indeed,  she  believed  nothing  could  save  her  from 
swooning. 

Urged  by  that  all-conquering  desire,  she  feebly 
struggled  on. 

The  old  castle  had  a  spectral,  ghastly  look,  as  the  moon 
poured  her  flood  of  light  upon  its  gray  and  crumbling 
wall*. 

Amost  oppressive  silence,  too,  reigned  around— a  sileBoe 
which  Maud  thought  w^s  horribly  suggestive  of  th« 
tomb,  and  most  disastrous  to  the  hopes  in  which  she  had 
indulged. 

It  was  when  she  had  fathomed  the  very  lowest  depths 
of  despair  that  she  heard  a  voice  give  vent  to  a  glad 
try. 

"Maud — Maud — Maud!"  said  a  well  kaawii  voioe. 
*  It  is  I !     I  am  here — I  am  h,  re !" 


^HAPTJixt  maaXVH. 

DtCK     TURPIN     AND     MAUD      AI:E      SURPRISED      BY      THE 
OFFICERS   IN   THE    RU1XS. 

Had  not  these  words  been  followed  by  the  sound  of 
rapid  footsteps,  and  had  she  oot  caught  sight  of  a  well- 
known  form  hastening  towards  her,  Maud  would  have 
concluded  that  she  had  been  the  victim  of  some  cruel 
delusion. 

Fortunately,  she  was  spared  this  pang  additional  to 
those  which  she  had  already  suffered. 

But  her  joy  had  almost  as  great  an  effect  upon  her 
>.s  a  shock  of  grief  or  disappointment. 

Tltie  next  moment  she  found  herself  in  the  arms  of 
the  one  she  loved  so  truly  and  so  well. 

So  exhausted  was  she  bodily,  and  so  completely  over- 
come mentally,  that  for  some  time  she  could  do  nothing 
more  than  remain  half  passive  in  Dick's  arms. 

While  remaining  thus,  and  only  in  a  state  of  semi- 
consciousness, the  past,  and  all  the  horrors  s.le  bad 
gone  through,  seemed  by  far  more  like  some  hideous 
dream  than  stern  reality. 

Was  she  waking  then,  she  asked  herself,  or  was  she 
dreaming  now  ? 

The  last  question  there  was  difficulty  in  making  a 
reply  to. 

All — all  was  real. 

But  by  what  chance  could  it  be,  shft  again  mentally 
inquired,  that  Dick  was  there,  to  all  appearances  safe 
and  unhurt — just  in  the  very  place  she  had  set  out  from 
iu  order  expressly  to  warn  him  from  approaching,  and 
where — greatest  mystery  of  all — he  was,  beyond  ill 
doubt,  quite  secure  and  safe  ? 

Such  interrogations  as  tnese  thronging  thickly  in 
her  mind  might  well  confuse  Maud's  brain,  and  make 
her  close  her  eyes  is  an  attempt  to  think  calmly  and 
clearly.     « 

"  Bouse  up— arouse  yourself  1"  she  heard  Dick  r-*y,  for 
he  fancied,  from  her  closed  eyes  and  pallid  cheeis,  *h*t 
ihe  had  fainted.  "You  are  in  no  danger  now,  and — and 
you  are  not  hurt,  I  trust?" 

Diok  pronounced  these  words  with  considerable  diffi- 
dence. 

The  first  tumult  of  joy  which  he  experienced  when  he 


first  caught  sight  of  her  had  made  him  forgetful  of  such 
a  contingency  as  this. 

Now  that  the  idea  had  occurred  to  him,  however,  he 
suffered  a  thousand  apprehensions,  for  he  sadly  feared  by 
Maud's  manner  that  she  had  suffered  some  fearful 
accident. 

"No — no,"  she  murmured,  feebly,  "I  shall  be  better 
soon.     Water — water  1" 

"  Tom,"  said  Dick,  in  a  loud  voice — "  Tom.  5  » »y  j" 

Tom  Davis  came  forward. 

'  Here  I  am,  captain.     What's  amiss?" 
Some  water,  now,  at  once  !" 

Tom  started  off  at  full  speed. 

There  was  a  plentiful  supply  o?  clear  spring  water  in 
the  ruins,  which  had  been  of  the  greatest  service  to  the 
highwaymen  during  their  sojourn  there,  and  Davis  made 
his  way  to  it  at  once. 

He  quickly  re*,urned. 

Maud  drank  a  little  of  the  water — but  very  little. 

The  remainder  Dick  sprinkled  in  her  face. 

After  this,  she  was  considerably  revived. 

"Is  it  possible,"  she  asked — "cau  it  be  possible  that 
you  are  here  safe  aud  unhurt?" 

"Quite.     And  you?" 

"  Not  much  hurt.  But  ivver  mind  now — tf  11  me  about 
yourself?" 

"Nay — nay!    I  must  first  be  satisfied "' 

"Take  my  word  for  it,"  she  said:  "all  is  well." 

"  But  where  have  you  been  ?  and  where  is  Jack  fn 

"  Alas — alas !" 

"Do  not  weep — but  speak \  tell  me — relieve  me  from 
the  terrible  suspense  which  I  now  endure  !" 

"  1  discovered  the  presence  of  the  officers  here,  and 
knew  they  intended  to  wait  in  ambush  till  you  bad  de- 
scended  " 

"Yes — yes — I  know  all  thati" 

"You  kuow  it?"  « 

'*  Ueriaiuiy.'* 

"Then  my  curiosity  is  greater  than  yours.  Flow  hnrt 
you  eseaped  ?" 

"  I  will  tell  you,  but  I  must  hear  about  your  proceed- 
ings first.  No  hesitation — your  curiosity  will  be  most 
speedily  allayed  by  a  prompt  compliance,  for  in  this  case  1 
will  take  no  denial." 

Maud  knew  very  well  that  when  Turpin  had  ence  ex- 
pressed himself  positively  on  any  occasion  it  was  quite 
futile  to  induce  him  to  change  his  mind,  so  she  at  once 
began  the  recital  of  those  events  which  are  already  well 
known  to  the  reader. 

It  may  perhaps  be  imagined  with  what  amount  of  as- 
tonishment and  dismay  Dick  listened  to  her  narrative. 

When  she  had  concluded,  he  drew  a  long  breath,  and 
said: 

"  Thank  Heaven  that  is  over,  and  that  I  have  heard  the 
last  of  these  perils!  I  had  imagined,  as  I  thought,  the  worst 
of  evils,  but  never  dreamt  of  such  a  succession  of  cala- 
mities as  I  have  heard." 

But  Maud's  impatience  was  so  great  that  she  could 
scarcely  listen  to  these  few  remarks,  but  eagerly  sh« 
sought  him  to  let  her  know  by  what  means  he  had 
managed  to  escape  his  foes. 

Dick  finished  with  these  words : 

"I  felt  convinced,"  he  said,  "but  I  know  not  why, 
that  I  should  find  you  somewhere  near  the  ruins,  and 
hence  my  presence  here  to-night.  My  fear  was,  however. 
that  you  had  fallen  into  the  powei  of  the  officers." 

"  No — no,  I  should  have  warned  you,  had  I  been  able." 

"  I  find  so !  Tom  King  was  nearly  right  in  his  guess, 
but  a  kind  of  fascination  seemed  to  draw  me  to  this  place. 
There  was  peril  and  hazard  in  approaching  here,  but  I 
was  careful." 

"  Have  the  officers  departed  ?" 

"  Yes,  they  have  gone.  1  was  in  time  to  see  the  men 
depart  who  had  been  left  in  charge.  It  seems  every  part 
of  the  ruins  has  undergone  a  rigid  scrutiny,  and  from 
what  I  overheard     ■  " 

"  Overheard  ?" 

'  Yes ;  on  first  reaching  here,  upon  finding  the  men 
were  present,  I  crept  as  close  to  them  a3  1  could,  in  the 
hope  of  hearing  something  about  you." 

"  I  understand." 

"  I  gathered  from  their  conversation  that  a  large  amount 
of  money  had  been  discovered,  buried  near  the  spot  when 
we  remained  so  long." 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE   ROAD. 


1761 


[BLACK   BESS   LEAPS   THE   WALL  J 


"  The  secret  chamber." 

"  Yes,  that  was  the  spot.  The  amount  is  groat.  Upon 
hearing  of  it  I  could  not  help  thinking  of  your  long-ex- 
pressed wish——" 

"  Yes — yes." 

"  Of  leaving  England." 

Maud  sighed  deeply. 

"  That  would  have  furnished  us  with  sufficient  to  have 
lived  on  in  some  foreign  land,  for  there  are  times  when 
this  wild  life  palls  upon  me,  and  most  of  all  has  it  done 
bo  during  your  disappearance." 

No  words  can  tell  what  an  amount  of  joy  those  words 
infused  into  Maud's  breast. 

She  flattered  herself  with  the  idea  that  she  could  now 
see  something  like  a  prospect  of  the  realisation  of  the 
dearest  wish  of  her  heart. 

Oh,  if  she  could  only  keep  Dick  in  his  present  humour, 

No.  221.— Black  Bess. 


she  fancied  there  would  scon  be  an  end  of  nil  those 
perilous  accidents  which  they  had  suffered  ! 

To  Maud,  the  prospect  of  a  residenco  in  some  other 
land,  where  they  would  have  nothing  more  to  fear  from 
the  power  of  the  law,  was  like  the  anticipation  of  a  calm, 
safe  harbour  and  the  charms  of  home  to  some  far-out-at- 
sea  and  storm-tossed  mariner. 

There  was  rest,  peace,  happiness,  and  safety,  to  look 
forward  to. 

"  It  would  yet  be  possible,  I  think,"  she  said,  after  a 
few  moments'  pause,  for  at  first  she  was  too  much  over- 
come to  utter  a  syllable.  "  Believe  me,  it  is  my  one 
wiBh,  the  great  desire  I  wish  to  have  gratified.  Oh,  if 
you  only  knew  what  happiness  it  would  bring  to  my 
weary  heart  you  would  not  deny  me  !" 

"I  feel  that  I  ought  not,"  said  Dick.  "Yon  have 
already  made  by  far  too  many  sacrifices  on  my  behalf.    I 


No.  221. 


Trice  One  Halfpenny. 
Nc.  222  will  be  Published  next  Thursday, 


ires 


BLAOX    BXfiB  j    Ut, 


will  promise  you  to  take   into  full  consideration  all  you  i 
orge,  aad  the  next  time  we  all  meet  together  the  subject ' 
ehall  be  **lly  discussed.    If   it  is  practicable  it  ean  be 
done." 

Mauo1  was  quit  contented  with  this  promise.  She 
knew  full  well  that  it  was  not  lightly  made. 

She  wept  plentifully. 

"Dry  your  tears,"  said  Dick,  "or  /shall  change  my 
mind.     I  want  to  see  oniiles,  not  tears." 

"They  are  tears  of  joy,  Dick,"  she  sobbed.  "I  shall 
be  calm  soon." 

At  length  Maud  looked  up,  and  said,  quietly  „ 

"  Where  was  it  that  you  appointed  to  meet  the  rest  ?" 

"Not  far  from  here  ;  and  as  soon  as  you  have  recovered 
yourself  we  will  set  out,  for  the  time  now  is  overpast." 

"  I  am  ready." 

"And  what  will  be  your  next  step  ?" 

"  That  I  scarcely  know.  For  one  thing,  however,  I 
shall  propose  that  for  the  present  we  once  more  take  up 
our  quarters  in  the  ruins."' 

"  In  the  ruins  ?"  asked  Maud,  scarcely  able  to  believe 
that  she  had  heard  aright. 

"  Yes." 

"But yon  forget  the  police  officers." 

"  Indeed  I  do  not,  nor  those  who  have  been  set  here  to 
guard  the  place ;  but  I  have  certain  knowledgo  that  the 
guard  will  be  no  longer  kept.  The  officers  will  never  sus- 
pect we  have  had  the  audacity  to  come  back,  and  in  all 
probability  the  old  castle  will  be  more  left  to  itself  than  it 
lias  ever  been." 

The  moment  Dick  made  this  remark,  Maud  was  much 
6truck  by  the  force  of  it. 

What  more  unlikely  place  could  there  now  be  than  this 
for  them  to  be  concealed  in?  She  would  never  have 
guessed,  and  she  felt  certain  the  officers  would  not  be 
cunning  enough  to  do  so. 

'■  You  are  right,"  she  said.  "  At  first,  the  audacity  of 
the  proposal  staggered  me " 

"  That  is  just  what  I  rely  upon  for  success,"  answered 
Turpin ;  "  the  bold  course  is  always  the  best." 

"  And  then  what  will  be  your  next  step  ?" 

"We  will  reserve  the  consideration  of  tha'  until  we  all 
meet  again  ;  we  shall  then  have  many  iinpP  iar"i  things  to 
arrange  and  settle." 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  Tom  Davis  ame  running 
towards  them  with  the  utmost  consternation  in  his  looks. 

"  Captain — captain  I"  he  gasped. 

"  Well,  what  now  ?" 

"  Up — up !  Be  quick,  or  you  will  be  too  late !  Follow 
me!" 

"Whsst  is  the  matter?" 

"  We  must  have  been  watched  to  this  place." 

"Watchea?" 

"Yes,  or  else  Maud,  for  a  large  troop  of  officers  have 
crept  cautiously  up  to  the  castle  walls.  I  did  not  dis- 
cover their  presence  until  almost  upon  them.  Quick — 
quick,  or  we  ehall  bo  too  late  to  escape,  for  they  intend  to 
surround  the  castle,  and  in  such  a  manner  as  to  prevent 
all  possibility  of  exit  from  its  walls,  and  we  must  be  off 
before  the  circle  is  completed." 

This  was  startling  intelligence  indeed,  and  it  came 
upon  both  Maud  and  Dick  with  more  than  usual  force3  for 
they  had  only  just  reasoned  themselves  into  the  comfort- 
able belief  that  they  were  perfectly  safe  in  their  present 
quarters. 

Indeed,  for  at  least  a  second  Dick  was  quite  incredu- 
lous. 

"  You  needn't  stare  like  that,  captain,"  cried  Davis — 
"  It's  true.  Come,  come,  we  must  be  into  the  saddle  at 
ence !" 

Recovering  himself  from  his  6hock  of  surnrise,  Dick 
hastened  after  his  faithful  ally. 

Maud  was  greatly  alarmed  as  this  intelligence,  and, 
what  was  more,  she  was  much  angered  with  herself. 

She  believed  that  the  police  officers  must  have  tracked 
her  to  the  ruins,  and  she  much  blamed  herself  lor  having 
approached  with  so  little  caution. 

She  well  remembered  that  from  the  momeni  6he  com- 
menced the  descent  of  the  hill,  from  the  summit  of  which 
she  had  caught  the  first  glimpse  of  the  castle,  she  had 
never  once  turned  her  head  to  look  behind  her. 

The  fact  was,  the  state  of  excitement  under  which  she 
laboured  was  by  far  too  great  for  her  to  think  of  any  of 
these  thing! 


Now  she  blamed  heraolf  for  her  remissness. 
When  the  first  s'loc't  °'  au^prisn  w*s  <y*x  with  her 
she  hastened  to  follow  Dicki  for  sh*  seemed  in  a  moment 
to  realise  the  iraportanc0  of  immedn.te  tiiicb.. 

The  distance  to  the  place  where  the  Worses  had  been 
left  was  not  great,  and  the  re**161"  may  re?t  "•*«*  that  r.3 
time  was  lost  in  mounting. 

Tom  Davis  had  been  so  fortunate  as-«,  provide  himself 
with  a  norse,  and  Turpin  wished  that  another  could  have 
been  found  for  Maud,  as  in  that  cuse  all  their  future 
operations  would  have  been  rendered  much  easier  and 
agreeable. 

It  was  a  deficiency  which  Dicli,  at  the  moment  when 
ho  swung  Maud  on  to  the  front  of  the  saddle  before  hiin, 
determined  should  be  supplied  at  cbe  earliest  moment. 

There  could  now  no  longer  bo  any  doubt  as  to  the  cor- 
rectness of  the  information  which  Tom  Davis  had  given ; 
and  had  there  been  any  lingering  spark  of  incredulity  in 
Turpin's  mind  it  must  have  been  quenched  by  what  he 
next  beheld. 
A  number  of  well-armed  police  officers  came  into  sight 
No  sooner  did  they  catch  sight  of  the  little  party  of  out 
friends  than  they  gave  utterance  to  a  loud  shout,  which 
certainly  seemed  more  like  one  of  intense  surprise  than 
aught  else. 

But  this  surprise  they  rapidly   recovered  themselves 
from,  and  rushed  forward  intent  upon  an  attack. 
Dick,  however,  was  in  no  humour  for  an  encounter. 
But  he  was  in  readiness  to  start. 
He  merely  called  out  to  Toni. 

"  Forward,"  he  cried — "  forward  at  your  best  speed !" 
He  set  Black  Bess  in  motion  as  he  thus  spoke. 
The  gallant  animal  then,  as  on  many  a  previous  occa- 
sion, made  no  account  whatever  of  her  double  burden. 

Tom  Davis  was  well  mounted,  so  he  kept  behind  Dick 
without  much  trouble,  for  of  course  in  that  confined  area 
Black  Bess  could  not  put  out  any  extraordinary  speed. 

The  officers  immediately  commenced  a  pursuit;  but 
■0  Kit  troubled  Dick  more  than  this  was  the  fact  that  one 
e  them  placed  a  small  whistle  to  his  lips,  which  ho  sounded 
sv,  shrilly  that  all  the  ruins  echoed  and  re-echoed,  aad 
nv  ti  certainly  no  one  but  a  boatswain  could  have  piped 
beuer. 

This  was  a  signal  which  doubtless  would  b6  well  us* 
derstood  by  the  other  police  officers  at  hand. 

"  Forward  1"  said  Dick  again.  "  The  sharper  we  are 
in  our  movements  the  better  it  will  be  for  us." 

"  Go  on,  captain,"  said  Tom.  "  I  will  keep  close  enough 
behind  you,  never  fear." 

At  this  moment  Dick  turned  the  angle  of  a  bastion,  and 
the  very  instant  that  he  did  so  ho  became  conscious  that 
he  had  just  committed  a  very  unfortunate  action. 
He  had  run  full  tilt  upon  another  party  of  officers. 
They  joined  at  once  in  full  cry. 
But  Dick  dashed  on. 

In  6pite  of  being  thus  taken  at  unawares,  he  knew  as  it 
by  intuition  that  the  only  chance  he  had  lay  in  keeping 
on. 

Straight  in  his  path,  however,  was  on  old  stone 
wall. 

The  height  was  enough  to  mako  every  prudent  horse- 
man pause  and  consider  well  befor«  he  made  the  attempt 
to  put  his  horse  to  overleap  it. 

The  officers  uttered  shouts  of  triumph,  and  began  to 
close  round  in  a  kind  of  circle,  thinking,  no  doubt*  \hat 
this  wall  would  prove  a  barrier  to  the  highwayman's 
further  progress,  especially  as  his  steed  carried  a  donts* 
burden. 

But  Disk  held  on  steadily 

"  Over,  Bess,  old  lass !"  ho  cried,  in  an  inspiriting  voice, 
when  within  a  short  distance  of  the  truly  formidable 
obstaele. 
That  was  the  only  incitement  she  required. 
But  it  was  observable  that  the  noble  creature  gathered 
herself  together,  so  to  speak,  and  prepared  to  make  a  more 
than  ordinary  effort. 

Dp  she  rose  in  the  air,  almost  as  though  without  any 
muscular  exertion  on  her  part,  or  as  though  she  had  boon 
suddenly  raised  by  some  supernatural  a»»d  invisible 
power. 

For  a  fleeting  portion  of  time  ehe  was  seen  cJearly 
above  the  obstacle,  and  then,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye 
afterwards,  she  alighted  lately  and  gently  on  the  other 
side. 


THB   KNIGHT   0?   nES   ROAD. 


1768 


This  was  a  sight  which  could  not  fail  to  excite  some  I 
emotions  of  admiration  in  every  breast,  but  the  feeling 
by  which  the  officers  wero  actuated  was  far  more  like 
aggravation  than  aught  else. 

One  of  those  in  command  of  the  rest  no  sooner  saw 
Black  Bess  rise  from  the  ground  than  he  made  sure  the 
wall  would  be  cleared  easily,  in  which  ho  was  proved  to 
be  right. 

He  gave  vent  to  a  cry  of  rage  and  disappointment. 

At  the  same  time  he  rushed  forward. 

lie  held  a  cocked  and  loaded  pistol  in  his  extended 
hand. 

His  cry  seemed  to  be  taken  by  some  more  of  his  fol- 
lowers as  a  signal  to  rush  forward  as  well,  but  perhaps 
they  were  only  influenced  by  mere  example. 

Be  it.  how  it  may,  they  advanced,  and  had  any  immedi- 
ate effect  followed  the  shot  which  their  leader  now  fired, 
they  would  have  been  in  readiness  to  act. 

The  pistol  which,  without  any  note  of  warning,  had 
been  discharged  at  the  fugitives  just  as  they  were  clearing 
the  wall  was  not.  to  all  appearances,  of  any  good  what- 
ever. 

The  fury  of  the  officer  was  on  the  increase  rather  thau 
otherwise,  for  he  flung  the  discharged  pistol  over  the  wall 
with  the  full  fury  of  his  arm. 

But  despite  the  vigour  with  which  the  missile  was 
hurled,  it  fell  harmlessly  upon  the  long  rank  grass,  for 
Dick  was  by  this  time  far  ahead. 

Not  once*  had  he  paused,  but  had  kept  all  his  energies 
bent  upon  the  execution  of  one  task — that  of  getting 
quite  clear  from  tho  ruins  of  the  castle  in  the  shortest 
possible  spaco  of  time. 


CHAPTER  MXXXVIII. 

DICK  TURPIN   IS   WITNESS  OF  A  VERT  EXCITING   INCIDENT. 

"Are  you  hurt,  Maud?"  wa3,  however,  Dick's  first 
auxious  question  after  the  report  of  the  pistol  had  died 
away. 

"  No.    Are  you  ?" 
"  I  am  whole  and  sound." 
"And  Bess?" 

"  Whole  and  sound  too,  to  the  very  best  of  my  belief. 
I  heard  the  bullet  whiz  above  me.    We  must  have  begun 
to  descend  just  when  he  pulled  the  trigger." 
Maud  shuddered. 

Buch  narrow  escapes  as  these — escapes  which  might 
literally  be  called  miraculous — were  truly  terrible. 

The  horse  which  Tom  Davis  bestrode  displayed  his 
qualities  to  good  advantage  on  this  occasion. 

The  wall  was  surmounted  with  tolerable  ease,  acd  he 
was  able  to  keep  at  the  heels  of  Black  Bess  without  Dick 
having  to  keep  much  check  upon  the  rein. 

It  became  evident  though  that  the  officers  did  not 
intend  to  let  them  off  any  more  easily  than  they  could 
help,  for  they  at  once  organised  a  pursuit  which,  in  all 
fairness,  must  be  said  to  have  commenced  with  really  mili- 
tary alertness. 

But  our  friends  had  the  start,  and  there  was  every 
probability  that,  provided  no  remarkable  and  unforeseen 
accident  occurred,  they  would  succeed  in  keepiug  it. 

A  chase,  nevertheless,  is  proverbially  a  very  doubtful 
matter. 

Like  a  race,  It  is  sometimes  neither  the  swiftes*  dor  the 
best  that  wins. 

"  Tom,"  eaid  Dick,  in  a  loud  voice,  so  that  tnere  should 
be  no  fear  about  his  words  being  misunderstood,  "just 
let  me  see  what  speed  you  can  make — push  on  to  t'ne  best 
of  your  ability.    Never  fear  that  I  shall  be  left  behind." 

Tom  Davis  immediately  complied,  and  the  advantage 
of  this  method  01  procedure  soon  made  itself  manifest, 
for  it  prevented  CicJr  from  unduly  checking  his  own 
mare's  speed  iu  order  to  render  it  accordant  with  that  of 
his  companion's. 

On  came  the  officers,  however,  with  remarkable  vigour 
and  spirit. 

All  at  once*  there  was  a  kind  of  consternation  in  t1** 
roar,  and  not  one  of  our  friends  could  resist  the  temptation 
of  looking  back  in  order  to  ascertain  by  what  it  was  occa- 
sioned. 

The  rnuon  still  continued  to  shine  with  a  brilliancy 
which  enabled  them  tc  distinguish  objects  at  a  consider- 
able distance, 


Behind  them,  and  distinctly  visible  in  consequence  of  tht 
^,o*itiott  which  it  occupied,  was  the  old  castle. 

Not  far  from  the  outer  walls  they  immediately  caught 
sight  of  what  had  certainly  distracted  the  attention  of  tke 
pursuing  officers. 

This  was  nothing  more  nor  less  than  a  man  mounted 
upon  a  magnificent  black  steed,  which  seemed  to  fly  over 
the  ground  with  the  speed  and  grace  of  an  antelope. 

The  horseman  sat  in  the  saddle  with  the  unmistakable 
ease  of  ono  who  has  perfectly  mastered  the  by  no  means 
easy  science  of  riding. 

In  fact,  as  ho  hounded  on  at  this  tremendous  pace  it 
might  be  said  of  him  that — 

"He  grew  unto  his  seat, 
And  to  such  wondrous  doing  brought  his  horsts 
As  he  had  been  incorpsed  and  demi-natured 
With  the  brave  beast" 

Almost  immediately  afterwards  a  small  troop  of  polica 
officers  emerged  from  behind  a  clump  of  tree*. 

They  were  most  certainly  in  full  pursuit. 

On  they  went  witn  full  hue  and  cry. 

So  exsitsd  was  Dick  by  this  singular  spectacle  that  he 
totally  forgot  all  about  the  peril  in  which  he  himself 
stood. 

His  curiosity  was  raised  to  tho  utmost  pitch. 

The  rider  was  a  total  stranger  to  him,  and  Dick  was 
confident  he  could  never  have  so  much  as  glanced  at  that 
magnificent  horse  and  have  forgotten  him. 

The  course  taken  by  this  flying  horseman  served  to 
bring  him  each  moment  more  distinctly  to  the  view  of  our 
friends. 

From  the  first  Maud  had  watched  him  with  the  closest 
attention,  and  now  she  exclaimed : 

"Yes,  yes — I  am  certain  I  am  right — it  can  be  no 
other." 

These  words  served  to  bring  Dick  back  to  a  recollection 
of  what  was  passing  arc  mid  him  at  the  present  moment. 

"Who — who?"  he  asked,  quickly.  "What  do  you 
mean  ?" 

"  Why,  I  am  certain  that  is  the  stranger  of  whom  I 
spoke." 

"  That  flying  horseman  ?" 

"  Yes — Captain  Hawk." 

"Captain  Hawk !"  repeated  Dick,  musingly,  as  though 
he  had  a  kind  of  half  recollection  that  he  had  somewhere 
heard  that  name  before. 

"  Yes.  Look  now !  Did  you  ever  6eo  6uch  a  noble 
steed  ?" 

"  Never  but  one,"  answered  Dick. 

He  patted  Black  Bess  upon  tho  neck  while  he  spoke. 

The  pace  at  which  Captain  Hawk  was  going  was 
something  extraordinary. 

And  now  a  rather  singular  event  took  place. 

That  small  knot  of  police  officers  who  were  in  pursuit 
of  Captain  Hawk  stood  not  the  remotest  chance  of  over- 
taking him. 

He  went  two  steps  to  their  one. 

The  distance  between  them,  therefore,  could  be  seen  to 
increase  visibly  every  moment. 

By  the  manner  in  which  the  captain  pushed  on  it  would 
seem  as  though  he  had  decided  upon  the  policy  of  having 
a  sharp  push  and  getting  the  pursuit  over  with  as  little 
delay  as  possible. 

The  course  he  took,  however,  was  such  as  to  cause 
him  to  approach  in  a  diagonal  direction  on  the  large 
troop  of  officers  who  wero  in  pursuit  of  Turpin. 

Of  this  the  captain  must  have  been  ignorant. 

It  would  never  occur  to  him  that  two  parties  of  officers 
wore  out,  and  owing  to  the  nature  of  his  position  it  was 
scarcely  possible  that  he  could  peroeivo  them. 

The  troop  of  police  officers  seemed  aware  of  this,  and 
also  to  arrive  at  the  conclusion  that  the  capture  of  Dick 
was  a  very  doubtful  matter,  while  that  of  Captain  Hawk 
seemed  certain,  for  if  he  held  on  he  would  dash  right  into 
them. 

On  came  Satan  in  that  tremendous  style  which  could 
not  fail  to  rivet  the  attention  of  every  beholdo/. 

The  officers  came  to  a  halt. 

No  doubt  it  was  galling  to  give  Dick  up  in  this 
manner,  but  they  were  resolved  to  make  &  prisoner 
somehow. 

It  may  seem  strange  that  they  did  not  divirte  ;&eir 
force,  but  then  it  roust  be  considered  that  if  they  had 


1VM 


BLACK   BISB  ;    OB 


lone    thi»    Captain    Hawk  would    have  seen  them  in  [ 
time. 

Dick  was  not  a  little  surprised  a4this  sudden  ohange 
In  the  behaviour  of  the  officers,  but'Tie  was  not  long  in 
comprehending  their  tactics. 

What  groatly  astonished  him  was  that  they  should 
abandon  a  pursuit  of  him  in  favour  of  somebody  else. 

Previously  to  that  moment  he  had  the  vanity  to  sup- 
pose that  he  was  of  more  importance  to  them  than  anyone 
else. 

Their  conduct  on  the  present  occasion  served  to  slsow, 
however,  that  this  was  a  mistake. 

As  may  bo  supposed,  Dick's  curiosity  respecting  this 
Captain  Hawk  greatly  increased. 
Who  could  he  be  ? 

What  had  he  done  that  the  poliea  officers  should  be  so 
exceedingly  solicitous  about  his  capture  ? 

Those  were  the  questions  which  Dick  asked  himself, 
but  without  being  able  to  give  an  answer,  though  ho  was 
vaguely  conscious  of  having  heard  his  name  mentioned 
by  some  one. 

Beyond  this  his  memory  did  not  serve  him. 
"  Dick — Dick !"  cried  Maud,  who  was  attentively  watch- 
ing all  that  was  going  on — "  Dick,  ho  does  not  see  them. 
He  is  riding  to  his  death." 
"He  is  indeed  !" 

Dick  had  also  brought  his  mare  to  a  standstill,  and  so 
had  Tom,  now  that  the  officers  were  no  longer  in  pur- 
suit. 

Clearly,  however,  so  far  as  their  own  safety  was  con- 
cerned, they  ought  to  have  made  the  best  of  their  speed 
away. 

Dick  could  not  tear  himself  from  tho  spot,  so  extreme 
was  his  interest. 

"Can  you  not  save  him?"  asked  Maud,  with  deep 
anxiety. 

"  1  have  every  wish  to  do  so,  but  t  fear  it  is  an  im- 
possibility." 

"  But  you  cannot  see  him  perish  before  our  eyes >  Re- 
rnembor,  he  was  kind  and  generous  enough  to  render 
me  a  service !" 

"  Do  not  fear  I  should  forget  it.    But  whs*  cur.  I  do 
against  so  many  ?" 
Maud  sighed. 

"  I'll  tell  you  what  you  might  do,"  said  Tom.  '  i"ou 
might  attract  his  attention  to  us,  and  then  perhaps  we 
could  by  signals  apprise  him  of  the  danger  with  which  he 
was  threatened." 

"  A  very  good  suggestion,  Tom.    A  pistol  will  do  it,  I 
fancy." 
"  Beyond  a  doubt  it  will." 
"  Here  goes,  then." 

Suiliug-  the  action  to  the  word,  Dick  drew  forth  one  of 
his  pistols. 
He  pointed  it  upwards  and  pulled  the  trigger. 
The  sharp  discharge  which  followed  rang  out  clearly 
over  hill  and  dale. 

It  attracted  the  immediate  attention  of  Captain  Hawk, 
for  to  him  such  a  sound  could  bode  nothing  but  danger. 

When  once  the  captain  looked  towards  our  friends  they 
came  forward  and  took  up  such  positions  as  would  render 
them  more  easily  to  be  seen. 

When  this  was  done,  they  waved  their  irms  and  pointed 
to  the  spot  where  the  officers  had— if  we  may  be  allowed 
the  term — ambushed  themselves. 

Captain-  TL»wk  was  indisputably  quick  cf  apprehen- 
sion. 

He  might  not  have  known  just  why  Dick  and  Tom 
Davis  pointed,  but  ho  guessed  that  danger  lay  in  that 
direction,  and  abruptly  changed  his  course  to  one  that 
lay  nearly  at  right  angles  to  it. 

With  a  politeness  that  seemed  to  form  part  of  his 
nature,  he  did  not  thus  turn  aside  until  he  nad  acknow- 
ledged, by  a  graceful  wave  of  his  hat,  the  good  service 
Dick  had  rendered  him. 

Not  for  long,  however,  was  he  in  ignorance  of  what 
kind  of  danger  he  had  been  threatened  with. 

The  discovery   that    their    iutended    prey   had   been 
warned,  filled  the  officers  with  ungovernable  fury. 
They  could  restrain  themselves  no  longer. 
Uttering  loud  yells  and  shouts,  they  rushed  forth  b&na 
lieir  concealment. 
"  Divide— divide !"  cried  the  leader.     u  Divide,  1  say  f 
This  vsgue  order  was  productive  of  a  little  confusion, 


Aud  yet  in  a  short  space  of  time  the  officers,  now  form- 
ing two  parties,  were  in  full  chase. 

It  would  have  been  a  very  great  satisfaction  to  Dick 
could  he  but  have  seen  how  the  captain  further  fared. 

It  ivas  important,  however,  that  hp  should  "ae  to  his 
own  safety. 

Id.  less  than  a  moment  various  intervening  Objects  hid 
him  from  view. 

The  brief  pause  that  had  so  strangely  taken  place  was 
productive  of  one  good  effect. 

It  had  enabled  Black  Bess  thoroughly  to  recover  her 
wind  and  strength,  for,  of  course,  it  was  a  very  different 
thing  for  her  to  carry  a  double  burden  at  such  a  rapid 
rate  instead  of  a  single  one. 

It  was,  therefore,  with  renewed  vigour  and  spirit  that 
she  set  forward  for  the  second  time. 

The  same  arrangement  was  adopted  as  before — that  is 
to  say,  Tom  Davis  rode  on  first  at  the  best  6peed  his 
horse  could  make,  while  Dick  followed  at  his  heels. 

From  time  to  time,  however,  Maud  looked  across  the 
country  whenever  she  had  the  opportunity,  in  the  hope 
of  again  catching  sight  of  Captain  Hawk,  but  all  trace  of 
him  appeared  now  to  be  lost. 

With  uniform  steadiness  Dick  found  that  he  was  in- 
creasing his  distance  from  the  officers,  so  that  unless  they 
were  reinforced  by  fresh  horses,  or  in  case  an  accident 
occurred  to  our  friends,  it  was  almost  impossible  a  capture 
should  be  effected. 

It  was  just  about  half  an  hour  after  this  that  Dick 
called  out  to  Tom  Davis  to  come  to  a  halt,  and  at  the 
same  time  tightened  his  rein. 

He  chose  an  elevated  piece  of  ground  for  doing  this. 

Some  time  had  elapsed  since  he  had  seen  or  even  heard 
anything  of  the  police  officers,  and  he  was  anxious  to 
ascertain  if  he  could  whether  or  not  they  had  abandoned 
the  chase. 

Having  pulled  up,  then,  he  looked  back. 

He  was  agreeably  surprised  to  find  that  his  position 
commanded  a  much  more  extensive  view  of  the  surround- 
ing scenery  than  he  had  expected,  though  the  moon,  hav- 
ing now  declined  towards  the  west,  no  longer  poured 
forth  her  light  with  such  effulgence  as  hitherto. 

Still  he  could  see  tolerably  well. 

He  continued  his  scrutiny  for  some  moments,  but  with- 
out being  able  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  his  foes. 

"  I  believe  I  may  venture  to  say  all  is  well.  I  can  see 
nothing  of  them." 

"  Nor  I,"  answered  Tom,  "  nor  hear  either." 

"  Then  in  that  case  I  think  we  may  venture  to  direct 
our  course  to  our  destination,  which  I  had  hoped  to  reach 
long  ere  this." 

He  was  about  to  urge  Black  Bess  forward,  when  Tom 
cried,  somewhat  suddenly : 

"  I  can  hear  something  now,  captain." 

"  Hear  what  ?" 

"  Listen  !" 

Dick  did  so. 

"  A  single  horseman  ?"  he  said,  interrogatively. 

"  Yes." 

"  Well,  he  cannot  concern  us.    Forward  once  more !" 

Tom  did  not  offer  to  show  the  least  hesitation,  but  set 
his  horse  in  motion  at  once. 

Now,  it  is  rather  singular  that  both  should  have  fallen 
into  an  error  concerning  the  sound  they  heard. 

jLs  to  its  character  there  could  be  no  mistake — most 
certainly  a  single  horseman  was  approaching. 

But  without  saying  so  to  each  other,  and  without  paus- 
ing to  consider  carefully,  both  Turpin  and  Tom  Davis 
came  to  the  conclusion  that  this  horseman  was  on  the 
road  behind  them. 

They  had  not  gone  very  far  before  they  became  aware 
that  just  the  opposite  was  the  case. 

The  horseman  was  on  the  road  before  them,  and,  what 
was  mere,  he  was  approaching  them,  and  thati  too,  at  no 
common  rate  of  speed 

They  all  became  conscious  of  this  at  the  same  instant, 
but  Maud  was  the  first  to  remark  upon  it.  _ 

*  It  is  some  one  approaching  us,"  she  said. 

"Yes,  clearly  so,"  answered  Dick,  "though  I  thought 
otherwise." 

"  What  shall  we  do,  captain  ?"  asked  Davis. 

"  Bide  on,"  replied  Turpin.  "  I  see  no  reason  why  we 
should  trouble  ourselves  to  go  out  of  our  wav  for  anj 
chance  passenger,  and  we  are  late  enough  already." 


THE    KNIGHT  OF  TBS  BOAD. 


1768 


••  He  may  pas3  without  taking  any  notice  of  as,  cap- 
lain." 

"  He  is  most  likely  to  do  so." 

"  Push  on,  then — we  will  pass  him  rapidly." 

Just  at  this  moment  they  reached  a  spot  where  the 
read  bent  round  at  a  somewhat  acute  angle,  and  after- 
wards stretched  out  for  a  great  distance  in  a  perfectly 
straight  line. 

They  then  caught  sight  of  the  horseman,  and  Maud 
uttered  a  sharp  cry. 

41  What  is  the  matter  ?"  Dick  asked,  anxiously. 

"  Nothing— nothing— but — but — yes— yes— I  am  «ure 
it  must  be  1" 

"  What— what  ?" 

"Captain  Hawk!" 

Maud  pointed  at  the  horseman  as  she  pronounced  the 
name. 

He  seemed  to  be  coming  on  more  swiftly  than  ever. 

"  I  do  believe  it  is,"  said  Dick. 

"  I  am  certain  of  it,"  answered  Mand. 

"  But  by  what  means  short  of  magic  can  he  haw  get 
Lere  ?" 

"  I  know  not,  but  he  seems  to  haunt  us  like  a  shadow ." 

"  He  does  indeed.  Who  he  can  be  puzzles  me,  *nd 
why  he  should  be  30  fond  of  riding  into  the  very  mouth 
of  danger  is  something  which  passes  my  comprehen- 
sion." 

"  How  furiously  he  comes  now !" 

"  Yes ;  we  will  stand  aside  and  allow  him  free  passage, 
otherwise  he  may  do  us  a  mischief." 

Considering  the  undiminished  rate  at  which  this  eccen- 
tric being  was  coming  on,  it  certainly  seemed  no  more 
than  wise  to  adopt  this  precaution. 

Very  much  to  the  astonishment  of  all  three  of  our 
friends,  however,  they  had  no  sooner  made  this  change 
than  they  perceived  him  slacken  speed. 

He  was  drawing  the  rein  very  tightly. 

The  horse  was  such  a  powerful-looking  creature  that 
it  seemed  strange  for  a  slim,  slight  figure  like  that  of 
Captain  Hawk  to  possess  such  absolute  control  over 
nim. 

The  noble  animal,  however,  despite  his  tricksissss,  was 
perfectly  obedient  to  the  rein. 

"  What  on  earth  can  he  be  pulling  up  for  ?"  asked 
Dick. 

This  proceeding  was  quite  as  singular  as  any  of  his 
others,  and  only  in  accordance  with  that  eccentricity 
which  seemed  to  govern  all  his  actions. 

Dick  wondered  whether  he  had  caught  sight  of  Maud 
«ud  himself. 

This  was  a  point  about  which  they  were  destined  not 
to  wait  for  a  very  long  time  in  doubt. 

The  captain  halted  within  half  a  dozen  paces  of  where 
they  stood. 

"  Excuse  me,"  he  said,  as  he  removed  his  hat  from  his 
head  and  made  a  bow.  "  It  is  odd  to  introduce  oneself 
thus,  but  1  am  not  altogether  a  stranger,  since  I  had  the 
pleasure  of  rendering  that  young  lady  a  service  a  little 
while  ago." 

"  I  am  very  glad  to  see  yon,"  said  Dick,  "  for  I  feel 
deeply  indebted  to——" 

"Now,  no  more  of  that!  I  am  indebted  to  yon. 
Thanks  for  arresting  my  attention,  or  I  should  have 
dashed  headlong  into  those  fellows.  You  seem  surprised 
to  see  me  riding  back,  but  I  thought  I  would,  if  possible, 
embrace  the  opportunity  of  thanking  you  for  the  warn- 
ing that  yen  gave." 


CHAPTER  MXXXIX. 

DICK   rUEPIN  TAKES  QUITE  A  FANCY  TO  CAPTAIM    5AWK. 

There  was  something  verging  very  closely  upon  the 
ludicrous  in  the  coolness  and  carelessness  with  which 
Captain  Hawk  pronounced  these  words. 

The  idea  that  a  man,  instead  of  getting  as  far  a  war 
from  his  foes  as  he  could,  should  actually  turn  round 
again  and  gallop  back,  with  no  other  object  than  that 
which  he  had  expressed,  was  certainly  oat  of  all  cha- 
racter. 

Dick  Turpin  thought  so,  and  said  : 

"You  are  very  welcome,  and  I  am  glad  yon  got  ot  M 
easily ;  still,  I  should  scarcely  have  expected  that  tm 
■hould  take  the  trouble,  and  also  run  the  risk  of  ^— " 


4  Galloping  back  again,  I  suppose  you  were  going  to 
say,"  interrupted  the  captain,  with  a  merry  laugb, 
"Bless  you!  1  think  nothing  of  it,  for,  ihanks  to 
batan " 

14  To  Satan  ?"  echoed  Dick. 

44  Not  his  infernal  majesty,  by  any  means,"  answered 
the  captain,  "  but  to  my  horse  here,  whose  equal  never 
did  and  never  can  exist.  He  is  matchless  in  eyery  attri- 
bute that  a  horse  should  possesB." 

Dick  gave  a  peculiar  smile. 

41  You  think  so,"  he  said. 

44 1  am  certain  of  it." 

44  Then  I  beg  to  differ." 

"Differ?" 

'4  Yes,  and,  without  offence,  I  hope  you  will  permit  ut« 
to  say  that,  while  admitting  yours  is  a  noble  creature, 
and  one  which  you  ought  to  prize  as  you  do  your  own 
life,  yet  I  have  one  in  my  possession  that  I  cannot  allow 
to  be  inferior  to  him  in  any  respect  whatever." 

41  Indeed !"  said  the  stranger,  somewhat  stiffly.  "  Yon 
are  welcome  to  your  own  opinion,  but  you  must  not  ex- 
pect me  to  subscribe  to  it." 

-  Just  so,  and  allow  me  to  make  the  same  remark." 

"Certainly.  There  is  but  one  steed  in  the  whole  world 
to  which  I  can  believe  my  Satan  to  be  inferior,  and  that 
steed  I  would  give  much  to  see.  I  have  heard  much  of 
it  by  report,  but  I  am  not  disposed  to  credit  more  than 
half  of  the  wonderful  stories  that  I  hear.  But  even  if  I 
ever  am  so  fortunate  as  to  see  it,  I  shall  not  be  very  ready 
to  yield  the  palm." 

"Indeed,"  said  Dick,  with  the  same  peculiar  smile  upon 
his  countenance —  "  and  may  I  ask  you  what  steed  it  is  of 
which  you  have  heard  so  much  ?" 

"  The  one  in  the  possession  of  Turpin,  the  highway- 
man, and  I  believe  commonly  known  as  Black  Bess.  But 
what  are  you  laughing  at?" 

44  Excuse  me,  at  you." 

44  At  mo!    What  for?" 

"  Merely  for  thinking  that  your  steed,  however  good 
his  qualities  may  be,  could  for  a  moment  compare  with 
Black  Bess." 

"You  don't  think  so?" 

"  I  am  certain." 

41  Well,  a3  I  told  you,  I  would  give  much  to  see  thi3 
wonderful  mare,  and  scarcely  any  less  to  see  her  rider." 

44  Then,"  said  Dick,  quietly,  "  you  can  do  so  without 
further  trouble." 

The  captain  stared  at  him  incredulously. 

41  You  don't  mean  to  say  that        " 

44  Well,  I  do  mean  to  say  that  this  is  Bonny  Black  Bess, 
and  I  am  Dick  Turpin,  very  much  at  your  service,  and 
very  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  kind  behaviour  to  my 
wife  here." 

41  That  your  wife  ?" 

41  It  is,  I  assure  you." 

The  captain  was  so  amazed  that  he  coul-1  not  utter 
another  word. 

He  sat  on  his  steed  like  a  statue  of  astonishment. 

44  Sou  seem  incredulous !"  said  Dick,  after  a  pause. 

44  No,  surprised,  that's  all,"  cried  Captain  Hawk,  with 
Something  like  a  return  to  his  former  gaiety  of  manner. 
''Dick  Turpin,"  he  said,  extending  his  hand,  "I  am 
heartily  glad  to  see  you !  I  have  longed,  wished  to  do  so, 
and  let  me  say  if  you  want  a  friend  that  will  stand  to 
you  back  and  edge,  you  have  such  a  friend  in  me." 

Dick  cordially  grasped  the  hand  so  warmly  extended  to 
him. 

44  Beyond  being  aware  that  you  are  called  by  the  name 
of  Captain  Hawk,  I  know  nothing  of  you.  Still,  be  you 
whom  you  may,  I  rejoice  to  make  your  acquaintance,  and 
accept  your  offer  as  freely  as  it  is  made." 

41  That's  just  it !"  said  the  captain.  '4  And  if  you  don't 
mind  listening  I  will  giro  you  a  very  brief  account  of 
myself.  That  formality  may  well  be  dispensed  with  in 
your  case,  as  your  reputation  is  by  this  tim&  tolerably 
established." 

Dick  bowed. 

"  I  should  feel  very  much  favoured,"  he  said,  "for  1 
have  some  dim  recollection  of  having  heard  of  you." 

44  But  there  is  no  reason  why  you  should  be  detaineJ 
the  while.  If  yeu  have  no  objection  I  will  ride  for  a 
little-  way  by  the  side  of  you,  and  if  we  do  not  go  very 
iaat  we  shall  be  able  to  converse  at  our  ease,'' 

"  Will  it  be  taking  you  out  of  your  way  V 


17G6 


BLACK   PERS J   OB 


"  No,  not  at  all.     I  am  bound  for  nowhere  to-night,  sc  \  by  an  effort  he  banished  it,  and  was  again  smiling  and 
that  it  matters  little  which  direction  I  take."  light-hearted  as  before. 


"In  that  case,  then,  I  shall  be  glad  to  adopo  U-\< 
arrangement,  for  I  have  an  appointment  3  do  uo£  wish 
to  miss." 

"  Exactly  e_,"  said  Captain  Hawk,  with  a  smile,  and 
at  the  same  time  he  turned  his  horse  round  and  urged 
him  gently  forward. 

This,  however,  was  by  no  means  so  easy  a  matter  as 
it  might  appear,  for  Satan  wis  impatient  at  the  least 
restraint. 

As  for  Black  Bess,  so  well  did  aha  understand  her 
master's  manner,  and  so  thoroughly  was  she  under 
subjection  to  him,  that  he  had  no  difficulty  in  making 
her  go  at  just  what  paoe  he  desired. 

"  I  daresay  you  wonder  what  brought  the  police  officers 
to  the  ruins,"  the  captain  began,  "  but  I  am  to  blame 
for  that ;  though  as  things  have  turned  out  all  right,  I 
hope  you  will  forgive  me." 

"  But  I  do  not  understand." 

"  I  will  soon  explain  myself,  however.  I  daresay  you 
have  hoard  of  the  particulars  of  our  meeting  in  the 
lane  ?" 

"  You  mean  between  yourself  Maud  ?" 

"  Yes,  if  that  is  her  name.  Well,  after  she  had  asked 
me  which  was  the  way  to  the  ruined  castle  I  began  won- 
dering whatever  she  could  want  there  at  such  a  lonely 
hour.  The  longer  I  thought  the  more  did  my  wonder- 
ment increase,  and  at  last  I  resolved  to  shake  o2  the 
officers  as  well  and  as  soon  as  I  could,  double  upon  my 
course,  and  make  my  way  to  the  ruins  myself,  in  order 
to  find  out  if  I  could  what  she  wanted  there,  and  also, 
believe  me,  I  was  animated  with  tho  idea  that  I  might 
be  able,  perchance,  to  be  of  some  assistance  to  her." 

"  You  are  thoughtful,"  said  Dick,  "  and  I  appreciate 
your  intention  just  as  I  Bhould  if  it  had  boen  carried 
into  effect." 

"  Well,  now,  I  should  rather  think  you  would  have 
wished  me  a  thousand  miles  away,  for,  but  for  my  in- 
terference, you  would  not  have  been  interrupted  by  the 
officers." 

"  It  does  not  matter,  as  it  has  turned  out." 

"  No.  For  my  part,  I  am  glad,  since  it  ha3  procured 
me  what  I  have  wished  for  for  so  long — an  introduction 
to  yourself.  But,  leaving  that,  let  mo  tell  you  I  rode 
rather  carelessly  into  the  ruins,  and  must  have  been 
seen  doing  so  by  the  grabs,  for  they  were  upon  me  in 
a  moment." 

"  I  had  wondered  what  brought  them  there,"  said 
Dick.  "  It  was  a  mystery  to  me,  quite ;  but  now  all  is 
explained." 

"Yes;  and  I  hope  to  your  satisfaction." 

"  Quite  so.  And  yet  was  it  merely  upon  the  chance 
that  you  might  meet  with  us  and  thank  us  for  warning 
you  that  you  ran  the  great  risk  of  galloping  back  ?" 

"It  was  indeed." 

"  Then  you  are  one  of  two  things." 

"  May  I  ask  which  and  what  ?" 

"  I  cannot  well  answer  the  first  part  of  your  ques- 
tion, but  what  I  was  about  to  say  was  that  you  were 
either  very  brave  or  very  reckless." 

"Just  whichever  you  like — perhaps  a  little  of  ^oth," 
responded  the  captain,  with  a  light  laugh. 

"It  may  ba  so;  but  atill " 

"  You  would  have  hesitated,  I  suppose  P" 

"I  should." 

"  Well,  you  see,  I  place  so  much  confidence  in  Satan's 
powers.  Ho  has  carried  me  out  of  so  many  sorape9  that 
1  begin  to  have  absolute  belief  in  his  powers  of  speed." 

"  Mind  you  do  not  put  trust  in  him  ouee  too  often, " 
said  Dick,  seriously.  "  It  is  a  pity  to  try  a  horse  too 
much." 

"  Does  Satan  look  the  worse  ?" 

"  No ;  he  does  not,  I  confess." 

"  But  stay  !  I  am  running  on  in  this  fashion,  aud 
yot  I  have  not  told  you  who  I  am — or,  rather,  I  have 
not  made  you  acquainted  with  my  profession.  I  dare- 
say, however,  you  can  guess  it." 

"  A  highwayman  r'- 

"  Well,  yes,  I  suppose  thai  is  what  people  will  call 


"  Perhaps,"  he  said,  "  the  time  may  conio  when  we 
shall  be  better  acquainted,  and  if  so,  I  may  relate  to 
you  something  of  my  early  life.  You  will  find  much 
that  is  strange  in  it."  « 

"  Very  likely ;  and  at  the  same  time  I  may  be  able  to 
convince  you  that  your  Satan  i3  inferior  to  my  own 
Blaok  Bess.  We  will  have  a  trial  of  speed  some  day — 
of  course,  now  it  is  impossible,  as  she  carries  a  double 
burden." 

"  Certainly !" 

The  captain  seemed  as  though  he  was  about  to  say 
farewell  to  Dick,  and  yet  for  some  reaaon  or  other  he 
appeared  to  shrink  from  doing  so. 

"  I  have  a  further  favour  to  ask  of  you,"  he  said, 
"  though  I  fancy  you  will  consider  me  too  importu- 
nate.'' 

"  Not  at  all.    Pray  speak  freely." 

"  Well,  then,  above  all  other  things,  I  should  desire 
to  be  mad«  known  to  your  comrades.  I  have  heard  so 
much  of  them  by  common  rumour,  that  I  am  most  im- 
patient to  do  so." 

"  I  see  no  reason  why  that  request  should  not  be 
granted,"  answered  Dick,  "  for  I  am  now  within  a  very 
short  distance  of  a  place  where  we  had  agreed  to  meet, 
and  where  they  are  doubtless  impatiently  awaiting  our 
arrival." 

"  I  will  take  you  at  your  word,"  said  Captain  Hawk, 
"for  such  a  chance  may  not  oocur  again." 

"  I  intended  you  to  tako  me  at  my  word.  Let  us  make 
better  speed.     We  shall  soon  reach  our  destination." 

This  was  quickly  verified,  for  at  that  time  Dick  was 
not  very  far  from  the  blighted  tree. 

Owing  to  the  increase  in  tho  rate  of  speed,  but  few 
words  were  exchanged. 

Captain  Hawk  was  one  of  those  individuals  that  few 
can  help  liking. 

As  for  Dick  Turpiu,  he  took  a  stroug  fancy  to  him 
from  the  first,  there  was  something  iu  his  manner  so 
very  jovial  and  free. 

Tom  Davis,  however,  did  not  look  exactly  pleased, 
and  by  his  manner  it  would  seem  as  though  he  was 
exceedingly  desirous  of  saying  a  few  words  to  Dick  in 
private. 

For  this,  however,  there  was  of  course  no  opportunity, 
so  he  fidgeted  about  very  uneasily  indeed. 

Tom  was  by  nature  rather  distrustful  of  new-comers, 
and  he  by  no  means  shared  in  Dick's  prepossession  in 
favour  of  Captain  Hawk. 

Without  knowing  why,  Tom  felt  dubious  about  him, 
and  he  felt  positive  Dick  had  been  indiscreet  to  give  so 
ready  a  compliance  to  his  last-made  request. 

All  Tom  Davis  could  do  was  to  keep  a  sharp  look-out 
on  all  the  movements  of  the  captain,  and  as  his  action 
was  limited  to  bo  little,  he  resolved  to  perform  that 
little  well. 

The  old  tree  was  reached,  however,  without  the  occur- 
rence of  any  incident  whatever. 

But  Tom  Davis  was  not  inclined  to  abate  any  of  his 
caution  on  that  account. 

No  sooner  had  they  all  come  to  a  halt,  than  Dick 
exclaimed: 

"  I  scarcely  expected  to  be  first  upon  the  ground. 
What  can  have  detained  the  others  so  long,  I  wonder  ?" 

The  reader  will  remember  that  Tom  King  was  the 
first  to  arrive  at  the  place  of  rendezvous,  but  upon  hear- 
ing the  horseman  approaoh,  had  carefully  concealed 
himsolf. 

The  very  moment,  however,  that  the  sound  of  Dick's 
well-known  voice  reached  his  ears  he  came  forth. 

:"  I  am  here,"  he  said. 

"And  Claud  and  Jack  ?" 

"  I  have  seen  nor  heard  nothing  of  them  since  we 
parted." 

"  Hush  I"  said  Maud.     "  I  hear  some  one  now." 

The  sound  of  horses'  hoofs  could  now  bo  distin- 
guished plainly. 

"Here  they  are.  I'll  be  bound  !'"  cried  Dick. 

**  It  would   be  wisest  to  draw  aside  aud  make  sure, 


me,  and  yet  when  I  think  of — —    But  no  mattes— no    would  it  not,  oaptain  ?"  said  Tom  Davis. 


matter ! 

Some  reminiscence  of  somewhat  a  sad  character  evi- 
dently camo  over  the  captain's  face  at  this  moment,  but 


Certainly  it  would. 
vYithout  the  utterance  of  another  syllable,  this  pro- 
posal was  carried  into  execution. 


TH3  UNMET  07  THB   ROAD. 


U«1 


fhey  bad  barely  time  to  take  up  their  positions  before 
the  horsemen  made  their  appearance. 

They  were  recognised  at  a  glance. 

"Safe  and  sound?"  asked  Dick,  riding  forward. 

"  Wind  and  limb,  captain,"  was  the  reply;  "kat  we 
have  met  with  no  success,  and  so  our  only  hope  is  that 
you  have  been  more  fortunate." 

"  I  have.  I  have  recovered  Maud,  who  has  sustained 
no  serious  injury.  She  has  been  aided  and  succoured  by 
one  I  have  great  pleasure  in  making  known  te  pou-  His 
name  is,  I  believe,  Captain  Hawk." 

"  Quite  at  you*  service,  gentlemen,  and  very  uappy 
indeed  to  make  your  acquaintance." 

Tom  King,  aa  well  as  Claude  Duval  and  6ist«en- 
String  Jack,  were  much  taken  by  surprise. 

It  was  one  of  the  rarest  things  in  the  world  for  them  to 
make  a  new  friend. 

The  darkness  that  reigned  about  this  place  prevented 
them  from  seeing  the  captain  very  distinctly. 

The  latter,  fancying  he  observed  some  reserve  on  iheir 
part,  said : 

"  Do  not  distrust  me.  I  shall  always  be  glad  to  aid 
you  in  any  way  I  am  able  ;  and  what  is  more,  you  will 
be  pleased  to  understand  that  I  am  of  the  a&ssw  fraternity 
as  yourselves." 

The  announcement  was  by  no  means  expected,  and  the 
effect  of  it  was  to  cause  a  greater  appearance  of  friendli- 
ness on  the  part  of  the  three  highwaymen. 

Captain  Hawk,  however,  was  gifted  with  a  full  share  of 
penetration. 

He  could  see  very  well  that  the  friends  had  some 
topics  they  wished  to  discuss,  and  to  which  they  did  not 
exactly  feel  inclined  to  make  him  party. 

"  It  will  not  be  long,  I  trust,  before  we  meet  again,  but  for 
the  present  we  must  part,  as  I  have  made  arrangements  I 
do  not  wish  to  break  To  make  any  tresn  ^I^oe  of  ap- 
pointment with  you  would,  I  know  full  well,  be  useless ; 
but  I  shall  trust  to  chance  to  throw  u.1  toge'.her  again  ere 
long.    Good-bye  to  all  I" 

He  bowed  as  he  spoke. 

"Remember,  you  have  to  be  convlraed  about  your 
Bteed !"  Dick  said,  as  he  was  departing. 

The  captain    waved   his    hand,   but  made    no  other 


e<& 


?he  next  moment  he  had  vanished  in  the  dark- 
ness. 

"  Captain,"  said  Tom  Davis,  urgently,  though  he 
scarcely  raised  Ids  voice  above  a  whisper — 4i  captain !" 

"  What  is  it  ?" 

"  Do  you  think  we  ought  to  have  let  him  go  like 
that  ?" 

"  Let  him  go !     What  do  yo^  mean  ?" 

"Why,  captain,  I  distrust  him,  and  that's  the  truth! 
What  guarantee  have  you  that  he  will  not  go  at  once  and 
betray  us  to  the  officers  ?" 

"  No  guarantee,  certainly ;  but  still,  1  consider  it  meat 
unlikely  that  he  should  do  aa" 

"  I  am  of  another  opinion,  captain." 

"  But  what  grounds  have  you  ?" 

Here  Tom  Davis  became  mute. 

He  could  only  admit  that  he  had  been  swayed  by 
prejudice. 

"  It  cannot  matter  either,"  added  Turpin.  "  We  da  aat 
intend  to  remain  in  this  place  many  moments." 

"No,  decidedly  not,"  said  Claude  Duval,  with  a 
shudder ;  "  and  the  question  wo  have  first  to  decide  in 
where  we  shall  next  take  up  our  quarters." 

"  And  it  is  a  question  deserving  of  much  considera- 
tion," said  Dick.  "  I  had  fancied  that  there  would  be  no 
difficulty  about  this,  but  now  I  am  quite  at  a  loss  for  the 
moment  what  to  advise." 

This  remark  elicited  some  questions  from  his  comrades, 
and  Dick  at  once  stated  his  former  intention  of  returning 
to  the  ruins,  but  how  the  officers  had  seen  tbem 
there. 

He  also  made  them  aware  of  the  manner  in  whiUaJie 
had  become  acquainted  with  Captain  Hawk. 

"But  for  that  unlucky  incident,"  said  Sixteen -String 
Jack,  "  you  may  depend  that  no  better  or  safer  place 
for  us  could  have  been  found  for  the  present,  and  it  oda 
only  half  as  good  is  now  proposed  I  shall  think  we  are 
extremely  fortunate." 

"  Then  Just  listen  to  ,«s©  for  a  few  moments,"  said  Toai 
Kfeg.     "  I  hnvn  boe*i  bpre  waiting  for  yon  for  some  tiiue, 


and  have  all  the  while  occupi*-4  my  mind  fey  tbibrtcj 
upon  this  very  subject" 

*  And  you  think  you  can  gad  ta  out  of  oar  difficulty  ?' 
said  Turpin. 

<:  I  think  I  can." 

"  Proceed,  then ;  there  is  no  time  to  iose." 

"First  of  all,"  said  Tom,  "it  will  be  necessary  for  me 
to  give  you  a  brief  account  of  my  doings  since  our  part- 
ing ;  without  this  explanation  you  will  not  be  able  to 
comprehend  what  I  have  to  propose." 

"  Go  on,  then,  only  be  careful  to  put  your  narrative 
into  as  few  words  as  you  can." 

"  You  may  depend  I  shall  do  that.    Listen !" 

Amid  a  profound  silenco,  then,  Tom  King  proceeded 
to  make  his  comrades  acquainted  with  those  facts  which 
have  been  already  detailed  to  the  reader. 

In  the  intense  interest  which  this  narrative  awakened 
they  became  forgetful  of  everything  else. 

When  Tom  brought  his  adventures  to  a  conclusion, 
all  declared  that  nothing  could  surpass  them. 

"But  now,  Tom,"  said  Dick,  "what  is  it  you  have  to 
propose  ?  I  confess  I  am  no  nearer  to  forming  any  con 
ception  of  it  than  I  was  before." 

"  Is  it  so  indeed  ?" 

"  It  is." 

"  Then  prepare  yourselves  for  a  startler,  for  wnat  1 
have  to  say  wt>\.  I  feel  pretty  certain,  take  you  complete!^ 
by  surprise. " 

CHAPTER  MXL. 

RELATES  WHAT  BEFEL    DICK    TURPIN   AND    HI3    COMRADES 
BENEATII  THE  ROOF  OF  THE  JOLLY  TAR  INN. 

Thb  strongest  curiosity  was  evinced,  but  what  words  can 
express  the  astonishment  of  all  when  Tom  King  said,  as 
coollv  as  though  it  was  the  simplest  and  most  trifling 
matter  in  the  world: 

"  I  propose,  then,  comrades,  that  for  the  present  we  taks 
up  our  quarters  beneath  the  roof  of  the  Jolly  Tar  Inn. " 

''  Where  ?"  cried  Dick,  in  utter  amazement. 

"  I  told  you  to  prepare  for  a  startler." 

"  But  you  are  not  in  earnest  ?" 

"  I  assure  you  I  was  never  more  so  in  my  His." 

"  Then  you  are  mad." 

"  I  think  not,  captain." 

"But  the  thing  is  impossible." 

"Not  at  all." 

''How  so?" 

"Where  is  the  difficulty  ?" 

*'  Why,  how  shall  you  get  rid  of  Knight  and  Cunning- 
ham?" 

"  Get  rid  of  them  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  Why  they  are  got  rid  of  already." 

K  By  whom  ?" 

"By  me.  Depend  upon  it,  they  were  so  horribly 
frightened  that  no  earthly  consideration  would  ever  in- 
duce them  to  cross  that  threshold  again." 

"  But,  then,  there  are  the  others." 

"What  others?" 

"  The  officers." 

"  I  doubt  there  are  any  there  new." 

'•Why  not?" 

M  The  inquest  was  to  have  been  held  as  yesterday— for 
it  is  uearly  morning  now — and  when  this  formality  a 
over,  the  bodies  would  be  removed,  the  inn  shut  up  and 
doubtless  left  to  itself." 

"It  is  worth  trying,  I  think,"  said  Turpin,  after 
several  moments'  deliberation,  "  though  to  me  it  still  looks 
like  running  our  heads  into  the  lion's  mouth,  However, 
should  the  officers  find  we  have  had  the  audacity  to  do 
this,  we  shall  never  be  able  to  astonish  them  again." 

"  No  matter  for  that,"  urged  Tom.  "  I  still  consider  the 
scheme  practicable  in  every  way,  and  I  do  not  believe  that 
either  of  you  could  propose  a  place  where  we  should  be 
safer." 

"Perhaps  not,"  said  Dick;  *and  if  the  officers  havo 
really  left  the  premises  for  good,  I  quite  agree  with  you ;  1 
would  give  much  to  be  satisfied  on  that  point." 
"  You  must  be  content  to  ran  the  risk  of  that." 
''The advantage  which  weighs  principally  with  se-\" 
said  Turpin,  "  is  that  we  are  now  so  near  the  spoi  "£r*- 
posed  for  our  abiding-place.  It  will  be  very  soon  qti'U 
i  dayiight  and  we  ought  to  be  under  cover  by  then." 


1768 


BLACK  BESS;   OR, 


To  tiiis  all  assented  unanimously. 

"  What  do  you  say,  then,  comrades,"  asked  Dick, 
"are  you  willing  to  say  it  shall  be  so?" 

"  Nay,  you  are  our  captain,  and  with  whatever 
decision  you  may  come  to  we  shall  bo  content ;  we  know 
you  would  intend  it  for  the  best." 

"  Yee,  and  for  all  that  my  judgment  might  lead  you 
astray ;  I  do  not  desire  that  you  should  look  upon  it  as 
infallible — that  would  be  undertaking  too  great  a  re- 
eponsibility." 

"  Well,  captain,  w  .  are  willing  if  you  are." 

"  Can  you  suggest  any  other  place  ?" 

"No — not  any." 

"  Then  in  that  case  I  consider  we  have  no  alternative 
left  us." 

"  You  have  decided,  then  ?" 
'    "  Yes,  in  this  way  :  we  will  try  the  inn  for  a  few  hours, 
at  all  events,  and  then  we  can  come  to  any  decision 
afterwards  we  may  think  proper." 
v  This  was  agreeable  to  everyone. 

Tom  was  pleased  to  find  his  proposal  assented  to. 
'    It  was  really  wonderful  to  see  how  they  became  re- 
conciled  and  accustomed  to  the  idea  which  had    so 
startled  them  at  first. 

Already  they  began  to  look  at  it  quite  as  an  ordinary 
proceeding,  their  only  concern  being  whether  the  officers 
had  really  left  the  premises  or  not. 

They  went  the  right  way  to  ascertain  this,  for,  with- 
out any  more  discussion,  they  turned  their  horses'  heads 
in  the  requisite  direction. 

The  distance  could  not  be  considered  otherwise  than 
trifling. 

A  short  space  of  time  brought  them  in  its  vicinity, 
and  then  Tom  recommended  a  halt. 
His  recommendation  was  unhesitatingly  complied  with, 

"  I  have  been  thinking,"  he  said,  "that  it  would  be 
much  tho  best  to  reoonnoitre  before  venturing  to 
approach  too  near ;  so  if  you  will  remain  where  you  are 
and  take  care  of  my  horse,  I  will  soon  lot  you  know  tho 
existence  of  tho  present  state  of  affairs." 

"  But  shall  you  go  quite  alone  ?" 

"  Yes,  I  think  it  will  be  best,  and  I  flatter  myself  f  can 
execute  the  task  better  than  either  of  you,  because  of 
my  familiarity  with  the  premises." 

"Yes,  that  is  an  advantage." 
'   "  I  am  off,  then.    Above  all  things  do  not  move  one 
step  from  this  spot  until  my  return." 

While  these  few  words  were  being  exohanged,  Tom 
King  had  slipped  off  his  horse  and  given  the  reins  to 
Claude  Duval. 

"  Are  your  pistols  ready  for  use?"  asked  the  latter, 
as  he  received  the  charge. 

"Yes." 

"  Are  you  quite  sure  ?" 

"  Quite." 

"  Be  off,  then,  and  good  luck  to  you !" 

Tom  knew  the  value  of  time,  so  ho  did  not  wait  for 
any  more  to  bo  said,  but  glided  off  into  the  semi-dark- 
ness at  once. 

His  comrades  were  able  to  observe  his   progress  for 
some  time,  but  at  last  he  disappeared. 
«  Tom  grew  more  and  more  cautious  as  he  approached 
tho  building. 

The  silence  which  prevailed  was  in  the  highest  degree 
assuring. 

By  slow  decrees  he  made  his  way  round  to  the  front 
of  the  inn. 

To  his  great  joy,  not  a  single  gleam  of  lighi-.  ap- 
peared. 

"  They  have  gone,"  he  muttered  to  himself.  "  1  was 
certain  they  would  not  stay  after  such  a  horrible  adven- 
ture as  that." 

However,  neither  the  silenoe  nor  the  darkness  could 
be  taken  as  proof  that  the  inn  was  empty. 

The  question  was,  how  was  this  very  important  and 
necessary  fact  to  be  ascertained  ? 

Tom  was  a  very  little  while  in  hitting  upon  an  expe- 
dient. 

It  was  one,  however,  that  involved  some  degree  of  risk 
of  discovery. 
b  Nevertheless,  ho  determined  to  put  it  rato  practice. 

It  was  to  hurl  a  small  stone  through  one  of  the  win- 
dows, and  with  sufficient  force  to  cauBe  considerable 
uoise. 


A  moment's  search  enabled  Tom  to  find  just  the  kmd 
of  missilo  which  ho  required. 

This  was  a  smooth  round  pebble. 

Aiming  it  at  one  of  the  upper  windows,  ho  threw  it 
with  the  full  strength  of  his  arm. 

The  crashing  of  glass  sounded  with  alarming  dis- 
tinctness in  the  profound  silence  which  prevailed. 

Tom  crouched  down  and  anxiously  awaited  the  re« 
suit. 

One,  two,  three,  four  minutes  passed. 

At  the  expiration  of  that  interval  there  was  no  more 
indication  that  there  were  any  human  being  in  the  house 
than  there  was  at  first. 

"  I  knew  I  was  right !"  Tom  muttered.  "  Everything 
falls  just  as  I  expeoted." 

However,  to  make  doubly  sure,  Tom  once  again  made 
a  tour  of  the  premises. 

The  result  was  the  same. 

He  now  considered  he  was  warranted  in  returning  to 
hi?  companions. 

He  found  them  all  waiting  for  him  in  great  sus- 
pense. 

They  had  heard  the  crash  of  glass  even  where  they 
stood,  and  had  indulged  in  many  vague  speculations  as 
to  the  cause  of  it. 

Tom  King  soon  resolved  them. 

The  intelligence  was  received  by  all  with  the  greatest 
satisfaction,  Maud,  however,  alono  excepted. 

Tho  fact  of  no  notice  having  been  taken  of  the  stone 
was  looked  upon  as  sufficient  proof  that  the  house  was 
empty. 

But  although  she  had  not  ventured  to  make  any  ob- 
servation whatever,  Maud  shrunk  back,  appalled  and 
terrified  at  the  idea  of  taking  up  a  residence  in  a  place 
which  had  witnessed  the  perpetration  of  so  many  awful 
crimos. 

Of  one  thing  she  was  certain. 

By  no  possibility  could  she  ever  summon  up  her  cou- 
rage to  remain  alono  in  that  dwelling. 

But  where  Dick  Tarpin  was  she  felt  herself  to- 
lerably safe,  though  now  she  trembled  from  bead  to 
foot. 

She  thought  it  rather  strange  that  Dick  did  not  ob- 
serve this  circumstance,  but  the  fact  was,  the  whole  of 
his  energies  just  then  were  centred  upon  the  task  they 
had  before  them. 

The  nearer  Maud  drew  to  the  hateful  place,  however, 
the  more  did  her  alarm  increase. 

The  next  words  spoken  by  Tom  King,  however,  gave 
her  a  fleeting  satisfaction. 

"  Stop,"  he  said — "  there  is  one  thing  we  have  omitted 
now." 

"  What  is  that  ?" 

"  How  are  we  to  dispose  of  our  horses  ?" 

"  True,"  answered  Dick.  "  I  don't  know  how  we 
came  to  forget  that." 

"  Are  there  no  stables  at  the  back  P"  asked  Claude. 

"  I  think  so ;  but  would  it  be  safe  for  us  to  put  our 
cattle  there  ?" 

"  As  safe  as  anywhere  else,  I  imagine." 

The  matter  was,  as  usual,  left  for  Dick's  decision. 

"We  will  go  a  little  closer,"  he  said,  "and  then  we 
shall  be  able  to  judge  better." 

Again  they  advanced  towards  the  ill-omened  dwelling, 
dispelling  Maud's  hope  that  something  had  been  thought 
of  which  would  result  in  an  alteration  of  their  arrange- 
ments. 

They  were  careful  to  approach  the  inn  with  all  due 
caution. 

Tho  first  glance  showed  them  that  the  outbuildings 
were  of  a  spacious  description. 

"  No  fear  of  not  finding  accommodation  fcsre,"  said 
Claude. 

He  was  right,  for  stable  room  was  to  be  had  in  plenty, 
and,  what  was  more,  our  friends  found,  after  a  brief 
search,  that  the  place  was  by  no  means  ill  supplied  with 
provender, 

In  order  to  be  prepared  for  any  sudden  surprise,  none 
of  the  trappings  were  removed  from  tho  horses. 

Tho  girths  were  loosened  and  the  bits  removed,  but 
the  bridles  were  not  taken  off. 

Having  seen  thoroughly  well  to  the  comfort  of  their 
steeds,  the  highwaymen  proceeded  to  look  after    theif 
,,own  accommodation. 


THE   KNIGHT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


[TOM   RING  PREVENTS  TH*.   ENTRANCE   OF  THE   OFFICERS.} 


By  common  consent,  Tom  King  was  allowed  to  lane 
precedence  of  the  rest. 

He  led  the  way  at  once  to  the  little  window  through 
which  he  had  previously  effected  an  entrance. 

Maud  now  clung  so  closely  to  Dick  that  he  could  not 
heip  noticing  her  excessive  agitation. 

"  What  a\>*  *"«»  ?"  ho  said,  iu  a  whisper.  "  What  do 
Fou  fear  ?" 

"To  enter  that  fearful  place." 

"it  has  no  doabt  terrible  reminiscences  for  you,  but 
ft  me  implore  you  to  shake  off  all  these  timid  feelings — 
ifc«y  are  unworthy  of  you,  quite." 

*I  cannot  help  it." 

"But  consider  that  I  am  with  you,  and  while  I  am, 
ou^ht  you  not  to  feel  secure  ?" 

•»  I  ought,  I  confess,  but  yet        " 

"  Tut,  tut'  Banish  these  fears.  You  ought  to  con- 
Bbier  the  probabilities  there  are  that  this  place  wu.1  prove 

So.  222 — Black  Bess. 


for  as  a  safe  asylum,  since  it  win  dountls3S  be  shuxn«4 
by  all  other  living  creatures." 

"  And  we  are  forced  to  take  up  car  habitation  whert 
no  other  human  beings  would  venture  to  com^/ 

"What  of  that?" 

"  Think  of  the  awful  deeds  committed." 

"  What  if  we  do  ?  We  are  not  guilty  of  them,  so  wfcj 
should  we  fear?" 

"  Yes,  but  think  of  the  poor  creatures——" 

"  Nay,  you  had  better  not  think  at  all,  unless  you  will 
think  as  I  do." 

"How  is  that?" 

"  Vrhy,  all  these  people  who  may  Have  perished  hero 
could,  when  aliwe,  ha7e  done  me  but  little  harm  had  they 
chosen  to  combine  against  me ;  and  such  being  the  case, 
how  unreasonable  it  would  be  to  dread  them  now  they 
are  dead  and  past  all  power  of  interference  in  hunuu) 
affaire!" 


No.  222. 


Thice  One  Halfp:  nny. 
AC  223  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


IfTiS 


BLACK  BBSS;   OR, 


Dick's  certainly  was  a  bold  manner  of  thinking,  and  ea 
certainly  was  it  full  of  sound  philosophy. 

What  further  might  have  been  said  just  thea  upon 
this  topic  we  know  not,  for  it  was  just  at  this  ruometit 
;hat  Tom  King  reached  the  little  window. 

He  found  it  in  precisely  the  same  condition  as  he  had 
left  it,  and  this  he  and  all  the  rest  looked  upon  as  a  mc*t 
favourable  omen 

Before  entering,  however,  they  listened  at  the  op&n 
window  for  the  space  of  several  moments. 

The  same  silence  continued  to  reign. 

Encouraged  by  this,  Tom  King  made  his  way  in. 

Dick  Turpin  came  next,  and  assisted  Maud  tjo  fi>ilc/w. 

The  others  quickly  entered  too,  and  then  the  window 
was  closed. 

The  darkness  was  intense. 

»'  I  think  we  might  venture  to  risk  a  light,"  said  Dick. 

"  We  shall  never  grope  our  way  if  we  do  not,  I  am 
thinking,"  said  Claude,  who  at  onco  busied  himself  in 
producing  the  necessary  materials. 

A  small  lantern  was  quickly  lighted,  which  did  not 
give  a  vory  brilliant  illumination,  but  yet  quite  sufficient 
to  enable  them  to  find  their  way  across  the  room,  which, 
it  will  be  remembered,  was  the  kitohon  of  the  inn. 

On  gaining  the  passage  beyond,  greater  caution  than 
ever  was  made  use  of,  though  it  was  almost  beyond  doubt 
that  no  officers  were  in  the  place,  or  they  must  have 
Heard  the  noise  made  by  the  entrance  of  so  many 
people. 

At  length  the  room  was  gained  where  Tom  had  had  so 
narrow  an  escape  of  discovery. 

Here  all  was  dark  and  silent  too. 

"  I  think  we  may  venture  to  mako  ourselves  contented 
now,"  said  Tom.  "  I  told  you  I  was  convinced  that 
nothing  would  induce  the  officers  to  remain." 

"You  were  right,"  said  Dick,  as  he  pushed  open  the 
door  and  entered  the  apartment  which  had  been  made 
the  head  quarters  of  the  officers. 

There  were  plenty  of  evidences  of  their  presence  to  be 
seen,  and  from  various  indications  the  highwaymen  con- 
cluded that  their  foes  could  not  have  taken  their  departure 
very  long  before. 

For  instance,  the  wood-ashes  on  the  hearth  were  by  no 
means  cold,  and  dim  wreaths  of  tobacco  smoke  hung 
about  hero  and  there. 

"  I  hope  we  shall  be  safe  for  an  hour  or  two,  at  all 
events,"  said  Dick. 

"  So  do  I,"  responded  Tom.  "  Our  first  care  ought  to 
be  to  go  thoroughly  over  the  premises,  and  see  that 
every  door  and  window  is  secured ;  we  should  then  have 
nothing  to  fear  from  being  suddenly  taken  by  surprise." 

All  saw  in  a  moment  the  absolute  necessity  of  the 
adoption  of  this  course,  so  it  was  set  about  beisg  carried 
out  without  any  more  discussion. 

But  Claude  was  especially  careful  to  carry  the  lantern 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  preclude,  as  far  as  possible,  the 
chance  of  any  of  its  beams  being  seen  by  any  chance 
passer-by  outside. 

They  came  first  to  the  front  door. 

This  was  fastened,  but  only  by  meane  of  the  lock,  the 
key  of  which  was  absent. 

"  They  would  be  able  to  enter  readily  enough,  would 
they  not?"  said  Tom.  "But  this  will  rathe  interfere 
with  their  arrangements." 

While  he  made  the  last  remark  he  put  up  a  neavy  iron 
bar,  and  pushed  two  heavy  bolts  into  their  sockets. 

"  Yes,  said  Claude,  "  they  cannot  enter  that  way  with- 
out making  a  littlo  noise — that  is  certain." 

"  They  are  excellent  bolts  and  bars,"  remarked  Dfck  ; 
"  and  so  far  as  this  means  of  entrance  is  concerned.  I 
shall  not  feel  in  the  least  degree  alarmed." 

The  remainder  of  the  inn  was  then  carefully  gone  over,, 
and  every  available  fastening  was  made  use  of. 

When  on  the  upper  storey,  the  chamber  of  death  was 
peeped  into 

The  result  was  that  Tom's  conjecture  was  provod  to 
be  quite  correct. 

The  two  dead  bodies  had  been  removed. 

When  this  fact  was  made  known  to  all  tho  rest,  a  fsel- 
lag  of  increased  security  took  possession  of  their 
breasts. 

So  far  as  they  could  tell,  there  was  nothing  to  indsce 
tho  officers  to  make  a  return  to  the  premises,  unless  they 
mould    suspect  that  our   friends   had    taken   up    their 


Quarters  there,  snd  this  ©opinion  it  was  almost  imposslbfa 
tkat  they  should  entertain. 

On  the  present  occasion,  then,  Dick  Torpin  and  hia 
associates  may  very  fairly  be  excr.sed  for  giving  them- 
solves  over  to  the  belief  that  tSB  a  Mme  they  were 
perfectly  secure. 

After  some  little  deliberation,  it  was  determined  that 
they  would  make  the  apartment  which  the  officers  n;,i 
ocropied  their  head  quarters. 

Their  feeling  of  security,  however,  was  not  bo  great  m 
to  cause  them  to  omit  the  pr^A-utions  which  they  usually 
took. 

It  was  unanimously  agreea  tipon  that  one  should  keep 
good  watch  and  ward  while  the  othors  slept,  with  the 
express  understanding  that  tho  alarm  should  be  given  in 
case  of  tho  occurrence  of  Ubs  slightest  circumstance  of  an 
unusual  nature. 

If  the  reader  will  titfak  over  the  events  which  we  have 
recently  related  he  will  discover  that  onr  friends  had  but 
few  opportunities  of  enjoying  rest. 

As  they  had  all  been  very  "busily  engaged,  they  wero 
uow  consequently  terribly  fatigued,  and  the  feeling  grew 
upon  tb.6S»  now  that  there  was  no  immediate  need  fo* 
active  a-,*-rion. 

On  this  account  it  was  determined  that  all  discussion 
as  to  their  future  movement  should  be  postponed  for  a 
few  hours. 

In  the  meantime,  they  would  all  do  their  beet  to  re- 
cuperate their  wasted  energies  by  sleep. 

Dick  Turpin  kept  watch  for  the  first  hour,  and  then  ho 
was  relieved  by  Tom  King. 

CHAPTER   MXLI. 

IN   WHICH  THE     HIGHWAYMEN    HOLD  A   CONFERENCE  ANE 
ARRIVE  AT     SOME     HIGHLY-IMPORTANT   CONCLUSIONS. 

Alternating  in  this  manner,  many  hours  were  passed. 

The  place  chose  for  keeping  guard  was  the  small  attic 
at  the  top  of  the  house,  and  this,  with  a  little  trouble,  was 
made  to  answer  the  purpose  required  of  it  as  well  as 
though  it  had  been  especially  constructed  and  designed 
to  answer  the  end  in  viow. 

As  it  stood,  this  attio  had  but  one  window,  and  this 
was  isituated  in  the  front  of  the  inn. 

But  the  roof  of  the  attic  was  composed  of  nothing  but 
thatch,  and  in  the  highest  place  was  not  much  above  six 
feet  from  the  floor. 

It  came  sloping  down  equally  on  both  sides  from  a 
point  in  the  centre. 

What  our  friends  did  then  was  to  remove  just  as  much 
of  the  thatch  as  was  necessary  to  make  a  hole  large 
enough  for  them  to  look  through. 

This  was  done  on  both  sides,  aud  opposite  to  the 
window  as  well. 

The  consequence  of  this  arrangement  was  that,  pro- 
vided a  good  look-out  was  continually  kept,  it  was  not 
possible  for  anyone  to  approach  unseen. 

Here  thon,  turn  by  turn,  tho  highwaymen  and  Tom 
Davis  kept  watch. 

A  large  expanse  of  country  was  presented  to  their 
view. 

Night  approached,  however,  without  anything  feaviug 
been  seen  to  give  rise  to  the  least  alarm. 

When  darkness  fairly  closed  in,  of  course  this  look-out 
from  above  became  impossible. 

All  assembled,  therefore,  in  the  room  below,  which  they 
had  made  as  comfortable  as  the  means  at  their  disposal 
would  admit  of. 

Without  exception,  everyone  was  in  excellent  spirits, 
for  they,  reasonably  ouough,  looked  upon  their  freedom 
fr«M  molestation  so  far  as  an  earnest  that  they  would 
ccczindB  to  remain  so.  a 

The  rest  which  they  all  enjoyed  enabled  thorn  t'.o  think 
clearly  upon  the  different  matters  about  to  be  discussed, 
and  assist  them  in  coining  to  satisfactory  conclusions. 

All  noticed  what  a  look  of  intense  expectation  t!:» 
countenance  of  Tom  Davis  wore. 

They  were  not  ignorant  of  the  cause. 

As  for  Davis  himself,  however,  he  did  t*3&  give  otter* 
aj.ee  to  a  word,  but  merely  looked  on  anxiously. 

*  It  seems  to  me,"  exclaimed  Dick,  after  some  pis> 
liminary  but  not  very  important  observations  had  boss 
exchanged — "  it  seems  to  mo  that  the  first  thing  to  bs 
considered   is  as  regards  our  soiourn  ia  tHis  placa  " 


rnH  kmiqfi  of  raa  road. 


In  what  way,  captain  ?"  s-jked  Tom  King. 

"Why,  I  want  to  know  wkciher  you  are  ail  >uoiin.«d 
and  determined  to  remain  hero  so  long  <*b  ihe  office's  Will 
allow  us  t  y  do  so  ?" 

"Deri.ledly,"  replied  a  chorus  of  voices,  in  which, 
however,  Manx's  was  not  heard, 

"  That  being  resolved  upon,"  continued  Dick,  •*  the 
next  thing  is  with  regard  to  Tom  Davis's  wife  and  Ellen. 
I  need  not  say  anything  to  remind  you  that  w»  had 
resolved  to  allow  them  both  to  undergo  their  term  of  im- 
prisonment. Not  cniy  were  we  at  that  time  unable  to 
offer  them  any  assistance,  but  it  was  thought  best  that,  as 
the  tenu  was  so  short,  it  had  bettor  be  passed,  and  tbsn 
they  would  be  free  from  the  officers  sp  *<m:  as  that  off«nce 
was  concerned  " 

11  Exactly,"  said  Claude  Duval ,  "  and  if  1  am  not 
greatly  out  of  my  reckoning,  tho  time  has  ne»  rly 
expired." 

"  It  has,  Davis,  has  it  not  ?"  asked  Turpiu 

"  Three  more  days,  captain,"  was  the  murmured 
reply. 

"  Then  it  is  time  we  came  to  a  decision.  For  my  part, 
I  have  been  considering  the  subject  carefully,  and  the 
result  is  that  several  things  have  presented  themselves  to 
me  of  which  I  had  not  previously  taken  any  account." 

An  immediate  desire  was  expressed  for  an  explana- 
tion. 

"  These  things  are  of  more  moment  to  us  than  you  may 
perhaps  imagine.  But  to  commenco  :  in  the  first  place,  of 
course,  at  the  a»oointed  time  they  will  both  be  set  at 
liberty." 

"  Just  so." 

"  Well,  it  will  then  bo  necessary  that  they  should  join 
us.  But  how  is  this  to  be  done  ?" 

"  We  might  contrive  to  let  them  know,"  said  Sixteen- 
Btring  Jack. 

"Yes,  so  we  might,"  assented  Dick,  "it  is  not  there 
that  I  see  any  particular  difficulty." 

"Where  then?" 

"  Why,  you  must  bear  in  mind  how  aniioos  the 
officers  are  to  capture  us." 

"Don't  be  afraid  we  shall  forget  it,  captain."  Q 

Dick  laughed  as  he  added  : 

"  And  do  not  forget  that  Tom  Davis  has  been  extracted 
from  their  clutches.  This,  however,  is  the  point  I  wish  to 
arrive  at :  the  officers  will  know  very  well  at  what  time 
Ellen  and  Mrs.  Davis  will  bo  set  at  liberty,  and  you  may 
depend  that  they  will  take  all  the  advantage  they  can  of 
the  circumstance." 

"  But  in  what  way,  captain  ?" 

"Why,  they  will  think,  of  course,  that  tho  first  thing 
the  released  persons  will  set  about  doing  will  bo  to  regain 
their  friends.    Now  do  you  understand  me  ?" 

"  I  think  so,"  answered  Tom  King,  "  But  go  on — let 
Us  have  it  clearly  understood." 

"  It  is  important  enough." 

"  Clearly  so." 

•'Well,  then,  the  officers,  depend  upon  it — or  if  not 
them,  some  of  their  agents — will  be  on  the  watch  outside 
the  prison,  and  as  soon  as  Ellen  and  Mrs.  Davis  come 
forth  they  will  fix  their  eyes  upon  them,  and  keep  the 
closest  watch  upon  every  movement  they  may  make." 

Tom  Davis  covered  his  face  with  his  hands,  so  that  the 
expression  of  it  might  not  bo  observed  during  tha  further 
progress  of  this,  to  him,  important  discussion. 

"  Depend  upon  it,"  said  Claude  Duval,  "that  is  what 
they  will  do ;  but  till  it  was  mentioned,  I  never  once 
thought  of  such  a  thing." 

"  It  is  well,"  said  Dick,  "  that  it  has  been  thought  c.  5s 
time."  , 

"Yes,  thanks  to  yoa,  v._1/'.aiu." 

Turpin  passed  over  this  compliment  without  zemarV. 
and  went  on  to  say  : 

"  What  we  have  now  to  consider  is,  how  we  can  con- 
tinue to  prevent  the  officers  from  carrying  out  this  piau. 
Rely  upon  it,  they  will  try  hard  to  get  upon  our  track  by 
this  means ;  and  if  they  do  they  will  take  care  to  bo  in 
such  force  as  to  make  resistanco  difficult.* 

This  prospect  alarmed  Maud  greatly,  and  eno  crept 
more  closely  to  Tnrpin's  side,  as  she  always  did  upon  t£*» 
approach  of  danger. 

•'Captain,"  said  Tom  Davis,  "1  can  see  very  plainly 
hew  dangerous  this  will  bo  to  you,  and  therefore  you 
m-:st  leave  us  to  6hift  for  ourselves ;  I  will  not  consent 


that  you  should  all  be  drawn  into  so  much  extra  [*ri! — & 
:'s  not  nghtful,  and  it  shall  not  be  I" 
•>  "  Tom  Davin  1" 

"  Yes,  captain." 

u  If  you  make  another  such  a  speech  as  that  you  shall 
be  turned  out  of  the  room  and  not  be  allowed  either  to 
listen  or  to  take  part  in  the>  discussion." 

"But " 

"Not  another  word.  You  must  leave  us  to  bo  the 
judges  of  what  we  think  best  and  expedient,  and  what  wa 
intend  to  do." 

"  Certainly," cried  Sixtoen-String  Jack.  "  Du  you  think 
we  arc  going  to  mako  you  such  a  return  a3  that  for  all 
that  you  have  done  for  u3  in  time  past  ?" 

"  But  you  have  requited  that  obligation  times  and 
times  over,"  said  Tom  Davis,  still  with  his  face  hidden, 
and  speaking  in  a  broken,  husky  voice. 

"  Nothing  of  the  kind.  But  it  is  like  you  to  forget  all 
about  the  past.  Let  there  be  no  more  of  this,  for  the  way 
out  of  the  difficulty  I  have  laid  before  you  is  not  so  very 
perilous  after  all." 

"Indeed,  captain!"  ejaculated  the  poor  fellow,  look- 
ing up  with  tightening*  eyes.  "  You  must  know  this  is 
the  longest  separation  there  has  ever  been  between  my 
wife  and  myself  and  Ellen.  We  have  known  good  and 
evil  fortune,  but  we  have  always  been  together.  And  as 
for  Nell — bless  hor ! — I  love  her  as  though  she  was  my 
own  child.  It  drivos  me  mad  when  I  think  what  I  have 
brought  her  to." 

"Bather  remember  what  you  saved  her  from;  but 
that  is  like  you  again — never  to  remember  the  benefits 
you  confer." 

"  But  what  was  the  way  out  of  the  difficulty  ihat  you 
spoke  of  I"  interrupted  Tom  King,  who  spoke  with  con- 
siderable Impatience, 

"  You  shall  hear." 

"  Go  on  then — we  are  listeniag." 

u  In  the  first  place  we  must  communicate  with  old 
Matthew." 

"  That  sounds  like  getting  into  one  difficulty  to  get  out 
of  another." 

11  It  may  be  so ;  but  listen." 

"  We  will." 

"  I  say  we  must  communicate  with  old  Matthew — and 
the  sooner  the  better.  This  is  in  order  that  he  may  see 
Mrs.  Davis  and  Ellen — if  possible  before  their  liberation — 
and  make  them  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  our  plans." 

"  Just  so.    But " 

"  Wait  a  moment,  and  you  shall  hear.  What  I  suggest 
in  order  to  baffle  the  officers  is,  that  they  shall  both  take 
up  their  quarters  at  some  decent  lodging  in  or  near 
London " 

"London  !"  ejaculated  all,  in  tones  of  surprise. 

"  Ye3,  and  there  they  are  to  remain,  say,  for  about  a 
fortnight — or  longer,  if  necessary.  By  the  end  of  that 
time  the  ardour  of  tho  officers  in  watching  them  will  have 
abated  ;  then  they  must  embrace  an  opportunity  to  slip 
off  unperceived  and  make  their  way  to  us." 

"  But  where  will  that  be  ?" 

"  That  we  must  determine." 

"  And  it  will  be  no  easy  matter,  I  fancy,"  said  Claude 
Duval. 

"  So  do  I,"  responded  Sixteeu-String  Jack.  "  I  should 
like  to  know  very  much  where  we  shall  be  to-morrow 
let  alone  a  fortnight  hence." 

"You  seem  amused,"  said  Dick,  with  a  smile  ;  "but  let 
me  assure  yon  that  I  can  see  my  way  quite  clearly." 

"  You  can  ?" 

"Certainly." 

"  Then  where  shall  we  be  ?" 

"  Without  directly  answering  that  question,  I  think  I 
can  satisfy  you.  Suppose  we  fix  upon  a  cerUin  future 
time — say  three  weeks  or  a  month  hence — on  one  parti- 
cular day,  and  at  a  certain  hour  we  can  arrange  to  be  at  a 
specified  place — that  i3,  if  we  aro  alive  and  it  lies  in  the 
power  of  human  beings." 

"  I  begin  to  understand,"  said  Tom  King.  "  You  would 
appoint  a  place  and  arrange  for  us  all  to  meet  there  ?" 

'■'  Certainly ;  and  I  canuotsoe  any  remarkable  obstacle." 

"  Where  shall  wo  say  ?" 

''ban  you  name  a  place?" 

'•I  could,  certainly;  but  before  doing  &?,  would  it  pot  be 
better  to  talk  over  our  own  proceedings  in  the  measUma?* 

"  It  would.     That  is  well  thought  of." 


1773 


JBMX  MM;    OB, 


•'You  have  thought  of  this  as  well,  captain  ?" 

"  I  confess  I  have." 

"  Then  let  us  hear  all  yoe  have  to  say." 
"  I  propose,  then,  that  between  now  and  tho  lira*?  <A 
meeting  we  all  occupy  ourselves  to  the  best  ot  o~v ability, ' 
so  as  to  get  together  a  good  round  sum." 

"  For  what  purpose  ?" 

"  In  order  to  place  in  the  hands  of  Tom  Davis  for  him 
to  use  as  he  may  think  fit,  which  will,  I  hope,  in  some 
measure  recompense  him  for  his  losses." 

44  Now,  captain,  none  of  that." 

41  T  om  Davis  !" 

"  Yes,  captain." 

44  Be  good  enough  to  understand  that  the  only  terms 
npon  which  you  may  be  allowed  to  listen  to  our  confer- 
ence are,  that  you  preserve  a  profound  silence." 

"  But,  cap " 

"  If  you  interrupt  again,  out  you  go,  and  yots  tear  no 
more." 

After  this,  Tom  Davis  was  obliged  to  be  quiet,  though 
he  was  burning  to  give  utterance  to  his  expostulations. 

"Very  good,"  said  Tom  King,  approvingly.  "I  for 
one  will  do  my  best  to  make  the  sum  as  round  as  pos- 
sible." 

"  So  will  we,"  cried  Claude  and  Jack.  "  We  will  show 
him  what  we  think  about  him." 

"  As  to  the  manner  in  which  this  money  is  to  be  em- 
ployed, I  have  my  own  ideas,  and  if  you,  my  comrades, 
think  them  good,  they  will  be  carried  out,  I  hope." 

"Cap !"  began  Tom  Davis. 

"  Silence,  will  you  !" 

Thus  admonished,  the  highwayman's  faithful  ally  held 
his  tongue. 

"  My  proposition  is,  that  as  soon  as  we  place  the  money 
in  his  hands  he  shall,  with  all  speed  possible,  make  his 
way  out  of  England.  The  amount,  I  hope,  wili  be  such  as 
will  enable  him  to  live  out  a  long  life  in  comfort  in  some 
other  clime." 

This  proposal  was  received  with  universal  acclama- 
tion. 

"Captain,"  broke  in  Tom  Davis,  the  tears  rolling  down 
his  cheeks,  "  I  shall  never  be  able  to  utter  my  thanks  * 
and  rest  assured  I  shall  never  be  able  to  forget  this 
generous  mark  of  your  favour." 

"  So  far,  then,"  Dick  went  on,  "  we  may  say  all  is  settled, 
and  all  that  there  is  for  our  consideration  is  one  or  two 
minor  points." 

"  But  yet  unfortunate  ones." 

"  Yes,  decidedly.    La  the  first  place,  as  to  the  rendez- 

TOUS." 

"  It  ought  surely  to  be  near  to  the  sea-side." 

"  Yes,  bearing  in  mind  the  end  we  have  in  view,  it 
ought." 

"  And  as  solitary  and  retired  as  possible." 

"  It  cannot  be  too  much  so." 

"  Then  where  is  that  place  to  be  found  ?" 

"  Can  you  tell  ?" 

41  Not  straight  off  at  once.    Can  you  ?" 

41 1  have  had  a  place  in  my  mind,  but  perhaps  seme 
better  one  may  be  suggested." 

"Nay,  let  us  hear  it." 

44 1  would  rather  not  at  present." 

"  Yes — yes " 

41  Well,  then,  since  you  will  have  it— Stonehenge." 

44  Stonehenge  ?"  all  repeated. 

"Yes;  you  know  it,  do  you  not?" 

41  We  have  heard  of  it." 

"  That,  then,  is  all  that  I  can  say." 

"  But  what  made  you  fix  upon  that  place  ?" 

"  I  have  always  been  led  to  believe  that  it  is  far  away 
from  every  human  habitation,  and  that  no  one  is  seen 
there  except  6ome  occasional  wanderer  brought  thither 
by  curiosity.  Not  only  that,  however,  it  is  a  place  tbat 
ean  so  easily  be  found,  and  the  way  to  which  may  be 
asked  without  the  creation  of  much  suspicion." 

"  You  must  have  considered  this  subject  well,  captain," 
said  Sixteen-String  Jack. 

"  Do  you  think  so  ?" 

44 1  do,  or  else  you  could  not  possibly  have  boen  so 
well  prepared  at  all  points  as  you  are.  You  have  actually 
left  us  nothing  to  do  but  to  give  our  consent  to  whatever 
you  have  advanced." 

"  But  I  did  not  intend  such  to  be  the  case.  I  wanted 
to  tear  your  opinions." 


"  But  we  could  think  of  nothing  so  good  an  tha;  which 
you  appeared  to  propose  offhand." 

41  Well — well.     If  you  are  satisfiod,  that  is  all." 

'■*  We  are  perfectly.    There  is  only  one  thing,  though  * 

."What  is  that?" 
"  "  We  have  not  come  to  a  conclusion  about  the  com- 
munication with  old  Matthew." 

«  No,  true." 

There  was  a  peculiar  smile  upon  Dick  Turpin's  lips, 
and  a  peculiar  intonation  of  his  voice  as  he  thus  6po£j, 
which  made  Maud  creep  closer  still  to  him. 

"  Let  us  decide  it,  then." 

"  With  all  my  heart ;  and  as  you  all  say  you  have  done 
nothing  hitherto  but  give  consent,  let  me  now  hear  one  of 
your  proposals." 

Tnere  was  immediately  such  a  sudden  inclination  tor 
all  to  speak,  that  nothing  save  a  confused  Babel  of  sounds 
arose. 

"  One  at  a  time,"  said  Dick — "  one  at  a  time  !" 

u  Will  you  hear  me  first,  captain?"  cried  Tom  King. 

«  Yes." 

•'Well,  then,  I  will  resolve  the  difficulty  in  a  moment; 
I  will  just  ride  over  to  old  Matthew  to-morrow  night  and 
put  matters  square." 

The  cool  manner  in  which  Tom  spoke  forced  every 
one  to  smile. 

"It  is  too  much  risk,"  interposed  Tom  Davis,  but  he 
was  silenced  and  cautioned  before  he  could  say  any 
more. 

"  You  have  soon  settled  it,  Tom,"  said  Dick,  "  and  in 
the  same  manner  as  myself,  but  with  this  difference, 
that " 

"  You  intended  to  go  yourself,  I  suppose  you  would 
say  ?" 

"  Just  so." 

"  No,  no,"  cried  Maud,  clinging  tightly  to  him,  "  foi 
my  sake  let  me  implore  you  to  abandon  thfs  idea  1  Banish 
it  at  once !  I  could  not  survive  the  time  that  would 
elapse  during  which  you  would  be  absent !" 

"  Come,  Maud — Maud  !" 

'  ft  is  in  vain  to  appeal  to  me  1  It  is  not  oftsn  that  i 
a-.k  you  a  favour ;  do  not  let  me  this  time  beg  in  vain !" 

"■  But  you  must  consider        " 

V.aud  shuddered,  and  then  burst  into  tears. 

Against  this  last  Dick  was  not  proof  for  a  single 
moment. 

He  could  bear  all  things  but  Maud's  tears,  and  they 
conquered  him  at  once. 

The  sight  of  her  distress  was  more  than  he  could 
bear. 

"  Dry  your  eyes,"  he  said.  "Do  not  weep.  Your  re- 
quest is  granted." 

"  And  you  really  will  not  go  ?" 

"  I  will  not,  since  such  is  your  wish." 

The  smile  that  overspread  Maud's  cauntenance  at  this 
moment  was  sufficient  recompense  to  Dick  for  anything, 
though  for  all  that  he  felt  that  it  would  have  afforded 
him  no  ordinary  satisfaction  could  he  but  once  more  have 
grasped  old  Matthew's  hand  and  gazed  upon  his  jovial 
face. 

CHAPTER  MXT.II. 

TOM   KINO  IS  RECOGNISED  ON  REACHING   LONDON. 

"Is  it  determined,  then,"  asked  Tom  King,  briskly 
"that  I  shall  go?" 

"  Well,  you  spoke  first." 

44 1  did." 

"  But  what  say  Claude  and  Jack  ?" 

"  Well,"  responded  the  pair  alluded  to,  "  we  will  re- 
sign our  claims  in  favour  of  him.  It  would  be  too  bad 
to  disappoint  him — he  seems  quite  to  have  set  his  heart 
upon  it." 

"  I  have,"  said  Tom — "  you  are  perfectly  right  there." 

"  When  would  you  start  ?" 

"  I  am  ready  now." 

"  I  think  the  enterprise  had  better  be  postponed  until 
to-morrow  night,"  said  Dick.  "L!  yea  t^ere  to  start 
now,  you  would  have  scarcely  time  to  get  there  before 
daybreak."  s 

Ll  You  are  right ;  and  not  only  that — some  cunning 
scheme  must  be  devised,  for  I  daresay  the  officers  keey 
as  sharp  a  look-out  as  ever  upon  Old  Mtttbew's  px*- 
mUea.'' 


TUB    KKI6HT  Of  TH1   ROAD. 


\m 


*  *  oa  may  depend  they  do." 

"  I  have  no  wish  to  run  any  extra  risk  of  capture  if  1 
can  help  it." 

"  Of  course  not." 

"  And  now  I  shall  have  good  time  to  think." 

"  And  your  horse  to  rest." 

"  Just  so." 

This  concluded  the  settlement  of  every  avt^Sgement. 

The  rest  of  the  night  was  passed  in  ccevTJsation, 
which,  though  interesting  enough  to  those  wli3  tesrfc 
part  in  it,  is  scarcely  worth  reproducing  to  the  reader. 

No  disturbance  whatever  took  place,  and  Tom  King 
was  over  and  over  again  congratulated  upon  his  vrisdota 
in  choosing  out  such  a  place  of  refuge. 

There  was  indeed  little  fear  that  the  officers  'would 
visit  it  again,  and  then  it  was  still  more  improbable  that 
any  persons  would  come  forward  who  were  desiroas  of 
occupying  a  place  with  so  evil  a  name. 

The  hours  of  the  following  day  lagged  by  somewhat 
tediously. 

All  were  anxious  for  night  to  come. 

Maud,  however,  was  filled  with  a  strange  dreads 

She  was  afraid  that  when  the  hour  arrived  for  Tom 
King  to  set  forth,  Dick  would  want  to  set  out  upon  an 
adventure  too. 

How  far  she  was  correct  in  her  surmise  will  shortly  be 
seen. 

Long  before  the  approach  of  twilight,  Tom  King  had 
completed  every  preparation  he  had  resolved  to  make. 

It  is  not  necessary  bore  to  state  just  what  precise 
steps  he  had  determined  to  take,  because  we  shall  follow 
him,  and  then  his  actions  will  speak  for  themselves. 

Moreover,  it  was  a  case  in  which  it  was  not  possible  to 
arrange  much  beforehand,  as  the  least  chance  circum- 
stance might  have  the  effect  of  altering  everything. 

Of  one  thing  there  could  be  no  doubt. 

Despite  the  cool,  offhand  manner  in  which  he  treated 
the  enterprise,  it  was  one  of  very  great  risk  and  danger. 

So  soon  as  ever  the  obscurity  of  twilight  had  deepened 
sufficiently  to  make  it  prudent  for  him  to  begin  his 
journey,  he  led  his  horse  out  of  the  stable  and  mounted 
him. 

His  companions  watched  him  until  the  trees  hid  him 
from  their  view. 

"  Now,  captain,"  said  Claude,  "  have  you  any  arrange- 
ments for  us  to-night?" 

"  None  that  I  know  of." 

"In  that  case,  then,"  continued  Sixteen-String  Jack, 
"  we  had  made  up  our  minds  for  an  adventure  or  two 
together."  ^ 

"  Of  course  tending  to  the  end  we  have  in  view." 

"  Yes,  certainly.  None  so  profitless  and  unsatisfactory 
to  others  as  Claude's  adventure  with  the  ladies." 

Dick  laughed,  for  he  had  been  much  amused  when  the 
incident  was  related  to  him. 

" H  so,"  he  replied,  "Tom  Davis  will  come  but  poorly 
off." 

Claude  and  Jack  were  quite  ready  for  the  road,  with 
the  exception  of  mounting  their  steeds,  so  that  before 
many  seconds  had  elapsed  they  had  taken  their  depar- 
ture. 

"  And  now,  Maud,"  said  Dick,  "  do  not  seek  to  dissuade 
me  from  what  I  purpose,  and  then  you  will  be  spared  the 
mortification  of  finding  your  appeal  disregarded." 

M  No,  no,  Disk  1"  she  cried,  imploringly.  "  You — you 
must  not  go !" 

"  I  cannot  stay  here ;  and  bear  in  mind,  I  do  not  ask 
you  to  remain  alone- -Tom  Davis  will  be  with  you,  so 
tfeat  I  shall  be  under  no  apprehensions  whatever  as  re- 
gards your  safety,  because  I  know  how  well  qualified  he 
is  to  keep  guard  over  you,  and  because  I  know  he  would 
lay  down  hi*  life  in  your  defence." 

"Yes,  captain,"  said  Tom  Davis — "you  axe  no  more 
than  right  there." 

"  Still — still,  you  must  not  go  !"  sobbed  Maud.  "  The 
bare  thought  of  having  to  remain  in  t>* ^ dreadful  pl$"*e 
without  you  almost  kills  mo !" 

"  Maud,  I  have  spoken,"  6aid  Dick,  endeavouring  tt 
display  an  amount  of  firmness  and  resolution  ho  was  far 
from  feeling. 

"  And  I  have  spoken  too.  If  my  entreaties  are  o/  no 
•vail,  I  will  cling  to  you  thus,  and  nothing  but  actsa! 
violence  shall  cause  me  to  release  you  !" 

H  And  that  you  know  I  shall  not  offer." 


"  I  hope  not,  aad  so  abandon  this  project  at  one*  or  if 
you  must  go,  take  me  with  you." 

*'  Take  you  with  me  ?" 

_"  Yes — why  not  ?" 

'  Do  you  know  the  nature  of  the  enterprise  ?" 

u  that  signifies  not,  so  long  as  I  am  with  you." 

*  Bat  in  the  moment  of  danger  what  eould  I  do  If  1 
had  you  ?  The  consciousness  of  your  preseuoe  would 
paralyse  my  arm." 

"  Then  why  has  it  not  done  so  on  many  an  occasion 
when  you  have  freed  me  from  great  peril  ?  Dick — Diet 
that  is  nothing  but  a  pretext — an  excuse!" 

"  Nay — nay." 

"It  is  so.  It  is  the  inclination  that  is  wanting  ;  and 
when  that  is  the  case  it  is  the  easiest  thing  in  the  world 
to  frame  excuses." 

"  Maud,  I " 

"  You  no  longer  wish  me  to  be  with  you — that  is  it ! 
But  go — go  I — you  are  welcome  now.  I  have  tested  you, 
and  am  satisfied." 

But  Maud's  satisfaction  was  of  a  very  singular  charac- 
ter indeed,  for  she  immediately  turned  round  and  wept 
bitterly. 

Dick  displayed  a  momentary  hesitation. 

Then  coming  suddenly  to  a  decision,  he  said : 

"  Come,  Maud,  for  once  you  shall  have  your  way.  I 
could  not  pass  the  night  in  inaction  beneath  that  roof,  so 
I  will  take  you  with  me ;  but  you  must  promise  to  obey 
all  the  instructions  I  shall  give  you  that  shall  tend  to  a 
preservation  of  your  safety." 

"  Yes,  yes — I  promise  all  gladly — I  will  promise  any- 
thing !"  exclaimed  Maud,  for,  to  tell  the  truth,  she  was 
delighted  at  the  prospect  of  quitting  the  inn  during  the 
long,  silent  hours  of  the  night. 

It  was  then  agreed  that  the  place  was  to  be  given  into 
the  charge  of  Tom  Davis,  upon  whose  horse  Maud  was  to 
ride. 

A  few  moments  enabled  them  to  get  in  readiness  to  set 
forth. 

"  It  is  a  long  time  since  we  had  an  adventure  together, 
Bess,"  said  Dick,  as  he  sprang  on  to  the  back  of  his  bonny 
mare  ;  "  but  I  hope  fortune  will  favour  us  this  time." 

Maud  was  in  the  best  possible  spirits;  and  as  the  horse 
upon  which  she  sat  was  a  very  good  one,  she  was  able  to 
keep  pace  well  with  Black  Bess. 

Her  breath  came  and  went  quickly,  and  her  cheeks 
were  vivid  red,  for  she  could  not  control  the  agitation  and 
excitement  which  the  prospect  of  a  night  of  adventure 
occasion  ^d. 

We  shall  leave  them  together  setting  out  from  the  inn, 
however,  as  we  shall  also  leave  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen- 
StriDg  Jack. 

We  feel  that  Tom  King  has  the  first  and  strongest  claia 
upon  our  attention. 

For  this  reason  we  shall  follow  closely  in  his  footsteps, 
and  it  will  be  found  that  bis  adventures  on  this  occasion 
were  truly  of  unparalleled  description. 

Our  old  friend,  then,  rode  on  for  some  distance  in  deep 
thought. 

He  knew  very  well  that  this  part  of  the  country  was  ol 
a  very  lonely  character,  and  that  his  chances  were  quite 
against  his  meeting  with  anybody. 

Swayed  by  this  conviction,  he  did  not  look  about  him 
with  that  keenness  and  closeness  which  he  usually  mad« 
use  of. 

The  only  disguise  he  had  was  in  the  shape  of  a  volumi- 
nous riding  cloak,  in  which,  when  on  foot,  he  could,  if  he 
chose,  envelop  his  whole  form. 

This  seemed  rather  inefficient,  considering  the  nature 
of  the  place  in  which  he  proposed  to  venture. 

"  I  must  ride  fast,"  muttered  Tom,  "  to  get  all  done  in 
time,  and  therefore,  no  matter  how  tempting  an  adventure 
may  present  itself,  I  must  pass  it  by,  or  else  relinquish 
what  1  have  in  hand,  and  that  can  never  be." 

Tern  increased  the  speed  of  his  horse  as  he  spoke. 

It  .so  happened  on  this  occasion  that  he  was  not  buo 
"  jected  to  any  temptation ;  and  this  will  appear  the  less 
'  surprising  when  the  reader  is  informed  that,  in  accord- 
ance with  his  usual  custom,  Tom  altogether  forsook  the 
high-road  and  lanes,  bending  his  way  in  as  straight  a 
line  as  possible  across  the  open  country. 

By  adopting  this  means  he  reached  the  environs  of 
London  in  a  much  shorter  time  than  he  would  have 
done  otherwise. 


* 


*T54 


RuACtt   BESS  !  OS. 


•'  I  will  pat  a  bold  face  upon  it,"  was  Tom's  thought  as 
ho  rode  into  the  metropolis.  "  It  is  more  likely  to  com- 
mand success  than  any  elaborato  scheme.  At  any  vat«, 
I  will  make  the  trial  to-night  of  how  much  can  b»  a<v 
tomplished  by  the  sheer  force  of  impudence  alone.1' 

It  was  scarcely  likely,  however,  that  Tom  would  bo 
iusano  enough  to  think  of  riding  up  to  old  Matthew's, 
door,  and  yet  he  held  on  his  course  as  though  such  ...was 
his  intention. 

On  nearing  Covcnt  Garden — then  strih..ngly  a  diuorent 
place  to  what  it  is  at  present — he  came  to  a  halt. 

So  far  had  he  proceeded,  to  all  appearances,  in  perfect 
safety. 

The  hour  would  not  now  be  considered  at  all  a  me  one, 
and  yet  Tom  had  found  but  few  people  abroad. 

But  in  those  days,  when  the  only  illumination  the 
streets  boasted  of  only  served  to  render  darkness  visible 
— necessitating  late  travellers  to  engage  the  seivicos  of 
a  link-boy,  who  would  run  before  them  with  a  lighted 
torch— few  people  ventured  oat  after  dark,  unloss  upon 
some  particular  occasion. 

Tom  King  drew  rein  close  to  the  entrance  of  a  dark 
and  gloomy  archway. 

At  first  he  did  not  alight,  but,  shrouded  by  the  dark- 
ness, sat  in  the  saddle,  strainiug  his  eyes  and  endea- 
vouring to  make  out  whether  the  coast  wa3  clear. 

"  Hullo,  my  noble  captain  I"  said  a  voice.  "  Air  you  a 
looking  for  some  cove  for  to  mind  yer  horse,  because  if 
so,  d'yo  see,  I'se  here." 

Tom  King  was  not  able  at  first  to  make  out  from 
whence  the  voice  proceeded. 

Upon  looking  down  more  closely,  however,  ai-s  having 
also  the  sound  to  guide  him,  he  caught  sight  ui  an  at- 
tenuated form,  clad  in  tattered  clothes,  which  was  holding 
the  stirrup,  in  order  to  assist  him  to  alight. 

The  face  turned  up  to  the  highwayman's  gaze  was 
pinched  and  thin  with  hunger,  the  cheeks  white  and 
sunken,  and  the  eyes  large,  staring,  and  preternaturally 
white. 

"Can  I  trust  you  to  take  care  of  him?"  asked  lom 
King,  endeavouring  while  he  spoke  to  obtain  a  better 
view  of  the  hunger-starved  face. 

"  Rather,"  was  the  reply.  "  Yo»  dos'i  ccsss  fesn  ^ary 
often,  or  you'd  a  knoweil  mo.     I'se  always  here."     • 

"Well,"  said  Tom,  slipping  quickly  from  the  saddle, 
"  I'll  put  faith  in  you.  I  am  not  going  far,  and  do  not 
expect  to  be  detained  many  minutes." 

"  I'll  take  care  of  him,  captain,  no  matter  how  long  you 
may  bo."  . 

"  Above  everything,"  said  Tom,  "  don't  stir  from  this 
place.  Whatever' the  time  may  be  when  I  return,  let  me 
find  you  in  this  exact  spot,  because  I  shall  be  in  o  hurry." 

"  All  right — you  can  depend  upon  me." 

"Take  that,  thon,  as  an  earnest  of  what  I  shall  give 
you." 

Tom  slipped  a  shilling  into  the  boy's  hand. 

"Oh,  my  eye!"  he  exclaimed;  then,  as  if  suddenly 
smitten  with  a  doubt  as  to  the  genuineness  of  the  coin,  he 
slipped  it  between  his  teeth  and  endeavoured  to  bend 
it  i    . 

"  It's  good,"  he  said,  in  a  satisfied  voice,  and  rm- 
mediatelV  thereafter  the  shilling  disappeared. 

"Yon  will  be  sure  to  ccikply  with  my  instruc- 
tions ?" 

"Certain." 

"  That's  enough.  I  shall  not  bo  more  than  half  an 
hour  at  the " 

At  this  instant  there  was  the  sound  of  footsteps,  and 
the  flashing  of  a  light. 

u  H  ulJ o.  there !"  said  a  gruff  voice.  "  What  are  you  aoout 
there*'     is  it  —  order,  or  Jreason,  or  what?' 

"Or  what,"  answered  the  boy.  "  Don't  make  a  tool  of 
yourself,  Moses.    Don't  you  see  it's  me  ?      It's  all  right." 

Tom,  turning  round,  saw  that  this  new -corner  was  clad 
in  the  garb  of  a  watchman. 

lie  was  closely  muffled  up  in  older  t>  protect  hkn- 
eelf  from  the  cold,  and  in  one  hand  ho  carried  a  lantern, 
tnd  in  the  other  a  stout  cudgel. 

Tom  was  annoyed  at  the  light  being  brougnt,  but 
dared  not  show  his  annoyance. 

He  kept  himself  closely  shrouded  In  his  cloak,  however  ; 
end  as  if  to  prevent  it  from  being  blown  off  by  the  wind, 
orew  his  hat  down  further  over  his  face. 

"Take  this, my  friend,"  6ail  Torn-  giviug  the  watchman 


a  shilling,  "  and  buy  something  to  keep  the  cold  out ;  and 
j>t  the  same  time,  if  you  would  have  an  eye  on  my  m&ro 
kere  I  would  be  obliged  to  you." 

"  Your  honour's  honour  is  a  perfect  gentleman.  QocA 
luck  go  with  you  for  the  rest  of  your  days  1" 

Tom  merely  waved  his  hand. 

Thon  hurried  off. 

Alt  things  considered,  he  believed  he  had  managed 
matters  so  far  with  a  tolerable  amount  of  success. 

A  very  few  minutes,  he  knew,  would  enable  him  to  walk 
as  far  as  old  Matthew's,  and  he  determined  not  to  stay  here 
any  longer  than  was  just  necessary  to  enable  him  to  com- 
municate Dick's  wishes. 

liad  he  lingered  a  little  while,  however,  or  could  he 
have  heard  what  took  place  immediately  after  his  de- 
parture, his  satisfaction  would  havo  suffered  a  considerable 
abatement. 

The  boy,  with  his  dark,  gleaming  eyes,  watched  Tom  for 
some  distance. 

Then  turning  round,  he  placed  his  hand  to  his  mouth 
and  said,  in  a  hoarse  voico,  which  scarcely  roso  above  a 
whisper : 

"  Moses — Moses  !" 

The  watchman,  with  a  laudable  desire  to  act  upon  the 
good  advice  given  him  by  Tom,  was  already  on  the  way 
to  a  house  where  he  knew  he  could  obtain  a  cordial  that 
would  comfort  him  greatly. 

Upon  hearing  his  name  pronounced,  however,  he  looked 
back. 

"  Well,  young  villain  l"  he  ejaculated.    "  What  cow  ?" 

"  Here — horo !" 

"  What  do  you  want  ?" 

"Como  here,  and  I'll  tell  you." 

"  Don't  you  wish  you  may  get  tt  I     I'm  oS." 

"  But,  Mosos — Moses  I" 

"  Oh,  bother  1" 

"  Come  bera,"' 

"  I  sha'n't  1" 

"  Who  stolo  the  churcti  can——" 

The  watchman  uttered  a  howl  which  drowned  the  con- 
cluding syllables  of  the  word  which  the  boy  had  begun  to 
utter. 

At  the  same  time  Moses  turned  round  and  rushed  to- 
wards the  boy,  brandishing  his  cudgel  in  a  manner  well 
calculated  to  inspire  fear. 

The  boy  dodged  behind  the  horse  with  the  agility  of  a 
monkey. 

"  You  young  demon  !"  snarled  the  watchman — "  I'll  bo 
the  death  of  you,  I  will !  I'll  beat  your  bones  to  batter ! 
Take  that  I" 

Ho  aimed  a  desperate  blow  with  his  heavy  cudgel  as  he 
spoke,  but  it  was  easily  avoided. 

"  Don't  be  a  fool,  M oses !"  said  the  boy.  "  I've  got 
something  more  important  to  toll  you  than  ever  you 
heard  in  your  life.     What  do  you  think  of  that,  now  ?" 

"Bah!" 

"  It's  true !" 

"  What  did  you  mean  by  yelling  out  like  that  ?" 

"  Because  I  wanted  you  to  turn  back." 

"  Yes,  curse  you !" 

"  And  I  knew  well  enough  that  would  make  you.  But 
listen,  Moses — there's  no  joking  about  the  matter,  none  at 
all — not  a  little  bit,  I  assure  you." 

"  Come,  then,  be  quick — tell  mo  now  at  ence ;  and  ii 
ever  you  allude  again        " 

"Oh,  never  mind  that  I" 

11 1  say  if  I  ever  hear  you  allude  again—" 

"  To  your  stealing  the  church  can——" 

"  I'll  be  the  death  of  you,  I  will,  and  111  sell  your  body 
to  the  doctors.     What  do  you  think  of  that  ?" 

"  Why,  I  think  you  are  a  fool  for  not  listening  to  what 
I  have  to  say." 

"  Speak  quick,  then  1" 

"  I  will.  I  should  have  told  you  before  thiSj  only  you 
would  not  listen." 

There  was  something  in  the  tones  of  the  boy's  voice, 
and  something  in  the  manner  ia  which  ho  bent  forward, 
his  breast  panting  fearfully,  that  made  the  obtuse-per- 
,  ceptioned  watchman  conscious  that  the  disclosure  about 
to  be  made  was  of  no  ordinary  or  slight  importance. 

"  Speak,"  he  said—"  speak— 1  am  listening  !" 

-  Then  you  saw  that  swell  ccve  that  was  wilh  m*  ?" 

*  The  one  belonging  to  this  horse  ?" 

"Yes.      Do  voa  know  him  ?" 


THB  KNIGHT  OF  THE  ROAD, 


1771 


"No — never  saw  him  b*for«." 

"Ah!" 

u  Do  yon  ?" 

"What?" 

"  Know  him  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  Who  is  be  r  " 

The  boy  bent  closer  still  to  the  old  watchman. 

He  caught  hold  of  tho  collar  of  his  white  d,at|S£  <*at 
and  pulled  him  down  by  it  until  his  lips  wore  clo»»  :v>  ti* 
ear. 

Then  ho  whispei-ed  something. 

The  watchman  gave  a  great  start. 

"  That  Torn  King  the  highwayman  ?'   ha  ejacul&'.cJ. 

"  Hold  your  row,  you  fool !"  growled  the  Loy,  eaves' j. 
-♦  Do  you  want  all  Covent  Garden  to  hear  yea  ?" 

"  But  it  ain't  true." 

"I  tell  you  it  is  1" 

"  Are  you  certain  ?" 

"  As  certain  as  I  am  this  13  a  horse." 

"  How  came  you  to  know  him  ?" 

"  I've  seen  him  afore.  I  thought  I  kne?/  Mm  afore  you 
came  up,  but  when  the  light  of  your  lantern  fell  on  his 
face  I  was  quite  certain — I  would  swear  to  his  'dentity 
out  of  ten  thousand." 

'•  Then  we  will  call  [the  police  and  follow  him.  No, 
«top — I'll  spring  my  rattle.     That's  tho  ticket!" 

With  more  agility  than  he  had  displayed  for  many  a 
day,  the  watchman  dropped  his  cudgel  and  drow  his  pon- 
derous rattle  trom  his  belt. 

But  the  boy,  with  a  cry  of  suppressed  anger,  snatched  it 
from  his  hand  and  threw  it  with  all  his  might  down  the 
gateway. 

"  You  infernal  old  fool !"  ho  exclaimed,  almost  choked 
with  passion.  "  You  idiot !  Do  you  know  what  you  are 
after  ?" 

"  Yes— do  you  ?" 

Tho  watchman  quickly  repossessed  himself  of  his 
cudgel,  and  aimed  another  blow  at  his  companion  with 
it. 

But,  as  before,  it  was  evaded. 

"  Moses,  if  you  don't  listen  quietly,"  ho  said,  '•  »*.i  do 
what  I  tell  you,  I'll  peach  about  the " 

"  Go  on.     I'm  quiet." 

"  Well,  then,  now  pay  attention,  and  I  will  ItK.  you  kno  v 
how  to  go  to  work  to  get  the  most  of  tho  reward  " 

"  That's  it— that's  it." 

"  Then,  if  you  had  gone  on  we  should  have  had  none." 

"  What  must  I  do,  then  ?" 

"  Why,  he's  got  so  far  off  by  this  time  that  *«u  could 
not  overtake  him  now,  but  you  might  make  hu,  {.ware 
that  we  know  who  he  is,  and  then  what  should  we  have 
for  our  pains  ?" 

"  His  horse." 

"  True ;  wo  should  have  that  in  any  cane  ;  '-at  I  want 
something  more." 

"  The  reward  ?" 

"  Yes,  to  be  sure." 

"But  why  don't  you  tell  me  what  to  do  at  once  ?" 

"  There  is  no  violent  hurry,  and  I  want  a  little  time  to 
reflect.    Ah !  I  have  it." 

"  Where  ?" 

"Here,  in  my  brain  box.  He  will  be  sure  to  come 
back  for  his  horse,  won't  he,  because  he  will  think  all  is 
right?" 

"  Yes,  I  should  say  ho  is  sure  to  como  back." 

'-Well,  then,  you  must  go  ovor  to  tho  st&tion  Ib  Bow 
Bt»  •jet •    Or,  stop  a  moment.    You  mind  the  bore*  *' 

"I  eha'n't!" 

"  Then  I  peach ! " 

"  Come  on !" 

The  watchman  toc^s  hold  of  the  riin  o.  Tom'a  hors«, 
though  somewhat  reluctantly. 

The  boy  was  evidently  in  possession  of  a  e^crat 
that  gave  him  the  mastery  whenever  he  threatened  to 
divulge  it. 

"Now  don't  you  stir,  Moses,"  ho  said.  "I!  j-'jv.  do, 
you  know  the  result  I  have  threatened  yos  Ssuiy  a 
time,  but  that  would  bo  the  last.  Mind  y~~!  z*e  here 
when  I  come  back.'' 

*  Never  fear  me." 

"  That's  enough ;  I  am  off" 

"Whereto?" 

•'  Why,  to  Bow  8treot,  to  be  BHr«.* 


"What  to  do?" 

'« Fetch  some  police  officers.  Bat  don't  be  alarmed,  1 
aha'n't  tell  them  anything  about  you  unless  yon  force  m* 
to  do  so  by  neglecting  my  injunctions." 

With  these  words  upon  big  lips,  this  eicgaiar  being 
turned  round  and  bounded  off  into  the  darkness. 

The  watchman  felt  far  from  comfortable,  and  more 
than  once  he  was  tempted  to  let  go  the  horse  and  be  off, 
leaving  his  companion  to  finish  the  adventure  how  he 
liked. 

But  the  dread  of  his  wrath  prevailed,  and  peihaps,  too 
the  prospect  of  a  share  in  tho  reward  offered  for  the  ap. 
prehension  of  the  highwayman  had  some  weight  with 
him. 

The  boy  was  only  absent  a  few  minutes. 

Each  second,  however,  seemed  to  the  watchman  almost 
an  hour  in  duration,  so  great  was  the  excitement  of  mind 
under  which  he  laboured. 

At  length,  to  his  mingled  satisfaction  and  alarm,  he 
heard  tho  sounds  of  many  footsteps. 

The  next  moment  tho  well-known  voice  of  the  boy 
reached  his  ears. 

"This  is  the  place,"  he  heard  him  say,  "  and  here  is 
his  horse  juit  as  I  told  you.     Do  you  believe  me  now  ?" 

The  6ix  officers  who  accompanied  the  boy  seemed 
incredulous. 

Some  questioned  the  watchman. 

Some  particularly  examined  the  horse. 

The  result  of  this  was,  that  after  a  brief  conversation 
they  came  unanimously  to  the  conclusion  that  fortune 
had  at  Kr.gth  placed  tho  highwayman  in  their  hands. 

"Isow,"  said  the  boy,  with  that  sharpness  which  seemed 
natural  to  him — "  now  that  you  are  perfectly  satisfied  that 
all  is  right,  just  let  us  frame  a  bargain." 

"  A  bargain  ?"  repeated  one  of  the  officers. 

"  Yes,  a  bargain,"  mimicked  the  boy,  though  he  spoke 
with  great  resolution.  "  I  know  you  all  of  old,  and  don't 
intend  to  be  fobbed  off  as  you  have  many  I  have  heard 
of." 

"  Oh,  indeed  !" 

"  Yes,  and  in  fact  too.     Yon  needn't  sneer !" 

"  What  terms  do  you  propose  ?" 

"  Why,  there  are  eight  of  us  altogether,  and  tha  re- 
ward must  be  equally  divided." 

"Oh,  must  it?" 

"It  must." 

"  But  suppose  we  don't  agreo  ?" 

"  Then  you  don't  take  your  prisoner  1" 

"  You  can't  prevent  it. 

"Can't  I?" 

"No." 

"  Well,  you'll  see !  If  I  have  any  bother  with  you  I 
shall  just  shout  out  to  him  when  I  seo  him  coming,  and 
make  him  aware  of  his  danger,  and  I  should  not  car* 
whatyou  did  with  mo  afterwards  I" 

"  Well,  my  lad,  you  seem  quite  a  sharp  chap — certainly 
a  credit  to  your  mother,  I  should  say." 

"  Never  mind  that.    Do  you  consent — yes  or  no  ?" 

"  Why,  yes,  of  course.  Wo  never  thought  of  anything 
else,  only  you  would  put  yourself  out  about  nothing." 

"  Never  mind,  I  am  determined  to  have  my  equal  sharo 
of  the  reward ;  and  if  you  attempt  to  do  me  out  of  it  you 
will  suffer  for  it ;  and  you  can  ask  Moses  here  whether  I 
shall  not  be  as  good  as  my  word." 

"  He's  a  little  demon,"  said  Moses,  though  in  an  ad- 
miring way  rather  than  otherwise. 

"Well," said  tho  officer  who  had  all  along  spoken,  and 
wlio  happened  to  be  a  newly-made  sergeant,  and  con- 
sequently very  proud  of  his  new  dignity,  "as  we  have 
settled  all  that,  lot  us  hear  what  comes  next  ?" 

"Why,"  said  the  boy,  "you  must  all  hide  yourselves 
carefully  in  that  gateway,  taking  the  utmost  care  to  keep 
out  of  eight.  It's  a  cute  fellow  you  have  to  do  with, 
bear  in  mind — one  that  can  smell  danger  a  long  wey  off, 
as  they  say  a  rook  can  smell  powder." 

41  Wo  could  have  told  you  that,  sharpshins." 

"  Then  let  me  adviso  you  to  hide  at  once,  and  say  no 
mora,  for  1  expect  him  to  come  every  moment,  and  the 
sound  of  voices  would  put  him  on  the  alort  at  once." 

The  officers  wore  much  annoyed  at  the  commanding 
tone  of  this  boy,  and  if  they  could  possibly  have  acted  in 
opposition  to  his  injunctions  they  would  have  dona 
so. 

But  they  wero  quick-witted  enough  to  see  that  what  ha 


4T76 


BLACK    BBS  ;   091. 


proposed  was  the  boat  course  of  action  that  could  be  pure. 

sued. 

Without  exchanging  any  more  remarks,  theo,  they 
took  up  their  positions  in  the  gateway  as  directed. 

This  was  so  largo  and  so  profoundly  dark,  thai  they 
experienced  no  difficulty  whatever  in  concealing  them- 
selves effectually.     - 
The  whole  of  the  party  was  in  high  spirits. 
The  police  officers  saw  the  immense  advantage  tlxj 
possessed. 

The  highwayman  would  be  su*r*  *o  return  "re?  ale 
horse,  and  then,  if  they  kept  still,  how  could  he  a  jjepuot 
anything  of  their  presence  ? 

Then,  if  they  waited  until  he  was  in  the  act  of  mourn- 
ing, how  easy  it  would  be  for  them  to  spring  forth  and 
overpower  him  ? 

There  was  little  fear,  either,  that  be  would  escapofio-m 
them  after  capture  as  he  had  escaped  from  others 

They  were  within  almost  a  stone's  threw  of  Bow 
Street  police  station,  so  that  they  could  deposit  him  there 
in  the  space  of  a  few  moments. 

So  far  as  the  officers  themselves  were  concerned,  it  was 
impossible  that  things  could  wear  a  more  encouraging 
aspect. 

There  was  not  one  of  them  who  did  not  look  upon  the 
affair  as  completely  settled. 

The  boy  was  60  excited  that  he  could  scarcely 
breathe. 

He  endeavoured  to  reckon  up  what  would  be  his  exact 
share  of  the  reward,  but  this  arithmetical  feat  was  far 
beyond  his  capacity  in  his  present  perturbation  of 
spirits. 

Truly  now  was  the  peril  that  threatened  our  old  friend 
great  indeed. 

Of  all  this  he  was  as  profoundly  ignorant  as  it  was 
possible  for  a  human  being  to  bo  of  anything. 

The  street,  too,  had  a  deceitful  air  of  calmness  and 
repose  about  it. 

A  chance  passer-by  would  never  for  a  moment  (sus- 
pect that  half  a  dozen  well-armed,  determined  mea  were 
hiding  in  the  gateway. 
Time  passed  on. 

Not  more  than  an  hour  certainly ;  but  this  space  of 
time  seems  of  endless  duration  to  those  wLo  are  each 
moment  in  the  expectation  of  the  occurrence  of  some 
particular  event. 

The  officers  began  to  grow  uneasy. 
The  boy,  too,  began   to  lose  some   of  that  confidence 
which  he  had  hitherto  felt. 

Could  it  be  possible  that  by  some  means  or  other — 
means  both  mysterious  and  incomprehensible — Tom 
King  had  become  acquainted  with  this  design  upon  his 
life  and  liberty  ? 

The  thought  was  a  maddening  one. 
But  the  time  had  not  yet  arrived  for  despair. 
Upon  a  reconsideration  of  the  whole  matter,  the  boy 
could  scarcely  bring  himself  to  believe  that  it  was  possible 
for  Tom  King  to  suspect  anything. 

While  in  the  gateway,  the  officers  had  held  a  long, 
whispered  conversation  with  Moses,  the  watchman. 

He  assured  them  positively  that  the  boy  spoke  the 
truth,  for,  not  altogether  unreasonably,  the  officers  had 
their  doubts. 

These,  however,  were  completely  dispelled  after  the 
watchman  had  answered  their  interrogations  respecting 
the  outward  appearance  of  the  traveller. 

These  answers  made  them  certain  that  it  coulu  be  no 
other  than  Tom  King. 

It  was  scarcely  credible  that  the  same  description  s^ald 
apply  so  closely  to  another  person. 
More  time  passed. 

All  were  too  anxi<rw  5  for  the  rosr.lt  no^r  ti  itter  a 
single  word. 
The  silence  became  irksome. 
The  boy  strained  his  bearing  to  tho  utmost. 
At    length    he    caught   the  sound  of    a  rapid    i<Ki 
step. 

"  Hush — hush  1"  he  6aid,  in  a  whisper,  to  the  officers 
behind  hUf..  "Be  in  readiness  to  act,  but  do  not  bo  vAi 
precipitate,  and  so  loso  him.  Not  one  word!  He  is 
coming  now  I  Can  you  hear  him  ?  Etxk-  tirfs  !^-ho  is 
coming !" 


|  CHAPTER  MXLIII. 

TOM   KINO   FALLS  BLINDLY  AND   HELPLESSLY    INTO  THB 
SNARE  SO   CUNNINGLY   LAID   FOR   HIM. 

Whether  or  not  it  was  really  Tom  King  who  was 
approaching  the  spot  where  the  officers  were  so  cleverly 
concealed  wo  must  now  proceed  to  ascertain. 

In  order  to  do  this,  we  must  follow  in  our  old  friend* 
footsteps. 

Having  left  his  horse  in  the  joint  care  of  the  boy  and 
the  watchman,  in  tho  manner  we  have  described,"  Tpm 
felt  tolerably  satisfied  so  far  as  that  point  was  con- 
cerned. 

It  is  not  surprising  that  it  should  be  banished  almost 
entirely  from  his  thoughts  before  he  had  well  quitted  the 
precincts  of  Covent  Garden  when  we  bear  in  mind  what 
other  weighty  matters  were  pressing  on  his  mind,  all  of 
which  required  particular  consideration. 

He  glanced  about  him  keenly  as  he  drew  nearer  to  the 
place  of  his  destination,  for  it  was  here  that  he  looked  for 
and  expected  danger. 

But  on  this  particular  night  an  unusual  quiet  reigned 
in  the  streets — a  quiet  which,  had  Tom  been  fancifully 
disposed,  he  might  have  looked  upon  as  of  ill  osmen. 

Strangely  enough,  however,  he  never  felt  more  a>  his 
ease  or  more  confident  of  his  own  powers. 

There  was  no  inner  intangible  sense  tc  warn  him  that 
he  was  in  so  great  peril. 

Drury  Lane  looked  strangely  dark  and  drear. 

Tom  made  his  way  into  it  by  means  of  a  court  leading 
out  of  Brydges  Street,  and  which  brought  him  out  almost 
directly  opposite  the  White  Horse  Inn. 

Under  if,  ccncealing  shadow  of  the  entrance  to  this 
court,  Tom  paused  a  second  to  reconnoitre. 

He  could  see  no  one  about. 

He  could  not  even  detect  the  sound  of  a  distant  foot- 
step. 

As  usual,  a  light  was  shining  forth  from  the  ground- 
floor  windows  of  tho  inn,  and  where  he  stood  he  could 
hear  the  sound  of  noisy,  boisterous  merriment. 

Now  was  the  opportunity. 

It  might  be  that  such  a  one  would  never  occur  again. 

Tom  thought  so,  and  darted  across  the  street  like  a 
quickly-flitting  shadow. 

He  drew  a  long  breath  upon  finding  himself  fairly  over 
the  threshold. 

Without  hesitating  an  instant,  he  pushc.'i  open  that 
inner  half-glass  door  which  in  the  course  of  this  history 
we  have  so  frequently  had  occasion  to  make  mention  of. 

The  bar  window  was  now  before  him. 

He  reached  it  in  half  a  dozen  steps. 

Matthew  was  there  alone. 

He  seemed  to  be  half  dozing  over  a  newspaper. 

But  he  looked  up  upon  hearing  a  footstep. 

Tom  did  not  speak. 

He  merely  made  a  sign  with  his  hand. 

Matthew  comprehended  it,  though  his  face  turned  a 
shade  paler  as  he  hastened  to  open  the  door  and  admit 
his  visitor. 

As  Tom  entered,  MatthbW  hastily  pressed  his  hand,  and 
then  pointed  to  the  door  leading  into  the  private  room. 

"I  cannot  stay  above  five  minutes,  Matthew,"  said 
Tom,  as  soon  as  this  door  was  closed  behind  them. 

"  Is  it  really  you  or  your  ghost  ?" 

"  Myself." 

"  Then  sit  down  by  the  fire.  You  are  n,ost  welcome, 
though  it  spoils  the  pleasure  I  should  feel  in  entertain- 
ing you  when  I  think  of  the  risk  you  run." 

"  Never  mind  it.    I  have  got  in  unseen." 

"  Do  yon  think  so  ?"  asked  Matthew,  eagerly. 

"  I  am  almost  certain  of  it — I  might  say  I  am  quite 
certain. v 

"  Then  that  is  good  news,  for  I  believe  you  can  reckon 
yourself  6afe.  It' would  be  a  strange  end  unlucky  ehanco 
if  we  were  interrupted  now.'' 

"  Have  the  officers  discontinued  their  attentions  ?" 

"  I  have  not  seen  one  in  the  place  for  a  longer  period 
than  1  can  remember  to  have  passed  without  doing  so, 
and  yet  whea,  hitherto,  I  have  felt  a  sensation  of  security 
on  this  account  I  have  invariably  been  disturbed  socn 
afterwards." 

"  Then  I  hope  that  this  instance  will  prore  an  ex- 
ception." 

«•  So  do  I,  Tom.    But  tell  me  what  urgent  tmsineag  i*  id 


THE   KNIGflT   OV  THE   ROAD. 


ffOM  VSQ  IS  CAPTURED  BT  TIIE  POLICE  OFFICERS.} 


liitt  bring3  yon  hero  to-night.  Have  something  to  drink, 
however,  beforo  you  begin  to  speak." 

Old  Matthew  bustled  about  quickly,  and  soon  placod 
some  tempting  refreshments  before  his  guest,  to  whom,  in 
good  truth,  they  were  most  welcomo. 

"  And  you  are  sure  you  left  them  all  sound  and  well  r" 
h«  asked,  referring  to  Dick  Turpin  and  his  associates. 

"  Quite  sum." 

"  'i'hai,  men,  is  good  news.  But  oome,  you  have  not 
yet  told  me  what  brings  you  here  to-night.  It  is  some- 
thing out  of  the  common,  I  feel  certain." 

Tom  King,  in  a  very  few  words,  explained  his  errand. 

When  he  had  finished,  old  Matthew  nodded  his  head 
approvingly. 

"  I  was  thinking  about  them,"  he  ttud,  "and  Wondering 
what  you  would  do." 

"  What  think  you  of  the  plan  ?" 

-It  is  excellent." 

Ko.  223— Black  Bsaa, 


"  And  you  will  see  to  the  carrying  oni  of  y./tii"  )Mti  A 
it?" 

"  I  will,  depend  upon  it.  And  wh**  is  more,  I  think  '. 
know  a  place  where  they  can  both  get  comfortable  lodg- 
ings, and  no  questions  asked.  And  in  order  that  the  sus- 
picions of  the  police  may  be  the  better  allayed,  I  will 
seem  to  hold  no  communication  with  them  whatever." 

"  It  will  perhaps  be  quite  as  well." 

"I  am  sure  of  it;  and  if  Tom  Davis  and  his  wife  and 
Ellen  can  get  cl&ar  out  of  the  country,  I  am  sure  it  will 
be  the  best  thing  in  the  world  for  them." 

"We  are  unanimous  in  our  opinion  in  that  respect. 
And  now,  Matthew,  I  will  be  off." 

"  What,  so  soon  ?" 

"Yes.    This  is  an  atmosphere   of  danger  for  me  to 
breathe,  and  I  neither  wish  to  bring  you  into  trouble  eea 
besidoo        " 
Besides  what  ?" 


No.  223 


Price  One  Halfpenny, 
No,  224  will  be  Published  next  Thursday. 


1778 


BLACK  BEES  ;  OK. 


"  I  have  left  my  horse  outside  in  charge-  of  a  lad,  and  I 
told  him  that  I  should  not  be  away  many  minutes." 

"  Outside  ?"  ejaculated  Matthew. 

'» Well,  some  little  distance  off,  of  coarse." 

44  Then  I  will  send " 

«i  Nay— nay,  it  is  not  worth  while." 

"But  I  think  it  is.    It  will  be  safer," 

"  I  don't  know  about  that.  I  shall  be  back  qniekly  j 
and  what  is  more,  I  don't  suppose  the  boy  would  sur- 
render the  horse  to  anyone  bnt  myself." 

Old  Matthew  still  hesitated. 

How  strange  it  was  that  Tom  should  declir.*  this 
service ! 

If  he  had  accepted  it  instead,  the  treachery  or  the  boy 
and  watchman  would  ha^e  been  made  apparent. 

But  it  was  not  destined  so  to  be. 

Tom  pressed  the  hand  of  his  old  and  staunch  friend 
very  tightly  ;  and,  recommending  hiin  to  do  his  best  for 
Mrs.  Davis  and  Ellen,  he  said  farewell , 

Old  Matthew,  however,  would  not  allow  him  to  depart 
until  he  had  satisfied  himself  that  there  was  no  police 
officer  on  the  watch  outside. 

He  was  absent  some  time ;  and  when  he  returned,  Tom 
said: 

"Is all  wofl?" 

"  I  believe  so.    I  can  see  no  one." 

"  That  is  right.  I  will  be  off  now.  Once  more,  fare- 
well !" 

"  Stay  a  bit,"  said  Matthew. 

"What  for?" 

"  I  will  come  a  little  way  with  you." 

"  Let  me  thank  you  all  the  same,"  answered  Torn  ; 
"but,  believe  mo,  I  feel  that  it  would  bo  best  not  to  do 
so." 

"  Why  so  ?" 

"  You  might  bo  observed ;  and  I  have  no  wish  to  onng 
danger  upon  you,  as  would  be  the  case  if  you  were  tound 
with  me." 

"  Well,  well,  I  feel  you  are  right ;  and  yet  I  have  a 
strong  desire  to  do  something  to  serve  you— to  render  you 
assistance ;  it  is  a  feeling  which  I  cannot  at  all  coinpre- 

Tom's  only  reply  was  a  light  and  careless  laugh,  and 
the  next  moment  he  had  passed  through  the  doorway 
into  the  dark  and  silent  street. 

After  his  departure,  Matthew's  vague,  uncomfortable 
sensation  that  something  was  going  wrong  grew  stronger 
and  stronger. 

Still,  the  feeling  was  too  vague  for  any  decisive  course 
of  action  to  be  produced  from  it,  and  so,  in  a  state  of 
mind  the  very  reverse  to  pleasant,  he  resumed  tho 
perusal  of  the  newspaper  which  the  arrival  of  his  unex- 
pected guest  had  interrupted. 

In  the  meantime,  Tom  King  was  rapidly  making  his 
way  towards  his  destination. 

Strange  to  say,  his  mind  was  filled  with  a  sensation  cf 
security,  much  greater  than  that  which  he  usually  ex- 
perienced. , 

Never  for  a  moment  did  he  believe  that  the  boy  had 
played  him  false.  .'.,..       t    j 

In  the  first  place,  Tom  felt  almost  certain  that  he  had 
so  well  enwrapped  his  form  that  recognition  was  im- 
possible ;  and  in  the  second,  he  considered  that,  as  the  boy 
would  be  expecting  him  to  return  every  moment,  he 
would  not  venture  tc  quit  the  spot  where  he  bad  been  left. 
And  so  Tom  hurriedly  walked  on. 
He  glanced  perpetually  from  side  to  side,  but  without 
seeing  anyone.  . 

It  almost  seemed  as  though  he  was  the  sole  pedestrian 
abroad  that  night. 

What  a  pity  it  was,   however,  that  there  was  no  kind 
spirit  to  whisper  in  his  ear  some  warning  of  his  hidden 
danger! 
But  no. 

He  walked  on,  if  possible,  with  a  inoro  confident  step 
towards  the  fatal  spot. 

The  footstep  which  the  treacherous  boy  hfiil  heard  ap- 
proaching was  indeed  that  of  our  old  friend— now 
menaced  by  a  more  terrible  danger  than  any  which  had 
threatened  him  (luring  the  entire  course  of  his  career,  for 
Bow  he  was  totally  unprepared. 

The  officers  at  once  placed  themselves  in  readiness  for 
Instantaneous  action. 
Then  they  remained  immovable,   but  listening  with 


the  utmost  intensity  to  the  approach   of  the  rapid  foot- 
fall. 

Nearer,  nearer  came  the  victim  to  the  imp. 

"Are  you  there  ?"  they  heard  Tom  say,  as  he  drew 
closer,  for  so  dark  were  the  shadows  round  about  the  old 
gateway  that  he  was  unable  to  discern  the  form  of  hia 
horse  at  any  distance. 

•l  Yes  —yes  !"  answered  the  boy,  striving  hard  to  coc- 
ws!  tbe  impatience  which  struggled  to  manifest  itself 
in  any  «ray. 

"  Come  this  way  then." 

The  boy  made  a  show  of  leading  the  horse  towards 
where  Tom  stood. 

But  the  highwayman  was  too  impatient  and  too  anxious 
t?  :r,  jit  to,  ait  tor  this,  so  he  advanced  to  his  horse  him- 
self. 

The  joy1  >,ld  the  reins  tightly. 

It  almost  ^emed  as  though  ho  grasped  them  on  pur- 
pose to  sug.iOrt  himself,  for  he  trembled  so  excessively 
that  he  seeoied  in  imminent  danger  of  falling  to  tho 
ground. 

But  Tom  was  too  busy  to  notice  this. 

Besides,  the  darkness  of  the  night,  to  a  great  extent, 
prevented  him  from  doing  so. 

His  hand  was  on  the  saddle. 

One  foot  was  in  the  stirrup. 

Another  second,  and  he  would  have  been  mountod. 

But  before  this  second  could  elapse,  the  officers  bounded 
forward. 

In  their  excitement,  all  gave  utterance  to  a  suppressed 
cry  of  triumph  and  relief,  which,  forming  ono  aggregate 
sound,  came  very  strangely  upon  the  ear  indeed. 

Before  Tom  knew  where  he  was — 

Before  he  could  form  the  least  idea  of  what  had  hap- 
pened, ho  found  himself  grasped  tightly  in  several  places 
by  many  powerfu'  aands. 

Where  his  assailants  had  come  from  he  could  not 
guess. 

Had  they  been  dropped  upon  him  from  the  clouds  their 
appearance  could  not  have  been  more  sudden  or  more 
startling. 

lie  had  not  even  time  to  utter  a  cry,  much  more  to 
raise  a  hand  in  his  own  defence. 

It  was  just  ao  the  first  shock  of  the  surprise  passed 
away,  however,  that  he  heard  a  voice  cry : 

"  Tom  King,  you  aro  our  prisoner !  You  are  safe — 
caught — nabbed  !  Keep  yotrself  quiet,  for  resistance 
will  only  have  the  effect  of  bringing  down  ill  treatment 
against  you  !  However,  you  can  please  yourself !  Our 
orders  are  to  take  "^u  to  Newgate  dead  or  alive;  and  in 
one  state  or  other  ve'll  do  it,  mind  that!  So  you  had 
better  give  in  at  once,  and  not  be  fool  enough  to  make 
any  fuss!  Why  don't  you  speak?  Just  let  us  know 
whether  you  are  open  to  reason  or  not !" 


CHAPTER   MXLIV. 

TOM  KING  IS  TAKEN  PRISONER  BY  THE   POLICE  OFFICER3. 

From  the  moment  the  police  officer  had  begun  to  speak, 
Tom  King  had  remained  profoundly  still. 

He  had  not  attempted  to  make  the  least  movement. 

To  all  appearances,  he  was  paying  the  utmost  attention 
to  what  the  officer  said 

But  Tom  was  quite  willing  that  he  should  have  gono 
on  gabbling  for  some  time  longer,  as  during  this  period 
Tom  was  collecting  his  shattered  thoughts. 

This,  under  such  circumstances  as  wo  have  just 
related,  was  very  far  from  being  an  easy  task. 

But  Tom  was  used  to  surprises. 

Great,  therefore,  as  this  one  was,  he  rapidly  recoveied 
from  it. 

This  much  done,  the  next  thought  was  to  DU?y  his 
brain  as  to  the  course  of  action  he  should  take. 

Hero  was  subject  for  long  and  anxious  deliberation 
indeed ;  but  Tom  had  no  morothan  a  few  fleeting  seconds 
allowed  him. 

Nevertheless,  even  in  that  brief  period  he  came  to 
some  kind  of  conclusion  as  to  what  he  should  do. 

Already  there  was  hovering  in  his  mind  the  dull,  dim 
outlines  of  a  scheme  which,  if  prosecuted,  would  relesao 
him  from  his  foes. 

He  still  remained  silent,  thinking  deeply. 

Resistance  was  out  the  question ;  and,  moreorer,  ft 


THE  KNIGHT   OF   TUB   EOAD. 


i773 


was  certain  that  i;  there  seemed  to  be  any  chance  of  his 
getting  away,  they  would  not  hesitate  to  fire  a  volley 
after  him;  and  this,  coming  from  so  many  weapons  and 
from  so  shop  a  distance,  could  not  fail  to  be  f»isl~ 

Tom  knew  the  officers  too  well  to  beliefs  tSiil  «*?y 
would  hesitate  a  nioment  about  doing  this. 

The  one  who  iad  6poken  waited  thus  long  for  <a>fce> 
kind  of  reply. 

But  finding  none  came,  he  said  : 

"  Tom  King,  I  seo  you  surrender  handsomely.  Well,  it 
is  no  more  than  I  expected  of  you,  so  come  along.  It  will 
Be  all  over  in  a  moment,." 

Tom  King  affected  to  be  much  cast  doxvn  cad  ever- 
como. 

"Nay — nay,"  said  the  officers,  "n6?or  be  down- 
hearted !  Keep  up  your  courage !  You  mu3t  have  krvnwn 
that,  some  day  or  other,  it  would  come  to  this,  so  be  game 
— be  game  to  the  last !" 

Tom  sighed,  and  appeared  to  be  more  dejected  than 
before. 

"  Don't  be  down,  I  say  !  You  have  set  us  at  defiance  a 
long  time,  and  now  our  turn  has  come." 

"I  feel  it." 

"  No  doubt  you  do  ;  but  it  cannot  bo  helped." 

"  You  misapprehend  me." 

"Do  I?" 

"  You  do  indeed." 

"  What  do  you  mean,  then  ?" 

"Why,  I  feel  that  your  turn  has  come  to  triumph,  and 
that  it  will  bo  all  over  with  us  now  ia  a  very  little 
while." 

"  Very  likely." 

Tom  was  again  silent. 

"  Now,  then,"  cried  the  officer  who  had  before  spoken, 
"  out  with  the  darbies,  and  clap  them  on  !  Would  you 
like  a  hackney-coach?  I  am  willing  to  do  the  thing 
decent." 

Tom  really  seemed  as  though  this  sudden  blow  of  mis- 
fortune had  paralysed  him. 

No  one  could  have  displayed  -more  dejection. 

But  when  the  officers,  in  obedience  to  the  injunctions 
of  their  leader,  6et  about  handcuffing  him,  he  aroused 
himself. 

"No— no,"  he  said — "not that!  There's  no  need  for 
that !    Have  I  not  given  into  you  quietly  enough  ?" 

"  Very  true,  you  have ;  but,  then,  you  kuow,  you  are 
such  a  slippery  customer  that  we  should  be  greatly 
blamed  if  we  omitted  to  take  any  one  precaution." 

"  There's  no  need  for  it,"  said  Tom — "  no  need  at  all. 
But  I  wish  you  would  let  me  say  a  few  words  to  you  in 
private." 

"  What,  now  ?" 

"Yes;  no  other  time  will  suit," 

"Impossible !" 

"  I  will  give  you  my  word  not  to  try  to  get  away.  An  1 
if  you  refuse  this  request  you  will  repent  having  done  so 
to  the  longest  day  of  your  existence." 

There  was  a  peculiar  earnestness,  not  to  say  solemnity, 
about  the  manner  in  which  Tom  King  spoke,  aad  the 
officer,  in  spite  of  himself,  was  greatly  moved. 

He  at  once  became  filled  with  curiosity  to  know  WLat 
it  v.-as  the  celebrated  highwayman  hao'  to  communicate  to 
him. 

But  he  hesitated  about  giving  his  consent. 

Curiosity,  however,  at  length  obtained  the  victory. 

"  I  will  take  your  word,"  he  said. 

"You  have  chosen  wisoly,''  answered  Tom.  "I  just 
want  to  whisper  somcthiug  iu  your  ear — that  is  all." 

At  a  word  from  the  one  in  command,  the  officers  who 
held  Tom  released  him. 

But  the  chief  held  him  Dy  the  arm,  apparently  only  iu 
the  manner  that  oud  friend  might  hold  another,  but  ',  ■ 
reality,  his  grasp  was  one  that  could  not  havo  been 
shaken  off  very  easily. 

Moreover,  the  other  police  officers  held  thoir  pistole  in 
readiness  for  instant  use,  so  that,  !>ad  the  highwayman 
contemplated  tho  perpetration  of  any  treachery,  he  was 
denied  the  opportunity,  for  before  he  could  get  free  such 
a  volley  would  be  fired  after  him  as  could  not  fail  to 
cause  his  death,  or  at  least  inflict  such  serious  hurts  upon 
him  as  to  render  him  incapable  of  motion. 

But  Tom's  plan,  as  will  be  seen,  was  by  far  too 
elaborate  and  skilfully  laid  to  have  in  it  any  such  clumsi- 
ness as  this 


Besides,  he  had  given  his  word. 

"Now,  then."  cried  the  officer  to  him,  "whaiia  it? 
Speak  quickly !" 

"  I  will.    Listen." 

"  I  am  paying  every  attention." 

"Well,  I  quito  give  into  my  fate — you  understand 
that.  But  I  am  afraid  it  will  go  very  hard  with 
me." 

"  I'm  afraid  it  will ;  I  won't  misrepresent  matters." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  you  say  so." 

"  Well,  go  on." 

"  What  I  want  to  know  is,  whether  it  would  be 
possible  for  mo  to  do  anything  that  would  make  things 
better?" 

The  officer  shook  his  head. 

'•Don't  you  think  I  can?"  Tom  asked,  in  a  most 
anxious  tone. 

"  Well,  you  see,  you  have  been  so  out-and-out. 
Nothing  can  save  you  from  Tyburn,  I  fear." 

Tom  looked  disappointed. 

"You  had  got  something  to  propose,  hadn't  you?" 
askod  the  officer,  who  fancied  already  that  ho  could  ecent 
out  something  that  would  eventuate  to  his  advan- 
tage. 

"I  had." 

"Then  lot  me  hear  it." 

"  What's  the  good  ?  Come  on ;  I  am  ready  to  go  with 
you." 

"  You  may  as  well  let  me  know,"  continued  the  officer, 
with  an  eagerness  which  Tom  had  artfully  elicited.  "  It 
can  do  no  harm,  you  kuow." 

"  Nor  good  to  me." 

"  Perhaps— who  knows  ?  At  any  rate,  I  could  tell 
better  if  I  heard  your  proposition." 

Tom  seemed  undecided. 

The  officer  repeated  his  request  with  additional  eager- 
ness. 

"  Well,"  said  Tom,  "  the  officers  and  the  other 
authorities  are  very  anxious  to  capture  Dick  Turpin,  are 
they  not?" 

"  I  believe  you." 

"And  Claude  Duval?" 

"  Rather !" 

"And  Sixteon-String  Jack ?* 

"Of  course  !" 

"And  there's  Maud." 

"  Certainly." 

"  You  are  vory  anxious  to  capture  them  as  well  as  my- 
self?" 

"  Of  course  we  are,  though  we  can't  manage  to  do 
it." 

"You  havo  failed  hitherto,"  said  Tom,  with  great 
gravity.  "  But  now  that  you  have  nabbed  me,  I  feel 
assured  that  the  others  will  fall  into  your  hands  ere 
long." 

"  I  hope  so  !" 

"  Now,"  said  Tom,  slightly  sinking  his  voice,  "  do  you 
think  if  I  was  to  deliver  thetn  all  into  your  hands,  so 
that  you  could  capture  them  without  any  trouble,  that 
such  a  service  would  do  anything  towards  getting  me  oil 
lightly  ?" 

"Are  you  in  earnest?" 

"  Answer  my  quostion  first." 

"  Then  I  should  say  it  most  certainly  would." 

"  You  really  believe  that  it  would  influence  the 
authorities  and  niaka  them  inclined  to  act  leniently  to 
me?" 

"  There  can  be  no  doubt  of  it" 

"  What  difference  would  it  make  ?" 

"Why,  you  would  get  off  with  transportation* 

"  Then,  if  you  are  agreeable,  it  shall  be  dotia."    - 

*  But  I  can't  believe  you  are  in  earnest." 

*  Why  not?" 

'•'  Because  I  have  always  been  told  that  nothing  would 
induce  you  highwaymen  to  prove  false  to  one  another — 
that  you  would  die  rather  than  betray." 

"  Yes,  that  has  always  been  our  rule  ;  but,  then,  I  can 
seo  very  plainly  now  that  they  cannot  escape  much 
Vftiger.  so  I  think  I  might  just  as  well  reap  some  benefit 
By  th<5ir  capture  as  not." 

"  That  is  certainly  a  most  sensible  and  businesslike 
way  of  looking  at  the  matter,"  replied  the  officer ;  '■*  and  I 
should  be  the  very  last  in  the  world  to  blame  you  fo* 
adopting  such  a  course." 


1710 


BLACK    BBSS  ;    OX, 


M  \  think  no  sensible  person  would  blame  me." 

"Then,  have  you  made  up  your  mind?" 

"  I  hare-  And  now  I  want  you  t"  tell  me  how  to  pro- 
gaed  in  the  matter." 

"  Where  are  they  all  ?" 

"Lying  in  concealment,  and  wa'.\»Dg  for  my  retaru. 
They  will  not  move  till  I  go  back.' 

"  Could  we  take  them  at  unawares . ' 

"Easily." 

"  Have  we  sufficient  force  here  ?" 

"  I  should  think  so.  You  would  be  able  to  take  tocra 
by  surprise  as  you  did  me." 

The  officer  drew  a  long  breath. 

The  prospect  of  taking  prisoners  Dick  Turpin  arid  all 
his  companions  in  this  manner  was  certainly  dazzling, 
Rnd  no  one  could  be  s'yprised  at  the  officer  being  con- 
eiderably  thrown  off  his  guard  by  it. 

He  knew  well  how  great  was  the  aggregate  reward, 
an1  thought  what  a  first-rate  thing  it  would  be  if  it  only 
had  to  be  shared  between  him  and  his  companions. 

It  must  have  been  noticed  more  than  once  that  the  very 
magnitude  of  the  reward  offered  for  the  apprehension  of 
the  highwaymen  defeated  its  own  object,  as  all  officers 
were  anxious  to  get  as  groat  a  share  as  they  could. 

The  leader  of  the  present  troop  was  not,  however,  al- 
together blind  to  caution,  for  he  asked  : 

"  But  what  guarantee  have  I  that  you  will  not  play  me 
false?" 

Tom  pretended  to  consider. 

"  I  don't  know  what  guarantee  you  can  have  ;  but  I 
will  tell  you  what  I  have  been  thinking,  if  you 
like." 

"  Very  welL" 

"  You  will  then  see  that  the  affair  is  left  entirely  in 
you  own  hands. 

"All  right,  then,"  answered  the  officer,  with  a  sigh  of 
relief,  "  let  me  hear  what  you  have  to  propose." 

"  Very  well.  In  the  first  place,  I  should  recommend 
you  to  obtain  horses  for  yourself  and  your  comrade*  I 
can  ride  on  my  own ;  and  I  will  take  you  all  to  the  y  3<;o 
where  they  are  concealed,  and  where  you  can  capture 
them  with  less  trouble  than  you  did  me." 

"  That's  the  ticket !    But  I  say. ' 

"  What  ?" 

"  If  I  trusted  you  to  get  on  your  horse  again,  how  do  I 
know  but  what  you  would  take  the  first  opportunity  to 
bolt  off  ?" 

"  You  would  be  greatly  to  blame  if  you  allowed  me 
any  such  opportunity." 

"  I  suppose  I  should.  But  then  you  are  as  slippery 
as  an  eel,  and  as  cunning  as  a  fox." 

'•  You  are  complimentary." 

"  I  am,  if  you  choose  to  think  so." 

"  But  this  is  not  the  point." 

"No,  truly." 

"First  of  all,  do  you  consent — yes  or  no?" 

The  officer  reflected  for  some  moments,  and  then 
said: 

"  I  will  consult  my  companions." 

"Do  so.  But  shall  you  make  the  boy  and  the  watch- 
man party  to  it  ?  They  would  be  no  good,  and  would 
only  make  two  more  to  divide  the  reward  amongst." 

Tom  could  not  have  employed  a  more  cogent  argument 
than  this. 

"  Leave  them  to  me,"  said  the  officer.  "  111  aea  to 
thorn,  never  fear." 

Having  spoken  these  words  in  a  very  confident  tone, 
he  moved  off  a  step  or  two  in  order  to  consult  with  his 
companions,  who  were  not  a  little  curious  and  anxious  to 
know  what  had  passed  between  the  prisoner  and  their 
chief. 

They  were  not  long  left  in  ignorance. 

Tom  watched  them  with,  a  keen  eye. 

Upaa  the  elision  arrived  at  depended  his  Kberty  aad 
his  life. 

No  prisonet  standing  in  the  dock  waiting  for  the  ver- 
dict of  the  juiy  could  have  suffered  greater  anxiety  than 
he  did. 

And  yet  to  have  gazed  upon  him  no  one  would  have 
thought  that  he  was  even  moved. 

He  was  sorely  tempted  to  try  to  make  a  run  for  it,  but 
the  recollection  of  the  pistols  held  so  handily  by  bis  foes, 
Mid  the  thought  that  they  would  in  all  probability  assent 
to  bis  proposal,  induced  him  to  remain  frnn. 


Whether  this  was  a  chance  he  ought  to  have  embracei 
or  not  would  be  hard  indeed  to  say. 

At  any  rate,  be  the  case  how  it  might,  the  chance  wm 
lost,  for  the  chief  officer  came  to  him  and  said  • 

"  My  fellows  are  all  inclined  to  agree  to  your  proposal, 
though  they  could  hardly  believe  at  first  that  you  were 
in  earnest  in  intending  to  betray  your  companions,  it  was 
s©  foreign  to  your  nature." 

"  It  may  be  so,"  answered  Tom,  grimly,  *  but  then  you 
should  always  bear  in  mind  that  circumstances  alter 
cases." 

"  That  is  very  true." 
"But  do  they  consent  ?" 
"  With  one  condition  they  do." 
"What  is  it?" 

"  That  you  suffer  yourself  to  be  bound  upon  your  bora* 
in  a  secure  manner,  and  ride  in  the  midst  of  us." 
This  was  a  difficulty. 

Tom  hardly  saw  his  way  out  of  it,  though,  for  all  that, 
he  said,  offhand : 

"  I  think  it  a  pity  you  lot  cannot  mind  me   without 
putting  me  to  so  much  pain  and  inconvenience." 
"  They  have  such  an  opinion  of  your  abilities." 
"  Suppose  I  refuse  ?" 

"  Why,  then,  they  recommsnd  that  we  take  you  direct 
to  Newgate,  and  so  make  sure  of  you,  at  all  events.  And 
this  is  what  I  should  do,  for  I  am  one  of  those  who 
firmly  believe  that  a  bird  in  the  hand  is  worth  two  in  the 
bush." 

Now  the  reader  must  know  already  that,  in  spite  of  all 
he  had  said,  Tom's  ultimate  idea  and  intention  was 
escape. 

The  mere  fact  of  his  being  bound  on  his  horse's  back 
would  materially  impede  the  carrying  out  of  this  project, 
and  yet,  how  was  he  to  avoid  it  ? 

He  might  have  given  his  solemn  word  not  to  attempt 
to  get  free,  and  doubtless,  had  he  done  60,  the  officers 
would  have  been  satisfied  ;  but  that  would  by  no  means 
have  agreed  with  Tom's  intentions,  for  he  placed  too  high 
a  valu9  upon  his  word  ever  to  break  the  pledge,  no  matter 
what  the  circumstances  might  be. 

Clearly,  however,  it  was  better  to  consent  to  any  terms, 
\o  matter  how  hard,  so  long  as  he  got  further  away  from 
\ if  l'I'vi,  than  it  would  be  voluntarily  to  consign  himself 
to  a  cell  in  Newgate,  from  whence  there  would  be  scarcely 
the  faintest  shadow  of  a  hope  of  effecting  his  libera- 
tion. 

"We  sha'n't  put  you  to  any  pain,  that  I  know'of,"  con- 
tinued the  officer,  "  and  not  to  any  more  inconvenience 
than  we  can  help.  Wo  shall  just  secure  you  with  a  rope 
to  prevent  you  from  giving  us  the  slip,  and  no  more." 

"  Well,"  said  Tom,  "  if  you  won't  trust  me,  why,  of 
course  I  must  submit,  and  I  hope  that  will  go  a  little  way 
towards  convincing  you  that  I  am  quite  in  earnest." 
"  It  will  certainly." 

"  Then  send  for  some  horses,  and  we  will  be  off  at 
once.    But  for  your  own  sakes  keep  the  matter  quiet." 
"  You  trust  me." 

Immediately  after  this,  one  of  the  officers  was,  after 
many  injunctions,  despatched  to  fetch  the  requisite  num- 
ber of  horses  to  accommodate  the  troop. 

The  watchman  and  the  boy  were  aware  something  of  a 
peculiar  character  was  going  on,  but  the  officers  took  par- 
ticularly good  care  that  they  should  not  find  out  what. 

The  chief  took  advantage  of  the  absence  of  his  sub- 
ordinate to  address  a  few  words  to  them. 
As  for  the  watchman,  he  was  soon  disposed  of. 
No  sort  of  stipulation  or  agreement  had  been  entered 
into  with  him  whatever,  and  therefore  he  was  abundantly 
satisfied  tvpon  receiving  half-a-crown  in  return  for  hi* 
trouble. 
But  with  the  boy  it  was  different. 
His  eyes  looked  brighter— 

His  face  more  hungry-like  than  ever,  owing  to  the  ea 
pression  of   preternatural  acuteness  which  rested  upoa 

"  Now,  my  lad,"  said  the  officer,  "  will  you  take  a  cer- 
tain sum  down  for  your  share  in  this  affair,  and  be  <^» 
about  your  business  ?" 

•'  You  know  very  wellwhat  I  said ;  and  if  you  don't,  I 
aiu'fc  going  to  repeat  it."  . 

"Well,  then,  I  will  take  one-seventh  part  of  tno 
amount  of  the  reward  offered." 


THE   KNIGHT   OF  THE   ROAD. 


im 


"  Oh,  will  you,  indeed  ?" 

"  Yes,  certainly.    That  was  what  we  agreed  upon. 

"  Very  well.  You  mean  to  say  you  will  bo  quite  con- 
tent with  that?"  « 

"Yes,  I  shall." 

"  Then  come  to  me  at  the  poMce  office  in  the  morning 
^         and  you  shall  have  the  amount." 

41  But  I  shall  go  with  you  to  Newgate  and  eea  him 
safely  lodged." 

"  Well,  that  you  can  please  yourself  about ;  toat  we  are 
going  out  on  some  business  that  does  not  concern  you  in 
any  degree." 

The  boy  opened  his  eyes  a  trifle  wider  as  he  said,  witn 
remarkable  determination : 

"  I'm  going  with  you  I" 

"Are  you?" 

"  I  am  V 

"  Then  you  will  have  to  do  so  in  the  best  way  you  are 
able.  I  don't  intend  to  find  accommodation  for  you  ;  and, 
what  is  more,  you  had  better  be  civil  if  you  are  wise,  for, 
remember,  you  have  not  got  the  money  yet,  and  I  shall 
have  a  share  in  the  paying  of  it." 

At  this  moment  the  clatter  of  horses'  hoofs  became 
audible,  importing  that  the  officer  was  returning. 


CHAPTER  MXLV. 

BELATES  THE   SURPRISING   ADVENTURES  OF  *OM  KING  AND 
THE  OFFICERS. 

This  last  speech  of  the  officer's  seemed  to  furnish  the  boy 
with  food  for  reflection,  for  he  remained  perfectly  silent. 

Tom  was  busily  engaged  in  thought. 

The  horses  were  soon  opposite  the  gateway,  and  the 
one  who  had  been  despatched  to  fetch  them  showed  a 
piece  of  long,  strong  rope  that  he  had  brought  as  well. 

"That's  the  ticket !"  said  ono  of  his  companions,  seizing 
upon  this  article  with  evident  satisfaction. 

There  was  now  a  scene  of  great  bustle  and  excite- 
ment. 

The  horses  were  soon  ready. 

The  officer  with  the  rope  advanced,  and,  having  formed 
a  running:  noose  in  the  middle  of  it,  he  put  it  over  Tom's 
head  and  Drought  it  down  to  his  waist. 

He  was  about  to  draw  it  tight,  in  such  a  manner  that 
Tom's  arms  would  be  confined  to  his  sides  at  the  elbow. 

This  he  strongly  protested  against,  and  after  somo  dis- 
cussion the  rope  wa3  merely  secured  round  his  waist,  and 
his  arms  were  not  confined  at  all. 

This  much  having  been  done,  he  was  requested  to 
mount  his  steed. 

He  did  this  with  an  alacrity  that  was  unfeigned. 

Two  officers  then  took  hold  of  the  ends  of  the  rope  and 
mounted  their  steeds  also. 

Then  placing  themselves  abreast  with  Tom,  they  took 
firm  hold  ot  f.t.e  rope. 

"I  hope  nu'*  you  have  me  secure,"  said  Tom,  with  a 
forced  laugh.  "  At  any  rate,  if  I  go  anywhere  I  shall 
have  to  take  the  pair  of  you  with  me." 

The  officers  echoed  his  laugh  with  great  spirit,  for  they 
were  much  delighted  at  their  extraordinary  cleverness. 

The  others  now  mounted,  two  going  in  front  and  two 
following  in  the  rear. 

Thus  hemmed  in,  it  certainly  did  not  seem  possible  for 
any  human  being  to  escape. 

Tom  thought  so  too,  and  wondered  in  what  way  and 
to  what  extent  Fortune  intended  to  favour  him. 

How  he  was  to  get  free  he  was  still  unable  to  make 
out. 

During  the  ride  which  was  about  to  ensue,  however, 
he  considered  he  should  have  some  opportunities  for  re- 
flection, and  he  trusted  that  his  brain  would  furnish  him 
with  an  expedient  that  would  enable  him  to  achieve  his 
purpose. 

To  start  with,  however,  there  was  one  paipable  fact. 

This  was,  that  while  he  retained  his  present  position, 
to  get  away  was  impossible,  except  by  the  intervention 
of  some  miracle,  and  Tom  was  not  foolish  enough  to  be- 
lieve that  any  miracle  would  be  wrought  in  his  behalf. 

"  Now,"  said  the  chief  officer,  "  are  you  all  ready  to 
start?" 

"  Yes,"  was  the  unanimous  answer. 

"Forward,  then,  and  let  us  go  as  fast  as  we  can  just  at 
tirst,  so  as  to  get  rid  of  that  boy  in  case  he  should  try  to 

'olio  ST  OS.'' 


"  Keep  the  Oxford  Road,"  said  Tom  King — "  ride  along 
it  till  I  tell  you  to  turn  off." 

This  direction  was  clear  and  easy  to  be  carried  out. 

The  boy,  seeing  them  all  start,  started  too. 

No  doubt  he  had  great  faith  in  his  power  of  wind  and 
rapidity  of  motion. 

But  his  vanity,  if  so  we  may  term  it,  received  a  check. 

Tho  officers  started  off  at  full  gallop ;  and  after  running 
for  some  distance,  the  boy,  with  a  howl  of  vexation  and 
despair,  was  forced  to  confess  himself  beaten. 

It  was  hard  indeed  that  he  should  see  the  highwayman 
go  out  of  his  sight. 

But  what  could  he  do  ? 

He  was  unable  to  prevent  it. 

He  was  panting  and  exhausted,  and  so  he  sat  down  to 
think. 

Leaving  him  thus  engaged,  we  will  follow  in  the  steps 
of  the  police  officers  and  Tom  King. 

They  did  not  long  maintain  the  rate  of  speed  with 
which  they  had  commenced  their  journey. 

When  they  slackened,  however,  they  took  good  care 
that  they  should  surround  Tom  as  closely  as  ever. 

The  officer  who  had  thought  of  the  device  of  the  rope 
did  nothing  but  chuckle  about  it ;  and  Tom  wished  that 
so  clever  a  personage  was  at  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  as 
perhaps  but  for  this  he  could  have  given  them  the 
slip. 

Still,  as  he  rode  along  in  company  with  his  captors, 
Tom  could  not  help  feeling  a  very  great  degree  of  satis'* 
faction. 

Looking  back,  it  seemed  scarcely  credible  that  the 
officers  should  have  brought  him  right  away  from 
London,  when  they  had  him  so  near  to  a  place  of  deten- 
tion. 

There  can  be  no  doubt,  however,  that  the  officers  were 
firmly  persuaded  that,  let  what  would  happen,  they  were 
on  the  safe  side. 

Even  supposing  they  should  fail  to  capture  the  othera, 
they  knew  they  should  have  Tom  safe,  and  they  trusted 
to  their  own  ingenuity  and  sagacity  to  keep  him  se- 
cure. 

And  certainly,  looking  calmly  at  the  matter,  it  did 
seem  much  easier  for  them  to  do  this  than  for  Tom  to 
escape. 

However,  we  shall  soon  see  how  all  fared  by  watchiHg 
the  progress  of  events. 

They  had  now  performed  a  considerable  distance, 
London  being  so  far  behind  that  they  might  with  justice 
call  themselves  quite  in  the  country. 

The  leader  of  the  troop  began  to  grow  impatient. 

"Is  it  much  further?"  be  asked. 

"  Not  very  far,"  answerea  Tom,  who  up  to  this  mo» 
ment  had  by  no  means  made  up  his  mind  where  he  was 
to  take  them. 

At  any  rate,  it  would  not  be  anywhere  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Jolly  Tar  Inn,  for  Tom  was  resolved  if  he  could 
not  get  free  himself  he  would  not  be  the  cause  of  bring- 
ing trouble  and  danger  upon  his  comrades. 

"  What  kind  of  a  place  is  it  ?"  persisted  the  officer. 
"  Surely  you  can  give  us  some  description  of  it  ?" 

Tom  could  not  very  well  get  out  of  this,  and,  simple 
as  it  seemed,  this  was  a  great  danger,  and  one  that  he 
had  altogether  omitted  to  take  into  account. 

To  be  sure,  it  would  be  easy  enough  to  draw  upon  his 
imagination  for  the  description  of  some  unexisting  place, 
but  then  there  was  the  difficulty  of  finding  a  place  that 
would  accord  with  his  description. 

a Can't  you  wait?"    he  asked,  pretending   to  laugh- 
"  You  will  know  when  you  oee  it" 
"  But  why  not  tell  us  ?" 
"  Why  should  I  ?- 
"  Is  it  in  a  wood  ?" 
"  Yes." 
"A  cave?" 

"  Well,  not  exactly  a  cave  *  but  <£o  wait  a  few  minutes 
longer,  and  I  will  show  you." 

The  officer  was  6ilent,  and  Tom  rejoiced  to  think  he 
had  got  off  so  easily,  for,  as  will  be  seen,  he  had  not 
pledged  himself  to  anything  infinite. 

He  racked  his  brain  more  than  ever  in  order  to  decide 
upon  some  course  of  action,  but  in  vain. 

Morning,  too,  was  coming  on,  and  he  was  conscioca 
that  by  daylight  his  clianco  of  effecting  his  liboratfeja 
would  bo  maicriii'.ly  lessened. 


1782 


BLACK  BES8;  OX, 


It  seemed  advisable,  then,  to  take  some  speedy  and  de- 
cisive step,  could  he  but  resolve  upon  its  nature. 

Gazing  before  him,  he  saw  in  the  distance  a  sjreat  mass 
cf  trees. 

In  his  excursions  he  had  noticed  them  m&ny  a  time, 
but  he  had  never  been  very  near  to  them. 

From  their  appearance,  however,  it  was  tolerably  clear 
that  they  formed  a  portion  of  a  wood  of  considerable  **-, 
tent.  * 

The  conclusion  which  our  friend  now  came  t®  vyas 
that  while  he  remained  on  horseback  he  stood  no  chance 
whatever  of  effecting  bis  purpose. 

But  how  was  he  to  alight  and  to  induce  his  companions 
to  do  likewise  ? 

The  wood  seemed  to  promise  to  answer  this  purpose, 
and  so  desperate  had  Tom  King  by  this  time  become 
that  he  was  resolved  to  dally  no  longer. 

Accordingly,  looking  towards  the  trees,  he  asked  • 

"  Do  you  see  that  wood  yonder  ?" 

"  Yes.    Is  that  the  place  ?" 

"  It  is." 

"  Then  it  is  time  to  quit  the  high-road  ?" 

"  Yes ;  you  will  find  the  read  easy  enough  across  the 
meadows." 

Just  then  the  officers  happened  to  be  opposite  a  gate 
leading  into  the  fields. 

This  gate  one  of  the  officers,  having  dismounted,  threw 
open. 

A  succession  of  green,  undulating  meadows  alone 
divided  them  from  the  wood  to  which  Tom  had 
pointed. 

To  ride  across  these  was,  of  course,  no  harder  than  to 
journey  along  the  high-road. 

The  excitement  of  the  officers  was  now  wound  up  to 
too  great  a  pitch  to  allow  them  to  speak. 

For  this  Tom  was  thankful,  for  a  succession  of  inqui- 
sitive questions  could  not  have  failed  to  embarks 
him. 

The  border  of  the  wood  was  quickly  reached. 

The  trees  did  not  grow  here  so  closely  together  as  to 
make  it  necessary  for  the  party  to  dismount. 

But  Tom  led  the  way  to  the  thickest  place  he  jould 
find. 

The  officers  seemed  unwilling  to  quit  their  6teeds,  and 
so  forced  a  way  as  far  as  they  were  able,  but  at  length 
the  extreme  density  of  the  vegetation  compelled  them  to 
come  to  a  halt. 

"  What  are  we  to  do  now  ?"  asked  the  leader, 

"Dismount,"  answered  Tom,  laconically. 

"But  our  horses?" 

"  You  must  leave  them  here  with  some  one  to  mind 
them." 

"  But  is  there  no  means  of  getting  to  this  place  with- 
out quitting  our  saddles  ?" 

"  None  whatever.  Do  you  think  Dick  Turpin  would 
take  up  his  quarters  at  a  place  that  you  could  drive  a 
carriage  and  four  into  ?" 

This  was  not  deemed  at  all  likely,  so,  after  the  expres- 
sion of  much  disapproval,  the  officers  dismounted. 

They  were  most  careful  to  keep  a  sharp  look-out  upon 
Tom,  whom  they  surrounded  even  more  closely  than 
ever. 

11  You  seem  greatly  afraid  of  me,"  he  said. 

"  So  wo  ought  to  be,  considering  who  you  are  and 
where  we  are.  Kely  upon  it,  we  are  not  going  to  let  you 
slip  through  our  fingers  as  others  have  done." 

"Bat  you  are  not  going  to  keep  this  rope  round  me, 
eurely  ?" 

"  Indeed  but  we  are !" 

"  It  will  be  most  awkward  to  get  through  the  trees  in 
tills  fashion." 

u  It  cannot  be  helped,  for  we  do  not  icSeud  to  proceed 
in  any  other  manner." 

"  Well,  as  you  will,"  replied  Tom,  resigue  lly.  "  I  can 
perform  my  part  of  the  affair' ': 

The  two  officers  who  held  the  ends  of  the  rope  mat 
was  fastened  round  Tom's  wais-t  seemed  to  fix  Their  hands 
for  even  a  firmer  grasp  than  they  had  yet  maintained. 

Hemmed  in,  then,  by  his  foes  even  more  closely  than 
when  on  horseback,  the  little  strangely-assorted  party 
forced  their  way  among  the  tangled  brushwood. 

At  every  step  tlioy  took  it  became  darker   and  darker, 
for  the  tali  trees  cast  deep  shadows  about  their  roots. 
8' '11,  Tom  could  not  help  admitting  to  himself  the  dis- 


agreeable fact  that  he  was  about  as  far  from  the   accom- 
plishment of  his  design  as  ever. 

He  fancied,  too,  that  the  officers  regarded  him  sus- 
piciously, as  though  they  had  an  idea  that  he  was  not 
acting  in  good  faith  towards  them. 

Perhaps  it  wa3  Tom's  own  conscience — which  is  ever 
its  own  accuser — made  him  fancy  this. 

The  crisis  had  arrived,  however. 

r$he  next  few  moments  would  either  show  him  a  free 
man  or  else  the  officers  would  discover  the  deception  thfct 
had  been  practised  upon  them. 

The  latter  seemed  to  be  more  probable  than  the 
former. 

Tom  pressed  his  teeth  together  hard,  and,  looking 
keenly  round  him,  resolved  to  embrace  the  first  oppor- 
tunity that  presented  itself. 

But  he  watched  in  vain. 

All  at  once,  to  his  disappointment  and  dismay,  they 
emerged  into  a  considerable  spaco  that  was  quite  bare  of 
trees. 

The  officers  gave  vent  to  exclamations  of  surprise. 

Tom  was  no  less  astonished,  but  he  concealed  the 
state  of  his  feelings  tolerably  wclj. 

He  continued  to  advance  with  a  confident  step  across 
the  clearing. 

The  ground  around  now  partook  of  quite  a  rocky 
character. 

Ere  they  had  gone  many  yards,  they  found  themselves 
on  the  brink  of  what  could  not  be  termed  anything  but 
a  precipice. 

They  came  upon  it  suddenly,  owing  to  the  manner  in 
which  the  ground  sloped  upwards,  thus  preventing  them 
from  knowing  what  laid  in  their  path  until  they  were 
within  a  few  steps  of  the  verge  of  the  abyss. 

"  Hullo  !"  cried  the  chief  officer.  "  D— n  me  if  this  isu't 
a  rum  place  you  have  brought  us  to  !  Where  are  we  to 
go  now  ?" 

Tom  could  not  tell  himself. 

But  he  retained  his  confidence  admirably. 

"  This  way,"  he  said,  and  he  approached  a  little  closer 
to  the  brink  of  the  chasm. 

He  took  in  at  one  glance  the  features  of  the  scene 
around  him,  and  at  the  same  time  resolved  upon  the  course 
he  should  adopt. 

But  before  relating  it  we  must  give  a  brief  description 
of  the  spot. 

At  the  foot  of  the  abyss  we  have  mentioned  flowed  a 
current  of  water — too  wide  to  be  called  a  brook,  and  yet 
scarcely  important-looking  enough  to  be  designated  a 
river. 

It  was  probably  a  woodland  stream  which  was  greatly 
swollen  by  rains,  for  it  rushed  along  almost  with  the 
violence  and  rapidity  of  a  torrent. 

Where  this  stream  came  from  could  not  be  discerned ; 
but  it  flowed  beneath  a  rude  kind  of  archway  in  some 
rocks. 

The  depth  to  the  surface  of  this  water  from  where  Tom 
and  the  officers  stood  was  close  upon  twenty  feet. 

"Which  is  the  way?"  asked  the  officers  again. 

"This,"  was  Tom's  reply. 

At  the  moment  ho  spoke,  he  summoned  up  ail  hia 
energies,  and  gave  a  tremendous  bound  forward. 

He  had  observed  that  the  rope  was  held  scarcely  so 
tightly  as  it  had  been,  for  the  officers  seemed  disinclined 
to  stand  too  near  to  the  brink,  and  doubtless  they  thought 
Tom  would  not  venture  to  go  closer. 

But  his  sudden  movement  took  them  completely  by 
surprise. 

Tbey  had  the  chance  either  of  releasing  their  hold  or 
plunging  over  the  abyss  with  their  prisoner. 

They  chose  the  former  course. 

The  rope  slipped  through  their  fingers,  ami  the  high- 
W  ayman  disappeared. 

There  was  a  g^er*-]  shout,  and  then  the  one  in  com- 
mand came  as  close  te  the  edge  of  the  precipice  as  he 
dared,  and  looked  down. 

He  caught  sight  of  Tom  in  the  water. 

Ho  was  either  swimming  or  elso  being  carried  along  by 
the  current. 

It  was  scarcely  light  enough  to  distinguish  which. 

"  We  havo  not  lost  him  yet."  he  screamed — "  not  yot  I 
Follow  me!  We  snail  have'  him  eitcr  all!  Ii  is  im- 
possible for  him  to  escape  i" 


EiS    KHIGHT  OF  THB  BOAD. 


]  7aa 


CHAPTER  MXLVI. 

C05T3UES  TO  RELATE  THE   DNPARALLELLx*  ATVSaTCBES 
,         OF   TOM  KINO. 

Nothing  but  the  knowledge  of  the  fact  that  his  life  was 
at  stake,  and  that  this  was  his  only  chanua  ci  escape, 
could  have  induced  Tom  King  to  adopt  so  perilous  ua 
expedient  as  the  one  we  have  described. 

He  was,  in  fact,  just  then  rendered  deflorate,  as  he 
greatly  loared  that  the  officers  would  suspect  h«.  was  only 
playing  with  them. 

He  trusted  that  the  depth  of  the  stream  would  be  suffi- 
cient to  preserve  him  from  any  injury,  and  certainly  the 
tremendous  rapidity  with  which  the  water  rushed  along 
would  serve  to  keep  him  from  reaching  the  bottom  very 
easily. 

Ho  scarcely  hoped,  however,  that  ho  should  bo  able  to 
snatch  the  rope  from  the  hands  of  the  officers. 

Still,  he  had  no  doubt  that  if  he  carried  them  over  the 
abyss  he  should  have  little  difficulty  in  disentangling 
himself  as  soon  ta  he  reached  the  water. 

This  trouble,  as  it  happened,  was  saved  him. 

The  rapid  descent  through  the  air  deprived  T^m  of 
breath,  and  upon  plunging  into  the  stream  hf  1&3  par- 
tially deprived  of  consciousness. 

Still,  he  was  sensible  of  a  sharp  shock  of  pain,  and 
instantly  afterwards,  actuated  by  instinct,  he  was  battling 
with  his  arms. 

The  great  force  of  the  current  carried  him  rapidly 
along  without  any  effort  on  his  part. 

The  only  exertion  he  had  to  make  was  that  requisite 
to  keep  his  head  above  the  surface  of  the  water. 

This  was  a  comparatively  easy  matter. 

The  intense  coldness  of  the  water  seemed  to  hav^  % 
reviving  and  stimulating  effect  upon  him. 

His  brain  grew  clearer  each  second. 

He  could  hear  the  cries  of  his  pursuers. 

Whereabouts  they  were  situated  he  could  not  tell,  nor 
did  he  make  any  particular  endeavour  to  inquire 

They  were  in  his  rear,  and  that  sufficed. 

Then  a  shadow  seemed  to  fall  upon  him. 

Looking  up,  he  perceived  a  huge,  ragged  mass  of  rock. 

Before  him  was  the  rudely-formed  arch  to  which  wo 
have  already  adverted. 

The  force  of  the  stream  was  drawing  swiftly  to  it,  and 
at  the  prospect  he  could  not  repress  a  shudder — 

It  seemed  to  him  that  if  he  once  passed  under,  he  should 
be  hurried  into  the  very  bowels  of  the  earth. 

He  tried  to  arrest  his  course. 

But  the  effort  was  a  vain  one. 

He  had  not  the  strength  to  cope  with  60  large  a  body  of 
•  .rater. 

He  drifted  beneath  the  arch. 

The  effect  was  as  though  he  had  plunged  from  day  into 
the  darkest  night. 

But  just  as  he  passed  under  he  heard  a  loud  cry  behind 
which  he  felt  assured  was  given  utterance  to  by  the  officers 
upon  seeing  him  disappear. 

The  loudness  of  the  cry  convinced  him  that  they  could 
not  be  far  off,  so  that  had  he  succeeded  in  arresting  his 
course  at  the  moment  he  wished  to  do  so,  he  would  have 
fallen  again  into  the  hands  of  his  foes ;  for  in  his  present 
condition,  it  was  next  to  impossible  that  he  would  b  abje 
to  cope  successfully  with  so  many. 

Of  the  two,  then,  he  infiuitely  preferred  drifting.  Jwoath 
the  rocks  to  becoming  again  a  prisoner. 


manage  in  his  rapid  course  to  seize  upon  one  of  thesa 
stalactites,  he  might  be  able  to  arrest  his  further  progress, 
and  remain  there  until  the  officers  had  taken  their  depar- 
ture from  the  vicinity. 

No  sooner  did  this  thought  strike  him  than  he  endea- 
voured to  carry  it  into  effect. 

The  first  be  attempted  to  catch  hold  of  eluded  his  grasp, 
for  the  water  uasning  continually  against  the  rockwork 
rendered  it  as  smooth  as  ice. 

But  it  seemed,  nevertheless,  to  cneck  the  tremendous 
speed  at  which,  up  to  that  moment,  he  had  been  going. 

For  this  reason  he  had  all  the  better  chance  of  seizing 
the  next. 

He  did  so,  and,  to  his  eatreme  satisfaction,  succeeded 
in  achieving  his  purpose. 

Clinging  tightly  to  the  slippery  object,  he,  after  many 
struggles,  succeeded  in  getting  upon  his  feet. 

Even  then  it  required  no  trifling  amount  of  exertion  to 
maintain  an  upright  posture. 

But  it  was  a  great  relief  thus  to  be  freed  from  the  rude 
buffetings  of  the  water,  for  now  that  he  stood  up  the 
water  did  not  reach  up  so  high  as  his  waist. 

The  officers,  to  whose  proceedings  we  now  for  a  mo- 
ment or  two  return,  instantly  followed  their  leader,  who 
took  his  course  in  the  direction  of  the  very  archway  of 
which  we  have  had  occasion  60  many  times  to  make  men- 
tion. 

His  quick  eye  had  descried  a  path  by  means  of  which 
he  would  be  able  to  descend  to  this  point. 

He  had,  however,  to  take  a  very  circuitous  route,  so 
that  before  he  could  reach  this  point,  Tom  King  drifted 
out  of  sight. 

It  was  then  that  they  set  up  the  cry  which  floated  along 
the  surface  of  the  water  to  the  ears  of  our  oJd  friend. 

They  crowded  as  closely  as  they  could  round  the  mouth 
of  the  arch,  and,  stooping  down,  they  endeavoured  to  see 
what  lay  beyond. 

But  they  could  see  nothing  but  darkness. 

"  This  is  a  rum  job,"  said  one—"  blow  me  if  it  ain't !  I 
should  think  he  must  be  mad,  or  he  would  never  have 
taken  such  a  jump  as  that — and  to  go  under  there  too ! 
Why  it  seems  to  go  into  the  very  middle  of  the  earth !" 

"  I  believe,"  said  another,  "  that  he  was  insensible  from 
the  fall,  and  drifted  under  here  without  knowing  where 
he  was  going." 

"  At  any  rate,"  said  the  chief,  "  I  will  find  out  whether 
he  is  hiding  just  a  little  way  under  in  the  dark." 

"  Do  you  think  he  is  ?"  asked  one  of  his  companions. 

"  I  do — he  would  scarcely  venture  to  follow  the  stream. 
Stand  aside !" 

With  these  words,  he  came  nearer  to  the  arch. 

"Tom  King,"  he  said,  "  I  believe  you  are  hiding  close 
at  hand.  If  you  are,  come  forth,  for  if  you  don't  show 
yourself  we  will  fire  a  volley  upon  you,  and  we  shall  have 
the  reward  all  the  same,  you  know." 

No  answer  whatever  was  vouchsafed  to  this  speech, 
though  the  officer  waited  for  one  for  several  seconds. 

"  Now,  boys,"  he  said,  "  make  ready,  and  give  it  hin? 
all  together  I" 

Th©  officers  had  their  pistols  ready,  and  at  once 
levelled  thom  in  obodienco  to  this  command. 

"Keep  your  barrels  low,"  said  the  chief.  t:Now 
fire !" 

A  scattering  discharge  followed,  for  the  police  officers 
were  not  well  enough  practised   to  fire  off  a  volley  with 
military  exactness 
The  smoke  obscured  everything  for  *  short  time,  but 


Whether  or  not  he  should  ever  again  ec.s  the  light  ol    when  it   had  dispersed,   and  when  the   many   rattling 


day  was  a  question  which  he  could  not  answer. 

He  had  often  heard  of  streams  which  had  thus  rushed 
under  mountains  and  which  have  never  been  known  to 
emerge  again 

To  what  point  tnose  waters  might  flow  was  a  thing  un- 
known to  man — perhaps  they  went  to  feed  some  huge 
reservoir  in  the  coutre  of  the  earth. 

These  and  other  strange  speculations  flitted  a&ross 
Tom's  brain  in  a  space  of  time  that  would  have  appeared 
incredibly  brief  had  the  rapidity  of  thought  not  been  well- 
Known. 

How  long  it  was  after  entering  this  subterranean  pas- 
f;-.ge  that  he  became  aware  pieces  of  rpek  were  hanging 
pendent  from  the  roof  he  could  not  tell. 

it  must  have  been  only  a  few  moments,  however. 

Tfce  thought  at  once  occurred  to  him  that  if  he  could 


echoes  which  the  discharge  of  the  firearms  had  called 
forth  had  died  away,  there  was  no  change  visible  in  the 
aspect  of  affairs. 

"  I'll  follow  him,"  said  the  chief,  in  tones  of  determina- 
tion— "  yes,  if  you  have  to  ride  a  hundred  miles  to  fetch 
a  boat !  Go,  three  of  you,  at  once  upon  this  errand,  and 
I  will  wait  here  with  the  rest  till  you  come  back." 

We  now  return  to  Tom. 

He  heard  distinctly  the  orders  given  by  the  chief  of  iha 
poliee  officers,  and  as  soon  as  ever  he  "found  they  wars 
about  to  fire  a  volley  he  at  once  took  what  he  thcugi;; 
would  be  effectual  means  to  secure  his  safety. 

He  had  all  at  once  recollected  the  rope  which  was  se- 
cured to  his  waist,  which  of  course  would  assist  him  in 
retaining  his  hold. 

Bethought,  ho  should  bo  able  to  lash  himself  tig&SSj 


17SI 


BLi.CE    BESS  J    OR, 


to  the  pendent  piece  of  rock,  and  in  such  a  manner  that 
he  could  stoop  down  altogether  under  the  water,  which 
would  of  course  shield  him  from  all  injury. 

This  manoeuvre  he  proceeded  at  once  tt»  carry  into 
esftcuUon. 

The  volley  was  fired. 

Just  at  that  moment,  however,  from  savatt  cause  he 
could  not  discover,  the  rope  gave  way,  &nd  he  found 
himself  whirled  round  and  then  carried  along  the  stream 
with  additional  velocity. 

Whether  it  was  that  he  had  failed  to  secure  th*  rope 
properly,  or  whether  the  rock  was  of  too  slippery  a  cha- 
racter to  afford  a  Lold,  he  could  not  tell. 

It  might  be,  too,  that  the  concussion  of  the  atmosphere 
in  so  confined  a  space,  consequent  upon  the  discharge  of 
so  many  firearms,  had  had  the  effect  of  loosening  the 
stalactite  in  its  setting. 

No  matter  from  what  cause,  however,  Tom  found 
himself  being  whirled  along  in  the  manner  we  have  men- 
tioned. I 

The  consequence  of  this  was  that  he  failed  to  overhear 
what  the  officer  in  command  said  about  a  boat. 

Louder  and  louder  roared  the  water. 

Faster  and  faster,  too,  it  flowed,  for  its  channel  kept 
continually  getting  more  and  more  constricted. 

Tom  made  continual  frantic  efforts  to  seize  upon  the 
rocks  as  he  rushed  by  them. 

He  broke  his  nails  and  lacerated  his  fingers  in  the  at- 
tempt, but  without  succeeding. 

Then  suddenly  he  experienced  a  sharp,  heavy  blaw 
upon  the  head,  and  then  after  that  all  was  a  blank. 

The  blow  had  been  given  by  a  mass  of  down-hanging 
rock  against  which  his  head,  being  raised  in  his  endea- 
vour to  check  his  course,  came  into  violent  contact. 

Not  more  than  a  second,  however,  appealed  to  elapse 
before  he  opened  his  eyes  again. 

How  long  be  had  remained  unconscious  was,  however, 
a  thing  about  tfhich  he  could  form  no  sort  of  idea  what- 
ever. 

He  looked  iVbout  him  at  first  vacantly  and  dreamily. 

Then  a  voi>»e — yes,  surely  a  human  voice — sounded  in 
his  ears. 

That  did  wiore  towards  bringing  Tom  to  his  censes 
than  anything  else  could. 

A  voice  meant  danger. 

Accordingly,  he  made  a  tremendous  effort  to  regain 
his  footing,  for  he  was  aware  that  he  was  no  longer  in 
the  water. 

In  this  attempt  it  is  not  likely  he  would  have  been 
successful,  however,  had  not  some  one's  hands  grasped 
him  tigWtly  and  assisted  him  to  rise. 

By  the  time  he  was  in  an  erect  posture,  Tom  had  re- 
covered the  use  of  his  senses,  and  was  able  to  take  full 
cognizance  of  all  that  was  going  on  around  him. 

At  first  he  was  so  amazed  at  the  strange  character  of 
the  objects  he  beheld  that  he  was  at  a  loss  to  know 
whether  he  was  really  awake  or  dreaming. 

Looking  around,  he  first  of  all  made  the  discovery  that 
he  was  standing  in  the  midst  of  a  huge,  almost  circular, 
dome-like  chamber. 

The  sides  were  composed  of  masses  of  rugged  rock, 
which  in  some  places  glittered  and  shone  resplendently, 
as  though  some  one  had  been  busy  covering  them  with 
gems  and  burnished  gold. 

But  the  glittering,  as  Tom  perceived,  had  its  origia  in 
the  lie;ht  falling  upon  certain  places  where  the  rockwork 
was  prismatic. 

How  high  this  cavern  was  be  could  form  no  accurate 
conception,  for  a  kind  of  luminniv*.  mistv  cloud  concealed 
the  topmost  portion  of  the  dome  altogetua? 

Tnere  was  also  a  strange  vibration  of  the  eartn  and  a 
deafening,  rushing  noise. 

This  he  quickly  found  to  be  caused  by  the  impetuous 
current  of  the  stream,  which  rushed  into  the  cavern  with 
great  violence. 

Then  there  was  a  kind  of  mimic  waterfall,  close  to  the 
base  of  which  was  a  sheet  of  nearly  placid  water  of  cot- 
siderable  extent,  and  finally  there  was  another  rude  arch, 
beneath  which  the ,  turbulent  water  once  more  es- 
caped. 

These  were  the  west  striking  features  of  the  place  in 
which  Tom  thus  strangely  and  unexpectedly  found  him- 
self, and  such  as  he  was  able  to  take  in  and  comprehend 
by  giving  one  gknee  around  him. 


But  the  being  in  whose  grasp  he  svfil  was  ? 

Who  was  that  ? 

Tom  wrenched  himself  round  with  considerable  »lo 
lence — with  much  more,  indeed,  than  there  was  any  ne- 
cessity for  him  to  make  use  of,  and  consequently  ha 
6taggered  and  nearly  fell  again. 

Then  hia  eyes  encountered  one  of  the  most  singular 
boings  in  kOEian  shape  that  he  had  ever  looked  upon. 

It  was  a  man  whose  age  would  be  the  most  difficult 
thing  to  guess  at,  for  the  whole  of  his  face  was  thickly 
covered  with  grizzly,  bristly  hair,  which  had  the  appear- 
ance of  being  totally  neglected. 

The  same  thing,  too,  might  have  been  said  of  his  head, 
for  the  hair  upon  it  was  inextricably  matted  together,  and 
hung  down  in  tangled  masses  upon  hia  back  and 
shoulders. 

His  clothing  was  torn  and  tattered  in  a  thousand 
places,  and  so  faded  and  so  worn  that  scarcely  a  guess 
could  have  been  hazarded  as  to  its  original  condi- 
tion. 

He  regarded  Tom  with  a  look  by  no  means  unfriendly, 
though  he  seemed  not  a  little  surprised  at  the  rough 
treatment  to  which  he  had  been  subjected. 

Observing  with  what  astonishment  Tom  gazed  upon 
him,  the  singular  figure  spoke. 

"  You  are  amazed  to  see  me  here,  no  doubt,"  he  said,  in 
a  low,  constrained,  sad  voice :  "  but  not  more  so  than  I 
am  to  behold  you  in  this  place,  for  I  believe  that  since 
the  creation  of  the  world  we  are  the  only  human  beings 
who  have  ever  stood  beneath  this  roof." 

"  You  speak  truly,"  said  Tom,  "  I  am  amazed  indeed. 
But  how  chances  it  that  you  are  hero  ?" 

The  stranger  smiled  sadly. 

•'You  shall  know,"  he  said.  "  We  shall  have  ample 
time  for  explanation  and  communication  with  each  other. 
We  are  destined  to  become  better  acquainted  than  we 
are  now." 

"  How  so  ?  Your  words  must  be,  I  think,  needlessly 
enigit  atical." 

"  They  shall  bo  so,  thon,  no  longer.  Let  me  ask  you 
whether  you  did  not  by  an  accident  find  yourself  in  the 
power  of  the  current,  and  whether  you  were  not  help- 
lessly carried  beneath  a  rude  natural  archway  at  the  base 
of  a  Hiiss  of   rock  ?" 

"Sack  was  the  case,"  answered  Tom.  "But  why  do 
you  ask  ?     How  did  you  surmise  it  ?" 

"  Because  that  is  just  how  I,  long,  long  ago,  was  carried 
into  this  place." 

Tom  started,  for  a  fearful,  horrible  supposition  began 
to  force  itself  upon  his  mind. 

"And  why  have  you  remained?"  said  Tom,  though 
when  he  asked  the  question  he  dreaded  to  hear  the  reply 
to  it. 

"  Because  I  have  not  been  able  to  leave." 

"  Why  not  ?" 

"  I  am  kept  a  prisoner." 

"By  whom?" 

"  By  these  masses  of  rugged  rock." 

"  You  still  speak  in  enigmas,"  said  Tom,  endeavouring 
to  maintain  his  usual  calmness. 

"  Then  I  will  speak  plainly,  and  in  a  few  words  you 
shall  know  the  worst.  And  yet  before  I  speak,  let  me 
desire  you  to  summon  up  to  your  aid  all  the  fortitude 
which  you  possess." 

"  I  am  prepared." 

"  Then,  as  I  have  said,  I  was  caught  by  the  eurrent 
and  carried  under  the  arch.  I  had  been  out  with  a  boat, 
and  had  been  expressly  warned  against  this  place ;  but  I 
was  in  the  vortex  before  1  was  aware  of  it." 

"  And  how  did  you  escape  ?" 

l-By  a  merciful  providence  I  was  thrown  up  on  the 
shoro  here,  if  I  may  so  call  it.  Luckily,  I  had  sufficient 
strength  and  sense  to  drag  myself  completely  out  of  the 
water." 

"  And  do  you  mean  to  assert,"  said  Tom,  glancing 
around,  "that  there  is  no  means  of  exit  from  this 
place  ?" 

"  None  whatever." 

"  Have  you  tried  ?" 

"  Yes,  as  a  man  would  try  whose  object  was  to  irao 
himself  from  a  lifelong  solitary  imprisonment." 

Tom  drew  a  long  breath. 

He  knew  what  an  incentive  such  a  motive  as  ife# 
stranger  had  expressed  would  be 


TH8   WVOUT  0?   THB   BOAB. 


17® 


|MCK   TUBPIS   AND   MAUD  AT  TI1E  TURNPIKE   OATS-j 


5fet  't .<ui  tru  aot  satisfied. 

Ud  to  this  moment  the  exciting  nature  of  the  exxra- 
trdiuary  events  which  had  just  occurred  had  prevented 
him  from  thinking  at  all  about  the  officers,  but  the 
word  imprisonment  had  served  as  a  Rev-note  to  bring  him 
to  his  recollection. 

Ha  listened.  .  ..    . 

No  sound,  however,  reaened  his  ear  to  indicate  that 
iuch  persons  as  police  officers  had  existence  ewi 

That  they  would  follow  him  seemed  in  the  highest 
degree  doubtful.  .  „„„, 

The  consideration  of  thi3  contingency,  however,  Bug- 
rested  another  thought,  and  he  asked,  quickly : 
*  "Have  you  never  tried  toleav*  this  place  by  the  same 
joats  as  that  by  which  you  entered  it  ?" 

•I  have.     That  was  the  most  obvious  course. 

4  It  is  impossible,  then  ?" 
Ms.  224.— Black  B*aa, 


"  It  is." 

"Wbv?"  «i 

«  Because  just  whore  the  etream  enters  the  eavwa itu 
violence  of  the  current  is  so  tremendous  that  it  is  ait*- 
gethe,  impossible  to  stand  against  it  I  have  tried  and 
tried  again  and  again,  as  you  may  easily  suppose  I  should 
when  1  discovered  that  then,  was  no  other  chance  of 
leaving." 

»  But  where  does  the  wstor  flow  ? 

»  Through  another  low  and   narrow  arch  yonder  ;  it  it 
at  the  opposite  extremity  of  the  cavern. 
"  And  where  does  that  lead  ?" 

« Heaven  knows,"  answered  the  stranger,  with  a 
shudder.  "  For  aught  that  I  can  tell,  it  may  flow  miles 
£  the  earth,  or,  what  is.  mow  likely,  it  *ay  by  «ome 
underground  course  empty  itself  into  the  sea.  Look,  U* 
ocean  must  at  one  time  have  rolled  where  we  now  st»*4 


So.  224. 


Tkice  One  Halfpenny, 
No.  225  will  be  Published  next  Monday, 


17«fc- 


BLACK    GBSJ;   OS, 


and  this  huge  chamber,  doubtless,  was  hollowed  out  by 
the  never-ceasing  rushing  of  waves  carried  on  for  count- 
less ages." 

While  making  this  impressive  speech,  the  stranger  had 
picked  up  from  the  floor  of  the  cavern  what  seemed  to  be 
a  handful  of  coarse  sand. 

But  upon  investigation,  Tom  found  that  iSocnsisted  of 
aumberless  sh^Us — soma  merely  fragments,  and  others 
quite  entire. 

'•*  You  amaze  ma,"  said  Tom,  gazing  around  him  with 
admiration.  "  I  had  no  conception  of  the  existence  of 
such  a  place." 

The  stranger  sighed. 

"Under  other  circumstances,"  ho  said,  "a  closo  and 
diligent  examination  of  this  cavern  would  have  afforded 
me  infinite  delight ;  as  it  is,  it  has  served  to  while  away 
the  tedium  of  many,  many  hours." 

"And  have  you  been  long  in  this  place  ?" 

"  So  long  that  I  have  lost  the  computation  of  time,  for 
I  know  not  the  day,  the  month,  nor  even  the  year.  I 
&ad  lost  all  hope  of  ever  beholding  one  of  my  fellow- 
creatures  again ;  and  when,  a  short  time  ago,  I  saw  you 
floating  in  the  water,  no  words  can  describe  my  sensa- 
tions." 

These  disclosures  produced  a  dull,  stupified  effect  upon 
Tom  King. 

He  could  not  thoroughly  realise  the  awful  nature  of 
his  situation. 

Perhaps  the  manner  of  the  stranger  tended  in  no  small 
degree  to  produce  this  feeling,  for  he  spoke  with  the 
calmness  and  resignation  of  one  who  knows  that  what  he 
Titters  is  a  foregone  conclusion. 

By  his  manner  he  was  evidently  fully  convinced  that 
it  was  not  in  the  power  of  human  beings  to  effect  an 
escape  from  that  place. 

Tom  was  not  so  assured  of  this,  however,  and,  in  spite 
of  his  disagreeable  position,  he  could  not  help  experienc- 
ing considerable  satisfaction  at  having  thus'  escaped  from 
the  power  of  his  foes. 

All  things  are  judged  by  contrasts,  and  therefore,  by 
comparison,  Tom  did  not  feel  that  discontent  which  any 
other  person  would  have  exhibited  who  was  not  similarly 
situated  to  himself. 

Thac  his  enemies  would  have  the  boldness  to  penetrate 
to  his  present  retreat,  he  did  not  for  one  moment 
believe. 

Nor  was  Tom  in  any  immediate  hurry  to  make  the 
attempt  to  get  free,  lest  in  succeeding  ho  should  again 
fall  into  their  power. 

The  stranger  was  not  a  little  astonishod  at  Tom's 
iudifference,  and  at  length  he  was  compelled  to  remark : 

"  You  must  be  no  ordinary  man  to  treat  this  matter  so 
calmly.  I  should  have  imagined  that  so  dreadful  a 
prospect  as  imprisonment  for  life  would  have  filled  you 
with  despair." 

"  I  don't  know  that  I  am  very  different  to  other  people," 
answered  Tom ;  "  bnt,  for  one  thing,  I  do  not  very 
readily  yield  myself  to  despair." 

"  Ah !  I  see  now  how  it  is — you  are  incredulous  ;  you 
do  not  believe  that  you  are  threatened  with  such  a  fate  as 
I  have  mentioned." 

"I  do  not  doubt  one  word  you  have  said  ;  but  I  con- 
fess I  shall  be  much  better  satisfied  of  the  impossibility  of 
quitting  this  place  when  I  have  tried  my  best  to  do  so 
and  failed." 

The  stranger  looked  at  him  with  compassion. 

"Believe  me,"  he  said,  "this  hope  you  cherish  is  a 
delusive  one.  Had  escape  been  possible,  do  you  think  I 
should  have  remained  here  thus,  sundered  from  all  who 
hold  me  dear,  and  who  must  ever  remain  in  ignoranae  of 
my  miserable  fate  ?"  » 

Tom  did  not  r^pry,  but,  feeling  by  this  time  something 
like  himself,  proceeded  to  look  around  the  cavern  ia^ 
which  he  had  been  so  strangely  cast. 

The  stranger  followed  in  hissteps. 

He  really  felt  the  deepest  sensations  of  pity  for  our 
friend,  for  he  knew  how  long  it  was  before  he  could 
bring  his  mind  to  a  realisation  of  the  dreadful  fact  that 
he  was  entombed  alive. 

He  remembered  what  he  Guffered  at  the  time  when  all 
hope  was  extinguished,  and  ho  deeply  compassionated 
t»at  old  friend. 

Bvt  then  this  stranger  did  not  know  Tom's  indomit- 
able resolution,    and  doubtless  the  reader    feels  most 


strongly  convinced  that  the  impediments  would  tie  ol  no 
ordinary  character  that  would  prevent  him  from  once 
more  working  his  way  to  the  surface  af  the  earth. 

Suddenly  Tom  stopped. 

"I  have  just  been  wondering,"  he  exclaimed,  "how 
you  manage  to  obtain  food  in  this  subterranean  plaoe.  Of 
course  there  must  be  some  means  of  doing  so,  or  you 
would  not  be  in  existence  at  the  present  moment ;  but 
what  it  can  be  completely  puzzles  me." 

"  I  am  confined  to  one  particular  kind  of  diet — a  thing 
which,  under  some  circumstances,  would  no  doubt  be 
deemed  a  hardship,  but  it  is  infinitely  better  than  starva- 
tion." 

"  But  what  is  it  ?  I  am  filled  with  the  utmost  curiosity 
to  know." 

"  Why,  that  pool  or  lake  yonder — whichever  you 
think  fit  to  call  t — abounds  with  fish,  and,  fortunately  for 
me,  they  are  easily  captured." 

"And  is  this  the  only  means  of  support  you  have 
had  ?" 

"  It  is  indeed." 

Tom  half  shuddered. 

Such  a  life  as  the  stranger  described  having  led  must 
in  good  truth  have  been  a  dreadful  one. 

But  Tom  at  present  was  animated  and  inspired  by 
the  belief  that  he  could,  if  he  made  the  attempt,  release 
himself. 

Whether  this  belief  was  well  founded  or  not  will  soon 
be  seen. 

He  examined  the  interior  of  the  cavern  with  great 
curiosity,  looking  closely  into  every  nook  and  corner,  for 
all  that  he  saw  was  new  and  strange. 

In  one  nook  he  came  upon  the  remnants  of  a  fire. 

Only  a  few  white-looking  embers  remained,  and  they 
seemed  on  the  very  point  of  utter  extinction. 

"  That  must  have  been  one  great  comfort  and  consola- 
tion," remarked  Tom,  pointing  to  it. 

"It  has  been  indeed,  but  will  be  no  longer,"  was  the 
answer   given,  with  the  deepest  dejection. 

"  Indeed  !    How  so  ?" 

"  Why,  when  I  first  drifted  into  this  place,  being  a 
smoker,  I  had  the  means  about  me  of  produoing  a  light 
readily.  From  time  to  time,  quantities  of  dead  leaves, 
twigs,  and  other  rubbish  had  accumulated  in  various 
corners ;  with  these  I  made  a  fire.  I  thought  the  supply 
of  material  would  be  inexhaustible  ;  but  I  have  discovered 
my  error.     The  last  morsel  has  been  used." 

"  Then  a  sojourn  here  in  future  will  be  even  more  un- 
comfortable than  it  has  been  hitherto  ?" 

"It  will,"  answered  the  strangor,  with  a  sympathetic 
shiver,  "  for  in  the  gloomy  winter  time  the  nights  here 
are  fearfully  cold,  owing,  I  suppose,  to  the  presence  of  so 
large  a  body  of  water." 

Tom  said  no  more,  but  continued  his  exploration. 

He  paused  for  some  time  before  the  archway  through 
which  he  had  been  carried. 

Here  the  water  issued  with  such  tremendous  rapidity 
and  violence  that  it  seemed  to  be  boiling. 

Never  before  had  Tom  beheld  so  impetuous  a 
current. 

The  stranger  stood  silently  by  his  side. 

"  It  would  be  an  achievement  of  no  ordinary  difficulty, 
would  it  not,  to  attempt  to  force  a  passage  in  defiance  of 
such  a  stream  as  that  ?  What  chance,  think  you,  would 
you  have  of  retaining  a  footing  thore  ?" 

"It  would  be  impossible  to  do  so  unaided,"  replied 
Tom,  after  a  few  moments'  reflection ;  "  but  I  am  far  from 
feeling  convinced  that  it  would  ba  impossible  for  us,  by 
our  united  means,  to  overcome  even  a  greater  obstacle 
than  this." 

In  spite  of  his  belief  that  there  was  no  hope  of  release, 
and  in  spite,  also,  of  thinking  that  this  conviction  was 
firmly  impressed  upon  his  mind,  a  slight  flush  of  colour 
tinged  the  stranger's  cheeks. 

Tom  noticed  it ;  but  made  no  comment. 

His  thought  just  then  reverted  to  his  foos, 

He  wondered  whether  they  had  abandoned  the  pursuit 
as  hopeless 

He  fancied  they  must  have  done  so. 

Whether  the  police  officers  would  be  m&d  enough  to 
trust  themselves  in  a  boat  to  thread  the  intricacies  and 
encounter  the  unknown  perils  of  this  subterranean  stream 
time  alone  can  show. 

At  any  rate,  he  could  not  distinguish  above  the  roaring 


?HB    KNIGHT  O?  TH3  KOAD. 


178  J 


of    the    water   any    Bound    indicative     of     their     ap- 
proach. 

Tho  spot  upon  which  he  had  been  standing  was  con- 
siderably above  the  level  of  the  other  portions  of  the 
cavern  floor,  to  reach  which  it  was  necessary  to  r~<».ke 
their  way  down  a  winding  path. 

The  water,  however,  rushed  off  the  brink  of  a  kind  of 
precipice,  and  fell  with  great  force  into  a  kind  of  basin, 
thus  fanning  that  mimio  waterfall  of  which  we  have 
already  spoken. 

Th<?  water  whirled  round  for  some  time,  and  finally 
expanded  itself  into  a  pool,  the  surfaoe  of  whichA.by  com- 
parison, was  almost  calm. 

It  was  from  here,  as  the  stranger  had  said,  his  only  food 
had  been  obtained,  and  Tom,  as  he  looked  down  at  the 
water,  could  see  multitudes  of  one  kind  of  fish  disporting 
themselves. 

Passing  on,  Tom  came  at  last  to  the  other  outlet  of  the 
water. 

This  arcn  closely  resembled  the  one  at  the  other  side  of 
the  cavern  ;  but  it  was  higher  and  wider,  and  the  water 
did  not  rush  through  with  so  much  swiftness,  though,  as 
he  stood  listening  and  looking  down  the  dark  passage,  he 
fancied  he  could  hear  a  commotion  of  waters  like  that 
which  would  be  produced  by  another  waterfall. 

Whether  this  was  so  or  not,  he  was  unable  to  deter- 
mine, for  the  darkness  which  prevailed  just  within  the 
arch  wa3  such  as  to  seem  of  a  tangible  character — an 
actual  substance — instead  of  something  merely  produced 
by  the  absence  of  light. 


CHAPTER  MXLVII. 

TOM     ElJfG      MAKES     A     MOST     DESPERATE     ATTEMPT      TO 
ESCAPE  I"UOM    THE    CAVERX. 

Still  continuing  to  look  down,  Tom  indulged  in  many 
speculations  as  to  the  course  which  the  headstrong 
stream  would  probably  take. 

The  idea  which  his  new-found  companion  had  ex- 
pressed concerning  it  seemed  to  be  a  very  probable  one 
indeed. 

As  he  gazed,  nothing  seemed  more  likely  than  that  this 
watercourse  poured  itself  into  some  inner  chamber  of  the 
earth. 

He  was  compelled,  too,  to  admit  that  the  aspect  of 
things  did  not  promise  well  for  the  success  of  an 
escape. 

But  for  all  that,  our  old  friend  was  not  down- 
hearted. 

Had  ho  been  confined  in  the  innermost  dungeon  of 
Newgate,  with  his  limbs  loaded  with  irons,  and  with  the 
closest  guard  kept  upon  him  by  his  jailors,  he  would  not 
have  looked  upon  self-liberation  as  impossible,  and 
would  have  essayed  his  best  to  regain  his  freedom. 

In  comparison  with  such  a  task  as  this,  the  escape  from 
a  cavern  seemed  absolutely  trifling. 

The  stranger  watched  Tom's  countenance  very  closely, 
striving  to  read  all  the  thoughts  that  were  passiug 
through  his  mind. 

Although  he  would  not  admit  it  even  to  himself,  Tom's 
confident  manner  had  done  much  towards  enlivening 
that  hope  which  the  stranger  fully  believed  was  quite 
extinct  in  his  breast — namely,  that,  after  all,  it  might  be 
possible  once  again  to  look  upon  the  surface  of  the 
earth. 

"  What  think  you  of  tho  prospect  now  ?"  he  asked,  in 
a  voice  which  he  strove  hard  to  make  seem  indiffereut. 
"  Do  you  find  that  I  have  exaggerated  the  position  ?" 

"  Not  much,"  said  Tom.  "  I  confess  the  situation  is 
unpromising  enough.  Still,  I  can  assure  yoa  Us  ft  I  shall 
use  every  effort  to  get  away,  nor  shall  J  be  at  ell  par- 
ticular in  what  1  attempt,  as  I  shall  feel  it  fa  letter  to 
lose  life  in  such  a  cause  than  passively  sit  down  hes©  and 
nnger  out  a  miserable  existence." 

"  You  are  right,"  answered  the  6tranger,  "  and  1  ought 
not  to  have  shrunk  so  much  from  risking  my  life  as  I 
have  done." 

Tom  did  not  reply,  but  looked  narrowly  at  the  walls 
of  the  cavern,  as  though  with  a  view  of  forming  some 
estimate  of  the  probability  of  finding  a  means  of  scaling 
them. 

The  stranger,  observing  him,  added  t 

u  In  what  way  shall  you  make  your  first  attempt  ?" 


"  I  can  scarcely  answer  that  question  yet,"  replied  Tom 
King,  thoughtfully. 

"But  you  were  thinking  about  scaling  the  walls." 

"  I  was  wondering  whether  such  a  thing  was  possible, 
because  up  above  there  must  be  EumDeriess  crevices  and 
fissures,  or  else  how  would  this  light  nsneVMe  here  ?" 

"  There  can  bo  no  doubt  about  tae  existence  of  such 
fissures  as  you  describe ;  but  then  the  walls  are  so 
perfectly  perpendicular  and  smooth,  that  I  do  not  see 
how  they  can  be  climbed." 

"We  shall  see  better  after  awhile,"  was  Tom's 
answer.  "  But  if  all  other  means  fail,  there  is  ono  which 
I  shall  have  desperation  enough  to  hazard." 

uWhatisthat?" 

Tom  did  not  verbally  reply,  but  raised  his  finger  and 
pointed  to  the  dark  cavernous  arch   through   which  the 
water  seethed. 

k  You  do  not  mean  that  you  would  commit  yourself  to 
that  torrent?" 

"  I  should.  But  let  m©  tail  you  that  would  be  the  last 
resource." 

"I  should  think  so,"  replied  the  stranger,  with  a 
shudder.     "  It  would  be  a  desperate  chance  indeed." 

"  Yet  I  should  think  it  preferable  to  long  years  of  im- 
prisonment in  this  place,  and  then  perhaps  at  the  end 
a  painful  death  by  starvation  and  cold." 

"  But  consider,"  said  the  stranger :  "  you  know  not 
even  that  this  watercourse  conducts  to  freedom.  Then 
how  horrible  the  idea  of  imagining  oneself  hurried  with 
breathless  rapidity  through  intense  darkness,  and  borne, 
it  may  be,  into  the  very  centre  of  the  earth." 

"  I  admit  all  that ;  but  I  should  not  think  it  any  more 
horrible  than  the  contingency  to  which  I  have  just  re- 
ferred." 

To  this  the  stranger  made  no  answer,  and  Tom  King 
now  set  about  the  task  of  scratinr'aing  every  portion  of 
the  wall. 

He  considered  that  by  now  a  sufficient  length  of  time 
had  elapsed  to  warrant  him  in  taking  steps  for  his  libera- 
tion, as  he  thought  the  chances  were  he  should  hear  no 
moro  of  the  police  officers. 

Could  ho  but  succeed  in  getting  away  from  his  present 
most  undesirable  quarters,  he  felt  he  should  indeed  have 
ample  grounds  for  self-congratulation,  while  the  intense 
and  utter  disappointment  suffered  by  the  police  officers 
would  always  furnish  him  with  a  mirthful  subject. 

An  examination  of  every  portion  of  the  cavern's  walls 
impressed  Tom  strongly  with  the  conviction  that,  situ- 
ated as  they  were,  it  was  hopeless  bo  think  of  scaling 
them. 

"  No  matter,"  he  said,  "  my  resources  are  not  exhausted 
yet ;  and  so  far  from  allowing  this  first  failure  to  dis- 
hearten me,  I  shall  only  set  about  the  next  with  additional 
vigour  and  determination." 

The  stranger,  upon  hearing  this,  gave  a  peouliar  smile, 
which,  however,  Tom  was  by  far  too  busy  to  notice. 

But  doubtless  the  stranger  was  thinking  of  the  timo 
when  he  was  as  full  of  ardent  aspirations  as  Tom  was 
then. 

Our  friend  now  bent  his  way  again  to  that  point  at 
which  the  stream  entered  the  cavern. 

"  Is  the  current  always  as  strong  as  it  is  now  ?" 

"  Very  nearly.  I  fancy  the  volume  of  water  has  boon 
greater  lately." 

"  Have  you  ever  tried  to  stand  against  it  f  * 

"  Yes." 

"Aad"  failed?" 

"  Completely." 

"Well,  it  is  but  the  matter  of  another  wetting,"  said 
Tom,  calmly,  "so  I  will  try  myself.  Besides,  perhaps 
you  did  not  have  such  a  thing  as  this  to  aid  you." 

As  he  spoke,  Tom  King  caught  hold  of  one  end<p  the 
rope,  which  still  remained  tied  round  his  waist  fs.  tire 
uianner  we  have  described. 

The  stranger  shook  his  head. 

Tom  untied  the  knot. 

The  rope  was  long  and  strong. 

"  The  very  thing,"  said  Tom.  * B?ow  look here— I  will 
show  you  how  to  try  an  experiment." 

Some  little  distance  above  the  centre  of  the  arch  was  a 
sharp,  jutting  piece  of  rock— in  shape  more  like  a  gigaotib 
spike  than  aught  else. 

A  slip  knot  having  been  tied  in  ono  end  of  the  rope, 
Tom  cast  it  over  this  projection  and  drew  it  tight. 


1788 


BLAOK.  BESS ;   OB, 


Then  grasping  the  other  end  seourely,  Tom  stepped 
into  the  stream. 

The  violence  of  the  current  was,  however,  sometning 
cf  which  he  had  no  conception  until  then. 

Before  he  was  aware  of  it  he  had  lost  his  footing. 

In  vain  he  struggled  to  regain  it. 

He  kept  fast  his  hold  upon  the  rope,  and  well  it  was 
that  he  did  so,  or  ho  would  inevitably  have  been  carried 
over  the  verge  of  the  waterfall. 

So  great  was  the  force  of  the  water,  that  all  attempt? 
to  make  his  feet  touch  the  rocky  bed  were  futile. 

He  was  completely  borne  up  upon  the  surface. 

"  Help  me,"  ire  said,  to  the  stranger—"  pull  ma  to  the 
thore!" 

The  request  was  complied  with  in  a  moment. 

"You  seemed  at  first  to  think,"  remarked  the  -stranger, 
"  that  I  had  made  no  thorough,  resolute  effort  fe"  release 
myself,  but  that  was  a  mistake,  for,  as  you  sea,  your  second 
attempt  has  succeeded  no  better  than  the  first." 

"  Very  true,"  said  Tom,  as  he  shook  the  water  from  his 
drenched  garments.  "  I  am  now  thoroughly  convinced 
of  the  hopelessness  of  attempting  to  effect  an  egress  in 
that  direction,  though  I  have  no  doubt  that,  could  we 
but  once  get  beneath  the  arch,  we  should  then  find  that 
the  violence  of  the  current  was  much  abated." 

"  But  how  to  do  it  ?" 

"  I  don't  believe  it  can  be  done." 

"  You  have  tried,  then,  what  I  believe  to  be  the  only 
means  by  which  the  cavern  may  be  left." 

"  You  forget  the  other  arch." 

"No,  I  do  not,  but  I  do  not  look  upon  that  a?  another 
means,  and  I  should  think  that  to  pass  under  it  would  be 
nothing  in  the  world  else  but  deliberate  suicide." 

"Why  so?" 

"  Because  it  is  opposed  to  all  probability  that  the  water- 
course can  find  an  outlet  anywhere  above  ground." 

"And  I  consider  you  have  very  slight  grounds  for 
coming  to  such  a  conclusion." 

"  Then  you  think  it  likely  that  it  flows  out  somewhere 
£t  the  side  of  the  mountain  ?" 

» I  do." 

The  stranger  shook  his  head. 

Tom  now  set  about  the  removal  of  his  rop9  from  the 
projecting  point  of  rock,  which  ho  found  to  be  no  easy 
matter. 

Id  the  end.  however,  h"  succeeded,  and  theB  sat  down 
to  rest  himself  and  to  think  further  of  what  be  purposed 
doing. 

There  was  no  shrinking  from  his  purpose,  for  Tom's 
nature  was  such  as  to  cause  him  to  prefer  losing  his  life 
in  an  attempt  to  release  himself  from  captivity  to  remain- 
ing for  an  indefinite  time  a  prisoner. 

And  yet,  for  all  that,  he  had  no  desire  to  throw  his  life 
away,  and  that  is  why  he  sat  down  to  give  the  subject 
further  consideration. 

He  wished  to  make  a  trial  first  of  what  he  was  about  to 
do,  and  then,  should  it  fail,  for  him  to  be  ablo  to  make  his 
way  back  into  the  cavern  agaic  and  try  some  other 
scheme. 

His  reflections  were  of  too  busy  a  nature  to  allow  him 
to  remain  long  seated. 

Starting  up,  he  made  his  way  to  the  second  arch,  and 
there  remained  for  several  moments  as  though  vacantly 
gazing  upon  the  water  that  was  hurrying  beneath  it. 

The  stranger  still  continued,  as  before,  to  watch  every 
movement  and  change  of  countenance  with  the  utuiost 
closeness. 

Before  Toi^  had  been  gazing  long  be  came  to  the  son- 
elusion  that  toe  current  here  was  by  no  means  as  violet:1 
as  at  the  other  arch — indeed,  he  believed  he  cculd  suc- 
cessfully make  a  stand  against  it. 

This  wax  a  point  most  important  to  be  ascertained. 

Tom  was  not  the  one  to  remain  long  in  doubt  'n  a  ™se 
When'  the  matter  might  so  easily  be  solved,  so  he  once 
again  called  the  services  of  the  rope  into  requisition. 

Affixing  it  to  a  point  of  the  rock  and  seizing  hold 
tightly  of  one  end  he  committed  himself  to*'.-  watf  as 

before. 

A  cry  of  KatisTaf*tif>n  announced  thiil  his  anticipations 
were  not  ill  founded. 

l$y  the  aid  of  ;■  slight  amount  nl  assistance  from  the 
rope   In-  wa.»  i J «le  tii  maintain  In-  footing  fir  uly. 

This  wa>  a  gr^aii  «w*.  accomplish  o  J,  *nd  encouraged 
him  to  orocaee. 


Bis  next  step  was  to  pass  cautiously  under  the  arch— 
the  water  being  about  only  up  to  his  middle. 

In  this  manner  he  proceeded  as  far  as  the  rope  would 
allow. 

He  was  now  in  pnofound  darkness,  Dut  ho  was  greatly 
surprised  to  discover  that  the  channel  widened  consider 
ably,  so  that  the  water  neithar  flowed  eo  swiftly  as  before 
uor  was  it  so  deep. 

14 1  wish  the  rope  was  a  few  yards  longer,"  he  muttered 
as  ho  made  a  vain,  endeavour  to  pierce  the  deep  obscurity. 
"But  this  is  a  great  deal  gained.  I  must  new  set  to  work 
and  try  what  my  ingenuity  can  invent." 

Tom  had  not  much  trouble  to  get  back  again. 

"What  think  you  of  our  prospect  now?"  askod  the 
stranger. 

"  I  have  every  hope  of  success,"  was  Tom's  reply. 

"But  how  f" 

44  The  current,  a3  I  told  you,  is  nothing  like  so  strong 
SS  I  imagined,  and  I  believe  it  would  be  quite  possible  for 
us  to  fellow  the  course  of  the  passage  so  far  as  we  thought 
proper,  and  then  retrace  our  steps,  should  there  be  a  ne- 
cessity for  doing  so." 

"  But  is  it  not  a  desperate  chance  ?" 

"  No  more  desperate  than  we  ought  to  try.  Listen  : 
The  sides  appear  to  be  uniformly  rough  and  jagged. 
Now  I  think  that  if  we  secure  the  ends  of  the  rope 
round  each  other's  waists,  we  might  venture  in  safety, 
because  you  would  take  one  side  and  I  the  other.  Then, 
by  clinging  tightly  we  could  advance,  and  have  double 
the  power  over  the  force  of  the  current." 

"  1  don't  think  much  of  your  plan,"  said  the  stranger, 
with  great  candour.  "  But  perhaps  you  understand  these 
matters  much  better  than  I  do,  and  therefore  I  shall  leave 
this  to  you." 

"  But  do  you  consent  to  aid  me  ?" 

"I  do ;  for  I  am  so  weary  of  my  existence  here  that  I 
would  do  anything  that  offered  a  chance  of  putting  a 
period  to  it." 

"  Oome,  then,"  said  Tom,  "  let  us  try  now.  The  sooner 
we  sit  about  it  the  better." 

The  rope  was  now  disengaged. 

One  end  Tom  secured  tightly  round  his  waist  in  such 
a  way  that  the  knot  would  neither  slip  nor  come  un- 
done. 

The  stranger  followed  his  example,  and  then,  after  re- 
peating his  instructions,  Tom  ventured  to  enter  the 
water. 

The  stranger  entered  at  the  same  moment. 

Both  took  a  tight  grasp  at  the  sides  of  the  arch,  and 
then  prepared  to  advance. 

"  Cling  tightly,"  said  Tom ;  "  and  I  will  get  as  far  as  I 
can  in  advance.  Then  I  will  hold  with  all  my  might, 
and  you  can  advance  too." 

"  Go  on,"  was  the  reply  given,  in  tones  of  great  deter- 
mination. 

Tom  was  very  circumspect  in  all  his  actions,  never  re- 
leasing his  hold  upon  one  point  of  the  rock  until  he  had 
'igbtly  grasped  another. 

Bat  keeping  thus  to  one  side  carried  anothsr  advantage 
with  it,  for  this  was  where  the  watej  rushed  with  great 
impetuosity. 

The  tightening  o?  the  rope  warned  Tom  that  he  could 
proceed  to  further,  so,  grasping  a  jutting  portion  of  rock 
with  both  arms,  he  called  to  his  compauion  to  follow  him. 

His  injunction  was  immediately  complied  with. 

All  went  well. 

Each  step  taken  thus  safely  served  to  fill  the  stranger 
with  increased  confidence  and  hope. 

He,  too,  went  on  until  the  tightness  of  the  cord  pre* 
rented  him  from  going  further. 

"  Now,"  said  Tom,  "mai* tain  a  tight  hold,  so  that,  in 
case  I  may  misvi  my  grasp,  you  will  be  able  to  savo  mo 
from  drifting  completely  away." 

"  Rfght     Go  on." 

Tom  obeyed  unhesitatingly,  and  the  prepress  tney 
made  soon  served  to  show  tho  stranger  the  excellence  of 
the  mode  ot  operation. 

Ii  was  a  dreadful  progress,  though,  and  one  that  taxed 
the  courage  to  the  utmost. 

In  u  very  -lion  time  indeed  they  became  totafty  in- 
volved in  darkness. 

VVh-n  they  turned  a  shuddering  look  back,  the  archway 
through  which  tn  y  had  ^ia.-.-,od  wa*  scarcely  discernible 
from  tho  goueral  jfluom. 


THB   KNIGHT   OF  THB   ROAD. 


1789 


Before  them  not  the  faintest  ray  of  light  could  be  per- 
eeived  to  indicate  that  there  was  in  front  any  opening  by 
which  they  could  achieve  their  much-wished-for  escape. 

The  roaring  of  the  water,  too,  added  inexpressibly  to  the 
dismalness  of  'heir  situation. 

"  Courage  F  cried  Tom,  fancying  his  companion  flagged 
a  little — "  courage !  All  is  goiDg  wall !  This  is  much  more 
than  I  ventured  to  anticipate." 

But  his  voice  was  almost  drowned  by  the  doafti.ing  die 
of  the  tumnltiug  water ;  and  he  was  scarcely  certain  whe- 
ther the  full  import  of  his  words  had  been  caught 

The  stranger,  however,  struggled  on. 

But  the  water,  which  was  of  an  icy  coldness,  had 
an  awfully  numbing  effect  upon  their  limbs. 

Their  fingers,  too,  were  so  much  chilled  thst  every 
moment  the  task  of  holding  the  rockwork  became  inoro  and 
more  difficult. 

There  was  another  circumstance,  too,  whion  shortly 
occurred,  and  which  promised  badly  for  them. 

The  passage  narrowed,  and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  the 
current  increased  in  Impetuosity. 

^  he  water  also  flew  up  in  a  kind  of  spray,  which, 
falling  on  .the  rockwork,  rendered  it  as  slippery  as  glass. 

The  stAnger  felt  his  strength  was  failing  him. 

Ho  wished  to  retrace  his  steps,  believing  that  no- 
thing lay  before  them  but  certain  death. 

He  called  out  to  Tom  to  that  effect. 

But  his  voice  was  drowned  by  tho  roaring  of  the 
water. 

Ho  called  again  and  again. 

Finding  no  notice  taken,  he  waited  till  the  rope 
tightened. 

Then  he  tugged  at  it,  in  the  hope  of  conveying  to  Tom 
his  desire  to  retrace  his  steps. 

But  this  action  was  performed  at  a  most  unfortunate 
moment. 

Tom  felt  that  he  had  not  so  good  a  grasp  as  usual,  and 
endeavoured  to  better  it. 

This  was  the  moment  when  the  stranger  gave  the 
rope  a  sharp  snatch. 

Slight  as  it  was,  it  proved  too  much  for  the  strength  of 
Tom's  fingers. 

His  grasp  slipped  off  the  glass-like  rock,  and  in  tho 
twinkling  of  an  eye  he  found  himself  being  carried  with 
frightful  rapidity  along  the  watercourse. 

His  first  act  upon  recovering  his  senses  a  little  was  to 
utter  a  loud  shout  of  warning  to  his  companion. 

But  long  before  this  cry  had  escaped  his  lips  the 
stranger  had  been  dragged  from  his  hold  by  the  force 
with  which  Tom  had  been  carried  away. 

After  making  several  ineffectual  efforts  to  arrest  the 
rapidity  of  his  progress,  Tom  abandoned  the  attempt,  and 
directed  all  his  energies  towards  the  task  of  treeping  him- 
self from  being  violently  dashed  against  the  rugged  sides. 

On — on  he  went,  with  a  swiftness  that  made  tho  pre- 
servation of  his  breath  a  matter  of  extreme  difficulty. 

On — on,  each  moment  his  speed  becoming  more  and 
more  terrific ! 

On — on,  until  by  degrees  all  consciousness  left  him,  save 
a  small  amount  which  still  enabled  him  from  time  to  time 
to  make  feeble  efforts  for  his  preservation. 

How  far  he  was  thus  carried  along  in  this  Egyptian 
darkness  he  was  not,  of  course,  able  to  form  the  least 
idea. 

It  must,  nowover,  nave  Deen  a  very  great  distance,  for  a 
long  time  6lapsed,  and  the  current  carried  him  along  with 
extreme  velocity.  % 

More  than  onco  his  oody  was  dashed  with  coiwapi^sle 
violence  against  tho  rockwork,  and  this  would  (serve  to 
restore  to  him  a  portion  ot  nis  senses  just  as  he  was  ibout 
losing  them  altogether. 

At  last,  with  a  sudden  rush,  he  found  himself  carried 
out  into  the  daylight. 

How  it  was  he  could  never  recollect 

He  must  have  been  in  a  condition  closely  verging  upon 
insensibility,  for  be  never  noticed  the  gradual  change 
from  darkness  to  light  which  must  inevitably  have  taken 
place. 

He  was  weal^  bruised,  and  much  exhausted. 

Nevertheless,  he  managed  to  crawl  to  the  sloping  shore; 
but  no  sooner  whs  be  fairly  out  of  reaoh  of  the  water  than 
his  strength  liti  r;v  left  him  and  consciousnesses  well. 

Tho  uext  »-.:f'.-.aii(.in  he  experienced  w»a  one  of  intense 
field. 


Opening  his  eyes,  be  found  that  the  moon  stn.i  stars 
were  shining  brightly  in  the  undimmed  sky  above  him. 

By  slow  degrees,  as  he  painfully  raised  himself  up,  the 
recollection  of  what  had  happened  came  clearly  to  his 
mind. 

With  a  sudden  start  he  looked  round,  hoping  to  catch 
sight  of  his  companion. 
But  he  was  disappointed. 

There  was  the  rope  still  attached  to  his  own  waist,  but 
by  some  means  or  otner  it  nad  been  parted  in  the  middle 
— apparently  bj  chafing  against  some  point  of  rock. 

Painfully  ana  with  difficulty  Tom  rose  to  his  feet,  for 
a  cost  benun<oing  stiffness  had  taken  possession  of  every 
joint. 

At  first  he  was  so  weak  as  scarcely  to  be  able  to  main- 
tain an  erect  posturo. 

Straining  his  eyes,  he  endeavoured  to  catch  sight  of  the 
stranger. 
But  in  vain. 

All  around  was  as  silent  as  some  forest  never  trodden 
by  human  feet. 

The  scene  was  picturesque  and  beautiful — especially  so 
now  that  all  harsh  and  rugged  features  were  softened  by 
the  silvery  effulgence  of  the  moon. 

On  one  side  was  a  mass  of  rock  of  a  kind  and  structure 
rarely  met  with  in  an  English  landscape. 

It  was  from  the  base  of  this  that  the  subterranean  stream 
had  issued,  and  Tom  listlessly  watched  where  it  flowed 
calmly  and  gently  through  the  smooth  green  meadows, 
affording  no  indication  of  its  former  turbulence. 

"He  is  gone,"  said  Tom  King,  at  length,  having  satis- 
fied himself  that  no  trace  of  his  late  companion  could  bo 
seen — "  he  is  gone,  but  where  I  cannot  guess.  I  must  be 
moving,  too.  My  veins  are  like  ice,  and  nothing  but  rapid 
motion  will  get  my  blood  once  more  into  proper  circula- 
tion. My  horse,  too,  I  have  lost  that.  No  matter,  I  have 
escaped  the  officers,  and  my  loss  is  by  no  means  irrepar- 
able. If  all  is  well,  I  shall  be  able  to  make  my  way  back 
to  the  inn  easily  by  daybreak." 

With  those  words  Tom  turned  round,  and,  at  first  wita 
slow,  uncertain  steps,  made  his  way  from  tho  spot  which 
had  so  nearly  proved  a  fatal  one  for  him. 


CHAPTER  MXLVIIL 

IN  WHICH  MICK  TURPIN  HAS  A  SINGULAR  ADVEHTURE  OM 
THIS  HIGHWAT,  WHICH  IS  PRODUCTIVE  OF  STILL  MORE 
SINGULAR  RESULTS. 

Leaving  the  completion  of  Tom  King's  adventures  ou 
this  night  to  be  related  at  a  mors  convenient  opportunity, 
we  will  return  once  more  to  the  yard  at  the  back  of  the 
Jolly  Tar  Inn,  where,  as  the  reader  will  doubtless  well 
remember,  we  left  Maud  and  Dick  Turpin,  both  mounted 
and  in  the  act  of  setting  out. 

Tho  prospect  of  a  night  of  adventure  and  excitement 
caused  Maud's  cheeks  to  glow,  her  heart  to  flutter,  and 
her  breath  to  come  and  go  quickly. 

"  Are  you  quite  ready  ?"  Dick  asked. 

"  Quite." 

"Come,  then.  Keep  close  by  my  side,  and  at  all 
hazards  obey  implicitly  every  one  of  my  injunctions." 

"You  may  depend  upon  it,"  Maud  answered,  as  she 
gave  her  horse  the  rein. 

The  prospect  of  sharing  all  danger  with  Dick,  and  of 
passing  several  hours  in  his  company  when  she  expected 
to  be  left  in  the  dreadful  solitude  of  the  inn,  enduring  a 
thousand  apprehensions,  filled  her  mind  with  a  joyf  ulness 
to  which  she  had  long  been  a  stranger. 

D*ok  noticed  her  good  spirits,  and  guessing  at  ths 
cause,  could  act  help  experiencing  a  very  large  amount 
of  satisfaction. 

"  Oh,"  Maud  exclaimed,  with  joyful  accents,  "  what  a 
delight  is  this  !  I  feel  it  because  of  the  contrast  which 
it  offers  to  a  sojourn  in  that  awful  place." 

"  We  will  not  remain  there  long,"  replied  Dick,  "  though 
you  ought  to  place  dne  woight  upon  the  security  it 
offers." 

"  I  do — I  do.  But,  nevertheless,  it  does  not  abate  its 
horror.  When  shall  you  commence  your  journey  U 
Stonehenge  ?" 

"  It  will  not  be  long  first." 

"  Do  you  not  think,  Dick,  that  tt  you  «»ere  to  try,  ja% 
could  between  now  and  then  make  s«cn  arran£sfiienta  t» 


1790 


BLACK    BESS ;     OE, 


would  enable  us  all  to  leave  England  in  company  with 
Tom  Davis  ?" 

This  was  a  question  whioh,  on  many  accounts,  was 
a  difficult  one  for  Dick  to  answer. 

Fortunately,  chance  intervened  and  saved  him  tho 
trouble. 

"  Hark!"  he  cried,  just  as  Maud  was  pronouncing  the 
last  word  of  her  interrogation — "  hark  f  I  fancy  I  heard 
something  then!" 

Maud,  dreading  the  approach  of  danger,  listened  with 
the  utmost  iutentness. 

But  all  was  still. 

"  What  was  it  like  ?**  she  at  length  ventured  to  in- 
quire. 

"  I  fancied  a  horse  8  hoots,  but  I  must  have  been  mis- 
taken. Ha  !  here  io  tho  high-road,  Wow.  theu,  it  will  be 
necessary  to  make  use  of  the  utmost  caution. r 

Up  to  this  moment  thoy  had  been  making  their  way 
across  tho  open  country,  but  now,  as  Dick  hud  said,  they 
had  come  to  the  high-road,  which  was  only  separated  from 
them  by  a  hedge  so  low  that  Maud  felt  sure  her  horse 
could  easily  leap  across  it 

Dick  thought  so  too,  and  so  jumped  Black  Bess  over 
first  for  an  example  to  the  other. 

In  less  than  a  second  Maud  was  by  his  side. 

So  far,  then,  all  was  well. 

"Do  you  intend  keeping  upon  the  highway  io-r/ght  ?" 
Bsked  Maud,  with  some  trepidation. 

"I  had  not  decided,"  was  the  reply,  "bu*  I  think  so, 
since  my  intention  in  coming  out  to-night  is  to  meet  with 
a  good  adventure  if  I  can  ;  and  where  am  I  so  likely  to 
succeed  as  upon  the  high-road  ?" 

This  was  an  unanswerable  question,  60  Maud  wisely 
remained  silent. 

Dick  occupied  the  interval  by  listening  keenly,  for  he 
could  scarcely  make  himself  believe  that  he  had  Deen 
deceived  by  some  accidental  sound. 

Still  he  was  unable  to  hear  anything  more 

"  Gome,"  he  said  ;  "  we  will  ride  on  quietly,  and  trust 
to  chance  to  place  something  in  our  way  " 

Maud's  excitement  increased,  and  it  was  no  wonder 
that  it  should  do  so. 

Suddenly  Dick  raised  his  arm  and  pointed  in  advance. 

"  What  is  that  ?"  he  asked.  "  It  is  something  white." 

"A  gate,  I  think,"  answered  Maud. 

"  Yes,  to  be  sure — I  see  it  now  distinctly.  It  is  a  turn- 
pike." 

"  It  is  closed." 

"  Yes,  you  might  expect  it  would  be  at  this  hour." 

"  Shall  you  venture  to  pass  through  ?" 

"  I  think  so.  I  may  be  lucky  enough  to  learn  whether 
any  officers  are  on  the  road  to-night." 

Maud  offered  no  opposition. 

Indeed,  it  would  have  been  most  unwiso  for  her  to 
have  attempted  to  do  so,  since  Dick  must  be  allowed  to 
be  the  best  judge  of  what  ought  to  be  done  in  all 
cases. 

A  very  few  minutes  enabled  them  to  reach  the 
toll-gate. 

A  dim  light  was  shining  from  one  of  the  windows  in 
the  tollman's  little  wooden  dwelling. 

"Gate — gate!"  cried  Dick,  in  a  loud  voice. 

After  a  short  delay  the  door  was  opened,  and  the  toll- 
keeper  made  his  appearance. 

"  Dang  me !"  he  said.  "  I  was  just  poing  to  try  to 
nave  a  little  bit  of  rest.  I  have  been  waiting  hen*  for 
more  than  au  hour  for  some  one  to  come  to  the  gat*\* 

"  And  has  no  one  passed  during  all  that  time  ?"' 

"Not  a  blessed  soul,  sir." 

"That's  very  singular,  isn't  it?" 

"  We  used  to  think  so,  but  now  t^3  are  get  t?-ng  u?ed  to 
it" 

"How  so  ?" 

"  Why,  the  people  are  all  in  such  a  mortal  fright  about  j 
Dick  Turpin  and  the  rest  gf  the  }«ighwaymen  that  they 
would  rather  do  anything  fhau  travel  aftor  dark.     I  don't 
mind  it  much,  for  it  gives  us  a  little  more  peace." 

"  I  suppose  60,"  answered  Dick.  "  And  as  we  nave 
disturbed  you,  take  that  for  your  trouble — I  will  call  for 
ine  change  some  other  day." 

During  the  conversation  just  given,  the  gate  had  been 
unlocked  aud  thrown  open. 

Dick  slipped  a  guinea  into  the  tollman's  hand,  who 
«-as  far  from  expecting  any  such  sum. 


But  it  developed  in  him  a  very  great  deal  oi  latert  po- 
spect  and  civility. 

He  touched  his  hat  several  times. 
Just  as  Dick  was  riding  off,  he  said  : 
"Don't  be  afraid  ( o  ride   back  at  full  speed,  captain  '" 
he  cried,  with  a  meaning  intonation  of  his  voice.     "  Yon 
will  find  the  gate  wide  open." 

"  All  risjht !     Thanks !    Gooa  night  !*' 
*'H-i  knew  you!"  ejaculated  Maud. 
'•  Ho  guessed  who  I  might  be,  perhaps.    However,  I 
shall  look  upon  that  guinea  as  being  particularly  well 
laid  out" 
"  But  snould  you  trust  to  what  ho  said  ?" 
*  Certainly !     I  have  gained  so  much  and  lost  so  little 
by  trusting  to  people  that  I  shall  continue  to  do  so.     If  I 
distrusted  I  could  do  nothing." 

"  It  is  fortunate  no  officers  are  on  the  road." 
"It  is.     And  yet,  if  what  ho  says  is  correct,  I  may 
have  a  good  deal  more  trouble  in  looking  for  an  adven- 
ture than  I  at  all  anticipated." 
"  It  is  getting  very  dark." 

"Very,"  said  Dick,  glancing  up  at  the  sky.  "We 
shall  have  some  rain,  perhaps  a  heavy  storm,  before 
long." 

This  was  anything  but  a  comfortable  prospect. 
There  was  little   doubt  about  Turpin's  words  coming 
'"me. 

Since  their  departure  from  the  inn,  immense  masses  of 
clouds  had  rose  and  thickly  covered  over  the  whole  face 
of  the  firmament,  causing  the  densest  darkness  to  pre- 
vail. 

The  wind  moaned  and  whistled,  too,  among  the 
rustling  tree-tope  with  that  peculiar  and  unmistakable 
sound  so  often  heard  before  a  storm. 

Every  now  and  then  Maud  would  shiver  and  draw  her 
cloak  more  closely  around  her,  for  the  air  was  in  truth 
very  keen. 

Still,  Dick  journeyed  on  with  a  resolute  air,  as  though 
he  by  no  means  intended  that  the  elements  should  inter- 
fere with  his  night's  sport. 

"Hark!"  he  said  again.  "Surely  I  cannot  be  mis- 
taken this  time?" 

"No,"  said  Maud,  "I  can  hear  a  horse  approach- 
ing." 

"  Yes,  and  only  one.  Depend  upon  it,  this  will  prove 
a  lucky  adventure,  as  we  can  make  sure  nothing  but  some 
urgent  business  would  induce  anyone  to  bo  abroad  at 
such  an  hour  as  this." 

Tho  traveller  came  on  at  a  steady  rate,  as  though  he 
had  a  long  journey  before  him.  ' 

Dick  came  to  a  halt. 

"Now,  Maud,"  he  said,  "place  yourself  in  the  shadow 
of  this  hedge.  There,  that  will  do,  and  on  no  account 
must  you  move  until  I  come  back  to  you.  If  I  feel  sure 
you  are  here  I  shall  retain  my  calmness.  If  you  venture 
forth,  it  will  so  discompose  me  that  my  adversary  will  be 
able  to  take  every  advantage  of  it,  and  the  worst  may 
happen." 

"  I  promise,"  said  Maud,  who  was  terrified  to  death  at 
tho  thoughts  which  Dick's  words  had  suggested — "  I  pro- 
mise faithfully  to  remain  immovable.  Don't  let  that  dis- 
turb you ,  but  for  my  sake  do — do  be  careful  of  your 
safety !" 

"  1  will,  dtpend  upon  it !"  said  Dick,  who  now  rode 
sfowly  on  towards  the  approaching  traveller. 

When  he  judged  himself  close  enough,  Dick  increased 
hi  •    •see. 

Somewhat  to  his  surprise,  the  traveller  did  so  likewise, 
as  though  he  was  anxious  to  bring  about  a  meeting  as 
quickly  as  possible. 

Dick   was  still   more  surprised  St  finding   that    this 
stranger,  beyond  all   doubt,   rode   directly  towards  him, 
j  and  manifestly  in  a  most  aggressive  manner. 
'      This  was  something  altogether  unaoeountablo  and  un- 
precedented. 

But  Dick's  state  of  wonderment  did  not  prevent  him 
from  homing  on  his  course  with  his  accustomed  steadi- 
ness. 

Another  half-dozen  paces  brought  himself  and  the 
stranger  face  to  face. 

"  Stand,"  said  Dick,  in  a  resolute  tone  of  voice—"  stand  i 
Notriflh'g!  Hand  over  what  valuables  you  have  ahoas 
you !" 

The  stranger  stopped  at  once. 


TE3  KNIGHT  0*   THH   JKOXD. 


17S2 


but  instead  of  seeming  affected  by  the  highwayman's 
demand,  ho  burst  into  a  loud,  coarse-sounding  laugh. 

"What!"  he  exclaimed,  "you're  not  on  the  toby  lay, 
are  you  ?  That's  a  joke  now  !  I  was  just  going  to  cry 
'Stand  and  deliver!'  to  you,  for  I  was  fairly  out  of 
patience  with  waiting.  I  have  positively  been  riding  up 
and  down  here  for  the  last  two  hoctre  Without  catching 
sight  of  anyone  but  yourself ;  and  as  for  money,  I  etiiy 
wish  I  had  a  trifle  about  me  ;  if  I  had,  ~~ya  would  not  «<j« 
me  here  in  the  cold." 

"But — but,"  ejaculated  Diak,  wuo  was  considerably 
taken  aback  by  this  address,  "  you  don't  mean  to  say  you 
are  a  highwayman  ?'" 

"  Nothing  more  nor  iess,"  responded  the  man  with 
another  laugh.  "  What  do  you  say — shall  we  join  together, 
and  try  whether  fortune  will  favour  us  t" 

"  No,  no,"  answered  Dick,  somewhat  hastily — "  you  go 
your  way  and  I  will  go  mine." 

44  As  you  like,"  was  the  reply,  given  with  another 
laugh.  "  Good  night !  and  I  hope  you  will  have  better 
luck  than  I  have  met  with  at  present." 

"Goodnight!"  said  Dick,  who  was  more  annoyed  at 
this  encounter  than  he  liked  to  admit  even  to  him- 
self. 

The  highwayman  rode  on  somewhat  smartly  in  the 
direction  of  the  toll-gate. 

Dick  repaired  to  the  spot  where  he  had  left  Maud. 

He  found  her  trembling  slightly  and  full  of  anxiety  to 
know  the  result  of  the  adventure. 

"  Why — confound  the  fellow  ! — ho  had  the  impudence 
to  tell  me  he  was  a  highwayman." 

"A  highwayman?"  ejaculated  Maud. 

"  Yes ;  and  what  is  more,  he  declared  he  was  about  to 
ciy  '  Stand !'  when  I  forestalled  him." 

Maud  could  not  help  smiling. 

"  What  a  harsh,  disagreeable  laugh  he  had !" 

"  Very.  But  come  on,  we  will  venture  to  try  fortune 
a  little  further." 

"Did  you  feel  that?" 

"What?" 

"That  drop  of  rain." 

44  No  ;  but  now  I  do,  though." 

Dick  Turpin  might  well  say  this. 

The  first  drop  which  Maud  had  felt  seemed  to  be  the 
immediate  precursor  of  a  thousand  others,  for  such  a 
violent  descent  of  rain  now  ensued  that  was  altogether  un- 
paralleled in  Dick's  experience. 

In  less  than  a  moment  they  were  both  nearly  drenched 
to  the  skin. 

"Confound  it!"  Turpin  said.  "Nothing  but  mis- 
fortune !  What  could  be  more  unfortunate  than  this*? 
You  should  have  stayed  at  the  inn,  Maud,  and  then  you 
would  have  been  spared  this  wetting." 

*But  I  should  have  been  separated  from  you,  and  that, 
in  my  thinking,  overbalances  every  other  considera- 
tion." 

Dick  could  not  be  displeased  at  this  speech. 

But  he  was  determined  that  Maud  should  suffer  no 
more  from  her  devotion  to  him  than  he  could  possibly 
help. 

By  the  aspect  of  the  elements,  he  could  tell  that  the  rain 
would  continue  to  fall  for  a  considerable  length  of 
time. 

Consequently,  he  began  to  look  about  him  for  a  shelter 
of  some  kind,  to  which  they  could  betake  themselves 
until  the  violence  of  the  rain  had  to  some  extent 
abated. 

lie  had  not  been  looking  long  before  he  caught 
sigct  of  a  light  glimmering  at  some  distance  -o 
advance. 

Nothing  could  have  been  more  welcome  to  his  ayes 
than  this. 

He  accelerated  his  speed  instantly. 

"  Come,  Maud,"  ho  cried,  "we  will  try  to  get  nnder 
cover  for  a  few  moments  at  any  rate." 

Upon  drawing  nearer,  he  discovered  that  the  light 
proceeded  from  one  of  the  windows  in  a  comforta Die- 
looking  jld  roadside  inn. 

TTpoD  seeing  this,  he  paused  for  half  a  moment,  foi  he 
was  doubtful  whether  it  would  be  altogether  eafe  or  ex- 
pedient to  attempt  to  gain  an  entrance  here. 

But  he  had  the  word  not  only  of  th«  tollman,  but  of 
the  highwayman  as  well,  that  there  had  been  no  one 
Whatever  os.  the  road  for  a  considerable  leng'.h  of  time. 


It  was  consequently  rather  unlikely  that  he  would  be 
recognised  by  the  people  keeping  the  inn,  for,  to  the  beat 
of  his  belief,  Dick  had  never  been  in  this  part  of  the 
country  before. 

This  cousideration  induced  him  to  run  the  risk  of  tak- 
ing shelter  for  a  time. 
\     The  clatter  of  their  horses'  feet,  as  they  drew  up  beside 
•  the  long  wooden  borse-trough,  quickly  brought  the  land- 
7  tord  and  ostler  to  \he  door. 


"A  roughish  night,  sir,"  said  the  former,  samtingDick 
— "but  just  such  weather  as  I  expected  wo  should 
have. ' 

"  Wo  will  stay  here  awhile,"  said  Dick,  "if  you  can 
accommodate  myself  and  my  wife  with  a  private  room." 

"Certainly — certainly!"  was  the  brisk  reply.  "Step 
this  way,  if  you  please." 

Dick  was  on  the  ground  in  a  moment,  and  assisted 
Maud  to  alight  with  a  rapidity  that  astonished  the  two 
lookers-on. 

"Leastways,  sir,"  continued  tho  landlord,  as  ho  ushered 
his  guests  across  the  threshold,  "  it's  not  exactly  a  pri- 
vate room,  but  I  have  no  doubt  it  will  answer  your  pur- 
pose quite  as  well,  if  you  do  not  think  of  making  a  long 
stay." 

"  Let  us  see  it." 

"  Yes,  yes — certainly !  Be  good  enough  to  follow  me. 
This  way,  if  you  please." 

With  an  abundance  of  obsequiousness,  the  landlord 
conducted  our  two  friends  along  the  passage  of  the  inn 
and  into  a  room  in  which  a  bright  fire  was  burning  cheer- 
fully, and  which  most  certainly  was  not  a  private  ono, 
inasmuch  as  several  persons  were  sitting  in  it,  engaged 
in  the  agreeable  occupations  of  smoking,  drinking,  talk- 
ing, and  warming  themselves  at  the  fire. 

The  landlord  crossed  this  apartment,  and  opened  an 
inner  door  leading  oirt  of  it. 

Dick  and  Maud  followed  him  as  closely  and  as  quickly 
as  possible,  in  order  to  escape  the  curious  regards  which 
were  bent  upon  them. 

The  chamber  into  which  the  landlord  conducted  them 
could  not  be  called  otherwise  than  a  very  comfortable 
one. 

There  was  a  fire  burning,  a  lamp  was  lighted,  and  a 
general  air  of  that  comfort  and  cleanliness  for  which,  as 
a  rule,  country  English  inns  are  so  celebrated,  pervaded 
everything. 

"  This  will  do,  sir,  I  suppose  ?"  said  the  landlord. 

41  Oh  yes,  very  well !  I  will  just  follow  you  out  to  the 
ba,ck,  to  see  where  the  horses  are  put " 

"  Oh,  sir,  there  is  no  occasion  for  your  taking  that 
much  trouble,  I  assure  you !  I  will  make  a  point  of  at- 
tending to  them  myself." 

"  Thanks !"  persisted  Dick ;  "  but  there  are  some  little 
matters  in  the  holsters  of  which  I  stand  in  need,  and 
these  I  should  much  prefer  fetching  myself." 

"  Oh,  by  all  means !  You  can  follow  me  this  way- 
there  is  no  occasion  to  go  through  the  front  room." 

The  landlord  now  opened  another  door,  which  Dick 
had  not  yet  had  time  to  perceive. 

It  communicated  with  the  back  part  of  the  premises. 

Dick  was  very  glad  to  see  it,  for  it  seemed  to  promise 
him  an  avenue  for  speedy  escape  in  case  circumstances 
should  arise  to  render  flight  necessary. 

"  I  shall  not  be  a  momont,  Maud,"  he  said,  with  a  pecu- 
liar smile.     "  Remain  here  till  I  return." 

With  these  words  upon  his  lips,  he  followed  the  land- 
lord into  a  kind  of  kitchen,  by  means  of  a  door  in  which 
they  gained  access  to  tho  yard. 

Tho  stables  were  close  at  hand. 

Dick  had  only  made  an  idle  excuse  when  he  rsentioned 
the  holsters,  but  still  it  sufficed  to  furnish  a  plausible 
reason  for  wishing  to  pay  a  personal  v*«it  to  his  horses  in 
the  stable. 

When  h«  entered,  the  ostlor  was  engaged  in  removing 
the  trappings.  » 

"  Stay  !"  cried  Dick — "  it  is  not  worth  while  to  do  that, 
for  I  shall  only  stay  hero  a  very  short  time.  Just  loosen 
tho  girths  and  take  the  bits  out  of  their  mouths — you 
need  not  trouble  yourself  to  do  anything  more." 

The  man  at  once  desisted,  and  proceeded  to  fetch  the 
corn,  a  greater  quantity  of  which  was  put  into  the  manger 
than  probably  there  woidd  have  been  had  Dick  not  beea 
present. 

Dick  fumbled  at  the  holsters,  and  then  said: 


u^s 


BLACK    BE8S  j    02 


"Give  them  both  a  good  rub  down,  my  man,  and  have 
them  ready  at  the  time  I  want  you.  I  sha'u't  forget 
yon." 

"All  right,  sir." 

So  saying,  Turpin  hastily  ran  after  the  landlord  into 
the  house,  for  the  rain  seemed  to  be  coming  down  faster 
than  ever.      « 

"  Bring  a  bottle  of  wine,"  ha  said. 

"  Very  good,  sir — a  drop  of  the  best  ?" 

"  Yes,  the  very  best  your  cellar  can  afford—  ih&  prieo 
will  not  bo  out  of  my  roach." 

The  landlord  made  a  mono  obsequious  bow  tnan  usual, 
while  he  wished  that  such  customers  as  Dick  were  ouly  a 
little  more  common. 

Maud  was  glad  to  see  Dick  return. 

"  It  is  rather  ridiculous,"  she  whispered,  M  to  a&ii  iliis 
*  private  room." 

"Why  so?" 

"Because  don't  you  see  that  formerly  this  and  the 
next  both  formed  one  room,  and  now  they  have  been 
divided  by  a  very  thin  wooden  partition,  which  does  not 
reach  to  the  ceiling.  We  are  private  so  far  as  being  free 
from  being  seen,  but  every  syllable  can  be  overheard." 

"No  matter,"  said  Dick,  though  he  was  not  very  well 
pleased,  nevertheless.  "  We  shall  not  be  hero  long,  so 
it  is  not  worth  while  to  make  any  fuss  about  it." 

They  were  interrupted  at  this  moment  by  the  entrance 
of  the  landlord  carrying  the  bottle  of  wine. 

"  There,"  he  said  ;  "  when  you  taste  that  you  will  say 
it  is  not  such  wine  as  ordinarily  falls  to  a  traveller's 
share.  In  fact,"  he  added,  in  a  confidential  whisper,  "  I 
bought  it  for  my  own  drinking." 

Dick  fancied  Maud  looked  sewjewhat  pale  and  languid, 
eo  he  said : 

"  Have  you  anything  at  hand  tempting  to  the  appe- 
tite?" 

"  As  luck  will  have  it,  I  have ;  for  you  must  knot\ ,  sir, 
that  a  sale  will  be  held  here  to-morrow,  and  a  cold  dii  ner 
is  to  be  provided.  We  are  cooking  the  things  now,  and  ) 
feel  pretty  certain  there  are  some  beautiful  boiled  chickens 
just  ready  to  take  out  of  the  pot." 

"  The  very  thing  I"  cried  Dick.  "  Bo  quick,  and  bring 
one  hero !" 

The  landlord  vanished. 

Maud  smiled,  and  murmured : 

"It  is  very  kind  of  you,  Dick,  to  be  so  thoughtful." 

"  Tut,  tut — nonsense !  But  what  a  nuisance  that  noise 
is." 

The  noise  to  which  Dick  referred  proceeded  from  the 
adjoining  room,  and  was  caused  by  the  persons  who  were 
sitting  there  talking  all  together  in  a  loud  voice. 

But  Dick  soon  saw  this  was  an  advantage,  for  it  prevented 
any  conversation  between  Maud  and  himself  from  being 
overheard. 

"We  ought  to  think  ourselves  most  fortunate  in  falling 
into  such  comfortable  quarters.  I  assure  you  it  is  far 
more  than  I  ventured  to  expect." 

Just  as  he  spoke,  the  landlord  again  entered,  carrying 
before  him  on  a  tray  about  as  tempting  and  appetising  a 
meal  as  could  well  be  placed  before  any  hungry  travel- 
lers. 

There  was  a  beautiful  boiled  chicken,  with  some  white 
home-made  bread  and  other  necessary  etceteras. 

"There!"  the  landlord  cried — "though  I  say  it,  that 
is  a  meal  for  an  emperor.  Is  there  anything  else  you 
require  ?" 

"  Nothing,  I  think." 

"If  there  is,  just  pull  that  bell-wire,  and  I  will  be 
with  you  in  a  moment." 

So  saying,  to  the  relief  of  both  our  friends,  he  quitted 
the  room. 

Maud  and  Dick  both  laid  aside  as  much  of  their  appa- 
rel as  they  could,  and  hung  it  on  some  chairs  in  hont  of 
the  blazing  fire.     > 

Then  they  both  sat  down  to  discuss  the  meal. 

Ere  they  had  partaken  of  more  than  three  or  four 
mouthfuls  each,  both  heard  a  sound  which  caused  them 
to  stop  simultaneously  in  what  they  were  about. 

That  sound  was  the  trampling  of  a  horse's  feet 

Nearer  and  nearer  came  the  sound. 

"  Who  is  that  ?"  asked  Maud. 

"  Hush— hush !" 

Sast  as  Dick  pronounced  these  two  words,  the  Clatter- 
ing of  the  horse's  hoofs  abruptly  ceased. 


It  was  evident  that  some  one  had  pulled  up  with  great 
haste  and  suddenness  in  front  of  the  inn. 


CHAPTER  MXLIX. 

CONTAINS  TDK    SEQUEL  TO  DICK    TURPIN'S    STRANQB  AD- 
VENTURE. 

Maud  started  to  her  feet,  with  alarm  visibly  depicted  upon 
every  feature  of  her  face. 

"  Hush— hush  !"  said  Dick  again.  "  Be  stiU—oh,  b« 
still!" 

"But  who  is  it?" 

" That  I  cannot  tell — perhaps  nothing  that  concerns 
ua.  At  any  rate,  let  us  remain  here  where  we  are  uutil 
wo  hear  something  further." 

The  people  in  the  adjoining  room  had  evidently  heard 
the  fresh  arrival,  for  they  became  hushed  and'  silent, 
listening  iu  expectation  of  learning  who  it  was. 

The  murmuring  of  voices  was  heard  without. 

Then  a  tloor  was  thrown  open,  and  a  heavy  footstep 
sounded  in  the  passage. 

This  footstep  came  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  door  of 
the  room  in  which  the  company  was  sitting. 

Upon  the  threshold  ho  paused,  and  after  fumbling  a 
moment  with  the  latch,  flung  the  door  open. 

His  appearance  was  greeted  with  a  universal  cry. 

"  Hullo,  Craddoek  !"  said  two  or  three  at  once.  "  What 
over  brings  you  back  here  again  ?  We  thought  you  had 
gone  for  good." 

Vhe  reply  was  a  laugh. 

That  laugh  made  Turpin  start. 

He  had  beard  it  before. 

There  could  be  no  mistaking  tho  loud,  coar3e  tones. 
It  was  a  laugh  which,  once  heard,  could  be  always  re- 
membered. 

Dick  was  in  no  sort  of  doubt  whatever  as  to  the  identity 
of  the  new-comer. 

It  was  the  man  he  had  stopped  so  short  a  time  before 
upon  the  road,  and  who  had  declared  himself  to  be  a  high- 
wayman. 

It  struck  Turpin  as  being  very  strange,  though,  that  be 
should  be  so  well  known  by  the  inn  guests. 

He  waited  somewhat  impatiently  to  hear  more,  in  the 
hope  of  having  all  his  speculations  set  at  rest. 

"You  are  surprised,"  cried  the  new-comer,  laughing 
again  ;  "  but  I  am  not,  I  assure  you.  I  wish  I  had  taken 
old  Boniface's  advice  ;  I  should  then  nave  escaped  this 
drenching.  But,  then,  you  know  a  landlord  never  wants 
to  lose  sight  of  a  good  customer.  He  told  me  it  would 
rain,  and,  my  eyes  and  limbs,  don't  it  J" 

"  So  it  mad>  you  turn  back  ?" 

"  It  did,  and  I  account  myself  a  wise  man  for  having 
done  so.  Why,  except  the  toll-gate,  there  is  not  a 
dwelling  to  be  met  with  for  the  next  fourteen  miles." 

"  You  did  right,"  said  the  landlord,  joining  in  the  con- 
versation. "  If  you  had  gone  on  you  might  nave  met 
with  highwaymen,  and  so  lost  all  you  have  about  you, 
and  you  know  well  it  is  no  trifling  amount." 

"-"  Highwaymen  ?"  said  the  dew-comer,  in  a  voice  ex- 
pressive of  the  utmost  contempt  and  scorn.  "  Why,  I 
don't  care  a  tinker's  d — n  for  a  whole  regiment  of  them ! 
I  have  never  been  robbed  yet,  and  never  shall,  I  dare  be 
sworn !    Let  us  come  to  the  fire." 

There  was  the  peculiar  sound  made  by  moving 
chairs  quickly  across  a  bricked  floor,  and  then  it  would 
seem  that  the  wet  traveller  got  close  to  the  fire  to  dry  hid 
clothes. 

"  Ah,  Mr.  Craddoek !"  said  the  landlord,  in  a  serious 
voice,  "  it's  all  very  well  to  talk  like  you  do,  and  let  mo 
tell  you  that  you  are  by  no  means  the  first  I  have  heard 
make  such  remarks:  but,  recollect,  they  everyone  came 
to  grief  in  the  end,  and  so  will  you  some  tine  day  or 
other,  despne  your  boldness." 

"  Have  your  own  way,"  replied  Mr.  CraddooK.  for  so 
we  may  as  well  henceforth  designate  him,  since  it  would 
appear  that  this  was  his  name.  '  Every  man  know.-,  his 
own  know  best.  But  I  tell  you  agaiu,  I  hope  I  may  live 
till  I  am  robbed,  and  then  I  shall  be  assured  of  a  good 
long  life." 

The  confidence  with  which  these  words  were  pro* 
nounced  is  indescribable. 

Dick  listened  with  all  his  ears. 

All  that  he  had  heard  since  the  strsuger  s  arrival  h*i 
been  in  the  highest  degree  enigmatical 


THE  KNIGHT  OP  THE  ROAD. 


1793 


[DICK  TURPIN  HAS   HIS  REVENGE   UPON  MR.  CRADDOCK.] 


Being  so  deeply  interested  in  the  whole  matter  as  he 
was,  the  impatience  with  which  he  waited  to  listen  to 
the  rest  may  possibly  be  imagined. 

He  felt  certain  that  he  had  yet  something  of  impor. 
tance  to  learn.  , r     , 

"We  shall  see,"  was  the  answer  made  by  the  land- 
lord to  Mr.  Craddock's  last  speech. 

"So  we  shall.   Just  hark  how  the  rain  comes  down  ! 

"  But  how  is  it,"  inquired  some  one,  "  that  you  con- 
sider yourself  so  free  from  what  almost  everyone  else 
is  bo  liable  to  ?" 

"  Ah,  that  is  a  secret !" 

"  And  one  worth  knowing." 

"  I  should  think  so." 

The  last  words  were  acoompamed  by  one  of  the 
speaker's  boisterous  laughs. 

"But  surely  you  will  not  be  so  unjust  and  so  un- 
christian-like as  to  keep  it  to  yourself  ?" 

No.  225.— Black  Bess. 


No.  225. 


"  Indeed,  but  I  shall  (hough  !" 

"  Then,  there,  I  think,  you  are  wrong,  i  ou  ought  to 
allow  your  friends  to  participate  in  it  at  least. 

"But  were  you  ever  stopped,  Mr.  Craddock  ?  in- 
quired another  of  the  company. 

"  You  mean  by  a  highwayman  ? 

"Yes." 

"  Then  I  have." 

"  Many  times  ?" 

"Yes." 

"  When  was  the  last  ?" 

"To-night."  .,  , 

"  To-night  ?"  echoed  the  interrogator,  amid  a  general 
expression  of  the  utmost  surprise. 

Mr.  Craddock  laughed  again. 

Dick  thought  more  boisterously  than  ever._ 

"  You  need  not  look  so  incredulous,"  he  continued.  l 
oan  assure  you  it  is  neither  more  nor  less  than  the  truth. 

Pjmcb  Oxe  Halfpenny. 


No.  226  will  be  Published  next  Thursday, 


1794 


BLAOK  BESS  ;  OR, 


"  But  pray  let  us  hear  more  about  it.    You  have  now 
inflamed  our  curiosity  to  the  very  utmost.      Do  you 
really  mean  to  say  that  you  have  been  stopped  to-ni*ht 
by  a  highwayman,  '">d  that  you  have  brought  back  all 
your  money  f" 
"  I  have.    Here  n,  /s.    Hark !" 
Mr.  Craddock  slapped  Ids  pocket  as  ho  spoke. 
"  We  are  amazed  !     Did  you  shoot  the  fellow  ?" 
"  No.     We  parted  in  quite  a  peaceable  and  friendly 
wanner." 

There  could  be  no  doubt  that  Mr.  Craddock  was 
amusing  himself  in  no  inconsiderable  degree  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  company  assembled. 

There  was  a  brief  silence  after  this,  and  Mr.  Crad- 
dock was  the  first  to  break  it. 

"  Landlord,  you  shall  bring  ine  a  bottle  of  that  rous- 
ing old  port  of  yours.  I'll  bo  d— d  if  the  rain  has  not 
chilled  me  to  the  very  bone  !" 

"  Then  let  me  tell  you,  Mr.  C,  that  you  could  not  have 
anything  better  than  my  port  in  such  a  case,"  replied 
the  landlord  as  ho  left  the  room  to  execute  the  pleasant 
commission. 

All  the  guests  were  now  literally  devoured  with  curi- 
osity to  hear  some  details  of  that  highway  adventure 
which  Mr.  Craddock  treated  with  such  extraordinary 
coolness. 

Dick  Turpin  having  by  this  time  quite  satisfied  him- 
self that  he  had  no  particular  danger  to  apprehend,  sat 
down  to  his  meal  again  and  motioned  to  Maud  to  follow 
his  example,  which  she  did  very  willingly. 

But  no  words  were  exchanged,  because  of  the  proba- 
bility that  Mr.  Craddock  would  overhear  Dick,  and 
would  then  most  likely  recognize  his  voice- 

The  wine  was  presently  brought ;  and  from  the  sounds 
which  reached  his  ears,  Dick  concluded  that  Mr.  Crad- 
dock had  sat  down  near  the  fire  to  enjoy  it.  > 

"  Shall  you  stay  here  all  night  now,  sir?"  the  land- 
lord inquired. 

"  Not  unless  the  rain  compels  mo  to  do  so.     It  comes 
down  now  as  fast  as  ever,  doesn't  it?" 
"  Paster,  if  possible." 

"Ah,  well!  If  it  leaves  off  I  shall  depart,  for  my 
business  is  important,  and  I  ought  to  be  some  miles 
further  on  my  road  than  I  am.  Gentlemen  all,  I  drink 
to  your  good  healths  !" 

The  jingling  of  glasses  followed. 
"  Come,  Craddock,  old  boy,"  said  some  one,  who  to 
the  best  of  Dick's    recollection    had    not  yet  spoken, 
"don't  be  so  unreasonable  as  to  keep  this  matter  to 
yourself.    Tell  us,  and  if  you  liko  we  will  undertake  to 
say  that  it  shall  go  no  further." 
"  Yes — yes !"  cried  several  voices  in  response. 
"  I  suppose  I  shall  know  no  peace  if  I  do  not  satisfy 
you,  and  yet  I  am  afraid  I  shall  be  parting  with  a  very 
valuable   secret  without    any   recompense ;  perhaps  I 
may  live  to  repent  it." 

"  No— no,"  said  all  those  present  who  over  and  over 
again  asseverated  that  whatever  he  said  should  be 
treated  with  the  utmost  confidence. 

Of  course  they  imagined  themselves  quite  alone,  for 
the  excitement  under  which  they  laboured  made  them 
altogether  forget  the  presence  of  the  two  travellers 
they  had  seen  enter  the  adjoining  chamber. 

"  You  promise  well,"  said  Mr.  Craddock,  at  length, 
"  and  if  the  secret  goes  no  further,  it  will  not  matter." 
"  We  assure  you  it  shall  not." 

"  So  you  said — so  you  said.  But  you  must  please  to 
understand  that  there  is  something  more  in  store  for 
you  than  the  mero  gratification  of  your  curiosity,  for 
the  revelation  I  am  about  to  make  will  enable  you  to 
defy  the  power  of  all  highwaymen  just  in  the  same  way 
that  I  do." 

This  announcement  of  course  had  the  effect  of  making 
them  all,  if  possible,  more  ardently  desirous  to  hear 
the  disclosure. 

"  I  have  heard,"  began  Mr.  Craddock,"  that  a  very  wise 
man  once  remarked  that  the  cleverest  and  most  success- 
ful schemes  are  the  simplest;  and  if  this  observation  holds 
as  good  in  every  case  aa  it  does  in  this,  it  is  true  indeed." 
This  preliminary  speech  was  listened  to  with  sundry 
manifestations  of  impatience. 

"  My  scheme  is  certainly  the  simplest  of  the  simplest," 
he  went  on, "  and  it  will  be  best  explained  by  relating  to 
you  what  took  place  just  after  I  left  the  inn  here  this 


evening.     I  never  make  any  alteration  ;  and  you  may, 
if  you  choose,  adopt  the  plan   with  as  much  ease  and 
with  the  same  good  rosult  as  myself." 
"  We  are  all  attention." 

"I  know  that,"  responded  Mr.  Craddock,  with  another 
of  his  hoarse  laughs  ;  "and  what  is  more,  you  are  burn- 
ing to  hear  the  next  words  I  have  to  say." 

"  Well,  we  confess  it ;  and  now  keep  us  in  a  state  of 
anxiety  no  longer." 

"  I  will  not.  Well,  when  I  set  out  from  here  I  had 
not  got  far  before  I  heard  a  horse  approaching.  '  Hullo,' 
I  says  to  myself,  '  I  wonder  who's  coming !' 

"  Well,  I  wont  along  very  quietly,  for  I  more  than 
half  expected  what  this  horseman  was,  as  few  people 
would  be  out  on  suoh  a  night  unless  compelled  by  ne- 
cessity, or  unless  to  rob  some  one  else. 
"  In  a  short  time  I  saw  a  man. 

"  lie  was  riding  slouly  towards  me,  and  by  his  very 
manner  (for  I  have  had  some  experience  in  these  matters, 
1  <t  me  tell  you)  I  could  tell  this  was  a  highwayman,  and 
that  he  intended  to  call  upon  me  to  stand  and  deliver. 

"  Such  being  the  case  I  resolved  to  adopt  my  never- 
failing  plan,  so  I  quickened  my  horse's  pace  and  con- 
tinued to  ride  direct  towards  him. 

"  When  I  got  a  little  nearer,  this  fellow  called  out  to 
me  to  stop,  speaking  in  what  he  thought  was  doubtless 
a  very  intimidating  tone  of  voice,  but  which  made  no 
impression  at  all  upon  me. 

"  On  the  contrary,  as  soon  as  he  had  finished  speak- 
ing, I  began  to  laugh  as  though  I  was  heartily  enjoying 
some  capital  joke. 

"This  considerably  puzzled  the  highwayman,  as  it 
has  done  every  one  of  the  order  upon  whom  I  havo 
tried  the  experiment. 

"  '  Why,'  I  exclaimed,  ( do  you  really  mean  it  ?    Why, 
I  was  just  going  to  make  the  same  demand  of  you.'  " 
"  You  said  that  to  the  highwayman  ?" 
"  I  did,  for  my  plan  in  these  cases  is  nothing  more 
than  to  pretend  to  be  a  highwayman    myself.      That 
does  the  business  capitally." 

"  Well,  and  what  happened  next?" 
"  Why,  he  stared  in  astonishment,  so  I  went  on  to 
tell  him  that  I  had  been  riding  up  and  down  the  road 
looking  for  prey  until  I  was  out  of  all  patience,  and 
that  I  had  been  congratulating    myself  upon  hearing 
somebody  at  last." 
"  And  did  ho  believe  you  ?" 
"He  did." 

"  Well,  we  will  take  your  word  for  it,  but " 

"But  what?" 

"  Why,  we  should  scarcely  have  thought  that  a  high- 
wayman could  havo  been  so  easily  imposed  upon." 

"  Ah,  that's  it !  It  is  the  very  simplicity  of  the  thing 
that  does  it.  It  is  that  alone  to  which  it  owes  its  suc- 
cess, though  I  do  begin  to  believe  that  these  highway- 
men fellows  are  no  better  than  fools." 

"It  would  seem  so,  however,  by  your  showing.  I 
could  scarcely  havo  thought  it." 

"  Nevertheless,  I  assure  you  it  is  a  fact." 
"  And  did  he  ride  away  then  ?" 

"  Yes,  shortly  after.     I  told  him  I  was  quite  out  of 
luck  and  not  blessed  with  a  single  coin  of  the  realm, 
and  so  I  proposed  that  we  should  go  partners  with  each 
other  for  the  rest  of  the  night." 
"  You — you  had  the  impudence  to  say  that  ?" 
"I  had." 

"  And  what  did  he  say  ?" 

"  Why,  declined,  of  course ;  I  knew  very  well  that  he 
would,  which  was  the  reason  why  I  asked  him.  Ha, 
ha!" 

"  But  suppose " 

"^Suppose  what?"  asked  Mr.  Craddock,  somewhat 
sharply. 
"  That  he  had  agreed  ?" 
"  What,  to  join  with  me  ?" 
"Yes." 

"  Thore  was  no  fear  of  such  a  thing ;  but  still,  if  ha 
had,  I  should  have  trusted  to  my  ingenuity  to  frame 
some  excuse." 

"  It  seems  to  me,"  said  another  voice, "  that  the  plau  is 

a  very  excellent  one,  and  I  shall  not  fail  to  adopt  it  if 

ever  I  have  occasion,  winch  I  sincerely  hopo  I  shall  not." 

"  It  is  no  pleasant  matter,  I  can  assure  you, "remarked 

Mr,  Craddock, "  and  by  no  means  easy  to  preserve  such  a 


THE   KNIGHT  OF  THE   ROAD. 


Dold  front  as  will  deceive  your  adversary — m  a  wora,  yoa 
mast  play  your  part  well." 

"Of  course,"  said  the  voice  which  had  just  before 
spoken.  "It  cannot  bo  said  that  I  shall  fail  for  want  of 
knowing  the  way  these  affairs  are  managed,  for  I  have 
been  robbed  thrice." 

"  Do  you  mean  to  say  you  surrendered  year  property 
on  ertry  occasion  ?" 

"  I  did,  for  there  was  always  a  pistol  before  me,  und  I 
reasoned  thus :  This  wealth  I  am  about  to  lose  1  can  re- 
place again ;  but  if  I  lose  my  life,  there  will  be  no  recover- 
ing that  again." 

"  You  speak  like  a  philosopher,"  said  Mr.  Craddock, 
with  a  sneer. 

"  Do  I  ?  Well,  my  philosophy  will  aot  prevent  me 
from  adopting  your  stratagem,  especially  if  I  should  be 
assailed  upon  this  journey,  for  I  have  over  three  hundred 
pounds  with  me." 

"  And  that  would  prove  a  serious  loss." 

"  It  would,  in  the  present  state  of  trade.  However,  my 
old  friend  Tompkins  is  going  to  ride  with  me,  so  we 
shall  be  able  to  personate  highwaymen  capitally." 

"  Perhaps  Mr.  Oraddock  would  not  mind  accompany- 
ing us,"  said  Tompkins ;  "  we  are  going  nis  road,  you 
know." 

"  What  time  shall  you  start  ?" 

"  Not  till  after  breakfast  in  the  morning." 

"Then  you  will  have  daylight,  and  consequently 
nothing  to  fear  from  highwaymen,  for  they  are  like  owls 
—never  seen  by  daylight.  As  for  me,  my  business  is  too 
urgent  to  allow  me  to  remain.  I  must  be  jogging  on  as 
soon  as  ever  the  weather  will  permit." 

Bearing  in  mind  that  Dick  Turpin  heard  the  whole  of 
the  foregoing  conversation,  the  reader  may  possibly  be 
able  to  form  some  conception  at  the  amount  of  annoyance 
he  experienced. 

To  think  that  ho,  above  all  others,  should  have  been 
tricked — deluded  by  so  shallow  a  device. 

Ho  frowned  and  bit  his  lip,  and  every  now  and  then, 
upon  the  utterance  of  some  more  than  usually  aggravat 
ing  remark,  he  would  start,  and  seem  almost  about  to 
6pring  to  his  feet. 

Maud  could  not  help  feeling  some  amusement  at  the 
chagrin  which  he  displayed. 

Certainly,  it  was  enough  to  anger  him  in  no  ordinary 
degree. 

But  as  he  listened  on,  his  face  gradually  assumed  a 
very  different  expession. 

Maud  noticed  it,  and  knew  very  well  what  it  meant, 
for  in  a  general  way  Turpin's  countenance  was  as  easily 
read  by  her  as  a  book. 

The  expression  boded  no  good  to  Mr.  Craddock. 

Indeed,  before  that  very  hilarious  gentleman  had 
brought  his  narrative  to  a  conclusion,  Dick  had  resolved 
upon  what  he  should  do. 

His  determination  was  that  Mr.  Craddock  should  no 
longer  make  a  boast  of  his  immunity  from  highway 
robbery. 

Having  thus,  as  we  have  said,  decided  upon  his  course 
of  action,  Dick  became  calmer,  and  even  drank  his  wine 
with  an  air  of  complacent  satisfaction. 

What  ho  had  determined  upon  will  appear  in  dua 
course. 

In  the  meanwhile  he  remained  comfortable  enough  by 
the  side  of  the  roaring  fire,  complacently  awaiting  the 
pseudo  highwayman's  departure. 

On  the  whole,  while  felicitating  himself  upon  the 
manner  in  which  he  was  about  to  avenge  himself,  Dick 
was  not  disposed  to  find  much  fault  with  the  turn  events 
had  taken. 

Quite  unexpectedly,  both  Maud  and  himself  had  got 
into  warm  and  comfortable  quarters,  for  which  both 
were  grateful,  and  Maud  especially. 

It  was  getting  very  late  before  the  rain  showed  any 
6igns  of  abatement. 

So  great  had  been  the  downpour  cf  rain  th*c  Dick 
heartily  congratulated  himself  upon  having  escaped  ex- 
posure to  it. 

"  It's  left  off  raining,  I  think,"  said  Mr.  Craapock,  at 
length. 

He  rose  from  his  seat  as  he  made  the  observation,  and 
going  to  the  window,  looked  out. 

"  Yes,"  he  exclaimed,  "  it's  fine  enough  now.  Let  me 
have  my  horse,  landlord,  as  soon  as  ever  you  can/3 


••  I  snouid  advise  ana  recommend  you  to  stay  till  morn- 
ing." 

"  No,  no — 1  cannot  afford  the  time." 

"  Well,  have  your  own  way.  Your  horse  will  be  ready 
immediately." 

With  these  words,  the  landlord  quitted  the  room. 

Maud  now  looked  up,  expecting  that  Dick  would  make 
some  movement. 

But  she  was  disappointed,  for  he  remained  perfectly 
still. 

After  a  brief  de'ay,  the  horse  was  brought  round  to  the 
front  of  the  inn. 

As  soon  as  ever  Mr.  Craddock  caught  sight  of  it,  ha 
exclaimed : 

"  Good  night,  friends — or  good  morning,  whichever 
you  like  to  call  it !  Here's  hoping  you'll  meet  with  a 
prosperous  journey,  and  don't  forget  the  secret.  Above 
all,  don't  let  the  highwaymen  guess  what's  o'clock,  or  the 
game  will  be  spoilt  for  ever." 

"  Never  fear — never  fear !" 

Mr.  Craddock  drained  his  glass  and  departed. 

No  sooner  had  he  fairly  left  the  premises  than  Dick 
rose  quickly  yet  noiselessly,  and  motioned  to  Maud  to  be 
in  readiness  to  follow  him. 

He  then  crossed  the  room  to  the  door  through  which 
he  had  passed  in  company  with  tho  landlord  on  the  occa- 
sion of  his  paying  a  visit  to  the  stables. 

This  last-mentioned  place  was,  of  course,  Dick's  present 
destination. 

He  passed  out  unquestioned  into  the  yard  ia  company 
with  Maud. 

Ere  they  could  gain  the  stable  door,  however,  they  per- 
ceived tho  landlord  and  tho  ostler  coming  towards 
them. 

"Oh,  sir,"  said  the  former,  "I  trust  you  have  not 
wanted  anything,  and  that  you  have  not  thought  me  neg- 
lectful !" 

"Not  at  all — not  at  all!"  responded  Dick,  heartily. 
"  But  as  we  only  dropped  in  here  for  shelter,  I  am  anxious, 
now  that  the  rain  is  over,  to  be  getting  on  the  road 
again." 

"  Very  good,  sir !  I  am  only  anxious  to  kaow  whether 
you  are  satisfied  ?" 

"  Very  much  so,"  answered  Dick,  with  an  air  of  great 
gusto.  "  And  you  may  depend  I  shall  not  fail  to  recom- 
mend your  inn  to  all  my  friends  and  acquaintances." 

"  I  am  much  obliged  to  you,  sir  1" 

In  the  meaawhile,  the  ostler  had  goae  into  the  stable 
and  brought  forth  the  two  horses. 

Owing  to  the  instructions  which  Dick  had  given,  thera 
was  no  time  lost  in  preparing  them  for  the  road — the 
only  thing  requisite  being  to  tighten  a  few  buckles. 

Nor  did  it  take  Dick  very  long  to  settle  with  the  land- 
lord, and,  judging  by  that  individual's  appearance,  it 
would  seem  that  this  had  been  done  in  a  highly  satisfac- 
tory manner. 

Dick  was  indeed  in  a  great  hurry  to  be  off,  so  without 
loss  of  time  he  assisted  Maud  to  mount,  and  then  sprang 
into  the  saddle  himself. 

He  had  a  crown-piece  ready  to  slip  into  the  ostler's  ox- 
tended  palm,  and  then  he  immediately  set  his  steed  in 
motion. 

Maud  followed  him. 

Upon  reaching  the  high-road,  Dick  turned  at  once  in 
the  directioa  of  the  toll-gate,  for,  as  the  reade*  must  al- 
ready have  surmised,  it  was  his  intention  to  pursue  that 
highly-ingenious  gentleman,  Mr.  Craddock. 

He  was  careful  aot  to  ride  over  fast  from  the  ian,  lest 
by  so  doing  suspicion  should  be  excited. 

No  sooner  had  tho  first  bead  ia  the  road  beea  turned 
than  he  cried : 

"  Now,  Maud,  let  us  seo  what  your  horse  can  do !  For- 
ward— forward  !     The  faster  the  better  !" 

There  was  no  fear  of  Black  Bess  being  left  behind,  so 
Maud  urged  her  horse  to  the  utmost. 

It  was  really  au  aaimal  of  very  good  quality,  aad 
having  just  been  rested  and  fed,  it  was  in  capital  condi- 
tion for  speed. 

Away,  then,  they  flew  along  the  level  surface  of  the 
hard  high-road,  at  a  pace  that  made  the  hedgerows  and 
trees  literally  seem  to  fly  past  them,  and  which  made  the 
rich  colour  mantle  in  the  cheeks  of  both. 

It  was  very  unlikely  that  Mr.  Craddock  had  made  any 
such  speed  as  this,  so,  after  having  proceeded  some  diu- 


\79G 


BLACK    BESS ;    Oft, 


taiKS,  Dick  began  to  look  about  him,  being  under  the  im- 
pression that  ho  ought  by  this  time  to  be  in  sight. 

It  was  by  no  means  so  dark  as  it  had  been,  for  the 
heavy  downpour  of  rain  had  materially  cleared  the  atmo- 
sphere, and  already  in  the  eastern  sky  there  could  bo  per- 
ceived some  indications  of  the  dawning  o*  another 
day. 

CHAPTER  ML. 

IN  WHICH    DICK    TURPIN  HAS    HIS     KKV^NGS    tVOM    MR. 

CRADDOCK. 

It  was  not  until  Dick  Turpin  paused  upon  the  brew  of  a 
somewhat  steep  hill,  and  looked  steadily  before  him,  that 
he  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  individual  of  whom  ho  w&$  ia 
pursuit. 

Mr.  Craddock  was  riding  along  at  a  very  much  swifter 
rate  than  when  Dick  had  encountered  him  some  hoars 
previously. 

Perhaps  he  was  anxious  to  make  up  for  the  dulay. 

At  any  rate,  there  he  was,  and  Dick  felt  that  it  was 
necessary  for  him  to  be  prompt  in  his  actions. 

"Now,  Maud,"  he  said,  speaking  somewhat  hurriedly, 
"you  see  that  gentleman  yonder?  Well,  I  am  going  to 
overtake  him  and  serve  him  out  for  deceiving  me  in  the 
way  he  did  ;  and  what  I  want  you  to  do  in  the  meantime 
is  to  ride  quietly  after  me  so  as  not  to  be  in  danger.  Do 
you  understand  me  ?" 

"  Perfectly." 

"And  yet"  do  not  press  too  closely  after  me  as,  if  I 
should  suddenly  become  aware  that  you  were  threatened 
with  peril,  the  discovery  would  have  the  effect  of  para- 
lysing my  arm  at  the  moment  when  it  would  bo  of  the 
most  service  to  me." 

"  Fear  nothing  on  my  account,"  was  Maud's  answer. 

"  If  you  act  in  accordance  with  my  directions,  all  will 
be  well." 

Having  settled  this  point,  Dick  gave  Black  Bess  the 
rein. 

Away  she  flew  down  the  hill  with  a  long,  light,  stretch- 
ing gallop,  like  that  of  the  greyhound. 

Fast  as  Mr.  Craddock  was  going,  it  must  infallibly 
happen  that  he  would  be  overtaken  in  the  space  of  a  few 
minutes. 

Dick  now,  indeed,  expected  every  moment  to  catch 
sight  of  him  again,  and  presently,  after  passing  round  a 
somewhat  sharp  turn,  he  did  so. 

Mr.  Craddock  of  course  could  not  fail  to  hear  that  some 
one  was  powdering  after  him  at  a  tremendous  rate. 

But  the  confidence  he  felt  in  his  very  clever  plan,  and 
the  bold  assurance  that  formed  so  strong  and  considerable 
an  ingredient  in  his  disposition,  prevented  him  from  feel- 
ing any  uneasiness  on  this  account. 

He  did  just  glance  behind  him  to  see  who  V.  was,  but 
he  did  not  increase  his  pace  in  the  slightest  degree. 

"  Hold !"  cried  Dick,  in  that  loud,  commanding  tone 
which  he  could  when  he  chose  assume.  "  Pull  up,  I  say, 
unless  you  wish  to  be  brought  to  by  a  bullet !" 

These  words  reached  Mr.  Craddock's  ears  and  made 
him  feel  just  a  little  uncomfortable,  but  without  his  know- 
ing exactly  why. 

However,  with  an  assumption  of  a  great  deal  of  surprise, 
he  drew  rein  and  wheeled  about. 

He  recognised  Turpin  at  once. 

"  Hullo !"  he  said.  "  Do  we  meet  again  ?  I  hope  you 
have  had  better  luck  than  I  have." 

"  Then  you  have  your  hope  gratified,"  answered  Dick, 
"  for  I  assure  you  I  have  been  very  fortuuato  indeed." 

"  Have  you  really  ?  Well,  it's  more  Inau  I  ha»e.  The 
road  this  way  has  been  quite  deserted. v 

"  Has  it  ?     Excuse  me ! " 

Dick,  as  he  spoke,  placed  himself  in  very  clos^  "vrciimity 
indeed  to  Mr.  Caddock. 

"  Hullo,  sir  !    What  do  you  mean  ?" 

This  exclamation  was  called  forth  by  the  sight  'jf  a 
pistol  which  Dick  very  calmly  levelled  at  him. 

"Stop— stop!"  he  continued,  shrinking  back,  for  he 
thought  he  could  see  quite  down  the  barrel  of  the  deadly 
weapon,  and  even  catch  sight  of  the  bullet  it  contained — 
"  stop,  I  say !    What  the  deuce  are  you  about  V 

"You  see  this  pistol?" 

"Yes — rather  plainer  than  I  care  cbouL  \iaj  tnn» 
Us  a  muzzle  of  it  another  way." 

"  Nothing  of  the  kind !" 


"  But  I  say  you  must,  sir !" 
"  I  decline !" 

"  Do  you  know  who  you  are  talking  to  ?" 

''  Perfectly  well.  And  I  beg  to  assure  you,  ia  the  firs; 
place,  "hat  when  I  say  a  thing  I  am  invariably  as  good 
as  my  word." 

"As  bad,  you  mean!" said  Mr.  Craddock,  endeavouriue 
to  get  up  another  of  his  loud  laughs ;  but  the  attempt  was  a 
perfect  failure. 

"As  good  or  as  bad — just  whichever  you  like,"  con- 
tinued Dick,  imperturbably.  "  It  comes  to  the  same 
thing ;  and  understand,  that  unless  you  quietly  surrender 
to  me  all  the  money  and  valuables  you  have  about 
you,  this  bullet  shall  find  out  whether  you  skull  contains 
any  brains  or  not." 

14  Take  my  word  for  it  that  it  does.  Don't  attempt  to 
discover  it  by  any  such  means,  I  beg.  But  what  do  you 
want  ?    What  is  the  meaning  of  all  this  ?" 

"Simply  that  I  require  you  to  deliver  over  to  me  all 
the  money  you  may  at  the  present  time  be  carrying  with 
you." 

"  What !"  ejaculated  Mr.  Craddock,  "  is  this  the  way 
you  observe  honour  among  thieves  ?" 

"  Silence !"  cried  Dick — "  no  nonsense !" 

"  No,  but  surely  dog  would  not  rob  dog.  No,  no — you 
don't  understand,  I  feel  sure.  Would  you  without  scruple 
deprive  a  fellow  comrade  of  his  spoil?" 

"  Certainly  I  would." 

"  Then  you  are  a  base  villain !" 

"  I  am  content  to  be  anything  you  like  to  call  me," 
answered  Dick,  "  provided  I  get  your  money." 

"  But  this  is  monstrous.  For  one  highwayman  to  attack 
and  rob  a  comrade  is  a  thing  unheard  of." 

"  No  more  nonsense !"  cried  Dick,  with  greater  stern- 
ness than  he  had  as  yet  displayed.  "  I  have  certain 
knowledge  of  two  things." 

"  May  I  ask  what  they  are  ?" 

"  Yes.  In  the  first  place,  that  yoa  carry  wiiu  you  a 
considerable  sum  of  money." 

Mr.  Craddock  was  silent 

"  And  the  second  is,  that  your  highwaymanship  is 
neither  more  nor  less  than  an  impudent  assumption — one 
which,  though  it  may  have  served  you  hitherto,  will 
assuredly  fail  you  for  the  future." 

Upon  thus  finding  that  his  long-maintained  cheat 
was  discovered,  Mr.  Craddock  shook  a  little  in  the 
saddle,  and  turned  a  trifle  palor  than  ho  was  before. 

"  I  shall  stand  no  nonsense  !"  Dick  added.  "  You  im- 
posed upon  me  once,  and  I  am  determined  not  to  be  satis- 
tied  with  anything  but  the  whole  of  the  property  of  a 
valuable  character  that  you  have  about  you  ;  so  if  you 
wish  to  escape  any  disagreeable  consequences,  you  will 
hand  over  the  whole  quietly,  without  making  any  more 
fuss." 

There  was  no  possibility  of  thinking  that  Dick  was  not 
in  earnest  in  what  he  said. 

Mr.  Craddock,  in  spite  of  the  large  amount  of  assurance 
which  he  possessed,  felt  in  his  heart  that  Dick  fully 
meant  every  word  he  said. 

But  for  all  that,  he  was  most  reluctant  to  part  with 
any  of  his  property. 

This  was  not  solely  on  account  of  the  value  of  it,  but 
because  of  the  dread  he  had  of  the  ridicule  that  would  ia 
future  be  poured  upon  him. 

Still,  what  was  he  to  do  ? 

To  oppose  himself  in  single  combat  with  tno  high- 
wayman was  what  he  never  once  dreamt  of. 

He  was  by  far  too  prudent  to  risk  his  life  upon  such  a 
desperate  chance. 

He  looked  around  him  as  though  for  relief. 

Unable  to  see  anyone,  however,  or  even  to  hear  a  sound 
indicative  of  the  approach  of  assistance,  he,  with  a  heavy 
sigh,  thrust  hi*  hand  into  his  pocket. 

He  produced  a  purse  containing  only  a  few  guineas. 

This,  with  manifest  reluctance,  he  placed  in  the  high- 
wayman's hands. 

"  I  want  more  than  this !"  cried  Dick.  "  Tell  no  lies 
about  what  you  have.  I  may  as  well  inform  you  that  1 
overheard  eveiy  word  that  passed  between  you  and  tbs 
oeople  at  the  inn  just  down  the  road,  for  I  happened  to  t« 
ia  the  adjoining  room  at  the  time." 

Upon  hearing  this  avowal,  Mr.  Craddock  gnashed  lit 
teeth  with  rage,  because  ho  saw  '-hat  bis  own  incut  a  htd 
betrayed  him 


THB    KNIGHT  OP  THB  ROAD. 


1795 


Ii  he  had  resisted  the  importunities  of  his  friends,  and    was  unable  to  think  of  anything  else  but  retaining  his 
kept  the  secret  to  himself,  this  humiliation  would  never  |  seat  aa  long  as  possible. 

have  taken  olace.  '     When  the  horso  fell,  of  course  ho  was  not  taken  at 

raawarea,   nd  consequently  escaped  without  any  serious 
injury. 

But  before  he  could  recover  his  breath  sufficiently  to 
make  the  attempt  to  rise,  Dick  was  upon  him. 

"Now,  rascal,"  he  cried,  in  a  savage  voice,  "  what  rea- 
son can  you  offer  to  prevent  mo  at  once  taking  away 
your  miserable  life  as  a  punishment  for  your  treacherous 
act  ?  I  look  upon  you  as  a  murderer — you  are  one  in  in- 
tent, and  it  was  through  no  fault  of  yours  that  you  failed 
to  be  one  in  reality." 

His  words  put  Mr.  Craddock  into  a  still  more  dreadful 
st&te  of  fright. 

He  fully  believed  that  his  last  hour  upon  the  earth  had 
come,  and  therefore  he  began  to  utter  prayers  with  extra- 
ordinary volubility. 

"  Bise !"  cried  Dick,  with  more  fury  than  ever  in  his 
tones— "rise,  I  say !    Disobey  me  at  your  peril !" 

Shaking  in  every  limb,  Mr.  Craddock  slowly  and  with 
much  difficulty  raised  himself  to  his  feet. 

"You  deserve  nothing  but  death,"  said  Turpin,  "but 
yet  I  do  not  intend  to  cheat  the  hangman ;  but  you  shall 
pay  dearly  for  that  treacherous  shot !" 

While  speaking  these  words,  Dick  produced  from  his 
pocket  a  piece  of  thin  but  particularly  strong  cord. 
Mr.  Craddock  eyed  it  with  great  misgiving. 
His  apprehensions  increased  when  he  saw  Turpin  deli- 
berately set  to  work  and  make  a  running  noose  in  the 
end  of  it. 

He  thought  this  surely  must  bo  intended  for  his  neck, 
but  he  soon  found  that  Turpin  had  quito  another  uso 
for  it. 

Before  he  quito  knew  what  was  intended,  he  found  the 
cord  tightly  encircling  his  right  wrist. 

"  Now,"  6aid  Turpin,  "  this  way,  and  if  you  are  a  wise 
man  you  will  not  think  of  offering  the  least  resist- 
ance." 

Dick  gave  the  rope  a  sharp  tug  as  he  spoke,  causing  it 
to  cut  rather  deeply  into  the  flesh. 
"Murder!" 

"  Silence,  will  you !    This  way,  I  say  1" 
Mr.  Craddock  obeyed  promptly. 

Dick  merely  conducted  him  to  the  trunk  of  a  large  elm 
tree  that  grew  by  the  roadside. 

Bound  this  our  old  friend  rapidly  passed  the  cord,  and 
with  remarkable  dexterity  secured  the  other  end  to  his 
captive's  left  wrist. 

Mr.  Craddock  was  now  compelled  to  clasp  the  tree  in  a 
very  close  embrace — much  closer  than  was  at  all  agree- 
able, for  Dick  drew  the  rope  as  tightly  as  ever  his  strength 
would  allow  him,  totally  disregarding  the  whila  the 
horrible  howls  with  which  the  process  was  accom- 
panied. 

"There,"  he  cried,  when  he  had  finished,  "you  are 
disposed  of  now,  Mr.  Craddock !  And  you  may  amuse 
yourself  by  cursing  the  tree,  which  is  close  enough  to 
your  teeth,  until  some  one  comes  by  who  is  willing  to  re- 
lease you." 

Mr.  Craddock  was  now  rendered  so  furious  at  finding 
himself  in  this  ignominious  situation  that,  without  think- 
ing of  the  consequences,  he  gave  a  snatch  with  all  his 
might,  thinking  that  he  might  by  this  means  snap  the 
cord. 

But  aH  he  did  was  to  force  a  cry  of  great  agony  from 
his  lips,  for  the  rope  showed  no  signs  of  giving  way  what- 
ever, and  the  force  he  had  made  use  of  cut  his  flesh  al- 
most to  the  bone. 

"  Try  it  again,  my  friend !"  cried  Dick,  with  a  laugh. 
"  You  didn't  half  try  that  time !    Take  my  advice,  and 
give  another  good  pull — you  will  be  able  to  tell  baiter 
then  how  strong  the  rope  is." 
Mr.  Craddock  cursed  and  swore  horribly. 
uIt's  no  good,"    Turpin  continued.     "And   what  is 
more,  yon  will  not  be  able  to  deny  having  been  robbed, 
as  you  might  have  done  had  you  rode  off  quietly,  as  1 
was  quite  willing  to  allow  you  to  do.    It  is  all  your  own 
bringings  on,  and  you  have  no  one  in  the  world  to  blauw 
but  yourself." 
Air.  Craddock  howled  again. 

^4.  have  not  done  with  you  yet,"  his  tormentor  weul 
There  shall  be  no  mistake  about  the  niatier — I  will 


"Come,"  said  Dick,  "my  patience  »3  exhausted.  Just 
let  me  know  whether  you  intend  handing  over  the  money 
yourself,  or  whether  you  prefer  that  I  should  take  it  from 
you  by  main  force.  Let  me  tell  you  that  I  am  deter- 
mined to  have  it  by  one  means  or  other,  ac  oak;  your 
choice." 

Once  more  Mr.  Craddock's  hand  wandered  ta  his 
pocket. 
Once  more  he  drew  something  forth. 
This  time  it  was  something  more  worthy  of  Dick's  ac- 
ceptance, for  it  consisted  of  a  very  large  bag  of  baiilr 
notes  and  gold,  with  which  valuable  contents  \l  was 
crammed  to  repletion. 

"  Now  the  rest,"  said  Dick — "I  am  resolved  to  uave 
everything.    And  you  ought  always  after  this  to  esteem 
yourself  a  very  lucky  man  for  having  got  off  so  easilj.  " 
Mr.  Craddock  groaned. 
Another  bag  was  produced  and  surrendered. 
His  watch,  rings,  and  indeed  everything  he  bJU  about 
him  that,  was  at  all  of  a  valuablo  character,  followed. 

"Now,"  said  Dick,  "you  are  at  liberty  to  ritte  on.  Be 
off  with  you,  and  the  quieter  you  krep  this  little  adven- 
ture the  less  you  will  b9  laughed  at." 

Mr.  Craddock  seemed  glad  enough  to  receive  this  inti- 
mation that  he  was  at  liberty  to  depart. 

Ho  at  once  struck  his  horse's  flank  with  his  heel  and 
rode  off. 

Ere  he  had  gone  many  paces,  however,  he  wheeled 
round  suddenly  and  raised  his  arm. 

Bapid  as  the  movement  was,  Dick  saw  it,  and  was  as 
rapid  in  his  own  motions. 

At  the  first  glance   Dick  saw  that  Mr.  Craddock  held 
gomething  in  his  hand,  and  intuitively  guessed  not  only 
what  it  was,  but  what  he  intended  to  do. 
He  shifted  his  position  with  great  suddenness. 
At  the  selfsame  moment  there  was  a  vivid  flash  and 
then  a  loud  report. 

But  Dick,  owing  to  the  rapidity  of  his  movements, 
escaped  all  injury. 

A  fierce  feeling,  however,  instantly  arose  in  his  breast, 
for  there  was  nothing  which  Dick  so  much  detested  as 
treachery,  and  nothing  which  filled  him  with  so  much 
resentment. 

Without  pausing  to  think,  ho  started  off  in  full  pur- 
suit. 

Mr.  Craddock  saw  him  coming. 

He  had  the  mortification  of  finding  that  his  shot  had 
been  wholly  unavailing,  and  that  the  highwayman  would 
not  bo  satisfied  until  he  had  had  his  vengeance  upon 
him. 

Frantic  with  fear,  ho  whipped  and  spurred  his  horse 
into  a  most  furious  gallop. 

Black  Bess  put  forth  her  extraordinary  powers  of  speed, 
and  consequently  Dick  Turpin  soon  found  himself  near 
enough  to  make  his  voice  heard. 

"  Pull  up!"  he  cried — "  pull  up,  as  you  value  your  life  ! 
I  owe  you  a  shot,  and  if  you  disobey  me  I  shall  requite 
the  obligation.  Pull  up,  I  say!  My  aim  will  be  a  better 
one  thau  yours !" 

But  Mr.  Craddock  was  in  too  great  a  state  of  terror  to 
pay  any  attention  to  these  cries. 

If  anything,  he  urged  his  horse  to  still  greater  exer- 
tion. 

Dick's  anger  now  was  by  no  means  so  furious  as  it 
had  been.  8 till,  he  was  determif^M  to  have  hie  re 
venge. 

His  pistol  was  raised,  and  now,  takrog  a  caretal  ai:n, 
ho  fired  at  the  flying  horse  and  rider. 

The  reader,  however,  must  by  this  time  know  Dick  too 
well  to  think  that  he  was  capable  of  so  base  An  act  as 
that  of  shooting  a  man  down  in  cold  blood. 

His  aim  was  correctly  taken,  and  the  bullet  did  its 
work,  but  it  was  at  the  horse  he  fired,  and  not  at  Hi. 
Craddock  himself. 

The  effects  of  the  shot,  however,  were  not  at  foo  mo- 
ment perceptible. 

Very  soon,  however,  ihe  desperately  wocnd«d  animal 
began  to  swerve  and  stagger^,  until  final'y,  with  *•  dull, 
heavy  crash,  it  fell  headlong  to  the  earth. 

Previous  to  the  occurrence  of  this  catastropoe,  uuw-  ■ 
ever,  Mr.  Craddock  had  surmised  what  was  amiss,  tot  ha  1 take  Sooi  c*re  o{  UxUl 


1798 


BLACK  BBSS  ;    OR, 


Turpin's  next  proceeding  was  to  open  Mr.  Graddock'a 
own  pocket-book,  and  upon  one  of  the  blank  leaves  in  it , 
he  wrote  these  words  : — 

"Bobbed  this  morning  by  Dick  Turpln,  who  discovered 
the  cheat  so  long  practised,  and  therefore  emptied  his 
pockets.  Afterwards,  for  a  cowardly,  treacherous  shot, 
was  tied  by  the  said  Dick  Turpin  to  this  tree,  in  order 
to  afford  him  the  opportunity  of  thinking  over  his  present 
and  future  prospects." 

The  words  Dick  wrote  in  a  large  and  certainly  indif- 
ferent hand,  but  he  took  care  to  wet  the  poiat  cf  the 
black-lead  pencil  at  every  lettei,  *nd  to  bear  very  heavily 
upon  the  paper,  so  that  there  she  aid  be  no  fear  of  any  of 
the  words  being  easily  effaced. 

This  done,  Dick  pinned  the  paper  on  to  the  back  of 
Mr.  Craddock's  coat,  from  whence,  as  he  knew  very  well, 
he  could  not  remove  it  himself. 

"I  will  leave  you  now,"  said  our  old  friend,  after 
giving  an  approving  glance  at  what  he  had  done,  ,J  and  I 
hope  some  time  will  elapse  before  anyone  chances  to  make 
his  way  past  this  spot." 

Mr.  Craddock  continued  to  swear  in  the  most  frightful 
manner,  but  this  did  not  afford  him  the  slightest  aid  in 
releasing  himself  from  his  bonds,  though  possibly  his 
angry  feelings  were  somewhat  soothed  by  it. 

Having  now  done  all  that  he  intended,  Dick  leisurely 
mounted  Black  Bess,  and  rode  towards  the  spot  where 
Maud  was  waiting  for  him,  for  she  had  faithfully  observed 
his  injunctions,  though  she  had  nevertheless  been  a  wit- 
ness of  all  that  had  taken  place. 

"Oh,  Dick,"  she  ejaculated,  as  soon  as  he  was  near 
enough  to  hear  her  voice,  "  you  are  sure  you  were  not  in- 
jured by  that  treacherous  shot?" 

"  Not  in  the  least,  I  assure  you,"  was  the  reply.  "  And 
I  feel  comfortable  now,  because  I  have  paid  him  for  it  in 
a  style  which  he  will  not  easily  forget." 

"  Shall  you  leavo  him  where  he  is  ?" 

"Certainly  I  shall!  Of  course,  before  maDj  hours 
elapse,  some  one  will  pass  by  and  release  him." 

"And  what  was  that  you  wrote  ?" 

Dick  told  her. 

Maud  looked  grave. 

"  Surely,"  she  said,  "  that  was  most  unwise !" 

"Why  so?" 

"  Why  ?  Because  now  they  will  have  certain  know- 
ledge of  your  presence  hereabouts." 

"  It  does  not  matter,"  he  replied.  "  H  is  my  intention 
to  quit  the  inn.  I  cannot  make  up  my  mind  to  remain 
any  longer  in  a  place  for  which  you  manifest  so  much 
aversion." 

"  But  there  are  other  things  to  bo  considered  besides 
my  fancies." 

"  It  may  be  so,  but  your  inclinations  shall  not  be  wholly 
disregarded  for  all  that." 

"  What  is  it,  then,  you  think  of  doing  next  ?" 

"  Why,  getting  down  somewhere  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  the  place  we  have  agreed  to  visit." 

"  Sbonehenge  ?" 

"Yes,  I  believe  we  shall  be  safer  there.  At  any  rate, 
we  shall  be  more  miles  from  London,  which  is  to  us  the 
seat  of  danger." 

Against  this  proposition  Maud  had  not  a  single  word 
to  say. 

Not  only  was  she  most  anxious  to  quit  the  ill-omeued 
roof  of  the  inn  for  ever,  but  she  fully  and  entirely  be- 
lieved that  they  would  be  in  more  safety  if  their  distance 
from  London  was  increased 

Maud  was  not  ft  little  surprised,  tnough  at  the  same 
time  she  felt  gratified  in  a  very  high  degree,  at  finding 
Dick  so  observant  of  her  comfort  and  happiness. 

Moreover,  she  fancied  that  of  late  she  had  detected,  not 
only  in  the  accents  of  his  voice,  but  also  in  his  glances, 
a  greater  amount  of  tenderness  than  he  had  ever  before 
displayed. 

She  was  too  delighted  in  making  tnis  discovery  to 
think  of  speculating  upon  the  feelings  and  causee  which 
had  given  rise  to  it,  but  she  was  conscious  of  the  exist- 
ence of  a  greater  amount  of  happiness  in  her  breast  thau 
she  could  remember  having  possession  of  before. 

By  this  time  it  had  begun  to  grow  quite  light,  and 
therefore  Maud  rather  anxiously  inquired  of  Dick 
whether  it  was  his  intention  to  retrace  his  steps. 

"Very  shortly,"  he  said.  "But first  of  all,  I  expect  to 
havo  a  little   bit  of   game  arrive  in  a  iew  minutes — a 


chance  which  I  would  not  miss  on  any  account,  for  not 
only  does  it  promise  some  sport,  but  I  feel  certain  it  will 
turn  out  profitable.     Hark !" 

While  he  was  addressing  these  words  to  Maud,  our 
hero  had  caught  the  sound  of  horsemen  approaching. 

A  moment's  listening  convinced  him  that  he  had  net 
been  mistaken 

"  Now,  Maud, '  ho  exclaimed,  "  once  more  retire  into 
the  shadow  of  this  hedge,  and  I  will  ride  on  to  meet  them," 

"  Be  careful." 

,;  I  will  indeed."  " 

"  Promise  uie,"  said  Maud — "  promise  me  that  you  will 
continuo  to  think  favourably  of  what  I  assure  you  is  tho 
darling  wish  of  my  heart,  and  that  which  will  serve  to 
make  my  happiness  complete." 

"  I  will,  but  bear  in  mind  that  much  money  will  be  re- 
quired," 

"AtaaP  she  sighed,  "there  is  that  obstacle." 

"  B  /!  the  amount  will  soon  be  less  than  it  is  even  now, 
for  the  booty  I  hope  to  obtain  in  a  few  moments  will 
prove  no  inconsiderable  one.  But  promise  me  not  to  quit 
your  place  of  safe  shelter." 

"  I  promise." 

"  And  I,  too,  promise,"  said  Dick,  with  that  tenderness 
in  his  voice  and  eyes  which  it  so  thrilled  Maud  to  listen 
to  and  see.  "I  will  make  a  promise,  and  it  is  that  if  my 
companions  will  give  their  consent,  we  will  quit  England 
for  good  as  soon  as  ever  an  opportunity  displays  itself." 

"Are  you  quite  sure — quite  in  earnest?"  she  asked, 
with  her  eyes  brimming  with  tho  tears  that  excess  of  joy- 
fulness  had  called  there. 

"Quite.  I  cannot  stay  to  say  more,  or  the  chance  will 
be  lost." 

In  good  truth,  Dick  had  permitted  the  approaching 
horsemen  to  come  very  near  to  where  they  stood,  for  the 
clatter  Of  hoofs  now  overpowered  every  other  sound. 

As  he  spoke  the  last  words,  however,  Dick  galloped 
down  the  road  towards  the  travellers. 

As  lor  Maud,  she  felt  so  overcome  with  happiness  as 
scarcely  to  be  conscious  of  where  she  was  j  or  what  Dick 
was  about. 

She  did,  indeed,  find  it  hard  to  believe  that  she  had 
really  heard  the  words  which  had  just  been  spoken. 

It  seemed  far  more  likely  that  she  was  the  victim  of 
some  extraordinary  delusion,  for  hitherto,  when  hopiug 
that  Dick  would  quit  his  dangerous  profession,  she  had 
not  been  able  to  conceal  from  herself  that  she  was  in 
reality  hoping  against  hope. 

She  could  not  be  dreaming. 

There  around  her  lay  the  usual  features  of  an  English 
landscape. 

The  light  early  morning  breeze  was  rustling  among' the 
topmost  branches  of  the  trees. 

The  first  rays  of  the  new-dawning  sun  were  beginning 
to  glint  upon  the  more  lofty  objects  with  which  she  was 
surrounded. 

No,  no,  it  was  no  dream  and  no  delusion — for  she  could 
hear  still  the  beat  of  horses'  hoofs. 

Suddenly,  however,  the  sounds  ceased  and  the  distant 
murmur  of  voices  floated  to  hor  ears. 


CHAPTER  MLI. 

CONTINUES  TO  RELATE  DICK    TURPIN'S   ADVENTDRE3. 

Leaving  Maud  to  bear  with  the  suspense  which  she  had 
to  endure  as  best  she  might,  we  will,  as  usual,  follow  in 
the  footsteps  of  the  highwayman. 

Ere  he  had  gone  many  yards  he  caught  sight  of  two 
mounted  men  approaching,  who,  upon  seeing  him,  dis- 
covered certain  signs  of  uneasiness  and  irresolution. 

Dick  was  sure  that  they  were  no  other  than  than  those 
friends  to  whom  Mr.  Craddock  had  confided  his  very 
valuable  secret,  and  who  had  agreed  to  put  his  ruse  into 
practice. 

Our  hero  was  rather  curious  to  see  how  they  woula 
manage  the  matter.  It  was  scarcely  to  be  expected  that 
they  would  iwcceed  as  well  as  the  originator  of  this  very 
clever  idea,  because  they  were  not  in  possession  of  so 
great  an  amount  of  impudent  assurance. 

"Hold,  gentlemen,"  cried  Dick,  placing  himself 
directly  in  their  path — "  hold — hold,  I  say  !  You  cannot 
proceed  any  further  on  your  journey  until  you  hava 
transacted  a  little  business  along  with  me." 


rHB  KNIGHT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


1799 


They  came  to  a  standstill  without  any  hesitation,  and 
it  the  same  moment  Dick  produced  a  pistol,  which  had 
njioR  them  a  decidedly  uncomfortable  effect. 

"  Now,  gentlemen,"  Dick  went  on,  after  having  satisfied 
himself  that  his  weapon  was  iu  perfect  readiness  for  in- 
stant use,  "  there  is  no  reason  why  you  should  be  delayed 
many  minutes  upon  your  journey',  for  all  I  require  of  you 
at  tho  present  time  is  the  whole  of  the  articles  of  a 
valuable  nature — money  included — which  yoJ  carry 
with  you.  When  you  have  placed  that  in  my  hands  you 
are  at  perfect  liberty  to  ride  off — no  further  molestation 
will  be  offered  you,  I  assure  you." 

The  extraordinary  coolness  of  this  speech  seemed  to 
dumfouuder  the  travellers. 

Some  moments  elapsed  before  they  were  able  t»  move, 
or  to  remember  what  it  was  they  had  agreed  to  do. 

During  this  interval  Dick  sat  in  the  saddle,  considerably 
enjoying  their  utter  state  of  bewilderment. 

"  Come  1"  he  said,  when  he  considered  he  had  waited 
long  enough.  "  My  patience  is  entirely  exhausted  ;  and 
though  I  don't  wish  to  proceed  to  extremes,  yet  I  must 
assure  you  that  if  you  do  not  comply  with  my  request  un- 
hesitatingly, I  shall  be  compelled  to  use  foroe." 
"  But,  my  dear  sir  ■  " 
"  Well  ?" 

"  We — we— we  are     ■" 

"  Highwaymen !"  gasped  the  second,  finding  that  his 
companion's  utterance  failed  him,  and  would  not  allow 
him  to  pronounce  the  important  word. 

"  Yes — we  are  both  highwaymen  ourselves,"  said  the 
first,  jerking  out  the  words  all  at  once  in  the  most  comical 
way  imaginable. 

"  Are  you  indeed  1"  ejaculated  Dick. 
"  We  are." 

"Then  I  am  glad  to  hear  it." 
"Glad  to  hear  it?" 

"  Yes,  because  a  highwayman  will  nerer  refuse  a  re- 
quest made  to  him  by  one  of  his  comrades  ;  and  as  I  am 
badly  in  want  of  cash  for  a  particular  purpose,  of  course 
you  will  not  object  to  place  your  pockets  quite  at  my 
disposal." 

Upon  hearing  these  words  the  two  travellers  stared 
blankly  at  each  other. 

This  was  something  for  which  they  were  not  in  the 
least  prepared,  and  they  fervently  wished  Mr.  Craddock 
had  been  a  little  more  explicit,  and  told  them  what  ho 
should  have  done  under  such  circumstances. 

"Silence,  I  presume,  in  this,  as  in  other  cases, 
denotes  consent,"  pursued  Dick.  "As  I  am  in  a 
hurry,  be  good  enough  not  to  keep  me  any  longer 
waiting." 

"My  dear  sir——" 

"  Yes,  my  very  dear  sir " 

"  As  dear  as  you  like." 

"  What  a  joke — what  a  capital  joke  !  Ha,  ha !  Do  you 
nee  the  joke?    Ha,  ha !     Capital !"' 

"  Yes,  capital,"  muttered  the  otlior,  trying  hard  to  force 
a  laugh. 

"Then,  excuse  me,"  interposed  Dick,  "you  have  both 
considerably  the  advantage  of  mo,  for  I  am  forced  to  con- 
fess that  I  don't  see  any  joke  at  all." 

The  artificial  merrimeut  of  the  two  travellers  subsided 
into  absolute  amazement. 

"  I  must  be  plain  and  straightforward  with  you,"  said 
Dick,  at  length.    "  I  see  I  am  obliged  to  be  so" 
"  Yes — yes" 

"  Well,  then,  let  me  tell  you  that  I  happened  to  over- 
hear all  that  passed  at  the  inn  between  Mr.  Craddock 
and  yourselves.  Ha,  ha  !  I  can  see  a  joke  now  !  Can  you?" 
If  they  did  see  it  they  certainly  did  not  seem  to 
appreciate  it  in  the  slightest  degree,  for  they  sat  on  their 
horses'  backs  as  though  they  had  been  changed  from  hu- 
manity to  stone.    4 

"  I  don't  want  to  come  to  hard  measures,"  Turpin  went 
en  ;  "  but  I  am  determined  to  possess  myself  otc  all  tho 
valuables  you  carry,  and  I  leave  you  to  make  your  choice 
whether  you  quietly  surrender  them  to  me,  or  whether 
you  will  compel  me  by  main  force  to  take  them  from  you. 
In  either  case  the  result  will  be  the  same." 

"No — no  !     Dear,  good,  kind  sir,  have  mercy  upon  us  1" 
"  I  intend  to  be  merciful." 
"  Thanks — many,  many  thanks !" 
"  But  for  all  that,  I  intend  to  have  your  cash,  so  hand 
*T«r  before  my  patience  is  worn  out  I" 


Both  groaned  heavily. 

Dick  raised  his  pistol. 

"I  shall  count  nine,"  he  said,  " and  if,  by  the  time  I 
have  finished  doing  so,  you  do  not  begin  to  show  me  the 
contents  of  your  pockets  I  shall  have  to  bring  the  services 
of  this  little  tool  into  requisition." 

The  sight  of  Dick's  holster  pistol— he  had  purposely 
selected  the  most  terrifying  one  he  had  with  him — made 
them  shake  in  their  shoes  for  dread. 

Dick  began  to  count  in  a  very  deliberate  tone  of  voice. 

"Stop— stop!"  cried  one,  as  Dick  cried  " Eight!"  "I 
cannot  stand  this  any  longer !" 

So  saying,  he  dived  his  hand  into  his  pocket. 

Dick  oxtended  his  left  hand,  allowing  tho  reins  to  fall 
upon  tho  neck  of  Black  Bess,  for  he  knew  very  well  she 
would  stand  still  without  any  restraint. 

This  first  traveller  produced  a  very  stout  pocket-book, 
which  was  crammed  so  tightly  that  it  seemed  in  danger 
of  bursting. 

It  slipped  into  Dick's  pocket  with  the  greatest  celerity. 

"  Now  then,"  he  cried,  "  follow  on  with  your  purse, 
your  loose  cash,  and  your  watch !  Be  quick,  for  time  is 
precious !" 

The  traveller  looked  around  him  with  a  glance  60 
ludicrously  despairing  as  would  provoke  a  smile  from 
almost  any  beholder, 

But  there  was  no  one  near  at  that  early  hour. 

Finding  that  it  was  vain  to  resist,  and  that  he  had  nc 
other  resource  save  compliance,  tho  traveller  made  a 
virtue  of  necessity,  and  emptied  all  his  pockets,  satisfying 
Dick  that  there  was  nothing  left  in  them  by  turning  each 
successively  inside  out. 

Having  finished  with  him,  he  next  turned  to  his  com- 
panion, who,  of  course,  now  was  not  in  a  position  to  think 
of  offering  resistance  of  any  kind. 

Kefusal  was  out  of  the  question,  so  he  followed  the  ex- 
ample of  the  other  in  every  respect,  though  he  accom- 
panied every  one  of  his  actions  with  many  heavy  groans 
and  dismal  shakings  of  tho  head,  not  even  putting  up  with 
his  loss  with  as  much  calm  philosophy  as  his  associate. 

"And  now,''  Turpin  exclaimed,  "I  should  just  like  to 
make  a  remark  or  two  before  we  separate.  In  the  first 
place,  if  you  will  take  my  advice  you  will  never  try  this 
trick  again,  or,  if  you  do,  rehearse  the  part  you  have  to 
perform  much  better,  otherwise  you  will  infallibly  be 
known  not  to  be  highwaymen  at  the  very  first  glance." 

"  I  never  will,"  muttered  one,  in  a  tone  that  was  con- 
clusive as  to  his  sincerity. 

"  Nor  I  either." 

"  Then  as  for  your  very  ingenious  friend,  Mr.  Crad- 
dock," continued  Dick,  "  I  have  some  interesting  in- 
formation to  give  you  concerning  him." 

Upon  heariDg  this,  tho  pair  pricked  up  their  ears. 

"  He  tried  his  plan  upon  me,  but  I  need  scarcely  tell 
you  he  found  it  of  no  avail,  and  in  the  end  he  had  to  clear 
his  pockets  of  every  article." 

"  Did  he  indeed  ?"  they  ejaculated,  with  evident  satis- 
faction. 

No  doubt  it  was  some  solace  to  them,  under  the  circum- 
stance^ to  be  made  aware  that  their  friend,  after  all  his 
boasting,  had  not  been  able  to  escape. 

"  Just  at  the  present  time,"  Dick  went  on,  "  he  happens 
to  bo  so  situated  as  to  stand  in  need  of  your  assistance, 
and  if  you  ride  down  the  road  you  will  doubtless  see  or 
hear  something  of  him.  If  he  denies  having  been  robbed, 
ask  him  to  pay  the  gate  just  below  here,  and  then  you  will 
know  whether  he  speaks  the  truth  or  not." 

With  these  words,  Dick  abruptly  wheeled  his  mare 
round  end  galloped  off  before  the  travellers  could  recover 
themselves  from  their  bewilderment. 

Maud  greeted  Dick  with  a  glad  smile. 

"  No  more  adventures  now,"  sne  cried. 

"  None ;  I  have  succeeded  much  better  than  I  could  have 
dared  te  anticipate.  I  have  capital  booty,  which  I  have 
been  lucky  mough  to  obtain  with  very  little  risk  and  diffi- 
culty." 

"  And  now  you  purpose  returning  to  the  inn." 

"  I  do.  Force  your  way  through  that  gap.  We  will 
make  our  way  across  the  fields,  as  by  that  means  we  shal) 
save  a  mile  or  two." 

Maud  giadly  enough  complied,  for  now  that  it  was  day- 
light, she  wa3  most  anxious  for  Dick  to  get  back  to  th* 
inn,  for  which  place  she  by  no  means  fett  eo  much  repug- 
nfc&oe  during  daylight  as  at  night. 


1300 


SLICK   BBSS  ,    oa, 


As  soon  as  the  open  meadows  were  gained,  she  looked 
about  her  with  apprehension,  for  she  was  quite  at  a  loss 
to  imagine  how  it  was  that  during  the  whole  of  the  past 
night  they  had  2ot  once  been  interrupted  by  their  foes, 
and  therefore  now  naturally  dreaded  to  catch  sieht  of 
them. 

Nothing,  however,  save  the  fair  and  smiling  face  of  the 
open  country  met  her  view,  and  she  began  to  indulge  in 
the  hope  that  they  would  be  successful  in  reaching  their 
destination  unmolested. 

Her  mind  being  thus  relieved  upon  this  point,  ner 
thoughts  naturally  averted  to  what  Dick  had  said  to  her 
respecting  his  accedence  to  her  request. 

"  It  seems  too  much  happiness  to  be  realised,"  she  said, 
with  a  deep  sigh.  "  I  fear,  somehow,  I  know  cot  why, 
that  it  can  never  be." 

"  Nonsense,  Maud ;  banish  such  fears  as  those — they  are 
unworthy  of  you.  Nevertheless,  I  don't  scruple  to  tell 
you  that  I  have  been  weak  and  foolish  enough  to  be  in- 
fluenced by  a  vague  presentiment  of  some  coming  ill ;  and 
without  knowing  why,  I  feel  assured  that  if  your  wishes 
are  carried  into  execution,  a  great  calamity  will  be 
avoided." 

These  words  struck  a  cold  chill  to  Maud's  heart,  which 
seemed  as  though  it  had  been  plunged  into  ice,  thus 
freezing  up  her  life  blood  at  its  very  source. 

"  Do  not  call  any  such  feeling  weak  or  foolish,  Dick, 
but  rather  believe  it  to  be  some  delicate  instinct  warning 
you  of  some  hidden  approaching  danger.  Let  me  beseech 
you  not  to  disregard  the  whisperings  of  such  an  inward 
monitor." 

"I  will  not,"  replied  Dick — "I  will  not  for  your  sake. 
At  present,  your  life  has  been  sacrificed  to  me ;  I  can  see 
by  your  wasted  frame,  your  haggard  look,  the  dulness 
of  your  eyes,  and  numerous  other  indications,  how  much 
the  wild  life  you  have  so  long  led  has  told  upon  you.  I 
wonder  you  have  borne  up  so  well  as  you  have,  for  you 
were  never  fitted  by  nature  for  so  many  hardships." 

"And  yet  I  have  been  happy,  Dick — quite  happy  in 
your  love,  and  therefore  quite  content  to  bear  all,  and 
even  more." 

"  But  you  shall  be  happier — of  that  I  am  quite  deter- 
mined. Now,  when  I  see  the  ravages  which  have  been 
wrought  in  your  beauty,  your  countenance  is  a  reproach 
to  me  ;  but  it  shall  be  so  no  longer." 

Maud  wept  freely. 

"  Cheer  up !"  cried  Dick — "  let  me  implore  you  to  cheer 
up !  Our  arrangement  with  Tom  Davis  and  the  rest  must 
be  carried  out ;  but  by  the  time  a  month  has  expired 
I  trust  we  shall  be  safely  on  some  bark  taking  our  last 
look  of  the  shores  of  England." 

There  was  something  saddening  even  in  this. 

In  particular  Dick  felt  how  hard  he  should  find  it  thus 
to  exile  himself  from  the  land  where  he  had  passed  so 
busy  a  career. 

"  Come,"  he  cried,  for  he  felt  no  inclination  to  pursue 
the  subject  further,  "  urge  on  your  horse,  Maud !  The 
soener  we  reach  the  Jolly  Tar  the  better." 

Upon  this  point  it  was  impossiblo  that  any  diversity  of 
opinion  could  exist. 

As  before,  Maud  pushed  her  horso  to  the  utmost  speed 
he  was  capable  of  making,  and  Dick  kept  easily  by  her 
side. 

The  only  interruption  they  met  with  in  the  course  of 
their  long  ride  was  of  so  slight  a  character  as  scarcely  te  be 
worthy  of  the  name. 

It  was  while  they  were  crossing  a  meadow  of  consider- 
able extent. 

Suddenly  a  loud  voice  was  borne  upon  the  air. 

Looking  behind  them,  they  caught  sight  of  a  man 
mounted  upon  a  very  sturdy-looking  roan  cob. 

He  was  alone,  so  whatever  apprehension*  oar  friends 
may  have  felt  instantly  subsided. 

Seeing  that  he  had  attracted  their  attention,  this  indi- 
vidual waved  his  arms  about  in  a  very  wild  and  extra- 
ordinary manner,  while  at  the  same  time  ho  bawled  oul 
something  at  the  very  top  of  his  lungs. 

But  he  was  too  far  off  for  the  purport  of  the  words  to 
reach  Dick's  ears.   • 

"What  does  he  want  ?"  asked  Maud. 

"I  fancy  he  is  telling  us  that  we  are  trespassing  upon 
his  property.     He  looks  like  a  farmer,  or  landholder,  or 
something  of  that  sort.    By  his  violent  gesticulation 
fau'iy  'w  vrauts  us  to  turn  back." 


'I 


a'' And  we  are  not  likely  to  do  that." 

*  'Decidedly  not.    Push  on  faster,  for  as  I  Ure  he  is 

actually  foolish  enough  to  give  us  chase!" 

Whether  Dick's  supposition  was  correct,  or  whether 
this  stranger  suspected  who  they  were,  is  hard  to  say. 

At  any  rate,  he  flogged  his  pony  unmercifully  with  a 
stick  he  carried,  and  made  him  gallop  over  the  turf  at  an 
astonishing  rate. 

It  was  quite  out  of  the  question,  though,  that  he  should 
succeed  in  overtaking  Black  Bess. 

Such  a  thing  would  be  too  ridioulous. 

Nevertheless,  so  good  was  the  speed  made  by  the  pony, 
that  it  was  not  until  they  had  crossed  two  more  fields 
that  they  lost  sight  of  him. 

The  cross-road  now  lay  before  them,  and  they  made 
their  way  into  it  easily  by  means  of  a  gate  which  Dick 
alighted  and  opened. 

About  the  rest  of  their  journey  there  was  no  difficulty 
whatever. 

The  Jolly  Tar  had  always  occupied  a  very  lonesome 
situation,  and  now,  in  consequence  of  the  dark  deeds 
which  had  taken  place  in  it,  the  vicinity  was  more 
shunned  than  ever. 

Tom  Davis,  however,  was  awaiting  their  return  with 
very  great  impatience  and  anxiety. 

He  shook  his  head  as  soon  as  he  caught  sight  of  them 

"  I  can't  think  it  wise,  captain,  to  venture  back  here  by 
daylight  in  this  manner.    You  are  sure  to  be  seen." 

"  It  was  unavoidable.    Have  the  others  returned  ?" 

"  Claude  and  Jack  have." 

"Not  Tom  King?" 

"No." 

"  That  is  strange  !" 

"  Very ;  and  yet  he  may  have  had  the  prudence  to 
conceal  himself  somewhere  rather  than  run  the  risk  of 
making  his  way  here  by  daylight." 

Dick  could  not  fall  in  with  this  supposition. 

He  knew  where  Tom  had  gone,  and  it  seemed  far  more 
probable  to  ascribe  his  absence  to  the  fact  of  his  having 
got  into  some  serious  trouble. 

Of  this  private  conviction,  however,  he  uttered  not 
one  word. 

At  this  moment  Claude  and  Jack  made  their  appearance 
at  the  back  window  of  the  inn. 

They  had  stationed  themselves  on  their  return  in  the 
"look-out,"  for  so  they  called  that  upper  chamber,  from 
which,  as  we  have  already  informed  the  reader,  the? 
could  obtain  a  view  in  any  direction. 

Dick  soon  discovered  that  his  apprehensions  concern- 
ing Tom  King  were  fully  shared  in  by  his  comrades. 

There  was  just  the  hope  that  what  Tom  had  said  was 
correct,  and  this  they  had  perforce  to  cling  to  during  the 
whole  of  the  day. 

They  determined  to  wait  for  him  until  midnight,  and 
then,  if  he  did  not  make  his  appearance,  to  come  to  some 
resolution  as  to  how  they  should  act. 

The  excursion  of  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen-String 
Jack  on  that  night  had  not  been  marked  by  an  adventure 
of  any  particular  or  unusual  character. 

But  they  were  successful  in  so  far  as  the  purpose  for 
which  they  set  out  was  concerned. 

A  good  booty  had  been  secured,  and  with  very  little 
trouble. 

In  one  of  the  cross-roads  the  highwaymen  had  encoun- 
tered a  covered  waggon — one  of  that  kind  in  which  people 
at  that  time  often  rode  from  place  to  place. 

They  guessed  at  once  the  nature  of  the  load  carried  by 
the  waggon  on  this  occasion,  and  by  threats  compelled 
the  driver  to  stop  his  team  and  to  sit  on  his  high  seat 
without  offering  any  opposition  or  resistance. 

The  people  in  the  waggon  were  easily  terrified  Into  sub- 
mission. 

We  have  formerly  stated  that  people  who  could  afford 
another  mode  of  conveyance  often  chose  one  of  these 
waggons  as  holding  out  a  greater  prospect  of  safety  than  a 
stage-coach. 

In  the  present  instance  our  friends  were  so  fortunate  a» 
to  meet  with  an  old  avaricious  fellow,  who  preferred  to 
ride  in  a  waggon  not  only  on  account  of  the  reason  just 
given,  but  because  it  was  so  much  cheaper. 

Although  he  at  first  declared  he  had  nothing  whatever, 
Claude  made  a  search — a  thorough  one — and  the  result 
was  the  discovery  of  a  large  bag  of  money. 

With  this  booty  they  rode  c9L  leaving  the  mac  tlnom 


niB   IW8HT  OV  TH«   ROAD. 


fTOM  KUCG   IS  MADE   ACQUAINTED   WITH    HIS    OOOM.j 


'Ijtatie  at  tneloss  of  that  which  he  actually  prized  above 
his  own  life. 

The  particulars  of  this  adventure  having  been  related, 
ihe  whole  of  our  friends  betook  themselves  to  rest,  adopt- 
ing the  plan  which  on  a  previous  occasion  we  in  full 
described. 

The  approach  of  night  was  waited  for  with  great  im- 
patience, and  when  it  began  to  grow  dusk  the  anxiety  of 
all  was  so  great  that  they,  without  exception,  repaired  to 
the  look-out,  hoping  shortly  to  catch  sight  of  their  ab- 
•ont  comrade. 

The  hours  passed  slowly  and  wearily,  until  at  length 
Dick  Turpin,  consulting  the  watch  he  had  taken  from 
M  r.  Craddock — which  was  a  valuable  repeater — announced 
Uiat  the  hour  of  midnight  had  arrived. 

But  although  they  both  looked  and  listened,  they  neither 
.iiw  nor  hewd  anything  of  Tom  King. 

No.  22rt. — Black  Bkss. 


CHAPTER  MLII 

TOM   KINO    LEAKXS   HIS   FUTURE   DEST1S*. 

We  go  back  to  our  old  friend  Tom  King,  who  was  left  it 
anything  but  comfortable  circumstances,  although  th» 
narrow  escape  he  had  just  had  from  death  made  them 
more  endurable  than  they  would  have  been  otherwise. 

But  Tom  was  most  moved  by  the  hapless  fate  which 
had  befallen  his  companion,  and  he  renewed  his  search 
again  and  again  in  the  hope  of  discovering  something  of 
him. 

All  was  in  vain,  however. 

If  the  unfortunate  stranger  had  really  made  his  egress 
iii  the  same  manner  as  our  friend,  he  must  have  been 
carried  away  completely  by  the  stream,  and  this,  judging 
from  the  nature  of  the  place,  seemed  hardly  probable. 

The  idea  which  fixed  itself  in  Tom's  mind  was.  tram 


tfo.  22G. 


Nn. 


Pbice  One  Halfpenny. 
22  7  vi  III  he   Published  nevt  Mnnda-v. 


1S0S 


BLACK  BBSS;  OB. 


the  subterranean  siream  might  at  some  point  hare 
branched  off  into  two  directions,  one  leading  to  the  open 
air,  ths  other  conducting  to  some  of  those  mysterious 
recesses  of  the  earth  of  which  the  stranger  had  himself 
bo  graphically  spoken. 

Supposing  this  hypothesis  to  be  correct,  Ton  had  still 
further  cause  to  congratulate  himself  upon  the  good  for- 
tune which  had  attended  him. 

Other  and  more  pressing  matters,  however,  now  called 
upon  him  for  immediate  attention. 

The  loss  of  his  horse  must  be  repaired,  and  tlwm  his 
next  and  most  important  step  was  to  make  his  way 
back  to  the  place  where  he  knew  his  friends  were  so 
anxiously  expecting  him,  and  make  them  acquainted 
with  the  success  he  had  met  with  in  the  prosecution  of 
the  enterprise  upon  which  he  had  been  despatched. 

But  many  difficulties  stood  in  the  way,  which  by  many 
would  have  been  deemed  well-nigh  insuperable,  and 
yet  which  Tom  thought  but  little  of. 

His  first  care  was,  if  possible,  to  ascertain  whether  the 
police  officers  who  had  so  nearly  secured  him,  and  who 
would  infallibly  have  done  so  but  for  their  own  over- 
reaching cupidity,  were  In  the  vicinity. 

Tom's  own  opinion,  formed  after  a  careful  survey  of  tad 
place,  was  that  they  must  be  on  the  other  side  of  the 
rock,  unless,  indeed,  they  had  ventured  to  pass  beneath 
thy  archway  in  a  boat;  then  it  would  be  hard  indeed  to 
say  what  had  become  of  them.  ( 

After  reconnoitring  for  some  time,  the  coast  se'emefl 
perfectly  clear,  and  Tom  having  by  this  time  recovered 
the  use  of  all  his  limbs,  and  who  felt  that  the  proper  circu- 
lation of  his  blood  had  been  restored,  at  once  turned  his 
back  upon  the  scene  of  this  adventure,  now  intent  upon 
obtaining  his  first  necessary — a  horse. 

How  he  was  to  obtain  one  seemed  in  the  highest  de- 
gree mysterious,  for  he  did  not  happen  at  that  time  to 
possass  the  sum  of  money  that  would  be  requisite  lor  the 
purchase  of  one. 

It  is  true  that  in  some  of  the  meadows  around  him  he 
might  have  found  an  animal  to  answer  his  purpose,  but 
theu  he  would  have  been  short  of  all  the  trappings — a  de- 
ficiency, of  course,  which  anyone  not  similarly  situated  to 
himself  could  easily  have  supplied. 

While  pondering  over  these  matters  Tom's  attention 
was  arrested  by  a  light  which  he  perceived  dimly  twink- 
ling at  6ome  distance  in  advance. 

At  first  being  uncertain  as  to  the  source  from  whence 
the  illumination  proceeded,  he  advanced  with  considerable 
caution  until  he  found  that  the  light  in  question  streamed 
from  the  side  window  of  a  roadside  inn. 

This  discovery  seemed  to  have  the  effect  of  causing 
him  to  feel  with  additional  acuteness  the  discomfort  of 
his  present  condition. 

The  imaginary  prospect  of  a  glowing  fire  and  some 
blood-warming  beverage  arose  most  temptingly  before 
him,  and  so  strong  was  the  effect  produced  that  he 
found  the  inducement  to  enter  was  irresistible. 

Accordingly,  he  approached  with  a  more  rapid  step ; 
but  before  he  ventured  to  enter  he  peeped  cautiously  into 
the  room  from  which  the  light  was  shining. 

This  he  was  able  to  do  easily,  for  there  was  no  curtain 
to  obstruct  his  vision — the  light,  indeed,  thus  suffered  to 
shine  forth  proving  a  beacon  to  many  a  belated  traveller, 
who  but  for  it  might  have  wandered  past  the  inn. 

Tom  found  that  he  was  looking  into  a  room  that  evi- 
dently, from  its  character,  was  set  aside  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  public. 

Straight  before  him  was  the  hearth,  upon  which  a  huge 
wood  fire  was  blazing,  giving  out  so  much  light  that  the 
rays  of  the  lamp  were  almost  made  invisible. 

At  this  moment  the  room  was  occupied  only  by  one 
individual,  who  sat  with  his  back  to  the  window  and  his 
face  to  the  glowing  embers,  so  that  Tom  was  not  able  to 
note  him  very  distinctly. 

By  his  dress  he  would  seem  to  be  a  geutloman. 

From  such  a  one  as  this  Tom  not  unnaturally  thought 
that  he  had  little  or  nothing  to  apprehend,  and  so  without 
further  hesitation  he  advanced  to  the  front  door  of  the 
inn,  opened  it,  and  entered. 

The  noise  which  this  occasioned  had  the  effect  of 
bringing  the  alert  and  attentive  landlady  forward. 

But  Tom  had  accurately  nrrted  the  situation  of  the  door 
communicating  with  the  room  into  which  he  had  peeped, 
opened  it  without  ceremony. 


The  landlady  followed  him  across  the  threshold 

"  Good  evening,"  said  Tom  to  her,  advancing  to  the  lire 
and  nodding  to  the  traveller  who  sat  there.  "  You  see,  I 
have  been  so  unfortunate  as  to  get  a  ducking  this  cold 
night" 

"  Dear  me,  air,  so  you  have  I  What  s*,all  I  do  ?  How 
did  it  happen  ?" 

"  Why,  curse  it,  it  is  not  my  only  mischance  to-night— 
I  have  k>st  my  horse  as  well !" 

"  Lost  your  horse  ?"  <- 

"  Yes ;  I  wanted  the  confounded  brute  to  leap  a  stream, 
whioh  I  am  convinced  he  oould  have  done  easily  enough, 
but  he  jumped  short,  and  we  both  fell  into  the  water." 

"  Was  it  near  here,  sir  ?"  asked  the  stranger,  who  had 
looked  at,  and  listened  to,  Tom  with  great  attention. 

"A  mile  or  so,"  was  the  answer.  "  I  cannot  describe 
the  exact  spot,  for  I  am  a  stranger  in  the  locality.  But 
what  was  worst  was  that  I  found  the  current  so  strong 
I  could  scarcely  resist  it.  Being  a  good  swimmer, 
though,  I  gained  the  shore,  and  strove  to  rescue  my 
steed ;  but  in  the  meantime  he  had  floated  to  a  great 
distance — to  a  place  where  the  velocity  of  the  current 
had  so  increased  that  he  was  carried  along  like  a  feather ; 
and  in  spite  of  all  my  endeavours  I  had  the  mortification 
of  seeing  him  drift  under  a  rocky  arch  that  leads  I  know 
not  where — I  should  fancy  into  the  bowels  of  the 
earth." 

"Iknov  well  the  spot  which  you  describe,"  observed 
the  traveller;  "but  it  is  considerably  more  than  a  mile 
from  here.  You  may  consider  yourself  lueky  in  having 
escaped  with  your  own  life.  Had  you  passed  beneath 
that  arch  you  would  never  have  been  seen  or  heard  of 
on  this  earth  again." 

"  The  gentleman  says  truly,"  added  the  landlady ; 
"  and  you  must  consider  yourself  fortunate  in  having 
escaped  so  well." 

"  I  do,"  answered  Tom,  with  a  smile,  for  he  was 
thinking  of  the  officers. 

"8ut,  dear  me,"  continued  the  landlady — "here  I  am 
rattling  to  you  in  this  fashion,  and  not  thinking  that 
those  wet  clothes  will  give  you  your  death  of  cold.  Let 
me  show  you  to  a  bed-room,  where  you  can  remain 
until  all  your  things  are  dry." 

"  Nay,  nay — it  does  not  matter.  If  you  will  bring  me 
some  boiling-hot  brandy-and-water  I  will  dry  myself  by 
this  blazing  fire.  It  is  not  the  first  time  that  I  have  been 
soaked  to  the  skin,  and  without  having  the  advantage  of 
any  firo  at  all.  Perhaps,  sir,"  Tom  added,  addressing  the 
traveller,  "you  would  favour  me  so  far  as  to  ioin  me  in 
discussing  a  glass  hot  and  strong  ?" 

"  I  have  no  objection — none  in  the  world." 

"  Then,  landlady,  let  us  have  two  glasses  with  all 
possible  speed.  In  the  meantime  I  will  make  myself 
comfortable." 

"You  had  better  take  my  advice,  sir." 

"No,  no — I  shall  do  best  here.  Be  quick,  for  I  am 
cold  without  and  within." 

Tom  hastily  removed  his  upper  clothing  and  hung  it 
near  the  fire,  and  then  warmed  himself  thoroughly. 

"  I  think  you  are  running  a  great  risk,"  said  the 
stranger,  who  had  sat  watching  him  for  some  time  in 
perfect  silence. 

"It  is  nothing,"  answered  Tom,  carelessly.  "I  have 
seen  hard  service  in  my  time,  and  have  become  inured  to 
all  these  hardships." 

At  this  moment  the  landlady  reappeared ;  and  after  the 
exchange  of  some  conversation,  with  which  it  is  needless 
to  trouble  the  reader,  she  again  quitted  the  apartment. 

By  this  time  Tom  began  to  feel  very  comfortable  in  his 
new  quarters. 

"  What  vexes  me  most  of  all,"  he  remarked  to  his  com- 
panion, "  is  the  loss  of  my  horse,  which  could  not  have 
taken  place  at  a  more  unfortunate  moment.  I  am  anxious 
to  reach  a  place  some  miles  from  hero  before  daylight 
and  how  I  am  to  do  it  completely  puzzles  me." 

"  I  think  I  can  got  you  out  of  your  difficulty." 

"  In  what  way,  sir  ?" 

"Why,  at  the  present  moment  I  happen  to  have  a 
horse  in  the  stable  here  which  will  just  suit  you,  and 
which  I  am  willing  to  part  with  for  a  reasonable  sum." 

"  I  am  much  pleased  to  hear  you  say  as  much,"  re- 
sponded Tom  King,  with  great  heartiness.  "  It  has  k» 
lieved  me  of  an  immense  amount  of  uneasiness." 

"  I  am  delighted  to  bear  it '" 


*HB  KNIGHT  O*  THB  ROAD. 


1861 


**  You  would  not  confer  a  greater  favour  upon  me  than 
by  allowing  me  the  opportunity  of  making  this  pur- 
chase," said  Tom.  "  And  if  you  have  no  objection  we 
will,  after  we  have  drained  our  glasses,  pay  a  visit  to  the 
stable." 

"  With  all  my  jeart !" 

It  may  seem  strange  that  Tom  should  manifest  so 
much  readiness  to  purchase  a  aoree  at  a  time  when  he 
had  no  means  of  paying  for  it. 

Either  he  forgot  the  state  of  his  exchequer,  or  else  he 
had  devised  some  plan  for  dispensing  with  the  necessity 
of  payment. 

The  pair  sat  together  for  some  little  time — the  stranger 
insisting  upon  two  more  glasses  being  brought,  6i3  Tom 
did  not  wish  to  leave  until  his  clothing  was  completely 
dried. 

The  stranger,  too,  had  an  object  in  calling  for  mora 
brandy — he  believed  he  should  be  enabled  to  drive  a 
better  bargain. 
But  he  had  got  the  wrong  person  to  deal  with. 
The  glasses  at  last  were  emptied,  and  they  rose  «nd 
repaired  to  the  yard,  Tom's  apparel  being  now  quite  dry 
and  comfortable  again. 

The  traveller  was  in  excellent  spirits,  doubtless  in  con- 
sequence of  the  largeness  of  the  profit  he  was  about  to 
make. 

Some  little  delay  took  place  in  arousing  the  ostler ;  but 
at  length  that  individual  made  his  appearance,  carrying  a 
largo  stable  lantern. 

By  the  aid  of  the  artiole  last  mentioned  Tom  made  a 
tolerably  good  examination  of  the  horse,  which,  so  far  as 
he  could  tell,  was  of  an  average  good  quality,  and  free 
from  blemishes  and  faults. 

"What  do  you  think  of  him?"  asked  the  traveller, 
somewhat  anxiously. 

"  Why,  I  believe  he  will  suit  me  admirably." 
"  I  fael  sure  he  will.    Have  him  led  out  into  the  yard, 
you  will  be  able  to  judge  better  of  him  then." 

To  this  proposition,  of  course,  Tom  King  did  not  for  a 
moment  dissent,  and  accordingly  the  steed  was  led 
out. 

In  his  own  mind  our  friend  thought,  possibly,  that  the 
animal  might  be  worth  twenty  guineas,  and  the  trappings 
five  guineas  more. 

"  There  is  only  the  price,"  he  said — "  I  should  like  to 
know  the  price." 

"  Well,  I  shall  not  have  many  words  about  that,"  was 
the  reply.  "  It  is  a  good  beast,  and  suits  me  very  well, 
and  I  only  part  with  him  for  your  accommodation.  The 
price  is  one  hundred  guineas." 

The  traveller  made  this  extortionate  demand  with  some 
trepidation,  showing  that  he  had  a  certain  amount  of  con- 
science left. 

He  fully  expected  that  Tom  King  would  make  some 
remark  upon  the  price;  and  the  stranger  was,  as  the 
reader  will  readily  believe,  prepared  to  make  a  consider- 
able abatement ;  but,  to  his  surprise,  Tom  never  opened 
his  mouth  or  seemed  in  the  least  astonished,  which  was 
more  than  the  ostler  did,  for  upon  hearing  so  monstrous 
a  sum  demanded  he  grinned  from  ear  to  ear. 

The  next  feeling  in  the  stranger's  mind  was  that  of 
disappointment. 

He  actually  wished  he  had  asked  more,  for  Tom's  be- 
haviour impressed  him  with  the  idea  that  it  would  not 
have  been  deemed  too  much. 

"  I  like  him,"  Tom  remarked,  at  length.  "  The  price 
is  high ;  but  then  one  must  expect  to  pay  for  an  accommo- 
dation according  to  its  value.  Now,  I  would  rather  pay 
a  thousand  pounds  than  not  reach  my  dovtmation  at  the 
time  appointed." 

"  Then  you  think  we  may  say  the  matter  is  settled  ?" 
"  Well,  nearly  so.    I  confess,  if  you  have  no  objection, 
that  before  paying  for  him,  I  should  just  like  to  try  loim 
for  a  hundred  yards  or  so.    I  have  uo  doubt  I  shall  be 
satisfied  with  him,  however." 
"  Of  course  you  will." 

The  stranger  hesitated  a  little  about  allowing  Tom  a 
trial,  but  he  was  afraid  to  refuse,  lest  by  doing  so  he 
should  altogether  lose  the  capital  bargain  he  believed  he 
was  about  to  make. 

"  What  do  you  say  ?"  asked  Tom,  observing  his  inde- 
cision. 

"Oh,  I  don't  mind  1  Ostler,"  he  said,  "just  fetch  the 
•addle  and  bridle ' " 


These  articles  quickly  made  their  appearance,  and  in  a 
few  seconds  the  horse  was  fully  caparisoned. 

"  He  looks  all  the  better  now,"  observed  the  owner, 
patting  his  horse  upon  the  neck,  thoagh  when  he  per- 
formed the  action  he  did  not  know  it  would  be  for  the  last 
time. 

Tom  was  in  the  saddle  in  a  twinkling,  for  he  felt  \j  wO 
means  assured  that  the  stranger  would  not  alter  his 
mind- 

He  walked  quietly  out  of  the  inn-yard  into  the  road, 
and  then,  having  seated  himself  to  his  satisfaction,  trotted 
off. 
As  he  receded  the  stranger  felt  very  uneasy. 
He  watched  keenly,  but  Tom  King  rode  on  in  the  most 
careless  manner. 

The  traveller's  ailxiety  had  reached  its  highest  pitch- 
he  was,  indeed,  about  to  give  utterance  to  a  shout,  when 
Tom  turned  back  again. 
Oh,  what  a  relief  that  was ! 

Our  friend,  with  an  amount  of  audacity  of  which  few 
would  have  dreamed,  let  alone  put  into  practice,  rode 
back  to  the  front  of  the  inn. 

"  Well,"  ejaculated  the  stranger,  "  what  do  you  think 
of  him  now  ?" 

"  My  opinion  has  undergone  no  alteration." 
"  I  rejoice  to  hear  it.    I  assure  you  you  become  his 
back  excellently.    Don't  he,  Jack?" 

"  Ra-ather  /"  responded  the  ostler,  who  was  the  indivi- 
dual appealed  to. 

"Well,"  exclaimed  Tom,  gathering  the  reins  in  his 
hand,  "  it  seems  we  are  all  of  one  opinion.  Good  night 
to  you  both !  The  settling  can  stand  over  till  another  day." 
Just  as  he  pronounced  these  words,  tho  highwayman 
gave  his  new-found  horse  so  sharp  a  dig  with  his  spurs 
that  the  animal,  snorting  with  pain,  first  reared  upright, 
and  then,  with  a  tremendous  bound,  set  forward  on  his 
journey. 

Simultaneously  with  that  bound  came  four  distinct  and 
different  sounds,  which,  uniting,  swelled  into  a  horrible 
and  discordant  chorus. 

Of  course  we  shall  be  compelled  to  mention  these 
sounds  separately,  leaving  the  reader  to  imagine  what  the 
effect  would  be  when  they  were  all  heard  together. 

The  first  was  a  dreadful  kind  of  whooping  howl,  which 
came  from  the  traveller's  lips  upon  realising  that  his 
horse  was  gone  for  ever. 

The  second  was  a  loud  shout  from  the  ostler,  who  re- 
gretted the  loss  of  his  own  fee  more  than  he  did  the  ab- 
duction of  the  traveller's  horse. 

The  third  was  a  shrill  scream  from  the  lips  of  tho  land- 
lady, who  had  been  brought  to  the  front  door  of  the  inn 
by  curiosity,  and  who  witnessed  with  horror  the  decamp- 
ment of  one  whom  6he  had  set  down  in  her  own  mind 
as  being  a  perfect  gentleman. 

The  fourth  and  last  was  a  loud  burst  of  laughter  given 
utterance  to  by  Tom  King,  who  was  mightily  amused  at 
the  success  of  his  stratagem  and  the  dismay  occasioned 
by  it. 

Before  any  course  of  action  could  be  decided  upon,  both 
horse  and  rider  vanished  from  the  view  of  those  assem- 
bled at  the  inn-door  by  passing  round  a  bend  in  the  road 
about  a  hundred  yards  or  so  in  advance. 

The  horse  which  Tom  had  so  unexpectedly  acquired 
was  certainly  no  beauty  as  far  as  appearance  was  con- 
cerned.   He  was  by  far  too  wiry  and  bony. 

But  he  possessed  the  virtue  of  being  able  to  get  over 
the  ground  in  an  amazing  style ;  in  fact,  our  old  friend  at 
first  could  scarcely  believe  that  the  animal  had  such 
powerB  of  speed. 

He  was  soon  convinced  of  it,  however,  beyond  all 
possibility  of  doubt,  and  he  discovered  likewise  another 
recommendation— namely,  that  the  horse  possessed  re- 
markable powers  of  endurance. 

Under  all  these  circumstances,  Tom  had  good  oause  to 
Congratulate  himself. 

"  Serves  him  right !"  he  mutterea  to  hiEs&W,  »s  he 
thought  of  the  traveller's  disappointment.  "  He  will 
doubtless  think  of  me  the  next  time  he  attempts  to  over- 
reach anybody-  The  idea,  now,  of  a  hundred  guineas  for  a 
screw  like  this  1  As  to  the  people  at  the  inn,  I  will  call 
and  make  it  right  with  them  soino  day." 

Other  thoughts,  however,  of  a  more  serious  and  im- 
portant nature  quickly  drove  all  these  considerations  frciti 
his  mind. 


ItOi 


BLACK  BESS  ;     O*, 


His  stay  at  the  inn  had  consumed  much  more  time 
than  he  was  aware  of,  and  he  was  really  doubtful  whe- 
ther he  should  to  able  to  reach  his  destination  before 
daylight. 

This,  of  course,  he  was  most  anxious  to  accomplish,  for 
he  knew  how  intense  would  be  the  anxiety  suffered  by 
his  comrades.  Besides,  he  was  also  forcibly  reminded 
that  he  stood  greatly  in  need  of  rest. 

These  reflections  induced  him  to  urge  his  steed  to  yet 
more  rapid  motion. 

The  trees  and  hedgerows  seemed  to  flit  b}  nim  fike 
shadows. 

Suddenly  there  came  upon  his  ears  a  loud  shrill  cry, 
and  at  the  same  instant  a  dark  figure  started  up  in  bis 
path. 

Who  or  what  it  was  he  could  not  immediately  ascei  - 
tain,  for  either  the  cry  or  the  sudden  appearance  of  a  dark 
object  in  its  path,  or  both,  terrified  his  horse  exceed- 
ingly. 

The  animal  gave  such  a  bound  that  Tom  was  bumped 
violently  upon  the  pommel  of  the  6addle,  and  but  for  his 
long  practice  in  the  art  of  riding  he  would  have  been 
hurled  to  the  earth. 

As  it  was  he  was  fortunate  enough  to  retain  his 
balance,  but  ere  he  could  properly  regain  his  seat  his  ears 
were  assailed  by  the  shrill  tones  of  a  voice  which  surely 
must  have  belonged  to  a  female. 

"  Ha,  ha !  it  is  a  brave  deed,  is  it  not,  to  injure  and 
insult  those  who  are  aged  and  too  weak  to  offer  any  re- 
sistance to  oppression  ?  A  brave  deed  in  good  truth,  but 
for  once  you  are  deceived !  I  possess  both  the  power 
and  the  will  to  work  harm  to  you  and  yours !  Ay,  and 
1  will  do  it,  and  that  at  once !  No — no,  I  will  not  suffer 
this  1  Have  I,  then,  lived  to  be  ridden  down  on  the  high- 
way, and  by  the  likes  of  you  ?  No,  no — a  thousand — ten 
thousand  times  no !" 

These  words  were  poured  out  with  a  volubility  of  utter- 
ance truly  surprising. 

They  were  pronounced,  too,  with  great  emphasis  and 
bitterness  of  tone. 

Tom  listened  in  amazement. 

What  he  had  done  to  call  down  all  this  anger  upon  his 
iead  he  could  not  tell. 

Straining  his  eyes  in  the  darkness,  he  indistinctly  and 
gloomily  made  out  the  figure  of  an  aged  woman,  whose 
gaunt  thin  frame  was  enveloped  in  an  old  and  tattered 
cloak. 

From  what  she  said  it  would  seem  that  Tom  had  been 
near  to  riding  her  down ;  and  what  was  more,  she  seemed 
impressed  with  the  idea  that  it  had  been  done  purposely. 

Such,  however,  was  far  from  being  the  case,  such  an 
act  being  entirely  opposed  to  Tom  King's  nature. 

"  My  good  woman        "  he  began. 

"Good  woman  forsooth  1"  she  shrieked,  with  more 
bitterness  and  discordance  than  ever.  "Do  not  good 
woman  me  1  I  tell  you  that  you  shall  rue  this  deed,  and 
let  it  stand  as  a  warning  to  others  who  would  act  as  you 
have  done !" 

"  Listen  to  me  1"  cried  Tom,  seizing  upon  the  first  op- 
portunity of  saying  a  word  that  had  presented  itself. 
"  I  assure  you——" 

"  Ha,  ha !  It  is  vastly  fine  thus  to  attempt  to  palliate 
what  you  have  done !  But  the  excuse  shall  not  avail  you 
~j\ot  in  the  least !" 

'  Then,  since  you  will  not  listen  to  reason,  I  will  ride 
on,"  exclaimed  Tom,  who  now  concluded  that  he  had 
some  madwoman  to  deal  with,  and  that  it  would  be  con- 
sequently useless  to  expostulate. 

But  the  woman  would  not  allow  him  thus  to  make  his 
escape. 

With  a  sudden  spring  she  placed  herself  directly  in  his 
path,  extending  her  arms  like  those  of  a  phantom,  and 
waving  them  furiously  the  while. 

Tom's  horse  had  not  yet  recovered  from  his  first  terw, 
and  now  it  reared  and  swaggered,  resolutely  refusing  to 
pass  the  strange-looking  object. 

In  vain  Tom  gored  his  horse  with  the  spurs. 

The  animal  only  became  more  and  more  unmanageable, 
and,  if  possible,  more  determined  not  to  advance. 

"  Ha,  ha !"  screamed  the  hag.  "  Why  not  make  your 
steed  ride  over  me  now  ?  You  cannot  do  it  1  I  defy  you 
to  do  it  1  He  will  fling  you  to  the  earth  first !  My  eye 
is  fixed  upon  him,  and  he  cannot  disregard  my  gaze.  No, 
•o — you  shall  remain  there  until  I  make  you  acquainted 


N 


with  yo    *  doom — that  doom  which,  though  ycu  k&o 
not,  is  fas.  approaching  !" 

In  spite  of  himself,  Tom  could  not  hel/  being  sensible 
of  an  indefinable  sensation  of  dread  which  crept  over 
him. 

"  It  moves  you,  then  ?"  sha  shrinked,  m  coutir-aation, 
and  her  eyes  must  have  been  keen  iodeed  to  have  detected 
any  alteration  in  Tom's  manner.  "  That  is  fe^ause  every 
word  I  u  ter  finds  an  echo  in  your  heart !  What  I  speak 
is  the  truth !  There  shall  come  woe  upon  you  and  yours 
— evil  for  them  is  gathering  like  a  cloud,  and  soon — very 
soon  it  will  encompass  them  so  that  there  will  be  no  hope 
of  escape !" 

"  I  have  no  desire  to  listen  to  your  idle  words !"  cried 
Tom,  vehemently,  and  once  more  striving  to  urge  his 
horse  into  motion. 

u  Idle  do  you  call  them  ?  You  will  soon  have  cause  to 
think  of  them  differently.  Your  own  end  draws  nigh  I 
You  are  young — you  are  full  of  life  and  strength  /  But 
for  all  that  you  shall  die :  not  under  the  hangman — your 
neck  has  once  already  been  encircled  by  the  gibbet's  rope, 
and  you  deserve  to  end  your  days  at  Tyburn  !  But  such 
shal'  not  be  your  fate — such  shall  not  be  your  fate!" 

"Begone!"  said  Tom  King,  who  was  scarcely  able  to 
proMounce  the  word,  so  much  was  he  overcome  by  these 
last  startling  words. 

Well  calculated,  indeed,  were  they  to  produce  a  pro- 
found impression  upon  him. 

By  what  mysterious  means  short  of  the  supernatural 
could  this  woman — whose  features  he  had  not  even  seen 
— have  become  acquainted  with  this  dark  episode  of  his 
life  ?  That  she  was  acquainted  with  it  was  certain,  though 
Tom  could  scarcely  at  the  moment  bring  himself  to  credit 
it  or  believe  that  his  ears  had  served  him  rightly. 

"You  are  surprised,"  continued  this  strange  being. 
"  Accept  that  as  a  proof  and  token  of  my  power,  and  let  it 
cause  you  to  place  reliance  upon  what  I  predict  shall 
happen  in  the  future.  I  tell  you  that  your  fate  lies  open 
and  plain  before  me,  and  as  easy  to  read  as  it  would  be  if 
written  in  a  book.  You  cannot  avert  your  doom — you 
cannot  escape  it." 

"  Then  let  me  know  the  worst  at  once,"  said  Tom  King, 
with  sudden  boldness.  "  I  am  tired  of  these  indirect  allu- 
sions. What  have  you  to  prognosticate  ?  Tell  me,  and 
allow  me  to  depart !" 

"You  are  bold  now — but  what  I  have  to  tell  will 
blanch  your  cheek  and  abate  your  haughtiness  of  tone." 

"You  are  wrong — quite  wrong!  Tyburn  Tree  is  al- 
that  I  fear,  and  you  have  just  told  me  that  I  shall  not  die 
there." 

"  Nor  shall  you — a  worse  fate  awaits  you  I" 

Tom  laughed  derisively. 

"Nay,  scoff  not!     You  have  a  friend." 

"  More  than  one,  I  trust." 

"  Ay,  now  you  have,  but  they  will  pass  away  ere  long, 
and  one  only  shall  be  left  That  one  is  your  stanchest, 
truest,  oldest,  and  best  friend — at  his  hands  shall  you  meet 
your  death  1" 

Tom  laughed  more  scornfully  than  ever. 

"Ay — ay,  you  may  jeer  and  deride  me ;  but  wait — wait' 
you  will  find  than  that  my  prophecy  is  true." 

"  I  laugh  at  it,"  said  Tom,  "  and  shall  always  do  so.  1 
hope  I  may  live  until  my  best  friend  takes  my  life." 

"  Vain,  foolish  wish 'J  I  tell  you  even  your  very  days 
are  numbered;  and  I  repeat  that  you  will  die  by  the 
hand  of  your  best  friend.  You  need  fear  no  other 
danger.  You  can  court  death  in  whatever  shape  you 
like,  and  it  will  not  come  to  you — but  from  your  friend 
you  cannot  escape." 

"  And  I  repeat  that  I  hope  I  may  live  till  then.  And  as 
for  your  prophecy,  I  6ay  once  more  that  I  utterly  despise 
it.    Now  let  me  pass."  ' 

"You  say  those  words  with  your  Hps  only,  and  you 
know  full  well  that  there  is  within  your  breast  a  still 
small  voice  against  whose  tones  you  cannot  dloee  your 
inward  ears.  I  tell  you,  you  are  doomed  I  Forget  my 
words  if  you  can  I    Now  pass  on  !" 

With  these  words  this  mysterious  person  vanished  as 
suddenly  and  as  strangely  as  she  had  appe&rsd,  leaving 
Tom  equally  in  the  dark  as  to  whence  she  had  eotne  aad 
whither  she  had  gone. 

The  highwayman's  first  impulse  was  to  strike  his  spnrs 
deeply  into  his  horse's  flanks,  but  in  good  truth  the 
animal  now  needed  little  urging  forward. 


THB  KNIGHT  0*  THB  BOAS. 


lft» 


The  sole  obstacle  t*  its  onward  progress  was  now  re- 
moved, and  it  relieved  itself  of  its  terror  by  galloping  from 
the  spot  at  its  utmost  rate  of  speed. 

So  strange  and  rapid  had  the  whole  of  this  adventure 
been,  that  Tom  could  hardly  bring  himself  to  believe  thafe 
it  was  a  reality. 

He  fancied  that  his  mind  had  played  him  some  strange 

{>rank — that  he  had  been  the  victim  of  some  singular  de- 
usion  or  waking  dream. 

As  he  reflected,  however,  he  soon  came  to  the  conclu- 
sion that  the  encounter  had  indeed  taken  place  ;  and 
although  he  strove  his  best  to  do  so,  yet  he  was  unable  to 
banish  from  his  mind  the  remembrance  of  the  singular 
prediction. 

"  I  will  not  waste  another  thought  upon  it,*  he  mut- 
tered for  the  fiftieth  time,  as  his  horse  continued  its  wad, 
headlong  career  through  the  darkness.  "  And  yet  how 
strange  1  What  if,  after  all,  it  should  come  true  ?  D'e  by 
the  hand  of  my  best  friend !  Why,  that  can  be  no  other  than 
—  No — no,  I  can  never  credit  it — it  is  too  monstrous  for 
belief !" 

But  in  spite  of  such  words  a*,  these,  his  tt  oughts  would 
persist  in  recurring  to  this  circumstance. 

"Evil  befall  us  all,"  was  his  next  mental  ejaculation. 
"  Well,  I  will  think  about  that;  it  will  go  hard  with  rae  if 
I  don't  baffle  her.  I  will  persuade  Dick  and  the  rest  to  leave 
England  with  Tom  Davis — whether  we  ever  return  again 
is  another  consideration.  Yes — yes,  that  is  what  I  will  do. 
Wo  will  secure  our  safety  while  we  have  the  chance." 

The  reader  will  not  fail  to  notice  the  singular  coinci- 
dence between  the  thoughts  of  Tom  King  and  of  3J»ud 
and  Dick. 
Was  this  to  be  taken  as  an  omen  of  good  or  evil  ? 
Time  will  show. 

Upon  Tom  King's  mind,  however,  remained  a  most  dis- 
agreeable cwiviction — one  which  he  tried  hard  to  conceal 
even  from  himself,  but,  of  course,  without  success.  It 
was  that  the  bond  of  fellowship  which  had  so  long  ex- 
isted was  about  to  be  broken  up — that  their  long  career 
of  daring  and  perilous  adventure  was  drawing  iq  a 
close. 

It  is  not  surprising  that  his  singular  adventure  should 
have  left  such  an  impression  upon  his  mind,  especially 
when  we  bear  in  mind  the  incidents  which  had  latterly 
befallen  him,  the  nature  of  which  would  be  all  sufficient 
to  dim  and  overcome  the  most  powerful  intellect. 

His  preoccupation  prevented  him  from  making  use  of 
that  amount  of  caution  which  is  requisite  to  safe  pro- 
gress ;  and  all  at  once  his  horse  gave  a  sudden  plunge,  and 
before  Tom  knew  what  had  happened,  he  found  himself 
lying  at  full  length  in  the  roadway. 

He  had  been  sitting  carelessly  in  the  saddle,  and  the 
unexpected  movement  upon  his  steed's  part  had  been 
sufficient  to  unhorse  him. 

Muttering  some  angry  execrations,  Tom  scrambled  to 
his  feet 

The  horse,  having  performed  this  feat,  stood  perfectly 
still,  with  its  eyes  fixed  upon,  and  its  ears  pointed  to- 
wards, the  object  which  had  terrified  him. 

Cursing  the  unruly  beast,  Tom  walked  gently  towards 
him,  and  was  fortunate  enough  to  grasp  the  rein  just  at 
the  moment  when  he  was  about  to  gallop  off. 

By  this  time  the  intense  darkness  which  had  hitherto 
prevailed  was  beginning  to  dissipate. 

There  was  a  chill  gray  light  about  the  eastern  portion 
of  the  sky  which  gave  to  every  object  a  spectral- like, 
unnatural  appearance. 

A  ihin  white  mist  also  hovered  over  the  surface  of  the 
earth. 

Tom  shivered  as  he  rapidly  brushed  tho  dirt  from  his 
apparel. 

Beyond  a  good  shaking  and  a  few  bruises,  he  had  not 
sustained  any  injury  from  his  fall. 

"Curse  you!"  he  ejaculated,  bestowing  a  sharp  blow 
upon  the  brute.  "  What  had  you  to  be  frightened  at,  I 
wonder  ?     Ha,  I  see  now !" 

As  he  uttered  these  words,  Tom  became  silent,  and 
gased  with  an  intensity  only  equalled  by  that  of  his  st«ed 
upon  the  object  before  him 

It  was  a  double  gibbet,  from  whoso  time-blackened  arms 
two  mouldering  corpses  were  depending,  looking,  in  that 
dim  light,  and  viewed  through  the  floating  mist,  ten 
thousand  times  more  horrible  than  they  could  have  done 
under  any  other  circumstances. 


A  chill,  damp  breeze  was  blowing,  which  in  itself  was 
most  depressive  to  the  mind. 

It  lifted  the  hair  from  Tom's  face,  ruffled  tho  mane  upon 
his  horse's  neck,  and  whistled  with  a  wailful,  melancholy 
sound  through  the  mass  of  ironwork  in  which  the  bodies  of 
the  malefactors  were  enclosed. 


CHAPTER  MLIIL 

IN  WHICH  THE   HIGHWAYMEN  ARK  DISAGREEABLY  INTER- 
RUPTED. 

"  I  do  not  wonder  at  your  terror,"  Tom  at  length  ejacu- 
lated, apostrophising  his  steed,  and  turning  shudderingly 
away.  "  In  good  truth,  it  is  a  most  loathsome  spec- 
tacle." 

The  highwayman  spoke  truly. 

It  would  have  been  hard  to  find  anything  else  so  soul- 
chilling. 

It  would,  too,  be  impossible  to  conceive  anything  more 
desolate  and  forlorn  than  his  surroundings. 

The  double  gibbet  was  situated  at  cue  corner  ot  a  large 
piece  of  waste  ground  or  common,  over  the  vast  level 
surface  of  which  the  mist  rolled  like  an  ocean  of 
vapour. 

A  moment  or  two  elapsed  before  Tom  oould  summon 
up  strength  of  mind  sufficient  to  avert  his  eyes  from  the 
dreary  scene. 

Dismal,  unutterable  thoughts  thronged  unbidden 
into  his  mind. 

The  recollection,  however,  that  he  had  some  miles  to 
go  before  he  reached  his  destination  had  the  effect  of 
arousing  him. 
He  turned  round  quickly. 

The  old  hag's  prophecy  was  near  proving  a  false  one,  I 
fancy  I"  he  murmured,  as  he  settled  himself  in  the  saddle, 
thinking  the  while  of  the  narrow  escape  which  he  had 
had  from  receiving  a  fatal  injury  by  his  fall. 

The  next  moment  he  was  galloping  swiftly  on  his  way, 
for  his  horse,  having  perhaps  discovered  that  the  gibbet 
was  an  immovable  object,  no  longer  hesitated  to  pass 
it. 

Without  any  further  accident  or  mischance,  Tom  suc- 
ceeded in  reaching  the  Jolly  Tar. 

His  approach  had  been  descried  from  afar,  and  his  ap- 
pearance had  been  heartily  hailed  by  his  comrades  on  the 
watch. 

"  You  have  kept  us  in  a  state  of  great  suspense,  Tom," 
were  Dick  Turpin's  first  words.     "  I  do  believe  tfcia  night 
is  one  of  the  longest  I  ever  spent.     But  what  a  terror 
you  are  in  !     What  has  happened  ?" 
"  You  shall  know  all  presently." 
"  You  seem  faint  and  languid." 
"  I  am — I  am  !     But  you  shall  know  aJl." 
"Enter,  then — enter!     Tom  Davis  shall  see  to  your 
horse — I  see  it  is  a  fresh  one." 
"  Yes— yes !" 

"  We  had  made  up  our  minds  to  wait  no  longer  than 
midnight  for  you;  but  when  the  hour  arrived  without 
your  making  your  appearance,  we  resolved  to  give  you  a 
few  moments  more,  and  so  we  have  remained  procrasti- 
nating our  intent  until  the  present  moment." 

The  conversation  was  changed  as  they  made  their  way 
into  the  interior  of  the  building. 

A  glass  of  brandy  brought  from  the  cellar  served  to 
revive  Tom  considerably ;  and  having  swallowed  it,  he 
proceeded  to  make  his  friends  acquainted  with  what  had 
befallen  him. 

The  account  of  his  capture  was  listened  to  with  the 
most  absorbing  interest,  and  although  he  was  congratu- 
lated on  the  skill  and  address  which  he  had  shown  in  pro- 
curing his  liberation,  yet  all  expressed  it  &3  their  opinion 
that  this  disappointment  would  have  the.  effect  of  ren- 
dering his  foes  more  furious  tkan  ever,  if  indeed  it  was 
possible  fo*  this  to  be  the  case. 

For  some  reason,  but  what  it  would  have  puzzled  him 
to  tell,  Tom  King  withheld  all  mention  of  his  singular 
meeting  with  the  hag,  so  that  his  comrades  remained  in 
entire  ignorance  of  the  strange  prediction. 

Tom  would  have  liked  very  much  to  persuade  himself 
that  he  adopted  this  course  of  action  because  he  placed 
no  importance  on  the  incident,  but  had  he  been  pressed 
closely  he  could  not  have  made  this  avowal  truthfully. 

His  narration  having  been  brought  to  a  conclusion,  he 
withdrew  to  obtain  that  rest  of  which  he  stood  so  much 


l*0t 


BIAOK   BBSS;    OR, 


In  nee*,  having  first  made  an  arrangement  that  the  suc- 
ceeding night  should  be  devoted  to  a  consultation. 

To  Tom  himself  the  intervening  hours  passed  rapidly 
enough,  for  he  did  not  awake  until  just  as  the  shades  of 
evening  were  closing  in,  the  task  of  keeping  watch  being 
taken  upon  by  his  companions. 

It  was  just  when  evening  was  changing  into  night 
that  they  all  assembled  themselves  before  a  fire  in  the 
apartment  they  had  hitherto  occupied,  and  which  the 
ruddy  light  from  the  fire  caused  to  have  far  from  an  un- 
comfortable appearance. 

When  we  say  all,  we  except  Tom  Davis. 

It  was  thought  he  could  best  be  spared  from  the  dis- 
cussion which  was  about  to  take  place,  and  so  he  was  set 
to  watch  in  the  upper  chamber,  though  the  length  of 
time  which  they  had  remained  unmolested  began  to  have 
its  usual  effects— namely,  to  beget  a  feeling  of  false 
security. 

They  all  looked  to  Dick  to  speak  first,  but  on  this  occa- 
sion he  would  h»,ve  preferred  to  hear  the  opinions  of  his 
comrades  first. 

But  they  wouia  not  for  a  moment  listen  to  this  arraign- 
ment. 

"  Well,  then,"  said  Dick,  with  a  smile,  and  glancing  at 
Maud  while  he  spoke,  "  I  fancy  what  I  have  to  say  will 
take  you  all  by  surprise ;  but  yet  I  hope,  for  all  that, 
that  you  will  give  the  subject  due  consideration." 

"  We  are  sure  to  do  that,  Dick,"  said  Claude  Duval, 
"because  we  know  you  would  not  broach  the  matter 
unless  you  had  considered  it  well  beforehand." 

"  Well,  then,  it  is  that  we  should  all,  for  a  time  at 
least,  quit  the  shores  of  England  in  company  with  Tom 
Davis." 

"Quit  England  !"  cried  the  rest  in  cborur.:  "ora  King 
because  he  was  amazed  at  hearing  that  which  be  intended 
to  propose  himself,  and  Claude  and  Jack  because  such  a 
course  of  action  had  never  once  entered  into  their  ima- 
ginations. 

"You  are  astonished,"  Turpin  continued,  "which  is 
just  what  I  expected.  But  the  first  shock  of  your  amaze- 
ment being  over,  I  think  several  things  will  present  them- 
selves to  you  that  will  induce  you  to  think  favourably 
upon  the  subject." 

"It  is  most  extraordinary,"  responded  Tom,  "for  I 
myself  intended  to  propose  the  self-same  thing." 

"  Is  it  possible  ?" 

"It  is  more,  for  it  is  true ;  and  I  fancy  Claude  and  Jack 
will  not  be  long  in  seeing  the  policy  of  this  course  of 
action." 

"But,"  asked  Jack,  "is  it  your  intention  to  quit 
England  for  ever  ?" 

"  That  had  better  be  reserved  for  future  consideration." 

"Because,"  continued  Jack,  "if  that  had  been  your 
thought,  I  should  have  returned  a  negative  at  once." 

"  There  is  ample  time  to  decide  that.  The  ijuestion 
now  is,  whether  we  shall  leave  Stoneheuge  for  the  coast, 
and,  taking  a  boat  there,  all  make  our  way  to  France,  and 
remain  there  until  the  popular  excitement  has  calmed 
down  a  little  ?" 

There  was  a  pause. 

Maud  waited  with  bated  breath  for  the  result. 

Although  Dick  had  spoken  only  of  a  temporary  exile, 
she  hoped  that  when  she  had  once  got  him  away  from 
England  her  influence  would  be  sufficient  to  prevent  him 
from  returning. 

"  Do  you  see  any  objections  to  the  course  proposed  ?" 
Dick  asked,  at  length,  upon  finding  that  the  silence  re- 
mained unbroken.  "  If  so,  do  not  hesitate  to  6peak  oat. 
I  am  only  anxious  to  obtain  your  opinions." 

"  As  1  said,"  replied  Tom  King,  "  I  am  quite  in  favour 
of  it." 

"And  I  see  no  objection,"  added  Claude  Duval. 

"Nor  I,"  said  Sixteen-String  Jack. 

a  Then  we  may  look  upo»  the  affair  as  settled  ?" 

"  I  suppose  so. 

"  The  next  thing  is  as  to  the  funds  in  hand.  I  have  formed 
what  I  believe  to  be  a  tolerably  correct  estimate,  and  I 
think  there  will  be  no  need  to  engage  in  any  more  adven- 
tures just  at  present  When  we  leave  here  for  Stone- 
henge,  which  must  be  shortly — as  it  is  impossible  to  say 
how  long  we  may  be  detained  upon  the  road-  -we  will 
separate,  and  each  follow  our  own  inclinations.'1 

Scarcely  had  these  words  been  pronounced  than  a  hasty 
tootstep  was  heard  without. 


The  next  moment  Tom  Davis  made  his  appeanuM* 
upon  the  threshold. 

There  was  an  expression  upon  bis  face  whijh  spoke 
plainly  enough,  without  the  aid  of  words,  telling  his  friends 
lhat  something  was  amiss. 

"  What  is  it  ?"  Dick  asked,  springing  to  . ..feet 

"Offiners,  captain!" 

"  Officers  ?"  repeated  the  rest,  following  Dick's  example. 

"  Yes." 

"Where?" 

"  Outside.  1  daw  them  from  the  look-out.  You  had 
better  come  and  see  for  yourselves." 

"  But  did  they  seem  as  though  they  had  tracked  us 
here  ?" 

"I  cannot  answer  that  question,  captain.  I  did  not 
star  long  enough  to  notice.  Be  quick  1  You  ought  to 
reconnoitre  carefully." 

In  this  all  agreed,  and  there  was  an  immediate  stir. 

"  Do  not  be  so  much  terrified,  Maud,"  said  Dick,  observ- 
ing that  she  clung  very  tightly  to  him,  and  that  even  her 
lips  were  white.  "The  danger  is  not  so  great  as  you 
seem  to  think  it — indeed  it  is  not  1  Perhaps  these  officers 
may  know  nothing  of  our  being  here,  their  presence 
being  merely  accidental ;  and  if  so,  they  will  ride  by,  leav> 
ing  us  in  peace,  for  there  is  nothing  in  the  exterior  of  this 
place  of  such  a  character  as  to  create  suspicion." 

These  words  calmed  Maud  somewhat,  and  h"r  heart 
fluttered  rather  less  painfully  than  it  had  done  a  few 
moments  before. 

"  I  don't  know  how  it  is,  Dick,  and  you  will  laugh  at 
me,  I  daresay,  for  having  what  you  will  of  course  call  % 
foolish  notion." 

"What  is  it,  Maud?" 

"  Why,  this  sudden  and  unexpected  realisation  of  mjr 
wishes  does  not  6eem  to  fill  me  with  that  joy  which  I  ex- 
pected. On  the  contrary,  I  feel  a  strange  and  altogether 
indescribable  calmness,  and — and " 

"  And  what  ?" 

"  Over  all  is  a  presentiment  that  something  will  occur 
that  will  prevent  the  carrying  out  of  our  arrange- 
ments." 

This  little  conversation  passed  during  the  ascent  of  the 
stairs ;  but  by  the  time  the  last  words  were  uttered  the 
look-out  was  gained,  and  so  Dick  was  prevented  from  re» 
turning  any  reply  to  Maud's  last  remark. 

Not  that  Dick  altogether  regretted  this,  for  there  was 
an  aching  pain  in  his  breast  which  seemed  sympathetic 
with  Maud's  feelings  which  would  have  rendered  a  cheer- 
ing response  difficult,  if  not  impossible. 

The  various  points  of  espionage  were  now  immediately 
occupied,  and  a  quick  search  made  for  the  poline 
officers. 

The  night  was  rather  dark,  but  yet  the  obscurity  wa* 
i«.)t  bo  great  as  to  prevent  them,  from  that  elevation, 
obtaining  a  tolerably  good  view  of  contiguous  o^ 
jects. 

"  That's  the  place,  captain,"  said  Tom  Davis,  in  a  faint 
whisper — "  that's  where  I  saw  them  !  Are  they  there 
now  ?" 

Dick  loeked  closely,  and  at  the  first  glance  saw  that 
Tom  Davis  had  not  given  a  useless  or  unnecessary 
alarm. 

Coming  slowly  along  the  lane  was  a  body  of  polic* 
officers. 

All  were  mounted,  and  as  they  rode  the  clanking  of  ac- 
coutrements «ould  be  occasionally  heard,  showing  that 
they  were  fully  armed. 

They  were  making  their  way  steadily  along  the  lane  is 
the  direction  of  the  inn,  from  which,  when  Dick  first 
caught  sight  of  them,  they  were  not  much  above  ten 
yards  distant. 

"  Close  quarters  !*•  whispered  Claude  Duval,  at  this  mo- 
ment, looking  over  Dick's  shoulder. 

"  Much  too  close  to  be  pleasant." 

"What  are  they  after  ?" 

"  That  is  what  puzzles  me." 

"  Are  they  coming  here  ?" 

'I  fear  so.  What  else  but  the  intention  at  paying  a 
visit  to  this  place  can  have  induced  them  W  make  their 
way  into  this  desolate,  deserted  region  ?" 

"  We  had  better  be  off,  then." 

"  Wait  a  moment.    We  had  better  not  be  too  precipitate. 
We  cannot  leave  even  now  without  discovering  ourselves." 
"  Very  true." 


!HB    KNIQHT   OF   THS   ROM.). 


1807 


'*  Then,  as  I  need  scarcely  tell  yon,   there  is  just  the 
bare  possibility  that  their  errand  may  not  concern   this 
place  in  the  least  degree,  and   we  may  h  i  e  the  satis- 
'action  of  seeing  them  ride  l>y." 
"  We  may,  but  I  doubt  it" 
"  We  shall  see." 

"  Cei-tainly  we  shall.     B<it  taw  look  at  that   fellow 
there — I  mean  the  one  viii.  :hx>  staff  yonder." 
"  Yes,  yes — I  see  him." 

"  He  is  most  certainly  pointing  to  the  place,  and  ho 
and  his  companions  are  as  certainly  talking  about  it." 

"  Nothing  more  likely  ;  but  still,  at  the  same  tim«,  their 
conversation  may  only  refer  to  the    deeds  which   they 
have  heard  of  as  hi   Lng  been  enacted  hero." 
"  It  may  be  so,  possibly." 

"  At  any  rate,  we  can  only  remain  here  as  we  are,  and 
await  the  event." 
"  Just  so." 

This  whispered  conversation  had   been   listened  to  by 
the  other  members  of  the  little  group. 
But  we  cannot  stay  now  to  particularise  the  n. 
The  next  few  moments  were  moments  of  the   most  in- 
tense anxiety  to  our  friends,  though   none  would  have 
thought  so  from  the  profound  silence  which  prevailed. 

On  came  the  officers  at  the  same  slow  and  steady 
pace. 

They  were  talking  to  each  other,  for  the   murmur  of 
conversation  ascended  to  the  ears  of  the  listeners,  but  it 
was  indistinctly,  nor,  in  spite  of  all  their  efforts,  wer"  they 
able  to  make  out  one  articulate  word. 
The  suspense  grew  greater  and  greater. 
In  the  course  of  another  moment  tiie  officers  reached 
the  front  of  the  inn,  and  no  sooner  had  they  reached  this 
position  than,  owing  to  the  slope  of  the  roof,  our  friends 
wore  unable  any  longer  to  observe  their  movements. 
But  they  could  listen. 

The  tread  of  the  horses'  feet  was  still  audible. 
Suddenly  a  loud  voice  pronounced  the  word : 
"  Halt  1" 

In  an  instant  ensued  considerable  confusion,  but  it 
quickly  died  away,  as  one  after  another  the  officers  suc- 
ceeded in  bringing  their  animals  to  a  standstill. 

"Dick,"  whispered  Claude,  "we  have  waited  too 
long." 

"Not  at  all,"  was  the  reply  ;   "  it  would  have  been  little 
short,  of  madness  to  have  left  earlier." 
"  What  is  to  be  done  ?" 

"  There  is  yet  time,  if  we  only  retain  our  calmness  and 
xiake  use  of  proper  expedition." 
"  Issue  your  instructions,  then." 

"  The  officers  have  taken  no  measures  at  present  to  sur- 
round the  place,  so  that  I  have  no  doubt  we  shall  get  off  all 
right.  Descend  the  stairs  speedily  and  silently.  The 
sooner  we  get  to  the  stable  and  have  the  horses  in  readi- 
ness for  travelling  the  better." 

No  sooner  were  these  words  pronounced  than  they  set 
about  obeying  them. 

Dick  looked  to  his  weapons. 
Maud  watched  him  closely. 
"  The  danger  is  great,"  she  said — "  very  great  J" 
"  No — no,  not  at  all.    I  believe  we  shall  get  off  without 
the  officers  being  any  the  wiser  until  they  are  too  late  to 
act." 

"  Then  you  think  they  are  not  aware  of  our  presence 
here?" 

"  I  am  certain  of  it,  or  they  would  have  made  widely 
different  arrangements." 

"Just  at  this  moment  they  reached  the  foot  of  the 
staircase,  which  happened  to  be  at  no  very  great  distance 
from  the  front-doer. 

Here  they  paused  a  moment  as  though  by  common  c*>o- 
■ent, 

"D — n  the  lock  !"  said  a  voice.  "What  the  dsvil  ails 
it?" 

"  What's  the  matter,  sir  i"* 

"  Matte*' s  Why,  the  koy  won't  turn  a  bit.  Here,  you 
try !" 

The  ratving  of  the  key  in  the  lock  now  followed,  and 
an  effort  was  made  to  open  the  ioor. 

"  Are  you  sure  it  was  not  fastened  on  the  inside  ?" 
"  Fastened  ou  the  inside,  you  booby  ?     Don't  I  tell  you 
this  is  the  way  we  came  out,  and  Bob  Paterson  locked  it 
and  f*ve  me  the  key  F" 
"  Then   Bob  ought  to  be  here  to  unlock    it,  for  I'll  be 


d — d  if  I  can !     I  tell  you  I  am  sure  It  is  fastened  on  the 
inside." 

Dick  and  his  friend*  did  not  wait  to  hear  any  more, 
though  it  was  evident  that  a  very  angr/  discussion  en- 
sued, for  the  police  officer  in  command  was  one  who  could 
not  brook  the  least  contradiction. 

What  they  heard  impressed  our  frlenas  with  the  hope 
that  they  should  yet  have  time  to  get  away  before  theii 
foes  were  aware  of  their  presence. 

All  regretted,  though,  that  they  should  be  compelled  to 
quit  their  present  quarters  so  soon,  for  now  there  would 
be  no  returning  to  them,  as  immediately  upon  the  officers 
forcing  an  entrance  they  would  find  t>  aces  of  the  house 
having  been  inhabited,  even  if  they  did  not  hear  them  in 
the  act  of  effecting  their  retreat,  which  was  a  very  likely 
thing  indeed. 

The  back  part  of  the  inn  was  reached  in  silence  and 
with  great  rapidity. 

One  after  another  they  passed  with  all  possible  spoed 
through  the  window,  and  then  flitted  across  to  the 
stables. 

There  were  many  nimble  hands  at  work,  aud  the  horses 
were  quickly  provided  with  their  trappings. 

Maud  was  left  just  outside  the  stable-door,  in  order  to 
give  timely  warning  should  any  of  their  foes  approach. 

"  Quick  !"  she  murmured.  "  I  fancy  I  can  hear  them 
coming  round  this  way." 

"  One  more  moment,  and  we  shall  be  ready." 

"  The  attack  on  the  front  door  has  ceased.  Yes,  yes, 
they  are  coming  round  to  the  back — they  are  here!" 

As  she  spoke  the  words,  Maud  entered  the  stable 
hastily  and  closed  the  door,  for  had  she  retained  her 
former  station  the  officers  must  have  seen  her. 

"  How  cursedly  awkward !"  growled  Olaude  Duval, 
under  his  voice.  "  Another  half-minute,  aud  we  could 
have  been  in  the  saddle  and  off." 

"  Hush,  hush  !"  said  Diek.  "  Let  us  watch  them  ;  per- 
haps there  is  no  immediate  cause  for  alarm." 

This  was  a  strange  speech,  but  Dick's  companions  un- 
derstood it. 

Once  more,  then,  were  the  whole  of  their  energies  con- 
centrated upon  the  task  of  watching  closely  every  move- 
ment made  by  the  officers. 

The  one  in  command  must  have  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  front  door  had  been  fastened  in  some  mys- 
terious way  or  other,  and  seemed  to  have  made  his  way 
round  to  the  back,  as  though  aware  it  would  be  easier  to 
gain  admittance  from  that  quarter. 

They  all  went  direct  to  the  back  door,  which,  as  our 
friends  knew,  was  well  fastened — so  well,  that  our  friends 
had  preferred  making  their  way  in  and  out  of  the  window 
to  unfastening  it. 

"This  is  as  fast  as  the  other,  sir." 

"  I  thought  so — we  took  every  pains  to  make  it  se- 
cure." 

"  Then  who  could  have  fastened  the  front  door  ?" 

"  Never  mind  bothering  your  stupid  head  about  that ! 
We  will  break  this  door  down — it  don't  seem  so  strong 
as  the  other.    I  am  determined  to  get  in  somehow !" 

"  We  want  something  heavier  than  we  carry  to  do  this 
job,  sir.     What  can  we  have?" 

"Look  about — you  will  be  sure  to  see  something." 

"  Shall  I  look  in  the  stable  yonder  ?" 

"  Yes,  d — n  you ! — wherever  you  like  !  And  as  for  the 
rest,  let  them  commence  the  job  with  their  pickaxes,  and 
then  we  shall  have  the  door  down  before  you  come 
back !" 

Notwithstanding  the  taunting,  sneering  manner  of  his 
chiof,  this  obtuse,  wrong-headed  police  officer  made  his 
way  direct  to  the  door  of  the  stable. 

The  question  now  was,  what  should  our  friends  do  ? 

They  felt  very  undecided. 

To  prevent  the  approach  of  this  man  was  impossible, 
while,  if  he  entered,  discovery  must  ensue- 

"  What  is  to  be  done,  Dick  ?"  asked  Tom  King. 
"  Let  him  come  in.     Keep  out  of  the  way,  all  of  you, 
and  as  soon  as  he  is  fairly  inside,  seize  him  and  prevent 
him  fron.  crying  out." 

"  But  wtiat  good  will  that  effect  ?'" 
"  Husn — hush  !     Obey — there  is  s«o  time  to  discuss  the 
point  now." 

The  police  officer  was  indeed  almost  on  the  threnh- 
old. 

No  resource  was  left  for  oar  friends  save  to  obey  their 


<408 


BLACK    BS88  ;    OR, 


captain's  commands,  and  they  immediately  resolved  to  do 
so,  trusting  entirely  to  his  sagacity. 

The  officer,  upon  reaching  the  stable  door,  gave  it  a 
push  with  his  hand,  anc!  finding  it  yield,  he  at  once  ad- 
vanced. ' 

"  It's  <1 — d  dark !"  he  saw.  '» How  the  devil  shall.  I 
find  anything  in  here,  I  wonder  ?     Hullo " 

That  was  the  last  word  he  had  an  opportunity  of  utter- 
ing, and  it  was  spo'*>>n  above  a  whisper,  and  that  was 
all. 

To  his  unutteraole  surprise,  he  felt  himself  seized 
tightly  by  two  persons,  while  a  third  dashed  his  hand 
roughly  before  his  mouth,  and  so  effectually  as  complete** 
to  preclude  the  possibility  of  further  speech. 

"Secure  him,"  said  Dick,  in  a  whisper;  "and  be  as 
speedy  about  it  as  you  can.  In  the  meantime,  I  will  keep 
a  sharp  look-out." 

Upon  looking  through  the  doorway  again,  Dick  saw 
that  the  officers  were  very  busy  with  their  cutlasses, 
and  yet  without  producing  any  particular  result. 

The  fact  was  the  weapons  were  too  light  and  by  ne> 
means  well  adapted  to  the  job ;  besides  which,  the  door 
was  composed  of  some  unusually  tough  oak. 

"  We  want  something  heavier,  sir,"  said  the  police 
officers,  desisting  at  length.  "  A  sledge,  now,  would  be 
the  very  thing." 

"A  what?" 

"  A  sledge  hammer." 

"  To  be  sure  it  is !     But  where  is  Partridge  ?" 

Partridge  was  the  name  of  the  officer  who  had  been  so 
cleverly  and  silently  secured  by  Dick's  associates. 

A  general  look  was  turned  in  the  direction  of  the 
Btabling. 

"  What  can  he  be  after  ?  Has  the  rascal  gone  to  sleep  ? 
Hi!  Partridge— Partridge !  Why  the  devil  don't  you 
answer  ?" 

Partridge  had  a  very  good  reason  for  not  answering, 
had  his  commander  but  been  aware  of  it. 

While  this  little  dialogue  had  taken  place  our  friends 
had  with  nimble  fingers  strongly  secured  him  by  means 
of  a  rope,  with  which  as  well  they  contrived  to  gag  him 
verv  effectually. 

Moreover,  Tom  Davis  stood  over  him  with  a  loaded 
pistol. 

"  It's  d— d  odd,"  said  the  chief  officer,  "  that  he  don't 
answer — d — d  odd  indeed !     Partridge,  I  say  !" 

But,  as  before,  no  response  was  returned. 

Up  to  this  moment  the  existence  of  the  little  window 
which  had  served  the  highwaymen  as  a  means  of 
entrance  and  exit  had  escaped  the  notice  of  the 
officers. 

Now  one  saw  it,  and  hailed  the  discovery  with  a 
shout. 

"  Why,"  he  said,  "  if  we  had  but  have  seen  this  before 
we  might  have  made  our  way  in  a  dozen  times  over. 
Why,  behold  !  the  window  is  open  !" 

"That's  d— d  odd  tool"  remarked  the  chief  officer. 
"  But  where's  Partridge  t  —  that's  what  I  want  to 
know  I" 


CHAPTER    MLIV. 

THE  HIGHWAYMEN  TAKE  THEIR   LAST   LOOK   OF  THE 
JOLLY   TAR  INN. 

The  last  words  were  uttered  in  a  tone  of  suspicion  and 
distrust,  showing  that  at  last  the  chief  police  officer  had 
become  conscious  that  there  was  something  wrong. 

What  this  was  he  had  not  sense  enough  to  surmise,  but 
he  felt  that  he  was  upon  the  brink  of  some  astouaiUsg 
discovery. 

"  Partridge !"  he  bawled,  for  the  third  time. 

But,  as  before,  Partridge  replied  not. 

Meanwhile,  our  friends  in  the  stable  were  not  idle. 

Dick  had  concerted  his  plan  of  operations,  and  he  now 
proceeded  to  have  them  carried  into  execution. 

Having  seen  Partridge  u— posed  of  according  to  his 
instructions,  he  said :  . 

"  New  mount,  all  of  you ;  and  at  the  word  of  command 
be  prepared  to  follow  one  another  out  as  fast  as  possible. 
The  officers  will  be  »o  taken  by  surprise  that  they  will 
be  a  moment  or  so  before  they  recover  themselves." 

•*  Bight,  captain  I"  was  the  answer. 

St  ww  a  desperate  chance. 


But  yet  Dick's  comrades  could  tee  that  it  was  theft 
only  one. 

Accordingly  they  set  about  making  their  preparations 
w  ith  great  alacrity. 

The  reader  will  scarcely  require  to  be  told  that  It  did 
not  take  them  many  seconds  to  place  thei>«CiIves  securely 
in  their  saddles.  ,.... 

As  before,  Maud  shared  Black  Boss  witn  Dick  Turpin. 

She  was  terrified,  but  calm. 

"  When  we  ride  out,"  whispered  Turpin,  as  he  drew 

her  closely  towards  him,  "  be  sure   you  bend  your  head 

as  low  down  as  you  can,  so  as  to  avoid  all   contact  with 

the  top  of  the  door.    It  is  very  low — you  cannot  stoop 

1  too  much/' 

"  I  will  be  careful,"  she  replied.  "  Do  not  trouble 
yourself  to  look  after  me,  Dick — mind  your  own  safety, 
and  I  will  take  care  of  myself." 

"We  are  all  ready,  captain,"  whispered  Tom  King, 
at  this  juncture. 

"  Is  Tom  Davis  mounted  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"Then  prepare!  Ha!  I  fear,  after  all,  we  are  too 
late !     Quick — quick !    Follow  me !    Charge— charge !" 

These  ejaculations  were  caused  by  the  proceedings  of 
the  officers. 

By  this  time  they  began  to  guess  what  had  caused  the 
detention  of  Partridge. 

One  happened,  too,  to  hear  the  click  of  a  horse's  shoe 
against  the  rough  bricks  with  which  the  stable  was 
paved. 

"  There's  some  one  in  the  stable,  sir!"  cried  one  of  the 
officers — "  I  am  sure  of  it !" 

"  Seize  them,  then !    Forward — forward !" 

But  just  at  that  precise  instant  of  time,  Black  Bess 
dashed  through  the  doorway  of  the  stable  with  the  swift- 
ness of  an  arrow. 

The  officers  were  so  taken  by  surprise  by  this  sudden 
movement,  that  they  drew  back  in  order  to  escape  from 
injury,  and  then  remained  just  as  they  were,  as  though 
completely  dumfoundered. 

"Good  evening!"  cried  Dick,  reining  Bess  up  with 
such  suddenness  that  she  rose  on  her  hind  legs  and 
pawed  the  air  with  her  fore  feet.  "  You  seem  taken  by 
surprise  by  this  sudden  meeting.  Here's  wishing  you 
success !  Good-night,  gentlemen.  If  you  are  inclined  for 
a  gallop  across  the  country,  say  the  word — I  would  not 
baulk  your  inclinations  for  the  world  !" 

With  these  words  on  his  lips,  Dick  turned  and  gal- 
lopod  off,  and  he  had  actually  got  several  yards  before 
one  of  the  officers  sufficiently  recovered  the  use  of  bis 
senses  to  fire  a  pistol. 

"Dick  Turpin,  by  all  that's  d — nable!"  roared  the 
chief  officer.  "  Who  ever  would  have  dreamed  that  he  was 
here — and  all  his  gang,  too?  Fire — fire,  my  lads! — fire 
steady  !  Remember,  the  reward  is  just  the  same  dead  or 
alive !" 

A  straggling,  dropping  volley  followed  these  words; 
but  by  this  time  all  our  friends  had  managed  to  get  out  of 
the  range  of  the  short,  stumpy  pistols  that  the  officers  at 
that  time  were  so  fond  of  using,  and  which  wero  only 
effective  in  very  close  quarters. 

"  Oh,  Dick,"  said  Maud,  "  why  did  you  terrify  me  by 
pulling  up  in  front  of  them  as  you  did  ?  Surely  that  was 
an  act  of  needless  daring — I  might  call  it  mere  bravado !" 

"  But  we  are  safe." 

"  That  does  not  make  any  difference." 

"  I  think  it  does.  Besides,  I  had  a  deeper  motive  than 
any  which  seems  to  have  occurred  to  you." 

"What  was  it?" 

u  Why,  did  you  not  see  that  I  diverted  the  attention  of 
the  officers,  and  so  was  the  means  of  enabling  the  others 
1  to  make  their  way  out  of  the  stable  in  safety  ?" 

11  True ;  but  it  was  at  the  hazard  of  your  own  life  " 

"  I  thought  the  risk  not  too  great  to  be  run ;  and  you 
see  the  event  has  proved  that  I  was  quite  right.  Do  they 
mean  trying  a  gallop  ?  Well,  let  them  come  on — I  am 
ready  for  them." 

Dick  was  quite  right  in  what  he  said  about  diverting 
the  attention  of  the  officers. 

It  was  in  the  highest  degree  generous  of  him  to  run 
the  risk  for  his  friends,  but  then  it  was  no  more  than  the 
reader  would  expect  from  him  under  such 
stances. 

The  plan  answered  admirably. 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE   ROAD. 


[DICE  TURPIN  AND  MAUD  FIND  A  PLA.CE  OF  REFUGE.] 


The  police  officers  had  eyes  and  ears  for  nothing  else- 
bnt  him,  so  that  his  companions  were  enabled  to  quit 
the  stable  without  any  molestation  whatever  ;  and,  as 
we  have  said,  when  the  officers  did  make  a  demonstra- 
tion against  them,  it  was  too  late  to  be  of  any  service. 

But,  furious  with  anger  to  think  they  had  so  grossly 
blundered  about  their  work,  and  oursing  their  stupidity 
a  thousand  times  over  for  not  having  thought  before 
about  what  was  the  real  state  of  the  case,  the  officers 
rushed  round  to  the  Bpot  where  they  had  left  their 
horses,  and  began  to  soramble  into  their  saddles  like  so 
many  demons. 

But  expeditious  as  they  were  in  their  movements, 
onr  friends  were  enabled  to  get  an  excellent  start. 

Away  they  swept  over  the  meadows  in  a  straggling, 
irregular  line,  intent  upon  making  as  much  speed  as 
they  could,  being  well  aware  of  the  importance  of  doing 
so. 

No.  227— Black  Bess. 


They  did  not  pull  in  in  the  least  until  oompelled  to 
do  so  by  ooming  to  a  piece  of  rising  ground,  np  which 
they  allowed  their  horses  to  prooeed  at  a  waik. 

They  were  now  able  to  get  closer  together  than  they 
had  been  hitherto,  and  also  had  the  opportunity  of  ex- 
changing a  few  words  with  each  other. 

Sixteen-String  Jaok  was  the  first  to  speak. 

Great  exultation  was  in  his  tones. 

"  I  must  say,"  he  cried,  "  that  that  was  about  as 
neatly  managed  as  a  thing  well  could  be  !  Diok,  that 
was  a  bit  of  your  old  spirit,  and  I  was  glad  to  see  it, 
for  I  judged  from  the  remarks  you  dropped  to-night, 
that  you  were  beginning  to  grow  tired  of  the  road." 

Of  the  last  part  of  this  speech  Dick  Turpin  did  not 
think  fit  to  take  any  notice,  bo  he  merely  said  : 

"  Of  oourse  you  are  all  unhurt  ?" 

"  Yes,  thanks  to  yon  !" 

"  It  was  splendidly  managed,  Diok,"  said  Tom  King, 


No.  227. 


Price  One  Halfpenny. 


VI" 


SLACK  BBSS;  Oft, 


in    a    voice    of     enthusiasm.       "  Nothing     could     be 
better." 
Dick  acknowledged  the  compliment  with  so  profound  a 

bow  that  a  general  laugh  was  elicited. 

"T  Ley  are  coming,"  ho  remarked,  after  having  casta 
glance  behind  him  "They  mean  to  give  us  all  the  trouble 
they  can." 

"They  must  be  mad  to  think  of  chasing  U3." 

"Yet  they  think  of  doing  it.  They  are  much  exas- 
perated, no'  doubt,  and  perhaps  they  flatter  >.  Wusel  vf>s 
that  they  will  be  able  to  haug  upon  our  heels  ui.vti]  the< 
meet  with  assistance  of  some  kind  or  other." 

"Perhaps  they  do,  but  this  hill  will  check  their 
ardour." 

"  I  fancy  so." 

"  But  we  are  nearly  at  the  top.  Had  we  not  better 
arrange  what  we  shall  do  ?" 

"  What  do  you  propose,  captain  ?" 

"  Why,  I  think  we  cannot  do  better  than  take  the  pre- 
sent opportunity  of  carrying  into  effect  that  which  we 
haa  just  agreed  upon." 

"  A  separation  ?" 

"  Yes.     Are  you  all  agreed  ?" 

There  was  a  little  discussion  upon  this  question,  but 
eventually  an  answer  in  the  affirmative  was  given. 

"  Then  let  us  part  upon  reaching  the  summit  of  this 
hill." 

"And  our  meeting-place?" 

**  Stonehenge." 

"  About  a  month  hence  ?" 

"  Yes,  rather  less  than  that  time." 

"  And  how  shall  we  separate,  captain  ?" 

"That  I  will  leave  you  to  settle  among  yourselves. 
Remember  to  be  punctual,  and  Tom  King,  my  friend." 

"Yes,  Dick?" 

"Don't  forget  to  bring  with  you  that  nice  little 
treasure  which  you  buried.     It  will  bo  most,  useful." 

"  J  will  not,  you  may  depend." 

"  And  remember,"  said  Dick  Turpin,  "  these  last  words  : 
In  all  the  adventures  which  you  have  between  this  time 
and  that  appointed  for  our  meeting  you  have  to  keep  in 
view  one  thing,  and  that  is  to  make  as  much  booty  as 
you  are  able,  for,  rely  upon  it,  we  shall  have  good  need 
of  it." 

"  You  may  depend  upon  us,  captain." 

"  Then  now  farewell !  Disperse,  and  that  will  add  lot 
a  little  to  the  confusion  of  our  foes.  They  will  not  know 
how  to  divide  themselves  so  as  to  continue  the  pursuit 
with  any  prospect  of  success.  Above  nil,  be  careful  not 
to  run  into  too  much  danger,  beeause  it  will  be  difficult 
to  afford  assistance." 

"Eight,  captain." 

"  Once  more,  then,  farewell  I  It  will  be  madness  to 
linger  longer." 

"  Farewell  1" 

"  You,  Tom  Davis,  follow  me,"  cried  Dick. 

Not  another  word  was  spoken. 

The  brow  of  the  hill  had  been  reached  a  moment  or  so 
ago,  and  the  officers,  perceiving  that  the  objects  ot  their 
pursuit  made  a  stand,  pushed  on  with  additional  vigour 
in  the  hope  of  turning  the  circumstance  to  their  own  ad- 
vantage. 

No  words  of  oura  however,  can  express  the  dismay 
and  consternation  which  they  experienced  upon  seeing 
the  whole  of  the  party  suddenly  break  up  and  ride  off  in 
different  directions. 

What  to  do  now  they  knew  not,  so  they  found  them- 
selves under  the  necessity  of  coming  to  a  halt  and  hold- 
ing a  consultation. 

It  was  at  length  decided  what  they  should  do. 

"Let  us  follow  Dick  Turpin.  His  capture  is  worth 
the  most  money,  and  we  are  more  likely  to  succeed  if 
we  do  this  than  if  we  weaken  ourselves  by  a  division." 

This  proposition  had  everything  to  recommend  it,  so 
it  is  not  surprising  that  it  should  be  unanimously  agreed 
to. 

Not  one  relished  the  idea  of  separation,  lor  they  fully 
realised  the  strength  which  attended  their  union. 

Perhaps,  as  some  one  was  to  be  pursued,  they  could 
not  have  made  a  better  choice  for  the  highwaymen  than 
Dick  Turpin  himself. 

He  smiled  when  he  turned  and  saw  whs*  taetira  tbey 
hi.d  resolved  to  adopt. 

ther    ccrae,"  be  pai<5,  u  aud  I  will  undertake  co 


give  them  a  tiring.  Get  ahead.  Tom  Davis,  and  let  me 
see  what  speed  that  horse  of  yours  Is  capable  of  making 
when  hard  pressed.  Never  fear  but  that  Black  Bess  will 
keep  up  with  you." 

Tom  Davis  well  understood  vrhat  was  required  of  him, 
and  caused  his  steed  to  lay  out  in  excellent  style. 

Despite  her  double  burden,  though,  Black  Bess  kept 
just  a  pace  or  two  in  the  rear,  contriving  to  do  so  with- 
out manifesting  the  least  exertion. 

The  officers,  seeing  that  so  good  a  start  was  made  by 
the  fugitives,  grew  more  furious  than  ever,  and  spurred 
their  horses  so  savagely  that  their  track  might  have  been 
followed  by  the  drops  of  blood  which  dripped  from  the 
poor  animals'  punting  flanks. 

This  barbarity,  however,  did  not  enable  them  to  accom- 
plish their  wishes. 

Although  the  spur  was  seconded  with  sharp  lashes  from 
the  heavy  riding  whips  they  carried,  they  had  the  morti- 
fication of  finding  that  the  objects  of  their  pursuit  kept 
increasing  the  space  there  already  was  between  them. 

Maud  glanced  continually  over  Dick's  shoulder. 

At  first  she  did  so  with  uncontrollable  trepidation  ;  but 
when  she  saw  that  after  all  their  exertions  the  officers 
kept  dropping  further  and  further  into  the  rear  her 
courage  revived. 

As  for  Dick  himself,  he  was  well  aware  that  Black  Bess 
could  not  sustain  her  double  burden  with  impunity. 

The  strain  must  of  necessity  bo  greater,  and  the  shorter 
its  duration  of  course  the  better. 

It  was  this  which  made  Dick  determine  to  put  a  period 
to  the  chase  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  long  experience 
had  taught  him  that  the  most  effectual  and  speedy  way 
to  do  this  was  to  continue  their  rapid  flight  uu haltingly, 
so  that  the  officers,  finding  their  prey  out  of  sight,  should 
thn  sooner  abandon  the  chase. 

Not  a  very  long  time  elapsed  before  the  consummation 
of  one  of  his  purposes,  for  owing  to  the  obscurity  of  the 
night  he  soon  got  quite  out  of  view. 

But  the  officers  were  able  to  follow  the  sound  made  by 
the  horses'  feet. 

With  a  view  of  baffling  them  in  this  respect,  also,  Dick 
chose  sime  soft  marshy  ground  which,  though  rather  heavy 
tor  trs  celling,  yet,  nevertheless,  served  to  dull  the  sownd 
raise*!  by  the  concussion  of  the  hoofs. 

Not  for  long,  however,  did  he  continue  thus. 

Ar  soon  as  ever  he  deemed  it  expedient,  he  directed 
Ton.  Davis  to  make  his  way  to  a  large  tract  of  woodland, 
which  could  be  dimly  distinguished  in  the  distance,  look- 
ing like  a  huge  dark  cloud. 

"  Gently,  Tom,"  he  added — "gently  now!  There^is  no 
longer  the  necessity  for  distressing  your  poor  beast.  Take 
it  easy  !" 

But  i  om  did  not  siackeu  his  speed  much,  for  he  could 
not  help  thinking  that  the  officers  were  much  too  close  be- 
hind them  to  be  pleasant. 

"Shall  you  seek  shelter  there,  Dick?"  Maud  asked, 
pointing  to  the  trees. 

"  1  cannot  tell  at  presout,  but  I  think  it  likely  that  I 
shall  make  use  of  it  to  baffle  them — perhaps  w©  may  make 
our  way  completely  through  it." 

"  As  you  will — I  leave  all  to  you." 

The  trees  now  became  at  each  moment  more  distinot, 
and  Maud  was  surprised  when  she  perceived  the  distance 
to  which  the  wood  stretched. 

At  length  its  confines  were  gained ;  and  having  reached 
this  point,  Dick  called  to  his  companion  to  pull  up. 

At  the  same  time  he  drew  rein  himself,  and  wheeling 
Bess  round,  looked  keenly  and  for  a  long  time  in  the  direc- 
tion he  had  just  come. 

But  the  darkness  completely  hid  his  foes  from  his 
sight. 

Yet  lor  all  this  they  might  be  much  nearer  than  would 
be  at  all  agreeable,  and,  therefore,  fee  directed  Tom  Davis 
to  dismount  and  place  his  ear  against  the  ground  U> 
listen. 

Our  old  friend  we!)  understood  the  art  ot  listen* 
ing. 

He  remained  stretched  at  full  length  for  several  moments, 
during  which  a  profound  silence  was  maintained. 

At  last  he  rose. 
1  can  hear  nothing  at  all  but  that  odd   rushing  souad 
which  you  of  course  must  know  full  welL" 

"  Ay — ay.     And  nothing  else — no  noofbfl&t  V' 

"No,  captain,  nothing  like  oea.' 


TBB    KNIGHT   0»  TH»  KOAD. 


Mil 


"Then  we  will  n.ot  distress  our  horses  any  longer,  but 
reserve  theru  for  a  time  of  greater  need." 

"  What  is  it  you  think  of  doing  ?" 

"  Entering  the  wood." 

"  Shall  1  mount  again  ?" 

"  Yes,  by  all  means.  It  will  be  time  enoxigh  to  walk 
when  we  are  unable  to  advance  on  horseback." 

Having  thus  spoken,  Dick  once  more  turned  his  mare's 
head  towards  the  trees  and  rode  slowly  forward. 

Tom  Davis  speedily  followed. 

For  some  time  they  were  able  to  proceed  with  but  little 
difficulty. 

At  last,  however,  the  density  of  the  vegetation  com- 
pelled them  to  quit  their  saddles. 

On  the  way,  Dick  had  been  considering  somewhat  atten- 
tively  what  should  be  the  nature  of  his  future  proceed- 
ings. 

Upon  reflection,  he  considered  that  he  had  by  no  means 
got  far  enough  from  the  scene  of  his  late  exploit  to  be 
very  safe,  and  doubtless  ere  many  hours  elapsed  a  rigid 
search  after  him  would  be  instituted. 

By  what  means  could  he  best  hope  to  escape  it  ? 

Taking  into  account  the  vastness  of  the  wood  and  the 
difficulty  there  must  of  necessity  be  in  attempting  to  ex- 
plore it  thoroughly,  he  could  not  avoid  coming  to  the 
conclusion  that  if  he  could  only  find  something  like  a 
shelter  from  the  open  air  he  could  not  do  better  than 
remain  where  he  was  until  the  first  fury  of  the  pursuit 
should  have  been  expended. 

He  then  made  his  two  companions  acquainted  with  his 
thoughts,  with  the  justness  of  which  they  both  agreed. 

For  some  time  they  continued  to  push  on  through  the 
trees,  Dick's  object  boiog  to  gain,  if  possible,  about  the 
middle  of  the  wood. 

Many  were  the  obstacles  they  had  to  surmount,  but 
having  overcome  them,  they  looked  back  upon  each  as 
an  additional  means  of  defence  from  their  foes. 

But  suddenly  an  exclamation  escaped  Turpin's  lips — an 
exclamation  which  was  at  once  echoed  by  Maud. 

Chance  had  directed  their  steps  to  one  of  those  open 
spots  so  often  to  be  met  with  in  woods  of  great  extent, 
where,  from  some  cause  or  other,  no  lofty  vegetation 
seemed  able  to  flourish. 

This  open  spot  was  not  a  glade,  though  it  partooi.  oume- 
what  of  that  character. 

Having  been  so  long  in  the  darkness  among  the  thickly- 
growing  trunks  of  the  old  trees,  this  open  space,  by  con- 
trast, was  quite  light,  and  they  wero  able  to  distinguish 
every  portion  of  it. 

The  object  which  h«u  arrested  Dick*b  Attention  was  a 
small  half-ruined  hut,  which  apparently  had  been  hastily 
built  of  the  rudest  materials. 

"  Behold,"  said  Dick,  pointing  towards  it,  "  there  is  such 
a  shelter  as  we  seek." 

"But  suppose  it  is  inhabited  ?"  suggested  Maud. 

"  It  has  not  that  appearance,"  Dick  responded.  **  But. 
the  point  is  one  which  wo  will  quickly  ascertain." 

"  Be  careful  I" 

"  I  will,  depend  upon  it  Oome,  there  is,  I  feel  assured 
nothing  to  be  afraid  of."  ' 

Nevertheless,  Dick  took  care  to  have  his  weapons  in 
readiness  for  instant  use. 

A  very  few  steps  brought  them  to  the  threshold  of  the 
hut — though  shed  would,  perhaps,  be  a  more  accurate 
denomination. 

Diek  pushed  open  the  door  hastily,  and  no  sooner  had 
he  done  so  than  his  nose  was  assailed  by  a  pungent  smell 
of  smoke  coming  seemingly  from  a  smothered  fire. 

"  There  has  been  some  one  here  recently,  that  Is  oer- 
tain,"  Dick  remarked.  "However,  we  will  ventars  k> 
niter,  for  all  that" 

He  was  just  about  to  cross  ihe  threshold  when  the 
sharp  report  of  a  fire-arm  carno  upon  his  ears. 

The  sound  caused  him  involuntarily  to  come  to  &  stand- 
still. 
"  What  was  that  ?"  he  said. 
"  A  gun,  I  fancy,"  answered  Tom  Davis. 
"Surely — surely,"  Maud  cried,  tremblingly,  llthey  can- 
not have  got  so  close  behind  us—" 

"  No — no,"  said  Dick.     "  Banish  tha^  fear ;  the  J"  iger 
fou  apprehend  is  impossible. " 
"Hush— hush!" 
"What  is  it,  Tom?* 
"IsA  aa  listen" 


There  was  an  anxious  interval  ->i  silence. 

"  What  do  you  hear,  captain  ?" 

**  ^i  footstep." 

•'So  do  I." 

"  It  is  approaching." 

"  There  is  no  doubt  of  it     What  shall  we  do  ?* 

"Remain  where  we  are,  and  abide  the  result,  fltoij 
one  person  is  coming,  so  we  have  nothing  to  dread." 

In  spite  of  the  confident  tone  in  which  Dick  pronounced 
these  words,  Maud  suffered  great  anxiety. 

The  footstep  came  nearer  and  nearer,  however,  until  &4 
length  a  human  form  presented  itself  to  their  view. 

So  strange  was  the  aspect  of  the  intruder  that  all  three 
of  our  friends  gazed  upon  him  with  the  utmost  intent- 
ness. 

The  new-comer,  too,  as  was  evident  from  his  actions, 
wa.an„t  a  little  astonished  at  beholding  strangers  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  hut. 

Ho  threw  down  some  heavy  object  which  he  had  been 
carrying,  and  immediately  placed  to  his  shoulder  an  old 
rusty  firelock  that  he  carried. 

"  Hold  off,  there  1"  he  said,  in  a  gruff,  surly  voice.  "  Who 
are  you — what  do  you  want  ?" 

" Gome  forward,"  was  Dick's  response.  "Lower  your 
gun  ;  we  mean  you  no  harm." 

With  some  hesitation  the  man  complied,  and  again  re- 
sumed his  burden. 

As  lie  came  nearer  he  was  seen  with  more  distinctness. 

He  was  clad  in  a  strange  mixture  of  ordinary  clothing 
and  the  skin  of  deer  rudely  adapted  to  wearing  purposes. 

His  face  was  scarcely  to  be  distinguished,  in  consequence 
of  the  mass  of  hair  with  which  it  was  overgrown. 

Th«  heavy  object  he  carried  proved  to  be  a  young 
fawn. 

Thin,  no  doubt,  explained  the  shot  which  they  had 
heard.  - 

"Willingly,  master,"  he  said,  gruffly,  but  not  as  though 
disposed  to  be  courteous.     "  What  want  you  here  ?" 

Dick  looked  at  him  closely  for  a  moment  and  an- 
swered : 

"  Shelter  for  ourselves  and  horses.  H  you  furnish  us 
with  it  and  ask  no  qcestions  we  will  reward  you  well." 

"  Such  shelter  as  I  have  to  offer  you,"  was  the  reply, 
"  you  are  welcome  to,  though  I  am  astonished  at  the  re- 
quest. But,  no  matter,  I  am  not  inquisitive  by  nature. 
If  you  like  to  sup  with  me  you  are  welcome  to  thai  too — 
ha,  ha!  quite  welcome.  You  can  eat  as  much  of  my 
lord's  fat  fawn  here  as  you  like.  Ha,  ha !  quite  welcome. 
Come  in — come  in.  I  damped  the  fire,  but  you  will  see  a 
blaze  in  about  a  minute.  Come  in,  I  say ;  I  don't  often 
have  company.     Ha,  ha !" 


CHAPTER  MLV. 

RELASB9  THK  PARTICULARS  OF  CLAUDE   DUVAL'S   UK- 
PARALLKLED   ADVENTURE. 

For  the  present  we  leave  Dick  Turpin  and  his  com- 
panions in  their  new  quarters,  as  other  incidents  of  a  more 
startling  character  call  for  our  attention. 

We  go  back,  then,  to  the  time  when  the  separation  of 
the  highwaymen  took  place. 

Of  course  Tom  King,  Claude  Duval,  and  Sixteen-String 
Jack  quickly  found  themselves  to  be  no  longer  the  objects 
of  the  officers'  pursuit. 

Accordingly  thay  reduced  their  speed  to  a  leisurely 
pace  which  neither  distressed  themselves  nor  their 
horses. 

Tho  course  taken  by  Claude  Duval  quickly  took  him 
away  from  his  comrades,  and  when  at  length  he  reined-in 
his  steed  he  found  himself  completely  aloue. 

"  I  can't  say  I  meant  this  to  be  the  case,"  he  remarked 
to  himself.  "  I  hate  to  be  alone,  and  I  am  quite  sure  I 
never  enjoy  an  adventure  so  well  as  when  I  have  my  old 
comrade  Sixteen-String  Jack  to  share  it  with  me." 

Claude  Duval  pronounced  these  words  in  tones  of  deep 
regret,  and,  having  done  so,  looked  across  the  country. 

"  No,  no,"  he  muttered,  "it  is  too  late  now.  It  would 
be  ridiculous  to  attempt  to  overtake  Jack  now.  Ha  is  far 
enough  off  by  this  time." 

Consequently,  very  much  against  his  will,  Olauae  found 
himself  completely  alone. 

"  And  a  whole  month  to  look  forward  to,"  he  contirc-i. 
•'  A  nice  prospect  that,  is  it  not  ?  Well,  well,  I  suj.pcrJ 
I  must  resign  myself  to  it  in  the  same  way  as  I  have  had  i« 


tins 


BLACK    BESB  ;     OK, 


more  than  one  disagreeable  thing  during  my  life.  But, 
who  knows,  1  may  be  fortunate  enough  to  ehame  uiVHK 
one  of  them  ere  long  ?" 

It  was  perhaps  in  order  that  there  should  \>„  some  pro- 
bability of  the  occurrence  of  this  much-wished-for  event 
that  he  slightly  changed  his  course,  keeping,  as  he  judged, 
in  a  direction  that  would  take  him  towards  his  friecd. 

Certainly  there  was  never  anyone  less  unsociable  than 
Claude,  and,  consequently,  as  may  be  expected,  he  con- 
tinued to  give  rent  to  many  grumblings  as  hr  rode 
along. 

His  course  for  some  time  lay  right  acro&-  vue  open 
country,  but  at  length  he  reached  a  point  where  the 
meadows  were  separated  by  a  broad  dusty  high-read. 

Upon  reaching  this  point  our  old  friend  stopped  for  the 
double  purpose  of  listening  and  deliberating  how  be 
should  act,  as  at  present  he  had  formed  no  plan  of  opera- 
tions in  his  mind  whatever. 

Not  for  long,  however,  did  he  remain  thus  in  considera- 
tion, for  no  state  of  inactivity  suited  him  for  long  to- 
gether. 

Riding  along  by  the  side  of  the  hedge  with  which  the 
meadow  was  defended  from  the  road,  he  made  his  way  to 
a  five-barred  gate  that  was  a  few  yards  distant. 

To  dismount,  open  this,  and  pass  through,  wa3,  in  his 
epinion,  more  agreeable  than  making  a  leap  over  a  thorny 
hedge  that  was  both  taller  and  wider  than  is  usual. 

Accordingly  he  did  60,  and  having  gained  the  high- 
road, trotted  swiftly  down  it. 

"  The  hour  is  by  no  means  late,"  he  muttered,  "  and  I 
may  be  lucky  enough  to  meet  with  some  one  worth  crying, 
'  Stand  and  deliver !'  to.  I  may  as  well  have  all  the  fun  1 
can  while  the  chance  remains  to  me,  as  the  captain  and 
Tom  seem  so  strongly  inclined  to  rest." 

He  smiled  somewhat  contemptuously  at  this  idea 
though  then  he  little  dreamed  to  what  a  disastrous  train  of 
circumstances  this  determination  was  destined  to  give 
rise. 

It  was  just  at  this  moment  that  the  moon  peeped  ut 
from  behind  a  cloud,  thus  enabling  him  to  form  a  much 
better  idea  of  the  nature  of  his  surroundings  than  he  had 
been  able  to  do  before. 

The  object  which  first  attracted  his  attention  was  a  large, 
handsome-looking  mansion,  which  being  situated  upon 
the  brow  of  a  gently-sloping  hill,  formed  a  conspicuous 
feature  in  the  landscape. 

Prom  some  of  the  windows  on  the  ground-floor  of  this 
mansion  lights  were  gleaming,  and  Claude  was  at  once 
impressed  with  the  air  of  comfort  and  happiness  which 
seemed  to  reign  around.  s> 

Coming  nearer  he  checked  his  horse's  speed  and  gazed 
npon  the  building,  for  somehow  there  even  came  over  him 
a  strange  yearning  for  rest  and  peace. 

"  How  fortunate  must  be  the  lot  of  the  dwellers  in  that 
abode,"  he  muttered— "  how  calm  and  peaceful  their 
existence— how  free  from  the  many  hazards  and  dangers 
which  are  the  accompaniments  of  such  a  career  as  mine  ! 
Yes,  yes,  I  feel  I  cannot  help  envying  their  lot,  for  it  is 
scarcely  possible  to  conceive  discord  and  misery  existing 
in  this  fair  scene." 

This  was  a  most  unusual  train  of  thought  for  the 
highwayman  to  indulge  in,  and  for  a  moment  or  two 
he  pursued  it  in  Bilence. 

Suddenly,  however,  the  deep  silence  which  had  hither- 
to prevailed  around  was  broken  in  upon  by  a  low,  deep 
sigh,  thatperhapa  might  be  more  correctly  denominated 
a  groan. 

Claude  started,  and  then  his  next  act  was  to  back 
his  horse  into  the  shadow. 

Scarcely  had  he  taken  up  a  position  close  to  a  tall 
hedgerow  than  the  sound  of  an  approaching  footstep 
reached  the  highwayman's  attentive  ears. 

He  watched  eagerly,  for  already  he  felt  a  deep  inte- 
rest in  this  mansion,  and  the  conviction  somehow  came 
over  him  that  the  sounds  he  had  just  heard  were  in  some 
way  or  other  connected  with  it. 

fie  was  not  for  long  left  in  doubt  upon  this  point. 
The  footstep  became  louder,  and  in  another  moment 
Claude  caught  sight  of  the  figure  of  a  young  man. 

He  seemed  to  leap  over  a  stile,  then  advancing  up 
the  road  towards  the  spot  where  the  highwayman  was 
stationed,  paused  and  gave  utterance  to  a  sigh  of  a 
character  precisely  similar  to  that  which  Claude  had 
before  heard. 


It  was  a  sound  which  indicated  the  existence  of  aici.to! 
agony  of  no  ordinary  description. 

Duval  became  more  and  more  interested. 

It  seemed  strange  for  one  so  young  to  be  afflicted  wita 
so  great  a  sorrow. 

He  was  now  within  a  pace  or  two^of  the  spot  where 
our  friend  was,  whom  he  could  certainly  have  seen  had 
he  once  turned  his  gaze  in  that  direction. 

But  he  seemed  to  have  eyes  for  one  object,  and  but  one 
alone. 

That  was  the  mansion  on  the  hill. 

"  Alas !"  he  exclaimed  aloud,  little  thinking  that  anyone 
was  near  enough  to  overhear  his  words — "  alas !  and  must 
this  be  ray  last  look — must  I  now  say  farewell  for  ever  to 
those  walls  which  contain  all  that  is  dear  to  me  on  earth? 
Jt  is  my  fate,  and  I  am  wretched.  Yet,  if  by  some  strata- 
gem I  could  only  obtaiu  one  parting  interview,  how  much 
it  would  solace  me  in  the  future  1  But  it  is  impossible — 
quite  impossible." 

The  last  words  were  scarcely  distinguishable. 

After  a  pause,  however,  he  looked  up. 

"  How  peaceful  the  place  seems  !"  he  continued.  "  What 
an  air  of  happiness  is  over  all !  To  gaze  upon  it  as  I  do 
now,  who  would  for  a  moment  imagiue  that  a  lone  and 
aching  heart  is  beneath  that  roof ;  and  that,  instead  of 
kindness  and  affection,  discord  and  tyranny  reign  there  ? 
But  yet — yet — I  cannot  say  the  word  farewell  !" 

It  would  perhaps  be  a  task  of  no  ordinary  difficulty  to 
make  the  reader  sensible  of  the  deep  amount  of  interest 
with  which  Claude  listened  to  these  incoherent  sentences, 
nor  imagine  how  intensely  curious  he  was  to  know  some- 
thing more  of  those  mysteries  which  he  felt  certaiu  were 
connected  with  that  peaceful-looking  dwelling. 

Claude  longed  to  address  the  stranger,  but  was  unable 
to  think  of  any  satisfactory  method  of  doing  so. 

At  length  the  young  man,  having  to  some  extent  re- 
gained command  over  himself,  exclaimed,  in  tolerably 
fin  x  accents : 

"  Farewell — farfiweV;!  I  will  not  say  for  ever,  for  even 
at  this  moment  of  deep  dejection  something  whispers  to 
ray  heart  that  I  shall  visit  this  spot  again.  For  the  pre- 
sent only,  then,  I  say  farewell !" 

As  he  uttered  the  last  word  he  turned  round  hastily 
and  eeemed  as  though  he  was  about  to  quit  the  spot  with 
as  little  delay  as  possible. 

But  in  changing  his  position  his  gaze  happened  to  fall 
on  thfl  forms  of  the  highwayman  and  his  steed. 

"  Ha !"  he  ejaculated.     "  Who  is  here  ?" 

"A  friend,"  was  Claude's  answer,  as  he  advanced  into 
the  roadway. 

The  young  man  gave  utterance  to  a  bitter  laugh. 

"  A  friend  I"  he  at  length  exclaimed,  scornfully.  "  But 
— but  why  ?  I  know  you  not — to  the  best  of  my  know- 
ledge I  have  never  seen  you  before." 

"  I  may  say  the  same. 
.  "  And  yet  you  proclaim  yourself  my  friend." 

"  I  do,  and  am  willing  to  convince  you  of  my  sincerity 
if  you  will  only  give  me  the  opportunity.  I  think  I  am 
not  far  wrong  when  I  say  you  need  a  friend." 

"I  do—  I  do!" 

"  Then  do  not  scrnple  to  call  upon  me  in  any  way 
you  may  think  proper." 

"  But  who  are  you  P" 

"  That  matters  not.  Be  contented  to  know  that  I 
am  what  I  first  deolared  myself — a  friend." 

"  Bnt  this  sudden  interest  in  one  who  is  a  perfect 
stranger——" 

"  Seems  extraordinary,  no  doubt,"  interrupted  Claude, 
"  but  it  ia  nevertheless  quite  true." 

The  young  man  appeared  to  hesitate  for  a  moment  or 
so,  and  then,  with  some  hesitation,  he  said  : 

"  Give  me  some  proof  of  your  good  faith." 

"  It  seems  strange  for  one  so  young  to  be  so  doubtful 
and  suspicious," 

"  It  may  be,"  was  the  sadly-spoken  answer,  "  but  I 
have  already  paid  dearly  for  over-oontidenoe." 

"Then  you  have  been  once  betrayed  ?" 
1      "  I  have,  by  the  friend  I  trusted  most." 
•      '  Well,  then,  if  you  cannot  believe  in  my  sincerity, 
]  why,  I  will  just  continue  my  journey,  and  leave  you  to 
do  the  same." 

"  Nay,  nay !"  cried  the  young  man,  placing  a  detain- 
ing grasp  upon  Claude's  bridle.  "  I  do  not  feel  inclined 
to  part  with  you  thus." 


tiOi    S-NIGHT   Of   1UI   &OAU. 


1811 


,l  As  you  will.  Odd  as  it  may  seem,  1  am  at  your  ser- 
vice.   In  what  way  can  I  aid  you  ?     You  are  in  trouble." 

"  Then  you  have  heard  my  half-uttered  thoughts?'' 

"  Part  of  them." 

"  Well,  well !  Give  me  a  moment  to  consider  upon 
my  course." 

"  Willingly." 

The  youug  man  walked  away  a  few  steps,  then  paused, 
md  seemed  to  fall  iuto  a  fit  of  deep  reflection. 

For  some  tirue  he  continued  thus. 

At  length,  coming  back,  he  extended  his  '-and  and 
laid: 

"  I  will  trust  you." 

"  Without  seeking  to  know  more  than  X  choose  to 
communicate  about  myself?" 

"Yes." 

"  I  am  agreed,"  exclaimed  Claude,  grasping  his  hand 
warmly.  "  Now  tell  me  why  it  is  you  feel  so  much  re- 
luctance to  bid  adieu  to  this  spot.  I  ask  not  so  much  to 
satisfy  my  own  curiosity,  but  in  order  that  I  may  assist 
you  with  my  advice,  and  with  my  strength  of  arm  if 
necessary." 

The  young  man  looked  at  Claude's  muscular  form  with 
admiration,  and  doubtless  thought  what  a  powerful  ally 
he  would  make. 

But  he  manifested  considerable  reluctance  to  comn»ence 
his  recital. 

The  hesitation  was  no  more  than  natural. 

After  a  pause  he  said : 

"  I  know  not  why  I  should  feel  this  strong  inclination 
to  confide  in  a  stranger.  It  is  foreign  to  my  usual  feel- 
ings, I  assure  you.  But  I  will  yield  to  my  impulse  and 
let  you  know  my  sad  story  in  as  few  words  as  possible." 

Claude  prepared  himself  to  listen  attentively. 

"  You  must  know,  then,"  began  the  young  man,  "  that 
an  unhappy  passion  is  the  cause  of  all  my  misery."    .* 

"  I  guessed  it." 

"  I  loved  and  was  beloved.  I  will  not  tire  you  by  say- 
ing more.  Our  choice  was  approved  of  by  the  occupant 
of  that  lordly-looking  dwelling,  until  disgrace— yes,  dis- 
grace fell  upon  our  family ;  yet  not  through  me — through 
no  cause  of  mine.  1  was  as  innocent  and  unconscious  of 
it  as  yourself.  But  my  visits  were  forbidden.  I  was 
sternly  told  that  my  beloved  could  never  link  her  destiny 
with  mine,  and  I  was  threatened  with  many  penalties  if  I 
even  attempted  to  do  so  much  as  see  her  and  speak  to  her 
again." 

"But  you  did  both?" 

"  Yes,  in  defiance  of  the  prohibition.  Agnes  I  found  un- 
changed, and  looking  upon  what  had  occurred  as  some- 
thing for  which  I  surely  should  not  bear  the  blame  and 
be  so  heavily  punished.  We  met  again  and  again,  and  I 
took  a  friend  into  my  confidence." 

"  The  one  who  betrayed  you  ?" 

"  Yes ;  Agnes  finding  her  father  inexorable,  and  know- 
ing by  former  experience  that  his  obstinacy  was  so  stub- 
born that  no  earthly  consideration  would  induce  hire  to 
change  his  resolution,  made  her  choose  rather  to  take  the 
perilous  step  of  flying  with  me  than  suffer  horself 
to  be  doomed  to  a  life  of  eternal  wretchedness.  All  was 
arranged  for  the  flight.  The  services  of  a  trusty  friend 
alone  were  needed.  I  told  him  all  my  plans  ;  he  promised 
me  his  aid  ;  but  at  the  moment  when  I  was  about  to  clasp 
Agnes  in  my  arms  there  was  a  sudden  alarm,  and  her 
father  appeared  before  me. 

"  With  much  difficulty  I  escaped  ;  and  as  for  my  friend, 
he  flattered  and  fawned  upon  Mr.  Glossin,  and  at  length 
asked  him  to  bestow  Agnes's  hand  upon  him. 

"  Great  Heaven !  until  then  I  could  not  conceive  such 
perfidy  existed. 

"  Agnes,  I  felt,  would  remain  true'to  her  vows ;  crat  then 
she  was  unable  to  help  herself,  and  so  great  is  the  terror 
her  father  inspires  in  her  that  she  has  no  courage  to 
oppose  him. 

"  Since  then  she  has  been  kept  close  prisoner,  «nd  all  my 
efforts  to  gain  another  interview  with  her  have  failed. 

"  Uu  his  part  he  has  done  all  in  his  power  to  push  on 
'his  odious  match,  and  to-morrow  morning  is  the  time 
fixed  upon  for  the  aelebration  of  the  ceremony,  t lading 
myself  foiled  at  every  turn,  I  gave  way  to  despair,  ana  as 
i  felt  that  I  could  not  endure  to  be  a  witness  to  her  being 
given  to  my  treacherous  friend,  or  even  bear  to  be  any- 
where in  the  vicinity,  I  determined  to  bid  the  place  fare- 
— "  (f\t  ever." 


"  And  do  you  think  that  a  wise  determination — such  a 
determination  as  you  ought  to  make?"  asked  Claude, 
who  had  been  listening  in  attentive  silence- 

M    1_I_I " 

"  Do  you  not  think  that  you  ought  to  have  made  one 
more  effort  ?  You  ought  not  to  forget  the  nW^rn :  '  Whilo 
thero  is  life  there  is  hope.' " 

'*  And  you  would  bid  me  hope  ?" 

*  Certainly  I  would.  She  is  not  yet  lost  to  you.  It 
will  be  time  enough  to  despair  when  she  is,  not  before." 

''  You  animate  me  with  fresh  courage,"  cried  the  young 
man,  with  sudden  vehemence  ;  "I  feel  as  though  I  could 
dare " 

"  Be  calm — be  calm !  There  is  no  occasion  for  rash- 
ness.    Let  us  think  the  matter  calmly  over." 

"  I  will  think  it  over,  but  I  cannot  promise  calmness." 

"  Well,  such  calmness  as  you  can  command." 

"  I  will." 

"  In  the  first  place,  then,  do  you  think  that  if  you  could 
gain  access  to  her,  and  if  you  had  the  chance  of  speaking 
to  her  for  a  short  time,  and  if  you  saw  before  you  the 
chance  of  getting  clear  of  the  premises  with  her,  do  you 
think  she  would  be  willing  to  accompany  you  ?" 

"  But,"  exclaimed  the  young  man,  half  aghast,  "  how 
many  '  ifs  '  are  in  the  case  !" 

"  Yes,  yes,  I  kuow,"  returned  Claude,  somewhat  im- 
patiently, "  but  supposing  such  a  condition  of  things  to 
exist?" 

"  But  why  ? — it  is  utterly  impossible." 

"  You  think  so  ?" 

"  I  am  certain." 

"  You  should  never  make  too  sure  of  anything. 
Answer  my  question :  If  there  was  the  opportunity 
would  she  fly  with  you  ?" 

"  Most  cnrtaiuly." 

"  You  apeak  confidently." 

'  I  should  not  deserve  her  if  I  doubted  her." 
»V  *  Then  I  hope  you  will  not  be  disappointed." 

*  Disappointed?" 

"  Yes,  for  you  shall  have  the  opportunity." 

"  Then  you  have  more  than  mortal  powers." 

Claude  laughed. 

"You  never  made  a  greater  mistake." 

"  And  yet  by  mere  human  aid  do  you  mean  to  say  yoa 
will  accomplish  what  *ou  say  ?" 

"  I  am  ready  to  give  you  proof  of  it." 

"lam  amazed  I  cat;  scarcely  believe  that  I  am  not 
dreaming." 

"  Take  my  word,  ther.,  that  you  are  not,  and  let  the  ad- 
ventures of  to-night  f.each  you  never  to  despair  in  the 
future.  You  will  find  all  the  obstacles  you  speak  of 
vanish  like  a  wreath  of  snow." 

"  How — how  ?     Tell  me  how  ?" 

"  Nay,  that  is  my  matter.  Besides,  we  have  no  time  to 
spare.     You  understand  what  I  intend  to  do  for  you  ?" 

"  I  think  so." 

"  It  is  to  afford  you  the  opportunity  of  running  off  with 
your  sweetheart  if  she  is  willing  to  accompany  you." 

"  Do  that,"  said  the  young  man,  "  and  I  shall  ever  ac- 
count myself  your  debtor." 

"  It  shall  be  done,  then.  All  I  stipulate  is  that  you 
must  blindly  and  unhesitatingly  obey  my  commands  with- 
out stopping  to  ask  why  or  wherefore.  Do  you  promise 
this  implicit  obedience  ?" 

"I  dc." 

"  That  is  well,  for  upon  this  will  depend  everything.'' 

"  But  at  least  you  will  enlighten  me  a  little  further — 
you  will  iiot  keep  me  completely  in  the  dark  ?" 

"  You  shall  know  all  in  good  time ;  at  present  we  have 
not  a  siugle  second  to  waste."  N 

"  But— but " 

"  Do  you  hesitate  already  '.■.■" 

"No — no." 

"  Then  take  this  riding-cloak  of  mine,  wrap  it  closely 
round  you,  change  hats  with  me,  and  make  as  much 
difference  in  your  outward  appearance  as  the  means  at 
hand  will  permit :    your  object  is  to  disguise  yourself." 

"I  understand  you." 

"  Then  follow  me  towards  the  house  ;  1  have  much  tc 
think  of  by  the  way."  . 

Fain  would  this  young  man  have  learned  something  ot 
Claude's  intentions,  but  he  could  see  it  would  be  useless  to 
question  him.  and  he  was  wise  enough  not  to  make  tha 
attempt 


til* 


BLACK  BBSS  ;    Oft, 


In  truth,  Claude  had  much  to  arrange. 

An  idea  had  occurred  to  him  as  regarded  a  means  by 
which  he  could  accomplish  what  he  had  stated ;  but  it 
was  an  idea  merely,  and  required  much  elaboration. 

He  dismounted  at  the  lodge-gates  and  left  his  steed  to 
charge  of  the  lodge-keeper. 

This  was  a  strange  step  for  Claude  to  take,  but  then  ke 
had  a  motive  for  it. 

The  young  man  muffled  himself  in  the  cloak  so  well, 
and  the  change  of  hats  had  effected  such  an  alteration,  that 
he  passed  through  the  gates  in  company  with  his  new- 
found friend  without  being  recognised  by  the  lo^jfQ- 
keeper. 

As  Claude  strode  up  the  well-kept  avenue  his  thoughts 
were  busy  indeed. 

But  his  fertile  brain  quickly  enabled  him  to  seiae  upon 
the  most  salient  points  of  his  design  and  reduce  them  to 
order. 

Long  before  the  front  door  of  the  mansion  was  gained 
his  course  was  thoroughly  determined  upon. 

From  what  the  reader  knows  already  of  Claude  Duval, 
he  may  feel  certain  that  the  highwayman  had  some 
further  object  in  view  than  he  allowed  to  appear. 

What  this  was  will  in  due  time  be  made  apparent. 

Setting  all  other  things  aside,  however,  it  certainly  was 
a  most  daring  act  for  Claude,  with  such  a  price  as  there 
was  set  upon  his  head,  to  venture  to  walk  up  to  the  front 
door  of  a  gentleman's  residence  without  attempting  to 
alter  his  own  character. 

Put  audacity  was  one  of  the  moans  he  counted  upon  to 
obtain  success  by. 

He  had  already  obtained  such  information  as  would 
enable  brim  to  know  how  to  act. 

On  reaching  the  front  door,  his  first  act  was  to  knock 
loudly  at  it. 

The  hour  was  late,  and  perhaps  that  is  the  reason  why 
so  long  a  time  elapsed  before  the  summons  was  at- 
tended to. 

Claude  knocked  a  second  time,  but  ere  he  could  reK,  »g  j 
his  fingers  from  the  kuocker  the  door  was  opened,  ana  an  « 
aged  domestic  appeared.  I 

He  seemed  rather  confused  by  the  darkness,  and  in  a  | 
tremulous  tone  asked  what  was  wanted. 

"  Will  you  be  kind  enough  to  tell  your  master  that  a 
gentleman  who  has  ridden  post  haste  from  London  de- 
sires to  speak  to  him  upon  most  urgent  business  ?" 

"But  I  cannot  disturb  him  to-night—  the  hour  is  late." 

"Is  he  in  bed?" 

"  No,  but  he  is  about  to  retire." 

"  Then  I  must  see  him.  Go,  deliver  the  message  I  have 
given  you." 

"  What  name  did  you  say  ?" 

"I  said  none — because  none  is  required;  simpiy  say 
what  I  told  you." 

The  servant  was  not  able  to  raise  any  further  objection, 
and  therefore  retired  to  deliver  the  message,  having  first 
asked  the  two  visitors  to  enter  the  hall. 

The  invitation  was  complied  with  and  the  door  closed. 

As  soon  as  ever  the  old  man  had  retreated  a  few  paces, 
Claude  whispered: 

"Now,  my  young  friend,  I  am  going  to  endeavour  to 
obtain  you  a  licence  to  go  all  over  this  house  without 
being  questioned  or  molested.  Do  not  stare  so,  I  mean 
what  I  say." 

But  the  young  man  continued  to  stare,  for  ho  began  to 
think  that  ho  had  been  so  unfortunate  as  to  fall  into  'Ae 
clutches  of  some  cunning  lunatic. 

"  You  comprehend  me  ?  And  now  all  I  want  of  you  is 
to  remain  patiently  on  the  watch  ;  and  as  soon  as  ever  you 
see  the  opportunity  to  effect  your  purpose,  embrace  it. 
Hush,  hush  1  You  will  soon  hear  more.  Remain  here 
and  wait." 
By  this  time  the  domestic  returned. 
"  My  master  will  see  you,"  he  said.  "  PJease  step  this 
way."  * 

Claude  alone  advanced,  leaving  the  young  mac  stand- 
ing near  the  door  with  his  mind  in  such  a  state  of  ooo- 
fusion  and  bewilderment  as  baffles  all  description. 

How  he  was  to  act,  or  how  he  was  to  avail  himself  of 
the  turn  of  circumstances  he  knew  not. 

But,  nevertheless,  he  had  the  prudence  to  keep  his  face 
well  muffled  in  the  cloak,  in  order  to  avoid  if  possible 
the  recognition  of  the  old  servant,  to  whom  he  faa  well 
known. 


In  the  meanwhile,  Claude  had  been  conducted  to  a  &M8, 
which,  after  tapping  slightly,  the  servant  opened. 

Claude  then  found  himself  in  a  magnificontly-furnished 
room. 

Let  the  eyes  turn  whichever  way  they  would,  nothing 
but  articles  of  the  utmost  value  greeted  them. 

On  the  centre  table  was  an  elegant  silver  candelabra,  in 
which  two  wax  candles  were  burning. 

The  light  from  these  fell  upon  the  countenance  of  a  mac 
of  middle  age,  whose  brows  seemed  contracted  by 
habitual  sternness. 

He  looked  frowningly  and  inquiringly  upon  Claude  a* 
he  said  : 

"  May  I  ask,  sir,  what  h»  the  nature  of  this  business 
that  you  think  is  of  so  much  urgency  as  to  warrant  you 
in  disturbing  me  at  this  hour  of  the  night  ?" 

From  what  the  young  lover  had  communicated,  Claude 
fully  expected  this  mode  of  address,  and  had  made  up 
his  mind  how  to  reply  to  it. 

*I  am  exceedingly  sorry  to  disturb  you,"  he  said, 
making  a  lew  bow,  "  but,  really,  your  lordship—" 

"  No,  no — I  am  no  lord." 

"  Indeed!  Thee  I  trust  you  will  pardon  my  mistake, 
which  you  will  the  more  readily  forgive,  because  the 
beauty  and  magnificence  of  this  place  within  and  with- 
out are  such  as  few  lordly  dwellings  could  boast  of." 

This  was  touching  the  proud  man  in  a  sensitive 
place. 

His  pride  was  flattered. 

"  Sit  down— sit  down,"  he  said,  "  and  let  me  know 
your  business." 

"  Certainly.  But  you  will  not  fail  to  perceive  that  the 
fact  of  my  being  ignorant  of  your  rank——" 

"  Rank  ?"  he  interrupted,  with  a  smile.  ''  There  is  no 
tank  in  the  case.  I  am  just  a  simple  squire,  and  no 
more." 

"  But  you  are  a  magistrate,  1  believe  ?" 

"  Yes — yes  I     But  I  am  impatient." 

"J  will  not  detain  you  another  moment.  I  come  from 
Vie  cUief  magistrate  at  Bow  Street,  Sir  Walter  Stanton, 
ao,  of  course,  you  well  know." 

"But  has  he  sent  you  to  me?"  asked  the  squire,  in  a 
flutter. 

"  Not  specially  to  you,"  was  Claude's  reply,  given  with 
the  gravity  of  a  judge.  "But  you  must  be  kind  enough 
to  listen  to  a  brief  explanation." 

"  Well,  sir,  proceed." 

"  Then,  squire,  of  course  you  must  have  heard  of  the 
doings  of  that  baud  of  desperadoes  headed  by  that  cele- 
brated highwayman,  Dick  Turpin?" 

"Yes,  I  have  heard.     But  what  of  them?" 

"  Do  not  alarm  yourself,  my  dear  sir — do  not,  I  beg. 
But  yon  must  understand  that  there  has  been  a  great  out- 
cry made  about  the  inability  of  the  police  force  to  capture 
these  daring  offenders,  though  they  have  made  many  at- 
tempts and  have  been  the  cause  of  a  great  deal  of  ex- 
pense." 

11  Yes,"  said  the  squire,  "  I  have  heard  many  speak  of 
this,  and  all  have  been  uuauimous  in  declaring  these  re- 
peated failures  to  be  a  disgrace  to  the  Government." 

•'  Just  so,  squire,"  continued  Claude,  with  much  em- 
phasis ;  "  and  that  will  probably  account  for  a  disclosure 
I  have  to  make  to  you." 

"  What,  about  these  wretches  ?" 

"  Do  you  mean  the  police  officers  ?"  asked  Claude,  with 
difficulty  preserving  his  gravity. 

"  No,  no,  of  course  not — the  highwaymen." 

"Oh,  pardon  me — yes.  Well,  as  I  was  saying,  Sir 
Walter  has  at  last  takoa  this  affair  into  his  own  hands, 
in  consequence,  I  fancy," — and  here  Claude  sunk  his 
voice  to  a  low  whisper — "of  having  received  a  "ory 
pressing  communication  from  high  quarters." 

"  Of  what  nature  ?" 

"Respecting  the  inefficiency  of  the  police,  and  1  almost 
think  with  something  more  disagreeable  beside.  How- 
ever, as  I  ought  to  have  told  you  at  first— though  doubt- 
less your  own  penetration  has  enabled  you  to  guess  it — I 
am  the  private  agent  of  Sir  Walter,  the  person  be  em- 
ploys upon  all  affairs  of  secrecy  and  unnortanoe." 
"  Indeed,  sir — k  it  so  ?" 

'*  It  is.  I  have  the  inexpressible  honour  of  repre- 
senting Sir  Walter's  person." 

The  squire  bowed  npon  receipt  of  this  intimation, 
and  theu  said  t 


THB  KAIOHT  OF  THB   ROAD 


1«4 


-1  May  I  ask  to  what  cause  I  am  indebted  for  your  pre- 
sence here  this  evening  ?" 

As  soon  as  the  question  was  asked  him,  Claude  glanced 
round  the  apartment  with  an  air  of  well-affected  mys- 
teriousness. 

"  Prepare  yourself  for  a  considerable  surprise,"  h&  said, 
in  a  lew  voice ;  "  but  above  all  things  retain  yow  civlrfi- 
ness — on  no  account  «ako  a  movement." 

The  solemnity  witn  which  Claude  spoke  produced  & 
due  effect  upon  the  magistrate,  who  wiit  -d  itt  the  utmost 
suspense  to  hear  the  disclosure  which  t?C3  about  to  be 
made. 

"What  is  it?" 

"Are  you  prepared  for  strange  tidings ?v' 

"  Quite,"  was  the  answer,  though  the  w&rj  was  not 
pronounced  with  any  particular  amount  of  firmness. 

"Well,  then,  squire,  I  have  most  certain  and  indubit- 
able information  that — now,  be  calm — that  the  celebrated 
Claude  Duval  is  somewhere  about  your  premises — as  I 
believe,  under  your  very  roof." 

In  spite  of  his  firmness,  the  squire  started  from  his 
chair,  aghast  with  surprise. 

"My  dear  sir,"  continued  Claude,  "remember  what  I 
said  to  you — be  calm !" 

"  Calm  ?  Calm  the  devil !  How  on  earth  can  a  magis- 
trate and  a  gentleman  be  calm  when  ho  knows  such  a 
ruffian  as  Claude  Duval  is  in  his  house  ?" 

"  But,  my  dear  sir,  I  assure  you  you  will  ruin  all  if  you 
tre  in  the  least  precipitate — indeed,  I  would  not  answer 
for  your  valuable  life." 

This  speech  moderated  the  squire  somewhat. 

Little  did  he  think,  however,  what  a  double  meaning 
urked  under  every  one  of  Claude's  sentences. 

"  I  must  entreat  you,"  said  the  highwayman,  •'to  leave 
all  to  me— to  do  as  Sir  Walter  has  done — namely,  put  the 
conduct  of  this  night's  great  business  into  my  despatch." 

"Well,  sir — well?"  said  the  squire,  sinking  into-  his 
chair  again.     "  What  would  you  say  and  do  ?" 

"  That  which,  I  judge,  will  prove  the  best." 

"  Let  me  hear  it." 

"Believe  me,  I  have  taken  my  measures  most  effec- 
tually, and  the  result  will  be  undoubtedly  the  rascal's 
capture." 

"  Explain — explain  !  Make  haste  !  Do  you  not  think 
you  are  wasting  valuable  time  ?" 

"By  no  means,  sir.  There  is  no  occasion  for  hurry — 
not  the  least  in  the  world." 

"  Well,  you  know  best." 

"I  trust,  sir,  you  will  put  faith  in  my  judgment. * 

"  I  will,  willingly." 

"  Then  let  me  assure  you  that  I  have  watched  Claude's 
every  movement,  and  I  at  length  tracked  him  here.  He 
has  no  idea  whatever  of  his  danger ;  but  yet  I  have 
managed  to  surround  this  dwelling  in  an  unbroken  circle, 
the  boundary  of  which  I  feel  confident  he  cannot  pass  at 
any  point." 

CHAPTER  ML VI. 

01  WmCH   CLAUDE   DUVAL  CARRIES  MATTERS  TO 
EXTREMES. 

"Then,  if  that  is  the  case,"  said  the  squire,  "1  should 
think  you  have  been  tolerably  secure  already." 

"I  should  think  so  if  any  ordinary  individual  was  in 
the  case ;  but  the  many  failures  which  have  been  made 
already  serve  as  beacons  to  warn  me  against  over  confi- 
dence." 

••  Just  so — just  so  :  t^ju  are  right.  Be  good  enough  to 
let  me  into  the  light  of  yoir  plans." 

"  I  will  do  so  ;  and  I  trust  you  will  approve  of  them." 

The  squire  inclined  his  head. 

"My  object,  then,  ie,"  said  Claude,  in  a  confidential  tone 
of  voice,  "just  to  scare  this  fellow  out  of  his  present 
q?»rtere  without  letting  him  have  any  idea  that  he  is  me- 
naced by  such  a  danger  as  contact  with  a  large  body  of 
officers.  He  will  thus  bo  taken  by  surprise.  Ho  will 
leave  the  house,  and  before  he  goes  many  yards  will  en- 
counter the  officers.  An  alarm  will  be  instantly  raised, 
so  that  escape  will  be  utterly  out  of  the  question. 

"Capital — capital!"  cried  the  squire,  in  a  transport  91 
snthusiasm.  "  It  would  be  impossible  to  devise  anything 
hotter.     It  is  sure  to  succeed." 

"  J  am  very  glad  you  think  so,"  said  Claude,  bowiug:, 
"  tttoagh  I  confess  I  cannot  help  flattering  myself  thai  ;t 


is  a  good  scheme ;  and  if  it  had  been  put  into  execution 
sooner  the  rascal  would  long  since  have  ended  his  careor 
at  Tyburn." 

Claude  made  a  wry  face  as  ue  pronounced  the  las* 
ominous  word. 

Like  Macnetti's  "  Amen !"  it  stuck  in  his  throat 

But  the  squire  was  too  much  absorbed  by  what  he  had 
heard  to  pay  any  attention  to  so  trifling  a  circumstance. 

_  "1  never  knew  anything  half  so  good  !"  he  cried,  rub- 
bing his  hands  together.  "But  now  I  have  a  favour  to 
ask  of  you." 

"Name  it,  sir— name  it,"  said  Claude,  though  his  words 
were  unavoidably  tinged  with  surprise,  for  he  could  not 
imagine  what  on  earth  was  coming  next. 

The  squire  drew  his  chair  closer. 

"  You  see,"  he  said,  "  that  this  arrest  and  capture  of  the 
notorious  highwayman  will  be  a  very  great  service  ren- 
dered to  the  State,  aud  therefore  some  sort  of  return 
ought  to  be  made  for  it." 

Claude,  aided  by  the  information  he  had  obtained  from 
the  young  man,  guessed  at  once  to  what  the  squire  was 
alluding. 

"  Well,"  he  said,  "  the  matter  will  all  fall  into  my  ordi- 
nary routine  of  business,  and  I  shall  get  no  moVe  for  it 
than  perhaps  a  few  words  of  commendation  :  rather  aggra- 
vating, I  must  say,  when  I  know  very  well  that  if  the 
work  had  been  performed  by  any  other  hand — say,  by  the 
activity  of  a  magistrate  of  high  standing,  like  yourself, 
for  example,  such  a  public  service  would  be  rewarded  by 
the  bestowal  of  a  knighthood — perhaps,  even,  the  rank  of 
baronet  might  be  conferred." 

The  squire's  eyes  glistened  like  those  of  some  avaricious 
did  miser  upon  the  prospect  of  obtaining  a  large  amount 
of  gold. 

Claude  saw  that  his  words  had  told. 

The  fact  was,  the  whole  and  sole  dream  of  this  man 
wss  the  obtainment  of  some  degree  of  rank  or  other  above 
that  of  squire,  which  ho  imagined  but  ill  assorted  with 
his  social  importance. 

He  grasped  greedily  at  Claude's  words. 

"  Do  you  really  think  so  ?" 

"  I  might,  say  I  am  sure  or  it." 

"Aud  Claude  Duval,  you  say,  is  somewhera  beneath 
that  roof?" 

•  I  believe  I  could  make  bold  and  certain  enough  to  say 
be  is." 

"  And— and,"  continued  the  squire,  with  increased  ex- 
citement and  agitation,  "  you  think  that  if  I  assisted  to 
capture  him — if  I  took  some  active  step3  in  the  matter — I 
might  anticipate  such  a  return  ?" 

"  I  do ;  though,  at  the  same  time,  there  is  no  occasion 
for  you  to  put  yourself  out  of  the  way  in  the  slightest, 
or  run  the  slightest  possible  amount  of  risk." 

"  And  yet  achieve  the  recompense  ?" 

"  Certainly." 

"How — hew?  Be  good  enough  to  explain  your- 
self?" 

"  I  will,  for  I  think  there  is  a  chance  of  our  coming  to 
an  understanding  with  each  other." 

"  An  understanding  ?" 

*  Yes.  Now,  as  I  explained  to  you,  this  business  will 
all  be  reckoned  in  along  with  my  ordinary  business.  I 
shall  have  no  particular  recompense  for  it ;  but  in  draw- 
ing up  my  account  of  the  case  I  could  say- -of  course  for 
a  consideration — of  what  immense  service  Squire  So-and- 
so  was  in  the  management  of  the  affair,  and  that  it  is 
chiefly  owing  to  his  exertions  and  his  sage  cou^_El  that 
success  has  been  achieved." 

"  And  you  think  that  the  insertion  of  something  to 
that  effect  in  your  report  would  have  the  effect  you  men- 
tion ?" 

"  I  have  little  doubt  of  it." 

The  squire  drew  his  chair  much  closer. 

"  What  is  the  consideration  you  would  require,  now, 
for  rendering  such  a  service  as  that  ?" 

"  Whatever  you  might  think  it  worth." 

"  Well,  well,  if  I  could  make  sure  of  It — I  say,  if  1 
could  make  sure — I  should  not  mind,  say,  Ave  hundred 
pounds." 

•'  ItV  a  bargain,  then,"  said  Claude  ;  "  for  if  the  result 
does  not  follow  I  will  cot  claim  a  penny.  That's  fair, 
an  v  way." 

'•  Qui'..1  fair;  and  to  show  that  I  am  in  earnest,  ar.i  *a 
order   tbat  yon   may  have  every  eu<*ourafremeot  to  maS« 


tsic 


BLACK    8E88  :    OR, 


out  yoar  report  well,  I  will  give  you  one  hundred  on 
account — as  a  kiud  of  earnest,  you  know." 

The  squire  opened  a  drawer  in  his  writing-tablo,  ind 
took  from  it  the  amount  he  had  just  mentioned. 

CHaude  pretended  to  feel  some  compunctions  about  »o- 
ceiving  it,  but  it  was  forced  upon  him. 

**  Now,  then,  that's  settled." 

Tbe  squire,  as  he  uttered  the  words,  sank  back  in  his 
chair  coraplaceMly.  tor  he  already  fancied  himself  a 
knight. 

Claude  coolly  pocketed  the  coin. 

"  And  now,"  resumed  the  squire,  after  &  pause,  "  i  am 
most  anxious  to  know  what  steps  you  are  going  to  take  to 
bring  about  a  capture  ?" 

"  You  shall  not  be  kept  a  moment  longer  iu  suspense. 
I  have  no  doubt,  in  the  first  place,  that  Uie  rasc&l 
entered  this  house  with  the  intention  of  robbing 
you." 

"  Curse  his  impudence  I" 

" Do  not  be  too  angry  with  him.  Think  what  effects 
will  follow  from  it." 

«  Yes — yes !  Just  so  !  And  he  is  concealed  some- 
where?" 

"Yes — hidden,  no  doubt." 

"  How  shall  yp u  proceed . 

"I  will  tell  you.  I  have,  outside  in  the  hall — just  by 
the  front  door — a  very  clever  and  faithful  subordi- 
nate." 

"  Well  ?" 

"Yes — I  call  kim  'The  Mole,'  because  he  is  always 
so  clever  at  working  in  the  dark,  and  ferreting  people  out 
who  are  in  concealment." 

"Yes,  yes — I  begin  to  understand." 

Claude  now  began  to  grow  anxious,  for  he  was  about 
to  approach  the  point  he  had  been  at  so  much  paias  to 
reaclu. 

But  Vet  suffered  no  trace  of  his  anxiety  to  display  it- 
self. 

"  What  I  want  you  to  do  is,  to  allow  me  to  instruct  the 
Mole  to  go  all  over  the  house,  and  pry  into  every  f^r?-1"- 
of  it.  He  will  soon  disturb  Mr.  Claude,  and  scare'  him  off. 
But,  mark  me,  it  is  important  he  should  be  alone.  He  is 
an  odd  fellow— cannot  bear  anyone  to  see  him  at  w.rk, 
and  he  will  not  brook  the  least  interference ;  so  I  musi 
ask  you  to  give  particular  instructions  to  your  servants 
to  this  effect,  for  I  do  not  hesitate  to  assure  you  that  upon 
Mole  depends  the  entire  success  of  the  business  we  have 
in  hand." 

This  was  another  of  Claude's  equivocal  speeches,  and 
he  could  not  suppress  a  smile  at  the  readiness  with  which 
the  squire  agreed  with  it. 

"  Then  perhaps  you  would  call  and  give  the  necessary 
instructions  ?" 

The  squire  placed  his  hand  upon  the  bell,  and  was 
about  to  ring,  when  some  one  tapped  at  the  door. 

Claude  started,  for  this  was  an  unexpected  event,  and 
he  wanted  to  know  what  it  meant 

"  Come  in !"  cried  the  squire. 

The  door  opened,  and  the  old  servant  appeared  upon 
the  threshold. 

It  needed  only  one  glance  at  the  fellow's  countenance 
to  let  Claude  know  that  he  had  made  some  important 
discovery,  and  was  about  to  communicate  it  to  his 
master. 

What  the  discovery  was,  Claude  guessed  rightly,  and 
he  at  once  *et  about  counteracting  it. 

He  knew  quite  well,  as  if  he  had  been  told  so,  that  the 
old  man  had  recognised  the  young  man  in  the  hall,  and 
was  about  to  apprise  his  master  of  the  discovery. 

If  he  succeeded  in  his  intent  the  whole  affair  would  be 
ruined,  which  would  have  been  serious  to  Claude,  who 
was  not  half  done  with  the  pompous  old  squire 
yet. 

"  Master,7'  said  the  old  man,  "  there  is  in  the  hall — close 
to  the  front  door        " 

"Yes,  yes,"  interrupted  Claude,  boldly — "the  squire 
knows  all  about  it." 

The  old  man  stared  with  amazement,  and  then  man- 
aged to  utter: 

"But  this  young  man,  master      -  " 

"  Yes,  yes !"  interrupted  Claude.  "To«  see,  sqntre," 
he  added,  "  that  the  interference  has  begun,  Mid  really, 
if  Mole  is  crossed,  I  tremble  for  the  result — the  whole 
•cheiae  will  inevitably  fall  to  the  ground." 


'  But-  — "  interposed  the  old  man  again,  vainly  e»> 
deavouring  to  make  himself  heard  and  understood. 

"  My  dear  sir,"  interrupted  Claude  again,  purposely 
speaking  in  a  loud  tone,  "  will  you  allow  me  to  give  the 
accessary  instructions  to  your  servant?  Jt  is  most  im- 
portant they  should  be  attended  to." 

"  Yes,  yes — by  all  means  do  so  !" 

"  Now,  listen  to  me,"  began  Claude,  fixing  his  evet 
sternly  upon  the  old  man.  "  The  person  in  the  ban 
you  are  to  allow  to  go  wherever  he  thinks  proper  about 
the  premises,  and  you  are  on  no  account  to  follow  hira, 
to  watch  hira,  or  interrupt  or  interfere  with  anything  he 
may  be  doing,  nor  are  you  to  allow  anyone  else  on  the 
premises  to  do  so.    Now,  do  you  understand  that?" 

"  Yes,  sir  ;  but " 

'•'  Let  us  have  no  buts  in  the  case — I  am  not  in  the 
habit  of  having  my  orders  questioned.  1  believe  I  spoke 
quite  clearly,   squire,  did  1  not?" 

"Quite  so — quite!" 

"Then  perhaps  this  fellow  wishes  for  the  satisfac- 
tion of  hearing  yon  say  he  is  to  carry  into  execution  the 
orders  I  have  just  issued?" 

"Yes,"  said  the  squire.  "Williams,  mind  you  obey 
those  orders  to  the  letter,  and  don't  let  im  have  any  of 
ycir  d — d  officious  interference !"  he  concluded,  seeing 
that  the  old  man  was  again  about  to  speak. 

Claude  had  purposely  exalted  his  voice  while  speak- 
ing, so  that  every  word  should  reach  with  distinctness 
the  ears  of  the  young  lover,  who  listened  with  an  amaze- 
ment not  to  be  conceived. 

"J  will  just  speak  to  bim,"  said  Claude,  as  the  old 
man  was  about  to  leave  the  room. 

He  advanced  to  the  door  as  he  spoke,  and  beckoned 
the  young  man  to  approach. 

"  The  squire  has  given  his  permission  for  you  to  go  all 
over  the  house  at  your  pleasure,  and  has  given  orders 
that  no  one  shall  interfere  with  you  in  any  way ;  so  be 
off  quickly  !  The  sooner  you  get  the  business  over  the 
better." 

The  young  man  nodded,  to  show  that  he  comprehended 
the  hidden  meaning  of  Claude's  words,  though  he  was  so 
amazed  at  the  extraordinary  turn  events  had  taken  that 
he  <  ould  not  help  thinking  that  he  was  being  made  the 
sport  of  some  fantastic  dream. 

But  his  amazement  and  bewilderment  were,  if  possible, 
excelled  by  the  old  man,  who  had  not  yet  recovered  from 
the  shock. 

But  Claude  held  the  door  for  him  to  retire,  and  closed 
it  after  him  as  speedily  as  possible. 

"  You  heard  your  master's  orders,"  said  the  young 
man,  with  a  menacing  gesture.  "  Beware  how  you  at- 
tempt to  disobey  them  in  any  particular!" 

So  saying,  he  bounded  towards  the  staircase  with  rapid 
steps. 

As  for  the  old  man,  he  was  overwhelmed. 

Throwing  up  his  hands,  he  said: 

"Well,  well — who  would  have  thought  of  this?  I  am 
either  daft  or  else  my  master  is  clean,  stark-staring 
mad !" 

In  the  meanwhile,  the  young  lover,  with  a  fast-beating 
heart,  ascended  the  noble  staircase. 

He  knew  full  well  in  which  chamber  Agnes  was  se- 
cluded, and  he  made  his  way  to  it  without  delay. 

He  reached  the  door  in  safety,  and  having  done  so,  All 
his  strength  appeared  to  forsake  him. 

He  caught  his  breath  in  short  and  sudden  gasps. 

But  he  was  conscious  that  time  was  passing — that 
such  a'l  opportunity  as  this  could  never  occur  again,  and 
that  every  moment  was  precious. 

This  enabled  him  to  summon  up  courage  to  knock. 

The  door  was  opened  by  Agnes  herseK,  upon  whom  no 
further  restraint  had  been  placed  than  not  being  allowed 
to  leave  the  house  unless  in  company  with  some  one. 

Upon  catching  sight  of  her  lover,  she  uttered  a  faint 
shriek,  which  would  have  been  a  louder  one  had  he  not, 
with  admirable  presence  of  mind,  clasped  her  ha  his  arms 
««nd  stopped  her  breath  with  a  fervent  kiss. 

"  Hush — hush,  my  darling — do  not  make  a  sound  !" 

With  some  little  trouble,  Agnes  disengaged  herself. 

"  I — I  thought  it  was  my  maid,  Ada.'* 

"But  you  were  wrong." 

"Oh,  fly — fly,  Herbert — do  not  linger  here!  I  must 
not  speak  to  you — indeed  I  must  not  1" 

"  But  you  must  listen,"  be  said,  grasping  her  wrist 


THE    KIC-9KT   OF  *H*    SO*B. 


LWC4    XL'JU-ia    o.N    TUB  LOOK-OBT  AT  STOMtHKMWt] 


'  i'be  time  has  norne  to  *how  whether  your  love  for  me 
U  leal  or  risiorA/y.     The  lame  has  oonae  for  you  to  make 
your  choice," 
'"  Wh.tt  hpsd  yo  j  ?" 

"You  Iomk  bit  'ittle  like  a  bride."  he  went  on.  .•Mo- 
mently, without  heading  her  interruption.  "Thernare 
eveu  nmv  traces  of  undrie<l  tears  upon  your  cheeks — 
your  eyes  are  red  aud  swollen — your  cheeks  pale  and 
haggard.  Surely  1  may  judge  from  this  that  you  are 
not  happy  ?" 

"Hvppy?"  sho  ecnoed.  in  a  tone  of  so  much  agony 
that  it  cut  him  to   tl  e  heart. 

"  Tou  do  not  seem  as  though  you  were  anxious  tor 
(O-morrowV  ceremony." 

"Oh,  Herbert!"  she  exclaimed,  with  t*  ostburst  of 
ipars — "  why  do  yon  address  me  thai  t' 

u  Because  I  want  your  decision  " 

"  Deoiaton  ?" 

He.  228 — Bjjlcx  Bks* 


•«  Yes— t!ie  way  to  e*>*p<»  ?.&s  open  before  yon,  -*t  y «* 
like  to  avti  I  yourself  of  it.' 

*  Escap   f"  . 

"  Yea.     vv*hy  do  you  echo  my  words  so  *trangri7  .* 

"Oh,  lierbert,  I  am  nearly  mad—  almost  distracted l" 

"Tell  .ne.  then."  said  her  lover—  "will  you  ewbraes 
this  preset  and  unlooked-for  op|H>rtnnity  to  fly  with  ico, 
aud  giva  me  that  power  over  you  which  no  one  can  con- 
travene i  or  will  you  remain  here,  aud  doom  yourself  to 
lifelong  misery  and  degradation  as  the  bride  of  a  man 
vou  hav4  assured  me  you  detest,  aud  who  should  bo  ab- 
horred i«y  all  for  his  black  treachery  ?" 

"  llu.a  hush— you  are  mad  with  excitement  I  By 
what  u  cans  came  you  here  V  ■*" 

"  By  a  train  of  most  extraordinary  drcnrnstencee  whiei 
I  now  cannot  pauso  to  relate  Yog  s;  ■J'  V*mt  r.3 
presently." 

"Bflt-byu.-,- 


Fmce  Ov*  rUfcFpJtJWY. 


HIS 


BLACK   BESS:  OIL 


■  Take  my  word,  Agues,  the  way  of  escape  lies  open 
before  us  at  the  present  moment,  though  how  long  It  will 
remain  so  is  Tery  doubtfaL" 

"  Are  you  sure  ?" 

"  Quite— quite.  Let  me  ask  you  onoe  more,  will  you 
come — will  you  make  me  happy  for  the  remainder  of  my 
existence,  or  render  me  the  most  wretched  being  on  the 
face  of  the  earth  ?" 

Bnt  Agnes  was  greatly  agitated. 

The  utterly  unlooked-for  appearance  of  her  lover  had 
taken  her  by  surprise — so  much  so  that  she  could  not  all 
at  once  recover  proper  command  over  her  mental  faculties. 

Then  she  could  not  bring  herself  to  believe  In  the 
reality  of  the  statement  ho  had  made  respecting  the 
possibility  of  escape. 

Herbert  saw  her  excessive  agitation,  and  with  admir- 
able presence  of  mind  did  all  he  could  to  abate  it. 

His  efforts  were  crowned  with  more  success  than  he 
had  dared  to  anticipate. 

He  gave  her  a  brief  outline  of  what  had  occurred  to 
him.  But  considering  the  agitated  state  of  both,  and  that 
the  young  man  himself  was  considerably  in  the  dark,  it 
may  readily  be  believed  that  the  narrative  was  excessively 
incoherent,  if  not  incomprehensible. 

"  Onoe  more,  dear  Agnes,"  lie  said,  in  calmer  aocen  ts, 
"  will  you  fly  with  me — will  you  be  mine  ?  You  ha  re 
no  other  means  of  securing  your  future  happiness  in  tl  ds 
life  if  you  love  me  asyou  say  you  do." 

"Heaven  knows,  Herbert,  I  do  love  you  I" 

"  Then  come  with  me— come  with  me,  I  entreat  you  ' 
Hesitate  no  longer." 

"  But  by  what  means  shall  we  escape  ?" 

11  The  easiest  in  the  world.  Oome  down  the  staircase 
with  me,  and  we  will  pass  out  of  the  front  door." 

"  Tou  arc  mad  1    It  is  an  impossibility  J" 

"  I  tell  you  it  is  not ;  take  my  word  for  it  our  departure 
will  not  be  hindered.  Quick — quick,  put  on  some  outer 
garments,  for  the  night  air  is  very  chill,  and  above  all  be 
speedy,  or  after  all  we  may  be  intercepted  and  the  chance 
lost" 

Agnes  appeared  by  this  time  fully  to  have  made  up  her 
mind. 

With  great  haste  she  assumed  a  bonnet  and  shawl. 

Then,  trembling  with  agitation,  she  took  hold  of  her 
lover's  arm. 

All  within  the  house  was  very  stilt 

He  led  her  to  the  staircase. 

Again  they  paused  to  listen. 

Then  they  descended. 

Scarcely,  however,  had  they  reached  half-way  when 
the  door  of  the  room  in  which  the  squire  sat,  was  opened. 

Herbert's  heart  stood  still. 

He  felt  that  the  chance  was  gone.  _ 

Agnes  felt  as  though  she  should  faint. 

"  Courage,  darling,"  Herbert  whispered— "  courage  and 
silence  1     Perhaps  even  now  all  may  yet  be  well." 


CHAPTEB  MLVIX 

CLAUDS    DUVAL    BRINGS    HIS    DROLL    ADVENTURE    TO  A 
CONCLUSION. 

Lea  vino  the  lovers  in  this  state  of  incertitude  and  fear, 
we  will  return  to  the  apartment  where  we  left  Claude 
Duval  and  the  worthy  squire  upon  such  apparent  good 
terms  with  each  other,  and  where  events  of  a  most  inter- 
esting charaoter  were  taking  place. 

"  If  there  is  one  thing  I  hate,"  said  Claude  Duval,  as 
he  closed  the  door,  "it  is  a  meddling  domestio  who  is  not 
content  to  take  orders  as  he  receives  them,  nut  must, 
forsooth,  stop  to  favour  yom  with  his  own  views  upon  the 
subject."  .  - 

u  It  is  indeed  annoying,"  assented  the  squire ;  "  but  it 
Is  a  kind  of  presumption  which  old  servants  often  take 
upon  themselves.  But  come,  sit  down,  we  b*"«  other 
matters  to  talk  about  just  now." 

"  Yes,  yes — very  true." 

"  I  suppose  we  shall  soon  hear  an  alarm  P" 

"No,  1  apprehend  not.  Mole  does  his  work  qtnatly. 
Moreover,  I  took  upon  myself  to  impress  upon  him  very 
particularly  that,  above  all  things,  he  was  not  to  allow 
any  kind  wf  a  disturbance  to  take  place  beneath  this 
roof.  4  Now,  Mole,'  \  said,  •  one  word  is  enough ;  the  row 
Binst  be  all  oat  at  doors.    It  was  consideration  for  the 


diftemut  members  of  your  honour's  family  that  made  nw> 
Usuo  vtieee  commands,"  Claude  added. 

The  squire,  of  course,  could  not  help  confessing  that 
he  was  vastly  obliged. 

"  By-the-way,"  he  said,  "  I  have  heard  that  this  Oiaudt 
Duval  is  a  devilishly  gentleman-like  fellow — been  a 
soldier,  or  something  of  that  kind  abroad,  1  have  been 
told.    I  should  uncommonlv  like  to  see  the  fellow." 

"I  think  you  are  very  likely  to  have  yow  curiosity 
gratified." 

"  Egad,  yes,  I  hope  so '  But  you  will  mtcuso  me  for 
making  the  remark  ?" 

"  Oh,  certainly !" 

"  Well,  then,  I  must  say— going,  of  course,  altogether 
upon  report — that — that— ■ 

"  What  ?" 

"  That  you  bear  no  very  distant  resemblance  to  the 
individual  in  question." 

Claude  laughed  loudly  and  heartily. 

"  A  proof  of  your  penetration,  squire — a  good  proof  of 
it  1  I  do  believe  myself  that  this  rascally  Claude  Duval 
has  the  impudence  to  bear  some  resemblance  to  me.  That 
is  one  reason  why  I  should  be  glad  to  have  him  tucked 
up,  because  it  might  be  unpleasant  to  be  taken  for  a  high- 
wayman under  some  circumstances." 

"  I  should  think  so." 

"  Fortunately,  I  am  well  known,  and  therefore  it  is  not 
likely  to  cause  me  any  inconvenience.  By-the-way, 
squire,  talking  of  Claude  Duval,  I  could  tell  you  some 
extraordinary  incidents  in  connection  with  him." 

"  No  doubt.  I  have  heard  that  he  possesses  an  amount 
of  audacity  which  it  is  hard  to  believe  is  possessed  by 
any  mortal  person." 

"  Perhaps  you  would  like  to  listen  to  his  last  exploit ; 
though,  I  forget,  perhaps  it  may  already  haws  reached 
your  ears  ?" 

"  No — no ;  I  should,  above  all  things,  like  to  hear  an 
authentic  account." 

"  Well,  this  is  a  most  barefaced  and  impudent  affair — 
most  shameless,  disgraceful  trick." 

"  I  am  all  impatience  to  hear  the  particulars  of  it." 

"  Then  I  will  gratify  you  without  further  delay." 

The  squire  prepared  to  listen  attentively. 

Claude  began. 

"  I  have  been  credibly  informed,"  he  said,  "  that  this 
Claude  Duval,  by  some  most  audacious  means,  succeeded 
one  night  in  gaining  admittance  to  a  gentleman's 
mansion,  as,  for  instance,  this  may  be." 

"  Indeed !    What  were  the  means  made  use  of  ?" 

"Well,  there  I  am  by  no  means  credibly  informed, 
more  than  one  version  having  reached  me.  However, 
it  is  certain  that  the  rascal  actually  had  the  boldness  not 
only  to  penetrate  into  the  mansion,  but  also  to  gain  a 
private  interview  with  the  occupant,  a  very  worthy 
though  somewhat  gullible  gentleman." 

"  But  how  did  he  contrive  to  obtain  this  interview  ?  I 
can  only  judge  by  myself;  I  am  quite  certain  he  could 
never  do  it  here." 

"  I  should  think  not"  assented  Claude,  with  a  hearty 
laugh.  "He  would  hardly  try  it  on  with  a  magis- 
trate." 

"  No— no." 

"Still,  Claude  Duval  is  no  ordinary  freebooter,  and 
must  not  be  judged  by  any  ordinary  standard." 

"  I  suppose  not" 

"  It  would  be  most  unjust  to  do  so." 

"  Well,  well,  proceed.  You  say  that  he  succeeded  in 
obtaining  a  private  interview  with  a  gentleman." 

"  Yes,  the  very  owner  and  occupier  of  the  mansion  he 
was  about  to  plunder :  but  of  course  there  was  nothing  so 
vulgai  in  his  case  as  an  ordinary  burglary." 

It  was  now  the  squire's  turn  to  laugh. 

"I  must  confess,"  he  said,  "that  I  am  unable  to  see 
these  very  fine  differences." 

»  Very  likely." 

"  But  go  on — pray  go  on  with  your  tale." 

-  I  will  do  so ;  I  am  glad  it  interests  you." 

"  It  does.  But  ought  we  not  to  hear  something  of— 
of " 

"  Mole,  I  suppose  you  mean.  Ob,  you  leave  the 
business  to  him.     I'll  be  bound  it  is  all  right." 

"  I  will  take  yonr  word." 

u  Well,  to  go  on,  I  am  told  that  before  he  had  beeQ 
talking  long  with  the  gentleman— who,  I  most  tell  yo» 


rHB    A.KKiBY    'J*     tHJt    SOAB. 


181* 


had  no  more  idea  he  was  talking  to  a  highwayman  than 
you  have— I  say  the  interview  had  not  lasted  long  before 
he  actually  gammoned  some  money  out  of  his  pocket." 

"  1  suppose  you  mean  Claude  Duval  gammoned  some 
money  out  of  the  gentleman's  p  icket  ?" 

"Just  so — just  so.  I  did  Lot  express  myself  very 
clearly.     The  amount  was  large,  however." 

"  Pray  continue." 

"Well,  the  conversation  went  on  very  agreeably  for 
some  time  longer,  and  then  this  highwayman  asked  (he 
gentleman  if  he  had  heard  Clause  Duval's  last  trick — 
just  as  I  might  have  asked  you.  yc\  know.' 

"  The  fellow  really  did  that  ?  ' 

"  Undoubtedly." 

"  Then  d — n  his  impudence  1" 

"  How  strange !  That  was  the  very  remark  I  made 
when  I  first  heard  of  it." 

"  It's  very  odd  I" 

"  Ton  will  say  so  when  you  hear  tne  conclusion  of  the 
adventure." 

"  Do  not  keep  me  in  suspense  any  longer,  then." 

"  I  will  not,  depend  upon  it." 

"  Proceed." 

"  Well,"  continued  our  friend,  "  I  must  tell  you,  Claude 
got  up  without  the  gentleman  having  the  remotest  sus- 
picion of  who  he  was,  and  said  that  this  last  trick  was  the 
best  that  ever  was  heard  of,  and  added  he  could  show  it 
much  better  than  he  could  explain  it." 

"  Indeed !" 

"  Tea,  Claude  got  up  just  as  I  might  get  up  now." 

Claude  suited  the  action  to  the  word. 

"  Yes — yes." 

"Well,  now,  squire,  just  for  the  fun  of  the  thing, 
suppose  yourself  to  be  the  gentleman  I  have  been  men- 
tioning." 

"  The  gullible  gentleman  ?" 

"  Yes — preoisely." 

"And  you?" 

"  Why,  I — likewise,  just  for  the  fun  of  the  thing — will 
personate  the  highwayman :  you  must  imagine  me  to  be 
the  notorious  Claude  Duval  himself." 

"  Indeed !  Upon  my  word,  I  must  say  you  look  the  cha- 
racter perfectly  welL" 

"  Ha,  ha  1  Good !  That's  a  capital  joke  t  Only,  if  I  had 
not  so  great  a  respect  for  you  as  I  have,  I  might  retort  by 
saying  just  the  same  thing  of  yourself." 

The  squire,  in  spite  of  his  determination  to  keep  on  g^od 
terms  with  his  visitor,  nevertheless  looked  annoyed  at 
the  freedom  of  this  last  speech 

But  our  old  friend  rattled  on. 

"You  comprehend,  squire,  that  for  a  time  w-  uav? 
changed  characters  ?" 

"Yes;  though  what  this  is  all  to  lead  to  I  cannot 
think." 

He  spoke  impatiently. 

"  I  will  not  tantalise  you  any  longer,"  Claude  answered. 
"  In  the  first  place,  then,  the  rascally  highwayman's  words 
were  something  like  these— as  near  like  them  as  my  me- 
mory will  serve." 

"Well,  what  did  he  say  ?" 

"  Something  like  this :  '  Would  you  believe  it,  squire, 
this  Claude  Duval,  as  I  am  credibly  informed,  stood  before 
die  gentleman  and  asked  the  squire  for  his  watch — just  as 
I  might  ask  you,"  added  our  friend,  stretching  out  his 
hand  and  taking  hold  of  the  tremendously  thick  gold 
chain  which  festooned  over  his  dupe's  waistcoat. 

"But — but— "said  the  squire,  grasping  the  chain  as 
well. 

"Excuse  me,"  interrupted  Claude — "iuei  allow  me  for 
a  moment — I  merely  want  to  show  you. 

The  squire's  watch  was  in  his  hand  while  he  spoke. 

He  slipped  it  at  once  into  his  coat-pocket. 

"Well,"  he  continued,  "this  gullible  gentleman  looked 
rather  blue  upon  seeing  his  watch  disappear-  just  as  you 
might  now  " 

"  But  I  don't  understand  you." 

"  You  will  in  a  moment  though — yuu  will  see  that  the 
whole  was  an  ingenious  device  upon  Claude  Duval's 
part  to  commit  a  robbery  in  a  pleasant  manner — without 
the  least  violence  or  noise,  you  know." 

*  Well,  well,  I  suppose  «o ;  but  I  am  anxious  to  reach 
the  end  of  your  tale."  w 

u  Your  anxiety  will  not  last  many  momenta  longer." 
M I  am  glad  to  bear  it" 


"  Well,  Claude  next  took  the  gentleman's  snuff-box — 
ju*t  as  I  might  take  yours  now,  you  know—  and  slippoa 
it  into  his  coat-pocket  after  the  watch,  thus." 

As  our  friend  spoke  the  snuff-box  disappeared. 

"  But  I  assure  you,  sir "  the  squire  began. 

"  Excuse  me,"  cried  Claude,  drowning  the  squire's  voice 
by  speaking  in  loud  tones,  "  I  will  not  detain  you  a  mo- 
ment longer :  I  will  just  trouble  you  to  lend  me  those 
rings  a  moment.     There — thank  you  1" 

The  squire  passively  suffered  himself  to  be  despoiled 
of  his  rings,  whioh  immediately  went  to  keep  company 
with  the  other  articles  in  Claude's  pocket. 

"  Now  for  this  diamond  pin  in  your  scarf.  That's  it." 

"  But  do  you  mean  to  tell  me,  sir,"  said  the  squire, 
sitting  very  upright  in  his  chair — "  do  you  mean  to  tell 
me  that  the  gentleman  was  so  truly  gullible  as  to  sit 
still  and  allow  his  jewellery  to  be  taken  from  him  in  this 
fashion?" 

"  I  do  assure  you  such  was  the  case — just  as  you  might 
sit  now." 

"  Then  I  mean  to  say  that  he  was  a  d — d  fool  I  And 
now,  Mr.  Agent,  or  whatever  you  call  yourself,  be  good 
enough  to  return  me  my  things  and  finish  your  tale." 

"  Fair  and  softly,  sir !  I  am  already  at  the  conclusion. 
I  have  only  to  tell  you  that  the  gentleman  began  to  grow 
suspicious ;  and  so  Claude  outs  with  a  pistol,  just  as  I 
might  now." 

"  Now  don't — don't  I  What  do  you  want  to  point  that 
thing  at  me  for  ?     Turn  it  away,  can't  you  ?" 

"  But  I  am  showing  yoa  what  Claude  Duval  did." 

"D— n  Claude  Duval  1" 

"  With  all  my  heart !  But,  nevertheless,  he  pointed  the 
pistol  thus,  and  calmly  requested  the  gentleman  to  hand 
him  his  purse  and  pocket-book  in  order  that  he  might 
come  to  the  end  of  the  matter." 

The  squire  now  began  to  have  some  very  serious  doubts 
as  to  whether  the  matter  was  a  jest  or  something  serious. 

But  for  the  state  of  bewildered  confusion  he  had  been 
in  ever  since  Claude's  arrival,  he  might  have  been  able  to 
come  to  a  correct  conclusion  upon  the  matter. 

He  thought,  perhaps,  that  as  the  pistol  continued 
pointed  so  menacingly  towards  him  it  would  be  best  to 
look  upon  it  as  a  joke. 

It  was  therefore  with  an  affectation  of  joooseness  that 
he  handed  over  the  articles  for  which  our  friend  so 
audaciously  asked. 

"  If  the  gentleman  was  gullible  enough  to  do  this,"  he 
said,  a  he  was  a  fool,  and  deserved  to  lose  what  he  parted 
with  so  readily." 

"  Squire,  you  have  exactly  hit  upon  my  sentiments." 

"  But  the  comedy  is  played  out  now,  I  should  hope  ?" 

"  Very  nearly.  However,  you  may  as  well  hear  the 
concluding  scene,  by  which  time  I  hope  we  shall  hear 
something  of  Mole. 

Claude  really  did  wish  this,  as  now,  having  succeeded 
in  his  designs  so  far,  he  was  most  anxious  to  know 
whether  the  young  man  had  succeeded  in  getting  elear 
of  the  house  or  not. 

"  I  hope  so,  too,"  added  the  squire.    "  But  go  on." 

"  Well,  then,  just  to  finish,  I  must  tell  you  that  Claude 
Duval,  having  succeeded  so  far,  blew  the  candles  out — 
just  as  I  blow  out  these— walked  across  the  room,  opened 
the  door,  passed  out,  and " 

While  speaking  these  words  the  reader  must  under- 
stand  that  Claude  accompanied  each  with  its  correspond- 
ing action. 

He  passed  out  of  the  door  and  closed  it  after  him. 

Of  course  what  he  said  could  ne  longer  be  heard  then. 

But  a  suppressed  howl— apparently  «rf  remonstranoe 
and  discontent — reached  him  from  the  apartment. 

Claude  rapidly  turned  the  key  in  the  lock,  and  then 
tapped  upon  the  panel. 

"Hullo!"  said  the  squire,  gruffly.  "Have  70a 
done?" 

"  Yes,"  answered  Claude,  through  the  keyhole. 

"  Then  come  in,  and  let  the  candles  be  lighted.  PB  be 
d — d  if  I  don't  think  the  joke  has  been  carried  a  little  too 
farl" 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  Claude  looked  anxiously 
around,  in  the  hope  of  catching  sight  of  the  young 
lovers. 

His  quick  eye  at  once  detected  the  two  shrinking  form* 
upon  the  staircase. 

H*  made  a  rapid  but  unmistakable  sign. 


l§» 


BLACK    Mil;    OK, 


Thsj  both  descended. 

"This  is  my  new  and  unknown  friend,"  whispered  the 
voong  man — "  the  one  to  whoa  1  am  solely  Indebted  *or 
mj  present  happiness." 

Just  at  this  juncture  the  bell  in  the  squire's  roow  •**« 
rang  most  furiously. 

Probably  by  this  time  the  conviction  had  settled  upGu 
his  muddy-pated  intellect  that  he  had  been  most  cgre- 
giously  duped. 

Finding  that  an  immediate  respon*e  to  his  summons 
was  not  given,  he  rushed  across  the  apartment  and 
thundered  away  at  the  door  with  both  hands  and  feet  in  a 
most  reckless  and  unmagisterial  manner. 

"  Qnick    quick  !"  said  Claude. 

Williams  n»d  left  the  hall  in  order  to  make  his  fellow- 
servants  in  the  kitchen  acquainted  with  what  was  going 
on  up  above. 

He  now  made  his  appearance  near  the  foot  of  the  stair- 
case ;  probably  be  came  in  answer  to  the  vigorous  peal 
npon  the  bell. 

It  is  certain,  however,  that  the  first  glance  sufficed  to 
give  him  a  tolerably  correct  idea  of  the  exact  state  of 
affairs. 

In  defiance,  then,  of  the  injunctions  which  had  been  so 
strictly  laid  upon  him,  he  rushed  forward  and  oudea- 
voured  to  prevent  the  departure  of  his  master's  daughter 
snd  ber  lover. 

Put  he  was  too  late. 

The  hall  door  had  been  already  opened,  the  broad 
perron  descended,  and  by  the  time  be  had  reached  the 
threshold  the  fugitives  were  fast  disappearing  in  the 
gloom. 

lie  raised  a  loud  outcry  for  the  purpose  of  alarming 
the  remainder  of  the  inmates  of  the  d welli u%. 

Just  as  he  did  so  he  beard  a  terrific  crash. 

Passion  had  lent  the  old  squire  momentary  strength 
sufficient  to  enable  him  to  burst  open  the  door  of  the 
room  in  which  he  had  been  confined 

He  rushed  to  the  front  door. 

"After  them,"  he  cried — "after  them!  If  you  are 
speedy  you  will  hare  them!  Bun — 1  will  follow 
you!* 

Williams  scarcely  waited  to  hear  the  remainder  of  this 
speech,  hut  dashed  down  the  steps  with  alarming  swift- 


Claude  saw  him  coming,  with  the  angry  squire  hard  at 
his  heels. 

Be  could  not  help  laughing  at  the  ridiculous  figure 
which  both  cut 

But  he  remembered  that  the  young  lovers  were  not  yet 
tree  from  the  squire's  premises,  nor  were  they,  so  far  as 
he  could  tell,  provided  with  the  means  for  making  a  rapid 
flight. 

This  reflection  induced  him  to  attempt  to  put  a  stop  to 
the  headlong  course  of  Williams  and  the  squire. 

Accordingly,  our  friend  ran  on  in  the  steps  of  the  fugi- 
tives, but  at  such  a  pace  that  he  felt  sure  the  squire  and 
his  companion  must  inevitably  overtake  him. 

M  Quick— quick !"  cried  the  squire.  M  Seize  the  villain 
— seite  him !  He  has  no  snd  of  ay  money  and  valuables 
about  him !" 

Williams  redoubled  bis  efforts,  and  shot  somewhat 
ahead  of  his  master. 

Claude  saw  that  the  moment  for  patting  his  precon- 
ceived stratagem  into  execution  had  come. 

"Not  so  last,  Mr.  Williams,"  he  remarked  to  him- 
self. 

As  he  spoke,  he  dropped  with  great  suddenness  npon 
his  hands  and  knees. 

Williams  saw  him,  bat  was  not  able  to  check  his 
speed. 

His  feet  became  entangled,  and  down  he  fell,  shooting 
over  Claude's  body  with  great  swiftness,  ana  grazing  tne 
ground  to  a  considerable  distance. 

The  squire  beheld  the  downfall  of  his  dcpcni~M*t,  but 
was  not  able  to  put  any  uiatetW  check  upon  ls& 
speed. 

Claude,  however,  who  had  obtained  some  siignt  mjnrieb 
about  the  rios,  caused  by  the  tuiok-soled  boots  William*  ] 
wore,  rose  to  his  feet. 

The  squire,  rushing  on,  cam*  full  upon  his  servant  as 
be  was  in  the  act  oi  rising. 

The  consequence  was  that  both  lay  sprawling  on  the 
gravel  path  iu  a  moment 


A  furious  struggle  ensued,  caused  by  the  hart*  buth 
were  in  to  rise,  and  this  very  hast*  for  a  time  defeated  iu 
own  object. 

Leaving  them  thus,  Claude  hurried  off  In  the  direction 
<tf  the  lodge  gates. 

He  was  most  anxious  to  recover  possession  of  his  horse, 
without  whicb  he  felt  his  cUances  of  safety  would  be  very 
small. 

Moreover,  he  was  now  able  to  see  anything  of  tb» 
lovers. 

Quite  heedless  of  the  havoc  which  he  committed  npon 
the  various  flower-beds  that  lay  in  his  way,  Claud* 
directed  bis  course  in  a  perfectly  straight  line,  thus  saving 
i  much  time,  for  the  gravel  path  wound  round  in  a  very 
ostentatious  manner. 

He  reached  bis  destination  in  a  very  few  minutes. 
He  was  glad  to  see  his  gallant  steed  just  where  he  had 
left  it,  with  the  gatekeeper  standing  near. 

The  latter  was  lookiug  anxiously  towards  the  bouse, 
from  which  directiou  loud,  tumultuary  sounds  came  upon 
his  ears. 
"  Quick — quick !"  said  Claude,  as  he  drew  nearer. 
*'  What  is  the  matter,  sir?" 

"  Matter  ?  Why,  the  bouse  is  attacked  by  robbers !  Bun 
up  as  fast  as  you  can ;  but  open  the  gate  first,  as  I  am 
going  to  gallop  off  for  assistance." 

This,  though  startling,  was  probable,  intelligence, 
and  accordingly  the  gate  was  opened  without  demur. 

Claude  vaulted  into  the  saddle  with  one  bouad,  and 
\rat  out  in  the  road  in  a  twinkling. 

"  Now,"  he  cried,  "  run  up  to  the  hous*  Your  master 
is  furious  at  your  absence." 

With  these  words  he  galloped  off,  without  waiting 
to  see  whether  bis  commands  were  attended  to  or 
not. 

But  he  went  only  a  short  distance,  for  he  palled  up  as 
soon  as  he  was  able  in  order  to  ascertain  what  had  become 
of  the  young  couple. 

Biding  slowly  forward,  be  kept  a  vigilant  look-out 
but  without  success. 

Still  he  was  unwilling  to  leave  until  he  had  seen  them, 
once  more  and  satisfied  himself  that  they  were  in  a  fab- 
way  for  safety. 

All  at  once,  however,  he  heard  a  snout,  and  immediately 
perceived  tb")  squire  accompanied  with  several  of  his 
domestics. 

They  were  all  mounted,  and  carried  with  them  an  odd 
assortment  of  defensive  weapons. 

About  such  antagonists  as  these  it  is  not  likely  Claud* 
would  have  given  himself  much  trouble;  but,  as  ill  luck 
would  nave  it,  another  shout  came  to  him  from  the  rear, 
and  before  he  could  turn  round  to  ascertain  its  sooro* 
the  report  of  a  pistol  followed. 

« Officers!"  ejaculated  our  friend,  a9  he  gave  a  hasty 
glance  around  him.  "  I  most  be  off  and  leave  the  young 
people  to  their  own  resources.  They  may  have  got 
shelter  by  this  time  1" 

This  was  scarcely  likely,  but  it  was  mors  agreeable  for 
Claude  to  think  thus  than  otherwise 

When  the  pistol  was  discharged  ne  was  oat  of  rang*, 
and  now  he  immediately  urged  his  horse  to  full  gallon 

Claude  began  to  fear  that  these  sfficers  might  oo  in- 
duced by  the  magistrate  to  commence  a  search  after  tha 
young  people ;  and  if  so,  they  oould  scarcely  escape  it. 

But  the  squire  and  his  servants  all  called  out : 

"  A  robber — a  robber! — a  highwayman !" 

"  Claude  Duval !"  yelled  oue  of  the  officers,  as  the  troop 
dashed  by.  "  1  knew  him  at  a  glance,  and  wish  I  had 
been  a  little  nearer  when  I  fired." 

Claude  slignily  reduced  his  speed. 

"  1  will  lead  them  to  suppose  that  they  stand  a  toler- 
ably good  chance  of  overtaking  me,  aud  that  will  decoy 
them  from  this  place,  aud  so  give  the  lovers  a  better 
chance  of  securing  their  future  happiness." 

This  was  a  very  generous  act  for  Claude  to  perform, 
ior  he  ran  no  ordinary  risk  in  thus  playing  with  his 
foes. 

The  bait  was  snapped  at  greedily. 

"His  Iwrse  is  blown,"  cried  one.  "Push  on — push 
on,  we  are  bound  to  have  bim  1" 

But  after  about  half  an  hour's  hard  riding  they  had 
the  iaexpressible  mortification  of  discovering  that  they 
had  not  gained  on  the  object  of  their  pursuit  in  ta* 
slightest  degree. 


m  KKI0BT  0*  TBI  BOAA, 


161] 


"  1  think  the  farce  has  lasted  long  enough  now,"  Claud* 
mattered,  as  ha  looked  behind  him  ana  saw  that  the 
officers'  cattle  seemed  fearfully  tired.  "  I  will  now  shake 
them  off  and  cawe  them  to  open  their  eyes  a  little  bit. 
Here  goes  I" 

With  these  words  he  spurred  his  bona*  slightly. 

The  animal  answered  freely  and  reeJily  to  the  incen- 
tive. 

Poring  this  time  the  highwayman  had,  to  use  hia  own 

Jmrase,  been  "  nursing  "  his  steed,  and  consequently  away 
t  went  at  a  prodigious  rate. 

Tho  officers  were  so  overcome  with  surprise  that  they 
were  rendered  speechless — indeed,  motionless,  fop  they 
only  retained  their  seats  mechanically. 

A  more  aggravatiug  occurrence  than  this  could  hardly 
be  conceived  after  indulging  so  fondly  in  the  belief  that 
success  would  ere  loag  crown  their  efforts. 

But  they  instinctively  felt  that  their  hope*  were  frus- 
trated this  time,  and  we  leave  them  to  ge»  over  their  dis- 
appointment in  the  best  way  they  were  able. 

In  the  meanwhile,  Claude  Duval,  having  got  quite  clear 
from  pursuit,  began  to  wonder  where  he  should  take  up 
bis  quarters  so  as  to  remaiu  concealed  during  the  day 
which  was  just  about  to  dawn. 


CHAPTER  MLVnt 

SON  KIK<»  MAKES  SIXTEKN-STKIVG  JACK  HIS    CONFIDANT. 

Thb  course  of  the  narrative  now  reverts  to  the  proceedings 
of  Dick  Turpin's  two  other  companions  on  tne  night  in 
question. 

At  the  time  of  separation,  Sixteen-String  Jack  had  de- 
termined to  rejoin  Claude  at  the  earliest  moment  possible, 
but  this  intention  was  prevented  by  the  great  speed  made 
by  the  horse  of  the  latter. 

All  at  once,  however,  Jack  hoard  a  loud  cry. 

Turning  round,  ho  saw  Tom  King  hastening  towards 
him. 

He  at  once  checked  hia  speed,  and  slightly  altered  his 
coarse,  so  as  to  allow  hia  comrade  to  join  him  as  speedily 
as  possible. 

They  were  already  oat  of  sight  of  the  officers,  who  as 
wo  have  already  stated,  had  elected  to  pursue  Dick  Turpin. 

"What  is  it,  Tom,"  asked  Jack,  as  soon  as  he  w-«  able 
to  make  his  voice  heard. 

** Nothing  particular,  only  as  we  got  rid  of  the  Philis- 
tines so  easily  i  felt  most  reluctant  to  remain  solitary, 
and  so  I  thought  you  might  be  inclined  to  join  with  me." 

"  With  all  my  heart,  for  I  hate  loneliness  above  all 


aero  is  Claude  f 

M  Galloped  off,  as  though  he  had  a  score  of  his  foes  at 
his  heels.  Perhaps  we  shall  meet  with  him  presently,  for 
ho  likes  anybody's  company  better  than  his  own," 

u  We  are  all  alike  in  that  respect,  I  think." 

44  Yes ;  let  as  ride  on.  Perhaps  we  shall  catch  sight  of 
him  era  long." 

His  hope  was,  however,  destined  to  prove  a  fallacious 
one. 

u  Well,  we  will  leave  him  to  hia  own  devices,  Jack," 
said  Tom,  as  he  reined-in  his  steed. 

M 1  suppose  we  can  do  nothing  else." 

M  Nothing ;  and  besides,  it  is  a  very  long  time  indeed 
since  we  had  an  adventure  together,  so  that  if  we  do  not 
separate  there  will  be  some  novelty  in  that." 

"lam  quite  willing  to  remaiu  with  you." 

"  Then,  in  the  first  place,  let  us  make  up  our  minds  as  to 
»bat  we  shall  set  about  doing." 

"  What  have  you  iu  your  mind  ?  " 

"If  you  must  know.  I  nave  been  thinking  of  that 
treasure  of  which  the  captain  spoke  ?" 

M  That  which  you  frightened  the  officers  out  of." 

14  Just  so." 

«  Well,  what  about  it  ?" 

"  Why,  it  is  necessary  that  vre  should  get  !t  moved  to 
somewhere  near  to  our  appointed  meeting-place,  and  as 
there  is  no  knowing  where  we  may  be  drifted  to  in  the 
course  of  a  week  or  so,  1  think  it  would  be  wisest  to  un- 
earth it  now." 

"  And  proceed  at  onoa  in  the  direction  of  Stonehenoe  ?" 

"Yes.,f 

*  I  atn  inclined  to  be  of  the  same  opinion." 

*  Then  let  as  waste  no  more  time  in  discussion,  but 
eommeno*  at  once." 


44  With  all  my  heart!" 

This  determination  having  been  arrived  at,  the  two 
highwaymen  at  once  changed  the  direction  in  which  they 
had  been  travelling,  making  their  way  back  towards  the 
Jolly  Tar  Inn. 

"  Are  you  sure  yon  can  find  the  place  again,  Tom  ?" 
asked  Sixteen-String  Jack. 

"  Yes,  I  took  accurate  note  of  it,  and  have  no  doubt  1 
can  ride  to  the  spot  at  once." 

44  That  is  all  right  then.  And  now,  Tom,  my  friend,  1  am 
most  anxious  to  know  what  you  realljvthink  about  this 
project  of  leaving  England  for  a  time' 

u  1  approve  of  it." 

**  I  fancied  so.  But  how  resolved  the  captain  seems !  It 
is  odd  to  me  if  it  is  not  Maud  we  have  to  thank  for  this 
alteration." 

"  Then  you  would  rather  stay?" 

44  Not  to  remain  by  myself ;  but  still,  personally,  I  do 
not  feel  inclined  to  adopt  this  course." 

"  Then  believe  me,  Jack,  it  will  be  a  wise  thing  for  us 
all  and  I  hope  ere  long  to  be  able  to  bring  you  to  my 
way  of  thinking." 

Jack  shook  his  head. 

44  You  may  be  incredulous  now,  but  wafi  end  see." 

"  I  am  reconciled  to  it,  and  shall  remain  so,  because  1 
think  no  harm  can  possibly  come  of  it." 

Little  did  Jack  think  theu  that  he  never  made  a  greater 
mistake  iu  his  life. 

"  We  have  been  successful  for  a  long  time,"  continued 
Tom  King;  "and  as  all  things  in  existence  must  come  to 
an  end  at  some  time  or  other,  so  must  our  good  luck. 
Besides,  a  rest  would  be  by  no  means  disagreeable  after 
the  hurry  and  bustle  we  have  had  lately." 

"  Well,  it  may  be  so.  But,  Tom,  just  tell  me  whether 
I  am  right  in  this  supposition." 

"  What  is  it  ?" 

"  Why,  I  fancy  you  have  some  other  reason  for  this 
than  you  have  yet  given  anyone." 

Tom  was  silent. 

"  Tell  me  now — am  I  right  ?" 

44  You  are." 

"  Then  what  is  this  consideration  ?  I  felt  convinced 
one  existed  of  some  kind  or  other.  Let  me  know  what  it 
is,  and  it  may  have  equal  weight  with  me." 

M I  feel  pretty  certain  it  would  not " 

44  Would  not  ?" 

44  You  seem  surprised  I" 

"I  am  exceedingly  so;  and,  what  is  more,  I  am  very 
curious  as  well,  and  shall  not  rest  satisfied  until  that 
curiosity  is  satisfied." 

"  Then,  if  that  is  the  case,"  answered  Tom,  and  forcing 
a  laugh  while  he  spoke,  "I  may  as  well  toll  yon  at 
once/ 

"  Do  so — pray  do  so  V 

Tom  hesitated  a  moment,  and  then,  ashamed  at  dis- 
playing so  much  reluctance,  acquainted  his  friend  with 
his  strange  adventure  with  the  hag,  and  repeated  her 
prediction. 

"And  why  have  you  not  spoken  of  this  before i" 

"  Because  I  felt  a  strong  disinclination  to  do  so.  I 
fancied  that  I  should  be  laughed  at  for  being  influenced 
by  the  impotent  rage  of  an  old  woman." 

"Then   let   me  tell  you    I    consider   it   in  another 

"  You  do  not  for  a  moment  imagine  that  the  prophecy 
will  come  true,  do  you  ?  Dick  Turpiu  is  my  best  friend, 
and  if  1  do  not  die  until  he  deprives  me  of  existence,  I 
shall  make  sure  of  a  good  long  life." 

Jack  was  silent. 

"  What  do  you  say  ?"  asked  his  friend.    .... 

•'  Who  ?  I  ?  Why,  if  you  must  know,  I  would  rathei 
not  say  anything." 

"Then  that  is  equivalent  to  telling  me  that  you  place 
some  dependence  upon  the  prognostication  ?" 

"  You  can  think  so  if  you  like." 

"But,  Jack,  I  did  not  think  that— that— 

44  T  hat  what  ?     Out  with  it !" 

"That  you  were  so  superstitious." 

44 1  knew  that  is  what  you  would  say.  But  I  happen  to 
remember  very  vividly  something  which  appears  to  have 
slipped  your  recollection  altogether." 

"  What  is  it  ?     It  is  now  my  turn  to  feel  curious. 

44  Can  you  not  guess  ?" 

"  No." 


IMS 


BLAOK  BBBS  ;    OK, 


"Well,  then,  I  was  thinking  of  the  shadow  on  the 
walir 

Jack  shuddered  as  he  pronounced  the  words. 

He  always  did  when  the  awful,  mysterious,  and  seem- 
ingly supernatural  event  he  had  just  mentioned  was 
forcibly  brought  to  his  mind. 

The  recollection  made  Tom  feel  exceedingly  uncomfort- 
able. 

"  We  are  on  a  disagreeable  topic  now  "  be  said — "  let  us 
change  it" 

"Just  as  you  please.  The  subject  is  one  1  never  care 
to  talk  about" 

"  Then  cease."  <- 

" I  will,"  muttered  Jack  to  himself.  "But  I  shall  not 
forget  the  gipsy's  prophecy  for  all  that." 

They  rode  on  for  some  time  in  silence,  nor,  indeed,  was 
a  word  spoken  until  Tom  suddenly  exclaimed: 

"Here  we  are,  my  friend!  And  now,  it  you  will  dis- 
mount and  lend  me  your  assistance,  we  will  quickly  un- 
cover the  valuables." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  looked  well  about  him,  and  finding 
that,  to  all  appearances,  they  had  the  place  quite  to  them- 
selves, he  quitted  the  saddle  and  set  to  work. 

The  earth  was  soft,  and  was  soon  removed  by  means  of 
their  swords. 

"  It  is  only  just  below  the  surface,"  Tom  remarked. 
And  then  immediately  added :  "  Here  it  is !" 

He  pulled  out  the  bundle  as  he  spoke. 

It  was  bulky,  and  they  began  to  wonder  how  they 
should  carry  it. 

"  Let  us  divide  the  whole,"  said  Tom.  "  We  shall  find 
room  somehow  or  other,  depend  upon  it." 

The  bundle  was  opened,  and  the  glittering  contents  dis- 
played to  view. 

Jack's  eyes  sparkled,  and,  without  hesitation,  he 
followed  hfB  comrade's  example  of  filling  all  his  pockets. 

When  this  operation  was  brought  to  a  conclusion,  a 
considerable  quantity  remained ;  but  this  they  disposed 
of  by  filling  the  small  leather  pouches  which  were  uuder 
the  flaps  of  their  saddles. 

Thus  loaded,  it  would  be  by  no  means  comfortable  to 
travel,  which  made  them  still  more  determined  to  make 
their  way  to  Stonehenge  without  further  loss  of  time. 

"  There  is  one  thing,"  remarked  Jack,  as  they  com- 
menced their  journey — "  we  shall  be  almost  unknown  to 
that  part  of  the  country,  I  should  think." 

"  Yes,  we  can  bear  that  in  mind  when  we  think  Ujjon 
our  future  proceedings."  ., 

«•  Forward,  then." 

The  long  journey  they  had  before  them  was  now  com- 
menced. 

On  the  way,  however,  Sixteen-String  Jack  manifested 
great  impatience,  and  his  feelings  with  respect  to  the  pro- 
ject for  quitting  England  for  a  time  underwent  a  complete 
alteration. 

The  gipsy's  prophecy  was  continually  uppermost  in  his 
mind ;  and  though  he  could  by  no  means  see  how  it  was 
likely  to  be  fulfilled,  yet  he  set  about  doing  all  he  could 
to  prevent  the  occurrence  of  such  a  catastrophe,  thus 
strangely  contradicting  himself  in  his  belief,  as,  if  such 
was  doomed  to  be  the  case,  he  knew  full  well  no  exertions 
of  his  could  change  the  decrees  of  fate. 

His  manner  did  not  fail  to  produce  a  deep  impression 
upon  Tom  King,  whose  mind  became  overwhelmed  with 
gloom. 

Without  confessing  so  much  to  each  other,  both  felt 
that  a  calamity  of  no  ordinary  nature  was  impending  over 
them. 


CHAPTER  MLEX. 

TOM  KINO  AND  SIXTBEN-STBIKG  JACK  HAVB  A  SD*»W1LAR 
ADVENTURE  ON  THE  COAST,  AND  MAKE  ARRANT -'«aL\'Ta 
POR  A  DEPARTURE   FROM  ENGLAND. 

"  That,  then,  is  Stonehenge  ?" 

The  words  were  uttered  by  Sixteen-String  Jack,  as  he 
eame  in  sight  of  the  picturesque  ruins  which  bear  this 
name. 

The  time  was  early  morning,  and  the  first  rays  of  the 
rising  sun  glinted  redly  upon  the  masses  of  unhewn  stones 
about  the  uses  and  origin  of  which  so  much  diversity  of 
opinion  exists. 

M  And  you  have  never  been  in  this  part  of  the  country 


before?"  said  Tom  King,  interrogatively,  as  he  gaced 
upon  the  sublime  scene  before  him. 

"Never.    Have  you?"  v 

"  Many — many  times." 

"  It's  an  odd  thing,  Tom,  but  you  seem  familiar  with 
every  place — you  seem  to  know  your  way  wherever  you 
may  chance  to  be." 

u  I  bad  opportunities  for  travel  when  I  was  young,"  he 
answered,  in  a  sad  voice — "  opportunities  falling  to  the 
lot  of  very  few." 

"And  ^|)a  »a&  good  use  of  them." 

"  I  did?' 

Sixteen-String  Jack  did  not  pursua  t&j  exkjMt  tftf 
further,  for  he  knew  how  much  it  pained  bis  friend  to 
have  the  past  brought  vividly  before  him. 

"It  is  a  beautiful  sight,"  continued  Tom,  still  gazing 
at  the  ruins — "one  which  I  have  always  much  ad- 
mired." 

"  And  very  lonely." 

"  Yes,  exceedingly  so.  The  chances  are  quite  against 
our  being  disturbed  by  anyone." 

"  Forward,  then,  my  friend !  And  I  hope  for  the  next 
twelve  hours  or  so  we  shall  be  left  in  peace." 

"  Your  hope  is  in  a  fair  way  of  being  fulfilled,  I  think," 
said  Tom,  as  he  directed  his  weary  horse  towatda  their 
destination. 

Since  taking  their  resolution,  the  highwaymen  had  by 
no  means  let  the  grass  grow  under  their  feet,  while  such 
was  the  caution  they  exercised  that  they  felt  tolerably 
certain  they  had  left  no  track  behind  them. 

The  very  secrecy  which  had  attended  all  their  move- 
ments deprived  them  of  any  unusual  amount  of  inte- 
rest. 

They  had  been  most  careful  to  avoid  adventures  of 
every  kind,  in  order  that  their  presence  in  that  part  of 
the  kingdom  might  be  wholly  unknown  and  unsus- 
pected. 

A  few  minutes  enabled  them  to  cross  the  open  piece  of 
ground  which  lay  between  them  and  the  ruins. 

When  once  here,  the  huge  mass  of  stone-work  served 
to  conceal  them  completely. 

"Years  ago,"  said  Tom,  "there  used  to  be  the  remains 
of  a  wooden  hut,  in  which  dwelt  an  old  woman  who  used 
to  obtain  a  livelihood  by  begging  from  the  visitors  to  the 
place." 

"  And  is  she  here  now  ?" 

"  If  she  is,  her  age  must  be  patriarchal,  for  at  the  time 
of  which  I  speak  her  age  was  extreme,  and  her  hut  little 
more  than  a  few  old  pieces  of  blackened  timber  roughly 
nailed  together.  But  step  this  way,  and  we  shall  soon 
find  out  whether  any  such  place  now  exists." 

Sixteen-String  Jack  followed  his  comrade,  and  after 
threading  a  way  among  the  huge  stones  they  came  to  a 
remote  spot  where  such  a  building  as  Tom  had  described 
was  standing. 

"  The  hut  is  here,"  he  said,  "  but  whether  its  inmate  is 
we  must  find  out." 

There  was  not  much  difficulty  about  this. 

The  crazy  door  was  swinging  idly  open,  as  though  in- 
viting them  to  enter. 

Crossing  the  threshold,  the  highwaymen  entered  the 
hut,  which  the  first  glance  showed  to  be  completely 
empty. 

"Some  time  has  elapsed  since  it  was  inhabited,  I 
fancy,"  said  Jack. 

"  There  is  every  appearance  of  it" 

"  Still,  it  will  afford  us  shelter  from  the  weather.  And 
now,  then,  what  is  the  first  thing  to  be  done  ?" 

"  To  rebury  the  treasure." 

"What,  here?" 

"  Yes,  we  can  conceal  it  easily  ',' 

"  As  you  like.  I  am  quite  tired  of  carrying  so  heavy  a 
load  about  with  me." 

In  fact,  now  Tom  came  to  make  a  closer  examination 
of  these  valuables,  he  found  that  they  represented  a  much 
larger  sum  than  he  had  previously  imagined — so  much 
more,  in  fact,  that  he  was  sure  that  this  alone  would  be 
sufficient  to  warrant  them  in  leaving  England  for  a 
time. 

Without  any  loss  of  time,  this  wealth  was  deposited  in 
one  corner  of  the  wooden  hut,  and  covered  over  with 
a  small  quantity  of  loose  earth. 

"  Now  for  a  rest,"  said  Tom  King ;  "  and  when  night 
comes  we  can  talk  over  what  we  are  to  do  next." 


THB  KNIGHT  OP  THE  ROAD 


1828 


Sixteen-String  Jack  willingly  assented,  for  their  jour- 
ney had  been  a  most  fatiguing  one. 

Bat  although  both  were  weary  and  to  all  appearance  In 
perfect  safety,  they  did  not  neglect  their  general  precau- 
tion of  watching  and  sleeping  alternately. 

In  this  way  the  day  passed  without  the  occurrence  of 
anything  to  disturb  them. 

When  twilight  was  deepening,  they  held  their  consulta- 
tion. 

It  did  not  last  long,  and  the  result  of  it  vaa  that  tney 
rode  away  from  their  new  quarters,  making  thejr  way  to- 
wards the  sea-coast. 

They  had  determined  to  engage  a  vsssel  at  the  nearest 
point  to  take  them  across  the  channel,  so  that  when  the 
whole  of  the  party  arrived  there  should  be  no  delay  on 
this  account. 

By  hard  riding  they  reached  the  sea-coast  before  morn- 
ing, though  the  dawning  hour  was  close  at  hand. 

The  weather  was  rough,  and  a  piercing  wind  blew 
obliquely  from  seaward. 

The  sky  was  covered  over  with  one  huge  cloud,  which 
effectually  blotted  out  all  traces  of  the  moon  and  stars. 

"  What  is  to  be  done  now,  Tom  ?"  asked  Jack,  with  a 
shiver.    "  Do  you  know  where  you  are  ?" 

"  1  am  slightly  out  in  my  reckoning,  for  the  darkness 
has  misled  me." 

"  Where  are  we,  then  ?" 

"About  a  couple  of  miles  from  a  small  fisnmg  vil- 
lage." 

"  And  you  think  we  can  there  obtain  what  we  want  ?" 

"  Ob,  there  is  no  doubt  about  that !" 

"  How  shall  we  reach  it  ?" 

"By  making  our  way  along  the  coast  here  to  the 
right.  The  road  is  tolerably  good,  and  we  shall  get  there 
in  little  more  than  a  quarter  of  an  hour." 

"  Ah  r  ejaculated  Sixteen-String  Jack.  "  What's 
that  ?" 

"What— what?" 

"  Did  you  not  see  it  ?" 

"  I  saw  nothing." 

"Look — look!  There  goes  another!  What  is  nrioat, 
I  wonder  ?" 

As  he  6poke,  Sixteen-String  Jack  pointed  seaward, 
from  which  direction  two  bright  lights  had  shot  up,  seem 
ingly  discharged  from  a  rocket. 

Tom  King  looked  intently. 

"  That's  a  signal,"  he  said,  "  and  if  we  wait  we  shall 
see  the  conclusion  of  it.  Ha!  there  it  goes,  you 
see!" 

Another  ball  of  fire  shot  upwards  into  the  darknoss,  and 
when  it  burst  and  descended  in  blazing  masses  the  effect 
was  beautiful. 

Scarcely  had  the  last  of  these  died  away  than  our 
"riends  suddenly  caught  sight  of  a  light  burning  steadily 
;n  the  beach  below  them. 

"See— see,"  exclaimed  Sixteen-String  Jack.  "What 
is  the  meaning  of  that?" 

"  The  response  to  the  signal." 

"  Ton  seem  to  know  all  about  it." 

"  I  have  had  some  experience.  But  keep  still,  I  want  to 
make  out  what  is  going  on  below." 

By  slightly  changing  their  position,  and  by  making  good 
use  of  their  powers  of  vision,  our  friends  were  able  to  dis- 
tinguish a  group  of  dark,  rapidly-flitting  figures. 

By  their  motions  it  could  be  observed  that  they  were 
one  and  all  labouring  under  an  excitement  of  no  common 
character. 

"  What  do  you  make  them  out  to  be  ?"  asked  Jack,  at 
length. 

"  Let  us  draw  a  little  closer — we  shall  bo  able  to  do  so 
un  perceived — and  then  I  can  tell  better." 

There  was  very  little  fear  indeed  that  they  would  be 
detected,  for  the  roaring  of  the  wind  among  th»  cliffs 
and  the  rush  of  the  breakers  were  terrific. 

The  path  was  rude  and  slippery,  bat  it  was  traversed 
by  the  two  highwaymen  without  accident. 

Tom  paused  at  a  point  some  height  above  tua  level  of 
the  beach,  and  from  which  he  was  able  to  command  a 
good  view  of  all  which  he  wished  to  take  cognizance. 

The  group  of  people  was  now  made  out  to  be  composed 
of  rough-looking  specimens  of  humanity  of  both  sexes. 

Their  garments  were  soaked  with  the  sea  spray  which 
dashed  continually  upon  them,  and  of  which  they  seemed 
to  te^e  no  notice  at  all. 


They  are  smugglers,  are  they  not,  Tom  ?"  said  Jack, 
in  his  companion's  ear. 

"  Yes,  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  it" 
"And  that  is  some  vessel  of  theirs  in  the  offing  ?" 
"  Yes,  and  on  such  a  night  as  this  it  will  be  no  easy 
task  to  keep  the  bark  clear  of  the  thousand  tooth-like 
rocks  with  which  these  shores  are  studded.    They  have 
need  of  a  good  pilot." 

"  Which  they  have  doubtless  got.    But  tou  have  some 
object  in  being  thus  attentive  to  their  motions  ?" 
"  I  have." 
"  What  is  it  ?" 

"  Why,  I  think  these  will  be  the  very  people  to  treat 
with  to  take  us  over  to  Prance." 
"  But  can  wo  trust  them  ?" 
"  I  should  not  let  them  know  who  we  are." 
'•  Yes ;  but  remember  how  we  were  served  when  making 
a  journey  from  the  opposite  coast." 

"  It  is  not  likely  that  I  should  ever  forget  such  a  tirae 
of  horror  as  that." 

"  And  shall  you  run  the  risk  again  ?" 
"  Not  blindly." 
"  What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"  Let  us  continue  to  watch  the  movements  of  these 
men,  and  we  can  afterwards  be  guided  by  circumstances." 
To  this  Jack  offered  no  objection. 

The  proceedings  of  the  people  below  were  not  without 
interest,  for  they  were  all  anxiously  at  work,  signalling 
to  those  on  board  the  bark  to  escape  the  rocks  of  which 
Tom  King  had  spoken,  and  which  were  fearfully  disas- 
trous to  any  ship  that  might  be  unfortunate  enough  to  get 
among  their  points. 

At  length  the  vessel  out  at  sea  could  be  dimly  distin- 
guished as  a  dark,  rolling  mass  upon  the  surface  of  the 
almost  as  dark  waters,  which  boiled  and  seethed  like  some 
huge  cauldron. 

As  the  bark  drew  nearer  the  excitement  on  the  beach 
increased,  and  the  utmost  anxiety  was  manifested  to 
bring  her  safe  to  shore. 

"Here  she  comes!"  cried  Tom  King,  who  had  watched 
the  whole  of  the  proceedings  with  as  much  breathlessness 
as  if  he  had  been  personally  concerned  in  the  venture. 
"  Here  she  comes !    Now  they  have  her !" 

A  grating  sound  followed  as  the  ship,  with  one  lumber- 
ing roll,  pitched  upon  the  sand. 

"  What  is  the  next  step,  Tom?  Mind,  I  place  myself 
absolutely  under  your  guidance  in  this  matter ;  for,  in- 
stead of  growing  lighter,  as  it  should,  it  grows  darker 
and  darker  every  instant." 

"Still  the  dawn  cannot  be  far  distant.  But  come, 
follow  me— we  will  try  whether  it  will  not  be  worth  while 
for  them  to  purchase  our  silence  respecting  what  we  have 
just  seen." 

Jack  understood  this  at  once,  and  followed  his  com- 
panion down  the  rugged  path  with  considerable  confidence. 
The  distance  to  the  spot  where  the  vessel  had  been  run 
ashore  was  by  no  means  great ;  but  owing  to  the  inequali- 
ties of  the  ground,  it  took  them  some  time  to  reach  it. 

So  intent  were  the  smugglers  upon  what  they  were 
about  that  it  was  not  until  our  friends  were  actually 
among  them  that  they  became  aware  of  their  presence. 

Immediately  there  was  a  cry  of  startled  dismay,  and  our 
friends  were  near  paying  dearly  for  their  temerity,  as  a 
voice  cried : 

"  Spies— foes— foes !  Down  with  them !  Sweep  them 
from  the  earth !" 

"Hold!"  cried  Tom  King,  in  a  voice  which  was  heard 
by  all  present,  and  the  commanding  tone  of  which  in- 
stantly compelled  every  one  instinctively  to  pauso. 
"  Hold,  I  say,  and  lister  '  Would  you  destroy  your 
friends?" 

The  last  word  was  repeated  in  incredulous  accents  by 
many  lips. 

"Alight  here— a  light!"  said  the  gruff,  stem  voice 
which  had  beiore  spoken.  "  A  light,  I  say !  Let  us  see 
who  the*e  intruders  and  so-called  friends  may  be." 

A  lantern  was  immediately  produced  and  handed  to  a 
man  of  so  Herculean  a  build  that  he  seemed  to  stand  at 
least  a  head  and  shoulders  taller  than  his  companions. 

He  came  forward,  grasping  the  light,  which  he  held  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  cast  all  its  beams  upon  the  forms  of 
the  two  highwaymen. 

"  Friends,  are  you  ?"  he  said.  "  Then  how  i8  it  we  *» 
not  happen  to  know  you  ?" 


lftM 


BLACK    BSSI  ;    Oi, 


"  We  mean  to  be  friends,"  said  Tom  King,  "  and  we 
have  come  here  because  we  wish  to  secure  your  services 
in  a  little  matter,  for  which  we  will  reward  you  li^rallv." 

"Well?" 

"  If  you  consent — and  I  give  you  credit  for  having  too 
much  good  sense  to  refuse — I  say,  if  you  consent,  we  will 
both  remain  profoundly  silent  regarding  all  we  have  seen 
to-night,  and  lend  you  a  hand  to  stow  your  goods  away 
safely  as  well." 

The  smuggler  captain  paused,  and  looked  intentlv  »*>on 
our  friends.      ^ 

But  they  bore  the  scrutiny  without  flinching. 

"You  are  no  ordinary  men,"  he  said,  at  length;  •  *»<1 
what  is  more,  I  don't  believe  you  are  traitors." 

"We  will  give  you  leave  to  shoot  us  down  like  dogs  if 
you  see  ns  show  the  least  symptom  of  playiug  you  f*lse," 
said  Tom  King,  with  a  bold,  uudaunted  air. 

"  Give  us  your  hands,"  said  the  captain.  "  We  are  short 
of  men  to-night,  and  badly  want  assistance  to  secure  our 
goods.  The  weather  is  against  us,  and  we  hare  certain 
knowledge  that  a  revenue  cutter  has  been  on  the  watch 
all  night.  I  made  sure  at  first  that  you  belonged  to 
them." 

The  smuggler  captain  did  not  trouble  himself  then  to  in- 
quire any  further  about  tho  service  required  of  him,  but 
at  once  set  the  highwaymen  to  work. 

Our  friends  laboured  with  a  will,  and  as  soon  as  ever 
the  remainder  of  the  crew  saw  them  at  work,  their  appre- 
hensions of  betrayal  vanished,  for  their  unexpected 
assistants  were  now  participators  in  their  unlawful  act. 

By  the  manner  in  which  the  smuggler  issued  his  com- 
mands, and  the  promptitude  and  accuracy  with  which 
they  were  obeyed,  our  friends  easily  came  to  the  con- 
tusion that  they  had  all  been  for  a  considerable  spaoe  of 
time  engaged  in  this  species  of  traffic. 

In  rather  less  than  an  hour  the  stranded  vessel  wao 
completely  relieved  of  her  cargo,  which  was  piled  up 
npon  the  beach. 

As  soon  as  the  last  package  had  been  delivered,  there 
was  an  immediate  commotion. 

The  cause  of  this  soon  manifested  itself. 

They  were  all  most  anxious  to  t-ke  advantage  of  the 
fast  receding  tide. 

It  was  important  that  the  lugger,  for  suoh  the  vessel 
was,  shonld  be  got  afloat,  or  else  the  locality  of  their 
secret  store  would  be  guessed  at. 

But  the  danger  was  imminent  that,  in  spite  of  their 
efforts,  the  vessel  would  be  left  high  and  dry  upon  the 
beach,  in  which  the  keel  had  deeply  imbedded  itself,  in 
consequence  of  the  violence  with  which  it  had  been 
driven  ashore. 

But  this  clearly  was  no  fresh  task. 

Tom  was  afraid  the  attempt  would  be  a  failure ;  but  all  at 
once,  with  a  rush,  the  lugger  was  fairly  sent  into  the 
sea,  where  for  a  moment  it  rolled  and  tossed  tremend- 
ously 

But  the  commander  was  skilful,  and  soon  had  his  some- 
what clumsy  bark  fairly  under  weigh. 

The  departure  of  the  lugger  was  watched  with  much 
interest  for  some  moments,  and  then  all  hands  were  set  to 
work  to  remove  the  cargo. 

It  was  while  they  were  all  thus  engaged  that  a  heavy 
booming  sound  came  floating  over  the  water,  reaching  the 
ears  of  every  one,  in  spite  of  the  tumult  of  the  elements. 

"Ten  thousand  curses!  "said  the  smuggler  captain.  "That 
is  the  cutter  !  Quick — quick,  my  lads !  Work  now  if  you 
never  worked  before !  It  will  be  daylight  directly,  and 
there  must  not  be  a  sign  left  to  show  that  the  run  has 
been  made  here." 

At  this  moment  there  was  a  flash  of  light  to  seaward, 
almost  instantly  followed  by  a  dull  report. 

"They  are  calliug  to  her  to  lay  to,  said  the  smuggler 
ehief.  "  It  does  not  concern  us  now.  Attend  only  to  the 
task  that  lies  before  you." 

The  men  responded  well,  and  by  tueir  united  aid  t ae 
packages  ami  casks — for  the  cargo  had  consisted  of  both— 
were  rolled  to  a  small  cavern  in  the  cliffs,  the  entrance  to 
which  was  so  small,  dark,  and  unpromising,  that  no  one 
would  have  thought  human  beings  would  penetrate  it. 

Hitherto,  tho  two  highwaymen  had  not  passed  beneath 
tills  gloomy  archway,  the  labour  in  whioh  they  had  been 
engaged  being  that  of  oarrying  the  packages  across  the 

Tins  being  at  Last  eosp'ieted,  the  captain  said  - 


u Enter— enter.  Pear  not.  The  way  is  smooth  enough, 
if  you  follow  the  rest." 

"  But  our  horses."  said  Tom  King — "  bow  shall  we 
dispose  of  them  ?  It  we  leave  them  where  the v  now  are, 
will  they  not  be  the  means  of  directing  special  attention 
to  this  spot?  " 

"  You  are  right,"  said  the  captain ;  and  then  he  paused 
as  if  reflecting  deeply. 

"  Will  you  trust  me  ?"  he  said  at  length. 

"  Certainly." 

"  Then  leave  the  horses  to  my  caret  I  will  be  answer- 
able for  them." 

"  But  we  might  need  them  upon  some  sudden  emer- 
gency." 

"  If  you  do,  I  will  undertake  that  they  shall  be  close  at 
hand.  Will  you  bo  content  with  that  assurance,  for  I 
cannot  disclose  all  our  secrets  to  a  stranger  " 

"  Give  us  a  moment  to  confer." 

"  Be  quick,  then.  It  is  beginning  to  grow  light,  and  it 
is  most  important  that  not  a  single  being  shall  be  seen 
about  this  spot." 

Tom  King  drew  his  companion  on  one  side. 

"  Do  you  feel  inclined  to  trust  this  man  ?  " 

"  Do  you  ?  " 

"Frankly,  then,  I  say  yes.  His  gang  and  himself  are 
to  some  extent  in  our  power." 

"  But  where  will  he  take  our  horses  ?  " 

"Why,  in  all  probability  there  is  some  other  mode  of 
entering  their  cavern  at  a  point  further  inland,  and  this 
is  where  they  will  be  taken. 

"  Ask  him  the  question,  and  if  he  answers  in  the  affirm- 
ative we  will  enter  with  him." 

Tom  did  so  at  onoe. 

"  Yon  have  guessed  rightly,"  answered  the  captain,  in  a 
subdued  voice,  as  though  he  was  anxious  that  what  he 
said  should  not  be  overheard  by  his  crew.  "  That  is  what 
I  intended,  though  I  cannot  let  you  know  where  that 
other  entrance  is." 

"  We  will  trust  you,"  said  Tom  King ;  "  and  we  hope 
that  will  go  a  long  way  towards  convincing  you  of  our 
good  faith." 

The  captain  nodded  his  head,  and  urged  them  to  enter. 

He  had  little  doubt  of  their  sincerity,  and  with  an 
amount  of  discernment  for  whioh  he  deserved  due  credit, 
he  fancied  the  service  he  was  required  to  do  was  one  that 
would  yield  him  a  good  pecuniary  profit,  although  it 
might  involve  considerable  personal  danger. 

Without  hesitation,  our  two  friends  crept  under  the 
archway  after  the  captain. 

The  darkness  was  profound. 

For  some  distance  they  were  compelled  to  proceed  in  a 
crouching  position,  'jut  all  at  once  they  heard  the  captain 
say: 

"  Rise  to  your  feet  now  and  walk  forward  boldly.  The 
path  is  clear." 

It  was  no  very  easy  or  comfortable  thing  to  walk  along 
through  pitch-like  darkness,  even  after  such  an  assurance 
as  this. 

The  highwaymen  were  soon  aided  by  a  dim,  twinkling 
light,  on  which  they  fixed  their  eyes. 

Gradually  this  increased  in  size  and  brightness,  until 
they  found  that  it  proceeded  from  an  irregular  opening  in 
the  rock. 

Through  this  could  be  seen  the  interior  of  an  extensive 
cavern. 

Upon  entering,  our  friends  looked  about  them  with 
great  interest. 

The  only  light  there  was  came  from  a  hugo  fire,  which 
was  burning  brilliantly  on  the  rocky  floor  of  the  cave. 

The  whole  of  tbe  crew  was  engaged  in  stowing  away 
the  various  articles  they  had  brought  to  shore. 

After  the  issue  of  a  few  neoessary  commands  the  cap- 
tain invited  our  friends  to  a  seat  at  a  rude  table  near  the 
fire,  on  which  he  had  caused  a  bottle  and  glasses  to  be 
placed. 

"  Come,"  he  said,  "  we  will  have  one  glass  of  eau  de  we 
together,  to  drive  the  cold  off  our  stomachs,  and  after 
that  business,  for  I  am  very  curious  to  learn  the  nature 
of  the  service  you  require  me  to  perform.  That's  good, 
isn't  it  ?"  he  added,  after  the  glasses  had  been  emptied. 

"  Capital  l"  answered  the  nighwaymen,  with  tears  rs 
their  eyes. 

"  The  strongest  brandy  you  ever  tasted,  is  it  not  t" 

M  It  is  indeed." 


THE  KSIGB*'  OJT  THE    E0**». 


vm 


[THB   CAPTCRB  AT  *T  >NEHENQB. ) 


*  Ah  there  lias  been  no  doctor  at  work  at  that,  making 
tt  palai'able.    But  now,  then,  come— keep  me  no  longer  In 

W"IWhtt  we  want,  then,"  t?AA  Tom  King,  "is  the  use  of 
»  boat,  to  convey  a  party  of.  let  me  see— yes,  eight  persons 
in  all." 

"And  what  else?"  m.' 

« Nothing,  except  a  few  things  we  shall  hare  witb  ns ; 
•id  a  horse  or  two,  perhaps." 

"  You  would  want  the  lugger  ?" 

"Yes,  and  the  crew  as  well." 

"  And  where  is  your  destination  »"■ 

"  The  coast  of  France."  ... 

a  I  thought  so."  said  the  captain,   ^.to     ,  significant 

'The  greatest  secrecy  wiil  be  required,"  continued 
To  mi  "  And  if  you  are  faithful  you  will  find  H  about  as 
good  a  night' •  work  as  you  haT©  ev*r  done." 

da.  S29.— Black.  Bass. 
.No.  229. 


"What  will  you  give  to  have  the  service  faithfuU; 
performed,  and  without  the  asking  of  more  questions  than 
you  may  choose  to  answer  ?" 

"  How  much  do  you  want  ? ' 

"Nay,  how  much  will  you  give ? 

"  A  hundred  guineas."  .  , . 

"Make  ittwi  hundred,  and  it's  a  bargain.  I  would 
take  you  then,  no  matter  who  you  might  be,  or  who  was 

"^ghf-agreed!  Though,"  Tom  added  "please  to 
understand  that  I  do  not  apprehend  a  pursuit. 

«  Then  I  make  the  bargain.    And  now  about  the  time- 

^That  I  cannot  fix  precisely ;  but  certainly  not  for  * 
fortnight  to  come."  „ 

"  oSod  !    But  yet,  let.  fl»  have  tlmelj -notice. 

"I  will,  nevei  f-ar.  And  now  th«r«  ft  ©a*  tning 
more," 

Price  One  Halfj  bnny. 


Bpeafc." 

"  We  are  to  rejoin  our  friends  not  far  distant  from  here  ; 
but  they  will  not  arrive  at  present.  Now,  should  we 
require  it,  would  yon  give  us  shelter  here  till  then  ?" 

"  Most  certainly.  You  are  heartily  welcome  to  make 
free  with  whatever  the  cave  holds,  for  you  did  us  good 
service  by  your  aid  to-night.  If  the  rest  had  worked  li  ko 
you  we  should  have  finished  an  hour  earlier.  But  no 
matter,  all's  well,  and  so  there  ought  to  be  no  grum- 
bling." 

So  saying,  the  captain  lose;  and.  having  again  Im- 
pre>sed  upon  our  friends  that  they  were  welcome,  ho 
moved  off  to  superintend  the  movements  of  his  crew. 

"This  has  been  easily  managed,"  said  Sixteen-String 
Jack.  "  And  now  all  I  wish  is  that  Dick  and  the  rest  will 
speedily  make  their  appearance,  for  I  cannot  help  feeling 
that  the  sooner  we  are  off  the  better." 

"All  in  good  time,-Jack,"  was  the  reply.  "We  ought 
to  be  well  satisfied  with  what  we  have  done  so  far." 

u  I  am — I  am.  But  yet  I  feel  a  dreadful  presentiment 
of  coming  ill." 

"  Dismiss  it,"  said  Tom.  "  It  is  caused  by  the  thought 
that  you  are  about  to  pay  farewell  to  adventures  for 
awhile." 

"  I  was  never  less  in  the  humour  for  them  in  my  life," 
answered  Jack,  in  a  tone  of  so  much  despondency  that 
his  comrade  was  quite  surprised  at  it.  "  My  heart  is 
heavy,  Tom,  and  I  am  heartily  glad  that  you  asked  for 
and  obtained  permission  from  the  captain  for  us  to  remain 
here." 

"Nonsense,"  said  Tom — "yon  will  soon  get  o~m 
this." 

But  Sixteen-String  Jack  only  shook  his  head. 


CHAPTER  MLX. 

TH»  MEETING  AT    8TONEHENGE. — THE   CATASTROPHE. 

The  hour  was  shortly  after  sunsent,  and  the  time  about 
three  weeks  after  the  completion  of  the  compact  with  the 
smuggler  captain,  as  related  in  the  last  chapter,  that  tkree 
rather  weary-looking  travellers  emerged  from  a  small 
coppice,  and  cautiously  looked  arcuDcl  them. 

The  view  which  they  obtained  from  the  spot  whereon 
they  stood  was  an  extensive  one,  and  long  and  earnest 
was  the  scrutiny  bestowed  on  every  object  in  the  land- 
scape. 

"  The  coast  seems  quite  clear,  captain,"  said  one  of  the 
travellers,  at  length. 

"Yes,  I  think  we  can  safely  say  all  is  well  so  far,"  was 
the  reply.  "  Come,  Maud,  cheer  up — we  are  close  now 
to  our  destination." 

Maud  smiled  faintly  as  she  looked  up  into  Dick 
Turpin's  face. 

There  seemed  to  be  traces  of  tears  clinging  to  her  long 
eyelashes,  and  her  face  looked  pale  and  worn,  as  though 
the  journey  had  told  much  upon  her. 

Dick  witnessed  the  alteration,  and  sighed. 

His  heart  reproached  him  strongly. 

Her  recollected  what  Maud  had  been  until  her  unfortu- 
nate connection  with  himself,  and  he  wished  mentally  for 
her  sake  that  they  had  never  met. 

For  his  own  part,  he  felt  now  that  he  would  rather  part 
with  his  own  existence  than  with  her. 

Now,  too,  he  could  no  longer  blind  himself  to  the  fact 
that  the  never-ending  fatigue  and  the  ceaseless  anxiety 
of  mind  inseparable  from  such  a  career  as  his  were  killing 
her  by  inches. 

They  were  not  without  an  effect  upoD  the  robus*  forms 
of  himself  and  his  comrades. 

How  muoh  more  severely,  then,  must  they  havo  oeen 
felt  by  one  so  delicately  hrought-up  and  nurtured  as  Maud 
had  been  ? 

All  this  had  long  been  pressing  upon  Diek'e  mini,  and 
accounted  for  the  faot  of  his  being  in  the  vicinity  of 
Stonehenge  at  least  a  week  earlier  than  he  had  at  first 
contemplated  and  intended. 

What  endeared  Maud  to  Dick  most,  and  tv«ade  him  still 
more  anxious  to  gain  a  place  of  safety,  was  that  through- 
out all  their  privations  and  sufferings  no  word  of  com- 
plaint had  escaped  her  lips — she  had  not  wounded  hiai  by 
tl»»  utterance  of  one  reproach,  nor  would  she  have  done 
S»>  as  he  knew  full  well,  if  she  had  died  while  in  his  com- 
panionship. 

To  be  with  bin  was  all  that  she  desired  ,  and   in  order 


to  have  this  gratification   secured  to  her,  she  needed  m* 
what  hardships  she  was  compelled  to  undergo. 

"  Cheer  up,"  said  Dick  again,  as  soon  as  he  could  com 
maud  his  voice  sufficiently  for  utterance,  and  placing  hit 
hand  upon  hers  at  the  same  moment — "  cheer  up,  Mau.< 
Let  me  once  again  see  something  like  a  look  of  happine* 
upon  your  pale  face,  for  I  assure  you,  on  my  word,  that  U 
we  live,  and  no  unforeseen  events  occur,  forty-eight  hours 
more  is  the  longest  time  we  shall  bo  in  Eugland. 

Maud  pressed  Dick's  hand,  for  she  could  not  trust  her- 
self to  speak  after  receiving  such  an  assurance. 

Her  throat  swelled  and  ached  until  the  paia  was  almost 
beyond  endurance. 

She  shrunk,  too,  from  letting  Dick  know  that  the  close 
realisation  of  that  for  which  she  had  so  long  sighed  and 
wished,  was  not  productive  of  •**>**  amount  of  joyfulnese 
which  she  had  anticipated. 

She  felt  that  it  was  wrong  upon  her  part  to  give  way 
to  such  sensations  as  these,  and  she  thought  it  would  be 
a  poor  return  to  offer  to  Dick  if  she  admitted  that  hei 
strongly-expressed  wishes  were  no  better  than  idle  whims. 
Finding  that  she  did  not  break  the  silence,  and  attri- 
buting her  reticence  to  overjoyfulness,  he  said  : 

"Come,  then,  once  more  forward — a  short  half-hour 
will  enable  us  to  reach  the  place  of  rendezvous." 

He  gave  Black  Bess  the  rein  as  he  pronounced  the 
words,  and  the  next  moment  they  were  all  speeding  to 
their  destination. 

No  sooner  were  they  beneath  the  shadow  of  the  Druids' 
Stones  than  they  heard  voices  and  footsteps. 
"Captain— -captain,"  said  some  one,  "  is  it  you  ?" 
"  It  is,  Tom." 
"  Safe  and  sound  ?" 
"  Quite  so." 

While  speaking,  Tom  King  and  Siiteen-Stritig  Jack 
came  forward. 

They  were  much  rejoiced  to  find  that  Dick  and  his  two 
companions  were  quite  safe,  and  this  very  circumstance 
went  far  towards  dissipating  that  gloom  which  had 
settled  upon  Jack's  spirits. 

"  Have  you  seen  nothing  of  Claude  ?"  was  Turpin's 
next  question. 

"  Nothing.     But  as  he  is  well  able  to  take  care  of  him- 
self, most  likely  he  is  all  right." 
"And  you  have  met  with  no  alarm  here,  Tom  ?" 
"  None  whatever ;  and  so  far  as  we  are  able  to  tell,  our 
presence  in  this  part  of    the    kingdom  is  a  profound 
secret." 

"So  much  the  better.  We  have  been  most  careful  in  all 
our  movements,  and  I  think  I  can  safely  say  that  no  one 
has  recognised  us." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it,"  answered  Tom  ;  "  and  I  hope 
the  rest  will  furnish  us  with  a  similar  account,  for  w. 
have  been  here  some  time,  and  have  effected  some  im- 
portant arrangements." 

Tom  King  then  informed  Dick  of  his  meeting  with  the 
smugglers,  and  their  undertaking  to  convey  them  in 
safety  across  the  channel. 

This  communication  greatly  improved  Maud's  spirits, 
and  a  certain  amount  of  cheerfulness  was  noticeable  in 
bar  mien  immediately. 

"  And  have  you  remained  all  this  while  in  the  seclusion 
and  inactivity  of  the  smugglers'  cave  ?" 

"  We  have ;  but  chiefly  on  Jack's  account,  who  has 
suffered  himself  in  a  most  extraordinary  degree  to  be  in- 
fluenced by " 

Here  Tom  paused,  as  for  the  moment  he  forgot  that  he 
had  not  mentioned  to  those  present  his  meeting  witn  the 
old  woman  who  had  uttered  the  strange  prophecy. 
"  By  what  Tom  ?  Why  do  you  pause  ?" 
"  Because,"  interrupted  Jack,  "  he  does  not  care  to  let 
you  know  that  he  encountered  an  old  woman  who  pre- 
dicted that — that        " 

"What?"  asked  Dick,  impatiently.  "Why  do  you 
hesitate  and  look  so  grave  ?" 

"  It  is  ridiculous  for  him  to  do  so,"  said  Tom  King,  inter- 
rupting in  his  turn,  and  speaking  with  as  muoh  levity  as 
he  could  call  up.  "  Because  he  is  foolish  enough  to  pay 
a  deep  regard  to  the  impotent  curses  of  an  angry  old 
woman.* 

"  But  what  did  she  say  ?" 

u  The  most  improbable  thing  in  the  worid,  IVsV-  thai 
which  you  would  never  guess  if  you  tnea  or  %  v^ta- 
month,  it  is  so  monstrous. 


THB    KNIGHT  OF   TH1  ROAD. 


isto 


"I  shall  not  make  the  attempt,  then.  But,  as  my 
curiosity  is  strongly  excited,  perhaps  yon  will  tell  me 
without  keeping  me  any  longer  in  suspense.'' 

"  I  will.  She  prophesied  that  my  death  was  at  hand, 
and  that  I  was  doomed  to  die  at  the  hands  of  my  best 
friend." 

"  Tour  best  friend  ?"    echoed   Dick,   in  J«*iie<5  which 
showed  how  extreme  was  his  surprise 
"  Yes,  such  were  the  words." 

"  Then  that  must  be " 

"No  other  than  yourself,  Dick.  Nay,  Jon't  regard  it. 
If  I  live  till  you,  my  longest,  truest,  atanohest  friend, 
deprive  me  of  life,  I  shall  make  sure  of  a  long  existence  ; 
or  if  the  prophecy  must  be  fulfilled,  I  would  sooner  take 
it  from  your  hands  than  from  the  hangman's  rope.  But 
give  us  your  hand — there,  that's  it ! — and  think  no  more 
about  it!" 

Tom  King,  as  he  spoke,  grasped  his  old  comrade's  hand 
and  shook  it  warmly. 

Dick  did  not  speak,  but  the  communication  he  had  just 
received  made  a  very  deep  impression  upon  him. 

Whether  he  would  have  made  any  remark  upon  re- 
covering from  the  state  of  surprise  into  which  he  had 
been  thrown  is  uncertain,  for  just  at  this  moment  some 
one  was  heard  approaching. 

Looking  out,  they  saw  that  it  was  Claude  Duval,  who 
was  riding  slowly,  and  apparently  in  doubt  as  to  what 
point  of  the  ruins  he  should  direct  his  course. 

In  a  low  voice,  Dick  called  to  him.  He  was  afraid  to 
hail  him  loudly  lest  there  should  be  some  lurker  near. 

Upon  hearing  the  tones  of  that  well-known  voice, 
Claude  rode  briskly  forward,  and  the  next  moment  was 
surrounded  and  warmly  greeted  by  his  expectant 
friends. 

"You  are  safe  and  sound,  I  see,"  remarked  Sixteen- 
String  Jack. 

"  Yes,  all  has  gone  well  with  me.  I  have  had  an  odd 
adventure  or  two,  which  I  will  recount  to  you  when  I 
find  an  opportunity;  and  I  do  not  come  back  empty- 
banded.    Look  at  this." 

Claude,  as  he  spoke,  produced  from  the  pockets  in  his 
saddle  a  goodly  quantity  of  valuables,  and  intimated  that 
the  pockets  of  his  own  apparel  were  equally  well 
filled. 

"  You  have  been  more  successful  in  this  respect  than 
the  rest  of  ua,"  said  Dick  Turpin.  "  Still,  as  we  have 
enough  for  oar  purpose,  we  ought  to  be  satisfied.  It  is 
my  intention  to  leave  here  for  the  coast  as  soon  as  Ellen 
and  Mrs.  Davis  arrive,  Tom  and  Jack  having  already  made 
arrangements  for  the  transport  of  ourselves  and  our 
horses." 

"But  why  this  haste?" 

"  You  shall  know  in  good  time,"  said  Sixteen-String 
lack.     "  The  matter  now  is  finally  settled." 

"  Well,  you  will  not  find  that  I  shall  quarrel  with  your 
determination,  for  I  am  so  overcome  with  fatigue  that  I 
feel  as  though  I  should  like  to  lie  down  and  go  to  sleep, 
and  not  wake  up  for  a  month  at  least." 

Claude's  excellent  spirits  had  the  effect,  to  a  consider- 
able extent,  of  banishing  the  gloom  which  had  been 
visible  upon  the  countenances  of  all  composing  the 
group. 

.Nevertheless,  he  was  quick-sighted  enough  to  see  there 
was  something  amiss,  and  at  once  became  importunate  to 
know  what  that  something  was. 

"It  is  Sixteen-String  Jack  here,  with  his  odd,  super- 
stitious fancies,"  said  Tom  King.  "  Yon  know  what  he 
is,  so  think  no  more  of  it." 

"Remember  the  shadow  on  the  wall,"  said  Jack, 
solemnly. 

At  the  remention  of  this  unaccountable  event,  all 
started,  and  paled  slightly— that  is,  all  but  Tom  King, 
and  probably  he  would  not  have  been  an  exception  had 
he  not  guessed  what  his  comrade  was  going  to  say.  and 
prepared  himself  accordingly. 

An  ominous  silence  followed — a  silence  which  Claude 
Duval  was  the  first  to  break. 

"Why  do  you  -ecur  to  that  circumstance *"  he 
said. 

"Because  the  re}  \erniwance  of  it  ought  to  teach  you  not 
to  think  too  lightly  f  anything  that  happens  to  be  beyond 
your  comprehension,"  was  J  act's  answer. 

"  But  why  not  tell  me  what  it  ia  that  has  since  made 
such  an  Imp  ession  upon  you  ?" 


Tom  King,  thinking  the  explanation  would  best  come 
from  him,  related  his  adventure  with  the  woman. 

In  spite  of  what  Jack  had  said,  it  was  plain  that  he 
(Tom)  was  determined  to  make  light  of  it,  or  at  any  rate, 
appear  to  do  so. 

But  in  spite  of  -the  levity  with  which  he  spoke,  Claude 
was  considerably  affected,  and,  strange  as  it  may  seem, 
his  exuberant  spirits  subsided  from  that  moment. 

This,  however,  he  was  pleased  to  ascribe  to  the  tatigue 
of  which  he  had  previously  spoken. 

He  at  once  sought  out  a  place  of  repose. 

The  accommodation  was  very  limited  in  tuis  respect 
and  on  the  present  occasion  Claude  Duval  was  even  less 
inclined  than  usual  to  be  particular. 

Thinking  of  what  had  just  passed  kept  sleep  for  along 
time  from  his  eyelids,  and  when  at  length  he  closed  them 
in  slumber,  he  was  tormented  by  all  manner  of  distracting 
visions. 

As  the  reader  may  be  sure,  Maud  was  much  affected, 
and  at  the  first  opportunity  she  had  of  speaking  alone 
with  Dick  Turpin,  she  said  : 

"  Tell  me  now,  and  tell  me  truly,  what  do  you  think  of 
this  strange  occurrence  ?" 

"  I  would  rather  not  speak  at  all." 

"  But  at  least  you  will  tell  me  whether  you  think  the 
prophecy  is  likely  ever  to  be  fulfilled." 

"In  a  word,  then,  I  do  not.  I  should  not  hesitate  to 
characterise  it  as  the  most  improbable  thing  to  occur ;  still, 
it  is  not  impossible." 

"  Not  impossible  ?"  echoed  Maud,  in  some  surprise  at 
his  words. 

"  No.  But  if  Tom  loses  his  life  at  my  hands,  it  will 
only  be  through  the  occurrence  of  some  most  remarkabU 
accident.  Best  assured,  it  is  a  contingency  which  I  shall 
ever  do  my  best  to  be  on  my  guard  against ;  and  now  let 
discussion  upon  this  profitless  subject  have  an  end ;  it  can 
lead  to  no  result." 


CHAPTER  MLXL 

DICK  TVRPIN  AND  HIS  COMRADES  ARR  GLADDENED  BY 
THE  APPEARANCE  OF  ELLEN  AND  MRS.  DAVIS  AT 
STONE  HENGE. 

Thus  admonished,  Maud  relapsed  into  silence ;  but  it 
was  not  likely  she  could  help  her  thoughts  brooding  upou 
the  matter. 

One  of  the  strangest  things  connected  with  it  was  the 
deeD  effect  which  the  prophecy  had  upon  all  who  heard 
it.  * 

One  might  almost  have  fancied  that  it  found  an  answer- 
ing echo  in  all  their  hearts— that  without  being  conscious 
of  so  doing,  all  had  expected  it. 

Tom  King  was  surprised  at  the  manner  in  which  his 
communication  had  been  received  by  his  companions,  and 
it  became  very  difficult  indeed  for  him  to  maintain,  when 
alone,  that  levity  which  he  had  not  very  easily  assumed 
when  in  their  presence. 

During  the  night  which  ensued  nothing  occurred  worthy 
of  special  mention. 

To  all  appearances,  they  were  as  mucn  in  solitude  on 
Salisbury  Plain  as  they  would  have  been  upon  some 
desolate,  uninhabited  island. 

The  highwaymen,  one  and  all,  congratulated  them« 
selves  upon  having  found  such  isolated  quarters. 

For  form's  sake,  their  usual  method  of  keeping  watch 
was  adhered  to ;  but  nothing  occurred  to  break  in  upon 
the  security  of  their  position. 

No  sound  was  heard  save  the  low  baaing  of  6ome 
distant  sheep,  which  came  upon  the  ear  with  a  melan- 
choly effect ;  it  seemed  to  make  the  loneliness  of  their 
position  more  apparent. 

The  ensuing  day  was  chiefly  spent  in  wandering  about 
the  stupendous  ruins,  which  then  had  not  that  marred, 
delated  appearance  which  they  now  present. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  had  had  the  prudence  to  bring 
with  him  from  the  smugglers'  cavern  a  tolerably  large 
supply  of  such  provisions  as  he  could  lay  his  hands  upou, 
with  excellent  wine  in  profusion. 

On  this  score  they  had  nothing  to  trouble  them. 

Ab  soon  ae  the  sun  began  to  decline  towards  the  west, 
they  commenced  their  look-out  for  Mrs.  Davis  and 
Ellen. 

It  was  unanimously  wished  that  they  would  speedily 
ma<ro  their  appearanee. 


1»W 


BLACK  BBSS;  Oft, 


The  present  seemed  so  favourable  an  opportunity  of 
carrying  out  their  design  of  leaving  England,  that  it 
seemed  a  thousand  pities  not  to  avail  themselves  of  it ;  for 
even  at  Stonehenge  the  highwaymen  could  not  count 
upon  remaining  long  in  this  state  vf  seclusion. 

"  Understand  me,  Dick  had  sail,  "  if  they  arrive  at 
anything  like  an  early  hour  to-night,  wo  wiU  at  once  bend 
our  course  to  the  sea-shore." 

No  demur  whatever  was  raised  to  this  proposition, 
which  was  looked  upon  as  being  fully  agreed  to. 

Without  separating  much  from  each  other,  the  high- 
waymen contrived  to  post  themselves  at  various  points  of 
the  ruins  in  such  a  manner  that  they  were  able  to  com- 
mand every  approach. 

While  they  remained  thus,  they  could  not  fail  to  be 
made  cognisant  at  an  earlv  moment  of  the  approach  of 
those  they  looked  for. 

Thus  they  remained  for  some  time,  talking  busily  with 
each  other ;  but  as  the  subject  was  almost  exclusively  their 
project  for  leaving  England,  their  conversation  would  be 
tedious  to  set  down. 

Night  came  at  length. 

The  stars,  one  by  one,  peeped  forth,  and  at  length  the 
moon  rose  in  all  her  silver  majesty. 

Her  beams,  unobstructed  by  any  intervening  obstacle, 
lighted  up  the  open  plain  around  to  a  great  distance, 
and  the  hoary  stones  themselves  seemed  to  catch  and 
reflect  a  portion  of  her  argentine  lustre. 

But  morning  came  at  length,  but  without  bringing  those 
they  wished  to  see. 

Anxious  and  impatient,  they  passed  the  hours  for  the 
most  part  in  uneasy  slumber. 

The  perpetual  suspense  that  they  endured  was  hard 
indeed  to  bear,  but  there  was  no  help  for  it,  though  this 
knowledge  afforded  them  but  a  small  amount  of  consola- 
tion. 

It  was  not,  indeed,  until  the  third  night — when  all  were 
6ick  and  weary  with  long  waiting — that  their  watching 
was  rewarded. 

Just  at  that  time  when  the  indistinctness  of  twilight 
merges  into  the  obscurity  of  night  Dick  Turpin  uttered  a 
low  sound,  which  had  the  effect  of  causing  all  the  rest  to 
come  clustering  round  him. 

"  Hush — hush !"  he  said — "  keep  baok !  I  think  all  is 
well.  But  etill,  let  us  keep,  if  we  can,  upon  the  safe 
side." 

Tom  Davis  was  with  great  difficulty  restrained  from 
rushing  forward. 

But  Claude  Duval  twined  his  arms  round  him  and  held 
him  fast. 

"No — no,"  he  said — "no  you  don't,  Tom!  Just  keep 
quiet  a  bit,  will  you !" 

"  But  I  tell  you  they  are  approaching." 

"Well,  if  they  are,  there  can  be  no  harm  in  waiting  a 
moment  or  two  in  order  to  make  sure." 

"  Sure  1"  echoed  Tom.  u  Do  you  think  that  I  could  be 
in  any  doubt  respecting  those  two  forms  which  are  so 
well  known  to  me  ?  No — no  1  you  may  be  doubtful,  but  I 
am  sure — quite  sure !" 

"It  may  be  so,"  said  Dick;  "but  still,  the  general 
safety  requires  that  you  and  all  the  rest  remain  here  in 
concealment  Who  knows  ? — they  may  be  watched.  Be 
still,  I  say — your  patience  will  not  be  put  to  trial  for  more 
than  a  moment  longer." 

With  eager,  expectant  eyes,  Tom  Davis  fixed  his  gaze 
upon  the  two  dusky  forms  which  could  be  seen  approach- 

Despite  the  general  gloom,  it  was  quite  certain  that  they 
were  females.     « 

One  seemed  much  overcome  with  weariness,  and  at 
every  few  step3  would  pause  and  lean  heavily  for  support 
upon  her  companion,  whose  slight  figure  seemed  but  ill 
adapted  to  sustain  her  weight. 

For  some  time  they  came  on  in  a  direct  line  towards 
them,  as  ibough  in  no  sort  of  doubt  whatever  as  to  their 
destination. 

But  as  they  drex  nearer  this  confidence  of  demeanour 
vanished,  and  irresolution  succeeded. 

"  They  will  never  find  us  if  we  do  not  disclose  ocr- 
selves,"  wbl»pered  Tom  Davis,  in  an  agony  of  impatience, 
which  made  him  regardless  of  what  the  captain  had  said. 

This  seemed  only  too  probable  ;  but  Dick  was  somehow 
strangely  impressed  with  the  idea  that  there  wac  great 
necessity  for  cautiousness. 


Apparently  there  was  nothing  either  isible  or  audible 
to  account  for  this  feeling. 

At  length,  however,  in  a  low  tone  of  voice  he  cried 
out: 

"This  way— this  way!  Ellen- Ellen  I  Hist)  T'hla 
way!" 

A  glad  cry  from  the  girl's  lips  let  him  know  tha.  Ue  uad 
been  hoard,  though  Dick  was  much  annoyed  at  the  want  of 
caution  which  this  evinced. 

The  sound  reached  also  the  ears  of  Mrs.  Davis,  who 
felt  her  exhausted  strength  suddenly  return. 

In  another  moment  the  dark  black  shadow  of  the  Druid's 
Stones  was  reached. 

Over  the  meeting  we  shall  pass  in  silence,  feeling  sure 
that,  knowing  so  much  of  all  the  characters  as  the  reader 
does,  it  must  be  easier  to  imagine  than  describe  it. 

As  soon  as  ever  the  first  demonstrations  of  jo  were 
over,  Diok  questioned  Ellen. 

"Have  you  had  an  i> "interrupted  journey  hither  "  he 
asked. 

"  Perfectly  so." 

"  You  have  seen  nothing  of  the  officers  ? — you  have  no 
reason  to  suppose  that  any  of  our  foes  followed  you  from 
London  ?" 

"lam  almost  certain  not." 

"How  almost?" 

"  As  certain  as  anyone  could  be  who  was  not  actually 
informed  of  the  fact." 

Dick  drew  a  long  breath  of  relief. 

"  Why,  so  far,  then,  all  is  well,"  said  Tom  King. 

"  Yes,"  added  Sixteen-String  Jack  ;  "  let  us  set  about 
leaving  at  once." 

"  In  good  time.  I  see  no  reason  for  immediate  haste  ;  I 
would  fain  learn  how  matters  stand  in  London.  Doubtless 
Old  Matthew  has  sent  some  message.  Tell  us,"  he  added, 
turning  to  Ellen,  "  did  you  not  meet  with  Old  Matthew  as 
soon  as  you  were  liberated  ?" 

"  No  But  we  were  accosted  by  some  one  who  said  he 
was  a  friend  of  his,  and  promised  to  take  us  to  him." 

"  And  did  he  so  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  And  he  found  you  a  shelter  ?" 

"  Yes.  We  are  both  most  grateful  to  him,  and  to  you 
who  prompted  it." 

"Never  mind  that  now,"  interrupted  Dick,  hastily. 
"  When  you  left,  what  did  he  tell  you  ?" 

"  That  we  were  to  say  that  the  officers  were  all  uncom- 
monly quiet,  and  that  he  <*»d  not  half  like  it.  He  could 
not  make  out  what  this  change  of  tactics  meant,  and  felt 
much  troubled  concerning  it. 

"  And  was  that  all  ?" 

"  All,  save  that  he  had  a  piece  of  advice  to  offer  you, which 
he  hoped  you  would  have  the  good  sense  not  only  to 
listen  to  but  follow — those  were  his  exaot  words,"  Ellen 
added. 

"And  what  was  this  advice  ?" 

"  That  you  should  all  leave  England  at  the  very  earliest 
moment  possible,  and  not  return  to  it  for  some  time." 

"  Hurrah  for  Matthew's  advice  I"  said  Sixteen-String 

"  Hush— hush !' 

"What  is  it?" 

"Nothing,  only  we  ought  not  to  be  too  noisy.  Old 
Matthew's  counsel  shall  not  be  disregarded  even  for  a 
moment.  I  feel  that  this  complete  silence  on  the  part  of 
the  officers  is  a  bad  sign  for  us,  and  as  soon  an  you  can  get 
your  horses  ready  we  will  start." 


CHAPTER  MLXII 

ADVERTS  TO  THE  ENERGETIC  PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE 
POLICE  OFFICERS  IN  LONDON. 

In  order  that  the  calamitous  events  which  followed  the 
arri"-vl  of  the  highwaymen  at  Stonehenge  may  be  fully 
understood,  it  will  be  necessary  for  us  to  devote  a  little 
space  to  the  occurrences  which  had  been  taking  place  in 
London — to  explain,  in  fact,  that  extraordinary  lull  on 
the  part  of  the  officers  of  justice  which,  as  Old  Matthew 
and  Dick  Turpin  rightly  thought,  was  no  good  sigD. 

In  the  first  place,  then,  we  must  mention  %  singula/ 
coincidence. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  when  Claude  imposed  so 
cleverly  upon  the  credulous  squire,  be  stated  something 


THE  KNIGHT  OP  THE  ROAD. 


1829 


irhich  he  thought  probable  enough,  but  without  knowing 
that  such  a  thing  had  been  done. 

He  passed  himself  off  as  an  agent  from  the  chief  magis- 
trate at  Bow  Street,  and  stated  that  certain  high  Govern- 
ment officials  had  sent  an  urgent  communication  respect- 
ing the  many  failures  which  had  been  made  to  capture  the 
highwaymen. 

Now,  oddly  enough,  this  was  exactly  what  had  taken 
place. 

The  numerous  defeats  which  the  police  officera  ha<!  met 
with,  and  the  no  better  success  which  had  attended  the 
plan  of  patrolling  the  roads  by  dragoons,  were  felt  to  be  a 
scandal  and  disgrace  to  the  police  officials. 

The  people  at  large,  ever  ready  to  find  fault  with  the 
ruling  powers,  were  loud  in  their  complaints,  and  these 
complaints  at  length  reached  the  ears  of  hia  Majesty's 
officers  of  State— or  rather,  the  outcry  became  so  loud, 
that  they  could  no  longer  pretend  to  be  ignorant  of 
it. 

Accordingly  a  particular  message,  of  a  private  and  con- 
fidential character,  was  sent  to  the  ohief  magistrate  at 
Bow  Street  respecting  the  matter  in  question 

The  subject  of  this  communication  was,  that  he  must 
make  use  of  every  means  he  could  to  capture  the  high- 
waymen, either  dead  or  alive ;  and  further  added,  that  if 
this  was  not  done  after  the  elapsion  of  a  reasonable  time, 
he  would  be  dismissed  from  office. 

This  was  the  most  unpalatable  and  alarming  part  of  the 
missive,  but  it  was  smoothed  over  by  the  addition  that  in 
the  event  of  early  success  he  might  look  forward  to  aome 
lasting  and  substantial  recognition  of  his  services. 
This  hint  was  enough. 

The  magistrate  felt  he  must  bestir  himself,  for  already 
he  had  remained  at  his  post  almost  long  enough  to  entitle 
him  to  a  life  pension  should  he  be  removed  from  it  from 
any  cause ;  so  that  dismissal,  in  his  case,  would  have 
been  excessively  aggravating. 

Upon  receiving  the  communication  the  magistrate  re- 
solved to  lose  no  time  in  taking  promptly  the  strictest 
steps. 

A  conversation  with  his  chief  clerk  resulted  in  an  inter- 
view with  a  very  singular  individual,  who  rejoiced  in  the 
cognomen  of  Antrobus  Skellum. 

This  man  had  led  for  some  time  a  precarious  life  in 
making  himself  generally  useful  in  police  business,  and  in 
all  that  he  undertook  displayed  so  much  sagacity  and 
cunning  that  it  was  supposed  he  would  prove  the  best 
agent  for  the  capture  of  the  celebrated  highwaymen. 

Until  this  moment  the  chief  magistrate  had  never 
troubled  himself  to  notice  very  particularly  the  exterior 
appearance  of  this  man ;  but  now,  looking  at  him,  he  saw 
that  he  was  a  little  under-sized  fellow  with  a  very  wiry 
frame,  and,  probably,  having  not  one  ounce  of  superfluous 
flesh  over  his  whole  body. 

His  eyes  were  bright  and  piercing,  and  the  magistrate, 
who,  from  his  very  occupation,  was  no  bad  judge  of  human 
nature,  felt  at  once  that  chance  had  supplied  him  with  the 
very  agent  he  required,  and  that  if  he  failed  to  accomplish 
his  purpose  it  would  be  strange  indeed. 

Skellum's  eyes  grew  brighter  than  ever  when  he  learned 
the  cause  for  which  he  had  been  summoned  before  the 
magistrate. 

"  If  you  will  only  place  power  enough  at  my  disposal, 
and  give  me  a  decent  sum  by  way  of  a  reward,"  he  said, 
"  I  will  undertake  the  capture  of  them  all  before  a  month 
from  the  present  date." 

"  What  power  do  you  require  ?" 

"  As  many  police  officers  as  I  may  judge  necessary  for 
my  purpose,  all  of  whom  must  be  absolutely  under  my 
control,  and  who  are  to  obey  all  my  instructions  faithfully 
and  without  demur." 

"Granted,"  said  the  magistrate.        'You  shall   have 
them.    And  now  for  the  reward." 
"  That,  your  worship,  I  leave  to  you." 
•'  Nay — nay :    name  your  terms,  and  let  the  matter  be 
settled  now  add  for  all 

Skellum  paused  for  a  moment  in  deep  reflection,  as 
though  weighing  his  chances  of  makings,  good  thing  of 
the  business  in  hand. 

The  magistrate  grew  impatient. 

"  Two  guineas  a  week,"  said  Skellum,  at  length,  "  for  as 
long  as  either  of  us  may  live.  No  matter  which  die9,  the 
payment  ceases." 

The  magistrate  stared,   or  he  had  not  fcuiicipabtd  that  a 


reward  would  have  been  asked  for  in  such  a  shape  as 
this. 

He  held  a  whispered  conference  with  his  clerk,  and 
took  into  account  Skellum's  age  and  the  probable  length 
of  time  he  would  live. 

Last  of  all  he  thought  that  his  pension  depended  upon 
this  man's  success,  and  that  decided  him. 

He  thought  he  could  well  afford  to  pay  such  a  sum  out 
of  the  amount  to  which  he  would  be  entitled. 
"  Agreed  1"  he  said. 

But  Skellum  was  particular,  and  required  a  written 
memorandum  of  the  agreement,  in  order  that  there  might 
be  no  dispute  in  the  future. 

After  some  demur  this  was   given,  and  an  authority 
issued  for  him  to  pick  out  of  the  whole  force  such  men  as 
he  thought  would  be  most  likely  to  perform  efficiently 
the  services  he  required  of  them. 
Skellum  began  without  delay. 

To  detail  the  whole  of  his  proceedings  would  be  some- 
what tedious. 

We  shall  give,  instead,  a  gece-.-,;!  outline  of  his 
actions. 

After  much  earnest  deliberation  and  the  abandonment 
of  many  plans  which  had  suggested  themselves  to  his 
quick-witted  intellect,  he  remembered  the  fact  of  Mrs. 
Davis  and  Ellen  being  under  sentence. 

His  next  step  was  to  ascertain  when  the  term  would 
expire,  and  found  that  he  had  not  long  to  wait. 

He  then  made  a  further  stipulation,  which  was.  that  no 
active  measures  should  be  taken  by  anyone  else  in  London 
against  the  highwaymen  but  himself. 

This  was  the  cause  of  that  cessation  of  hostilities  which 
had  first  surprised  Old  Matthew,  and  afterwards  caused 
him  to  'xperience  considerable  alarm  ;  for  Skellum  was 
so  caretul  tnat  be  managed  to  preserve  a  complete  secrecy 
as  to  his  intentions. 

The  success  he  met  with  in  this  respect  may  be  bpst  un- 
derstood and  estimated  when  we  6ay  that  Old  Matthew  was 
kept,  in  the  dark  respecting  his  designs. 

There  was  something,  too,  quite  augurative  of  success 
in  the  calmness  and  patience  with  which  he  waited  for 
the  ripening  of  his  plans. 

It  was  suggestive  of  the  manner  in  which  a  cat  will 
keep  on  the  watch  for  prey,  with  the  certainty  that  if  it 
only  waits  long  enough  its  object  will  be  achieved. 

Thus  matters  went  on  until  the  morning  when  the 
prisoners  were  released  from  durance. 

A  trusty  agent  of  Mr.  Skellum's  was  placed  on  the 
watch  at  the  outer  gate. 

He  would  have  performed  the  service  himself,  only  he 
feared  that  if  he  wa3  seen  there  the  cause  of  his  presence 
would  be  suspected. 

This  man  performed  his  part  so  well  as  to  escape  the 
notice  of  the  person  Old  Matthew  had  sent,  in  pursuance 
of  his  agreement  with  the  highwaymen,  to  meet  the  pri- 
soners. 

With  the  vigilance  of  a  fox,  Skellum's  agent  watched 
every  movement  made,  and  finally  succeeded  in  tracking 
them  all  to  the  house  which  Old  Matthew  had  provided 
for  their  reception. 

This  was  done,  too,  without  giving  rise  to  the  least 
alarm. 

The  house  was  situated  in  a  small  back  street,  and  the 
spy  took  lodgings  at  a  house  immediately  opposite,  so  as 
to  remain  perpetually  on  the  watch. 

At  dusk  he  was  joined  by  Skellum,  who  had  been  made 
Acquainted  with  his  whereabouts. 

"  You  are  sure  they  do  not  suspect  that  they  have  been 
watched  and  follotf  'd  ?" 
"  Quite  sure." 

Skellum  rubbed  his  hands  gleefully. 
"  All  will  be  well  now,"  he  cried,  exultantly.  "  It  is  no- 
thing but  fair  and  straightforward  sailing  now.  No  more  is 
to  be  done  save  to  keep  a  close  watch  upon  the  movements 
of  those  two  females,  and  we  shall  come  up  with  the  whole 
gang  at  last." 

The  spy  himself  was  sanguine  of  success,  and  as  he  had 
been  offered  a  very  considerable  reward,  he  felt  quite  a 
warm  interest  in  the  affair. 

But  when  a  whole  week  elapsed  without  either  JWIsn 
or  Mrs.  Davis  having  gone  abroad,  doubts  began  to  in- 
trude themselves  npon  him. 
He  mentioned  them,  but  Skellum  only  laughed. 
"  I  am  so  sure  in  my  own  mind  that  what  I  have  saiJ 


1880 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OB, 


will  come  to  pass,  that  I  should  have  patience  enough  to 
remain  for  a  month,  or  even  longer,  watching  thus. 

It  was  on  the  very  next  day  after  this  that  something 
eccurred  which  would  have  had  the  effect  of  strengthen- 
ing Sk'JIum's  convictions  had  they  showed  any  signs  of 
w'Ji«euing. 

This  was  that  Old  Matthew,  under  "over  of  the  -I  j-irk- 
ness,  one  night  paid  them  a  visit 

Our  jovial  friend  had  waited  as  he  tnought  a  sufficient 
time ;  and  being,  as  we  have  said,  in  jntire  ignorance  with 
regard  to  Mr.  Skellum  aad  his  doings,  conceived  that  ho 
had  waited  long  enough  to  make  it  safe  for  him  to  -^ay  a 
visit. 

"  Keep  good  watch  now,"  said  Skellum,  as  soon  as  he 
was  informed  of  this  evest-— "  keep  good  watch  ;  for,  rely 
upon  it,  the  time  is  close  at  hand  when  the  birch  will 
take  their  flight,  and  we  must  be  prepared  to  follow  them 
with  all  secrecy." 

This  made  the  spy  more  watchful  still,  for  he  had  the 
very  highest  opinion  of  Skellum's  abilities. 

But  another  week  elapsed,  and  then  Old  Matthew  paid 
another  visit. 

This  was  the  period  at  which  he  told  them  that  it  was 
time  for  them  to  start,  and  gave  them  such  informa- 
tion as  would  enable  them  to  reach  their  destination 

The  quiescence  of  the  officers  made  him  more  and  more 
uneasy,  and  occasioned  him  to  send  that  message  to  Dick 
Turpin  which  the  reader  has  already  heard  Ellen  deliver. 

He  was  most  particular  in'enjoining  secrecy ;  but,  alas ! 
how  needlessly — all  their  efforts  were  of  no  avail,  and 
he  himself  did  not  believe  that  the  police  officers  were 
watching  the  premises. 

Matthew  himself  provided  them  with  funds  for  their 
journey,  which,  however,  he  recommended  they  should 
make  on  foot,  as  they  had  plenty  ot  time  before  them,  and 
by  this  means  it  would  be  more  difficult  to  trace  them. 

Old  Matthew  then  bade  them  farewell,  and  took  his  de- 
parture. 

Skellum  was  now  on  the  alert  in  good  earnest. 

He  took  every  precaution  which  astuteness  and  an 
anxious  desire  of  success  oould  suggest. 

Then  he  waited,  and  on  the  following  night,  happening 
to  be  at  his  spy's  lodgings,  he  was  rewarded  by  seeing 
the  pair  come  forth. 

Wi*,h  the  same  skill  as  before,  Ellen  and  Mrs.  Davis 
were  followed ;  but  though  both  turned  continually  and 
looked  anxiously  behind  them,  they  had  not  the  least  sus- 
picion that  foes  were  on  their  track. 

And  thus  they  commenced  their  long  and  tedious 
journey. 

In  one  respect,  however,  Skellum,  with  all  his  adroit- 
ness, was  at  fault. 

When  he  saw  them  set  out  on  foot,  he  had  jumped  to 
the  conclusion  that  they  had  not  far  to  journey. 

He  was  not  long  in  discovering  his  mistake,  and  wished 
he  could  hit  upon  some  means  of  discovering  their  desti- 
nation. 

This  he  was  compelled  to  abandon  as  impossible,  for  he 
gave  them  both  credit  for  possessing  sufficient  good 
sense  to  preserve  this  a  complete  secret. 

He  again  summoned  patience  to  his  aid,  and  of  this 
commodity  he  possessed  a  tolerably  good  stock. 

But  he  continued  to  lay  his  plans. 

He  strengthened  his  force,  and  sent  to  the  chief  magis- 
trate accounts  in  which  he  expressed  himself  more 
sanguine  than  ever  of  success.  q 

One  person  alone  followed  the  fugitives,  and  as  Le  went 
along  he  continued  to  leave  accounts  of  his  progress,  so 
that  the  officers  Skellum  commanded  had  no  difficulty 
in  keeping  in  his  footsteps,  nor  was  tnere  any  necessity 
for  the  observance  of  secrecy  on  their  part. 

When  he  had  gone  far  enough  to  form  an  idea  of  their 
course,  he  guessed  their  destination  to  be  some  point  on 
the  south-western  coast. 

"  We  shall  have  a  good  haul,"  ho  said,  triumphantly,  to 
himself — "  we  shall  nail  them  just  as  they  are  ioout  to 
make  their  escape  from  England.  Ha  !  ha  !  my  annuity  is 
as  good  as  secure  now  ;  and,  upon  my  word,  I  believe  that 
I  have  earned  it." 

In  this 'comfortable  state  of  mind  he  continued  the 
journey,  though  the  slow  progress  they  were  comjjelled 
to  make  was  excessively  tiresome  and  trying  to 
thepatience  of  the  men. 

Whenever  he  fancied  he  discovered  any  symptom  of 


disaffection  he  painted,  in  glowing  colours,  the  certainty 
there  was  that  they  would  achieve  success  >£  they  con- 
tinued to  remain  true  to  his  instructions. 

He  was  afraid  to  remain  far  behind  in  the  rear  of  his 
spy,  for  of  course  he  could  not  tell  how  soon  the  fugitives 
might  join  the  highwaymen,  and  he  was  desirous  of 
pouncing  upon  them  at  unawares. 

Thus  matters  went  on,  with  little  to  vary  the  monotony 
whicn  characterised  them,  except  that  e?-  h  day  their  pro- 
gress became  slower  and  slower. 

Mrs.  Davis  was  excessively  feeble,  and  Ellen  by  no 
means  sirong. 

The  reader  will  easily  believe  this  when  he  remembers 
how  much  both  had  latterly  gone  through. 

At  last,  however,  Salisbury  Plain  was  gained,  and  the 
knowledge  that  they  were  so  near  tne  appointed  meeting- 
place  reanimated  the  failing  strength  of  both. 

But  the  open  character  of  the  ground  now  made  it  most 
difficult  for  the  spy  to  perform  his  duty  unseen. 

Still,  by  various  stratagems,  he  omtinued  to  keep  his 
prey  in  sight,  until  he  beheld  them  enter  Stonehenge. 

Then  he  paused,  and  finally  retraced  his  ctaps  to  a  little 
distance. 

Here  he  waited  for  the  arrival  of  the  troop. 

"  Ha,"  said  Skellum,  in  whom  this  intelligence  had  pro- 
duced an  excellent  flow  of  spirits,  "now  I  have  it !  This 
will  prove  the  meeting-place  for  all  the  gang,  which  1 
know  to  have  been  dispersed  I  If  we  aro  careful  we  shall 
have  them  all  at  one  swoop !" 

Skellum  waa  amply  provided  with  men,  and  he  set 
about  taking  his  measures  with  great  rapidity  and  pru- 
dence. 

He  seemed  to  grasp  at  the  capaoilities  of  the  place  at 
once. 

He  was  most  particular  to  enjoin  stealthf illness  on  the 
part  of  his  men,  who  were  able  to  make  their  way  over 
the  soft  turf  almost  unheard. 

Having  first  of  all  seen  them  posted  round  the  ruins  in 
a  circle,  with  the  men  at  such  distances  that  they  could 
communicatee  readily  with  each  other,  he  proceeded  to  visit 
them  one  by  one,  and  ascertain  that  their  weapons  were  in 
perfect  order. 

He  also  gave  them  their  instructions  one  after  the  other, 
sq  that  there  should  be  no  fear  of  a  misunderstand' 
ing. 

The  course  he  had  decided  upon  to  capture  our 
friends  was  fearfully  well  calculated  to  answer  the  end 
in  view. 

Having  placed  his  men  round  the  ruins  as  we  have 
described,  he  told  them  to  be  in  readiness  to  advance 
slowly  and  steadily,  and,  as  near  as  possible,  all  at  the 
same  rate  of  speed. 

The  consequence  of  this  was  that  as  they  thus  advanced 
the  circle  became  less  and  less,  and  by  consequence  the 
men  got  closer  to  each  other,  until  they  were  ere  long 
shoulder  to  shoulder. 

So  silently  had  all  their  movements  up  to  this  moment 
taken  place  that  the  highwaymen  were  entirely  unaware 
of  their  proximity. 

The  police  officers  listened. 

They  heard  sounds  which  convinced  them  that  those 
they  sought  were  close  at  hand. 

"Now  a  sudden  rush,"  said  Skellum,  " and  the  business 
will  be  done — we  shall  be  upon  them  before  they  know 
what  is  the  matter  I  Be,  every  one  of  you,  ready  to  make 
the  best  use  of  your  powers  during  the  next  few 
moments !  All  is  ready  1  Forward — forward  !  Down 
with  them  all !  Remember,  dead  or  alive !  In  either  case 
the  reward  is  just  the  same  I  Forward — forward  I" 

CHAPTER   MLXiIL 

THE   RKSULl    OF     J  HE     POUCE     OFFICERS'     AdTACK     UPON 
DICK   TUKPIS    AMD   HIS   FRIENDS    AT   STONEHENGE. 

The  reader  now  will  have  no  difficulty  in  thoroughly 
comprehending  the  tremendous  nature  of  the  peril  with 
which  the  highwaymen  and  their  friends  were  threatened. 

So  well  generaled  had  the  police  officers  been  that  they 
were  all  in  utter  ignt.rance  of  their  proximity. 

One  or  two  causes  conspired  to  produce  this  result. 

In  the  first  place  there  was  the  general  oxcitement  which 
took  place  on  the  arrival  of  Ellen  and  Mrs.  Davis,  and 
during  which  they  had  omitted  to  make  use  of  theit 
customary  caution. 


THS   KNIGHT   OF   TH1   ROiJ). 


1681 


A  gusty  wind,  too,  had  blown  up,  which  every  moment 

increased  in  intensity,  and  the  odd  whistling  sound  which 

__tt  made  in  searching  a  passage  through  the  crevices  of  the 

~~*c\&  stones  was  sufficient  to  submerge  any  slight  occasional 

sound. 

^Moreover,  this  wind  had  brought  with  it  some  neuse 
masses  of  black  cloud,  which  went  driving  across  the 
heavens,  threatening  every  moment  to  discharge  «  i*t<rr«int 
of  rain  upon  the  earth  below. 

The  elements,  therefore,  went  very  Car  to  favour  tb/> 
officers. 

It  was,  howevei,  just  before  the  police  officers  made 
their  onslaught,  that  Dick  Turpia  uttered  those  words 
which  will  be  found  at  the  close  of  at  preceding 
ohapter. 

As  there  was  a  unanimouw  desire  to  quit  the  ruins, 
preparations  were  instantly  commenced  for  a  departure. 

Tom  Davis,  Claude,  Jack,  and  Tom  King  started  off  to 
fetch  the  horses ;  and  this  was  the  time  that  they  first 
became  aware  of  their  peril. 

"  Danger — danger  1"  cried  Tom  King,  at  the  top  of  his 
voice,  and  preparing  himself  for  an  immediate  defence. 
"  The  foe  is  upon  us !  The  ruins  are  alive  with  officers  !" 

The  concluding  words  had  scarcely  passed  his  lips 
before  the  whole  troop  rushed  into  the  small  open  space 
where  the  conference  of  our  friends  had  taken  place. 

Some  remained  mounted,  while  others  were  on  foot,  so 
as  to  be  in  readiness  to  attack  in  every  way. 

So  suddenly  did  this  irruption  of  the  officers  take  place — 
so  utterly  unexpected  was  any  such  event,  that  our  friends 
were  completely  paralysed  by  surprise. 

Even  Dick  Turpin,  accustomed  as  he  was  to  sudden 
surprises  of  every  description,  stood  as  though  he  had 
been  suddenly  converted  into  stone. 

True  to  the  bloodthirsty  hint  which  had  been  given 
them,  the  officers  discharged  their  pistols  ;  but  they  were 
too  hasty  and  too  excited  for  the  volley  to  produce  as 
much  harm  as  one  would  have  anticipated  from  it. 

After  this  all  was  confusion. 

Had  there  been  a  disinterested  spectator  of  *he  »«,.,e, 
he  would  have  been  conscious  of  nothing  save  the  clash 
of  weapons,  loud  yells,  groans,  and  cries,  and  the  discharge 
of  firearms. 

Mingled  with  all  this  could  be  heard  the  trampling  of 
horses,  the  rushing  of  many  feet,  and  general  uproar  and 
confusion,  while  the  gloom  which  prevailed  was  trebly 
increased  by  the  smoke  from  the  exploded  weapons, 
which  hovered  over  the  combatants  like  a  mimic 
crowd. 

Dick  Turpin's  .surprise,  however,  lasted  only  until  the 
first  pistol  shot  fell  upon  his  ear. 

That  well-known  and  familiar  sound  brought  him  to 
himself. 

In  the  twinkling  of  an  eye  he  was  ready  for  action. 

But,  to  his  dismay  and  horror,  a  wild  and  awful 
shriek  thrilled  from  the  lips  of  Maud ;  and  after  a  frantic 
effort  to  save  herself  by  grasping  at  Dick's  apparel,  she 
fell  heavily  to  the  ground. 

Such  an  event  as  this  was  sure  to  have  one  of  two 
effects  upon  Turpin. 

It  would  either  render  him  motionless  or  helpless,  or 
else  endue  him  with  the  rage  and  vigour  of  a  dozen 
men. 

Fortunately,  it  was  the  latter  effect  which  was  pro- 
duced upon  him. 

In  fact,  it  may  be  questioned  whether  he  instantly 
comprehended  to  the  full  extent  what  had  happened. 

Be  it  how  it  may,  he  bestrode  Maud's  prostrate  body,  and, 
levelling  the  two  pistols  which  he  held  full  at  the  forms  of 
the  officers  who  were  in  the  act  of  rushing  npon  him, 
discharged  them. 

Both  bullets  told,  for,  despite  his  tremendous  agitation, 
Dick's  nerves  were  steady. 

Without  pausing,  he  flung  the  two  useless  weapons  at 
his  foes  with  the  full  strength  of  his  arms. 

His  next  act  was  to  stoop  and  raise  Maud. 

Bupematural  strength  seemed  to  be  afforded  him,  *or  he 
lifted  her  up  with  as  much  ease  and  swiftness  &>  he  could 
have  done  a  little  child. 

Then,  having  nothing  before  him  but  Maud's  peril  he 
made  a  rush  to  escape. 

But  it  was  scarcely  possible  he  could  succeed  in  geiti"yj 
otear  of  so  many  foes. 

But  fortune  favoured  him. 


Close  beside  him  was  his  own  gallant  mare,  Black 
Bess,  standing  calm  and  unhurt  amid  the  tumult. 

Never  had  she  rendered  her  owner  a  greater  or  more 
highly-prized  service  than  by  being  at  hand  at  that  junc- 
ture. 

The  rapidity  which  characterised  all  Dick's  movements 
now  was  something  marvellous. 

In  a  second,  with  a  continuation  of  the  preter- 
natural strength  with  which  he  had  been  endowed,  he 
placed  Maud  across  the  back  of  Black  Bess,  and  sprang 
into  the  saddle  behind  her  himself. 

But  rapid  as  he  had  been,  yet  the  time  had  been  suf- 
ficient to  enable  his  foes  to  be  busy ;  and  just  when  he  had 
accomplished  thus  much,  our  hero  found  his  further  pro- 
gress opposed. 

But  he  was  then  more  like  a  madman  than  a  sane  being, 
and  bent  only  on  one  thing — namely,  a  frenzied  desire  to 
escape. 

He  drew  his  sword,  and  flashed  it  round  him  with  so 
mnch  vigour  and  with  such  lightning-like  rapidity,  that 
his  foes  scattered  before  him  like  chaff,  and  shrunk  from 
him  as  from  a  demon. 

"On,  Bess!"  he  cried.  "On— on,  old  lass!  If  ever 
you  strove  for  your  master,  strive  now !" 

Black  Bess  seemed  not  only  to  hear  his  voice,  tut  also 
to  comprehend  the  purport  of  the  very  words  her  rider 
uttered. 

She  reared  and  plunged  as  though  driven  to  mad- 
ness. 

Turpin's  foes  shrank  from  her  iron-bound  hoofs. 

But  the  struggle  was  only  for  a  space  of  time  so  brief 
that  we  are  unable  to  find  a  word  to  characterise  it, 
though  to  Dick  it  seemed  an  age. 

With  one  bound  Bess  cleared  herself  from  the  police 
officers — another  took  her  beyond  the  precincts  of  the 
ruins. 

Never  before  had  she  taken  such  furious  leaps. 

Nothing  could  withstand  them. 

Away — away  she  flew. 

Shots  were  tired  from  the  rear,  but  Dick  heeded  them 
not. 

Other  officers  spurred  their  steeds  unmercifully — steeds 
which  had  been  expressly  chosen  by  Skellum  for  their 
more  than  ordinary  powers  of  swiftness  and  endur- 
ance. 

On  they  came,  till  the  earth  seemed  to  shake  and  re- 
sound beneath  the  furious  beat  of  the  iron  hoofs. 

But  of  this  also  Dick  was  supremely  heedless. 

He  laughed  to  scorn  their  puny  efforts,  for  Black  Bess 
was  bounding  over  Salisbury  Plain  with  the  swiftness  of 
an  antelope  which  finds  itself  hard  pressed  by  the  hunts- 
men. 

As  though  utterly  unconscious  of  the  double  burden 
which  she  carried,  she  kept  up  that  long  stretching  gallop 
for  which  she  was  so  remarkable. 

Away — away,  until  in  the  distance  can  be  seen  the 
boundary  of  the  huge  plain  they  are  traversing  with  such 
rapid  flight,  and  until  the  police  officers  are  far  behind. 

But  yet  the  gallant  animal  relaxed  not  her  speed,  seem- 
ing rather  to  possess  some  portion  of  the  frenzy  with 
which  her  rider's  heart  and  brain  were  filled. 

But  we  must  leave  them  thus  for  awhile,  and  return  to 
ihe  scene  of  action,  where  much  had  taken  place  to  which 
attention  must  be  given. 

We  shall  have  to  treat  of  these  occurrences  successively ; 
but  of  course  the  reader  will  understand  that  this  is  com- 
pulsory, though  the  events  themselves  occurred  simulta- 
neously. 

When  they  made  their  first  suarfen  dash,  the  police 
officers  succeeded  in  seizing  four  persons,  or  rather  five, 
for  they  grasped  Claude,  but  he,  by  a  rapid,  ready  move- 
ment, and  by  a  powerful  exertion  of  his  enormous 
strength,  contrived  to  get  free  and  stand  upon  **»»  .pen- 
sive. 

The  other  four  were  not  so  fortunate. 

These  were  Tom  Davis,  his  wife,  Ellen,  and  Bfxteen- 
String  Jack  respectively. 

The  three  fir6t  made  very  little,  if  any,  resistance,  and 
were  immediately  dragged  away,  Tom  Davis  himself 
having  received  a  pistol  shot. 

As  for  Sixteen-String  Jack  himself,  he  was  thrown 
into  a  complete  state  of  paralysis,  caused  by  intense  sur- 
prise. 
Nothing  could  possibly  hare  astonished  him  more  than 


1838 


BLACK   BESS;    OB, 


for  the  officers  thus  to  spring  upon  them,  and  for  some 
moments  he  was  literally  bereft  of  motion. 

He  only  stood  and  stared  around  him,  and,  Indeed,  ex- 
hibited all  those  signs  of  semi-consciousness  which  some- 
times follow  a  heavy  blow. 

He  could  scarcely  believe  that  his  eyeo  won*  uirving 
nim  aright. 

When  he  recovered  himself  from  this  state  of  mental 
stupor,  which  in  reality  had  not  lasted  half  so  long  as  he 
haJ  imagined,  he  found  himseK  standing  calmly  with  a 
police  of^cer  on  each  side  of  him,  the  vice-like  oharacter 
of  whose  grasp  was  far  from  pleasant. 

The  officers  we  in  no  slight  degree  amazed  by  the 
apathy  of  their  prisoner. 

His  demeanour  was  so  different  to  what  they  had  ex- 
pected that  they  scarcely  knew  what  to  make  of  it. 

The  instant  he  recovered  himself,  Jack  made  a  sudden 
effort  to  release  himself. 

But  it  was  in  vain. 

He  discovered,  first  of  all,  that  his  wrists  had  been 
securely  handcuffed  behind  his  back,  which  mane  any- 
thing like  an  effectual  struggle  out  of  the  question . 

A  dull  sensation  of  aching  pain  somewhere  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  his  ankle  joint  made  him  sensible  that 
he  had  been  injured  in  that  quarter. 

By  the  pain,  he  fancied  it  must  be  from  a  pistol 
bullet. 

Both  the  officers  by  whom  he  was  held  had  their  drawn 
swords  in  their  right  hands,  and  they  at  once  presented 
their  points  menacingly  at  the  breast  of  their  prisoner, 
while  they  said,  in  tones  which  admitted  no  doubt  of 
their  sincerity : 

"If  you  offer  any  resistance  we  will  make  short  of  the 
matter  by  plunging  these  swords  into  your  heart,  for  our 
orders  are  to  take  you  dead  or  alive — it  matters  not 
which  I" 

Upon  hearing  these  words,  Jack  gave  himself  up  for 
lost. 

At  any  rate,  it  would  have  been  a  mere  act  of  suicide  to 
have  offered  any  further  resistance  then.  ft 

"  I  surrender,"  he  said  calmly.  "  I  cannot  help  my- 
self." 

"  Spoken  like  a  sensible  man,  who  knows  how  to  give 
in  handsomely  when  he  is  beaten." 

To  this  maxim  the  highwayman  made  no  comment. 

His  brow  was  contracted,  and  his  breath  came  thick 
and  fast  as  he  gazed  upon  the  scene  of  carnage  going  on 
before  him. 

But  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  this  resignation  to  his  fate 
was  seeming  only,  and  that  the  expression  of  his  uncon- 
ditional surrender  was  only  made  in  the  hope  that  his 
captors  might  be  to  some  extent  thrown  off  their  guard 
by  it,  and  so  afford  him  a  chance  of  making  a  rush  for 
freedom. 

But  in  good  earnest,  Sixteen-String  Jack's  heart  was 
very,  very  neavy. 

For  a  long  time  he  had  been  dimfy  conscious  of  what 
was  going  to  happen,  and  this  had  manifested  itself  in 
the  strong  desire  which  he  had  shown  to  leave  England 
with  all  haste. 

Now  this  disastrous  attack  seemed  to  have  crushed 
him  utterly,  and  he  hung  his  chin  upon  his  breast  with 
an  air  of  dejection  that  was  painful  indeed  to  witness. 

But  aid  was  near,  although  he  knew  it  not. 

Tom  King  and  Claude  Duval  had  been  the  most  self- 
possessed  of  the  whole  group,  and  had  been  the  first  to 
make  a  decided  stand  against  the  multitude  of  foes  who 
pounoed  upon  them. 

Back  to  back  they  placed  themselves,  overcoming  all 
opposition,  and  escaping  by  a  miracle  any  serious  injury 
from  that  storm  of  bullets  that  bailed  around  them,  though 
several  slight  injuries  had  been  received  by  both 

It  was  in  vain — nay,  it  was  madness  for  them  to  oombat 
with  so  many. 

But  they  had  the  satisfaction  of  witnessing  Diok's  escape, 
and  they  both  hoped  that  Maud's  hurt  was  not  a  severe 
one. 

The  real  object  of  their  attention  was  Sixteen-fcHring 
Jack. 

Towards  him  they  fought  their  way 

They  wondered  much  to  see  him  standing  still  so 
quietly,  and  still  more  that  he  bacJ  suffered  hiroaaif  to  be 
made  prisoner  so  easily. 

Their  infection  was  to  rescue  him. 


No  sooner  did  Jack  see  them,  and  guess  their  inten- 
tion, than  hr  cried,  in  a  loud  voice : 

"Desist— desist!  Your  attempt  is  madnejs!  Leave 
me!" 

"  Never  1"  said  Claude ;  and  as  he  pronounced  the  word, 
he  cut  down  the  officer  who  had  opposed  himself  to  him. 

"  I  tell  you  it  is  more  than  madness  I"  vociferated 
Sixteen-String  Jack,  in  return.  "  You  cannot  contend 
successfully  with  so  many :  you  must  be  defeated !  Leave 
me — you  cannot  help  me !" 

"Never!"  cried  Tom  King,  fighting  uesperately. 

"  Then  you  are  giving  yourselves  up  and  doing  me  no 
service.  If  you  escape  and  join  the  captain,  all  will  be 
well." 

u  Never,  without  you,  Jack  !" 

"  But  do  you  not  understand,"  cried  Jack,  almost  frantic, 
"  that  while  you  are  at  liberty  you  have  the  chanco  of  «s- 
sisting  me  ?  If  you  are  captured  or  slain  you  will  require 
assistance  yourselves ;  and  where  will  you  get  it  ?  Not 
another  word,  I  say !    Ply — fly!" 

"Jack  is  right,"  said  Tom  King,  in  a  tone  of  vexation. 
l"  We  can  help  him  best  by  deserting  him." 

"  A  bold  charge,  then  !"  cried  Claude.  On — on !  We 
must  have  our  horses !" 

But  the  officers,  now  under  the  generalship  of  Skellum, 
had  formed  themselves  into  a  collected  force. 

They  were  prepared  to  bear  down  upon  the  remainder 
of  the  band. 

But  Claude  and  Tom  both  felt  that  they  were  fighting 
not  only  for  themselves,  but  for  their  companions,  and 
this  knowledge  impelled  them  to  enact  prodigies  of 
valour. 

As  the  last  words  were  pronounced  they  made  a  sudden 
dash  and  managed  to  get  clear  of  those  of  their  foes  who 
immediately  surrounded  them. 

Then,  summoning  up  all  their  powers  of  speed,  they 
dashed  among  the  ruins,  the  intricacies  of  which  enabled 
them  to  baffle  their  enemies  considerably. 

Before  them  were  some  horses  belonging  to  those  police 
officers  who  had  dismounted. 

Panting  and  breathless,  the  two  friends  reached  them. 

They  flung  away  their  swords,  for  the  weapons  now 
would  only  have  been  an  incumbrance. 

Then,  amid  another  shower  of  bullets,  thoy  spraug  into 
the  saddles. 

"  Away — away  !"  said  Tom  King,  faintly.  "We  must 
part,  and  that  will  distract  them.     Away — away  !" 

The  last  word  was  scarcely  audible,  for  Tom  had  been 
badly  hit  by  one  of  the  bullets  in  the  last  discharge  of 
firearms. 


OHAPTEB  MLXIV. 

DESCRIBES  THE  PRECAUTIONS   SKELLUM  TOOK  TO  CONVET 
HIS  PRISONERS  IN  SAFETT  TO  NEWGATE. 

We  feel  it  necessary  to  remind  the  reader  that  all  which 
we  have  described  at  such  length  actually  occurred  in  an 
extraordinarily  brief  space  of  time. 

So  brief,  indeed — so  rapid  had  been  all  the  varied 
events,  that  from  the  moment  when  the  officers  first 
dashed  in  up  to  the  time  when  Claude  and  Tom  King  got 
away,  certainly  not  more  than  three  minutes  had 
elapsed. 

To  those  we  have  just  mentioned  the  lapse  of  time  by 
no  means  appewed  to  be  so  great. 

The  whole  seemed  to  them  like  an  electric  shock. 

As  the  whole  party  of  the  highwaymen  and  their 
friends  had  been  thus  suddenly  separated,  it  will  be  ne- 
cessary for  us  to  describe  sequentially  what  befel  them. 

Assuming,  then,  that  for  the  present  at  any  rate,  Six- 
teen-String Jack's  position  to  be  the  most  critical,  we 
will  first  of  all  give  our  consideration  to  him 

When  he  saw  Claude  and  Tom  also  succeed  in  Uoorat- 
ing  themselves,  he  was  overcome  with  joy. 

Despite  the  terrible  nature  of  his  situation,  no  by  no 
means  looked  upon  it  with  the  same  sensations  as  he  had 
done  a  moment  or  so  previously. 

He  was  quite  certain  that  no  effort  upon  their  part  would 
be  wanting  to  set  him  once  again  at  liberty. 

This  conviction  caused  him  to  resign  himself  stir 
more  calmly  into  the  hands  of  his  captors. 

8k»ll»im.  however,  was  f  arious  at  the  slight  amouct  oi 
t*KCi  fcs  ne  had  met  with. 


WtB  JCHIGHT  OF  THB  SOA0. 


mi 


^ 


[taOK  TURPLV  AT  MACD's  DEATH-BED.} 


He  could  not  understand  U. 
other  tfiAn  ?£       ?   ■  Pns,?ner8.  one  of    whom  was  no 
.ppointed.      "'   """"^  Mr-  Stel""°  »«■  bi.terlydi, 


Ho  had  made  sure  of  cantunno-  t\,a  »i,  t      «...  ,    e  drew'  uear  *°  Sixteen-Strinir  Jack  a*  h^ 

ad  now  his  chance,  cTdS  L  TeerL      h<3  ^    °f  a?""?  I19  Was  his  most  ^Portfnt  PrLner 
oubtfuL  a01ng  so   seemed   somewhat    _  "  It  shall  be  a  short  shrift  for  vn„  wK"i» 


and  now  hfachance.  crST*9  Wh°Ie,°f  the  bana' 
doubtfuL  """"m*  of    doing  so  seemed  somewhat 

to^emaKf  Uk^S^°  W  WeV6r'  h°  eIected 
^pu^^^^ 


ih^I  f  ^  WaS  the  Ca3e  he  turaed  roulld  to  addraa. 
those  of  the  men  who  remained  with  him,  and  whS 
numbers  anyone  would  have  thought  were  more   th™ 

S^Now  the*"'  he*  ^f™™*  &  e^or°S«£" 
>«;„  V  •',  he  cned- ^  savage  tones,  "look  to  all 
being  made  right  and  secure,  and  without  a-^  more  dV 
lav  we  will  turn  our  faces  Londonward 

He  drew  near  to  Sixteen-String  Jack  as  ho  spoke  fm 
course  he  was  h is  moat  in.n,^t„„f  „-i« »puKe,  lot 


u  r.    V  n  .  .      ^ua1,  IIUP°-[ant.  prisoner. 

It  shaU  be  a  short  shrift  for  you,  my  buck  '"  he  said  t, 
Jack  glaring  at  him  horribly  with  hi  squinting  eye^ 

You  may  think  that  you  will  eive  ma  th«  *u„  .    y 

have  done'others  who  have  hafZ™  custodv-W" 

gvVy^  addCd'  Wfth  *  ^rrib/impr^tion^i^tr 

There  wis  something  about  this  man's  manner  mora 


*o.230.-Blacb  Bwl  jperW,d,  '**    »™»    «Wl   IT 


No.  230. 


.,      ,  PnrcE  One  Halfpenny. 

Ho.  2ei  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


1834 


BLACK.    BESS  ;     OS, 


But  he  affectod  to  take  no  notice  of  what  had  just  been 
said,  behaving  as  though  he  thought  the  words  had  been 
addressed  to  anyone  rather  than  himself. 

This,  as  ho  quite  anticipated,  made  Skelln*?.  aiore 
savage  than  ever. 

But  just  at  this  moment  an  officer  came  behind  nitn  and 
touched  him  on  the  shoulder. 

Skeliuru  turned  round  quickly. 

*«  Well,  what  is  it  ?"  ho  said,  sharply. 

^'  Beg  pardon,  sir,  but——" 

"Come,  out  with  it !" 

"  I  wanted  to  know  whether  you  had  decided  on  any 
particular  plan  for  carrying  your  prisoners  to  Loudon  ?" 

Skellum  remained  silent. 

In  good  truth  he  had  not  once  thought  of  what  had 
just  been  mentioned,  though  ho  did  not  care  about  ac- 
knowledging so  much  to  his  subordinate. 

Nevertheless,  in  a  subdued  tone,  ho  asked: 

"Am  I  wrong  in  thinking,  Jenkins,  that  you  have 
some  particular  plan  to  propose  ?" 

"  Well,  sir,  I " 

"  Have  you  not  thought  of  something  which  you  deem 
will  be  worthy  of  being  put  in  practice  ?  If  so,  speak — 
don't  be  afraid." 

"  Well,  Mr.  Skellum,  I  had  been  thinking  that  as  two 
of  our  prisoners  happened  to  be  women  it  would  bo  neces- 
sary to  find  out  some  way  of  taking  them  safely." 

"  Very  good ;  and  how  do  you  propose  to  do  it  ?" 

"  Why,  you  must  remember  that  there  is  a  farm-house 
not  very  many  miles  from  here." 

Well  ?" 

"  I  thought  if  we  went  there  we  might  he  able  to  borrow 
gome  kind  of  a  covered  vehicle  in  which  we  could  place 
them  all,  and  to  which  we  could  harness  six  or  eight 
horses.  We  should  be  able  to  keep  good  guard  round, 
and  prevent  anyone  from  getting  out  of  it;  and  it  strikes 
me  that  the  prisoners  would  be  carried  to  London  much 
sooner." 

Mr.  Skellum  passed  to  consider. 

"  Yours  is  not  a  very  bad  plan,  and  something  of  the 
sort  must  be  adopted." 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  But  I  can  propose  an  amendment  which  I  believe  will 
be  an  improvement." 

The  officer  looked  expectant. 

"  It  can't  be  many  miles  to  Salisbury,  can  it  ?" 

"It  can't",  though  I  don't  justly  know  how  lex  it 
may  be." 

"  Well  we  will,  in  the  first  place,  make  our  way  there, 
and,  having  arrived,  we'll  engage  the  stage-coach." 

"  Engage  the  stage-coach !"  echoed  the  officer,  in  some 
surprise. 

"  Yes,  we  can  easily  do  so.  That,  you  will  seo,  is  a 
much  better  vehicle  for  rapid  travelling  than  anything  on 
wheels  that  we  could  hope  to  find  at  a  farm-house." 

"Besides,  the  whole  of  you  could  take  it  in  turns  to 
ride  ou  and  in  the  coach  along  with  the  prisoners,  which 
would  rest  you  from  the  fatigues  of  riding  continually." 

"  Vory  true,  sir,  so  it  would." 

"  Then  let  it  be  done.  We  can  continue  to  keep  the 
prisoners  secure  until  then." 

"  And  I  suppose  yon  would  wish  some  one  sent  on  to 
Salisbury  to  make  the  necessary  arrangements  ?" 

"  Yes ;  and  now  I  think  of  it,  that  service  cannot  be 
performed  better  by  anyone  than  yourself." 

The  officer  bowed  low  to  this  compliment,  as  he  said: 

"  Then,  with  your  permission,  Mr.  Skellum,  I  will 
etart  at  once." 

"  Yes,  yes— the  sooner  the  bette"  I  will  see  to  the 
rest." 

The  officer  departed,  mounted  his  horsb.  .»ad  was  soon 
galloping  to  his  destination. 

Although  this  dialogue  had  taken  place  within  a  few 
paces  of  where  Sixteen-String  Jack  stood,  yet  the  speakers 
Jiad  been  careful  to  carry  it  on  in  a  tone  go  low  that  he 
Vfas  unable  to  overhear  many  consecutive  words  of  it. 

He  was  not  able  to  catch  sufficient  to  enable  bini  to 
osxiprehend  their  intentions. 

.A.  scene  of  considerable  animation  now  ensued. 

Without  any  exception,  the  police  officers  were  most 
aolicitous  to  preserve  the  prisoners  they  had  made,  and 
tamed  all  their  attention  to  this  end. 

By  the  special   direction  of   Skellum,    Sixteen-String 
%e&  waa  accommodated  with  several  yards  of  strong 


rope,  which  the  officers  had  brought  with  them  for  the 
purpose  of  securing  their  prisoners. 

This  was  bound  round  him  in  many  directions,  and 
knotted  everywhere  with  so  much  tightness  that  it  was 
only  by  enduring  much  pain  that  he  managed  to  move 
even  a  single  limb. 

Tom  Davis  was  also  strongly  bound,  he  being  con- 
sidered a  most  desperate  character. 

As  for  Mrs.  Davis,  her  state  of  bodily  feebleness  was 
too  extreme  for  any  fears  to  be  apprehended  on  her  ac- 
count. Still,  in  spite  of  the  remonstrance  of  Ellen  and 
Sixteen-String  Jack,  her  hands  were  tightly  tied  behind 
her. 

Ellen  herself  was  even  more  cslrefelly  secureu. 

Thi>  whole  were  then  mounted,  and  at  an  easy  rate 
the  whole  procession  started  for  Salisbury. 

Little  occurred  upon  the  route,  for  the  darkness  was 
great  and  the  loneliness  extreme. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  strove  to  pierce  the  gloom,  and 
listened  for  any  sound  which  might  betoken  the  con- 
tiguity of  his  comrades,  but  in  vain. 

Bound  as  he  was,  and  so  closely  surrounded  by  resolute, 
well-armed  men,  whose  sole  care  was  to  look  sharp  aftei 
him,  of  course  Sixteen-String  Jack  had  no  chance — nay, 
not  even  the  ghost  of  a  chance — of  making  his  escape. 

Owing  to  tho  difficulties  with  which  they  were  beset, 
it  wa9  not  until  day  had  fairly  begun  that  they  rode  into 
the  ancient  city  of  Salisbury. 

The  intelligence  of  their  anticipated  arrival  had  been 
noised  abroad,  for  tho  officer  had  made  no  secret  of  the 
matter. 

The  consequenco  was  that  a  large  concourse  of  people 
were  assembled  outside  the  city,  all  of  whom  were  filled 
with  curiosity  to  see  the  notorious  highwayman. 

When  Jack  first  caught  sight  of  them  his  spirits  rose, 
for  the  thought  occurred  to  him  that  their  presence  might 
be  owing  to  the  exertions  of  his  associates. 

But  %  moment's  reflection,  as  well  as  the  demeanour  of 
,  the  vast  multitude,  convinced  him  of  his  error. 

But  he  determined  not  to  allow  any  trace  of  hio 
voxation  to  be  manifest ;  and  so,  although  it  cost  him  a 
great  effort,  he  held  up  his  head  and  looked  calmly  around 
him. 

All  the  way  to  the  inn  at  which  the  stage-coach  wag 
standing  the  way  was  lined  with  people,  crushing, 
crowding,  and  jostling  with  each  other,  and  only  kept 
clear  of  the  advancing  cavalcade  with  much  difficulty. 

At  length,  however,  the  inn  was  reached  in  safety. 

It  now  became  necessary  for  the  police  officers  to 
arrange  themselves  in  a  semicircle  in  order  to  keep  off 
the  people. 

A  little  delay  now  took  place,  for  the  want3  of  the  horses 
were  attended  to,  and  the  officers  themselves  refreshed, 
for  they  were  all  hungry  and  thirsty. 

Refreshments  were  offered  also  to  oil  the  prisoners, 
who,  however,  declined  to  receive  anythisg. 

Mr.  Skellum's  impatience  to  reach  Loudon  was  too 
preat  to  allow  any  unnecessary  lingering,  «™4  ere  long 
all  was  in  readiness  for  a  start. 

One  of  the  best  horses  was  then  picked  out,  and  an 
officer  selected  to  ride  him. 

This  man  was  to  gallqp  on  in  advance,  and  give  notice 
of  their  coming,  making  arrangements  for  frequent  relays 
of  horses,  so  that  no  unnecessary  delay  might  take  place. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  was  then  lifted  into  the  stage- 
coach, for  his  bonds  were  of  such  a  character  as  to  render 
him  incapable  of  entering  by  himself. 

His  three  fellow-prisoners  were  then  pushed  in  t>cte: 
him,  and  two  police-officers  followed. 

Both  were  strong,  resolute,  well-armed  men.  and  were 
saated  at  the  opposite  doors,  so  as  to  give  on  immediate 
alarm  in  case  of  any  movement  on  the  part  of  the 
prisoners. 

Other  officers  would  have  entered  had  there  been  room, 
but  the  interior  of  the  stage-coach  was  only  constructed 
to  carry  six  passengers 

The  docr°  were  then  secured  by  means  of  chains  and 
padlock?,  and  as  many  well-armed  police  officers  as  could 
be  accommodated  then  took  seats  upon  the  roof 

Thus  freighted,  the  stage-coach  moved  off  amidst  the 
tumultuous  cries  of  the  assembled  people. 

Mr.  Skellum  himself  sat  next  to  the  driver,  ani  bk 
queer-looking  littlo  figure  and  unprepossessing  coTfcte- 
nance  called  forth  abundance  of  remark- 


THB  KNIGHT  OF   riUS   ROAD. 


1833 


No  less  than  six  horses  were  harnessed  to  the  coach, 
tad  as  they  were  all  of  the  best  quality  there  could  be 
little  doubt  but  that  they  would  be  able  to  make  good 
speed  upon  their  journey. 

The  remainder  of  the  police,  mounted  upon  their  Lr'.eea, 
formed  a  kind  of  guard  or  escort  round  the  stage  cogcb, 
which  they  were  <"*reful  to  surround  completely. 

It  was  in  this  fasaion  that  Sixteen-String  Jack  quitted 
the  good  city  of  Salisbury  and  began  his  journey  towards 
London. 

Such  skilfm  an^-jTeniente  as  these  were  well  calculated 
to  prevent  all  poss-bilitj  c;  c^e  occurrence  cf  any  escape 
whatever,  either  through  the  astuteness  of  the  prisoners 
memselves  or  through  any  attack  which  might  be  made 
upon  them  by  their  fviends  in  the  course  of  ths  journey 
they  were  about  to  take. 

That  such  precautions  were  not  unnecessary  the  reader 
must  be  aware,  since  a?thing  was  more  likely  than  that 
Sixteen-String  Jack's  companions  would  attempt  to  rescue 
him. 

But  Jack's  own  heart  sank  within  him  when  he  wit- 
nessed the  preparations  made  for  his  safe  detention,  and  a 
deeper  gloom  than  ever  settled  upon  his  spirits. 

As  for  Tom  Davis,  he  did  nothing  but  reproach  himself 
over  and  over  again,  for  he  persisted  in  attributing  the 
calamity  which  had  occurred  to  his  presence  among  the 
highwaymen. 

"  But  for  me,"  he  groaned  out  repeatedly,  "  this  would 
never  have  happened.  Oh,  that  I  should  live  to  see  such 
a  day  as  this  !" 

"You  might  have  expected  that  it  would  come  sooner 
or  later,  Tom.  Let  us  hear  no  more  of  your  reproaohes, 
they  are  unjust." 

But  Davis  would  not  listen  to  this. 

As  for  Mrs.  Davis,  she  was  too  much  overcome,  both 
bodily  and  mentally,  to  be  able  to  take  cognisance  of  what 
was  being  said.  She  seemed,  indeed,  to  be  unconscious 
of  everything  that  was  going  on  around  her. 

No  tears  filled  her  eyes — no  sobs  broke  from  her  breast. 

She  sat  stony  cold  and  apathetic,  exhibiting  that  form 
of  intense  grief  which  is  most  painful  to  look  upon. 

As  for  Ellen,  she  wept  incessantly. 

These  tears  would  not  allow  her  to  speak,  but  her  self- 
reproaches  were  none  the  less  audible  to  herself. 

She  felt  strongly,  although  no  one  had  dropped  a  hint 
to  that  effect,  that  she,  and  she  alone,  was  to  blame  for 
what  had  happened. 

It  was  as  clear  to  her  as  noonday  that  the  police 
officers  had  followed  in  her  footsteps  in  consequence  of 
not  taking  sufficient  precautions  for  secrecy,  although  the 
necessity  of  doing  so  had  been  so  strongly  impressed  upon 
her  by  Old  Matthew. 

She  could  not  help  thinking  of  all  this,  and  yet  she  felt 
that  if  she  continued  to  do  so  the  harrowing  nature  of  her 
reflections  would  drive  her  mad. 

She  expected  that  Sixteen-String  Jack  would  over- 
whelm her  with  the  bitterest  reproaches  for  the  evil  which 
*he  had  brought  down  upon  him. 

But  our  old  friend  never  thought  of  uttering  one  word. 

On  the  way  his  thoughts  were  about  equally  divided 
between  wondering  what  had  become  of  his  companions 
and  how  they  had  fared  in  their  flight,  and  endeavouring 
to  devise  some  means  of  escape. 

The  latter  was  a  difficult  enough  task,  and  one  that 
was  more  than  sufficient  to  occupy  all  his  thoughts. 

He  trusted  that  the  extraordinary  vigilance  of  his 
captors  would  abate  after  a  reasonable  tine  had  elapsed, 
but  he  found,  to  h«B  disappointment,  that  the  nearer  they 
drew  to  the  metropolis  the  more  did  their  watchfulness 
increase. 


OKAPr  ER  MLXV. 

•Ul&BH-STTUNQ   JACK  >ND    HIS  COMPANIONS    ASBIVB   AT 
BOW  ST  EET    VOLICa-SJATION. 

**MYeye3  and  limbs!  What  is  coming  no*  Blow 
me  up  as  tight  as  a  bladder  if  ever  I  see  snob.  B  thin:; 
afore  I  Here  missus — missus,  just  come  here,  will  yen, 
and  have  a  look  I  There's  a  treat  in  store  for  your  eyo» 
•ight — spiflicate  me,  if  there  isn't !" 

These  very  extraordinary  ejaoulatory  phrases  were 
given  utterance  to  disjointedly  by  the  keeper  of  the 
toligate  at  Tyburn. 


He  had  just  put  Ids  head  outside  of  the  door  of  his 
little  wooden  house,  and,  happening  to  look  along  the 
road  to  the  westward,  had  caught  sight  of  an  extraordinary 
spectacle. 

The  latter  part  of  his  speech  was  addressed  to  hia 
better  half,  who,  having  been  on  the  late  turu  the  pre- 
ceding night,  had  not  yet  left  her  morning  couch. 

As  may  be  supposed,  the  violent  outcry  had  the  effect 
of  arousing  hor,  and,  actuated  by  that- spirit  of  curiosity 
which  is  so  prevailing  a  characteristic  of  the  sex,  sprang 
from  the  bed,  and  in  a  state  of  extraordinary  dishabille, 
and  without  hesitation,  projected  her  head  through  the 
window. 

She  then  remained  transfixed  with  astonishment,  and 
became  wholly  unconscious  of  the  extraordinary  figure 
that  she  made. 

The  object  which  had  attracted  their  attention  so 
forcibly  was  the  stage-coach,  upon  the  top  of  which  tho 
police  officers  were  clustered  so  thickly,  and  which 
was  so  completely  surrounded  by  others  on  horse- 
back. 

"  Good  lauk  I"  ejaculated  the  tollkeeper's  wife,  at  length 
"  What  can  be  the  matter  ?" 
u  Blame  me  if  I  know !" 

"It  must  be  the  Young  Pretender  caught  at  la3t! 
Serves  him  right !     I  hope  he  is." 

"  Don't  be  a  fool,  you  idiot !  Go  ar  I  stick  your  stupid 
old  head  under  the  bed-clothes  again !  The  Young 
Pretender  !     Bah  !     The  idea  of  such  a  thing  !" 

"I  hope  as  how  it  is  the  wagabone!"  continued  the 
fair  lady,  apparently  unmoved  by  the  epithets  ad- 
dressed to  her  by  her  husband.  "  It's  how  he  ought  to 
be,  and  all  who  think  with  him — them's  my  sentiments, 
and  I  don't  care  who  knows  them!" 

For  the  behoof  of  those  who  may  not  quite  understand 
what  was  meant  by  this  sudden  outbreak  of  mutual  wrath 
we  may  as  well  simply  state  that  the  tollkeeper  and  his 
wife  happened  to  belong  to  precisely  the  opposite  parties 
of  politics — he  being  a  blind  Jacobite,  and  she  a  staunch 
Hanoverian — so  that,  in  consequence,  many  were  the 
fiery  encounters  which  occurred  every  day,  every  topic 
somehow  leading  to  this  irreconcilable  one. 

Probably  these  little  lively  discussions  served  to  vary 
what  n-nst  be  the  awful  monotony  of  keeping  a  toll- 
gate. 

On  the  present  occasion,  however,  the  tollman  himself 
was  io  much  surprised  at  what  he  saw  that  he  abandoned 
politics  entirely. 

"It's  ad — d  sight  more  likely  to  be  Dick  Turpin  1" 
ho  muttered,  as  the  cavalcade  came  nearer. 

The  words  reached  the  ears  of  his  yoke-fellow. 
"  Dick  Turpin  caught  at  last !     I  hope  he  is !     Servos 
him  right!     So  he  ought  to  be — and  all  such  villains  !'' 

"  Hold  your  row,  will  you !  Don't  I  tell  you  that 
whenever  you  open  your  mouth  you  make  a  confounded 
fool  of  yourself !" 

"  That's  as  you  may  think  ;  but  when  it  comes  to  fool- 
ing  " 

"  Hold  your  row,  I  say !  Can't  you  see  they  are  closo 
to  the  gate  ?" 

Expectancy  and  curiosity  now  made  the  woman 
silent. 

All  her  faculties  were  concentrated  in  gazing  upon  tho 
spectacle  before  her. 

The  desire  to  know  who  it  could  be  thus  strongly  and 
sedulously  guarded  now  reached  burning  point. 

A  single  horseman — a  police  officer — rode  about  two 
hundred  yards  in  advance  cf  the  rest  of  the  pro- 
cession. 

He  was  tho  one  who  had  undertaken  to  arrange  tho  relays 
upoD  the  road  ;  hut  as  the  place  where  the  last  change  had 
been  effected  was  passed  he  had  fallen  back  upon  the 
main  body,  and  only  rode  forward  now  in  order  that  there 
should  be  no  delay  at  tho  toll-gate. 

"Open open!"  he   cried,  as   he   came  nearer.     "Be 

quick,  I  command  you,  in  the  name  of  the  King!" 

"  Will  you  settle  for  the  toll  ?"  was  the  pertinent  ques- 
tion asked  by  the  pikeman,  as  ba  fumbled  in  his  pocket 
for  the  key. 

"  Yes,  yes— of  courso  I  will." 

"  That's  enough,  then." 

The  gate  was  unlocked  and  opened. 

During  this  operation  the  tollman  said . 

"May  I  make  so  bold  as  to  inquire   who  il  is  H?*» 


18M 


BIACK  BESS;   OS, 


you    have   so  strongly  guarded  yonder?     Ife   it    Dick 
Turrin?" 
"  JJo— but  one  of  his  associates." 
«  Who  ?" 

"Why,  Sixteen-String  Jack,  to  bo  sure,  and  the  people 
Shat  used  to  keep  a  ken  for  them." 
"Who  are  they?" 

"Stand  aside,  unless  you  wish  to  ba  trodden  down 
onder  the  horses'  feet !" 

The  man  shrank  back  quickly,  and  at  the  same  moment 
the  stage-coach  and  its  escort  dashed  at  a  tremendous 
pace  through  the  gate. 

It  was  gone  almost  like  a  flash,  and  left  nothing 
but  a  cloud  of  blinding,  choking  dust  behind  it. 

"  Fuff — puff — a-chew — a-tish-o !  The  devil !"  sneezed 
the  tollkeeper,  whose  lungs  were  full.  "  Tuppence  a- 
piece  for  the  horses,  and  thruppence  for  the  coach." 

The  demand  was  settled,  and  the  police  officer  galloped 
after  his  companions. 

The  hour  was  comparatively  speaking  an  early  one, 
and  but  few  people  as  yet  appeared  iu  the  streets  of  the 
metropolis,  for  the  shops  were  closed. 

Yet  those  who  were  abroad  turned  without  exception 
a  glance  of  strong  curiosity  upon  the  throng  as  it  dashed 
by,  and  many  were  the  speculations  indulged  in  as  to  the 
meaning  of  what  they  saw. 
Few  guessed  rightly. 

On  rolled  the  cortege  without  interruption  or  delay  until 
Bow  Street  was  reached. 

With  a  dash  and  a  clatter  as  had  not  been  heard  there 
for  many  a  day  they  pulled  up  the  paining  horses  in  front 
of  the  entrance  to  the  station. 

A  scene  of  tremendous  and  indescribable  noise  and  con- 
tusion ensued,  which  was  in  part  caused  by  the  mounted 
officers  endeavouring  to  surround  the  stage-coach  still 
more  closely,  and  by  those  who  were  on  the  top  descend- 
ing hastily,  so  as  to  be  in  readiness  for  action,  should  it 
be  requisite. 

With  that  facility  and  rapidity  for  which  London  is 
famous,  a  crowd  of  persons  assembled  in  the  street,  and 
every  fleeting  second  witnessed  some  accession  to  their 
n  umber. 

The  officials  in  the  police-station  were  all  on  the  aiert, 
and  the  superintendent  soon  made  his  appearance. 

All  were  alike  impatient  and  anxious  to  know  what  im- 
portant prisoner  it  was  that  had  arrived. 

Under  the  directions  of  Mr.  Skellum,  who  was  of 
course  puffed  up  by  importance,  the  officers  on  foot 
were  drawn  up  so  as  to  form  a  kind  of  lane  reaching 
from  the  door  of  the  coach  to  the  door  of  the  police 
station. 

All  was  expectation  and  suspense. 
Ellen  was  the  first  lifted  out  of  the  coach. 
With  downcast  head  and  streaming  eyes  she  hurried 
as  rapidly  as  she  could  through  the  living  thoroughfare, 
aud  felt  relieved  v,  hen  she  passed  beneath  the  dark  and 
gloomy  portal. 

Two  police  officers  conducted  b*r  to  the  charge- 
room. 

Mrs.  Davis  was  lifted  out  next. 
The  journey  had  told  most  fearfully  upon  her. 
She  was  more  like  one  dead  than  alive,  and  bad  so  far 
lost  all  use  of  her  limbs  that  she  had  to  be  carried  by  her 
guards,  who  deposited  her  upon  the  rude  bench  just  inside 
the  charge-room — so  called,  because  it  was  here  th&*. 
prisoners  were  in  the  first  instance  tMcen,  in  order  that 
the  charge  against  them  r  fly  be  e*ered  by  the  in- 
spector. 

Tom  Davis  followed. 

Pool  fellow  !  he  strove  to  keep  up  as  braTe  an  appear- 
ance as  he  could  for  the  sake  of  thv.se  with  whom  he 
was  connected,  but  he  succeeded  very  indifferently 
indeed. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  was  the  last  to  leave  the 
Vehicle. 

The  public  curiosity  had  now  reached  its  highest 
point,  for  it  had  become  known  who  he  was,  and  all 
present  were  equally  anxious  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the 
bold  highwayman  of  whom  they  had  heard  so  muck 

"  lie  looks  helpless  enough  now,  anyway.*"  xeuurkod 
one  of  the  bystanders. 

The  remark  was  true  enough. 

•Ta:k  was  helpless. 

Lf  i.ad  to  be  lifted  out  by  two  strong  arts. 


The  cord  with  which  he  had  been  so  lightly  bouad  had 
never  once  been  moved  or  slackened  sine*  the  conin.en<«- 
ment  of  the  journey. 

The  consequence  was  that  all  his  muscles  had  stiffened, 
until  he  had  lost  all  power  over  them. 

It  was  a  despairing,  dejected  glance  which  our  poor 
friend  cast  around  him  as  he  was  quickly  hurried  past  his 
foes. 

He  scarcely  dared  to  hope  that  he  should  catch  sight  of 
any  friendly,  well-known  countenance ;  but  that  "ie  had, 
almost  unknown  to  himself  as  it  were,  indulged  in  such  a 
hope  was  evidenced  by  the  disappointment  he  felt  upon 
being  carried  into  the  narrow  passage  without  having 
done  so. 

Owing  to  the  restrictions  of  the  circulation,  he  was  icy 
cold,  and  his  heart  only  beat  with  the  feeblest  of  pulsa- 
tions. 

So  serious  was  his  condition  deemed  mat  his  bonds 
were  at  once  released  and  his  limbs  chafed  before  a  roar- 
ing fire,  the  warmth  o'  which  seemed  to  ha^e  the  effect 
of  infusing  some  little  vigour  into  the  scarcely  animate 
frame  of  Mrs.  Davis. 

Jack  soon  felt  the  better  for  this  treatment,  and  by  the 
time  the  operation  was  over  the  inspector  made  his  ap- 
pearance at  the  little  wooden  desk  by  the  window,  and 
prepared  to  enter  the  charges  in  the  book  before  him. 
This  matter  of  form  was  speedily  gone  through. 
The  least  important  of  the  prisoners — that  is  to  6ay, 
Tom  Davis,  his  wife,  and  Ellen — were  dealt  with  first. 

The  charge  against  the  first  was,  of  course,  his  having 
escaped  from  custody  after  a  previous  conviction. 

The  two  next,  merely  for  having  been  found  in  the 
company  of  the  highwaymen. 
Then  it  came  to  Jack's  turn. 

"  What  charge  shall  I  enter  against  him  ?"  the  inspector 
asked. 

"  Why,  highway  robbery,  of  course." 
"But  what  one  in  particular?" 

"  That  cannot  be  told  at  present.  It  will  be  enough  for 
you  to  enter  the  general  charge,  as  the  rewards  have  been 
out  for  him  so  long." 

"  I  don't  want  to  be  told  my  duty  by  6uch  as  you  !" 
growled  the  inspector. 

"It  is  your  fault  that  I  spoke  at  alL"  retorted  the 
officer. 

"  Hold  your  row  a  minute !     Now  sign  this." 
The  book  was  pushed  towards  him,  and  then  he  wrote 
his  name. 
This  brought  the  preliminary  business  to  a  conclusion. 
The  next  step  was  to  remove  the  prisoners  to  6orae 
place  of  security  until  the  time  came  for  opening  the 
Court. 
Some  little  discussion  arose  upon  this  point. 
The  usual  course  was  to  remove  all  prisoners  to  a  large 
underground  cell,  where   they  were  all  herded  together 
like  so  many  cattle. 

But  it  was  considered  by  Mr.  Skellum  that  this  would 
not  suit  any  of  his  prisoners,  who  were  required  to  be 
looked  after  with  much  more  than  ordinary  care. 

Finally,  it  was  settled  that  Ellen  and  Mrs.  Davis  should 
be  confined  together  in  one  cell,  the  state  of  tho  latter 
being  such  as  to  require  attention. 

Tom  Davis  was  accommodated  with  a  separate  chamber, 
in  which  also  sat  two  well-armed  police  officers,  who  were 
instructed  to  watch  closely  his  every  movement,  and  raise 
an  immediate  alarm  if  the  least  reason  arose  for  doing  so. 
Sixteen-String  Jack  was  also  conveyed  to  a  separaio 
cell,  bat  bis  bonds  were  not  removed. 

Fonr  officers  shared  tho  cell  with  him ;  and  Mr. 
Skellum's  dread  of  Sixteen-String  Jack's  power  of  escape 
was  so  great  that  he  also  deputed  four  more  men  to  watch 
on  tne  outside  of  the  double-locked  and  strongly-barred 
door. 

After  that  he  felt  tolevaoly  assured  of  their  safety  ;  but 
he  could  by  no  means  make  up  his  mind  to  quit  the 
station,  though  he  was  so  worn  out  with  fatigue  as 
scarcely  to  be  able  to  rise  after  having  once  sat  down. 

But  it  was  necessary  that  some  specific  charge  should 
be  preferred  against  Sixteen-String  Jack  whea  bs  was 
brought  before  the  magistrate. 

1  here  was  no  time  to  lose  in  seeing  to  thia. 
The  aid  of  the  inspector  was  called  in. 
"  We  must  have   something   sure    and    andltputed,"* 
Skellnni  said  to  his, 


thj  knight  op  thb  boad. 


?<*7 


"  What  is  it  to  be  ?" 

a  The  difficulty  is,  I  suppose,  to  cake  a  selection  t " 

"Just  so." 

"  Then  consider  it  ever ' 

*'  I  have  it." 

"Well?" 

"  Do  you  remember  that  case  that  occurred  not  long 
since,  when  this  Sixteen-String  Jack,  ir.  conjunction  with 
•  'laude  Duval,  robbed  a  couple  of  bailiffs?" 

"Yes — yes!" 

"  That  will  be  the  case,  then." 

"Eight." 

"  But  can  you  find  these  men  f 

"  Yes,  without  difficulty." 

"And  have  them  in  readiness  to  appear  when  the  Coui  t 
opens?" 

"  Yee — then  or  very  soon  after  it." 

"  Then  let  me  request  you  to  see  to  it  at  once." 

The  inspector  promised  that  no  time  should  be  lost ; 
and  Mr.  Skellum,  in  despite  of  his  anxiety  and  determi- 
nation to  be  wakeful,  dozed  off  to  sleep  at  the  top  of  the 
Bteps  which  led  to  the  cells  iu  which  his  prisoners  were 
cou  lined. 

He  was  aroused  by  the  return  of  the  inspector. 

"All  right,"  he  said.  "  They  will  be  here  directly. 
The  case  is  as  clear  as  daylight,  and  will  serve  well 
enough  for  the  first  and  principal  count  on  the  indict- 
mont  at  the  sessions.     He  is  sure  to  be  cc  nvicted." 

"  I  should  think  so,"  said  Skellum,  stretching  himself 
wearily.  "HI  could  have  my  way,  such  fellows  should 
be  strung  up  as  soon  as  captured.  It  would  be  the  saving 
of  a  world  of  trouble  and  expense." 

"  You  are  right.  If  such  was  the  law  of  the  land 
there  would  be  fewer  such  freebooters  abroad,  I'm 
thinking." 

"  What's  the  time?" 

"Close  on  ten.  But  I've  been  thinking,  Mr.  Skel- 
lum  " 

'What?" 

"Why,  that  since  they  have  been  here  you  have 
£iven  the  prisoners  no  breakfast.  Who  knows,  they 
«ight  be  owducious  enough  to  complain  about  it  ?" 

"  They  might ;  but  I  will  just  pop  down  and  see 
myself  how  they  are  getting  on,  and  I  will  ask  them  at  the 
same  time  whether  they  would  like  to  take  anything.  I 
shall  feel  better  satisfied  when  I  have  seen  with  my  own 
eyes  that  they  are  all  right." 

Accordingly  Skellum,  with  some  difficulty,  arose,  for 
all  his  limbs  felt  stiffer  than  ever. 

Down  he  went  to  the  cells,  where  he  found  everything 
just  as  he  could  wish  it. 

His  question  as  to  whether  any  refreshment  was  wanted 
was  answered  negatively  in  all  cases. 

With  a  feeling  of  tolerable  satisfaction,  nevertheless, 
Skellum  made  his  way  to  the  upper  air  again. 

He  then  found  that  the  magistrate  had  arrived,  and  the 
Court  had  opened. 

As  was  usually  the  case,  the  long  list  of  "night 
charges,"  as  they  are  termed,  had  to  be  disposed 
of. 

An  hour  was  generally  thus  occupied,  for  the  chief 
magistrate  made  very  short  work  of  the  delinquents. 

By  that  time  Skellum  hoped  the  two  bailiffs  would 
arrive,  because  he  wished  to  hare  a  little  confidential 
talk  with  them  before  they  stood  up  in  the  witness- 
box. 

In  this  hope  he  was  not  disappointed. 

The  inspector  soon  after  brought  toe  two  raen  before 
him,  and  a  long  whispered  conference  ensued. 

CHAPTER  MLXVL 

THE  MAGISTRATE  DULY  COMMITS  StXrEEN-STTUNQ  JACK 
AND  HIS  COMPANIONS  TO  TAKE  THEIR  TRIAL  45.'  TSK 
NEXT  OLD  BAILEY  SESSIONS. 

The  intelligence  that  Sixteen-String  Jack,  the  notorious 
highwayman,  had  been  brought  in  a  coach,  a  strongly- 
bound  prisoner,  to  Bow  Street  police-etation  flew  with 
lightning-like  rapidity  all  over  London. 

No  one  who  heard  the  news  was  uninterested  in  it,  and 
for  that  morning  at  least  our  old  friend  formed  the  general 
lipic  of  conversation. 

For  one  anxious  to  be  known  antoug  men,  this  would 


doubtless  have  been  very  delightful ;   but  Jack  thought 
nothing  at  all  of  the  matter. 

^ledeed,  he  would  much  rather  that  the  public  tongue 
nad  been  otherwise  employed. 

Up»n  no  one,  however,  did  the  Intelligence  produce  so 
d6ep  an  effect  as  on  Old  Matthew. 

The  shock  first  of  all  deprived  him  of  all  sense  and 
motion. 

But  with  returning  consciousness  cams  absolute  in- 
credulity. 

He  could  not  bring  himself  to  believe  that  such  an  awful 
catastrophe  had  taken  place. 

But  from  everyone  he  heard  some  confirmation  of  the 
disastrous  news. 

As  we  have  said,  all  lips  were  employed  upon  the 
subject. 

Many  and  various  were  the  details  of  the  affair; 
but  about  the  main  fact  there  was  universal  con- 
sistency. 

Old  Matthew  resolved  to  set  out  and  learn  the 
truth. 

He  could  bear  to  hear  the  worst  much  better  than  he 
could  bring  himself  to  remain  in  inaction  and  doubtful 
suspense. 

The  distance  to  the  Bow  Street  police-station  was  not 
great,  so  that  in  a  few  moments  after  leaving  his  own 
door  he  reached  his  destination. 

The  great  concourse  of  people  standing  in  the  roadway 
afforded  corroborative  evidence  that  something  very  un- 
usual had  occurred. 

Mingling  with  the  throng  Matthew  listened  to  the  re- 
marks made  by  those  around  him. 

These  served  to  confirm  the  worst. 

The  most  general  account  was  that  Sixteen-8tnng 
Jack  and  several  of  his  accomplices  were  fast  prisoners, 
and  that  his  comrades  had  been  mortally  wounded,  and 
by  this  time  were  doubtless  on  their  way  to  London  under 
the  protection  of  a  strong  escort. 

Old  Matthew  groaned  inwardly. 

By  what  he  heard,  he  soon  came  to  find  how  it  wa3 
that  the  officers  had  got  upon  the  highwaymen's  track, 
and  he  bitterly  blamed  himself  for  hi3  own  want  of 
caution. 

He  saw  plainly  enough  that  he,  and  he  alone,  had  been 
the  primary  cause  of  the  disaster. 

Had  he  but  made  use  of  a  greater  amount  of  care  and 
precaution,  most  probably  nothing  of  the  kind  would  have 
happened — at  any  rate,  the  severity  of  the  misfortune 
would  have  been  much  mitigated. 

His  self-reproaches  were  of  the  keenest  character. 

But,  as  the  reader  knows  full  well,  Old  Matthew  was 
not  the  man  to  dwell  idly  upon  any  grievance,  no  matter 
how  serious  the  character  of  it  might  be. 

Accordingly,  before  many  minutes  had  elapsed,  he  set 
himself  to  work  to  think  what  would  be  the  best  thing 
to  be  done  upon  the  present  emergency. 

He  had  the  strongest  wish  to  aid  Sixteen-String  Jack 
and  those  who  were  with  him ;  but  the  question  was, 
how  should  he  accomplish  it  ? 

After  much  anxious  deliberation  he  could  think  of 
nothing  better  than  to  engage  a  lawyer  to  watch  the  case 
at  the  police  court. 

For  this  there  was  no  time  to  lose,  as  the  hour  for 
commencing  business  in  the  court  was  close  at  hand. 

With  some  difficulty,  then,  Old  Matthew  disengaged 
himself  from  the  dense  mass  of  people  by  whom  he  was 
surrounded,  and  walked  meditatively  away. 

"  I  am  afraid  it  will  be  quite  a  useless  thing,"  he  said, 
to  himself.  "His  commitment  is  sure  to  follow — not 
the  eloquence  and  subtlety  of  all  the  lawyers  in  the  land 
can  prevent  it.  Still,  for  all  that,  if  Jack  finds  some  one 
there,  it  will  6erve  as  a  reminder  to  hkn  that,  he  is  by 
no  means  forgotten  by  his  friends." 

The  last  consideration  had  the  effect  of  fixing  'ais  de- 
termination in  his  mind,  and  with  a  firmer  and  more 
rapid  step  he  made  his  way  towards  Lyon's  Inn. 

Passing  under  the  gloomy  archway,  he  directed  his 
course  towards  a  tall,  dingy-looking  he*  =ie  situated  in  one 
corner  of  the  quadrangle. 

"  I  know  not  whether  I  shall  find  nim  here  sc  early," 
muttered  Matthew,  as  he  ascended  a  dark  and  narrow 
flight  of  stairs ;  "  and  yet,  I  suppose,  like  plenty  more,  he 
sleeps  at  his  chambers." 

The  pordy  landlord  had  to  pause  more  than  onco  ia 


im 


BLA.OK   BESS  ;    03, 


Lis  ascent  of  the  stairs ;  but  at  length  he  paused  before  a 
door  at  the  summit  of  the  topmost  flight . 

He  had  to  knock  repeatedly  before  any  notice  was  taken 
of  his  presence,  and  then  the  door  was  opened  by  ft  young 
man  in  a  very  alarming  condition  of  undress. 

He  seemed  astonished  when  he  beheld  hio  visitor ; 
but  after  a  momentary  hesitation  ho  invited  him  to 
enter. 

Old  Matthew  obeyeft. 

It  needed  but  one  glance  round  the  apartment  into 
which  he  had  just  penetrated  to  afford  satisfactory 
evidence  that  the  inmate  of  it  was  by  no  s&oans  well  oif 
in  worldly  goods  and  chattels. 

Indeed,  the  aspect  of  poverty  was  so  apparent  as  to 
send  a  chill  through  Old  Matthew's  heart. 

"  You  look  surprised  to  see  me,  Mr.  Godfrey,"  the 
landlord  began  ;  "  but  you  told  me  once,  when  sitting  in 
my  bar-parlour,  that  you  should  look  upon  anyone  who 
gave  you  a  little  legal  employment  as  a  benefactor,  and 
30 " 

"And  bo  my  warm-hearted  friend,"  said  the  young 
man  addressed,  his  thin  and  wasted  face  lighted  up  the 
while  with  a  feeble  smile — "and  so  you  have  been 
getting  into  trouble  of  some  sort  merely  in  order  to — 
to—" 

"No,  my  young  friend,  you  mistake ;  but  some  persons 
in  whom  I  happen  to  feel  a  very  warm  interest  are  at  this 
moment  in  much  distress  and  danger,  and  I  have  come  to 
you,  thinking  you  might  be  able  to  help  them  out  of 
it." 

"  Well — well,"  said  the  young  lawyer,  with  greater 
huskiness  of  manner  observable  than  before,  "  I  will  do 
my  best.  But  let  me  know  in  what  precise  circumstances 
your  friends  stand." 

Old  Matthew,  then,  with  great  freedom,  told  him  just 
what  had  happened,  and  requested  him  to  watch  the 
case  on  behalf  of  the  prisoners  when  they  were  take  1 
before  the  magistrate. 

But  the  young  lawyer  shook  his  head. 

"  You  don't  feel  inclined  to  mix  yourself  up  in  the 
business,  then  ?"  said  Matthew,  rising  from  the  rickety 
chair  on  which  he  had  been  seated.  "  I  should  not 
have  thought,"  he  added,  as  he  glanced  around  at  the 
bare  walls,  "  that  you  would  have  been  so  scrupulous." 

"  Nay,  nay — do  not  be  offended,  Mr.  Gale.  You  are 
too  hasty.    You  did  not  understand  me." 

Old  Matthew  stopped  at  once. 

"  I  mean  that  I  can  do  nothing  that  will  be  of  service 
to  these  people.  The  public  and  legal  feeling  is  very 
strong  against  them,  and  you  may  depend  every  effort 
will  be  tried  to  make  an  example  of  them." 

"I  know  all  that;  but  still  it  would  be  better  that 
they  should  not  be  altogether  undefended,  and  if  you  are 
willing  to  undertake  the  case  I  myself  will  pay  you  liber- 
ally for  your  trouble." 

The  lawyer  hesitated. 

He  felt  that,  so  far  as  his  future  prospects  were  con- 
cerned, it  would  be  by  no  moans  wise  to  mix  himself  up 
in  so  questionable  a  transaction  as  this. 

But  he  had  been  waiting  months  and  mouths  in  hunger 
and  poverty  forbusiness  of  some  sort  to  be  brought  to  him ; 
but  none  had  come. 

At  the  present  moment  he  had  all  but  reached  the  end 
of  his  resources. 

If  he  threw  this  chance  away  it  might  bo  long  indeed 
before  he  had  another. 

This  consideration  decided  him. 

He  held  out  his  hand  to  Old  Matthew. 

"Depend  upon  it,"  ho  said,  "I  will  do  my  nest, 
though  I  am  afraid  that  when  it  is  done  you  will  think  it 
but  little." 

"Make  haste,  and  apparel  yourself,  thcii.  I  will 
*rait  here  for  you,  and  wo  will  both  walk  to  Bow  Street 
t>gether." 

"  As  you  please." 

"  I  want  you  to  procure  me  admission  to  the  court, " 
pursued  Matthew ;  "and  you  may  take  my  word  for  it 
that  it  will  be  no  easy  matter  to-day." 

"  I  can  manage  it,  nevertheless,  I  daresay,"  was  the  re- 
sponse. "  Sit  down  a  moment.  I  will  be  with  you  almost 
Immediately." 

He  passed  into  an  adjoining  room  as  he  spoke. 

But  our  old  friend  was  too  much  agitated  to  be  able  to 
t£t  down  quietly. 


During  the  absence  of  the  young  man  he  walked  about 
uneasily. 

Fortunately,  he  was  not  long  kept  in  suspense. 

Mr.  Godfrey  appeared,  and  without  further  pause  they 
descended  into  the  street. 

At  a  brisk  pace  they  walked  to  the  police-court ;  and 
such  good  use  had  Old  Matthew  made  of  his  time  that 
they  reached  it  just  as  the  proceedings  were  about  to 
commence. 

For  the  young  lawyer  to  gain  admittance  was  an  easy 
enough  matter,  and  a  small  gratuity  slipped  into  J-ue  palm 
of  the  stern  guardian  at  the  door  procured  admittance 
for  Old  Matthew  also,  who  was  also  so  lucky  as  to  get  a 
seat  among  the  lawyers. 

Just  as  he  sat  down  a  side  door  was  opened  and  the 
magistrate  made  his  appearance. 

His  clerk  was  already  seated  at  the  little  table  below 
him,  and  immediately  upon  the  appearance  of  his  superioi 
he  stood  up  and  whispered  something  which  seemed  of 
a  very  satisfactory  nature,  for  the  magistrate,  whose  face 
had  been  frowning  and  sullen,  now  smiled  and  rubbed 
his  hands  together  briskly,  as  if  much  pleased. 

The  reader  will  guess  that  the  communication  was 
concerning  Sixteen-String  Jack  and  his  associates. 

The  Court  was  now  opened  in  due  form,  and  the 
ordinary  business  of  the  day  commenced. 

Old  Matthew  thought  there  would  never  bo  an  end  to 
the  tedious  night  charges ;  but  at  length  the  termination 
of  his  impatience  was  reached,  for  the  last  case  was  dis- 
missed. 

There  was  then  an  immediate  stir  and  commotion  in 
the  little  Court,  as  though  all  were  preparing  to  listen 
with  greater  attention  to  what  was  about  to  follow  next. 

Matthew  was  most  anxious  and  expectant,  for  he  did 
not  know  who  would  be  the  first  to  be  brought  for- 
ward. 

But  his  incertitude  upon  this  point  was  quickly  put  au 
end  to  by  the  ushei  ing  of  Mrs.  Davis  and  Ellen  into  the 
dock. 

The  former,  being  quite  unable  to  stand,  was  accommo- 
dated with  a  chair. 

Ellen  buried  her  face  in  her  hands  and  sobbed 
bittrly. 

"Who  are  these  people  ?"  asked  the  magistrate,  in  an 
under  tone. 

"  Accomplices,"  whispered  the  clerk,  in  reply,  yet  loud 
enough  to  be  heard  almost  all  over  the  Court. 

Then,  rising  to  his  feet,  with  a  paper  before  him,  ho 
said: 

"  Prisoners  at  the  bar,  you  are  charged  with  aiding, 
abetting,  and  comforting  several  of  the  most  notorious 
desperadoes  in  his  Majesty's  dominions,  which  is  felony. 
Do  you  plead  guilty  or  not  guilty  ?" 

Mrs.  Davis  was  too  far  gone  to  pay  attention  to  what 
was  going  on  around  her. 

Ellen's  voice  was  choked  by  her  sobs  and  tears. 

The  magistrate's  clerk  repeated  his  question. 

"  Does  anyone  appear  on  behalf  of  these  people  ?"  in- 
quired the  magistrate. 

"  I  do,"  replied  Mr.  Godfrey,  rising  immediately. 

This  had  the  effect  of  calling  the  attention  of  the 
prisoners  to  him. 

Both  at  the  sam<»  time  saw  Old  Matthew,  who  nodded 
his  head  rapidly,  as  though  to  intimate  that  all  was 
right. 

His  presence  wonderfully  composed  both. 

Mr.  Godfrey  came  close  to  the  dock,  and,  leaning 
over,  whispered : 

'  iiay, '  Not  guilty,'  both  of  you,  as  loud  as  you  can,  and 
leave  the  rest  to  me.'' 

They  nodded  in  acquiescence,  and  obeyed. 

Mr.  Skellum  now  placed  himself  in  the  witness-box. 

He  glanced  around  the  court,  and  particu'arly  at  ths 
magistrate,  with  a  very  self-satisfied  air. 

•*  Do  you  appear  to  give  evidence  against  the  prisoners  ?* 
asked  the  clerk. 

"I  do." 

"  What  is  your  name  ?" 

"  Antrobus  Skellum." 

"  And  profession  ?" 

"  A — a — a — officer  of  police." 

"What  have  you  to  depose  ?"  inquired  the  magistrate, 
seeing  that  his  spy  was  somewhat  embarrassed  by  the  Its  si 
question. 


THS    KUK.J1T  OP  THa  iOAD. 


5ti9 


••  lour  worship,"  bo  said,   "on  the  eleventh  of  the 

C  resent  month  I  captured  the  two  prisoners  at  Stone- 
onge.  They  were  then  in  company  with  Dick  Turpin 
and  his  notorious  companions,  and,  from  the  evay  in 
which  we  found  them  all  conferring  together,  I  have  no 
doubt  they  were  planning  some  fresh  and  daring  robbery." 

"  They  have  both  been  in  oustody  before  "pon  the 
same  charge,  I  think?" 

"  They  have.  It  is  now  only  about  a  month  sinct 
their  liberation.  They  were  let  off  the  first  time  with 
an  easy  sentence." 

"  That,  then,  ia  the  charge  ?" 

"It  is." 

Another-  ponce  olficer  was  then  called,  who  corrobo- 
rated Skellum's  testimony,  and  the  magistrate  said  : 

"  Prisoners  at  the  bar,  what  have  you  to  say  in  your 
own  defence?" 

"Tour  worship,"  said  Mr.  Godfrey,  rising  quickly  to 
his  feet,  "  will,  I  presume,  commit  the  prisoners  for  trial  ?" 

"Sir " 

"  I  say  your  worship  will,  I  presume      — " 

"  I  allow  no  one  to  presume  in  this  Court." 

"  But " 

"  Let  me  have  none  of  your  buts  or  barrels  either !" 

"Really,  your  worship,  yon  will  excuse  me  saying  that 
this  exhibition  of  petulance  is  very  undignified  and  very 
■unworthy  of  you." 

The  justice  was  unable  to  speak  from  passion,  so  Mr. 
Godfrey  took  advantage  of  his  silence  to  say : 

"  I  am  advised  to  say  that  the  prisoners  will  reserve 
their  defence." 

"  Very  good ;  then  they  stand  committed  to  take  their 
trial,  and  bail  will  not  bo  taken  ;  and  if  you  or  any  other 
young  jackanapes  attempt  to  dictate  to  me  I  will  have 
you  committed  for  contempt  of  Court." 

Mr.  Godfrey  sat  down,  very  wisely  taking  no  notice  of 
what  had  just  been  said. 

Tom  Davis  was  next  placed  in  the  dock. 

His  eyes  wandered  round  the  Court  as  though  in  search 
of  some  one,  and  presently  he  saw  Old  Matthew,  who 
again  endeavoured  to  show  that  all  was  well. 

"  Prisoner  at  the  bar,"  said  the  clerk,  reading  from  his 
paper,  "you  stand  charged  with  feloniously  aiding, 
abetting,  and  comforting  several  desperate  offenders 
against  the  law,  to  wit,  Dick  Turpin  and  others ;  and  also 
with  obstructing  the  officers  in  the  discharge  of  their 
duty ;  and  still  further  with  having  escaped  from  custody 
while  on  your  way  to  a  penal  settlement  to  which  you 
had  been  sentenced  for  the  remaining  term  of  your 
natural  life.  Prisoner  at  the  bar,  do  you  plead  guilty  or 
not  guilty  ?" 

In  obedience  to  a  whisper  from  Mr.  Godfrey,  a  plea  of 
not  guilty  was  returned. 

Mr.  Skellum  was  again  the  chief  witness,  and  he  de- 
posed, of  course,  to  the  capture  of  Tom  Davis  under  the 
circumstances  so  well  known  to  the  reader. 

Another  witness — also  a  police  officer — identified  the 
prisoner  as  having  before  been  tried  and  condemned,  and 
having  been  removed  from  custody  by  the  aid  of  a  des- 
perate band  of  highwaymen. 

Mr.  Godfrey  again  stated,  in  answer  to  the  usual  ques- 
tion, that  the  prisoner  reserved  his  defence. 

After  this  the  magistrate  had  nothing  else  to  do  than 
commit  the  prisoner  to  take  his  trial  at  the  next  sessions 
at  the  Old  Bailey — which  he  did  pro  forma. 

Immediately  afterwai-ds  the  prisoner  was  reiao  ~ed. 

Then  again  there  was  that  indescribable  commotion 
which  betokened  that  all  were  anxious  and  expectant. 

What  had  gone  before  might  be  likened  to  some  trifl'ng 
Interlude  at  a  theatre,  introduced  as  a  kind  of  preface  to 
the  piece  de  resistance  of  the  evening. 

All  eyes  were  turned  towards  the  narrow  doorway  through 
which  the  prisoners  were  brought  into  the  Court. 

There  was  a  moment  of  suspeuseful  silence,  and  Sixteen- 
String  Jack  was  more  than  half  carried  into  the  dock, 
where  he  remained  with  a  police  officer  standing  on  each 
aide  of  him. 


CHAPTER  MLXVI1. 

HXTEES-STRING  JACK    HAS     A     STRONG  ESGBfat    TO  NEW- 
GATE. 

Even  after  Sixteon-String  Jack  had  taken  up  his  gssition 
In  iho  dock,  the  deep  expectant  silence  continued. 


All  eyes  were  fixed  upon  him,  for  all  were  equally 
anxious  to  gaze  upon  so  notorious  and  daring  an  offender 
against  the  laws. 
~^t  was  sufficiently  embarrassing  to  remain  thus  the 
cynbsure  3f  so  many  eyes,  and  subject  to  such  close 
scrutiny ;  but  our  old  friend  preserved  an  undaunted  calm- 
ness of  demeanour  which  was  as  far  removed  from  vulgar 
insolence  as  it  was  from  shrinking  cowardice. 

As  the  silence  continued,  Jack  took  the  opportunity  of 
looking  well  round  the  Court,  which  he  did  apparently 
with  a  most  unembarrassed  air. 

Of  course,  he  saw  his  old  associate  and  friend,   the 
landlord  of  the  White   Horse ;  and  one  glance  at  hi3 
ruddy,  jovial-looking    countenance    made  the   prisoner 
more  comfortable  and  at  ease  in  his  mind  than   he  had 
hitherto  been. 

Jack  experienced  to  the  full  that  intense  satisfaction 
which  all  car.uot  help  feeling  when,  in  the  hcur  or 
adversity,  they  find  themselves  not  forgotten  by  those 
who  were  friendly  in  prosperity. 

It  was  such  a  solace  to  Jack's  heart  as  no  words  could 
possibly  express. 

It  was  a  most  unusual  thing  for  a  prisoner  to  be 
brought  to  the  bar  strongly  bound  as  Sixteen-String  Jack 
was,  and  this  fact  alone  was  the  cause  of  a  very  great 
deal  of  attention  being  bestowed  upon  him. 

"  It  is  somewhat  irregular,  is  n  not,  for  a  prisoner  to  be 
brought  up  thus  ?" 

"  It  is,"  replied  Mr.  Skellum,  glibly;  "but  the  well- 
known  recklessness  and  audacity  of  the  prisoner  made  us 
feel  that  we  were  not  exceeding  our  duty  by  taking  these 
precautions  to  keep  him  perfectly  secure." 

This  speech  was  greeted  by  a  general  hiss  from  the 
body  of  the  spectators,  coupled  with  loud  cries  of  "  Shame 
— shame !" 

The  magistrate  stood  up,  black  in  the  face  with 
passion. 

"Clear  the  Court,"  he  yelled— "  clear  the  Court!     I 

will  allow  no   such   manifestations  of  sympathy  with  a 

^desperate  criminal  like  the  one  before  us !" 

\i     A  scene  now  of  tremendous  excitement  and  confusioa 

ensued,  for  the  police  were  only  too  glad  to  put  the 

magistrate's  injunction  into  execution. 

But  their  task  was  not  accomplished  without  a  great 
deal  of  difficulty. 

Finally,  however,  the  numbers  of  the  officers,  and  their 
hard,  thick  staves  prevailed,  and  the  people  were  driven 
out  and  the  door  closed. 

In  a  minute  or  two  afterwards  comparative  silence  was 
obtained. 

Mr.  Skellum  made  a  succession  of  bows,  and  intimated 
his  desire  to  have  an  opportunity  to  speak. 

"H  your  worship  thinks,"  he  said,  iu  cringing  tones, 
"  that  I  have  exceeded  my  duty  in  the  care  I  have  taken 
to  have  the  prisoner  strongly  bound,  with  a  view  of  pre- 
venting the  possibility  of  an  escape,  and  if  your  worship 
wishes  it,  the  bonds  can  be  unloosed." 

"  No — no  !"  replied  the  magistrate,  at  length.  "  I  con- 
sider the  desperate  and  well-known  character  of  the 
accused  is  such  as  fully  to  warrant  us  in  adopting  this 
extreme  course,  for  which  the  prisoner  has  only  to  thank 
hi3  owu  violence." 

"  I  am  not  aware  that  I  have  offered  any,"  said  Jack, 
firmly,  speaking  for  the  first  time. 

"  Pray  say  nothing,"  whispered  Mr.  Godfrey,  earnestly. 
"  Leave  all  the  talking  to  me.  I  want  you  to  do 
nothing  but  plead  iu;>t  guilty  when  tho  proper  moment 
comes." 

Jack  promised  obedience. 

Tho  ordinary  formalities  were  then  commenced  and 
proceeded  with. 

Jack  put  in  his  plea  as  he  had  been  advised. 

As  before,  Mr.  Skellum  made  his  appearance  in  i&& 
witness-box. 

Having  been  sworn,  the  clerk  asked* 

"Do  you  recognise  the  prisoner  at  the  bar?" 

"1  Uo." 

"  Who  is  ho  ?" 

"  His  name,  I  believe,  is  John  Rann,  bat  fea  is  mors 
commonly  and  popularly  known  as  Sixteen-String  Jack*, 
Ho  is  so  called  iu  the  handbill  offering  an  aggtvgkto  re- 
ward of  two  thousand  five  hundred  pounds  for  h:'*u 
and  his  accomplices." 

"You  have  a  description  of  him  there,  I  suppose .'!J 


BLiCi  BS*B ;    OX 


"  Tee,  your  worship." 
u  Read  it." 
Skellani  obeyed. 

"That  establishes  the  identity  beyond  aJ^Mstioa,"  re- 
marked the  magistrate.     "  We  could  net  possibly  h.tve 
better  evidence  than  that." 
"  Just  so,  your  worship." 

"Now  lot  us  hear  the  full  particulars  of  tne  mfitt3»-.w 
"  Yes,  your  worship." 
Amid  a  profound  silence,  Skellum  began. 
We  shall  give  his  narrative  rather  fully,  ao  the  reader 
will  then  comprehend  what  aspect  the  matter  presented 
when  treated  by  him. 

"  From  certain  information  received,  your  worship,  I 
went  down  to  Stonehenge,  where,  as  I  l'jid  reason  to  sup- 
pose, the  highwaymen  contempleted  a  meeting." 
"  And  you  found  you  were  right  ?" 
"Yes,  your  worship.  By  carefully  surrounding  the 
place  we  found  them  all  together.  They  were  well 
armed,  every  one,  and  furious  at  so  close  a  prospect  of  de- 
feat. However,  wo  rushed  upon  them,  calling  out  to  sur- 
render. But  instead  of  paying  any  attention,  the  most 
violent  resistance  was  at  once  commenced.  Pistols  were 
fired,  and  we  were  obliged  to  make  use  of  our  weapons 
in  self-defence." 

"  Well,"  said  the  magistrate,  inquiringly,  for  Skellum 
paused,  "  is  that  all  ?" 
"  No,  your  worship." 
"  Go  on,  then." 

"The  resistance  these  men  made  cannot  be  imagined — 
as  may  be  learned  by  the  fact  that  five  police  officers 
have  been  killed,  and  ten  more  now  lie  dangerously 
wounded,  and  scarcely  expected  to  recover." 

"And  the  other  highwaymen — where  are  they  ?" 
"  They  succeeded  in  violently  breaking  through  our 
tanks ;  but  all  three,  or,  I  should  say,  four  who  thus  got 
off  were  badly  wounded,  and  separate  bodies  of  ofil",a«-s 
were  sent  after  each.  They  cannot  fail  to  be  captuied  stb 
long.  I  expect  every  moment  to  hear  tidings  oi  their 
death  or  capture." 

"  But  this  one,  you  say,  you  secured  ?" 
"  Yes,  your  worship,   though  it  was  with  mush  more 
difficulty   than  your  worship  can  form   any  conception 
of." 

"  It  seems  to  me  that  you  have  acted  very  gallantly, 
and  I  will  take  care  that  your  resolute  and  courageous 
conduct  shall  be  duly  represented  in  the  proper 
quarter." 

"Thanks,  your  worship.  But  I  feel  I  have  dono  no 
more  than  my  duty,"  replied  Skellum,  in  a  whining  tone, 
who,  however,  thought  nothing  of  the  kind. 

"Well — well,  say  no  more  about  that.  Go  on  with 
your  deposition.  (Jan  you,  or  any  of  your  force,  positively 
swear  that  one  of  the  police  officers  received  his  death- 
wound  at  the  hands  of  the  prisoner  at  the  bar  ?" 

"  I  have  no  doubt  that  such  is  the  case,"  said  Mr. 
Skellum,  after  a  momentary  kesitation,  for  he  seemed  in 

doubt  how  to  reply ;  "  but " 

"  You  cannot  prove  it  ?" 

"  I  cannot,  your  worship — that  is,  not  satisfactorily." 
"  Enough.    But  you  have  some  specific  charge  against 
him?" 

"  Oh,  yes,  your  worship !" 
"  What  is  it  ?" 

"Two  highly-respectable  men  will  identify  him,  and 
also  swear  to  him  as  one  of  two  by  whom  they  were 
attacked  and  robbed  only  a  short  time  ago." 
"  That  will  do,  then.  Yeu  can  stand  down." 
Skellum  looked  askance  at  Mr.  Godfrey,  as  though  he 
quite  expected  to  be  cross-examined  ;  but  he  was  disap- 
pointed. 

The  lawyer  merely  made  a  sign  ;  but  ft  expressed 
plainly  enough,  "  Stand  down  ;  I  don't  want  yon." 

One  of  the  bailiffs  was  then  put  into  the  witness- 
box. 

Se  was   a  snabby,   underminded-looking  fellow,    who 
fidgetod  with  the  front  of  the  witness-  box  as  though  very 
Mr  from  being  at  his  ease. 
44  Well,  what  is  your  name  ?" 
u  John  Kutter." 
"What  are  you?" 
"  A  bailiff." 
•»  Look  at  the  prisoner  at  the  bar.    Do  vovt  recognise 


"  1  do." 
"  Who  is  he  ?" 

"  The  man  who  robbed  me  of  a  large  sum  of  zaotej 
and  put  me  i»i  groat  bodily  fear  of  my  life." 
"  Was  it  the  prisoner  who  took  the  money  ?" 
"  It  was." 

"And  you  swear  positively  thav  this  is  the  s&cct 
man  ?" 

"  Most  positively,  your  worship." 
"Just  relate  briefly  the  particulars  of  the  caac." 
The  bailiff  complied. 

As,  however,  all  the  details  of  the  adventure  between 
Claude  and  Jack  and  the  two  tipstaves  must  be  fresh  in 
the  recollection  of  the  reader,  we  forbear  from  repeating 
his  words. 

Although  he  considerably  exaggerated  the  occurrence, 
yet  the  deviation  from  the  absolute  truth  was  not  extra- 
ordinary. 

Mr.  Godfrey  did  not  think  proper  to  ask  this  witness 
any  questions. 

Indeed,  he  saw  that  nothing  could  save  Jack  from  com- 
mittal, so  that  it  would  have  been  an  absolute  waste  of 
time. 

The  other  bailiff  then  corroborated  what  had  been  said 
by  his  partner,  and  this  closed  the  case. 

The  evidence  was  certainly  more  than  sufficient  to 
warrant  tho  magistrate  in  discharging  the  duty  required 
at  his  hands  in  such  cases. 

"  Prisoner  at  the  bar,"  ho  exclaimed,  "have  you  any- 
thing to  say  ?" 

Mr.  Godfrey  rose  instantly. 

"Your  worship,"  ho  said,  "as  the  accused  will  inevit- 
ably be  sent  to  take  his  trial,  he  reserves  his  defence  till 
then,  being  unwilling  to  occupy  needlessly  your  worship's 
valuable  time." 

"  I  shouldn't  wonder,"  said  the  magistrate  sneer- 
ir-gly. 

Then,  in  a  different  voice,  he  added,  turning  to  tho 
dock : 

"  Prisoner  at  the  bar,  you  stand  fully  committed  to 
take  your  trial  at  the  next  sessions  at  the  Old  Bailey, 
upon  the  charge  of  highway  robbery,  and  of  obstructing 
his  Majesty's  officers  in  tho  execution  of  their  duty." 

This  was  tho  last  case,  and  as  the  worthy  magistrate 
had  some  luncheou  waiting  for  him  in  the  adjoining  room 
he  made  a  precipitate  and  very  undignified  retreat  through 
the  little  door  by  means  of  which  he  had  gained  admis 
sion  to  the  Court. 

At  a  given  signal  a  stream  of  officers  poured  into 
the  Court  for  tho  purpose  of  removing  the  prisoner. 

We  should  have  stated  that,  when  the  order  for  clear- 
ing tho  Court  was  carried  out,  our  old  friend  Matthew 
was  not  ejected. 

This  was'solely  through  the  good  offices  of  the  lawyei, 
next  to  whem   ho  was  seated. 

Now  that  the  magistrate  had  left  the  Court  the  worthy 
landlord  did  not  hesitate  to  quit  his  place  and  press 
towards  the  dock. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  saw  him,  and  smiled  a  recog- 
nition. 

But  the  smile  was  a  sickly  and  feeble  one :  by  no 
means  like  that  which  in  former  times  habitually  irra- 
diated his  features. 

"  Be  of  good  heart,  Jack,"  Matthew  cried,  though  Mr. 
Godfrey  plucked  him  by  the  sleeve  and  besought  him  to 
be  silent— "be  of  good  heart,  old  boy!  Remember  you 
have  friends  yet  who   will  do  tho  best   they   can  for 

fOU." 

Jack  shook  his  head,  which  was,  indeed,  about  the  onl} 
movement  he  was  capable  of  making. 

The  officers  then  closed  densely  round  him. 

(Skellum  looked  at  Old  Matthew  with  a  hungry  eye, 
as  though    he    would    much    have    liked    to  take  him 


prisoner. 

But  Matthew  knew  well  enough  that  tne  words  he  had 
made  use  of  were  not  enough  to  bring  him  within  the 
power  of  the  law. 

But  Skellum  resolved  that  a  good  watch  should  be  set 
upon  the  contumacious  landlord,  of  whose  powers  he,  witn 
good  reason,  had  abundant  dread. 

By  main  bodily  force  Sixteen-String  Jack  was  lifted  up 
by  his  guards,  and  in  this  manner  carried  out  of  the  Court 
into  an  adjoining  room. 

Old  Mattlnw  and  the  lawyer  wout  tow.»rJs  tb«  stmt. 


THE   KNIGHT   OF  THE   ROAD. 


[SlITEEJf-STRINO   JACK   IN   U1S  CELL  AT  NEWGATE.] 


This  now  presented  a  startling  spectacle. 

It  was  con»plete!y  blocked  up  as  far  as  ever  the  eye 
could  reach  in  every  direction  by  a  surging,  swaying 
mass  of  human  beings,  who  had  all  been  drawn  to  the 
spot  in  the  hope  of  catching  a  glimpse  of  the  notorious 
prisoner. 

The  same  desire  caused  all  the  windows  and  house-tops 
around  from  which  a  view  might  be  obtained  to  be  lined 
with  faces. 

"  If  they  were  oniy  rn  the  humour,"  mused  Matthew, 
as  his  eye  wandered  over  the  vast  assemblage,  u  bow  easy 
It  would  be  to  make  Jack  a  free  man !" 

i!t  was  quite  easy  to  see,  however,  that  no  such  thought 
as  this  found  a  home  in  the  breasts  of  those  ""ho  composed 
the  huge  multitude. 

Ho  long  as  their  gaping  curiosity  was  gratified,  their 
t*t!6faction  would  be  complete. 

No.  231.— Black  Baaa. 


The  appearance  of  Matthew  and  his  companion  at  th< 
door,  together  with  certain  movements  on  the  part  o.( 
the  police  officers,  caused  the  whisper  to  circulate  with 
lightning-like  rapidity  among  the  crowd : 

"  He's  coming — he's  coming  !" 

Matthew  and  the  lawyer  were  quickly  compelled  to 
quit  their  position,  as  they  would  otherwise  have  inter- 
fered with  the  arrangements  made. 

The  samo  anxious  care  and  determination  to  avoid  all 
risk  of  escape  characterised  the  present  movements  of  the 
police. 

All  the  officers  who  could  be  spared  we.e  drawn  up  in 
a  doublo  line,  which  commenced  at  the  threshold  of  tha 
police-court  and  ended  at  the  door  of  the  hackney-coacfe 
which  had  been  provided  for  the  transit  of  the  prison** 
to  Newgate. 

All  the*©  men  were  armed  with  drawn  cutlassai 


No.  281. 


Thick  One  Halfpenny. 
No.  232  will  be  Published  next  Thursday, 


184<* 


BLACK   BESS;   OS, 


It  will  be  understood  that  they  thus  formed  a  lane  of 
about  five  yards  in  length,  the  walls  of  which  ware  com- 
posed of  resolute  men. 

The  barrier  was  one  by  no  means  to  be  easily  broken 
through. 

Tho  hackney-coach  was  also  surrounded  in  a  similar 
manner,  in  order  to  prevent  the  populace  from  C/owding 
too  closely  round  it. 

Jack's  case  was  hopeless  indeed. 

Had  ho  been  possessed  of  ever  so  much  subtlety  and 
strength,  escapo  would  have  been  impossible. 

A  few  moments  of  anxious  suspense  elapsed. 

Then  the  prisoner  appeared. 

It  was  hard  indeed,  if  not  impossible,  for  those  who 
were  on  foot  to  distinguish  him  from  his  captors,  bo  closely 
wag  he  surrounded  by  them. 

Wot  content  with  the  way  in  which  he  had  been 
secured  already,  fresh  bonds  had  been  added,  and  the 
effect  of  these  was  to  deprive  him  of  the  use  of  every 
limb. 

Just  as  though  Iib  had  been  some  carefully-packed 
piece  of  statue-work  the  highwayman  was  earned  down 
the  passage  and  across  the  pavement  to  the  door  of  the 
coach,  which  was  held  wide  open  in  readiness  to  receive 
him. 

The  mob  set  up  a  cheer,  though  what  they  cheered  at  is 
hard  to  say ;  but,  then,  it  is  well  known  that  a  British 
mob  eagerly  seizes  upon  making  au-y  kind  of  demonstra- 
tion. 

Sixteen-String  Jack  was  lifted  into  the  vehicle,  and 
deposited  in  a  somewhat  awkward  canner  upon  one  of 
the  seats. 

As  many  officers  as  the  carriage  would  conveniently 
hold  crowded  in  after  him  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  a 
strict  watch  upon  all  his  proceedings. 

The  others  sat  on  the  roof  with  their  legs  dangling  down 
over  the  windows,  while  others,  again,  seated  themselves 
upon  the  driver's  seat. 

In  the  meanwhile,  under  the  directions  of  Skellum, 
those  police  officers  who  had  assisted  in  forming  the  living 
lane  were  sent  to  reinforce  those  who  formed  a  ring  round 
the  coach. 

As  soon  as  this  was  done  Mr.  Skellum  gave  a  signal, 
and  the  horses  were  immediately  set  in  motion. 

This  occasioned  another  cheer  from  the  populace,  who, 


far   from   having   their  curiosity    gratified,  resolved  to  I      But  in  vain. 


sequence  of  events  it  is  imperative  that  we  should  leave  hhn 
awhile  upon  the  very  threshold  of  the  heart-chilling  old 
prison  of  Newgate. 

Wo  promise,  however,  to  return  to  him  with  all  possible 
celerity. 

But  there  are  others  on  behalf  of  whom  it  is  believed 
the  reader  f6ela  an  interest  of  no  ordinary  kind,  and  whose 
perils,  if  anything,  exceeded  those  which  happened  to 
Jack  himself. 

Of  tb?  subsequent  movements  of  his  comrades  nothing 
further  is  known  than  what  was  stated  by  Mr.  Skellum 
in  the  presence  of  the  magistrate. 

Whether  his  confident  anticipations  of  a  speedy  further 
capture  were  well  or  ill  founded  we  shall"  now  proceed 
to  show. 

First  of  all  then,  we  shall  devote  ourselves  to  a  relation 
of  what  befel  our  hero,  Dick  Turpin. 

It  will  be  recollected  how  gallantly  he  had  raised  Maud 
upon  finding  that  she  had  been  wounded,  and  how  the 
consciousness  of  her  imminent  and  deadly  danger  had  en- 
abled him  successfully  to  fight  his  way  through  the 
death-storm  that  raged  around  him. 

He  had  swung  Maud  on  to  the  saddle  before  him,  and 
mounted  himself. 

Then,  while  the  bullets  showered  round  him  like  haiL 
he  had  urged  Black  Bess  to  make  speed  now  if  ever  she 
had  done  so  in  her  life  before. 

Need  we  say  how  nobly  the  gallant,  incomparable 
steed  acquitted  herself  ? 

Her  speed  was  something  which,  if  beheld,  would  make 
the  observer  believe  that  "  his  eyes  were  the  fools  of  his 
other  senses." 

It  the  twinkling  of  an  eye  her  sable  form  mingled 
with,  and  was  swallowed  up  by,  the  darkness  which 
everywhere  prevailed. 

On  the  soft  turf  her  hoof-strokes  were  inaudible,  or  nearly 
so. 

But  although  his  pursuers  were  soon  left  behind, 
Dick  would  not  suffer  her  to  relax  her  speed. 

On  the  wide  open  plain  of  Salisbury  no  refuge  could 
be  found  for  him — he  must  make  his  way  to  some  place 
miles  and  miles  off. 

Since  their  shuting  Maud  had  never  once  moved  in 
the  slightest  degree. 

He  had  called  to  her. 


follow  the  vehicle  to  its  destination 

Owing  to  the  great  weight  of  the  load,  the  two  lean- 
ribbed  horses  harnessed  to  the  hackney-coach  were 
unable  to  take  it  at  a  more  rapid  rate  than  a  walk. 

But  this  pace  just  suited  those  officers  who  had  to 
keep  up  with  them,  their  orders  being  to  preserve  the 
cordon  strictly  until  they  reached  the  prison. 

Slow  and  tedious  was  the  journey. 

Many  and  various  were  the  stoppages  that  took 
place. 

To  Jack  the  time  seemed  twice  as  long  as  it  was  in 
reality. 

To  some  extent  this  was  occasioned  by  the  discomfort 
which  he  experienced. 

His  position  was  as  awkward  and  uncomfortable  a  one 
as  could  have  been  imagined,  and  it  would  have  been  an 
easy  enough  matter  to  alter  it 

But  the  police  showed  no  inclination  to  trouble  them- 
selves, and  Jack  would  have  suffered  anything  rather 
than  have  rasrfe  the  request — perhaps,  even,  to  be  re- 
fused. 

At  length  the  corner  of  the  Old  Bailey  was  turned, 
and  the  gloomy  walls  of  Newgate  came  into  view. 

Jack  knew  it,  though  he  was  so  placed  that  he  could 
not  see  them. 

In  another  moment  the  jolting,  lumbering  conveyance 
came  to  a  final  halt. 


CHAPTER  MLXVIII. 

REVERTS   TO    THE     PERILOUS    POSITION  OV    DICK    TURPIN 
AND  MAUD. 


Pain  would  we  continue  exclusively  to  devote  ourselves 
to  a  consideration  of  Sixteen-String  Jack,  now  he  is  in 
a  position  cf  so  much  greater  danger  than  any  that 
had  befallen  him  during  the  whole  of  his  long  career.  . 
Eat  in  order  to  preserve  something  like  a  chronological  I  60  intense  the  darkness  which  prevailed,  that  he  cot  Id 


No  answer  was  returned  to  his  earnest  wordo. 

He  felt  her  hands. 

Tney  were  icy  cold. 

So,  too,  was  her  face. 

Again  and  again  he  called  as  they  rushed  headlong  on 
in  the  deop  darkness,  but  with  no  better  result  than 
before. 

He  placed  his  hand  upon  her  breast,  but  withdrew  it 
instantly. 

He  had  touched  something  cold,  clammy,  and 
sticky. 

He  knew  full  well  what  it  was  without  the  aid  of 
vision. 

It  was  blood. 

A  terriblo  groan  escaped  his  lips. 

Then  he  turned  his  head  to  listen. 

Floating  faintly  upon  the  wind  he  heard,  or  fancied 
he  could  hear,  the  trampling  of  many  horses'  feet  upon 
the  turf,  as  well  as  loud  shouts  and  cries. 

"  I  cannot  stop  now,"  he  muttered,  as  he  urged  Besa 
to  make  fresh  exertions.  "  That  would  only  be  to  pre- 
cipitate our  fate.  No,  no  I  On,  Bess — on,  my  lass !  Our 
only  hope  is  in  speedily  reaching  some  place  of 
shelter." 

But  whene  was  he  to  seek  for  this,  with  tho  whole 
country  alive  with  foes  all  eagerly  searching  for 
him  ? 

Oh,  how  he  wished  that  Tom  King  was  with  him ! 

By  his  guidance,  the  vessel  engaged  to  take  them  acros« 
the  Channel  could  have  been  gained,  and  then,  doubtless 
safety  would  have  laid  before  them. 

As  it  was,  Dick  had  only  the  vaguest  idea  in  the  worl* 
of  the  position  of  the  smugglers'  cave. 

Could  he  but  have  reached  this  it  would  have  been  a 
place  of  safe  refuge. 

But  in  thi3  he  was  equally  at  fault, 

So  sudden,  too,  had  been  his  flight  from  the  ruins,  qikJ 


THB  KNIGHT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


1843 


not  take  upon  himself  to  say  with  any  degree  of  certitude 
whether  he  was  going  in  the  direction  of  tu»  sea-coast  or 
away  from  it. 

He  was  compelled,  too,  to  keep  on  this  random 
course  for  the  want  of  knowing  which  way  to  turn  out 
of  it. 

These  reflections,  together  with  Maud's  continued  state 
of  inanimation,  seemed  to  have  the  effect  of  searing  his 
heart  and  brain  with  fire. 

On,  on  he  sped,  until  the  seemingly  interminable  ex- 
panse of  Salisbury  Plain  was  crossed. 

On,  on  farther  and  farther  still — aoross  dusty  high- 
roads— down  narrow,  winding  lanes—over  the  open 
country — away — away — 

Past  houses  and  little  clasiara  of  humble  cottages — 
places  where  he  would  fain  have  stopped  for  a  brief  space 
in  order  that  Maud's  hurt  might  be  looked  to ;  but  in  vain 
— in  vain. 

Either  in  reality,  or  else  in  his  exaggerated  fancy,  he 
could  still  hear  his  pursuers  tearing  after  him  with 
redoubled  speed,  and  calling  upon  him  to  surrender. 

Although  the  speed  of  his  mare  was  now  greater  than 
he  had  ever  known  it  to  be  before,  he  did  not  scruple 
to  urge  her  to  still  greater  efforts. 

To  say  that  the  various  objects  in  the  landscape  seemed 
to]  sweep  past  them  like  rapidly-flitting  shadows  would 
be  to  convey  a  feeble  and  inadequate  idea  of  her  tremen- 
dous rate  of  speed. 

And  still  Maud  had  neither  moved  nor  spoken,  nor 
had  she  shown  herself  to  be  in  the  slightest  degree 
conscious  of  Dick's  anxious  and  impassioned  calls  to 
her. 

Ho  had  placed  his  hand  over  her  heart — in  close  cad 
dangerous  proximity  to  which  vital  organ  was  a  gaping 
wound.  He  pressed  tightly  upon  it,  for  by  this  means 
the  flow  of  blood  was  checked,  and  at  the  same  time 
he  tried  to  ascertain  whether  there  was  any  pulsa- 
tion. 

At  times  he  fancied  he  could  detect  a  feeble,  fluttering 
beat ;  but  it  was  so  faint  and  so  uncertain  that  he  was  full 
of  doubts  upon  it. 

And  every  moment  of  his  headlong  career  the  agony 
he  suffered  was  almost  beyond  endurance. 

What  if  Maud  should  die  ? 

What  if  this  ghastly  wound  should  prove  a  l«.cal 
one? 

The  thought  drove  him  frantic. 

The  blood  in  his  veins  seemed  turned  to  liquid,  boiliDg 
metal. 

A  mist  came  over  his  eyes. 

All  objects  seemed  bathed  in  blood,  and  it  was  only  by 
a  great  effort  and  a  species  of  instinct  that  he  re- 
tained his  balance,  for  he  had  swayed  fearfully  to  one 
aide. 

Ue  had  forgotten  all  about  his  own  wound. 

The  excitement  under  which  he  had  laboured  since  re- 
ceiving it  had  made  him  altogether  forgetful  that  he  had 
received  ah  injury  at  all. 

Now  it  only  made  its  presence  felt  by  means  of  the 
weakness  that  had  been  produced  by  excessive  loss  of 
blood. 

This  proves,  of  course,  that  the  wound  was  by  no  means 
of  a  serious  character. 

Indeed,  had  it  been  bound  up  at  the  first,  probably 
nothing  more  would  have  been  felt  of  it,  the  injury  being 
quite  superficial. 

The  violent  exertion  of  riding  on  horseback  at  such  a 
furious  pace,  as  well  as  the  feverish  condition  of  his 
blood,  caused  the  hemorrhage  to  be  much  greater  than  it 
would  have  been  under  other  circumstances. 

But  finding  that  he  grew  rapidly  weaker  every 
moment,  Dick  brought  his  foaming  steed  to  stand- 
still 

He  then  roughly  and  hastily  bound  up  his  ,y>ucd; 
but  the  task  of  doing  so  at  all  was  one  of  no  ordinary 
difficulty. 

The  good  effects  of  it,  however,  V^ry  quiclJy  made 
themselves  apparent 

He  listened — listened  intently,  for  thero  caaie  apon 
his  ears  faintly  and  from  afar  off  a  Strang  monotonous 
aound. 

"  What  is  it  ?"  Dick  asked  himself—"  what  is  tt?a 

He  listened  again. 

"  It  is  the  sea !"  he  cried,  in  a  voice  of  joyfulcoBs. 


"  We  must  be  at  no  great  distance  from  the  coast.  Fast 
asyou  have  been,  Bess,  lass,  I  little  thought  you  had 
bfcRlght  us  so  far  in  such  a  little  time.  Yes,  yes,  there 
can  be  no  doubt  about  it — it  is  the  sea !" 

At  this  moment  Maud  made  a  slight  movement. 

It  was  the  first  since  they  had  left  the  ruins. 

A  faint,  fluttering  sigh  also  escaped  her  lips. 

The  sound  made  Dick's  heart  bound  within  him. 

"  Maud  dearest !"  he  cried.  "  Listen — oh !  listen  to  me ! 
Cheer  up  I  Believe  me,  the  danger  now  is  past,  aud  we 
are  safe  1  Hark  1  can  you  not  hear  the  breakers  roar  ? 
We  are  close  to  the  coast,  and  in  a  few  minutes  we  shall 
reach  it." 

Dick  paused  anxiously  for  a  reply. 

But  none  came. 

He  was  left  equally  in  doubt  as  to  whether  Maud  was 
incapable  of  utterance,  or  whether  she  had  failed  to  hear 
the  words  which  he  had  addressed  to  her. 

In  either  case  it  was  folly  to  linger  longer. 

The  first  and  most  important  step  was  to  get  out  of 
danger,  and  he  strongly  felt  that  every  moment  of  time 
was  of  incalculable  importance. 

Accordingly,  despite  his  anguished  6tate  of  doubt,  he 
again  set  Black  Bess  in  motion. 

Unexpectedly  finding  himself  thus  at  the  sea  coast 
changed  the  current  of  all  Dick's  previous  thoughts  and 
intentions. 

He  felt  now  that  he  could  not  do  a  wiser  thing  than 
engage  some  little  vessel  to  take  them  across  the 
Channel. 

'  The  only  thing  against  it  was  that  Maud's  hurt  re- 
quired immediate  attention,  and  that  the  delay  and  journey 
across  the  sea  would  have  the  effect  of  aggravating  its 
unfavourable  symptoms. 

But,  then,  on  the  other  hand,  it  seemed  quite  certain 
that,  under  the  most  favourable  conditions,  a  considerable 
length  of  time  would  elapse  before  Maud  would  be 
sufficiently  recovered  to  move,  and  it  was  too  much  to 
expect  that  they  would  be  allowed  to  remain  un- 
disturbed by  the  police  officers  during  such  an  in- 
terval. 

From  the  strengh  of  the  force  which  had  attacked  them 
— so  much  more  numerous  than  any  other  which  had 
been  brought  against  them — he  was  6ure  that  unrelaxing 
efforts  would  be  made  to  recapture  him. 

He  had  pursued  a  tolerably  straight  course  hitherto, 
having  put  into  practice  no  stratagem  whatever  of  a 
character  calculated  to  lead  them  astray. 

All  that  he  had  gained  was  time ;  and  if  he  only  gave 
the  officers  the  opportunity  they  would  soon  be  up  with 
him  again. 

Then,  with  Maud  lying  on  a  sick  couch,  what  could  he 
do? 

Not  leave  her  to  the  care  of  others,  for  she  was  ob- 
noxious to  the  law  like  himself,  and  they  would  show  her 
no  consideration  because  of  her  injuries. 

The  only  chance  that  he  had  was  to  quit  the  coast 
altogether. 

Whether  ho  should  be  able  to  do  this  or  not  was 
doubtful ;  but  with  au  undaunted  heart  Dick  rode  on. 

It  was  never  his  nature  to  meet  difficulties  half 
way. 

He  waited  till  they  faced  him,  and  then  his  un- 
daunted resolution  generally  enabled  him  to  overcome 
them. 

Already  he  could  see  in  the  distance  a  long  white  line 
of  light,  which  indicated  the  whereabouts  of  the 
breakers. 

Animated  by  the  sight,  he  pushed  on  with  more 
rapidity. 

At  last  the  water's  edge  was  reached. 

The  spot  upon  which  he  had  chanced  was  a  bleak  and 
desolate  oua. 

As  far  aa  the  eye  could  reach  on  either  side  nothing 
could  be  seen  but  a  long  hue  of  broken,  jagged  coast, 
on  which  the  waves  broke  ceaselessly  with  a  tumultuous 
roar. 

No  human  habitation  could  be  descried. 

Dick's  heart  sank  within  him  when  he  asked  himself 
the  question,  what  human  beings  could  be  found 
who  would  choose  such  a  spot  for  an  abiding-place  ? 

Some  distance  further  on  he  might  perhaps  find  whfct 
he  sought ;  but  he  knew  not  which  direction  to  take — th* 
right  or  the  left. 


1844 


BLACK   BESS  ;    OR, 


Scarcely  pausing  to  consider — for  an  hour's  deliberation 
would  not  have  brought  him  aDy  nearer  to  a  decision — 
he  chose  the  latter. 

The  nature  of  the  ground  was  such  as  to  prevent  any 
considerable  speed  being  made. 

Yet  he  pushed  on  with  greater  swiftness  thaD  fiyone 
could  have  expected. 

Suddenly,  however,  he  came  upon  a  smaU  indentation 
in  the  shore,  which  had  been  hidden  from  htfo.  by  the 
huge  masses  of  rock. 

Nothing  could  have  come  upon  him  more  unex- 
pectedly. 

He  pulled  up,  and  uttered  an  exclamation,  the  tone 
of  which  showed  that  he  had  made  a  pleasant  dis- 
covery. 

And  in  truth  he  had. 

Below  him,  but  easily  accessible  by  means  of  a  zigzag 
path,  could  be  seen  a  small  cluster  of  cottages,  seemingly 
the  abode  of  fishermen. 

Drawn  up  high  and  dry  on  the  r.3ach  *  ere  several 
boats  of  various  sizes,  but  all  of  such  a  kind  as  wuuld  be 
used  for  fishing. 

Dick  now  believed  that  the  way  of  escape  lay  clear  and 
plain  before  him. 

Without  hesitation  he  commenced  to  descend  the  zigzag 
path  we  have  mentioned. 

A  few  minutes  served  to  bring  him  to  tho  huts,  for  by 
this  word  they  are  most  appropriately  called. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  little  hamlet  seemed  long  since 
to  have  retired  to  rest. 

From  one  window,  and  one  only,  came  a  dim,  uncertain 
ray  of  light. 

To  Dick  Turpin  it  was  a  beacon,  and  he  hastened 
towards  it  with  rapid  strides. 

Arriving  at  the  door,  ho  knocked  loudly  at  it. 

But  ho  had  to  knock  a  second  time  before  any  notice 
was  taken. 

Then  the  door  was  opened,  and  the  gaunt,  attenuated 
figure  of  a  man  presented  itself  upon  the  threshold. 

The  flickering  light  from  the  small,  rude-made  iron 
lamp  he  carried  vividly  displayed  the  deep,  sunken 
hollow  of  his  cheeks. 

"  Who  are  you  ?"  he  said,  in  hoarse,  guttural  tones, 
which  were  in  admirable  keeping  with  the  roughness  of 
his  exterior.  "What  want  you,  that  you  should  dis- 
turb the  dying  at  this  hour  ?" 

The  word  "  dying  "  struck  upon  Dick's  heart  with  an 
ominous  chill. 

So  much  so,  that,  without  being  conscious  of  so  doing, 
he  echoed  it. 

"  Ay,  dying,"  reiterated  the  man.  "  Tell  me  quickly 
what  you  want  ?" 

" I  am  in  sore  distress  and  danger,"  said  Dick,  "and  I 
want  an  immediate  passage  to  France." 

"  Then  you  want  what  you  cannot  have." 

"Why  not?" 

"  Why  not  ?  Because  there  is  no  man  living  who 
would  venture  to  put  off  from  the  shore  to-night.  Im- 
mediate destruction  would  be  the  result.  Had  it  not 
been  so,  think  you  those  boats  would  be  lying  idly  on  the 
beach  ?" 

Dick's  heart  sank  within  him. 

Already  he  fancied  the  officers  were  upon  him. 

Certainly  they  would  arrive  ere  long. 

"  Well,"  6aid  the  man,  "  why  stand  you  here  ?  Have  I 
not  spoken  ?     1  say  again  it  is  impossible." 

"My  good  friend,"  said  Dick,  in  a  deep  and  broken 
voice,  "did  you  not  toll  me  wme  one  was  dying 
nere  ?" 

"  Ay,  my  wife." 

"  Your  wife  ?"  repeated  Dick,  struck  with  the  strange- 
ness of  the  coincidence. 

"  Yes — and  the  best  that  ever  man  was  blessed  with ! 
When  she  id  gone  I — I        " 

Sobs  choked  his  further  utterance,  and  tears  rolled  down 
the  rugged,  weatherbeaten  face. 

"Is  the  case  hopeless?''  said  Dick — "whollv  and 
completely  hopeless  ?  Is  there  nothing  that  can  L„  done 
that  will  give  her  some  chance  of  recovery  ?" 

"  Why — why,  yes,  there  is ;  bu.';  it  was  a  mockery  for 
tho  doctor  to  mention  it.'' 

"  What  is  it  ?" 

"  Never  mind.    Why  should  I  parley  with  you  t * 

"  Simply  because  I,  too,  haTe  the  same  grief  as  your- 


self. My  wife,  who  is  with  me  here,  is,  I  fear,  dying, 
and  the  only  chance  there  is  of  saving  both  her  life 
and  mine  is  that  we  reach  the  Frenoh  coast  to- 
morrow." 

"That  is  your  solo  chance  ?" 

"  It  is." 

"  Heaven  help  you,  then  !" 
'But  what  is  yours  ?" 

'  Why,  delicacies — nutritious  substances,  luxuries  only 
»  thin  the  reach  of  the  rich  man's  purse.  The  idea," 
he  added,  with  a  bitter  laugh,  "  to  tell  that  to  a  man 
who  is  himself  dying  for  the  bare  necessaries  of 
life !" 

"  Hush — hush !"  said  Dick.     "  Bo  calm." 

"Calm?" 

"  Yes.  Repine  no  longer,  for  I  believe  that  it  is 
decreed  by  fate  that  we  shall  be  of  assistance  to  each 
other." 

"  In  what  way  do  you  mean  ?"  asked  the  man,  with 
extreme  eagerness , 

"  Listen,  and  I  will  tell  you." 

"  Well  ?" 

"  If  you  save  my  wife's  life  by  the  performance  of  the 
service  I  require,  I,  in  return  for  it,  will  give  you  such 
a  sum  of  money  as  will  make  you  comparatively  a  rich 
man  for  life — so  rich  that  there  is  no  delicacy,  however 
extravagant  in  price,  which  will  bo  beyond  your  powers 
of  purchase." 


CHAPTER  MLXIX. 

DICK     TURPIN  SUCCEEDS     IN  GETTING   A   PASSAGE    TO  THE 
COAST  OF  FRANCE. 

The  man  looked  upon  Dick  with  an  air  of  amazed  in- 
credulity. 

He  was  speechless. 

"  Do  you  understand  mo  ?"  Dick  asked,  at  length. 

"  Are  you  in  earnest  ?" 

"  I  never  was  more  so  in  my  life.  Come,  speak  quickly  ! 
Say  whether  the  deaths  of  three  persons  shall  rest  upon 
your  head." 

The  man  hesitatbd. 

"  You  want  to  cross  to  France  ?" 

"  I  do." 

"  And  now  ?" 

"  At  once." 

"  I  fear  it  is  certain  death  to  attempt  It." 

"  Tush — tush,  man  !     Who  can  say  ?" 

"  Well,  I  can  ;  for  you  may  believe  me  or  not  as  you 
think  proper,  but  there  is  no  man  here  who  could  be 
found  willing  to  put  off  to  6ea  on  such  a.  boisterous 
night." 

"  But  think  of  what  a  powerful  incentive  you  have  be- 
fore you!  You  might  not,  perhaps,  feel  inclined  to  risk 
your  all  upon  the  uncertain  chance  of  catching  a  few  fish, 
but  yet  you  might  if  you  knew  that  your  wife's  life  was 
at  stake,  and  that  you  could  save  it." 

"  I  know  not  who  you  are,"  said  the  man,  with  sudden 
energy,  "  thus  to  tempt  me  to  destruction,  but — but 
make  good  your  promise,  and — and  I  will  take  you." 

"  I  swear  to  do  so,"  said  Dick,  solemnly — "swear  by 
everything  which  men  hold  6acred  '" 

"  Enough !     I  consent." 

"And  how  long  will  it  take  you  to  make  your  prepara- 
tions ?" 

"  Half  an  hout. " 

"  It  must  be  less." 

"  It  shall  be,  if  possible." 

"  Then  I  will  alight  and  enter.  1  see  you  have  a  fire 
burning,  and  the  warmth  may  serve  to  recover  my  wife 
from  her  swoon." 

While  speaking,  he  slipped  from  the  saddle  and  tried 
to  lift  Maud  down. 

But  his  strength  was  insufficient. 

The  fisherman  ran  to  his  assistance,  and  by  their  united 
exertions  Maud  was  carried  in. 

"  Why — why,"  cried  the  fisherman,  in  surprise,  "  here 
Lib  Hood !" 

"  Yes ;  did  I  not  tell  you  she  was  wounded  ?" 

"  I  did  not  hear  you." 

"  Quick— quick !  I  will  tell  you  more  anon — at  present 
we  have  no  time  to  talk." 

"  What  is  it  ?"  cried  some  one,  in  »  feeble  roice— m 


1KIGHT  OV  TH«  BOAD. 


IS4fi 


feeble  that  Diok  felt  Death  must  be  very  close  at  hand  in- 
deed. 

The  voice  came  from  one  corner  of  the  hut. 

There  was  not  much  light,  but  still  Dick  could  just 
perceive  the  outlines  of  a  dark  mass,  apparently  of  rags, 
which  served  the  purpose  of  a  bed. 

A  second  glance  enabled  him  to  make  out  the  wasted 
form  of  a  woman,  who  looked  around  her  in  manifest 
amazement. 

"  Hush — hush,  Bossio !"  said  the  fisherman,  in  a  voice 
so  tender  that  Dick  could  scarcely  believe  his  ears  served 
him  rightly.  "  Do  not  excite  yoursolf,  but  take  my  word 
that  all  is  well.  Fortune  has  sent  this  gentleman  to  save 
us.  He  requires  a  quick  passage  to  France,  and  I  have 
agreed  to  take  him ;  and  the  payment  I  shall  receive  will 
make  us  rich  for  life." 

"No,  no,"  said  the  woman,  wildly — "do  noc  gv.  ~do 
not  trust  yourself  again  upon  the  sea !  You  told  me  to- 
night that  no  one  could  set  out." 

"  Yes — yes,"  said  the  man,  soothingly  ;  "  but  that  is 
some  hours  ago.  Bo  content  to  leave  this  matter  quite  to 
me,  and  in  the  end  all  will  be  well." 

"  No,  no— jaot  well !  But  I  am  dying — slowly  but  surely 
dying !" 

"  But  you  remember  what  the  doctor  said,  Bessie  ?"  ex- 
claimed the  fisherman,  bending  over  the  humble  bed. 
"  He  told  you  that  if  you  could  have  certain  things  you 
would  recover,  and  this  gentleman  will  give  me  enough 
to  enable  me  to  buy  them." 

The  woman  wept. 

"  I  see  how  it  is,"  she  said,  through  her  tears,  "  though 
you  would  fain  conceal  it  from  me.  You  are  willing  des- 
perately to  risk  your  life  upon  the  bare  chance  of  saving 
me." 

"No— no." 

"But  I  say  yes!" 

"  And  I  again  say  no !  Not  only  does  your  life,  but 
the  Uvesof  this  gentleman  and  his  wife,  depend  upon  me; 
and  must  I  selfishly  sacrifice  them  all  ?  No,  no  !  I  must 
go,  Bessie.  Keep  up  your  spirits  till  I  return — I  shall  not 
be  long." 

The  woman  wept  still. 

There  was  a  gloomy,  heavy  foreboding  in  her  fceart. 

While  these  words  had  been  passing  between  the  fisher- 
man and  his  wife,  Dick  had  by  no  means  been  an  idle 
listener. 

On  the  contrary,  he  had  placed  Maud  in  as  comfortable 
a  position  as  he  could  in  front  of  the  fire,  in  the  hope  of 
infusing  fresh  warmth  into  her  chilled  frame. 

He  also  endeavoured  to  ascertain  the  character  of  the 
wound. 

But  he  found  the  blood  had  coagulated  in  a  mass  over 
the  orifice,  thus  forming  a  natural  styptic. 

He  knew  well  enough  if  this  clot  was  removed  the 
hemorrhage  would  re-commence,  and  he  would  be  power- 
less to  stanch  it. 

Until  medical  aid  could  be  obtained,  it  was  best  to 
leave  this  as  it  was. 

Dick  would  have  given  much  had  he  been  able  to  as- 
certain more  exactly  the  nature  and  ext^Tt  of  the 
wound. 

His  greatest  apprehensions  were  excited  by  its  position, 
which  made  him  fear  that  the  hurt  was  a  mortal  one. 

He  strove  hard  to  think  otherwise,  and  occupied  him- 
self by  endeavouring  to  bring  her  back  to  reanima- 
tion. 

But  it  was  not  until  the  fisherman  had  left  the  cottage 
for  the  purpose  of  getting  the  boat  in  readiness  for  launch- 
ing that  he  succeeded. 

Maud  opened  her  eyes  quietly  and  languidly. 

Her  gaze  fell  upon  Dick's  face,  and  her  face  lighted  up 
with  a  faint  smile. 

She  pressed  his  hand  to  show  her  thankfulness  at  find- 
ing him  safe  and  apparently  unhurt. 

She  was  about  to  speak,  but  Dick  checked  her  by  a 
rapid  gesture. 

He  waa  afraid  that  any  attempt  to  exercise  her  voice 
would  be  attended  with  the  worst  and  most  daugerous 
results. 

"  Do  not  attempt  to  utter  one  syllable,"  he  said,  in  low 
tones,  but  sufficiently  loud  for  her  to  catch  the  purport  of 
what  he  said.  "  Be  satisfied  for  me  to  tell  yon  that  the 
danger  is  over,  and  that  in  a  very  short  time  all  will  be 
well— quite  welL" 


Maud  shook  her  head. 

"  Yes,  yes !  Believe  me,  I  speak  truly.  We  are  even 
now  about  to  embark  for  France.  We  are  now  in  a  cot- 
tage on  the  sea-coast.  If  you  listen,  you  will  hear  th« 
roaring  of  the  breakers." 

Again  Maud  seemed  as  though  abort  to  speak* 

But  Dick  checked  her  once  more. 

44  Silence  is  imperative,"  he  said.  "  Once  more  I  ask 
you  to  be  content  wfth  my  earnest  assurance  that  all  is 
well." 

"  No,  no,"  she  said,  in  a  low,  hurried  whisper — "  all  is 
not  well,  Dick,  for — for,  Dick,  I  feel  that  I  am  dying." 

"  No,  no !"  Dick  cried,  with  eager  earnestness,  though 
while  be  spoke  his  heart  swelled  so  painfully  as  to  be 
well-nigh  past  endurance.  "  You  are  weak  and  faint  from 
loss  of  blood,  I  knew ;  but  that  has  coased,  and  when  we 
reach  France  medical  aid  can  be  had  without  fear  of  the 
result.  Cheer  up,  dear  one!  A  brighter  and  happier 
dawn  is  coming." 

As  he  spoke,  Maud  felt  that  in  one  sense  it  might  be  so, 
but  she  offered  no  remark. 

Indeed,  the  effort  to  speak  as  much  as  she  had  was  so 
severe  as  to  render  her  incapable  of  repeating  it. 

As  for  Dick  himself,  he  was  constrained  to  turn  aside 
to  conceal  his  emotions. 

There  was  that  on  Maud's  face  which  he  could  not  bear 
to  look  upon. 

It  was  something  indescribable,  yet  ho  was  innately 
conscious  that  the  cause  of  the  effect  was  the  flappings  of 
Death's  sable  pinions. 

Fortunately  for  him,  it  was  at  this  moment  that  tke 
fisherman  returned. 

"  Is  all  ready  ?"  asked  Dick,  eagerly. 

"  Yes,  quite." 

"  Then  do  not  let  us  lose  another  moment." 

The  fisherman  bade  his  wife  a  hasty,  whispered  adieu. 

Dick  partially  raised  Maud. 

The  fisherman  came  to  his  aid,  and  between  them  she 
was  carried  to  the  vessel. 

The  roughness  of  the  ocean  had  now  to  a  very  consider- 
able extent  abated — a  circumstance  which  did  not  fail  to 
cause  Dick  sensations  of  great  pleasure. 

Still,  it  was  what  an  old  sailor  would  h*ve  called  a 
"  dirty"  night. 

The  bark  which  was  in  readiness  for  them  wan  small  in 
size,  and  yet  large  when  the  fact  that  one  man  could  work 
it  was  taken  into  consideration. 

Maud  was  carried  on  board,  and,  as  a  matter  of  course, 
was  made  as  comfortable  as  the  nature  of  things  per- 
mitted. 

The  next  thing  was  to  get  Black  Bess  also  aboard  the 
craft,  and  had  she  not  been  so  docile  and  so  thoroughly 
obedient  to  her  master's  will,  the  task  would  have  been 
one  of  no  ordinary  difficulty. 

The  fisherman  was  filled  with  wonder. 

"  Your  horse  seems  to  have  as  much  intelligence  as  a 
Christian." 

"  She  is  worth  her  weight  in  gold,"  said  Dick,  caressing 
her  fondly.     "  Had  it  not  been  for  her  to-night—" 

He  ceased,  for  he  thought  it  would  not  be  prudent  to 
let  the  fisherman  know  too  much. 

All  now  was  in  readiness. 

The  boat  was  pushed  off  from  the  shore,  and  the  fisher- 
man climbed  over  the  side. 

A  few  strokes  with  the  oar  carried  them  fairly  out  on 
to  the  ocean,  and  then  the  task  of  hoisting  the  sail  was 
commenced. 

In  this  operation  Dick  was  of  great  service. 

"If  this  breeze  continues,"  said  the  fisherman,  "and 
all  goes  well,  we  shall  make  a  speedier  journey  to  France 
than  has  been  heard  of  for  many  a  year." 

Dick  looked  around  him,  or,  more  correctly  speaking, 
he  endeavoured  to  do  so. 

But  so  intense  was  the  darkness  that  the  surface  of  the 
waves  could  scarce  be  distinguished. 

Already  the  recently-left  land  had  vanished  altogether 
from  their  view,  and  as  he  tried  unsuccessfully  to  pierce 
the  gloom  which  hung  before  them  like  some  velvet  pall, 
Dick  was  indeed  sensible  of  the  amount  of  courage,  skill, 
and  daring  requisite  to  enable  anyone  to  undertake  such 
a  journey. 

*But  the  demeanour  of  the  fisherman  filled  him  with  ad- 
miration, and  at  the  same  time  inspired  him  with  con- 
fidence. 


1846 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OS, 


Now  that  he  was  afloat,  there  was  no  eagerness  or  ex- 
citement about  him. 

He  was  as  calm  to  all  outward  appearances  as  it  was 
possible  for  a  human  being  to  be  under  a*ny  circum- 
stances. 

It  was  evident  now  that  he  thought  nothing  of  the  risk 
and  dagger  of  the  undertaking,  but  bent  all  his  energies 
towards  bringing  it  to  a  successful  termination. 

When  the  sail  was  properly  fixed,  the  motion  of  the 
vessel  was  much  accelerated,  and  Dick  found  an  opportu- 
nity of  placing  himself  beside  Maud. 

She  was  shivering  with  cold. 

His  first  care  was  to  wrap  her  up  still  more  effec- 
tually. 

He  could  not  see  her  face — the  darkness  was  too  great 
for  that. 

But  he  spoke  reassuring  words  Ct>  her,  and  over  and 
over  again  repeated  that  they  were  now  free  from  all 
danger. 

He  could  tell  that  his  words  were  heard  and  understood 
by  the  occasional  and  feeble  pressure  of  her  hand. 

The  boat  surged  through  the  foaming  water  at  a  furious 
rate. 

The  fisherman  was  right  when  he  said  if  the  wind  con- 
tinued steadfast  the  passage  would  be  a  quick  one. 

At  present  it  blew  directly  from  the  English  coast,  and 
as  they  carried  quite  as  much,  perhaps  even  more,  sail 
than  was  exactly  compatible  with  ordinary  safety,  and  as 
the  fisherman  added  to  the  velocity  by  working  lustily  at 
the  oars,  it  may  be  believed  that  their  rate  of  progress 
was  sufficiently  rapid. 

And  yet,  despite  this  swiftness,  Dick  was  full  of  all- 
devouring  impatience. 

This,  however,  was  on  Maud's  account,  which  was 
enough  to  account  for  it. 

Every  moment  Dick  fancied  she  grew  colder  and  colder, 
and  he  was  inwardly  couscious  that  her  life  was  ebbing 
fast  away,  while  he  was  powerless  to  arrest  its  departure. 

Nothing  could  have  shown  more  convincingly  how  pe- 
rilous was  her  condition  than  the  fact  that  up  to  the 
present  moment  she  had  not  seemed  to  have  observed  the 
absence  of  Dick  Turpiu's  comrades,  on  behalf  of  whom 
the  reader  will  scarcely  require  to  be  told  Dick  himself 
experienced  the  utmost  anxiety. 

He  feared,  and  feared  truly,  that  things  had  gone  hard 
with  them. 

Insensibly  he  was  led  to  think  of  how  strange  it  was 
that  this  stupendous  catastrophe  should  have  taken  place 
at  a  moment  when  they  felt  most  convinced  of  their  own 
safety,  and  when  they  were  all  indulging  in  reflections 
upon  the  immunity  from  peril  they  were  about  to  enjoy. 

Of  course,  Dick  was  not  so  well  informed  as  the  reader 
is,  and  therefore  he  found  it  most  difficult  to  think  by 
what  means  the  officers  had  been  enabled  so  thoroughly  to 
surprise  them. 

Things  went  on  thus  until,  faintly  and  chilly,  morning 
dawned  upon  the  wide  waste  of  waters. 

Long  before  there  was  light  enough  in  the  east  to  en- 
able any  objects  far  away  to  be  distinguished,  Dick  was 
standing  up  in  the  boat  and  looking  earnestly  in  advance. 

"  We  shall  see  land  in  a  few  minutes,  Maud,  dearest," 
he  exclaimed,  as  the  dawn  brightened.  "Cheer  up,  dear 
one,  a  little  longer — only  a  little  longer  !  The  worst  is 
over  now,  and  assistance  is  close  at  hand.  Do  not — pray 
do  not,  for  my  sake,  give  way  to  despair !  Believe  me 
that  you  are  safe." 

A  more  convulsive  pressure  of  his  hand  was  all  the 
reply  which  Maud  was  able  to  make  to  this  speech. 

Dick  was  in  despair. 

Again  he  bent  down  eagerly  over  her,  looking  into  her 
countenance  by  the  aid  of  the  light  which  the  dim  gray 
dawn  afforded. 

This  in  itself  was  sufficient  to  impart  to  all  objects  a  cold 
and  ghastly  appearance,  so  that  it  is  not  surprising  that  what 
he  beheld  should  fill  him  with  the  most  poignant  grief. 

Death-like  indeed  did  her  thin  and  pallid  countenance 
appear. 

Dick's  heart  swelled,  and  heavy  drops  of  sorrow  fell 
from  his  eyes. 

Maud  felt  them. 

Her  eyes  had  hitherto  been  wearily  closed,  but  now 
they  opened. 

Tears  quickly  rushed  into  them,  obscuring  all  things, 
and  again  they  closed. 


Her  lips  parted  with  a  faint,  faint  smile,  which  grieved 
Dick  more  to  look  upon  than  would  the  loudest  manifes- 
tations of  grief  and  paiu. 

Once  more  he  sprang  to  his  feet. 

Once  more  shading  his  eyes  with  his  hands,  he  looked 
keenly  in  advance. 

An  exclamation  of  joyfulness  escaped  him. 

"Land — land,"  he  cried — "land  is  in  sight  at  last i 
Help  now  is  at  baud  indeed  !" 

"  Impossible,"  exclaimed  the  fisherman,  drawing  the 
oars  into  the  boat. 

"What  is  impossible  ?" 

"  Why,  that  land  should  be  in  sight." 

'  Come  and  look  for  yourself." 

The  fisherman  came  forward. 

"  Y*'i  are  right, '  he  exclaimed.  "  I  knew  we  had  come 
swiftv  and  yet  I  little  thought  that  we  were  so  near 
our  journey's  end.     You  have  good  cause  to  be  thankful." 

"  I  am  indeed,"  replied  Turpin,  in  heartfelt  accents ; 
"but  yet  every  moment  of  time  is  precious." 

"  Maud,  dearest,"  he  added  again,  bending  over  her, 
"  you  heard  me  say  that  land  is  in  sight  ?  I  can  aid  you 
best,  and  most  truly  show  my  love  for  you,  by  making 
every  effort  to  increase  our  speed ;  I  am  about  to  leave 
you  in  order  to  assist  the  fisherman  in  rowing." 

Dick  turned  away  without  giving  Maud  an  oppor- 
tunity to  reply,  or  even  to  make  a  sign. 

He  took  hold  of  one  of  the  oars  and  prepared  himself 
to  use  it. 

"That's  right!"  said  the  fisherman.  "It  will  make  a 
wonderful  difference." 

As  may  be  expected,  Dick  Turpin  was  not  very  expert 
in  the  use  of  the  oar,  but  yet  he  handled  it  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  elicit  the  fisherman's  admiration. 

But  then  Dick  felt  he  was  rowing  for  a  life  that  he 
accounted  ten  times  more  precious  than  his  own,  and  so 
his  exertions  are  not  to  be  wondered  at. 

Without  Maud  he  felt  he  should  indeed  be  a  wreck — 
a  waif,  and  an  outcast  from  all  humanity. 

After  her  death  life  would  be  nothing  more  to  him 
than  a  weary  blank. 

CHAPTER  MLXX. 

US  WHICH    DICK    TURPIN    LOSES   HI8    NEAREST    DEAREST, 
TRUEST  FRIEND. 

Gradually  the  morning  brightened. 

Dick  and  the  fisherman  laboured  incessantly. 

Although  the  land  appeared  to  be  so  close,  it  seemed  a 
weary  time  until  it  was  fairly  reached. 

As  they  drew  near  to  it,  Dick  perceived  a  small  collec- 
tion of  houses — too  small  for  the  place  to  be  dignified  by 
the  name  of  village. 

What  place  it  was,  he  was  too  busily  occupied  with 
his  own  thoughts  to  inquire. 

Such  matters  of  detail  were  far  beneath  his  notice  now. 

Just,  however,  as  the  sail  was  taken  down,  he  said  : 

"Do  you  know  of  any  person  in  this  place  who,  by 
being  well  paid,  would  consent  to  receive  us  into  a 
house  ?" 

"I  do  know  a  poor  widow,  who  lives  in  the  end 
cottage  yonder;  it  is  a  poor  place,  as  you  see." 

"  Quite  good  enough,"  interrupted  Turpin,  impatiently. 
"  Will  she  receive  us  ? — that  is  the  question.  Is  there  » 
doctor  at  hand  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  How  far  off  ?" 

"  Perhaps  a  league." 

"  Quick — quick  !" 

The  fisherman  now  slightly  changed  the  direction  of 
his  boat,  so  as  to  enable  them  to  land  nearer  to  the 
widow's  cottage. 

Dick's  impatience  and  anxiety  bP.i5,  riow  reached  fever 
point. 

Maud  waa  quite  insensible. 

No  sooner  did  the  keel  of  the  lutie  vessel  grate  upon 
the  beach  than  he  seized  her  in  his  arms  and  jumped 
ashore. 

Black  Bess  instantly  followed  him  in  the  same  way  that 
a  huge  spaniel  might  have  done. 

The  fisherman  was  amazed  to  see  how  easily  Dick  ran 
wnn  Maud  in  his  arms  across  the  rough  beach  towards 
the  widow's  door,  and  not  less  so  at  seeing  Black  Bess 
following  in  his  footsteps. 


K.NIQHT  OT  THB  BOAS. 


1847 


With  all  speed  possible  he  made  secure  his  boat. 

Before  he  had  finished  doing  so,  Dick  had  gained  ad- 
mittance to  the  lowly  dwelling. 

The  widow's  kindly  heart  was  at  once  touched. 

As  Dick  was  able  to  speak  the  French  language  suffi- 
c.ently  well  to  make  himself  understood,  he  had  no  diffi- 
culty in  letting  the  widow  know  what  he  wanted. 

Per  kindly  heart  was  at  once  touched  both  by  his  dis- 
tres   and  Maud's  dangerous-looking  condition. 

SI  e  consented  instantly,  and  with  pleased  alacrity  led 
the  •  ay  to  a  small  but  clean  inner  chamber  which  was 
f  urni  bed  as  a  bed-room. 

Gei  tly  Maud  was  deposited  upon  the  bed. 

"Leave  her  to  me  a  moment  or  so,"  said  the  widow; 
"  she  needs  my  attention.  Do  you  at  once  hasten  for  the 
doctor." 

Dick  immediately  withdrew. 

On  reaching  the  threshold  he  found  himself  confronted 
by  the  fisherman. 

"  How  far  did  you  say  it  was  to  the  doctor's  ?"  he  asked. 

"Abort  a  league." 

"Do  you  know  where  he  lives  ?" 

"Yes." 

"  Then  mount  my  mare— do  not  be  afraid  of  her,  she 
will  carry  you  swiftly  and  safely.  When  you  reach  the 
doctor's  let  him  mount  her  in  your  place  and  gallop 
back." 

"I  will." 

"  1  ell  him  that  life  and  death  depend  upon  his  6peed, 
and  assure  him  that  he  shall  be  amply  recompensed  for 
his  trouble." 

ortunately,  tho  fisherman  knew  how  to  ride. 

Upon  an  ordinary  occasion  Black  Bess  would  have 
suffered  no  one  save  her  master  to  cross  her  back,  nor 
would  he  have  allowed  anyone  else  to  mount  her. 

But  now  he  patted  her,  and  made  her  clearly  under- 
stand the  nature  of  his  wishes. 

"  Quiet,  old  girL"  he  said — "  quiet  and  quick  !  You 
will  render  me  another  priceless  service  this  day !" 

The  next  moment  the  fisherman  was  off. 

Dick  watched  them  as  long  as  he  could  keep  them  in 
sight. 

Then,  with  swelling  heart  and  tear-filled  eye,  he 
turned  and  re-entered  the  cottage. 

The  old  woman  emerged  from  the  inner  room. 

"  She  has  recovered  her  consciousness,  and  has  -sked 
for  yon." 

Dick  reached  the  bedside  at  one  stride. 

Maud's  face  was  turned  anxiously  and  expectantly 
towards  the  door,  and  it  lighted  up  joyfully  when  she 
caught  sight  of  Dick's  well-known  form. 

He  bent  down  over  her  and  grasped  her  hand. 

"  Maud,  dearest,  we  are  absolutely  safe  at  last — no  one 
:an  touch  us  here.  The  doctor  will  arrive  directly.  He 
will  see  to  your  hurt,  and  then — why,  then  all  will  be 
well." 

Dick's  voice  almost  entirely  failed  him  as  he  gave  ut- 
terance to  the  hope  which  he  could  not  feel. 

Maud  shook  her  head. 

"No,  no,  Dick,"  she  answered,  in  a  whisper  so  faint 
that  be  had  to  strain  his  sense  of  hearing  to  the  utmost 
to  catch  the  purport  of  her  words — "  do  not  try  to  fill  me 
with  a  hope  which  you  do  not  experience  yourself  " 

"Nay,  I " 

"Hush,  hushi  Hear  me,  Dick — I  am  dying-  yes, 
slowly,  surely  dying.  You  will  tell  mo  that  I  only  Scuzzy 
this ;  but,  believe  me,  I  have  a  feeling  within  mo  of  such 
a  nature  as  convinces  me  that  I  am  not  mistaken." 

"But  this— this  is  dejection.  When  the  doctor  Bess 
you  your  feelings  will  undergo  a  total  change." 

Again  Maud  slowly  shook  her  head. 

"  But  while  there  is  life  there  is  hope,"  Dick  murmuted, 
scarcely  knowing  what  he  was  saying,  tor  he  could  not 
close  his  eyes  to  the  conviction  that  Death  was  indeed 
hovering  over  her. 

But  yet  the  doctor  might  be  able  to  save  her. 

That  was  his  last  hope,  and  he  clung  to  it  with  perti- 
nacity. 

A  deep  silence  ensued. 

Maud  had  again  closed  her  eyes. 

The  slight  exertion  involved  in  keeping  them  open 
seemed  now  to  be  too  much  for  her. 

Her  breath,  too,  seemed  odIj  to  be  drawn  in  irregular, 
spasmodic  gasps. 


Oh,  how  anxiously  Dick  waited  for  the  sound  that 
would  be  made  by  Bess  returning  I 

The  old  woman  came  to  the  threshold. 

"  Bun  to  the  outer  door,"  said  Dick.  "  Look  out  well 
for  the  doctor.  You  will  see  him  coming  on  a  black 
horse.  The  very  moment  you  catch  sight  of  him  let  me 
know.'' 

The  widow  promised  obedience,  and  as  soon  as  her 
aged,  weakened  powers  would  let  her,  took  up  the  re- 
quired station. 

More  anxious  time  then  passed. 

At  length,  however,  after  weary  waitiug,  Dick  heard 
her  cry : 

"  Here  he  comes — here  he  comes  !  My  faith,  the  horse 
seems  to  fly  1" 

Dick  uttered  an  ejaculation  of  deep  thankfulness. 

In  little  more  than  a  minute  afterwards  the  clattering 
of  a  horse's  hoofs  came  upon  his  cars. 

Louder  and  louder  grew  tho  sound,  until  it  ceased 
suddenly  at  the  outer  door. 

Dick  hurried  out. 

A  white-haired  gentleman,  attired  in  black,  dis- 
mounted. 

for  once  Black  Bess  was  left  unheeded  by  her 
master. 

He  dragged  the  doctor  in,  and,  as  he  did  so,  he  hoarsely 
whispered  in  his  ear : 

"  Save  her — save  her !  Restore  her  once  more  to  her- 
self, and  you  shall  name  your  own  reward  1" 

"  I  will  do  my  best,"  was  the  reply. 

Dick  paused  upon  the  threshold  of  the  inner  room, 
which  the  doctor  entered  in  company  with  the  poer 
widow. 

Dick  seemed  stupified  with  his  grief. 

How  long  he  would  have  stood  there  in  tho  same  im- 
movable attitude,  apparently  unconscious  of  everything, 
is  hard  indeed  to  say,  had  he  not  been  aroused  by  a  low 
neigh. 

He  started,  went  outside,  and  for  a  time  was  enabled  to 
distract  his  anguish  by  attending  to  his  steed. 

But  it  was  not  until  an  hour  had  elapsed  that  the  doctor 
came  forth. 

His  face  looked  grave  and  sad,  and  in  its  general  ex- 
pression was  such  as  to  extinguish  all  Dick's  hopes. 

Nevertheless,  he  hurried  forward. 

"Well— well,"  he  said,  "what  is  the  result?  Tell 
me  quickly  1  I  can  bear  anything  better  than  sus- 
pense !" 

The  doctor  shook  his  head  gravely. 

"  My  good  sir,"  ho  said,  "  you  must  prepare  your  mind 
for  the  worst." 

"  The  worst?" 

"  Yes." 

"Is  the  wound  a  mortal  one?" 

"  It  is." 

Dick  groaned. 

"  Be  calm — be  calm.  Obtain  what  command  yon  can 
over  yourself,  and  enter  her  room.  You  will  have  but  a 
short  time  to  pass  together  now." 

Dick  clasped  his  hands  over  his  face,  and  gave  way  to 
a  transport  of  frantic  grief,  which  the  doctor  in  vain  en- 
deavoured to  check  or  mitigate. 

But  the  storm  of  passion  was  too  violent  to  last  very 
long. 

As  Le  grew  calmer  the  doctor  talked  gravely  to 
him. 

Much  that  he  said  fell  upon  unheedful  ears. 

"  Tell  me,"  said  Dick,  presently,  calming  himself  by  a 
terrible  effort:  "Is  what  you  tell  me  the  absolute 
truth?" 

"  It  is  indeed.  It  is  absolutely  impossible  for  any  indi- 
vidual to  recover  from  such  injuries  as  she  has  sus- 
tained." 

"  And— and  do  you  think,  doctor,  if  she  had  had  medical 
assistance  sooner  that " 

"  I  suppose  you  had  it  at  the  earliest  moment?" 

"  Heavy  u  knows  I  had,  indeed!" 

"  Then  it  is  in  vain  to  speculate  upon  the  consequences 
of  anything  that  could  not  have  happened." 

Dick  bowed  his  head. 

He  understood  full  well  what  was  meant  'by  the 
sneech 

*  Maud  perhaps  might  have  been  saved  had  efce  received 
immediate  surgical  assistance. 


IMS 


BLACK  BBSS  ;   02, 


This  was,  in  truth,  a  most  bitter  thought  for  Dick, 
who  would  carry  the  reproach  with  him  to  the  grave. 

"  You  must  not  think  of  that,"  the  doctor  said,  per- 
ceiving how  deep  was  the  impression  he  had  made.  "  She 
told  me  you  had  done  everything  in  the  power  of  mortal 
man  on  her  behalf.  Linger  here  no  longer,  for,  believe  me, 
precious  moments  are  flying  fast." 

"  Is  she,  then — then  really  dy— — *- 

A  huge  sob  rose  in  the  highwayman's  throat  and  choked 
the  word. 

"  She  is,"  answered  the  doctor.  "  It  would  be  fa'^e 
kindness  to  keep  the  knowledge  from  you." 

The  worst  had  now  been  made  known,  and  Dick  grew 
gradually  calmer. 

With  some  difficulty  he  prevailed  upon  the  medical 
roan  to  receive  a  small  fee,  lor  he  declared  that  as  he  had 
done  nothing,  then  nothing  was  his  due. 

With  a  heavy,  faltering  step,  Dick  made  his  way  to- 
wards the  threshold  of  Maud's  room. 

As  he  reached  it  her  face  again  lighted  up  witli  the  old 
smile,  but  on  this  occasion  it  caused  Dick  more  anguish 
than  a  violent  outburst  of  sorrow. 

The  next  moment  he  was  bending  over  her  with  her 
band  clasped  in  his. 

For  some  moments  ho  was  mute,  while  Maud  herself 
seemed  t<vj  exhausted  to  utter  a  syllable. 

Her  lips  parted,  but  no  sound  came  from  them. 

In  the  siler.ce,  Dick  could  hear  her  painful  and  laboured 
attempt  at  respiration. 

From  the  sound,  it  seemed  as  though  the  lungs  had 
been  seriously  injured — too  seriously  for  any  hope  of  re- 
covery to  be  indulged  in. 

"  Dick,"  Maud  faintly  murmured,  at  length — "  Dick,  I 
have  heard  what  the  doctor  has  said  ;  and  even  if  I  had 
not,  your  looks  and  my  own  feelings  would  have  been 
sufficient  to — to " 

"Nay,  Maud,"  Dick  cried,  with  a  sudden  outburst,  for 
he  could  not  trust  himself  to  speak  calmly,  "  I  must  and 
will  believe  that  while  there  is  life  there  is  hope  !" 

"  Then  how  slight  must  be  your  hope  if  you  reckon  it 
by  the  amount  of  life  I  have  got  now  !"  answered  Maud, 
faintly.  "  No,  no — I  feel  that  at  the  most  I  have  but  a 
few  minutes  to  live  :  let  us  make  use  of  them  in  bidding 
each  other  a  long  farewell." 

"  And  what  will  life  be  to  me  without  you  ?"  asked 
Dick,  faintly,  as  he  bent  down  yet  lower  over  the  humbl« 
couch. 

Maud  did  not  reply. 

From  her  manner,  it  would  seem  as  though  the  wc 
endeavouring  to  pronounce  the  word  "Farewell,"  but 
that  utterance  failed  her. 

Dick  gazed  again  into  her  wan  face. 

Dim  as  his  eyes  were  with  burning  tears,  yet  he  could 
not  help  acknowledging  that  she  was  a  true  prophet. 

There  was  that  unmistakable  hue  spread  over  her 
whole  countenance  which  proclaimed  all  too  plainly  that 
Death  was  hovering  over  her,  and  that  in  a  brief  space 
of  time  indeed  he  would  let  fall  his  fatal  dart. 

Maud  vainly  strove  to  speak. 

The  appearance  of  her  countenance  now  filled  t*»e  high- 
wayman with  dismay. 

At  length,  by  making  what  seemed  to  be  almost  a 
superhuman  effort,  Maud  whispered  a  few  words. 

"Dick,"  she  said,  "I  cannot  see  you,  for  the  room  is 
very  dark ;  but  kiss  me  once  more,  and  6ay  the  word 
'Farewell !'  for  we  must  part." 

Dick  pressed  his  lips  upon  hers  with  frantic  vehemence. 

At  the  same  time  Maud  sighed  deeply. 

It  was  her  last  breath. 

The  lips  grew  cold  like  those  of  a  corpse. 

Still  Dick  did  not  rise. 

He  could  not  as  yet  realise  that  Maud  had  passed  away 
from  him  and  from  the  world  for  evermore. 

It  did  not  seem  to  him  as  though  there  could  by  any 
possibility  come  such  a  sudden  termination,  and  so  awful 
a  one,  to  their  long  and  loving  companionship. 

Dick  never  knew  how  long  he  thus  remained. 

The  widow  ventured  to  the  dcor,  and  saw  him  ia  the 
position  we  have  described,  and,  unwilling  to  disturb 
bim,  went  away. 

But  hours  and  hours  passed  away  without  any  sound 
coming  from  the  inner  room. 

Then  she  grew  alarmed,  and  her  teiror  had  reached  its 
highest  pitch  when  the  doctor  made  fib  iDpearance. 


Business  had  brought  him  near,  and  so  he  had  entered, 
thinking  perhaps  he  might  be  of  some  service. 

In  his  company,  the  widow  entered  the  little  bed- 
chamber. 

Maud  was  then  found  quite  dead,  and  Dick  beside  her, 
apparently  dead  also. 

But  the  highwayman  waa  only  in  a  swoon. 

The  doctor  recovered  him ;  and,  although  life  returned, 
yet  his  patient  was  in  a  high  fever,  and  raging  in 
delirium. 

The  cause  of  this  was  quickly  found. 

Dick  had  been  wounded,  as  we  have  said. 

The  quantity  of  blood  he  had  lost  was  immense,  and 
the  excitement  ho  had  suffered  had  brought  on  inflam- 
mation. 

The  doctor  shook  his  head. 

"  We  shall  have  a  hard  case  here,"  he  said.  "  I  never 
saw  an  uglier-looking  place  in  my  life." 

But,  fortunately,  Dick  had  fallen  into  good  hands. 

Unwearied  was  the  care  bestowed  upon  him. 

In  spite  of  it,  however,  he  still  remained  delirious. 

Strange  indeed  were  the  words  to  which  he  gave  utter- 
ance in  his  ravings ;  and  had  he  been  in  England,  they 
would  infallibly  have  led  to  his  detection. 

As  it  was,  he  spoke  in  English,  and  it  so  happened 
that  the  widow  and  tho  worthy  doctor  were  entirely  un- 
acquainted with  the  language. 

As  money  was  found  in  his  pockets,  and  as,  after  the 
lapse  of  three  days,  he  evinced  no  signs  of  returning 
sense,  Maud  was  buried  in  the  little  churchyard  close  at 
hand. 

It  was  sad  indeed  to  think  that  there  should  only  be 
strangers  to  perform  for  her  the  last  offices  rendered  to 
the  dead. 

There  was  no  chief  mourner  by  the  grave  when  the 
coffin  containing  her  remains  was  lowered  into  it. 

But  when  the  ceremony  was  concluded,  and  the  earth 
was  filled  in,  scarcely  a  dry  eye  could  have  been  found  in 
all  the  group  that  had  assembled,  for  iu  that  lonely  spot 
on  the  sea-shore  it  was  a  rare  occurrence  for  a  stranger 
to  be  buried. 

Had  she  been  conscious  of  it,  Maud  would  have  had 
t lie  satisfaction  of  knowing  that,  although  in  a  foreign 
hmd,  she  had  not  been  lowered  into  the  grave  uumoun.ed 
and  uuregretted. 

And  as  the  people  slowly  dispersed  they  looked  towards 
the  widow's  humble  habitation,  and  whispered  that  iu  all 
probability  no  long  time  would  elapse  before  they  were 
called  forth  to  witness  another  funeral. 

And  so  passed  away  all  that  was  mortal  of  tho  fond 
and  faithful  wife  of  Dick  Turpin,  tho  highwayman. 


CHAPTER    MLXXI. 

RETURNS  TO  SIXTEEN-STRIXG  JACK,    AND    RELATES  WHAT 
TOOK   PLACE    UPON   HIS  ARRIVAL  AT   NEWGATE. 

Once  more  we  take  the  reader  back  to  the  dismal  old 
prison  of  Newgate. 

It  will  bo  remembered  that  we  left  Sixteen-String  Jack 
at  the  moment  when  the  hackney-coach  came  to  a  stand- 
still at  its  destination. 

As  the  vehicle  had  crawled  along  so  slowly  the  reader 
may  make  sure  that  the  crowd  which  started  from  Bow 
Street  considerably  augmented  in  size  after  having  passed 
through  the  principal  streets  of  the  metropolis. 

By  the  time  the  prison  was  gained  it  had  swelled  to  a 
bulk  that  excited  considerable  consternation  in  the  breasts 
of  Mr.  SkellUm  and  his  assistants,  for  they  apprehended  a 
rescue. 

Before,  then,  any  attempt  whatever  was  made  to  release 
Jack  from  the  hackney-coach,  the  police  officers  placed 
themselves  more  densely  rouud  it,  and  so  formidable  was 
their  force  that  they  could  undoubtedly  have  repelled  a 
very  serious  onslaught. 

But  these  precautions  were  all  superfluous. 

It  did  not  seem  as  though  the  mob  contemplated  any 
aggressive  movement. 

They  were  content  to  remain  spectators  of  the  scene 
that  was  about  to  ensue. 

While  these  steps  were  being  taken,  due  notioe  was 
given  at  the  portal  of  the  prison  that  a  prisoner  of  no 
ordinary  importance  had  arrived. 

Accordingly  the  door  was  opened  by  the  man  on  the 


Til   KNIQHT  Ofr  TBS   KOAS. 


154? 


[THE  DISCOVERY   OF   CLAUDE  DU>AL.J 


look,  and,  at  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Skellum,  all  the  avail- 
able men  on  duty  were  summoned  from  their  respoctixe 
posts  to  the  vestibule. 

As  at  Bow  Street,  those  pob'c*  officers  who  were  not 
packed  round  the  coach  wew  drawn  up  in  a  double  laDe, 
so  as  thoroughly  to  protect  tbo  prisoner  during  his  brief 
passage  from  the  one  door  to  the  other. 

Of  course,  Jack  could  not  help  seeing  all  these  precau- 
tions, and  as  he  gazed  he  could  not  forbear  smiling,  for  ho 
had  made  up  his  mind  not  to  attempt  to  escape  under  such 
hopeless  circumstances  as  the  present. 

For  this  r<"*son,  all  this  sup^rextra  care  seemed  to  him 
ridiculous. 

At  length  alt  the  preparations  were  complete,  and  then, 
and  not  till  then,  Mr.  Skellum  gave  the  signal  for  opening 
the  door  of  tho  hackney-coach. 

Jack  was  almost  stifled,  for  the  uncomfortable  vehicle 

Mo.  222.— Blacx  Etas, 


had  been  crammed  with  police  officers  to  the  fullest  en- 
tent  of  its  capacity. 

These  now  alighted,  leaving  the  prisoner,  about  whom 
they  were  so  solicitous,  perfectly  helpless  and  motionless. 

41  All's  ready,"  said  Skellum.  "Take  hold,  and  carry 
him  quick.  I  shall  be  glad  when  that  part  of  tho  busi- 
ness is  fairly  over." 

The  command  was  obeyed  with  all  imaginable  prompti- 
tude. 

Several  of  the  strongest  of  the  polica  officers  lifted  him 
up  in  their  arms,  and  literally  carried  him  across  tho 
pavement  and  up  the  steps  into  the  vestibule  of  tho 
prison. 

Then,  no  sooner  was  the  threshold  crossed  than  the 
door  was  closed  by  Mr.  Skellum  himself,  who  gave  utter- 
ance to  an  audible  sigh  of  relief  as  he  performed  tfc« 
operation. 


No.  232. 


Price  One  Halfpenny. 
AC  233   will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


1890 


BLAOK    BESS  ;     OS, 


Evidently  he  looked  upon  his  tightly-bound  prisoner  as 
being  many  degrees  safer  than  before. 

An  ordinary  spectator  would  have  been  much  amazed  to 
see  so  many  strong  and  well-armed  men  intent  solely  upon 
the  safe  custody  -if  on©  who  seemed  the  slimmest  of  the 
whole  party, 

Yet  such  was  the  extraordinary  spectacle  which  the 
v  t-stibule  of  Newgate  presented. 

Mr.  Skellum  next  made  his  way  towards  the  Governor, 
who  was  the  successor  to  the  man  who  had  held  the 
office  at  the  lime  the  highwaymen  paid  theii  last 
visit. 

This  present  Governor  had  formerly  been  in  the  army, 
and  in  consequence  he  had  created  something  resembling 
Ihe  discipline  of  a  garrison  in  the  prison. 

"  You  see,  Major  Oneyer,"  said  Skellum,  with  a  half 
bow,  "  I  have  brought  you  a  prisoner  of  some  distinction, 
and  I  hope  you  will  do  the  State  good  service  by  keeping 
him  in  safe  custody." 

"  You  may  depend,"  answered  the  Governor,  gruffly, 
and  curling  his  huge  moustache  as  he  spoke — "  you 
may  depend  that  nothing  on  my  part  will  be  wanting." 

"  I  am  6ure  of  it.  Here  are  my  necessary  papers . 
please  take  them,  and  let  me  have  the  ordinary  receipt  in 
return." 

The  Governor  scowled  fearfully  at  the  documents,  and 
complied  with  the  request  just  made. 

"  Of  course,"  said  Skellum,  as  he  pocketed  the  important 
paper — "  of  course  my  duty  properly  ends  here ;  but 
still,  as  I  have  more  than  ordinary  interest  in  the  safe 
custody  of  the  prisoner,  I  will,  with  your  consent,  remain 
here  and  see  him  conveyed  to  his  cell." 

"I — I  know  my  duty,  sir!"  said  the  major,  drawing 
himself  up  to  his  full  height,  and  assuming  as  much  im- 
portance as  he  was  able. 

"  I  do  not  for  a  moment  doubt  ft,"  said  Skellum,  with 
servile  humbleness ;  "  but  still,  as  it  would  afford  me  very 
great  satisfaction,  I  trust  you  will  not  refuse  me  the  re- 
quest." 

"  Well — well,  I  suppose  not." 

"  Thank  you,  major ;  and  if  at  any  time  I  can  be  of 
service  to  you  do  not  fail  to  command  me." 

The  major  turned  on  his  heels  with  ill-concealed  con- 
tempt expressed  upon  his  countenance. 

"  Let  the  blacksmith  come  forward  there  at  once  1" 

A  door  was  opened,  and  the  command  repeated  by  Oiie 
of  the  turnkeys,  who  shouted  it  down  a  passage  with  as 
much  vigour  as  his  lungs  would  permit. 

A  moment  elapsed,  and  then  a  heavy,  clattering,  clang- 
ing sound  was  heard. 

Jack  could  not  resist  the  temptation  of  turning  his  head 
to  ascertain  the  cause  of  it. 

Directly  afterwards  the  prison  smith  made  his  appear- 
ance. 

He  carried  in  one  hand  a  large  and  heavy  basket  of 
tools,  while  behind  him  he  dragged  some  unusually  mas- 
sive fetters,  which  certainly  must  have  weighed  at  least 
two  hundredweight. 

The  throng  divided  so  as  to  allow  this  personage  to  come 
close  to  the  prisoner. 

Depositing  the  fetters  with  a  hideous  clatter,  the  black- 
smith produced  from  his  basket  a  portable  anvil,  which, 
with  great  care,  he  placed  in  a  convenient  position  upon 
the  stone  floor  of  the  vestibule. 

His  other  implements  were  then  produced,  and  laid  ready 
to  hand. 

These  preliminaries  being  over,  the  next  proceeding 
was  to  invest  Jack  with  his  heavy  irons. 

In  order  that  this  might  be  done,  it  was  necessary  en- 
tirely to  remove  the  other  bonds  by  which  he  was 
secured. 

This  was  a  proceeding  which  Mr.  Skellum  viewed  with 
the  utmost  trepidation. 

He  was  fearful  lest  in  some  most  mysterious  and  unac- 
countable way  his  prisoner  should  escape. 

Accordingly  he  placed  himself  directly  in  front  ot 
Jack,  and  then  pulled  from  his  pocket  a  horse-pistol,  the 
largeness  of  which  was  enough  to  make  anyone 
shudder.  ^ 

A  more  bloodthirsty,  death-dealing  looking  weapon  could 
scarcely  be  conceive!'. 

"Now,  Mr.  Bixteen-String  Jack,"  Skellum  said,  aa  he 
deliberately  cocked  his  pistol,  "I  hope  you  see  this 
plaasant  little  frieni  of  mine.    Take  my  word  for  it,  it 


is  heavily  loaded,  and  at  this  distance  1  can  cover  vosi 
brain  nicely.  Sol  You  quite  understand  ?  Now,  unless 
you  permit  these  men  to  remove  your  present  bonds,  and 
substitute  these  fetters,  without  so  much  as  raising  a 
finger  in  resistance,  I  will  pull  the  trigger  and  blow  your 
brains  out  without  the  least  remorse  I"  , 

There  could  be  m,  mistaking  the  earnestness  of  the 
speaker,  and  at  the  moment  he  looked  more  like  some  fiend 
than  a  humsfh  creature. 

These  words  seemed  to  strike  the  Governor  dumb. 

Such  an  interference  with  his  authority  he  had  never 
before  experienced,  and  he  could  scarcely  credit  the  reality 
of  what  had  occurred. 

But  the  attitude  of  Skellum  left  no  room  for  doubt  or 
Incredulity. 

The  major's  moustache  seemed  actually  to  bristle  up. 
'Sir,"  he  ejaculated,  hoarsely — "Mr.  Skincm,  or 
whatever  you  call  yourself — do  you  know,  sir,  that  thia 
interference  with  one  of  my  prisoners  is  insufferable,  sir  ? 
— yes,  and  intolerable,  sir !  I  repeat  the  word  intoler- 
able, sir!  and  rest  assured  that  Major  Oneyer  is  not 
the  man  to  permit  it !     D — n  mo,  no,  sir !" 

Mr.  Skellum  never  moved. 

*  Sir,"  said  the  major,  more  wrathful  still,  and  stalking 
towards  him  as  he  spoke — "sir,  do  you  hear  me?" 

"  Certainly  I  do." 

"  Then  I  tell  you  I  will  not  suffer  this." 

"  Ycu  cannot  help  yourself." 

"  Not  help  myself  ?" 

"No,  sir.    Just  look  at  that." 

The  major  snatched  from  SkeUum's  hand  a  small  piece 
of  paper. 

He  glanced  at  it  savagely. 

"You  see,"  said  Skellum,  still  retaining  his  position, 
"  the  chief  magistrate  at  Bow  Street,  acting  under  the 
direction  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  has  thought  fit  to  give 
me  absolute  control  over  the  prisoner,  so  let  us  have  no 
more  fuss.    If  he  stands  quiet  all  will  be  well." 

"  Well,  do  you  call  it?"  cried  the  Governor,  furiously. 
"  Let  me  tell  you  that  I  think  it  anything  but  well !  Thia 
interference  with  a  man  who  knows  how  to  perform  his 
duty,  and  one  who  has  been  an  officer,  is — is — yes,  d — n 
me,  sir  I — is  outrageous  !  But  I  know  what  I'll  do — I'll 
sell  out ;  no,  no,  I  mean  I'll  resign,  and  have  no  more  to 
do  with  a  parcel  of  d — d,  cowardly  thief-takers  !" 

Mr.  Skellum  did  not  allow  himself  to  be  moved  in  tho 
least  by  the  fury  of  the  Governor. 

Just  as  though  not  a  word  hai  been  uttered,  h© 
stood  in  the  position  which  he  had  formerly  taken  up,  for 
the  operation  of  removing  Jack's  bonds  had  commenced. 

As  for  the  highwayman  himself,  the  calmness  which  he 
manifested  was  only  rivalled  by  that  of  Skellum. 

It  was  by  no  means  a  comfortable  thing  to  stand  as 
Jack  did  within  a  couple  of  yards  of  the  muzzle  of  a 
murderous-looking  horse-pistol ;  but  our  old  friend  never 
moved  a  muscle. 

But  the  officers  were  by  no  means  so  unapprehensive 
of  tho  weapon,  and  every  now  and  then  they  paused  in 
their  work  to  throw  a  glance  at  their  superior  officer,  for 
they  knew  full  well  that  in  the  event  of  the  discharge  of 
the  pistol  they  could  scarcely  hope  to  escape  very  serious 
injury. 

Finding  that  their  prisoner  continued  to  stand  so  calmly 
had  in  a  short  time  the  effect  of  infusing  a  feeling  of  much 
greater  confidence  into  their  hearts. 

Their  own  impression  was  that  Mr.  Skellum's  pistol 
had  awed  him  into  complete  submission. 

But,  as  we  have  already  remarked,  Jack  had  no  inten- 
tion of  making  any  resistance  at  present,  for  he  was  fully 
conscious  that  it  would  not  serve  to  better  his  condition 
in  the  least. 

Still,  it  was  not  without  a  great  inward  struggle  that 
he  suffered  himself  to  be  loaded  with  tho  heavy  fetters, 
which  had  been  provided  for  his  express  accommoda- 
tion^ 

The  task  of  riveting  them  on  was  soon  penormed,  for 
the  blacksmith  was  well  skilled  in  his  duties. 

"  There,"  he  said,  with  an  air  of  satisfaction,  as  soon 
as  he  had  finished,  and  retiring  a  few  steps  while  he 
spoke  in  order  that  be  might  contemplate  his  handy- 
work,  "  I  don't  think  you  will  get  rid  of  that  amount  ol 
jewellery  so  easily  as  some  that  you  have  been  provided 
with.  Those  fetters  have  not  been  used  by  anyone  sine* 
the  time  when  they  were  used  for  Jonathan  WiJcL* 


THB    KNIGHT  .07  THB  BOAD, 


1851 


Bkellum  did  not  pay  any  attention  to  this  speech. 
When  he  saw  his  prisoner  loaded  with  such  a  mass  of 
Jron-work   that  it  was  only   by  an    exertion    of    great 
strength  that  he  was  able  to  stand  upright  he  felt  satis- 
fied. 

Ho  uncocKed  his  pistol,  and  slipped  it  into  his  huge 
side  pocket. 

All  the  while  the  smith  had  been  at  work  he  had 
watched  him  with  a  keen  and  critical  eyo,  and  from  what 
he  had  formerly  seen  of  such  matters,  he  felt  confident 
that  there  was  not  ono  faulty  place  in  all  the  irons. 

The  Got\?rnor's  looks  bespoke  his  inward  fury,  and  he 
still  stood  liking  on,  engaged  in  curling  the  ends  of  his 
moustache. 

Evidently,  be  now  expected  that  Skellum  would  take 
his  departure ;  but  that  individual  still  lingered,  being 
most  unwilling  to  lose  sight  of  his  important  capture. 

"  Major,"  he  said,  at  length,  "  I  don't»think  you  ought 
to  be  so  glumpish  over  this  business.  You  don't  know 
how  much  I  have  at  stake  in  it." 

The  Governor  did  not  speak. 

Skellum  continued : 

"  I  have  only  one  more  favour  to  ask  of  you,  and  after 
that  I  will  willingly  take  my  departure.  It  is,  that  you 
will  allow  me  to  see  the  prisoner  conveyed  to  his  cell." 

"  Favour  be  d — d,  sir !"  returned  the  Governor,  in  a 
lone  of  voice  which  showed  his  wrath  to  be  as  great  as 
ever.  "  Haven't  you  an  infernal  slip  of  paper,  sir,  that 
sets  my  authority  at  naught?" 

Mr.  Skellum  said  nothing  further,  but  looked  upon  this 
last  speech  as  granting  his  request. 

One  of  the  turnkeys  came  forward,  and  in  respectful 
tones  asked  which  cell  the  prisoner  should  occupy. 

"Don't  make  a  d — n  fool  of  yourself  by  asking  me!" 
was  the  major's  reply.  "  Ask  him.  I  wash  my  hands  of 
the  entire  matter." 

Skellum  was  evidently  tolerably  familiar  with  the  in- 
terior of  the  prison  of  Newgate ;  for  upon  the  turnkey 
looking  towards  him,  he  6aid,  unhesitatingly  s 

"No.  64." 

The  man  stared  and  looked  towards  the  major,  who, 
however,  refused  to  take  any  notice  of  his  glance. 

"  Do  you  hear  me  ?"  Skellum  cried. 

"Yes;  but " 

"  None  of  your  buts  to  me,  sirrah !    No.  54,  1  tell  you." 

The  turnkey  hung  up  the  bunch  of  keys  which  he  had 
taken  in  his  hand  in  readiness,  and,  going  to  the  wall, 
took  down  another  bunch  which,  judging  by  the  mingled 
rust  and  dust  that  had  accumulated  upon  them,  had  not 
been  used  for  many  a  day. 

Indeed,  the  turnkey's  hesitation  only  arose  from  the 
fact  that  the  series  of  cells  of  which  No.  54  formed  one, 
had  never,  to  his  knowledge,  been  made  use  of. 

In  fact,  No.  54  was  situated  in  a  portion  of  the  old 
building,  and  its  position  was  much  below  the  ordinary 
level  of  the  cells. 

He  had,  however,  nothing  to  do  but  obey  ;  60,  having 
taken  the  fresh  bunch  of  keys  in  hand,  he  led  the  way  out 
of  the  vestibule. 

A  procession  was  immediately  formed,  and  so  arranged 
that  Sixteen-String  Jack  should  form  the  centre  of  it. 

So  great  was  the  weight  of  the  irons,  that,  added  to  the 
pain  of  his  wound,  he  was  scarcely  able  to  move. 

Still  he  was  unwilling  to  confess  as  much  to  his  foes, 
and  staggered  on  in  the  best  way  he  could. 

The  distance  was  great. 

The  corridors  threaded  and  the  steps  descended  seemed 
innumerable. 

At  length  a  door  was  reached  which  for  a  long  time  de- 
fied the  powers  of  the  officers  to  open  it. 

At  length,  however,  it  receded  upon  its  hinges,  dis- 
closing another  flight  of  6teps — damp-6hining  steps. 

Care  had  to  be  taken  in  descending  these,  and  Jack  was 
glad  to  avail  himself  of  the  proffered  aid  of  two  of  the 
turnkeys. 

At  the  bottom  of  the  flight  of  steps  a  long  corridor  ex- 
tended, the  atmosphere  of  which  was  sickening  and  most 
oppressive  to  the  lungs. 

After  going  about  half-way  along  it  the  turnkey 
stopped. 

"This  is  Mo.  54,"  he  said.  "Wait  a  moment,  and  I 
will  find  the  key." 


CHAPTER  MLXXII. 

S1XTEEN-STRING  JACK    BECOMES  THE  INMAIK  OB"  HO.    64 

The  lamp  which  the  turnkey  carried  burnt  very  dimly  in 
that  damp,  subterraneous  passage,  the  confined  atmo- 
sphere of  which  was  most  unpleasant  to  the  lungs ;  and 
he  was  obliged  to  look  very  closely  at  the  bunch  of  ksya 
in  order  to  find  the  one  which  fitted  the  lock  of  No.  54. 

Skellum  looked  on  impatiently. 

Each  key  had  attached  to  it  a  small  piece  of  metal,  on 
which  was  stamped  one  or  two  figures  denoting  the 
number  of  the  cell  to  which  they  belonged. 

"Here  it  is,  sir,"  said  the  turnkey,  at  length,  fixing 
upon  one  particular  key.  "  And  by  the  looks,  I  should 
think  it  has  been  a  precious  long  time  since  it  has  beer 
used." 

"Never  mind  your  thoughts,"  interrupted  Skellum — 
"  nobody  here  wants  to  hear  them  1  Be  quick  and  open 
the  door !" 

Growling  out  something  in  a  suppressed  voice,  the  man 
obeyed. 

But  it  was  not  very  easy  to  make  the  huge  key  turn  in 
si»e  wards  of  the  ponderous  lock. 

At  last,  however,  the  bolt  was  shot  back,  the  heavy 
crossbar  removed,  and  the  door  pushed  open. 

The  turnkey  raised  his  lamp  above  his  head,  and, 
standing  on  the  threshold,  peeped  in. 

"  Enter  1"  said  Skellum.  "Do  you  think  we  want  to 
stay  here  all  night  ?" 

With  more  muttered  execrations  about  Skellum's  offi- 
ciousness,  the  man  complied  with  this  new  demand. 

That  he  was  quite  right  in  saying  a  very  long  time 
must  have  elapsed  since  the  cell  had  been  used  was  proved 
by  the  first  glance  which  was  cast  around. 

The  floor  was  covered  with  moist,  sticky  dirt,  while 
the  walls  fairly  shone  with  watery  exhalations. 

Huge  poisonous-looking  fungi  grew  in  the  dark  corners, 
where  they  found  a  congenial  soil. 

The  mere  aspect  of  such  a  place  as  this  was  quite 
enough  to  strike  a  chill  to  the  heart  of  the  bravest 
man. 

How  much  more  dreadful  must  it  then  have  been  to 
contemplate  a  lengthened  solitary  sojourn  in  it ! 

In  spite  of  the  stern  control  which  he  had  hitherto 
exercised  over  himself,  the  highwayman  shuddered. 

Those  who  were  with  him  shuddered  too,  but  probably 
the  cold  was  the  cause  of  the  spasmodic  movemont. 

Mr.  Skellum  was  in  no  humour  to  linger. 

He  walked  straight  to  the  further  end  of  the  cell. 

The  floor  here  was  rather  higher  than  elsewhere,  and 
the  consequence  was  that  it  was  not  so  damp  and  disagree- 
able. 

The  first  object  which  attracted  the  prisoner's  atten- 
tion was  a  broad  stone  bench. 

Just  below  this  was  a  strong  iron  bar  raised  about  three 
inches  from  the  flooring,  to  which  it  was  strongly  secured 
at  both  ends. 

If  Jack  had  been  in  any  doubt  as  to  the  uses  to  which 
this  long  iron  bar  was  put,  these  doubts  would  soon  have 
had  an  end. 

Another  turnkey  advanced,  carrying  in  his  hand  a  huge 
padlock  and  key. 

From  Jack's  waist  depended  some  strong  iron  links, 
which  were  connected  by  means  of  a  ring  with  the  fetters 
which  confined  his  wrists. 

This  again  was  joined  by  the  fetters  round  his  anides. 

The  turnkey  took  hold  of  the  iron  ring  we  have  men- 
tioned and  passed  through  it  the  bow  of  the  padlock, 
which  he  afterwards  clasped  round  the  horizontal  iron 
bar. 

The  key  was  turned  aud  removed. 

The  highwayman  was  then  considered  to  be  a  secure 
prisoner. 

Mr.  Skellum  attentively  watched  all  these  proceedings 
with  strong  sensations  of  satisfaction. 

As  for  Jack,  he  was  so  much  exhausted,  not  merely 
with  the  weight  of  the  fetters,  but  also  with  the  fatigue 
and  weakness  caused  by  remaining  60  long  tighily  bound, 
that  he  very  gladly  sank  upon  the  stone  bench,  offering 
no  resistance  at  all  to  his  foes. 

This  passiveness  was  the  only  thing  thafc  caused 
Skellum  any  anxiety. 

He  looked  upon  it  as  being  altogether  an  umavuumble 


1852 


BLACK   BES8  ;    OB, 


symptom,  and  he  hoped  that  the  prison  officials  would  not 
suffer  themselves  to  be  deluded  by  it. 

The  reader  will  comprehend  that  the  mode  in  which 
the  highwayman  was  fastened  allowed  him  a  certain 
amount  of  liberty,  inasmuch  as  he  could,  if  he  chose, 
walk  the  whole  length  of  the  iron  bar,  which  was  so  con- 
structed that  the  bow  of  the  padlock  could  slip  along  it 
easily. 

Jack  at  once  bent  his  eyes  upon  the  ground,  and  by  bis 
appearance  seemed  to  be  altogether  unconscious  of  the 
fact  that  he  was  not  alone. 

When  all  was  completed,  Mr.  Skellum  stood  fo»"  some 
moments  looking  at  bim. 

But  he  could  not  take  his  departure  until  ha  haa  Hatis- 
fied  himself  that  Jack  was  secure. 

He  did  this  by  making  a  careful  examination  of  the 
fetters. 

Of  this  also  Jack  seemed  to  be  unconscious,  for  he 
never  moved  a  muscle. 

The  fact  was  that  he  was  in  a  stats  elosely  resembling 
insensibility. 

He  was  too  much  overcome  to  make  the  slightest  motion, 
and  he  was  only  partly  conscious  ot  what  was  going  on 
around. 

And  when  we  consider  what  our  old  friend  had  gone 
through,  no  surprise  will  be  felt  at  the  helpless  con- 
dition to  which  ho  was  reduced. 

At  last  Skellum  signified  his  readiness  to  depart;  but 
as  ho  went  he  continued  to  cast  anxious  glances  towards 
his  prisoner. 

With  the  closest  attention  he  watched  the  turnkey 
secure  the  door,  and  as  he  walked  back  along  the  gloomy 
passage  he  said : 

"Do  not  for  one  moment  suffer  yourselves  to  be  de- 
ceived by  the  apathy  of  the  prisoner;  I  am  convinced 
that  it  is  only  assumed,  and  of  course  only  with  the  in- 
tention of  throwing  you  off  your  guard." 

The  turnkeys  were  silent,  for  there  was  not  ono  who 
relished  this  interference  with  their  duties. 

"  If  you  are  wise  you  will  pay  attention  to  what  I  have 
said,"  continued  Skellum.  "  The  Government  is  deter- 
mined to  hang  this  man ;  and  should  he  escape,  depend 
upon  it  every  one  who  has  any  share  in  keeping  guard 
over  him  will  be  transported." 

Still  there  was  no  reply,  and  this  persistent  silence 
made  Skellum  grind  his  teeth  with  rage. 

Moodily  he  stalked  on  until  the  vestibule  was  once 
more  reached,  and  then  he  looked  around  him  as  though 
he  had  anticipated  to  see  the  Governor. 

But  the  major  had  retired. 

Skellum,  having  no  excuse  for  remaining  longer,  re- 
luctantly took  his  departure. 

On  the  pavement  outside  he  paused,  however,  and 
assembled  his  men  around  him. 

"  I  have  no  faith  in  the  present  Governor  of  Newgate, 
nor  in  one  of  the  officials,  so  that,  to  counteract  their 
carelessness,  .you  shall  form  a  close  circle  round  the 
prison,  and  keep  a  sharp  look-out  upon  every  part  of  it. 
Perform  this  service  well,  and  you  shall  be  well  rewarded. 
Never  fear  but  that  I  will  see  to  that." 

The  men  separated,  and  Skellum  retraced  his  steps  to 
Bow  Street. 

He  was  now  full  of  anxiety  to  learn  something  about 
the  movements  of  those  who  had  started  off  in  pursuit  of 
the  remainder  of  the  band  of  highwaymen. 

But  on  his  arrival  there  was  no  intelligence,  and  this 
circumstance  had  the  effect  of  filling  his  mind  with  pain- 
ful doubts. 

He  began  to  think  that  they  had  not  met  with  m\iou 
success,  or  he  would  have  heard  of  them  sooner. 

We  fancy,  however,  that  the  reader  would  prefer  a  re- 
lation of  what  happened  to  Jack  to  the  pwceedings  of 
the  police  officers,  -nd  accordingly  we  return  Xr  New- 
gate. 

The  Qoverner  waD  a  long  time  before  he  ccuid  Lnng 
his  furious  anger  into  anything  like  reasonable  bounds. 

This  superseding  of  his  authority  was  something  which 
his  haughty  nature  could  not  brook. 

His  first  act  was  to  take  pen,  ink,  and  paper  as  soon 
•s  he  could 'recover  himself  sufficiently  to  do  so. 

In  very  intemperate  language  he  ;then  wrote  out  his 
resignation  of  the  office  he  held,  and  concluded  with  the 
suggestion  that,  as  so  much  oenfldence  was  felt  in  Mr. 
fUuUum'i  abilities,  he  bad  bettor  be  put  in  bis  pli*»- 


This  missive  he  immediately  despatched  by  special 
messenger ;  and  having  done  so,  he  felt  much  more  com- 
posed than  he  had  hitherto  done. 

We  mention  these  circumstances  because  of  the  effect 
which  they  produced  upon  Sixteen-String  Jack's  con- 
dition. 

Every  night  it  was  the  custom  of  the  major  to  make  a 
complete  rouud  of  the  prison,  so  as  to  insure  that  all  was 
going  on  as  it  should  be. 

He  did  not  allow  his  passion  to  prevent  him  from 
making  the  present  evening  any  exception  to  the  rule. 

The  usual  round  was  taken,  aud  when  he  had  finished 
he  said,  in  surly  tones : 

"  Aud  where  the  devil,  may  I  ask,  is  No.  54?" 

The  turnkey  explained  the  position  of  tho  cell. 

"  I  suppose  I  may  be  allowed  to  visit  this  cell  too  ? 
But  the  devil  burn  mo,  if  the  time  will  not  soon  be 
hero  when  I  shall  not  know  what  to  do  in  the  prison. 
Lead  the  way,  will  you  ?"  he  added,  to  the  jailer.  "  Don't 
stand  there  like  a  grinning  idiot,  as  you  are !" 

The  man,  without  a  word,  conducted  the  major  to  No. 
54,  for  he  knew  very  well  that  it  was  a  most  unwise  pro- 
ceeding to  offer  the  choleric  Governor  any  provocation  in 
his  present  angry  mood. 

"  And  this  is  the  place  they  have  thought  fit  to  put  a 
fellow-man  and  a  Christian  in,  is  it?"  said  the  major,  as 
he  paused  before  the  door  ol  Jack's  cell.  "  Faugh  ! — bah  ! 
tho  stink  is  enough  to  kill  a  regiment  of  soldiers  1" 

The  turnkey  opened  the  door. 

The  grating  sound  caused  Jack  to  look  up. 

He  wondered  greatly  what  could  be  the  meaning  of  this 
unexpected  visitor. 

The  Governor  stalked  up  close  to  the  damp,  moss- 
grown  bench  on  which  our  old  friend  sat. 

For  some  moments  he  looked  on  in  silence,  but  at  last 
his  thoughts  broke  forth  in  words. 

"May  I  be  d — d  !"  he  ejaculated,  "if  this  is  not  worse 
than  the  Black  Hole  at  Calcutta !  It's  a  disgrace  !  But," 
he  added,  with  a  string  of  oaths  which  we  prefer  to  omit, 
"  it  shall  never  be  said  that  Major  Oneyer  permitted  such 
a  state  of  things  to  exist.  You  may  be  a  bad  sort  of  a 
fellow,  but  d — n  me,  sir,  if  you  shall  be  treated  like  a 
beast !"      ■ 

Sixteen-String  Jack  listened  to  these  remarks  in  un- 
bounded amazement. 

In  vain  he  tried  to  comprehend  their  exact  purport. 

It  was  not  long,  however,  before  he  found  that  the  dis- 
agreement between  the  major  and  Mr.  Skellum  would  be 
beneficial  to  himself. 

"  Give  me  the  lamp,"  said  the  major,  furiously ;  "  and 
now  go  and  fetch  some  one  to  help  you.  I  will  stop  here 
and  keep  guard  the  while." 

"  And  what  is  to  be  done,  sir  ?"  the  turnkey  ventured  to 
inquire. 

"  Done  !"  echoed  the  major.  "  Why,  this  d — d  hole  shall 
be  cleaned  out,  and  made  as  comfortable  as  possible. 
Don't  stare  at  me.  It  shall  be  done,  and,  harkye  :  order 
a  fresh  mattress  to  be  brought  and  placed  upon  that  stone 
bench.  Why,  it  is  damp  enough  to  kill  anyone  who  sat  on 
it — and  bring  blankets,  too,  and  a  loaf." 

The  turnkey  departed,  anxious  to  communicate  to  hid 
companions  the  extraordinary  commands  which  he  had 
received. 

During  his  absence,  the  Governor  wulked  up  and  down 
the  cell,  the  fever  in  his  mind  being  too  great  to  allow  him 
to  remain  still. 

At  the  samo  time  he  occupied  himself  with  pouring 
maledictions  upon  Skellum's  head. 

But  as  soon  as  Jack  could  recover  from  his  astonish- 
ment he  spoke : 

"  I  don't  know,  sir,"  he  said,  in  an  unsteady  voice,  for 
the  unexpected  kindness  of  the  Governor  went  to  his  heart 
— "  1  don't  know  why  yoa  should  trouble  yourself  so  much 
about  my  condition  ;  but  rest  assured  that  I  am  deeply 
grateful  to  you  for  your  humanity.  I  was  always  poor  in 
expressing  my  thanks,  but  never  poorer  than  I  am  at  this 
moment." 

"  Never  mind  about  that,"  said  the  Governor ;  "  I  am  a 
soldier,  and  have  got  my  own  notions  of  what  is  right 
and  wrong.  It  is  certain  that  1  was  never  cut  out  to  be 
the  Governor  of  a  prison,  and  d— n  me  if  1  will  be,  and 
that's  the  truth !     As  for  that  Skinom  or  Killera,  or  what- 

Iever  the  blackguard's  name  is,  i  only  Wish  I  bad  the 
power  to  keep  bim  ia  this  place  •  week  or  two  I" 


THB  KNIGHT  OF  TUB   ROAD. 


ISM 


What  more  the  major  may  have  said  we  know  not,  for 
just  then  the  turnkey,  accompanied  by  three  others, 
appeared. 

The  men  set  about  their  task  with  hearty  goodwill,  for 
ihey  knew  the  angry  nature  of  the  Governor;  and  in 
much  less  tim6  than  would  perhaps  have  been  thought 
possible,  the  cell  was  cleaned  and  made  to  present  a  widely 
different  aspect. 

A  new  mattress  was  placed  upon  the  stone  bench,  and 
a  couple  of  blankets  were  placed  at  tho  disposal  of  the 
prisoner. 

Bread  was  brought,  and  also  a  pitcher  of  wator. 

"There,  Mr.  Skinem,"  tho  major  ejaculated,  wLen  all 
his  commands  had  been  thoroughly  carried  out,  "  I  have 
disappointed  your  base-hearted  spite,  and  be  d— d  to 
you !" 

These  words  of  course  let  Sixtcen-String  Jack  into  the 
full  light  of  the  affair,  and  he  comprehended  it  was  tho 
desire  for  revenge  upon  tho  man  who  had  offended,  more 
than  humanity,  that  had  induced  tho  Governor  to  adopt 
his  present  course. 

But  this  did  not  prevent  the  highwayman  from  express- 
ing his  gratitude  for  the  amelioration  of  his  condition. 

In  this,  however,  the  major  manifested  his  bluntness 
and  houesty. 

"  Don't  thank  me,"  he  roared,  drowning  Jack's  voice 
completely.     "  You  have  nothing  to  thank  me  for." 

"But  I  easily  might  have  something,"  Jack  answered. 

'•  What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"  Simply  this,  sir :  I  have  been  wounded  in  the  leg  by 
a  bullet  —  somewhere  near  the  ankle,  I  believe — and  I 
should  never  forget  your  kindness  if  you  were  to  send  the 
surgeon  to  look  at  it.  Your  kindness  has  touched  me,  for 
when  I  entered  this  place  I  made  up  my  mind  to  die 
rather  than  ask  for  assistance." 

The  major  retrained  standing  stock  still  for  several 
seconds  after  the  prisoner  had  finished  speaking. 

The  first  use  which  he  made  of  his  voice  was  to  launch 
out  into  a  Tolley  of  imprecations  upon  Skellum's  inhu- 
manity. 

"And  so  you  are  a  wounded  man  ?"  he  said,  at  length, 
in  a  calmer  voice. 

"  I  am." 

"  And  a  brave  one  too,"  added  the  major.  "  What  an 
infernal  pity  it  is  you  did  not  turn  soldier  instead  of 
highwayman.  If  you  had,  d — n  me,  sir,  you  would  have 
been  a  credit  to  the  country  !" 

The  major  spoke  with  so  much  emphasis  as  to  call  up 
a  smile  upon  Jack's  countenance. 

"  You  shall  have  a  surgeon  in  less  than  a  quarter  of  an 
hour,"  he  continued  ;  "  and  as  for  the  rascal  KiUem,  I'll  be 
even  with  him  some  day,  the  blackguard !" 


CHAPTER  MLXXIII. 

THE    RESULT  OF    SIXTEENT-STRINQ     JACK'S    TRIAL  AT  THB 
OLD  BAILEY. 

The  Governor  was  as  good  as  his  word. 

The  surgeon  came,  who  made  an  examination  of  Jack's 
hurt,  which  he  pronounced  not  serious,  but  still  in  a  bad 
state  through  neglect. 

One  dressing,  however,  had  the  effect  of  almost  entirely 
relieving  Jack  from  the  smarting  pain  which  ho  had 
suffered. 

This  being  over,  the  highwayman  threw  himself  at  lull 
length  upon  the  hard  mattress,  and  fell  off  into  a  profound 
6leep,  which  was  solely  caused  by  utter  exhaustion. 

He  was  awoke  by  hearing  the  fastenings  of  his  ct»J 
door  undone. 

He  looked  up  faintly  and  wearily. 

A  smile  of  pleasure  immediately  appeared  upon  his 
lips  when  he  saw  upon  the  threshold  the  young  lawyer, 
Mr.  Godfrey. 

He  came  at  once  to  the  rude  pallet  and  seated  himself 
apon  it. 

"  You  have  been  sent  by  Old  Matthew?"  said  Jack,  in- 
quiringly. 

The  lawyer  noudctf. 

"  My  best  thanks  to  him,"  answered  Jack,  "  but  he  can 
do  me  no  service  I  feel  that  my  race  is  run.  I  shall 
take  the  will  for  the  deed,  however.  Assure  him  of  my 
gratitude." 

u  I  will,  never  («v.    But  I  shall  appear  is  isu  behalf 


at  the  trial,  when,  rest  certain,  every  effort  will  be  made  to 
get  you  off." 

"  But  made  in  vain." 

"  Nay — I  don't  know  that." 

"  But  I  do." 

"  You  are  most  dospondent." 

"lam;  for  I  feel  that  my  case  is  hopeless.** 

"  Nay — nav — do  not  begin  to  despair  yet." 

u  When  is  the  trial?" 

"  In  two  days." 

"So  soon?" 

"  Yes.    I  shall  try  to  get  it  postponed  to  next  sessions." 

"You  will  not  succeed." 

"  You  must  allow  me  to  judge  best  about  that." 

"Nay — nay;  believe  me,  I  realise  much  better  than  you 
do  the  exact  nature  of  my  position." 

"  You  may  think  so." 

"  I  am  certain  of  it.  I  am  in  the  toils,  and  I  have  eel 
the  authorities  too  long  at  defiance  to  indulge  in  any  hope 
of  getting  off." 

"  You  will  think  differently  soon." 

Jack  shook  his  head. 

"  I  am  not  surprised  at  your  dejection ;  this  pi  ace  i» 
enough  to  give  anyone  tho  horrors." 

"  Right — but  what  did  you  think  of  doing  for  me  at  the 
trial?" 

"  Getting  up  an  alibi." 

"  Won't  do." 

"  We  shall  see  about  that,"  said  Mr.  Godfrey,  smiling. 
"  I  have  had  some  little  experience  in  theso  matters." 

"  And  you  really  hope  to  succeed  ?" 

"  I  do,  because  I  shall  bring  witnesses  forward  to  prove 
yon  were  elsewhere." 

•'  It  will  be  useless." 

"It  will  be  done,  nevertheless." 

"  Have  you  heard  anything  of  my  friends  ?" 

"  Nothing." 

"  There  has  been  no  fresh  capture  made  ?" 

"  I  believe  not." 

"  Then  I  have'hopes  for  them.  And  now  I  wish  you  to 
pay  the  utmost  attention  to  something  I  am  going  to  say 
to  you." 

"I  shall  do  so,  never  fear,"  answered  Mr.  Godfrey,  tak- 
ing out  his  note-book. 

"  Nay,  it  is  nothing  you  have  occasion  to  write  down- 
merely  listen." 

"I  will." 

"  About  the  trial,  then,  I  have  no  doubts.  I  know  full 
well  how  that  will  terminate." 

"But " 

"  Nay,  no  interruptions.  After  it  is  over  I  believe  that 
my  comrades  will  endeavour  to  rescue  me,  and  will  doubt- 
less put  themselves  into  communication  with  Old  Matthew 
before  doing  so." 

"  Well  ?" 

"  Should  they  do  so,  take  to  them  from  me  the  assurance 
that  it  is  my  earnest  desire  that  they  will  attempt  nothing 
of  the  kind " 

"But  stay " 

"Hush!  The  attempt  cannot  benefit  me,  for  it  wi/I 
fail ;  and  as  for  my  comrades,  they  will  perish." 

"  Really,"  cried  Mr.  Godfrey,  "you  take  too  gloomy  a 
view  of  things,  and  you  will  not  allow  me  to  interpose  a 
word." 

"Promise  me," continued  Jack,  unheedful  of  the  inter- 
ruption— "promise  me  that  you  will  faithfully  deliver 
this  message.  It  is  my  last  request,  and  I  shall  suffer 
much  if  it  is  not  granted." 

"  You  may  depend  that  I  will  report  all  that  you  say 
At  the  same  time,  endeavour  to  assume  a  littlJ  cheerful- 
ness.   Every  effort  will  be  made  for  you " 

"  I  know  all  about  that,  and  I  am  deeply  thankful  to 
you  all.  But  what  I  have  seen  since  I  have  been  an  in- 
mate of  this  prison  convinces  me  that  the  Government 
will  never  allow  me  to  slip  through  their  fingers  this 
time  ;  the  precautions  taken  are  extraordinary." 

"  Still  that  ought  not  to  make  you  despair  " 

"Why?" 

"  Because  the  race  is  not  always  to  the  swift,  y.>n  know, 
and  therefore  it  is  possible  for  these  extra  precautions  to 
defeat  themselves." 

"  It  may  be  so,  but  it  is  a  frail  hope  indeed." 

"  Still  it  is  a  hope  i  and  now  let  mo  give  yot»  one  word 
of  parting  oemse*!,  far  *)»  tine  allotted  for  tj»y  Interview 


1854 


BLACK  BEB8;   OB, 


fias  almost  expired.  Wher-  you  are  brought  up,  plead  not 
guilty,  and  leave  the  rest  U  »e  I  Jomise  d  % ,  to  open  your 
mouth." 

'!  I  promise  that  readily." 

'•  Enough.     I  must  now  bid  you  farewell. 

In  fact,  it  was  at  this  moment  that  the  turnkey  who  h%  ' 
been  standing  near  the  door  came  towards  fcbem  and 
gruffly  announced : 

"  Time's  up." 

With  a  few  more  words  of  encouragement  the  young 
lawyer  departed,  and  Jack  was  once  more  left  to  the 
solitude  of  his  cell. 

The  visit,  however,  caused  rather  an  increase  than  an 
abatement  of  Jack's  despair. 

A  deep  gloom  seemed  gradually  settling  upon  his 
spirits. 

It  was  because  his  heart  was  oppressed  by  a  heavy  pre- 
sentiment. 

An  inward  voice  seemed  perpetually  to  assure  him  that 
he  had  seen  his  faithful  comrades  for  the  last  time,  and 
that  the  duration  of  his  life  upon  this  sarth  would  now  be 
short  indeed. 

To  what  extent  these  dismal  forebodings  were  correct, 
time  now  will  very  quickly  show. 

After  the  interview  we  have  just  recorded,  nothing 
took  place  to  disturb  the  monotony  of  existence  that  was 
of  a  character  sufficiently  important  to  merit  particular 
consideration  at  our  hands. 

The  two  days  mentioned  by  Mr.  Godfrey  as  inter- 
Tening  between  the  one  appointed  for  his  trial  quickly 
passed  away. 

The  eventful  morning  came. 

It  found  Sixteen-String  Jack  quite  calm  and  com- 
posed. 

He  was  like  one  who  knows  the  worst — not  like  one 
enduring  the  liveliest  suspense. 

It  was  evident  that  the  authorities  were  apprehensive 
that  a  rescue  would  be  attempted,  and  therefore  every 
conceivable  precaution  was  adopted. 

Jack's  fetters  weighed  heavily  upon  him,  preventing 
him  from  taking  that  amount  of  repose  which  his  ex- 
hausted condition  required. 

Consequently  it  was  with  satisfaction  that  he  looked 
forward  to  the  commencement  of  his  trial,  because  during 
it  he  fully  expected  to  be  relieved  from  the  ponderous 
mass  of  iron. 
.    But  this  expectation  was  doomed  to  disappointment. 

To  his  unbounded  astonishment,  he  was  informed  that 
it  had  been  determined  to  place  him  in  the  dock  with  his 
fetters  still  upon  him. 

Jack  uttered  no  word  of  remonstrance,  because  he 
knew  full  well  that  it  would  be  unavailing. 

But  he  looked  upon  this  circumstance  as  a  strong  con- 
firmation of  his  gloomy  auti  'ipations. 

It  was  determined  that  he  should  perish. 

His  trial  would  be  a  mere  idle  form  —  an  utter 
mockery. 

Ho  felt  that  he  was  foredoomed,  and  knew  that  the 
verdict  and  sentence  were  already  decided. 

It  was,  however,  quite  an  unexpected  thing  for  any 
prisoner  to  be  placed  at  the  bar  while  encumbered  with 
his  fetters,  and  a  murmur  of  astonishment,  not  to  say  in- 
dignation, made  itself  heard  as  soon  as  the  highwayman 
was  brought  into  Court. 

But  this  manifestation  was  speedily  checked,  for  the 
spectators  felt  that  they  were  only  there  out  of  suffer- 
auce,  and  that  any  misbehaviour  would  result  in  imme- 
diate expulsion. 

Some  compassion  was,  however,  displayed  for  Jack's 
state  of  weakness,  and,  by  the  order  of  the  presiding 
judge,  he  was  provided  with  a  chair. 

Into  this  Jack  sank  gladly,  and  prepared  to  listen  to 
what  was  about  to  take  place,  though  with  a  strength- 
ened consciousness  of  what  the  result  would  be. 

The  usual  formalities  attendant  upon  the  opening  of 
the  Court  were  then  gone  through. 

The  jury  were  sworn,  and  the  indictment  against  the 
prisoner  read. 

Stripped  of  all  its  confusing  technicalities  and  needless 
repetitions,  the  substunce  was  that  at  a  certain  time  and 
place  the  prisoner  at  the  bar  did  stop  on  the  highway  two 
of  his  Majesty's  subjects,  whom,  a:ier  putting  them  in 
great  fear  of  their  Uvea,  he  despoiled  of  a  large  sum  of 
money. 


In  accordance  with  the  instructions  given  him,  Jack, 
when  called  upon,  pleaded  "  Not  guilty." 

Mr.  Godfrey  then  rose. 

"  My  lord,"  he  said,  "  I  beg  to  state  that  the  prisoner 
is  unprepared  with  his  defence.  It  is  now  only  three 
days  since  his  examination,  and  the  time  has  not  been 
sufficient  for  the  obtaiument  of  the  witnesses  who  will 
declare  his  innocence.  For  this  reason  I  have  to  request 
j  that  the  trial  be  postponed  until  the  nest  sessions,  by 
which  time  the  prisoner  will  be  prepared." 

No  sooner  had  the  last  words  left  the  young  lawyer's 
lips  than  the  counsel  for  the  prosecution  sprang  to  his  feet. 

"My  lord."  he  said,  "I  beg  to  opposo  the  application  of 
my  learned  friend.  I  maintain  that  sufficient  timo  has 
elapsed  in  order  to  enable  the  prisoner  to  arrange  his  de- 
fence. Moreover,  as  I  need  not  inform  your  lordship, 
the  prisoner  is  one  of  a  notorious  band  of  desperadoes  who 
have  long  set  the  authorities  at  defiance.  With  great 
difficulty.this  one  has  been  captured,  and  any  postpone- 
ment of  his  trial  would  only  afford  facilities  for  his 
escape." 

"  Without  taking  the  latter  into  consideration  at  all," 
replied  t^e  judge,  "  I  deem  the  former  objection  quite 
valid.  Sufficient  time  has  elapsed,  and  the  trial  must  now 
proceed.7- 

This  was  Mr.  Godfrey's  first  discomfiture. 

But  he  had  expected  it,  and,  therefore,  suffered  but 
little  disappointment. 

His  next  effort  was  to  rid  Jack  of  his  fetters. 

"I  bow  to  your  decision,  my  lord,  but  I  have  yet 
another  request  to  make.  You  see  that  the  prisoner  at 
the  bar  is  loaded  with  fetters  of  such  an  enormous  weight 
that  it  is  quite  wonderful  how  he  sustains  himself  in  them. 
My  request  is  that,  during  the  examination  which  is  about 
to  take  place,  the  fetters  be  removed." 

"  My  lord,"  interposed  the  counsel  for  the  prosecution, 
"  I  must  also  oppose  this  application.  We  have  good 
reason  for  believing  that  an  attempt  will  be  made  to  res- 
cue the  prisoner  from  custody,  and  therefore  it  has  been 
deemed  advisable  to  depart  from  the  usual  course,  and 
cause  the  prisoner  to  appear  before  you  as  you  see  him." 

The  judge  inclined  his  head. 

"  I  consider  the  reason  given  by  my  learned  friend  for 
the  prosecution  quite  sufficient,"  he  6aid,  "  and  I  cannot 
make  any  interference." 

Mr.  Godfrey  looked  really  disappointed  this  time,  for 
he  had  quite  calculated  on  carrying  this  point. 

Those  in  the  Court  exchanged  whispers  with  each 
other. 

The  general  impression  was  that  Jack's  fate  was 
sealed. 

No  very  far-sighted  person  was  required  to  see  that  the 
prosecution  would  have  it  all  their  own  way,  and  that  so 
far  as  the  ultimate  result  was  concerned,  all  the  debates 
of  the  trial  might  as  well  bo  dispensed  with. 

The  counsel  for  the  prosecution  now  again  rose. 

Amid  a  breathless  silence  he  commenced  his  address. 

In  a  very  circumstantial  manner  he  related  how  the  two 
bailiffs  had  been  robbed  on  the  high-road  by  Sixteen- 
String  Jack. 

As  all  the  particulars  of  this  adventure  must  be  fresh 
in  the  minds  of  the  reader,  it  is  needless  for  us  to  report 
his  speech  in  full. 

His  concluding  words,  however,  may  as  well  be  put  on 
record. 

"Gentlemen  of  the  jury,"  he  said,— "this  is  a  brief 
statement  of  the  facts  of  the  case  against  the  prisoner. 
Witnesses  will  now  be  called  who  will  depose  to  all  the 
circumstances ;  and,  having  heard  this  evidence,  it  will 
be  for  you,  gentlemen  of  the  jury,  to  decide  whether  the 
prisoner  at  the  bar  is  guilty  or  not.  If  the  former,  do 
not  hesitate  to  pronounce  your  verdict,  because  it  is  only 
by  making  an  example  of  such  a  maa  as  the  prisoner  at 
the  bar  that  we  can  hope  to  restore  something  like  safety 
to  his  Majesty's  subjects  while  travelling.  The  state  of 
our  high-roads  has  long  been  a  disgrace  to  the  whole  land, 
and  therefore,  gentlemen  of  the  jury,  you  will  be  able  to 
see  that  your  duty  is  more  than  ordinarily  important  urjoa 
the  present  occasion." 

These  last  words  were  considered  so  uni«.ir  and  so 
prejudicial  that  they  were  greeted  with  a  general  hisa 
from  the  body  of  the  Court. 

A  scene  of  great  confusion  then  ensued,  and  tt  ill 
some  moments  before  order  could  be  restored. 


THB  KNIGHT  OF  THH  ROAD. 


1855 


Vn  ibc  meanwhile  one  of  the  witnesses  had  been  placed 
to  the  box. 

it  was  ono  sf  the  bailiffs. 

As  soou  as  he  bad  been  6 wore,  he  gavo  a  very  clear 
and  truthful  account  of  the  manner  in  which  ho  had  been 
robbed. 

Ho  swore  positively  that  Sixteen-String  Jack  was  one 
Df  bis  assailants,  and  added  over  and  over  again,  with 
great,  empuasis.  that  ho  could  not  possibly  be  mistaken  in 
the  matter.       *s 

Mr.  Godfrey  subjected  him  to  a  very  close  and  search- 
ing cross-ex&uiination. 

It  was  &'i  io  no  purpose,  however. 

The  man  kept  pertinaciously  to  his  tale. 

The  other  bailiff  gave  corroborative  evidence,  and  then 
a  whole  army  of  police  officers  and  other  persons  were 
marshalled  successively  into  the  witness-box. 

They  were  called  by'the  prosecution,  and  with  the  sole 
object  of  identifying  the  prisoner. 

Every  ono  swore  most  positively  that  the  prisoner  at 
the  bar  was  no  other  than  the  famous  highwayman, 
Sixteen-String  Jack. 

The  bill  offering  the  reward  was  then  handed  in. 

Upon  this,  as  the  reader  knows,  was  printed  a  descrip- 
tion of  Jack's  appearance. 

This  was  found  to  tally  in  every  respect,  so  that  the 
question  of  identification  seemed  settled  beyond  all  possi- 
bility of  doubt. 

The  evidence  was  overwhelming;  but  yet  Mr.  Godfrey 
did  not  despair. 

He  had  his  witnesses  well  and  carefully  instructed,  and 
now  he  proceeded  to  call  them. 

Their  evidence  was  that  the  prisoner  at  the  bar  was 
not  Sixteen-String  Jack,  but  a  person  who  unfortunately 
bore  a  etvong  resemblance  to  him,  and  that  at  the  time 
mentioned  as  that  when  the  robbery  was  committed,  he 
was  many  miles  from  the  place. 

The  Old  Bailey  has  long  had  an  infamous  notoriety  for 
hard  swearing,  and  surely  never  was  harder  swearing 
known  than  on  the  present  occasion. 

To  the  uninitiated  it  would  have  appeared  difficult  to 
come  to  a  decision  in  the  face  of  so  much  opposite  and 
conflicting  testimony. 

But  the  jury,  when  the  time  came  for  them  to  deliberate 
upon  their  verdict,  did  not  so  much  as  turn  round  in 
their  seats. 

Their  minds  were  quite  made  up,  and  when  the  Clerk 
of  the  Arraigns  put  to  them  the  usual  question,  the  fore- 
man replied : 

"  Guilty." 

CHAPTER  MLXXIV. 

BIXTEEN-STRING  JACK  MEETS   WITH  AN   INTSRRUFKON  ON 
HIS   WAY  TO     TYBURN. 

From  what  has  already  been  said,  the  verdict  found 
by  the  jury  will  occasion  no  surprise  to  the  reader. 

Jack  himself  never  moved  a  muscle  when  the  fatal  de- 
claration was  made. 

Many  whe  watched  him  marvelled  at  his  coolness ;  but 
they  did  not  think  that  for  many  hours  he  had  ex- 
clusively occupied  himself  in  preparing  his  mind  for  this 
result. 

The  usual  question  was  put  bv  the  Clerk  of  the  Arraigns 
as  to  whether  the  prisoner  Und  anything  to  say  why 
sentence  should  not  be  pronounced  upon  him  in  accord- 
ance with  the  verdict  which  had  just  been  fo'^ad. 

Jack  shook  his  head. 

Like  the  rest  of  the  proceedings  on  this  day,  the  question 
was  a  form  merely,  for,  without  waiting  a  second  after 
the  cleik  had  finished  speaking,  the  judge  commenced  to 
pass  sentence. 

Already  he  Laa  assumed  the  hideous  black  cap  which 
is  supposed  in  some  mysterious  manner  to  impart  ad- 
ditional solemnity  to  what  is  said. 

The  judge  spoke  in  very  low,  subdued  tones,  yet  so  in- 
tense was  the  silence  which  now  prevailed  in  the  Court 
that  there  was  no  difficulty  experienced  by  anyone  present 
in  hearing  every  syllable. 

Before  pronouncing  the  last  awful  words,  the  judge,  as 
is  customary  in  such  cases,  made  some  prefatory  remarks, 
the  tenor  of  which  was  the  enormity  of  the  offence  of 
which  the  prisoner  had  been  found  guilty. 


Then  he  concluded 

"  The  sentence  of  this  Court  upon  you  is  that  you  be 
taken  hence  to  the  prison  whence  you  came,  and  from 
thence  to  the  place  of  public  oi  #cutiou,  there  to  be  hanged 
by  the  nock  until  you  be  dead,  atid  may  Heaven  show  ycu 
that  mercy  which  the  laws  of  this  1'and  will  not  permit  ug 
to  display."  - 

A  kind  of  shudder  seemed  to  run  th»ougi>  the  wholo 
Court  when  the  judge  finished,  as  though  the  crowded  as- 
semblage had  been  possessed  of  but  one  body. 

It  was  impossible  that  Jack  could  listen  to  these  awful 
words  unmoved.  * 

Had  he  done  so  he  could  scarcely  havo  been  human. 

He  was  aroused  by  feeling  a  tap  upon  his  shoulder. 

He  looked  round,  and  saw  that  the  officers  were  waiting 
to  conduct  him  to  the  cell. 

He  prepared  to  riso,  but  before  doing  so,  made  a  sign 
which  brought  Mr.  Godfrey  to  the  frout  of  the  dock. 

"  You  see  I  was  right,"  said  Jack,  calmly.  "  Now  re- 
member to  impress  upon  Old  Matthew  that  it  is  my  ear- 
nest desire  that  he  pays  strict  regard  to  my  last  wishes." 

Just  ais  he  spoke,  Matthew  himself  pushed  forward,  and 
before  anyone  was  aware  of  what  he  was  about  to  do,  he 
seized  Jack's  hand  and  pressed  it  warmly. 

'"  Keep  up  your  courage,"  ho  said,  in  a'  faint  whisper. 

"Good-bye,  old  friend,"  responded  Jack,  in  a  broken 
voice,  and  returning  the  friendly  pressure  while  he  spoke 
— "  good-bye,  though  you  ought  not  to  have  endangered 
yourstlf  by  thus  publicly  recognising  me." 

"  Leave  that  to  me.  They  can't  make  it  a  criminal  act  to 
shake  J  ands  ;  and  as  for  the  public-house,  I  have  made  up 
my  mind  to  give  that  up  and  retire." 

The  officers  now  interposed  and  prevented  any  further 
conversation. 

Jack  was  much  pleased  at  being  thus  recognised,  and 
he  felt  that  it  would  enable  him  to  pass  through  the  ordeal 
which  awaited  him. 

Upon  reaching  the  room  beneath  the  dock  he  found 
that  Tom  Davis  with  his  wife  and  Ellen  were  among  the 
inmates. 

Fain  would  ho  have  lingered  and  addressed  to  them  a 
few  last  words. 

But  his  jailers  would  not  permit  him  to  pause  a  siuglo 
moment. 

All  he  could  do  was  to  bestow  upon  them  a  brief 
parting  glance. 

The  n«xt  moment  the  closing  of  the  heavy  door  hid 
them  froci  his  sight. 

The  case  ag&kist  Tom  Davis  was  the  next  one  on  the 
list,  and  accordingly  they  were  summoned  to  the  Court 
above. 

Mrs.  Davis  was  still  in  a  condition  of  most  deplorable 
weakness  and  exhaustion. 

So  faint  was  she,  that  she  was  allowed  to  seat  herself 
upon  the  chair  which  had  been  so  lately  occupied  by 
Sixteen-String  Jack. 

In  accordance  with  the  advice  of  Mr.  Godfrey,  all  three 
of  the  prisoners  pleaded  "  Not  guilty." 

Tom  Davis  was  taken  separately. 

The  charge  against  him  was  not  only  having  been  an 
accomplice  of  the  band  of  highwaymen,  but  also  with  being 
an  escaped  convict. 

In  spite  of  an  eloquent  speech  from  Mr.  Godfrey 
wherein  he  entreated  the  mercy  of  the  Court,  the  judge 
sentenced  him  to  transportation  for  life. 

Ellen  and  Mrs.  Davis  wero  then  separately  charged 
with  aiding  and  abetting  felons. 

The  young  lawyer  contended  that  there  was  no  direct 
evidence  against  them. 

But  the  Court  looked  at  the  former  conviction  for  the 
same  offence,  and  sentenced  them  both  tc  /mprisonment 
with  hard  labour  fcr  the  space  of  two  years. 

If  outward  appearance  could  be  taken  as  any  indication, 
then  it  was  .tolerably  clear  that  Mrs.  Davis  would  end  her 
days  within  the  walls  of  a  prison. 

The  scene  which  followed  when  the  moment  came  for 
the  separation  was  heartrending. 

So  painful  was  it  that  we  feel  ourselves  compelled  to 
pass  over  it  in  silence. 

All  three  knew  that  it  was  a  lifelong  separation  that 
was  to  follow. 

Mrs.  Davis  did  not  long  survive  the  shock. 

She  died  before  the  time  came  for  her  rom:>ral  Lvca 
Newgate. 


1856 


fiLAOK  BBSS  i   &at 


As  for  Jack,  he  had  resolved  to  try  hia  best  to  meet  his 
coming  fate  with  fortitude. 

He  had  played  a  game  of  which  Death  was  the  stake. 

He  knew  that  some  day  or  other  there  must  be  an  end 
to  his  career,  and  he  was  conscious  that  it  had  come  at 
last. 

There  was  only  one  point  upon  which  ho  suffered 
anxiety. 

This  was  the  fear  he  had  that  his  other  comrades  would 
make  some  desperate  attempt  to  rescue  him. 

From  the  precautions  that  had  been  taken,  Jack  was 
absolutely  certain  that  the  result  could  be  nothing  but 
defeat — and  defeat  to  the  highwaymen  meant  nothing  but 
death. 

The  attempt,  so  far  from  benefiting  him,  would  only 
have  the  effect  of  consigning  them  to  that  fate  from  which 
he  felt  he  could  not  possibly  escape. 

As  it  was,  Jack  felt  that  it  would  be  no  inconsiderable 
satisfaction  if  he  could  die  knowing  that  his  companions 
were  safe. 

But  he  feared,  and  with  good  reason,  that  his  comrades 
would  freely  die  in  the  attempt  to  save  him. 

He  was  doubtful,  too,  whether  his  urgently-made 
request  would  have  any  effect  upon  them. 

Judging  by  himself,  he  knew  that  it  would  make  no 
impression  upon  him  were  he  in  their  place. 

It  may  safely  be  said  that  this  topic  occupied  his 
thoughts  much  more  than  any  other ;  and  in  the  long, 
dark,  and  silent  hours  of  the  night  he  would  listen  with 
feverish  impatience,  expecting  to  hear  something  that 
would  give  token  of  the  approach  of  his  comrades,  and 
starting  nervously  when  any  faint  sound  floated  to  his 
ears. 

There  were  only  four  days  standing  between  the  one 
upon  which  he  had  taken  his  trial  and  that  fatal  Monday 
upon  which,  for  fifty-two  times  every  year,  so  many 
trembling  human  beings  were  offered  up  as  sacrifices  to 
the  majesty  of  outraged  law. 

Short  as  the  time  was  in  reality,  yet  it  seemed  very 
long  to  Jack,  wh%had  nothing  to  occupy  him  6ave  his 
own  sad  thoughts,  and  nothing  to  break  the  dismal 
monotony  of  his  cell. 

When  Sunday  came,  he  fully  expected  that  he  would 
have  to  pass  through  what  was  to  him  infinitely  the  most 
•painful  of  all — that  of  sitting  in   the   chapel  while   the 
Ordinary  of  Newgate  preached  a  funeral  sermon. 

But  so  great  were  the  apprehensions  felt  about  tue 
safety  of  the  prisoner  that  it  was  determined  to  do  away 
with  the  customary  ceremony. 

Great,  therefore,  was  the  disappointment  of  those  wh  > 
could  find  no  better  Sabbath  occupation  than  that  of 
flocking  to  the  prison  chapel,  in  order  that  they  might 
gratify  their  morbid  curiosity  for  gazing  upon  men  so 
soon  about  to  die. 

But  with  Sixteen-String  Jack  absent,  the  show  was 
shorn  of  half  its  attractions. 

As  for  the  condemned  man  himself,  he  felt  deeply  grate- 
ful for  his  escape. 

The  Ordinary  visited  him  in  his  cell ;  but  Jack  could 
not  fix  his  attention  sufficiently  to  understand  what  he 
said. 

He  was  wondering  all  the  time  what  his  companions 
were  about ;  and  though  be  would  firmly  have  denied 
that  such  was  the  case,  yet  in  his  inmost  heart  he  ex- 
perienced something  akin  to  disappointment  at  having 
heard  nothing  of  them. 

It  seemed  so  like  deserting  him  ;  and  nothing  could 
have  caused  Jack  half  so  keen  a  pang  as  the  thought 
that  he  was  neglected  by  those  whom  he  had  over 
thought  his  best  and  dearest  friends. 

Whenever  this  thought  occurred  to  him  he  dismissed 
it  with  augry  impatience  ;  yet,  for  all  that,  it  continued 
to  return  over  and  over  again. 

Each  repetition,  too,  seemed  to  be  stronger  snd  stronger, 
and  Jack's  dejection  much  increased. 

And  so  passed  on  tiie  time  until  the  evening  came  pre- 
ceding the  iorning  which  had  been  fixed  for  hia  execu- 
tion. 

And  now  there  was  deeply  impressed  upon  Jack's  mind 
the  consciousness  that  his  end  was  close  at  hand. 

No  effort  of  his  own,  no  exertions  of  his  friends,  would 
enrve  to  avert  his  doom. 

'f  no  time  had  arrived  when  he  was  destined  to  t»ke  his 
parthLg  look  of  *Jus  bright  world. 


Then,  when  the  hour  of  midnight  approached,  a  low 
and  distant  roar,  like  that  arising  from  the  sea  when  heard 
from  afar  off,  came  upon  his  ears. 

At  first  he  wondered  what  it  could  bo  Utot  produced 
it. 

He  listened  attentively  for  a  few  momenta 

Then  he  resumed  his  former  attitude. 

"  I  know  well  enough  now  what  it  is,"  vie  murmured. 
"  It  is  the  crowd — the  gaping  crowd  already  taking  up 
their  position  in  order  to  obtain  a  glimpse  of  the  bold 
highwayman  they  have  so  often  heard  of,  and  to  note  how 
he  looks  upon  his  first  setting  out  upon  his  journey  to 
certain  death. 

"  But  they  will  bo  disappointed,"  he  added,  after  a  brief 
pause — "  that  is,  if  they  expect  to  see  me  exhibit  any 
great  signs  of  emotion.  I  will  so  school  myself  that,  no 
matter  what  feelings  there  may  be  about  my  heart,  they 
shall  not  find  expression  in  my  countenance :  no,  no — 
that  shall  be  a  blank  to  them." 

After  the  utterance  of  this  determination,  a  kind  ot 
stupor  seemed  to  creep  over  the  highwayman's  facul- 
ties. 

It  was  not  sleep,  nor  was  it  a  swoon,  although  he  was 
all  but  unconscious  of  everything  around  him. 

It  was  rather  an  anomalous  condition  produced  by  want 
of  sleep  and  by  a  terrible  exhaustion. 

How  long  he  remained  thus  Jack  had  no  very  clear  con- 
ception. 

He  was  aroused  by  a  touch  and  by  the  sound  of 
voices. 

Looking  up,  he  saw  himself  face  to  face  with  a  turn- 
key. 

"  You're  a  tight  one,  you  are !"  he  exclaimed,  with  a 
certain  kind  of  admiration.  "  Let  me  tell  you  it  is  very 
few  we  have  to  awaken  at  such  a  time  as  this.  However. 
I  see  you  mean  to  die  game.  What  will  you  have  for 
breakfast?" 

It  cost  Jack  a  great  effort  to  control  his  inclination  to 
shudder. 

"What  you  like,"  he  said— "anything,  so  long  as  you 
leave  me  to  myself." 

A  meal  was  brought,  which  constituted  only  the  ordi- 
nary prison  fare. 

But  Jack  did  not  taste  it. 

Then  came  the  usual  visit  from  the  officials  connected 
with  the  prison. 

Jack  submitted  to  everything  mechanically. 

The  only  sign  of  consciousness  he  gave  was  a  deep 
sigh  of  relief  at  the  moment  when  his  heavy  irons  were 
struck  off. 

He  felt  then  as  though  he  was  almost  a  free  man. 

His  jailers  were  on  the  alert,  fancying  perhaps  the  pri- 
soner would  choose  the  present  moment  for  making  some 
insane  resistance. 

But  they  were  deceived. 

Jack  was  as  calm  as  ever. 

He  was  then  conducted  to  the  press-yard,  and  upon 
reaching  this  place  he  inspired  gratefully  the  fresh,  cool 
morning  air — fresh  in  comparison  with  the  damp,malarious 
exhalations  of  his  dungeon. 

Here  the  hangman  was  in  waiting,  and  here  he  was 
pinioned  again,  though  in  a  different  fashion  than  be- 
fore. 

Afterwards  he  was  half-led,  half-carried  into  a  kind  of 
court  yard. 

This  place  was  crowded  to  the  utmost  of  its  capacity 
by  police  officers. 

Jack  had  wondered  greatly  how  it  was  he  had  seen  no- 
thing of  Skellum  on  this  eventiul  morning. 

The  fact  was  that  the  individual  just  mentioned  had 
boen  extremely  busy  in  posting  his  men  along  the  line  of 
route,  and  taking  every  precaution  to  prevent  the  possi- 
bility of  a  rescue. 

Strange  rumours  had  been  floating  about  the  country 
to  the  effect  that  a  desperate  attack  would  be  made  while 
the  highwayman  was  on  his  way  to  Tyburn,  and  in  con- 
sequence Skellum  had  taken  such  measures  as  would,  he 
felt  convinced,  make  any  such  attempt  futile. 

Some  little  delay  took  place  before  all  was  in  readiness 
for  a  start. 

At  length,  however,  Jack  was  lifted  up  into  the  cart 
and  forced  to  take  a  seat  upon  the  hideous  black-and- 
white  coffin  which  was  destined  for  the  reception  of  km 
body  after  de*Uj 


TffB    KNIOllT   Of  TH«    ROAD. 


'THE   BNI>  Or   CLAUDS   DCVAL'S   DEVOTED   FRIENDSHIP] 


The  Ordinary  placed  Himself  by  bis  side. 

The  hangman  mounted  to  a  seat  in  front. 

Under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Skellum  a  dense  body  of 
police  officers  then  surrounded  the  vehicle. 

The  sheriffs  had  by  this  time  seated  themselves  com- 
fortably in  the  gaudy  carriage  provided  for  their  use. 

Outside  the  large  folding  doors  a  troop  of  light  dragoons 
were  stationed,  who  for  some  hours  past  had  had  no  small 
difficulty  in  keeping  the  populace  at  a  respectful  dis- 
tance. 

The  signal  for  starting  was  given  by  the  irascible 
Governor  of  the  prison. 

Scarcely  had  the  sound  died  away  than  the  folding 
doors  were  thrown  open,  and  the  first  portion  of  the  pro- 
cession set  itself  in  motion. 

As  it  slowly  defiled  into  the  Old  Bailey  the  assembled 
multitude  set  up  loud  cheers  and  other  cries. 

Ho.  23?    -Black  Bssa. 


A  fearful  succession  of  groans  proclaimed  the  moment 
when  the  executioner  was  caught  sight  of. 

These  changed  again  into  cheers  as  the  highwayman 
himself  came  into  view. 

Mr.  Skellum  heard  the  sounds  with  dismay. 

To  his  ears  they  seemed  to  mean  rescue. 

He  by  no  means  liked  the  extreme  resignation  which 
Sixteen-String  Jack  manifested. 

He  inferred  from  it  that  something  was  going  to 
happen. 

"  Keep  close  around  him,  my  lads,"  Skellum  said.  "  Be 
on  the  watch,  and  above  all  things  don't  suffer  yourselves 
to  be  so  much  thrown  off  your  guard  as  to  be  taken  by 
surprise." 

When  the  heavy  vehicle  passed  ont  into  the  open  street, 
Sixteen-String  Jack  raised  kis  head  and  looked  keenly 
aroufid  him. 


No.  233. 


pEiCii  Onb  Haupknny. 


1858 


BLACK   BEBS:    OB. 


But  the  multitude  of  faces  which  he  beheld  bewildered 
And  :onf used  him. 

It  was  in  vain  for  him  to  hope  to  distinguish  one 
familiar  and  friendly  face  out  of  so  many. 

A  half-repressed  sigh  of  disappointment  escaped  his 
lips,  and  then  he  resumed  his  former  manner. 

Mr.  Skellum  knew  not  what  to  make  of  this,  although 
he  watched  the  condemned  man's  every  movement,  and 
tried  his  best  to  read  his  thoughts. 

The  troop  of  soldiers  brought  up  the  rear  of  the  pro- 
cession. 

All  carried  their  swords  drawn,  so  as  to  have  thorn  in 
readiness  for  use  at  a  moment's  notice. 

Skinner  Street  and  Snow  Hill  were  passed  in  safety — 
the  Fleet  bridge  crossed  and  the  ascent  of  Holborn  Hill 
commenced. 

Here  it  was  customary  to  make  a  halt,  and  this  would 
be  the  moment  chosen  most  likely  for  an  attempt  at 
rescue. 

Accordingly  Mr.  Skellum  concentrated  his  forces  at  this 
point,  and  kept  a  more  than  ever  vigilant  look-out. 

But  the  people,  beyond  shouting,  screaming,  and  sway- 
ing to  and  fro,  did  not  seem  inclined  to  make  any  demon- 
stration. 

As  soon  as  possible,  the  word  was  given  for- the  journey 
to  be  recommenced. 

By  this  time  Sixteen-String  Jack  began  to  realise  how 
unawares  he  had  suffered  hope  to  hold  possession  of  a 
portion  of  his  heart. 

When  near  the  gates  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  he  had 
indeed  looked  wistfully  and  expectantly  around. 

At  this  point  he  made  sure  of  seeing  something  that 
would  convince  him  he  was  not  neglected  and  forgotten 
by  his  friends. 

The  disappointment  made  itself  felt  most  keenly. 

At  the  same  snail-bike  pace  the  procession  resumed  its 
course. 

Holborn  was  slowly  passed  through  from  one  end  to 
the  other,  and  the  High  Street  of  St.  Giles's  reached. 

Here  again  it  was  customary  to  stop. 

The  landlord  came  out  with  the  bowl  of  punch,  which 
it  was  then  the  rule  to  offer  to  the  prisoner  by  way  of 
refreshment. 

Jack  took  it  as  well  as  his  pinioned  arms  would  let  him, 
because  it  afforded  him  a  pretext  for  standing  upon  the 
cart. 

In  this  position  he  was  able  to  see  all  around  him. 

There  were  on  all  sides  as  far  as  his  eyes  could  reach 
nothing — nothing  but  white  faces  all  upturned  towards 
him — all  staring  at  him. 

Skellum  was  full  of  excitement. 

The  multitude  was  silent — strangely  and  awfully 
silent  when  the  vastness  of  it  was  taken  into  considera- 
tion and  the  noise  which  had  hitherto  attended  it. 

Jack  remained  thus  for  some  moments,  looking  eagerly 
around. 

Then,  with  a  weary  sigh,  he  returned  the  bowl  of  punch 
untasted,  and  sat  down  on  the  coffin. 

This  was  the  signal  for  the  commencement  of  the  former 
turbulence. 

The  silence  of  the  people  had  arisen  solely  from  the 
notion  that  Jack  was  about  to  address  them,  it  being  no 
unusual  thing  for  a  prisoner  to  make  a  speech  when  at 
this  spot. 

Now  they  were  loud  in  their  expressions  of  disappoint- 
ment. 

Again  the  procession  started. 

It  would  be  hard  to  say,  however,  whether  Mr. 
Skellum's  fears  were  to  any  extent  abated. 

He  was  still  a  prey  to  great  anxiety. 

Jack  now  gave  himself  over  to  greater  despondency 
ihan  ever. 

He  felt  that  he  was  abandoned  by  all  his  friends,  and 
the  thought  sent  a  bitter  pang  to  his  heart. 

He  was  deserted. 

And  then  again  he  would  think  that  all  that  was  going 
on  around  biin  was  nothing  else  6ave  some  hideous 
dream. 

In  a  short  time  he  fancied  he  must  awake  to  fi..,.  all 
that  which  was  now  seemingly  so  real  nothing  but  base- 
less unsubstantiality. 

He  thought,  too,  as  ne  grew  a  little  calmer,  that  it  was 
most  probable  that  all  his  comrades  were  in  positions  of 
danger  scarcely  inierior   to  his   own,  and  »uch  being  the 


case,  how  unreasonable  it  was  of  him  to  look  for  their 
presence. 

He  resolved  to  think  of  them  no  longer,  but  to  bend 
all  his  energies  to  the  one  task  that  lay  before  him — that 
of  dying  bravely. 

When  he  again  raised  his  eyes,  he  felt  that  present 
occurrences  were  indeed  ne  vision,  for  before  him  he 
could  see  the  dark  timbers  of  Tyburn  Tree. 

It  was  just,  however,  at  this  moment  that  he  became 
conscious  that  something  of  an  unusual  character  was 
going  on  near  him. 


CHAPTER  MLXXV. 

TAKES  A  GLIMPSE  AT  THE   FORTUNES   OF    CLAUDE   DUVAL. 

This  something  clearly  caused  a  considerable  amount  of 
confusion,  but  what  it  precisely  was  we  must  go  back  a 
little  way  to  explain. 

It  is  with  the  proceedings  of  Claude  Duval  that  we  are 
now  about  to  concern  ourselves,  and  we  revert  to  the 
moment  when  he  broke  away  from  the  police  officers  at 
Stonehenge. 

It  is  noi  for  a  moment  to  be  supposed  that  so  many  tire- 
arms  could  be  discharged  without  producing  serious 
results. 

We  have  seen  already  that  Sixteen-String  Jack,  Dick 
Turpin,  and  Maud  were  more  or  less  severely  injured,  and 
Claude  Duval  did  not  escape. 

Indeed,  he  was  wounded  in  no  less  than  three  places 
and  all  the  hurts  were  serious  ones. 

Nevertheless,  he  was  not  incapacitated  from  retaining 
his'seat  in  the  saddle;  it  would  indeed  be  a  serious 
wound  to  cause  him  to  fall,  for  to  him  riding  could  onlv 
be  called  second  nature. 

Away,  then,  he  went  across  the  broad  expanse  of  Sails 
bury  Plain,  urging  his  horse  by  every  means  at  his  com- 
mand to  put  forth  his  utmost  speed. 

In  a  moment  both  horse  and  rider  seemed  to  be 
swallowed  tap  by  the  intense  darkness  which  reigned 
around. 

Claude  was  in  too  much  haste,  and  too  much  bewildered 
by  the  events  which  had  recently  occurred,  to  take  any 
notice  of  the  direction  his  horse  was  taking. 

Indeed,  to  him  just  then  all  roads  were  the  same. 

His  only  object  was  to  get  out  of  the  way  of  his 
pursuers. 

The  separation  of  the  highwaymen  in  the  manner  we 
have  previously  described  really  was  the  best  course  they 
c-culd  have  adopted,  since  the  officers  were  much  embar- 
rassed by  it. 

Of  course  they  divided  all  their  forces  so  as  to  give 
chase  to  all  the  fugitives ;  but  then  they  could  not  part 
themselves  into  various  small  troops  without  a  little  con- 
fusion and  several  moments'  delay. 

Claude,  however,  in  spite  of  his  exertions,  was  not  able 
to  get  out  of  hearing  of  his  foes. 

Every  now  and  then  the  wind  would  carry  to  him  the 
dull,  heavy  sound  produced  by  the  concussion  of  many 
horses'  hoofs  upon  the  ground. 

Whip,  spur,  and  voice  were  all  employed  by  Claude  in 
his  exertions  to  urge  his  steed  forward  at  his  utmost 
speed,  and  certainly  the  animal  responded  nobly. 

It  seemed  an  awful  thing  to  be  rushing  at  so  trenien 
dous  a  speed  through  the  intense  darkness. 

He  had  to  trust  entirely  to  the  sagacity  of  his  horse  to 
keep  clear  of  any  obstacle  that  might  lay  before  them. 

Away,  away  they  sped  in  mad  career,  and  surely  at  a 
more  rapid  pace  than  the  more  he-vily-mounted  police 
officers  would  be  able  to  make. 

But  as  Claude  continued  to  ca'l  out  In  inspiriting  tones 
to  his  steed,  his  voice  giew  weaker  and  weaker,  until  at 
last  it  became  inaudible  to  himself. 

Still  he  paused  not,  nor  relaxed  those  efforts  ne  was 
able  to  make. 

The  darkness  seemed  to  roll  around  him  in  huge  and 
palpable  masses. 

He  rocked  to  and  fro  in  the  saddle,  maintaining  his 
balance  only  by  a  species  of  instinct. 

His  pursuers  were  out  of  hearing  now,  but  Claude 
knew  it  not. 

On  the  contrary,  his  exciting  fancy  made  him  believe 
that  they  were  still  hard  upon  his  track — that  th»  h  vts- 
beats  of  their  horses  were  thundering  in  his  e*r« 


THB  KNIGHT  01"  TBI  BOAD. 


18B9 


The  margin  of  Salisbnry  Plain  was  reached,  and  the 
wooded  country  beyond  gained. 

Of  this,  also,  was  Claude  ignorant. 

His  sole  consciousness  extended  only  to  the  fact  that 
his  horse  was  carrying  him  along  at  a  furious  rate,  and 
even  the  sense  of  this  grew  less  and  less  distinct  every 
moment. 

Had  it  been  possible  for  any  person  to  watch  his  head- 
long course,  the  utmost  apprehensions  would  have  -feeen 
excited. 

Every  now  and  then  it  seemed  as  though  he  must 
inevitably  be  dashed  to  pieces. 

Yet,  strangely  enough,  he  held  on — held  on  until  all 
became  a  blank. 

There  seemed  to  be  a  rushing  sound  in  his  ears,  a  mist 
of  light  before  his  eyes,  and  then  all  was  silence  and  utter 
darkness. 

Claude  had  swooned. 

The  quantity  of  blood  he  had  lost  was  prodigious ;  but 
he  did  not  fall  from  his  horse  until  he  was  totally  in- 
sensible. 

Fortunately,  just  at  this  moment  the  horse  was  making 
his  way  across  a  piece  of  soft  open  ground. 

On  this  Claude  fell  without  injuring  himself. 

Falling,  his  feet  became  disentangled  from  the  stirrups, 
and  the  horse,  half  maddened  with  terror  and  the  manner 
in  which  he  had  been  ridden,  continued  his  raGe  with  un- 
diminished speed. 

He  was  out  of  sight  in  a  moment. 

Claude  lay  quite  still— quite  helpless ;  and  had  his  pur- 
suers come  in  that  direction  they  would  have  made  an 
easy  capture. 

It  seemed  to  Claude  that  only  a  moment  elapsed  after 
his  fall  from  his  horse  until  he  opened  his  eyes  again. 

But  this  was  a  delusion. 

Contrary  to  his  idea,  many  hours  had  passed  away. 

In  a  dreamy,  semi-conscious  fashion,  Claude  remained 
upon  the  ground,  not  feeling  himself  able  to  command  his 
will  sufficiently  to  enable  him  to  make  the  slightest  move- 
ment. 

It  was  daylight. 

Whether  he  was  really  aware  of  the  circumstance  is 
very  doubtful. 

At  any  rate,  he  took  no  notice  of  it. 

The  early  morning  sun  had  attained  a  considerable 
elevation,  and  his  warm,  rosy  beams  fell  gratefully 
upon  the  wounded  highwayman,  warming  his  chilled 
limbs  once  more  into  life. 

He  might  have  remained  thus  for  an  hour,  or  even 
more,  when  he  became  conscious  of  something  else. 

This  was  a  sound. 

He  listened,  wondering  vaguely  what  it  was. 

"  It  is  a  voice,"  he  murmured.  "  Some  one  is  singing. 
What  a  sweet  and  beautiful  voice !  Surely  it  must  be  a 
child's." 

.Aii d  then  Claude  relapsed  into  his  former  state — that 
state  which  was  more  like  insensibility  than  life. 

The  voice  continued  singing. 

It  was,  in  truth,  a  sweet  one. 

The  tones  were  most  entrancing  to  the  ear,  and  the 
notes  were  warbled  forth  as  they  might  have  been  by 
some  beautiful  song  bird. 

Claude  listened  with  intense  delight. 

Never  before  had  his  ears  been  ravished  with  so  much 
melody. 

As  he  then  felt,  he  could  have  been  content  to  remain 
listening  for  ever. 

But  the  beautiful  sounds  suddenly  ceased- 

A  shrill  shriek  followed,  and  this  cry  seemeu  ic  i.-ve 
the  effect  of  rousing  Claude  partially  into  life. 

Through  his  half-opened  eyes  he  could  now  see  the 
singer. 

As  he  expected,  it  proved  to  be  a  young  girl,  who  was 
as  lovely  as  the  sunshine  of  that  bright  morning. 

The  cry  of  alarm  had  been  brought  to  her  lips  by 
<oming  unexpectedly  upon  the  prostrate  body  of  Claude 
Duval. 

Well  might  her  tender  heart  be  filled  with  terror,  for 
the  highwayman  presented  a  sad  spectacle. 

His  apparel  was  almost  everywhere  soaked  in  blood, 
his  hair  was  matted,  and  his  face  seemed  to  wear  upon  it 
the  pallid  hue  of  death. 

The  little  girl  carried  a  basket  on  her  arm,  and  trts,  in 
ber  extreme  fright,  she  allowed  to  fall  to  the  ground. 


Another  moment  and  she  would  have  fled  precipitately 
from  the  «pot,  but,  fortunately,  just  then  Claude  recovered 
the  mastery  of  himself  so  as  to  be  able  to  call  out  in  a  low, 
weak  voice. 

Tba  sound  reached  the  girl's  ears  and  arrested  her  at- 
tention. 

"  Help !"  said  Claude — "  help  me  1  Don't  run  away  I 
Ton  have  nothing  to  fear.    Mercy — mercy  !     Help  me  f" 

While  speaking  he,  by  a  sudden  effort,  raised  himself  a 
little. 

At  first  all  objects  spun  round  him  bo  swiftly  that  he 
oould  distinguish  nothing. 

Then  his  vision  cleared,  and  he  perceived  thw  little  girl 
star.aing  near  him  with  her  hands  clasped  and  her  eyes 
suffused  with  tears. 

Traces  of  alarn:  were  still  distinguishable  upon  her 
countenance. 

"  You  have  no  cause  for  fear,"  the  highwayman  con- 
tinued. "HI  had  the  will  to  injure  anything  so  beautiful 
1  have  not  the  power.  I  am  weak,  helpless — I  fear 
dying." 

And,  in  fact,  just  at  this  instant  such  a  deadly  sensation 
of  faintness  came  over  him  as  justified  him  in  thinking 
that  his  end  was  near. 

But  the  young  girl  now  showed  that  she  was  worthy 
of  the  name  of  heroine. 

Her  first  fears  had  now  quite  vanished,  and  she  came 
nearer  in  ordes  to  see  whether  she  could  not  be  of  some 
assistance. 

She  shrunk  back  a  little  when  a  closer  view  made  her 
more  fully  acquainted  with  Claude's  terrible  condition,  but 
she  overcame  the  weakness  almost  immediately. 

"Shall  I  fetch  you  some  water,  sir  ?" she  asked,  in  a 
gentle  voice. 

Claude  made  an  affirmative  sign. 

He  was  too  far  gone  to  speak. 

The  girl  ran  to  her  basket,  in  which  she  seemed  to  have 
various  kinds  of  provisions. 

*Her  search  was  for  a  large  cup,  with  which  she  ran 
to  a  spring  close  by  and  returned  with  a  good  draught  of 
clear  cold  water. 

Claude  drank  it  eagerly,  and  the  effects  were  almost 
magical. 

The  fever  about  his  eyes  and  brain  was  lulled,  and  a 
fresh  vigour  seemed  to  be  imparted  to  his  limbs. 

"  Thanks — many  thanks  !"  be  said.  "  Would  that  I 
could  tell  you  how  deeply  grateful  I  am!" 

"  But  how  came  you  thus  ?"  the  girl  asked,  in  accents 
of  great  curiosity.  "  You  are  wounded,  and  your  clothes 
are  stained  with  blood." 

"  Yes— yes." 

"  How  is  it  ?" 

"  You  shall  know  all  in  good  time — I  am  too  weak 
now." 

"  Yes — yes ;  how  wrong  and  thoughtless  it  was  of  me 
to  ask  you." 

"  Nay — nay ;  it  was  no  more  than  natural.  May  I  ask 
you  to  increase  still  further  the  obligation  I  owe  to 
you  ?" 

"  In  what  way  can  I  aid  you,  sir  ?" 

"With  a  little  of  your  help,"  replied  Claude,  in  a 
stronger  voice.  "  I  fancy  I  shall  be  able  to  rise  to  my 
feet." 

The  girl  anxiously  proffered  the  required  assistance. 

But  Claude  found  the  effort  to  rise  much  more  severe 
thau  he  had  anticipated. 

At  last,  when  he  was  erect,  the  giri  had  to  support 
almost  all  his  weight,  or  he  would  have  fallen  back  again 
quite  helpless. 

But  this  was  produced  mainly  by  the  change  of  posi- 
tion, and  the  sensation  quickly  died  away. 

"Alasl  sir,"  6aid  the  young  girl,  with  mingled  pity 
and  distress — "alas!  sir,  what  will  you  do?  Where 
can  you  go  in  your  condition  ?" 

"  Heaven  help  me  !" 

"  Come,  sir,  be  of  good  heart.  U  I  might  make  so  bold 
as  to  offer  you  a  shelter " 

"  A  shelter  ?" 

"  Yes.  If  you  will  look  yonder,  across  the  moor,  you 
will  see  a  little  thatched  cottage— it  is  a  humble  place, 
but  my  home." 

Claude  strained  his  weak  and  weary  eyes  in  the  endea- 
vour to  make  oat  the  building  of  which  his  fair  oonv 
panion  spoke 


1860 


BLACK   BIBB  ;    OR, 


Dimly  aud  imperfectly  he  could  see  something  in  the 
shape  of  a  pretty  rustic  cottage.. 

"  And  you  would  be  willing  to  give  me  shelter  there  ?" 
he  said,  inquiringly. 

44  If  you  would  accept  of  it.* 

"  I  shall  do  so,  gladly." 

44  Then  try  if  you  can  walk — do  not  hurry— aud  do  not 
be  afraid  to  bear  upon  me,  for  I  am  young  and  strong. 
We  are  poor — my  mother  and  myself — and  we  are  quite 
alone  in  the  world,  but  still,  what  we  can  do  for  /on  shall 
be  done  willingly." 

Claude  was  too  much  overcome  by  his  feeling?  to  t*£yc 
a  single  word. 

This  young  girl's  behaviour  touched  him  deeply 

Oh,  how  glad  he  was  to  avail  himself  of  this  unexpected 
offer  of  shelter ! 

To  his  yearning  spirit  the  little  cottage  seemed  as  the 
desert  oasis  to  the  parched  and  wearied  traveller. 

He  made  an  effort  to  rally  his  remaining  strength. 

The  task  of  walking  was,  however,  almost  beyond  his 
powers,  and  often  and  often  was  he  compelled  *o  pause  and 
recover  himself. 

But  the  young  girl  was  all  patience. 

Instead  ol  chiding  his  delay,  she  did  her  bsst  to  cooer 
his  drooping  spirits  and  revive  his  failing  hop*>& 

44  There,  sir,"  she  said  at  length,  "  your  long  and  tire- 
some walk  is  over  now.  Here  is  our  little  garden-gate  ; 
and,  look!  there  is  mother  in  the  porch,  looking  and 
■wondering  who  it  is  that  I  have  brought  with  me.  Cheer 
up,  sir — do  cheer  up !  A  few  more  steps,  and  then  you  are 
welcome  to  rest  as  long  as  you  think  proper." 

Claude  tried  to  murmur  some  words  of  thanks,  but  his 
Toice  choked  him. 


CHAPTER  MLXXVI. 

CLAUDK     DUVAL    IS     NOT    SUFFERED     TO     ENJOY    A    LONG 
PERIOD   OF   REST. 

41  Look,  mother,"  said  the  young  girl,  as  she  passed 
through  the  little  garden  gate — "  I  found  this  poor  gentle- 
man lying  dangerously  hurt  upon  the  moor,  an*1  I  have 
offered  him  shelter." 

"Eight,  Alice,"  Claude  heard  a  voice  say,  in  kindly 
accents. 

"You  need  not  shrink  from  j'our  trouble,"  said 
Claude,  faintly,  "  for  I  have  the  means  about  me  to — to 
reward  you  well  for  what  you  do." 

41  We  are  Christians,"  was  the  answer,  "  and " 

What  more  was  said  Claude  knew  not. 

He  had  been  able  to  keep  up  thus  far  but  now  his 
strength  utterly  deserted  him. 

A  mist  came  before  his  eyes,  and  he  was  conscious  of 
nothing  further. 

When  he  regained  possession  of  his  senses,  he  found 
himself  in  a  small  but  comfortably-furnished  bed- 
chamber. 

The  blind  had  been  drawn  down  to  shut  out  the  too- 
glaring  rays  of  the  sun,  and  over  all  there  was  such  an 
air  of  calmness  aud  peacefulness  as  made  Claude  think 
how  enviable  was  the  lot  of  thoso  who  were  born  to  spend 
their  lives  amid  such  a  scone. 

The  window  was  a  little  way  open,  and  the  hum  of  the 
busy  insects  without  and  the  melody  of  the  feathered 
songsters  of  the  air  reached  the  ears  of  the  wounded  man 
distinctly. 

These  sounds  contributed  much  to  make  him  inclined 
for  rest,  and  insensibly  his  eyes  closed  in  sleep 

The  slumber  was  long  and  deep,  and  consequently  re- 
freshing. 

W  hen  Claude  awoke,  ne  ten  like  a  new  man. 

Still  he  was  in  a  terrible  state  of  weakness. 

Ho  now  discovered  that  either  during  his  insensibility 
or  his  sleep  his  wounds  had  been  skilfully  bound  up. 

He  wondered  by  whom,  and  with  an  inward  shudder 
thought  of  the  risk  of  detection  he  had  run. 

Indeed,  he  was  greatly  surprised  that  he  had  heard 
nothing  of  the  officers,  whom  he  fancied  were  close  upon 
his  track. 

Apparently,  however,  he  had  eluded  them. 

In  this  way  three  days  passed,  during  which  tho  x>st 
important  intelligence  waich  reached  the  highwayman 
was  that  he  was  indebted  to  the  good  woman  of  the 
house  for  the  care  she  had  bestowed  upon  his  hurts. 


She  explained  to  him  that  the  portion  of  the  country 
in  which  they  woro  was  so  remote  from  other  habitations 
that  they  ware  compelled  to  rely  upon  themselves  for 
everything;  and  as  she  possessed  a  little  surgiral  skill, 
she  hnd  thought  it  best  to  attend  to  his  wounds  at  once, 
instead  of  waiting  for  assistance  to  arrive. 

Claude  thanked  her  earnestly,  and  complimented  her 
upon  the  skilfulness  she  had  displayed. 

Each  hour  saw  Claude  stronger,  and  it  was  on  the 
fourth  day  that  for  the  first  time  he  rose  and  dressed  him- 
self. 

The  woman,  in  the  meantime,  had  cleaned  and  repaired 
his  apparel,  so  that,  when  attired,  Claude  looked  some- 
thing like  himself. 

His  weakness,  however,  was  extreme,  and  towards 
evening  he  was  compelled  to  throw  himself  at  full  length 
on  the  bed  for  rest. 

Here  he  remained  pondering  deeply  upon  nis  position, 
and  wondering  what  had  become  of  his  companions. 

Especially  was  he  anxious  about  his  old  comrade,  Six- 
teen-String  Jack,  whom  he  had  left  in  so  much  peril. 

Now  that  he  came  to  think  more  calmly  over  the 
matter,  he  regretted  that  he  had  consented  to  leave  him 
in  the  hands  of  his  foes  without  making  an  effo  t  to  re- 
lease him. 

That  regret  now  was  vain,  and  the  consciousness  of 
this  chafed  him  terribly. 

The  longer  he  remained  in  reflection  the  more  anxious 
he  became,  until  the  blood  in  his  veins  rose  to  fever- 
heat. 

To  remain  longer  in  the  cottage  he  felt  would  be  im- 
possible. 

Just  then  he  heard  a  faint  sound  in  the  outer  room. 

He  listened,  aud  found  it  had  been  caused  by  the  re- 
turn of  the  young  girl  to  whom  unquestionably  he  owed 
his  life,  and  who  had  been  absent  nearly  all  the  day. 

"  Oh,  mother,"  Claude  heard  her  say,  in  cheerful  tones, 
"you  know  you  thought  it  strange  that  no  inquiries 
should  have  been  made  for  the  poor  gentleman  in  the 
next  room?  Well,  I  met  with  a  friend  of  his  in  the 
town." 

Claude's  heart  gave  a  great  bi  uq  1. 

Could  it  be  possible  that  his  companions  were  at 
hand  ? 

But  the  next  words  that  the  young  girl  artlessly 
uttered  undeceived  him. 

"It  was  a  man  who  wore  a  large  red  waistcoat — I 
never  saw  such  a  one  before,  aud  it  made  him  look  so 
strange.  I  heard  him  speaking  to  several  others  near  the 
market-place,  asking  very  particularly  for  some  gentle- 
man, who  I  found,  from  the  description,  must  be  no  other 
than  the  one  I  found  wounded  on  the  moor." 

"And  did  you  tell  the  man  in  the  red  waistcoat 
so?" 

"  Yes." 

Claude  sprang  up  in  bed  like  one  suddenly  galvanised. 

"  I  quite  expected  to  find  him,"  the  girl  continued,  "for 
he  told  me  he  should  come  at  once.  But  he  will  be  here 
in  a  moment  or  two  at  the  farthest,  I  am  sure ;  I  will  run 
to  the  door  and  see  whether  he  is  coming." 

Here  was  startling  intelligence  indeed. 

By  an  extraordinary  accident  the  police  nad  got  upon 
his  track. 

He  had  been  most  innocently  betrayed  by  the  young 
girl. 

What  was  to  be  done  ? 

The  danger  was  imminent  indeed. 

Ye4  how  was  Claude  to  escape  it  ? 

The  mere  exertion  of  moving  about  a  little  during  the 
day  had  so  much  exhausted  him  that  he  was  compelled  to 
rest. 

How,  then,  was  he  to  hope  for  the  power  of  making 
such  efforts  as  would  enable  him  to  get  away  from  his 
foes? 

It  is  wonderful  what  a  spur  extreme  danger  is. 

Claude  was  an  exemplification  of  it. 

Without  indeed  thinking  for  a  moment  of  what  he  was 
about,  he  slipped  off  the  bed  on  to  the  floor. 

For  a  second  he  felt  dir-zy  and  sick,  but  the  sensation 
speedily  passed  away. 

It  was  now  so  dusk  that  he  could  scarcely  disoern  tht 
different  objects  the  room  contained,  but  he  had  oiteD 
noticed  that  there  was  hanging  up  behind  the  door  • 
cloak  such  as  might  be  worn  by  a  mounted  soldier- 


THB  KNIGHT  Ctf  THB    ROAD 


ltet 


This  Claude  did  not  hesitate  to  appropriate  to  his  own 
use. 

At  the  same  moment  he  shot  the  bolt  softly  into  its 
socket 

This  was  the  only  fastening  the  door  ha»d ;  but  slight  as 
was  its  character,  Claude  thought  that  it  would  delay  his 
foes  at  least  a  moment,  and  to  him  e"en  so  brief  a  sp<we 
of  time  as  that  was  of  inestimable  value. 
Then  ho  stepped  towards  the  window. 
So  absorbed  was  he  in  what  he  was  about  "iat  his 
weakness  was  for  the  time  forgotten. 

The  room  in  which  he  had  slept  was  tevel  wilh  the 
ground. 

He  looked  keenly  through  the  little  p  anes,  but  in  the 
gathering  gloom  he  could  discern  no  one. 
No  more  time  was  to  be  lost. 

The  window  was  speedily  opened,  and  Claude  passed 
out. 

"  Thank  Heaven,"  he  muttered,  as  he  stood  upon  the 
soft  mould  in  the  garden,  "  all  is  well  so  far  J  1  wonder 
whether  the  officers  are  close  at  hand  ?  If  I  had  but  my 
horse  now  I  would  bid  them  all  defiance." 

Crouching  down  so  as  to  be  sure  of  escaping  all  obser- 
vation, Claude  made  his  way  to  the  end  of  the  garden. 
Here  a  low  hedge  barred  his  further  progress. 
At  this  point  he  stopped  and  looked  back. 
His  heart  beat  violently. 

He  could  command  a  partial  view  of  the  moor,  and  as 
he  gazed  in  this  direction  he  caught  sight  of  many  mov- 
ing forms. 

"  They  are  here,"  he  murmured. 

Evidently  the  officers  were  making  their  way  as  quickly 
as  possible  towards  the  cottage,  in  the  hope  apparently 
of  taking  their  intended  prisoner  by  surprise. 

Claude  was  compelled  to  remain  where  he  was,  for  he 
feared  that  if  he  attempted  to  climb  over  the  bed  ;e  he 
would  be  seen. 

In  less  than  a  moment  the  cottage  hid  bis  foes  Alto- 
gether from  his  view. 
This  was  all  he  needed. 

The  hedge  was  crossed  at  once,  and  the  highwarman 
felt  as  though  his  escape  was  half  accomplished. 

But  the  officers  would  in  a  very  little  while  find  that 
he  had  taken  his  departure. 

They  would  be  in  no  sort  of  doubt  as  to  the  dire  Hion 
in  which  he  had  gone;  and  as  they  were  well  mounted 
and  strong,  while  he  was  on  foot  and  feeble,  it  see  med 
tolerably  certain  that  they  would  overtake  him  befoie  he 
had  gone  many  yards. 

Claude  now  found  himself  in  a  small  meadow,  ati  at 
the  first  glance  he  gave  around  him  he  perceived  some 
dark  object  only  a  few  yards  off. 

At  first  he  could  scarcely  believe  in  the  extent  c  f  his 
good  fortune. 

But  a  second  glance  seemed  to  show  him  that  h  t  had 
fallen  into  no  error. 
The  dark  object  was  a  horse. 

if  he  could  but  capture  it  and  mount,  why  even  then 
all  might  be  well. 

He  approached  cautiously. 

But  another  surprise,  and  one  of  a  most  agreeable  cha- 
racter, was  in  store  for  him. 
The  horse  he  saw  was  his  own. 

The  trappings  had  not  been  removed,  and  the  o  eature 
looked  fresh  and  full  of  vigour. 

By  what  mysterious  means  he  had  got  there  at  so  oppor- 
tune a  juncture,  Claude  did  not  pause  to  inquire. 

He  spoke,  and  then  the  intelligent  animal  seemed  to  re- 
cognise his  voice. 

At  any  rate,  it  permitted  him  to  walk  straight  Ui  to  it 
and  seize  the  bridle,  which  is  probably  what  it  wiul  J  not 
have  allowed  a  stranger  to  do. 

Just  as  our  friend  was  about  to  mount,  he  heard  a  great 
tumult  in  the  rear. 

He  knew  well  enough  what  it  was,  without  bvu  bling 
to  look  round.  • 

He  knew,  teo,  that  it  would  require  a  concentration  of 
all  his  energies  to  accomplish  what  laid  before  him. 

To  mount  his  new-found  steed  was  no  easy  matter,  a  ad 
but  for  the  fact  that  the  police  officers  were  so  ck>3e  1  e- 
hind  him,  Claude  would  never  have  succeeded 
Once  astride,  however,  and  he  cared  for  nothing. 


He  was  only  just  in  time. 

The  officers,  furious  with  disappointment,  were  close 
behind  him. 

The  foremost  one  discharged  a  pistol,  and  with  so  good 
an  aim  that  the  highwayman  felt  the  bullet  strike  his 
back. 

But  the  force  of  the  shot  was  spent,  and  so  he  received 
no  other  hurt  than  a  slight  shock,  which,  of  course,  he 
thought  not  of. 

Ouce  '.gain,  then,  was  Claude  going  at  headlong 
speed. 

The  officers,  however,  were  determined  to  give  him 
persistent  chase. 

They  knew  the  feeble  condition  to  which  he  was  re- 
duced, and  felt  certain  that  he  would  not  be  able  to  keep 
up  long. 

Claude  himself  felt  very  dubious  as  to  the  result. 
Still  his  resolve  was  to  hold  on  to  the  last. 
The  constantly  increasing  darkness  was  greatly  in  his 
favour. 

Large   clouds   kept  continually  driving   up.   until  the 
whole  face  of  the  heavens  was  covered  up. 
Then  drops  of  rain  began  to  fall. 
Atjfirst  slightly,  but.  their  force  soon  increased. 
The  cool  water   fall   upon  Claude's  heated  form  most 
refreshingly. 

It  seemed  to  freshen  him  into  new  life. 
He  cried  out  in  encouraging  tones  to  his  horse,  and  the 
animal  bravely  responded  to  them. 

The  rest  it  had  enjoyed  had  made  it  fresh  and 
vigorous. 

No  doubt  it  had  been  attracted  to  that  meadow  after 
Claude  had  fallen  from  the  saddle,  and  so  little  frequented 
was  this  part  of  the  country  that  it  was  no  wonder  it  was 
allowed  to  remain  for  that  space  of  time  unmolested. 

Away — away  it  flow,  taking  an  almost  direct  course 
across  the  country,  and  utterly  disregarding  the  various 
obstacles  in  its  path. 

More  than  one  of  the  hedges  over  which  it  leaped  were 
of  a  height  and  character  to  dismay  an  ordinary  rider. 

But  the  officers,  having  Claude's  suecess  before  their 
eyes,  essayed  each  dangerous  leap. 

Of  course,  riding  pell-mell  and  in  such  a  throng,  some 
came  to  grief,  but  still  a  formidable  band  kept  at  the  heels 
of  the  highwayman. 

Still  Claude'kept  on,  sustained  not  only  by  the  strong 
desire  of  effecting  his  own  escape,  but  also  by  the  hope 
that  he  might  yet  be  able  to  be  of  service  to  his  old  com- 
rade, Sixteen-String  Jack. 

The  rain  descended  in  torrents,  and  at  no  very  distant 
intervals  a  flash  of  lightning  would  be  seen,  followed  by 
a  clap  of  thunder. 

A  violent  storm  evidently  was  brewing;  but  the  con- 
flict of  elements  had  no  terrors  for  the  flying  highway- 
man- 
He  w»a  cuready  drenched  to  the  skin  by  the  rain,  and 
then  he  had  the  consolation  of  knowing  that  he  could 
not  by  any  possibility  become  wetter. 

He  listened  continually— that  is,  as  well  as  his  rapid 
flight  would  allow— and  he  fancied  he  was  last  distancing 
his  pursuers. 
This  incited  him  to  fresh  efforts. 
As  to  seeing,  that  was  quite  out  of  the  question. 
The  darkness  swallowed  up  every  object  at  more  tha» 
a  few  yards'  distance. 

But  animated  by  the  hope  that  success  would  ere  long 
crown  his  efforts,  Claude  conquered  the  weakness  that  at 
times  endeavoured  to  assert  itself. 
At  length  he  came  to  a  high-road. 
He  had  been  for  a  long  time  on  the  look-out  for  this,  be- 
cause he  wished  to  change  his  course. 

He  stood  for  some  time  in  doubt,  however,  for  he  knew 
not  whether  to  turn  to  the  right  or  left. 

What  he  wished  was  to  get  on  towards  London,  but  as 
to  the  direction  in  which  it  lay  he  was  unable  to  hazard 
even  a  guess. 

"]  fancy  it  must  oo  to  the  right,"  he  at  last  muttered 
to  himself—"  at  awy  rate,  I  will  try." 

He  now  allowed  his  horse  to  go  at  a  more  gentle  rate 
of  speed  in  order  that  it  might  recover  wind  and  strength. 
The  immediate  fever  of  the  pursuit  was  over  now. 
The  police  were,  doubtless,  well  noon  his  track,  and 


trace  aainue,  uuwovci,  »uu  "<=  ""o»  »«»  •»v/v^»u8.  .      ---  ,i  u  ■        .  ,    .  •__  ;» 

Without  waiting  to  settle  himself  ia  bi»  seat,  be  to*  «i  ( would  in  time  come  up  with  him  U 


he  relaxed  hia  effort* 


bis  horse  forward 


altogether. 


1862 


fcULCK    BBSS;    OB, 


Claude  felt  terribly  weak,  aud  nothing  but  his  stern 
determination  enabled  him  to  keep  on. 

Presently  he  saw  before  him  a  faint,  twinkling  light. 

He  hastened  towards  it. 

As  he  had  expected,  this  had  prjceeded  from  a  road, 
tide  inn. 

The  sound  of  his  horse's  hoofs  brought  an  ostler  for- 
ward. 

"Hero  yon  are,  6ir,"  he  said,  holding  the  stirrup  for 
Claude  Duval  to  dismount. 

"No — no,"  said  the  highwayman,  faintly,   "I  shall  not 
alight.     Bring  me  some — some  brandy — a  large  glassful 
-and  some  oatmeal  and  water  fer  my  horse." 

"All  right,  sir." 

The  ostler  quickly  returned  with  the  articles  for  which 
he  had  been  sent. 

Claude  drank  nearly  half  a  pint  of  neat  brandy  at  a 
draught. 

"  My  eye,"  the  ostler  ejaculated,  "  he's  a  well-seasoned 
vessel,  and  no  mistake  !" 

The  horse  greedily  partook  of  the  refreshment  offered 
it,  and  then  Claude  said  : 

"  I  am  going  right  for  London,  I  suppose  ?" 

"Eh?" 

"London— is  this  the  way  ?" 

Claude  pointed  in  advance  as  he  asked  the  question. 
_  •'  Yes,  that's  the  way,"  answered  the  ostler,  scratching 
his  head ;  "  and  a  precious  long  way  it  is  too." 

"  How  far  ?" 

"  How  far  ?  Why,  near  enough  two  hundred  miles.  It's 
one  hundred  and  ninety-nine  and  a  half  howsomever." 

"  So  far  ?"  said  Claude,  with  a  sigh. 

"  Yes.     You  ain't  going  to  ride  there,  are  you  ?" 

"Nevermind.  Look  here!  Do  you  see  this?  It's  a 
guinea." 

"  AU  right." 

"  And  here's  another.  Now,  if  anybody  comes  and 
wants  to  know  whether  you  have  seen  me,  just  know 
nothing  about  it ;  and  in  order  that  your  forgetfulness 
may  be  complete,  here  is  another." 

"  All  right.  I'll  go  and  go  to  sleep,  I  will,  and  blow 
me  if  I  don't  think  it  will  be  a  job  to  wake  roe— that  I 
do." 

He  evidently  comprehended. 

Claude  finished  his  brandy,  and  then  set  out  upon  what 
was  to  him  a  formidable  undertaking— a  ride  to  Londou  ; 
for  it  was  here  that  he  naturally  enough  expected  to 
hear  something  of  his  comrades— at  any  rate,  it  was  here 
where  he  6hould  obtain  intelligence  of  Sixteen-String 
Jack. 


CHAPTEK  MLXXVII. 

IN    WHICH    CLAUDE     DUVAL     MANIFESTS     THE     EXTENT  OF 
HIS  FRIENDSHIP   FOR   SIXTEEN-STRING  JACK. 

It  was  on  that  very  morning  when  Sixteen-String  Jack 
toegan  his  ride  from  Newgate  to  Tyburn  that  a  horseman 
was  urging  his  horse  along  the  western  high-road. 

In  the  distance  he  could  discern  the  huge  mass  of  build- 
ings composing  London. 

There  was  something  inexpressibly  anxious  in  his 
gaze. 

The  horseman  had  about  him  many  marks  which 
showed  that  he  had  travelled  far  and  at  a  rapid  speed. 

His  long  riding-cloak  was  spattered  with  mud  even  up 
to  the  shoulder,  while  as  for  his  steed,  it  would  have  been 
a  most  difficult  matter  to  decide  what  was  its  natural 
colour. 

The  poor  animal  was  fearfully  jaded. 

At  every  step  its  limbs  trembled  convulsively,  showing 
how  great  was  the  effort  required  for  moving  even  at  this 
pace. 

The  traveller  himself  looked  also  ready  to  drop  with 
excessive  fatigue. 

His  face  looked  more  like  the  face  of  a  corpse  than  of  a 
living  being,  except  that  now  and  then  it  twitched 
nervously,  as  from  some  keen  mental  or  bodily  pain. 

The  reader  will  scarcely  require  to  be  told  that  this 
worn-out  aud  travel-stained  horseman  was  no  other  than 
Claude  Duval. 

With  infinite  difficulty  he  had  performed  thus  much  of 
his  long  journey,  and  now  that  its  termination  lay  Knfnr* 


him  he  almost  feared  that  he  should  bo  unable  to  reach 
it. 

From  time  to  time  he  had  been  compelled  to  pause  tor 
rest  upon  the  road,  but  still  the  time  allowed  for  his 
repose  was  short  indeed,  for  the  police  officers  still  hung 
upon  his  track   though  unable  to  come  up  with  him. 

It  is  indeed  a  matter  calculated  to  excite  the  greatest 
wonder  that  he  should  have  been  able  to  perform  the 
journey  at  all. 

Stimulants  alone  had  enabled  him  to  Keep  up. 

The  reattion  would  doubtless  come  at  last,  and,  when  it 
did,  would  be  all  the  more  terrible  for  having  been  so 
postponed. 

But  whenever  Claude  felt  the  sinking  sensation  coming 
over  him  he  would  swallow  a  huge  draught  of  brandy,  thus 
obtaining  a  fresh  but  factitious  supply  of  strength. 

Claude,  however,  was  determined  to  get  to  London. 

The  idea  had  so  fixed  itself  in  his  mind  as  to  amount  to 
a  positive  mania. 

But  then  it  is  well  known  that  it  is  impossible  for  the 
body  to  be  affected  without  the  mind  becoming  affected 
too,  and  certainly  this  must  have  been  the  case  with 
Claude,  for  his  ideas  extended  no  further  than  simply 
arriving  at  the  metropolis. 

What  he  should  do  when  there  he  would  have  been 
puzzled  to  tell. 

What  he  could  hope  to  accomplish  now  that  he  was 
reduced  to  the  last  stage  of  exhaustion  was  a  mystery. 

At  the  moment  when  his  destination  came  in  sight, 
some  such  questions  as  these  crossed  his  mind,  but  his 
mental  faculties  were  too  much  debilitated  to  allow  him' 
either  to  dwell  upon  or  answer  them. 

He  seemed  impelled  to  go  to  London,  but  beyond  that 
all  was  a  blank  which  he  vainly  strove  to  pierce. 

Another  inn  appeared  in  sight,  and  here  he  made  an- 
other halt. 

The  landlord  happened  to  be  standing  on  his  doorstep, 
and  when  he  caught  sight  of  the  approaching  traveller  he 
could  not  help  giving  utterance  to  an  ejaculation  of 
amazement. 

"  Bless  us  and  save  us !"  he  cried — "  what  have  we 
here  ?" 

"Brandy  !"  said  Claude,  faintly,  as  without  difficulty  he 
brought  his  weary  horse  to  a  standstill — "  Brandy  !" 

"  Yes,  sir ! — hot  or  cold  ?" 

"  Half  a  pint  neat,  and  send  the  ostler  with  something 
for  the  horse." 

The  landlord's  amazement  increased. 

Nevertheless  he  passed  indoors  to  execute  the  orders 
that  had  been  given  him. 

His  astonishwent  grew  greater  when  he  saw  with  what 
ease  the  large  quantity  of  brandy  was  disposed  of. 

Some  time  had  now  elapsed  since  Claude  had  heard 
anything  of  his  pursuers,  and  he  might  certainly  have  in- 
dulged himself  in  safety  with  a  few  hours'  rest. 

But  his  impatience  now  that  he  was  so  near  to  t&eecd 
of  his  long  journey  was  too  great  to  permit  this. 

As  soon  as  possible  he  took  his  departure  from  this  inn, 
where  the  extraordinary  appearance  of  himself  and  steed 
furnished  a  topic  of  couversation  for  many  a  day. 

The  stimulus  of  the  ardent  spirit  now  began  to  show 
itself. 

His  eye  brightened,  and  much  of  his  weakness  passed 
away. 

His  horse  too  was  perceptibly  better. 

The  next  halt  was  at  Tyburn  toll-gate. 

Claude  could  not  control  the  powerful  impuls3  which 
prompted  him  to  turn  his  eyes  in  the  direction  of  the 
triple  tree. 

He  started  and  looked  again. 

"Surely,"  he  said,  with  a  shudder,  "this  is  Monday 
morning !" 

He  spoke  as  though  up  to  that  moment  he  had  been 
unaware  of  the  circumstance. 

Beneath  the  blackened  timbers  of  the  gibbet  could  be 
seen  the  glittering  helmets  of  many  soldiers,  while  all 
around  a  remarkable  concourse  of  people  had  assembled. 

This  was  enough  to  make  Claude  aware  that  an  execu- 
tion of  no  ordinary  character  was  about  to  take  place  that 
day. 

But  who  was  it  ? 

Some  prisoner  of  great  importance,  »r  the  guard  would 
n-jt  bu  so  numerous  and  wen  armed. 

Claude's  lioart  sickened  with  dread. 


THB    KNIQHT    OF    THB    ROAD. 


IMS 


1  ]&fow,  sir,"  6aid  a  voice,  "  tuppence,  please  I" 
The  sound  recalled  Claude  to  himself. 
He  remembered  that  he  was  standing  at  the  toll-gate. 
Almost    mechanically  he   plunged   his   hand   into  his 

ocket  and  dropped  a  piece  of  silver  into  the  toll-man's 
i&nd. 

"  Tell  me,"  Claude  Duval  asked,  in  a  hollow  ™;0e  - 
4  who  is  it  that  is  to  be — be  executed  to-day  ?" 

Before  replving,  the  toll-keeper  honoured  him  with  a 
long  stare,  while  he  jingled  the  change  in  his  hands. 

"  You  must  ha^o  come  from  a  longish  way  off,"  he 
answered,  at  length.  "  not  to  know  that." 

"Who  Is  it?"  the  highwayman  asked  again,  vrtth  an 
impatient  gesture. 

"  Why,  Slxteen-String  Jack,  to  be  sure,  that  nas  been 
for  so  long  the  terror  of  the  road.  Why — but  I  say — 
hallo  1" 

These  disjointed  exclamations  were  caused  by  Ciand6's 
actions. 

The  shock  of  this  intelligence  was  at  first  so  great  that 
it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  he  saved  himself  from 
falling  from  his  horse. 

Every  object  seemed  to  fade  away  from  before  bin, 

Then  with  a  heavy  groan  he  recovered  his  senses. 

He  called  out  in  a  loud  tone  to  his  horse,  and  spurred 
him  cruelly. 

The  exhausted  animal  made  a  fiua!  effort  and  broke  into 
a  shuffling  gallop. 

The  highwayman's  brain  was  now  on  fire,  while  his 
swelling  heart  seemed  as  though  it  must  burst. 

Jack  about  to  bo  executed  ! 

He  had,  then,  arrived  too  late. 

What  could  he  do  now  to  save  him  ? 

What  course  could  he  adopt  to  rescue  him  from  his 
foes? 

Claude  thought  and  thought  until  he  wrought  himself 
into  a  state  of  positive  madness. 

Frenzy  alone  had  possession,  of  him — frenzy  alone  can 
account  for  what  he  did. 

Indeed,  had  he  been  in  possession  of  his  proper  senses, 
he  would  not  have  thought  of  riding  into  Loudon  by 
broad  daylight  without  making  the  least  attempt  at  con- 
cealment. 

To  be  sure,  his  cloak  enveloped  his  form,  and  his  face 
was  so  altered  by  illness  and  fatigue  as  to  have  but  little 
semblance  to  its  former  appearance. 

Still,  to  ride  on  as  he  rode  can  only  be  characterised 
as  absolute  insanity. 

Suddenly,  as  he  passed  round  a  slight  bend  in  the  high- 
road, he  came  in  sight  of  a  dense  throng. 

His  brain  reeled. 

Then  his  eyesight  grew  clearer,  and  he  was  able  to 
make  out  the  component  parts  of  tho  multitude  before 
him. 

He  saw  soldiers  mounted  and  glittering  with  weapons 
and  accoutrements. 

He  saw  multitudes  of  police  officers,  nearly  all  on  horse- 
back, and  every  one  armed  with  a  drawn  cutlass. 

He  saw  in  the  distance  the  hangman's  cart,  the  sheriffs' 
carriages,  and,  last  of  all,  more  soldiers  and  police 
officers. 

And  around  all  these,  as  water  round  an  i gland,  was  a 
number  of  people  greater  than  Claude  had  ever  before 
seen. 

The  distance  was  too  great  for  his  eyes  to  make  out 
who  was  the  occupant  of  the  fatal  cart,  but  his  heart  told 
him. 

He  was  inwardly  conscious  that  it  was  his  old  and  well- 
tried  companion,  ftrixteen-String  Jack. 

At  this  moment  Claude  began  to  have  doubts  whether 
all  that  he  saw  was  real,  or  whether  he  was  the  vxtim  of 
some  extraordinary  illusion  of  the  senses. 

But  this  state  of  doubt  was  not  pel  nitted  to  continue 
v ery  long. 

There  could  be  no  doubt  about  the  reality  of  the  yells 
and  cries  that  came  from  the  throats  of  the  assembled 
populace.    ,# 

Then  Claude  asked  himself  what  could  be  done  * 

Where  now  should  he  turn  his  eyes  to  look  for  help 
and  assistance  ? 

Tom  King  and  Dick  Turpin  were  he  knew  not  wu:-t*- 

But  for  all  that  he  could  not  think  of  permitting  his  old 
comrade  to  go  passively  to  death  without  at  least  some 
effort,  no  matter  how  asperate,  to  save  btm. 


There  was  no  time  for  consideration. 

The  moment  for  action  had  arrived 

And  now  most  certainly,  had  Claude  not  been  more 
than  half  crazed,  he  would  never  for  a  single  instant 
have  contemplated  making  an  attempt  to  save  Jack 
single-handecL 

But  some  such  thoughts  as  these  wore  running  through 
Claude's  mind. 

He  knew  that  popular  sympathy  would  be  on  Jack's 
side,  and  he  was  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  temper 
of  crowds  to  be  aware  that  this  sympathy  would  be  con- 
fined to  rnsre  cheers  and  cries  unless  some  one  should 
come  forward  and  set  them  the  example  of  action. 

In  that  case  he  knew  that  their  dislike  of  authority  and 
its  representatives  would  quickly  instigate  them  to  deeds 
of  violence,  and  the  liberation  of  the  prisoner  would  afford 
them  the  utmost  satisfaction. 

Wild  thoughts  were  these — desperate  ones ;  but  they 
were  followed  by  others  more  wild  and  more  desperate 
still. 

Claude  drew  his  cloak  well  around  him,  and  pulled  his 
hat  low  down  over  his  brow. 

Then  he  drew  up  to  one  side  of  the  road,  and  awaited 
the  coming  of  the  profession. 

It  was  now  only  a  few  yards  off. 

All  eyes  wore  at  c  uce  turned  towards  Claude  ;  but  no 
one  seemed  to  recognise  him — a  fact  which  will  serve  to 
show  how  much  late  events  had  altered  his  appear- 
ance. 

"  Halt!"  he  cried,  in  as  loud  and  important  a  voice  as 
hi/  fatigue  would  allow.  "  Halt— halt,  I  say !  Where  ig 
t'jj  sheriff  ?" 

As  might  have  b6en  expected,  no  notice  was  taken  of 
theso  words. 

The  procession  continued  ou  its  way. 

But  as  soon  as  Claude  fairly  found  himself  among  the 
crowd,  he  cried : 

"  The  sheriff — the  sheriff !  Where  is  the  sheriff  ?  I 
must  see  him !     Where  is  he  ?" 

The  people,  thinking  probably  that  Claude  carried  a 
message  of  some  importance,  divided  right  and  left,  thus 
leaving  him  a  clear  passage,  through  which  he  could 
make  his  way  as  rapidly  as  he  liked. 

Claude  did  not  fail  to  avail  himself  of  this  to  the 
utmost. 

There  was  no  hesitation  about  him  now. 

He  seemed  to  have  made  up  his  mind  to  a  dt  flaite 
course  of  action. 

And  so  he  had. 

What  it  was  will  be  quickly  seen. 

There  was  no  difficulty  in  picking  out  the  sheriffs' 
carriages,  for  their  excessive  and  gaudy  ornamentation 
made  them  conspicuous  objects. 

Claude  endeavoured  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  Jack  as  he 
sat  in  the  cart. 

But  so  densely  was  he  hemmed  in  by  mounted  police 
officers  that  this  was  altogether  impossible. 

A  very  few  minutes  brought  him  to  the  door  of  the 
carriage  in  which  the  under-sheriff  was  riding. 

His  appearance  attracted  the  attention  of  everyone. 

But  no  one  for  a  moment  suspected  that  the  haggard- 
looking  individual  was  Claude  Duval. 

Such  audacity  as  would  be  required  for  one  with  so 
heavy  a  price  upon  his  head  to  mingle  with  a  procession 
on  its  way  from  Newgate  to  Tyburn  was  undreamt  of— 
incomprehensible. 

The  sheriff  was  a  little  red-faced  man,  whose  eyes  were 
almost  buried  in  fat. 

He  looked  as  surprised  as  he  was  able  when  Claude 
placed  his  hand  upon  the  sill  of  the  coach  window. 

"Sir,"  he  said,  speaking  in  tones  of  deep  sadness,  to  the 
effect  of  which  the  hollo  wness  of  his  voice  contributed  not 
a  little — "  sir,  I  have  a  great — very  great  favour  to  ask  of 
you,  and  in  the  sacred  name  of  humanity  I  must  ask  you 
uot  todeny'me." 

"  Eh  ? — what?"  said  the  sheriff,  with  a  puzzled  air,  for 
he  was  never  able  to  grasp  at  the  meaning  of  a  sentence 
containing  many  words. 

"  I  say  I  have  a  favour  to. entreat." 

"  But  this  isn't  the  time." 

'•  Pardon  me  for  being  bold  enough  to  differ  from  yon  ,• 
but — but — this  is  the  time — the  very  moment." 

"Eh?  But  what's  it  all  about?  What  dooo  ft 
mean  ?" 


ltttt 


KICK  BESS  ;    OR, 


"If  you  will  allow  me,"  said  Claude,  "  I  will  explain." 

"  Well,  well,  go  on — I  am  listening." 

41  It  concerns  the  prisoner." 

"  The  prisoner  ?"  echoed  the  sheriff,  with  a  slight 
change  of  colour. 

"  Yes,  the  condemned  prisoner." 

"The  one  in  the  cart  ?" 

"  Even  so." 

"  Sixteen-String  Jack  ?"  said  the  sheriff,  who,  as 
Claude  was  silent,  felt  impelled  to  say  something  or 
other. 

"  Yes,  bo  the  unfortunate  man  has  been  known,  but  to 
mo  he  is  simple  John  Raun." 

"  To  you — to  you  ?     How  do  you  mean  to  you  ?" 

"Why,  in  days  long  past,  in  the  time  of  boyhood,  he 
was  my  best  and  only  friend." 

"Your  friend  ?"  cried  the  sheriff,  shrinking  back. 

"Yes;  do  not  be  alarmed.  As  you  must  be  well 
aware,  he  followed  evil  ways.  I  knew  what  the  result 
would  be,  but  still  he  persisted  in  his  fatal  course.  Ti  on 
understand  me,  sir  ?" 

"  Yes :  but  I  don't  know  what  it  has  to  do  with 
me." 

"  But  }vj  will  see  in  a  moment." 

"  Go  on,  then." 

"  I  live  more  than  two  hundred  miles  from  London,  in 
a  remote  country  place.  By  chance  the  intelligence 
that  my  old  boyhood's  friend  had  been  captured  reached 
me.  I  was  ill — suffering  greatly.  But  not  long  ago  the 
parents  of  this  misguided  young  man  had  died,  and  on 
their  deathbed  they  had  entreated  me  to  use  my  be-st  en- 
deavours to  reclaim  the  lost  one.  A  dangerous  illness 
alone  prevented  me." 

The  sheriff  fidgeted  about  impatiently. 

Claude  spoke  more  rapidly. 

"  As  soon  as  I  heard  what  had  happened,  I  started  off. 
I  have  travelled  almost  incessantly  ever  since.  I  hoped 
to  be  in  time  to  say  farewell  to  him — I  have  just  arrived, 
and  find  him  on  his  way  to  Tyburu." 

"  Well,  sir,  and  what  do  you  want  ?"  asked  the  sheriff, 
who  never  for  a  moment  seemed  to  fancy  that  what 
Claude  said  was  untrue. 

Indeed,  the  highwayman's  appearance  was  just  calcu- 
lated to  corroborate  what  he  had  said. 

He  looked  like  one  who  had  risen  from  a  sick  bed  aud 
made  a  long  and  fatiguing  journey. 

"  Well,  sir,"  repeated  the  sheriff,  finding  Claude  did 
not  speak,  "  I  ask  again,  what  do  you  want  ?  What  has 
all  this  to  do  with  me  ?" 

Claude's  emotion  increased. 

"I  want  to  ask  you,  sir,  to  grant  me  a  great  favour." 

"  And  what  is  it  ?" 

"  That  you  will  stay  this  procession  for  a  moment,  and 
buat  then  you  will  allow  me  to  say  a  few  words  of  fare- 
well to  my  old  friend,  and  convey  to  him  the  last  words  of 
his  parents.  Had  I  arrived  at  Newgate  in  time,  I  fenow 
the  request  would  not  have  been  denied  to  me.  It  would 
be  hard  to  deny  me  now,  because  i  nave  been  unable  to 
make  better  speed.  You  will  grant  this  tavour,  will  you 
not  ?" 

The  sheriff  shook  his  head. 

"  Why  not  ?"  asked  Claude,  with  an  earnestness  that 
was  real  indeed.    It  is  not  much  I  ask." 

"But— but " 

"But  what?" 

''  We — we  are  apprehensive  of  a  rescue.' 

"Isit  possible?" 

"  We  have  heard  that  some  desperate  attempt  will  be 
made  to  set  the  condemned  man  at  liberty." 

This  intelligence  caused  such  a  revulsion  ol  leelin  on 
Claude's  part  that  it  was  a  great  wonder  the  sheriff  did 
not  perceive  his  agitation. 

Perhaps  he  did  perceive  it,  but  failed  to  ascribe  it  to  its 
proper  cause 

CHAPTER  MLXXVII1. 

SIXTEEN-STRING     JACK     TAKES     HIS     LAST    LOOK     OF     THIS 
WORLD. 

This  announcement  made  by  the  sheriff,  to  the  effect  that 
an  attempt  at  rescue  was  apprehended,  made  Claude  Duval 
doubly  determined  to  bring  the  procession  to  a  standstill. 

Perhaps  if  he  could  only  succeed  In  doing  this  he  would 
be  giving  the  opportunity  for  the    ttack  to  be  made,  for,  o. 


oourse,  Claude  jumper  '    the  conclusion  that  the  sheriff 
had  been  correctly  informed. 

It  is  not  surprising  that  lie  should  do  so. 

Of  the  movements  of  Dick  Turpin  and  Tom  King  he  was 
quite  ignorant,  but  considered  nothing  more  probable  than 
that  they  would  endeavour  to  organise  some  plan  of 
attack  when  they  learned  the  serious  position  in  which 
Sixteen-String  Jack  was  placed. 

These  thoughts  passed  through  his  mind  with  that 
rapidity  of  which  time  alone  is  capable. 

"Surely,  sir,"  he  continued,  in  reply  to  the  sheriff's  last 
remark — "  surely,  ?ir,  you  will  not  on  that  account  refuse 
uie  this  favour.  Suppose  for  a  moment  you  were  in  my 
place,  should  you  not  think  it  hard  to  be  denied  ?  Besides, 
consider  what  a  consolation  aud  satisfaction  it  would  be  to 
my  unfortunate  friend,  not  only  to  learn  that  h  s  parents 
were  not  living,  and  so  could  not  be  sensible  of  his  dis- 
grace, but  to  hear  the  last  words  which  those  parents  had 
said  concerning  him." 

Claude's  appeal  evidently  moved  the  sheriff. 

"I  will  call  Skellum."  he  said,  "and  hear  what  he 
says." 

Who  Skellum  was  Claude  knew  not,  for  he  had  nevei 
heard  his  name  pronounced  before. 

Still,  he  drew  his  cloak  up  a  little  closer  round  his 
throat. 

Skellum  having  been  called,  quickly  made  his  way  to 
the  sheriff's  carriage,  for  he  expected  to  receive  some  im- 
portant information. 

The  sheriff  quickly  explained  to  him  the  nature  of 
Claude's  request. 

Skellum  looked  at  the  disguised  highwayman  keenly, 
but  failed  to  recognise  him. 

Truth  to  tell  the  idea  that  it  might  be  one  of  the  high- 
waymen of  whom  some  of  his  men  were  in  pursuit,  never 
once  crossed  his  mind. 

"  What  is  the  answer,  sir  ?"  Claude  asked,  anxiously, 
for  they  were  getting  very  near  to  Tyburn  now. 

"  I  leave  it  for  Mr.  Skellum  to  decide,"  said  the  sheriff. 
"  To  me  the  request  seems  a  very  reasonable  one,  and  if 
Mr.  Skellum  has  no  objection,  I  consent." 

Claude  was  profuse  in  his  thanks. 

Then  addressing  Skellum,  he  said : 

"  Do  not  refuse  me — pray  do  not  1  What  can  you  have 
to  fear  from  one  worn  down  to  the  last  degree  of  weak- 
ness as  I  am  ?  What  could  I  do  in  the  shape  of  harm, 
even  if  I  had  the  will  ?" 

There  could  only  be  one  answer  to  this  question. 

Skellum's  first  suspicion  that  there  was  something 
dangerous  in  all  this  was  allayed. 

He  knew  not  how  to  refuse,  and  so  gave  his  consent. 

But  he  determined  to  keep  very  close  behind  Claude  and 
to  observe  his  every  movement  with  the  keenest  attention. 

A  feeling  of  unalloyed  satisfaction  now  took  possession 
of  Claude  Duval's  heart. 

Already  in  imagination  he  saw  his  old  comrade  a  free 
man. 

His  presence  by  his  side  would  be  of  the  utmost  service 
to  those  who  intended  to  attempt  a  rescue. 

But  Ms  breath  came  short  and  thick  as  he  made  his  way 
through  the  throng  under  the  guidance  of  Mr.  Skellum, 
who  made  his  way  straight  for  the  hangman's  cart. 

Claude  wondered  what  effect  his  sudden  appearance 
would  have  upon  Sixteen-String  Jack. 

Would  he  recognise  him  ? 

Perhaps  so. 

This,  however,  was  a  risk  which  Claude  was  quite 
willing  to  run. 

By  command  of  Mr.  Skellum  the  procession  was  brought 
to  standstill. 

It  was  the  confusion  consequent  upon  the  execution  of 
this  ardor  that  had  aroused  Sixteen-String  Jack  to  a 
knowledge  of  the  fact  that  something  of  an  unusual  cha- 
racter was  taking  place.  , 

The  next  momeut  he  beheld  Claude  DuvaL 

He  recognised  his  old  comrade  at  the  very  first  glance, 
but  closed  his  eyes  quickly,  feeling  certain  that  he  was  the 
victim  ot  some  inexplicable  delusion. 

He  opened  them  again,  only  to  see  Claude  standing 
still  nearer,  and  to  hear  the  familiar  tones  of  his  voice. 

What  could  be  the  meaning  of  so  strange  a  phe- 
nomenon ? 

Claude  at  liberty  among  so  many  of  his  foe*,  and,  above 
all  with  Skellum  not  an  arm's-length  from  hid*. 


Mrs  BtflBH*   MP  *ST*    *0  4t>- 


tJH 


[DICK   TUT^N    AMU  TOM    KING   MEET  AGAIH    AT   OLD    MATTHEWS.    IN    I>RtTRV    LA.tlt  J 


Well  indeed  might  Jack  feel  disposed  to  doubt  the  I 
evidence  of  his  own  senses. 

His  heart  bled  when  he  saw  to  what  a  wreck  Claude 
had  been  reduced,  and  fully  comprehended  how  much  he 
must  have  suffered  since  the  time  of  their  separation. 

Claude  came  close  to  Jack's  side. 

"  I  am  here  either  to  save  you  or  to  die  with  you,"  he 
whispered.  "Do  not  start — maintain  your  calmnes?  "*t 
all  hazards." 

Claude  glanced  arouud  him  to  ascertain  whether 
Skellum  was  near,  but  he  found  that  individual  was  no 
longer  standing  in  tne  place  where  he  had  last  left 
him. 

Claude  did  not  wait  to  ascertain  his  whereabouts,  but 
resolved  to  avail  himself  to  the  utmost  of  the  present  op- 
portunity. 

"  Be  of  good  heart.  Jack—the  others  have  organised  a 
WdCUe-" 

*<!.  234. —Black  Bbsr. 


Jack's  heart  was  so  lull  that  he  could  scarcely  oomm*»i 
his  voice  t»  speak. 

He  had  just  been  endeavouring  to  reconcile  himseu 
to  the  unpleasant  fact  that  he  was  deserted  by  all  hu 
friends,  when  lo !  here  was  Claude  actually  at  his  side. 

Hope  revived  in  his  breast,  for  he  thought  that  Claude 
had  spoken  from  positive  knowledge,  and  Jack  had  great 
faith  in  Dick  Turpin's  powers. 

But  alas  !  those  hopes  were  doomed  to  a  most  bitter 
disappointment.  ......  ,         T. 

"How  came  you  here,  Claude?"  Jack  aaKed.  "It 
puzzles  me  completely." 

"  Hush— hush  !  We  must  reserve  explanations  to  an- 
other time.  1  wonder  how  it  is  they  do  not  commence  an 
attack." 

Claude  Duval  was  firmly  impressed  wtth  the  notion 
that  his  presence  near  the  cart  would  serve  as  <  djr»*/ 
for  the  commencement  of  the  attack. 


Ko.  284. 


Price  One  Halfpenny. 
A'o.  23S  u  ill  be  Published  nsxt  Monday. 


MM 


BLACK    BKBB  ;      JZ, 


Each  second  he  expected  to  hear  the  signal  given,  and 
then  he  determined  to  cut  the  cords  with  which  Jaok 
was  bound,  even  if  his  life  paid  the  penalty  of  the  deed. 

And  now  we  must  make  the  reader  acquainted  with 
something  of  which  both  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen- 
String  Jack  were  unfortunately  in  ignorance. 

The  very  moment  that  Mr.  Skellum  stopped  near  the 
cart  he  fait  *>ome  one  touch  him  gently  on  the  coat 
eleeve. 

Turning  round,  he  saw  that  it  was  a  police  officer. 

There  was  unbounded  wonder  expressed  upon  the 
man's  countenance. 

He  made  a  sign  for  Mr.  Skellum  to  come  nearer. 

That  individual  complied  instantly,  for  he  knew  by  the 
officer's  manner  that  something  was  amiss. 

This  was  how  it  was  that  he  happened  to  be  out  of 
eight  when  Claude  turned  round. 

M  Well,"  said  Skellum,  hastily,  keeping  his  eyes  all 
the  time  fixed  upon  the  cart — "  well  ?" 

"  Mr.  Skellum." 

"What?" 

"D — don't  you  know  who  that  is  ?" 

"Who— who?" 

"  That  man  in  the  cloak — there — there  f" 

"Well— what  of  him?" 

"  Don't  you  know  him  ? 

"  No ;  how  should  I  ?" 

The  man  looked  aghast. 

"  How  comes  he  here  ?" 

"  Speak,  dolt ;  who  is  it  ?"  said  Skellum,  impatiently. 

"I  can't  believe  my  eyes,"  said  the  man;  "and  yet  it 
must  be.    No,  no, — it  can't :  it  is  too  outrageous." 

"Who— who?" 

"  Why,  that  man  in  the  cloak,   standing   there,   is — 

And  then  again  he  paused,  as  though  incredulous. 

"Will  you  speak  J" 

"It  is  Claude  Duval!" 

"  Who  ?"  cried  Skellum,  with  a  perfect  yell — "  who  ?" 

"Claude  Duval.  I  am  certain  of  it.  Look  at  him 
now." 

"  Down  with  him !"  roared  Skellum — "  shoot  him  !  Fire 
— fire!  That  is  Claude  Duval,  and  the  reward  is  just  the 
same  for  him  alive  or  dead !" 

"Discovered  !"  cried  Claude,  in  a  voice  of  inexpressible 
anguish.     "  All,  then,  is  lost !     Help— help !" 

"  Shoot  me,  Claude  !"  cried  Sixteen-String  Jack.  "  Do 
me  that  last  service !  Save  me  from  the  disgrace  of  the 
hangman's  rope ! — shoot  me  !  Let  that  be  the  last,  as  it 
is  the  first,  proof  I  have  asked  you  to  make  of  your  friend- 
ship." 

Claude  drew  his  pistols,  but  whether  he  meant  to  com- 
ply with  his  comrade's  demand  is  not  clear. 

The  officers  had  at  first  been  too  paralysed  with  amaze- 
ment to  obey  Skellum's  command,  but  they  stood  with 
their  pistols  levelled. 

"  Fire  I"  cried  Skellum  again.  "  Ten  thousand  curses  ! 
Why  do  you  not  fire  ?  Shoot  him,  or  he  will  rescue  the 
prisoner  and  escape." 

Scarcely  had  the  words  escaped  his  lips  than  there  was 
a  sudden  volley  from  more  than  a  dozen  pistols. 

For  a  brief  space  of  time  a  cloud  of  blue  smoke  con- 
cealed everything,  and  yet  Skellum  fancied  he  had  seen 
Claude  in  the  act  of  falling  from  his  horse. 

When  the  mimic  cloud  cleared  away,  which  was  in  less 
than  a  moment,  he  found  that  he  was  right. 

Claude  Duval  was  lying  helpless  and  motionless  upon 
the  ground — his  body  riddled  with  bullets — an  ever- 
widening  pool  of  blood  surrounding  him. 

The  confusion  and  uproar  now  were  things  of  which  we 
cannot  hope  to  convey  an  idea. 

"Guard  your  prisoner,"  cried  Skellum,  in  stentorian 
tones — "look  well  to  him,  or  he  will  be  rescued !  Stand 
firm!" 

His  orders  were  well  responded  to. 

It  was  indeed  a  thousand  wonders  that  Sixteen-String 
Jack  had  not  been  mortally  wounded. 

But  the  bullets  whistled  around  him  on  every  side  and 
left  him  unhurt. 

But  the  sudden  slauj^*-*  "j  his  old  friend  in  cold 
blood  almost  maddened  t , 

He  made  a  desperate  attempt  to  break  loose. 

but  he  was  too  well  bound  for  the  attempt  to  succeed. 

The  next  instant  the  officers  were  around  him. 


Skellum  flung  himself  from   his  horse,  and  rasHed  to 

the  spot  where  Claude  lay. 

"He  is  dead,"  he  ejaculated,  gaeing  upon  htra — "quite 
dead !  How  extraordinary !  Who  could  have  believed 
it?" 

After  what  had  occurred,  Jack  sat  in  tno  cart  like  one 
stunned  by  a  heavy  blow. 

Life  now,  indeed,  was  bitter,  and  he  felt  that  he  cared 
not  how  soon  he  was  rid  of  it. 

Claude  waa  dead,  while  he  knew  not  what  fate  had 
befallen  Dick  Turpin  and  Tom  King. 

But  from  the  fact  that  they  had  made  no  demonstra- 
tion on  his  behalf  he  drew  the  worst  conclusions. 

The  body  of  Claude  was  presently  picked  up,  and  a 
rude  kind  of  bier  extemporised,  on  which  it  was  placed. 

The  order  was  given  to  convey  it  to  Newgate,  and  a 
portion  of  the  guard  of  officers  and  soldiers  was  ordered 
to  accompany  it,  so  as  to  protect  it  from  the  people. 

Oh,  how  wistfully  and  earnestly  Jack  gazed  after 
Claude  as  his  remains  were  carried  off ! 

When  at  last  he  could  see  his  friend  no  longer,  bitter 
tears  forced  themselves  from  his  eyes  and  rolled  down 
his  cheeks,  while  heavy  sobs  seemed  as  though  they  would 
burst  his  chest. 

As  soon  as  ever  the  second  procession  had  been  started 
on  its  way  to  Newgate,  the  interrupted  journey  to  Tyburn 
was  resumed. 

A  closer  watch  and  guard  than  ever  was  kept  upon 
Jack. 

But  it  was  needless,  for  he  had  quite  given  up  all 
thoughts  of  making  his  escape  now. 

After  what  had  happened  death  was  preferable  to 
life. 

Tyburn  no  longer  had  terrors  for  him. 

On  the  contrary,  he  was  impatient  for  the  termination 
of  his  journey  to  be  reached. 

They  had  not  far  to  go. 

Tyburn  Tree  was  not  many  yards  distant,  but  their 
rate  of  progress  was  very,  very  slow,  for  a  path  had  to  be 
forced  through  a  mass  of  people  who  already  seemed 
packed  together  as  closely  as  was  possible. 

Jack's  head  was  still  bent  down. 

He  did  not  turn  his  eyes  to  look,  but  he  could  feel  just 
how  far  distant  they  were  from  the  fatal  tree. 

Amid  frequent  stoppages  the  journey  was  continued, 
it  last  there  was  a  final  pause. 

The  sun  was  shining  in  mid-sky,  and  there  fell  across 
S>o  cart  the  dark  shadow  of  the  beams  of  Tyburn 
Tree. 

Jack  knew  where  he  was  then. 

The  end  of  his  journey  was  reached. 

Some  one  touched  him. 

He  shrank  back  with  a  shudder  of  loathing 

It  was  the  hangman. 

The  Ordinary  now  stood  up  with  his  open  book  in  bis 
hand. 

For  some  time  past  he  had  been  reading  the  service  for 
the  dead ;  but  though  his  voice  was  loud  and  clear.  Jack 
had  been  unconscious  of  it. 

As  one  may  say,  mechanically  Jack  followed  the  Chap- 
lain's example  and  stood  up  in  the  cart. 

A  silence  that  was  awful  from  its  very  intensity  now 
prevailed. 

Jack  gazed  around  him  with  a  semi-conscious,  half- 
stupified  air. 

The  events  that  had  marked  the  latter  portion  of  his 
journey  had  been  of  so  awful  and  so  sudden  a  character 
that  no  one  can  wonder  that  his  brain  was  half  turned  by 
it. 

He  kept  continually  vaguely  wondering  whether  this 
could  indeed  be  real,  and  this  wonder  was  accompanied 
by  a  kind  of  sensation  that  he  should  presently  recover 
his  senses  and  find  all  to  be  an  hallucination. 

But,  alas !  for  him,  this  species  of  presentiment  was  not 
destined  to  be  realised. 

All  was  real,  and  although  it  might  be  said  he  was  not 
aware  of  it,  yet  he  was  standing  od  the  very  threshold  of 
eternity. 

The  duration  of  his  life  upon  this  par*1*  "ould  easily  have 
been  counted  in  seconds. 

Again  Jack  felt  a  touch,  and  it  seemed  to  arouse  bini  » 
little. 

It  was  the  hangman. 

This  functionary  had  been  during  the  last  few  rcoiaentt 


THB  BJflOHT  Of  THB  BOAD 


1367 


foully  occupied  in  securing  the  rope  to  the  cross- 
beam. 

Apparently  it  was  now  adjusted  to  his  entire  satisfac- 
tion. 

He  bad  hung  upon  it  so  as  to  stretch  it,  and  tn.w 
nothing  remained  but  to  make  a  ncose  with  it  round  the 
neck  of  th»  condemned  man. 

Before  Jack  could  precisely  comprehend  what  was  going 
on,  the  rpp-o  was  passed  round  his  throat. 

A  choiring  sensation  seemed  new,  at  this  fast  moment, 
to  bring  L\m  back  to  life.  • 

He  looked  around  him,  but  ths  facos  of  the  people 
seemed  to  float  away,  and  in  their  place  he  saw,  in  ima- 
gination, the  tragedy  of  Claude's  death  again  repre- 
sented. 

Apparently  that  was  his  last  earthly  sensation. 

The  preparations  had  all  been  rendered  complete. 

The  hangman  and  the  Ordinary  had  quitted  the  cart,  of 
which  Jack  was  now  the  sole  occupant. 

It  was,  however,  just  as  the  hangman  seised  the 
bridle  of  the  horse  that  some  kind  of  disturbance  seemed 
to  be  taking  place  on  the  outskirts  of  the  crowd. 

Whether  Sixteen-String  Jack  was  aware  of  it,  or 
whether  he  derived  any  hope  from  the  circumstance,  who 
can  tell  ? 

It  is  perhaps  scarcely  necessary  to  remind  the  reader 
of  the  different  manner  in  which  executions  were  arranged 
in  the  times  of  which  we  write. 

There  was  no  platform  then,  with  the  falling  trap  that 
so  speedily  deprives  the  victim  of  his  life. 

The  prisoner  was  left  standing,  while  the  cart  was 
drawn  from  beneath  him. 

And  it  was  thus  that  Sixteen-String  Jack  quitted  this 
life. 

Who  can  say  what  awful  sensations  seared  his  brain 
when  he  felt  the  only  thing  between  him  and  death  slip- 
ping slowly  away  from  beneath  his  feet. 

There  seemed  a  kind  of  convulsivo  effort  to  retain  a 
footing,  and  then  all  was  over. 

CHAPTER  MLXXIX. 

DESCRIBES  WHAT    BEFEL   TOM     KING   AFTER  HM    FTJGHT 
FROM    STONEHENGE. 

We  refrain  from  entering  into  any  further  details  ef  the 
sickening  scene. 

We  will  only  mention  that  the  condemned  man — to 
employ  the  phrase  made  use  of  at  the  time — "died 
bard." 

And  no  wonder  that  there  should  be  a  desperate 
struggle  between  life  and  death  when  the  victim  was 
slowly  choked— strangled  by  the  weight  of  his  own 
body. 

But  in  a  few  moments  the  bold,  daring  highwayman, 
who  had  for  so  long  a  period  set  the  whole  machinery  of 
the  law  at  defiance,  breathed  his  last. 

Nothing  remained  of  him  save  a  senseless  mass  of  inert 
clay  that  slightly  swung  to  and  fro,  and  half  turned 
round  in  a  hideous  fashion  as  it  was  swayed  by  the  light 
morning  breeze. 

No  sooner,  however,  was  it  known  that  life  was  ex- 
tinct than  the  intense  silence  of  the  assembled  crowd 
changed  to  a  tremendous  uproar. 

Some  said  that  a  well-organised  attempt  to  rescue  the 
prisoner  had  been  made,  and  the  chief  cause  of  its  failure 
was  that  the  attempt  bad  been  made  too  late. 

There  were  others,  thougn,  who  said  tb.tt  this  was  a 
mere  idle  rumour. 

At  any  rate,  the  scene  of  fearful  riot  which  now  ensued 
was  a  disgrace  to  a  nation  setting  up  any  claim  to  civili- 
sation. 

Savages  could  have  behaved  no  worse. 

And  this  lasted  for  an  hour — the  time  prescribed 
for  elapsion  before  the  hanged  man  was  cut  down. 

A  great  part  of  the  crowd  no  doubt  dispersed  before 
this,  but  the  bulk  remained. 

After  the  ceremony  they  had  by  degrees  separated. 

The  body  was  roughly  placed  in  the  rudely-made 
coffin  provided  for  its  reception,  and,  still  guarded  by 
soldiers,  made  its  way  back  to  Newgate. 

Here  the  two  highwaymen  who  had  been  so  long 
united  during  li*«  were  again  placed  side  by  side  in 
death. 

The  fatality  was  a  strange  o»v 


It  was  about  this  period  that  the  enstom  of  interring 
executed  prisoners  within  the  walls  «f  the  prison  was 
jommeneed. 

Previously  they  were  either  han^au  ovor  to  the 
doctors  for  dissection,  or  else  suspended  in  irons  upon  a 
gibbet  in  proximity  to  the  scene  of  #rirne. 

But  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen-String  Jack  were  to  be 
buried  in  the  prison. 

A  larger  grave  than  ordinary  was  dug,  and  in  this 
the  two  coffins  were  placed,  so  that  the  two  friends  were 
still  side  by  side. 

The  earth  was  shovelled  in,  and  the  sole  funeral  ser 
vice  was  comprised  in  the  remarks  made  by  the  turn- 
keys as  they  as  hurriedly  as  possible  got  through  their 
disagreeable  task. 

That  the  intelligence  of  the  extraordinary  manner  in 
which  the  famous  highwayman  Claude  Duval  had  met 
with  his  death  should  fly  like  lightning  over  the  whole 
city  is  no  matter  for  surprise. 

But  the  effects  of  this  news  upon  those  particularly 
interested  in  the  highwayman's  welfare  we  must  defer  to 
another  occasion. 

So  much  is  waiting  for  relation  in  order  that  the 
narrative  may  be  brought  down  to  one  point,  that  we 
must  defer  for  the  present  a  description  of  the  startling 
events  which  followed  fast  upon  the  interment  of  the  two 
highwaymen. 

We  go  back  several  days — in  fact,  to  the  morning  which 
succeeded  the  night  when  the  highwaymen  were  attacked 
at  Stonehenge. 

It  was  only  just  getting  light,  and  objects  for  the  most 
part  were  buried  in  a  dense  white  vapour. 

As  this  by  degrees  rolled  away,  the  different  features 
of  the  landscape  came  into  view. 

One  of  the  most  prominent  was  a  precipitous  cliff, 
which  served  for  a  wall  to  prevent  the  encroachment  of 
the  ever-surging  sea. 

The  landward  side  of  this  cliff  was  rugged  and  steep, 
and  in  most  places  overgrown  with  tangled  vegeta- 
tion. 

The  spot  was  excessively  lonely  and  drear,  and  looked 
so,  especially  when  shrouded  by  the  white  vapour  we 
have  mentioned. 

No  traces  of  even  the  occasional  presence  of  human 
beings  on  that  dreary  spot  could  be  discerned,  and  the 
silence  was  only  broken  by  the  unending  roar  of  the 
breaking  waves  on  the  beach  below. 

All  at  once,  the  desolation  of  the  place  was  strangely 
broken  in  upon. 

An  eye  fixed  upon  a  certain  portion  of  the  cliff  side 
would  have  beheld  a  singular  phenomenon. 

What  seemed  to  be  nothing  else  than  a  portion  of  the 
solid  rock  slowly  rose  up,  disclosing  a  dark  oblong  open- 
ing in  the  ground. 

Immediately  afterwards,  a  dusky  form  appeared  at  the 
aperture. 

"  I  told  f  ou  so,  captain,"  said  a  gruff  voice.  "  Morning 
has  fairly  come  a*  last,  and  devil  a  sign  is  there  to  be  seer 
of  the  old  Ferret  Oi  b;r  waggon  either  " 

"  Are  you  sure  ?" 

"  Come  and  look  for  yourself,  captain." 

Another  dusky  form  now  appeared  at  the  mysterious 
opening. 

"  What  a  fog !"  said  the  new-comer.  '  If  the  Ferret 
would  como  even  now  I  would  risk  it ;  anything  would 
be  better  than  keeping  the  cargo  here." 

"  Oh,  it's  safe  enough,  captain— take  my  word  for  that 
no  one  will  find  this  place  out." 

"No  matter,  the  goods  ought  to  be  inland  by  this 
time." 

"Hush!"  said  the  first  speaker.  " I  heard  something 
then." 

"  What  was  it  like  ?" 

"A  horse." 

"Then  perhaps  it  is  the  Ferret  after  all.  Curse  him 
for  beiug  so  long,  say  I !  What  the  devil  can  have  detained 
him  ?" 

Both  listened. 

"  It'g  not  the  Ferret,  captain." 

"  If  it  is,  he  is  without  a  waggon." 

i»  No — no,  he  would  not  ride  like  that.  Why,  a  man 
must  be  mad  to  gallop  a  horse  at  such  a  rate  !" 

The  rapid  beats  of  a  horse's  hoofs  could  now  be  heard, 
and,  from  the  rapidity  with  which  these  succeeded  one 


istjs 


bLAOK    Uiibh  :     o'u 


another,  it  was  evident  that  the  annua1   was   making  no 
ordinary  speed. 

The  two  dark  forms  at  the  opening  iu  tfc«  ground  stood 
with  eyes  fixed  wide  open  by  curiosity, 

u  I  should  think  it  is  some  horse  broke  loos«,-'  said  the 
captain,  at  length.  "  No  one  would  be  mad  enough  to  ride 
towards  the  precipice  at  such  a  rate  as  that." 

"  We  shall  see  in  a  moment,"  returned  the  other. 
"  Curse  the  fog,  how  thick  it  is!" 

"Yes — yes,  there  it  comes— a  horse  with  something  on 
fts  back  ;  but  not  a  man,  surely!'' 

The  utmost  excitement  row  prevailed. 

Through  the  dense  mist  could  be  seen  the  figure  of  a 
horse,  which  seemed  to  be  enveloped  in  a  cloud  of  balf- 
transparent  vapour. 

Upon  the  animal's  back  was  a  something,  but  what 
could  not  be  distinctly  seen. 

It  did  not  look  like  a  mau,  for  it  was  something 
that  appeared  to  be  crouching  close  to  the  saddle,  and 
partly  hanging  down  on  one  side. 

But  two  causes  combined  to  dispel  the  mystery. 

The  mist  was  fast  rising,  and  the  horse  was  galloping 
towards  the  opening  in  the  ground  with  scarcely,  if  at  all, 
diminished  speed. 

"It's  a  man,"  said  the  captain,  at  length — "yes,  it's  a 
man ;  and  either  dead  or  badly  wounded." 

There  could  no  longer  be  a  doubt  about  the  correctness 
of  this  conjecture. 

But,  stranger  still,  the  horse,  finding  himself  near  the 
aperture,  stopped  suddenly — so  suddenly  that  its  rider, 
unable  any  longer  to  keep  the  saddle,  fell  heavily  to  the 
ground. 

Ejaculations  of  astonishment  burst  from  the  lips  of  the 
captain  and  his  subordinate  upon  viewing  this  occur- 
rence. 

"  Who  can  it  be  ?"  gasped  the  former. 

"  The  horse  has  been  here  before,"  was  the  reply.  "  He 
knows  the  place  well  enough,  that  is  evident,  or  why 
should  he  stop  ?" 

"  Let  us  see  who  it  is,"  was  the  captain's  next  remark. 
"  Curse  it!  if  they  are  here  many  moments  it  wi)'  be  quite 
light,  and  then  there  will  be  no  knowing  who  may  see 
us." 

"  The  place  may  be  discovered." 

"  We  must  prevent  that,  at  all  hazards.  Ah  !"  said  the 
captain,  bending  down  over  the  blood-stained  and  ap- 
parently lifeless  form,  "  I  know  him.  It's  all  right.  Call 
6ome  of  the  Sea-gulls  to  carry  him  inside,  and  lead  the 
horse  in  as  well." 

"Who  is  it,  captain  ?"  asked  the  other,  who  had  just 
whistled  shrilly. 

"  Why,  one  of  those  chaps  that  rendered  us  such  good 
service  the  other  night." 

"What,  the  one  we  have  provided  the  Sea-gull 
for  ?" 

"  Yes." 

At  this  moment  the  aperture  was  thronged  with  men, 
all  clad  in  a  species  of  naval  costume. 

The  captain  of  the  band  of  smugglers — for  he  indeed  it 
was — had  not  been  mistaken. 

It  was  Tom  King  who  had  been  brought  thus  to  the 
secret  entrance  of  the  cave. 

The  reader  will  easily  be  able  to  account  for  his 
presence  in  this  place. 

After  speaking  to  Claude  Duval  in  the  manner  we  have 
related  at  the  close  of  a  preceding  chapter,  he  had  started 
off  at  full  speed. 

But  Tom  King  was  badly  hurt — 

So  badly  that  his  last  words  were  almost  inaudible. 

But,  nevertheless,  although  all  objects  seemed  whirling 
around  him,  he  retained  his  place  in  the  saddle. 

He  was,  however,  quite  beyond  the  power  of  making 
any  effort  to  urge  his  horse  forward. 

The  animal  went  entirely  at  the  rate  which  pleased 
him. 

By  an  accident,  this  ".banced  to  be  extremely  rapid. 

The  horse  had  baen  mounded  by  one  of  the  pistol  shots 
— just  sufficient  to  madden  the  creature  by  the  irritation  it 
occasioned.  ^>. 

Under  this  incitement,  as  though  urged  by  tho  spur,  the 
poor  animal  flew  across  Salisbury  Plain  with  a  speed 
which  equally  defies  description  or  conception. 

We  can  only  characterise  it  as  furious  to  a  degree 

An  ordinary  ridor  would  have  been  ».pp*»)Jc<i   at  finding 


himself  upon  the  back  of  such  an  infuriated  animal ;  but 
Tom  King  thought  nothing  of  it. 

His  life  depended  upon  his  getting  away  quickly,  and 
he  would  have  preferred  a  thousand  times  to  meet  with 
his  death  by  some  unforeseen  accident  than  fall  into  the 
hands  of  his  foes  for  a  moment. 

Tom  reasonably  enough  dreaded  capture,  ror  he  was 
fully  convinced  after  what  had  happened  he  would  never 
be  allowed  the  ghost  of  a  chance  of  making  his  es- 
cape. 

Still,  as  he  was  able  to  exercise  so  little  control  over 
his  steed,  there  seemed  every  probability  that  his  capture 
would  ere  long  take  place. 

The  animal's  terror  would  most  likely  abate  before  long, 
and  then,  being  left  to  himself,  his  rate  of  speed  would  be 
decreased. 

Of  this  danger  it  cannot  be  said  that  Tom  King  was 
precisely  conscious. 

He  knew  he  was  flying  from  his  foes,  but  of  the  direc- 
tion in  which  he  was  going  at  so  frightful  a  pace  he  had 
no  idea. 

But  truly  to  him,  under  these  circumstances,  all  ways 
were  alike  so  that  his  foes  were  in  his  rear. 

But  the  animal  showed  no  signs  of  flagging — to  have 
behold  it  one  would  have  thought  it  must  be  under  the 
continual  influence  of  whip  and  spur,  and  that  they  were 
both  plied  with  the  utmost  vigour. 

As  we  have  seen,  however,  the  horse,  in  spite  of  its 
terror,  was  not  altogether  blind  to  instinct. 

The  reader  will  remember  that  its  last  journey  was  from 
the  smugglers'  cave  to  the  ruins  at  Stonehenge. 

In  the  former  place  it  had  remained  for  some  consider- 
able time,  and  all  the  while  it  had  been  well  treated,  so 
there  is  nothing  wonderful  in  the  circumstance  that  it 
should  make  its  way  back  to  its  old  quarters  by  the  nearest 
and  most  direct  route. 

How  opportune  was  the  moment  of  its  arrival  there  is 
known. 

Consciousness  had  left  Tom  for  some  time,  and  he  only 
owed  his  seat  in  the  saddle  to  the  vigour  with  which  he 
had  grasped  the  pommel  of  the  saddle. 

He  had  seized  it  with  the  convulsive  grasp  of  a  dyina 
man,  and  go,  half  lying  on  the  horse's  back  and  half 
lying  on  one  side  in  the  most  perilous  position  imagin- 
able, he  had  reached  his  destination. 

The  sudden  jerk,  however,  dismounted  him,  and  bereft 
him  of  what  little  consciousness  he  might  have  retained 
up  to  this  moment. 

At  a  word  from  the  captain,  several  of  the  men  came 
forward,  and,  raising  Tom  in  their  arms,  carried  him  into 
the  cavern. 

The  horse  was  now  quiet  and  subdued  enough,  and 
permitted  himself  to  be  led  in  unresistingly. 

"  Down  with  the  trap !"  cried  the  captain,  in  a  rapid 
voice.  "  Look !  I  can  6ee  horsemen  yonder  I  Quick— 
quick,  or  we  shall  be  discovered !" 

There  was  a  sudden  rushing  noise,  and  the  huge  trap- 
door resumed  its  former  position. 

"  That's  well,"  was  the  captain's  ejaculation  ;  and  then, 
having  issued  a  few  commands  respecting  Tom  King, 
he  mounted  to  another  place  where,  through  a  kind  of 
loophole,  he  could  obtain  a  partial  view  of  the  scene  with- 
out. 

Of  course  the  approach  of  these  horsemen  filled  him 
with  some  little  anxiety,  and  he  wished  to  keep  a  close 
watch  upon  all  their  actions. 

The  reader  will  not  require  to  be  told  that  these  hone- 
men  were  Tom's  pursuers. 

They  were  only  able  to  get  thus  far  so  soon  by  treating 
their  horses  cruelly  and  by  obtaining  relays. 

On  they  came,  and  by  their  manner  they  evidently 
expected  each  moment  to  catch  sight  of  the  fugitive. 

By  this  time  very  little  of  the  mist  remained. 

The  sun  had  risen,  and  his  beams  illuminated  the  scene 
for  miles  round. 

The  officers  looked  keenly  about  them. 

But,  in  spite  of  their  efforts,  they  failed  to  catch  a 
glimpse  of  the  object  of  their  anxious  pursuit. 

But  they  came  on  towards  the  cliff  as  though  aware 
that  the  fugitive  had  taken  this  direction. 

The  captain  began  to  grow  anxious. 

He  was  apprehensive  that  there  might  be  on  the  ground 
some  marks  by  which  the  officers  could  follow  in  the  right 
track. 


THE   KNIGHT   Of  THE   KOAO 


it  30,  the  secret  of  the  cave  would  undoubtedly  have 
been  discovered  ;  and  the  captain  was  more  than  usually 
anxious  in  consequence  of  the  quantity  of  goods  now 
>tow»rf  away  in  it. 

But  his  apprehensions  subsided. 

The  police  officers  rode  by,  making  their  way  appar- 
ently to  the  top  of  the  cliff. 

No  doubt  they  thought  that  from  this  point  they  should 
be  able  to  command  an  extensive  view. 

More  easy  in  his  mind  now,  the  captain  quitted  his 
post,  and  made  his  way  to  that  portion  of  the  cavern  to 
which  he  had  directed  the  wounded  highwayman  to  be 
taken. 

He  found  Tom  quite  insensible,  and  bending  over  him 
was  a  woman  who  possessed  no  ordinary  skill  in  surgery, 
especially  in  the  matter  of  shot-wounds  or  sword-i 
cuts. 

From  the  nature  of  the  smugglers'  occupation,  her  skill 
was  very  often  called  into  requisition. 

"Well,  Meg,"  asked  the  captain,  "what  do  you 
thhu.     ' 

• '  bad — very  bad." 

"  But  you  will  bring  him  rotund  ?" 

"I  will  try." 

"  Take  my  advice,  and  try  your  best,  for,  unless  I  am 
now  more  mistaken  than  I  have  ever  been  in  the  whole 
course  of  my  life  before,  this  is  a  man  who  will  reward 
you  in  no  ordinary  fashion  for  restoring  him  to  life." 

"It  will  take  a  long  time,"  muttered  the  old  woman, 
"  no  matter  how  he  may  be  favoured." 

To  this  remark  the  captain  did  not  think  fit  to  make 
any  reply,  but  walked  away  with  the  air  of  one  by  no 
means  easy  in  his  mind. 

For  a  long  time  the  old  woman  tried  in  vain  to  restore 
Tom  to  his  senses ;  and  when  she  did  succeed  it  was  but 
for  a  moment,  for  the  highwayman  immediately  closed 
bis  eyes  and  sank  off  into  a  profound  slumber. 

Bat  this  augured  well,  and  in  the  meantime  she  took  the 
opportunity  of  attending  to  his  hurts. 

They  were  indeed  of  a  frightful  character,  and  any  one 
of  them  would  have  sufficed  to  create  grave  doubts  about 
the  ultimate  recovery  of  the  patient. 

Fortunate — thrice  fortunate  was  Tom  in  having  thus 
fell  into  such  good  hands. 

Had  his  wounds  been  left  for  any  longer  time  unattended 
to,  his  death  must  have  been  the  result. 

Now,  however,  thanks  to  the  sagacity  of  his  horse,  he 
was  in  what  might  be  termed  a  place  of  perfect  safety, 
for  there  was  no  fear  that  the  smugglers  would  betray 
him ;  and  as  for  th6  officers  discovering  the  entrauce  to 
the  "sve,  that  was  scarcely  likely. 

CHAPTER  MLXXX. 

IK  WHICn  TOM  KING    SETS    OUT    ON    HIS  EXPEDITION   IN 
SEARCH  OF  UK  HISSING  COMRADES. 

A  violent  fever  seized  upon  Tom  King,  attended  by 
delirium. 

The  smugglers  fn  the  cave  listened  in  wonder  to  his 
wild  ravingg,  from  which,  however,  they  obtained  a  clue 
to  bis  identity. 

Days  elapsed  before  the  wounded  man  obtained  the 
least  inkling  of  his  condition  or  of  his  whereabouts. 

But  when  he  opened  his  eyes  and  languidly  looked 
about  him  he  was  aware  that  the  objects  he  beheld  were 
Samiliar  ones. 

Where  it  was  he  had  6een  them,  or  how  he  came  now 
to  be  surrounded  by  them,  were  questions  which,  in  his 
present  state,  he  was  powerless  to  solve. 

But  from  the  moment  when  he  thus,  for  the  first  time, 
regained  possession  of  his  mental  faculties,  he  grew  steadily 
better. 

Never  had  old  Meg  obtained  a  greater  victory,  for  so 
desperate  had  been  the  highwayman's  condition  that  half 
the  doctors  in  London  would  have  given  hits  ap  as  a 
hopeless  case. 

With  many  a  bitter  pang,  however,  did  the  remem- 
brance of  Dast  events  return  clearly,  though  slowly,  to 
him. 

His  last  remembrance  was  riding  at  a  ueadlong  r>ace 
through  the  darkness. 

How  he  nad  come  to  be  an  inmate  e£  the  smugglers' 
cave  ha  knew  not. 

Ho  was  chafing  from  the  ignorance  he  was  in  upon  this 


point,  when  the  captain,  who  had  heard  he  was  better, 
came  to  the  side  of  the  rude  bed. 

Tom  questioned  him  anxiously,  and  then  ho  learned  all 
those  particulars  with  which  the  reader  has  already  beea 
made  acquainted. 

From  this  knowledge  the  wounded  highwayman  de- 
rived but  little  consolation  or  satisfaction. 

Fain  would  he  at  that  moment  have  set  off  in  quest  of 
his  lost  comrades,  but  he  found  himself  unable  to  raise  his 
head  six  inches  from  the  bed. 

"  Rest  and  be  quiet,"  said  the  captain.  "  It  is  the  only 
chance  you  have  ;  and  the  calmer  you  keep  yourself  thV 
sooner  you  will  recover  and  be  enabled  to  take  your  de 
parture." 

Tom  knew  this  well  enough  without  being  told. 

The  difficulty  was,  under  such  circumstances  as  those 
in  which  he  was  placed,  to  put  such  counsel  into  action. 

Although,  mentally,  he  was  greatty  agitated,  yet  he 
contrived  to  keep  himself  tolerably  calm. 

More  weary  time  passed. 

How  long  Tom  knew  not,  for  in  that  dark  place,  where 
there  was  nothing  to  distinguish  day  from  night,  it  was 
no  easy  matter  to  keep  count. 

Still  he  was  encouraged  by  the  knowledge  that  he  was 
steadily  continuing  to  gain  strength. 

Finally  a  time  arrived  when  he  felt  it  would  no  longer 
be  possible  to  remain  in  inaction. 

He  was  able  to  move  about  the  cavern,  and  as  soon  as 
this  was  the  case  it  became  impossible  for  him  to  remain 
any  longer  in  confinement. 

Fortunately  he  had  about  him  such  an  amount  as  satis- 
fied the  smuggler  captain,  who  said,  with  great  impressivc- 
ness : 

"  Tom  King,  you  and  your  companions  can,  with  the 
utmost  safety,  trust  yourselves  in  my  hands.  No  earthlj' 
consideration  shall  induce  me  to  betray  you." 

"Tou  shall  be  well  rewarded  for  your  fidelity,"  an- 
swered Tom. 

"  That  I  know  well ;  and  now  will  you  consent  to  taks 
a  little  advice  from  me  ?" 

"  Assuredly." 

"  Well,  then,  as  soon  as  you  can  meet  with  your  com- 
panions send  them  here — one  at  a  time,  if  you  like  :  yo« 
see  the  retreat  is  a  perfectly  safe  one." 

"  True." 

"  Then  as  soon  as  you  are  all  assembled  and  in  readi- 
ness to  start,  I  will  have  a  craft  at  haud  that  shall  waft 
you  over  to  the  coast  of  France  in  less  than  twslvo 
hours." 

Tom  wanr  expressed  his  thanks,  and  declared  tnat 
he  snould  not  fail  to  put  such  a  good  piece  ©f  advice  into 
execution. 

At  any  other  time  he  would  have  nad  much  more  to 
say  upon  the  subject,  but  now  he  was  too  anxious  to  re- 
join his  companions  to  be  able  to  think  of  aught  else. 

He  was  pleased  to  find  that  his  horse  was  in  the  best 
condition,  for  during  his  illness  it  had  been  well  attended 

to.  ... 

The  animal  seemed  capable  of  making  a  very  long 

journey  indeed.  . 

Plenty  of  ammunition  was  placed  at  Tom  s  disposal,  so 
that  he  may  be  said  to  have  been  as  well  equipped  for 
his  expedition  as  could  be  desired. 

Before  leaving,  however,  a  scout  was  sent  out  to  ascer- 
tain whether  the  coast  was  clear,  and  on  his  return  with 
the  intelligence  that  there  was  not  a  soul  in  6ight,  the 
huge  trap-door  was  raised  by  means  of  the  machinery  at- 
tached, and  Tom  issued  forth.  ,».,'. 

He  mounted  without  delay,  and  rode  off,  while  the  trap- 
door was  immediately  closed,  lest  its  whereabouts  should 
become  known  to  some  prying  eye. 

The  night  was  dark  but  fine— just  such  a  one  as  would 
be  chosen  for  an  excursion  on  the  high-road  &  but  on  the 
present  occasion  Tom  bad  other  thoughts. 

He  had  been  for  so  long  an  inmate  of  the  cavern  that 
he  felt  the  cuol  night  wind  acutely. 

He  shivered,  for  it  seemed  to  cut  through  his  very 

°Every  now  and  then  he  would  b>;  reminded  most  un- 
pleasantly that  he  was  in  a  state  of  very  great  weakness, 
and  but  little  fitted  for  the  task  he  had  undertaken. 

But  his  strong  determination   enabled  him  to  m&stex 
his  weakness  in  a  very  great  degree. 
Ere  i-5  had  gone  far,  however,  he  bogan  to  ask  uua> 


1870 


BLACK    MSBB;    OH, 


■elf  a  question  whiok>  *»*  ought  to  have  taken  into  con- 
sideration earlier. 

This  was,  where  sfeonld  he  be  likely  to  meet  with  his 
comrades  ? 

When  they  separated  there  was  no  time  to  arrange  a 
meeting-place,  and  so  there  was  nothing  but  uncertainty 
before  him. 

Strive  as  he  would,  he  could  not  inako  up  his  mind  as 
to  which  would  be  the  point  they  would  most  likely  fix 
upon  to  repair  to 

At  last,  as  one  may  say  almost  in  sheer  desperation,  he 
resolved  to  turn  his  horse's  head  in  the  direction  of 
Stonehenge. 

It  was  there  he  had  seen  them  last,  and  perhaps  on 
arrival  there  something  would  arise  to  put  him  on  the 
right  track. 

This  was  a  frail  hope  indeed,  still  it  was  his  only  one, 
and  so  he  clung  to  it  as  people  do  cling  to  a  thing  when 
they  know  it  is  their  last  and  only  resource. 

The  distance  to  Stonehenge  was  considerable,  yet  such 
was  the  excellent  condition  of  his  6teed  that  the  journey 
was  performed  in  comparatively  speaking  a  short  space 
of  time. 

On  reaching  Stonehenge  Tom  found  the  place  silent 
and  deserted,  and  showing  no  signs  of  the  conflict  which 
had  taken  place  there  such  a  short  time  ago. 

To  Tom  it  appeared  particularly  short,  owing  to  the 
length  of  time  he  had  passed  while  in  a  state  of  com- 
plete unconsciousness. 

Vainly,  however,  did  he  search  around  for  some  trace 
of  his  absent  friends. 

He  even  had  the  temerity  to  raise  his  voice  and  call 
aloud  upon  them  by  name,  but  the  only  reply  he  re- 
ceived was  the  mocking  echo  of  his  own  voice. 

Tom's  heart  was  heavily  oppressed. 

He  was  weighed  down  by  a  presentiment  that  some- 
tning  terrible  to  all  of  them  was  about  to  happen. 

The  mysterious  gloom  which  enwrapped  the  Druids' 
Stones  was  well  calculated  to  inspire  melancholy  reflec- 
tions. 

Suddenly,  however,  the  silence  was  broken  m  upon  by 
a  sound  that  struck  a  chill  to  Tom's  heart. 

It  was  a  mocking  laugh. 

"  Ha,  ha !"  said  some  one. 

Tom  raised  himself  and  looked  around,  while  his  hand 
instinctively  sought  for  his  weapons. 

"Ha,  ha!" 

Nothing  could  bo  more  horribly  discordant  and  un- 
mirthful  than  this  laugh. 

Tom  felt  that  it  was  in  derision  of  himself  and  his 
efforts. 

"Ha,  ha!" 

The  unnatural  sound  seemed  to  come  from  different 
quarters  of  the  ruins. 

Tom  shuddered,  for,  in  spite  of  himself,  superstitious 
fancies  began  to  crowd  about  his  heart. 

He  was  just  then  in  the  state  of  miud  for  an  occurrence 
of  this  description  to  make  a  deep  impression  upon 
him. 

"Who  and  what  is  it?"  he  cried,  though  it  cost  him  a 
great  effort  to  taise  his  voice.  "Who  and  what  is  it,  I 
say  ?" 

No  answer  was  returned. 

Tom  waited,  bu.'  the  silence  seemed  to  grow  more  and 
more  profound. 

"  I  will  trouble  1  lyself  no  further  with  this,"  he  said, 
half  aloud  and  half  to  himself.  "I  am  weak  and  fanciful, 
and  this  desolate  spit  affects  me.  It  may  have  been  my 
fancy  only.     I  will  go — I  will  go." 

He  urged  his  horse  forward  a  fsw  paces  and  then 
stopped. 

"  In  what  direction  shall  I  go?"  he  asked  himself,  with 
a  heavy  sigh.  "Alas!  I  know  not,  but  feel  as  though  I 
stood  on  the  brink  of  an  ocean  of  misfortune.  Let"  me 
try  to  think  again.  Laodon—  yes,  Jack  was  taken  to 
London :  that  is,  if  be  did  not  escape  by  the  wa^.  He 
has  gone  to  London.  1  promised  to  rescue  him.  The 
others  have  doubtless  gone  thither — I  will  go  there  loo, 
and  will  do  my  best  to  help  him.  Yes—yes,  I  ought  to 
have  thought  of  it  before.     London — Lonaou." 

"Ha,  ha!"  »•■ 

Again  that  derisive,  mysterious  laugh. 

He  had  uttered  the  last  word  a  little  louder  than  the 
lest,  and  the  laugh  seemed  to  mock  at  his  intention. 


"This is  unbearable  !"  he  exclaimed.  "Iti-s  °o  freafc 
of  fancy  !  Dastardly  coward  !  Whoever  y  °'i  may  lo. 
come  forth  and  face  me — I  fear  you  not !" 

Again  silence. 

This  was  most  provoking. 

Tom  was  tempted  to  stay  and  endea\*our  to  un^vel  th« 
mystery;  but  upon  a  second  thought  he  "emembered  how 
precious  was  every  moment  of  time,  and  that  in  justioa 
to  his  comrades  he  ou<.-ht  to  allow  no  delay. 

"  Some  other  time,*  he  muttered — "  some  other  time  — 
not  now.    London — London — I  must  go  to  London." 

"  Stay  !"  said  a  voice,  so  abruptly  and  so  close  at  hand, 
that  Tom  started,  while  his  horse  swerved  violently. 

Tom  glanced  around,  but  in  the  dark  shadow  cast  by  the 
Druids'  Stones  he  could  distinguish  nothing. 

But  there  was  something  definite  about  the  command, 
and  Tom  almost  mechanically  obeyed  it,  while  he  wvted 
impatiently  to  hear  something  more. 

But  again  vexatious  silence  followed. 

"Why  should  I  stay?"  the  highwayman  asrced, 
angrily. 

"You  ride  to  your  death!"  said  the  same  voice. 

But  this  time  the  speaker  seemed  behind  him. 

Tom  instantly  wheeled  round. 

But,  as  before,  he  could  see  nothing. 

"  I  ride  to  London,"  he  said,  at  length. 

"  You  ride  to  your  death !"  repeated  the  voice,  but  in 
such  wild,  screaming  tones,  that  it  was  impossible  to  say 
whence  the  sound  proceeded. 

"  I  will  hear  no  more !"  Tom  cried.  "  It  is  doubtless 
some  person  playing  a  game  at  the  expense  of  my  cre- 
dulity and  superstition.  But  if  ever  I  discover  them, 
woe  be  to  them  !" 

Tom  at  once  set  forward  with  the  settled  determination 
of  riding  out  of  the  ruins  as  quickly  as  he  could. 

But  the  hideous  voice  pursued  him  with  yells  and 
screams,  and  occasional  outbursts  of  unnatural  laughter. 

"  You  ride  to  your  death !" 

The  shrieking  tones  rang  in  Tom's  ea;'s  as  he  urged 
his  steed  towards  London. 

Cold  drops  of  sweat  stood  upon  his  brow. 

Had  this  adventure  left  him  unmoved,  Tom  would  in- 
deed have  been  something  more  than  mortal. 

Strive  as  he  would,  he  could  not  bring  himself  to  believe 
that  all  this  proceeded  from  a  trick — though  he  would 
fain  have  persuaded  himself  so. 

It  seemed  as  though  he  had  been  warned  that  if  he 
rode  to  London  he  should  ride  to  his  death. 

But  even  had  he  been  sure  that  the  warning  was  a  real 
one,  it  would  not  have  induced  him  to  abandon  his  com- 
panions to  their  fate. 

"  It  may  be  to  my  death,"  he  said,  with  another  weary 
sigh,  which  seemed  to  be  wrung  from  him  more  by  ex- 
cessive bodily  exhaustion  than  aught  else — "  it  may  be 
to  my  death;  but,  for  all  that,  I  shall  ride  to  London; 
and  as  for  the  incomprehensible  event  which  has  just 
occurred,  I  will  banish  it  from  my  mind,  as  it  deserves  to 
be." 

It  is  easy  enough  to  make  resolves  of  this  kind,  but 
very  difficult  indeed  to  carry  them  out. 

Tom  found  this  to  be  the  case,  for  as  he  urged  his  horse 
at  a  hard  gallop  in  the  direction  of  the  metropolis,  he 
fancied  in  every  hoof  beat  that  he  could  hear  the  e~  ho  of 
that  horrible  voice. 

The  wind  whistled  it  in  his  ears— 

The  rustling  of  the  tree-tops  resembled  it 

It  could  not  be  banished. 

But  still  Tom  kept  bravely  to  his  course. 

He  wanted  to  make  the  most  of  the  hours  that  remained 
between  then  and  daybreak 

He  had  only  his  own  senses  to  gutae  him  on  his  course, 
but,  like  the  manners  of  old,  he  glanced  up  at  the  shining 
stars  in  the  sky,  and  shaped  his  course  accordingly. 

Thus  ha  continued  until  the  morning  sun  was  some 
distance  above  the  horison. 

The  part  of  the  country  he  was  in  proved  «o  very 
lonely  and  unfrequented,  that  he  resolved  to  push  on, 
though  his  original  intention  had  been  to  travel  only 
duriug  the  night  time. 

It  was  somewhere  towards  ten  o'clock  when  ne  caught 
sight  of  the  first  habitation  he  had  seen  for  a  long,  long 
time. 

Fancying  it  might  be  an  inn,  he  slightly  changed  hifl 
course,  and  turned  his  weary  horse's  head  towards  it. 


THB    KNTSHT    OF    THB    ROAD. 


1871 


His  conjecture  proved  correct. 

The  place  had  a  silent,  sequestered  air,  as  though  it 
wk  only  rarely  that  travellers  paused  before  the  door. 

No  one  was  in  sight,  and  Tom  was  auout  to  call  alourl 
for  the  ostler,  when  his  attention  was  attracted  to  a  bill 
that  was  pasted  on  a  pump  that  stood  at  one  end  of  the 
long  horse  trough. 

Prompted  by  curiosity,  and  pernaps  also  by  a  convic- 
tion that  the  bill  in  some  way  concerned  himself,  he  drew 
nearer. 

The  first  glance  was  enough  to  satisfy  him  that  he  was 
not  deceived. 

He  did  not  stop  to  read  it. 

He  was  satisfied  when  he  saw  that  it  offered  a  large 
reward  to  anyone  who  would  capture  Dick  Turpin. 

Clearly,  then,  this  little  public-house  was  no  resting- 
place  for  Tom. 

While  a  description  of  himself  was  pasted  upon  so  con- 
spicuous a  situation  he  could  scarcely  hope  to  remain 
unrecognised. 

Accordingly,  upon  the  very  instant  that  he  made  this 
discovery  the  highwayman  set  spurs  to  his  tired  horse, 
and  continued  on  his  way  just  as  the  landlord  and  ostler 
made  their  appearance. 

They  called  aloud  for  Tom  to  stop,  but,  of  course,  he 
disregarded  thoir  cries  entirely. 

"Very  likely  I  shall  find  this  to  be  the  case  at  every 
inn  upon  the  road,"  he  murmured,  "  and,  for  fear  that  it 
should  be  so,  will  not  attempt  to  stop  at  any  of  them. 
What  I  require  I  must  obtain  elsewhere." 

This  was  no  pleasant  prospect  for  Tom,  who  thought, 
and  not  without  reason,  that  he  might  travel  a  long  time 
without  meeting  with  a  habitation  of  any  kind. 

But  fortune  seemed  inclined  to  favour  him,  for,  beiore 
noon,  he  observed  a  farm-house  pleasantly  situated  upon 
a  hillside,  and  only  a  little  ">*v  out  of  the  course  he  in- 
tended to  take.  , 

ifere  he  repaired,  and  the  inmates  of  the  place,  who 
were  easy-natured,  good-tempered  people,  treated  him  most 
hospitably. 

It  was  certain  that  they  had  not  the  remotest  idea  of 
his  identity,  though  one  would  have  thought  there  was 
much  in  the  appearance  of  the  highwayman  to  excite 
suspicion. 

Despite  his  terrible  fatigue,  Tom  stayed  here  only  till 
nightfall. 

His  anxiety  to  learn  something  of  his  friends  made  rest 
almost  an  impossibility. 

His  horse,  however,  was  all  the  better  for  this  brief 
halt ;  and  having  liberally  rewarded  the  people  at  the 
farm,  Tom  King  continued  on  his  way. 

"London,"  he  murmured  to  himself — "when  shall  I 
be  there?  Late — too  late,  I  fear!  Hiding  to  my  death  ! 
Am  I  doing  so  ?     Bah !    I  will  think  of  it  no  more." 

To  follow  the  highwayman's  course  more  minutely 
than  we  have  already  done  would  only  be  tedious. 

It  was  not  as  though  his  journey  was  likely  to  be  marked 
by  any  incidents  of  a  deeply-interesting  or  very  extra- 
ordinary description. 

His  main  care  was  to  keep  out  of  sight  of  his  fellow- 
men  as  much  as  possible,  and  arrive  at  his  destination 
in  the  least  possible  space  of  time  and  by  the  most  un- 
frequented route  he  could  discover. 

The  reader,  then,  will  not  be  surprised  to  learn  that, 
without  the  occurrence  of  anything  of  a  sufficiently  start- 
ling description  to  merit  record,  he  reached  London. 

By  a  strange  fatality,  however,  the  time  of  his  arrival 
was  something  less  than  twelve  hours  after  Claude 
Duval's. 

As  Tom  King  rode  at  a  round  pace  along  the  broad 
high-road  little  did  he  think  by  what  a  short  time  Claude 
had  preceded  him ;  and  still  further  from  his  thoughts 
was  the  supposition  that  at  that  very  moment,  when  he 
was  looking  forward  hopefully  to  a  reunion,  two  of 
his  old  comrades  were  lying  interred  beneath  the  flagstones 
in  one  of  the  passages  of  Newgate. 

A  terrible  blow  awaited  him — one  that  would  Us  all  the 
more  terrible  on  account  of  its  entire  unexpectedness. 

Unlike  Claude,  in  the  morning,  Tom  King  had  arrauged 
in  his  own  mind  a  clear  and  definite  course  of  action. 

He  had  no  need  to  pause  f  >r  deliberation. 
His  intention  was  to  make  his  way  as  secretly  as  he 
oould  to  Old  Matthew's,  in  Drury  Lane. 
There  was  much  danger  to  be  encountered,  doubtless, 


in  the  attempt,  but  he  felt  that  if  anywhere,  the  White 
Horse  was  the  place  where  some  intelligence  of  his  friends 
could  be  obtained. 

Taking  every  precaution,  then,  to  avoid  recognition, 
he  rode  through  the  gate  at  Tyburn, 

A  glare  of  light  attracted  his  attention  to  a  spot  lying 
on  his  left  hand. 

It  was  where  the  hideous  gallows  stood,  near  which, 
for  some  cause  or  other,  a  hugh  fire  was  burning. 

Dusky  figures  moved  about,  exciting  the  highwayman's 
curiosity  very  strongly,  but  he  could  not  spare  the  time 
just  then  to  ascertain  the  meaning  of  what  he  saw. 

He  fancied  that  an  execution  was  about  to  take  place 
on  the  morrow — not  that  there  had  been  one  early  that 
morning. 

London  now  was  only  a  very  short  distance  in  ad- 
vance. 

An  hour  at  most,  he  hoped,  would  see  him  on  Old 
Matthew's  threshold. 

Turning  at  once  into  the  dark  and  narrow  streets,  he 
made  his  way,  in  a  devious  direction,  to  the  spot  he  as 
much  wished  to  reach. 

Contrary  to  his  expectation,  but  little  notice  was  be- 
stowed upon  him,  and  from  this  he  derived  the  hope  that 
he  should  be  able  to  gain  the  White  Horse  undetected. 

There  was  a  reason,  however,  for  Tom's  remaining  thus 
unmolested. 

The  officers  were  all  busy  congratulating  themselves 
upon  the  success  they  had  already  achieved,  and  were 
planning  fresh  designs  to  be  put  into  immediate  execution. 

Thus  it  happeued  that  the  highwayman  suoceeded  in 
reaching  Old  Matthew's  in  perfect  safetv 

Tom  shrunk  a  little  fro"    entering,  "however,  for  tHo 
house  seemed  unr-  ^uy  full  of  company. 


CHAPTER   MLXXXI. 

BRINGS  DICE  TURPIN   ONCE   AGAIN   BEFORE  THE    READER. 

Terrible  indeed  was  the  shock  to  Dick  Turpin  when, 
on  recovering  from  his  illness,  he  discovered  that  what 
had  haunted  him,  and  seemed  like  a  terrible  dream,  was 
a  hideous  reality. 

Such  grief  as  preyed  upon  Turpin's  heart  cannot  be 
expressed  by  words — only  those  who  have  suffered  a 
similar  bereavement  can  form  a  due  conception  of 
it. 

Maud  was  dead ! 

It  seemed,  then,  as  though  the  only  tie  that  bound 
the  bold  highwayman  to  earth  was  rudely  severed,  and  for 
ever. 

Buried,  too — laid  beneath  the  earth  by  strangers' 
hands,  and,  above  all  things,  him  absent  from  the 
ceremony. 

That,  indeed,  was  an  additional  pang  of  extreme  in- 
tensity. 

It  would  not  be  too  much  to  say  that  this  circumstance 
redoubled  Dick's  grief,  were  it  not  for  the  impossibility  of 
such  a  thing. 

During  the  state  of  utter  prostration  which  followed 
his  recovery  from  the  violent  fever  into  which  he  had 
been  thrown,  he  occupied  himself  in  minutely  questioning 
the  good  woman  of  the  house. 

From  her  lips  he  learned  the  whole  of  the  particulars 
connected  with  poor  Maud's  decease  and  burial. 

Then,  when  strength  returned  to  the  highwayman's 
exhausted  frame,  the  first  use  he  made  of  it  was  to  creep 
towards  the  little  graveyard. 

The  distance  was  trifling,  but  almost  too  great  for  Dick 
in  his  present  state. 

He  accomplished  it ;  and  when  he  entered  the  silent 
little  enclosure  he  needed  no  one  to  point  out  the 
grave. 

Interments  in  this  retired  hamlet  were  comparatively 
rare  events. 

There  was  but  one  grave  that  was  not  furnished  either 
with  a  rude  cross  or  headstone,  or  else  was  covered 
with  beautiful  flowers.  « 

That  one  grave  looked  conspicuous  enough  among 
those  around  it,  for  the  dark  colour  of  the  recently-dug 
earth  formed  a  great  contrast  to  the  bright  green  flower- 
spangled  turf  that  met  the  eye  on  every  side. 

With  a  terrible  groan — such  a  sound  as  ono  would 
imagine   a   human   being   would  give   vent  to    a*  Um 


1879 


BLACK    BBSS  ;    OX, 


moment  when  a  heart  is  broke  with  grief — Dick  Turpin 
threw  himself  at  full  length  upon  the  grave. 

Tears,  hot  and  scalding,  streamed  from  his  eyes — sobs 
that  shook  his  whole  frame  seemed  to  burst  from  his 
throat  rather  than  be  uttered. 

There  was  no  human  being  near  to  look  upon  his 
great  affliction,  and  Dick  gave  way  to  it  without  re- 
straint. ** 

Bitterly — most  bitterly  did  he  reproach  himself  for 
having  been  the  means  of  bringing  down  upon  one  =o 
good  and  gentle  such  an  untimely,  undeserved  fate. 

But  for  the  fatal  chance  that  had  brought  item  to- 
gether, how  happy  and  how  stainless  might  have  b.'en 
her  lot ! 

Vain  indeed  were  these  regrets,  and  it  was  the  kuow- 
ledge  that  they  were  so  which  made  his  reproaches  all 
the  more  poignant. 

Oh,  how  he  wished  that  he  had  never  lived  to  be  made 
acquainted  with  so  much  misery  ! 

How  he  wished  that  he  was  lying  calmly  and  peacefully 
at  her  side ! 

From  this  moment  forth  he  felt  life  would  have  no 
charms  for  him. 

The  bold,  light-hearted  terror  of  the  road  was  in  ex- 
istence no  longer — Turpin's  life  would  never  be  again 
what  it  had  been. 

He  felt  that  he  should  court  death  rather  than  shun  it, 
and  that  he  should  rejoice  when  a  bullet  laid  him  low.  ■ 

More  than  once,  in  his  distracting  anguish,  he  was  about 
to  lay  violent  hands  upon  his  own  life. 

It  was  only  a  sense  of  duty — a  knowledge  that  he  had 
something  to  perform — that  enabled  him  to  restrain 
himself. 

He  thought  of  his  companions — those  who  looked  up 
to  and  trusted  him  as  leader. 

He  was  certain  that  they  never  stood  more  in  need  of  his 
services  than  they  did  now. 

At  length  Dick  rose  from  the  grave ;  and  if  anyone 
had  observed  his  face  at  the  moment  when  he  en- 
tered the  littlo  churchyard  and  had  seen  it  now,  the  differ- 
ence would  indeed  have  apeared  striking. 

His  features  were  now  composed. 

To  all  outward  appearances  he  was  calm ;  but  he 
looked  like  one  who  had  decided  upon  the  performance  of 
some  great  and  necessary  duty. 

Determination — invincible  determination  showed  out 
in  every  lineament. 

His  step  was  slow  as  he  made  his  way  back  to  the 
little  cottage,  but  he  fancied  it  was  somewhat  firmer  than 
when  he  set  out. 

Suddenly,  however,  as  he  walked  on  his  way,  a  bright 
flush  of  colour  came  into  his  cheeks— a  light  sparkle  in 
his  eyes. 

All  at  once  his  gaze  had  fallen  upon  his  gallant  mare, 
Black  Bess. 

Some  idea  of  his  grief  may  be  formed  when  it  is 
known  that  up  to  this  moment  he  had  been  so  absorbed 
that  the  very  existence  of  his  faithful  steed  had  been  for- 
gotten. 

As  he  gazed  upon  her  noble  form  his  heart  smote  him, 
for  no  one  knew  better  than  himself  how  much  he  owed 
to  her. 

Black  Bess,  as  usual,  had  recognised  her  master. 

With  a  low  neigh,  expressive  of  the  utmost  gratifica- 
tion and  delight,  she  bounded  towards   him  and  rubbed 
her  head  against  his  breast,  as  was  her  wont- 
Tears  stood  in  the  highwayman's  eyes. 

"  Poor  Bess,"  he  murmured,  though  his  emotion  almost 
choked  him — "  poor  Bess !  I  ought  to  think  myself  for- 
tunate in  having  you  left  me.  God  knows,  when  you  are 
gone,  I  shall  be  a  wretched  and  forlorn  outcast  in- 
deed !" 

The  prospect  seemed  too  terrible  for  contemplation,  and 
holding  down  his  head,  he  caressed  the  noble  creature's 
neck. 

But  the  joy  which  Black  Bess  exhibited  upon  then 
finding  her  master  after  so  long  a  separation  jarred  most 
unpleasantly  upon  Dick's  spirits. 

de  could  not  bear  to  see  it,  and  so  continued  his  way 
to  the  cottage. 

He  had  some  trouble  to  prevent  her  from  entering  after 
lim. 

The  next  day  saw  the  highwayman  once  more  calm, 
fettled,  and  determined. 


He  was  leaving  the  cottage  with  the  intention  of  agate 
visiting  Maud's  last  resting-place,  and  wondering  how  he 
should  proceed  to  render  assistance  to  his  comrades,  whvc 
he  caught  sight  of  a  form  that  seemed  familiar  to 
him. 

It  was  that  of  a  man. 

Evidently  he  recognised  Dick,  for  he  waved  his  hand 
and  walked  rapidly  up  from  the  beach. 

Turpin,  however,  could  not  remember  where  he  had 
seen  the  man  before. 

"  Beg  pardon,  sir,"  said  the  new-comer,  touching  his  hat 
in  i;autical  fashion,  "  I  hope  I  do  not  intrude  upon  you, 
but  1  thought — that  is,  I  fancied  that  you  might  want  my 
boat  again,  and  if  you  do,  there  it  is  high  and  dry  on  the 
beach." 

Dick  now  remembered  the  mtui  perfectly. 

It  was  the  fisherman  who  had  done  such  good  service 
by  bringing  Maud  and  himself  over  from  England  in  his 
bark. 

There  was  a  certain  air  of  embarrassment  about  the 
fisherman,  a  kind  of  expectation  of  something,  the  cause 
of  which  Dick  did  not  for  a  moment  comprehend. 

But  his  memory  was  beginning  to  come  back  to  him 
and  to  serve  him  more  faithfully. 

"  I  have  not  yet  fulfilled  my  promise  about  the  reward, 
said  Dick,  in  reply ;  "but  fear  not  that  I  shall  fail  to  do 
so." 

"  Oh,  sir,  that's  all  right  n..  jh ;  I  would  not  have 
mentioned  such  a  thing  for  the  world.  I  was  very  sorry 
to  hear  of  your  loss,"  he  added,  with  a  tear  in  his  eye, 
"  because  I  can  understand  it." 

"  Is  not  your  wife  better  ?" 

"  No  better,  sir,  I  am  afraid,  and  yet  I  cant  say  that 
she  is  worse." 

"  .Let  us  hope  for  the  best." 

The  man  shook  his  head. 

"At  any  rate,"  continued  Dick,  "you  shall  have  the 
means  of  providing  her  with  every  luxury ;  and  if  deli- 
cacies will  save  her  life,  be  under  no  apprehension  about 
it." 

"  1  hope  it  may  be  so,  but  yet  I  can't  help  thinking  that 
you  rate  my  service  too  high." 

"  That  would  be  impossible.  But  never  mind  that 
now.  Your  presence  here  just  at  this  particular  moment 
is  most  opportune,  and  you  will  be  able  greatly  to  increase 
the  obligation  I  am  under  to  you." 

"Indeed,  sir!" 

"  Yes,  I  desirb  instant  passage  back  to  England — that 
is,"  he  added,  in  a  broken  voioe,  "  in  the  course  of  an 
ttour  or  two." 

The  prospect  of  leaving  Maud  affected  him  terribly. 

"  I  shall  be  ready,  sir,"  answered  the  fisherman.  "  I  will 
go  and  trim  my  boat  at  once.  The  tide  will  serve  in 
about  a  couple  of  hours,  and  we  ought  not  to  lose  the  ad- 
vantage of  it." 

"No,  no,  certainly  not.  I  will  take  care  to  be  quite 
ready  by  then.  On  my  arrival  I  will  place  the  reward  in 
your  hands." 

The  fisherman  expressed  his  thanks  as  well  as  he  was 
able,  then  turned  away. 

Dick  Turpin,  with  slow  and  melancholy  footsteps,  took 
his  way  for  the  last  time  to  the  little  graveyard,  beneath 
the  turf  of  which  reposed  all  that  was  dear  to  him  in  this 
life. 

Seating  himself  upon  the  little  mound  of  earth  which 
marked  Maud's  grave,  he  buried  his  face  in  his  hands  and 
gave  himself  up  to  thought. 

Who  shall  attempt  to  describe  the  nature  of  his  reflec- 
tions on  this  occasion  ? 

We  shrink  from  the  task. 

The  solemn  sound  caused  by  the  church  clock  striking 
the  hour  roused  him  once  more  to  the  concerns  of  Has 
life. 

When  he  lifted  his  head  his  face  was  very  pale,  and 
his  eyes  deep  sunk  and  lustreless. 

Ineffably  sad  and  yearning  was  the  glance  which  Dick 
gave  to  the  grave ;  then,  as  though  he  could  not  Uttst 
himself  to  remain  a  moment  longer,  he  turned  away 

Near  the  little  picturesque  gate  however,  he  was 
obliged  to  pause. 

He  looked  around  him  carefully  and  slowly,  as  though 
desirous  of  impress'". toj  every  one  of  Ha  details  upon  li is 
mind. 

There  seemed  to  be  an  inward  conscionsneas  that  ne 


THH     KNIGHT    OF    THE     ROAD. 


1873 


H».  M6.— Black  Bes3. 
No,  285.  Peice  One  Hxupennt. 

No.  236  will  be  Published  next  Thursday, 


Ifc.A 


BLACK   BESS;   OR, 


should  never  again  be  abf.e  to  look  upon  that  peaceful 
scene  except  in  imagination. 

Yet  his  determination  was  that  if  he  could  only  succeed 
in  performing  the  duty  which  he  felt  was  owing  to  his 
comrades  by  himself,  he  would  make  his  way  back  to  this 
place,  and  pass  the  remainder  of  his  life  in  it  in  bumble 
retirement. 

But  another  and  different  fate  was  in  store  fox  the  high- 
wayman. 

The  conviction  upon  his  wind  was  destined  to  be 
realised. 

He  was  in  good  truth  taking  his  last  look  of  tteii 
scene. 

It  cost  him  a  great  effort  finally  to  tear  himself  away, 
but  the  time  for  departure  came,  and  could  not  be 
delayed. 

Returning  to  the  cottage,  he  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
good  woman  all  the  money  that  he  possessed. 

The  amount  was  considerable ;  but  he  gave  it  all  to 
her  without  reserve,  save  and  except  that  he  bound  her  to 
tend  Maud's  grave  as  the  other  graves  were  tended,  and 
to  cause  to  be  placed  at  the  head  of  it  a  stone  inscribed 
simply  with  the  name  of  "  Maud." 

Inexpressibly  mournful  was  this  last  duty,  and  more 
than  once  Dick  felt  as  though  he  should  break  down  under 
it. 

It  was  therefore  more  with  the  view  of  concealing  the 
emotion  which  he  could  not  longer  repress  that  he  took 
his  departure  in  a  hasty  manner. 

On  reaching  the  beach,  however,  he  found  the  fisher- 
man waiting  for  him. 

The  tide  then  was  just  upon  the  turn. 

A  little  delay  was  caused  in  getting  Black  Iws  alxwd 
the  boat. 

For  the  first  time,  she  seemed  reluctant  and  tmwilling 
to  obey  her  master's  bidding. 

Rightly  or  wrongly,  Dick  ascribed  It  to  the  fact  that 
she  missed  Maud,  and  was  undesirous  to  proceed  without 
being  able  to  comprehend  the  reason  of  it. 

This  may  have  been  only  a  fanoy  on  the  part  of  the 
highwayman ;  but  it  pleased  him. 

Had  he  felt  disposed  to  chide  his  mare  for  her  dis- 
obedience his  emotion  would  not  have  suffered  him  to  do 

BO. 

At  last,  however,  Black  Bess  entered  the  boat;  but 
having  done  so,  she  seemed  to  look  back  to  the  shore  with 
a  glance  as  wistful  as  her  master's 

Gradually  the  shore  receded  from  their  view ;  and  as 
it  grew  more  and  more  distant,  Dirk's  heaviness  of  heart 
increased ;  and  when  at  length  darkness  set  in,  and  when 
there  was  no  fear  that  he  should  be  observed,  Dick 
sank  down  to  the  bottom  of  the  boat  and  gave  way  un- 
restrainedly to  his  grief — a  grief  a  thousand  times  more 
poignant  than  any  he  had  suffered  in  all  the  vicissitudes 
of  his  life. 

CHAPTER  MLAXXII. 

IS    WHICH    DICK     TURPIN    VERT     UNEXPECTEDLY     flNDO 
HIMSELF  IN  THE  MIDST   OF   HIS   FOES. 

The  coast  of  England  was  gained  tn  safety. 

How  long  a  period  of  time  the  voyage  had  occupied 
Dick  Turpin  knew  not. 

All  the  time  he  remained  in  the  position  we  have  just 
described — that  is  to  say,  crouching  down  in  the  boat  in 
an  attitude  of  overwhelming  grief. 

The  fisherman,  actuated  by  friendly  motives,  spoke  to 
him  once  or  twice,  but  no  answer  was  returned. 

The  sudden  jerk  caused  by  the  boat  running  on  to 
the  beach  aroused  him,  however,  and,  with  a  powerful 
effort,  he  shook  off  the  reflections  that  had  weighed  him 
down,  and  prepaid  himself  to  perform  those  duties  which 
lay  before  him. 

Springing  from  the  boat  with  a  swiftness  and  reamness 
that  surprised  the  fisherman,  Dick  prepared  to  get  Black 
Bess  on  shore. 

This  was  done  without  much  trouble,  and,  the  boat 
having  been  hastily  secured,  they  made  their  way  towards 
the  cottage. 

"  I  cannot  linger  here,"  said  Dick  Turpin,  "for  every 
moment  is  of  value.  Still,  I  must  fulfil  the  promise  that 
i  made  to  you.    Can  you  obtain  a  horse  ?" 

••  There  is  a  little  inn  not  very  far  away,"  replied  tho 
fisherman,  "  where  I  might  hire  one." 


"  Then  go  at  once.  Be  careful  to  say  nothing  about 
the  purpose  for  which  you  require  it.  I  will  wait  tor  yon 
here.  Be  speedy,"  he  added,  as  tke  man  started  off.  "  1 
shall  <S!  ?U1  of  impatience  till  you  return." 

Dick  ri>fi  not  enter  the  cottage,  but  remained  on  the 
heftcu  e&p&ssing  his  noble  steed. 

Now  that  Maud  had  passed  away,  the  tie  that  bound 
thorn  together  was  drawn  closer. 

Black  Bees  ^Tas  now  the  highwayman's  dearest  friend. 

In  spits,  ;• .  wever,  of  his  affection  for  her,  his  eyes 
very  often  lotil.d  yearningly  across  tho  vast  expanse  of 
dark,  rolling  water,  and  as  he  did  so  his  heart  would 
sv/ell  almost  to  bursting,  for  this  was  the  first  great  griof 
that  fca  had  known,  and  therefore  it  was  more  deeply 
ML 

Although  the  fisherman  made  good  speed,  the  time 
seemed  terribly  long  until  he  returned  ;  yet  it  was  quite 
as  well  that  this  delay  occurred,  for  it  allowed  the  day  to 
close  in. 

It  was,  however,  little  more  than  dusk  when  the  pair 
set  out  in  the  direction  of  Stonehenge. 

Dick  was  unconscious  of  tho  great  amount  of  danger  he 
was  running,  for  he  knew  nothing  of  the  movements  of 
the  police  officers. 

These  individuals  were,  however,  with  a  great  deal  of 
perseverance,  searching  in  every  direction  for  the  high- 
waymen, and  leaving  descriptions  of  them  at  every  habi- 
tation they  perceived. 

Had  he  known  all  this,  Dick  would  scarcely  bave  lode 
along  the  highway  with  so  much  indifference. 

This  bold  course,  as  often  happens,  proved  a  safe  one, 
for  the  old  Druids'  Stones  were  reached  without  the 
occurrence  of  any  incident  whatever. 

Going,  then,  to  that  place  where  the  booty  had  been 
deposited,  Dick  unearthed  it. 

The  amount  he  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  fisherman 
far  exceeded  all  expectation ;  but  then  it  was  not  likely 
that  Dick  would  underpay  the  person  who  had  rendered 
him  such  a  service. 

The  remainder  of  the  wealth  Dick  bestowed  about  him, 
for  he  judged  this  would  be  the  more  prudent  course,  as 
who  could  tell  what  sudden  emergency  might  arise  ? 

The  fisherman,  having  uttered  a  thousand  protestations 
of  gratitude,  rode  back  to  his  humble  dwelling,  while 
Dick  resolved  to  remain  in  his  present  quarters  tor  a 
little  while,  in  order  that  his  mare  might  have  food  ana 
rest. 

It  seemed  a  strange  spot  to  choose  for  a  resting-place  ; 
but  then  Dick  judged  that  of  all  others  it  would  be  the 
one  where  the  officers  were  least  likely  to  look  for  him. 

While  speculating  upon  the  possible  whereabouts  of 
his  comrades,  however,  Dick  little  thought  that  scarcely 
twenty-four  hours  had  elapsed  since  Tom  King  stood 
within  a  few  yards  of  him. 

Like  Tom  King,  Dick  Turpin,  after  some  reflection, 
felt  that  London  was  the  place  where  he  would  be  most 
likely  to  hear  tidiDgs  of  the  rest,  and  he  resolved  to 
make  his  way  ther"  with  as  little  loss  ot  time  as 
possible. 

Having  once  made  this  determination,  he  found  it  the 
most  difficult  thing  in  the  world  to  restrain  his  im- 
patience so  far  as  to  enable  him  to  stay  as  long  as  he  had 
intended. 

For  himself  rest  was  out  of  the  question. 

He  tried  in  vain  to  close  his  eyes  in  sleep — indeed,  so 
great  was  his  agitation  that  he  was  compelled  to  pace 
up  and  down  like  some  wild  animal  chafing  at  confine- 
ment. 

Long  before  it  was  dark,  then,  he  was  on  his  way  to 
Loudon. 

With  the  utmost  assurance  he  continued  to  keep  on 
the  highway. 

He  knew  full  well  that  this  was  the  most  direct  road, 
and  also  that  his  mare  would  not  be  so  tatigued  tn  journey- 
ing along  it  as  she  would  be  if  he  attempted  to  take  her 
across  the  country. 

Plunged  in  deep  thought,  he  paid  but  slight  attention 
to  what  was  going  on  around  him,  nor  did  he  seem  con- 
scious of  the  rapid  approach  of  darkness. 

But  he  was  destined  to  bo  aroused  from  h'S  reverie  la 
a  manner  more  startling  tnan  agreeable. 

All  at  once  his  ears  were  assailed  by  a  leu  I  /iout 
There  could  be  no  mistaking  the  tone  of  it 
It  was  a  shout  t>t  surprise. 


TH1  KNIGHT  Of  THB  ROAD. 


1875 


It  was  enough  to  make  Dick  look  around  him  hastily, 
•nd  as  he  did  so  a  loud  ejaculation  escaped  his  lips. 

He  found,  to  his  great  surprise,  that  he  w*s  exactly  in 
front  of  an  inn  of  considerable  extent. 

The  house  lay  at  some  little  distance  back  from  the 
high-road,  and  round  the  door  a  number  of  mounted  p*en 
were  clustered. 

It  did  not  rpquire  a  second  glance  to  prove  that  they 
were  police  officers. 

Apparently  they  had  halted  there  merely  that  they 
might  take  aome  tasty  refreshment  while  in  the 
•addle. 

It  was  from  them  the  shout  of  surprise  had  come,  and 
the  cause  of  it  was  the  sudden  and  unexpected  appear- 
ance of  the  highwayman. 

"  Dick  Turpin,"  roared  one  of  them,  in  accents  of 
amazement,  as  soon  as  the  shout  of  astonishment  had  died 
away — "Dick  Turpin  and  Black  Bess,  by  all  that's 
d— nable!" 

But  before  he  had  reached  the  conclusion  of  this  ejacu- 
latory  speech  the  object  of  it  had  taken  the  alarm  and 
was  flying  along  the  high-road  at  a  speed  which  seemed 
to  promise  to  make  pursuit  a  hopeless  matter. 

Nevertheless,  the  police  officers  hastily  dropped  the 
jugs  from  which  they  had  beeB  drinking,  while  the  one 
in  command  threw  down  some  pieces  of  silver  for  the 
reckoning. 

"  Now,  my  boys,"  he  said,  "  off  and  away !  It  is  a  long 
time  since  we  had  a  chance  of  doing  anything,  so  do  not 
let  us  miss  the  present  opportunity.  Try  your  best. 
Now,  then,  forward — forward!" 

This  urging  seemed,  however,  to  be  scarcely  necessary, 
for  the  men,  without  exception,  seemed  full  of  anxiety  to 
capture  the  highwayman. 

They  were,  too,  in  the  best  of  spirits. 

Their  horses  were  in  good  condition,  having  had  a 
long  rest,  during  which  they  had  been  well  attended 
to. 

They  consequently  seemed  to  stand  a  good  chance  of 
effecting  thoir  object. 

As  we  have  seen,  Dick  Turpin's  astonishment  lasted 
but  a  second. 

The  first  thing  he  did  upon  recovering  himself  was  to 
give  Black  Beaa  a  sudden  impulse  forwards. 

Gallantly  was  that  impulse  obeyed,  and  it  was  with  a 
sudden  thrill  of  pleasure  that  Dick  thought  of  the  splendid 
qualities  of  his  matchless  steed. 

That  exhilaration  of  the  spirits  which  cannot  fail  to  be 
felt  while  riding  rapidly  under  circumstances  of  excite- 
ment soon  told  upon  Dick. 

For  the  moment  all  was  forgotten. 

His  eyes  brightened. 

His  breath  came  thick  and  short,  while  the  warm  blood 
leaped  with  a  tingling  motion  through  his  veins. 

He  was  dominated  by  an  intense  and  ungovernable  ex- 
citement. 

Once  again  he  felt  himself  the  bold  dashing  knight  of 
the  road,  fearing  no  danger,  no  matter  how  greatj  and 
laughing  to  scorn  all  attempts  at  pursuit. 

But,  despite  the  great  speed  that  Bess  made,  the  police 
©fficers  eould  still  be  heard — though  faintly — in  the 
rear. 

"  They  are  better  mounted  than  I  could  have  believed," 
he  muttered,  as  he  glanced  behind  him. 

But  the  darkness  was  too  great  to  enable  him  to  see 
far. 

The  unmistakable  sound,  however,  produced  by  the 
concussion  of  many  horses'  feet  upon  the  hard  highway 
■till  came  to  his  ears. 

"They  will  try  their  hardest,"  he  muttered  to  himself; 
"but  it  will  be  in  vain.  They  have  lent  me  a  little 
stimulus,  and  the  result  probably  will  be  that  I  shall 
reach  London  socner  than  I  should  have  dono  had  1  been 
left  to  myself." 

The  speed  at  wmch  Black  Bess  was  going,  tnoug'n  a 
very  rapid  one,  was,  nevertheless,  of  such  a  character  as 
she  could  maintain  for  a  considerable  length  of  time 
without  much  distress  to  herself. 

But  when  several  miles  had  been  passed  over  In  this 
manner  Dick  Turpin's  first  excitement  abated,  and  he 
began  to  think  with  greater  calmness  upon  the  nature  of 
bis  position. 

"Wo,  no,"  he  said  to  himself,  as  he  tightened  the  rein 
~-M  It  won't  do  to  keep  up  this  kind  of  thing,  for,  if  I  do, 


the  probability  is  that  I  shall  enter  Lon'x>n  with  the 
police  officers  after  me  like  a  pack  of  wol'es  I  No,  no — 
that  will  not  answer." 

Black  Bess,  feeling  the  check  upon  her  bridle,  very 
willingly  obeyed  it. 

Her  pace  grew  slower  and  slower  until  it  reduced  itself 
almost  to  a  walk. 

Dick  was  thinking. 

Slight,  however,  as  was  the  delay  thus  caused,  it  was  of 
manifest  advantage  to  the  police  officers,  who  still  pushed 
on  at  the  utmost  speed  their  horses  were  capable  of 
making. 

Very  faintly,  but  still  growing  louder  and  louder  each 
moment,  could  be  heard  the  hoofbeats  of  their  horses  in 
the  distance. 

"  I  must  give  them  the  slip,"  said  Dick,  again  speaking 
half  aloud.  "  It  will  be  by  far  the  wisest  course ;  and 
yet  how  am  I  to  accomplish  it  ?  What  stratagem  can  1 
make  use  of  that  will  be  effectual  ?  It  must  be  something 
out  of  the  ordinary  course,  for,  rely  upon  it,  they  will  not 
suffer  themselves  to  be  very  easily  thrown  off  the  scent. 
What  can  it  be  ?  Thought  eludes  me !  I  do  not  feel 
capable  of  that  invention  which  once  came  so  readily  to 
me.  How  they  come  on !  Let  it  be  how  it  will,  some 
greater  distance  must  be  placed  between  them  and  me 
than  there  is  already — nothing  can  be  done  in  such  close 
quarters  as  these.  I  will  try  another  gallop.  That,  per- 
haps, may  clear  my  brain  of  the  vapours  that  now  over- 
cloud it.  At  any  rate,  by  getting  further  off  I  shall  be 
bettei  able  to  put  into  execution  whatever  I  may  decide 
upon.  Forward,  Bess,  old  lass — forward  once  again,  and 
give  them  a  taste  of  your  rare  mettle !" 

CHAPTER  MLXXXin. 

DICK    TURPIN     CONCEIVES  A   VERY   CLEVER    SCHEME    FOR 
ELUDING  THE  POLICE  OFFICEKS. 

It  often  happened  that  Black  Bess  obeyed  the  bare  words 
of  command,  as  she  did  in  this  instance. 

To  all  appearance  she  understood  the  words  that  were 
addressed  to  her,  but  probably  the  fact  was  she  under- 
stood from  the  tone  of  her  master's  voice  what  it  was 
that  he  required  her  to  do. 

When  wishing  her  to  make  good  speed,  Dick  always 
spoke  in  a  lively  and  encouraging  manner,  and  it  was 
rarely  that  anything  more  was  needed. 

Having  perfect  confidence  in  her,  he  allowed  the  reins 
to  lie  quite  l«osely  upon  her  neck,  for  in  the  matter  of 
avoiding  obstacles  of  all  description  he  relied  more  upon 
her  matchless  instinct  than  upon  the  quickness  of  his  own 
vision. 

Never  had  Black  Bess  appeared  to  be  in  better  condi- 
tion. 

Away  she  flew  along  the  broad,  well-kept  hifch-road, 
with  tho  ease  and  swiftness  of  a  greyhound. 

Very  soon  indeed  did  it  become  impossible  to  catch 
the  least  sound  of  his  foes,  but  Dick  kept  on. 

He  was  anxious  to  have  the  best  possible  opportunity 
to  carry  anything  he  might  resolve  upon  into  effect. 

His  brain  was  busily  at  work,  but  as  yet  his  mind  had 
failed  him. 

It  did  indeed  seem  as  though  he  had  lost  that  faculty 
upon  which  in  times  gone  p»6t  he  had  so  prided  him- 
self. 

All  at  once  Black  Bess  changed  her  position  from  the 
middle  of  the  road  to  one  6ide  of  it. 

The  darkness  was  so  great  that  Dick  could  not  see 
what  had  caused  her  to  make  this  sudden  movement. 

By  dint  of  straining  his  eyes,  however,  he  made  out  a 
dark-looking  object,  which  immediately  resolved  itself 
into  a  covered  van,  or,  rather,  cart,  for  it  had  but  two 
wheels. 

This  vehicle  was  drawn  swiftly  and  smoothly  along  by 
a  powerful  horse. 

Dick  was  past  it  in  a  second  of  time,  but  before  he  had 
gone  many  hundreds  of  yards  in  advance  he  pulled 
up. 

A  thought  had  at  last  occurred  to  him. 

[t  had  been  suggested  by  the  cart. 

The  nature  of  it  will  soon  be  seen. 

At  present  it  was  an  idea  merely,  and  it  was  impossible 
to  say  whether  it  could  be  carried  into  effect  until  the  cart 
arrived. 

For  this  event  Diok  waited  with  much  impatience. 


t87ti 


BLACK.    BESS  ;    OB, 


A  rumbling  sound  soon  assailed  his  ears,  and  finally, 
after  the  lapse  of  a  few  momenta,  the  vehicle  reached 
him. 

«  Hoy— hoy !"  Dick  bawled,  in  a  loud  voice.  "  Stop 
— stop,  I  6ay !—  stop  a  moment !    Hoy— hoy  !" 

His  summons  was  heard,  and  the  covered  can  was 
brought  to  a  standstill. 

"  Dang  me,"  said  a  voice,  "  if  I  did  not  think  it  was  a 
highwayman !  Not  that  it  would  have  signified  if  it  had 
been,  because,  you  see,  I  am  not  6uch  a  fool  as  to  travel 
with  anything  worth  taking.    He,  he !" 

"  A  very  wise  precaution,"  assented  Dick. 

"Yes yes!    I  ax  your  pardon,  6ir,  for  having  had 

such  thoughts  aoout  you,  sir,  seeing  as  how  you're  a 
genelraan.     He,  he '"  . 

The  person  in  the  cart  was  evidently  facetiously  in- 
clined. 

Dick  rode  closer  x"  Bie  vehicle. 

"  I  have  stopped  you,"  6aid  Dick,  "  in  order  that  I  nx^v 
ask  you  a  question  of  great  importance  to  yourself." 

"  Well,  that's  cool,  at  any  rate  I  What  may  this  ques- 
tion be  ?"  .  .  , 

Dick  spoke  in  a  deliberate  tone,  for  he  wished  to  make 
an  impression. 

"  I  want  to  know  whether  you  have  any  objection  to 
earning  a  couple  of  hundred  pounds  in  the  next  hour  or 
so?"  .  _    . 

"Eh?— what?"  ejaculated  the  man,  amazed  in  no 
6light  degree.  "Just  be  good  enough  to  say  that  over 
agaiu,  will  you  ?" 

Dick  complied,  and,  if  anything,  his  voice  was  more 
deliberate  and  emphatic. 

44  It  6eems  pretty  clear,"  he  replied,  "  that  you  take  me 
for  a  d— d  fool." 

"  How  so  ?" 

"  Why,  you  must,  or  you  would  never  ask  me  such  a 
question." 

"  Then  you  are  willing  ?" 

"  Certainly  !  But,"  he  exclaimed,  all  at  once,  as  though 
struck  with  a  fresh  thought,  "you  don't  want  me  to 
commit  murder,  do  you  ?" 

"Certainly  not !"  said  Dick,  who  could  not  help  laugh- 
ing at  the  tone  of  extreme  anxiety  the  man  employed. 

"  Nor  rob,  nor  fire  a  rick,  nor -" 

"Nothing  that  you  need  fear  any  after  consequences 
from." 

"  I'm  your  man,  then.    What  is  it  ?" 

"Listen  attentively." 

"  Don't  be  afraid  about  that." 

"  I  want  you,  then,  to  take  your  horse  out  of  the  cart, 
unharness  it,  and  turn  it  into  that  nice  meadow  ov«r  tae 
hedge  yonder.    Do  you  understand  that?" 

"Well,  I  know  what  you  want  me  to  do,  but  as  tor  un- 
derstanding why  it  is  to  be  done " 

"  There  is  no  occasion  for  you  to  trouble  yourself  about 
that— you  shall  know  more  in  good  time." 

"  Very  good.    What  next  ?" 

44  You  will  then  put  the  harness  on  my  inar*  here— I 
think  it  will  fit— and  put  her  into  the  shafts." 

"  Put  that  mare  of  yours  into  my  cart?" 

"Just  so." 

"And  what  then?" 

"  Continue  your  journey." 

"  And  what  about  my  horse  ?" 

"  That  will  be  safe  enough  in  tho  meadow  till  you  have 
the  opportunity  to  come  back  and  fetch  it." 

"  And  what  should  you  do  ?" 

"  Bide  with  you  in  the  cart." 

"Whereto?" 

"  Only  just  along  the  high-road. 

•'How  far,  though?" 

"  A  mile  or  two." 

"And  what  else?" 

"  That's  all." 

"  All  ?"  repeated  the  man,  Incredulously. 

"  Everything." 

"  But  you  don't  mean  to  say  that  you  are  willing  «.  pay 
a  couple  of  hundred  pounds  for  having  that  done,  do 
you?" 

"I  am  not  only  willing,  but  quite  ready." 
"  Then  there  must  be  more  in  it  than  I  am  aware  of.' 
"  Undoubtedly  there  is." 

"  Then  let  me  know  it,  or  I'm  off.  I  never  buy  a  pig  in 
•  poke,  as  the  saying  is." 


Dick  debated  for  a  moment  within  hiruseii  as  to  whetfce* 
he  should  take  this  man  into  his  confidence. 

It  would  be  a  great  risk  to  do  so ;  but  at  the  same  time 
Dick  felt  that,  could  his  plan  be  efficiently  carried  out,  he 
would  have  an  excellent  chance  of  escape. 

From  the  man's  manner  of  speaking,  too.  Dick  felt 
tempted  to  trust  him. 

What  also  weighed  greatly  with  him  was,  that  If  this 
man  did  undertake  it  there  was  no  doubt  about  his  ability 
to  play  his  part  welt 

"Well,  guv'nor,"  interrupted  the  man,  "how  do  yon 
bring  in  the  verdict  ?" 

"  I  will  trust  you." 

*  Very  good." 

"Fully  and  entirely  trust  you." 

44  So  much  the  better." 

44  In  a  word,  then,  I  am  pursued  by  police  officers — they 
are  hard  upon  my  track,  and  by  doing  what  I  have  just 
said  I  shall  be  able  to  escape  them  easily." 

"  I  6ee  now.    And  you  are  ?" 

"  I  may  as  well  tell  you,  for  half  confidences  are  more 
dangerous  than  whole  ones." 

"  True  again." 

"Then  I  am  commonly  known  as  Dick  Turpin." 

"  Blest  if  I  did  not  think  so !"  answered  the  man,  with- 
out displaying  any  of  that  astonishment  which  the  high- 
wayman thought  the  announcement  would  call  forth. 

44  You  thought  60  ?" 

"Yes." 

"  And  why,  pray  ?" 

"  Why,  by  the  looks  of  the  mare  of  yours;  and,  besides, 
what  you  have  proposed  is  just  like  one  of  your  tricks." 

"  Well,  be  it  so.  Tell  me  whether  you  feel  inclined  to 
take  two  hundred  pounds  from  me  or  not." 

"  I  should  not  hesitate  a  moment,"  was  the  reply,  "  if  I 
could  make  sure  that  I  should  get  into  no  trouble  about  it 
afterwards." 

"  I  don't  think  there  is  any  need  for  fear.  But  you  must 
make  up  your  mind  quickly,  or  I  shall  have  them  in  6ight." 

The  man  considered  for  a  moment  or  two ;  but  the 
prospect  of  coming  into  possession  of  so  large  a  sum  as 
two  hundrod  pounds  overcame  the  scruples  of  prudence. 

'•  In  for  a  penny  in  for  a  pound,"  he  cried  at  length. 
"I'll  take  you." 

"Agreed,"  said  Dick;  and  the  very  moment  he  pro- 
nounced the  word  he  slipped  from  the  saddle. 

The  man  was  not  long  in  descending,  and  between 
them  the  horse  was  unharnessed  and  taken  out  of  the  cart 
in  a  very  brief  space  of  time. 

Dick  was  in  high  spirits,  for,  having  obtained  the  man's 
consent,  he  made  sure  of  being  able  to  baffle  his  foes. 

As  rapidly  as  possible  he  took  off  Black  Bess's  saddle 
and  bridle,  and  threw  them  into  the  back  of  the  cart 

While  he  was  thus  occupied  the  man  took  his  horse  by 
the  forelock  and  led  him  through  a  gate  into  a  meadow  on 
the  right-hand  side  of  the  road. 

44  There,"  he  said,  as  he  fastened  the  gate  again,  "  you 
ought  not  to  grumble  at  this  little  arrangement,  for  you 
are  clearly  a  gainer  by  it." 

The  horse  seemed  to  think  so ;  for,  as  if  to  testify  his 
satisfaction,  he  kicked  up  his  heels  and  vanished  into  the 
darkness  in  a  moment. 

Nothing  now  remained  but  to  put  the  harness  on  to 
Black  Bess  and  place  her  in  the  shafts. 

This  did  not  take  long,  for  the  noble  creature  seemed 
to  know  that  what  her  master  most  wanted  of  her  then  was 
docility. 

It  was  really  wonderful  to  notice  how  different  Black 
Bess  looked  when  harnessed  to  the  cart. 

The  great,  clumsy  trappings  formed  for  her  an  effectual 
disguise,  and  in  the  darkness  there  was  little  fear  that  the 
officers  would  be  able  to  recognise  her. 

Dick  Turpin  was  delighted  beyond  measure. 

"  Capital,"  he  said,  as  he  patted  his  mare  upon  the  neck 
— "  capital  I  We  6hall  do  the  officers  nicely  1  And 
hark !  As  I  live,  they  are  coming  ;  we  have  not  a  moment 
to  lose  I" 

The  man  listened. 

44 1  can't  hear  them,"  he  said. 

"  Very  likely  not ;  but  then  you  must  remember  that 
•on  are  not  "s  well  practised  in  listening  as  I  am.  If  wa 
linger  here  we  shall  hear  them  more  than  is  desirable.'' 

Dick  climbed  up  into  the  cart  and  the  man  hastened  to 
follow  him. 


TUB  KNIGHT   OF  THB    ROAD 


1877 


"  Will  you  drive  ?" 

"No,"  answered  the  highwayman;  "I  will  get  to  the 
hack  of  the  cart  and  cover  myself  up  with  the  straw  ;  at 
the  same  time,  I  shall  be  able  to  look  out  at  the  back." 

"Very  good." 

Black  Bess  showed  herself  quite  tractable  and  quiet  in 
harness. 

No  sooner  did  the  man  take  hold  of  the  reins  than  she 
jogged  off  as  though  she  had  never  been  used  to  any 
other  employment  in  her  life. 

The  canvas  at  the  back  of  the  cart  consisted  of  a  couple 
of  flaps,  and  though  these  were  tied  together,  yet  space 
enough  was  left  to  allow  Dick  to  peep  through. 

The  cart  rolled  along  at  such  a  rate  that  Dick  was 
obliged  to  say :     &• 

"Don't  drive  so  fast,  or  you  will  excite  their  sus- 
picions." 

"  Very  good  *  tnough  I  do  like  to  be  behind  a  horse 
that  can  go." 

Their  speed  was  now  somewhat  diminished,  and  in 
consequence  the  sound  made  by  the  officers'  horses  could 
again  be  heard. 

More  and  more  distinct  it  became,  and  Dick  was  sure 
that  they  would  overtake  the  cart  in  less  than  a  quarter  of 
an  hour. 

Just  as  he  made  the  reflection  the  man  called  out  to 
him. 

"What  is  amiss?" 

"  Oh  1  nothing,  only  you  have  not  told  me  what  I  shall 
say  to  the  officers  in  case  they  should  speak  to  me." 

"  Well  thought  of.  The  simplest  thing  will  be  to 
declare  that  no  one  answering  my  description  has  passed 
you,  and,  of  course,  they  will  conclude  that  I  have  made 
my  way  across  the  country." 


CHAPTEE  MLXXXIV. 

DICK  TURPIN    FINDS  THAT    HE    IS    BY  NO  MEANS  OUT  OF 
DANGER. 

"Just   as  you   please,"  replied  the  man.    "You  may 
depend  that  if  it  is  agreeable  to  you  it  will  suit  me." 

"  Well,  then,  I  am  anxious  to  get  to  London  as  soon 
as  ever  I  can,  though  I  don't  want  to  get  there  with  a 
pack  of  officers  behind  me." 

"  1  understand.    And  if  you  can  once  give  them  the 
slip  you  will  push  on  along  the  road  as  fast  aa  you  are 
able?" 
"  Exactly." 

"  Well,  all  1  can  say  is  that  it  is  a  capital  plan,  and  it 
•ught  to  succeed." 

"We  6hall  soon  know.  The  officers  will  be  almost 
sure  to  stop  you  and  make  inquiries.  You  must  be  very 
careful,  for  if  you  excite  their  suspicions  it  will  be  all 
over  with  me. 

"  Oh,  you  leave  Joseph  to  that.  I  was  born  before  the 
middle  of  last  week — I  suppose  you  know  that  ?" 

"  Yes ;  if  I  hadn't  I  should  not  have  trusted  you  fl»  far 
as  I  have  already." 

Dick  now  once  more  betook  himself  to  his  look-sut  at 
the  back,  for  the  sounds  of  the  officers'  approach  became 
unmistakable. 

Still,  the  darkness  was  too  profound  to  permit  him  at 
present  to  get  even  a  glimpse  of  them. 

It  was  impossible  for  this  state  of  things  to  continue 
very  long,  however. 

The  officers,  as  far  as  could  be  judged  by  the  soFnd, 
were  coming  on  as  swiftly  as  ever. 

At  length,  like  a  darkness,  Dick  could  distinguish  tnem 
behind  him. 

He  now  began  to  feel  conscious  that,  in  the  event  of 
anything  going  wrong,  his  position  was  a  very  ticklish 
one. 

Discover^  would,  in  point  or  ract,  be  fatal  to  hiin. 
It  was  this  reflection  that  led  the  highwayman  to  ask 
himself  whether  he  was  not  placing  more  confidence  in 
this  man  than  was  justifiable. 

Suppose  he  should  play  him  false  ? 
The  probability  was  a  terrible  one  to  contemplate,  and 
yet  it  was  impossible  for  Turpin  to  close  his  eyes  to  it. 

Indeed,  the  nearer  the  officers  came  the  more  did  it 
obtrude  itself. 

He  had  no  guarantee  whatever  of  the  man's  fidelity, 
and  the  temptation  to  betray  him  was  very  great. 


Not  only  was  there  the  very  considerable  amount  of  the 
reward,  but  he  held  possession  of  Black  Bess ;  and  to  a 
man  fond  of  a  good  horse,  the  hope  of  being  able  to  secure 
her  would  perhaps  prove  to  be  the  greatest  temptation  of 
all. 

"I  won't  leave  the  power  all  in  his  hands,"  muttered 
Dick,  conclusively ;  "  I  will  at  least  have  6ome  warrant 
for  the  safety  of  my  life." 

Just  as  Dick  Turpin  arrived  at  this  determination  th» 
police  officers  came  fairly  into  view. 

Not  only  were  the  forms  of  themselves  and  the  horses 
visible,  but  even  their  accoutrements  could  be  distin- 
guished. 
"Joseph— Joseph  I"  whispered  Dick. 
"  Hullo,  captain  1" 

"Hush — hushl  Speak  low!  The  officers  are  close 
behind  us !" 

"  All  right  But  you  startled  me  a  bit.  The  fact  is,  I 
was  thinking." 

It  might  have  been  the  highwayman's  fancy,  but  the 
driver  appeared  to  manifest  no  little  confusion  or  embar- 
rassment. 

"  I  have  been  thinking  too,"  answered  Dick,  in  a  signi- 
ficant tone. 

"  Have  you,  captain  ?" 
"  Yes.    Do  you  feel  that  ?" 
"Lor,  yes!    What  is  it?" 
"Apistoll" 
"Don't— don't!" 

"  Silence,  I  say !    Just  listen  a  moment,  will  you !" 
41 1  can't  with  that  horrid  thing  touching  me.    It's  just 
like  ice  1" 

Dick  removed  the  pistol,  though  he  took  care  to  hold 
it  so  that  it  would  be  ready  for  immediate  use. 

"Now,  I  don't  want  to  say  anything  unpleasant,  you 
know,"  he  whispered ;  "  and  you  will  forgive  me  for  think- 
ing that  perhaps  the  idea  had  occurred  to  you  that  you 
might  be  able  to  make  a  better  bargain  than  you  have 
already." 

"  What  do  you  mean,  captain  ?" 

"Why,   simply  as  a  mere  matter  of  self-defence,  I 
shall  take  such  means  as  will  effectually  prevent  you  from 
giving  the  officers  a  hint  that  I  am  in  the  cart  with  you." 
"  But,  captain,  you  don't  think  that  of  me,  do  you  ?" 
"  I  should  be  sorry  to  have  a  bad  opinion  of  anyone," 
answered  Dick,  "  but  in  the  present  case  my  life  compels 
me  to  adopt  every  precaution.    Do  you  understand  ?" 
"  Quite." 

"  Then  I  am  sure  you  will  not  take  it  amiss  of  me  if  I 
hold  this  loaded  pistol  ready  in  my  hand,  like  this." 
"There  is  no  occasion." 

"  I  hope  there  may  not  be ;  still,"  added  Dick  Turpin, 
in  a  resolute  and  even  menacing  tone,  "  if  I  have  the 
least  suspicion  that  you  are  about  to  play  me  false  I'll 
blow  the  top  of  your  skull  off,  and  with  as  little  hesitation 
as  I  should  have  in  killing  a  sparrow.  Those  who  know 
me  best  invariably  give  me  credit  for  being  as  good  as  my 
word,  and  fear  not  that  I  shall  make  this  matter  an  ex- 
ception." 
The  man  shuddered. 

"  Dang  me !"  he  said.  "  If  I'd  a  known  I  was  going  to 
drive  with  a  loaded  pistol  at  my  back  I  would  have  seen 
you  at  the  bottom  of  the  Bed  Sea  before  you  should  have 
got  into  the  cart  at  all  1" 

"  If  you  mean  well  by  me,  you  have  nothing  whatever 
to  fear — you  will  be  quite  uninjured.  If  anything  un- 
pleasant takes  place,  you  will  have  none  save  yourself  to 
blame.  But,  hush!  the  officers  are  here — not  another 
word !  Remember  what  I  told  you.  In  answer  to  al 
their  questions  merely  say  that  no  one  answering  to  my 
description  has  passed  you  on  the  road." 

It  was  high  time  now  to  be  silent,  for  the  police  were 
so  near  that  there  was  great  danger  of  their  discovering 
that  the  cart  was  occupied  by  two  persons  should  a  word 
be  uttered  in  a  louder  tone  than  a  whisper.  _ 

Not  more  than  a  minute  elapsed  after  this  when  some 
one  called  out,  in  a  loud  voice : 

"Hullo,  there  1    Pull  up,  will  you?— pull  up,  in  the 
Kn:g'i  name !" 
The  driver  now  brought  Black  Bess  to  a  standstill. 
The  vital  moment  had  now  arrived. 
It  was  scarcely  possible  for  any  human  being  in  Dick'* 
position  to  preserve  anything  resembling  ordinary  calm- 


1878 


BLAOi  BKbb  ;    U&, 


The  slightest  thing  would  have  served  to  discover 
hira. 

If  the  officers,  prompted  by  suspicion  or  otherwise, 
menly  glanced  into  the  cart,  his  detection  must  have 
followed. 

All  he  could  do  was  to  remain  profoundly  sti"  and 
await  the  issue  of  events. 

No  sooner  was  the  vehicle  stopped  than  a  police  officer 
rode  close  up  to  it. 

The  others  clustered  around  at  a  short  distance,  bo  that 
Dick  might  be  said  literally  to  be  surrounded  by  his  foes. 

Certainly  many  of  them  were  within  an  arm's-length  of 
him. 

"  How  far  have  yon  travelled?"  asked  the  officer,  in  a 
hectoring  voice. 

"  What  do  you  want  to  know  that  for  ?" 

"  I  demand  the  information  in  the  name  of  the  King." 

"  Very  well,  then,  since  you  must  know,  I  come  from 
Meadbrook." 

"Oh,  ah!  Meadbrook.  Well,  as  you  have  been 
driving  along  the  high-road,  did  you  notice  a  man  pass 
you  riding  on  a  black  horse,  and  going  at  a  violent 
gallop  ?" 

"No." 

"You  have  not?" 

"  I  have  not,"  answered  the  man,  firmly,  for  the  pistol 
behind  him  was  prominent  in  his  imagination. 

"  But  perhaps  you  have  been  asleep  ?" 

14  It  isn't  likely." 

"  Then  are  you  perfectly  certain  that  no  such  person 
has  passed  you  to-night  ?" 

"  Perfectly  certain." 

This  answer  evidently  was  a  very  different  one  to  what 
the  officers  had  expected,  and  produced  no  little  con- 
fusion. 

A  consultation  was  immediately  held. 

Dick  overheard  the  greater  part. 

"  I  told  you  so,  sir,"  said  some  one,  in  a  positive  tone 
of  voice — "something  seemed  to  strike  me  that  as  soon  as 
he  got  out  of  our  Bight  he  would  make  his  way  across 
the  open  country  instead  of  keeping  to  the  high- 
road." 

"  Then,  if  you  thought  so,"  rejoined  the  chief  officer, 
"  why  the  devil  couldn't  you  say  so  at  the  time  ?  What 
the  devil  is  the  good  of  telling  us  now  it  is  too  late  ?" 

"  I  did  not  like  to  take  the  responsibility." 

"D — n  your  scruples!  You  might  have  given  your 
opinion." 

"  What  do  you  think  we  had  better  set  about  doing  ?  If 
we  stay  here  long  the  scent  will  grow  quite  cold." 

"I  am  afraid  it's  cold  already,"  was  the  reply.  "I 
should  like  to  know  whether  anyone  has  a  proposition  to 
make?" 

"  I  can't  help  thinking  that  he  kept  to  the  high-road," 
said  another. 

"  But  how  could  he  have  done  so  without  being  seen 
by  the  driver  of  this  cart  ?" 

"  Perhaps  it  was  made  worth  his  while  not  to  see." 

"I'll  tell  you  what,  Mr.  Officer,"  cried  Joseph,  "if  you 
insinervates  anything  agen  me,  blowed  if  I  don't  get  out 
of  my  cart  and  punch  your  head !" 

"  Don't  be  a  fool !"  eaid  the  chief  officer.  "  Drive  on. 
We  will  keep  you  company  till  you  get  to  the  inn  yonder, 
and  then  we  shall  soon  find  out  whether  you  have  spoken 
the  truth  or  not." 

Having  received  this  permission,  the  man  set  his  cart 
in  motion. 

The  officers  rode  along  with  it  After  the  fashion  of  a 
guard  of  honour. 

Dick  was  not  awaro  of  the  projjmity  of  auy  ins  until 
the  officer  had  alluded  to  the  fact;  and  what  had  juet  been 
said  by  no  means  tended  to  make  him  feel  easy  in  his 
mind. 

He  was  just  congratulating  himself  upon  having  go>  eff 
BO  well  when  the  inn  was  mentioned. 

There  was  no  help  for  it,  however. 

Being  quite  powerless,  all  he  could  do  was  to  resign 
himself  to  Fortune. 

Luckily  for  him,  he  was  not  destined  to  remain  long  in 
suspense. 

With  a  sudden  jerk,  the  cart  a  moment  or  two  afterwards 
stopped  in  front  of  the  inn. 

Dick  would  hsr-^  given  much  for  the  power  t»  take  a 
peep  about  him,  L  J  this  was  impossible. 


Concentrating  all  his  facultitj  into  that  of  listening,  he 
waited  to  hear  what  would  next  be  said. 

Some  little  confusion  seemed  to  be  going  on  in  front  of 
the  roadside  inn,  and  Dick  afterwards  found  that  the 
oause  of  this  was  that  another  troop  of  officers,  who  had 
come  from  the  opposite  direction,  had  stopped  there  to 
bait  their  horses. 

Dick  drew  a  long  breath,  and  congratulated  himself 
upon  his  narrow  escape. 

Had  he  not  put  h  is  cleverly-conceived  stratagem  into 
exocition  nothing  could  have  saved  him  from  riding  full 
tilt  into  this  fresh  party,  and  then  his  chances  of  ultimate 
escape  would  have  been  slight  indeed. 

But  events  were  fated  to  fall  out  otherwise. 

"  We  shall  know  the  truth  now,"  said  the  officer  who 
had  proposed  making  a  halt  at  the  inn. 

"  Yes,  yes — to  be  sure  we  shall." 

Then,  addressing  himself  to  the  officer  in  command  of 
this  second  troop,  he  asked : 

"Any  news  of  Dick  Turpin?" 

"Divil  a  bit!"  was  the  reply,  given  in  so  strong  a 
brogue  as  to  leave  no  doubt  upon  the  subject  of  the 
speaker's  nationality. 

"I  hope  you  believe  me  now,"  said  Jeseph,  triumph- 
antly. "If  he  had  gone  this  way  the  officers  must  have 
seen  him." 

"  Why  do  you  ask,  my  jewel  ?"  continued  the  officer 
belonging  to  the  second  troop.  "  Have  you  had  any  luck 
now?" 

"We  caught  sight  of  Dick  Turpin,"  was  the 
reply. 

"Tare  and  ouns!" 

"  We  gave  chase,  and  thought  we  had  him  on  the  road 
before  us ;  but  it  seems  pretty  certain  that  he  has  given 
us  the  slip  somehow." 

"  And  what's  that  man  in  the  cart  to  do  wid  it  ?  Who's 
in  there  ?" 

"Oh,  nothing!  He  told  us  Dick  Turpin  had  not 
passed  him,  but  we  did  not  know  what  to  do  about  be- 
lieving him." 

"  But  you  believe  me  now,  don't  you?"  asked  Joseph, 
triumphantly. 

"Yes." 

"  And  I  may  drive  on,  1  suppose  ?" 

"Yes — if  you  like.  What  the  devil  do  you  want 
bothering  me  for  ?" 

"  Don't  lose  your  temper,  my  friend,"  returned  Joseph, 
imperturbably. 

Then  he  added : 

"  Good  night,  gentlemen  all.    I  wish  you  luck." 

With  these  words  he  drove  off. 

Dick  ventured  to  shift  his  position  a  little,  and  looked 
out  at  the  back. 

He  could  see  the  officers  in  front  of  the  inn  quite 
plainly ;  and  it  was  perhaps  merely  his  excited  fancy 
which  made  him  think  that  several  officers  gave  suspicious 
glauces  at  the  retreating  vehicle. 


CHAPTER  MLXXXV. 

DICK    TURPIN    UNEXPECTEDLY    RECEIVES    SOME   VERT    IM- 
PORTANT INTELLIGENCE. 

Not  for  long,  however,  was  Dick  allowed  to  have  even 
this  partial  glimpse  of  his  foes. 

A  sudden  bend  in  the  high-road  hid  the  inn  completely, 
and  so  he  was  deprived  of  the  opportunity  of  ascertaining 
whether  his  suspicions  were  well  or  ill-founded. 

He  listened  for  a  little  while,  but  finding  all  was  silent, 
he  ventured  to  draw  a  long  breath  upon  finding  himseli 
out  of  so  dangerous  a  position. 

As  for  Joseph,  he  protested  himself  to  be  vastly  pleased 
with  the  result  of  his  stratagem,  to  the  success  of  which 
he  declared  his  own  cleverness  tended  in  no  slight  degree. 

Dick  ventured  to  uncock  his  pistol  and  to  replace  it  in 
his  pocket.  Q? 

"  Captain,"  said  Joseph,  descrying  Dick's  action,  "  I  am 
heartily  glad  to  see  that  ugly-looking  thing  out  of  the 
way.  It  waa  too  bad  of  you  to  distrust  me— 1  did  not  de- 
sei^e  it." 

"  8o  it  seems.  Give  me  your  hand — there.  And  now 
forgive  me  for  my  doubts,  which,  groundless  as  they  were, 
yon  csnnot  blame  me  for  feeling." 

"  All  right— all  right :  don't  say  another  word  about  it 
1  rathe?  think  we  we  out  of  <ur  difficulty  now." 


THB  KNIGHT  OF  THE  BOAD. 


1879 


"I  hope  so." 

"  Dou't  you  think  we  ara  ?" 
"  Well,  it  is  doubtful." 

"  But  what  do  you  think  of  doing,  captain — and  how 
am  I  to  get  my  horse  back  ?" 

"  Never  mind  that  now — your  horse  will  be  all  right, 
and  I  shall  want  you  to  let  me  ride  in  your  cart  a  mil'/  or 
two  further  yet." 
"  Very  good." 

"  You  say  you  like  to  be  behind  an  animal  that  can  go 
don't  you  ?" 

"Rather!" 

"  Then  for  the  next  twenty  minutes  the  wheels  of  this 
cart  will  go  round  faster  than  ever  they  have  gone  be- 
fore." 

"You  are  going  to  put  Black  Bess  upon  her  mottle  ?" 

"  Yes,  and  without  distressing  her  either." 

"  And  you  will  let  me  hold  the  reins  ?" 

"  Yes.    Slacken  them.     That  will  do  nicely." 

The  moment  the  man  complied  with  these  directions, 
Dick  gave  his  old  signal  to  his  mare. 

Before  the  sound  had  well-nigh  left  his  lips,  away  she 
went  at  a  pace  that  made  theii  former  speed  seem  miser- 
ably slow,  although,  as  may  be  supposed,  it  was  pritty 
considerable. 

Joseph  was  so  amazed  and,  withal,  so  delighted  that  he 
could  do  nothing  but  sit  breathless  and  speechless  holding 
the  reins. 

So  terrific  was  the  speed  that  the  wheels  suemsnd  to 
bound  from  the  road. 

Sparks  flew  and  stones  were  scattered  on  every 
side. 

The  cart  was  but  ill  adapted  for  such  rapid  locomotion, 
being  very  deficient  in  the  matter  of  springs,  so  that  it 
was  by  no  means  comfortable  to  sit  in  it. 

Dick,  however,  just  then  was  not  very  studious  about 
comfort. 

All  he  wanted  was  to  get  away  from  his  foes  as  quickly 
as  he  was  able — so  that  he  could,  indeed,  make  after  pur- 
suit utterly  useless. 

As  for  Joseph,  he  was  in  his  element. 

This  furious  rate  was  kept  up  for  something  like  the 
period  Dick  had  mentioned,  and  by  that  time,  the  reader 
may  be  sure,  they  had  rattled  over  many  miles. 

Wishing  now  to  resume  the  6addle,  Turpin  spoke  to 
Black  Bess,  and  in  a  moment  she  reduced  her  speed  until 
it  became  a  very  gentle  trot. 

"  Astonishing !"  ejaculated  Joseph.  "  You  have  got 
her  under  rare  command,  captain,  and  no  mistake !  Ah," 
he  added,  with  a  sigh,  "  what  wouldn't  I  give  for  such  a 
creature !" 

The  highwayman  hardly  liked  the  tone  in  which  these 
last  words  were  pronounced,  but  of  course  he  made  no 
allusion  to  the  circumstance. 

Leaning  forward  in  the  cart,  he  looked  out  right  and 
left  of  him  for  a  narrow  turning  down  which  he  could 
drive  for  a  few  yards,  so  as  to  have  the  opportunity  of  re- 
moving Black  Bess  from  the  shafts  without  being  seen 
by  anyone  who  might  chance  to  pass  by. 

Joseph  seemed  to  guess  his  intention,  for  he  remarked, 
rather  hastily : 

"  Captain,  do  you  know  that  I  am  within  a  couple  of 
miles  of  my  journey's  end,  which  is  the  next  market 
town  we  come  to  ?  Now,  if  you  would  drive  to  there  be- 
fore you  took  your  mare  out  it  would  make  a  great  differ- 
ence to  me." 

"  Indeed  ?" 

"  Yes ;  do  you  see,  I  should  do  my  business,  and  borrow 
a  horse  from  a  "friend,  who  would  ride  back  with  me  in 
the  cart  untiT  we  got  to  the  meadow  where  mine  is,  and 
then  he  would  ride  horseback  t.o  the  town  again." 

While  speaking  these  words,  Joseph  displayed  so  much 
eagerness,  while  seeming  to  suppress  all  symptoms  of  suc'u 
a  thing,  that  Dick's  suspicions  were  revived  with  foil 
force. 

"  Perhaps  he  has  some  deep-laid  plan  in  his  inind  to 
attempt  my  capture,"  thought  the  highwayman  to  himself ; 
"  and  yet  I  may  do  him  a  great  injustice  by  harbouring 
auch  thoughts.  At  any  rate,  I  will  not  run  the 
risk." 

Having  arrived  at  this  determination,  ha  said,  signifi- 
cantly : 

u  I  shall  pay  you  so  liberally  for  the  service  you  have 
me  so  far  that  you  will  think  nothing   of  the  incon- 


venience of  being  left  no  more  than  two  miles  from  your 
destination." 

"  Then  you  won't  take  me,  captain  ?" 

"  I  prefer  not  to  do  so.  Just  turn  down  that  dark  Ian  e 
there  on  the  left ;  we  shall  be  nicely  out  of  sight  there." 

Without  another  word,  and  without  manifesting  the 
least  hesitation,  Joseph  obeyed  the  mandate. 

The  lane  was  narrow  and  miry,  so  that  Dick  soon  had 
the  vehicle  brought  to  a  standstill. 

The  task  of  taking  Black  Bess  out  of  the  shafts,  and 
reinvesting  her  with  saddle  and  bridle  was  very  quickly 
performed ;  and  then  Turpin's  next  course  was  to  product, 
some  of  the  money  of  which  he  had  about  him  so  plenti- 
ful a  store. 

That  he  treated  Joseph  liberally  the  reader  may  be 
sure,  for  Turpin  wa6  about  the  last  man  on  earth  to  under- 
rate any  service  that  was  performed  for  him. 

The  amount,  indeed,  evidently  exceeded  the  expecta- 
tions which  Joseph  had  formed  himself. 

"I  shall  leave  you  to  look  afte  •  yourself,"  were  the 
highwayman's  parting  words.  "  I  know  very  well  that 
you  are  capable  of  doing  so,  but  still,  let  me  caution  you, 
for  your  sake,  not  to  let  the  police  officers  surmise  what 
share  you  have  had  in  my  escape  to-night." 

With  the  last  word  on  his  lips,  Dick  rode  away,  leaving 
Joseph  standing  in  the  lane  and  looking  very  much  ;« 
though  he  was  in  doubt  of  the  reality  of  what  had  lately 


Turpin's  intention  was  to  push  on  with  unabated  speed, 
for  Black  Bess  did  not  at  present  show  any  effects  what- 
ever from  the  exertions  already  made. 

The  course  decided  upon  accorded  well  with  Dick's 
own  impatience  ;  and  not  only  that,  it  rendered  him  still 
safer  so  far  as  regarded  those  officers  who  were  on  the 
road  behind  him. 

Ere  long,  however,  he  became  sensible  that  Black  Bess 
would  be  all  the  better  for  a  brief  rest  and  some  slight 
refreshment,  and  accordingly  he  began  to  look  about  him 
for  a  roadside  inn. 

The  hour  was  very  late,  and  ho  had  grave  doubts  as  to 
whether  he  should  find  a  place  open. 

Just,  however,  as  he  was  making  this  reflection,  he  per- 
ceived a  glimmering  light  ahead  of  him  and  hastened  to- 
wards it. 

As  he  had  hoped,  he  found  it  to  be  just  the  place  he  was 
so  anxious  to  meet  with. 

On  a  nearer  approach,  too,  it  became  evident  that  he  had 
arrived  in  the  very  uick  of  time,  for  a  man  was  engaged 
in  fastening  the  shutters. 

This  individual  hearing  the  sound  of  a  horse's  feet,  came 
forwards  and  proved  to  be  the  ostler. 

All  around  was  so  perfectly  quiet  and  apparently  so 
free  from  alarm  that  Dick  was  tempted  to  alight. 

He  allowed  his  mare  only  a  little  hay,  with  seme  water 
with  which  had  been  mixed  a  small  quantity  of  brandy. 

"  Now  a  whisp  of  hay,"  he  exclaimed,  taking  hold  of  a 
handful. 

He  began  rubbing  Black  Bess  thoroughly  from  heai  to 
foot ;  and  while  he  was  thus  engaged  the  ostler,  pretending 
to  be  very  indifferent,  walked  with  his  lantern  towards  the 
horse-trough. 

Turpin  did  not  pay  any  particular  attention  to  his  move- 
ments. 

Had  he  done  so,  he  would  have  seen  the  ostler  hold  the 
lantern  close  to  a  part  of  the  great  pump  which  was  much 
whiter  than  the  rest  of  the  wood  of  which  it  was  com- 
posed. 

From  time  to  time  the  ostler  glanced  towards  Dick,  who, 
having  finished  rubbing  his  mare  down,  comprehended 
what  was  going  forward. 

"  Here,"  he  said,  "  come  and  take  your  reckoning." 

"  I  knows  you,"  said  the  ostler,  in  an  excited  voice, 
and  raising  his  lantern  while  he  spoke. 

"Then  you  have  the  advantage  of  me,"  answered  the 
highwayman,  carelessly. 

"  I  wish  I  had !"  was  the  muttered  response.  "  Die'- 
Turpin,"  he  added,  in  a  louder  voice,  "the  officers  a;. 
a'ter  you." 

"Thank  you!  I  was  slightly  aware  of  the  fact,"  wan 
the  provokingly  cool  rejoinder. 

1  There's  a  bill  up  offering  a  reward  for  you  at  every 
inn  and  public  place  on  this  road.  There  an*  hundreds 
of  people  on  the  look-out  for  you." 

"Then  they  will  take  a  great  deal   of  trouble  without 


1880 


BLACK    3 ESS  ;    OB, 


any  profit  to  themselves,  unless  they  should  happen  to 

Sossess  an  uncommon  share  of  good  sense,  as  I  think  you 
o." 

"What  do  you  n.  an?"  asked  the  ostler,  full  of  curi- 
osity. 

"  Simply  that  here  is  a  twenty-pound  note  for  you,  and 
all  I  want  you  to  do  in  return  for  it  is  to  know  nothing 
at  all  about  me." 

"  Eight,  captain."  was  the  reply.  "Give  us  tho  money, 
and  trust  to  my  honour;  and  to  prove  that  I  don't  mean 
bad  by  you  I  will  give  you  a  little  information  that  may 
prove  valuable." 

"  Thanks.     What  is  it  ?" 

The  ostler,  having  examined  the  bank-note  by  the  in- 
sufficient aid  of  the  lantern,  folded  it  up  carefully  and 
placed  it  in  his  waistcoat  pocket. 
Then,  lowering  his  voice,  he  said  : 
"  Captain,  1  don't  know  whether  yon  are  aware  of  it, 
but  there  is  a  party  of  more  than  twenty  police  officers  on 
the  road  before  you." 

"  Before  me  ?     Are  you  sure  ?" 

"Quite.  They  were  all  here  not  more  than  half  an 
hour  ago,  and  I  heard  them  saying  to  each  other  that 
they  intended  to  keep  on  quietly  in  the  direction  of  London, 
making  inquiries  all  along  the  road." 

This  was  indeed  important  intelligence,  and  true  beyond 
a  doubt. 
Dick  stopped,  uncertain  what  to  do. 
The  ostler  appeared  to  have  a  tolerably  good  idea  of 
what  was  passing  through  his  mind,  for  he  said  : 

"  Look  here,  captain,  if  you  don't  mind  another  flimsy 
I  can  tell  you  something  much  better  worth  your  know- 
ing still — that  is  if,  as  I  suppose,  you  want  to  get  to 
London." 

The  highwayman  did  not  think  it  worth  while  to  waste 
time  by  uttering  any  reply. 

^ii  sole  auswrf  was  to  produce  a  second  bank-note  of 
the  same  value  as   the    first,  and   place  it  between  the 
ostler's  extended  fingers. 
It  was  perfectly  well  understood. 
"Captain,"  he  said,  "  I  know  the  officers  have  taken 
the  high-road.     Well,  you  must  know  that  there  is,  at  a 
little  more  than  three-  p.u-ts  of  a  mile  from  here,  a  turning 
It  is  a  cross-road,  in  fact." 
"  Well  ?" 

"  The  turning  is  on  the  right-hand  side  as  you  go  f  i  oia 
nere.  Now,  captain,  if  you  will  take  that  turning,  and 
make  go«d  speed,  you  will  be  able  to  get  in  advance  of 
your  foes." 

"  Can  it  be  possible  ?" 
"  It  is  perfectly  true." 
"But  how — how  ?" 

"  Why,  this  cross-country  road  bri.igs  you  out  on  the 
London  Road  many  miles  from  here— in  fact,  I  should 
think  the  distance  saved  is  pretty  nigh  five  miles,  for  the 
road  goes  cornerwise,  you  understand." 
"  The  road  is  much  used,  then  ?" 
"  No — scarcely  at  all." 
"How  is  that?" 

"  Why,  people  prefer  the  highway,  especially  at 
night,  and  the  cross-road  I  am  telling  you  of  is  very 
dark,  by  the  reason  that  it  goes  for  some  distance  through 
a  very  dense  wood ;  then  again,  for  the  first  mile  or  two, 
the  ground  underfoot  is  very  bad,  though  it  improves 
afterwards ;  but  the  chief  reason  is  that,  many  years  ago, 
every  traveller  who  went  that  way  was  robbed,  and 
several  were  murdered  into  the  bargain.  At  last  the 
robber  was  taken,  and  hung  in  chains  near  the  scene  of 
his  crimes,  which  is  about  the  most  dismal  part  of  all  the 
road."     • 

"  I  suppose  so,"  said  Dick,  musingly 
u  Of  course,  captain,  you   would  think  no  more  about 
such  a  thing  as  that  than  I  should,  and  I    would  go  that 
way  alone  and  on  foot  at  any  hour  of  the  day  or  night." 

Although  he  did  not  confess  it  or  even  hint  suoh  a 
thing,  the  ostler's  narration  raised  anything  bnt  comfort- 
able thoughts  in  Dick's  mind. 

"  And  do  you  really  believe,"  he  said  "  that  I  can 
actually  get  on  in  advance  of  these  officers  that  yon  telJ 
me  are  now  in  front?" 

"  I  am  sure  you  can — unless  all  I  have  heard  about  your 
mare,  Black  Bess,  is  a  jumped-up  lie.  Take  ray  advice, 
captain,  and  try  it.  Any  way,  it  will  save  you  a  good  five 
Tiilea,  and  that  ought  to  be  considered  in  a  long  journey." 


"  Certainly  it  ought." 
Be  off  with  you,  then— don't  waste  another  minuta." 

"  You  are  sure  the  officers  have  not  taken  that  way  V 

44  Quite  sure— they  know  nothing  about  the  road,  and 
the  entrance  to  it  is  so  narrow  and  dark,  that  unless  you 
keep  a  good  look-out  you  will  ride  by  without  seeing  it" 

"  Dick  Turpin,"  cried  a  loud  voice,  with  startling  sud 
denness,  "  I  know  you,  and  have  heard  all !     Surrender !" 

The  voice  came  from  the  inn,  and,  turning  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  sound,  Dick  caught  sight  of  the  figure  of  a 
man. 

Turpin  merely  laughed. 

But  there  was  a  flash  and  a  loud  report ;  but  as  olack 
Bess  had  just  set  herself  in  motion,  her  rider  and  herself 
were  quite  unhurt. 

"  Away — away  !"  he  cried. 

Then,  turning  to  look  back,  he  saw  that  all  the  inmates 
of  the  inn  appeared  to  be  aroused. 

"If  you  want  me  you  will  have  to  catch  me!"  h« 
shouted  at  the  top  of  his  voice. 

Black  Bess  gave  a  few  prodigious  bounds,  which  had 
the  effect  of  carrying  her  out  of  sight  of  the  inn  in  a  mo- 
ment. 


CHAPTER  MLXXXVI. 

DICK    TURPIN  MEETS    TOM     KINO    AT  OLD     MATTHEW'S  » 
DRURT    LANS. 

As  Dick  Turpin  was  under  no  apprehension  concerning 
whatever  pursuit  might  be  set  on  foot  by  the  people  at 
the  roadside  inn,  he  reduced  his  mare's  speed,  for  ho 
wanted  a  little  quiet  thought,  a  thing  impossible  of  at- 
tainment when  Black  Bess  was  going  at  full  speed. 

If  it  could  be  relied  on,  the  importance  of  the  informa- 
tion given  by  the  ostler    could  scarcely   be  over-esti- 
mated. 
j*ut  could  it  be  relied  on  ? 
That  was  the  point. 

Dick  somehow  felt  doubtful  and  distrustful. 
Suppose  that  this  road  he  was  advised  to  take  should 
turn  out  to  be  an  ambush,  or  perhaps  lead  him  blindly 
into  the  arms  of  those  he  was  anxious  to  avoid  ? 

Long  and  anxious  was  the  consultation  which  Dick 
held  with  himself. 

If  he  could  only  have  obtained  some  evidence  con- 
firmatory of  what  the  ostler  had  said,  the  case  would  hava 
been  different,  bu  t  this  was  what  there  seemed  to  be  no 
probability  of  obtaining. 

Turpin's  indecision  was,   if  anything,  rather  greater 
than  otherwise  when  he  reached  the  turning  in  question. 
The  ostler  had  very  correctly  described   it,  for  it  was 
narrow,  dark,  and  more  than  half  concealed. 

Judging  by  appearances,  it  must  have  been  long  since 
anyone  had  gone  in  that  direction. 

"I  can  at  least  tell  whether  the  officers  have  gone  down 
here,"  Dick  muttered ;  and  at  the  same  moment  he  dis- 
mounted. 

We  have  often  stated  that  he  never  failed  to  carry 
about  with  him  the  means  of  procuring  a  light  readily. 

In  a  moment  or  so  he  had  lighted  a  small  lantern, 
which,  nevertheless,  emitted  a  bright  though  concentrated 
light. 

By  the  aid  this  afforded  Dick  narrowly  examined  the 
ground  at  the  entrance  of  the  lane,  or;  rather,  cross-road, 
and  the  result  of  his  scrutiny  was  the  conviction  that  no 
considerable  body  of  mounted  men  had  gone  in  that 
direction. 

So  far,  then,  the  ostler  had  spoken  truly ;  but  yet  Dick's 
suspicions  were  by  no  means  allayed. 

The  lane,  so  far  from  communicating  witn  the  high- 
road, might  have  no  outlet,  in  which  case  he  might  fa1' 
an  easy  prey  to  any  officers  who  should  follow  him. 

To  remain  in  this  state  of  hesitation,  however,  would 
never  do,  and,  therefore,  he  hastened  to  come  to  a  con- 
clusion. 

"  I  will  go  a  little  way  in  this  direction,"  he  said  to 
himself,  extinguishing  the  lamp  and  reseating  himself  in 
the  saddle.  "  and  if  1  find  that  the  appearance  of  the 
road  dies  not  correspond  with  the  ostler's  representations 
I  will  quit  it  and  make  my  way  across  the  couutry.* 

This  resolution  was  no  sooner  formed  than  it  was  put 
into  practice. 
The  Ian*  being  fenced  In  bv  masse*  of  trees  cm  boU 


THE     KNIOHT    Of    THH    ROAD. 


1881 


/-v. m  .  _  . 


188% 


BLACS   BEES  :    OK, 


aides,  was  intensely  dark ;  but  Dick  trusted  to  the  finer 
instincts  of  his  mare  to  keep  him  out  of  any  danger  that 
might  lie  in  their  path. 

Black  Bess  galloped  on  apparently  with  the  utmost 
confidence. 

It  was  a  terrible  tntng  to  be  carried  so  swiftly  through 
the  darkness ;  but  Dick  did  not  attempt  to  check  her  speed. 

All  at  once,  however,  he  came  to  a  spot  which,  when 
compared  with  the  rest,  seemed  tolerably  light 

He  was  just  able  to  see  about  him. 

Black  Bess,  with  abated  speed,  went  on,  <mt  kept 
drawing  nearer  to  one  side  of  the  road. 

Straining  his  eyes  in  the  hope  of  being  able  to  discern 
the  cause  of  this,  the  highwayman  perceived  the  gibbet 
of  which  the  ostler  had  spoken. 

It  was  not  possible  by  the  eye  alone  to  make  out  the 
details  of  the  object  swinging  from  the  short  crossbeam, 
but  imagination  easily  served  to  fill  in  the  outlines. 

A  sickening  feeling  came  over  Dick's  heart  as  he 
averted  his  eyes  and  urged  his  mare  to  make  good  speed 
past  the  loathsome  spectacle. 

No  sooner  was  the  gibbet  behind  her  than  Black  Bess 
started  off  at  a  speed  which  seemed  to  be  the  effects  of 
terror. 

A  considerable  tract  of  open  country  now  stretched  far 
away  on  both  sides  of  him,  and  the  apprehensions  in 
which  Turpin  had  indulged  almost  if  not  entirely 
vanished. 

Encouraged  by  the  belief  that  he  should,  after  ail,  suc- 
ceed in  getting  in  advance  of  the  large  troop  of  officers, 
he  did  not  hesitate  to  push  his  mare  onward,  although 
morning  now  was  not  far  distant. 

But  he  judged  that  the  officersj  after  having  been  on 
the  road  all  night,  would  rest  daring  the  day  at  the  first 
inn  they  came  to  after  sunrise. 

It  was  this  belief  that  made  him  eo  anxious  to  make  the 
best  use  of  the  time  there  was  before  him,  in  6pite  of  tbe 
risk  of  doing  so. 

Every  step  he  went  now  seemed  to  convince  him  that 
the  ostler  had  acted  towards  him  in  perfectly  good  faith, 
and  this  made  him  hope  that  he  would  escape  any  danger- 
ous consequences  for  having  befriended  him. 

A  dim  gray  light  was  visible  in  the  east  when  Dick 
found  himself  in  proximity  to  the  London  Road. 

Considerable  caution  was  now  requisite,  or  he  might 
precipitate  that  which  he  had  been  at  so  much  pains  to 
avoid. 

He  reconnoitred  carefully  before  he  ventured  to 
emerge. 

His  joy  may  be  perhaps  nnderstood  when  he  saw  that 
the  coast  before  him  was  quite  clear. 

He  drew  from  it  the  most  favourable  auguries  of  the 
success  of  the  rest  of  his  adventure. 

And  now,  strangely  enough,  as  he  found  himself  ap- 
parently unmenaced  by  any  pressing  danger,  that  flow  of 
spirits  he  had  experienced  suddenly  ebbed  away,  and  he 
once  again  became  lifeless  and  dejected. 

It  really  seemed  as  though,  by  some  mysterious  agency, 
Black  Bess  was  acquainted  with  the  change  in  her 
master's  manner,  for  her  head  dropped,  and  she  evinced 
unmistakable  signs  that  the  night's  exertion  had  not  failed 
to  produce  an  effect  upon  her. 

Great  as  was  Dick's  abstraction,  it  was  not  long  before 
he  noted  this  circumstance,  and  it  awoke  him  to  the 
necessity  of  finding  good  quarters  for  her  somewhere 
during  the  approaching  day. 

But  where  was  he  to  look  for  them  ? 

How  could  he  hope  to  find  them  j&  a  road  that  had 
been  so  closely  watched  by  the  police  officers  ? 

Still,  this  wa/>  Operative  if  he  wished  to  get  rapidly  to 
London. 

He  was  anxiously  debating  upon  the  subject  when  the 
sun  rose  and  the  day  fairly  began. 

Ere  long  the  rural  population  would  bo  abroad,  and  the 
appearance  of  a  travel-stained  rider  and  jaded  steed  could 
not  fail  to  attract  their  special  notice. 

Yet  no  place  holding  forth  theulightest  prospect  of  safe 
shelter  for  a  few  hours  could  be  descried,  although  now 
objects  could  be  distinguished  afar  off. 

Dick's  attention  was  distracted  from  the  consideration 
of  this  difficulty  by  seeing  a  man  some  distance  off  riding 
upon  a  horse,  or  rather  cob,  which,  despite  its  short, 
clumsy-looking  make,  was  tearing  over  the  ground  *i  » 
g*;iep  ^rbich  few  hunters  could  have  equalled. 


Dick's  first  thought  was  that  this  man  was  hurrying 
towards  him  with  hostile  intentions,  and  his  hands  in- 
voluntarily sought  his  pistols. 

But  before  he  drew  one  of  these  weapons  ~Scu  his  belt 
he  saw  that  his  opinion  was  erroneous. 

The  man  was  coming  towards  him,  it  is  true ;  but  as  he 
came  nearer,  Dick  perceived  readily  enough  that  he  was 
being  carried  along  entirely  against  his  will. 

The  cob,  in  fact,  was  running  away,  and  apparently 
had  the  bit  firmly  between  his  teeth,  so  that  it  was  im- 
possible to  check  his  mad  career  by  tugging  at  the  reins. 

Dick  stopped  abruptly. 

For  the  moment  he  forgot  everything  in  the  intense 
interest  he  felt  in  this  fresh  spectacle. 

It  was  impossifcW  for  him  to  .render  any  aid — all  he 
could  do  was  to  remain  a  spectator. 

The  scene  did  not  continue  long,  however. 

A  tall,  quick-set  hedge  dividing  the  fields  from  the  road- 
side came  in  the  cob's  way. 

Either  the  animal  was  too  terrified  to  see  the  obstacle, 
or  else  it  thought  it  could  be  surmounted. 

At  any  rate,  on  it  came  at  undiminished  speed ;  but 
when  within  a  couple  of  yards  from  the  hedge-row  it 
stopped  short,  as  though  arrested  by  the  powerful  baud  of 
some  enchanter,  planting  its  fore  feet  most  doggedly  upou 
the  ground. 

The  result  of  this  suddeii  stoppage  can  be  imagined. 

Away  flew  the  rider  over  the  horse's  neck,  executing  a 
kind  of  half-somersault  over  the  hedge,  and  finally  drop- 
ping head  foremost  into  the  road. 

Here  he  lay  like  one  deprived  of  life,  while  the  cob,  a? 
though  quite  unconscious  of  the  mischief  it  had  done, 
turned  round  and  trotted  composedly  across  the  meadow . 

All  this  happened  with  extreme  rapidity. 

Indeed,  it  seemed  to  Dick  that  not  more  than  half  a 
moment  had  elapsed  since  he  first  caught  sight  of  the 
terrified  animal. 

Under  such  circumstances  as  those  in  which  the  high- 
wayman was  placed,  he  might  have  been  pardoned  if  he 
had  continued  on  his  way. 

But  Dick  was  not  so  inhuman. 

As  soon  as  ever  he  recovered  from  the  first  shock  of 
his  surprise — and  this  was  mot  long — he  hastened  to  place 
himself  at  the  side  ot  the  prostrate  man. 

His  worst  fears  were  not  realised,  for  he  found  him  re- 
covering possession  of  his  senses. 

Dick  did  what  he  could  to  restore  him,  and  when  Ue 
had  to  some  extent  succeeded,  the  farmer — for  such  by 
his  costume  he  appeared  to  be — broke  out  into  violent 
maledictions,  not  launched  at  his  preserver,  but  at  the 
beast  which  had  served  him  this  scurvy  trick. 

"  I  don't  know  who  you  are,  sir,"  he  said,  addressing 
Dick,  after  a  moment  or  two  had  elapsed ;  "  but  you  are  a 
Christian,  and  I  am  much  obliged  for  your  kindness." 

"  Oh,  don't  mention  such  a  trifle.  I  hope  you  are  not 
mnch  hurt." 

M  No— no,"  answered  the  farmer.  "  I  fell  clear  on  to 
my  head,  so  I  think  there  is  not  much  the  matter." 

The  satisfied  tone  in  which  this  remark  was  made 
brought  a  smile  to  Dick's  lips. 

Having  thus  spoken,  however,  the  farmer  endeavoured 
to  gain  his  feet,  and,  in  the  effort  that  he  made,  appeared 
to  become  sensible  that  he  was  more  injured  than  he  ima- 
gined. 

Nevertheless,  by  Dick's  assistance,  he  at  length  stood 
erect. 

"  I  feel  very  dizzy  about  the  upper  storey,"  he  remarked, 
placing  his  hand  to  his  head;  '  •  but  I  shall  get  over  that  in 
a  moment  or  two,  I  think." 

But  the  fanner  seemed  to  fjet  worse. 

"It  is  a  thousand  wonders  you  were  not  killed,"  re- 
marked Dick.  "  Is  there  anything  that  *  can  do  for  you  ? 
If  so,  speak." 

"  Do  you  mean  what  you  say  ?" 

"  Certainly." 

"Then  that  emboldens  me  to  utter  a  request  which 
otherwise  I  should  not  think  of  making." 

"  What  is  it,  then  ?" 

"  Why,  if  you  would  help  me  up  on  to  your  horse,  and 
lead  me  home — it  is  only  a  little  way  from  here — I  shall 
be  always  indebted  to  vou,  for,  to  tell  the  truth,  I  am 
afraid  I  am  more  hurt  than  I  thought  at  first." 

"I  hope  not,"  said  Dick;  *  but  1  comply  willi  vour 
reon*"*  tnost  readilv." 


THB  KNIGHT  OF  THB  BOAi) 


1S8S 


"  Many  thanks.  One  of  these  days  I  hope  I  shall  be 
able  to  return  the  obligation." 

"  You  can  easily  do  so  at  the  pvesent  moment." 
"  How,  sir? — my  good  sir,  how  so?"  asked  the  farmer, 
eagerly,  who  by  this  time  had  succeeded  in  seating  him- 
self upon  the  back  ot  Black  Bess. 

"  Show  me  the  way,"  answered  Dick,  "  and  I  will  tell 
you  as  we  go  along." 

The  farmer  indicated  the  position  of  his  house,  and 
Dick,  without  an  instant's  delay,  set  off  in  that  direction. 

The  farmer  had  a  little  difficulty  in  retaining  his  seat, 
for  his  brain  reeled. 

Still,  he  professed  himself  most  anxious  to  become 
acquainted  with  Dick's  request. 

"  I  am  journeying  to  London,"  said  Turpin,  "  and  have 
been  travelling  all  night.  When  I  saw  you  I  wag  looking 
out  for  a  place  where  I  could  find  shelter  for  a  few  hours 
for  myself  and  steed,  so  if  you  will  not  mind  according 
me  your  hospitality  for  a  little  " 
The  farmer  interrupted  him. 

"  You  are  welcome  to  the  best  my  house  affords,"  he 
said,   heartily,  "and  doubly  welcome.    This  is  a  poor 
favour  to  render  in  return,  however." 
"  Not  at  all  so — not  at  all  so." 

At  this  moment  Dick  came  in  sight  of  a  substantial- 
looking  farm-house,  which,  although  situated  not  very  far 
from  the  high-road,  was,  nevertheless,  concealed  from  it 
by  some  rising  ground. 
"  That  is  your  home,  I  suppose  ?" 
"  It  is.  We  shall  soon  be  there  now.  Curses  on  the 
brute  !     I'll  have  it  shot,  I  will." 

The  approach  of  Dick  was  noticed  by  the  inmates  »f 
the  farm-house,  who  came  out  with  their  faces  expressive 
of  the  greatest  curiosity  and  alarm. 

An  explanation  was  soon  given,  and  a  surgeon  there- 
upon immediately  sent  for,  though  the  farmer  resolutely 
protested  against  it.  , 

He  maintained  stoutly  that  he  should  come  round  in  a 
minute  or  two ;  but  he  kept  getting  paler,  and  before  he 
had  fairly  crossed  the  threshold  he  almost  swooned. 

But  he  was  most  particular  in  giving  instructions  that 
Dick  should  be  treated  with  the  utmost  hospitality,  and 
not  allowed  to  want  for  anything. 

The  highwayman  could  not  help  congratulating  himself 
upon  having  got  into  such  comfortable  quarters,  although 
it  had  been  at  the  expense  of  a  serious  injury  to  the 
farmer. 

Dick  would  not  suffer  any  attentions  to  be  shown  to 
himself  until  the  farmer  had  been  thoroughly  attended  to, 
and  while  this  was  done  he  occupied  himself  in  looking 
after  his  mare. 

When  he  returned  to  the  house,  however,  he  found  a 
substantial  and  tempting  repast  awaiting  him,  to  which 
he  did  ample  justice. 

After  that  he  retired  to  a  bed-chamber,  having  first 
ascertained  that  the  worthy  farmer  appeared  to  be  con- 
siderably better. 

As  for  Dick,  he  was  terribly  fatigued ;  and  now  that 
there  was  a  prospect  of  rest,  he  seemed  to  become  doubly 
sensible  of  it. 

Fastening  his  door,  he  flung  himself,  dressed  as  he  was, 
trpon  the  bed,  and  no  sooner  had  he  assumed  a  recumbent 
position  than  he  fell  fast  asleep. 

His  slumber  was  so  profound  that  no  ordinary  aoige 
would  have  been  capable  of  arousing  him  from  it. 

This  was  not  surprising,  for  he  had  by  no  means  re- 
covered from  the  effects  of  his  illness,  and  a  long  time 
had  elapsed  since  he  had  taken  any  proper  rest. 

He  continued  to  sleep  undisturbedly  until  just  when 
evening  was  beginning  to  close  in. 

Then  he  awoke  and  made  his  way  downstairs. 
He  was  glad  indeed  to  find  the  farmer  sitting  by  the 
fireside ;  and  by  his  manner  it  could  be  told  that  he  was 
much  better. 

That  good  cheer  and  hospitality  for  which  England  I? 
celebrated  was  6hown  to  Dick,  who  was  strongl"  nrged 
to  prolong  his  stay. 

But  this  he  declared  impossible,  owing  to  the  urgency 
of  his  business. 

Just  as  he  was  about  to  quit  the  house  he  per**;'  m  a 
•mall  party  of  officers  approaching. 

Doubtless  this  was  a  portion  of  a  larger  trc.f  which 
had  been  sent  to  the  farm-house  upon  the  chanoe  of  ob- 
taining some  information. 


Dick  drew  baon  at  once. 

"  Show  me  a  back  way  to  the  stables,"  he  said,  address- 
ing one  of  the  farmer's  sons ;  and  then,  very  nmro  to  tne 
surprise  of  all  present,  he  added : 

"  Some  men  are  coming  across  your  fields  who  seek 
my  life  V-  you  wish  to  increase  my  obligations  to  you, 
you  can  do  so  by  telling  them  that  you  have  not  seen 
anyone  answering  to  my  description." 

These  words  caused  so  much  surprise,  that  Dick,  despite 
his  danger,  could  not  help  feeling  a  little  amazed. 

However,  before  the  farmer  and  his  family  could  re-, 
cover  themselves,  he  followed  the  young  man  to  whore. 
he  had  first  spoken,  and  who  was  waiting  impatiently  for 
him. 

Just  as  the  back  door  was  closed,  Dick  heard  a  loud 
knocking  at  the  front. 

As  the  stables  were  situated  in  the  rear  of  the  farm- 
house, it  was  easy  enough  to  gain  access  to  them  un- 
seen. 

As  if  to  favour  Dick's  flight,  too,  a  thick  white  mist 
had  arisen  from  the  meadows,  which  had  the  effect  of 
making  everything  look  indistinct. 

The  quickness  with  which  Dick  saddled  and  bridled 
Black  Bess  elicited  the  admiration  of  the  farmer's  sou, 
who  had  never  before  been  witness  of  such  expedition. 

In  another  instant  Dick  was  in  the  saddle  and  making 
his  way  across  the  meadows,  the  vapour  upon  which 
quickly  hid  nim  from  sight,  while  the  soft  turf  made  the 
strokes  of  his  mare's  hoofs  almost  inaudible. 

Black  Bess  seemed  as  full  of  fresh  vigour  as  her  master, 
evincing  not  the  least  signs  of  having  journeyed  so  far 
already. 

"  Luck  is  on  my  side,"  Dick  ejaculated,  when  he  at 
length  emerged  upon  the  high-road  at  a  point  nearly  a 
dozen  miles  distant  from  the  farm-house.  "  I  have  missed 
the  grabs  nicely,  and  now  then  for  a  speedy  journey  to 
London." 

Before  starting,  however,  he  listened  with  the  utmost 
intentness ;  and  as  the  night  was  a  calm  one,  he  was  con- 
vinced that  his  foes  were  nowhere  very  near  to  him. 

This  point  ascertained,  he  did  not  hesitate  to  give 
Black  Bess  tLs  rein. 

Once  more,  then,  did  this  matchless  steed  stretch  along 
the  high-road  as  though  animated  by  the  same  impatience 
as  her  rider. 

Fain  would  we  continue  to  describe  her  gallant  pro- 
gress, but  it  was  not  diversified  with  any  incident  of 
sufficient  importance  to  warrant  us  in  doing  so,  and  more- 
over, many  important  stirring  incidents  are  waiting  for 
recital. 

It  must,  suffice  to  say,  then,  that  Dick  performed  the 
remainder  of  his  journey  safely  and  with  little  trouble, 
for  the  officers  did  not  appear  to  be  so  vigilantly  on  the 
look-out  as  he  got  nearer  to  London. 

Both  Bess  and  himself  were  tired,  but  he  continued  to 
push  on,  for  his  anxiety  to  reach  his  destination  grew 
greater  as  he  got  nearer  and  nearer  to  it. 

It  thus  happened  that  he  gained  no  intelligence  what- 
ever concerning  the  fate  of  his  two  comrades. 

He  entered  London,  too,  by  an  easterly  direction,  and 
made  his  way,  by  various  unfrequented  roads  with  which 
he  was  familiar,  to  that  narrow  passage  which  we  have 
so  often  made  mention  of,  and  with  which  Old  Matthew 
had  communication  by  means  of  a  private  door. 

There  was  a  time  when  the  narrow  passage  was  con- 
stantly and  closely  watched  by  the  police ;  but  Dick  on  the 
present  occasion  fti^<  not  hesitate  to  enter  it,  for  he  judged 
that  there  could  nc  r.  possibly  be  the  least  suspicion  exist- 
ing that  he  was  in  London  at  all. 

When  he  paused  near  the  old  familiar  doorway,  many 
and  strange  were  the  thoughts  which  passed  through  hf> 
mind. 

A  long  time  had  elapsed  since  his  last,  visit,  and  he  had 
no  certain  knowledge  that  Old  Matthew  would  be  there, 
for  he  could  not  tell  whether  he  had  escaped  the  conse- 
quences attaching  to  his  communication  with  Tom  Davis, 
about  whose  fate  Dick  was  most  anxious. 

Whether  Matthew  was  still  at  his  old  quarters  or  cct 
was  a  point  which  be  felt  would  be  quickly  ascertained, 
for  having  found  the  concealed  handle  of  the  bell,  he 
pressed  upon  it. 

Hardly  a  moment  elapsed  before  what  ssemed  to  be  • 
portion  of  the  solid  wall  receded,  and  Old  Matthew  stood 
before  biro- 


tAfti 


SLACK   BESS  (    OB, 


At  the  very  first  glaaoe  Dick  saw  that  Old  Matthew's 
countenance  had  upon  it  an  expression  suoh  as  he  had 
never  seen  it  w«ar  before. 

But  ere  he  uttered  a  word  or  allowed  the  landlord  time 
to  recover  from  his  amazement,  he  entered,  leading  Black 
Bess  by  the  bridle. 

His  next  action  was  to  ctoee  i,h«  secret  door  behind 
him. 

Then,  and  not  till  th^rt,  did  he  venture  to  speak. 

"Why,  Matthew,"  he  exclaimed,  forcing  a  gaiety  whirth 
ha  was  far  indeed  from  feeling,  "  is  this  the  best  face  yoa 
can  show  to  me  after  so  long  an  absence  ?" 

Then  perceiving  that  the  hrf  »r-6truck  expression 
open  his  friend's  countenance  intensified,  Turpin's  as- 
sumed gaiety  vanished  instantly,  and  intense  anxiety 
took  its  place. 

Old  Matthew's  silence  and  strange  manner  struck  a 
chill  to  his  heart. 

He  felt  suit;  that  some  dire  calamity  had  happened,  and 
therefore  prepared  himself  to  h»»r  «ome  terrible  announce- 
ment. 

S«  still  he  was  far  from  imagining  anything  half  so 
awful  as  what  had  happened. 

Old  Matthew  too,  who  could  scarcely  believe  that  Dick 
Turpin  was  ignorant  of  the  disasters  of  that  day,  was  in 
the  highest  degree  amazed  at  the  strangeness  of  the  high- 
wayman's behaviour. 

Thus  they  stood  for  some  moments  regarding  eaoh 
other  in  silence. 

Old  Matthew,  after  many  efforts,  succeeded  in  finding 
his  voice. 

"  Is  it — can  it  be  possible  that — that—" 

"What?"  cried  Dick,  his  impatience  and  dread  now 
amounting  to  absolute  agony.  "Speak — speak  out  at 
once  I  You  have  something  terrible  to  tell !  Out  with  it, 
man !  I  am  prepared,  and  can  bear  anything  but  sus- 
pense!" 

"  But  surely  you  must  have  heard—" 

"  I  have  heard  nothing  I"  interrupted  Dick,  hastily. 

Matthew  groaned  deeply,  and  wrung  his  hands. 

" Then  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart,"  ho  said,  "  do  I 
wish  it  had  fallen  to  the  lot  of  some  one  else  to  have  to 
tell  you.  Stand  firm,  Dick,  the  shock  will  be  dreadful, 
for  I  can  tell  that  though  you  think  yourself  prepared, 
you  have  no  conception  of  what  has  happened.  Tell  me, 
will  you  endeavour  to  stand  firm  ?" 

"I  will— I  will!" 

"Then,"6aid  Matthew,  hanging  down  his  head  and 
speaking  in  a  hollow,  stifled  voice,  "Sixteen-String  Jack 
and  Olaude  Duval  are — are — Heaven  help  me  I — dead — 
both  dead — quite  dead  I" 


CHAPTER  MLXXXVII. 

RELATES  TUB    EVENTS   WUICH    FOLLOWED    THE  ARRIVAL 
OF  THE  HIGHWAYMEN  AT  THE  WHITE   HORSE  INN. 

Had  Old  Matthew's  words  possessed  some  instantaneous 
petrifactive  effeots  they  could  not  have  made  Dick  stand 
more  stone-like  than  he  did. 

■Not  a  musole  moved,  but  he  stood  with  dilated  eyes 
gazing  upon  the  landlord. 

This  first  shock  being  over,  a  feeling  of  absolute  in- 
credulity succeeded. 

Surely  his  ears  had  played  him  false,  or  else  what  he 
had  believed  to  be  recent,  real  events  were  no  more  than 
the  vagaries  of  a  distempered  dream. 

Claude  and  Jack  dead' 

The  fact  seemed  too  monstrous  to  be  true. 

He  would  almost  as  soon  have  believed  that  he  was 
himself  in  a  state  of  non-existence. 

Yet  some  kind  of  horrible  consciousness  that  the  ap- 
palling intelligence  he  had  just  received  was  indeed  only 
too  true  chained  his  tongue. 

Fain  would  he  have  questioned  his  old  friend  but  for 
a  long  time  his  voice  resolutely  refused  to  perform  its 
office.  s 

But  his  glance  was  so  terribly  expressive  *«■»  had 
Matthew  but  once  looked  up,  he  would  have  been  able  to 
understand  it  as  easily  as  spoken  words. 

The  landlord,  however,  was  too  much  nwercome  to  look 
up,  or,  indeed,  to  make  a  movement.  — 

Bat  at  last  Diok  managed  to  articulate.  * 

"  Again — again.  Matthew—tell  roe  that  again!     Unless 


you  do,  I  must  believe  that  my  ears  played  me  false  I 
Again — again,  I  say!" 

"It's  all  true,  Diok— there  U  not  room  for  even  the 
shadow  of  a  doubt." 

"^othdead?" 

**  Yes,  and  buried,  too,  by  this  time." 

"Good  Heavens!"  ejaculated  Diok,  with  a  dwp 
groan. 

"  I  thought  you  must  have  known  something  of  it  " 

''Fo,  no— I  have  only  just  arrived,  after  having  sms- 
tained  the  most  terrible  of  all  losses." 

"  Losses  ?"  echoed  Matthew }  and  as  he  pronounced 
the  word  he  glanced  towards  Black  Boss. 

Dick  understood  him. 

"  No,  no,"  he  said — "  I  do  not  refer  to  ner.  It — it  it 
Maud  I  mean." 

"Maud?" 

"  Yes." 
What  has  happened  to  her  ?" 

"She  is  dead/'  he  replied,  with  ft  burst  of  emotion 
whioh  he  tried  in  vain  to  control. 

"Calamity  on  calamity!"  muttered  Matthew.  "And 
where  is  Tom  King,  I  wonder,  all  this  time  ?" 

"  What  is  that  you  say  about  my  old  comrade  ?"  asked 
Dick,  removing  his  hands  from  his  face,  for  he  had 
caught  the  sound  of  his  name. 

"  I  was  wondering  where  he  could  be." 

"  Do  you  not  know  ?" 

"No.    Do  you?" 

"  I  have  not  heard  of  him  since  our  parting  at  Stone- 
henge." 

"A  dreadful  business  that,"  said  Matthew,  shaking  his 
head.  "I  shall  always  blame  myself  for  baring  had 
some  share  in  that  catastrophe." 

"  But  Tom  is  not  dead,  is  he  ?" 

"  Not  to  my  knowledge.    He  has  not  been  heard  of 
.since  the  time  you  mention." 
I     '*  Then  I  fear  the  worst,  for  I  know  he  was  badly  hit." 

Matthew  made  no  response. 

It  seemed  as  though  he  had  his  own  forebodings,  but 
did  not  like  to  give  them  utterance. 

As  though  anxious  to  divert  the  subject,  he  died  : 

"  Come,  Dick,  we  will  not  remain  here.  Take  hold  of 
Bess  by  the  bridle.     We  will  lead  her  to  her  old  quarters." 

Dick  prepared  to  comply  without  uttering  a  word. 

"  He  seems  heedless  whether  there  is  danger  or  not," 
Matthew  said  to  himself,  as  he  opened  the  door  com- 
municating with  the  stable. 

Then,  in  a  louder  voice,  he  added: 

"  I  don't  feel  much  afraid  that  the  officers  will  trouble 
us  to-night,  Dick,  they  are  too  full  of  the  business  they 
thave  done.  Rely  upon  it,  a  day  or  two's  quiet  will 
follow." 

But  Dick's  thoughts  seemed  too  much  absorbed  for  him 
to  give  such  matters  as  these  any  consideration. 

Black  Bess,  in  fact,  came  in  for  a  greater  share  of 
neglect  than  he  had  ever  before  shown  her. 

He  was  like  one  who  had  been  stunned  by  a  heavy 
blow  and  had  only  partially  recovered  from  the  effects  of 
it. 

Butthe  mare  having  been  properly  attended  to,  Matthew 
took  hoid  of  the  highwayman's  arm  and  led  him  towards 
that  door  we  have  so  often  described,  whioh  formed  a 
means  of  communication  between  the  yard  and  the  pri- 
vate parlour  behind  the  bar. 

Dick  sank  down  helpless,  and  went  into  the  first  chair 
he  came  to,  and  then,  in  a  hollow,  murmuring  voice,  he 
said: 

"Now,  Matthew,  if  you  feel  sure  from  interruption,  sit 
down  and  tell  me  all  this  horrible  business  from  first  to 
last.  I  know  nothing  of  the  movements  of  my  comrades 
after  we  separated  at  Stonehenge." 

Dick  Turpin  having  thus  spoken,  bent  forward  in  hii 
seat,  and  placing  his  elbows  upon  his  knees,  covered  hi* 
face  with  his  hands  and  prepared  to  listen. 

Before,  however,  the  landlord  could  collect  himself  for 
the  commencement  of  his  sad  recital,  some  one  tapped 
lightly  with  their  fingers  against  the  door  leading  into 
the  bar,  which  was  no  longer  half-glass  as  formerly,  but 
composed  entirely  of  wood. 

It  hardly  seemed  possible  that  Dick  Turpin  had  not 
heard  this  sound;  buMf  he  had  he  took  no  notioe  of  it, 
though  by  the  look  of  Old  Matthew  it  would  seem  « 
though  th<  re  was  danger  to  be  apprehended- 


THB   KNIGHT    OF   TBS   HOJJX 


I8&5 


-  Keep  quiet,"  he  Bald ;  "  I  will  just  run  out  and  see 
what  k  the  matter.  You  shall  have  timely  warning  if 
there  should  be  any  danger." 

But  to  all  appearances  his  words  ted  upon  unheeding 
ears,  for  Turpin  neither  moved  nor  spoke. 

Matthew  hastily  opened  the  door  and  passed  through, 
closing  it  carefully  and  quickly  after  him. 

But  another  surprise  awaited  him. 

Standing  at  the  bar  window  was  Tom  King. 

It  was  not  possible  to  be  in  any  doubt  as  regarded  his 
identity,  but  he  looked  so  pale,  so  thin,  so  wo"i,  and 
haggard,  that  Matthew's  first  impression  was  that  the 
highwayman's  spectre  stood  before  him,  and  not  himself. 

Tom  observed  his  astonishment,  and  smiled  faintly. 

"  Do  you  take  me  for  a  ghost,  Matthew  ?  You  look  as 
•cared  as  though  yon  do.  Don't  be  alarmed — I  am  here 
in  the  flesh,  though  terribly  worn  out.  I  want  the 
captain." 

By  the  time  Tom  King  had  finished  speaking  these 
words  Old  Matthew  had  recovered  himself. 

Quiok  as  thought,  he  rushed  across  the  bar  and,  opening 
the  door,  bade  Tom  enter. 

Then,  without  giving  him  time  to  say  a  word,  he 
dragged  him  to  the  inner  door,  opened  it,  and  pushed  him 
over  the  threshold. 

The  noise  thus  made  caused  Dick  to  look  up. 

He  recognised  his  old  comrade  at  a  glance. 

He  sprang  up  with  an  ejaculation  of  joy  and  thankful- 
ness upon  his  lips,  and  the  next  instant  he  had  clasped 
Tom's  hands  in  both  his  own. 

Old  Matthew  prudently  bolted  the  door  to  seoure  them 
from  interruption,  whilst  at  the  same  time  he  implored 
them  to  make  as  little  noise  as  possible. 

The  meeting  was  most  unexpected  on  both  sides. 

The  satisfaction  both  experienced  at  this  reunion  for 
the  first  few  moments  rose  superior  to  everything  else. 

But  Tom's  first  inquiries  brought  Diok  to  a  remem- 
brance of  the  calamities  which  for  the  moment  it  may  be 
said  he  had  forgotten. 

The  questions  served  to  show  that  he  was  quite 
ignorant  of  the  fate  which  had  fallen  upon  his  com- 
panions. 

Again  it  became  necessary  for  Matthew  to  break  the 
iwful  intelligence,  for  Dick  was  wholly  incapable  of  the 
task. 

As  the  reader  will  readily  suppose,  Tom  King  was  not 
less  affected  by  this  appalling  news  than  Dick  himself. 

Like  him,  he  was  at  first  absolutely  incredulous. 

After  their  long  association,  it  seemed  impossible  that 
there  should  come  such  a  sudden  and  violent  cessation. 

Like  Dick,  also,  he  did  not  yet  realise  that  he  had  indeed 
looked  upon  the  countenances  of  his  faithful  allies  for  the 
last  time. 

"  I  was  just  about  to  tell  the  captain  all  the  particulars 
of  what  had  happened  when  I  heard  that  tap  at  the 
door." 

"  Do  you  think  we  shall  be  Interrupted  ?" 

"  No,  not  to-night.  The  officers  are  all  too  busy  con- 
gratulating themselves  upon  what  has  happened." 

Tom  shuddered. 

"  I  forget  to  say,"  he  added,  after  a  brief  pause,  M I  left 
my  horse  outside." 

"  What  1  in  the  street  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"That  was  highly  incautious.  Who  is  in  charge  of 
•t?" 

"  No  one." 

"No  one?" 

"  No ;  the  poor  animal  has  come  too  many  fijiles  for  me 
to  be  at  all  afraid  that  she  will  run  away." 

l*She  must  be  seen  to,"  said  Matthew.  "  If  the  officers 
»bould  see  her  they  will,  of  course,  suspect— — " 

He  did  not  stop  to  finish  the  sentence,  but  abruptly  left 
he  room. 

Ixick  Turpin  and  Tom  King  were  now  alone. 

"  This  is  a  dreadful  business,  Dick,"  said  the  latter 
1  How  did  It  all  happen  ?" 

u  Do  not  ask  me.  I  have  »o  idea  of  the  particulars. 
Matthew  was  about  to  tell  them  to  me  when  you 
came." 

"  True — I  remember." 

"  But  there  is  another  calamity  stAL* 

"Another?" 

*  Yes,  one  that  you  have  not  heard  oi* 


"  Is  Maud  concerned  In  it  ?" 

"Yes,"  said  Turpin,  his  voice  almost  choked. 

"  I  feared  so.' 

"  For  what  reason  f" 

"  Because  I  fancied  that  the  wound  she  had  received 
was  mortal." 

"  It  proved  so." 

"  Then  you  have  my  sincere  pity,  Dick." 

"  I  know  it.  But  I  feel  as  though  life  had  no  longer 
a  charm  for  me." 

"And  so  do  I." 

"  But  you  have  experienced  no  loss." 

"  True ;  but  yet  I  have  a  kind  of  dread  unon  my  mind 
which  I  cannot  get  the  mastery  of." 

"  A  dread  ?" 

"Yes.    Do  you  remember  the  propheoy  ?" 

"  Propheoy — prophecy  ?" 

"I  can  tell  you  do  not.  I  mean  about  me  being 
destined  to  die  at  your  hauds." 

"  Pooh,  pooh,  Tom !  Cast  aside  such  foolish  thoughts. 
I  would  sooner  believe  that  Old  Matthew  is  destined  to 
betray  us  to  the  police." 

"  Hark  !  he  comes." 

At  this  moment  the  landlord  entered. 

He  looked  rather  more  cheerful  than  he  had  done 
hitherto. 

"  The  coast  is  clearer  than  I  had  hoped  to  find  it !"  he 
exclaimed.  "  The  officers  must  be  holding  high  revel 
somewhere ;  there  has  not  been  one  seen  outside  all  the 
day." 

"Tfc*y  must  imagine  we  are  away  from  Loudon,"  said 
Tom. 

"  D.^pend  upon  it,  they  have  no  suspicion  of  your  being 
here ;  and  such  being  the  case,  I  have  no  doubt  you  will 
be"  able  to  remain  unsuspected  some  time — that  is,  if  you 
wish  to  do  so." 

"  We  hardly  know  what  we  wish  for  at  present." 

"No — no,  certainly  not.  However,  your  horses  are 
both  in  perfect  safety,  and  yet  where  you  can  have  them 
again  almost  in  a  moment  if  you  wish." 

"  Thanks — thanks !"  said  Turpin,  displaying  a  little  im- 
patience. "But.  come,  sit  down  and  satisfy  our 
curiosity." 

"  I  will." 

Matthew  seated  himself  between  the  highwaymen,  who 
prepared  themselves  to  listen  with  the  closest  attention 
to  every  word  which  might  fall  from  his  lips. 

As  the  reader  is  already  acquainted  with  all  the  par- 
ticulars connected  with  Claude  Duval  and  Sixteen-String 
Jack,  it  would  be  nothing  more  than  waste  of  time  to  set 
down  what  Matthew  said. 

And  the  reader  will  easily  understand  what  sort  of 
effect  was  produced  upon  the  two  highwaymen  by  what 
they  heard. 

When  they  were  informed  of  the  manner  in  which 
Claude  had  been  struck  down  their  indignation  knew  no 
bounds. 

At  first  they  refused  belief  altogether,  but  Matthew  as- 
sured them  that  what  he  said  was  quite  correct. 

"I  could  do  nothing  in  the  matter,"  the  landlord 
added,  in  conclusion.  "  Every  movement  I  made  was 
watched  with  the  utmost  closeness.  Strive  as  I  would,  1 
could  not  escape  their  scrutiny.  They  seemed  as  though 
quite  certain  that  if  any  attempt  at  rescue  would  be  madp 
it  would  be  organised  here.  I  was  in  momentary  expecta- 
tion of  seeing  you,  yet  I  dreaded  to  do  so,  for  I  thought 
if  you  approached  this  quarter  your  fate,  too,  would  tx> 


The  discussion  upon  what  had  happened  was  prolonged 
to  a  very  late  hour ;  or,  rather,  an  early  one,  for  day  was 
close  at  hand  when  the  conference  broke  up. 

Matthew  then  proposed  that  they  should  retire  fa 
rest. 

"I  have  a  couple  of  good  rooms  upstairs,"  no  sai<^ 
"  which  are  quite  at  your  service,  and  I  should  recommend 
that  you  remained  in  them.  I  don't  believe  anyone  has 
seen  you  enter  the  house ;  and  if  you  do  not  come  down- 
stairs, and  I  only  allow  those  who  can  be  trusted  U,  go 
up,  l*don't  see  why  you  should  not  remain  undetected  for 
a  long  time." 

"  There  seems  every  probability  of  it,  Matthew,"  saia 
Dick.  "  And  some  little  time  will  be  necessary  for  us  t# 
talk  matters  over  and  decide  upon  wh»t  is  to  1%  d-nia." 

»  Certainly  I" 


m$ 


BLACK    BESS;   OK. 


"  Moreover,  we  are  both  weak  and  ill — our  nerves  are 
shattered  ;  but  ii  we  have  a  little  quiet  we  shall  soon  get 
something  like  ourselves  again,  I  hojmP-' 

"  So  do  I.    Come,  follow  me  1" 

The  landlord  led  the  highwaymen  upstairs. 

The  rooms  of  which  he  spoke  weie  at  the  lop  of  the 
house,  and  the  windows  were  so  placed  that  it  was  im- 
possible for  any  of  the  people  iv  the  neighbouring  houses 
to  look  through  them 

Thus  there  did  indeed  seem  nonie  chance  that  *ne  high- 
waymen would  have  a  brief  period  of  rest  and  quiet  after 
the  terrible  events  which  had  recently  occurred,  for  on 
Old  Matthew's  fidelity  they  could  thoroughly  rely. 


CHAPTER  MLXXXVIII. 

>tCK  TURPIN   LEARNS    THAT    THE    REWARD  OKFERED   FOB 
HIS   APPREHENSION  HAS  BEEN   DOUBLED. 

When  Dick  Turpin  said  that  both  himself  and  his  com- 
panion were  weak  and  ill  he  spoke  truly,  for  both  of  them 
were  reduced  to  what  might  almost  be  termed  the  last 
stage  of  physical  and  mental  prostration. 

With  Tom  King  this  was  particularly  the  case. 

The  reader  knows  how  severely  he  was  wounded,  and, 
for  recovery,  rest  of  body  and  peace  of  mind  were  strongly 
needed. 

So  far,  however,  from  being  able  to  avail  himself  of 
these  means  of  restoration,  he  had  been  compelled  to  go 
through  exertion  of  the  most  violent  kind,  and  then,  at 
last,  he  had  received  two  terrible  mental  shocks. 

Dick  Turpin  could  scarcely  be  called  any  better. 

Conversation  with  his  old  comrade,  with  whom  he  had 
been  so  long  separated,  had  no  charm,  and  ad  soon  as  ever 
Old  Matthew  had  left,  Dick  threw  himself  upon  one  of 
the  bods,  and  either  fell  fast  asleep  or  else  gave  himself  up 
to  deep  reflection. 

Tom  saw  he  was  in  no  humour  to  be  spoken  to,  and 
therefore  followed  his  example. 

Both  felt  themselves  for  a  time  out  of  danger,  for  Old 
Matthew  would  not  fail  to  give  them  timely  notice  if  any 
officers  came  near. 

Thus  things  remained  until  late  in  the  day  ;  even  then 
they  might  not  have  aroused  themselves  if  Matthew  had 
not  entered. 

He  had  not  overlooked  the  necessities  of  his  guests,  and 
carried  before  him  on  a  tray  a  substantial  and  tempting 
repast,  which  he  had  prepared  with  his  own  hands. 

His  entrance  aroused  the  two  highwaymen,  who  came 
eagerly  into  the  outer  room,  inquiring  whether  all  was 
well, 

"Yes — yes,"  said  Old  Matthew,  "everything  is 
perfectly  quiet,  so  sit  down  and  enjoy  this  meal  in  peace  ; 
I  am  sure  you  must  want  something." 

"  You  are  a  real  friend,  Matthew." 

"  I  am  glad  you  think  so." 

"  And  have  the  officers  resumed  their  watch  ?" 

"  What,  upon  these  premises  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  At  present  I  think  I  may  venture  to  say  thsy  have 
Dot." 

"  All  has  been  quiet,  then  ?" 

"Perfectly  so." 

"  That  is  encouraging." 

"Very.  I  hope  you  will  be  able  to  remain  in  peace 
until  you  become  once  more  like  yourselves." 

"Ah  !  Matthew,"  said  Dick,  with  a  heavy  sob,  'after 
what  has  happened  it,  is  in  vain  for  you  to  expert  that  wo 
6hall  be  anything  like  what  we  have  once  beeD  '' 

Tom  King  assented  with  a  gloomy  shake  of  the  head, 

"  Well,  well,  we  shall  6ee,"  answered  Matthew.  "Sit 
down  to  the  table,  and  do  not  forget  that  there  is  an  old 
proverb  which  says  Time  works  wonders." 

"  It  may  be  true,"  said  Dick,  with  a  slight  shudder, 
'  but  I  6hall  never,  never  forget  the  past." 

The  highwaymen  had  not  much  appetite  for  the  meal 
which  had  been  laid  before  them,  and  it  was  more  a  dis- 
inclination to  offend  their  old  friend,  the  landlord,  than 
aught  else  which  induced  them  to  touch  it. 

When  the  repast  was  over,  Matthew  closed  the  shutter* 
and  lighted  a  couple  of  eaadl-*,  which  he  placed  on  the 
table  near  the  fire. 

Then  he  drew  from  his  pocket  a  crumpled  pleor  oi 
paper,  which  he  sm«    hed  out  with  great  care- 


"  What  is  that  ?"  asked  Dick. 

"  The  Gazette — the  newspaper  which  contains  til  tb« 
latest  intelligence." 

"  And  is  there  anything  in  it  about  us  f 

"There  is  about  you,  Dick.  The  reward  for  your  ap- 
prehension has  been  doubled,  so  that  now  <t  represents  • 
tolerable  amount." 

"  Lend  it  me,"  said  Tom  King — "I  will  look  over  it" 

"  Do ;  it  will  serve  to  pass  the  time  away.  I  will  go 
down  again,  for  auy  long  absence  on  my  part  might  be 
noticed,  and  so  give  rise  to  suspicion." 

"  Try  to  keep  our  presence  here  a  secret." 

"  You  may  depend  upon  it." 

"It  will  not  be  very  easy,"  remarked  Tom  King  to  his 
companion  just  as  the  landlord  closed  the  door  of  the 
room  behind  him. 

"  What  makes  you  say  that  ?" 

"  Simply  what  I  have  been  reading." 

"Let  me  hear  it,"  said  Dick,  with  languid  interest 

"  Well,  what  Matthew  says  about  doubling  the  reward  is 
perfectly  correct,  so  that  that  will  stimulate  our  foes  not  • 
little.  I  was  not  referring  to  that,  however." 

"  What  then  ?" 

"  You  will  be  able  to  judge  best  by  hearing  me  read  it 
Just  listen." 

Tom  King  then  read  aloud  the  following  paragraph : — 

"  '  Our  readers  will  see  in  another  column  that  the  reward 
offered  for  the  apprehension  of  that  noted  offender,  Dick 
Turpin,  has  been  doubled.  We  gladly  give  publicity  to 
the  fact,  because  we  believe,  when  widely  known,  it  will 
be  the  means  of  bringing  him  to  justice.  We  have  good 
authority,  moreover,  for  6tating  that  there  is  unusually 
strong  probability  of  his  speedy  capture.  He  has  been 
seen  very  recently  on  the  Western  Road,  apparently 
having  London  for  his  destination.  The  officers  are 
following  up  his  track  with  a  closeness  and  perseverance 
which  promise  eventual  success.  When  the  notorious 
highwayman  has  been  brought  to  justice  it  is  hoped  that 
passengers  itsII  once  more  be  able  to  make  their  way 
safely  along  ke  high-roads  which  have  for  so  long  beep 
cusgracelullj   dangerous  to  all  travellers.' 

"  There,  Dick,"  cried  Tom  King,  when  he  had  finished 
reading,  "what  do  you  think  of  that?" 

'•  Very  little.  They  will  have  to  be  much  sharper  than 
they  have  ever  shown  themselves,  or  Old  Matthew  very 
careless,  for  them  to  be  able  to  hunt  us  down  here." 

Tom  did  not  answer. 

In  fact,  he  had  gone  on  reading,  and  apparently  what 
he  read  was  of  so  interesting  a  character  as  to  render  him 
oblivious  of  all  else. 

Diok  at  once  relapsed  into  a  reverie. 

His  eyes  were  fixed  upon  the  fire,  but  instead  of  seeing 
it  he  perceived  only  the  quaint  little  churohyard  where 
Maud  lay. 

An  exclamation  from  Tom  King  aroused  him. 

"  Here  is  something  still  more  startling,"  he  said,  in  an 
agitated  voice. 

"  About  us?" 

"About  one  of  us,"  answered  Tom,  vainly  attempting 
to  conceal  his  perturbation  of  spirits. 

"  Which  one  ?" 

"  Myself." 

"Read,  then,"  eaid  Dick,  rousing  himself  mor* 
thoroughly  than  he  had  done. 

Tom  King,  iu  a  low  and  tremulous  tone,  then  read  as 
follows : — 

" '  Important. — If  the  son  of  the  late  Marquis  of  Bel 
garde  (the  son  by  the  second  marriage,  which  was  after- 
wards decreed  invalid),  and  who  mysteriously  disappeared 
after  the  trial,  will  apply  to  Messrs.  Flint  and  Steele,  Soli- 
citors, York,  he  will  hear  something  greatly  to  his  advaiv 
tage.' " 

"  WelL"  6aid  Dick  Turpi*,  <vlth  an  air  of  surprise  and 
disappointment,  "is  that  all.  In  what  way  can  that 
advertisement  concern  either  of  us  ?" 

"  Is  it  possible  that  you  forget——" 

"  Forget  what  ?" 

"  I  see  you  have  forgotten,"  rem&ied  Tom  King,  with 
increasing  melancholy.  "  But  do  you  not  remember  that  a 
long  time  ago  I  related  to  you  the  history  of  my  earl/ 


ife?" 


THE   KNIGHT  OF  TUB   ROAD. 


1»W 


"Yes,  I  reiaember  it  perfectly." 

"Well,  then " 

•Belgarde— Bel  garde:  the  name  la  familiar." 

•'  After  what  has  happened  I  am  not  surprised  that  you 
■hould  forget  Besides,  it  is  a  long  time  ago  since  I  made 
the  narration." 

"  My  memory  fails  S8&." 

"No  wonder.  Well,  I  will  tell  you  again.  My  father 
was  the  Marqnis  of  Belgarde.  He  died  beforo  I  was  two 
years  old,  and  I  was  brought  up  on  one  of  the  estates, 
where  I  remained  until  nearly  of  age — of  course,  anti- 
cipating  that  I  should  be  the  marquis.  Instead  of 
that,"  he  added,  in  a  changed  voice,  and  with  a  bitter 
laugh,  "  I  have  beoome  a  highwayman." 

"  I  remember  now,"  said  Dick ;  "  there  was  a  former 
marriage— on  your  father's  part — a  discarded  wife— 
whose  son  was  by  law  deolared  the  true  beir  to  the  title 
and  estates." 

"  Just  so.  It  is  a  tale  of  sin  and  wrong.  As  you 
know,  when  I  found  out  what  the  verdict  was,  I  fled, 
for  my  pride  would  not  allow  me  to  remain  there  a 
finger-pointing  object  for  everyone." 

"  Then  it  is  you  who  are  advertised  for  ?" 

"Undoubtedly." 

"  What  can  it  be  that  is  to  your  advantage  P" 

rt  There  I  am  as  much  in  the  dark  as  you  are.  But  I 
cannot  describe  the  effect  which  those  few  lines  have 
had  upon  me,  and  how  vividly  they  have  brought  back 
to  my  recollection  my  youthful  days." 

Just  as  he  uttered  these  words,  Old  Matthew  appeared. 

"  Is  all  well?"  Dick  asked,  for  he  guessed  this  visit  had 
some  cause. 

"Yes,  all  is  well,"  was  the  reassuring  answer.  ttI 
merely  came  up  for  a  moment  to  see  whether  you  were 
In  want  of  anything." 

"  Do  you  often  read  the  newsDaper,  Matthew  ?"  asked 
Tom  King.  f' 

"  Yes,  pretty  regularly,"  he  answered,  in  some  surprise. 
*•  Why  do  you  ask  ?" 

"Why,  because  I  thought  you  might  perhaps  have 
teen  some  mention  made  of— of— the  Marquis  of  Bel- 
garde  ?" 

"  Well,  yes,  I  have,"  he  replied,  curiously.  u  But  why 
do  you  inquire?" 

"  Perhaps  merely  from  curiosity,"  said  Tom  King,  dis- 
playing great  impatience.  "  At  any  rate,  I  shall  feel  my- 
self indebted  if  you  will  tell  me  all  you  know." 

"I  will  do  so  willingly;  but  you  will  find  it  very 
little.  I  suppose  you  know  that  the  marquis  has  just 
died  ?" 

"Just died ?"  ejaculated  Tom. 

"  Yea— and  at  the  time  of  his  death  I  saw  a  few  par- 
ticulars in  the  paper  concerning  him." 

"  Was  it  respecting  the  manner  in  which  he  succeeded 
to  the  title  ?" 

"Yes." 

"  I  thought  so." 

"  It  seems  his  mother  lived  the  greater  part  of  her 
life  in  great  poverty  in  London,  and  here  the  marquis 
was  brought  up  like  any  ordinary  vagabond." 

"I  know  that,"  said  Tom,  hastily.  "The  woman 
was  really  married,  though  the  marquis,  his  father, 
thought  the  ceremony  a  sham  one.  This  was  proved 
by  his  marrying  again." 

"  Yes,"  chimed  in  Matthew,  "and  he  had  a  son  by 
this  second  union,  who  was  brought  up  as  the  heir; 
but  when  the  trial  was  decided  against  him  he  disap- 
peared.*' 

Tom  nodded. 

"  It  seems  that  the  son  by  the  first  wife,  and  who 
lived  but  a  very  short  time  to  enjoy  his  wealth  and 
title,  always  regretted  that  he  had  deprived  another  of 
so  much,  so  that,  you  see,  despite  his  bringing  up,  he 
was  not  quite  dead  to  every  good  feeling." 

Tom's  lips  curled  with  a  bitter,  incredulous  smile. 

"  He  was  in  earnest,"  continued  Old  Matthew,  for, 
having  no  near  relative  of  his  own,  he  has  bequeathed 
by  will  the  whole  of  his  possessions  to  this  second  son, 
who  has  been  searched  for  with  the  utmost  diligence." 

"  He  ha3  not  been  found  ?"  said  Tom. 

"  No — you  may  see  the  advertisement  in  that  very 
paper." 

"  I  have  seen  it." 

"  Well,  now  that  I  have  told  yon  all  I  know,  at  least 


satiety  me  why  you  feel  so  uncommon  an  amount  ot 
interest  in  the  matter  ?" 

II J  n 

But  Tom  did  not  finish,  fo*  S\  tuL  moment  the  faint 
tinkling  of  a  bell  was  heard. 

"  I  am  wanted,"  interrupted  Matthew,  hurrying  to  the 
door 

"  Is  it  danger  ?"  asked  both  highwaymen,  springing  to 
their  feet. 

"  No,  no— don't  be  alarmed.  Sit  down  again,  and  re- 
main easy  and  quiet.  You  shall  have  timely  warning  if 
you  are  threatened  with  any  peril." 

So  saying,  Matthew  closed  the  door  and  hastily  de- 
scended the  stairs. 


CHAPTER  MLXXXIX. 

OLD    MATTHEW    GIVES   THE    HIGHWAYMEN    THE    BENEFIT 
OF  HIS  ADVICE. 

"He. will  not  deceive  or  mislead  us,"  said  Dick,  sinking 
down  into  his  chair  again.     "lam  amazed,"  he  con- 
tinued, "  at  what  I  have  just  heard." 
"  Are  you  ?"  asked  Tom,  with  another  bitter  laugh. 
"  Yes,  because  you  are  the  person  advertised  for,  and 
of  course  the  heir  to  a  large  fortune." 

"And  what  good  would  it  do  me?"  inquired  Tom, 
moodily.  "  I  dare  not  step  forward  to  claim  it ;  if  I  did, 
I  ahould  have  to  answer  for  my  life." 

"  I  suppose  that  is  the  case.    Uark  I  here  comes  Old 
Matthew." 
The  landlord  now  returned. 

"  It  is  all  right,"  he  said ;  "  I  w*3  misled  by  hearing 
another  bell.     All  is  well ;  and  I  thought  such  being  the 
case,  the  best  thing  I  could  do  was  to  make  haste  back 
and  say  so." 
"Many  thanks." 

Old  Matthew  evidently  meant  to  stay,  for  he  eat  down 
before  the  fire,  and  said : 

"  No*.?,  Tom  King,  it  is  not  often  I  speak  in  such  a 
way,  but  let  me  tell  you  that  I  do  not  intend  to  stir  from 
here  until  yon  have  told  me  all  about  this  Belgarde  affair. 
You  had  Some  particular  reason  for  asking,  and  I  think  1 
am  justified  in  demanding  to  know." 

There  could  scarcely  have  been  any  request  to  which 
Tom  would  have  accorded  so  unwillingly  as  this. 

But  he  felt  that  he  could  not  with  very  good  grace  re- 
fuse anything  to  one  who  had  done  them  such  service  as 
Matthew  had. 

This  consideration  decided  him,  and,  though  very  re- 
luctantly, he  related  those  particulars  of  his  early  life 
with  which  the  reader  is  familiar. 

Matthew  listened  in  unqualified  amazement — indeed, 
almost  in  disbelief. 
But  he  soon  found  that  Tom  was  thoroughly  in  earnest. 
"This  is  enough  to  stun  anyone!"  he  exclaimed,  as 
soon  as  Tom  had  brought  his  narrative  to  a  conclusion. 
"  But  I  must  think  upon  it — I  must  really  think  upon  it, 
for  I  am  already  impressed  with  the  notion  that  the  oc- 
currence can,  and  ought  to  be,  turned  to  the  advantage  ol 
you  both." 
Tom  shook  his  head. 

Old  Matthew,  however,  did  not  allow  this  gesture  to 
discourage  him,  but  sat  staring  into  the  fire  with  the 
air  and  manner  of  one  who  is  thinking  deeply. 

He  remained  thus  for  some  time,  but  at  length  he 
broke  out,  emphatically : 

"  You  must  both  of  you— or,  at  least,  you,  Tom — go  to 
York." 
"To  York!    What  for?" 
"  To  see  these  lawyers." 
"  And  be  recognised  and  made  prisoner  !" 
"  No,  no — you  must  manage  better  than  that." 
"  But  how  is  it  possible  for  me  to  do  so  ?" 
"  That  we  must  consider.     First  of  all  you  must  not 
overlook  the  circumstance  that  in  thi3  land  of  freedom 
money  is  all-powerful,  and  the  possessor  of  enough  of  it 
can  do  anything  he  pleases." 

"  Well,  granting  that,  what  of  it  ?" 
"  Why,  the  heir  to  the  estates  of  the  late  Marquis  of 
Belgarde  would  be  looked  upon  as  a  very  different  person 
from  Tom  King,  the  highwayman." 

'Corm',  Matthew,"  said  Turpin,  joining  in  the  conver- 
sation. "  it  is  an  odd  thing  to  me  if  you  cannot  see  som« 
means  of  turning  this  coincidence  in  our  favour-" 


1388 


BLACK    BESS  ;     OB, 


The  landlord's  eyes  glittered. 

"Well,"  he  said,  with  an  affectation  of  modesty,  "I 
certainly  had  an  idea  in  my  mind." 

"  Then  out  with  it  1  Let  us  hear  That  it  is.  I  will  be 
bound  it  is  something  good !" 

"  That  depends  upon  how  Tom  takes  it,"  said  Ma>theT, 
with  a  side  glance  at  Dick's  companion. 

"  1  cannot  tell  till  I  hoax  whet  you  have  to  say,"  said 
Tom  King. 

"  In  the  first  place,  then,"  Matthew  began,  M I  suppoae 
vou  have  the  means  of  proving  your  identity  ?" 

"Oh  yes!" 

"About  you?" 

"No — but  I  could  easily  procure  the  necessary  evi- 
dence." 

"Very  good — that  comes  to  just  the  same  thing." 

"  What  do  you  propose  ?" 

"  Why,  I  think  you  should  go  to  York." 

"  To  York  ?" 

"Yes — that  is  a  part  of  the  country  you  have  not 
visited,  I  think  ?" 

"  We  have  not." 

"  Then  you  might  count  upon  being  unknown  if  you 
can  only  get  away  from  here  unseen,  and  I  think  I 
can  undertake  to  manage  that  part  of  the  business  for 
you." 

"  And  what  are  we  to  do  at  York  ?" 

"  Why,  you  must  put  yourselves  into  communication 
with  these  lawyers." 

Tom  shook  his  head. 

"  Stay — hear  me  out !"  cried  Matthew,  rapidly.  "  You 
must  manage  all  with  caution.  Let  them  know  who  you 
are,  and,  take  my  word  for  it,  they  will  interest  them- 
selves and  obtain  a  pardon  for  yon ;  and,  remember,  you 
will  be  able  to  pay  them  well  out  of  the  property  you  are 
coming  into." 

"  A  pardon !"  repeated  Tom,  with  the  air  of  one  who  is 
thinking  deeply. 

"  Yes — a  pardon." 

Tom  shook  his  head. 

"  I  fear  I  have  done  too  much  for  a  pardon  to  be  granted 
to  me." 

"Tut,  tot!  Don't  I  tell  you  that  money  will  do 
everything  in  England.  If  you  were  ten  times  as  black 
as  you  are  it  would  wash  you  as  white  as  snow !" 

"  Do  you  in  good  earnest  think  there  is  a  possibility  of 
such  a  thing  ?"  asked  Dick,  anxiously. 

"If  I  did  not,"  asked  Matthew,  "  do  you  think  I  should 
counsel  you  to  do  it  ?" 

"  Well,  of  course  not." 

"  But,"  said  Tom,  "  enter  a  little  more  into  explana- 
tion." 

"  I  should  be  very  glad  to  do  so  if  yon  would  only 
allow  me  the  opportunity." 

"  We  will  listen,  then." 

"  Very  good ;  and  you  may  take  my  word  that  I  believe 
things  could  be  managed  as  I  say.  If  influence  powerful 
enough  was  only  brought  to  bear,  your  pardon  could  be 
obtained." 

Although  Tom  tried  to  conceal  his  sentiments,  yet  it 
was  plain  enough  to  be  seen  by  his  manner  that  this 
prospect  was  far  from  displeasing  to  him. 

"  To  tell  you  the  truth,"  he  exclaimed,  for  he  guessed 
that  his  friends  had  read  his  thoughts,  "  I  am  tired  now 
of  the  life  I  have  been  leading  after  what  has  happened 
to  Claude  and  Jack— I  feel  that  I  can  never  take  the  least 
pleasure  in  it  again." 

"  I  don't  wonder  at  it." 

"Moreover,"  said  Tom.  displaying  more  excitement 
and  interest  than  he  had  done  hitherto,  "  if  t  succeed  in 
getting  my  own  pardon,  I  shall  then  have  so  much  in- 
fluence perhaps  as  will  enable  me  to  get  a  pardon  for  the 
captain  too." 

Dick  put  up  his  hand. 

"You  will  not  have  to  take  that  trouble,  Tom." 

"Why  not?" 

"  Because  I  have  made  up  my  mind  to  take  the  v»ry 
first  opportunity  I  oan  find  to  leave  England." 

"Leave  England?"  ejaculated  Old  Matthew,  pushing1 
his  chair  bstk  several  inches  in  his  intense  astonish- 
ment. 

"  Yes ;  this  land  has  no  longer  the  slightest  charm  tor 
me — not  ihe  slightest.  I — 1 — long  to  be  on  the  other  sidtt 
ug    .bs  channel — near  to  the  little  hamlet  «r  village  I 


spoke  of  There,  and  there  alone,  could  I  wish  to  end  my 
days  and  if  I  can  succeed  in  reaching  that  spot  I  shall 
be  beyond  the  reach  of  pardon." 

"  Very  true,"  said  Tom. 

"  But  you  won't  do  it,"  cried  Matthew,  vehemently — 
"  I  am  sure  you  won't  do  it." 

"  If  I  live  I  shall,"  answered  Turpin,  in  those  quiet, 
earnest  tones  which  are  so  much  more  expressive  of 
stent  determination  than  loud  and  boastful  protestations. 

"Well,  we  shall  have  to  see  about  that,"  replied 
M;*thew,  resolved  that  if  he  could  do  nothing  else  he 
would  at  any  rate  change  the  subject.  "Let  us  first  talk 
about  this  journey  to  York.  Are  you  inclined  to  under- 
take it  ?•' 

"  What  do  yoa  say,  captain  ?"  asked  Tom  King. 

"  t  am  quite  willing.  All  ways  are  the  same  to  me  now. 
Except," be  added,  "that  it  may  be  I  shall  be  able  to  get 
a  boat  from  the  vicinity  of  York  much  easier  than  I  could 
from  any  other  part  of  the  country,  for  there  I  should 
rely  upon  being  thoroughly  unknown." 

"  And  no  doubt  justly  so,"  said  Matthew.  "  May  we 
look  upon  this  matter,  then,  as  being  quite  settled  ?" 

"  Yes,"  said  Tom,  with  a  sigh,  u  I  suppose  we  maj." 

"  Then  why  that  sigh?" 

"  I  know  not.    I  was  only  thinking  of——" 

" Thinking  of  what?" 

"  Some  foolish  remarks,"  was  the  reply.  "  1  key  are 
not  worth  consideration." 

But  Old  Matthew  evidently  thought  himself  entitled  to 
know  everything  connected  with  the  highwaymen,  and 
became  so  pressing  that,  in  order  to  get  rid  of  his  impor- 
tunities more  than  for  any  other  reason,  Tom  related  to 
him  the  particulars  of  the  strange  prophecy. 

Matthew  greeted  the  recital  with  a  laugh. 

"  I  only  hope  we  may  all  live  to  see  that  day.  If  we  do 
we  shall  have  nothing  to  complain  of  on  the  score  of  old 
age.  Nothing  could  be  more  unlikely  to  come  to  pass 
than  that." 

It  was  clear,  however,  that  a  certain  impression  had 
been  made  by  it  on  the  mind  of  Tom  King — perhaps  more 
than  there  would  have  been  had  he  just  then  been  in  his 
usual  state  of  health. 

Dick,  too,  had  heard  the  story  so  often  repeated  that 
a  vague  feeling  that  there  might  be  something  in  it  oans* 
over  him. 

The  subject  was  immediately  changed  by  Matthew, 
who  was  full  of  the  project  he  had  started  for  a  journey 
to  York. 

"  If  you  would  take  my  advice,"  he  said,  "  you  will 
consent  to  remain  here  as  long  as  possible  ;  or,  at  any 
rate,  until  you  are  sufficiently  recovered  to  start  upon 
your  journey." 

"  The  counsel  is  too  agreeable  to  be  disregarded,"  said 
Turpin.  "  I  confess  I  should  like  to  feel  that  I  had  re* 
covered  something  like  a  proper  share  of  my  strength 
before  I  attempted  any  fresh  undertaking." 

Thus  was  the  matter  decided. 

A  day  passed  over  in  perfect  tranquillity ;  but  Dick,  in 
watching  his  companion,  saw  that  hour  by  hour  he  grew 
more  and  more  uneasy,  nor  was  he  at  any  loss  about  the 
cause. 

The  prospect  Matthew  had  held  out  to  him — not  only 
of  obtaining  a  pardon  for  all  his  past  offences,  but  also  of 
recovering  possession  of  what  had  once  been  his — con- 
tinued to  make  a  deeper  and  deeper  impression  upon 
Mm. 

Who  oould  wonder  that  suoh  a  future  should  display 
itself  to  him  in  the  most  tempting  of  colours  ? 

The  more  he  reflected  the  more  glowing  did  his  an- 
ticipations beoome,  and  that  which  at  first  he  was  in- 
clined to  pass  over  without  notice  came  to  be  the  one 
great  object  of  hiB  life. 

His  impatience  at  length  became  too  great  to  be 
altogether  concealed. 

He  did  not  say  so,  but  yot  he  hinted  in  many  ways 
that  he  was  tired  of  his  stay,  and  full  of  anxiety  to 
know  whether  Matthew's  ideas  had  any  substantiality. 

As  for  Dick,  the  monotony  ot  confinement  in  those 
rooms  at  the  top  of  Old  Matthew's  house  quickly  be- 
came exoessively  irksome  to  him. 

It  was,  then,  on  the  third  night  after  fheir  arrival 
that  they  announced  to  Old  Matthew  that  they  were 
in  readiness  to  go. 

"  I  had  certainly  not  expected  yon  would  take  so  naaiy 


THE   KNIGHT   OF   THB   ROAD. 


IB& 


ssyjljlps^ 


1(1 


[DICS   TORPOf  TREATS  BLACK   BES8  TO   A   BEEFSTEAK. j 


•  departure ;  otherwice  I  would  not  hare  mentioned  the 
matter  just  at  present.  Let  me  persuade  you  to  stay  a 
Httle  longer  yet— yon  are  scarcely  in  condition  to  cope 
*ith  any  great  danges,  should  any  arise." 

"I  shall  get  no  better  here,"  said  Tom  King,  Im- 
patiently. "  What  other  reason  is  there  why  we  shield 
iot  go  at  once  ?" 

"  None  that  I  know  of." 

"  Then  we  will  go." 

"But  at  least  not  to-night— it  is  already  too  late  to 
think  aboutit,  because  no  preparations  whatever  have  been 
made." 

"Well,  let  it  be  to-morrow  night,  then,"  said  Dick 
Turpin. 

"  As  you  please.  I  will  see  that  by  dusk  everything  is 
In  perfect  readiness." 

8».  247.— Black  Btcss. 

No.  237. 


This  point  being  decided  upon,  some  tours  were  apeui 
in  anxious  deliberation. 

Tom  King  and  Turpin,  between  them,  were  possessed 
of  a  considerable  amount,  and  this  they  were  both  anxious 
to  induce  Matthew  to  accept.     But  he' firmly  refused  it 

"  No— no,"  ho  said  ;  "you  cannot  tell  what  want  you 
may  have  for  it  Keep  it— keep  it;  I  will  settle  for  all 
the  past,  Tom,  as  soon  as  you  are  pardoned  and  in  un- 
disturbed possession  of  your  wealth." 

But  Dick  insisted  that  half  of  the  larger  sum  should  be 
given  to  Matthew  there  and  then. 

He  would  take  no  refusal. 

The  remaining  half  he  roughly,  but  as  near  as  could  b« 
equally,  divided  between  his  comrade  and  himself. 

This  being  done,  they  separated  and  awaited  with  th« 
utmost  impatience  the  comiag  of  the  succeeding  night 


Pbtoe  One  Halfpenny. 


1«ST 


P.T.AOK  BF39:    ©* 


««icti  ttej  hoped  would  prove  to  be  the  herald  of  better 
rfm<36  for  both. 
liopee  how  vain ! — how  impossible  of  realisation  I 


1     OHAfTER  MXO. 

l-mr     FROPHKOT     FULFILLED— DICK    TURPIN   SHOOTS 
KINO   IN  DBUBY   LANK. 


It  has  been  said  truly  that  we  believe  readily  that  wnich 
we  wish  to  be  true  and  likely  to  oome  to  pass. 

But  for  this  it  ii  "jnestionable  whether  Tom  King  would 
have  suffered  himself  to  be  so  led  away  by  the  possibilities 
which  Old  Matthew  had  suggested. 

To  one  capable  of  judging  calmly  and  justly,  and 
one  acquainted  with  all  the  circumstances,  nothing  would 
have  appeared  more  unlikely  than  that  by  any  means  or 
influence,  however  powerful,  Tom  King  could  hope  for 
legal  pardon  for  his  many  and  great  offences. 

But  for  his  own  part  he  did  think  it  probable,  and  so  did 
Turpin,  whose  thoughts,  however,  it  must  be  confessed, 
were  more  bent  upon  making  his  way  as  speedily  as  pos- 
sible to  the  little  French  village,  where  Maud  had  found 
a  last  resting-place. 

At  any  rate,  he  was  glad  enough  to  quit  the  safe  shelter 
which  Old  Matthew's  roof  had  afforded  him. 

During  the  long  period  of  the  sojourn  of  the  highway- 
men, however,  nothing  particular  had  been  see*  jf  the 
police. 

They  had  been  unusually  quiet  and  undemonstk>4i?e. 

This  could  only  be  accounted  for  by  the  supposition 
that  they  were  away  on  the  wrong  scent,  or  else  that  they 
were  concerting  such  measures  a8  would  tend  to  the  anni- 
hilation of  the  two  knights  of  the  road. 

Both  suppositions  were  in  a  measure  right,  as  will  be 
shortly  seen. 

For  the  present,  however,  we  must  confine  ourselves  to 
a  description  of  the  proceedings  of  Dick  Turpin  and  Tom 
King. 

Faithful  to  his  promise,  Old  Matthew  had  made  every 
preparation,  and  having  watched  his  opportunity,  he  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  both  our  friends  into  the  little  private 
parlour. 

"  Fortune  favours  you,"  he  said,  briskly,  rubbing  his 
hands  together— "you  ought  to  account  yourselves  spe- 
cially lucky.  I  believe  I  may  say,  with  truth,  there  are 
no  officers  about." 

"  Then,"  said  Tom  King,  "if  that  is  theoase,  the  sooner 
we  are  off  the  better." 

"Certainly;  and  yet  there  is  no  need  to  be  precipitate. 
Believe  me,  I  am  not  very  anxious  to  get  rid  of  you." 

"  Where  are  the  horses  ?"  asked  Dick. 

"In  the  stable." 

"Are  they  all  right?" 

"Right  as  trivets,  Bess  especially.  I  think  I  never 
saw  her  in  suoh  good  trim  and  spirits.  She  seems  fit  for 
anything." 

At  the»>  words  Dick  experienced  a  faint  revisitation  of 
the  old  joy  which  the  remembrance  of  his  gallant  mare 
occasioned  him. 

"  I  long  to  see  the  noble  creature  once  more !"  he  ex- 
claimed, with  fervour.  "  I  long  to  sit  again  upon  her 
back !  When  I  do— then,  and  not  till  then,  shall  I  feel 
something  like  myself  again." 

But  though  Turpin  began  to  speak  enthusiastically  he 
finished  with  a  heavy  sigh,  which  told  all  too  plainly 
how  great  was  the  sorrow  that  was  weighing  at  his 
heart. 

"  Still  a  oup  too  low,  captain  ?"  said  Old  Matthew. 
u  But  1  will  try  to  get  you  the  better  of  that." 

Dick  shook  his  head. 

"  Tou  may  never  expect  to  see  me  anything  like -what 

I  once  was." 
"Pho— pho!       fou  know  nothing  about  it,"  replied 

the  landlord,  who  was  busily  at  work  with  a  corkscrew. 

II  Look  here  "  he  added,  holding  a  bottle  towards  the 
uighwayme  try  a  drop  of  this :  it  is  wine,  mind  you — 
every  drop  ol  it  is  worth  a  hogshead  of  the  stuff  that  is 
ordinarily  sold  under  that  name.  Drink  this,  and  then 
all  the  vapours  now  hanging  about  your  heart  and 
brain  will  anishl  Drink  it,  I  say,  and  then  de- 
part." 

While  sptftKing,  Old  Matthew  poured  out  three  large 
glasses  of  the  wine 


The  invitation  was  one  which  Dick  and  Tom  King  we** 
not  very  likely  to  refuse. 

"A  toast!'  said  Matthew,  as  he  raised  his  glasn. 
"  Here  is  hoping  I  shall  not  see  you  again  until  you 
are  in  possession  of  your  own,  and  wnen  you  have 
obtained  not  only  your  own  Dardon  but  the  captain's 
too!" 

"  I  hope  so  too !"  said  Tonv,  in  response.  "  But  now, 
Matthew,  you  will  excuse  my  impatience.  Let  us  say 
no  more — let  us  not  lose  a  moment  more  of  valuable 
time.  Get  our  horses  ready,  and  we  will  start  at 
once." 

"  As  you  will,"  answered  the  landlor**,  putting  down 
his  empty  glass.  "  I  am  sorry  to  part  with  you ;  but  yet 
I  cannot  ask  you  to  remain,  for  I  feel  assured  there  can 
never  be  a  more  favourable  opportunity  for  getting  off 
unseen." 

"  Where  are  the  horses  ?" 
"  In  the  stable  at  present." 

"Right — you  told  me  so.  But  how  are  we  to 
mount  ?" 

"  I  will  tell  you.  I  have  thought  the  matter  over,  and 
my  belief  is  that  the  best  way  will  be  to  have  them  brought 
round  to  the  front." 

"  What,  into  Drury  Lane  ?" 

"  Yes — and  the  moment  they  arrive  you  must  sally  out, 
mount  with  all  speed,  and  ride  off." 

"  But  why  this  course  ?" 

"  Because  it  seems  to  me  to  be  the  one  that  will  give 
you  the  best  chance  against  your  enemies." 

"  How  so  ?" 

"  If  anyone  is  on  the  watoh — and  there  might  be  a  spy 
at  hand — you  will  be  off  and  away  before  be  has  time  to 
raise  an  alarm." 

"  Very  true,  Matthew.  It  shall  be  as  you  have  planued 
it ;  only  let  us  go  now  at  once." 

"  Your  weapons  are  all  in  perfect  readiness  for  instant 
use  ?" 

"  Trust  us  for  that." 

"  Then  in  two  minutes  the  horses  shad  be  in  the 
front." 

Matthew  quitted  the  bar-parlour  as  he  spoke. 

But  he  did  not  latch  the  door,  and  Tom,  prompted  by 
restlessness  and  curiosity,  took  advantage  of  the  circum- 
stance to  peep  out  into  the  bar  beyond. 

Judging  by  his  manner,  he  saw  something  interesting, 
for  he  at  once  beckoned  Dick  to  his  side. 

The  latter  then  peeped  through  the  crevice,  and  his  re- 
gards were  instantly  fixed  upon  a  man  who  was  in  the  act 
of  drinking  something  at  the  counter. 

Although  a  great  part  of  the  countenance  of  this 
individual  was  concealed  by  a  large  bandage,  which  was 
placed  in  a  diagonal  direction  over  the  left  eye,  yet  Dick 
was  immediately  conscious  that  he  had  seen  this  man 
somewhere  before. 

But  in  what  place,  and  when,  he  in  vain  tasked  his 
memory  to  remember. 

There  was  nothing  in  his  manner  at  all  provocative  of 
suspicion.  He  drank  from  his  glass  calmly  enough,  and 
seemed  to  stare  around  him  only  with  the  listless  gaze  of 
one  who  wanted  better  occupation. 

The  highwaymen  were  still  watching  when  they  ob- 
served Old  Matthew  approaching,  and  then  of  course  they 
withdrew. 

"Is  all  well  still  ?"  was  the  first  question. 

"  I  think  so." 

"  Who  is  that  fellow  at  the  bar  ?" 

"What,  you  have  seen  him?" 

"Yes — who  is  he?" 

M I  wish  I  knew.  I  am  impressed  with  the  idea  that  I 
have  seen  him  before  at  some  time  or  other,  and  looking 
very  different  to  what  he  does  now." 

"  That  is  just  my  impression,"  said  Dick  Turpin. 

"  I  should  set  him  down  for  a  spy,"  said  Tom.  "  That 
was  my  thought  when  first  I  caught  sight  of  him." 

"Wait  a  moment,"  said  Matthew.  "I  shall  know 
more  about  him  directly,  for  I  intend  to  have  a  good 
look  at  his  features,  and  without  his  being  any  the  wiser 
for  it." 

These  words  roused  the  attention  of  the  two 
friends. 

There  seemed  to  be  no  end  to  OF  Matthew  s  con- 
trivances, and  he  made  use  of  a  frosh   >ie  on  the  present 
K  occasion. 


THB   KNIOITT   OF   THfl    KOAU. 


1891 


b  topping  nimbly  on  a  chair,  he  removed  a  small  picture 
which  was  hanging  against  the  wall. 

A  8maL'.  round  hole  then  became  risible,  and  to  this  he 
applied  his  eye. 

This  peep-hole  was  so  skilfully  plaoed  that  it  enabled 
anyone   to  take  a  full  view  of  the  bar  and  the  pass^j; 
beyond. 

Matthew  remained  motionless  for  what  seemed  to 
be  an  intolerable  long  time  to  those  who  were  watching 
him. 

At  last  he  descended,  and,  in  answer  to  the  inquiring 
glances  which  were  bent  upon  him,  he  said  : 

44  I  think  I  kuow  him  now,  although  he  has  disguised 
himself  so  well." 

"  Disguised  himself  I     Who  is  it  ?" 

"One  who  has  had  rather  rough  treatment  here," 
answered  Matthew,  complacently,  "  though  it  seems  he 
has  not  yet  had  enough." 

44  Who  is  it  ?" 

"  A  spy— that's  who  it  is I" 

"A  spy?"  repeated  both  the  highwaymen,  at  once 
handling  their  weapons. 

"  Yes.  I  scalded  him  once  terribly  with  some  warm 
water.  Bat  I  only  wish  it  had  been  just  a  trifle 
hotter  1" 

"  That  is  the  rascal,  is  it?" 

"It  is." 

"  Is  he  there  still  ?u 

44  He  was  when  I  stepped  down." 

Dick  nimbly  mounted  the  chair,  and  there  sure  enough 
*tood  the  man,  apparently  having  not  the  least  in- 
tention of  moving — at  any  rate,  not  for  some  time  to 
come. 

Now  that  Old  Matthew  had  declared  his  identity,  Dick 
had  no  trouble  at  ail  in  recognising  him. 

"  What  is  to  be  done ?"  he  said,  as  he  descended.  "It 
will  not  do  for  us  to  attempt  to  pass  him." 

"  No,  no — certainly  not ;  and  perhaps,  after  all,  he  is 
quite  as  well  where  he  is  as  he  would  be  if  he  were  out- 
side." 

"  What  do  you  intend  to  do  ?  If  the  horses  are  in  the 
\ane  how  are  we  to  reach  them  ? " 

44  They  are  sure  to  be  there  by  now.  But  you  seem 
to  have  forgotten  my  private  way.    Look  here." 

So  saying,  Matthew  opened  the  secret  door  by  which, 
as  the  reader  will  remember,  communication  could  be 
had  with  the  yard. 

In  less  than  a  moment  all  three  were  standing  in  the 
open  air. 

Matthew  without  delay  unfastened  the  door  leading 
into  White  Horse  Yard. 

With  his  hand  upon  the  lock,  he  said,  in  a  subdued 
voice,  for  he  was  not  without  the  dread  that  there  might 
be  listeners  near : 

44  Farewell,  and  good  luek  to  you  both  1  I  hope  you 
will  have  every  success.  When  1  open  the  door  make  a 
rush  into  Drury  Lane,  niouut  your  horses,  and  be 
off.  You  cannot  possibly  be  too  speedy  in  your  move- 
ments." 

44  Good-bye,  Matthew  1"  said  Tom.  "  If  I  do  succeed, 
rest  assured  that  you  will  not  be  forgotten." 

44 1  know  all  about  that.  Be  off  with  you,  and  above 
all,  be  quick  1" 

44  Open  the  door,  then." 

The  command  was  instantly  obeyed,  and  the  highway- 
men at  once  glided  out  into  the  darkness. 

Although  they  moved  rapidly  towards  the  end  of  the 
passage,  yet  their  steps  were  very  stealthy  and  cau- 
tious. 

At  the  end  of  it,  and  before  venturing  to  dash  into  the 
road,  they  paused. 

The  first  thing  they  caught  sight  of  was  a  man  holding 
the  two  horses. 

It  would  seem  that  he  had  been  keeping  a  sharp  lock- 
out for  them,  for  he  came  hastily  towards  them. 

All  seemed  silent  and  suggestive  of  safety. 

44  Now  for  it,  Tom  !"  said  Dick.  "  One  rush,  and  be 
into  the  saddle  as  quickly  as  you  can." 

44  Never  fear  for  that." 

44  Now,  then  1" 

The  highwaymen  made  a  sudden  dash  forward. 

"  Off,  and  away  1"  said  the  man,  in  a  low  voice.  "  I 
am  greatly  deceived  if  the  grabs  are  not  about  in  good 
force  to-night  1     Off.  and  away  I" 


Before  he  had  finished  speaking  the  sharp,  clear  tones 
of  a  whistle  broke  the  silence. 

Had  it  been  the  summons  of  a  magician  it  could  no' 
have  produced  a  speedier  effect. 

As  if  by  enchantment  the  a  moment  before  quiet  street 
became  alive  with  police  officers. 

Dick  found  himself  roughly  seized ;  but  he  quickly 
threw  off  the  grasp,  and  with  that  sudden  bound  which 
he  had  so  often  practised,  and  which  had  so  many  times 
stood  him  in  such  good  stead,  he  placed  himself  in  the 
saddle. 

But,  rapid  as  he  had  been  in  his  movements,  yet  there 
had  been  time  enough  for  two  of  his  foes  to  be  busy  with 
the  bridle  of  his  mare. 

Like  a  flash  of  light  Dick's  sword  leaped  from  its  scab- 
bard, and,  quicK  as  the  eye  could  wink,  the  two  men  re- 
leased their  bold,  and  drew  back  with  cries  of  pain,  for 
they  had  been  so  severely  wounded  about  the  wrists  as 
to  deprive  them  of  all  use  of  their  hands- 
Obeying  the  rein,  Black  Bess  gave  a  sudden  bound 
which  carried  herself  and  rider  out  of  the  immediate 
reach  of  their  foes. 

Fortunate  indeed  was  it  that  this  sudden  movement 
was  made,  for  quite  a  shower  of  bullets  flew  over  the  spot 
they  had  so  recently  occupied. 

For  Dick  the  way  of  escape  lay  open,  provided  he  had 
chosen  to  avail  himself  of  immediate  flight. 

But  this  was  just  what  he  was  determined  not  to 
do. 

He  resolved  to  look  to  his  old  comrade,  who  had  not 
been  so  successful  as  himself. 

Tom  King  was  not  quite  so  expert  at  mounting  rapidly 
as  Dick  was. 

However,  despite  the  attack  made  upon  him  by  his 
foes,  he  succeeded  in  getting  one  of  his  feet  in  the 
stirrup. 

But,  unluckily,  his  horse  at  this  moment  swerved 
aside. 

Then  the  chance  was  lost. 

The  officer  who  had  been  at  first  repulsed,  sprang 
again  upon  him  and  grasped  him  tightly  by  the 
throat. 

Self-defence  then  compelled  Tom  King  to  abandon  his 
attempt  to  mount  his  steed  while  he  struggled  with  his 
foe. 

But  he  found  that  his  antagonist,  though  inferior  to 
him  in  point  of  height,  possessed  a  remarkably  muscular 
frame,  and  before  many  seconds  had  elapsed  our  old 
friend  felt  that  for  once  he  was  opposed  to  one  whose 
strength  was  greater  than  his  own. 

That  this  should  be  the  case  will  seem  in  no  measure 
astonishing  when  it  is  remembered  that  Tom  was  much 
enfeebled  by  his  wounds,  from  which  he  was  very  far 
from  having  recovered. 

But  he  felt  that  his  life  depended  upon  his  exertions, 
and  he  struggled  tremendously. 

The  officer's  tactics  were  apparent  enough. 

His  intention  was  to  hurl  Tom  King  to  the  earth  and 
then  fling  himself  upon  him. 

44  Hold  off  1"  he  cried  to  his  associates.  "  Keep  where 
you  are;  I  can  manage  the  job  single-handed  easily 
enough.  Leave  me,  1  say,  and  look  after  the  other 
one." 

There  was  very  near  an  end  to  his  boasting  at  this 
moment,  for  Tom  King,  fully  realising  the  desperate 
nature  of  his  position,  summoned  up  all  his  energies  in 
order  to  free  himself  from  the  firm  grip  of  his  adver- 
sary. 

The  attempt  almost  succeeded,  but  not  quite. 

His  temporary  success  was,  in  fact,  merely  owing  to  the 
circuuostai.ee  that  he  found  the  officer  slightly  off  his 
guard. 

The  sb aggie  now  was  terrific 

It  was  just  at  this  juncture  that  Black  Bess  gave  that 
extraordinary  bound  which  placed  Dick  Turpin  in  tem- 
porary safety,  and  enabled  him  to  look  round  and  see  how 
things  fared  with  his  friend. 

Before  he  had  time  to  think  what  he  should  do — before, 
even,  he  could  finish  drawing  a  fresh  pistol — which  was 
the  first  thing  instinct  prompted  him  to  do— the  officer 
succeeded  in  flinging  Tom  King  to  the  earth. 

But  the  highwayman  did  not  cease  his  struggles. 

At  first  he  was  undermost,  but  by  a  dexterous  mor» 
nient  he  changed  positions  with  his  foe. 


1*93 


BLACK  BBSS  |    OR, 


Happening  then  to  look  up,  h»  "*w  Dick,  some  paces  off, 
holding  a  pistol  in  his  hand. 

"Fire,  captain,"  he  cried — '■ fire!  Shoot  the  fellow! 
It  is  my  only  chance,  for  I  am  almost  overpowered.' 

Dick  raised  his  arm  and  levelled  his  pistol. 

But  so  rapid  were  the  gyrations  of  the  two  combatants 
that  it  was  impossible  to  take  such  an  aim  at  tb«  oue  as 
would  secure  him  from  wounding  the  other. 

But  Tom  King  was  getting  exhausted. 

"Fire,  Dick!"  he  exclaimad,  at  the  top  of  his  vow. 
"  Why  don't  you  fire  ?  Do  you  want  to  see  me  mad* 
prisoner  before  your  eyes  ?" 

44 1  cannot  aim.    I  am  afraid  of  hitting  you !" 

44  No  matter !"  cried  Tom,  impetuously.  "  Better  that 
than  be  dragged  to  Tyburn !  Fire— fire,  I  say !  It.  is  the 
first  favour  I  have  begged  of  you  I  Fire,  I  say !  Now — 
now,  6V  you  will  be  too  late  1" 

As  he  spoke,  Tom  King  made  the  most  strenuous 
efforts  to  keep  his  adversary  in  one  position,  while  at  the 
same  time  he  held  back  as  much  as  possible. 

Diek  fancied  he  saw  his  chance,  and  took  a  rapid 
aim. 

But  the  officer  was  by  no  means  insensible  to  the  daDger 
by  which  he  was  menaced. 

He  caught  one  glimpse  of  the  glittering  barrel  of  Dick 
Turpin's  pistol. 

The  eight  seemed  to  gift  him  with  double  strength. 

A  sudden  wrench  enabled  him  to  shift  his  position,  and 
it  was  at  this  moment  that  the  report  of  a  pistol  was 
heard. 

Dick's  finger  was  on  the  trigger  when  the  officer  moved ; 
but  he  was  not  in  time  either  to  alter  the  position  of  the 
barrel  or  to  stop  the  pressure. 

There  was  a  loud,  wild  cry,  and  when  the  smoke 
cleared  away  from  before  Dick's  eyes  he  saw  Tom  King 
lying  upon  the  ground  bathed  in  blood. 

The  frightful  spectacle  almost  maddened  him,  and  with 
an  awful  curse  he  flung  the  discharged  weapon  from 
him. 

By  a  sudden  but  painful  effort,  Tom  partially  raised 
himself  from  the  ground. 

44  The  prophecy  is  fulfilled  1"  he  oried.  "  Dick,  I  die  by 
the  hand  of  my  best  friend !  Farewell !  Fly— fly— fly  at 
onoe !  Do  not  linger  now.  for  I  am  past  all  mortal  aid ! 
Keep  my  secret !    I— I-— 

A  gush  of  blood  interrupted  his  speech,  and  with  a 
gurgling  groan  he  sank  back  on  to  the  hard  roadway — 
dead! 

OHAPTEB   MXOL 

TOM  KINO,   THE   HIGHWAYMAN,   FINOS    HIS    LAST   RE9TING- 
FLACE. 

Like  some  statue  of  horror  or  despair,  Dick  sat  upon  his 
steed  gazing  with  a  stupified  air  at  what  had  just  occurred. 

So  great  was  the  shock  that  it  was  clear  that  at  present 
he  was  in  doubt  whether  what  he  saw  was  real. 

But  he  was  aroused  toy  the  vigorous  efforts  of  the 
officers,  who,  quickly  recovering  from  the  state  of  astonish- 
ment into  which  this  occurrence  had  thrown  even  them, 
rushed  upon  him,  intent  either  upon  his  death  or  capture. 

The  well-known  accent  of  Old  Matthew's  voice  also  fell 
upon  his  ear. 

"Fly—fly!"  he  heard  the  landlord  exclaim.  "Make 
the  best  speed  you  can.  To  linger  here  can  do  no  good, 
for  Tom  is  now  beyond  all  mortal  power.  You  are  no*  to 
blame.    It  was  fate.    Fly— fly !" 

Thus  urged,  Dies  half  mechanically  changed  the  direc- 
tion of  his  man's  head. 

No  sooner  had  he  done  so  than  Black  Bess  bounded  off 
at  a  speed  that  made  thousands  of  sparks  fly  from  the 
rugged  stones  with  which  Drury  Lane  was  paved. 

His  brain  was  on  fire.  Liquid  lead  seemed  coursing 
through  his  veins,  while  his  heart  seemed  to  stand  still  in 
his  breast,  and  to  have  become  congealed  into  a  mass  of 
solid  ice. 

In  such  a  state  of  frenzy  aa  he  thea  tvas,  no  one  can  be 
surprised  that  he  should  urge  his  mare  to  redoubled  speed, 
thinking,  perhaps,  by  that  means  he  should  be  able  to  out- 
distance thought — or  rather  the  agonising  recollection  of 
what  had  just  occurred. 

But  before  we  follow  him  in  his  headlong  flight — that  I 
flight  which  was  destined  more  than  anything  else  to  per-  J 


petuate  the  remembrance  of  himself  and  steed— we  will 
devote  a  few  words  to  what  took  place  at  the  inn,  in  order 
that,  having  done  so,  we  may  follow  him  throughout  his 
long  and  eventful  ride  without  being  unde«*  the  necessity 
of  making  any  interruption. 

In  the  first  place,  then,  we  may  state  that  Old  Matthew 
spoke  no  more  than  the  truth  when  he  said  that  Tom 
King  was  already  beyond  all  human  aid. 

The  bullet  from  the  pistol  of  hi*  best  frieud  had  done 
its  work  effectually. 

So  narrow,  though,  was  the  escape  of  the  police  officer, 
that  the  bullet,  in  its  course,  cut  off  the  lower  part  of  his 
ear,  and  made  a  rather  deep,  ugly-looking  furrow  along 
one  cheek  before  it  finally  found  a  lodgment  in  the  heart 
of  the  highwayman.  Old  Matthew  had  been  a  spectator 
of  the  whole  of  the  disastrous  affair,  which,  although  we 
have  been  seme  time  in  describing  it,  because  we  have 
mentioned  every  detail,  yet  seemed  to  him  no  more  than 
a  momentary  scuffle. 

Even  had  he  felt  the  inclination  to  take  any  share  in  the 
affray,  he  would  not  have  had  the  opportunity,  for  before 
he  could  possibly  re-collect  his  faculties,  Tom  King  was 
lying  on  the  ground. 

The  officer  struggled  to  his  feet,  scarcely  knowing 
whether  he  was  alive  or  dead. 

Blood  poured  copiously  from  his  hideous-looking  wound, 
and  ere  long  the  frightful  smarting  which  it  set  up  brought 
him  to  himself. 

The  first  thing  Old  Matthew  did  was  to  bound  forward 
and  stoop  down  over  the  prostrate  form  of  the  highway- 
man. 

He  placed  his  hand  just  above  the  region  of  the 
heart. 

It  was  covered  with  blood  in  an  instant. 

But  there  was  not  the  feeblest  pulsation,  and  a  glance 
at  the  features  showed  that  they  bore  the  unmistakable 
impress  of  Death. 

It  was  then  that  Old  Matthew  addressed  those  words  to 
Dick  which  we  have  already  recorded. 

Then,  having  spoken,  he  turned  his  attention  once  more 
to  the  prostrate  form. 

The  reader  will  scarcely  require  to  be  told  how  deep 
and  sincere  was  Old  Matthew's  grief,  for,  from  the  first, 
Tom  had  ever  been  one  of  his  especial  favourites. 

The  wounded  officer  feeling  no  inclination  to  join  in 
the  pursuit  which  had  just  been  set  on  foot  after  Dick 
Turpin,  came  forward  a  step  or  two,  and  addressing  the 
landlord,  said: 

44  There's  one  more  of  your  pets  done  for,  my  friend ; 
and  the  one  that  remains  won't  hold  his  life  and  liberty 
many  hours  longer.  The  precautions  taken  are  suoh  as 
will  make  escape  totally  impossible." 

44  And  you  will  carry  a  mark  that  will  remind  you  of 
to-night  whenever  you  happen  to  look  in  a  glass,"  re- 
turned Matthew,  who,  after  one  glance  at  the  officer's 
bleeding  physiognomy,  turned  shudderingly  away. 

The  officer  solaced  himself  by  giving  vent  to  soni- 
horrible  curses. 

Then  he  added : 

44 1  can  put  up  with  it,  and  could  put  up  with  a  great 
deal  more.  I  captured  him  single-handed — I  knew  I  could 
do  it  if  I  only  had  a  fair  trial,  and  so  you  see  I  shall  have 
no  one  to  divide  the  reward,  and  therefore  I  shall  be 
quJ*e  content." 

41  People's  ideas  about  contentment  widely  differ,"  re- 
marked Old  Matthew.  Then,  in  an  altered  tone,  he 
said: 

44  What  is  to  be  done  with  this  poor  fenw  ?" 

44  Done  with  him  ?"  repeated  the  officer,  for  he  was  nol 
prepared  with  an  immediate  answer. 

u  Yes :  what  is  to  be  done  ?"  * 

UD— d  if  I  know!" 

14  Let  him  be  carried  indoors,"  suggested  Old  Matthew, 
41  otherwise  there  will  be  such  a  crowd  about  our  ears  as 
will  prevent  us  from  doing  anything." 

44 1  don't  know  what  to  do,"  observed  the  officer,  still 
busy  in  his  attempts  to  check  the  flow  of  blood  from  his 
wound.  "But  he's  dead,  and  therefore  there  is  nothing 
to  fear  about  his  escaping,  so  we  will  carry  him  in." 

Old  Matthew  beckoned  the  ostler  to  come  to  his  assist 
ance,  and  between  them  the  body  of  poor  Tom  King  wa» 
carried  into  that  room  where  he  had  stood  only  a  (ev» 
minutes  before  indulging  in  such  bright  hopes  ibvut  tn« 
future. 


THK    KNIGHT  Of  THB   BOA© 


1896 


Matthew  had  much  ado  to  conceal  his  emotion,  nor 
eonld  be  bare  been  able  to  do  so  but  for  the  thought  that 
tbe  manifestation  of  any  particular  sorrow  upon  his  part 
might  be  the  means  of  getting  him  into  much  future 
trouble.  V 

Tbe  officer  bawled  lustily  for  a  surgeon  to  dress  his 
wound. 

M  111  lead  my  report  to  bead-quarters,  and  sit  down 
here  till  I  hear  further,"  be  said,  in  tones  of  dodged  de- 
termination; "and  if  I  stir,  blow  met  Ten  thousand 
devils  I  where  is  the  surgeon  ?" 

The  pain  in  his  cheek  now  every  moment  increased  in 
severity,  and  it  had  already  reached  such  a  pitch  as  to  be 
almost  unendurable. 

Matthew  occupied  himself  in  covering  Tom  over  with 
a  sheet;  and  baring  thus  done  for  him  all  that  lay 
in  his  power,  he  withdrew  to  give  full  vent  to  his 
grief. 

uWbo  would  hare  dreamed  it  ?n  he  said,  wringing  his 
bands.  "It  seems  now  to  bo  hardly  possible.  Dead— 
and  at  neb  a  moment !  To  fall  by  Dick's  hand,  too — 
that  is  strangest  of  all— and  to  think  that  he  sheuld  dread 
tbe  occurrence  of  some  such  event !  What  will  be  Dick's 
feelings  now?  He  declared  himself  tired  of  life  before — 
bow  will  he  be  after  this?" 

Such  was  the  nature  of  the  landlord's  reflections. 

As  for  the  officer,  true  to  his  purpose,  he  remained  be- 
side the  dead  highwayman. 

His  wound  was  dressed,  and  by  tho  time  this  operation 
was  completed  other  police  officers  arrived. 

After  much  discussion  it  was  finally  determined 
that  Tom's  body  should  remain  where  it  was  until 
after  the  Inquest,  when  a  further  resolution  could  be 
made. 

This  course  was  carried  out,  the  body  all  the  time 
being  under  the  guard  of  a  troop  of  officers. 

The  official  inquiry  as  to  the  cause  of  death  was  duly 
made,  and  the  various  facts  deposed  to. 

The  verdict  was  one  of  wilful  murder  against  Dick 
Turpin,  for  whom,  on  this  account,  though  it  seems 
strange  to  say  it,  an  additional  reward  was  offered. 

In  this  way  the  affair  ended. 

With  a  dead  body— though  it  was  that  of  a  daring 
offender— the  law  could  do  nothing. 

An  effort  was  indeed  made  to  have  it  buried  within  the 
precincts  of  Newgate,  but  Old  Matthew  got  some  persons 
to  come  forward  to  claim  the  body  as  that  of  a  relative, 
and  of  course  it  was  handed  to  them. 

Tbe  melancholy  duty  of  finding  a  last  resting-place  for 
the  senseless  clay  then  remained,  and  Old  Matthew  per- 
formed it  in  a  manner  which  he  felt  certain  would  be  ap- 
proved of  by  Dick  himself. 

Most  anxiously,  then,  he  waited  to  hear  intelligence  of 
the  captain,  of  whom  since  the  moment  of  his  departure 
he  had  heard  no  tidings. 

It  now  becomes  our  duty  to  follow  Dick,  yet  first 
of  all  we  most  mention  one  of  Mr.  Skellum's  ma- 
noeuvres. 

It  was  one  which  did  credit  to  bis  ingenuity,  and  it 
must  be  confessed  that  had  it  been  put  into  execution 
earlier,  the  career  of  the  highwaymen  must  have  been 
brought  to  a  full  stop. 

The  plan  was  simply  this  :— 

On  every  high-road  leading  from  London  he  made 
arrangements  at  the  various  posting-houses  that  horses 
to  the  number  of  at  least  half  a  dozen  should  be  kept  in 
constant  readiness  for  him. 

The  reason  of  this  is  obvious. 

He  trusted  that  the  time  was  not  far  off  when  one  or 
other  of  the  highwaymen  would  be  started  from  their 
place  of  concealment. 

When  this  was  done,  the  officers  who  w«re  first  upon 
his  track  were  to  ride  him  down,  which  the  continual 
relays  of  fresh  horses  procured  without  an  instant's 
delay,  would  doubtless  enable  them  to  do. 

At  all  risks,  they  were  not  to  lose  sight  of  their  prey 
after  having  once  started  it. 

His  instructions  were  that  they  should  not  exuaust 
themselves  in  endeavouring  to  overtake  and  make  a 
capture,  but  solely  be  directed  to  keeping  steadily 
upon  the  track. 

How  these  instructions  were  carried  out,  and  what 
was  the  effeot  of  them,  will  now  be  very  shortly  seen. 
Certainly,  bowers,  these  energetic  measures  seemed 


to  promise  ultimate  success  to  Mr.  Skellum  and  ffls 
party. 

CHAPTEE  MXCTI. 

OLD  MATTH«W  STANDS  A  FRIEND  TO  POOR  TOM    KTIWI 
POR  THE   LAST   TIME. 

Dicjr  Turpin's  sensation  of  agony  increased  a  thoo» 
sanofold  as  he  rode  at  that  mad  gallop  along  Dnuy 
Lace. 

Although,  strictly  speaking,  he  was  not  to  blame  for 
what  had  occurred,  he,  nevertheless,  blamed  himself 
bitterly,  and  suffered  the  liveliest  sensations  of  remorse 
and  horror. 

His  state  of  mind,  however,  is  so  far  beyond  ou» 
powers  of  discription  that  we  shall  pass  it  over  almost 
vn  silence. 

We  can  only  say  that  it  was  in  a  state  closely  bor. 
dering  upon  frenzy  that  he  continued  to  urge  his  mora 
onward  in  a  northerly  direction. 

Where  he  was  going  he  never  troubled  himself  to  think, 
though  that  he  should  take  this  course,  as  one  may  say, 
almost  mechanically,  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  when  it 
is  remembered  that  Tom  King  and  himself  had  agreed 
to  go  to  York. 

At  present,  however,  he  had  no  thought  that  this) 
should  be  his  destination. 

At  length  the  very  steep  ascent  of  Stamford  Hill  was) 
reached,  and  Clack  Bess,  being  left  entirely  to  herself, 
thought  fit  to  reduce  her  speed  to  a  walk. 

It  was  this  change  in  the  rate  of  motion  that  brought 
Dick  Turpin  to  a  sense  of  where  he  was. 

He  looked  around  him  in  the  utmost  surprise  for  a 
moment  or  so. 

Then,  recognising  the  locality,  he  allowed  his  mare  to 
proceed,  while  he  again  overwhelmed  himself  with  vain 
reproaches. 

"  To  think  that  it  should  be  this  hand  that  should 
deprive  my  old  comrade  of  his  life!"  he  exclaimed, 
clenching  his  right  fist  violently.  "  To  deprive  him  of 
it,  too,  just  at  the  moment  when  his  future  began  to 
look  bright  and  worth  living  for!  The  prophecy  is 
fulfilled.  How  strange  that  it  should  be  so  1  If  I  re- 
ceived some  intimation  of  my  own  fate,  J  should  be  far 
from  disregarding  it  now,  however  unlikely  it  might 
appear. 

"  And  what  is  to  be  the  end  of  all  ?"  he  asked  him- 
self, at  length.  j*  I  stand  alone.  One  by  one  my 
cherished  companions  have  fallen,  and  I  am  left  alone 
— alone :  no,  not  alone — that  can  never  be  while  Black 
Bess  is  with  me.  May  I  never  live  to  see  the  day  that 
she  is  taken  from  me !  If  the  day  ever  does  come,  I 
shall  be  desolate  indeed." 

He  patted  her  neok  fondly  while  he  spoke,  and  Black 
Bess  testified  to  the  pleasure  she  felt  at  this  recog- 
nition on  the  part  of  her  master. 

He  little  thought  how  close  the  timo  was  when  this 
separation  would  take  place,  and  how  soon  he  would 
have  to  experience  the  intense  bitterness  of  utter 
desolation. 

A  moment  afterwards,  and  he  paused  at  the  old  toll- 
gate, 

"Here's  a  guinea,"  said  Dick,  as  he  flung  the  coin 
named  to  the  tollkeeper.  "  I  always  choose  to  pay  in 
advance  The  next  timo  yon  see  me  coming,  mind  you 
havothe  gate  open." 

"  All  right,  your  honour,"  returned  the  man,  placing 
one  finger  at  the  side  of  his  nose  and  shaking  his  head 
in  a  very  knowing  manner.    "  Don't  you  trouble  about 
that." 
Dick  rode  on  very  leisurely. 

He  had  no  motive  for  making  unusual  speed,  for  he 
had  no  idea  that  he  was  pursued. 

It  was  easy  to  see  that  he  was  thinking  deeply ,  no 
doubt  he  was  endeavouring  to  decide  upon  some 
course  of  future  action.  * 

There  were  many  difficulties  in  the  way  of  this,  and 
before  he  had  at  all  overcome  his  perplexity  he  was 
aroused  by  a  peculiar  sound  that  Black  Bess  gave 
utterance  to. 

"Hilloa  1"  he  cried.  "  What  does  this  mean  ?  Steady, 
old  lass— steady — steady!  Can  yon  hear  anything— 
eh  P" 


BLACK    BESS  ;     OR, 


Black  Bess  came  to  a  full  stop,  as  thongh  to  allow  her  I 
master  the  opportunity  of  listening. 

Dick  turned  half  round  in  the  saddle,  and  placed  his 
hand  to  his  ear. 

"Horsemen  are  coming,"  he  said;  "bat  surely  not  in 
pursuit  of  me.  No — no.  If  so,  I  should  have  heard  of  them 
long  ere  this.  I  will  go  quietly,  and  keep  a  sharp  look- 
out." 

It  may  seem  strange  that  Dick  did  not  seek  safety  in 
instant  flight;  but  just  then,  to  tell  the  truth,  he 
was  not  in  the  mood  for  taking  active  measures  of  any 
kind. 

The  great  incentives  to  preserve  his  life  and  liberty  no 
more  existed — life  was  a  thing  which  ho  had  ceased  to 
prize. 

The  lapse  of  a  few  seconds  rendered  it  beyond  doubt 
that  horsemen  were  coming — not  in  very  large  numbers, 
but  at  an  unusually  rapid  rate. 

"  I  will  make  sure  whether  they  are  after  me  or  not," 
be  muttered.  "  I  won't  take  a  long  ride  into  the  country 
unnecessarily,  I  am  determined." 

So  saying,  he  caused  his  mare  to  turn  her  face  towards 
the  direction  whence  the  sounds  came,  and  calmly  waited 
to  find  out  whether  his  conjectures  were  well  or  ill- 
founded. 

He  was  not  allowed  to  remain  very  long  in  his  state  of 
incertitude. 

Although  the  night  was  dark,  he  presently  made  out 
the  forms  of  approaching  moc&ied  men,  nor  did  he  re- 
quire ttoem  to  come  very  close  for  him  to  be  certain  that 
they  were  police  officers. 

It  seemed,  however,  that  it  was.  close  enough  for  them 
to  see  him,  and  consequent  upon  this  discovery  they  all 
set  up  a  loud  shout. 

There  were  in  all  about  eight  well-mounted  men,  all 
intent  upon  the  capture  of  the  highwayman. 

But  the  sight  of  so  many  armed  men  close  to  him,  and 
literally  thirsting  for  his  blood,  caused  him  no  sensations 
of  dismay. 

On  the  contrary,  it  would  seem  as  though  the  mere 
sight  of  them  did  much  towards  bringing  back  some  of 
his  old  boldness  of  demeanour. 

Be  this  how  it  may,  it  is  a  fact  that  his  manner  under- 
went a  great  alteration. 

In  the  first  place,  he  took  off  his  hat  and,  after  waving 
it  in  an  elaborate  fashion  in  the  air,  made  an  ironical 
bow. 

Then,  raising  his  voice,  he  exclaimed  : 

"  If  you  are  inclined  for  a  good  long  ride  along  the  Old 
North  Road,  I  shall  not  for  a  moment  think  of  baulking 
your  desires.  You  will  excuse  me  taking  the  precedence 
of  you,  but  I  allow  no  one  to  ride  before  me  unless  he  has 
proved  himself  to  be  a  better  man  than  I  am  myself. 
Besides,  I  shall  be  able  to  clear  the  way  of  all  obstruc- 
tions, and  all  you  have  to  do  is  to  follow  me  just  so  far  as 
your  inclination  may  lead  you." 

The  reader  may  perhaps  be  able  to  imagine  how  in- 
tensely aggravating  these  bantering  words  were  to  the 
police  officers. 

They  heard  nearly  every  syllable  that  fell  from  Dick's 
lips — so  close,  in  fact,  were  they  that  the  foremost  of  the 
troop  made  a  trial  with  his  pistol. 

But  the  bullet  whistled  harmlessly  past  the  highway- 
man, who,  again  bowing  profoundly,  replaced  his  hat  and 
rode  away  at  a  round  pace,  yet  by  no  means  so  quickly 
as  to  take  him  out  of  sight  of  his  enemies. 

The  police  officers  were  frantic  with  rage. 

"Ourse  the  villain!"  cried  the  one  who  had  fired  the 
pistol.  "  It  is  bad  enough  to  put  up  with  the  annoyance  of 
failing  continually,  but  to  be  insulted  and  braved  in  this 
fashion  is  outrageous.  But  come  on,  my  boys,  the  devil 
himself  must  have  led  him  on  to  this  road,  for.  as  you 
know,  Mr.  Skellum  is  somewhere  on  this  road.  If  he  falls 
in  with  this  rascal  he'll  make  him  change  his  tuna,  111 
warrant !" 

"Push  on,  then,"  sun*  another  voice.  "We  ought  to 
keep  close  behind,  and  by  no  means  lose  sight  of  him ; 
then,  should  he  come  tip  with  Mr.  Skellum,  he  will  find 
himself  between  two  fixes,  d — n  him  !" 

The  last  two  words  were  spoken  with  so  much  emphasis 
that  all  the  rest  laughed  loudly. 

"There  he  goes!"  said  another.  "Look — look!  He 
Is  behind  those  fir  trees  now !  Tou  will  see  him  again  in 
a  moment.     Tes — yes.  there  he  is !" 


In  effect,  while  the  officer  thus  spoke,  Dick  Turpli 
emerged  from  the  protecting  shadow  of  some  tall  tree* 
that  grew  by  the  wayside,  and  could  now  be  distinctly 
seen. 

The  officers  finding  that  his  speed  was  not  very  ex- 
traordinary, became  at  once  flushed  with  hopes  of  success, 
and  plied  whip  and  spur  most  vigorously. 

What  added  most,  however,  to  the  anticipation  of  suc- 
cess was  the  fact  that  Mr.  Skellum  was  on  the  road  before 
them  at  the  head  of  another  troop. 

After  what  he  had  accomplished  all  began  to  sho* 
Skellum  a  great  deal  of  attention,  and  place  great  belief  in 
his  powers. 

"I  will  tire  them  out,"  said  Dick,  mentally,  as  he  kept 
Black  Bess  rather  tight  in  hand.  "  I  should  like  to  know 
how  far  they  would  follow  me." 

"  There's  something  the  matter  with  his  horse,"  was 
the  impression  of  the  police  officers.  "  Hurrah!  we 
shall  have  him  to-night  after  all !  There  must  be  some- 
thing the  matter  that  prevents  him  from  going  any 
faster." 

This,  as  the  reader  knows,  was  an  entirely  erroneous 
idea;  but  it  was  quite  a  feasible  thing  to  the  officers,  and 
it  formed  for  them  an  additional  and  powerful  ince«**ve  to 
make  every  exertion. 


CHAPTER   MXOIIL 

DICK  TURPIN   COMMENCES   HIS   LONG    RIDE. 

The  excitement  caused  by  finding  himself  thus  closely 
pursued  was  most  agreeable  to  the  feelings  of  Dick  Turpin, 
for  it  prevented  him  from  dwelling  upon  those  terrible 
events  which  had  so  weighed  him  down. 

While  galloping  along  the  high-road  with  half  a  score 
of  well-armed  police  officers  in  the  rear,  all  intent  upon 
his  destruction,  it  was  hard  to  turn  his  thoughts  to  other 
matters. 

The  feeling  to  Dick  was  similar  to  that  experienced  by 
anyone  who  unexpectedly  finds  an  entire  relief  from 
bodily  pain. 

"  They  will  find  me  in  the  humour  to  ride,"  he  said,  as 
he  glanced  behind  him.  "  I  only  hope  they  will  not  soon 
tire.  They  are  coming  on  too  fast,  however,  to  be  able  to 
keep  up  the  pace." 

To  the  utter  astonishment,  then,  of  the  police  officers 
Dick  continued  to  keep  just  such  a  distance  before  them 
as  to  be  out  of  the  range  of  their  pistols  ;  and,  strangest 
of  all,  no  matter  how  great  their  efforts,  they  could  not 
reduce  this  distance  one  inch. 

Suddenly,  however,  Dick  was  warned  by  Bess  that 
some  one  was  approaching  in  front,  for  he  was  too  much 
occupied  to  notice  the  circumstance  himself. 

It  was  now  a  little  lighter  than  it  had  been,  for  the 
moon  had  reached  <3  point  where  the  clouds  were  less 
opaque  than  elsewhere,  and,  consequently,  a  dim  light  was 
shed  all  around, 

Turpin  locked  very  attentively  in  front,  and,  in  less 
than  a  moment  he  made  out  the  forms  of  five  horse- 
men. 

His  first  thought,  of  course,  was  that  they  must  be 
police  officers,  but  this  he  found  to  be  an  error. 

By  the  careless  way  in  which  they  rode  along,  chatting 
to  each  other,  and  occasionally  indulging  in  a  laugh  that 
rang  out  sharply  in  the  clear  air,  it  seemed  certain  that 
they  were  gentlemen  devoid  of  any  particular  business, 
and  merely  riding  for  amusement. 

At  the  outset  Dick  had  drawn  a  pistol,  but  now  he  re- 
turned the  weapon  to  the  holster. 

In  reconnoitring  those  in  advance,  he  had  unwittingly 
fallen  further  into  the  rear  than  was  prudent. 

The  officers,  elate  with  anticipated  triumph,  redoubled 
their  efforts. 

They  caught  sight  of  the  approaching  horsemen,  and 
set  up  such  a  shout  as  instantly  drew  their  attention  to 
them. 

"Stop  him!"  they  bawled,  at  the  top  of  their  lungs— 
"stop  him!  A  highwayman — a  highwayman!  Stop 
him  !     A  hundred  pounds  reward !" 

Owing  to  the  stillness  of  the  night,  for  there  was  no 
,  sound  save  that  produced  by  the  iron-shod  hoofs  of  tu» 


r&B  KNIGHT  *t   THB  KOAD 


1993 


horses,  these  words  were  distinctly  heard  by  the  gentle- 
men in  front. 

For  s  second  they  seemed  so  surprised  as  to  be  incapable 
of  action,  but  recovering  themselves  quickly,  they  placed 
themselves  in  a  line  across  the  roadway,  doubtless  think- 
ing that  the  adoption  of  this  course  wou'd  stay  the  fur- 
ther progress  of  the  fugitive. 

But  they  knew  not  the  man  with  whom  they  had  to 
deal. 

"  Stand  firm !"  trawled  the  officers.  "Whatever  you 
do,  stand  firm  I    A  hundred  pounds  reward !" 

The  gentlemen  seemed  fully  inclined  to  obey  this  com- 
mand. 

Dick  spoke  to  Black  Bess. 

It  was  only  one  word  that  he  pronounced,  accompanied 
by  a  slackening  of  the  rein. 

But  the  effect  was  as  immediate  as  extraordinary. 

At  one  bound  she  changed  the  gentle  rate  at  which 
he  had  been  going  to  her  old  tremendous  swinging  gal- 
lop. 

The  onward  rush  of  the  highwayman  and  his  steed 
can  now  be  compared  to  nothing  but  a  whirlwind. 

"Stand  aside  !"  he  cried,  in  a  loud  voice,  that  made  it- 
self distinctly  heard  above  everything  else.  "  Stt  nd 
aside,  or  your  death  be  on  your  own  heads !" 

The  furious  onward  rush  of  the  highwayman  dismayed 
the  travellers. 

With  more  alacrity  than  was  compatible  with  either 
dignity  or  courage,  they  drew  to  one  side  and  allowed  the 
furious  horseman  free  passage. 

There  was  a  bend  in  the  road  not  very  far  in  advance, 
and  round  this  Black  Bess  sped  at  the  same  rate,  and  was 
then  entirely  lost  to  view,  though  the  sharp  clatter 
of  her  hoofs  upon  the  stony  roadway  could  still  be 
heard. 

Upon  seeing  what  we  have  described  take  place,  the 
officers  gave  vent  to  the  most  awful  imprecations  con- 
ceivable. 

So  enraged  were  they  at  the  pusillanimity  of  tne  tra- 
vellers that  they  chose  rather  to  pull  up  their  horses  and 
pour  out  their  abuse  than  continue  the  pursuit. 

"D — n  ye  for  fine  curs!"  said  the  first  constable,  who 
followed  on  witli  some  flowers  of  speech  best  left  unex- 
pressed. "  Why  couldn't  you  stand  firm  and  bar  his  pas- 
sage ?  If  you  had  only  shown  a  little  firmness,  he  would 
have  been  in  our  hands  by  now." 

"  Do  you  know  who  you  are  talking  to,  sirrah  I"  cried 
one  of  the  travellers. 

"Yes,"  was  the  angry  reply — "a  set  of  d — d  white- 
livered  hounds  that  couldn't  stop  a  single  man  among 
you !" 

"  You  shall  smart  for  this  conduct !"  said  another  tra- 
veller. "  Things  have  come  to  a  fine  pass  indeed  when 
gentlemen  can  be  abused  by  a  set  of  d — d  scum-of-the- 
earth  police  officers  !  Get  out  of  the  way,  and  let  us  ride 
on  1" 

"  Yes,  we'll  get  out  of  the  way,  never  fear !"  was  the 
sneering  response.  »4  And  the  next  time  you  come  out 
you  had  better  bring  your  wet  nurses  with  you  !  Oome 
on,  lads!"  he  added  —  "its  no  good  dilly-dallying 
here!" 

So  saying,  he  rode  on,  followed  swiftly  by  his  com- 
panions, all  of  whom  amused  themselves  by  cursing  and 
swearing  and  saying  what  might  have  been  done  if  the 
travellers  had  only  showed  a  bold  front. 

The  travellers,   meanwhile— who    happened   to   be   a 
party  of  noblemen — rode  towards  London,  vowing  ven- 
geance upon  all  the  police  officers  in  the  land. 
We  will  leave  both  parties  to  follow  Dick  Turpin. 

When  Black  Bess  bounded  off  at  the  tremendous  pace 
we  have  mentioned,  her  rider's  sensations  were  those  of 
joy  and  triumph,  succeeded  by  the  consciousness  that  the 
headlong  rate  at  which  they  were  now  going  was  e»en 
more  exciting  still. 

Away,  then,  he  flew,  for  he  allowed  the  rein*  to  fall 
loosely  on  his  coursar^a  back,  and  let  her  go  at  what  speed 
she  chose. 

What  distance  alemg  the  high-road  was  travelled  in 
this  manner  he  had  no  clear  idea,  but  all  at  once  he  per- 
ceived several  twinkling  lights. 

"  That  must  be  Edmonton,"  he  said,  to  himself.     "  W 
have  come  further  than  I  thought.     No  matter,  I  V  ;« 
distanced  them  now,  no  doubt,   for  they  would  &>ver 
think  of  continuing  the  chase  after  seeiner  Bess  Uv  out 


in  the  way  she  did.  It  would  be  madness  on  their  part 
to  think  of  overtaking  her.  I  will  just  go  on  as  far  as 
the  Old  Bell,  and  stop  there  awhile.  There  is  time  yet," 
he  added,  with  a  heavy  sigh — "  plenty  of  time  for  me  to 
decide  what  I  am  to  do  in  the  future." 

By  slow  degrees  he  reduced  his  mare's  gallop  so  as 
not  to  enter  the  village  at  such  a  speed  as  to  excito  toe 
much  attention,  and  after  th*  lapse  of  a  few  mo- 
ment? Milled  up  in  front  of  tne  ancient,  well-known 
inn. 

Many  lights  were  shining  trom  the  various  windows, 
and  sounds  of  high  revelry  reached  his  ears,  as  though 
some  unusual  merry-making  was  going  on  within. 

A  moment  or  two  elapsed  before  the  ostler  made  his 
appearance,  and  the  delay  caused  Dick  to  alter  his 
mind. 

"No — no,"  he  muttered.  "Be  it  how  it  may,  I  will 
not  stop  here.  Such  mirth  and  jollity  as  now  take  place 
beneath  the  old  roof  would  jar  too  painfully  upon  me. 
I  will  have  something  now  I  have  stopped,  and  so 
shall  Bess ;  but  I  will  not  aflght — no — no — I  will  not 
alight!" 

Just  as  he  had  arrived  at  this  determination  the  ostler 
came  forward. 

"  Humbly  beg  your  pardon,  sir,  for  keeping  you  here 
waiting  for  so  long,  but,  you  see,  to-night  is  an  uncommon 
busy  one.  I'm  most  run  off  my  legs.  What  might  your 
honour  want  ?" 

"  A  bucket  of  water  with  a  pound  of  oatmeal  in  it,  a 
whisp  of  hay,  and  a  glass  of  the  best  brandy  you  have  in 
the  house." 

"  Right,  sir.    Will  you  step  inside  ?" 

"  No,  I  will  stay  here — be  quick." 

"  Depend  upon  me,  your  honour." 

The  ostler  vanished,  and  Dick  looked  attentively  at  his 
mare. 

Few  persons  would  have  suspected  that  she  had  travelled 
so  far,  and  part  of  the  time  so  rapidly. 

Not  a  hair  was  turned. 

All  over  her  coat  was  as  glossy  and  sleek  as  velvet,  and 
her  respiration  scarcely,  if  at  all,  accelerated. 

The  nostrils  were  a  little  distended,  but  not  sufficiently 
so  as  to  attract  notice. 

"  Brave  Bess,"  said  Dick,  patting  her  fondly,  while  his 
heart  throbbed  and  his  eyes  glistened  with  joy  and  pride. 
"  There  may  have  been  your  equal  in  the  world  before, 
and  there  may  be  in  time  to  come,  but  I  doubt  both.  I 
have  never  tried  your  mettle  yet,  but  you  could  accomplish 
a  miracle,  old  lass,  I  will  be  bound  you  could,  if  you  were 
only  put  to  it.  You  are  the  only  earthly  possession  I  have 
left  now,"  he  added,  in  a  subdued  voice,  and  with  a  fresh 
access  of  emotion. 

Just  then  the  ostler  appeared,  carrying  with  him  the 
articles  ordered. 

The  refreshment  was  truly  welcome  to  both,  especially 
to  Dick,  who  felt  like  one  parched  with  fever. 

The  liquor  he  had  called  for  was  not  at  all  calculated  to 
allay  his  thirst ;  but  he  never  thought  of  that,  and 
swallowed  the  fiery  spirit  at  a  draught. 

"Put  the  hay  in  the  rack,"  he  said,  "and  leave  her  the 
bucket  There  is  no  occasion  for  hurry;  and  get  me 
another  glass." 

"  Of  brandy,  sir  ?" 

"  Yes,  a  larger  glass  than  that." 

The  ostler  hurried  off,  and  almost  immediately  reap- 
peared, carrying  a  glass  in  one  hand  and  a  bottle  in  the 
other. 

"  This  has  only  just  been  uncorked,"  he  said,  "  and  yon 
can  have  just  as  much  as  you  like." 

The  glass  was  a  rather  large  goblet. 

Dick  filled  it  to  the  brim. 

"Drink  the  rest  yourself,"  he  cried,  giving  back  the 
bottle,  "and  drink  to  the  boa-lth  of  the  best  steed  in 
England." 

As  he  spoke,  he  drank  dewply  of  the  contents  of  the 
glass — so  deeply  as  to  make  the  ostler  open  his  eyes  to  a 
most  unusual  width. 

But,  for  all  that,  he  did  not  neglect  the  toast. 

Disdaining  the  luxury  of  a  glass,  he  placed  the  neck  of 
'  the  bottle  between  his  lips  and  allowed  the  brandy  to 
gurgle  down  his  throat. 

*  The  best  steed  in  England !"  he  ejaculated,  as  eocn  *i 
he  had  recovered  breath  after  his  draugnt.     "  And  ni*» 


make  so  bold  as  to  aak  which  that  ia  ?' 


1896 


BUCK   BS88;   OB, 


*•  This,"  answered  Dick,  stroking  the  beautiful  arched 
neck  of  Black  Bess.     m 

u  That  ?"  said  the  ostler,  looking  at  her  with  a  critical 
eye.  "  Well,  bo  far  as  I  can  tell,  I  should  think  you  are 
not  far  off  the  mark." 

"  I  am  sure  I  am  not,"  said  Turpin,  finishing  his  huge 
draught,  and  speaking  with  an  enthusiasm  that  might  hare 
been  in  part  caused  by  what  he  had  drunk. 

At  this  moment  a  loud  yelling  sound  broke  th<» 
silence. 

Dick  had  so  completely  gi>ou  up  the  idea  thai  be  was 
pursued  that  he  had  never  listened,  and  consequently 
had  failed  to  hear  the  rattling  of  horses'  hoofs  in 
the  distance  which  had  been  audible  for  som»  mo 
ments. 

Looking  up  now,  he  was  astoniarwd  to  find  his  pursuers 
within  a  few  yards  of  him. 

How  they  had  managed  to  get  up  with  him  so  quickly 
passed  his  comprehension. 

They  saw  him,  too.  The  yelling  shout  was  sufficiently 
indicative  of  that  fact. 

"Those  gentlemen  seem  troubled  about  something," 
he  said,  in  a  calm  voice,  as  he  slowly  placed  the  empty 
glass  in  the  ostler's  outstretched  hand.  "I  wonder 
what  is  the  matter  ?  However,  it  is  no  business  of  mine. 
Goodnight!" 


OHAPTEB  MXOIV. 

DICK  TURPIN  TELLS  HIS  FOES   THAT    THEY    WILL    HEAR  OF 
HIM  IN   YORK. 

Tob  presence  of  the  police  officers  at  Edmonton   at  that 

iunoture,  although  well-nigh  incomprehensible  to   Dick 
Purpin,     was    like     many  other    seemingly  mysterious 
events,  one  of  the  simplest  things  in  the  world. 

The  reader  will  remember  what  has  been  said  about 
Mr.  Skellum's  arrangements  for  relays  of  horses 

Now  it  so  happened  that  on  the  North  Road,  Totten- 
ham was  the  first  place  beyond  London  appointed  for 
that  purpose. 

Through  this  village  Dick  had  gone  at  headlong 
speed. 

The  officers,  however,  burning  with  resentment  and 
more  determined  than  ever  after  what  had  occurred  that 
they  would  not  lose  sight  of  the  fugitive,  knowing  that 
fresh  horses  could  be  had  at  such  a  short  distaco*  ahee/i, 
urged  the  exhausted  beasts  they  bestrode  to  make  yet 
greater  speed. 

Arriving  at  Tottenham,  only  the  briefest  possible  delay 
took  place. 

It  happened  also  that  the  steeds  which  they  pro- 
cured in  exchange  were  of  far  more  than  ordinary  quality, 
and  consequently  by  dint  of  perpetually  belabouring  the 
animals  with  the  stocks  of  their  heavy  whips,  and  goring 
them  with  their  spurs,  they  succeeded  in  reaching  Edmon- 
ton as  we  have  described. 

But  such  was  the  violence  with  which  they  had  treated 
their  horses  immediately  after  coming  out  of  the  stable 
that  they  were  now  nearly  half  blown,  and  exhibited 
many  signs  of  distress. 

"  Death  and  the  devil !"  said  the  foremost,  furiously,  to 
the  wondering  ostler.  "  Why  didn't  you  stop  that  man  ? 
There's  a  couple  of  thousand  pounds  to  be  had  for  his 
head !    That  is  Dick  Turpin,  the  highwayman  1" 

•*  Blow  me  1"  ejaculated  the  ostler,  with  great  emphasis. 
"  Why,  I  might  nave  known  it." 

"Oi  course  you  might!  How  is  his  horse?— is  it 
fresh  ■", 

"  A  d— d  sight  fresher  nor  yourn  ?" 

"  Get  on,"  said  the  officer—"  don't  spare  the  horseflesh. 
We  have  not  to  take  these  many  miles.  If  we  keep  on 
his  track  we  must  run  him  down  at  last;  and  when 
he  is  deprived  of  his  horse  he  will  be  at  our  mercy  en- 
tirely." 

Cheered  by  this  prospeev,  the  officers  recommenced 
their  efforts,  and  in  a  few  moments  the  Old  Bell  Inn  at 
Edmonton  was  left  behind. 

What  encouraged  the  officers  still  more  was  that  every 
cow  and  then  the  light  wind  would  bring  to  their  ears 
faint  clatter  of  Bess's  hoofs,  showing  that  she  could 
*»»Gh  *  rery  long  distance  in  advance. 


Leaving  the  officers  to  continue  their  pursuit,  we  wil] 
again  accompany  the  highwayman. 

As  might  be  expected,  the  fumes  of  the  vast  quantity  of 
brandy  he  1  ad  awallewed  began  to  mount  up  to  his  brain, 
which,  add\sd  to  the  exhilaration  produced  by  his  hard 
riding,  caused  a  most  unusual  elation  of  spirits. 

That  kMid  of  oblivion  of  unpleasant  recollections  which 
follows  partial  intoxication  wrought  its  full  effect  upon 
him 

At  first  ne  pondered  *  little  upon  «u«  means  by  which 
his  foes  had  been  enabled  to  get  so  close  upon  his  heels ; 
but  after  a  few  moments  this  became  too  perplexing  and 
tiresome  for  his  faculties  to  carry  out 

u  They  seem  in  a  mood  to  chase  me,"  be  muttered,  as  he 
brought  his  mare  to  a  walk,  for  a  long  and  steep  hill  lay 
before  him.  n  It  is  doubling  the  reward  that  has  done  it, 
I  suppose.  Well — well,  I  will  give  them  such  a  tiring  as 
will  make  them  think  twice  before  they  attempt  to  chase 
me  again." 

As  Dick  would  not  allow  Black  Bess  to  ascend  this  hill 
except  at  a  walk,  it  follows  that  it  took  a  considerable 
length  of  time  to  reach  the  summit. 

The  officers,  who  had  not  for  a  moment  ceased  to  flog 
their  horses,  consequently  gained  upon  him. 

It  was  while  slowly  ascending  that  the  idea  of  riding 
to  York  first  occurred  to  him. 

"  Bess,  old  lass,"  he  muttered,  half  aloud  and  half  to 
himself,  "  no  one  knows  the  extent  of  your  powers  yet. 
Let  me  think.  My  determination— my  irrevocable  resolu- 
tion is  to  quit  my  occupation  of  highwayman  at  once  and 
for  ever.  Good !  But,  Bess,  old  lass,  shall  we,  who  have 
made  together  so  great  a  reputation  in  the  world — I  say, 
shall  we  drop  out  of  it  thus  obscurely  ? — shall  we  vanish 
without  a  sign,  and  so  suffer  our  glories  to  be  quite 
eclipsed  ?  No,  no,"  he  added,  in  an  exultant  voice,  for  the 
brandy  now  was  working  its  full  influence  upon  him — 
"no,  no!  Before  we  quit  this  scene  we  will  do  that 
which  shall  cause  us  both  to  be  remembered  and  spoken 
of  throughout  all  future  time.  Yes,  yes,"  he  cried,  with 
growing  excitement,  "  we  will  do  that  which  no  one  has 
done  yet,  and  which  most  probably  no  one  will  ever  at- 
tempt to  do  again.  We  will  ride  to  York — to  York :  yes, 
yes — from  London  to  York !  Let  me  think.  That  is  two 
hundred  miles  or  thereabouts,  and  the  fnstost  coach  takes 
four  days  and  nights.  Ha,  ha  ! — four  days  and  nights  !  It 
is  odd  to  me,  Bess,  if  we  do  not  do  it  in  less  than  twelve 
hours.  At  any  rate,  we  will  try.  What  say  you,  old  lass, 
shall  it  be  so  or  not  ?" 

Black  Bess  responded  by  that  answering  neigh  which 
she  always  gave  when  her  master  spoke  to  her. 

"  So  you  are  willing,  then  ?"  exclaimed  the  highway- 
man, "and  so  am  I.    It  shall  be  done!    At  sunset  to- 
morrow we  will  be  at  York." 
He  ratified  his  determination  with  an  oath. 
But  the  summit  of  the  bill  was  now  reached. 
Instead  of  immediately  commencing  the  descent-  how- 
ever, he  came  to  a  complete  stop,  and  turned  round  so  sa 
to  face  his  pursuers  who,  by   dint  of  the  almost  super- 
human exertions  they  had  incessantly  made,  were  about 
half  way  up  the  hill. 

Just  at  this  moment  the  moon  peeped  down  at  what  was 
going  forward. 

To  Dick  and  his  foes,  who  had  been  for  so  long  ia  ob- 
scurity, her  light  seemed  absolutely  brilliant :  they  could 
distinguish  all  around  them  with  great  ease  and  plain- 
ness. 

"  D — n  his  impudence  I"  said  the  foremost  officer.  "  Why 
he  is  standing  stock  still.  Is  he  going  to  stop  there  and 
let  us  take  him  ?" 

"  No  fear,"  growled  one  of  bis  companions.  "  Yon  had 
better  look  out.    I  am  sure  he  means  mischief." 

"  Push  on — push  on !  If  he  will  only  remain  where  he 
is  a  little  longer  he  will  be  within  range,  and  then,  at  all 
risks,  I  will  take  a  shot  at  him." 

Dick  calmly  awaited  their  approamn,  and  when  they  had 
got  to  what  seemed  a  most  dangerous  proximity  he  took 
off  his  hat  and  bowed  in  the  same  insulting  manner  as 
before. 

"  Gentlemen  all,"  he  said,  *  I  have  a  few  remarks  to 
make  to  you." 

Hearing  him  speak,  the  officers  mechanically  checked 
their  steeds  and  listened  intently. 

The  tired  beasts  readily  came  to  •  standstill,  and  over 
and  above  their  loud  panting,  they  heard  Dick  say  i 


THU  K..N1QHX   OF  1HB   ROAD. 


No.  288.— Blaok  Bew, 
No.  2a3. 


PnicB  One  Halfphixny. 
iVo.  239  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


i*cs 


BLACK    BSS8  J    OS, 


"Yon  seem  w  me,  gentlemen,  to  be  like  I  am— that  is, 
is:-!  in  tho  humonr  for  a  long  ride,  if  you  like  to  accom- 
pany rue  upon  my  jourooy,  well  and  good  ;  I  have  no  ob- 
jection— not  the  leant  m  the  world ;  but  it  wiii  try  year 
mettle.  Gentlemen,"  he  added,  in  a  etill  louder  voice,  "  if 
you  wantaie,  you  will  find  me  to-morrow  morning  at  the 
old  Bowling  Greon  la  the  city  of  York ;  till  then,  faro- 
well  I" 

As  he  pronoafc^-ed  the  last  words,  Lb  again  w»"ai'  big 
hat.  * 

Then,  turning  round  with  surprising  swiftness,  ho  lei 
go  the  rein,  and  away  Biack  Bess  flew  down  the  steep 
declivity  at  what  seemed  to  ba  a  breakneck  pace. 

Just  as  he  started,  many  bullets  whistled  about  his 
ears,  for  the  officers  had  recovered  from  their  first  aston- 
ishment. 

Loud  and  deep  were  the  curses  they  breathed  upon  his 
audacity ;  but  the  object  of  their  anger  was  unhurt,  and 
was  speeding  along  the  high-road  at  a  rate  that  seemed  to 
set  all  probability  of  successful  pursuit  at  defiance. 

But  the  officers  had  the  utmost  faith  in  the  arrange- 
ments mado  by  Mr.  Skellum,  for  whom,  by-the-by,  they 
had  been  for  eome  long  time  past  on  the  look-out. 

Every  moment  they  had  expected  him  to  join  them  ; 
but  now,  as  they  got  farther  and  farther  away  from 
London,  their  hopes  began  to  wa.ee,  because  of  their  im- 
pression that  he  would  have  had  no  object  for  riding  so  far 
away. 

Although  the  police  officers  came  down  the  long,  steep 
hill  with  all  the  spf-ed  their  horses  were  capable  of  mak- 
ing, and  incurring  no  inconsiderable  risk  in  so  doing,  yet 
the  reader  will  not  be  surprised  to  hear  that  when  they 
reached  the  level  road  Dick  Turpin  and  Black  Bess  were 
out  of  sight. 

The  next  changing-place  was  only  about  eight  miles 
farther  on,  and  so  they  did  not  scruple  to  urge  their 
horses  as  before. 

All  at  once,  however,  the  attention  of  all  was  attracted 
Oy  aery  given  by  one  of  their  number. 

"Look  there,"  he  cried,  in  a  somewhat  excited  tone  of 
voice,  and  pointing  with  bis  whip  across  the  open  country 
as  he  spoke — "  look  there  1     Do  you  seo  who  is  coming  ?" 

"Who — who?"  asked  several  anxious  voices. 

"Who? — why,  Mr.  Skellum,  to  be  sure !  Can't  you 
see  him  ?     I  could  tell  him  a  mile  off." 

"  Yes---ye3,  I  do  believe  it  is;  and  what  is  more,  if 
that  is  not  Bill  Jinks  who  is  riding  next  to  him  it  is  odd 
to  me." 

"  What  is  to  bo  done  ?" 

"  Why,  we  will  wait  here  a  moment  and  signal  to  hirr 
We  shall  perhaps  get  in  for  it  if  we  doa't  let  him  know 
just  how  matters  are  at  present." 

"Of  course  we  shall,"  assented  another  voice ;  "  though 
why  he  should  be  over  in  that  direction  I  cannot 
imagine." 

There  was  little  need  to  mako  any  signals  to  Mr. 
Skellum,  since  ho  had  already  caught  sight  of  the  troop  of 
police  officers,  and  was  making  his  tvay  in  a  direct  hue 
towards  them. 

A  few  moments  elapsed  before  his  arrival. 

He  was  most  anxious  to  lr>aru  tie  news. 

As  fioon  as  he  heard  that  Dick  Turpin  had  undoubtedly 
passed  by  such  a  short  time  before,  he  uttered  a  bowl  of 
rage,  and  then  his  vexation  waxed  so  great  that  he  pulled 
off  his  three-cornered  hat  and  flung  it  on  the  ground 
with  furious  violence. 

It  was  immediately  trampled  into  the  mud  by  the  hoofs 
of  the  horses. 

"  Fool— ass  that  I  have  been  1"  were  the  fh-st  words  he 
ejaculated  ;  and  he  seemed  more  than  half  iuciined  to 
fling  his  dingy-looking  wig  down  too. 

The  officers  looked  on  in  surprise 

"Here  have  I  been  riding  myself  nearly  to  death, 
thinking  Dick  Turpin  was  before  mo.  s.nd  now  I  am  con- 
vinced it  was  some  one  else.  I  to  told  it  was  Captain 
Hawk  ;  but  I  would  not  believe  it." 

"Ci^iUin  Hawk?  Have  yon  been  fu  pursuit  «r* 
him  r>" 

"  Dian't  X  say  so  ?"   * 

"And  you  have  not  captured  feira?" 

"  No  fear.     He  rides  like  Dick  Turpin  himself  .n 

"  We  shall  have  no  little  trouble  with  him,  I  expect 


'  Unquestionably." 

•"  How  do  you  know  ? J 

*  Because  he  told  us  that  (J  se  vr&nt*<l  him,  we  thcald 
find  him  to-morrow  morning  at  the  fowling  (Jrcea  at 
York.* 

"  At  where  ?"  bawled  Sksllnm. 

'■  At  York." 

"  At  the  devil  mora  likely  I  but  "—ami  here  Mr. 
frkellura  seemed  to  speak  more  like  himself— "if  It  ia 
really  his  intention  to  ride  to  York  hid  fate  is  sealed  *' 

"  How  so?" 

"  Because  of  the  relays  I  have  upon  tne  road.  If  he 
keeps  to  the  highway,  we  shall  be  able,  by  our  frequent 
chauges,  to  overtake  him  before  he  has  gone  half  the 
distance — ay,  or  a  quarter  of  it." 

Mr.  Skellum  spoke  with  ail  immense  amount  of  confi- 
dence; but  this  feeling  was  by  no  means  strongly  shared 
in  by  the  men,  who  considered  much  valuable  time  had 
been  lost. 

Out  Mr  Skellum  very  aocn  set  them  all  ia  motion 
again. 


CHAPTER  MXCV. 


OF 


BLACS     BESS     8AVKS     TI115     TOLLMAN     TUB     TROUBLE 
OrKMMQ    TI1S   TL'KM'IKE   GATE. 

Dick  Tci'.pin  did  not  attempt  to  lighten  rein  until  bo 
had  placed  at  least  twenty  miles  between  himself  and  the 
Spot  whore  he  had  spoken  to  the  officers. 

The  speed  Black  Be^s  had  made,  and  tho  style  in  which 
she  had  done  her  work,  filled  him  with  enthusiasm. 

If  possible,  he  felt  more  rertaiu  than  before  that  she 
would  be  able  to  accomplish  the  tremendous  journey  with 
comparative  ease. 

Although  he  was  now  something  like  thirty  miles 
from  Drury  Lane,  yet  Black  bess  did  uot  give  signs  of 
having  travelled  more  than  three. 

Slight  as  was  tho  restraint  he  placed  upon  her  with  tho 
view  of  moderating  hei  pace,  yet  she  chafed  terribly  be- 
neath it,  and  seemed  half  iuciined  for  once  in  the  way  to 
assert  that  she  had  a  will  of  her  own. 

'e  You  are  full  of  mettle,  my  old  lass,"  Dick  said,  as  ho 
patted  her  neck,  "and  you  are  begiuning  to  feel  a 
excited.     But    quiet,    Bess — quiet,    1  say  ! — I  don't  want 
you  to  exert   yourself  too  much  at  preseut.     You   must 
husband  your  resources,  for  you  have  real  need  of  doing 

80." 

As  he  pronounced  the  last  word3  he  compelled  her  to 
walk  ;  but  it  was  easy  to  see  that  so  far  from  being  sensible 
of  the  least  fatigue,  Black  Bess  was  just  sufficiently  heated 
to  be  desirous  to  do  more. 

To  see  the  way  in  which  she  would  at  time3  try  to 
change  her  present  snail-like  pace  to  gallop  would  almost 
induce  the  belief  that  she  was  conscious  of  the  task  that 
lay  before  her,  and  was  full  of  impatience  to  accomplish 
it  as  speedily  as  possible. 

The  country,  however,  was  now  of  a  more  uneven 
character  than  it  had  been,  and  Dick  continually  held  her 
in. 

In  this  way  five  more  miles,  or  thereabouts,  were  accom- 
plished, and  thon  he  perceived  in  trout  of  him  a  small, 
twiisklLtg  light. 

Drawing  closer,  he  found  that  it  proceeded  from  a  win- 
dow iu  the  gable-end  of  a  house,  which,  by  its  position, 
would  seem  to  be  a  roadside  inn. 

The  supposition  turned  out  correct,  and  Dick  resolved 
that  at  all  hazards  ho  would  let  his  mare  rest  there  for  a 
short  time. 

Tho  place  seemed  silent  and  deserted,  and  there  was 
little  to  fear  in  the  shape  of  an  interruption. 

The  trampling  of  hoofs  brought  forth  the  ostler,  who 
was,  indeed,  listening  for  and  expecting  an  arrival,  for 
this  was  one  of  Mr.  Skellum's  changing  places. 

Dick  alighted,  but  he  would  not  enter  the  house,  nor 
would  he  allow  Black  Bess  to  enter  the  stable. 

But  he  unloosed  the  saddlo  girths,  and  wholly  removed 
the  bridle,  so  as  to  relieve  her  mouth. 

Tnen  he  stood  by  and  saw  her  carefully  rubbed  down- 
Black  Bess  the  while  eating  a  little  hay  and  quenching 
her  thirst  with  water  iu  which  oatmeal  had  been  mixed 


in  a  liberal  proportion 
!      As  tho  time)  went  or 


on  without  any  sound  indicative  of 


"But  you  say  that  Dick  Turpin  himself  is  on  the  road  {  the  approach  of  his  roes  beiug  borne  to  his  ear-j.  Dick  be- 


beiore  us,  don't  you  ?" 


1  gen  to  think  that  ttey  had  abandoned  all  idea  of  ouraoii- 


nra  BLviorrr  o?  Tiia  ho  ad. 


1899 


Whether  this  was  so  or  not,  however,  be  was  deter* 
mined   not  to  relinquish  his  design. 

There  would  be  plenty  of  testimony  as  to  the  time 
when  he  left  London,  and  it  would  be  his  own   busiuesa 


Now  we  have  him!"  shouted  Sk^Jluru,  almost  frantic 
wah  excitement  ''Be  firm  and  resoiuto — he  cannot  es- 
c»w  |" 

^Then  ni*ing  his  voice,  he  bawled  aloud  to  the  to)J- 


to  arrange  that  the  hour  of  his  arrival  in  York  sLo.ilJ  bo    keeper 

correctly  noted.  j         fi  fcij bwayman — a  highwayman!    A  thousand  pounds 


"  My  lad,"  he  said  to  the  ostler  as  he  prepared  to  ride 
away,  "  if  you  are  asked,  you  need  not  be  quite  sure 
whether  I  am  Dick  Turoin,  but  you  can  say  I  am  g.'-'ng 
to  York.' 

He  threw  the  lad  a  crown-piece  as  he  spoke,  ana  r**« 
off,  leaving  the  ostler  in  a  state  ol  considerable  surpVw 
and  bewilderment. 

Dick  still  went  on  slowly. 

There  was  no  urgent  need  for  speed,  ind  he  kntn»  tee 
could  not  do  better  than  perform  the  Drst  half  of  hw  toGg 
journey  with  as  little  distress  and  estra  exertion  as 
possible. 

Ere  he  had  gone  far,  however,  his  quick  ears  caught  the 
souud  of  horses'  hoofs. 

But  the  clatter  died  away  again  almost  immediately, 
leaving  him  in  doubt  as  to  whether  his  ears  had  icrved 
him  righily. 

Not  for  long,  though,  was  he  left  in  this  state  of  in- 
decision. 

The  sound  broke  forth  igain,  and  this  time  with  a  clear- 
ness that  was  unquestionable. 

Dick  looked  behind  him.  , 

But  the  darkness  was  too  great  to  enao  <  dim  to  866 
very  far. 

"  I  should  like  to  know  whether  these  are  the  same 
officers  who  are  upon  my  track,"  he  muttered.  "  If  so,  1 
should  begin  to  think  they  were  in  earnest,  and  actually 
meant  to  follow  me.     I  will  stay  and  s    ■." 

There  was  no  need  to  alter  Bess's  present  speed,  for 
she  was  going  only  at  a  walk,  while  those  behind  were 
coming  at  a  hard  gallop. 

It  was  scarcely  likely  that  they  were  any  but  police 
officers ;  but  Dick  chose  to  be  quite  certain ;  besides,  tt 
might  have  been  a  little  bravado  on  his  part. 

At  length  they  came  in  sight. 

" They  are  the  police  officers,"  ejaculated  Dick;  "and 
it  is  odd  to  me  if  their  numbers  are  not  doubled.  They 
have  had  a  reinforcement  somewhere — they  are  certainly 
in  earnest." 

A  loud  cry  now  made  him  aware  that  he  was  eeen. 

Mr.  Skellum  was  full  of  exultation. 

"I  told  you  so!"  he  cried  to  his  followers.  "We  have 
only  to  stick  to  him  now  and  he  is  ours.  No  horse  can 
possibly  hold  out  against  the  relays  1  have  provided.  Beo 
how  we  have  gained  upon  him  already  J  Push  on — push 
on!" 

To  tell  the  truth,  the  officers  were  no  less  surprised 
than  encouraged  upon  finding  that  they  had  gained  upon 
the  highwayman  in  the  way  they  had  done ;  but  they 
■would  not  have  felt  half  so  ardent  had  they  been  in  full 
possession  ot  the  exact  facts  of  the  case  in  tho  same  way 
that  the  reader  is. 

On  the  othor  hand,  had  Dick  known  earlier  about  the 
relays  kept  constantly  in  readiness,  it  might  have  induced 
him  to  abandon  his  design. 

As  it  was.  they  began  to  think  with  their  leader,  that 
their  efforts  at  last  were  to  be  crowned  with  success. 

Dick,  finding  there  was  no  room  for  doubt  about  the 
character  of  his  pursuers,  rode  off,  though  uot  so  swifUy 
as  he  might  have  done,  for  he  felt  perfectly  certain  he 
could  show  them  a  clean  pair  of  hools  whenever  he  thought 
fit  to  do  so. 

But  there  was  an  obstacle  in  front  about  the  existence 
of  which  he  knew  nothing. 

Suddenly  sweeping  round  a  curve,  he  came  in  sight  of 
it. 

It  was  a  toll-gate,  and  as  the  hour  was  now  very  la>e, 
it  was  closed,  aud  so  double-locked. 

"Gate— gate!"  roared  Dick,  as  soon  as  ever  L*  j«r> 
ceived  the  obstruction.  "  Gate — gate  I  Quick— quick,  1 
say !" 

The  sound  of  his  voice  reached  tie  ears  of  the  tollman, 
and  he  at  once  sauntered  forth,  lsnteru  in  hand. 

"Quick — quick  1"  cried  Dick,  again,  ^ho  was  conmelW 
to  reduce  his  pace.    "  Open,  I  say — open !" 

Beloro  the  gatekeeper  could  make  auy  reply,  tho  officers 
eame  in  sight,  and  eet  up  a  yeU  like  a  rick  <>f  kungry 
wolvea  in  sight  of  their  prey. 


Esep  the   gate  shut !     Dcn't  open  it  for  the 


reward  I 
worH. !" 

The  tollman  was  so  astonished  that  it  is  questionable 
rrhpthet  he  undersv  od  what  was  said  to  him. 

Hut  this  astouishceut  w&3  quite  as  bad  to  Dick  as  a 
fixed  determination  tt  keep  fa3t  the  gate,  for  he  was  de- 
prived a!  action  altogether 

What  was  to  be  qoe*  y 

There  was  little  oi  no  time  to  deliberate  upon  this 
question. 

The  officers  were  fearfully  close  behind,  though  they 
did  uot  come  on  quite  so  fast  as  hitherto,  because  they 
were  getting  their  weapons  in  readiness  ind  preparing  for 
an  encounter. 

But  Dick's  mind  was  soon  made  up. 

ludend,  so  quickly  did  he  come  to  a  decision,  that  one 
woula  nave  thought  his  resolution  had  been  taken  long 
beforehand. 

"  Sirce  it  must  be  so,"  he  muttered,  !l  here  goes  '  You 
can  do  it,  Beaa,  1  know." 

With  these  words,  to  the  intense  amazement  of  every- 
body, ho  faced  ibout,  and  for,  perhaps,  the  space  of  a 
moment,  the  extraordinary  phenomenon  of  a  highwayman 
riding  full  tilt  at  advancing  officers  might  have  been 
observed. 

"  Stand  firm  !"  cried  Skellum,  it  the  top  of  his  voice. 

He  thought,  and  not  unreasonably,  that  Dick  intended 
to  make  a  bold  dash  through  their  ranks. 

"  Be  ready,"  ho  cried — "  here  he  comes!" 

The  officers  formed  themselves  into  a  compact  and  most 
formidable  barrier  icross  the  road. 

But  to  their  still  further  astonishment — not  to  jay  dis- 
may— Dick  faced  round  again  and  rode  towards  the  gate. 

Black  Bess  knew  what  wis  required  of  her. 

Collecting  all  her  energies,  she  roso  in  tho  air  and 
cleared  the  gate  in  most  beautiful  style,  her  hoofs  not  so 
much  as  grazing  tho  bristling  row  ol  spikes  with  which 
the  topmost,  bar  of  the  tollgate  mas  garnished. 

Of  course  the  reader  knows  Dick's  reason  far  riding 
back  towards  his  foes. 

It  was  bocau8e  be  was  too  clos6  to  the  gate  for  a  leap 
to  be  taken  safely 

By  adopting  the  course  described  he  was,  as  wo  have 
seen,  completely  successful. 

To  describe  tho  fury  and  disappointment  experienced 
by  the  officers  would  bo  far  boyoud  our  powers. 

They  were  absolutely  frantic,  but  none  more  so  than 
Mr.  Skellum. 

This  was  on  account  of  the  mistake  he  bad  made. 

But  for  falling  into  the  blunder  of  preparing  to  recciva 
Dick's  charge,  he  fancied  that  the  prize  might  now  have 
been  his. 

Now  the  chance  eec-ned  further  off  than  ever,  for  Black 
Bess  was  already  lost  to  sight  in  the  darkness,  though  the 
clatter  of  her  hoofs  and  her  rider's  mocking  laugh  of 
triumph  still  rang  in  his  ears. 

"Open  the  gate  now,  you  fool,  and  be  as  quick  as  yov 
can  about  it  1"  cried  Skellum. 

But  the  tollman  had  now  recovered  from  a  portion  of  hi* 
bewilderment. 

What  had  greatly  contributed  to  this,  was  the  know- 
ledge that  he  had  been  cheated  out  of  his  due* 

"  Who  are  you  calling  a  fool  ?"  he  askud,  angrily,  and 
without  moving  an  inch  towards  obeying  the  command 
he  had  received. 

"Come — come,"  said  Skellum,  making  »n  attempt  to 
mode^Ate  his  wrath,  "  open  the  gate  quickly,  or  we  shall 
!  >ose  uie  rascal  after  all." 

M  Give  me  the  money  first,  and  then  I  will."  was  tho 
dogged  answer. 

"  Open,  I  say !  We  are  i»ie  King's  officers  J  Boware 
how  you  obstruct  ns  in  our  duty !'' 

*  >  don't  care  if  you  are  the  King  himself,"  was  tho,  if 
trf)8«il  li,  more  dogged  than  ever  reply;  "and  as  for  ob- 
it/acting yon  in  your  duty,  take  my  word,  you  don't  pass 
through  this  here  gate  without  paying.  It's  tuppencw 
apiece." 

Ut.  Skellum  swore  awfuU"" 


1900 


black  BEsa ;  oa. 


"  Tou  had  better  give  him  the  money,"  urged  the 
officer  next  to  him,  "  or  we  shall  never  get  through  to- 
night. There's  just  a  dozen  of  us,  including  yourself.  80 
it  will  be  exactly  two  shillings." 

Skellum  ground  his  teeth  and  thrust  his  hand  into 
his  pocket,  from  which  he  drew  forth  tha  requisite 
amount. 

"Here,  fellow  I  Tnke  it,  flfl«'  open  the  gate  (fciickly,  or 
you  may  surTorfor  your  ousunar.y." 

The  man  did  no  mure  than  growl  by  way  of  reply. 

Then  in  the  most  '°isurely  and  aggravating  mannet 
possible,  he  held  V$>  hir  lantern   and  proceeded  to  count , 
■  heads"  ss  \ve  oaiiisl  St 

sjfcellum  \*its  in  agony. 

"  Will  you  let  us  through  or  not  ?  ' 

"Seven — eight,"  said  tjie  tollman,  net  heeding  him.  and 
going  on  steadily  with  the  counting  business. 

"  Open  the  gate,  or  I'll  break  your  d — d  neck  for  you  !" 
jelled  Skellum,  almost  black  in  the  face. 

"  Eleven— twelve,"  said  the  tollman,  lowering  his  lan- 
tern, "and  one  that  went  over  the  top,  thirteen,  i  want 
just  tuppence  more." 

That  was  the  last  drop  in  Skellum's  cup  which  caused 
it  to  overflow. 

He  was  about  to  descend  from  his  steed  and  inflict 
summary  chastisement  upon  the  refractory  tollman,  when 
doubtless  a  regular/hzcos  would  have  ensued,  but  ou^  of 
his  men  seized  him  by  the  arm  while  anotb.8?  shipped  the 
extra  twopence  into  the  tollman's  outstretched  palm, 
wno  no  boom*  felt  the  sains  than  he  hastened  to  open 
the  gr*t«. 

CHAPTER  MXCVI. 

KB.    SKBLLDM   FINDS   HIS  TASK   MORE   DIFFICULT    THAN  HE 
IMAGINED  IT. 

It  was  only  the  rattle  of  the  key  ia  the  padlock  that 
restored  Skellum  to  something  like  composure. 

Still,  it  was  only  by  a  very  great  effort  that  he  con- 
trolled himself;  but  he  was  enabled  to  do  so  by  the  reflec- 
tion that  if  he  alighted  so  much  time  would  ba  lost  that 
the  pursuit  of  Dick  would  be  a  hopeless  matter. 

But  for  all  that,  he  shook  his  clenched  fists  and  vcwed 
■o-engeance  upon  him  ere  long. 

The  tollman  took  his  threats  with  marvollous  com- 
posure, however. 

The  next  moment  the  ponderous  gat6  swung  jpen  ;  and 
when  there  was  no  bar  to  their  progress  all  thiugs  were 
forgotten  in  the  general  desire  to  get  upon  the  track 
again  as  speedy  as  possible. 

The  excited  fancy  of  the  officers  made  them  think  that 
the  delay  had  been  much  greater  than  it  was  in  reality. 

Still,  the  time  had  been  long  enough  for  Black  Bess  to 
get  out  of  hearing. 

"Never  mind,"  said  Skellum — "we  shall  make  up 
that,  no  doubt,  for  the  fellow  has  but  the  one  horse,  and 
the  farther  he  goes  the  more  tired  ho  must  get,  while  as 
for  us,  we  are  continually  having  fresh  ones,  so  that,  iyou 
686,  we  must  got  the  advantage  in  time." 

The  men  seemed  encouraged  and  satisfied  with  this 
prospect,  which  certainly  seemed  reasonable  enough. 

Their  cattle  at  present  were,  comparatively  speaking, 
fresh,  and  under  the  combined  stimulus  of  whip,  voice, 
end  spur,  got  over  the  ground  at  an  amazing  rate. 

Dick,  however,  was  not  going  so  rapidly. 

Not  on  account  of  any  flagging  upon  his  maro's  part, 
but  because  the  road  was  hard  and  heavy,  and  he  was 
nursing  her  powers  for  a  final  effort. 

After  little  more  than  an  hour's  hard  riding,  the  sound 
produced  by  the  hoofs  of  Black  Bess  striking  against  ths 
bard  roadway  reaohed  their  ears. 

This  caused  them  to  redouble  their  efforts. 

More  whip,  more  spur,  more  cries,  and  thee,  as  tho 
moon  once  more  broko  through  the  clouds  wjn'ch 
had  obscured  her  light,  th*"*  fouud  themselves  within 
right  of  the  highwayman.  „ 

"The  reward  is  as  good  as  in  our  pockets!"  cried 
Skellum,  by  way  of  animating  his  followers.  "  You  can 
see  his  horse  is  growiug  more  and  more  exhausted;  and 
bear  in  mind  at  the  next  inn  we  come  to  we  6hall  find 
norses  ready  and  waiting  for  us.  We  shall  be  ablo  to 
make  better  speed  thnn  ever.  Rely  upon  it,  another 
floaen  miles  must  settle  tho  business!" 

The  officers  inwaidly  most  devoutly  hoped  that  .his 


wouJd  prove  to  be  the  case,  for  though,  for  the  most  part, 
they  were  well  used  to  the  saddle,  yet  this  long  gallop 
without  any  rest  told  greatly  upon  them. 

Of  course  Dick  heard  them  not  far  behind  him,  but  tnc 
circumstance  failed  to  cause  him  the  least  uneasiness. 

Ho  knew  perfectly  well  that  he  could,  without  difficulty 
maintain  a  safe  distance  between  himself  and  them,  o 
matter  how  great  their  speed. 

Owing  to  his  care  Black  Bess  evinced  no  more  tokfej 
of  distress  than  when  he  made  his  first  halt  at  Edmontcn. 

As  the  officers  came  on  ho  slightly  increased  his  speed. 
A  thing  easily  enougu  accompftsned,  tor  *U  he  had  to  do 
was  to  allow  the  rein  to  fall  a  little  loose  on  her  necs. 

Onward  then  she  stretched,  covering  the  ground  wi*« 
scarcely  perceptible  exertion. 

Mr.  Skellum  saw  that  the  distance  between  them,  if  not 
increasing,  was  certainly  no  less  than  before. 

"  Whip  and  spur  !"  he  cried  aloud,  suiting  the  action 
to  the  word  as  be  thus  spoke.  "  Bear  in  mind  that  at  the 
very  next  inn  we  come  to  we  can  change  these  brutes 
Don't  forget  that.     We  are  sure  to  have  him." 

Dick  Turpin,  riding  on,  came,  presently,  to  the  ins  of 
which  Skellum  had  thus  spoken. 

It  was  a  most  peaceful,  picturesque  dwelling — looking 
especially  so  now  thai  the  6lant  rays  of  the  sefting  moon 
fell  upon  it. 

Fain  would  Dick  Viave  paused  there  a  moment  or  tw< 
for  his  mare's  sake,  in  that  quiet  spot ;  and  as  he  dashed 
by  his  eyes  were  turned  wistfully  towards  it. 

But  a  halt  then,  no  matter  how  brief,  was  utterly  im- 
possible, and  Black  Bess  continued  on  her  course. 

On  this  occasion,  however,  Dick  became  acquainted  nril'n 
the  tactics  of  his  pursuers. 

How  they  had  contrived  to  keep  ffp  with  him  so  lone 
had  hitherto  been  a  complete  mystery  to  him, 

Now  it  was  a  mys\ery  no  longer. 

They  changed  their  horses  at  short  stages. 

It  must  be  confessed  that  this  discovery  brought  § 
slight  shade  of  anxiety  to  his  brow,  but  the  expression 
quickly  faded,  and  a  glance  of  triumph  and  anticipated 
success  succeeded. 

"  No  matter,"  he  exclaimed,  in  a  determined  voice,  "  the* 
can  have  twenty  hordes  each  if  they  are  so  inclined,  but^ 
will  keep  my  oath.  I  hav6  sworn  to  ride  to  York,  and  ! 
will  do  it  in  defiance  of  every  obstacle." 

As  he  uttered  these  last  words  he  turned  round  toward? 
his  foes. 

They  were  some  distance  in  the  rear,  but,  nevertheless 
the  now  dim  and  sickly  moonlight  enabled  him  to  dis- 
tinguish them. 

He  uttered  a  loud  shout. 

Theory  was  an  inarticulate  one,  and  yet,  for  all  thit, 
wonderfully  expressive  of  what  he  wanted  to  convey. 

The  sound  was  one  of  defiance  and  determination, 
mingled  with  contempt  of  their  efforts. 

This  done,  he  not  only  allowed  Bess  the  rein,  but  also 
spoke  to  her  in  animated  tones,  urging  ber  to  make  u« 
of  her  best  powers. 

This  alteration  was  consequent  upon  the  discovery  he 
had  just  made. 

To  the  intense  mortification  and  disappointment,  then 
of  Mr.  Skellum  and  his  party,  Black  Bess  all  at  one? 
doubled  her  speed,  and  in  a  few  seconds  got  not  only  out 
of  sight  but  Out  of  hearing  too. 

But  he  was  worked  up  to  too  great  a  Jpitch  of  despera* 
tion  to  think  of  abandoning  the  chase, 

"  It  is  but  a  flash  in  the  pan !"  he  ejaculated,  as  he  saw 
Lhn  countenances  of  his  companions  assume  a  dejected 
air.  "  It  is  like  the  lighting  up  of  a  candle  just  before  it 
goes  out.  Keep  on  steadfastly,  and  remember  that  the 
race  is  not  always  to  the  swift." 

Skellum  certainly  sot  his  men  a  good  example. 

But,  then,  he  had  every  incentive  to  exertion. 

Moreover,  by  this  time  a  personal  feeling  had  begun  te 
infuse  itself  into  the  matter. 

Dick  Turpin  was  not  looked  upon  so  much  as  a  fugitive 
f«-"tu  justice  and  a  breaker  of  the  laws  as  he  was  con- 
s£u<ned  to  be  a  personal  enemy,  depriving  them  of  that 
to  winch  they  believed  themselves  justly  entitled. 

This  feeling  was  shared  in  by  all  the  men,  but 
particularly  by  Skellum,  who  was  flushed  with  the 
success  he  had  already  met  with,  which  made  him  fee! 
that  his  reputation  would  not  allow  him  *»  1st  Bi*1" 
Turpin  get  oif. 


THE  KNIGHT   OF  THE  ROAD. 


1901 


Consequently,  although  his  horse  was  by  ao  means  the 
heat,  yet,  by  dint  of  great  exertion,  he  contrived  to  keep 
well  m  advance  of  the  rest,  who  could  not  for  sham"*^ 
6ako  lag  far  behind. 

But  Mr.  Skellum  was  wofully  deceived  wfcCa  tm 
thought  that  this  increase  in  Black  Bess's  speetf  was  only 
a  sudden  spurt  which  would  be  over  in  the  course  of  a 
few  minutes. 

The  gallant  animal,  for  the  first  time  almost  that  night, 
could  be  said  to  be  putting  forth  her  wonderful  powers  of 
speed  and  endui-ance. 

"  On,  my  lass !"  her  rider  would  cry,  with  gladsome 
exultation.  "  On — on !  Put  forth  your  best  speed,  old 
girl ;  and  when  we  reach  the  hundredth  mile  you  shsil 
Lave  an  hour  or  two's  good  rest ;  then,  I  know  full  weli, 
you  will  be  as  fresh  as  ever,  and  well  able  to  perform  the 
rest  of  your  long  journey.  On — on,  my  bonny  Plack 
Bess ;  there  shall  cmie  a  good  rest  after  this !" 

But  judging  by  the  \  ate  at  which  she  now  flew  onwards, 
one  would  have  judged  that  there  was  little  need  to  urge 
her. 

The  ground  seemed  to  slip  beneath  her  feet. 

On  and  on — miles  and  miles  of  the  level  well-kept 
jigh-road  are  overpassed. 

The  moon  has  now  quite  sunk  from  eight  behind  the 
long:,  low-lying  cloud  on  the  western  horizon. 

There  is  no  ligjit  upon  the  face  of  nature  save  that 
feeble  illumination  which  proceeds  from  the  thousand 
sparkling  stars  in  the  blue  ely  above. 

About  the  hour  Dick  knows  little,  though  the  setting 
of  the  moon  warns  him  that  morning  is  coming  on. 

Then  suddenly  upon  accomplishing  the  ascent  of  a 
long  hill  he  finds  before  him  a  quiet-looking  town  of 
considerable  extent 

There  are  but  a  few  twinkling  lights  to  be  seen  here 
end  there,  yet,  in  spite  of  the  obscurity,  the  highwayman 
can  make  out  the  outlines  of  the  buildings,  while  here 
and  there  a  spire  pointing  upwards  to  the  sky  forms  a 
conspicuous  object. 

"  That  should  be  Huntingdon,"  said  Dick,   as  Bess 

falloped  down  the  hill.  "  Yes — yes — it  is— it  is,  for 
ero  is  the  sluggish  river  Ouse." 

Before  he  had  finished  speaking  the  ancient  town  was 
entered,  and  Black  Bess's  hoofs  raised  a  clattering  uproar 
as  she  crossed  the  bridge  with  unabated  speed. 

Another  moment  and  the  town  was  left  behind. 

The  open  country  was  before  him. 

But  Dick's  breast  was  filled  with  exultation,  and  he 
manifested  his  joy  by  a  thousand  extravagant  demon- 
strations. 

More  than  sixty  miles  had  now  been  accomplished 
since  he  had  first  set  out. 

Sixty  miles!  and  he  felt  convinced  that  his  journey 
had  not  occupied  four  hours. 

But  by  degrees  a  great  change  came  over  Bess. 

Her  glossy  skin  had  first  of  all  got  rough  and  staring 
with  the  sweat  that  dropped  down  from  her  sides  in  spots 
and  fell  upon  the  ground  like  drops  of  rain. 

Her  mouth  was  open  and  filled  with  white  foam,  which 
every  now  and  then  detached  itself  and  flew  in  snowy 
masses  upon  her  breast,  her  shoulders,  and  upon  her 
rider.  D 

Her  «ostrils,  too,  were  widely  expanded,  and  Dick  could 
feel  how  much  her  respiration  was  accelerated. 

None  of  these  symptoms  were,  however,  considered 
by  her  rider  to  be  at  all  dangerous  or  calculated  to  excite 
apprehension. 

"  Forward — forward  !"  was  still  Dick's  cry.  "An  effort 
for  a  little  longer,  and  then  you  shall  have  rest.  In  spite 
si  all  their  boasted  arrangements  the  police  officers  must 
by  this  time  be  miles  and  miles  behind.  You  shall  rest 
even  if  I  have  to  wait  till  they  come  up  to  us  again.  On, 
Bess,  my  lass,  on — on  !" 

Although  her  speed  was  as  great  as  ever  ft  had  been 
during  the  whole  of  the  ride,  yet  upon  hearing  her  master's 
voice  addressing  her  in  these  totes,  there  was  a  paipable 
effort  on  her  part  to  go  faster  and  faster  still. 

Dick,  in  a  kind  of  triumphant  ecstasy,  flung  the  reins 
upon  her  neck,  and  submitted  himself  wholly  to  her  con- 
trol. 

Many  and  many  were  the  wondering  eyes  turned  upon 


*  man  having  ©very  appearance  of  wildness  shout  him, 
waving  his  arms  in  the  air,  and  every  now  and  then 
giv'r<g  utterance  to  a  loud  cry,  and  a  hurse  covered  with 
white  foam,  and  so  reeking  with  perspiration  as  to  leave  » 
long  train  of  vapour,  like  a  mimic  fog,  gleaming  behind  it 
in  the  damp  atmosphere. 

Such  an  extraordinary  apparition  as  this  might  well  es- 
cite  comment. 

Unheeding  everything,  however,  but  the  design  which 
he  had  immediately  in  view,  Dick  Tcrpin  kept  on. 

Another  hour  elapsed,  and  over  tvouty  miles  wars* 
added. 

Still  the  road  stretched  out  before  him,  and  still  he 
galloped  on,  though  every  mile  now  perceptibly  increased 
his  mare's  distress. 

The  point  which  he  had  determined  ou  was,  however, 
such  a  lime  distance  on  that  he  could  not  bring  himself  to 
think  of  allowing  her  to  release  her  efforts. 

Still  Black  Bess  grew  more  and  wore  exhausted. 

For  the  first  time  her  ridar  felt  her  flag. 

As  ho  did  so  his  heart  smote  him. 

She  flagged  again. 

"  Enough,"  he  ejaculated — "  I  will  try  your  powers  eo> 
further,  my  old  lass.  We  will  make  a  halt  at  the  sext 
inn  we  come  to." 

At  a  slightly  diminished  speed  a  distance  of  about  half 
a  dozen  miles  was  accomplished,  and  then  Dick  saw  be- 
fore him  what  he  sought. 

"  Bravo,  Bess !"  he  cried — "  bravo,  old  girl  1  You  hava 
behaved  yourself  nobly — most  gallantly ;  and  now,  no 
matter  at  what  risk,  you  shall  stop  until  your  exhausted 
energies  are  restored.  That  is  it,  Bess !  Quietly,  now~= 
quietly!     That's  it  I 


CHAPTER  MXCVII. 

THE   POLICE  OFFICERS   REACH  THE  STABLE  1ST  WHICH  OICS 
TURPIN  AND  BLACK  BESS  ARE  RESTING. 

"Hilloa!"  cried  Dick,  in  a  loud  voice,  as  be  hammered 
furiously  with  the  butt-end  of  a  pistol  against  the  gats 
communicating  with  the  stable-yard  of  the  inn — "  hilloa ! 
Ostler — ostler,  where  are  you?     Hilloa,  1  say!" 

More  knocking  succeeded,  and  finally  a  gruff,  harsh 
voice  coming  from  some  distance,  said : 

"  Wait  a  bit,  then — wait  a  bit,  can't  you  ?  Have  a  mo- 
ment's patience,  do !" 

"  All  right !"  said  Dick.  "  But  the  quicker  you  are  the 
more  it  will  be  in  your  pocket." 

"Eh?" 

"  I  shall  deduct  a  shilling  off  the  amount  I  intend  to 
give  you  for  every  moment  you  keep  me  waiting." 

This  avowal  made  a  wonderful  difference  to  the  gruff 
voice,  for  it  changed  its  tone  and  came  nearer. 

"  I'm  here — I'm  here !  Just  give  me  time  to  undo  the 
gate — that's  all !" 

Just  as  the  voice  finished,  the  gate  opened,  and  showed 
who  the  speaker  was. 

Ho  proved  to  bo  a  tall,  thin,  wiry-looking  individual, 
whose  whole  appearance  bore  the  unmistakable  stamp  of 
a  connection  with  horses  and  stables. 

He  carried  a  stable-lautern  in  his  hand,  &?d  he  held  it 
up  in  a  convenient  position  for  dispersing  the  rays,  for  he 
was  in  no  slight  degree  curious  to  see  his  nocturnal  visit- 
ant. 

But  Dick  was  not  inclined  to  stand  even  for  a  moment 
merely  that  the  ostler  might  scrutinise  him. 

"Stand  aside,"  he  cried,  imperatively,  "and  shut  the 
door  quickly." 

The  man  obeyed,  for  there  was  something  in  Dick's 
manner  that  made  him  sensible  it  was  best  for  him  to  dc 
so. 

Dick  then,  with  great  swiftness,  slipped  from  tha 
saddle. 

Black  Bess  panted  fearfully.  * 

In  order  to  ease  her,  Dick,  with  a  nimbleness  that  as- 
ktnisued  the  ostler,  removed  the  whole  of  her  trappings, 
and  flung  them  upoti  the  ground. 

"My  eyes!"  ejaculated  the  latter,  "youseeni  ss  though 
you  bad  been  coming  along  a  bit !" 

11 1  have.    Fetch  tae  a  whisp  of  hay  or  straw — bow.  i» 


Via  as  he  thus  flew  past  travellers  on  the  road,  coming  no  j  *  moment !" 
■ooner  in  sight  than  he  had  vanished  again.  Tho  mau  muttered  grumblingly  below  his  voi:«\  '«*.♦ 

All  were  struck  with  wonder  at  the  transiont  trlimpro  of  I  what  it  was  Dkk  did  not  trouble  himself  *    '  Mr 


1902 


BLACK   BESS;   OR, 


Ho  wa8  full  of  concern  about  hia  mare,  and  examined 
her  with  anxious  eolioitnde  until  the  ostler  returned. 

"  Hold  the  light,"  cried  Turpin,  in  the  same  tooft  of 
command— "hold  the  light,  and  1  will  do  the  rest." 

So  saying,  he  took  a  portion  of  the  hay  that  had  bt^a* 
brought,  and,  rolling  it  up  in  his  hand,  formed  a  kind  >f 
Dad,  with  which  he  robbed  his  mare  from  head  to  foot  in 
a  manner  that  called  forth  the  warmest  admiration  and 
approval  from  the  ostler. 

41  You'd  got  tha  priie  at  that  job,  gaffer,"  he  said,  almost 
as  gruffly  as  over  "  1  never  saw  it  bettor  dene.  Capital 
—capital!" 

Dick  went  on  steadily  with  his  work,  apparency  un- 
heedful  of  these  appreciative  remarks. 

At  length,  when  he  had  nearly  made  a  finish,  be  asked: 

"Can  you  get  into  the  house  ?" 

"  Of  course  1  can  1    What  do  you  want  ?" 

"  A  qaart  bottle  of  brandy." 

"A  quart?" 

"  Yes,  I  said  a  quart ;  and  mind  it  is  the  very  beti  you 
have  in  your  house." 

"  Very  well." 

"  Ami  bo  quick !  Tut  the  lantern  on  the  water-butt — 
that  will  do." 

The  ostler  shuiflod  off,  and  Dick  renowed  his  scrutiny 
of  his  mare. 

"Not  much  the  worse,"  muttered  Dick,  after  a  close 
investigation — "not  much  the  worse  ;  and  after  what  1 
Hni  about  to  do  there  will  be  very  little  the  matter  " 

The  ostler  did  not  return,  and,  short  as  the  time  was 
that  he  had  been  absent,  Dick  was  full  of  impatience. 

Taking  the  lantern,  he  searched  about  for  a  stable- 
burket  and,  having  fou»d  one,  proceeded  to  fill  it  at  the 
water-butt. 

He  had  just  finished  this  when  the  ostler        cared. 

"  Here  s  the  brandy." 

Dick  could  not  wait  to  have  the  cork  extracted  in  the 
usual  way. 

He  set  to  work  in  a  much  more  expeditious  way  by 
knocking  off  the  neck  by  one  dexterous  blow  with  the 
butt-end  of  a  pistol. 

To  the  ostler's  still  further  amazement  Dick  poured  the 
brandy  into  the  bucket,  which  was  not  much  more  than 
half  full  of  water. 

"  My  eyes !"  he  ejaculated,  in  wonder.  "  Will  your  mare 
drink  that.  ?" 

"  1  don't  intend  to  let  her  try." 

"  Maybe  yourself,  then  ?" 

"  Mo,"  answered  Dick,  as  he  allowed  the  last  drops  of 
the  spirit  to  trickle  out  of  the  bottle ;  "  1  don't  in  a  general 
way  take  tha  refreshment  out  of  6  bucket.  Where's  a 
■pongo?" 

"A  sponge?" 

"  *<;s." 

"  You  ehall  have  one  in  a  moment," 

The  ostler's  curiosity  was  now  strongly  excited,  and 
the  strong  desire  to  know  what  he  was  going  to  do  caused 
him  to  make  use  of  the  utmost  expedition. 

Quickly  returning  with  the  article  required,  he  stood 
stock  still  to  see  what  was  going  to  happen  nsxt. 

His  surprise  was,  if  possible,  increased,  when  he  saw 
Dick  Turpin  dip  the  sponge  into  the  bucket  of  brandy-and- 
water,  ami  proceed  to  bathe  Black  Bess  thoroughly  from 
head  to  foot. 

By  this  means  all  fear  of  a  chill  was  effectually  pre- 
cluded, whilo  the  strength  of  the  spirit  would  cause  a  re- 
actionary glow  throughout  the  whoie  system. 

It  might  not  actuahy  have  been  the  case,  but  yet  Dick 
'aucied  that  already  he  could  perceive  the  effects  of  what 
he  had  done — Black  Bess  seemed  so  far  refreshed  as  to  be 
able  to  recommence  her  journey. 

She  no  longer  panted  for  her  labouring  breath,  hor 
eye  was  no  longer  60  dilated,  her  nostrils  quiversd  less 
»ad  were  less  expanded,  whilo  no  foam  appeared  ispon  her 
lips. 

During  the  last  few  moments,  however,  ths  ostler  tail 
been  regarding  tho  highwayman  attentively,  and  now 
upon  looking  up  he  found  the  man's  eyes  fixed  intently 
upon  him. 

He  understood  the  glau  ;e,  and  said  quietly,  though  hi 
the  same  time  ho  touched  a  pistol  in  a  significant,  net  to 
eay  threatening  manner : 

"Yon  know  met" 

U  was  in  vain  for  the  man  f,v  dery,  and  perhaps  L<  was 


with  the  vjew  of  converting  ueceasity  into  a  virtue  thai 
he  said : 

"  1  do  know  you,  captain,  and  I  know  your  mare,  too, 
and  I  am  heartily  pleased  to  see  you  both.  You  need  not 
show  yc<ir  pistols — Ned  Hartill  is  not  the  man  you  have 
got  to  bo  all  aid  of." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it,"  said  Dick,  extending  his  hand. 
"  Depend  upoa  y  I  shall  not  leave  your  sorvices  unre- 
warded." 

"  1  know  all  about  that,"  answered  the  man,  who  took 
the  highwayman's  proffered  hand  with  what  was  mani- 
festly pleased  alacrity. 

"  Now  show  mo  tho  way  to  the  stables." 

"  All  right.     This  way — this  way." 

Leading  Black  Bess  by  the  forelock,  Dick  Turpin  fol- 
lowed his  guide,  and  was  not  a  little  pleased  to  find  the 
stable  was  a  warm  and  comfortable  one. 

Ho  would  not  speak  or  answer  any  questions  until  ho 
had  carefully  mixed  a  meal  of  corn  and  placed  it  in  the 
manger. 

By  the  time  he  had  done  it,  however,  he  felt  himself 
utterly  exhausted,  and  flung  himself  down  at  full  length 
upon  the  straw,  giving  utterance  as  he  did  so  to  a  long- 
drawn  sigh  of  relief. 

"  You  are  right,"  he  cried,  in  a  voice  which  ho  strove 
to  render  sprightly  and  careless  in  tone.  "  We  have 
ridden  a  long  way." 

"  How  far,  captain  ?" 

"  From  London." 

"  London  ?"  ejaculated  tho  ostler,  in  a  way  that  showed 
ho  was  greatly  taken  by  surprise. 

"  Yea,"  responded  Dick.  "  How  far  do  you  reckon  it 
from  here  ?     About  a  hundred  miles,  do  you  not  ?" 

"You  are  as  good  as  a  conjuror,  for  I  believe  I  may 
say  as  it  is  as  near  to  ninety-nine  miles  and  three-quarters 
as  makes  no  matter." 

The  highwayman's  countenance  lighted  up  with  a  smile 
of  triumpn. 

"  I  knew  it — I  knew  it !"  he  cried,  exultingly. 

♦Knew  what,  captain  ?" 

He  did  not  think  fit  to  answer  this  interrogation,  how- 
ever, but  replied  by  asking  another  question 

"How  long  do  you  think  1  have  been  coming,  Nt-Ji'" 

"  What,  from  London  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  Oh,  I  don't  know.  You  have  come  sharpish  this  last 
bit — perhaps  a  couple  of  days." 

"  A  couple  of  days  ?"  iterated  Turpin,  with  a  laugh  of 
scornful  derision.  "A  couple  of  days?  What  can  the 
man  he  thinking  of  ?" 

"  Li  iss  than  that  then,  captain?" 

"  Less  than  that!"'  ho  echoed,  contemptuously.  "  I  don't 
know  precisely  what  tho  hour  may  bo  now,  but  at  nine 
o'clock  last  eight  I  was  in  Drury  Lane." 

"Where's  that?" 

"Why,  in  tho  heart  of  Londou.  What's  the  ttiua 
now  ?" 

"  Look  hero,"  said  tho  ostler,  with  a  solemn  air  and  ex- 
traordinary emphasis,  "  do  you  mean  for  to  go  for  to  telJ 
me  that  you  was  in  Loudon  last  night  ?" 

"  I  certainly  was." 

"Well,  captain,  if  anybody  else  had  told  me  that  ) 
^should  have  up  in  a  minute  and  said  that's  a  lie." 

"Never  mind,"  said  the  highwayman,  impatiently 
"What  is  the  time?" 

"  I'll  tell  you  in  e  hraco  of  snaps.  I  ain't  got  a  gold  and 
jewtilled  repeater,  captain,  but  I've  got  a  machiuo  thai 
will  tell  tho  time  as  well  as  the  most  of  them.' 

After  much  tugging  and  struggling  tha  ostler  succeeded 
in  producing  from  his  fob  something  which  he  had  very 
rightly  designated  a  "  machine." 

If.  w««  one  of  tho  largest  watches  Dick  had  ever  seen, 
0!3<i,  of  course,  he  had  had  in  his  time  no  ordinary  ex 
perience. 

•'Bless  mo!"  he  ejaculated.  "Why,  you  must  have 
pocketed  the  eight-day  clock  by  mistake  !" 

"  Nothing  of  tha  sort,  captain.  This  is  one  of  tho  good 
old-fashjoued  sort  of  watches.  This  belonged  to  my 
grandfather,  this  did.  It  ain't  like  nono  of  your  new- 
fangled conwrns,  no  bigger,  perhaps,  than  your  thumb- 
nail, but  a  regular  out-and-outer — one  that's  got  soma 
wcrks  inside." 

"  So  I  should  think,"  said  Dick—"  there's  room  enough. 
Ar.H  if  ever  Shoy  build  a  church   hereabouts  1    should  r«» 


THE   KNIGHT  OS*  THE   IIOAD. 


1903 


commend  you  to  make  the  churchwardens  a  present  of 
it.  It  would  save  putting  the  parish  to  the  expense  of 
a  new  clock  for  the  steeple." 

"  Never  mind,  captain— poke  your  fun  a3  much  as 
you  like." 

"  Tell  me  the  time.  Oh,  I  see,  it's  half-past  four.  I 
scarcely  thought  it  so  late,"  lie  added,  with  a  slight 
shade  upon  his  face. 

"  Now  don't  go  for  to  make  a  mistake,  captain.  You 
don't  know  this  here  watch  of  mine  like  I  do.  It's  got 
its  peculiarities.  Now  if  a  just  three  o'clock,  though 
an  ordinary  observer  like  yourself  would  think  it  was 
half-past  four." 

"  That's  more  like  the  time,"  said  Turpin,  brighten- 
ing up.  "  I  was  certain  I  had  not  been  more  than  six 
hours  performing  the  journey." 

"Six  hours!  Why,  captain,  you  don't  mean  to  say 
you've  rode  that  poor  creature  a  hundred  miles  in  six 
hours." 

"  I  will  take  an  oath  of  it  at  any  minute." 

"  Well — well,  no  one  would  guess  it  to  look  at  her 
now.  Brandy-aiid-water  is  au  excellent  thing,  captain 
— a  wonderful  tiling." 

"  It  is  ;  and  that  reminds  me  that  a  little  would  be 
vary  acceptable  to  mo.    Fetch  enough  for  the  pair  of  us." 

"  Shall  you  stop  long  ?" 

"  An  hour  or  two." 

"Then  perhaps  you  would  like  something  to  eat?" 

"  Certainly  I  should.  Run  and  bring  me  whatever 
you  can  lay  hold  of  the  quickest.' 

"AU  right." 

He  vanished. 

As  soon  as  the  highwayman  was  alone,  lie  murmured: 

"  Six  hours — only  six  hours  !  Who  will  believe  thai; 
tho  distance  has  bean  performed  in  so  short  a  time  ? 
Why,  let  me  see,  the  officers  themselves,  if  they  only  keep 
up  the  chase,  will  be  compelled  to  testify  to  it.  We 
must  not  stop  much  more  than  an  hour,  old  girl,"  ho 
added,  addressing  his  steed  ;  "  if  we  do,  not  only  wiil  your 
legs  get  stiff,  but  we  shall  not  perform  tho  journey  to 
time.  I  oan  see  cow  that  we  shall  do  it  in  twelve  hours. 
Ha,  ha  !  At  nine  o'clock  last  night  there  will  be  abun- 
dant testimony  that  I  was  in  Drury  Lane.  I  will  take 
good  care  there  is  proof  enough  I  am  in  York  at  nine 
o'clock  to-morrow  morning." 

The  prospect  of  accomplishing  this  feat,  which  ho 
looked  upon  already  as  almost  achieved,  presented  it- 
self more  and  more  temptingly  to  his  imagination. 

At  this  moment  the  ostler  returned. 

He  brought  with  him  an  abundant  supply  of  provi- 
sions, as  well  as  a  bottle  of  brandy. 

"  There,"  he  exclaimed,  complacently,  "  we  shall  not 
do  so  very  badly  after  all !" 

As  may  be  supposed,  Dick  Turpin  by  this  time  felt 
pretty  keenly  the  pangs  of  hunger,  which  tho  sight  of 
the  food  before  him  served  to  increase. 

He  began  to  eat  ravenously,  and  while  he  wa3  so 
engaged  the  ostler  entered  into  conversation. 

"  You  don't  understand  my  watch,"  he  began,  "but 
it  generally  gains  about  thirty  minutes  ovory  hour,  and 
as  it  is  about  three  hours  since  I  wound  it  up,  why,  you 
see,  of  course  it  must  be  near  enough  an  hour  and  a 
half  too  fast." 

The  ostler  spoke  with  as  much  importance  as  though 
he  had  succeeded  in  establishing  beyond  all  possibility 
of  cavil  some  mathematical  difficulty. 

Dick  nodded. 

"  And,  oh  !"  he  exclaimed,  with  great  suddenness,  and 
in  very  different  tones,  "  there  is  something  else  I  meant 
to  tell  you,  but  I  have  been  in  such  a  fluster  like  ever 
.-dnoe  you  came  that  it  quite  drove  it  out  of  my  head" 

li  What  is  the  matter  ?" 

"  Nothing  much.     Are  you  pursued  ?" 

"I  think  so." 

"  And  where  are  the  grabs  ?" 

"  A  good  many  miles  behind." 

"Well,  that  may  be:  but  just  let  me  advise  you  to 
be  careful." 

"Careful?     Why?" 

"  Get  off  this  high-road  as  soon  as  you  oan." 
"What  for?" 

"  Because  in  the  stable  next  to  this  we've  got  twelve 
horses  all  ready  for  instant  use,  in  case  the  officers 
should  ride  up  aud  ask  for  them'' 


"  Can  it  be  possible  ?" 

"  I  will  show  you  the  animals  if  you  like." 

"No — no.     I  believe  you — of  course  I  believe  you." 

Dick  pressed  his  hand  to  his  forehead  with  a  slightly- 
troubled  air. 

"  And  how'far  have  they  oarried  out  this  plan  ?"  he 
asked,  after  a  pause.  ''Have  they  arranged  ohanging- 
plaoes  a3  far  as  York  ?" 

"  I  think  so,"  was  the  cautious  answer  ;  "  but,  mind 
you,  I  don't  say  for  certain.  But,  however,  don't  you 
go  for  to  run  the  risk  ;  get  off  across  the  country  as 
soon  as  you  can." 

Dick  shook  his  head  with  a  very  resolute  air. 

"  You  won't  do  it  ?" 

"  I  will  not." 

"But  why  r" 

"Because,"  said  Dick,  speaking  with  peculiar  ear- 
nestness, "  I  have  made  avow  to  ride  to  York— ay,  and 
to  bo  there  when  the  clock  in  the  old  minster  proclaims 
the  hour  of  nine.  Don't  look  so  amazed,  man — I  have 
sworn  to  do  it !" 

"  You  must  be  mad  !" 

"  Nothing  of  the  sort.  And  as  surely  as  the  sun  will 
rise  to-morrow  morning  I  shall  be  there." 

"  And  you  are  going  to  ride  poor  Black  Bess  ?" 

"  Yes.     But  why  do  you  say  '  poor  r'  " 

"  Because  it  will  be  the  last  journey  she  will  make." 

"  Pho,  pho !" 

"  It  will  finish  her,"  said  the  ostler.  "You  oan  be- 
lievo  me  or  not,  just  as  you  think  proper  ;  but  I  have 
not  lived  all  these  years  without  knowing  a' thing  or 
two  about  horseflesh." 

"  She  will  do  it  with  ease."' 

"  So  you  think." 

"  Look  at  her  now." 

"  Ay,  ay — I  see  her  plain  enough,  but  I  know  that 
mare's  nature  as  well  as  if  I  saw  the  end.  She  will  go 
and  go  at  her  full  speed  until  the  end  of  her  power  ia 
reached.  Mind,  there  will  be  no  flagging — she  will  go 
till  she  drops  under  you  as  though  struck  by  light- 
ning." 

The  earnest  way  in  which  the  ostler  spoke  made  an 
evident  impression  upon  Turpin. 

He  gazed  affectionately  upon  his  mnre. 

"If  I  lose  her,"  ho   muttered,  "I  lose  all  I  have  on 

earth.     If  I  thought  it  would  end  so Butno,  no  — 

better  that  she  should  perish  thus  than  end  her  days  at 
the  knacker's  yard.  No,  no — she  shall  die  as  she  has 
lived.     Besides,  I  have  sworn  it." 

"And  you  are  still  resolved  to  go  ?" 

"  I  will  keep  my  oath." 

"Then  it  is  the  same  as  signing  her  death-warrant." 

"  Why,  look  at  her,"  cried  the  highwayman,  who, 
having  finished  his  repast,  now  rose  and  patted  her 
upon  the  neck.  "  What  sign  of  failure  can  you  find 
about  her  ?  She  is  good  for  double  the  distance  at  this 
present  minute." 

Tho  ostler  shook  his  head  as  he  firmly  pronounced 
the  word : 

"  Never  !" 

"Well,  we  shall  see,"  was  the  reply.  "She  will 
either  do  it  or  perish  in  tho  effort." 

"  Then,  if  that  is  your  determination,"  said  the 
ostler,  and  it  almost  seemed  as  though  the  rough  fellow's 
tones  were  tinged  with  sadness — "if  your  mind  is  made 
up,  I  will  help  you." 

''  Help  me  ?" 

"  Yes  ;  I  would  not  do  it,  though,  only  I  have  heard 
that  when  Dick  Turpin  onco  decided  upon  a  course,  no- 
thing had  power  to  turn  him  from  it." 

"  You  heard  rightly ;  and,  what  is  more,  he  never  wa3 
half  so  fixed  in  any  determination  as  he  is  in  this." 

The  ostler  sighed,  and  then  he  repeated  the  words  : 

"  I  will  help  you." 

"How — how?"  asked  Turpin,  eagerly. 

By  way  of  reply,  Ned  went  to  a  particular  oorner  of 
the  stable,  and,  standing  on  the  corn-bin,  felt  about 
upon  a  narrow  shelf  that  was  fixed  against  the  wall  at 
some  distance  above  his  head. 

He  produced  a  small  bottle  containing  some  dark 
liquid,  in  quantity,  probably  about  a  couple  of  ounoes. 

"  Take  that,"  he  said — "  take  that,  and  keep  it  care- 
fully." 

"What  am  I  to  do  with  it?" 


1904 


BLACK.   13ESB;    GX, 


"I  will  tell  you.    That  bottle  of  stuff  was  given  roe  by  I  wild  and    haggard  look,  and  commented  upon  am  toara- 
one  of  the  cleverest  fellows  with  horses  that  ever  lived.1   J  ing.  panting,  and  well-nigh  exhausted  steed. 

"But  what  is  it  for?"  By  dint,  then,  of  availing  themselves  of  the  relays  pro- 

"  Do  not  be   impatient.     He  assured  me— and  I  would-^Tided,   and  never  pausing  a   moment  longer  thau   to 


i'ake  his  word  for  a  thousand  pounds — that  this  little  drop 
poured  down  a  horse's  throat,  even  at  the  moment  when 
he  appeared  to  be  completely  worn  out  by  exhaustion, 
would  have  the  effect  of  rilling  his  body  with  new  blood — 
>rith  new  spirit." 

'•  Can  it  bo  possible  ?"  ejaculated  Dick,  taking  the  bottle 
ti^erly. 

•'You  may  rely  upon  the  truth  of  what.  I  say.  But  let 
me  entreat  you  not  to  make  use  of  it  unless  you  can  help 
it." 

"Why  not?" 

"Because  I  will  not  be  answerable  for  the  effects  which 
it  may  leave  behind  it  when  its  power  has  worked  off." 

"  Then,  rely  upon  it,  I  shall  only  make  use  of  it  as  the 
last  resort — when  there  is  no  other  chance  left." 

"  Enough." 

Dick  consigned  the  vial  to  a  small  pocket  in  bis  vest. 

"  I  have  kept  the  bottle  by  me  until  now,  little  thinking 
what  1  should  do  with  it." 

"  You  shall  have  a  liberal  recompense,"  said  Turpin  ; 
"you  will  find  that  a  highwayman  knows  how  to  pay  for 
such  services  as  these." 

"  Hark,"  said  the  ostler—"  hark— hark  1  What  is  that  ?" 

Dick  immediately  assumed  a  listening  attitude. 

But  no  particular  acnteness  of  hearing  was  requisite. 

Horses  were  close  at  hand. 

The  clatter  of  their  hoofs  upon  the  hard  high-road  could 
-fie  heard  with  roost  unpleasant  distinctness,  for  it  showed 
that  they  were  very  close  at  hand. 

Indeed,  it  will  seem  strange  that  their  approach  had  not 
been  heard  earlier,  but  Dick  did  not  anticipate  their  arrival 
60  soon  ;  besides,  they  had  both  been  so  entirely  absorbed 
in  discussing  the  qualities  of  the  liquid  in  the  bottle,  that 
they  had  been  insensible  to  all  else. 

Dick  Turpin  had  no  doubt  that  they  were  his  foes  who 
were  outside,  and  he  estimated  the  amount  of  desperation 
ihey  would  exhibit  by  the  pertinacity  with  which  they 
had  kept  upon  bis  trail. 

Although  aided  by  horses  as  they  had  been,  it  was  no 
trifling  thing  to  ride  so  far  in  so  short  a  period. 

tie  was  amazed,  too,  that  they  should  arrive  so  soon, 
i- ven  after  he  J\»d  made  every  allowance. 

But  his  brow  darkened,  and  he  sought  his  pistols  with 
k  menacing  air. 

"  What  are  you  going  to  do,  captain  ?"  cried  Ned,  as  he 
rapidly  secured  the  door  of  the  stable.  "  What  are  you 
t'oing  to  do?" 

"  Fight  it  out  I"  was  the  highwayman's  laconic  and  grim 
reply. 

"Nothing  of  the  sort!  Put  up  your  barkers,  caplain — 
ihey  will  not  servo  you  this  time.  Put  them  up,  I  say, 
«nd  attend  tome." 

"  What  is  to  be  done  ?" 

"  Help  me  on  with  the  saddle  and  bridle,  and  while  you 
are  doing  so  I  will  tell  you."  ♦ 

Dick  did  not  hesitate  to  carry  this  mandate  into  execu- 
tion. 

With  two  pairs  of  such  ready  hands,  Black  Bess  was 
very  speedily  accoutred. 

But  before  Ned  the  ostler  could  say  a  word,  a  troop  of 
horsemen  stopped  with  a  sudden  dash  at  the  yard  gate. 

Immediately  followed  a  tremendous  knocking. 

Then  came  a  furious  peal  upon  the  bell,  and,  in  fact, 
i^uch  an  uproar  as  probably  never  before  had  been  heard 
tt  that  old  inn. 

As  Dick  had  rightly  guessed,  these  horsemen  were,  in- 
deed, the  police  officers  who  had  chased  him  from 
London. 

The  indefatigable  Mr.  Skellurn  was  still  at  their  head, 
und,  in  fact,  had  it  not  been  tor  his  almost  snj^rhuman 
r.xertions  the  chase  would  have  been  abandoned  long 
»go. 

But  he  continued  to  keep  the  men  tolerably  well  up  to 
the  mark  by  his  perpetual  assurances  that  the  highway- 
man's steed  could  not  possibly  hold  out  much  longer. 

And  these  assertions  received  some  colour  from  the 
recounts  they  received  from  the  travellers  on  the  road. 

There  was  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  tidings  of  Dick  j 
—none  in  the  least. 


Ererybody  had  seen  him — everybody  had  noticei  his  I  Murder !° 


absolutely  necessary,  they  contrived  to  catch  up  with  tbe 
object  of  their  pursuit  in  the  manner  we  have  described 
— that  is  to  say,  after  he  had  made  a  halt  of  "^ry  nearly 
an  hour. 

The  racket  they  made  had  the  very  natural  effect  gi 
rousing  the  landlord,  who  jumped  out  of  bed  half  asleep, 
with  a  vague  consciousness  that  something  very  dreadful 
was  the  matter. 

In  a  moment  he  had  opened  the  little  latticed  casement 
in  his  bed-room,  and  projected  his  night-capped  head. 

His  alarm  grew  greater  when  he  caught  sight  of  so 
manv  well-armed  men  around  his  door. 

"What  is  the  matter?"  he  asked,  in  a  quivering 
voice. 

"Matter?"  retorted  Skellum.  "It  is  a  fine  thing,  is  it 
not,  for  his  Majesty's  officers  to  be  kept  here  like  this  ? 
We  want  the  relays  of  horses." 

"Oh,  certainly — certainly!  The  ostler  is  there,  and 
will  attend  to  you,  gentlemen." 

"He  may  be  there,"  said  Skellum,  "but  he  is  not 
here,  and  we  cannot  attract  his  attention." 

"  That's  odd.  He  is  about,  I  know,  for  I  saw  him  open 
that  gate  about  half  an  hour  ago  and  let  in  a  traveller." 

"  A  traveller  I"  cried  Skellum,  vaguely  seizing  upon  this 
item  of  information.  "What  sort  of  a  traveller? — did 
you  see  him  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"What  did  he  look  like -?"  was  the  feverish  question 

"  Why,  a  man  on  horseback." 

"  A  black  horse  ?" 

«  Yes." 

"  And  did  it  seem  to  have  travelled  far  ?" 

"  Yes,  and  fast  too,  for  it  was  covered  with  foam." 

"  And  how  long  has  that  traveller  been  gone?" 

"  He  has  not  gone  at  all.  His  horse  must  be  now  iu 
the  stable,  for  1  have  not  heard  him  depart." 

"  And  I  suppose,"  added  Skellum,  scarcely  abl<3  to  con- 
trol the  agitation  of  his  voice — "  I  suppose  you  would 
have  been  sure  to  hear  it  ?" 

"  Certain." 

This  was  enough. 

Skellum  turned  to  his  companions. 

He  was  so  excited  that  his  teeth  chattered  together, 
while  his  voice  shook  so  that  what  he  suid  was  with  diffi- 
culty distinguished. 

"Now  we  have  him  at  last,"  he  said.  "Beyond  ail 
doubt  he  is  here.  Ten  to  one  if  his  mare  is  not  lying 
down  in  the  stable  dead  beat.  For  all  we  know  he  may 
be  keeping  back  tke  ostler  by  main  force,  or  it  may  be 
there  is  complicity  in  the  case.  However,  that  he  wili 
make  a  bold  stand  for  his  life  is  certain.  But  you  must 
precipitate  yourselves  upon  him  so  as  to  put  an  end  to 
his  existence  as  quickly  as  you  can.  Do  you  hear 
me  ?" 

"  Yes — yes." 

The  men  looked  determined  enougn. 

"If  you  let  him  slip  through  your  fingers  you  will 
have  only  yourselves  to  blame.  Now  then  I  In  the  first 
place,  down  with  that  gate  !" 

The  officers  dismounted. 

Oue  thing  to  Mr.  Skellum's  credit  is,  that  he  never  pro- 
posed anything  to  be  done  by  his  men  that  he  did  not 
share  in  himself. 

On  the  present  occasion  he  was  the  first  to  make  a  rush 
at  the  gate. 

The  others  followed  him,  and  the  sudden  and  combined 
pressure  of  so  many  men  caused  the  lock  and  bolts  to  fly 
in  all  directions. 

The  feeble  glimmer  of  a  light  shining  through  the 
chinks  of  a  door  pointed  out  the  whereabouts  of  the 
stables. 

In  this  direction  they  ail  rushed  without  a  moment's 
pause. 

They  bung  themselves  against  the  door ;  but  it  was 
strong,  and  though  it  shook  from  the  violence  of  the 
attack,  yet  it  offered  an  effectual  impediment  to  their 
entrance. 

"  Hullo,"  cried  a  gruff,  surly  voice  at  this  moment— 
^  "  nullo  there  I     Murder !— fire ! — police !      Help — help ' 


THE   KNIOHT   OF  THE   ROAD. 


2k*  •--- 


fDICE    TOEPIS    OXCB    MORK    UKKTS    WTTH    CAPTAIN    HAWX  J 


±>.;~.:\  beyond  expression,  the  officers  looked  round 
U  u.  der  to  find  out  whence  this  voice  proceeded. 

Gazing  upward,  they  saw  the  upper  half  of  a  gaunt 
ligure  projected  through  the  circular  window  of  the  loft 
over  the  stable. 

It  was  Ned  the  ostler. 

"Master — master!"  he  bawled.  "Thieves — thieves  I 
Robbers ! — murder !" 

"  Silence,  you  d— d  idiot !"  yelled  Skellum,  frantic  with 
fury.   "  What  is  the  matter  ?" 

"  Well,  that's  a  good  'un,  that  is." 

"Why,  I  do  believe,"  exclaimed  the  officer  standing 
next  to  Skellum,  "  that  he  i3  fool  enough  to  take  us  all 
for  a  band  of  robbers." 

"Yes,  and  a  mighty  fine  take  you  would  be,"  grinned 
Ned. 

uHe  cannot  be  so  great  a  fool !"  cried  Skellum.  "  Hark 
j«,  my  spark,"  he  added,  in  what  he  intended  should  bo  a 

Sfo.  239.-  Black  Bess. 


No,  230, 


tone  of  solemn  warning — "  hark  yo  1  Wo  are  po!k» 
officers — his  Majesty's  poiico  officers — in  quest  of  DieS 
Tnrpin,  the  highwayman,  who,  as  we  know  very  well,  U 
in  here  !" 

Ned  shook  hi3  head. 

"  We  have  certain  information." 

"Then  I'll  prove  you're  wrong,"  answered  the  ostler, 
"for  I  will  comedown  and  open  the  door  this  minute; 
but  you  must  give  me  time  to  put  a  few  of  my  togs 
on." 

This  last  speech  somewhat  staggered  Skellum's  confi- 
dence ;  and  ha  would  have  felt  more  staggered  still  but 
for  the  fact  that  when  he  entered  the  yard  he  had  seen 
a  light  burning  in  the  stable,  and  which  was  suddenly 
extinguished. 

The  oitler  did  not  put  their  patience  to  a  very  sever* 
trial.  * 

In  less  than  a  minute  after  he  had  spoken,  thsy  hz%t-3 

PaiCB  One  Ha«t;;vsv, 


No.  240  will  be  Published  aext  Thursday* 


1906 


BLACK   BBSS  ;    OS, 


tho  sound  produced  by  the  withdrawal  of  •  rusty 
bolts. 

Tho  stable  door  then  swung  back  upon  its  creaking 
hinges,  and  tho  moment  that  it  did  so  the  police  officers 
rushed  in. 

Ned's  lantern  lighted  up  the  interior  of  the  place 
tolerably  well — certainly  well  enough  for  the  officers  to 
perceive  by  one  glance  that  the  stable  wa3  empty. 

"  Rascal !"  cried  Skelluin.  "  You  have  cheated  us 
somehow!" 

"Cheated  you?  Come,  come — hands  off,  11  you 
please!" 

"  Where  is  Dick  Turpin  ?"  cried  Ske/lum,  wrath- 
fully. 

"Hew  on  earth  should  I  know?" 

"  Look  here,  sir — look  here  !"  cried  one  of  tho  officers, 
for  they  had  all  dispersed  themselves  over  the  stable,  in 
order  to  search  it  thoroughly,  leaving  their  leader  to  »l3al 
with  Ned. 

"  What  is  it— what  is  it?" 

"  A  door." 

"A  door?" 

"  Yes,  sir,  a  door  on  this  side  of  the  stable.  I'll  have 
it  open  in  a  moment." 

Mr.  Skellum  pressed  forward. 

The  door  was  opened,  and  a  rush  of  cool  air  came  into 
the  stable. 

"  Take  care,"  growled  Ned,  "  how  you  step  outside  ; 
there's  a  hill  there  as  steep  as  a  housetop.  Don't  say  I 
did  not  tell  you." 

What  ho  said  proved  to  be  correct. 

The  officers  looked  down,  ami  then  uttered  a  shout. 

"  The  he  is,"  cried  Skcllum,  with  ungovernable 
excitement — "there  he  is — down  at  the  bottom  of  the 
declivity  !" 

CHAPTER  MXCVIII. 

DICK  TUKPINT  CONTINUES  HIS    RIDE    TO    YORK,  AND    TRRAT? 
BLACK  CESS  TO  A  BKEFSTUA.lv. 

Prom  this,  no  doubt  the  reader  will  be  able  to  guess  toler- 
ably well  what  took  place  between  Dick  Turpin  and  the 
ostler.  Still,  we  think  it  will  bo  found  more  satisfactory  if 
we  give  a  brief  outline  of  the  events  just  an  th?y  oc- 
curred. 

A  very  few  words  had  served  to  froe  the  highwayman 
from  the  anxiety  he  had  first  of  all  experienced. 

"  Take  it  easy,  captain,"  Ned  had  said  ;  "  I  will  get  you 
out  of  this  scrape  neatly  enough,  never  fear." 

"How  shall  you  manage  it  ?" 

"  There  is  another  door  leading  out  of  this  stable,"  was 
the  reply.     "  Look,  there  it  is." 

'Where  does  it  lead  ?" 

"  It  is  scarcely  ever  opened,  because  just  over  the 
threshold  is  about  the  steepest  bit  of  ground  you  ever  met 
with.  No  tiled  roof  was  half  as  steep.  But  come,  as  you 
uro  ready — come  this  way  and  I  will  show  you." 

Sj  saj'ing,  the  ostler  led  the  way  towards  tho  door  we 
have  already  had  occasion  to  make  mention  of. 

He  opened  it  quickly,  and  then  Dick  saw  at  the  first 
glance  that  tho  description  of  the  place  was  by  no  means 
an  exaggerated  one. 

The  earth  from  about  a  foot  from  the  threshold  sloped 
down  in  a  manuer  that  could  only  be  characterised  as 
precipitous. 

"I  can  never  ride  down  there,"  said  Dick,  positively. 

"Perhaps  not,  but  you  can,  I  daresay,  manage  to 
scramble  down— I  have  done  it." 

"But  Black  Bess?" 

"  You  leave  her  to  follow  you,  and  you  will  find  her 
lour  legs  are  quite  as  good  as  your  two,  rely  upon  it." 

"It  is  my  only  chance,"  said  Turpin.  And  just  as  he 
pronounced  the  words  the  officers  flung  themselves 
against  the  door  with  so  much  force  that  he  made  sure  it 
would  be  driven  from  its  hinges. 

Hastily  pressing  a  large  amount  of  money  into  the 
faithful  ostler's  hand,  he  commenced  his  perilous  descent 
without  delay. 

He  called  upon  his  mare  to  fo  low  him. 

Black  Bess,  of  course,  obeyed,  and  the  ostler  was 
proved  to  be  right,  for,  being  eft  to  herself,  she  seemed 
to  experience  but  little  difficulty,  save  that  she  slipped 
bow  and  then,  for  the  ground  was  rather  soft  and  of  a 
clayey  nature 


The  ostler,  having  seen  that  things  were  so  far  well, 
closed  and  bolted  the  door  with  marvellous  alacrity ;  thea 
rushing  up  into  the  loft,  he  appeared  at  tho  window  in 
the  way  we  have  described. 

The  descent  occupied  so  much  time  that  JMck  had 
barely  reached  the  level  ground  below  when  the  officers  dis- 
covered him.  Knowing  himself  to  be  out  of  pistol  rango, 
and  feeling  tolerably  certain  that  his  foes  would  not  ven- 
ture down  such  a  breakneck-looking  place,  Dick  Turpin 
did  not  manifest  the  least  hurry  in  any  of  his  motions. 

As  leisurely  as  possible  he  resumed  his  position  in  the 
saddle,  and  then  waving  his  hat,  rode  off  across  the  low- 
lying  meadows  in  the  direction  of  the  high-road. 

The  officers  were  frantic  with  rage. 

At  first  they  could  scarcely  bring  themselves  to  believe 
that  they  had  been  so  extremely  unfortunate  as  to  miss 
their  prey  by  such  a  hair's  breadth. 

While  under  the  influence  of  this  vexation  they  watched 
Dick  until  the  obscurity  had  entirely  concealed  him  from 
their  gaze. 

They  then  turned  back  to  the  stable,  their  breasts  glow- 
ing with  rage  against  the  ostler. 

"  Seize  the  villain  !"  roared  Skellum.  "  I  will  make 
him  answerable  for  all  this!  It  won't  need  a  conjurer 
to  arrive  at  his  share  in  this  business.  Seize  him,  I  say, 
and  handcuff  him  securely  !" 

It  was  all  very  well  to  gi»e  this  order,  but  a  slight 
difficulty  presented  itself  in  attempting  to  carry  it  out. 

The  ostler,  probably  sniffing  out  his  dauger,  had  had 
the  prudence  to  decamp,  aud  though  a  hasty  but  rigid 
search  was  made,  it  failed  to  discover  him.    ' 

He  had  vanished  entirely. 

"Never  mind  him,"  said  one  of  the  officers.     "  If  there 
are  fresh  horses  here  let  U3  have  them  and  ba  off  as  quickly 
\  as  we  can.     It  will  not  do  for  us  to   be  worsted  after 
coming  this  far." 

"  Certainly  not,"  said  Skellum.  "Come  on.  We  shall 
overtake  him  in  a  few  miles.  You  heard  what  tho  laud- 
lord  said  about  the  condition  his  horse  was  in  ?" 

"  Yes — yes,"  was  the  universal  response,  though  from 
the  manner  it  was  given  the  inference  might  have  been 
drawn  that  the  circumstance  had  only  just  been  brought 
back  to  their  memories. 

"  I  believe  he  will  keep  his  word,"  said  one. 

1  How  do  you  moan  ?" 

"  Why,  ride  to  York." 

"  Pho*  pho !  The  thing  is  impossible ;  no  one  ever  did 
it  or  ever  will." 

Long  before  this  argument  was  exhausted  the  officers 
were  all  mounted  and  once  more  in  full  pursuit. 

For  the  most  part  the  men  were  heartily  sick  of  the 
chase,  and  would  gladly  have  availed  themselves  of  anj 
pretext  for  abandoning  it. 

Skellum,  however,  was  now  more  determined  than 
ever ;  and  what  is  more,  ho  felt  more  assured  than  he  had 
yet  done  that  he  should  accomplish  his  purpose. 

Still  the  extraordinary  distance  Black  Bess  had  already 
performed  filled  him  with  amazement.  But  for  the  irre- 
fragable evidence  before  him,  he  would  have  steadily  ra 
fused  to  believe  it. 

The  fresh  horses  galloped  very  freely  and  swiftly  alon^ 
the  high-road,  and  at  tho  pace  they  were  going  they  fell 
sure  they  should  before  very  long  hear  some  intelligence 
of  the  highwayman. 

They  were  quite  right. 

The  driver  of  a  heavy  flour  waggon  was  the  first 
person  they  encountered,  and  from  him  they  learned  that 
a  mounted  man  answering  to  Dick's  description  had 
passed  him  at  a  furious  gallop,  some  time  before. 

This  was  enough,  and  off  they  went  again  at  a  speed 
not  far  short  of  twenty  miles  an  hour,  which  at  that 
time  was  considered  to  bo  vei*y  wonderful  travelling  in- 
deed. 

But  let  us  return  to  Dick. 

After  mounting  at  the  foot  of  tho  declivity,  he  made  his 
way  with  all  possible  speed  towards  the  high-road. 

No  words  can  express  the  gratification  caused  Win  by 
the  fact  that  brave  Black  Bess  bounded  along  with  as 
much  freedom  and  elasticity  of  movement  as  at  hist. 

"No  fear  of  failure  on  your  part!"  he  cried.  '•  And  as 
for  myself,  I  will  do  my  best.  You  fail,  Bess  ?  He  knew 
little  of  your  mettle,  or  he  would  never  have  made  that 
remark.  We  sha'l  do  it.  There  is  soiuethinf  within  me 
wJ»5ca  seems  to  vhisper:  '  We  shall  do  it.'" 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


isw. 


Tbe  lir-;t  obstacle  encountered  after  this  was  an  un- 
opened toll-bar. 

At  this  hour  the  Keeper  of  it  was  no  doubt  asleen,  for 
pikemen  must  slumber  sometimes. 

The  highwayman  was  disinclined  to  lose  time  "n  at- 
tempting to  arouse  him,  and,  also  with  a  viev  of  test- 
ing his  m»~ 's  present  powers,  he  urged  hei  to  the 
leap. 

Almost  as  much  to  his  surprise  as  delight,  shy  cleared 
it  with  ease,  lie  had  scarcely  believed  that  after  doing 
80  much  she  would  have  accomplished  It  thus  easily. 

Once  more,  then,  the  high-road  stretched  out  straight 
and  clear  before  him. 

There  was  no  token  from  behind  that  his  pursuers  ware 
anywhere  near ;  but,  for  all  that,  Dick  did  not  suffer  his 
mare  to  abate  her  speed  one  }ot. 

He  had  another  object  in  view  besides  snajM'y  distanc- 
ing his  pursuers. 

He  was  resolved  to  make  every  exertion  to  reach  York 
within  the  time  he  had  specified. 

Now  that  half  the  distance  was  accomplished,  every 
milestone  that  he  passed  made  him  feel  how  ne  was  ncar- 
ing  his  destination. 

Besides,  Black  Bess  was  going  freely,  an!  he  wanted 
her  to  do  so  while  she  had  the  power. 

The  better  speed  she  made  for  the  next  two  or  three 
hours  the  longer  would  bo  the  rest  they  would  be  enabled 
to  take. 

In  brief,  let  us  say  that  forty  more  mil^s  were  accom- 
plished without  one  symptom  of  flagging  aud  fatigue. 

But  after  that  every  yard  seemed  to  tell  fearfully  upon 
the  noble  creature. 

Yet,  although  her  bodily  powers  failed  her  a  little,  her 
mettle  was  undaunted — her  spirit  unsubdued  ;  and  it  was, 
Pick  fancied,  with  a  foe';i/;g  of  absolute  annoyance  that 
she  galloped  on,  striving  to  rise  superior  to  her  muscular 
strength. 

But  it  could  not  be. 

How  keen  was  the  pang  which  shot  through  Dick's 
heart  6very  time  her  fast-increasing-  distress  manifested 
itself! 

now  strange  it  seemed,  too,  for  up  to  this  moment  he 
fancied  she  could  do  anything. 

"  Gently,  Boss,"  he  cried — "gently!  You  shall  have 
another  rest.  And  then  what  shall  I  do  ?  Shall  I  call 
into  requisition  this  bottle  that  the  ostler  gave  me  ?  Shall 
I  drug  her  with  that,  and  so  endue  her  for  a  time  'with  a 
factitious  vigour?  Alas— alas  !  I  know  not — I  know 
not !" 

His  voice  grew  sad  and  hushed. 

But  presently  he  spoke  again. 

u  I  have  heard  of  such  things."  he  said.  "I  have  been 
often  told  that  there  are  concoctions  of  such  marvellous 
power  that  they  will  fill  the  veins  of  an  exhausted  charger 
with  fresh  strength — false  strength,  however,  for  it  will 
leave  them  a  thousand  times  weaker  than  br  fore.  Perhaps 
Bess  would  gallop  on  until  she  fell  down  dead  beneath 
me.  No — no,  I  will  not  try  it — that  is,"  he  added,  for  his 
mare  staggered  slightly,  "  not — yet — not — yet." 

Earnestly  he  looked  around  him  for  some  place  of 
shelter. 

But  none  appeared. 

The  darkness  was  intense,  though  it  was  growing 
towards  morning  very  fast. 

Ere  long,  however,  he  felt  certain  they  must  reach  a 
roadside  inn,  for  they  were  much  more  closely  studded 
along  the  line  of  highway  than  they  are  now. 

Accordingly,  he  spoke  in  cheerful  strains  to  his  steed, 
and  be  was  pleased  to  find  that,  in  spite  of  her  fatigue,  his 
voice  had  not  altogether  lost  its  customary  influence. 

But  suddenly  a  fresh  idea  occurred  to  the  hiehwayraan, 
and  he  pursued  it  closely. 

"  Let  me  think  a  little,"  he  cried.  "  There  is  upon  my 
mind  an  indistinct  recollection  of  having  heard  some- 
where that  a  raw  beefsteak,  or  else  the  warm  ontrails  of  a 
gamo  cock  wrapped  round  the  bit  was  a  stimulant  of  no 
ordinary  character  to  an  exhausted  horse.  I  will  try  that. 
There  cannot  come  much  harm  of  it,  and  something  must 
be'  done,  for  now  that  I  have  come  thus  far  I  am  'letrr- 
mined  not  to  fail." 

Just  an  ho  had  readied  this  point  in  his  reflections,  he 
perceived  'ti  the  distance  the  object  he  tad  been  longing 
to  to  behold. 

Apparwitfj     it    was   a    halting-place    of  no    ordinary 


character,  for  the  house  was  large,  and  flanked  by  out- 
buildings of  considerable  extent. 

To  reach  the  inn  took  Dick  but  a  few  moments,  aud  no 
sooner  had  Black  Bess  como  to  a  halt  than  a  door  com- 
municating wtth  the  stable  was  opened,  and  an  ostler 
emerged. 

"  Wero  you  expecting  me,"  asked  Dick,  "  that  you  ap- 
peared so  quickly  ?" 

"  Well,  no,"  returned  tne  man,  deliberately,  and  not 
until  he  had  indulged  himself  in  a  long  stare  at  the  new- 
comers— "well,  no;  but  I  rather  guess  you  have  been 
pushing  that  horse  of  yourn  a  bit  harder  than  you 
ought." 

"  Never  mind  that,"  cried  Dick.  "  I  want  a  bucket  of 
water,  a  quart  of  brandy,  a  wisp  of  straw,  and  about  a 
pound  of  :aw  beefsteak." 

"Anything  else?"  asked  the  man,  as  soon  as  he  had 
recovered  his  breath,  whieh  seemed  to  have  been  quite 
taken  away  by  Dick's  orders.  "  Because,"  he  added,  "  if 
there  is,  I  can't  attend  to  you." 

"  My  good  fellow,"  said  Dick,  "  do  you  see  this  ?" 

As  he  spoke,  he  held  up  a  guinea  between  his  fingnr 
and  thumb. 

"  Yes,  I  see  it." 

"  Well,  it  will  be  yours  in  about  a  couple  of  minutes, 
and  perhaps  another  guinea  added  to  it,  if  you  do  what  1 
want  you  with  all  speed." 

The  man  stared  hard  for  a  moment,  then  vanished 
through  the  doorway  from  which  he  had  emerged. 

Dick  at  once  alighted,  and  relieved  his  mare  by  loo3en- 
her  trappings. 

By  the  time  he  had  finished,  the  ostler  returnod. 

The  first  thing  Dick  took  was  the  wisp  of  straw,  and 
with  this  he  rubbed  his  mare  down,  and  afterwards 
bathed  her  with  the  brandy-and- water  as  before. 

The  ostler  was  amazed. 

"Well,  you  are  a  rum'un,  you  are.  I  should  like  to 
know  who  you  be." 

Dick  did  not  stop  to  reply,  but  went  on  steadily  with 
his  work. 

"I  don't  wish  to  hurry  you,"  added  the  ostler,  "but 
perhaps  yon  won't  take  it  amiss  if  I  tell  you  that  1  expert 
the  mail-coach  from  York  to  arrive  every  minute." 

"Thanks,"  said  Dick;  "that  is  important  tome.  I 
will  be  off  before  it  comes." 

"  Then,  let  me  tell  you,  you  will  have  to  be  quick." 

"  How  far  is  it  from  here  to  York  ?'' 

"A  matter  of  fifty  miles,  or  thereabouts." 

Dick  drew  a  long  breath,  as  he  murmured  : 

"  A  little  more  than  two  hours  will  serve  for  that." 

Then,  raising  his  voice,  he  inquired: 

"What  time  is  it  ?" 

"  Close  on  p£x." 

"  We  shall  do  it,"  he  cried — "  I  am  certain  we  shall  do 
it!" 

"  Do  what  ?" 

"  Get  to  York  bv  nine  o'clock  this  morning.n 

"  What !  on  that  horse  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  Never." 

"  Well,  you  will  see." 

"  I  tell  you  it  will  never  be  done.  She  is  dead  beat 
already." 

"  Don't  make  too  sure  of  that.  Where's  the  beef- 
steak ?" 

"  Here." 

Dick  cut  off  a  portion,  aud  then,  removing  his  mare's 
bridle,  rolled  the  rest  several  times  round  the  bit. 

"There,"  he  exclaimed,  "  that  will  be  as  much  good  to 
her  as  a  feed  of  corn  and  a  two  hours'  rest — mark  my 
words  if  it  is  not." 

The  attention  bestowed  upon  Bess  had  made  a  very 
great  difference  in  her  appearance — so  great,  that  one 
would  scarcely  have  taken  her  for  the  same  animal. 

A  small  quantity  of  braudy-and-water  was  in  the  bucket, 
and  this,  to  the  surprise  of  Dick  himself,  she  dmuk 
greedily. 

His  next  proceeding  wa3  to  thrust  the  meat -encircled 
bit  into  her  mouth. 

She  champed  at  it  several  times,  and  theu  became 
reconciled  to  the  feel  of  tin's  fresh  substance. 

"Blow  me,  if  that  isn't  a  rum  start!"  ejaculated  th« 
o»tler.  "I  was  born  in  a  stable  and  reared  ii.  a  bay-toft, 
but  I  never  heard  of  such  a  thing  as  that  before." 


1908 


CLACK  BESS;   OS. 


"Behold  the  effects  of  it !"  exclaimed  Dick,  delightedly. 
"I  can  £ee  already  her  eye  brighten,  her  neck  arch 
proudly,  and  her  fore  foot  paw  the  ground  !  How  far  do 
you  think  she  has  come  ?" 

The  ostler  shook  his  head  and  professed  hiuisell  unable 
to  hazard  a  guess. 

"  From  London !  Last  night  at  nine  o'clock— or  It  may 
have  bee*  a  little  later — I  rode  out  of  Drury  Lane.  This 
morning  by  nine  o'clock  I  shall  be  at  tho  Bowling  Green 
at  York." 

While  Dick  thus  epoke,  the  ostler's  eyes  kept  getting 
larger  and  larger. 

He  absolutely  staggered  back  in  hi3  amazement. 

It  is  doubtful,  too,  how  far  he  would  have  gone  had  not 
the  wall  behind  him  brought  him  to  a  6uddeu  stop. 

"Do  you  mean  to  say  that — that — you  were  in  London 
at  nine  o'clock  last  night  ?" 

"  I  could  produce  abundant  evidence  of  it." 

"  Then  how  have  you  got  here  in  tho  tiice  ?" 

Dick's  heart  gave  a  bound  of  pride  as  he  pointed  to  his 
mare. 

"One  horse  has  never  brought  you,"  exclaimed  the 
ostler. 

"  It  has." 

"  Then  you  must  be  Old  Nick  himself!" 

"  Nothing  of  the  sort." 

"  Who  then  ?" 

Before  Dick  could  reply  the  eouud  of  horses'  feet  be- 
rame  audible. 

"  The  York  mail,  by  jingo  !"  ejaculated  the  ostler. 

«No— no  I"  cried  Turpiu,  hastily.  "  Tho  sound  comes 
from  London." 

"  So  it  does ;  and  I  can't  hear  wheels',  neither." 

"  There  are  no  wheels,"  replied  Dick.  "  Here,  take 
these." 

He  gave  the  ostler  a  couple  of  guineas  as  he  spoke. 

"  Thank  ye,  sir,"  he  cried,  with  more  deference  than  he 
had  displayed  hitherto.  "  Although  you  promised  me  the 
rhino,  blow  me  if  I  thought  you  in  earnest !" 

Turpin  mounted  his  mare. 

No  sooner  had  he  seated  himself  in  the  saddle  than 
Black  Bess  showed  herself  impatient  to  bo  off. 

"Wonderful!"  cried  the  ostler,  though  his  eyes  were 
directed  down  the  road  while  he  spoke — "  wonderful ! 
But  it  will  be  the  death  of  her." 

"  What  will  ?" 

u  Why,  to  ride  her  fifty  miles  further." 

"  I  will  not  believe  it.  Look  at  her  now  !  Would  you 
rhink  that  she  had  already  done  so  much  ?" 

Tho  ostler  was  forced  to  admit  he  would  not. 

"  Hullo  !"  ho  cried.  "  Look  here  !  What  gentry  are 
these  coming  on  so  fast?  Oao  would  think  they  were 
riding  to  York  as  well." 

"  I  believe  they  are,"  answered  Dick,  striving  to  pierce 
the  obscurity,  for  he  was  anxious  to  see  what  sort  of  a 
figure  his  foes  cut. 

He  fandied  there  was  some  falling  off  in  their  numbers, 
but  could  not  make  sure,  for  it  would  have  been  sheer 
madness  to  linger  longer. 

"Good  morning!"  he  cried,  raising  hia  voice.  "You 
will  see  I  6hall  bo  as  good  as  my  word.  Kemember,  at 
nine  o'clock  this  morning,  the  old  Bowling  Green, 
York." 

Mr.  Skellura  could  only  reply  with  impotent  curses. 

Dick  did  not  even  hear  them,  for,  as  he  spo.ce,  he  loosed 
(he  reins,  and  off  set  Black  Bess  at  a  speed  that  the  ostler 
had  never  before  seen  eqaailed. 

He  was  still  gazing  at  her  fast-receding  form  when  1  8 
v,  as  aroused  by  hearing  Skellum  say  : 

"  D— u  you  for  a  fool  or  a  rascal !  Why  couldn't  you  stop 
him?" 

"Stop him?  What  for?"  cried  tho  ostler,  in  a  surly 
\  nice. 

"  Don't  you  know  who  ho  ii  ?" 

"No.    Do  y«u?'' 

"  Of  course  I  do  !" 

'■  Who  is  it,  then  ;  "  ♦ 

"  Why,  Dick  Turpin!" 

-   i  he  highway  man?"    $ 

"Yea,  fool!" 

"  And  tmit  was  Fiick  Bess?" 

The  ostler  was  so  lost  in  admiration  and  astonish*?„:t 
that  he  paid  no  attention  to  the  police  officer's  insulting 
manner. 


"  Of  course  it  was  Black  Bess !  He  has  brought  us  all 
the  way  from  London." 

The  ostler  was  amazed,  but  there  was  no  longes  room 
to  doubt  the  truth  of  what  ths  highwayman  h*3  Ss»H 
him. 

While  this  brief  conversation — if  so  it  cooM  be  called— 
was  going  forward,  tho  ofScors  had  dismounted,  au'l 
were  busily  at  work  removing  the  trappings. 

"Now,  dolt,"  cried  Skellum,  as  wrathfully  as  ever. 
"  find  us  the  horses  I  ordered  to  bo  provided.  We  mu>t 
be  off  at  once,  or  we  shall  lose  him  after  all." 

"Civi.ity  don't  cost  much,  Mr.  Officer,"  growled  th« 
OStler. 

"  It  is  too  oxpeusivo  to  bestow  upon  you." 

"  Oh,  is  it  ?" 

"Yes.     So  get  us  the  horses." 

"  Get  'em  yourself ;  d— d  if  I  do !  'Tain't  my  busiuc*- 
—I  am  here  to  look  after  the  coach." 

So  saying,  he  thrust  his  hands  very  deeply  into  l;i« 
breeches'  pockets  in  a  manner  expressive  of  the  utmost 
determination,  and  trudged  off. 

Skellum  so  far  forgot  himself  as  to  stand  still  cursing 
fearfully. 

But  his  men,  having  come  so  far,  felt  that  they  cpnM 
not  possibly  afford  to  lose  all  their  labour,  and  so  searche--' 
about  and  soon  found  the  animals  they  wanted. 

They  accoutred  them  with  all  speed  and  led  them  out. 

As  soon  as  he  caught  sight  of  the  cattle  in  readiness, 
Mr.  Skellum  smothered  his  resentment,  and  was  the  first 
to  mount. 

As  he  rode  away,  however,  he  again  caught  sight  of  the 
ostler. 

"You're  a  fool,"  he  yelled,  "and  I'll  make  you  kuc-^v 
it !  The  reward  for  Dick  Turpin  is  one  thousand  pound*, 
dead  or  alive,  and  you  have  allowed  that  comfortable  sun 
to  slip  through  your  fiugers." 

"  I  did  not  want  to  interfere  with  your  chance  of  earn- 
ing it,  old  boy,"  was  {tie  imperturbable  reply.  "  I 
wish  you  luck." 

In  another  second  inn  aud  ostler  were  left  behind,  and 
the  troop  of  police  officers  were  once  more  in  full  pursuit 
of  the  highwayman. 

That  they  had  an  immense  advantage  over  him  is 
certain. 

The  horses  they  now  bestrode  were  perfectly  fresh, 
and  but  for  the  fact  that  the  officers  were  very  tired,  and. 
consequently,  sat  heavily  in  the  saddle,  they  viould  have 
maile  wonderful  speed. 

As  it  was,  they  galloped  not  much  under  the  rate  oi 
eighteen  or  twenty  miles  an  hour. 

Tho  speed  at  which  Black  Bess  left  the  inn  was  at  first 
much  greater  than  this,  and  Dick  begun  to  draw  the  mc?t 
favourable  conclusions  from  this  circumstance. 

But,  to  his  grief,  he  was  not  long  in  making  the  dis- 
covery that  Black  Bess's  powers  of  speed  were  not  per- 
manent, but  fleeting. 

Ere  many  miles  had  been  overpassed  at  this  furious  rate 
he  was  sensible  of  symptoms  of  giving  way. 

Black  Bess  strove  hard  to  disguise  these  tokens  of 
flagging  energy,  but  in  vain. 

An  ordinary  observer,  or  even  an  ordinary  rider,  would 
have  failed  to  perceive  these  indications  as  soon  as  Dick 
did. 

To  all  appearances  her  speed  was  unabated,  and  her 
I  capability  of  keeping  up  undiminished. 

Tho  highwayman,  however,  was  sensible  of  a  continual 
effort  or  kind  of  strain  to  do  that  which  she  had  always 
before  performed  with  perfect  ease. 

"  Will  she  hold  out,"  he  asked  himself,  in  anxious 
tones,  "  or  will  she  fail  when  within  a  brief  distance,  of  the 
goal  ?  My  mind  almost  misgives  me.  Courage — courage, 
old  lass — take  it  easy  !     There  is  time  enough  yet." 

Cheered  by  her  master's  words,  Black  Bess  again  for  a 
brief  space  appeared  somewhat  liko  herself. 

But  the  police  officers  pressed  fearfully  upon  him, 

Thoy  were  gaining  grcund  too. 

Dick  knew  it  well,  for  the  sound  of  their  horses'  hoofs 
kept  getting  more  and  more  distinct ;  and  new  h»  found, 
by  turning  his  head,  that  he  could  actually  ee*  them  is 
tho  rear, 

The  officers  became  terribly  excited  upon  making  P.* 
discovery  that  they  were  undoubtedly  and  palpably 
gaining  upon  the  object  of  their  pursuit. 

Mr.  Skelluin  was  loud  in  his  congratulations. 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THB  KOAD. 


1809 


"  Didn't  I  tell  you  so  ?"  he  cried,   with  an  exultant 
ehuckle.     "  I  knew  very  well  what  the  end  would  be." 
Closer  and  closer  they  caine. 

Less  and  less  grew  tho  distance  intervening  between 
themselves  and  the  highwayman. 
Dick  grew  anxious* 

A  damp,  disagreeable  moisture  broke  out  all  o\>er  him. 
The  triumphant  shouts  of  his  pursuers  rang  in  his  ears 
like  tho  clangour  of  trumpets. 

Then  all  at  once  he  became  sensible  of  another  sound. 
Horses  were  coming  towards  him. 
Were  they  his  foes  also  ? 

He  asked  hitnstlf  the  question  with  no  little  appre- 
hension ;  for  if  it  should  be  so,  his  position  w.ruld  be 
critical  in  tho  extreme. 

That  they  were  police  officers  was  only  likely,  because 
it  was  certain  that  some  one  had  been  sent  on  in  advance 
to  provide  the  relays  of  horses  which  at  each  place  had 
been  found  in  readiness. 
But  this  fear  60on  abated. 

It  was  not  long  before  the  highwayman's  keen  sense  of 
hearing  detected  that  mingled  with  the  trampling  of 
horses'  hoofs  was  the  rumbling  and  grinding  of  carriage 
wheels. 

The  discovery  caused  him  to  draw  a  long  breath  of 
relief. 
It  was  now  very  close  indeed  upon  daybreak. 
Indeed,  it  was  a  question   whether  day  had  not  yet 
dawned ;  but  still,  if  it  had,  no  signs  of  it  were  percep- 
.  tible. 

A  dense  fog,  which  showed  signs  of  increase  rather 
than  abatement,  shrouded  all  things,  and  it  was  through 
this  semi-transparent  medium  that  Dick  Grst  caught  sight 
of  the  glimmer  of  lights. 

Then  a  conviction  as  to  what  it  was  that  was  approach- 
ing flashed  upon  him. 

"It  is  the  stage-coach,"  be  cried — "the  mail-coach 
from  York,  that  the  ostler  told  me  he  was  waiting  for. 
How  groundless  was  my  alarm  !" 

At  this  moment  there  came  a  puff  of  wind  from  wo 
south-west,  and  the  mist  rolled  away  before  it  as  if  by 
magic. 

A  soft  though  dim  gray  light  overspread  the  scene,  and 
all  objects  were  revealed  witb  comparative  brilliaucy. 

Before  the  highwayman  was  the  glorious  old  lumbering 
ttage-coach.  with  its  team  of  four  splendid  horses  snort- 
ing loudly  and  champing  their  bite,  for  the  sagacious 
tnimals  well  knew  that  they  were  close  to  the  changing 
house. 

There  was  the  florid-faced  jolly-looking  driver  in  front 
invested  with  all  the  glories  of  a  closely-muffled  great 
<oat  and  gold-betritumed  felt  hat. 

Piled  upon  the  roof  wa3  what  seemed  to  ba  an  unou- 
tangleable  mass  of  human  beings,  trunks,  boxes,  and 
divers  kinds  of  luggage. 

Leaning  out  from  behind  could  be  seen  the  guard,  horn 
m  hand,  preparing  to  give  the  shrill-sounding  eignal  of 
•heir  approach. 

The  cumbrous,  heavily-laden  vehicle  was  coming  on  in 
da6hing  style,  and  to  avoid  all  possibility  of  collision  with 
it,  Dick  drew  to  the  right-hand  side  of  the  road. 

But  the  driver,  and  the  outside  passengers  as  well,  had 
caught  sight  of  the  troop  of  police  officers  in  the  distance, 
and,  of  course,  one  glance  was  sufficient  to  make  them 
acquainted  with  the  actual  state  of  affairs. 

Moreover,  there  could  be  no  mistaking  Dick  Turpin 
for  being  any  other  than  a  highwayman  hotly  chased  by 
officers. 

Skelium  saw  the  coach,  and  at  the  first  glance  saw  with 
that  readiness  of  thought  with  which  he  deserves  to  be 
credited,  how  the  circumstance  could  not  only  be  turned 
to  his  advantage,  but  also  put  a  stop  to  this  vexatiously 
long  chase,  of  which  it  need  scarcely  bo  said  he  had  for 
some  time  been  heartily  tired. 

"Stop  him!"  he  bawled,  in  such  stentorian  tone3  as 
would  almost  have  justified  tho  belief  that  his  luugs  were 
made  of  leather.  "Stop  him — stop  him!  A  highway- 
man !  Dick  Turpin !  A  thousand  pounds  reward ! 
Draw  broadside  across  the  road!  That's  it— that's  it! 
Bravo— capital  f" 

These  words  wmch  we  have  just  <<et  down  reached 
with  tolerable  distinctness  the  ears  of  the  driver  of  the 
York  mail — at  any  rate,  he  understood  what  was  wanted 
of  him,  for  his  actions  afforded  practical  proof  of  that 


That  he  was  a  first-class  coachman,  the  entira  com- 
mand he  had  over  his  horses  sufficiently  proved. 

With  what  seemed  like  magical  celerity,  the  vehicle 
was  drawn  broadside  across  the  road. 

So  well  was  this  done,  that  the  hind  wheels  of  the 
coach  were  on  the  brink  of  tho  ditch  at  ono  side,  white 
the  noses  of  the  two  leading  horses  just  touched  the  op- 
posite hedgerow. 

The  execution  of  this  manoeuvre,  however,  produced  a 
kind  of  panic  within  the  coach. 

At  first  shrill  scroams  were  heard. 

Then  the  windows  were  let  down  and  eager  heads 
thrust  forth. 

Those  on  tho  one  side  had  a  full  view  of  all  that  was 
taking  place,  and  waited  tho  result  with  no  little  appre- 
hension, while  the  others  were  loud  in  their  demands  to 
know  the  cause  of  this  sudden  and  unprecedented 
stoppage. 

No  one  could  be  more  surprised,  however,  than  Dick 
Turpin  was. 

Well  he  might  be  at  beholding  so  truly  formidable  a 
barrier  so  suddenly  placed  in  his  path. 

What  was  to  be  done  ? 

Naturally  enough,  in  his  indecision  he  pulled  the  rein 
and  reduced  his  mare's  speed. 

A  loud,  ringing,  mocking  laugh  of  triumph  at  thii 
moment  reached  his  ears. 

It  came  from  the  officers  behind  him. 

He  ground  his  teeth  with  intense  vexation. 

He  glanced  quickly  to  the  right  and  left,  but  the  hedge- 
rows were  so  high  and  so  dense,  and  there  was  so  little 
room  for  a  preparatory  gallop,  as  to  make  him  feel  at  once 
that  it  was  hopeless  to  attempt  flight  in  that  direc- 
tion. 

"  His  goose  is  cooked,"  was  the  coach-dri7er's  com- 
placent remark — "  we  have  him  as  safe  as  a  rat  in  » 
trap." 

"  Divil  a  doubt  of  that,  begorra!"  cried  the  guard  be- 
hind, and  he  executed  so  hideous  a  fantasia  of  triumph 
upon  his  horn  that  the  passengers  were  fain  to  clap  their 
hands  over  their  ears. 

The  shouts  and  laughter  of  the  officers  behind  re- 
doubled, while  they  pushed  on  at  tli9  utmost  6peod  their 
horses  were  r*pable  of  making. 

At  the  same  time  they  did  not  neglect  to  prepare  their 
weapons  for  immediate  service. 

Then  followed  on  tho  part  of  everybody  a  breathless 
silence,  so  much  anxiety  was  there  felt  as  to  the  occur 
rences  of  tho  next  few  moments  and  their  results. 

We  must  describe  the  exact  position  of  affairs  at  thi> 
juncture. 

Dick  Turpin,  then,  was  in  the  high-road  with  an  ex- 
pression of  irresolution  upon  his  face. 

Not  more  than  fifty  yards  in  advance  of  him  was  th? 
insurmountable-looking  barrier  composed  of  the  mail 
coach  and  horses. 

Something  like  half  fifty  yards  behind  him  were  iAx? 
officers,  and  every  fleeting  second  brought  them  wonder- 
fully nearer,  for  thoy  were  coming  on  at  the  top  of  their 
speed,  while  Black  Bess  was  going  little  faster  than  at  a 
walk. 

Events  approached  a  crisis. 

What  was  to  be  done  ? 

Dick  felt  that  he  had  not  much  time  left  for  making  up 
his  mind. 


CHAPTER  MXCIX. 

DICK  TURPIN  WND3  A  MEANS  OF  GETTING  OCT  OF  HI.* 
DIFFICULT*,  AND  ASTONISHES  THE  DRIVER  OF  THE  TORK 
MAIL-COACH. 

A  dark  and  ominous  frown  settled  quickly  upon  tb^ 
countenance  of  the  highwayman. 

He  clenched  his  teeth  hard,  while  his  hands  wandered 
towards  the  holters. 

"Cursed  chance!"  he  cried.  "What  shall  I  do  ? 
Shall  I  face  round  and  fight  ft  out  ?  Shall  I  die  thus  wi*u 
my  purpose  unachieved  ?    No — no,  never — never !" 

And  yet  while  he  pronounced  this  determination  h? 
allowed  Black  Bess  to  come  to  a  standstill. 

Oddly  enough,  this  action  caused  the  police  officers  fo 
pause. 

But  they  had  very  undefined  idea3  as  to  the  powers  of 
resistance  possessed  by  the  highwayman. 

This  stoppage  they  oertainly  looked  upon  as  an  act  of 


1910 


BLACK  BESS  ;    OB, 


hostility,  and  even  Mr.  Skellum  thought  it  necessary  and 
prudent  to  advance  with  caution. 

u  Cowardly  knaves,"  muttered  Turpin,  with  unutterable 
6Corn,  as  soon  as  he  comprehended  the  tactics  of  Ida  ad- 
versaries, "why  did  they  not  put  on  a  bold  front  and 
ride  me  down?  Bess,  old  lass,"  he  cried,  petting  her 
dripping  neck,  "shall  we,  who  have  in  our  tifee  done  so 
much  to  excite  the  wonder  of  others — we,  who  hare  had 
so  many  hairbreadth  escapes  together,  and  fought  against 
Buch  overwhelming  odds — shall  we,  I  say,  shall  we  at  last 
yield  to  such  base  and  craven  carrion  as  are  now  behind 
us?  No — no,  it  shall  never  be!  We  will  at  least  make 
one  bold  attempt  at  freedom." 

But  it  was  not  only  necessary  to  decide  this  much,  but 
also  resolve  what  the  nature  of  the  attempt  should  be. 

The  police  oflicers  now  were  coming  on  like  men  nerv- 
ing themselves  for  some  desperate  encounter  which  they 
would,  if  possible,  willingly  avoid. 

Still  their  weapons  were  ready  in  their  bauds,  and  if 
Dick's  hesitation  lasted  much  longer  they  would  be 
within  range. 

It  was  questionable,  indeed,  whether  they  were  not  so 
already. 

"  There  was  a  time  when  you  would  have  thought 
nothing  of  that  barrier  yonder,  Bess— that  barrier  upon 
which  our  foes  appear  to  place  so  much  reliauce.  But 
now,  in  your  present  exhausted  state,  I  fear — yes,  I  fear 
to  put  you  to  it.  I  could  never  have  believed  such  a 
thing  as  this  would  come  to  pass.  I — I  will  try  it ; 
we  can  but  fail,  and  if  we  do  we  cannot  be  much  worse 
off.  Yes,  Bess,  I  will  try  you  once  more.  You  have  now 
the  chance  of  once  more  preserving  your  master's  life." 

We  have  been  at  some  pains  to  make  the  reader  per- 
fectly acquainted  with  the  nature  of  the  highwayman's 
situation,  and  in  consequence,  some  space  has  been  occu- 
pied in  60  doing — this  might  cause  an  erroneous  imptvs- 
sion  in  the  reader's  mind  with  regard  to  the  actual  dura- 
tion of  time. 

It  must,  however,  be  borne  in  mind,  that  all  occurred 
very  rapidly — even  Dick's  indecision,  which  we  have 
dwelt  upon  at  some  length,  could  not  be  called  ether  tluin 
momentary. 

To  those  who  were  observing  him,  ho  seemed  merely  to 
make  a  pause  and  nothing  more. 

His  next  action,  however,  amazed  them  far  mors  than 
anything  which  had  preceded. 

With  extraordinary  suddenness  he  faced  round  and 
rode  a  little  way  towards  his  foes,  who  were  near  enough 
to  be  able  to  tell  by  the  look  of  his  face  that  he  had  resolved 
upon  doing  something  desperate. 

Mr.  Skellum  called  up  all  his  coolness  and  presence  of 
mind. 

He  thought  he  knew  what  Dick  intended  to  do. 

'•  Stand  firm,"  he  cried  to  his  men — "stand  firm,  what- 
ever you  do !  Ho  thinks  of  dashing  through  us  ;  but  if  you 
are  firm  he  will  fail  in  his  attempt  and  we  shall  have 
him  !" 

The  men  immediately  prepared  themselves  for  the  obeyal 
of  this  rnand^to. 

But  to  their  extreme  rage  and  disappointment,  Dick 
once  more  wheeled  round  and  then  galloped  Black  Bi-ss  to- 
wards the  stage-coach. 

Ho  touched  her  with  his  spur,  and  she  gave  a  bound 
forward  as  though  completely  maddened. 

"  Bravo — bravo,  old  lass !"  he  cried  ;  and  his  voice  rang 
out  clear  and  sharp  in  the  morning  air.  "  Bravo  — 
try  your  best — try  your  bust !  Once  more  your  master's 
life  depends  alone  upon  youi  powers!" 

Black  Bess  heard  her  master's  voice,  and  if  she  did  not 
comprehend  the  actual  words  she  well  enough  understood 
the  tone. 

It  was  the  same  as  he  had  mado  use  of  many  a  time 
before  when  he  required  to  avail  himself  of  hoi  extraordi- 
nary powers. 

She  saw  the  obstacle  before  her,  and  seemed  to  gather 
up  all  her  energies  for  the  terrific  leap. 

The  driver  of  the  stage-coach  saw  hi'"  coming  on  and 
uttered  loud  shouts. 

"Step — stop!  Curse  the  fellow — wnat  is  he  after? 
What  does  he  mean  to  do  ? — is  he  going  to  ride  into  my 
leaders  ?     Woa.  woa,  there — stop,  I  say — are  you  mad  ?" 

Dick  Turpin  ;aid  not  the  least  attention  to  these  words. 

Keeping  to  ono  side  of  the  way,  he  rode  Black  Bess 
directly  towards  the  two   "leaders,"  as  the  driver  called 


them,  and  which  he  had  so  fondly  believed  would  prova 
an  impassable  barrier. 

The  two  horses  were  standing  close  together,  and 
though  the  feat  of  leaping  over  them  was  one  which  very 
few  would  have  thought  or  cared  about  attempting,  yet 
Dick  Turpin  felt  assured  that  it  was  ono  which  his  tuaro 
would  have  accomplished  easily  had  she  been  in  her  ordi- 
nary condition. 

Bat  after  the  distance  she  had  travelleu,  iJiek  felt  no 
slight  misgivings  as  he  rode  her  towards  it. 

The  passengers  on  the  coach  looked  tnm;b  alarmed. 

The  horses,  too,  that  were  harnessed  to  the  unwieldy 
vehicle,  grew  restive,  so  that  tho  driver's  care  was  re- 
quired in  attending  to  theta. 

The  officers,  recovering  from  their  first  panic,  quickly 
commenced  pursuit,  for  they  did  not  believe  it  possible  for 
any  horse  to  clear  such  an  obstacle. 

But  as  she  drew  nearer,  Black  Bess's  speed  wonderfully 
increased. 

"  Up — up  !"  shouted  her  rider  at  a  certain  moment  ;  a>id 
just  as  he  pronounced  the  word  she  rose  up  in  the  air 
and  cleared  the  pair  of  horses  bravely,  having  apparently 
a  foot  or  so  to  spare. 

The  coachman  dropped  his  whip  in  astonishment,  and 
as  it  happened  to  fall  on  the  backs  of  his  two  horses  It 
increased  their  restiveness  in  no  slight  degree. 

Then  the  guard  was  so  flustered  that  he  discharged  hi'* 
blunderbuss  in  the  air,  thereby  adding  tenfold  to  the  panic 
of  the  passengers,  as  well  as  startling  the  already  half- 
frightened  and  consequently  scarcely  maungeable   horses. 

What  the  guard  meaut  to  do  with  the  blunderbuss,  or 
why  he  had  taken  it  from  its  receptacle,  are  things  known 
only  to  himself. 

It  is  possible,  however,  that  he  had  some  vaguo  id' a 
that  he  would  be  able  to  use  it  against  the  high  way  rain. 

As  it  was,  it  was  a  mercy  no  one  was  hurt. 

Dick  Tar  pin,  finding  himself  clear,  gave  vent  to  a  loud 
ringing  cheer,  fo  great  was  the  exultation  at  his  heart. 

He  did  nof.  pause  to  look  behind  him,  but  resolved  to 
make  tho  most  he  could  of  the  time  thus  gained. 

He  knew  a  little  delay  must  take  place  before  his  foes 
could  get  fairly  on  his  track  again,  and  it  was  wise  of  him 
under  present  circumstances  to  get  as  good  a  start  as  he 
could. 

But, jy  no  means  anticipated  such  a  long  delay  as 

actually  took  place,  and  which  at  length  induced  him  to 
look  behind  him  and  see  whether  his  pursuers  had  not  at 
last  abandoned  the  chase. 

At  the  first  glance  he  burst  out  laughing  at  what  he  be- 
held. 

It  will  take  us  a  moment  or  two  to  explain  what  ho  be- 
hdd. 

The  officers,  then,  with  Mr.. Skellum  at  their  herd, 
reached  the  coach  not  much  after  Dick  had  taken  the  leap. 

Of  course,  none  of  them  felt  inclined  to  follow  his  ex- 
ample, but  they  were  most  anxious  that  the  horses  should 
be  immediately  turned  out  of  their  way. 

But  this,  owing  _to  the  restiveness  of  the  animals,  proved 
no  easy  matter. 

The  act  of  a  horse  and  rider  passing  over  them  in  such 
a  fashion  they  could  not  at  all  comprehend,  and  the  "  two 
wheelers,"  or  horses  next  to  the  coach,  happened  to  catch 
sight  of  the  flying  horseman,  and  in  their  terror  naturally 
recoiled. 

Now,  had  not  tho  driver  dropped  his  whip,  he  could 
doubtless  have  put  an  end  to  this  retrogressive  move- 
ment ;  as  it  was,  ho  had  lost  his1  powers,  and  the  horses 
continued  to  back  most  obstinately. 

The  passengers  bogan  to  scream  and  shout  in  mingled 
alarm  and  expostulation. 

Tho  hind  wheels  of  the  coach  had,  by  the  coachman's 
clever  manoeuvre,  been  placed  about  a  foot  from  the  brink 
of  a  very  wide  and  deep  ditch. 

As  the  horses  kept  backing  it  follows  that  before  any- 
thing could  be  done  the  hind  wheels  of  the  vehicle  ran 
down  into  the  ditch,  and  with  so  much  force  and  sudden- 
ness as  to  cause  the  coach  to  give  such  a  violent  lurch  as 
to  make  all  think  its  overthrow  inevitable. 

After-much  swaying  to  and  fro,  the  cumbross  machine 
righted  itself. 

But  their  terror  caused  the  fore  horses  to  make  qui  ce  a 
different  movement. 

With  alarm  increased  rather  than  abated,  they  *ur-j 
ound  very  short  and  started  forward. 


TfiB  HEIGHT   OH  TUB  ROAD. 


1U11 


In  vain  tk~  Lehman  tugged  at  the  reins  with  all  his 
might. 

In  vain  he  cried  out  "  Woa !" 

The  norses  were  insensible  to  both  bit  and  voice. 

The  consequence  is  evident. 

The  coach  was  drawn  all  to  one  6ide,  and  after  a 
general  quiver,  went  over  with  a  hideous  crash. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  Dick  happened  to  look  be- 
lli nd  him. 

The  horses  were  kicking  and  floundering  in  inextricable 
eonfasion,  and  the  harness,  as  it  gave  way  in  various 
places,  became  more  and  more  entangled. 

Jtfever  was  heard  such  screaming  before. 

The  chorus  was  terrific. 

The  guard  had,  most  unluckily  for  himself,  beeii  flung 
into  a  holly  bush,  where  he  stuck  fast. 

His  yells  were  alarming  to  listen  to,  and  not  a  little 
contributed  to  the  general  terror  of  the  passengers. 

The  pain  he  endured  in  the  tender  parts  of  his  anatomy 
would  not  allow  him  to  remain  still— human  endurance 
could  not  bear  it. 

But  the  misfortune  was  that  the  more  he  floundered 
about  in  his  insane  and  ineffectual  efforts  to  extricate  hiru- 
s. -If,  the  more  was  he  tormented  with  tho  thousand  prickles 
of  the  holly  bush. 

It  was  a  case,  however,  when  everybody's  first  and 
dual  attention  was  given  to  number  one,  and  all  the 
travellers  had  too  much  to  do  in  looking  after  themselves 
even  to  think  about  making  any  effort  for  his  libera- 
tion. 

.  Those  who  had  occupied  outside  seats,  of  course,  ex- 
perienced  severe  contusions ;  and  as  they  one  by  one 
picked  themselves  up  and  removed  to  a  little  distance, 
they  presented  truly  a  pitiable  spectacle. 

Not  a  few  had  fallen  head  first  into  the  ditch,  which 
happened  to  be  filled  almost  brim  full  of  stagnant  water, 
overgrown  with  a  kind  of  green  disagreeable-looking 
vegetation. 

it  is  true  that  the  foul  water  and  the  sticky  dirt  which 
formed  the  bed  of  the  ditch  saved  them  from  sustaining 
any  severe  injury,  but  then,  when  they  scrambled  out, 
they  were  in  such  a  woful  pickle  that  made  them  think 
that  anything  much  worse  could  not  have  well  befallen 
thotp. 

Those  inside  did  not  escape,  for  tho  overturnmout,  of 
the  vehicle  bumped  them  altogether  in  a  terrible 
manner. 

Most  desperate  were  the  efforts  made  to  emerge  from 
their  place  of  prisonage ;  but  they  had  but  little  result, 
for  the  only  means  of  exit  was  by  crawling  through  the 
coach  window  which  was  now  turned  upwards  to  the 
sky. 

The  police  officers  were  too  much  intent  upon  the  cap- 
ture of  the  highwayman,  who  had  given  them  so  much 
trouble,  to  think  of  aiding  the  passengers  in  any  way,  and 
as  soon  as  they  could  extricate  themselves  from  the  scene 
of  confusion  they  did  eo. 

The  driver  bawled  to  them  for  assistance,  and  indeed 
he  considered  that  ho  was  fully  entitled  to  their  ser- 
vices. 

The  guard  alternately  beseeched  and  commanded  them 
to  release  him  from  the  holly. 

But  they  disregarded  the  words  of  both,  and  rode  away 
amid  a  storm  of  yells  and  curses  from  the  whole 
assemblage. 

The  position  of  the  driver  was  by  no  means  an  enviable 
one,  as  he  quickly  found. 

At  first  he  had  greatly  congratulated  himself  upu'j  the 
fact  that  he  had  reached  the  ground  almost  without  sus- 
taining a  bruise,  for  a  stout  passenger,  who  had  sat  on  the 
box  beside  him,  had  fallen  undermost. 

But  the  coachman  was   not  long  before  he  was  made 
aware  that    he  was  not  destined  to  get  off  quite 
easily. 

The  passengers  having  partially  recovered  themselves, 
broke  out  into  violent  language,  which  was  not  at  ali 
lurprising. 

Still  less  so  was  tho  fact  that  they  ardently  desired  to 
be  revenged  upon  some  one. 

By  common  .^nsent,  that  some  one  pitched  upon  was 
.^c  anver,  wnoni  they  considered  to  be  the  source  of  all 
their  troubles. 

They  came  up  to  him  with  a  menacing  air,  and  formed 
roaad  him  in  a  tense  throng. 


"You  villain!"  cried  one,  shaking  his  clenched  fist 
"  What  do  you  mean  by  overturning  the  coach  in  this 
fashion,  and  putting  all  our  lives  in  danger?" 

"  Ay — what  do  you  mean  by  it?"  iterated  the  rest, 
closing  closer  round  him. 

The  coachman  turned,  as  though  he  would  nave  fled  ; 
but  ho  only  felt  himself  confronted  by  others,  if  possible, 
more  menacing. 

"I've  ad — d  good  mind  to  horsowhip  the  vagabond 
from  here  to  the  next  inn  I'"  exclaimed  one,  who  had  picked 
up  the  article  he  mentionod. 

"Gentlemen — gentleman,"  he  cried,  in  an  expostulating 
tone,  "don't  blame  me.  How  tho  devil  could  I  help 
it  ?" 

"  Blame  you  ! — who  else  must  we  blame  ?" 

"What  business  had  you  to  interfere  with  high- 
waymen ?" 

"None  at  all!"  yelled  the  guard,  who  at  that  moment 
was  pierced  by  a  larger  and  stronger  thorn  than  any  he 
had  hitherto  experienced.  "Pitch  into  him — give  it  him 
hot !     I  only  wish  I  had  the  chance.    Oh,  d — n  it !" 

Another  thorn  called  forth  this  last  ejaculation. 

The  passengers  scarcely  needed  any  bidding  in  tho 
matter. 

They  were,  it  is  true,  seeking  for  some  pretext  to 
attack  the  driver,  and  the  guard's  word-  proved  sufficient. 

To  the  intense  satisfaction  of  the  last-named  functionary 
the  passengers,  including  one  or  two  representatives  of 
the  so-called  softer  sex,  made  a  violent  onslaught  upon 
the  driver,  who  vainly  bellowed  for  mercy,  and  declared 
that  the  fault  was  none  of  his,  but  that  he  shoiill  be  the 
greatest  sufferer,  because  his  master  would  expect  him  to 
repair  the  coach,  and  if  he  failed  to  do  so  to  send  him  to 
prison . 

To  this  the  only  reply  he  got  was,  that  it  served  him 
well  right,  and  hoped  it  would  b9  a  warning  to  him  to 
mind  his  own  business  another  time. 

The  coachman  felt  himself  to  be  a  much-injured  in- 
dividual, for  he  felt  morally  certain  that  if  his  manoeuvre 
had  caused  the  capture  of  the  highwayman  ho  would 
then  havo  received  as  much  applause  as  he  now  had 
abuse. 

But  such  is  the  world. 

The  travellers  only  ceased  their  attack  when  com- 
pelled to  do  so,  and  finally  trudged  off  towards  the  inn, 
whither  those ^of  their  more  peaceable  companions  had 
already  gone. 

The  driver  and  tho  guard  were  left  alone  in  their 
glory  masters  of  the  field,  the  former  unable  to  rise  in 
consequence  of  the  severe  punishment  he  had  re- 
ceived, and  the  latter  now  hopelessly  embedded  in  the 
holly  bush. 

Here  we  will  leave  them,  for  other  and  more  stirring 
events  call  for  our  attention. 

Long  before  the  occurrence  of  the  last  incident  we  have 
described  the  police  officers  had  got  out  of  sight  and 
hearing. 

Having  kept  up  the  chase  so  long  with  so  little  result, 
it  may  seem  strange  to  say  that  the  weary,  worn-out 
officers  had  now  really  greater  hopes  of  success  than  they 
had  yet  entertained. 

The  reason  of  this  was  that  daylight  was  fast  coming 
on,  and  consequently  they  would  be  able  to  see  well  about 
them. 

Moreover,  there  would  be  a  greater  number  of  people 
abroad,  and  it  might  be  that  some  of  them,  noticing  the 
suspicious  appearance  of  tho  hard-pressed  highwayman, 
would  take  upon  themselves  tho  responsibility  of  detain- 
ing him. 

Once  or  twice  Mr.  Skellum  and  his  adherents  fancied 
they  could  hear  the  faint  clatter  of  hoofs  a  long  way  in 
advance,  but  they  could  not  satisfy  themselves  upon  thu 
point. 

As  before,  however,  there  was  no  difficulty  in  gaining 
intelligence  on  tho  subject  of  their  pursuit. 

Ever}-  one  they  met  could  toll  them  something  of  tin* 
highwayman,  and  all  agreed  that  he  could  ne«  lw 
far  off,  and  that  his  horse  appeared  to  be  much  ex? 
Laustea. 

Such  accounts  as  cnose,  coupled  with  the  approach  of 

day,   might    well   make  the  police  officers  strongly   of 

opinion    that   their    arduous    task    was  drawing    to    a 

close. 

Still,  in  spite  of  all  their  efforts,  they  were  not  success* 


l'Jl'2 


BLACK    BBSS  ;    OB 


ful  in  catching  eight  of  Dick,  although  they  strained  their 
eyes  unceasiugly  in  the  belief  that  the  next  instant  must 
serve  to  bring  him  before  their  anxious  ga23. 

Meanwhile,  Dick  Turpin  continued  for  a  long  time  at 
ft  hard  gallop,  which  he  knew  very  well  Black  Bess  kept 
up  with  difficulty ;  but  he  was  conscious  he  could  not 
permit  her  to  relax  her  efforts. 

The  adventure  with  the  coach  had  given  a  fresh  turn  to 
ids  thoughts,  because  the  excitement  was  so  unex- 
pected. 

The  ease;  too,  with  which  Black  Bess  had  achieved  her 
tremendous  leap  filled  him  with  enthusiasm,  and  ho  drew 
from  it  the  most  favourable  auguries  of  future  success. 

"  I  did  not  give  you  credit  for  half  so  much,  old  girl  1" 
he  cried.  "  On — on !  Do  not  flag  now !  Keep  up,  brave 
lass!  Do  not  fail  now  that  so  much  has  been  accom- 
plished— now  that  the  end  is  almost  in  view !  But  why 
do  I  talk  of  failure  ?  I  will  banish  tho  thought.  Black 
Bess,  we  must  succeed  1  Tho  feat  performed,  it  will  ever 
afterwards  be  spoken  of  with  wonder,  "We  shall  never  be 
forgotten — never  while  horses  are  made  use  of.  On,  Bess 
— on !  Courage  —  courage !  Wo  are  doing  this  for 
fame  1" 

The  gallant  mare  responded  nobly  to  the  enthusiastic 
tones  of  her  rider's  voice. 

But  for  all  that,  a  strain  could  be  detected;  and,  though 
the  words  we  have  just  set  down  came  from  the  high  way- 
man's  lips,  yet  in  his  heart  there  was  a  whisper  of  mis- 
giving and  of  doubt. 

It  was,  indeed,  more  with  the  hope  of  drowning  these 
inward  suggestions  that  he  spoke  up  so  loudly. 

Suddenly,  he  perceived  before  him  a  wide  river. 

The  name  of  it  ho  knew  not ;  but  he  saw  the  stream 
was  wide,  and  that  there  was  no  bridge  to  connect  its 
banks,  probably  on  account  of  its  great  width  we  have 
spoken  of. 

Here  was  an  obstacle  indeed,  and  he  wondered  greatly 
bow  it  was  to  be  surmounted. 

While  debating  this  peint,  he  slackened  6peed  and 
looked  well  about  him. 

The  day  might  now  be  said  fairly  to  have  begun  ;  but 
the  great  sheet  of  water  was  covered  by  a  shifting  mass 
of  vapour,  which  interfered  greatly  with  the  vision. 

At  last  the  very  bank  was  reached,  and  then  Dick 
came  to  a  dead  stop. 

'•  There  must  be  a  ferry-boat  belonging  to  ihis  place  ; 
and  yet  where  is  it  ?  Ah  !"  he  exclaimed,  as  Ctle  roiling 
mist  partly  cleared  away  and  enabled  him  to  see  the  op- 
posite bank  with  greater  plainness,  "there  it  is!  All 
will  now  be  well." 

As  he  spoke,  he  placed  his  hands  before  his  mouth,  and 
gave  utterance  to  a  prolonged  shout. 

His  voice  floated  across  the  water  and  was  heard,  for 
he  perceived  a  figure  make  an  answering  signal,  and 
directly  afterwards  he  distinguished  the  faiut  tones  of  a 
distant  voice. 

"  That  is  well,"  he  said.  "  You  will  be  able  to  have  a 
brief  rest  now,  old  girl.  You  shall  be  rid  of  my  weight, 
too.  While  the  ferry-boat  is  coming  you  will  have  a 
chance  of  recovering  your  wind." 

The  overtaxed  animal  seemed  very  grateful  for  this 
brief  respite  from  exertion,  and  turned  her  out-starting, 
glassy  eyes  upon  her  rider  with  an  expression  so  truly 
wistful  that  he  was  compelled  to  turn  away. 

As  he  did  so,  his  ears  caught  a  faint  sound. 

Ho  started  and  listened  again,  for  he  fancied  his  acute 
sense  of  hearing  had  deceived  him. 

"  So  close !"  he  ejaculated,  a  moment  after.  "  I  was 
not  prepared  for  this.  How  much  like  bloodhounds  they 
keep  upon  the  trail !  I — I  begin  to  fear  that  they  will  hunt 
us  down,  after  all. 

"No,  no — I  won't  think  that!"  he  added,  as  though 
ashamed  of  b>*  <ears — "  I  won't  think  that— at — at  least, 
not  yet."  > 

The  sound  $ow  was  more  distinct. 

There  coulrf  be  no  doubt  as  to  its  character. 

The  officers  were  coming,  and  every  moment  now  Dick 
expected  would  bring  them  within  sight. 

He  cast  an  anxious  glance  across  the  water. 

The  huge,  lumbering  ferry-boat  was  not  mora  than 
half  across,  for  it  seemed  to  encounter  much  opposition 
from  the  tide^, 

"It  is  all  over,"  said  Dick,  as  he  caught  the  first 
glimpse  of  hu  pursuers  in  the  distance.     "By  the  time 


the  boat  reaches  the  shore  they  will  be  here — perhaps 
before  it.  Come,  Bess,"  he  added,  "I  would  fain  have 
6pared  you  if  I  could,  but  there  is  no  help  for  it — we 
must  swim  across." 

In  her  wearied  state,  Dick  reasonably  enough  dreaded 
the  imposition  of  this  task.  <% 

But  he  was  governed  by  stern,  inflexible  necessity. 

Either  he  would  have  to  remain  where  he  was  until 
his  foes  arrived,  or  else  take  to  the  water. 

Full  of  risk  as  it  was,  of  course  the  highwayman  cho*» 
the  latter  course. 

Taking  the  rein  over  his  arm,  he  led  his  mare  into  the 
water,  and,  as  soon  -\s  he  was  deep  enough,  he  began  to 
swim. 

She  followed  his  example  willingly  enough. 

Her  master  knew  she  had  good  swimming  capabilities, 
and  he  was  surprised  to  see  what  good  speed  sh» 
made. 

The  ferryman  was  so  astonished  at  beholding  this  pro- 
ceeding that  for  a  moment  he  forgot,  it  was  necessary  for 
him  to  bestow  perpetual  care  upon  his  boat. 

Being  left  for  this  moment,  it  veered  round  and  drifted 
off  with  the  current,  which  was  particularly  strong,  but 
which,  to  Dick's  advantage,  set  in  for  the  shore  he  wished 
to  reach,  thus  materially  diminishing  the  exertion  which 
his  steed  and  himself  were  compelled  to  make. 

It  had  been  Dick's  hope  to  get  the  ferry-boat  over  to 
the  other  side,  and  bribe  the  man  to  keep  it  there,  so  as 
to  detain  his  foes.  As  things  turned  out,  however,  there 
seemed  every  probability  that  they  would  be  able  to 
avail  themsel  vos  of  it  much  sooner  than  was  ordinary. 

Dick  thought  he  might  yet  achieve  his  object,  ancl 
shouted  to  the  man  to  put  back. 

But  his  words  were  either  unheard  or  disregarded. 

Dick  was  now  in  mid-stream,  and  the  ferry-boat  not 
much  more. 

This  was  tho  moment  when  tho  officers,  panting  and 
breathless  with  the  extra  efforts  they  had  boen  making, 
reached  the  river's  bank. 

Scarce  one  of  them  had  breath  enough  to  hail  the 
ferryman ;  but  he  saw  them,  and  comprehended  their 
motions. 

"Quick — quick  !"  cried  Skellum.  "Come  on— come  on  ! 
Five  pounds  if  you  are  quick !  Come — come  on,  or  I'll  be 
d— d  if  tho  man  and  horso  won't  reach  the  other  side 
first!" 

Although  the  water  made  a  strange  gurgling  in  Ida 
ears,  yet  Dick  could  just  hear  the  words  uttered  by  his 
foe. 

It  was,  therefore,  only  reasonable  to  suppose  that  tho/ 
were  heard  also  by  the  ferryman,  who  was  now  out  of 
Turpin's  sight. 

Black  Bess  swam  bravely,  though  her  master  listened 
with  some  apprehension  to  her  laborious  snorting. 

As  for  Dick  himself,  a  better  swimmer  need  not  be,  and 
yet  he  felt  anxious  to  reach  the  shore,  for  he  was  con- 
scious that  he  was  not  in  his  proper  element. 

He  was  able  to  make  capital  progress,  for  the  current 
seemed  to  increase  in  streugh,  while  it  certainly  carried 
him  in  the  direction  of  the  shore  ho  wished  to  reach. 

The  ferryman,  on  tho  contrary,  made  very  little 
motion. 

The  clumsy  boat  was  much  too  large  to  be  under  the 
management  of  one  man  only,  and  the  current  was  on 
this  morning  unusually  strong. 

Mr.  Skellum  and  his  companions  were  in  a  state  which 
we  can  only  describe  as  being  one  of  absolute  frenzy. 

They  ran  up  and  down,  shouted,  waved  their  arms, 
discharged  their  pistols  over  the  water,  and  committed  a 
hundred  other  extravagant  actions. 

It  was,  indeed,  galling  to  think  that  after  all  their  late 
exertions  which  had  brought  them  so  close  to  the  object 
of  their  pursuit,  that  they  should  thus  be  compelled  to  re- 
main in  a  state  of  absolute  inaction. 

The  ferryman  at  first  seemed  somewhat  disinclined  to 
approach  or  have  anything  to  do  with  such  violent 
individuals,  but  the  promise  of  a  large  reward  and  the 
declaration  that  they  were  police  officers  in  pursuit  of  a 
notorious  criminal,  removed  his  scruploa  and  abated  his 
fear*. 

So  soon  as  ever  the  clumsy  bark  was  anywhere  near, 
several  of  the  officers  rushed  unbidden  into  the  water,  and 
assisted  to  drag  it  to  the  bank. 

No  sooner  did  it  grate  upon  the  sand  than  titers  wsa  a 


TSa   OUCHi*   r«3    •«**   "*»46. 


.  k'T'U.lMhrt'*  tf 


#1 


[THE    BKATR    Of    SOSN?    BLACK    f^?*."» 


sm»Ters*1  and  tremulous  rush  on  tiie  part  ot  the  police 
jLfkere  to  obtain  seats  In  it  . 

This  haste  was  so  great  as  for  a  time  to  deieat  its  own 
obiect.  ,  ,      .. 

The  ferryman  was  in  momentary  dread  of   witnessing 

iL*  capsizcinent  of  bia  boat. 

At  last,  how»Ter,  bo  h  horses  and  men  we«  saiely  got 
on  Doard,  and  the  nimberiug  vessel  pnsbed  off. 

Its  freight  was  unusually  heavy,  and  its  "  ^ess  siow 
on  that  very  account. 

But  the  current    soon    neg»n    to    make   its   influence 

felt. 

Mr.  Bkellum  turned  to  look  at  Dick,  from  whom  his 
eves  had  for  a  brief  space  been  removed.  _ 

"  Death  and  the  devil !"  he  cried.  "  He  has  reached  the 
ihore '  Curae  his  impudence !  That  shout  was  meant  as 
defiance.  Now  he  is  in  the  saddle;  and  now  he  is  off 
w»ia  like  the  wind !    Row,  you  villain  1     Arewetoh*»e 

Ua.  240.— Black  Bks*. 


all  our  trouble  thrown    away   through    yen?     Qrisi.- 

qUIt  wis  qnite  a  relief  for  Skrllum  and  bis  officers  w  to.4 

some  one  they  could  blame,  for  they  had  a  gre3-  deal  oi 
an°rv  feeling  stored  up  in  their  breasts. 

Their  ragf  was  vain,  for  the  rate  of  speed  maa*  by  the 
boat  could  not  be  acceleruted.  „„rT-  .*.• 

Finally,  to  the  great  relief  of  all,  the  opposite  WUi;.  * 
the  river  was  reached.  . 

They  disembarked  wUn  much  precipitation. 

\o  sooner  ha<i  the  promised  gratuity  been  give,,  u>  tfM 
ferryman  than  thev  clamberea  '"to  their  sadd  es. 

Mr  Skellnm  seated  himself  somewhat  ^prly,  fo, 
though  a  good  horseman,  yet  he  oould  not  help  feelmg  It* 
effect°3  of  so  long  a  ride.  cirrtuA 

Great  as  was  their  expedition,  yet  when  they  start** 
not  only  was  Dick  out  ef  sight    but  out  of    hr-«r.^ 


So.  240. 


Piuor-   Oxr.  Halfphnnv. 
un    ->At   «.m  he   Published  next   Monday. 


\9U 


BLACK    BBSS  :    OZ. 


"Meyer  mind,"  said  Skellum,  with  an  undaunted  voice, 
"  we  cannot  give  in  now  we  have  come  so  far !  Push  on  ! 
This  is  only  a  little  bit  of  a  spurt,  and  will  soon  be  over' 
It  is  impossible  that  his  mare  can  hold  out  much 
longer."  / 

"It  is  -vonderful  tha*  she  has  come  so  far."  remarked 
on«i  of  thw  officers. 

"  Most  wonderful !"  assented  Skellum.  "  I  would  never 
have  believed  that  a  horse  possessed  so  much  endurance 
IjA  I  I  not  been  an  actual  witness  of  it." 

"  (t  seems  like  witchcraft,"  said  another. 

"  It  does.'     But  the  end  must  certainly  be  near." 

''  What  a  thousand  pities  it  is,"  cried  the  officer  who 
h:id  first  spoken,  "that  such  a  magnificent  creature 
should  be  in  trie  hands  of  this  fellow  !" 

"  I  am  truly  6orry,"  said  Skellum ;  "  she  deserves  a 
better  Kite.  I  know  well  enough  what  will  be  the  end — 
he  will  contrive  to  ride  her  until  she  falls  down  dead 
beneath  him — that  will  be  her  end  ;  and  we  shall  witness 
it  before  very  long." 

No  more  was  said. 

The  officers  were  not  exactly  the  sort  of  men  to  waste 
sentiment  about  anything. 

Indeed,  it  is  in  no  slight  degree  surprising  that  Black 
Bess  should  have  touched  them  so  much  as  she  did. 

The  prospect  of  seeing  her  dead,  and  consequently  her 
rider  at  their  mercy,  served,  however,  to  change  entirely 
the  current  of  their  thoughts. 

Besides,  while  riding  as  they  were,  it  was  by  no  means 
an  easy  matter  to  keep  up  anything  resembling  a  con- 
tinued conversation. 

After  this,  they  rode  on  in  silence. 

At  frequent  intervals  Skellum  would  listen  intently,  in 
the  hope  of  hearing  something  of  the  fugitive. 

Suddenly,  after  going  some  miles,  he  uttered  an  ex- 
clamation. 

Then,  immediately  afterwards,  he  cried  out,  in  a  loud 
voice,  that  had  a  good  deal  of  exultation  in  its  tones : 

"I  can  hear  him — I  can  hear  him  !  I  am  certain  of  it  ! 
Listen — listen,  all  of  you !  We  are  gaining  on  him ! 
Whip  and  spur — whip  and  spur,  I  say  !  The  end  is  close 
at  hand !" 

The  officers  all  listened,  and  they  were  able  to  distin- 
guish the  distant  clatter  of  a  horse's  hoofs. 

All  at  once,  Skellum  cried  out : 

"He  has  stopped — he  has  stopped!  Something  has 
happened  1  Perhaps  he  is  thrown.  At  any  rate,  some- 
thing is  the  matter.  Push  on!  Hurrah!  we  have  him 
now,  at  last  I" 


CHAPTER  MO. 

DICK  TURP1N  TRIES  THE   EFFECTS  OF  THE  OSTLEr's 
POTION    UPON   BLACK   BESS. 

The  words  just  uttered  by  Mr.  Skellum  were  decidedly 
premature. 

But  the  reader,  no  doubt,  is  anxious  to  know  whether 
Dick  Turpin  had  been  compelled  to  come  to  a  halt  or 
not. 

It  is  hardly  Decessary  to  say  that  Dick  reached  the 
shore  in  safety. 

As  soon  as  he  felt  the  water  was  shallow  enough,  he 
waded  through,  holding  Black  Bess  by  the  bridle. 

Then,  shaking  himself  as  well  as  he  was  able,  so  as  to 
rid  himself  of  as  much  water  as  he  could,  he  uttert.d  that 
shout  about  the  character  of  which  Mr.  Skellum  had 
made  no  mistake,  and  immediateiv  afterwi  ids  vaulted 
into  the  saddle. 

He  was  not  without  considerable  misgivn  g,  however, 
bis  dread  being  that  swimming  so  far  had  done  muck 
towards  exhausting  his  mare. 

To  his  joy,  however,  he  quickly  found  this  to  be  an 
entire  mistake. 

So  far  from  showing  fatigue,  it  seemod  as  &.ougli"the 
cold  water  had  had  a  powerful  reactionary  effect. 

Her  sinews  seemed  braced,  and  hor  vein3  to  be  filled 
«*ith  'resh  vigour. 

ile»  respiration,  too,  was  neither  so  harried  nor  so 
laboured  as  it  had  been. 

Prom  all  this  Dick  drew  the  most  favourable 
•uguries. 

"  We  shall  do  it,  Bess,  my  lass,"  he  ejaculated,  patting 
her  tcndlj — "  we  shall  do  it — I  am  sure  we  shall !  There 
m«Jt  be  no  mora  flagging.    You  are  not  riding  to  York, 


old  girl,  but  you  are  riding  to  fame;  and  the  story  of 
how  y*»u  travelled  will  be  recounted  as  long  as  horses 
remaiu  beasts  of  burden.  There  will  never  be  one  to 
surpass  you.     On— on  !     Forward  and  onward  yet !" 

Black  Bess  responded  bravely  to  hor  master's  words; 
and  to  have  seen  hnr  at  this  moment  ro  one  would  have 
given  credence  to  the  fact  that  she  had  travelled  so  many 
miles  in  so  short  a  time. 

There  was  a  freedom  about  ah  «er  movements  aud 
elasticity  in  her  joints  which  delighted  her  rider  beyond 
measure. 

It  actually  seemed  as  though  the  swim  acrons  the  river, 
much  as  he  had  dreaded  it,  was  the  moot  favourable  cir- 
cumstance that  could  occur. 

Black  Bess  appeared  as  much  refreshed  by  the  exertion 
as  she  would  have  been  had  she  enjoved  a  good  rest  and 
partaken  of  a  good  feed  of  corn. 

Dick's  joy  increased. 

In  his  delight  and  enthusiasm,  he  vraved  his  arms  apd 
shouted  aloud  in  a  manner  that  greatly  excited  the 
wonderment  of  the  few  travellers  he  happened  to  meet 
with  at  that  early  hour. 

Black  Bess  was  once  more  going  at  that  wonderful 
stretching  gallop  of  hers  which  no  steed  could  come 
near. 

But  Dick's  enthusiasm  was  more  the  effects  of  a  wild 
excitement  than  a  genuine  feeling. 

Although  his  lips  gave  utterance  to  the  expressions  we 
have  recorded,  yet  his  heart  smote  him  severely. 

He  knew  that  the  achievement  of  riding  from  London 
to  York  in  the  short  space  of  twelve  hours,  even  if  accom- 
plished, would  be  at  the  price  of  his  mare's  life. 

He  knew  it,  though  with  a  strange  wilfulness  he  closed 
his  eyes  to  it,  and,  so  far  from  abandoning  his  purpose, 
did  all  he  could  to  urge  her  to  still  more  exertion. 

The  time  was  drawing  short,  and  many  miles  had  yet 
to  be  accomplished. 

Not  that  he  despaired  or  ev«n  doubted  success  for  a 
single  moment,  but  he  was  impatient  now  that  the  rido 
should  be  o^er. 

Away,  then,  they  flew,  at  a  speed  which  by  an  ordinary 
rider  would  have  been  considered  dangerous  in  the 
extreme. 

Instead  of  thinking  so,  Dick  kept  endeavouring  to  make 
liis  mare  go  faster  still. 

Suddenly,  however,  in  the  midst  of  her  career,  she 
stumbled. 

Dick  could  scarcely  believe  the  evidence  of  his  own 
senses. 

She  had  never  in  her  life  done  so  before. 

There  could  be  no  doubt  about  it  now,  however,  for 
she  instantly  fell  dead  lame. 

Dick's  heart  stood  still. 

Such  a  panic  took  possession  of  him  that  he  was  un- 
conscious of  everything. 

Whether  he  checked  the  rein  or  whether  his  mane 
had  stopped  of  her  own  accord  he  knew  not. 

But  all  at  once  he  awoke  to  the  consciousness  that  she 
was  standing  still. 

And  yet  consciousness  did  not  entirely  return  to 
him. 

The  occurrence  of  the  accident-  at  this  particular 
iuncture  seemed  to  have  a  paralysing  effect  upon 
him. 

For  some  seconds  he  remained  in  the  saddle  as  though 
changed  to  stoue. 

Black  Bess  panted  terribly. 

Every  time  her  lungs  expanded  it  seemed  as  though 
her  swelling  sides  must  burst  the  saddle  girths. 

Now  that  she  had  stopped,  the  perspiration  rose  above 
her  like  a  cloud  of  vapour,  while  heavy  drops  fell  from 
her  flanks  and  reached  tb«  ground  with  a  sullen 
dash. 

What  was  to  be  done  ? 

As  yet,  Dick  had  scarcely  asked  himself  this  ques- 
tion. 

Wao  this  to  be  the  end  ? 

After  accomplishing  so  mnch — aher  all  his  felicitatlone 
and  anticipations — was  this  to  be  the  ultimate  result  ? 

The  blood  slowly  forced  itself  through  his  veins  like 
ice. 

Then,  faintly  but  yet  distinctly,  there  came  upon  t>t« 
ears  a  distant  ringing  sound. 

An  ordinary  ear  would  perhaps  have  failed  to  ab&a> 


THB  KNIOHT  OF   TUB   BOAD. 


1919 


jraish  it;  bat  to  the  highwayman's  educated  faculties  it 
was  only  too  audible. 

The  sound  told  of  the  rapid  coming  of  his  pur- 
suers. 

Aud  yet  fee  sat  listening,  like  one  either  stupiflid  or  else 
charmed  from  moving. 
Nearer,  clearer  came  the  sound. 
There  was  uo  doubt  about  its  character. 
Ere  long  they  would  be  in  sight 
But  Dick  seemed  now  utterly  abandoned  to  despair. 
He  did  not  seem  to-eare  what  had  occurred  now  th&i  his 
scheme  bad  been  thus  rudely  put  an  end  to. 

With  such  a  sigh  as  one  might  suppose  would  come 
from  the  breast  of  one  in  whose  heart  hope  had  been  for 
ever  annihilated,  Dick  left  the  saddle. 

Dread  was  at  his  heart — a  fiery  mist  about  his  eye3  and 
brain. 
What  caused  the  lameness  ? 

With  a  coolness  aud  a  manner  that  looked  like  entire 
indifference,  ho  stooped  to  ascertain. 
He  was  indifferent. 

What  did  the  cause  of  lameness  matter  so  tlxit  the 
lameness  itself  exis'ed  ? 

Black  Bess  was  >tvjj?,  aud  being  so,  it  was  out  of  all 
question  that  she  w^a V  £e  able  to  perform  the  task  he 
!ia:l  assigned  to  her. 

He  proceeded  to  make  nis  examination  with  as  much 
calmness  as  a  man  who  had  abuudauce  of  leisure. 

But,  in  point  of  fact,  little  more  than  a  glance  was  re- 
quired to  make  him  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  the 
mischief. 

In  her  desperate  attempt  to  keep  up  her  gallop  she  had 
what  is  technically  called  overreached. 

That  is,  the  sharp  iron  toe  upon  the  hind  shoe  had 
struck  against  the  heel  of  her  fore-foot,  inflicting  an  ugly- 
lookiug  cut,  from  which  the  blood  flowed  profusely. 

It  was  the  sudden  pain  thus  caused  that  had  made  Bess 
lame;  and  had  her  rider  pushed  her  on  instead  of  pulling 
up  immediately  ou  making  the  discovery,  the  symptoms 
would  have  disappeared  very  speedily. 

When  Turpiu  saw  that  no  more  mischief  had  been  done 
than  this,  he  drew  a  long  heartfelt  sigh  of  relief,  and  once 
m.ire  suffered  himself  to  be  buoyed  up  by  hope. 

He  tore  a  long  slip  off  his  neckcloth  and  used  this  as  a 
bandage. 

Then,  afterwards,  by  a  speedy  yet  thorough  examina- 
tion satisfied  himself  that  nothing  else  was  amiss. 

Yet,  rapid  as  he  was,  the  reader  will  not  inquire  to  be 
told  that  several  precious  moments  had  been  consumed. 

At  any  rate,  the  period  had  been  sufficient  to  enable  his 
indefatigable  pursuers  to  get  into  sight. 

They  saw  him,  for  the  morning  now  was  Vigh*  and 
clear — even  the  warmth  of  the  sun's  raya  could  be 
felt 

They  were  not  a  little  surprised  to  see  1  arpin  dis- 
mounted and  standing  near  his  mare. 

But  they  very  soon  arrived  at  the  cone)  jsion  that 
Black  Bess  had  met  with  an  accident  of  soiie  kind  or 
other ;  and  as  this  could  not  but  prove  an  a  Ivautage  to 
them,  they  pushed  ou  as  fast  as  an  unceasing  application 
of  the  whip  and  spur  would  urge  them. 

Dick,  having  brought  his  operations  to  ft  conclusion, 
looked  up  and  saw  them. 

A  bitter  smile  curled  his  lips.     V 

'•  They  are  like  wolves  upon  the  track  of  blood,  or  sharks 
after  some  death-doomed  wretch  on  board  a  vessel.  They 
will  hunt  me  to  the  last  gasp.  Never  mind,  '  he  con- 
cluded, u  I  can  defy  them  yet.  I  know  Bess  is  all  right 
now." 

He  mounted  a»  ne  6poke ;  but  how  different  wa3  his 
mode  of  doing  so  to  that  which  he  ordinarily  adopted. 

It  was  his  wout  to  place  one  hand  upon  the  pommel, 
and  then  to  spring  with  one  bound  into  his  seat. 

Now,  however,  the  way  in  which  he  climbed  into  the 
sail. lie  spoke  volumes  as  to  the  amount  of  his  fatigue  : 
aud  by  his  appearance  *t  this  moment  it  would  seem  as 
though  he  would  be  to  the  full  as  much  exhausted  as  his 
mare  upon  the  conciusiou  of  the  journey. 

Biaek  Bess  had  her  ears  inclined  backwards,  as  though 
listening  to  the  coming  of  her  master's  foes. 

Then,  no  sooner  did  t>be  feel  him  seated,  than  she  started 
uff  of  her  own  accord. 

She  went  lame  at  first,  but  that  was  only  stiffuess,  and 
H  vanished  quickly. 


The  efforts  that  she  now  made  cannot  be  spoken  of  br 
any  other  term  than  that  of  superhuman. 

Dick  did  nothing  save  speak  encouragingly  now  and 
then. 

It  was  hard,  however,  to  think  otherwise  than  that 
Black  Bess,  being  fully  sensible  of  tho  proximity  of  Dick's 
foes,  was  doing  her  best  to  increase  &>  distance  between 
them  with  tne  least  possible  delay. 

As  for  the  highwayman  himself,  ha  had  BO  doubts  what- 
ever upon  the  subject,  and  his  enthusiasm  rose  to  its 
highest  pitch  when,  on  looking  back  aftor  the  lapse  of  a 
short  interval,  he  saw  that  not  only  had  she  tried,  but 
had  succeeded. 

The  police  officers  soon  found  that  they  were  even  now 
unable  to  compete  with  her,  and  their  blown  horses  had 
by  this  time  become  so  accustomed  to  a  brutal  and  con- 
tinuous use  of  whip  and  spur  as  to  be  now  heedless  and 
insensible  of  both. 

Do  what  they  could,  the  officers  were  unable  to  increase 
the  speed  of  their  overridden  beasts — indeed,  they  soon 
discovered  that  each  moment  reduced  the  rate  most 
materially. 
Nevertheless,  Mr.  Skellum  did  not  despair. 
Fresh  horses  were  waiting  for  him  on  the  road,  and 
upon  them  he  relied  for  making  up  lost  ground. 

Mile  after  mile  thus  flew  by,  until  at  last  Dick  again 
fouud  himself  upon  the  high-road  alone — both  out  of 
sight  and  out  of  hearing  of  his  enemies. 

The  reader,  of  course,  will  not  be  surprised  to  learn 
that  Black  Bess  suffered  fearfully. 

Her  terrible  and  palpable  distress  sent  a  pang  through 
her  master's  heart,  but  it  did  not  incline  him  to  forget  his 
purpose. 

If  such  a  thing  could  be  possible,  his  determination  was 
stronger  than  it  had  yet  been. 

His  goal  now  he  looked  upon  as  being  almost  witLiu 
sight. 

The  race  was  all  but  won. 

It  would  have  been  strange  indeed  had  he  relented 
now. 

But  he  did  pull  in,  for  there  was  time  enough  yet  before 
him  for  the  accomplishment  of  his  purpose  within  the" 
bounds  he  had  set  himself,  aud  his  foes,  lie  thought,  went 
far  enough  behind  to  render  this  course  prudent. 

Another  thing  that  influenced  him  was,  that  a  steepish 
bit  of  road  lay  in  advance,  aud  up  this,  at  all  hazards,  he 
resolved  that  she  should  walk. 

Her  distress  now  appeared  to  be  greater  than  ever ;  and 
had  anyone  seen  her  in  her  present  state  they  would  have 
boldly  enough  declared  that  it  would  be  utterly  impossible 
for  her  to  keep  on  for  many  miles  longer. 
Dick  almost  began  to  think  so  himself. 
Her  condition  wrung  a  groan  from  his  heart. 
His  hand  sought  his  waistcoat  pocket. 
He  was  thinking  about  the  bottle  that  had  been  given 
him  by  the  ostler. 

Although  he  had  no  reason  to  doubt  its  efficacy,  and 
although  one  would  think  it  could  never  be  more  wanted 
than  at  the  present  moment,  yet  he  felt  an  invincible  re- 
luctance to  trying  its  powers. 

Thoughtfully,  and  thus  debating  with  himself,  he  rode 
up  the  hill. 

On  the  right-hand  were  some  very  substautial-lookiug 
ricks  of  hay  aud  straw,  and  a  little  way  beyond  a  pictu- 
resque farm-house,  from  the  chimneys  of  which  thin 
wreaths  of  blue  smoke  were  curling. 

Dick  looked  upon  these  things  with  a  listless  eye,  being, 
indeed,  scarcely  conscious  that  he  was  observing  them. 

As  Black  Bess  toiled  on  he  was  wondering  whether  he 
should  administer  the  potion  or  not. 

A  slight  circumstance  caused  him  to  resolve  not  to  do 
so,  and  also  induced  him  to  make  use  of  another  ex- 
pedient. 

RouDd  the  ricks  of  which  we  have  made  tnentioi. 
several  fowls  were  strutting,  cackling,  ant*  working 
busily. 

No  sooner  did  Dick  notice  them,  than  he  gave  a  slight 
start,  aud  muttered : 

"  I  wonder,  now,  whether  there  is  any  «ruth  in  it  ?  1 
am  certain  I  have  heard  that  the  warm  entrails  of  a  gain* 
cock  wrapped  round  the  bit  will  give  unusual  vigour  w 
a  flagging  steed.  Why  should  1  doubt  it?  The  beef- 
steak far  exceeded  all  my  expectations ;  and  why  shonl<f 
not  this  be  as  eflicacious  ?     At  any  rate,  I  will  try  ;    th» 


1916 


HL  VOB  BES3  ;    OR, 


fxperimeut  can  do  do  barm,  and  I  shall  be  better  re- 
conciled to  the  use  of  the  potion  when  I  know  it  is  abso- 
lutely ray  last  resource.'' 

While  speaking  Owe  words  Dick  drew  from  his  pocket 
a  small  pistoL  w 

He  gave  just  one  glance  at  it  to  see  that  it  was  in 
readiness  for  use,  and  then,  pointing  it  steadily,  pulled  the 
trigger. 

There  was  a  flash,  a  report,  and  a  wreath  (/  blue 
smoke. 

When  the  latter  had  died  away  Dick  saw  the  cock  loll- 
ing on  the  ground  in  the  agonies  of  death. 

To  alig'jt  from  his  steed,  spring  over  the  low  boun- 
dary he^ge,  and  to  seize  the  struggling  bird,  took  the 
highwayman  but  a  moment. 

A  knife  then  put  a  speedy  termination  to  his  existence, 
and  also  supplied  Turpin  with  what  he  wanted. 

It  was  no  very  easy  matter  to  enwrap  the  bit  with  such 
a  mass,  but  he  succeeded,  and  regained  the  saddle. 

Black  Bess  was  made  to  ascend  the  hill  at  a  walk,  and 
on  reaching  the  summit  Dick  was  rejoiced  to  see  that  the 
ground  had  a  downward  tendency  as  far  as  his  eye 
could  reach. 

This  was  greatly  ia  his  favour. 

There  certainly  was  some  strange  virtue  in  the  experi- 
ment just  tried,  for  Black  Bess  appeared  to  be  endowed 
with  a  new  lease  of  life. 

Once  again  she  galloped  freely  along  the  high-road  ; 
snd  though  it  was  not  like  her  old  rate  of  travelling,  yet 
she  got  over  the  ground  exceedingly  well,  and,  what  was 
'.lueh  more  important,  with  an  evident  abatement  of  her 
distress. 

Whether  this  new-found  vigour  would  endure  was 
a  question  he  hardly  dared  to  think  about.  It  was 
sufficient  to  know  that  all  was  well  in  the  present 

He  looked  behind  him  many  times,  for  he  lully  ex- 
pected to  catch  sight  of  his  pursuers. 

For  a  long  time  the  country  was  open,  and  the  summit 
of  the  hill  near  the  farm-house  was,  consequently,  clearly 
visible. 

But  presently  the  aspect  changed. 

The  high-road  was  fringed  by  thick-growing  trees,  and, 
besides,  took  a  somewhat  serpentine  direction,  so  that  it 
•vas  now  impossible  for  the  officers  to  catch  sight  of  Dick 
unless  they  got  very  close  in  his  rear  indeed. 

Every  milestone  that  was  now  passed  increased  the 
sew-found  hope  in  the  highwayman's  breast. 

The  road  was  getting  more  occupied  with  people,  who 
seemed  in  no  ordinary  degree  astonished  at  beholding  our 
hero  and  Black  Bess. 

Suddenly,  Dick's  ears  were  assailed  with  a  fresh  sound. 

It  was  that  caused  by  a  single  horseman  riding  at  a 
tremendous  rate  towards  him. 

Of  this  horseman  Dick  could  not  catch  a  glimpse  in  con- 
sequence of  the  sinuous  character  of  the  roadway 

But  he  could  hear  him  distinctly  enough. 

The  gallop,  he  could  tell,  was  a  long  stretching  one, 
»nd  yet  the  advaucing  horse  trod  with  extraordinary 
lightness. 

"That  is  bo  ordinary  animal,"  muttered  Turpin,  as  he 
•nclined  a  little  more  to  the  lefr-hand  6ide  of  the  road. 
'  Ah !"  he  added,  with  a  heavy  sigh,  "  would  that  you,  my 
*onny  Black  Bess,  were  only  capable  of  covering  the 
ground  in  such  a  style.  There  was  a  time  when  nothing 
Qould  surpass  you  ;  but  1  sadly  fear  that  time  has  gone  by 
naver — never  to  come  again." 

A  profound  fit  of  dejection  came  over  him  at  thtfc  mo- 
ment. 

So  profound  that  he  forgot  all  about  the  advancing 
rider,  in  whose  steed  he  had  begun  to  feel  so  deep  au  in- 
terest. 

He  was  culy  aroused  from  this  fit  of  abstraction  by  see- 
ing the  stranger  come  at  full  swing  round  a  bend  iu  the 
road,  and  not  very  far  ahead.  \ 

What  first  attracted  Turpin's  attention  was  that  the 
approaching  steed  was  like  Black  Bess :  of  a  jetty  black- 
ness. 

The  rider,  too,  was  not  altogether  unlike  Dick  himself, 
save  that  he  had  a  much  more  youthful  air,  and  that  ha  was 
ot  a  much  more  slender  make. 

He  came  on  with  such  swiftness,  however,  that  there 
was  no  opportunity  of  observing  him  very  closely,  or  hit 
weed  either. 

¥&  or.  he  flitted  past,  Dick  felt  convinced  that  the  rider's 


appearance  was  very  familiar  to  him — that  he  had  indeed 
seen  him  somewhere  or  oilier. 

The  stranger,  too,  must  evidently  have  been  struck  with 
the  same  idea,  for  directly  he  had  gone  by  he  reiued-in  his 
horse,  and  having  brought  him  to  a  standstill,  turned 
round  and  rode  towards  our  hero. 

Hearing  some  one  approach,  Die*  looked  behind,  and 
this  time  recognised  the  rider. 

"As  I  live,"  he  ejaculated,  "that  must  be  Captain 
Hawk  !  What  on  earth  can  have  brought  him  into  this 
part  of  the  country  ?" 

"I  think  I  am  under  no  mistake,"  said  Captain  Hawk, 
for  it  was  indeed  he — "you  are " 

"  Dick  Turpin,  at  your  service." 

"  I  thought  eo.  Give  me  your  hand.  I  am  heartily 
glad  to  see  you." 

There  could  be  no  doubting  Captain  Hawk's  siucerity. 

His  fine  open  countenance  showed  that  ^hat  he  Lad 
said  had  come  from  his  heart. 

Dick  could  not  put  on  an  appearance  of  much  gaiety, 
but  nevertheless  he  pressed  Captain  Hawk's  proffered 
hand  very  warmly,  for  at  this  juncture  it  gave  Dick  a 
peculiar  thrill  of  emotion  to  find  that  he  had  a  friend. 

Captain  Hawk's  eyes,  however,  at  once  fixed  them- 
selves upon  Black  Bess,  and  at  the  same  time  his  fac» 
assumed  au  expression  which  we  can  only  term  as  one  o( 
incredulous  amazement. 

"  Good  Heavens."  he  ejaculated,  "  that  is  never  jova 
famous  mare  ?" 

Dick  bowed  gravely, 

"  Then  what  on  earth  have  yon  been  doing  ■with  her  to 
change  so  greatly  ?  Even  with  you  on  her  back  1 
scarcely  knew  her.  I  ask  again,  what  have  you  dene  to 
her  ?•' 

"  Ridden  her  from  London." 

"  From  London  !"  repeated  the  captain,  with  a  puzzled 
air.  "  But  I  don't  see  that  accounts  for  it.  I  have  ridden 
Satan  hore  from  Loudon,  and  yet  I  think  he  never  was  in 
better  trim  in  his  life." 

"  But  how  long  were  you  about  it  ?" 

"  How  long  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  Well,  I  hardly  know.  I  was  in  no  hurry.  I  simp!? 
journeyed  from  place  to  place." 

"  Precisely  so,"  6aid  Turpin,  with  a  smile,  while  hi? 
heart  swelled  with  triumph  ;  "  but  will  you  believe  me  ii 
I  tell  you  how  long  I  have  been  coming  thus  far  on  the 
road  to  York?" 

"  Certainly.     WTiy  should  I  doubt  your  word  ?" 

"  Because  what  I  am  going  to  '^11  you  will  sound  so  in- 
oredible." 

"  Indeed  !"  exclaimed  the  captain,  eagerly,  for  he  was 
always  much  interested  in  everything  relating  to  Black 
Bess,  for  the  reason  that  he  looked  upon  her  as  the  only 
existing  rival  to  his  own  splendid  steed — "  indeed !  L«t 
me  hear  it— I  am  all  impatience." 

"Well,"  said  Dick  Turpin.  with  great  deliberation,  and 
looking  full  into  the  face  of  Captain  Hawk  while  he  spoke, 
"  I  don't  happen  to  know  what  the  precise  hour  may  ba 
now " 

"  Stay  a  moment.  I  will  let  you  know  precisely  ! 
have  a  splendid  timekeeper  here." 

While  speaking,  Captain  Hawk  drew  from  his  pocket  s 
magnificent  gold  repeater,  the  case  of  which  was  abso 
lutely  encrusted  with  diamonds  and  precious  stones, 

It  must  have  been  worth  a  small  fortune. 

But  the  light-hearted  highwayman  handled  it  as  though 
it  were  the  most  "  careless  trifle"  in  the  world. 

"It  is  now,"  he  6aid,  "precisely  tive  minutes  to 
seven." 

"  Good ;  then  I  have  five  tuinut68  that  l  can  stay  and 
chat  with  you,  then  I  must  be  off." 

"  Yes,  but  you  have  not  told  me  how  long." 

s  Then  listen." 

"  I  am  listening  with  the  utmost  eagerness." 

"  Last  night,  then,  at  nine  o'clock,  or  it  may,  perhaps, 
have  been  a  few  moments  later,  I  was  ia  Drury  Lane,  so 
that  I  have  managed  to  come  thus  far  ia  ten  hours  less 
five  minutes." 

Captain  Hawk  sat  on  his  horse  and  looked  at  Dick  with 
as  much  wtxiernieut  as  probably  he  would  have  dc!"=> 
had  he  been  assured  that  he  was  at  that  moment  in  th* 
moon  instead  of  upon  the  earth. 

Dick  Turpin  enjoyed  hi»  <satonishment  imrneaeel*. 


TK*  &XIGHT   OF  THE  ROAD. 


191 T 


u  Tou  don't  seem  to  believe  me  altogether,"  he  said,  at 
length,  perceiving  that  the  captain  did  not  speak. 

"  You  take  my  breath  away." 

"  I  thought  it  would  " 

"  But  do  you  mean  to  tell  me  in  sober  earnest  tnat  you 
have  ridden  your  mare  this  immense  distance  in  the  space 
of  time  you  mention  ?" 

"  I  will  swear  to  it  if  you  like ;  but  I  think  her  con- 
ditio** ought  to  give  some  weight  to  my  testimony." 

"  Well,  well,  you  amaze  me  more  than  I  can  express. 
Even  now  I  am  half  wondering  whether  I  cai»  have 
heard  aright" 

"  1  am  not  surprised  at  that." 

"  Had  anyone  else  told  me  this,"  he  continued,  *  I 
should  have  steadfastly  refused  belief.  I  should  not  have 
hesitated  to  call  it  a  most  monstrous  invention." 

"  That  does  not  surprise  me.  No  doubt  there  will  be 
many  who  will  refuse  to  believe  that  such  a  feat  has  been 
performed.  But  fortunately  there  is  abundance  of  proof 
in  existence— the  best  of  proof,  I  may  say.  But  I  must 
not  linger,"  he  added,  perceiving  that  the  captain  had  not 
yet  recovered  from  his  surprise.  "  I  have  no  time  to 
spare,  for  I  intend  to  be  at  the  Bowling  Green,  at  York, 
by  the  time  the  cluck  in  the  old  minster  peals  forth  the 
hour  of  nine." 

"  You  will  hardly  \o  it,  I  fear,"  was  the  earnest  reply. 
"  Still,  I  will  not  render  your  undertaking  any  more  diffi- 
cult by  detaining  you  here,  and  yet        " 

"  Yet  what?" 

"  If  you  would  allow  me  to  ride  on  a  little  way  by  your 
Bids  I  should  look  upon  it  as  a  great  favour ;  I  am  loth 
*o  part  with  you  without  exchanging  a  few  words.  My 
way  is  any  way  if  you  will  let  me  come." 

To  have  refused  this  request  would  have  been  churlish 
to  a  degree,  so  Diciv  at  once  granted  it. 

Captain  Hawk  looked  delighted. 

"  I  am  impatient,"  he  said,  as  he  put  his  splendid  horse 
In  motion — "most  impatient  to  know  what  can  have  in- 
duced you  to  nudertake  so  long  i  ride.  You  must  have  had 
6ome  powerful  reason  for  it,  for — will  you  excuse  m.6  if  I 
speak  my  thoughts  ?" 

"  Certainly.  What  would  you  6ay  ?  Do  not  hesitate 
to  speak  freely." 

"  Well,  then,  I  think  your  motive  must  have  been 
powerful  in  the  extreme,  for  I  am  perfectly  certain  that 
after  this  Black  Bess  will  never  be  again  what  6he  has 
been.  You  must  know  it  too  ;  and  I  am  at  a  loss  to  think 
why  you  are  willing  to  sacrifice  her." 

Captain  Hawk's  words  caused  Dick  Turpin  so  much 
emotion  that  for  a  moment  or  two  he  could  not 
speak. 

Captain  Hawk  rode  beside  him  in  silence,  with  his  eyes 
fixed  upon  his  countenance. 

By  a  sudden  effort  Turpin  oleared  his  voice,  and  then, 
in  sad  tones,  he  said : 

"  You  are  right,  Black  Bess  will  never,  never  be  again 
what  she  has  been." 

"  I  regret  it,"  answered  Hawk,  "  for  more  reasons 
thau  one.  I  have  heard  much  about  her,  and  always 
hopad  that  the  day  would  come  when  I  should  be  able  to 
try  Satan  against  her.    Now  the  trial  will  be  unfair." 

Alas !  for  poor  Black  B-jss. 

She  was  no  match  now  for  the  captain's  splendid  horse, 
which  6eemed  to  fly  over  the  ground  and  to  carry  his 
master  as  though  he  was  no  heavier  than  the  air. 

Dick's  heart  swelled. 

Hitherto  Black  Bess  had  carried  off  the  paim,  but  now 
she  was  compelled  to  yield  it. 

Satan  could  easily  have  gone  two  miles  to  her  one. 

u  But  you  do  not  tell  me  your  motive,"  pursued  Cap- 
tain Hawk,  after  a  lengthy  pause. 

"  It  is  this,"  was  the  answer,  given  after  much  effort. 
"  The  road  has  no  longer  any  charms  for  me.  I  am  de- 
termined to  quit  it.  I  have  already  levied  my  last  con- 
tribution.'* 

M  What  do  I  hoar  ?"  ejaculated  the  captain.  "  This  fa 
more  surprising  than  anything  yet.  Surelv  tou  aie  act 
in  earnest — you  are  joking  ?" 

"  *'ar  from  it." 

'•  Pardon  me,  I  can  see  you  are  sad — there  i<»  some  deep 
i  rouble  about  your  heart." 
■;  There  is  indeed." 

•  Tell  it  me.  Surely  yon  m»y  confide  in  me  to  that 
axtenU" 


"  Yes— yes,  I  have  nothing  to  conceal.    It  surprises 
me  that  you  have  not  heard  already." 
"  No,  I  have  heard  nothing." 

"Well,   then,   the   police   officers  surprised  as  all   at 
Stonehenge.    Maud— you  remember  Masd?" 
Dick's  voice  faltered  here. 
He  could  say  no  more. 

"  Remember  her  ?"  cried  Captain  Hawk,  in  a  manner 
that  showed  all  his  interest  was  awakened.  "  Ot  course 
I  do!     What  of  her?" 

"  She  was  mortally  wounded  by  a  pistol  bullet,"  added 
Dick,  speaking  hurriedly,  "  Sixteen-String  Jack  niad-=> 
prisoner,  and  the  rest  made  a  temporary  escape  with 
difficulty." 

"  Good  Heavens !  Mortally  wounded  do  yon  say  ?  But 

— but — you  do  not  mean  that — that " 

"Yes,  she  is  dead.  Listen,  I  will  tell  you  all.  It  may 
interest  you  a  little,  and  it  will  certainly  relieve  my  heart 
a  little,  for  the  worst  is  by  no  means  told." 

"It  will  interest  me  deeply,"  answered  Captain  Hawk  ; 
"  and  you  may  make  sure  of   having  my  earnest  sym- 
pathy." 
"  I  know  it." 

Dick  Turpin  then,  at  some"1  length,  recounted  those 
events  which  have  been  already  laid  before  the  reader. 

The  captain  was  deeply  affected  when  he  was  made 
acquainted  with  the  particulars  of  Maud's  d*ath. 

Dick's  emotion  almost  overcame  him,  and  well-nigh  put 
an  end  to  his  narrative  altogether. 

Rallying,  he  went  on  until  he  described  how  Tom  King 
had  fallen  by  his  hand. 

"  It  is  a  most  unlucky  circumstance,"  said  Captain 
Hawk,  "  and  one  that  nobody  would  regret  more  than  I 
shall.  Still,  I  think  you  are  wrong  in  taking  the  blame 
to  yourself — it  was  an  accident,  nothing  more." 

"  I  know  that,"  was  Turpin's  answer  ;"  but  that  does 
not  alter  the  fact  that  my  hand  is  red  with  the  blood  of 
my  best  friend." 

"  It  is  sad— very — very  6ad,  but — and  I  hope  you  will 
excuse  my  persistent  curiosity  -I  am  still  in  tt>6  dark  as 
to  your  reasons  for  undertaking  this  long  ride." 

"  True — 1  had  forgotten.  The  fact  is,  I  have  not  perhaps 
what  you  would  call  a  motive  at  all.     But  can  you  uc 
derstand  that,  after  all  I  have  related  to  you,  I    hould  feel 
doubly  anxious  and  determined  to   pursue  my  original 
course?" 

"What  was  that?" 

"  Why,  to  leave  England  with  as  much  expedition  as  I 
could,  and  make  the  best  of  my  way  to  that  little  hamlet 
on  the  coast  of  France,  where — where——" 

"Yes — yes,"  interrupted  Hawk,  quickly,  "I  understand 
— go  on." 

"  I  feel  that  I  would  sooner  end  my  days  in  peace  and 
quiet  near  her  grave  than  I  would  accept  a  crown  even. 
But  when  added  to  all  other  disasters  came  the  death  of 
my  best  friend,  Tom  King,  upon  my  head,  I  felt  as  though 
I  could  fly  from  myself — fly  anywhere." 
"  No  doubt  it  would  affect  you  strongly." 
"It  did — more  strongly  by  far  than  I  can  possibly  ex- 
press. I  took  the  road  to  York  without  reflection — I  may 
have  done  so  unconsciously,  because  it  was  the  intention 
of  Tom  and  myself  to  pay  a  visit  to  that  city.  My  foes 
came  hard  and  fast  upon  my  track  ;  I  distanced  them  at 
first  with  jut  trouble — the  ease  with  which  I  did  so,  and 
the  freedom  of  my  nitre's  movements,  first  caused  me  to 
conceive  the  idea  of  riding  to  York.  I — I  fancy  I  must  have 
been  somewhat  excited  then.  Looking  back,  I  don't  think 
I  should  have  taken  such  a  resolution  in  a  moment  of 
calmness." 

"  I  should  think  not,  either." 

"My  idea  was,"  continued  Turpra,  speaking  with 
greater  animation  than  before — "  my  idea  was  that,  as  we 
had  made  together  some  little  stir  in  the  world,  we 
ought  not  to  drop  out  of  it  obscurely.  I  was  conscious 
that  if  we  fled  thus  secretly,  we  should  both  be  speedily 
forgotten.  I  was  desirous,  however,  that  Black  Bess  at 
least  should  be  remembered  by  posterity,  and  spoken  of 
as  the  steed  that  should  eclipse  all  others.  That  mad« 
me  think  of  riding  her  to  York.  The  resolution  wan 
soon  taken,  for  I  believed  the  task  to  be  within  her  powers. 
I  fear  now  I  have  overrated  them,  bat  evoo  if  so  w»  will 
do  it  yet — York  uow  is  "lose  at  l'«cd." 


1918 


BLA.CS    BSSS;    OS, 


CHAPTER  MCI. 
ar  wincn   dick   turpin   loses   his   last    remaining 

FRIEND. 

Dick  Turpin  pronounced  those  words  with  a  tervour 
strikingly  at  variance  with  his  former  dejection. 

llis  eyes  sparkled,  and  a  feeb'.e  flush  of  colour  suffused 
Doth  his  cheeks. 

But  Captain  Hawk's  attention  was  just  then  diverted. 

He  was  listening. 

His  companion,  however,  was  too  much  taken  up  with 
the  prospect  which  the  accomplishment  of  his  purposo 
afforded  him  to  notice  it. 

"  Dick,"  Captain  Hawk  exclaimed,  "  we  have  not  been 
making  such  good  spead  as  your  pursuers;  I  can  hear 
them  now  behind  us." 

As  a  matter  of  course,  these  words  aroused  Dick  at 
once. 

During  the  sonnwhat  lengthy  conversation  that  had 
taken  place  they  bad  by  no  means  been  standing  still. 

On  the  contrary,  they  had  made  good  speed,  and  yet 
had  not  been  goiag  so  fast  as  to  render  the  keeping  up  of 
a  conversation  a  very  difficult  matter. 

Dick  found  that  Captain  Hawk  was  not  mistaken. 

Ho  could  dn  tinguish  the  faint  clatter  of  hoofs  in  the 
rear. 

"  I  must  be  pushing  on,"  he  exclaimed  "  They  have 
got  anothor  Jot  of  fresh  horses,  I  suppose,  and  you  may 
judge  I  shall  have  a  little  trouble  in  preserving  my 
distance  from  them." 

"  I  hac"  hoped,"  said  Captain  Hawk,  "  to  have  had  a  trial 
of  speed  betweeD  Satan  here  and  your  mare,  but  the  odds 
now  aro  quite  unequal." 

"  Y-;s,  it  would  not  be  fair,"  said  Turpin.  And  it  is 
probable  that  he  never  regretted  having  brought  Im  mare 
to  t'lis  condition  as  ho  did  now. 

"If  you  will  lot  me,  though,"  added  Captain  nawk, 
"I  will  gallop  a  little  way  with  you.  Not  for  the  sake  of 
making  any  trial  of  speed — for  that  would  be  manifestly 
absurd— but  because  I  should  like  to  keep  you  company 
for  a  little  longer." 

"With  all  my  heart.    Come  on  !' 

Both  horse3  now  were  put  upon  their  mettle. 

It  was  easy  to  perceive  that  Captain  Hawk's  horse 
Satan  was  a  stimulus  of  no  ordinary  character  to  Black 
Bess. 

She  was,  although  so  weary,  yet  full  of  fire  and  im- 
patience to  pass  the  stranger. 

But  the  effort,  though  gallantly  made,  proved  unsuc- 
cessful. 

Satan  kept  the  lead  easily,  and  yet  his  rider  was  keep- 
ing him  comparatively  tight  in  hand. 

Yet,  as  we  have  said,  the  emulation  excited  caused 
Black  Bess  to  gallop  for  several  miles  at  a  speed  which 
she  would  not  otherwise  have  attained. 

But  all  at  once  Captain  Hawk  pulled  up. 

There  was  nothing  that  Dick  could  see  to  cause  him  to 
do  so,  and  therefore  he  looked  towards  him  somewhat 
curiously. 

"  Dear  me,"  he  ejaculated,  "  you  are  going  to  York,  and 
I  have  only  just  this  moment  thought  of  something 
which  I  ought  to  have  told  you  at  first." 

"  Indeed !  what  is  it  ?" 

"  The  sight  of  you  put  it  quite  out  of  my  head.  When 
you  first  saw  me  I  was  riding  rather  swiftly,  Was  I 
not?" 

"You  were,  indeed." 

"  Well,  then,  it  is  bow  my  tarn  to  be  confidential, 
though,  as  there  is  little  time,  I  cannot  enter  into  particu- 
lars. However.  1  uave  had  an  adventure  in  the  good  old 
city  of  York  which  has  caused  such  a  hue  and  rry  after 
me  as  has  never  been  heard  of  before.  The  officers  were 
in  full  pursuit  of  me,  and  though  I  had  got  so  well  ahead 
of  them  I  should  not  wonder  if  they  are  not  still  upon  the 
roaa. 

"  What  makes  you  think  sor 

"  Because  they  are  a  party  of  London  o?cers  wh°  were 
sent  to  York  upon  some  business  or  other,  aa^  they  »re 
upon  their  return  journey." 

"  This  is  awkward." 

"  Very  awkward.  I  take  gro*t  blame  to  myself  fo"  not 
having  thought  about  it  sooner.  However,  there  is  tLn?» 
for  as  yet  tboro  is  no  mischief  done." 


"  But  I  fancy  I  shall  find  myself  most  unpleasantly 
between  two  troops  of  my  foes  unless  I  quit  the  high- 
way, which  for  many  reasons  I  am  unwilling  to  do  ;  and 
even  if  I  did,"  he  added,  "  there  is  no  certainty  that  I 
should  avoid  this  second  troop." 

"  Believe  me,"  exclaimed  Captain  Hawk,  "  lain  sorry, 
deeply  sorry  that  I  should  thus  have  increased  your  per- 
plexity. But,  however,  as  I  got  you  into  the  difficulty  so 
will  I  get  you  out  of  it" 

"But  how?" 

"  Never  mind  how.  Let  it  do  sufficient  for  you  that  I 
shall  do  it." 

"  But  it  is  not  sufficient  for  me,"  said  Turpin,  warmly ; 
"  I  insist  upon  knowing  what  it  is  you  intend  to  do !" 

"  Why,  get  you  out  of  your  difficulty.  Have  1  not  said 
so?" 

"  True,  you  have  said  that ;  but  I  want  to  know  what 
means  you  are  going  to  adopt." 

"  Perhaps  you  will  object  to  them." 

"I  shall  if  it  iuvolves  you  in  any  danger  in  attempting 
to  extricate  me." 

M  Now  I  will  tell  you  what  I  am  going  to  do,"  said 
Captain  Hawk  ;  "  but  I  warn  you  beforehand  that  I  shall 
take  no  notice  of  any  objections  you  may  raise,  but  shall 
adhere  to  my  purpose." 

"Will  you  tell  me  what  it  is?"  asked  Turpin,  im- 
patiently. "  I  can  already  hear  the  hoofs  of  this  second 
troop  you  speak  of." 

"  Can  you  so  ?  Then  my  purpose  will  be  quickly  carried 
out,  and  you  shall  have  the  high-road  quite  free  before 
you." 

Dick  Turpin  was  full  of  anxiety  to  know  what  it  was 
his  companion  had  in  contemplation. 

That  it  was  something  unusually  adventurous,  he  could 
gather  from  his  manner  and  from  his  unwillingness  to 
speak  cencerning  it. 

"  There  is  no  doubt  about  them  being  on  the  road," 
cried  the  captain,  who  occupied  a  position  a  little  in  ad- 
vance of  Turpin.  "  And  now  I  will  tell  you  just  what  I 
th>uk  of  doing,  aud  you  will  say  in  a  moment  it  is  the 
simplest  and  easiest  thing  in  the  world." 

"  i'hen  why  use  so  much  circumlocution  about  it  ?" 

Captain  Hawk  smiled. 

"Listen  !"  he  said,  in  a  deliberate  tone.  "  I  am  going 
to  gallop  on  now  as  fast  as  I  can  until  I  oatch  sight  of 
the  officers  who  have  been  in  pursuit  of  me." 

"Nay,  but " 

"  Hold — I  will  hear  nothing  !  When  I  catch  sight  of 
them,  it  follows  that  they  must  also  at  that  identical  mo- 
ment catch  sight  of  me.  Good.  I  shall  just  take  my 
course  across  the  country — the  open  fields,  you  know — 
letting  them  see  where  I  go.  You  may  calculate  as  a 
certainty  that  they  will  all  join  in  pursuit  of  me  once 
more,  and  consequently  your  road  will  be  clear." 

The  way  in  which  Captain  Hawk  stated  these  inten- 
tions was  really  most  amusing  to  listen  to. 

Dick  was  amazed,  and  well  he  might  be,  for  he  would 
hardly  havo  contemplated  such  an  act  himself. 

"Is  it  not  a  good  plan,  now?"  asked  Hawk,  with  a 
laugh. 

"  It  may  be,  but  I  don't  intend  to  let  you  carry  it 
out." 

"  Let  me  see  you  prevent  me !  Ha,  ha !  I  can  do  as  I 
like  !  There  was  a  time  when  perhaps  Black  Bess  could 
have  kept  pace  with  Satan,  but  that  certainly  is  not  at 
present.  Farewell !  I  feel  assured  that  if  you  go  to 
York  we  shall  meet  again." 

With  these  lightly-uttered  words  upon  his  lips,  Captain 
Hawk  wheeled  round,  loosed  the  reins,  and  gave  a  pecu- 
liar signal. 

Satan  gave  a  bound  forward,  and  in  less  than  a  moment 
vanished  round  a  bend  in  the  road 

To  attempt  pursuit  Dick  knew  was  futile,  and  how 
bitter  was  the  pang  which  this  knowledge  caused 
him ! 

Always  beiore  he  had  been  able  to  outstrip  everything 
— now  he  was  coi  demned  to  be  a  laggard. 

His  anger  was  great,  and — sadly  we  say  it— found  its 
vent  upon  Black  Btess. 

With  a  savage  desperation,  much  uiJike  his  usual 
manner  and  totally  in  opposition  to  his  treatment  of  bis 
mare,  he  plunged  both  his  spurs  deeply  into  her  dripping 
flanks. 

The  moment  she  felt  the  infliction  of  the  sharp  pain,  a 


1H3  JS.SIGH1  OF  TBfi   ROAD. 


IP* 


erv.  which  can  enly  be  described  by  calling  It  a  scream  of 
agony,  burst  from  the  lips  of  Black  Bess. 
It  was  a  terrible  sound. 

Dick  shuddered  as  he  heard  it,  and  would  have  given 
worlds  for  the  power  to  recall  his  hasty  aotion. 
But  it  was  too  late. 

Snorting  furiousiy,  Black  Bess  broke  into  a  mad  gallop. 
Hard  and  fast  as  she  went,  however,  Dick  had  not   the 
•lightest  chance  of  coming  up  with  Captain  Hawk. 
Still  he  kept  a  sharp  look-out. 
At  length  he  exclaimed  : 

"  He  has  been  as  good  as  his  word,  I  see.  There  bs 
goes,  the  officers  after  him  He  has  reudered  me  a  good 
service,  ltoyond  all  doubt,"  he  continued,  as  he  noted  how 
i-trongly  his  foes  mustered  ;  "  but  yet  the  peril  to  himself 
is  immense.  It  is  certain  that  he  has  moro  valour,  or  rather 
recklessness,  than  discretion." 

About  the  last  part  of  Dick's  speech  there  could  scarcely 
be  a  doubt. 

True  to  his  expressed  purpose,  the  captain  had  shown 
himself  to  his  pursuers,  and  then  led  them  off  across  the 
country. 

They  had  snapped  at  the  bait  greedily  enough,  and  so 
missed  the  prize  they  might  have  gained  had  they  re- 
mained. 

What  made  Captain  Hawk's  feat  still  more  daring,  was 
the  circumstance  of  its  being  broad  daylight,  so  that  there 
would  be  little  difficulty  in  keeping  him  in  view. 

Not  one  man  in  ten  thousand  would  have  thought  of 
doing  such  a  thing,  but  the  captain  was  no  ordinary  indi- 
vidual, as  the  reader  may  yet  learn,  for  it  may  be  we 
shall  hear  something  more  of  him. 

That  his  boldness  proceeded  from  the  absolute  reliance 
he  placed  in  the  speed  his  horse  was  able  to  make,  is  cer- 
tain, yet  many  of  his  actions  only  seemed  like  tempting  fate. 
It  was,  however,  a  source  of  great  satisfaction  to  Dick 
Turpin  to  observe  that  he  kept  ahead  of  his  followers 
bravely ;  and  unless  some  unforeseen  ccident  should 
occur,  he  would  doubtless  altogether  outdistance  them 
in  a  little  time. 

At  present,  though,  it  is  with  Dick  Turpin  we  hav  to 
do,  not  with  Captain  Hawk. 

As  soon  as  his  attention  was  recalled  from  the  chas#  be 
noted  with  a  keen  throb  of  anguish  how  terrible  was 
tiie  condition  of  his  poor  steed. 

Her  panting  alone  was  dreadful  to  listen  to  ;  and  then 
her  head,  no  longer  carried  proudly  by  her  nobly  arching 
neck,  hung  down  almost  to  the  ground. 

Bound  drops  of  moisture,  looking  more  like  tears  than 
aught  else,  slowly  trickled  down  her  cheeks. 

Her     eyes    protruded    dreadfully,    while    her  tongue 
lobbed  out  of  her  foam-flecked  mouth. 
Dick  groaned. 

"  A nd  so  at  last,  my  bonny  Black  Bess,"  he  said,  in  a 
bittei  voice,  "  I  have  been  brute  enough  to  bring  you  to 
this.  Had  I  been  told,  I  would  never  have  believed  that 
J  should  have  lived  to  see  this.  Fool — fool  that  I  havo 
lwen  to  allow  a  foolish  prideful  feeling — a  yearning  after 
empty  fame — to  briug  you  down  to  this!  Fame — fame! 
What  is  fame  in  return  for  the  loss  of  you,  my  own  brave, 
true  Black  Bess  ?" 

There  were  tears  of  genuine  sorrow  in  Turpin's  eyesms 
ho  thus  spoke. 

But  he  felt  that  such  a  manifestation  of  feeling  was  un- 
worthy of  bim — that  it  betrayed  weakness— and  eo  he 
subdued  it. 

The  rapidity  with  which  he  shook  off  this  sad  reflec- 
tion was  wonderful. 

"  There  is  no  help  for  it,"  he  said— "  we  cannot  undo 
the  past.  But  we  can  make  the  best  possible  u?e  of  the 
present  and  the  future,  aud  that  I  will  strive  my  best  to 
do.  Kepinings  are  quite  useless,  po  I  will  give  way  to 
nipiii  no  longer."  . 

Black  Bess  was  Standing  now. 

She  was  quivering  in  every  limb,  and  seemed  incapable 
of  travelling  half  a  mile  further. 

"I  have  killar  her,"  murmured  Dick,  in  tones  of  the 
most  poignant  anguish — "I  have  killed  her  !" 

Just  then  he  happened  to  look  across  the  road,  and  on 
»  stone  which  be  had  not  previously  noticed,  he  read  the 
words : — 

"  TO   YORKE,  XVIII  MILES." 

''  No  more  than  that,"  he  murmured — "  no  more  than 

&at,  and  a  full  hour  to  do  it  in  ?    And  yet  I  fear  it 


might  as  well  have  been  a  hundred  as  eighteen— one  is 
not  a  whit  more  possible  than  the  other.     Ar.t?  then  to 
think    that    only    yesterday    she    would    have  thought 
nothing  of  it.  Now,  to-day,  what  is  she  ?" 
Again  Dick  paused. 

He  was  compelled  to  do  eo,  for  he  was  complete'/  over- 
come. 
But  presently  he  spoke  again  : 

"  How  hard — how  vexatious  a  thing  it  i4 1»  fail — and  to 
fail,  too,  at  a  moment  when  the  much-wished-for  eml 
seemed  graspable  !  I  might  as  well  now  have  never  mad« 
the  attempt.  It  will  be  said  now  that  the  boasted 
powers  of  Black  Bass  were  overrated,  or  rather  over- 
tasked— that  something  was  found  which  it  was  thought 
she  could  perform,  but  which  turned  out  a  failure.  No — 
no.    As  I  live,  it  shall  never  be  !" 

He  brought  down  his  clenched   fist  with  great  violence 
as  he  made  the  determination. 
Yet,  what  use  was  thero  in  it  ? 
What  could  ho  do  ? 
Suddenly  a  thought  struck  him. 
His  fingers  wandered  towards  the  pocket  of  his  vest 
He  recollected  the  potion  given  him  by  the  friendly 
ostler. 

He  drew  forth  the  bottle  and  held  it  up  towards  the 
light. 

"  What  latent  properties  can  this  drug  have  to  product* 
so  great  an  effect?  Is  it  real  or  is  it  all  a  delusion ?  But 
above  all,  shall  I  try  it  ?     Thai  is  the  question." 

Tue  repugnance  he  had  felt  t  >  administer  the  drug  had 
not  much  abated. 

But  he  was  undecided. 

In  that  state  a  little  would  prove  sufficient  to  determine 
him  one  way  or  other. 

This  something  came  in  the  shape  of  the  hoofbeats  of 
his  indefatigable  pursuers. 

"  I  am  like  a  gamester  with  a  last  stake,"  he  exclaimed. 
"  It  is  my  only  chance.  I  will  try  it — I  will  try  it.  Black 
Bess  cannot  be  made  much  worse  than  she  is——" 

Here  a  swelling   in  the  throat   prevented   him  from 
finishing  what  he  was  about  to  say. 
But  he  eoon  continued. 

"  It  may  be  that  this  will  enable  us  to  accomplish  onr 
nearly-over  purpose,  and  if  so,  ought  I  to  hesitate  any 
longer?     No — no,  I  will  not!     I  will  run  the  risk." 
He  dismounted  as  he  spoke. 

"  It  may  be  that  it  will  cause  you  to  gallop  on  till  you 
fall  down  dead  beneath  me ;  but  then  we  shall,  perhaps, 
be  so  many  miles  nearer  to  York ;  and  then  perhaps, 
after  all,  she  might  have  a  worse  end.  Better  to  die 
serving  me,  thar  to  drag  out  a  long  but  painful  exist 
ence.  Nc — no,  Bess,  a  cannot  bear  the  thought  of  losing 
you.  It  do<*»  not  seem  as  though  the  day  could  ever 
come  when  we  must  part  for  ever." 

While  thus  easing  his  breast  by  giving  utterance  to  his 
reflections,  his  fingers  were  busily  at  work  removing  bit 
and  bridle. 

This  was  soon  done,  and  tho  latter  free  from  the  foam- 
covered  mass  around  it. 
The  bottle  now  was  ready. 
He  uncorked  it. 

Yet  he  held  it  between  his  thumb  and  fingers  reluctant 
still. 

"  You  may  lose  me  soon,"  he  cried,  addressing  her ; 

"  and  when  you  havo Bah  !  this  is  childish !     But  I 

may  be  picked  off  by  a  bullet,  or— or What  am  I 

talking  of?  Yet  eveiy  now  and  then  tb°re  comes  over 
me  the  consciousness  that  my  end  is  drawing  near — that 
my  race  is  nearly  run.  Nonsense— nonsense !  At  any 
rate,  Bess,"  he  concluded,  '■  I  would  rather  see  you  die 
beneath  me  than  be  obliged  to  leave  you  to  the  mercies 
of  other  people.  About  that  I  have  no  sort  of  doubt.  I 
should  be  better  content  if  I  knew  the  end  of  you." 

So  saying,  Dick  Turpin  raisod  his  hand  with  the  air  of 
a  man  who  had  taken  a  desperate  resolution,  but  who  is 
compelled  to  be  hasty  in  carrying  it  out  lest  his  heCS* 
should  fail  him. 

4.  njoment  afterwards  the  drug  was  po  eu  down  the 
throat  of  Black  Bess. 

Dick  cast  the  empty  bottle  from  him. 
1  hen,  standing  still,  he  watched  to  see  whother  an* 
alteration  was  perceptible. 
He  had  not  long  to  wait. 
Whatever  the  components  of  that  drug  might  be,  tk*j 


tsaii 


BU.CK.    SJ5SS;   02 


must  have  had  when  aggregated  a  marvellous  power,  for 
bs  he  gazed,  Dick  could  plainly  perceive  his  mare  draw 
herself  together,  bo  to  speak,  and  to  stand  more  as  was 
her  wont. 

Once  more— and  a  pang  rent  her  masttus  heart  as  the 
reflection  crossed  him  that  it  might  be  for  the  last  time — 
once  more  her  neck  arched,  her  eyes  brightened,  and  her 
lore-foot  pawed  the  ground. 

"Wonderful — wonderful !"  ejaculated  Turpin.  "This 
utrpasses  all  belief.  If  its  effects  will  only  endnro  for 
iue  space  of  one  short  hour  I  shall  cara  not — our  pur- 
pose will  be  achieved." 

He  was  so  intent  in  watching  Black  Bess,  and  congratu- 
lating himself  upon  the  fact  that  he  should  not  have  to 
suffer  the  mortification  of  failure,  that  he  completely  {<*k- 
got  all  about  his  foes. 

But  he  was  soon  reminded  of  them  by  hearing  the  loud 
clatter  of  their  approaching  horses. 

Well-nigh  worn  out  as  he  was,  Dick  yet  bent  a  defiant 
fcaze  upon  them. 

Then  mounting,  he  waved  his  hat  as  though  dar'ng 
them  to  the  pursuit,  and  once  more  gave  Black  Bess  the 
impulse  forward. 

The  administered  drug  had  now  had  time  to  wovk  its 
lull  results,  and  under  the  influence  of  it  the  gallant  mare 
again  broke  into  a  gallop. 

It  could  not  be  expected,  however,  that  this  should  be 
anything  like  equal  to  her  ordinary  mode  of  going,  yet  it 
answered  Dick's  purpose. 

Once  more  the  hedgerows,  now  glistening  with  dew- 
drops  in  the  early  morning  sun,  flew  past  him. 

Once  more  the  milestones  rapidly  succeeded  one  an- 
other. 

Once  more  Dick's  spirits  rose  to  their  highest  pitch. 

His  foes,  too,  had  dropped  off  to  less  than  half  their 
iormer  number. 

Neither  flesh,  blood,  nor  the  seats  of  their  smallclothes 
could  withstand  the  never-ceasing  friction  of  the  saddle, 
and  one  by  one  they  had  dropped  off  from  sheer  inability 
to  sit  any  longer. 

Skellum  suffered  no  slight  inconvenience  from  tbh 
cause,  for  scarcely  any  rider,  however  well  practised,  could 
keep  the  saddle  for  so  many  hours  uuintermittudly  with- 
out feeliug  the  disagreeable  consequences  of  it. 

But  Mr.  Skellum 's  fierce  and  dogged  nature  wo\!d  not 
have  permitted  him  to  succumb  to  a  much  greater  evil 
than  this,  and  so  he  kept  on,  encouraging  by  his  examplo 
those  men  to  follow  him  who  would  otherwise  have  fallen 
off. 

Moreover,  he  pointed  out  to  those  who  remained  that  if 
they  finally  succeeded,  as  he  felt  assured  they  must,  the 
fewer  that  were  in  at  the  death  the  greater  would  be  the 
share  of  the  reward  that  each  would  receive,  those  who  had 
discontinued  the  chase  not  being  entitled  to  anything  for 
their  exertions. 

This,  of  course,  was  a  great  inducement. 

''  Never  mir.d  the  pain,"  Skellum  concluded  ;  "  grin 
and  bear  it.  Stick  to  your  work  like  men,  and  the  money 
will  prove  an  excellent  healing  plaster." 

With  renewed  hope  and  spirits  the  men  continued  the 
chase,  for  they  had  too  palpably  seen  how  distressed  Black 
Bess  was  to  have  any  doubts  about  their  speedy  success, 
provided  they  could  continue  to  hold  out  a  little  longer. 

In  the  meauwhile  Dick  Turpin  found  Black  Bess  tearing 
over  the  ground  in  a  manner  he  had  little  antici- 
pated. 

Indeed,  he  found  it  difficult  to  credit  the  evidence  of 
his  own  senses. 

The  first  ten  miles  were  accomplished  with  apparently 
little  effort. 

No  stronger  proof  than  this  could  be  brought  forward 
oi  the  surprising  efk-acy  of  the  ostler's  potioa. 

"Eight  miles!" 

The  words  were  uttered  by  Dick  Turpin  with  an  ex- 
ultant shout  that  so  amazed  a  man  ploughing  in  aa  ad- 
jacent field  that  he  stopped  his  team  at  once,  and  stood 
gazing  in  dull  wonderment  after  the  flying  horseman. 

Eight  miles !' 

To  Dick  this  distance  seemed  as  nothing. 

Every  moment  he  expected  to  catch  Bight  of  his  des- 
tination. 

"It  will  be  done,"  he  cried — "done  easily.  Bravo, 
Bess !  it  is  a  feat  that  will  never  be  forgotten — one  that 
will  perpetuate  your  name  for  ever.    Eight  miles  1  On — 


on,  gallant  steed !     Best  and  peace  are  now  Detoro  yea— 
on — on        ** 

But  at  this  moment  the  gallant  creature  stumbled. 

Dick  snatched  the  rein  suddenly,  and  she  continued  m 
before. 

But,  nevertheless,  the  occurrence  insula  the  lagb**/- 
man's  heart  sink  like  lead. 

All  his  exultation  was  gone. 

Anxiety  and  dismay  took  its  place. 

The  drug  was  losing  its  potent,  subtle  influen.w 

Never  had  his  mare  stumbled  sa  before,  and  he  tvaj 
conscious  that  but  for  the  stimulus  of  the  drug  sho 
would  long  since  have  dropped  down  insensible  or  dead. 

And  this  was  what  he  now  dreaded. 

For  all  that,  he  could  tell  the  effects  would  evaporate 
as  speedily  as  they  were  produced. 

If  so,  he  had  to  dread  her  downfall  every  moment,  anil, 
if  so,  what  was  to  be  done  ? 

The  police  officers  were  not  in  sight  just  tbon,  but  if 
he  lingered  they  soon  would  be. 

These  reflections  passed  very  rapidly  through  his 
mind,  and  yet,  short  as  was  the  time,  Bess  stumbled 
again. 

And  on  this  occasion,  too,  it  was  a  stumble  of  a  much 
worse  character. 

With  infinite  difficulty  she  kept  her  logs,  and,  as  if  full 
of  anger  at  the  manifestation  of  such  a  symptom  of 
weakness,  tried  most  desperately  to  gallop  on  as  be- 
fore. 

But  the  effort  was  a  vain  one, 

Dick  felt  ber  reel  beneath  him 

She  swayed  fearfully  from  side  to  side 

Still  she  kept  on. 

Dick  Turpin  let  her  go  at  tier  cwr.  mil 

He  felt  that  it  was  his  only  chance 

His  thoughts  now  were  of  such  a  character  &a  «ito 
gether  to  defy  any  attempt  at  description. 

As  for  Bess,  she  bounded  on,  it  is  true  ;  but-more  with 
the  fashion  of  a  galvanised  automaton  than  a  real  living 
creature. 

Dick  sat  upon  her  back  in  a  stupor  of  despair. 

At  every  moment  he  expected  to  see  her  fall,  but  to  Lin 
astonishment  she  still  kept  on. 

In  the  distance  he  saw  a  milestone. 

Would  she  reach  it  ? 

Yes,  it  is  reached  and  passed. 

Dick,  looking  intently,  sees  upon  it  the  figure  3. 

He  cannot  read,  but  he  knows  that  represents  ths 
number  of  miles  intervening  between  that  spot  ai>d 
York. 

"  Good  Heavens  !"  he  ejaculated.  "  Can  it  be  possible 
that,  after  all,  we  are  to  fail — to  fail  now  that  we  are  so 
close  to  our  destination  ?  Ah  !"  he  exclaimed,  as  a  turn 
in  the  roadway  enabled  him  to  see  some  distance  in  ad- 
vance— "  ah,  there  is  York  I 

"  Look — look,  Bess,"  he  exclaimed,  addressing  himself 
to  his  all  but  worn-out  steed — "look,  Bess,  there  is  ths 
point  I  wish  so  much  to  reach :  there — there  is  York  ! 
Courage — courage !  We  shall  do  it  yet,  old  girl — I  feel 
assured  we  shall— do  it,  too,  within  the  time !  Courage 
— courage !     We  are  almost  there !" 

•As  before,  her  master's  voice  induced  Black  Bess  to  in- 
crease her  efforts. 

But  it  was  a  fatal  attempt. 

Again  she  stumbled. 

This  time  her  knees  fairly  touched  the  ground. 

But,  with  a  snort,  she  recovered  her  upright  posi- 
tion. 

She  trembled,  though,  in  every  limb. 

She  struggled  on  a  little  way,  swaying  fearfully  the 
while  from  side  to  side. 

Even  at  this,  the  last  gasp,  her  courage  was  indomi- 
table.       . 

She  would  not  give  in,  but  strung  up  every  nerve  anil 
sinew  for  a  final  effort. 

Dick  knew  not  what  to  do,  and  so  s&t  in  the  saddls 
liKe  one  stupified. 

He  was  certain  his  mare  was  going.  * 

Still,  to  his  astonishment,  she  staggered  on. 

Then,  finally,  as  though  by  sheer  despeiarion,  broke 
into  a  gallop. 

But  it  did  not  last  out  half  a  dozen  yards. 

All  at  once — without  any  preparation  says  a  »;%?jl 
tremor  of  all  her  limbs — she  went  down. 


THE   SNIOKT  Off  THE   80a&. 


fTHX   BT.OODITOUTTOS    AJ"»    UTT   JJOGSK    UPOS  DICK  TUBriX  S   TRACK.] 


Went  dowik  like  *f>pie  aoimal  suddenly  struct  dowa 
%X  tbe  shambles. 

Although  in  one  iense  t*ick  Turpin  was  prepared  for 
tibia  occurrence,  .ret,  nevertheless,  he  was  taken  by  sur- 
prise. 

So  instantaneous  was  the  fall,  »nd  so  little  expected  at 
mat  precise  juncture,  that  he  could  not  save  himself. 

He  tried,  but  the  attempt  was  a  failure. 

Almost  as  if  he  had  been  projected  from  some  pie^e  of 
ordnance,  be  shot  over  his  mare's  neck. 

He  came  down  heavily  in  the  roadway  upon  his  head, 
*nd  such  was  the  impetus  thatjie  ™>lled  over  and  over 
in  the  dust  for  several  yard?. 

There  be  remained  for  some  moments  quite  insensible. 

A.  painful  sensation  in  his  chest,  as  though  it  was 
pressed  upon  by  some  heavy  weight,  was  tbe  next  thing 
at'  which  be  was  consciosi 

Ho.  241.-  Bi-acb  BKsa. 


Slowly  he  raised  his  head,  too  confuse.!  it  present  U 
ooinpreheud  the  exact  nature  of  his  position,  aud  to  re- 
coilect  with  anything  like  clearness  what  had  last  o©* 
curred. 

But  remembrance  snnn  came  back. 

He  had  only  to  look  a  little  way  down  the  rcr-dway 

There  was  a  sight  to  be  seen  there  which  he  couii 
scarcely  eaze  upon  without  being  heartbroken. 

Lying  at  full  length  on  her  side— her  flanks  rising  and 
falling  with  a  convulsive  motion,  hor-  neck  and  head 
stretched  out  till  they  formed  nearly  a  straight  line,  her 
eyes  glassy  ami  dim,  her  mouth  wide  open  with  the  lips 
retracted,"  her  tongue  protruded  and  half  cut  in  two  by 
the  sharp  steel  bit,  her  whole  body  -  reeking— was  poo* 
Black  Bess ! 

She  had  taken  her  last  gallop — her  race  wa*»  not. 

She  had  perished  w  tfjf  effort  to  carve  her  ntssov* 


No.  241. 


Pbice  One  Halfpenny. 
Nq>  242  will  be  Published  next  Thursday* 


la22 


BLACK  BBSS  i   OB. 


CHAPTER  MCIL 

IS  WniCH  DICK  TURPI*  SHOWS  IIIMSET<F  TO  BE  AS  GOOD  AS 
HIS  WORD. 

Yes,  all  was  over. 

Poor  Black  Bess  had  approved  her  fidelity  with  her 
death. 

fche  had  served  hei  master  too  well — that  master  who 
should  have  given  her  more  consideration 

Yet  there  was  nothing  of  reproach  in  the  way  in  wtrieh 
she  raised  her  head,  with  a  painful  and  languid  move- 
ment, and  looked  after  her  master. 

Slowly  and  painfully,  Dick  rose  to  his  feet. 

It  was  not  so  much  pain  in  his  limbs,  however,  as  it 
was  the  dead  weight  about  his  heart  which  kept  him 
down. 

Remorse,  deep  and  bitter,  had  seized  upon  him. 

He  approached  with  a  hesitating,  undecided  step. 

The  aspect  of.  poor  Black  Bess  stretched  almost  lifeless 
upon  the  roadway,  struck  more  daggers  in  his  heart  than 
could  the  most  acrimonious  of  reproaches. 

As  he  advanced,  he  bent  his  head  down  towards  the 
ground. 

Bess  neighed  faintly. 

Dick  responded  by  a  heavy  prroan. 

The  next  moment  he  stood  beside  her. 

Then,  with  a  loud  cry  of  grief  and  despair,  which 
would  much  have  amazed  anyone  who  had  chanced  to 
hear  it,  he  flung  himself  wildly  on  his  knees. 

His  faithful  mare  raised  her  head  still  more,  and  made 
an  ineffectual  attempt  to  rise. 

But  her  master  clasped  his  arms  tightly  round  her  neck 
and  pressed  her  head  to  his  breast. 

"My  poor,  poor  Bess !"  he  cried.  "  And  has  it  come  to 
this  ?  Is  this  the  end  ?  Now  that  the  worst  has  hap- 
pened, I  can  scarcely  believe  but  that  I  have  been  made 
the  sport  of  6ome  terrible  delusion  I  I  am  like  one  in  a 
dream."  . 

Another  sob  at  this  moment  choked  his  utter- 
ance. 

He  stroked  his  mare's  neck  a  few  times,  and  then  con- 
tinued, half  aloud : 

"Can  it  be  that  you  have  run  your  last  race — that  you 
have  sacrificed  yourself  for  your  unworthy  master  ?  Yes 
— yes,  hard  and  terrible  as  belief  is,  I  can  hold  out  against 
it  no  longer !  You  are  dying,  Bess  :  yes — yes,  surely  and 
swiftly  dying !  I  can  see  it  in  your  dimming  eyes !  Alas 
— alas!     Dying,  and  for  what?" 

He  paused,  for  just  then  his  ear  caught  the  60und  of 
bolls. 

He  listened  intently, 

It  was  a  clock  striking. 

It  was  the  chiming  of  the  four  quarters  which  had  first 
attracted  his  attention. 

Then,  after  that,  he  counted,  one  by  one,  several  dis- 
tinct booming  sounds,  telling  the  hour. 

There  were  nine  of  them. 

As  the  last  reached  his  ears,  his  face  assumed  an  air  of 
animation  which  afforded  a  striking  contrast  to  his  former 
gloom, 

"  I  am  answered,"  he  ejaculated,  as  the  last  of  the  ring- 
ing sounds  died  away — "  I  am  answered  !  It  was  that — 
it  was  to  hear  those  chimes!  The  feat  is  achieved, 
Bess!  We  are  at  York,  for  those  were  the  bells  in  the 
old  Minster  that  I  heard.  The  journey  has  been  per- 
formed within  the  time  !  It  has  cost  you  your  life,  my 
gallant  Bess;  but  I  can  spare  it.  You  might  have  lived 
longer,  but  it  would  have  been  to  die  perhaps  ignobly. 
And  what  gallant  action  has  ever  yet  been  achieved 
that  has  not  involved  some  great  sacrifice  or  other?  The 
sacrifice  this  time  has  been  your  life  !" 

This  last  reflection  reconciled  Dick  in  some  slight 
degree  to  that  loss  which,  however  much  he  might 
deplore  it,  was  inevitable. 

For  his  own  part,  he  felt  that  he  should  no  longer  have 
occasion  for  his  mare's  services,  and  therefore  it  is  not 
surprising  that  he  should  prefer  to  see  her  lying  stiff  and 
stark  before  him  than  for  her  to  fall  into  other  hands. 

His  mind  once  more  reverted  to  that  peaceful  village 
near  the  sea-shore,  and  a  stronger  inclination  than  ever 
sprung  up  in  his  mind  to  hasten  there. 

He  was  aroused  from  these  meditations  by  feeling  his 
mare. a  Uead  slip  out  of  his  embrace. 


A  moment  afterwards  there  was  a  convulsive  shudder- 
ing of  her  whole  body. 

Her  ribs  expanded,  and  so  great  was  the  force  within 
that  the  saddle-girths  were  snapped  asunder. 
Then  ensued  a  long  and  heavily-exhaled  breath. 
It  was  her  last ! 

There  was  a  slight  movement  of  the  muscles. 
Then  all  was  still. 

Black  Bess — the  hishwayman's  stanch,  invaluable 
friend — the  incomparable  steed,  whether  for  qualities  of 
beauty,  shape,  fleetuess,  or  endurance,  for  she  possessed 
them  all  in  the  highest  degree — Black  Bess  was  dead  ! 

When  Dick  Turpin  realised  that  the  mysterious  essence 
called  life  had  departed — that  nothing  remained  of  his 
priceless  steed  but  a  mass  of  senseless  flesh,  his  grief 
burst  out  afresh,  and  continued  for  some  time  without 
intermission. 

But  at  last  it  wore  itself  away,  as  every  violent  emotion 
will — perhaps  al!  the  sooner  in  his  case  because  of  the 
danger  with  which  he  was  threatened,  and  the  difficulties 
he  had  to  contend  against. 

Moreover,  he  recollected  that  his  purpose  was  not 
altogether  carried  out,  and  he  renewed  his  determination 
to  complete  it. 

The  question,  too,  arose  as  to  what  he  should  do  with 
the  body  of  his  mare. 

To  leave  it  in  the  highway,  subject  to  all  manner  of 
indignities,  was  a  thing  to  which  he  could  not  bring  his 
mind  at  all. 

And  yet,  how  was  he  to  dispose  of  it  ? 
He  looked  around   him   almost  despairingly,  but  in   a 
moment  afterwards  his  features  altered  in  expression. 

This  was  because  he  perceived  on  one  side  of  him  a 
rather  high  stone  wall — such  a  one  as  would  form  a 
boundary  to  some  nobleman's  estate — which  was  pierced 
by  a  light  iron  gate. 

At  the  first  glauce  Dick  saw  that  this  gate  was  only 
fastened  by  means  of  an  iron  latch. 

This  heraised,  and  pushed  the  gate  wide  open.  '~ 
Then,  by  dint  of  putting  forth  all  the  strength  which 
he  possessed,  he  dragged   Black  Bess  across  the  road  to- 
wards it. 

It  was  a  toilsome  operation,  and,  but  for  the  intense 
disinclination  he  felt  to  leaving  her  on  the  highway,  he 
would  have  abandoned  his  undertaking  in  despair. 

Moreover,  the  reader  must  have  been  struck  by  the 
fact  that  it  would  be  of  the  highest  importance  to  conceal 
the  body  of  Black  Bess  from  his  pursuers. 

Dick  "wanted,  if  possible,  to  keep  them  ignorantof  the 
fact  that  he  was  afoot. 
This  helped  to  make  him  persevere  in  his  intention. 
Nearer  and  nearer  his  load  was  dragged,  until  at  length 
he  passed  through  the  gate. 

Then  he  paused  a  little  while  to  rest,  for  the  exertion 
was  almost  too  much  for  him  in  his  present  wearied 
stats. 

The  success  which  had  attended  his  endeavonrs  so  far 
would  naturally  have  the  effect  of  stimulating  him  to  a 
still  greater  degree. 

His  rest,  therefore,  was  a  short  one. 
But  it  took  nearly  the  whole  of  his  remaining  strength 
to  drag  Black  Bess  where  he  desired  to  place  her. 

This  was  close  under  the  stoue  wall  of  which  we  have 
spoken. 

His  foes  were  too  close  b°hind  him  for  him  to  have  the 
time  to  dig  a  grave,  though  this  was  what  he  would  have 
preferred  to  do. 

Besides,  he  was  unprovided  with  the  requisite  imple- 
ments. 

This,  then,  was  perforce  abandoned,  but  he  did  the 
next  best  thing  in  his  power. 

Close  at  hand  was  a  great  quantity  of  newly-fallen 
leaves — in  some  places  they  were  quite  knee-deep. 

With  these  he  covered  her  over,  and  so  well  did  he 
work  that  in  less  than  ten  minutes  nothina  could  be  seen 
of  her  but  a  huge  bed  of  leaves. 

"It  grieves  me,  Bess,"  he  had  said,  as  Tie  covered  up 
the  last  visible  remnant  of  her  body  #lto  think  that  I 
can  give  you  no  better  burial.  But  yet  you  will  rest  hero 
as  well  as  in  a  gorgeous  tomb.  I  may,  too,  have  the  op- 
portunity of  placing  you  beneath  tho  turf.  We  6ha!l  sea 
— we  shall  see  !" 
He  paused  in  saddened  thought. 
His  reverid  might  have  lasted  some  time  had  not  hi* 


TffB  KNluflT  OF  THB  ROAD. 


1923 


quics  ears  caught  the  sound  of   a  horseman  approach* 
tog. 

*•  What  am  I  to  do  next  ?"  he  asked,  arousing  himself. 
*I  feel  like  a  vessel  without  a  rudder  or  a  helmsman. 
What  am  I  to  do  ?  " 

He  walked  a  fsvr  paces  nearer  to  the  little  iron 
gft^». 

"Let  me  tuiinc,''  he  continued.  "I  undertook  to  be 
at  the  Bowling  Green  this  morning  at  nine  o'clock,  in 
that  respect,  at  any  rate,  I  shall  fail,  for  it  is  past  nine 
already.  Yet  I  will  be  as  good  as  my  word,  even  though 
1  am  a  little  late — I  will  go  ou  to  York." 

Having  come  to  this  determination,  he  stepped  out  into 
the  high-road. 

Tbe  sound  of  a  horse's  hoofs  could  now  be  heard  very 
|iJainly  indeed,  and,  glancing  in  the  direction  of  the 
souud,  he  p-^ceived  a  mounted  traveller  approach- 
ing. 

He  was  coming  from  York. 

At  tbe  first  gbiuce  Dick  took  a  resolution, 

He  shrank  back  through  the  gateway,  and,  drawing 
forth  one  of  his  pistols,  examined  it  attentively. 

It  required  a  little  attention  to  the  priming,  and  by  tbe 
time  this  had  been  put  right  the  horseman  was  very  close 
at  hand  indeed. 

But  Dick  was  ready.  .    . 

Choosing  the  proper- moment,  he  suddenly  emerged  and 
placed  himself  exactly  in  the  centre  of  the  highway. 

The  gentleman's  horse,  frightened  at  his  sudden  ap- 
pearance and  firm  demeanour,  brought  itself  .to  a  stand- 
still with  so  much  abruptness  that  it  rose  on  its  haunches, 
while  its  fore  legs  pawed  the. air. 

Dick  was  ready  as  he  came  down  again  to  seize  the 
rein,  which  he  held  with  a  grasp  of  iron. 

No  one  could  possibly  have  been  more  amazed  than 
was  this  gentleman  Dick  had  so  unceremoniously  dealt 
with. 

To  be  stopped  thus  within  a  couple  of  miles  ^1  old 
York  City,  and  by  broad  daylight,  too,  seemed  beyond 
the  pale  of  all  belief. 

But  Dick  Turpin's  first  words  convinced  him  that  it 
was  a  reality. 

"  Dismount,"  he  said,  in  the  short  sharp  toneg  cf  one 
accustomed  to  military  command — "  dismount !" 

"What  for?" 

"  Because  I  want  your  horse."  t> 

"  Well,  of  all  the  d— d  impudence—" 

"  Hold — hold,  I  have  no  time  to  waste  in  words.  I 
wan't  your  horse,  and,  take  my  word  for  it,  the  wisest 
thing  you  cau  do  is  to  submit  quietly,  for  1  am  not  in  the 
humour  to  put  up  with  any  trilling." 

'•  Well,  but " 

"  Dismount,  I  tell  you !    I  want  your  horse  !" 

"  But  1  decline." 

"  Then  I  shall  be  obliged  to  have  recourse  to  force.  Do 
you  see  this  pistol  ?  It  is  loaded,  and  1  looked  to  the 
priming  not  a  moment  ago.  If  you  don't  alight  I  shall 
use  it  to  compel  you." 

"  But,  my  good  fellow,  I  am  bound  on  business  of  the 
utmost  importance.  1  assure  you  it  will  not  brook  a 
moment's  delay " 

"  1  can't  help  that !   Your  horse  I  must  and  will  hare  !" 

"But  do  you  think  I  will  tamely  submit  to  lose  my  pro- 
perty in  this  fashion  ?" 

"  You  will  not  lose  it." 

"  Not  lose  it  ?"  echoed  the  travel,  r,  with  an  incre- 
dulous air. 

"  Certainly  not.  I  am  in  haste  to  reach  York  ;  and  if 
you  will  lead  me  your  horse  for  that  purpose  1  will  either 
leave  it  for  you  at  your  house  or  in  any  part  of  York  you 
like  to  name." 

"  That  sounds  very  like  a  whale,  does  it  not  ?" 

'  Never  miud,  I  will  parley  no  longer.  Your  steed  jou 
will  have  to  surrender,  and  it  is  for  you  to  choose  wither 
you  will  do  so  with  or  without  the  sacrifice  ot  your 
life." 

Dick's  resolute  air  was  not  to  be  doubted,  and  the 
traveller  hid  sense  enough  to  see  that  he  would  at  all 
risks  be  as  good  as  his  word. 

Accordingly,  he  quitted  the  saddle,  though  the  manner 
in  which  he  did  so  showed  how  much  this  act  went 
•gainst  the  grain. 

Dick  was  mounted  in  a  moment. 

"UnAarstand  ma."  he  said,  "yours  will  be  no  Joss.     I 


am  going  to  the  Bowling  Green,  and  there  1  will  leave 
your  horse.  You  can  have  it  again  in  half  an  hour'* 
time  if  you  think  fit." 

The  traveller,  who  happened  to  be  a  very  respcctahl/t 
attorney  in  the  City  of  York,  was  still  incredulous. 

Dick  Turpin,  however,  gave  him  time  to  say  no  mora, 
but  turning  the  horse's  head,  used  the  spurs  vigorously, 
and  dashed  off  at  a  gallop. 

The  attorney  looked  after  him  as  long  us  he  was  if 
sight,  and  then  murmured,  with  a  rueful  air: 

"  People  will  call  me  a  fool  for  giving  up  my  horse  so 
easily ;  but  what  the  devil  could  I  do  ?  I  only  hope  the 
rascal  will  be  as  good  as  his  word ;  but  I  doubt  it — I  doubt 
it." 

The  lawyer  stood  a  moment  or  two  in  deep  thought,  as 
though  endeavouring  to  come  to  a  decision  whether  it 
would  be  better  for  him  to  retrace  his  steps  or  contiuuo 
on  his  journey. 

The  trampling  of  hoofs  aroused  him,  and  looking  along 
the  road,  he  caught  sight  of  Mr.  Skellum  and  the  remnant 
of  his  party. 

Both  horses  and  riders  seemed  to  be  in  the  last  stage,  of 
exhaustion  and  distress. 

Their  half  immersion  in  the  river  had  by  no  means 
improved  the  appearance  of  the  officers,  and  they  were 
moreover  covered  thickly  with  dust  and  the  foam  from 
the  mouths  of  their  jaded  steeds. 

Their  whole  aspect  indeed  was  such  as  to  attract  th9 
attention  of  the  most  careless  observer. 

The  York  attorney  was  filled  with  astonishment  and 
curiosity. 

Perceiving  him,  Mr.  Skellum  drew  rein  in  order  to 
make  a  few  inquiries,  for  some  time  had  elapsed  since  he 
had  last  seen  anyone  upon  the  road. 
.  "Good  morning,"  ho  said,  raising  himself  in  the  stir- 
rups, for  in  the  present  condition  of  his  skin,  anything 
1  wa3  preferable  to  sitting.  "  Have  you  seen  anything  of  a 
red-coated  fellow  on  a  black  horse  ?" 

"  No,  I  have  not." 

"  You  have  not  ?"  gasped  Mr.  Skellum,  who  was  very 
far  from  anticipating  this  reply. 

"  Certainly  not." 

"  How  far  have  you  come  ?" 

"  From  my  house  in  York  ?" 

"  And  you  have  kept  along  the  highway  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  And  you  have  not  seen  anyone  answering  to  the  de- 
scription I  have  given?" 

"  What  description  ?" 

"Why,  a  man  in  a  red  coat,  much  dirtied  and  torn, 
though,  and  with  a  generally  wild  appearance." 

"  Well,"  said  the  attorney,  "  I  have  certainly  seen  a 
man  who  would  answer  to  that  description       ■-" 

"Yes,  yes!" 

"  But  he  was  not  on  horseback." 

"  Not  on  horseback  ?" 

"  No." 

"How  then?" 

"  On  foot." 

"  And  was  he  going  towards  York  ?" 

"D— n  him!  I  should  think  he  is  there  by  this 
time." 

"Come — come,"  said  Skellum,  shifting  himself  about 
uneasily,  "  I  can  see  you  know  something  more  of  this 
matter.    Let  me  know  all." 

"  First  give  me  a  reason  why  I  should  satisfy  your 
curiosity." 

"  I  can  easily  do  that.  We  are  police  officers  from 
London,  in  pursuit  of  Dick  Turpin,  the  highway- 
man." 

The  lawyer  repeated  the  name. 

"  You  have  heard  of  him,  I  suppose  ?" 

"  Yes,  I  have  heard  6ome  extraordinary  and  incredible 
tales  respecting  such  a  man." 

"We",  then,  I  will  undertake  to  say  you  nevei  heard 
of  auyiuing  half  so  extraocdiuary  as  this  last  feat  of  his. 
I  wjiid  not  have  believed  it,  only  1  have  been  a  witness 
to  the  whole." 

"What  is  it?" 

"  Why,  he  has  ridden  from  London  to  here  in  jur;t 
twelve  hours." 

"  Nonsense !" 

"  Your  disbelief  does  pot  surprise  me,  bat  it  i»  *  fact, 
nevertheless." 


1324 


BLACK  BUSS  ;    Oft, 


"  That  he  rode  on  horseback  from  London  to  York  in 
twelve  hours?" 

"Yes.  This  timo  last  night  we  were  in  Drnry  Lane, 
which,  as  you  may  happen  to  know,  is  near  enough  the 
i-entre  of  London." 

"1  know  it  well  And  you  have  made  the  jour»»y  in 
the  same  time  ?"     « 

"  Yes,  we  have  beer,  fx  hot  pursuit  of  him  all  the  way ; 
and  though  we  have  teen  furnished  with  relays  of  horses 
at  about  every  twenty  miles,  yet  we  have  been  unable  to 
overtake  him." 

•'  And  how  niauy  norses  had  this  highwayman  ?** 

l'How  many?"  ejaculated  Skell urn,  amazed  tha*  «ny- 
one  should  ask  such  a  question- 

"  Yes,  how  many  ?" 

"Why,  one,  to  be  sure !" 

It  was  now  the  attorney's  turn  to  be  amazed. 

"  Do  you  mean  in  sober  earnestness  to  tell  me  that  a 
man  has  ridden  two  hundred  mile3  in  twelve  hours  with 
one  horse  ?" 

"  It  is  an  incontrovertible  fact.  There  is  but  one  steed 
in  the  world  that  could  have  performed  such  a  feat,  and 
that  is  the  highwayman's  mare.  Black  Bess." 

The  attorney  was  scarcely  able  to  believe  yet  what  he 
bad  heard,  and  he  required  Mr.  Skellum  to  repeat 
it 

"  WeH,"  he  said,  drawing  a  long  breath,  "  the  circum- 
stance 6eems  well  attested.  I  don't  know  how  you  could 
have  fallen  into  any  mistake,  nor  is  there  any  likelihood 
that  you  would  depose  to  what  you  knew  to  be  un- 
true." 

"  Certainly  not,"  said  Skellum.  "  It  is  small  credit  to 
us  to  have  to  acknowledge  that  we  could  not  overtake 
him.  But  I  admire  the  animal ;  and  if  I  had  Dick  Tuspiu 
here  this  moment,  I  do  believe  I  would  let  him  off,  pro- 
vided he  would  give  me  his  mare,  Black  Bess,  in  recom- 
pense. But  come,  sir,  I  have  satisfied  your  curiosity 
pretty  well,  and  have  rested  my  horse  into  the  bar- 
pain.  But  I  cannot  afford  any  more  time.  Tell  me  now 
what  you  know,  for  I  am  certain  you  possess  informa- 
tion." 

The  attorney  made  no  attempt  at  concealment 

"  I  feel  pretty  sure,"  he  said,  "  that  I  have  seen  the 
fellow  you  want,  but  he  was  without  his  steed." 

"  That  is  strange,"  said  Skellum.  4!  1  have  not  seen  it. 
What  can  he  have  done  with  it  ?" 

"I  can  answer  that  question  no  better  than  your- 
self." 

':  And  you  say  he  has  gone  to  York  ?" 

'•'Yes.  I  suppose  you  have  noticed  these  hea^y  riding- 
boots  ?" 

"  I  have,  and  wondered  why  you  should  chowj  them 
to  walk  in." 

"I  did  not  choose  them  for  that  purpose— I  put  them 
on  this  morning  because  I  had  a  long  and  important 
journey  to  make  on  urgent  business  matters.  I  rode  close 
to  this  spot,  when  all  at  once  the  follow  we  are  talking 
of  darted  into  the  middle  of  the  road,  seized  my  horse, 
and  compelled  me  to  dismount." 

"  Why  did  you  not  capture  him  ?" 

"  Because  he  looked  an  ugly  customer  to  meddle  with, 
and  I  had  no  idea  who  he  was.  Being  under  fear  of  my 
life,  I  chose  to  alight.  In  a  moment  he  then  sprang  into 
the  saddle  and  galloped  off  towards  York." 

';  Curse  it !"  said  Skellum.  "  This  is  most  unfortunate ! 
I  am  afraid  we  shall  lose  him,  after  all,  for  doubtless  yours 
is  a  good  horse." 

"  One  of  the  besi,  m  the  county,  though  1  say  it." 

"  It's  all  up,  then.  We  have  had  our  trouble  for  no- 
thing, foi  I'll  wager  my  life  he  rides  it  till  it  drops." 

"  I  am  afraid  so,  too.  And  yet  he  led  me  to  under- 
stand that  he  was  going  no  farther  than  York — at  least, 
he  baid  his  destination  was  the  Bowling  Green,  and  that 
I  could  have  my  horse  there  in  half  an  hour's  time  if  I 
^kose  to  apply  for  it." 

"  Gammon  l"  said  Skellum,  as  he  put  his  finger  In  a 
ver«  waggiih  w*y  by  the  side  of  his  nose— "gammon ! 
1  think  1  see  aim  at  it!" 

"I  thought  it  an  unlikely  thing  myseli,''  said  the  at- 
torney, with  a  sigh.  "D— u  the  fellow!  I  would  not 
nave  parted  with  the  horse  for  a  hundred  and  fifty 
sr'i!neas." 

W  ■  1!.  wo  will  push  on  to  the  Bowling  Green  now  wo 
me  <-"  far,"  e^Haimed  Skellnm,  Tith  an  air  of  in- 


tense aggravation.    "  Not  that  I  Lave  the  slightest  hope 
of  finding  him  now.    But  come  on — come  on !" 

"I  wish  I  could  come  with  you,"* »sried  the  attorney. 
"But  your  horses  seem  hardly  able  to  carry  them- 
selves." 

u  Not  one  could  stand  a  double  burden.** 

u  No,  I  can  see  that  plainly  enough.  Go  ou — I  will 
walk." 

Mr.  Skellum  at  once  set  forward,  and  the  attorney, 
cursing  his  ill-luck,  prepared  to  follow  him  on  foot. 

But  the  sound  of  wheels  behind  him  caused  him  to 
turn  round,  and  then  he  saw  approaching  at  a  rapid  rate 
a  light  vehicle  on  two  wheels. 

It  was  occupied  only  by  one  person,  and  this  turned 
out  to  be  one  of  the  attorney's  intimate  friends. 

The  vehicle  was  stopped  at  once— the  attorney  entered 
it,  and  began  to  recount  his  morning's  adventures. 

The  horse  harnessed  to  the  vehicle  got  over  the 
ground  in  a  capital  style. 

Consequently,  it  was  not  long  before  the  attorney 
passed  the  police  officers,  who  were  not  a  little  annoyed 
to  think  they  could  not  be  the  first  to  arrive  at  the  Bowl- 
ing Green. 

Leaving  both  parties,  we  will  follow  Dick. 

It  need  not  be  said  that  he  made  the  best  use  of  the 
horse  he  had  so  unexpectedly  gained  possession  of. 

The  spires  of  York  drew  nearer  and  nearer,  and  in  the 
space  of  little  more  than  ten  minute!  Dick  pulled  up  sud 
denly  in  front  of  the  Bowling  Green  Inn. 

At  that  early  hour  in  the  morning — for  ten  o'clock  had 
not  yet  struck — it  was  not  likely  that  many  people  would 
be  found  amusing  themselves  on  th6  smooth  piece  of  grass 
in  front  of  the  rustic-looking  public-house^ 

Still,  there  were  a  few  loiterers. 

The  landlord  hurried  forward  as  soon  as  he  saw  a 
horseman  pull  up  in  front  ot  the  door,  and  bawled  loudly 
for  the  ostler. 

Dick  dismounted,  and  as  be  did  so  he  said  • 

"This  is  not  my  horse.  Place  him  in  the  stable  until 
the  gentleman  calls  for  him.  I  was  to  have  been  here  by 
nine  o'clock." 

"  Then  you  are  late,"  rejoined  the  host 

"  What  is  the  time  ?" 

"  l'ive-and-twenty  to  ten." 

"  Thanks,"  said  Dick.  "  I  am  sorry  I  am  more  than 
half  an  hour  behind  time ;  but  I  have  had  an  awkward 
tumble.     Bring  me  some  brandy." 

Dick  6trolled  off  to  one  of  the  many  wooden  seats  that 
were  placed  round  the  bowling  Gre6n. 

The  landlord  looked  after  hirn  with  a  little  curiosity, 
which  is  not  surprising  when  Dick's  appearance  is  taken 
into  consideration. 

Still,  the  mention  he  had  made  of  an  ugly  tumble  wa* 
almost  sufficient  to  account  for  it- 

The  brandy  was  brought. 

Dick  drained  it  at  a  draught. 

Then  joined  the  players. 

To  have  seen  him  at  this  moment,  no  one  would  have 
dreamed  he  was  the  bold  highwayman  with  whose 
exploits  England  had  rung  so  long. 

Nor  would  they  have  thought,  when  seeing  the  smile 
upon  his  face  as  he  entored  into  the  spirit  of  the  sport, 
that  his  heart  was  bleeding,  or  that  he  had  sustained  30 
terrible  a  loss. 

Black  Bess  was  the  sole  tie  that  bound  him  to  life. 

Now  she  had  gone,  what  would  become  of  him  ? 

At  this  present  time  it  seemed  ss  though  he  did  not 
'care. 

Perhaps  it  was  drinking  brandy  wufle  in  such  a  heated 
btat6,  and  at  a  time  wheu  he  required  substantial  nourish- 
ment, that  produced  this  reckless  effect  upon  him. 

Ho  was  ready  for  any  deed,  however  desperate. 

He  played  with  great  skill  and  determination,  winning 
every  game,  to  the  no  small  annoyance  of  those  present, 
who  by  no  means  relished  a  stranger's  stepping  in  and 
bearing  away  the  bell  iu  such  a  triumphant  style. 

There  was  a  pause,  and  in  the  silence  the  Minster  clock 
struck  ten. 

Dick  counted  the  strokes  aloud,  in  a  «ann<j.-  so  peculiar 
and  significant  as  to  attract  the  notice  of  all. 

"  So  late,"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  threw  down  the  bowSs 
with  which  h6  was  about  to  commer.ee  playing  another 
game — "so  late!  I  cannut  st*y  >sy  iocssr  Good 
laorning,  gentleman  ,v 


THE   KNIGHT   OK   THE  ROAD. 


1925 


He  tossed  half-a-crown  to  the  landlord ;  then,  turning 
»n  his  heel,  he  walked  rapidly  away,  vanishing  almost 
Instantly  round  the  comer  of  a  street. 

"  That  is  a  queer  fish,  any  way !"  exclaimed  the  land- 
lord, biting  the  coin,  in  order  to  be  6ure  it  was  of  the 
tight  metal.  "I  wonder,  now  what  he  wacis  at 
York  ?" 

Hardly  had  he  pronounced  the  words  than  the  sound  of 
wheels  was  heard,  and  in  an  instant  all  eyes  were  turned 
towards  the  road. 

The  arrivals  were  the  attorney  and  his  friend. 

Both  were  well  known  to  the  landlord. 

"  Good  morning,  Mr-  Bridgeman,"  he  said,  addressing 
the  former.  "  I  thought  you  said  last  night  you  should 
be  obliged  to  take  a  long  journey  this  morning." 

"  And  you  are  right,"  6aid  the  lawyer,  alighting ;  "  but 
I  have  oome  for  my  horse.     Is  it  here  ?" 

"  I  do  believe  it  is  your  horse  now  I  come  to  think  of 
it.  I  fancied  1  had  seen  the  animal  before,"  said  the  land- 
lord, speaking  more  to  himself  than  to  his  interro- 
gator. 

"  Is  it  here  ?"  asked  the  attorney,  in  an  anxious  voice, 
for  he  had  not  ventured  to  think  for  a  moment  that  he 
should  ever  see  his  much-prized  steed  again. 

"  Yes,"  said  the  landlord  ;  "  he  is  in  the  stable." 

"Let  me  see  him ;  I  shell  believe  my  own  eyes." 

This  was  said  as  though  he  should  believe  nothing 
else. 

But  at  this  moment  th6  landlord's  attention  was  again 
distracted. 

This  time  the  cause  was  no  other  than  the  arrival  of 
Mr.  Skollum  and  his  party. 

He  had  managed  to  push  along  at  much  better  speed 
than  could  have  been  expected. 

"  Well,"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  recognised  the  attorney, 
;lhave  you  any  intelligence?" 

44  I  think  the  horse  is  here.  I  am  lust  going  to 
see." 

"  If  it  is,  then,  rely  upon  it  the  fellow  himself  is  not 
far  off." 

With  these  words,  Mr.  Skellum  deliberately  and  care- 
fully dismounted. 

Having  done  so,  he  hobbled  after  the  attorney  and  the 
landlord,  for  his  legs  were  60  stiff  with  riding  that  he 
could  scarcely  make  any  use  of  them  whatever. 

However,  he  managed  to  reach  the  stable  doot. 

"  Well,  sir,"  he  asked,  "is  your  horse  here  ?" 

**  To  my  unbounded  astonishment,  he  is,"  answered  Mr. 
Bridge-man.  "1  little  thought  of  looking  on  him 
again." 

"  But  where's  the  man  that  brought  him  ?" 

No  one  knew. 

Mr.  Skellum  gazed  keenly  all  around,  but  seeing 
nothing  suspicious,  began  to  ask  for  details. 

His  questions  were  eagerly  responded  to. 

Prepared  as  he  was  for  almost  anything  that  Dick 
might  do,  yet  he,  nevertheless,  felt  6trong  doubts  assail 
him  upon  hearing  that  the  highwayman  had  actually  had 
the  audacity  to  remain  half  an  hour  at  the  inn  and  the 
sangfroid  to  join  in  a  game  at  bowls. 

It  soemed  absolutely  incredible,  but  there  were  too 
many  eager  witnesses  around  to  allow  him  to  indulge  in 
disbelief. 

It  was  also  a  matter  of  additional  vexation  to  Mr 
Skellum  that  at  the  very  last  he  should  miss  his  prey  by 
what  could  only  tw  called  a  hair's  breadth. 

He  had  left  such  a  short  time  before  too — such  a  few 
minutes — that  he  could  not  have  walked  many  hundred 
yards. 

In  this  all  agreed,  while  some  added  that  ho  must  have 
been  noticed,  his  appearance  and  manners  were  so  sin- 
gular, and  so  calculated  to  attract  the  observation  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  city. 

Hope  once  more  warmed  Mr.  Skellum's  heart. 

It  did  more,  for  it  infused  a  little  vigour  into  those 
limbs  which  but  a  moment  before  had  been  so  nearly  life- 
lees. 

Surely  the  clue  w»<,  good — the  scent  warm. 

The  highwayman  wa»  en  foot,  in  a  strange  city,  and  as 
be  was  but  mortal,  of  course  not  exempt  from  that 
fatigue  which  must  be  the  result  of  the  achievement  he 
had  just  performed. 

Calling  his  men  around  him  then,  Mr.  Skellum,  also  on 
foet,  began  a  irt-sh  search,  feeling  sure  by  what  the  people 


at  the  Bowling  Green  said  that  be  must  come  up  with 
him  in  a  few  moments. 

To  these  persons  the  game  of  bowls  had  no  present  in- 
terest. 

They  chose  to  follow  at  the  heelp  of  the  police  officers. 

Up  one  street  and  down  another  they  sped. 

What  words  can  portray  their  disappointment  and 
vexation  when  they  found  themselves '  unable  to  catch  a 
glimpse  of  him. 

What  was  more,  although  they  questioned  numberless 
people,  no*  one  had  seen  him. 

This  was  mysterious  indeed. 

But  had  Die1*:  Turpin  melted  into  air  he  could  not  have 
vanished  more  completely. 

Mr.  Skellum  and  everyone  else  concluded  he  was  hiding 
somewhere. 

But  the  indefatigable  hunter  of  highwaymen  could  con- 
tinue the  search  no  longer,  for  the  simple  reason  that 
sheer  fatigue  compelled  him  to  desist. 

So  thoroughly  worn  out  that  h«»  could  scarcely  move  a 
limb,  he  crawled  back  to  the  inn  and  flung  himself  down 
to  take  that  rest  which  was  imperative. 


OHAPTEE  MCIIL 

RELATES      THE     ADVENTURES      OF     DICK     TURPIH     AFTEB 
LEAVING  THE  BOWLING  GREEN. 

The  disappearance  of  Dick  Turpin  was  most  extraordi- 
nary, but  yet  it  was  a  fact. 

How  he  had  contrived  to  vanish  without  leaving  the 
faintest  trace  behind  him,  no  one  could  imagine. 

But  he  had  gone,  and  so  speedily  that  no  one  had  seen 
him,  nor  was,  as  we  have  seen,  the  closest  search  and  the 
most  diligent  inquiry  in  the  least  degree  availing. 

How  this  mystery  came  about  it  is  now  our  business  to 
describe. 

It  was  a  return  of  the  old  bravado  inherent  in  his  nature 
that  made  Dick  Turpin  join  in  as  a  player  in  the  game  of 
bowls. 

Another  feeling  also  urged  him,  and  that  was  to  estab- 
lish abundant  evidence  of  the  precise  hour  of  his  arrival 
in  York  city. 

This  done,  he  proceeded  to  look  after  his  own  safety 

He  was  as  yet  by  no  means  tired  of  his  life,  and  knew 
that  in  order  to  preserve  it  he  must  elude  his  foes,  whose 
appearance  he  expected  every  moment  to  witness. 

And,  indeed,  had  the  bold  highwayman  b6en  6ver  so 
weary  of  existence  he  would  not  have  been  willing  to 
permit  his  enemies  the  triumph  of  making  him  their 
prisoner. 

Once  captured,  there  was  no  mistake  about  what  the 
result  would  be. 

To  think  of  escape  would  be  futile,  for  the  most  extra- 
ordinary precautions  would  be  taken  for  his  safe  keeping, 

Nor  was  Dick  in  love  with  that  ignominious  death  which 
would  be  the  termination  of  his  captivity. 

On  the  contrary,  he  would  do  all  he  could  to  avoid  it, 
for  dea>b  in  any  other  form  would  be  preferable. 

This  will  give  the  reader  some  idea  of  the  state  of  the 
highwayman's  mind  after  he  quitted  the  Bowliug  Green. 

Fatigued,  downcast,  vinously  excited  as  he  was,  yet  all 
his  wits  were  about  him,  and  he  was  wondering  by  what 
means  he  could  effectually  elude  his  pursuers. 

At  this  time  be  found  himself  in  a  long,  narrow,  de- 
serted street. 

The  houses  on  either  side  were  of  an  ancient  build, 
each  having  overhanging  stories,  aftbr  the  fashion  ap- 
proved of  by  our  forefathers. 

Although  it  was  a  bright  day,  yet  this  old  street  was 
full  of  gloomy  shadows. 

Dick  Turpin,  all  the  time  thinking  busily,  looked  atten- 
tively at  every  object  without  perceiving  anything  that 
would  assist  him  in  his  design. 

H©  was  interrupted  by  ti«3  sound  of  wheels  in  the 
distance. 

As  if  instinctively,  he  felt  a  uesire  to  bide  himself. 

A  place  of  concealment  offered  itself  close  .,». 

This  was  a  dark,  open  doorway — apparently  the  mean? 
by  which  access  to  the  rear  of  the  houses  in  the  street 
oeuld  be  obtained. 

Into  this  dark  recess  he  shrank,  and  there  reinsin^ 
until  the  approaching  vehicle  should  pass  by. 

So  obscure  was  the  place  where  he  stood  that  it  *** 


I92tf 


BLACK    BESS ;    OR, 


next  to  Ms  impossibility  for  hiin  to  be  seen,  especially  by 
one  whirling  by  in  a  vehicle. 

But  from  this  place  Dick  was  able  to  see  perfectly  well 
who  went  by. 

He  had  good  cause  to  rsjo'ce  at  his  prompt  obedience 
to  the  instinct  of  concealing  himself. 

As  the  reader  may  have  anticipated,  the  vehicle  "vas 
the  oue  in  which  the  attorney  was  riding  in  company 
with  his  friend. 

Had  he  seen  Dick  he  would  have  recognised  him  be- 
yond all  doubt. 

Turpin  drew  back  still  further. 

But  the  danger  was  over. 

The  light  gig  had  passed  by,  and  the  attorney  never 
once  troubled  himself  to  look  behind. 

Yet  Dick  remained  where  he  was,  not  liking  to  emerge 
until  the  gig  was  out  of  6ight. 

This  soon  happened. 

The  opportunity  had  arrived. 

Dick  was  about  to  emerge  when,  to  his  vexation,  be 
paw  something  else  approaching. 

This  was  a  huge  tarpaulin-covered  waggon,  drawn  by 
three  horses. 

The  rate  they  were  going  at  was  certainly  under  three 
miles  an  hour;  and  by  the  way  they  walked  they  ap- 
peared to  have  an  unusually  heavy  load  behiud  them. 

The  hope  that  after  this  was  gone  he.  should  have  the 
street  to  himself  made  him  resolve  to  linger. 

But  the  time  consumed  by  the  approach  of  the  heavy 
waggon  seerned  endless. 

The  driver,  Dick  noted,  was  perched  up  on  a  high 
scat  holding  the  reins,  and,  according  to  the  custom  of 
waggoners  in  general,  his  eyes  were  fast  shut — probably 
he  was  sleeping. 

These  may  seem  trifling  things  to  notice,  but  then  in 
the  state  Dick  was,  every  object,  no  matter  how  apparently 
trivial,  had  for  him  the  strongest  interest. 

He  afterwards  had  reason  to  congratulate  himself  upon 
having  observed  so  narrowly. 

As  the  waggon  passed  by,  of  course  he  had  a  view  of 
«he  end  of  it. 

He  then  became  aware  that  it  was  loaded  with  sacks  of 
grain,  although  two  flapping  sheets  of  canvas  partially 
covered  them. 

At  this  moment  he  was  struck  by  an  idea. 

He  did  not  wait  to  consider  of  it,  but  proceeded  to  put 
it  into  execution  almost  as  soon  as  he  had  conceived  it. 

Darting  swiftly  from  his  place  of  concealment,  he  ran 
to  the  eud  of  the  waggon,  seized  hold  of  a  rope  that  was 
dangling  from  the  top,  and  with  great  agility  and  swift- 
ness swung  himself  co  to  the  top  of  the  sacks. 

Then  without  loss  of  time  he  crawled  further  in  and 
laid  himself  down  at  full  leugt  h. 

So  swiftly  did  all  this  take  place  that  it  amazed  even 
himself,  so  short  was  the  time  elapsing  between  the 
thought  and  the  act. 

He  believed,  too,  that  no  one  had  observed  the  action. 

Most  certainly  the  somnolent  driver  of  the  waggon 
knew  nothing  of  the  matter. 

But  had  not  Dick  acted  so  much  upon  impulse,  reflection 
would  have  suggested  to  him  that  it  was  somewhat  im- 
portant he  should  know  where  the  vehicle  was  going. 

Of  this  he  was  in  entire  ignorance ;  but  as  the  step  was 
taken,  the  best  thing  he  could  do  was  to  remain  still  and 
;jwait  the  result. 

He  was  startled  from  his  reflections  by  the  sound  of 
horses'  feet. 

Then,  almost  immediately  after  he  heard  a  voice  cry,  in 
stentorian  tones: 

u  Hullo  there — hullo,  I  say  [" 

"  Waur-whoop !"  bawled  the  waggoner,  waking  op  with 
a  stait. 
'  Kis  team  at  once  came  to  a  standstill. 

Then  the  horses'  feet  stopped  also. 
.    Could  they  ba  Dick's  foes  ? 

The  highwayman  rolled  over  noiselessly  on  the  saefcj, 
«nd  crept  a  little  nearci  to  the  front. 

"Which  is  the  way  to  the  Bowling  Green  ?"  asked  a 
voice, 

"  Doan't  yow  know  ?" 

"  Of  course  not,  or  I  should  not  ask." 

"  Why,  it's  just  at  the  top  of  the  street  yonder ;  yow'il 
tcs  it  when  you  get  a  little  further." 

"  Then  you  haye  just  come  from  there  tn 


11  No,  I  nanna ;  but  I  passed  it  not  long  since." 

"  Ra !  that's  the  same  thing.  Have  you  seen  anything 
of  a  man  in  a  dirty  red  coat  ?  ' 

"  Dirty  red  coat  ?" 

"Yes."    . 

"  No,  I  hanna." 

•'  1  don't  suppose  he  has.  He  would  he  coming  along 
with  his  eyes  shut,  without  seeing  anything." 

"  And  if  I  wor,  what's  that  to  you  ?" 

"Oh,  nothing!" 

it  Very  well,  then,  hold  your  row." 

"Only,"  said  Mr.  Skellum — for  it  was  that  individual 
and  his  troop  of  men — "  if  you  do  see  him,  lay  hold  of 
him  and  keep  him.  There  is  a  thousand  pounds  reward 
offered  for  him  !" 

At  first,  Dick  hod  been  not  a  little  startled  at  finding 
the  waggon  stopped  by  his  enemies  ;  but,  recovering  him- 
self, he  crawled  still  nearer  towards  a  fold  of  the  canvas  top, 
through  which  he  hoped  to  be  able  to  catch  a  si^rnt  of  the 
men  who  had  kept  so  indefatigably  upon  his  track. 

He  saw  them  plainly  enough  in  all  conscience,  for  they 
were  not  above  a  yard  from  him. 

While  Skellum  was  speaking  to  the  waggoner  in  the  way 
we  have  recorded,  he  little  thought  that  the  eyes  of  the 
man  he  so  much  wanted  to  capture  were  fixed  intently 
upon  him— that  he  was,  indeed,  within  his  reach,  had  he 
but  stretched  out  his  arm  to  its  full  length. 

Nothing,  however,  could  have  been  further  from  thd 
thoughts  of  Mr.  Skellum  and  his  party  than  that  Dick 
was  there. 

A  few  more  words  passed  between  him  and  the 
waggoner. 

Then  he  trotted  off. 

With  no  little  difficulty,  the  waggoner  then  got  his 
team  into  motion  again. 

As  for  Dick,  emboldened  by  what  had  just  occurred,  no 
actually  had  the  audaciry  to  creep  to  the  end  of  the 
watrgou  aud  look  after  his  foes. 

He  could  see  them  plainly  enough,  though  it  would 
have  required  a  much  keener  vision  than  they  possessed 
for  them  to  discover  him. 

The  next  consideration  which  presented  itself  to  Dick 
was  rather  an  anxious  oue. 

This  was  as  to  the  destination  of  the  waggoner. 

If  he  was  about  to  deliver  his  load  to  some  place  in  the 
city  it  would  be  very  awkward  indeed  for  Dick,  because 
his  discovery  would  be  inevitable;  and  his  presence  there 
unknown  to  the  driver,  and  his  soiled,  travel-stained  ap- 
pearance would  be  certain  to  excite  suspicion. 

Moreover,  Dick  knew  as  well  as  could  be  that  Mr. 
Skellum,  ou  reaching  the  Bowling  Green,  would  learu 
how  very  recently  the  object  of  his  pursuit  had  quitted  it, 
and  would  therefore  institute  a  strict  search  immedi- 
ately. 

In  a  quiet  place  like  York,  news  of  this  description 
would  doubtless  spread  with  amazing  rapidity  ;  and  if  an 
hour  elapsed  before  the  waggon  stopped,  he  would,  ten 
to  one,  be  recoguised. 

This  consideration  was  enough  to  cause  Dick  a  great 
deal  of  anxiety,  for  never  in  all  his  life  had  he  been  so 
desirous  or  determined  to  get  out  of  the  clutches  of  the 
police  officers. 

Then,  he  was  quite  a  stranger  in  York ;  and  as  the 
waggou  traversed  street  after  street,  he  was  unable  to 
form  any  idea  as  to  whether  he  Was  beinfj  taken  towards 
the  opsn  country  or  not. 

Amid  all  this  anxiety,  he  found  his  recumbent  position 
on  the  sacks  of  grain  a  very  comfortable  one,  for,  after 
what  he  had  goue  through,  he  felt  u  no  ordinary  relief  to 
stretch  his  limbs  out  at  full  length  and  remain  perfectly 
still. 

Thus  he  awaited  the  course  of  events. 

At  last  he  began  to  perceive  indications  that  they  were 
approaching  the  outskirts  of  the  city,  aud  finally  he  saw 
that  the  horses  had  entered  upon  a  long,  broad  high- 
road. * 

Having  made  this  discovery,  be  felt  tolerably  at  hti 
ease. 

His  enemies  could  have  no  cine  to  his  whereabouts,  and 
he  indulged  in  the  strong  hope  that,  after  having  brought 
them  so  many  miles  in  quest  of  him,  he  should  be  able  to 
shake  them  oft  entirely. 

To  do  so  woald  be  to  have  something  like  revenge  upon 
them. 


TS3  K_NiOHT  OF  THS  SOAD. 


1927 


He  resolved  that  no  effort  or  ingenuity  upon  his  part 
should  be  wanting. 

But,  standing  quite  alone  in  all  the  world  as  he  now  did 
— without  comrades,  without  Maud,  without  Black  Bess  as 
well — it  may  seem  strange  that  he  should  cling  to  life. 

One  would  have  thought  that,  on  the  contrary,  he  would 
have  found  life  insupportable. 

There  was,  in  good  truth,  an  aching  void  !a  bis  heart, 
but  he  clung  to  life  because  he  had  a  purpose  to  accom- 
plish. 

There  was  an  object  before  him  upon   which  his  mind 
was  ever  fixed. 
Tliery  was  a  constant  yearning  of  his  spirit. 
Always  iu  his  mind's  eye  he  could  see  the  scenery  around 
Maud's  "last  resting-place. 

His  thruat  would  swell  and  ache  when  he  thought  of 
her,  but  his  fixed  determination  was  to  get  to  the  coasf., 
embark  iu  a  vessel,  and  make  his  way  to  the  little  French 
village. 

So  paramount  was  his  determination  that  all  things 
bowed  beneath  it. 

In  times  past  it  was  rarely  that  he  fixed  his  mind  upon 
any  object  without  securing  it,  and  it  remains  to  be  seen 
whether  his  former  success  had  or  had  not  deserted  him. 

He  last  remembered  being  busy  with  these  thoughts,  and 
then  all  at  once  be  was  sensible  of  some  kind  of  jerk. 
For  full  a  moment  his  brain  was  in  confusion. 
Alter  that  it  seemed  tolerably  certain  that  he  had  un- 
consciously falleu  off  iuto  a  sleep,  which  might  have  en. 
dured  much  longer  had  it  not  been  for  the  stopping  of  the 
waggon. 

llis  sleep,  too,  must  have  been  a  long  one,  for,  to  his 
astonishment,  he  found  that  it  was  now  almost  dark. 

Luckily,  his  presence  of  mind  was  great  enough  to  en- 
able him  to  reniaiu  perfectly  still. 

He  could  hear  voices  around  him,  and  was  very  curious 
to  know  where  he  could  be. 

Had  he  reached  the  end  of  his  journey? 
If  so,  the  waggon  would  be  unloaded,  and  how  was  he 
to  escape  discovery  ? 
He  reconnoitred. 

His  first  discovery  was  that  the  waggon  had  been 
drawn  iuto  a  yard  at  the  side  of  au  inn. 

The  waggoner,  assisted  by  an  ostler,  was  unharnessing 
the  horses. 

"This  is  some  halting-place,"  he  muttered— "his  jour- 
ney is  not  over  yet.     What  shall  I  do  next  ?" 

At  preseut  he  was  pretty  well  occupied  in  watching  the 
movements  of  the  meu. 

It  was  quite  possible  that  the  waggoner  might  take  it 
into  his  Lead  to  peep  inside  his  waggon  to  see  whether  all 
was  right,  and  if  he  did,  an  alarm  would  immediately 
ensue. 

At  that  lonely  spot,  and  so  far  from  York,  it  was  ques- 
tionable whether  he  would  be  recognised  ;  but  then  l>ick's 
wish  was  not  to  leavo  aay  sort  of  clue  whatever  behind 
him. 

The  two  men  led  the  horses  into  the  stable,  and  Dick 
speedily  took  steps  to  prevent  himself  from  being 
&een. 

'l  here  was  no  one  visible,  and  so  with  all  possible 
alacrity  and  n oise less n ess  he  alighted. 

When  he  set  toot  to  earth  he  did  not  pause,  but  turned 
suddenly  the  angle  of  some  building  and  walked  on. 
What  should  be  his  next  step? 

He  was  tolerably  well  provided  with  money  for  imme- 
diate use,  and  once  thought  of  walking  towards  the  inn 
and  reinaiuicf  'here. 

But  a  second  thought  induced  him  to  abandon  this 
intention. 

He  was  not  far  enough  from  York  to  render  it  safe  to 
show  himself;  besides,  he  had  come  altogether  by  the 
high-ro&d,  so  that  it  would  be  easy  to  follow  him  so 
far. 

Above  all,  after  the  description  given  by  8kellum,  the 
waggouer  might  recognise  him. 

A  better  course  he  imagined  would  be  to  make  '■"'s  way 
on  foot  across  the  country. 

With  this  intention  he  crossed  a  stile  and  walked 
jxpidly  aloLg  a  footpath  leading  across  the  fields. 

Almost  at  every  step  he  went  the  obscurity  increased. 
"  I  ought  to  make  good  use  of  the  night,"  he   said  to 
himself.     -'Such  darkness  as   this  is  the  most  effectual 
cover  for  my  flight.     1  will  try  to  keep  on   till  daylight, 


and  then  I  will  avail  myself  of  the  first  place  of  shelter 
that  offers." 

But  in  coming  to  this  decision  he  quite  overlooked  Ms 
present  exhausted  state. 

The  ride  in  the  waggon  had  reatea  him  a  great  doa!>  it 
is  true,  but  he  wanted  a  better  repcaa  than  that. 

Before  he  had  walked  far  he  felt  a  dreadful  feeling  of 
weariness  come  over  him,  and,  strive  as  he  would,  ha 
could  not  shake  it  off. 

He  tried  bravely,  and  walked  on  with  great  resolution, 
but  fatigue  asserted  itself  to  be  his  master. 
He  was  obliged  to  succumb  to  it. 
He  would  do  no  more,  however,  than  fling  himself  on 
the  ground  for  a  brief  space. 
Then  rising,  he  went  on. 

But  he  began  to  think  this  unusual  exhaustion  was 
attributable  more  to  the  length  of  time  he  had  goue  with- 
out partaking  of  food  thau  any  other  cause. 

Yet  in  the  lonely,  desolate  situation  where  he  now 
found  himself,  where  was  he  to  find  refreshment? 

But  the  hope  of  shortly  finding  some  solitary  dwelling 
infused  a  transitory  vigour  iuto  his  limbs. 

It  was  only  transitory,  however,  for  it  was  not  long 
before  he  fouud  himself  utterly  incapable  of  going  any 
further. 

By  this  time  the  moon  had  risen,  and  although  she  had 
not  attained  any  considerable  elevation  above  the  horizon, 
yet  he  was  able  to  see  a  little  about  him. 

His  eyes  had  been  for  some  time  fixed  upon  a  dark  mass 
in  front  of  him,  which  he  now  made  out  to  be  a  building 
of  some  kind. 

Hope  whispered  to  his  heart  that  it  might  be  a  cottage, 
the  inhabitants  of  which  would  afford  him  the  food  and 
shelter  of  which  he  stood  so  much  in  need. 

But  there  was  no  ray  of  light  to  be  perceived  to  lend 
any  colour  to  this  anticipation. 

On  the  coutrary,  the  building  appeared  to  be  lonely, 
Solitary,  deserted. 

Still,  whatever  its  character  might  be,  it  promised  to 
afford  the  fugitive  a  better  shelter  than  the  bare 
sky. 

Accordingly,  he  slowly  dragged  his  weary  limbs  to- 
wards it. 

As  he  drew  nearer  and  became  able  to  see  it  with  more 
distinctness,  hope  died  away  within  him. 

It  became  evident  that  the  building  was  merely  a  barn, 
or  some  such  place. 

Yet  its  roof  promised  some  shelter,  and  ho  held  on  his 
course. 

But  when  at  last  he  reached  the  building,  Dick  felt 
that  had  it  been  much  further  off  he  must  have  abandoned 
the  thought  of  gaining  it. 
As  it  was,  a  fresh  disappointment  awaited  him. 
Upon  becoming  aware  ot  the  nature  of  the  place,  he 
thought  at  least  that  there  could  be  no  difficulty  in  gain- 
ing admission  to  ii. 

On  a»riving,  though,  he  found  that  the  huge  folding 
doors  were  so  securely  fastened  that  he  could  not  break 
them  open. 

With  a  heavy  sigh  he  sank  down. 

For  some  time  he  remained  thus,  utterly  dejected,  but 
the  it-tense  cold  and  discomtort  of  his  situation  made  him 
resolve  to  make  a  fresh  attempt  to  gatu  the  shelter  of  the 
building. 

By  this  time  he  had  regained  a  little  strength,  so  ho 
rose  and  walked  round  the  walls. 

Only  one  opening  presented  itself,  but  this  was  so  high 
up  that  he  feared  he  should  not  be  able  to  reach  it. 

It  was  an  aperture  similar  to  that  which  may  be  seen 
in  the  wall  of  a  loft  over  a  stable. 

Against  the  wall,  however,  a  tree  was  growing,  and  if 
it  was  only  strong  enough  to  bear  his  weight  be  fancied 
he  might  succeed. 

At  any  rate  he  showed  himself  willing:,  for  be  made  the 
attempt. 

By  dint  of  much  exertion  he  cinnbed  up  into  the 
branches,  which  bent  dangerously  beneath  him,  but  did 
not  break. 

Higher— higher  still  he  crawled,  until,  after  twenty  iu 
effectual  attempts,  he  succeeded  in  forcing  himself  through 
the  opening. 

He  found  below  him  a  quantity  ot  straw,  en  to  wbicb 
he  stepped  with  caution,  for  upon  his  first  entrance  tue 
interior  seemed  pitch  dark. 


una 


BULGE.  C35g;  Ofi, 


Very  soon,  however,  his  eyes  accustomed  themselves  to 
ike  small  amount  of  light  there  was  in  the  place. 

Crawling  cautiously  forward  a  little,  he  found  that  the 
Cuilding  was  furnished  with  an  upper  floor  like  a  loft. 

Here  then  he  made  sure  he  should  be  able  to  repose 
tumself  for  any  length  of  time  he  thought  fit. 

Certainly  the  doors  were  fast,  and  no  one  could  enter 
without  his  having  due  notification  of  it. 

So  far,  then,  all  was  as  well  as  could  be  expected. 

Sighing  heavily,  he  once  more  extended  himsell  at 
lull  length  aad  closed  his  eyes. 

A  state  of  semi-consciousness  succeeded. 

It  was  not  sleep,  and  yet  something  wonderfully  like 
it. 

The  fact  was  that  he  sunered  as  much,  perhaps  more, 
from  want  of  food  than  any  other  cause. 

Since  leaving  Drury  Lane,  now  about  four-and-twenty 
hours  ago,  he  had  tasted  nothing  but  brandy. 

The  immense  quantities  of  the  stimulant  of  which  he 
had  partaken  doubtless  had  the  effect  of  rendering  him 
insensible  to  the  pangs  of  hunger,  but  for  all  that  it  had 
failed  to  supply  proper  nourishment,  hence  this  terrible 
prostration. 

How  long  he  might  have  remained  in  the  state  we  have 
described  he  knew  not,  yet  fancied  it  could  not  have  been 
long,  when  he  heard  something  like  a  human  voice. 

He  started  up  at  once,  and  listened  intently. 

Weary  as  he  was,  all  his  faculties  were  at  full  stretch, 
and  his  apprehension  of  danger  morbidly  acute. 

Yet  on  this  occasion  his  sharpened  senses  would  seem 
to  have  played  him  false. 

Although  he  listened  so  intently,  he  could  hear  no- 
thing. 

Believing  at  length  that  some  accidental  sound  had 
misled  him,  he  was  about  to  resume  his  former  position, 
when  he  felt  certain  he  heard  the  sound  of  footsteps. 

This  time  there  could  be  no  sort  of  doubt  upon  the 
point. 

His  first  act  was  to  draw  his  pistols. 

It  seemed  scarcely  possible  that  his  foes  should  be  ap- 
proaching, but  yet  they  had  shown  themselves  so  often 
in  places  where  they  were  least  expected,  that  he  strongly 
felt  the  necessity  of  being  on  his  guard. 

He  cocked  his  weapons,  and  scarcely  was  the  operation 
tinished  when  the  footsteps  ceased. 

The  murmur  of  voices  then  followed,  and  although 
Dick  could  not  distinguish  what  was  said,  in  consequence 
of  tie  suppressed  tones  in  which  the  conversation  was 
carried  on,  yet  be  was  confident  that  the  speakers  were 
close  at  hand. 

A  moment  afterwards  he  heard  a  rattling  noise. 

It  was  caused  by  a  key  being  thrust  hastily  into  a  lock, 
as  though  some  one  was  full  of  impatience  to  gain  admis- 
sion. 

But  this  impatience  in  effect  only  produced  delay,  for 
the  key  would  not  act  properly  upon  the  warAs. 

A  cry  of  angry  vexation  followed. 

Then  the  door  was  pushed  open. 

A  cool  rush  of  night  air  came  in. 

There  was  a  square  hole  in  the  flooring  of  the  loft, 
•■ioubtless  made  for  the  purpose  of  facilitating  the  storing 
*r  removing  whatever  the  loft  might  contain. 

Pick  was  at  the  edge  of  this  opening,  looking 
down. 

The  opening  of  the  one  half  of  the  huge  doors  by  which 
Dick  had  vainly  attempted  to  gain  an  entrance*  to  the 
building  brought  to  view  the  forms  of  two  persons. 

Dark  as  it  was,  their  figures  were  clearly  distinguishable 
against  the  night  sky. 

At  the  very  first  glance,  Dick's  apprehensions"vanished, 
and  he  restored  his  pistols  to  his  pockets. 

But  his  curiosity  was  instantly  inflamed,  for  one  of  these 
two  persons  was  a  female,  and  so  far  as  the  obscurity 
would  allow  him  to  judge,  a  young  one. 

Her  companion  was  a  short,  thick-set,  muscular-looking 
-aian,  and  the  first  words  he  said  were : 

"  Now,  Jane,  why  don't  you  come  in  ? — what  do  you 
*tand  there  for  like  that,  dilly-dallying  ?  Come  in,  I 
wty !" 

The  tones  of  his  voice  were  rude  and  ha^h,  and  his 
speech  was  caused  by  a  reluctance  or  rather  disinclination 
on  the  part  of  his  companion  to  enter  the  gloomy  build- 
ing. 

"  Oh,  Stephen,"  she  said,  at  length,  in  a  trembling,  tea*  • 


ful  voice,  "  i  feel  so  frightened — so  terribly  afraid — I  i&Jk 
that  I  shall  die  if  ever!  go  in  there  I" 

The  man  started  slightly,  but  recovered  his  self-pos- 
session almost  instantly  as  he  said  r  j 

"  Die,  Jane  ?    What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"  Don't  be  cross  with  me— pray  don't !    I  am  nervous  I " 

"But  what  do  you  mean  by  talking  about  dying  '("  h» 
replied,  if  anything,  with  additional  fierceness. 

"Mean,  Stephen  ? 

"Yes,  mean  1" 

"  N-nothing — I  am  only  eo  frightened !" 

"  But  what  have  you  to  be  frightened  of  ?  Ain't  I  here 
to  protect  and  take  care  of  you  ?" 

"Yes,  yes — I  know  you  are,  and  I  am  very,  very 
foolish — I  know  I  am  very  foolish ;  but  I  cannot  help 
it." 

"  Well — well,  come  in — let's  have  no  nonsense !  You 
ought  to  know  by  this  time  that  you  ought  not  to  be 
afraid  to  go  anywhere  if  I  am  with  you." 

He  took  her  by  the  arm. 

Her  fear  of  exciting  his  anger  seemed  to  be  greater 
than  her  dread  of  entering  the  building,  for  she  suffered 
him  to  lead  her  in  passively. 

"  There,"  he  cried,  "  what  have  you  to  be  afraid  of,  I 
should  like  to  know  ?  The  place  is  rather  dark,  to  be 
sure ;  but,  then,  what  matters  that  ?  It  is  safe — quite 
safe.  We  may  be  sure  of  being  able  to  remain  here  with- 
out anyone  interrupting  us,  for,  to  ray  knowledge,  not  a 
soul  has  been  here  these  twtlve  months." 

The  girl  was  silent. 

"Here,"  continued  the  man,  "  sit  down  and  rest  your- 
self upon  this  straw — then  you  will  soon  be  better." 

She  acquiesced,  but  it  was  with  a  heavy  sigh,  as 
though  a  trouble  of  no  ordinary  character  weighed  her 
down. 

Her  companion  assumed  an  attitude  of  listening,  and 
Dick  Turpin  immediately  held  his  breath,  lest  that  slight 
sound  should  be  detected,  for  though  he  was  certain  he 
had  nothing  to  fear  from  these  new-comers,  yet  he  by  no 
means  wished  to  be  discovered  by  them. 

"  Can  you  hear  anything,  Stephen  T'  asked  the  girl, 
noticing  his  attitude,  and  speaking  in  consternation. 

"  I  thought  I  did  ;  but  I  will  go  and  see,  and  make  sure, 
directly." 

"  No — no.    You  must  not  leave  ma !   I— — " 

"  Hush  !  I  say.  Are  you  sure  you  did  all  that  I  told  you, 
Jane?  I  have  not  had  the  chance  of  questioning  you 
before." 

"  Yes,"  was  the  reluctantly-spoken  answer. 

"  That  is  well,  then.     Yon  are  quite  sure  ?" 

"Yes,  quite." 

"  And  is  there  much  money  ?" 

"Enough  —  enough  —  surely  enough.  Oh,  Stephen, 
when  I  think  what  %  doubly-guilty  being  I  have  be» 
come,  I  feel  as  though  I  should  sink  into  the  earth  with 
horror." 

"  Then  don't  think  of  it — that's  all  I  can  say,"  was  the 
rejoinder,  accompanied  by  a  boisterous  laugh. 

"  Oh  don't — don't,  Stephen.  If  you  had  seen  them  as  I 
saw  them,  you  could  not  help  thinking  of  it.  I  shall  see 
my  poor  parents  to  my  dying  day,  sleeping  the  sleep  of 
innocence,  while  I,  their  guilty,  trembling  child,  purloined 
the  bag  which  contained  the  savings  of  so  many  years, 
and  which  they  wholly  relied  upon  for  the  future." 

"  Stop — stop,  I  say  :  I  won't  listen  to  it  1" 

"  Then  if  you  won't  listen  to  it,  why  did  you  urge  me 
to  commit  so  dreadful  a  crime?  Oh,  Stephen,"  she 
added,  with  a  wild  and  passionate  outburst  of  grief,  "  i 
shall  never — never  be  happy  again  !" 

"  Nonsense — nonsense :  you  will  soon  forget  this — I  tell 
you  you  will.    And  you  are  sure  you  have  the  money  ?" 

"Yes,  Stephen — yes."  9 

There  seemed  to  be  great  anxiety  upon  the  man's  pan 
to  be  assured  in  this  respect. 

Dick  could  not  fail  to  notice  it,  and  he  fancied  that  the 
gi  rl  observed  it  too. 

But  if  eo,  she  did  not  venture  to  make  any  remark  upon 
the  subject. 

Tho  man  was  silent  for  a  moment  or  so,  and  then  in  an 
altered  voice,  as  though  he  wag  struggling  to  restrain 
some  violent  emotions,  he  said : 

"  Now,  Jane,  I  want  you  to  listen  to  what  I  am  going 
to  say,  and  to  pay  particular  attention  to  it  {  do  70U 
hear  ?" 


T(*K    KWmXIT    VT  tHK    W>k1%. 


[WIS   HALT   OF   THE  •1FFTCERS    HOirjS    Tjib    IEEE    13    WP.[CH    &IOR    TCBMS   13    HIT-DEW,) 


••  Yes,"  ehe  answered,  through  her  tears, 

'  In  order  that  our  flight  may  be  a  successful  ono,  ami 
t>,at  no  clue  be  left  behind,  it  is  necessary  that  you  should 
umain  here  a  little  while,  during  which  I  shall  go  a  way 
.9  complete  the  arrangements." 

"  No — no !"  she  said,  wildly  and  appeallngly.  "  Don't 
»sk  me  to  stop  here  alone — that  is,  not  alone,  for  I  shall 
bave  my  guilty  conscience  with  me  I  Don't  ask  n>»  to 
ctop  I     I  cannot — indeed  I  cannot !" 

"But  you  must !"  he  criod,  struggling  hi  release  him- 
self from  her  strong  detaining  grasp.  "  It  is  imperatire  ! 
Don't  anger  me,  for  I  am  in  no  good  humour — things 
have  not  gone  as  I  thought.  Beware  how  you  anger  me  ! 
Let  me  go,  1  say !    It  is  useless  for  vou  to  try  to  dissuade 

Hi*  w 


CHAPTEK  MOiV 

r-ICK    IURFIN    i»  THE    SPECTATOR  OF  A  TERKifeL*    ORIMS 
WHICH   HE  13  TOO  LATE  TO  PREVENT. 

S^e-huno  these  last  words,  he  broke  rudely  front  hsi 
nnd  the  girl,  clasping  her  hands  over  her  face,  crouched 
d'jwn  in  the  straw,  shaking  with  grief. 

»« Don't  be  long,  then,"  she  moaned — "  don't  be  long  !  U 
you  are,  you  will  find  me  dead  on  your  return." 

"Foolish  thing,  you  know  that  I  shall  be  only  a  few 
minutes  at  the  most.  Remain  where  you  are — don't  stir 
till  I  come  back.  If  you  do — if  I  find  "that  you  have  been 
to  the  door  during  my  absence,  I  will  leave  you  to  youi 
fate  and  take  my  flight  alone.     Do  ynu  hear  me  ?" 

"  Yes — yes." 

"Why  don't  you  w^awer,  then?  I  am  goiag  aonr 
—remember  what  I  have  said.'' 


No.  ?42. 


Price  Onb  Halfpenny. 


1SV 


3LiCi   BK8i;   Oft, 


i^,  e*ying,  he  quitted  tne  outldiug,  taking  care  to  close 
the  door  after  him,  though  he  did  not  fasten  it. 

The  sound  of  bis  footsteps  could  be  heard  a  little  while, 
but  soon  they  died  away,  and  then  all  was  silence. 

Silence  and  darkness  too. 

It  was  now  no  longer  possible  for  D'V.k  to  make  out 
the  form  of  th«  voung  girl,  save  by  means  of  bis  imagina- 
tion. 

She  did  not  stir,  but.  remained  crouching  down  among 
the  straw,  6obbiug  as  though  her  heart  must  break. 

Dick  was  much  interested  in  what  had  talcen  place,  but 
at  present  could  not  see  his  way  quite  clear  in  the  affair. 

That  there  was  some  villany  afoot  ho  felt  convinced.) 

Everything  in  the  man's  manner  and  conduct  pointed  to 
this  fact. 

The  mere  fact  of  his  leading  big  companion  to  so  solitary 
a  place  at  si'ch  a  late  hour  was  enough  to  give  rise  to  the 
strongest  suspicion. 

What  his  object  could  be  in  leaving  the  gfrl  where  she 
was  defied  Dick's  conjectures  altogether. 

That  he  left  her  for  the  purpose  mentioned  he  did  not 
for  one  moment  believe,  and  he  therefore  awaited  his 
return  with  nearly  as  much  impatience  and  anxiety  as 
Jane  herself. 

What  seemed  to  him  a  long  time  elapsed— how  long  he 
could  not  profess  to  tell,  for  under  such  conditions  it  is 
difficult  to  keep  note  of  the  flight  of  time. 

During  this  interval  many  thoughts  passed  through  his 
mind. 

He  was  certain  that  the  girl  was  in  danger,  without  sus- 
pecting it,  and  consequently  felt  that  she  ought  to  be  put 
upon  her  guard.  ( 

But,  then,  he  was  well  aware  that  sbe  was  in  a  state  of 
excessive  nervous  agitation,  and  any  attempt  to  attract  her 
attention  would  doubtless  fail,  so  much  would  she  be 
overcome  with  terror. 

He  was  busy  thinking  of  somo  means  by  which  he  could 
do  this,  when  his  ear  caught  the  sound  of  returning  foot- 
steps. 

The  young  girl  heard  them,  too,  for  she  started  up. 

The  chance  now  was  lost. 

To  utter  a  warning  was  impossible,  for  the  footsteps 
paused  just  outside  the  door. 

Then,  without  any  appreciable  lapse  of  time  the  door 
was  flung  open,  and  the  man  appeared. 

With  a  hysterical  cry  the  girl  bounded  towards  him. 

Dick  saw  him  shrink  back  a  pace  and  raise  his  hand. 

He  thought  at  once  the  rascal  intended  to  strike  her  a 
cowardly  blow. 

But  there  was  a  flash,  a  report,  a  shriek,  a  crash,  all 
seemingly  mingled  together,  and  the  young  girl  was  next 
seen  lying  motionless,  with  her  body  half  across  the 
threshold  of  the  building. 

After  the  accomplishment  of  his  crime,  the  man  stood 
for  a  moment  or  so  as  though  stupified. 

Dick  himself  was  taken  by  surprise. 

He  had  believed  from  the*  first  that  some  crime  had  been 
meditated,  but  the  deed  had  been  done  so  suddenly  as  to 
deprive  him  of  all  power  of  saving  her. 

The  highwayman  was  the  first  to  recover  the  use  of  his 
faculties.  ' 

So  great  was  his  horror  that  he  forgot  all  about  bis  own 
fatigue  and  weakness  in  the  strong  desire  he  had  to  sciz<: 
i  he  murderer. 

To  drop  down  from  through  the  hole  iu  the  floor, 
through  which  he  had  made  his  observations,  was  uu  easy 
enough  matter. 

The  man,  hearing  a  sound  within  that  building  wwrn, 
to  the  best  of  his  knowledge,  was  untenanted  by  any  imng 
soul,  started;  but  hi*  fear  seemed  too  great  to  allow  him  to 
run  away. 

The  next  instant  Dick  Turpin  stood  before  hlra. 

"  Villain  !"  he  cried.  "  I  have  been  a  witnei«  to  your 
crime,  nor  will  I  leave  you  until  you  are  made  prisoner '." 

With  a  howl  of  dismay  the  assassin  gave  a  great  bound, 
then  turned  and  fled. 

Dick  made  an  ineffectual  attempt  to  capture  hinV 

His  finger-nails  broke  against  the  ruffian's  shoulder,  tut 
the  grasp  was  missed. 

Dick,  however,  instantly  started  off  in  pursuit. 

It  would  seem,  however,  that  the  sound  m&de  by  tb* 
discharge  of  the  pistol  had  been  heard,  and  had  caused  an 
alarm,  for  not  far  off  across  the  fields,  twinkling  bights 
could  be  seen  and  the  hum  of  voices  heard. 


Dick  shouted  out  at  tht-  top  of  his  vobe. 

The  man,  seeing  this  fresh  danger  iu  irouu  changed  bU 
course. 

But  in  doing  so  his  foot  caught  violently  against  soma 
obu'acla  which  he  had  failed  to  notice. 

The  consequence  was,  that  in  spite  of  a  vigorous  effort 
to  save  himself,  ho  fell  sprawling  on  the  ground 

Before  he  could  rise  the  people  with  the  lights  arrived 
upon  the  scene. 

Many  strong  hands  v'e  laid  upon  him,  and  he  was 
forced  to  rise. 

Dick  arrived  immediately  afterwards,  and  at  first — an 
doubt  in  consequence  of  the  disordered  -state  of  his  apparel 
— he  was  looked  upon  with  considerable  suspicion. 

But  these  suspicions  were  quickly  found  to  be  ill- 
grounded. 

"  It  be  Stephen  Phillips.  I  told  you  it  wor,"  said  a 
voice;  "and  when  I  say  a  thing  agen,  perhaps  you'll  be- 
lieve me." 

"  My  daughter — my  Jane — my  poor  girl !"  ejaculated  an 
old  man,  with  trembling  accents.  "This  is  the  serpent 
that  has  lured  her  from  her  peaceful  home.  What  has  he 
done  with  her — where  is  she  ?" 

"  I  believe  I  can  answer  those  questions,"  replied  Dick. 
"  She  has  been  foully  murdered  by  that  rascal,  and  yon 
will  find  her  weltering  in  her  blood." 

"  Where — where  ?"  asked  a  dozen  voices. 

"  On  the  threshold  of  yonder  building." 

"  Keep  him  secure,"  said  some  one,  in  an  authoritative 
tone.     "  On  no  account  let  him  get  loose." 

After  this  there  was  a  general  move  towards  the  high- 
wayman's late  place  of  shelter. 

As  he  had  said,  they  found  the  poor  girl  lying  on  the 
threshold  in  a  pool  of  blood. 

But  she  was  not  quite  dead. 

The  appearance  of  so  many  people  around  her,  and  thft 
glare  of  light,  brought  her  fluttering  spirit  back  to  life 
again. 

With  a  wild  burst  of  grief  her  father  flung  himself 
down  beside  her,  and  raised  her  head. 

"  Jane — Jane !"  he  cried.  "  My  only  oue— nay  dear  one  ! 
Look  up — look  up !  Live — live  1  and  all  will  be  for- 
given !" 

Tears  rolled  down  her  cheeks,  and  as  she  shook  hei 
he»d  mournfully,  she  said  : 

"  I  do  not  deserve  this — I  do  not  deserve  it  1  It  goes 
to  my  heart  like  a  keen  knife  I  You  do  not  know  half 
the  extent  of  my  deep  guilt." 

"  Were  it  ten  times  as  great  it  is  forgiven.  Are  you 
not  my  daughter  ?  But  as  for  the  wretch  who  has  brought 
you  to  this,  I  will  hunt  him  to  the  death — I  will  show  him 
no  mercy !  The  bitterest  curses  of  a  broken-hearte  1 
father  be  upon  him  !" 

"  Hush — hush !    Say  no  more.    Forgive  him,  as  I  do." 

The  last  words  were  very  faintly  uttered. 

By  the  light  of  the  lanterns  it  could  be  seen  that  a 
terrible  change  had  come  over  her  pallid  countenance. 

All  knew  it  to  be  the  herald  of  death. 

The  frantic  grief  of  her  father  was  now  terrible  to 
witness. 

He  called  upon  her  by  a  thousand  endearing  names  ;  he 
even  assured  her  that  her  villauous  lover  should  be  ex- 
empt from  his  just  resentment. 

But  all  was  in  vain. 

Death  would  not  be  cheated  of  his  prey ;  and  with  faintly - 
wmspcred  words  of  contrition  ana  sett-accusation  on  n>  r 
lips,  the  young  girl  expired. 

By  this  time  Dick  found  that  there  was  a  village  not 
far  off,  and  that  the  whole  of  the  inhabitants  of  it  had 
been  aroused,  and  were  hastening  to  the  spot. 

To  attempt  concealment  was  now  useless,  and,  there- 
fore, ha  stood  forward  boldly  and  as  though  he  had  no- 
thing whatever  to  dread  from  being  seen. 

As  may  be  expected,  he  was  overwhelmed  with  ques- 
tions, to  which  he  was  able  to  return  satisfactory  replies. 

The  next  proceeding  was  to  put  together  a  rude  kind 
of  bier,  on  which  poor  Jane  was  tenderly  placed. 

The  whole  party  then  proceeded  to  the  village. 

Dick  accompanied  them. 

Ee  had  been  seen,  and  such  being  the  case,  he  felt  b« 
might  as  well  take  all  the  advantage  of  it  that  he  could, 

£k>rely  indeed  was  he  in  need  of  proper  rest  kdA  »• 
fresh ment,  and  now  be  bad  the  chance  of  obtaining 
both. 


THB  KNIGHT   OF   THE   ROAD. 


i»»i 


The  body  of  poor  Jane  was  carried  to  the  home  of  her 
heart-stricken  parents,  while  her  murderer,  Stephen 
Phillips,  was  secured,  bound,  asd  placed  Ls  *be  village 
cage. 

Dick  made  his  way  to  the  inn,  which  seemed  now  to  be 
the  rendezvous  of  everyone. 

Here  he  had  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  all  he  wantr.d. 

He  observed  that  many  looked  doubtfully  upon  him 
when  he  stated  that  he  had  sought  a  night's  lodging  in 
tho  old  barn,  bat  they  were  very  far  indeed  from  sus- 
pecting his  identity. 

At  length  he  retired  to  the  chamber  which  had  been 
prepared  for  him. 

Locking  the  door  ana  placing  his  weapons  In  readiness 
for  instant  use,  h«  flung  himself  upon  the  bed. 

Sleep  visited  bun  almost  instantly ;  and  in  spite  of  all 
the  dangers  by  which  he  was  beset,  no  one  on  th^t  nisdit 
slept  sounder  than  the  highwayman. 

He  awoke  just  as  it  was  beginning  to  grow  light. 

There  was  a  confused  feeling  about  his  brain  wtUch 
lasted  for  some  time. 

liecollectiug  at  leugtU  all  that  had  occurred,  he  rose  and 
looked  out. 

He  found  there  was  just  beneath  his  window  a  Sipping 
shed,  and  beyond  that  a  small  garden  bounded  by  a  low 
hedge. 

No  sooner  did  he  observe  this  than  he  resolved  to  take 
his  departure.  .    . 

He  was  now  altogether  refreshed  and  rested,  and  quite 
ready  for  anything  which  might  occur. 

If  he  stayed  at  the  inn  during  the  day  he  would  be  no 
doubt  subjected  to  a  close  scrutiny;  besides,  the  in- 
telligence of  the  murder  might  have  the  effect  of  bringing 
to  the  place  some  officials  who,  from  the  widely-circulated 
descriptions  of  his  person,  might  recognise  him. 

Moreover,  there  was  the  chance  now  of  going  without 
anyone  noticing  the  direction  taken. 

This  was  decisive  ;  but  first  of  all  he  gave  his  attention 
to  making  what  alterations  ho  could  in  his  costume  and 
general  appearance. 

With  the  aid  of  water  and  a  brush  he  effected  a  con- 
siderable change  in  a  short  space  of  time. 

Certainly  if  by  chance  seen  by  anyone,  he  would  by  no 
means  attract  that  amount  of  observation  which  he  would 
have  done  in  his  former  disordered,  travel-stained  state. 

"  I  have  a  better  chance  now,"  he  muttered,  as  he  com- 
pleted hid  preparations.  "  I  shall  be  no  longer  the  con- 
spicuous object  I  have  been.  This  guinea  will  well  re- 
compense the  landlord  for  all  I  have  had." 

As  he  spoke,  he  placed  upon  the  table  the  coio.  he  had 
just  mentioned. 

Then,  cautiously  and  noiselessly,  opened  the  window. 

To  Dick,  the  passing  through  this  aperture  was  a 
matter  of  little  difficulty. 

The  roof  below  was  covered  with  ridged  red  rijes,  so 
that  it  was  comparatively  easy  to  descend  in  silence  and 
safety. 

Then,  when  he  dropped,  the  soft  garden  mould  upon 
which  ho  alighted  gave  forth  no  sound. 

He  paused  a  moment  in  a  crouching  position,  in  order 
to  make  sure  that  no  one  was  near. 

All  appearing  quite  safe,  he  rose,  and  made  his  way 
swiftly  along  the  gravel  path. 

The  hedge  at  tae  end  of  the  garden  was  cleared  easily, 
aud  he  pushed  on  as  fast  as  possible  across  (he  fields,  so 
as  to  place  plenty  of  space  between  himself  and  the  inn 
he  had  just  left. 

He  did  not  pause  until  he  had  gone  a  couple  of 
miles. 

Looking  scrutinisiugly  around,  h?  failed  to  perceive 
either  a  human  being  or  a  dwelliug. 

A  feeling  of  triumph  tilled  his  heart. 

•'  1  have  eluded  them  I"  he  cried,  with  es^aUtion.  '"■  I 
have  had  my  revenge.  They  will  have  to  ride  back  to 
London  empty-handed.  It  would  be  a  great  triumph  U 
they  captured  me ;  but  they  have  failed — ha,  h*  I — ye3, 
they  have  failed !" 

This  belief  elated  Dick  considerably;  but  he  was  sooa 
r-jmj'jded  of  the  proverb  which  auvises  every  oody  not  to 
holloa  before  they  are  out  of  the  wood. 

The  change  that  came  over  him  was  remarkable. 

All  at  once  he  dropped  flat  to  tho  ground,  and  remained 
there  motionless  as  a  stone. 

Jnst  when  be  had  finished  speaking,  he  observed  »  body 


of  horsemen  emerge  from  a  thick  belt  of  trees,  which  bad 
up  to  that  moment  entirely  concealed  them  from  his 
sight. 

He  knew  at  the  very  first  glance  that  these  horsemen 
were  police  officers. 

What  could  have  brought  them  to  this  spot  was 
beyond  his  power  to  conjecture. 

Nor  was  he  at  all  certain  that  they  had  not  sees 
him. 

Several  minute,,  alapsed,  during  which  he  endured  no 
ordinary  amount  of  anxiety. 

At  last  his  surprise  grew  to  3uch  a  pitch  that  he  was 
compelled  to  raise  his  head  a  little  and  reconnoitre. 

His  foes  did  not  appear  until  he  had  assumed  almost  an 
erect  position. 

Their  backs  were  now  turned  to  hirn,  and  they  seemed 
to  be  making  their  way  towards  the  inn  Dick  had  so 
,  recently  quitted. 

"  Have  I  such  good  reason  as  this  to  congratulate 
myself  upon  having  taken  this  determination  ?  Ate  they 
about  to  seek  me  there  ?  Can  they  have  learned  that 
some  one  answering  to  my  appearance  was  at  the  scene  of 
murder  last  uight  ?     It  may  be  so— it  may  be  so." 

He  watched  the  retiring  police  officers  until  they  had 
disappeared  from  view. 

Then,  turning  round,  he  again  made  his  way  as  swiftly 
as  he  was  able  across  the  open  country. 

"  T  was  congratulating  myself  a  little  too  soon,"  he 
said.  ■*  I  made  certain  that  by  this  time  they  had  aban- 
doned the  pursuit.  But  they  must  have  heard  of  me  by 
some  means  or  other,  and  no  doubt  are  now  fully  im- 
pressed with  the  belief  that  they  will  find  me  at  the 
inu." 

Dick  had  good  cause  for  congratulation,  as,  if  the 
officers  had  really  discovered  him  at  the  village  public- 
house,  his  chances  of  getting  away  would  have  been 
slight  indeed. 

"  If  I  only  knew  which  way  to  take  to  reach  the  sea- 
coast  at  the  nearest  point,"  he  exclaimed,  as,  having  as- 
cended a  hill  he  looked  around  him  in  the  hope  of  being 
able  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  blue  waters.  "I  cannot  be 
far  from  the  coast,  that  is  certain.  The  question  is,  in 
which  direction  does  it  lie?" 

Again  he  glanced  around  him,  but  he  was  not  able  to 
catch  6ight  of  anything  that  would  help  him  to  solve 
this  question. 

"Chance  must  for  the  present  be  my  guide,"  he  said, 
at  length.  "  It  will  not  do  to  stay  here — I  must  keep  in 
motion ;  and  I  will  take  my  course  at  random  until  I 
find  some  means  of  discovering  the  right  way." 

Dick  was  quite  right  when  he  said  it  would  not  do  for 
him  to  remain  long  in  one  place — it  was  only  by  keeping 
continually  in  motion  that  he  should  be  able  to  avoid  his 
foes. 

In  good  truth,  however,  he  bad  nothing  but  chance 
for  a  guide,  the  part  of  the  country  he  was  now  in  being 
oue  to  which  he  was  an  utter  stranger. 

The  only  thing  was  that  he  took  care  to  go  so  that  the 
officers  were  at  his  back. 

The  day  might  now  be  said  to  have  begun,  and  already 
Dick  had  come  a  considerable  distance  without,  as  he  be- 
lieved, having  left  oue  single  clue  behind  him  by  which 
he  could  be  followed. 

Up  to  the  present  moment,  in  consequence  of  the 
earliuess  of  the  hour,  he  had  been  able  to  avoid  being 
seen  by  anyone. 

But  now  that  the  period  had  begun  when  labour  would 
commence,  his  chances  of  doing  so  niucb  longer  wer© 
slight  indeed. 

A  rest  would  have  been  agreeable,  Out  ne  Kept  on  bis 
way,  all  the  time  being  keenly  on  the  look-out  for  the  ap- 
pearance of  anyone. 

He  was  also  watching  for  some  place  where  hei  could 
conceal  himself  during  the  busiest  portion  of  the  day, 
when  the  chances  of  meeting  with  people  would  be  the 
greatest. 

It  was  long,  howeTSi',  before  any  place  presented  it- 
self. 

Chance  led  his  footstep.-,  past  what  ha  had  thought  at 
first  to  be  a  staeK  of  bricks,  but  which  upon  a  closer  in- 
spection turned  out  to  be  a  brick-kiln. 

"\  was  situated  in  the  midst  of  a  large  space  of 
ground. 

As  the  walls  would  offer  at  least  *  temporary  shelter, 


}HS*H 


•laci  saw  i  o*. 


be  resolved  to  stay  for  a  few  minutes  at  any  rate  and  rest 
feimself. 

It  was  not  long,  however,  before  he  came  to  the  deter- 
mination to  stop  there  if  possible  till  nightfall,  for  upon 
'coking  around  he  perceived  many  indications  that  a  long 
Mrno  had  elapsed  since  any  fires  had  been  lighted  or  rasn 
worked  there. 

A  slight  drizzling  rain  began  to  fall,  which  added  much 
to  Dick's  discomfort ;  but  it  had  one  advantage— it  doubt- 
less served  to  keep  all  those  persons  indoora  except  such 
as  were  compelled  to  be  abroad. 

Probably  this  was  the  reasou  that  Dick  never  once 
caught  sight  of  a  human  being,  although  Ids  vigilance 
was  unceasing. 

So  soon  as  over  distant  objects  began  to  grow  obscure 
and  dim,  he  quitted  his  hiding-place  and  took  Mb  way  in 
the  direction  that  he  had  all  along  been  pursuing. 

Vainly,  however,  did  ho  look  around  him  for  *E  ir di- 
lation of  what  he  sought. 

The  rain  now  had  ceased,  and  although  It  could  not  be 
said  that  night  had  actually  commenced,  yet  in  the 
eastern  sky  a  glimpse  of  the  rising  moon  could  be  ob- 
tained. 

There  was  indeed  every  prospect  that  the  night  would 
be  a  fine  one,  and  that  he  would  have  the  advantage  of 
the  moon's  rays  to  direct  his  footsteps. 

The  sharp  pangs  of  hunger  ere  long  made  themselves 
felt,  and  Dick  knew  well  enough  that  unless  the  demands 
of  Nature  were  complied  with  ho  should  stand  but  a  poor 
chance  of  escaping  from  his  foes. 

But  the  difficulty  was,  how  could  he  procure  what  he 
required  without  being  6een  ? 

The  evil  seemed  unavoidable. 

He  was  pondering  upon  it,  wheu  a  collection  of  houses, 
so  small  as  scarcoly  to  be  worthy  of  the  name  of  village, 
presented  itself  a  short  distance  in  advance. 

He  could  not  resist  making  his  way  towards  it,  despite 
the  manifest  risk  of  so  doing ;  but,  then,  he  knew  that  this 
was  the  only  chance  he  had  of  appeasing  his  hunger. 

As  he  approached  the  houses  he  quickened  his  pace. 

The  first  place  which  presented  itself  was  the  village 
inn. 

Wistful  indeed  was  the  hasty  glance  he  gave  through 
the  uncurtained  window. 

He  caught  6ight  of  a  comfortable- looking  room  lighted 
up  by  the  ruddy  beams  of  a  huge  fire. 

Dick  sighed,  and  passed  on. 

At  one  other  house  only  was  a.  lighted  window  perceiv- 
able, and  in  this  the  illumination  proceeded  6olely  from  a 
tallow  candle  placed  close  to  the  green-hued  lattice 
panes. 

This  Dick  discovered  to  be  one  of  those  miscellaneous 
establishments  indigenous  to  every  village. 

There  was  scarcely  any  article  they  did  not  keep  in 
stock ;  the  window  itself  was  crammed  with  a  truly 
heterogeneous  mass  of  goods. 

Dick  paused  a  moment,  as  though  half  inclined  to  enter 
and  purchase  what  he  wanted ;  but  before  ho  could  make 
up  his  mind  his  ear  caught  an  approaching  footstep,  which 
warned  him  to  be  cautious. 

The  footstep  was  coming  from  the  direction  he  was 
taking. 

A  meeting  with  a  person,  no  matter  who,  was  of  all 
things  what  he  most  wished  to  avoid,  yet  how  was  he  to 
help  it  in  the  present  instance  ? 

There  was  no  time  either  for  consideration,  as  the  new- 
oomer  was  close  at  hand. 

After  a  moment's  thought,  Dick  drew  back  to  the  wall 
Contiguous  to  the  window  of  the  little  shop,  that  being 
the  spot  cast  into  the  deepest  shadow. 

He  pressed  himself  close  against  the  wall,  and  waited 
for  the  pedestrian  to  pass  by,  trusting  to  remain  unseen 
hi:nself  if  he  kept  quite  still. 

Directly  afterwards  he  caught  &ight  of  a  boy  m  t  «mock 
truck,  who  carried  in  one  hand  a  basket. 

The  shop  appeared  to  uo  uis  destination,  for  tie  pushed 
rtpen  the  door  and  entered. 

Dick  seized  the  opportunity  to  move  on. 

Famished  as  he  was,  however,  he  could  not  nerve  hiv>'- 
•elf  to  go  very  far  away  from  the  shop. 

U.8  paused  irresolutely,  wondering  what  stratagem  he 
itru'd  put  into  execution  that  would  serve  his  purpose. 

lit  was  interrupted  in  his  ruminations  by  seeing  the 
boy  en  urge. 


Ue  came  forwards  with  *  lounging  gait. 

,;  Perhaps,"  muttered  Dick,  "  I  may  be  able  to  get  from 
him  what  I  want ;  and  surely  in  this  obscurity  he  will 
not  be  able  to  see  me  very  we'll.    I  will  try  it." 

Dick  stood  Gtill,  and  waited  for  the  boy  to  come  up  to 
him,  when  he  intended  to  ask  him  for  something  out  of 
his  basket. 

Dick  stepped  forward  somewhat  suddenly, 

"  My  boy "  he  said. 

jBut  he  had  no  time  to  say  any  more. 

With  a  yell  of  terror,  the  boy  droppea  his  basket  aDd 
ra.i  cff  es  though  he  had  seen  a  ghost. 

"  Confound  him  V  6ald  Dick.  "  What  does  he  mean 
by  that  ?  Surely  he  could  not  have  been  frightened  at 
6eeing  me  ?  And  yet  that  must  be  it.  No  matter,  let  us 
6ee  what  is  in  the  basket." 

Dick  stooped  and  picked  it  up ;  but  did  not  stop  to 
examine  the  contents  for  fear  that  the  boy"s  clamour 
should  have  aroused  the  villagers. 

Once  more  he  6truck  off  across  the  country;  and, 
coming  presently  to  a  quiet  spot,  b9  paused  to  make  au 
examination. 

"  What  a  fool  the  boy  must  have  been,"  he  muttered, 
M  If  he  had  stayed  I  would  willingly  have  given  hiro 
the  worth  of  the  basket  and  its  contents  ten  times  over." 

Dick  6aid  no  more,  for  ho  found  bread,  butter,  cheese, 
and  other  articles,  with  which  he  thoroughly  succeeded 
in  appeasing  his  hunger. 

He  saved  a  portion  also,  which  he  resolved  to  carry 
with  him  in  readiness  for  another  meal. 

The  basket  he  flung  away,  and  having  done  so,  he  re- 
commenced his  journey  in  better  spirits. 

He  came  at  length  to  some  wooden  palings,  which 
stretched  themselves  before  him  like  a  wooden  barrier. 

The  wood  of  which  they  were  composed  was  old  and 
quite  covered  over  with  moss. 

"  This  is  the  boundary  of  6ome  gentlemau's  estate,"  he 
thought ;  "  and  there  is  no  knowing  how  far  I  may  go 
before  I  reach  the  end  of  the  fence.  I  will  keep  straight 
on  at  all  risks ;  perhaps,  too,  in  these  private  grounds  1 
may  be  safe." 

Without  further  delay  Dick  cleared  the  palings. 

He  pushed  his  way  through  a  kind  of  cover  or  preserve, 
which,  owing  to  the  branches  being  nearly  stripped  of 
leaves,  by  no  meaus  looked  so  dense  as  it  did  ordinarily. 

But  if  this  was  a  disadvantage  so  far  as  concealing  him 
from  observation  went,  yet  it  enabled  him  to  make  his 
way  more  readily  through  the  mass  of  luxuriant  under- 
wood wUch,  in  the  summer-time,  formed  a  dense  en- 
tanglement among  the  trunks. 

In  his  course  the  highwayman  disturbed  nothing  save 
a  few  pheasants  and  other  birds  of  a  similar  kind,  which 
flew  heavily  around  his  head. 

Emerging  at  length  from  the  plantation,  he  came  to 
opeu  ground,  which  again  was  skirted  by  woodland. 

Suddenly  the  deep  silence  which  had  prevailed  for  so 
long  was  broken  by  a  sound,  to  which  Dick  listened  with 
all  his  ears. 

It  was  the  chiming  of  bells. 

Well  did  he  remember  the  last  occasion  when  he  had 
hoard  such  sounds,  and  a  feeling  of  so  much  loneliness  and 
desolation  came  over  him  at  the  reminiscence,  that  for  a 
time  he  was  quite  unmanned. 

Still  he  counted  the  6trokes  borne  to  his  ears  upon  the 
gentle  night  breeze. 

"  Ten  o'clock !"  he  ejaculated  at  length,  when  the 
chiming  6ounds  had  ceased — "ten  o'clock!  The  hour  is 
getting  late,  and  I  am,  I  fear,  much  farther  from  where 
I  want  to  be  than  I  imagined.  I  am  terribly  afraid  that 
I  have  made  »a  awful  mistake— that  in  some  way  or 
other  I  bays  doubled  >:pcn  my  course.  How  I  have  done 
so  I  know  pet.  One  thing  is  certain :  I  ought  to  be  many, 
very  many  miles  away  from  York  ;  and  yet  I  never  made 
a  greater  mistake  in  my  life  if  those  are  not  the  bells  of 
old  York  Minster  that  I  have  just  heard." 

If  this  was  the  case,  he  must  indeed  have  doubled 
strangely  upon  his  course. 

"  It  cannot  be,"  he  said,  again—"  I  will  not  btlieve  it 
borne  village  clock  close  by  must  have  deceived  me  by 
having  a  similar  jingle — I  most  be  miles  end  miles  fro't) 
York." 

But  Dick  said  this  more  with  the  delusive  idea  of  being 
able  to  stultify  his  own  mind  than  because  he  reai'y 
thought  it 


mg  KNICST  OF  THB  30AI>. 


192k 


His  «ar  was  an  accurate,  well-educated  one,  and  it  was 
always  sufficient  if  he  hoard  a  6ound  once  to  know  it  a 
second  time. 

Could  it  have  deceived  him  in  this  instance  ? 

Tho  question  was  one  not  easily  decided,  and  so,  aftei 
pausing  a  little  longer  in  irresolution,  he  continued  as  be- 
fore. 

He  had  not  'advanced  a  dozen  yards,  however,  before  he 
found  himself  confronted  by  a  stone  wall — probably  form- 
ing th*  opposite  boundary  of  the  grounds  he  had  been 
crossing. 

Here  he  paused  and  pressed  his  hand  to  his  brow  like 
one  trying  to  call  back  something  to  his  recollection. 

"  It  is  odd,  indeed,"  he  presently  exclaimed,  "  if  I  hare 
not  somewhere  seen  this  wall  before— the  only  question  is, 
where  ?    Can  it  have  been Yes — yes,  it  must  be  so !" 

All  at  once  he  had  remembered  that  it  was  close  to  a 
stone  wall  that  his  priceless  mare,  Black  Bess,  had  fallen 
in  the  agonies  of  death ;  then  he  had  dragged  ber  through 
an  iron  gate,  and  covered  ber  with  loaves. 

Could  he  be  near  this  spot  ? 

Had  some  strange  fatality  directed  his  footsteps  to  tins 
spot  ? — was  ho  now  within  a  few  paces  of  where  Black 
Bess  was  lying  calmly  and  tranquilly  in  death  ? 

Or  was  he  misled  by  6ome  chance  resemblance  ?  for  to  a 
great  extent  all  such  6tone  walls  are  alike. 

He  would  have  been  mo~o  inclined  to  the  latter  suppo- 
sition, had  he  not  heard  the  bells. 

If  upon  climbing  up  and  looking  over  he  should  find 
the  high-road  on  the  other  side,  the  coincidence  would  be 
more  tlian  strange. 

He  determined,  however,  not  to  remain  long  in  per- 
plexed doubt  upon  this  point,  especially  as  it  was  one 
that  could  be  so  easily  resolved. 

By  the  aid  of  a  contiguous  tree  he  quickly  gained  the 
summit  of  the  wall. 

At  the  first  glance  he  saw  that  the  high-road  was  iu- 
ilfied  beneath  him,  and  so  far  as  he  could  judge  by  that 
imperfect  light,  the  road  leading  from  London  to  York. 

It  was  a  matter  of  great  importance  that  he  should  be 
quite  certain  whether  this  was  really  the  case  or  not ; 
and  at  the  6ame  time  an  irresistible  desire  came  over  him 
to  look  once  again  if  possible  upon  the  form  of  his  match- 
less 6teed,  for  even  now  he  could  scarcely  realise  that  she 
was  no  more — that  she  would  never  carry  him  again. 


CHAPTER  MCV 

111E  OFFICERS  AVAIL  THEMSELVES  OF  THE  ASSISTANCE 
OF  A  COUPLE  OF  BLOODHOUNDS  TO  DISCOVER  DICK 
TURPIN. 

"If  it  should  really  happen,"  said  Dick  Turpin,  "  that  I 
have  been  really  brought  back  so  strangely  to  my  mare's 
last  resting-place,  not  one  word  of  repining  or  regret 
shall  escape  my  lips.  Indeed,  I  shall  be  rather  inclined 
to  jejoice  at  the  chance,  for,  now  I  come  to  think  of  it,  I 
shamefully  ill-treated  and  then  deserted  her." 

His  voice  shook  so  that  he  could  no  longer  6peak. 

"  What  though  I  rode  to  York  in  so  short  a  time — 
what  though  the  feat  be  deemed  by  all  an  unparalleled 
one — what  though  we  are  ever  after  remembered  through 
it  ?  Will  that  bring  back  my  noble  steed — the  only  tie 
that  I  had  left  upon  the  earth  ?  Bah !  this  is  idle  talk  ! 
I  will  cease — yos,  I  will  cease  at  once !" 

He  sat  still  for  some  moments  on  the  wall. 

He  was  beginning  to  6ee  more  clearly  now. 

Bitterly  indeed  did  be  reproach  himself  for  the  past ; 
and  the  mere  fact  that  those  regrets  were  so  entirely  vain 
as  they  were,  ouly  gave  additional  poignancy  to  his  deep 
sorrow. 

He  knew  now  the  hollowness  and  mockery  of  Fame. 
He  himself  was  an  example  of  how  it  would  lead  men 
on  to  extraordinary  achievements ;  but  now  that  ho  had 
accomplished  that  which  in  the  prospect  had  looked 
so  tempting  to  his  eyes,  he  experienced  nothing  but  dis- 
appointment and  desolation,  instead  of  the  triumph  and 
satisfaction  that  he  believed  awaited  him. 

"But  I  will  not  desert  ycu,  Bess,"  he  suddenly  broke 
out  "  If  instead  of  being  near  to  your  last  resting-place 
1  am  fifty  miles  from  it,  I  will  know  no  rest  until  I  have 
mads  my  way  there.  You  shall  at  least  receive  eome- 
tbin?  like  a  decent  burial  at  my  hands.     It  is  the  only 


thing  which  I  can  do  for  yau  now ;  and  slight  and  trifling 
as  it  may  seem,  yet  it  shall  be  done." 

As  he  oro^onnced  the  last  words,  in  accents  of  stern 
resolution,  he  slipped  off  the  wall  into  tha  roadway. 

"First  and  foremost,"  he  continued,  "I  will  satisfy 
myself  as  to  whether  I  am  right  or  wrong  >"n  my  suppes 
sitions.  Now  I  come  to  remember,  I  saw  a  milestone 
just  before  she  dropped.  If  I  can  find  that  milestone  I 
6hall  have  na  difficulty  in  finding  her." 

The  anxiety  ho  now  experiencsd  was  absolutely  uncon- 
trollable. 

He  could  not  even  control  himsolf  sufficiently  to  walk, 
but  ran  hastily  forward,  although  he  was  by  no  means 
certain  that  he  was  going  towards  York. 

lie  had  only  the  remembrance  of  the  direction  from 
which  the  sound  of  the  bells  came  to  guide  him. 

That,  however,  was  if  anything  a  spur  rather  than  a 
check  upon  his  excitement,  being  well  aware  that,  no 
matter  which  direction  he  took,  he  must  of  necessity  ere 
long  reach  a  milestone,  and  then  all  doubts  would  be  re- 
moved. 

If  he  had  to  retrace  his  steps  through  starting  wrong, 
it  was  a  mistake  easy  of  rectification. 

Fortunately  for  him,  the  road  was  clear,  for  just  then  so 
great  was  his  6tate  of  excitement  that  it  is  questionable 
whether  he  would  have  allowed  the  appearance  of  any 
one  to  turn  him  aside  from  the  immediate  execution  of 
his  project. 

He  was  quite  breathless  when  ho  at  length  caught 
sight  of  the  white  milestone  his  eyes  were  60  longing  to 
behold. 

Moderating  his  pace,  and  dashing  from  his  brow  the 
falling  drops  of  perspiration  that  obscured  his  view,  he 
stooped  down  to  make  out  the  figure  denoting  the  number 
of  miles. 

"  It  ought  to  be  a  three,"  ho  said,  straining  his  eyes  ; 
"  and  it  is  too !  Yes — yes,  there  can  be  no  mistake  about 
it.    How  strange  that  I  should  get  back  here  !" 

Beyond  all  question  Dick  Turpin  had  actually  made 
his  way  rcund  to  the  point  from  which  he  had  started. 

But  he  positively  rejoiced  at  the  discovery,  and  looked 
out  for  the  little  iron  gate. 

After  going  a  short  distance  he  perceived  it. 

He  increased  his  pace,  pushed  open  the  gate,  and  was 
soon  by  the  side  of  the  heap  of  leaves  with  which  he  had 
covered  Black  Bess. 

Not  a  little  of  the  anxiety  which  he  felt  was  owing  to 
his  doubts  as  to  whether  her  resting-place  had  been  dis- 
covered and  disturbed. 

A  glance  showed  him  that  he  had  no  grounds  for  appre- 
hension  on  this  scoie. 

The  heap  of  leaves  was  just  as  he  had  left  it. 

A  moment  or  two  elapsed,  however,  before  he  could 
control  himself  sufficiently  to  put  forth  his  hand  and  un- 
cover a  portion  of  his  mare. 

At  length  he  did  so. 

She  laid  there  calm  and  still  enough — so  calm  that  he 
almost  envied  her  the  freedom  from  all  trouble  which  she 
enjoyed. 

."My  poor — poor  Bess!"  he  cried,  kneeling  on  the 
leaves  and  burying  his  face  in  his  hands.  "  My  best  and 
most  faithful  of  friends,  you  are  past  my  aid  now.  No 
words  of  mine,  no  matter  how  uttered,  will  rouse  you 
now.  There  is  one  thing  that  I  can  do  for  you,  and  only 
one,  and  it  will  go  hard  with  me  if  I  don't  manage  it." 

Ho  paused  and  listened. 

"It  was  but  the  wind.  All  is  calm  and  quiet — there  is 
little  fear  that  I  6hall  be  disturbed  in  this  place.  I  will 
place  you  beneath  the  turf,  my  poor  Bess.  It  is  the  last 
service  I  shall  be  able  to  render  you.  I  owe  you  that  at 
least.  By  my  good-will  no  one  6hall  ever  learn  the 
whereabouts  of  your  last  resting-place." 

So  speaking,  He  rose  as  though  about  to  comment  the 
task  he  had  assigned  himself. 

But  all  at  once  he  seemed  to  recollect  that  he  had  none 
of  the  tools  that  were  indispensable  to  the  carrying  out  of 
his  intention. 

For  a  little  time  this  difficulty  troubled  him. 

"  Digging  implements  must  be  had  from  somewhere," 
he  riurmured.  "  I  cannot  do  without  them ;  and  I  will  not 
abandon  my  design  for  such  a  trifling  thing  as  this.  But 
where  are  they  to  be  had  ?  Let  me  think — let  m» 
think." 

His  reflections  soon  took  a  definite  ehapo 


1994 


BLAOB.  BBSS ;    OB. 


*  Beyond  all  doubt,"  ho  sai d,  "  there  must  be  dome- 
where  in  the  grounds  a  house  or  rather  mansion  of  con- 
siderable size.  It  ought  not  to  be  a  very  hard  matter  to 
find  it;  and  about  some  of  the  numerous  outbuildings, 
with  which  it  is  as  a  matter  of  course  surrounded,  it  will 
be  strange  if  I  don't  find  a  few  gardening  tools.  Then  all 
will  be  easy  enough.    I  will  go  now  at  once." 

Carefully  replacing  the  leaves  he  had  removed,  In  case 
during  his  absence  anyone  should  pass  that  way  and  as- 
certain what  was  hidden  there,  he  quitted  the  spot. 

It  is  needful,  however,  that  we  leave  him  for  a  brisf 
space,  during  which  we  shall  make  the  readsr  acquainted 
with  a  few  of  Mr.  Skellum's  movements,  which  it  ia 
necessary  should  be  known. 

The  last  mention  we  made  of  him  was  wLen  Dick  per- 
ceived him  and  his  party  apparently  going  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  inn  he  had  just  left. 

Such  was  indeed  his  destination,  and  how  it  came  to 
be  so  is  easily  explained. 

In  the  first  place,  Dick  Turpin  was  very  much  nearer 
the  city  of  York  than  he  had  the  least  idea  of. 

Therefore  the  news  of  the  murder  of  the  young  girl 
was  transmitted  very  speedily,  and  Mr.  Skellum  l.ea?  d  of 
it,  if  anything,  a  little  before  daybreak,  for  he  had  left 
instructions  that  he  should  immediately  be  aroused  if  any- 
thing of  an  unusual  character  took  place. 

Mention  of  course  was  made  of  Dick,  about  whom,  as 
we  have  already  stated,  there  was  a  good  dual  of  sus- 
picion. 
Half  a  word  was  enough  for  Mr.  Skellum. 
He  jumped  to  the  conclusion  that  it  must  be  Dick  in  a 
moment. 

"  This  is  his  work !"  he  exclaimed.  "  I  will  lay  ten 
thousand  pounds  of  it!  Be  quick  1  If  he  is  at  thd  inn 
we  shall  be  sure  to  have  him  !" 

No  time  was  lost  in  getting  ready  for  a  start,  and, 
having  had  the  position  of  the  little  village  accurately 
described  to  him,  Mr.  Skellum  resolved  to  make  his  way 
to  it  by  the  nearest  cut. 

This,  then,  is  how  it  happened  that  Turpin  saw  him 
while  making  his  way  across  the  open  country. 

Upon  arriving  at  the  inn,  of  course  he  found,  to  his  in- 
finite chagrin,  that  the  bird  had  flown;  and,  moreover, 
there  were  so  many  versions  of  the  affair  that  he  scarcely 
knew  what  to  believe. 

He  also  found  that  in  one  point  at  least  he  had  been 
mistaken. 

The  murder  had  been  none  of  Dick's  work,  as  he  had 
so  positively  stated  it  to  be,  for  the  coward  Stephen,  the 
very  first  thing  in  the  morning,  made  a  full  confession  of 
his  guilt. 

Finding  himself  wrong  where  he  felt  so  convinced  he 
was  right,  naturally  6hook  Mr.  Skellum's  faith  in  other 
matters. 

Nevertheless,  an  immediate  search  was  instituted  for 
the  person  who  it  was  agreed  on  all  hands  had  slept  at 
the  village  inn  and  disappeared. 

But  Dick  had  been  very  careful  not  to  leave  a  track  by 
which  he  could  be  followed ;  and  the  police  officers,  having 
nothing  but  the  acuteness  of  their  own  perceptions  to 
guide  them,  as  a  matter  of  course  rode  off  in  precisely  an 
opposite  direction. 

Inquiries  were  made,  but  without  result. 
No  one  answering  to  the  description  given  had  been 
6een  by  anybody. 

Different  directions  were  tried  with  no  better  result, 
until  a  kind  of  circle  had  been  described,  of  which  the 
inn  was  the  centre. 

To  the  place  last  mentioned  they  finally  advanced,  in 
order  to  breathe  their  horses,  and  also  in  the  faint  hope 
that  they  might  be  able  to  learn  some  news  of  importance. 
On  their  arrival.  Mr.  Skellum  found  awaiCag  him  a 
personage  of  whom  most  of  the  peasantry  in  th»  vicinity 
i>tood  in  no  ordinary  dread. 

This  was  no  other  than  Sir  Humphrey  Yeomana,  an 
old  English  baronet,  possessed  of  not  ft  few  of  the  pre- 
judices and  peculiarities  which  a*  that  tame  generally  »e- 
I ">ged  to  those  in  hi„  position. 

Mr.  Skellum  was  made  acquainted  with  this  tact  bv  the 
landlord. 

u  Look  here,"  h*  said. -"  Take  a  word  ctcautior.— ,<-:Ed 
wnat  you  are  about — take  care  what  you  say.*' 

"  Why  ?"  asked  BkeUusa  *'  W\&  »  b*  acd  wo*4  &** 
te*  *■»©$  ?' 


"  In  the  first  place,  he  is  the  owner  of  all  the  land  and 

whatever  is  upon  it  for  as  many  miles  and  more  than  yon 
have  ridden  to-day,  and,  consequently,  of  no  slight  im- 
portance." 
'•  He  must  be  immensely  rich  ?" 

"  I  believe  you ;  one  of  the  richest  men  in  England,  I 
should  say  " 

"  And  he  has  asked  for  me  t " 
"  Have  I  not  sai<l  so  l" 
"  Do  you  know  what  he  wants  with  m»  ?" 
"  I  believe  it  is  to  make  some  inquiries  o*   yon   about 
this  Dick  Turpin  of  whom  you  are  in  search." 
"  Where  is  he  ?" 

"  Up  in  my  best  room,  drinking  wine,  and  waiting  for 
you." 

"  What  brings  him  here  to-day  ?  Does  he  often 
come?" 

"  He  calls  frequently,  because,   you  see,   this  ia  the 
Yeoman's  Arms." 
"  Yes — yes ;  but  his  business  here  to-day  ?" 
"  He  has  ridden  over,   I  believe,  in   his  capacity  of 
magistrate,  just  to  make  himself  acquainted  with  the  facts 
of  the  case." 

"  He  is  a  magistrate,  then  ?" 

"Yes;  and  no  one  knows  what  else  besides.  But  1 
should  advise  you  not  to  stop  any  longer  gossipping  with 
me,  but  to  go  up  to  him  at  once." 

"  I  will  do  so  ;  but  tell  me  first  what  kind  of  behaviour 
does  he  generally  receive — very  humble,  I  suppose  ?" 
"  Yes — rather  so." 

"  Likes  to  have  his  vanity  flattered  ?" 
"  Oh  yes." 

"  Enough.     Lead  the  way ;  I  will  follow." 
As  the  reader  must  have  seen,  Mr.  Skellum  was  evi- 
dently a  man  of  the  world. 

He  always  had  his  eyes  open  to  every  chance  there  was 
of  bettering  his  condition ;  and  he  no  sooner  heard  that 
he  had  been  inquired  for  by  so  great  a  personage,  than  he 
began  to  wonder  how  he  could  best  turn  the  incident  to 
his  advantage. 

The  cue  he  had  received  was  quite  enough,  and  he 
followed  the  landlord  upstairs  with  a  confident  step. 

But  as  soon  as  he  was  ushered  into  the  chamber  a  re- 
markable alteration  came  over  him. 

He  made  a  very  low  bow,  and  then  stood,  hat  in  hand, 
just  across  the  threshold. 

The  landlord  closed  the  door. 

But  Skellum,  although  his  eyes  were  so  cast  down,  had 
taken  a  tolerably  good  view  of  the  baronet's  appearance. 
He  can  best  be  described  by  saying  that  he  was  as 
excellent  specimen  of  a  wealthy  old  English  squire :  his 
ruby  face  and  claret-coloured  nose  standing  out  in  re- 
markable contrast  against  his  spotlessly-white  wig  and 
his  portly  form,  clad  in  a  garb  that  showed  it  off  to  ad- 
miration— a  garb,  which  it  is  to  be  hoped-  will  some  day 
again  come  in  fashion. 

Perceiving  he  did  not  speak,  Mr.  Skellum  bowed 
again. 

"Sit  ye  down,  mon — sit  ye  down/'  said  the  baronet, 
pointing  to  a  chair. 

Mr.  Skellum,  with  a  little  well-affeoted  hesitation, 
presently  complied. 

We  quite  despair  of  producing  upon  paper  the  worthy 
baronet's  peculiar  vernacular,  and  so  we  will  not  even  so 
much  as  make  the  attempt. 

Besides,  the  broad  Yorkshire  dialect  spoken  a  hundred 
years  ago  would  scarcely  be  comprehended  by  the 
majority  of  readers  now. 

"  I  want  to  know  something  about  this  high-flying 
chap,"  he  began,  abruptly,  and  pushing  the  bottle  across 
the  table  as  he  6poke.  "Just  fill  up  your  glass  and  let 
me  know  all  about  it." 

Skel'um  did  so;  and  Sir  Humphrey,  without  giving  hint 
time  to  commence  his  narrative,  said: 

"  I  suppose  yon  are  one  of  the  Lunnun  .egular  police 
officers,  Mr.  A — a        " 

"  Vellum,  your  worship,"  was  the  reply,    given   a* 
though  he  was  begging "»rden  ior  having  a  usrue  which 
the  baronet  did  not  know. 
"Ah!  Skellum." 

"lam  not  a  regular  officer,  your  worship ;  but  1  haw 
been  sent  out  as  a  special  agent  from  the  Government  tc 
break  up  and  abolish  the  gangs  of  robbers  that  as?*  bm> 
Us#  t*rrer  ©!  *1J  travelers  far  ao  lor.gr." 


THE   KNIGHT   OF    THE  ROAU. 


;%.i* 


«« And  very  right  too." 

«*  1  may  venture,"  said  Skellum,  iu  a  humbJo,  modest 
*ay,  "to  say  that  I  have  been  tolerably  successful.  Out 
of  four  of  the  most  desperate  of  these  highwaymen  only 
one  remains." 

"  Y  oh  captured  the  others  ?" 

"In  a  strict  manner  of  speaking:,  your  wwthip,  I  dfd 
not  capture  them  ;  but  I  brought  about  their  destruction, 
which  is  the  same  thing." 
"Just  so — just  so.  And  they  are  all  dead  ?" 
"  Yes.  And  ere  long  the  one  who  has  given  me  more 
trouble  than  all  the  rest  of  tho  lot  put  together  will  be  in 
.the  hands  of  the  authorities." 

"Good — good— very  good!"  assented  the  baronet, 
spreading  out  his  hands  and  warming  tbsm,  while  he 
reclined  at  his  ease  in  the  most  comfortable  chair  the  inn 
possessed. 

"  D — n  all  such  varmint,  say  I ;  and  if  I  had  got  them 
to  dval  with,  I  should  make  short  work  of  them.  The 
puthorities  are  a  d — d  sight  too  particular  and  lenient, 
that's  my  opinion  !  There  ought  to  be  no  ceremony 
shown  to  such  wretches;  no,  nor  poachers  either." 

"  You  are  quite  right,  your  worship,  and  I  make  bold 
to  say  those  are  exactly  my  sentiments." 

The  baronet  was  quite  pleased  to  find  his  opinion  so 
cordially  shared  in  by  one  he  firmly  believed  to  be  a  special 
Government  agent,  and  to  whom  in  consequence  ho  was 
prepared  to  show  no  little  respect. 

Mr.  Skellum  was  invited  to  fill  up  his  glass,  and  then 
the  baronet  said  : 

"But  I  am  told  that  this  Dick  Turpin  yon   are  so 
anxious  to  catch  is  no  ordinary  rogue." 
"  No,  that  he  is  not." 

'•  1  have  heard  some  impossible  story  about  him  riding 
-mo  horse  from  Loudon  to  York  here  in  twelve  hours, 
but  of  course  it  is  not  true." 

"  I  must  beg  to  assure  you  that  it  is  true." 
"  True  ?" 
«  Yes,  true." 
"He actually  did  it?" 

"  Yes :  I  was  witness,  otherwise  I  should  have  been  as 
eucredulous  as  you  are  now." 

The  baronet  opened  his  eyes  to  an  extraordinary  width, 
and  even  pushed  his  chair  away  from  the  fire,  so  great 
wan  his  astonishment. 

"And  you  mean  to  assure  me  that  one  horse  brought 
a  man  two  hundred  miles  in  twelvo  hours  ?" 

'•  I  am  ready  to  take  my  oath  of  it,  your  worship,  only 
It  was  a  mare  and  not  a  horse." 

"lam  bound  to  believe  you,  and  yet  it  seems  impos- 
sible still." 
"  It  does." 

"And  what  has  the  villain  done  with  his  mare  ?" 
"Rode  her  till  she  dropped  down  dead  under  him  an 
the  high-road,  somewhere  about  three  miles  this  side  of 
York." 

"  Then  d — n  him  for  a  villain !"  said  tb9  baronet,  iu 
great  wrath. 

lie  struck  the  table  several  heavy  blows  as  ho  spoke, 
and  also  gave  utterance  to  some  other  expletive  that 
would  by  no  means  look  well  upon  paper. 

His  anger  somewhat  surprised  Mr.  Sks'lgm,  who 
was  unable  to  arrive  at  the  precise  reason  for  it. 

"  And  you  are  sure  tho  mare  is  dead  ?"  was  the  baronet's 
next  question.  '_  ■ 

■l  Yes — th:  t  is,  as  sure  as  I  can  be,  without  ha^.^g  seen 
the  dead  bod  J ." 

"  The  -'illain — the  rascal :  I  would  have  given  a  tfeow- 
t  and  pounds,  ay,  two  thousand— any  money — for  tier,  teho 
was  a  prize,  a  masterpiece — worth,  her  weight  »n  gold ! 
And  to  t'link  that  she  should  have  the  misfocrano  to  fall 
into  the  hands  of  a  d — d  scamp  like  that,  who  could 
ride  her  to  death !  D— n  me  if  that  isn't  the  very  worst 
crime  he  has  ever  committed  I" 

The  baronet's  indignation  here  became  too  gfeat  for 
sober  utterance. 

There  could  be  no  doubt  about  his  thinking  that  Dick 
Turpin's  treatment  of  Black  Be33  was  an  unpardonable 
atrocity. 

"I'll  tell  you  what,"  he  cried  at  length,  "suoh  a 
.scoundrel  is  no  more  fit  to  live  than  a  poacher!  And,  Mr. 
Skellum,  or  whatever  your  name  is——" 

"ISkullum,  humbly  begging  your  worship's  par- 
don." 


"  Well,  if  you  will  let  mo  join  with  you,  I  will  soon 
make  short  work  of  tho  d — d  vagabond— that  I  will  i" 

"  J  shall  be  very  happy,  your  worship,  if  you  would  only 
be  kind  enough  to  give  me  your  valuable  advice  ana 
assistance." 

"  You  shall  have  them,  d — m  me — you  shall  ha  them ! 
Here,  have  another  glas3,  and  I'll  have  another,  for  this 
d — d  business  sticks  in  my  throat !  The  idea  of  murder- 
ing such  a  creature — yes,  d — n  me,  it's  murder  and  nothing 
less !" 

Mr.  Skellum  couH  hardly  yet  understand  the  baronet's 
incensement. 

He  did  not  know  tnat  Sir  Humphrey  prized  a  hcrse 
above  all  things  in  the  world,  and  in  his  mind  there  was 
scarcely  any  crime  greater  than  injuring  one. 

Sometimes  he  used  to  wrvder  which  could  be  the  worst, 
that  or  poaching. 

"Your  worship,"  said  Mr.  Skellum,  after  rather  a  long 
pause,  "I  should  be  glad  to  know  what  are  your 
opinions— or,  rather,  what  it  is  you  thought  of  doing  iu 
the  matter?" 

"Ah — very  good — you  did  right  to  remind  me.  But 
you  don't  drink." 

"  I  have  important  business,  if  your  worship  would  ex- 
cuse me " 

"Tut— tut!  A  drop  of  this  will  only  steady  your 
nerves  a  little.  However,  as  to  what  I  was  about  to 
say." 

Mr.  Skellum  prepared  himself  to  be  most  atten- 
tive. 

The  baronet,  beforo  commencing,  drew  his  chair  a  little 
nearer,  as  though  it  was  his  iutention  to  be  very  confi- 
dential. 

"  You  must  know,  in  the  first  place,  that  poachers  are 
my  plague — yes,  the  plague  of  my  life  !     I  know  no  rest 
or  peace  for  them." 
"  Can  you  not  put  them  down  ?" 

"I  have  tried,  but  then  they  get  off  and  hide  them- 
selves— they  can't  be  found ;  and  then  there  is  proving 
tho  charge.  But  I  have  got  a  plan  against  them  that  will 
put  a  stop  to  it,  and  help  you  to  capture  this  Dick  Turpin, 
d— n  him !" 

"  I  am  most  anxious  to  know  what  this  plan  can  be, 
your  worship." 

"No  doubt,  and  therefere  I  will  not  keep  you  in  sus- 
pense another  moment." 

Mr.  Skellum  was,  in  good  truth,  most  curious  to  know 
what  the  baronet  was  going  to  say. 

"  Look  hero,"  he  began.  "  A  friend  of  mine  abroad 
has  a  remarkably  fine  breed  of  bloodhounds.  What  do 
you  think  of  that?" 

"  Well,  really,  your  worship——  "  stammered  Skellum, 
who  could  not  for  the  life  of  him  think  what  this  circum- 
stance had  got  to  do  with  the  case. 

"  I  see  you  don't  catch  at  the  ideas,    But  I  will  be 
more  explicit." 
Skellum  inclined  his  head. 

"  This  friend  of  mine,  then,  some  time  ago  procured 
me  a  couple  of  these  matchless  creatures,  and  a  little 
while  ago  they  arrived.  They  are  magnificent!  Their 
training  has  been  everything  training  should  or  could  be. 
At  present  I  have  made  no  trial  of  their  powers ;  but  I 
am  assured  that  once  placed  upon  the  track  of  anyone 
they  will  never  quit  it." 

"  I  have  heard  of  such  animals,"  said  Skellum,  with  a 
disagreeable  sensation  pervading  his  whole  frame ;  "  but 
I  Lave  never  seen  one." 

"  You  shall  see  mine,"  said  the  baronet,  who  prided 
himself  not  a  little  upon  possessing  them. 

Not  knowing  exactly  what  to  say,  Skellum  filled  up  the 
pause  by  bowing  again,  though  he  shivered  slightly  as  be 
did  so. 

"  Of  course  you  guess  what  I  had  them  for  ?" 

"  Well,  I— a " 

"  To  get  rid  of  the  poachers." 
"  Ah !"  responded  Skjllum,  with  a  long  breath. 
The  baronet's  countenance  assumed  a  fierce  and  most 
vindictive  expression  a*lie  continued  : 

"  Yes,  for  the  poachers.  I  have  been  waiting  for  them 
for  some  time,  but  they  have  heard  of  the  bloodhounds, 
and  they  have  been  scared  away." 

"  But  your  worship,  1  suppose,  merely  intends  to  too 
these  animals  as  inspirers  of  terror  ?  You  woul^  not  use 
them  ?" 


nss 


btACS.   BESS  ;    OS, 


"  Yea,  by  — —  would  I  if  I  had  the  chance !"  was  the 
vindictive  rejoinder.  "  The  very  first  time  I  hear  of 
any  being  seen  I  shall  call  out  the  bloodhounds,  put  them 
on  the  scent,  and  quickly  track  them  out." 

"  But  1  nave  heard,"  said  Skellum,  depreoatingly  and 
Hesitatingly,  •'  that  if  they  happen  to  catch  up  •with  the 
person  they  are  sent  after  they  will  tear  them  to  pieces  if 
some  one  is  not  at  hand  to  call  them  off." 

"  And  if  they  do,  what  then  ?  Is  it  any  more  than  a 
d — d  rascally  poacher  deserves?  Not  a  bit  of  it.  I 
should  like  to  make  ggf^  of  serving  them  all  in  tho  same 
way." 

Mr.  Skellum,  as  the  reaaer  knows  very  well,  was 
neither  over  nice  nor  particular  about  what  he  did,  but 
vet  the  baronet's  cold-blooded  manner  made  him  shudder 
in  spite  of  himself. 

This  bitter  animosity  against  poachers  was  something 
he  could  not  understand. 

To  him,  the  capture  of  a  few  pheasants  or  hares  seamed 
a  very  trifling  offence. 

But  it  was  clear  that  tho  baronet  thought  it  one  of  the 
blackest  of  crimes,  and  the  perpetrators  of  it  not  worthy 
of  tho  consideration  shown  to  human  beings. 

"Now  look  here,"  he  went  on—"  these  bloodhounds  are 
just  the  very  things  you  want.  There  will  be  no  trouble 
in  putting  them  upon  the  scent,  because  it  seems  pretty 
clear  that  the  fellow  got  through  the  bed-room  window 
and  dropped  into  the  garden." 

Mr.  Skellum  wiped  tho  perspiration  from  his  brow. 

"Rely  upon  it  they  would  soon  find  him,"  proceeded 
the  baronet,  "  and  would  save  you  a  world  of  trouble — 
perhaps  prevent  the  fellow  getting  off  altogether.  If  you 
are  inclined  to  try  the  plan  you  are  quite  welcome ;  I 
should  like  to  see  the  fun,  and"  it  would  also  be  making  a 
kind  of  trial  of  my  dogs,  which  I  am  very  anxious  to  do." 

Mr.  Skellum  hardly  knew  what  reply  to  make  to  the 
baronet's  proposition. 

We  must  do  him  the  justice  of  stating  that  the  idea  of 
hunting  anyone  with  bloodhounds  was  repugnant  to  his 
feelings. 

Side  by  side  with  this  admission,  however,  must  be  put 
the  fact  that  this  repugnancy  was  not  of  very  long  endur- 
ance. 

He  thought  about  the  reward  and  the  credit  he  should 
lcse  if  Dick  Turpiu  was  not  captured. 

"Besides,"  he  said  to  himself,  "  he  is  only  a  highway- 
man." 

Another  consideration  which  weighed  much  with  him 
was,  that  if  he  declined,  the  baronet  would,  of  course,  be 
very  much  offended,  and  Skellum  felt  that  he  tould  not 
afford  to  make  a  foe  of  so  powerful  a  personage. 

That  clinched  the  matter. 

"  Well  ?"  said  Sir  Humphrey,  who  had  been  waiting  in 
no  less  impatience  than  surprise  for  Skellum  to  reply. 

"  I  will  be  frank  with  your  worship,"  he  said.  "  At  the 
first  blush,  I  must  say  I  did  not  care  about  the  plan, 
chiefly,  I  suppose,  because  it  i3  out  of  the  ordinary  course 
in  which  we  do  our  business ;  but,  upon  consideration,  I 
feel  extremely  anxious  that  it  should  be  tried,  for  I  don't 
care  about  telling  your  worship  that  if  this  fellow  slips 
through  my  fingers  it  will  be  a  very  serious  affair  for  me." 

"Very  well,  then,"  exclaimed  Sir  Humphrey,  rising, 
"  I  am  glad  we  have  come  to  a  satisfactory  conclusion." 

"Are  the  dogs  here?"  asked  Skellum,  anxiously. 

"Not  here:  but  they  are  at  the  kennels.  I  will  svon 
have  them." 

He  tugged  violently  at  the  bell-pull  while  he  spoke 

Tho  landlord  made  his  appearance  with  marvellous 
epeed,  for  ho  know  woll  tho  impatient  character  of  his 
guest. 

"  Send  JacksoD  up  to  me,"  eald  Sir  Humphrey, 
briefly. 

The  landlord  bowed  and  retired. 

There  was  then  a  silence  of  a  minute  or  two's  dura- 
tion. 

It  was  broken  by  a  faint  tapping  at  the  door. 

"  Come  in  I" 

"  Jackson,"  cried  the  baronet,  "  I  want  you  to  ride  over 
to  the  kenuels  at  once,  and  bring  the  two  bloodhounds. 
You  understand  ?" 
''  Ves,  your  worship.' 

'•  Be  off.  then,  and  make  as  much  haste  us  you  can. ' 

Jackson  withdrew,  and  Skellum  and  the  baronet,  now 
the  best  of  friends,  imbibed  a  few  more  glasses  oi  win*. 


The  fonuor  did  indeed  feel  as  though  his  uervefl 
wanted  steadying;  but  as  for  Sir  Humphrey,  it  was  clear 
he  attached  but  slight  importance  to  the  act  of  hunting  a 
human  being  in  the  same  way  as  some  wild  animal. 

He  was  used  to  hunting  of  various  kinds,  and  looked 
upon  a  highwayman  as  no  better  than  a  poaiher,  and  only- 
worthy  of  being  treated  in  the  same  manner. 

At  length  intelligence  was  brought  that  Jackson  h9A. 
arrived  with  the  dogs,  and  thereupon  Skellum  and  tf  y 
baronet  both  went  downstairs. 

While  tho  latter  was  examining  the  ferocious  animals, 
the  former  was  getting  his  men  together  and  explaining 
to  them  the  nature  of  the  unexpected  aid  ihey  had  re- 
ceived. 

Tho  men,  who  had  began  to  think  that  they  were  tu 
have  no  other  reward  than  their  trouble  for  their  pain^ 
Drightened  up  at  this  intelligence,  and  prepared  to  set 
about  their  task  with  more  spirit  and  alacrity  than  other- 
wise they  would  have  exhibited. 

No  time  was  lost  in  making  these  preparations,  still  a 
good  while  elapsed  before  all  was  ready. 

At  length  the  two  dogs,  which  were  securely  held  in 
slips  or  leashes,  were  taken  round  into  the  garden,  just 
under  the  window  through  which  Dick  had  passed. 

They  were  long-bodied,  fawn-coloured  animals  with 
massive  legs  and  large,  square  heads. 

Already  they  had  been  taken  up  into  the  room  Dick 
had  occupied  in  order  that  they  might  get  familiar  with 
the  smell. 

They  now  exhibited  the  utmost  uneasiness  and  im- 
patience— sniffing  the  air,  howling  and  struggling  des- 
perately to  get  free  from  the  slips  in  which  they  were 
held,  and  almost  dragging  Jackson  away  in  their  efforts. 

*'  Is  all  ready?"  asked  the  baronet. 

"Yes,  your  worship,"  replied  Skellum — "everything." 
'Very  good,  then.    Let  go,  Jackson." 

At  a  touch,  Jackson  set  free  the  dogs  and  hastily 
tn'rambled  on  to  his  horse's  back. 

The  dogs  ran  round  two  or  three  times,  sniffing,  howl- 
ing, and  barking. 

Then,  having  found  the  track,  they  started  off,  holdicg 
their  noses  closo  down  to  the  ground. 

"  Now  they  are  right,"  said  Jackson.  "  They  will  find 
him,  n:  matter  where  he  is,  for  the  track  will  everywhere 
be  newei  and  fresher  than  it  is  here,  and  consequently 
more  easy  for  them  to  follow." 

"  Capital— capital !"  cried  Sir  Humphrey,  entering  witt. 
great  ardour  upon  the  chase. 

"  The  only  thing  we  have  got  to  do,"  continued  Jack- 
son, "  is  to  keep  them  in  sight  so  as  to  be  able  to  call  them 
off.    If  we  don  t,  they  will  tear  the  poor  devil  in  pieces.'1 

The  horses  were  good  and  fresh,  and  the  speed  of  the 
bloodhounds  not  very  great,  so  that  it  was  very  easy  to 
keep  up  with  them. 

Skellum  and  his  men  were  much  excited. 

To  them,  the  proceedings  had  that  charm  which  no- 
thing but  novelty  can  impart. 

Every  motion  made  by  the  dogs  was  followed  by  them 
with  the  closest  attention,  and  beheld  with  wonder. 

There  was  a  little  delay  occasionally,  owing  to  the 
track  being  lost,  but  the  dogs  running  on  in  front  and 
careering  round  in  circles  quickly  recovered  it,  and  started 
off  again. 

Despite  these  delays,  however,  the  reader  will  scarcely 
require  to  be  informed  they  made  much  greater  speed 
tLan  Dick  Turpin  did,  and  consequently  there  was  little 
doubt  tha\  tf*ey  would  ere  long  come  up  with  him, 

CHAPTER  MCVI. 

DICK  TPRPZS  BECOMES  AWARE  THAT  THE    BLOODHOUNDS 
ARE  OS  HIS  TRACK. 

"  I  Ail  afraid  the  darkness  will  spoil  the  sport,"  said  Sir 
Humphrey,  in  tones  of  vexation,  as  he  noticed  the  grow- 
ing obscurity.     "  I  had  no  idea  it  was  so  late." 

Nor  had  anyone  else  until  the  baronet  called  attention 
to  the  circumstance. 

The  fact  was,  that  each  and  all  had  been  so  much  occu- 
pied and  excited  by  the  strangeness  of  the  events  that 
were  taking  place,  that  they  never  noticed  the  night'i 
approach. 

It  happened,  too,  that  the  daylight  had  been  wnsider- 
ably  prolonged,  as  it  often  is  at  the  approach  of  winter 
when  the  sky  is  unobscured  by  clouds. 


?se  Ksrcaa*  os-  the  road. 


m? 


fDICK   TCRPIN   CONCEALS   HIMSELF    IN     THB   HARDEN    W/.LL. 


Bat  no  sooner  had  the  sun  set  than  there  came  a  sud- 
den darkness  over  the  whole  face  of  Nature  without  the 
intervention  of  half  the  usual  spaoe  of  twilight. 

It  was  the  night  setting  in  thus  suddenly  that  caused 
the  baronet  to  give  vent  to  his  angry  exclamation. 

There  was  no  fear,  though,  that  on  this  aocount  he 
^ould  abandon  the  pursuit. 

Jackson,  however,  said  as  muoh  as  he  dared  give 
•tterance  to  in  the  shape  of  objection. 

"  We  shall  find  it  very  difficult  to  keep  the  dogs  in 
hew,  your  worship." 

"  Then  we  must  keep  them  in  hearing,"  was  the  gruff 
rejoinder— so  gruff  that  Jaokson  olosed  his  mouth  with- 
out daring  to  say  another  word. 

Mr.  Skellum  looked  anxious  and  uneasy. 

He  by  no  means  relished  the  probability  of  seeing 
and  assisting  in  the  tearing  to  pieces  of  a  fellow-oreature, 

No.  243.— Black  Bess. 


even  though  that  fellow-creature  shoulrt  oe  a  highway- 
man, and  Dick  Turpiu  to  boot. 

The  baronet  did  not  seem  to  be  troubled  with  ar.y 
such  scrupleB.  „_.  . , 

Glancing  towards  the  east,  and  perceiving  a  faint 
illumination  in  that  quarter,  he  added : 

•'  We  shall  have  the  moon  up  before  long  ;  and  as  there 
are  no  clouds,  we  shall  be  able  to  see  well  enough,  be- 
sides, I  know  every  inch  of  the  ground  round  the  place. 

He  seemed  also  to  think  this  quite  sufficient  for  every- 
body, though  Mr.  Skellum  and  his  followers  were  per- 
fectly ignorant  of  the  nature  of  the  ground,  and  ex- 
perienced no  little  difficulty  in  making  their  way  across 
a  rough,  open  country. 

Skellum's  horse  stumbled  twioe,  and  on  the  second 
occasion  forced  a  remonstrance  to  his  lips. 

"  Your  worship,'"  he  said,  "  don't  you  tiufik  It  would 


No.  248. 


PBICB  ONK    HALFPEKJnt. 

No.  244  will  be  Publish'**  next  Thursday. 


JWM 


BLACK  8K88  ;    OS. 


t*  as  weii,  or  even  better,  to  defer  the  chase  till  daylight  ? 
In  the  dark  no  one  can  tell  what  accident  may  happen." 

The  very  idea  of  abandoning  a  chase  after  anything 
when  it  had  been  once  commenced,  was  so  preposterous  a 
one,  that  it  fairly  took  his  breath  away,  and  a  '"inute  or 
so  elapsed  before  he  could  make  any  reply. 

"  Put  it  off  ?  Never  !  My  motto  is :  '  Never  pm,  off.'  Be- 
sides, if  we  waited  till  to-morrow  the  scent  would  grow 
cold,  and  in  the  meantime  he  might  get  a  horse  and  ride 
away,  in  which  case  we  should  lose  him  altogether." 

There  was  so  much  determination,  or  rather  bulldog 
obstinacy  in  the  tones  in  which  Sir  Humphrey  spoke  that 
Mr.  Skellum,  like  the  man  Jackson,  judged  it  exysdient 
to  remain  silent. 

For  some  time  a^general  sikrice  reigned. 

The  obscurity  now  was  so  much  increased  that  the  at- 
tention of  everybody  was  pretty  well  occupied  in  taking 
care  that  their  horses  had  firm  level  ground  beneath  their 
feet. 

Suddenly.  Sir  Humphrey  gave  vent  to  an  ejaculation 
of  a  forcible  character. 

"  They've  got  him — they've  got  the  rascal .'  D — d  if  I 
didn't  think  we  should  have  him  before  very  long  !  Come 
on,  quick,  will  you  !" 

These  remarks  were  called  forth  by  the  dogs  setting  up 
a  terrible  howling  and  barking ;  and  from  the  nature  of 
the  sounds  it  was  evident  the  creatures  had  come  to  a 
stop  somewhere. 

The  baronet  was  quite  confident  that  thoy  had  seized 
their  prey,  and  so  great  was  his  ardour  in  consequence, 
that  he  speedily  outrode  all  the  rest,  despite  the  efforts 
that  were  made  to  overtake  him. 

Mr.  Skellum  felt  by  no  means  so  confident  as  rue 
baronet ;  but  then  that  will  not  be  wondered  at  when  it  is 
remembered  what  a  many  times  he  had  been  disap- 
pointed. 

Still,  he  kept  up  close  to  the  rest,  and  quickly  cn«gtit 
sight  of  what  he  took  at  first  to  be  a  cottago  or  barn,  but 
which  on  a  closer  approach  turned  out  to  be  a  brick 
kiln.  7* 

He  arrived  just  in  time  to  see  the  dogs  bolt  off  again  ; 
but  there  was  nothiug  of  the  highwayman  to  be  seen. 

The  baronet  was  staggered  for  a  second  or  two,  because 
he  had  made  so  very  sure  that  the  chase  was  over. 

That  such  was  not  the  case,  however,  was  unquestion- 
able, for  the  bloodhounds  were  once  again  in  full  cry. 

The  brick  kiln,  as  the  reader  doubtless  suspects,  was 
the  place  where  Dick  had  passed  the  hours  of  day- 
light. 

Of  course,  here  the  scent  was  comparatively  warm,  not 
a  very  long  time  having  elapsed  since  he  quitted  tho 
place. 

"  Forward— forward !"  he  cried,  as  soon  as  he  recovered 
from  his  astonishment.  "They  are  in  full  cry  now,  and 
you  may  depend,  after  all,  he  is  not  very  far  off.'1 

This,  by  the  increased  animation  of  the  dogs,  seemed 
to  be  highly  probable,  for  they  ran  on  and  barked  as 
though  mad. 

All  anxiously  passed  onward. 

Even  Mr.  Skellum  forgot  the  danger  of  the  path  in  *,he 
anxiety  he  felt  lest  the  dogs  should  come  up  with  Dick 
and  tear  him  to  pieces  before  the  arrival  of  anyone  who 
could  call  them  off. 

Up  to  the  present  moment  they  had  had  things  all  their 
own  way,  but  they  found  themselves  destined  to  ex- 
perience a  reverse. 

All  at  once  the  dogs  met  with  a  fault — that  is,  they  lost 
the  scent ;  nor  were  they  able  to  find  it  again,  although 
the  sagacious  animals  went  round  and  round  in  wide  and 
wider  circles,  in  the  hope  of  coming  up  with  it. 

The  baronet  fretted  and  fumed  in  a  manner  that  on  any 
other  occasion  would  have  been  provocative  of  a  smile. 

But  the  present  instant  was  too  grave  for  smiling. 

"What's  the  best  thing  to  be  done,  Jackson  ?'.'  asked 
Sir  Humphrey. 

•'  Well,  your  worsnip,  as  you  know,  I  have  not  had 
much  experience  with  these  creatures,  but  I  suppose 
the  best  thing  will  be  to  stop  where  we  are  until  they  re- 
cover the  scent  again.  They  will  lotus  know  when  that 
takes  place,  you  may  depend." 

"  Yes,"  assented  the  baronet,  "  I  suppose  it  will  be  the 
best  to  stay  here,  otherwise  we  may  be  riding  our  horses 
up  and  down  here  and  there  to  no  purpose." 

••  And  we  might  breathe  the  horses  a  little  the  while," 


said  Skellum.    "  That  last  bit  of  ploughed  land  has  ta&o* ' 
the  steam  out  of  mine,  I  can  assure  you." 

The  halt  was  thus  agreed  upon,  but  the  baronet  wu 
too  impatient  and  too  excited  to  remain  still  very  long. 

Nothing  would  do  but  Jackson  must  ride  after  the  dogs 
and  observe  their  movements. 

This  was  done. 

Still  all  efforts  were  unavailing. 

It  then  became  the  prevalent  impression  that  he  must 
have  mounted,  and  so  there  was  an  end  of  the  affair. 

But  the  baronet  was  unwilling  to  come  to  this  conclu-v 
sion,  and  held  out  against  it  as  long  as  he  was  able. 

At  last,  after  what  seemed,  to  him  especially,  a  whole  age 
of  susuenseful  waiting,  the  deep  baying  of  the  blood- 
hounds made  itself  heard. 

The  sound  floated  over  the  silent  meadows  as  though  it 
came  from  a  considerable  distance. 

"  Off  and  away  !"  yelled  Sir  Humphrey,  with  a  furious 
tally-ho! — "off  and  away— there,  now  we  have  him  !" 

The  chase  was  now  recommenced  in  real  earnestness, 
and,  if  possible,  under  greater  excitement  than  before. 

Away  they  all  went  heuer-skelter,  with  Sir  Humphrey 
at  their  head,  and  all  the  rest  after  him  like  a  flock  of  wii-J 
geese. 

It  is  a  thousand  wonders  several  of  them  did  not  meet 
with  serious  accidents,  for  the  ground  was  very  rough  and 
rugged. 

The  continual  baying  of  the  dogs  was  a  tolerably  good 
guide  for  them  to  follow,  and  in  a  short  time  they  had  the 
further  assistance  of  Jackson's  voice,  who  shouted  out  to 
them  continually. 

On  coining  up  with  him  the  noise  made  by  the  do^s 
was  explained. 

He  had  managed  to  secure  them,  and  he  now  stood 
holding  the  slips  just  in  the  same  way  as  when  they  left 
the  inn. 

That  they  had  recovered  the  scent  again  was  evident 
enough,  for  they  almost  pulled  Jackson  along  with  them 
in  the  violent  attempts  they  made  to  get  away. 

"  What  is  the  meaning  of  it?"  asked  Sir  Humphrey, 
as  he  reined  up  in  order  that  the  others  might  all  come 
up  with  him.     "How  can  they  have  lost  the  scent?" 

"  Easy  enough,  your  worship;  lean  quite  understand 
it." 

"  How  is  it,  then  ?" 

"  Why,  he  must  have  taken  to  the  road  for  some  dis- 
tance, and  there,  owing  to  many  other  people  and  vehicles 
passing  over  his  footsteps,  the  scent  was  destroyed." 

"  Of  course  that's  it,"  said  Sir  Humphrey,  with  an  air 
of  great  satisfaction.  "  And  this  is  just  where  he  has 
taken  to  the  open  country  again." 

"  Exactly  so.     Yonder  is  the  lane." 

Jackson  pointed  to  a  low  hedge  a  few  paces  off,  as  he 
spoke. 

Previously  to  entering  the  village  where  he  had  so 
terrified  the  boy  that  he  dropped  the  basket  of  pre- 
visions he  was  carrying,  Dick  had  walked  along  the  lane, 
where  his  footsteps  were  obliterated. 

But  the  dogs,  by  going  round  and  round  in  circles  in  the 
manner  we  have  described,  had  eventually  come  upon  his 
trail  again,  though  much  time  had  been  lost  in  doing 
so. 

"  Let  go  the  do^s,"  said  the  baronet ;  and  at  the  word 
the  slips  were  unloosed. 

In  an  instant,  with  guttural  growls  of  satisfaction,  the 
dogs  bounded  off. 

"  We  must  make  good  speed,"  Sir  Humphrey  cried,  "  or 
we  shall  lose  them  in  this  darkness." 

It  did,  in  good  truth,  require  an  eye  of  more  than  ordi- 
nary sharpness. 

The  obscurity  was  very  great,  for  along  with  the  moon 
clouds  had  arisen,  and  it  was  only  occasionally  through 
the  straggling  rifts  that  her  beams  reached  the  earth. 

The  dogs  kept  on  steadily ;  and  all  at  once  Sir  Hum- 
phrey was  struck  with  a  circumstance  which  he  had  failed 
to  perceive  before. 

"  May  I  be  d — d  if  we  are  not  going  straight  towards 
homo,  and  by  a  nearer  cut  I  think  than  ever  I  took  before ! 
Surely  the  rascal  has  never  had  impudence  enough  to  go 
there  ?" 

"  He  has  impudence  enough  for  anything,  Interjected 
Skellum. 

"  But  do  you  think  he  would  rob  me  ?" 

"No  doubt  he  would  if  he  had  the  chaBOBk" 


THB   KNIGHT   OF  THK  BOAD, 


1939 


"  Curse  the  villaiu !  Perhaps  he  is  at  the  Hall  now, 
frightening  her  ladyship  into  hysterics." 

This  idea,  for  which  there  was  no  very  reasonable 
foundation,  made  the  baronet's  anxiety  and  impatience 
increase  tenfold. 

But  as  the  pursuit  was  continued,  it  became  more  aud 
more  evident  that  they  were  riding  direct  to  the  Hall,  for 
tie  dense  belt  of  trees  surrounding  it  was  every  now  ana 
then  seen  distinctly  in  the  moonlight. 

As  they  came  nearer  they  saw  not  only  the  trees,  b^i 
tbe  very  paliugs  which  marked  the  boundary,  towards 
which  the  bloodhounds  were  careering  headlong. 

The  baronet  spurred  his  horse  so  violently  that  he  got 
far  ahead  of  the  rest,  though  they  tried  hard  to  keep  up 
with  him. 

The  dogs  all  at  once  came  to  a  stop  at  the  foot  of  the 
palings,  where  for  a  second  or  two  they  howled  dismally. 
Then  they  ran  up  and  down  sniffing  and  whining. 

Finally,  to  the  surprise  of  the  baronet,  they  came  to  • 
wards  him  a  little  way. 

Then  giving  a  spring,  they  cleared  the  bigh  palings  by 
a  desperate  effort,  and  immediately  afterwards  could  be 
heard  going  at  full  cry  through  the  plantation. 

The  baronet  was  so  carried  away  by  the  chase,  and  so 
excited  by  the  positive  intelligence  he  had  now  got  that 
Dick  Turpin  was  actually  on  his  own  grouuds,  that  he 
rode  his  horse  at  the  fence  as  if  with  the  intention  of 
clearing  it. 

It  was  insanity  to  make  the  attempt,  for  not  only  were 
the  palings  about  twice  as  high  as  a  horse  could  be  ex- 
pected to  leap,  but  there  was  no  space  of  ground  to  alight 
upon  on  the  other  6ide,  for  the  trees  grew  thickly  every- 
where. 

The  horse,  however,  seemed  all  at  once  to  become 
aware  of  one  or  both  of  these  circumstances,  for  he  stopped 
short  while  in  full  career. 

No  event  could  have  taken  Sir  Humphrey  more  by  sur- 
prise than  this,  and  the  consequence  of  his  uupreparation 
was,  that  he  shot  over  the  head  of  his  horse  like  a  rocket, 
and  stopped  against  the  old  palings  so  suddenly  and  with 
so  much  force,  that  it  was  a  wonder  he  did  not  break 
through  altogether. 

The  horse  seemed  frightened  at  what  it  had  done,  aud 
appeared  as  though  it  was  about  to  try  a  bolt  in  the 
opposite  direction. 

At  this  moment,  however,  the  others  arrived ;  and 
Jackson,  stretching  out  his  hand,  very  adroitly  seized  ♦he. 
animal's  bridle. 

By  the  time  this  was  done  and  before  any  assistance 
could  be  rendered  him,  the  baronet  scrambled  to  his  feet, 
to  all  appearance  being  neither  hurt  nor  confused  by  hia 
terrible  fall. 

But  then  he  bad  been  canted  out  of  the  saddle  more 
%han  once  in  his  life. 

••  Don't  stop !"  ho  cried — "  don't  stop !  I'm  not  hurt — 
uot  hurt  a  bit.  Where's  my  horse?  D — n  it  all,  the 
fellow  may  be  at  the  Hall  murdering  everybody !" 

"The  dogs  are  on  his  track,  that  is  certain,"  remarked 
Jackson,  as  he  assisted  his  master  to  mount.  "What  a 
racket  they  are  making,  to  be  sure !" 

All  the  place  was  echoing  loudly  with  the  barking  of 
the  bloodhounds,  aud  Skellum  fancied  that  the  reason  was 
they  had  found  their  prey. 

The  inevitable  delay  caused  by  the  incident  wo  have 
just  described,  put  him  in  a  terrible  fidget. 

He  was  wondering,  too,  how  the  palings  were  to  be 
surmounted. 

But  the  next  words  spoken  by  Jackson  relieved  him  on 
this  point. 

"  Now,  Sir  Humphrey,  if  you  will  follow  me,  we  will 
be-after  the  dogs  in  a  twinkling." 

But  how  are  we  to  get  over  the  palings  ?" 

"  There  is  not  the  slightest  necessity  for  doing  so,  nor 
for  going  through  the  planta;iuu,  siuce  the  dogs  are  no 
longer  in  it." 

••  But  where  the  devil  must  we  go  ?" 

••There  is  a  little  gate  in  the  palings*  few  yards  be- 
low." 

"  A  gate !"  exclaimed  the  baronet.    "  1   never  ''tuni  of 

"  That  may  be  ;  but  one  is  there,  though  it  is  never 
u  ed.  It  opens  upon  a  little  path,  along  which  we  can 
ride  with  ease,  and  so  get  to  the  other  side  of  the  park, 
rcnere  I  ta;e  it  the  dogs  now  are. ' 


"  They  seem  to  me  closer  to  the  Hall.  But  lead  on  and 
be  quick." 

Thus  admonished,  Jackson  skirted  the  park  palings, 
and  presently  stopped  at  a  little  door  which,  though  nar- 
row, still  seemed  wide  enough  to  allow  one  horse  at  a 
time  to  pass  through. 

"I  daresay  it's  fastened,"  JacK.on  cned,  as  be  slipped 
from  his  horse  ;  "  but  if  your  worship  don'*  mind.  I'll  soon 
have  it  open  with  a  stone." 

"  Open  it  how  the  devil  you  like  so  long  as  you  are 
quicK  about  it." 

A  large  stone  lay  conveniently  close  to  the  gate,  and 
Jackson,  picking  it  up,  flung  it  with  all  his  might  agaiust 
the  place  where  the  lock  might  be  supposed  to  be. 

There  was  a  crash,  and  the  door  swung  back  upon  its 
hinges  in  a  moment. 

The  baronet  pushed  through  in  a  desperate  hurry, 
closely  followed  by  Skellum. 

The  path  was  bounded  on  both  sides  by  dense  masses 
of  trees  aud  shrubs,  aud  was  only  just  wide  enough  to 
allow  of  the  passage  of  oue  horse  at  a  time. 

The  barking  of  the  dogs'  still  continued,  and  if  any- 
thing, with  increased  fury. 

But  on  emerging  into  the  open  ground,  the  baronet  and 
the  rest  weie  at  fault  for  the  guidance  of  Jackson,  who 
knew  all  the  iutricacios  of  the  grounds  better  than  any- 
one. 

The  loud  cries  of  Sir  Humphrey  quickly  brought  bbn 
in  view,  and  he  again  took  up  a  position  iu  advance. 

"I  know  whereabouts  they  are.     Follow  me." 

Just  as  he  pronounced  the  last  words  all  were  startled 
by  the  ringing  report  of  a  discharged  pistol. 

Before  anyone  had  time  to  speak  a  word,  this  first  re- 
port was  followed  by  a  second,  and  then,  strangest  of  all, 
an  absolute  silence  followed. 

The  dogs  ceased  their  barking  as  if  by  magic,  and  this 
abrupt  cessation  of  sound  so  affected  all  that  they  could 
do  nothing  else  save  stare  in  each  others'  faces. 

The  baronet  was  the  first  to  recover  himself. 

"May  I  be  d— d,"  he  yelled,  "if  I  don't  believe  the 
villain  has  killed  the  dogs  !  How  is  it  they  don't  bark, 
Jackson?" 

"  I  can't  tell,  your  worship.  Let  us  rush  forward  aud 
see." 

This  was  euch  a  reasonable  thing  that  no  one  hesitated 
a  moment,  especially  as  Jackson  suited  the  action  to  the 
word. 

Before  long,  however,  they  reached  a  spot  whore  the 
trees  grew  so  densely  that  it  was  quite  out  of  the  ques- 
tion to  think  of  riding  among  them. 

"We  must  alight  here,"  cried  Jackson,  "and  pusb 
through  ou  foot.  Get  your  arms  ready  in  case  they  are 
wanted." 

Before  he  had  finished  speaking  every  saddie  was 
empty,  and  the  riders  engaged  with  all  possible  speed  in 
securing  their  horses  to  the  numerous  branches  around. 

This  done,  still  under  the  guidance  of  Jackson,  they 
forced  their  way  through  the  little  wood,  for  such  it 
seemed  to  be. 

But  there  was  no  longer  any  indication  to  show  them 
where  the  dogs  were. 

Jackson,  however,  led  the  way  with  a  great  deal  of  con- 
fidence, for  he  had  already  decided  in  his  mind  where* 
abouts  it  was  ho  had  last  heard  the  sound.  ■ 

That  he  was  no  bad  judge  was  quickly  proved,  for  all 
at  once  he  stopped  and  cried  out : 

"Here  tuey  are!" 

The  others,  who  were  a  little  in  the  rear,  pressed  for- 
ward, ana  saw  a  sight  for  which  they  were  not  alto- 
gether prepared. 

Lying  at  the  foot  of  a  tree  were  the  two  blood- 
hounds. 

The  cause  of  their  silence  was  manifest. 

Each  one  had  received  a  pistol  bullet  in  the  centre  of 
the  forehead,  the  effect  of  which  must  have  been  to  pro- 
duce instantaneous  death. 

Their  limbs  yet  twitched  convulsively,  and  the  blood 
continued  to  gush  from  the  wounds. 

But  what  shall  we  say  of  the  effect  of  this  spectacle 
upon  the  baronet  ? 

We  fear  our  powers  of  description  will  altogether 
fail. 

We  may,  however,  state  that  he  at  first  stood  stock-atiil 
like  one  stunned  with  some  terrible  calamity. 


194© 


Bun*     jtOMj   OB, 


Then  for  tbe  next  pha^e  be  broke  oat  into  a  torrent  of 
the  most  horrible  invectives  conceivable. 

If  curses  could  have  killed  Dick  Turpin  he  would  not 
have  survived  a  moment. 

Tbe  baronet's  resentment  against  the  highwayman  was 
In  all  conscience  strong  enough,  but  the  loss  of  his  much- 
prized  bloodhounds  increased  the  intensity  of  it  a  thou- 
sandfold. 

"  D— n  his  blooa,  but  I'll  have  the  life  out  of  him  icr 
this !"  be  exclaimed,  after  the  first  fury  of  his  anger  had 
abated.    w  He  can't  be  far  off " 

•'No,  that's  certain,"  interrupted  Jackson,  who  was 
kneeling  down  beside  the  lifeless  animals ;  "  they  are 
quite  warm  ye*-'' 

"  And  he  shall  be  warm  before  long,  I'll  promise  him ! 
He's  about  the  grounds  somewhere.  Search  well  for  him, 
and  the  first  that  finds  him  shall  have  a  hundred  guineas 
out  of  my  pocket !" 

As  may  be  supposed,  this  offer  produced  an  immediate 
effect,  and  without  another  word  the  whole  of  the  party 
eagerly  dispersed,  searching  closely  in  every  direction. 

But  as  they  forced  their  way  through  the  luxurious 
vegetation,  all  thought  that  a  better  place  of  concealment 
tould  scarcely  exist,  and  therefore  that  their  chances  of 
finding  the  highwayman  were  small. 

With  an  utter  disregard  of  personal  consequences,  the 
baronet  plunged  among  the  underwood. 

The  skin  upon  his  face  and  hands  was  fearfully 
scratched. 

Tbe  clothes  he  wore  were  torn  into  long  strips  by  the 
bramble  bushes  through  which  he  urged  his  way. 

But,  regardless  of  these  minor  evils,  he  continued  to 
struggle  on. 

To  nlrn,  Dick  now  was  worse  than  a  thousand  poachers ; 
and  he  promised  if  he  caught  sight  of  him  to  favour  him 
with  the  contents  of  a  pistol  first  and  call  upon  him  to 
surrender  afterwards. 

Anxious  moments  elapsed.  ■*> 

A  great  rustling  could  be  beard,  caused  by  tho  men 
struggling  with  the  low-growing  branches  of  the  trees  and 
the  dense  undergrowth,  but  no  sound  was  heard  indica- 
tive of  the  fact  that  a  discovery  had  been  made. 

And  of  course  the  more  time  that  elapsed  tbe  more  dis- 
tant became  the  chance  that  they  would  succeed  at 
all. 

And  yet  there  was  indisputable  evidence  of  his  having 
been  there  60  very  recently  that  it  scarcely  seemed  pos- 
sible that  he  should  have  esca{»ed. 

Skellum  looked  upon  his  disappearance  as  most  extra- 
ordinary ;  but  he  was  fast  reaching  a  point  when  he  would 
»-«ise  to  be  surprised  by  anything  Dick  might  do,  no  mat- 
ter how  incredible  or  astounding  it  might  appear. 

Half  an  hour  elapsed,  during  which  the  little  plantation 
had  been  thoroughly  searched,  but  without  result. 

It  was  then  determined  by  Skellum  and  the  baronet,  who 
happened  to  encounter  each  other,  that  a  consultation 
should  be  held  as  to  their  future  proceedings. 

The  question  was,  how  could  all  the  men  be  summoned 
to  that  particular  spot  ? 

Skellum  soon  hit  upon  an  expedient. 

He  fired  a  pistol. 

As  be  expected,  the  report  was  followed  by  a  great 
trampling  of  feet,  and  in  a  very  short  time  indeea  the 
*vhole  of  the  troop  had  assembled,  all  oeing  most  eager  to 
know  what  had  happened. 

Xheir  disappointment  was  great  so  soon  as  they  became 
acquainted  with  the  actual  state  of  affairs. 

All  now  were  of  the  unanimous  opinion  that  the  high- 
wayman was  not  in  the  wood. 

Had  he  been,  they  could  scarcely  have  failed  to  light 
npon  6ome  traces  of  him. 

"  He  must  have  made  a  straight  rush  for  the  stone  wall 
and  escaped,!"  said  Jackson;  "I  feel  certain  he  is  not 
here."  h 

"  Unless  ho  should  be  in  some  of  these  trees." 

"  We  should  see  him  if  he  was,  I  fancy-  for  tbe  branches 
have  scarcely  a  leaf  upon  them." 

"  True,"  assented  Skellum. 

"But  what's  that?"  exclaimed  tbe  baronet,  as  heraised 
his  hand  suddenly. 

A  faint  rustling  was  heard. 

Tbe  sound  came  from  somewhere  very  clow  to  the 
■pot  on  whioh  they  stood. 


CHAPTER    MCVIL 


£N    WHICH   DICK  TDEPIN    EFFECTUALLY    DISPOSES    OF    TOT 
TWO   BLOODHOUNDS. 

We  go  back  now  to  Dick  Tnrpln. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  when  we  left  him  last  h* 
was  about  to  make  his  way  towards  the  Hall,  in  order  tr 
obtain  those  implements  necessary  to  enable  him  to  carry 
out  his  firmly-fixed  intention  of  burying  Black  Bass. 

He  had  nothing  whatever  to  serve  him  as  a  guide  as  U 
the  direction  in  which  he  ought  to  go. 

Clearly,  however,  the  first  thing  to  accomplish  was  tt 
get  clear  of  the  trees,  which  now  prevented  him  from  see- 
ing even  a  yard  in  advance. 

At  length  he  found  before  him  an  open  space,  but  before 
venturing  to  step  upon  it  he  remained  just  so  far  wiihin 
the  wood  as  to  be  well  shadowed  by  the  trees,  whtlehfl 
proceeded  to  reconnoitre  carefully. 

The  ground  before  him  had  a  park-like  appearance,  for 
the  grass  was  smooth,  and  here  and  there  stood  a  noble- 
looking  tree. 

But  although  he  looked  most  scrutinisingly  around  him 
he  failed  altogether  to  perceive  the  slightest  indication 
that  a  human  habitation  was  in  the  vicinity. 

His  attention  was,  however,  soon  attracted  by  a  sound 
which  seemed  to  furnish  the  clue  of  which  he  was  so 
anxiously  in  search. 

This  was  the  loud  baying  of  dogs. 

"  The  house  must  be  over  there  then,"  he  muttered, 
looking  in  the  direction  from  which  the  sound  had  come 
"  Those  are  doubtless  the  watch-dogs  in  the  yard." 

But  scarcely  had  he  finished  speaking  before  he  dis- 
covered that  he  had  come  to  a  most  erroneous  conclu- 
sion. 

With  a  sudden  bound  he  saw  emerge  from  the  trees 
which  bounded  the  open  space  en  t&6  opposite  eids. 
two  huge,  fierce-looking  dogs. 

They  were  the  bloodbounUs. 

But,  unfortunately,  Dick  did  not  recognise  them  as  be- 
longing to  this  dreaded  breed. 

Their  fierceness,  however,  made  him  resolve  to  abandon 
for  the  present  his  intention  of  emerging  from  his  pre- 
sent place  of  concealment. 

"  There  may  be  a  keeper  or  some  one  in  company  with 
those  dogs,"  he  muttered;  "doubtless  there  is.  I  will 
draw  back  a  little,  for  fear-  they  should  discover  me." 

He  drew  back  accordingly,  still  being  in  ignorance  of 
the  fact  that  these  two  dogs  were  foes  more  to  bo  dreaded 
than  police  officers  themselves. 

The  reader  must  bear  in  mind  that  the  bloodhounds 
hunting  by  the  smell  never  once  quit  the  trail,  6ven  though 
it  should  wind  round  several  times  and  the  object  of 
their  pursuit  still  in  the  centre. 

In  this  case  they  will  follow  carefully  in  all  his  footsteps 
— not  make  a  direct  rush  towards  him. 

This,  then,  is  how  it  happened  that  they  did  not  discover 
Dick  much  earlier  than  they  did. 

They  tracked  him  to  the  stone  wall,  from  there  to 
where  Black  Bess  was  lying,  and  finally  came  direct  upon 
him. 

Dick  heard  their  approach. 

He  had  wondered  much  that  he  had  seen  nothing  of 
human  beings  in  charge  of  the  ferocious  creatures. 

But  when  he  heard  them  crashing  through  the  dry 
brushwood,  the  suspicion  of  what  they  were  first  occurred 
to  him. 

"  They  are  bloodhounds  I"  he  gasped,  and  as  he  pro- 
nounced the  awful  words  a  cold  sweat  broke  out  all  over 
him. 

For  the  accounts  which  Dick  had  heard  of  these  much, 
dreaded  creatures  had  been  highly  exaggerated. 

He  believed  that,  once  fairly  set  upon  the  track,  it  was 
next  to  a  total  impossibility  that  the  victim  should  escape. 

But  there  was  no  time  for  thought,  for  the  ferooious 
animals  were  very  close  at  hand  indead. 

Yet,  before  Dick  could  recover  from  the  kind  of  stupor 
of  despair  and  horror  into  which  this  discovery  bad  thrown 
him,  he  saw  them  appear. 

But  the  sight  of  the  fierce  creatures,  with  their  foam 
covered  flanks,  red  eyes,  and  lolling  tongues,  eeemed  to 
electrify  him  into  sudden  life. 

With  a  wild  and  desperate  instinct  of  self  preservation, 
he  sprang  up  and  seized  the  branch  of  a  Ire*  'bat  extended 
itself  a  little  distance  above  his  head. 


TB»  KNIGHT  0/  THI  BOAB 


The  agility  which  ho  displayed  in  drawing  himself 
op  and  seizing  another  could  not  have  been  exceeded  by 
any  squirrel. 

In  the  twinkling  of  an  eye  he  was  astride  a  branch,  and, 
temporarily  at  least,  out  of  the  reach  of  his  bloodthirsty 
foes. 

But  if  he  bad  gained  nothing  else,  he  had  at  least  ob- 
tained time  to  think  a  little. 

Under  such  circumstances  anything  like  calm  reflection 
was  well-nigh  impossible,  for  the  bloodhounds,  furious 
with  disappointment,  were  making  frantic  efforts  to  Mr- 
cend  the  tree. 

Dick  knew  this  to  be  far  beyond  their  powers,  but  yet 
he  could  not  help  watching  their  movements  almost  to 
tbe  exclusion  of  everything  else. 

Yet  it  was  not  long  before  Dick  was  conscious  that  his 
foes  were  somewhere  in  the  rear  of  the  brutes  to  which 
they  had  assigned  the  task  of  hunting  him. 

If  so,  he  might  expect  them  very  shortly  to  make  their 
appearance,  and  if  so,  his  present  place  of  vantage  would 
be  but  of  slight  avail. 

Something  must  be  done,  and  at  one*. 

"  I  do  believe,"  he  said,  "  that  I  could  shoot  them 
easily.  They  are  so  close  that  I  could  take  a  most  care- 
ful aim.  Then  when  they  are  disposed  of,  surely  I  may 
be  able  to  find  some  other  hiding-place  before  my  pur- 
suers arrive." 

There  could  clearly  be  no  better  course  of  action  for 
him  to  adopt  than  this. 

Accordingly,  he  drew  forth  one  of  his  pistols,  and 
having  satisfied  himself  that  it  was  in  perfect  order,  aggra- 
vated his  foes  by  hissing. 

They  all  at  ouce  reared  themselves  up  against  th6  trunk 
of  the  tree  and  barked  furiously. 

The  opportunity  had  now  come. 

They  were  within  two  or  three  feet  of  him,  mo  tfe«t  to 
miss  was  almost  impossible. 

Ha  fired.  %» 

The  bullet  crashed  through  tha  brute's  skull. 

With  a  sound  such  as  Dick  had  never  before  heard,  it 
fell  bleeding  and  lifeless  to  the  ground.   , 

Then,  before  a  moment  had  elapsad,  his  companion 
shared  the  same  fate. 

These  two  much-dreaded  enemies  being  disposed  of, 
there  was  nothing  to  prevent  Dick  from  descending  the 
tree.  I 

The  reader  may  be  sure  he  was  not  long  in  doing  so. 

When  he  reached  th6  ground,  however,  sounds  were 
borne  to  his  ear  of  a  character  that  convinced  him  his 
human  foes  were  rapidly  approaching  him. 

He  stood  still  listening,  and  wondering  where  he  could 
fly  for  shelter. 

In  that  place  there  seemed  to  be  but  slight  chances  of 
finding  any  secure  place  of  concealment;  and  then,  as  for 
flight,  that  was  completely  out  of  the  question. 

Before  he  had  made  up  his  mind  how  to  act,  he  turned 
and  forced  his  way  through  the  trees. 

But  ere  he  had  gone  many  steps,  he  saw  in  front  of 
him  a  huge  tree,  the  branches  of  which  were  thicker  than 
any  of  the  others,  and  upon  which  a  few  withered  leaves 
still  hung,  thus  affording  a  better  chance  of  hiding  than 
any  other. 

Dick  was  half  inclined  to  climb  up  into  it. 

While  pausing  in  indecision,  he  became  aware  that  his 
pertinacious  pursuers  were  within  a  few  yards  of  him. 

He  could  not  afford  to  hesitate  any  longer. 

The  tree  was  by  no  means  so  easy  to  ascend  as  the 
other  one,  but  Dick  had  a  powerful  incentive  for  exertion, 
and  he  overcame  with  comparative  ease  obstacles  that 
would  have  dismayed  anyono  not  similarly  situa^d  to 
himself. 

But  on  gaining  the  upper  part  of  the  trunk  of  the  tree 
a  a  agreeable  discovery  awaited  him. 

The  trunk  itself,  to  a  considerable  depth,  was  quite 
hollow;  and  the  width  was  so  great  that  it  would  easily 
*!low  of  the  passage  of  his  body. 

Here,  then,  wa3  a  hiding-place  a  thousand  times  better 
than  any  he  had  hoped  to  find — and  one  which  could  not 
be  discovered  unless  his  enemies  actually  ascended  the 
tree. 

if  he  was  careful  to  remain  quiet  there  was  little  fear 
that  they  would  do  this,  as  the  tree  itself  presented  no- 
thing particular  to  distinguish  it  from  the  hundred"  of 
othore  growing  around, 


It  was  therefore  without  pausing  for  a  moment  that 
Dick  lowered  himself  into  the  hollow  trunk  of  the  tree. 

He  had  quite  expected  that  he  should  be  obliged  tt 
descend  quite  to  the  bottom. 

This,  luckily,  was  not  the  case,  or  it  would  have  been 
no  easy  task  to  get  out  again. 

Either  the  bottom  part  of  the  trunk  was  solid  and  sound, 
or  else  it  had  been  partially  filled  up  with  fallen  leaves 
and  other  matters. 
This  to  Dick  mattered  little.  <* 

He  was  quite  content  to  take  matters  as  he  found  them, 
and  desired  no  further  satisfaction  than  that  the  actual 
state  of  affairs  afforded  him. 

He  had  scarcely  time  to  settle  himself  in  his  hiding- 
place  before  he  heard  the  sound  of  voices  and  footsteps. 

The  reader  is  already  better  acquainted  with  what  took 
place  after  the  entrance  of  Skellum  and  his  party  into  th<> 
wood  than  even  Dick  Turpin  could  be,  so  that  it  is  quite 
unnecessary  to  dwell  any  further  upon  this  part  of  the 
narrative. 

But  by  one  of  those  extraordinary  coincidences  which 
occur  more  frequently  than  people  are  aware  of,  it  hap- 
pened that  the  spot  where  the  baronet  agreed  to  summon 
the  rest  of  their  party  was  close  at  the  foot  of  the  very 
tree  inside  which  Dick  had  so  6nugly  ensconced  him- 
self. 

He  did  not  overhear  what  had  been  said,  but  the  dis 
charge  of  the  pistol  greatly  startled  him. 

So  extreme  was  his  anxiety  that  he  had  the  boldness 
to  raise  himself  a  little  and  take  a  peep  at  what  was  going 
on. 

He  soon  comprehended  that  the  pistol  was  fired  merely 
as  a  signal. 

The  approach  of  the  ethers  caused  him  to  sink  down 
again  out  of  sight. 

With  what  interest  h6  listened  to  all  ths  men  had  to  say 
about  the  fruitlessness  of  their  search  may  perhaps  be 
imagined. 

The  confident  way  in  which  they  all  declared  that  he 
(Dick)  was  nowhere  in  the  plantation  amused  him  much. 

The  supposition  that  he  might  ba  in  one  of  the  trees 
disturbed  him  so  greatly  that.  quit6  unconsciously  to  him- 
self, he  made  a  slight  movement. 

This  was  the  cause  of  the  rustling  sound  which  had 
reached  the  ears  of  the  baronet  and  caused  him  to  cry  out 
in  the  manner  described  at  tha  end  of  the  last  chapter. 

Dick  now  gave  himself  up  for  lost,  and  this  belief  caused 
his  heart  to  beat  at  such  a  rate  as  to  make  him  fearful  that 
this  sound  would  be  conveyed  to  the  hearing  of  the  police 
officers,  and  so  betray  him. 

This  was  a  groundless  fear,  but  that  much  suspicion 
was  immediately  excited  was  quite  clear. 

"Something  moved,"  ejaculated  the  baronet.  "Who 
heard  it  ?" 

All  had  heard  it. 

"  Then  we  can't  be  mistaken.  The  question  is,  what  can 
it  be  ?" 

"  Or,  rather,  where  did  the  sound  come  from,  your  wor- 
ship ?" 

u  Yes— yes — just  so,  Mr.  Killmn— — " 

"Skellum,  your  worship." 

"  Oh,  yes,  Skellum,"  6aid  tha  baronet,  correcting  him  • 
self.    "  Well,  where  do  you  think  it  came  from  ?" 

"  I  fancy  out  of  this  big  tree  here." 

"  Nay,"  said  the  baronet,  "  I  fancied  that  was  tho  one." 

As  might  be  expected,  not  two  agreed  as  to  tha  sour;* 
whence  the  sound  proceeded. 

"Let  us  listen,"  said  the  baronet— "  perhaps  wa  may 
hear  it  again." 

All  assumed  attitudes  of  intense  listening,  but,  as  Dick 
Turpin  took  the  utmost  care  to  keep  perfectly  silent  in  hi* 
hiding-place,  of  course  nothing  was  heard. 

Their  patience  at  length  being  exhausted,  Skellum 
said : 

"  Perhaps,  after  all,  your  worship,  it  was  only  a  bird,  and 
if  so,  we  are  only  wasting  most  valuable  tinw  by  slaying 
here."  'm 

"  It  may  be  so,  and  yet— — 

"  And  yet  you  do  not  fee!  satisfied." 

"  Not  exactly." 

"  Nor  do  I ;  but  if  I  might  venture  to  suggest  some- 
thing——" 

"  What— what  ?" 

"  Why,  I  propose  that,  with  the  view  of  making  sura 


1942 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OR, 


that  the  rustling  sound  we  heard  was  not  caused  by  the 
highwayman  being  in  hiding,  we  will  fire  a  shot  or  two 
into  all  the  trees  round  about ;  that  will  soon  settle  the 
business." 

"  Ah,  of  course  it  will !  That  is  a  capital  idea,  Mr  KU- 
luni — a  very  capital  idea." 

Skellum  thought  he  had  better  give  up  the  attempt  to 
make  the  baronet  call  him  by  his  proper  name. 

At  a  word,  the  whole  of  the  party  got  their  pistols  reric'y 
for  use. 

"  I  will  have  a  try  at  that  ono  over  there,"  cried  ihe 
baronet,  alluding  to  the  tree  from  which  he  fancied  the 
rustling  a*?.  ^roceeded ;  "  and  if  he  is  there  1  will  aecu 
dislodge  him." 

Without  any  further  notification  '  what  he  w-  *  about 
to  do,  Sir  Humphrey  fired. 

A  few  leaves  and  bits  of  broken  brancnes  came  K  utter- 
ing down  as  soon  as  the  pistol  was  discharged,  but  no 
other  effect  appeared  to  be  produced. 

Skellum,  however,  did  not  fire  himself,  nor  allow  any  of 
the  others  to  do  so  until,  in  a  formal  voice,  he  called  upon 
Dick  Turpin  to  surrender. 

Of  course,  the  hidden  highwayman  took  no  notice  of 
this. 

He  felt  tolerably  secure  in  his  present  quarters,  and  re- 
solved to  abide  by  the  result. 

The  proclamation  being  over,  a  great  banging  away 
followed. 

Dick  shrank  down  as  close  as  he  could,  for  the  tree  in 
which  he  had  hidden  himself  appeared  to  be  an  especial 
mark. 

Had  anyone  been  concealed  among  the  branches  of  any 
of  the  trees  around,  he  must  have  been  discovered. 

"  It  is  as  I  expected,  your  worship,"  said  Skellum,  as 
he  loaded  his  pistols  and  placed  them  one  by  one  in  his 
pockets.  "  Some  accidental  sound  has  misled  us,  and 
caused  the  waste  of  all  this  powder." 

"  I  fear  so,"  assented  the  baronet,  with  a  gloomy  frown. 
"  It  must  have  been  some  bird.  D — n  the  rascal !  he  is 
more  trouble  than  all  the  poachers  I  have  ever  met  with 
put  all  together !" 

"  Before  he  is  captured,  and  finally  disposed  of,"  re- 
marked Skellum,  "  I  fancy  ha  will  give  us  very  much 
more  trouble  than  we  have  had  as  yet." 

"  He's  a  monster — he's  a — a I'll  be  d — d  if  I  know 

what  to  call  him  1"  cried  Sir  Humphrey,  with  a  fresh  out- 
burst of  wrath.  "  There's  no  name  that  I  know  half  bad 
enough  to  call  him  by !" 

No  one  made  any  reply  to  this  speech,  which  certainly 
tvas  not  exactly  of  a  character  to  call  forth  an  answer. 

There  was  a  very  gloomy  expression  upon  the  counte- 
nance of  every  person  present. 

"The  waste  of  the  powder  and  6hot  is  not  all," 
grumbled  Skellum,  speaking  his  thoughts  aloud  rather 
than  addressing  himself  to  those  around  him.  "All  the 
while  we  have  been  fooling  here  we  have  been  giving 
him  the  chance  to  get  far  enougli  away ;  and  I  know  him 
well  enough  to  feel  certain  that  he  would  not  neglect  any 
opportunity  that  was  offered  him." 

"Death  and  the  devil!"  the  baronet  broke  out  again. 
"Must  this  be  suffered?  Can  it  be  endured?  Curse 
him  !  I  could  have  looked  over  his  being  a  highwayman 
— that  isn't  so  bad  as  poaching — I  niight  even  have  par- 
doned him  for  riding  his  mare  to  death,  though  it  was  a 
shameful  thing — but  to  think  that  he  should  come  into 
my  grounds,  and  shoot  the  animals  that  have  cost  me  so 
much  money  and  trouble,  d — n  me !  it's  too  much  of  a 
thing!  I  can't  6tand  it,  nor  I  won't  either!  I'll  have 
him  before  I  rest  again  !" 

"  But  what  is  to  be  done  ?"  asked  Skellum.  "  That  is 
the  question." 

"  Why,  capture  him." 

"How?" 

"That's  your  business,  not  mine,"  answered  the 
baronet,  snappishly.  "  You  can't  expect  me  to  show  you 
what  to  do.  J  ust  make  your  mind  up,  and  1  and  my  men 
will  help  you." 

"Beg  pardon,  your  worship,'  said  Skellum,  anxiously, 
"  I  meant  no  offence.  Only  you'll  admit  it  is  very  trying 
to  the  temper  to  have  one's  efforts  set  at  nought  in  this 
manner." 

"It  is  d— d  trying,  and  I  don't  mind  admitting  that  I 
can't,  for  the  life  of  me,  think  what  is  the  best  thing  to 
be  doue  next." 


Skellum  was  in  the  same  predicament,  only  he  was  not 
so  candid  as  Sir  Humphrey. 

Although  at  his  wits'  end,  he  pretended  to  have  «" 
many  ideas  that  he  found  it  difficult  to  decide  upon  the 
best. 

"  It's  my  firm  conviction,"  said  the  baronet,  "  that 
after  shooting  the  dogs  he  would  run  as  fast  as  he  could 
to  the  east  wall,  and  get  over  it  into  the  high-road." 

This  was  the  opinion  of  most  present,  for,  after  having 
satisfied  themselves  that  the  person  they  sought  was  not 
in  the  plantation,  this  was  the  only  way  of  accounting 
for  hid  disappearance. 

"  If  he  has  gone  that  way,"  said  the  baronet,  "  the 
chances  are  a  thousand  to  one  some  one  has  seen  him,  for 
I  never  knew  the  highway  to  bo  quite  deserted  at  any 
hour." 

"I  believe  you  are  right,"  said  Skellum.  "At  any 
rate,  let  us  i»J.  If  he  has  gone  that  way,  he  must  have 
left  scmo  trace  behind  nils." 

"Just  so,"  said  the  baronet,  a»  though  this  was  it 
matter  of  course. 

"  Then  we  will  go  back  for  our  horses." 

"  There  is  not  the  least  reason  for  that— they  can  \™ 
Drought  here ;  and.  Jackson " 

"  Yes,  your  worship." 

"  There  is  a  little  iron  gate  not  far  off,  is  there  not, 
through  which  we  can  reach  the  high-road  ?  " 

"Yes,  your  worship." 

"  I  thought  so  ;  therefore  let  us  have  the  horses  at  once, 
and  you  can  lead  the  way." 

A  very  little  time  indeed  was  lost  in  carrying  out  these 
instructions,  for  in  reality  the  place  where  the  horses  ha  i 
been  left  was  not  far  off. 

"I  think  you  may  venture  to  mount,  if  you  feel  in- 
clined, your  worship,"  said  Jackson,  "for  we  are  very 
close  to  the  path  leading  down  to  the  gate  you  have  men- 
tioned." 

"  Very  good.     Let  all  get  into  the  saddle  at  once." 

This  order  was  obeyed  with  great  willingness  find 
promptitude,  for  the  exertions  they  had  made  in  search- 
ing among  the  brushwood  had  greatly  fatigued  them. 

Dick  Turpin,  hearing  these  preparations  for  a  depar- 
ture, began  to  breathe  a  little  more  freely  than  he  bad 
done,  while  his  heart  recovered  its  usual  action. 

A  strong  desire  to  take  a  peep  at  the  baronet,  whose 
presence  on  the  scene  of  action  he  could  not  understand, 
made  Dick  ru»  the  risk  of  rising  up  in  the  tree. 

But  any  slight  noise  which  he  might  have  made  in 
doing  so  was  drowned  by  the  preparations  of  the  men 
every  one  of  whom  was  talking  busily. 

In  the  obscurity  Dick  could  not  see  tho  baronet  very 
well,  and  yet  he  thought  he  should  know  him  if  ever  !»• 
should  chance  to  catch  sight  of  him  again. 

Fearful  that  an  accidental  glance  up  in  to  the  tree  might 
discover  him,  caused  Dick  to  resume  his  former  position. 

With  great  impatience  he  now  waited  for  them  to  qui'* 
the  spot. 

He  had  not  long  to  wait. 

The  necessary  preparations  for  a  start  were  quickly 
completed,  and,  with  Jackson  leading  the  way,  they  all 
rode  off. 

The  sound  made  by  their  retreat  was  audible  for  some 
time. 

While  it  was,  Turpin  did  not  venture  to  move  a 
muscle. 

But  as  soon  as  ever  a  general  silence  prevailed,  he 
hastily  descended  the  tree  which  had  proved  so  good  an 
asylum  for  him  in  the  hour  of  need. 

His  first  act  was  to  listen. 

All  was  still. 

"  They  have  gone,"  he  exclaimed,  with  an  air  of  ex- 
ultation— "  they  have  gone,  and  I  have  once  more  eluded 
them!  The  iron  gate,  they  said,  did  they  not?  It  is 
close  to  that  where  my  poor  Black  Bess  is  lying..  Will 
they  find  1  er  ?  It  is  possible — very  possible.  If  tliey 
do,*I  shall  won  hear  of  it." 

The  silence,  however,  remained  a?  profound  as  be- 
fore. 

By  following  the  windings  of  the  path  Jackson  had 
mentroned,  Dick  could  not,  of  course,  tell  bow  iong  it 
would  take  tho  party  to  make  their  way  to  the  iron 
gate. 

Sufficient  time,  as  he  fancied,  had  already  elapsed,  and 
yet  he  waited,  listening  eagerly. 


TUB  KNIGHT  OF  THS  HOAD. 


ms 


The  continued  silence  inspired  him  with  hope. 

"  How  fortunate  it  was  that  I  had  the  prudence  to  re- 
place the  leaves !  I  would  cot  have  had  them  find  Black 
Bess  for  all  I  possess  '  And  they  have  not  found  her,  I 
am  certain.  That  gives  me  an  idea:  if  she  can  escape 
discovery  by  being  covered  over  with  leaves,  why  should 
not  I  ?  That  is  a  good  thought  -I  must  p~*  forget  it. 
Some  time  't  may  stand  me  in  good  stead." 

Although  tolerably  certain  that  his  foes;,  .e  oat  of 
the  way,  yet  Dick  could  not  quite  mak»?  up  his  mind  what 
to  do. 

The  desire  he  felt  to  carry  out  his  project  was  strong 
indeed,  but  he  was  conscious  that  it  would  bo  absolute 
folly  to  attempt  it  now,  for,  though  his  enemies  had  gone, 
he  had  no  means  of  knowing  how  soon  they  mignt  re- 
turn. 

To  linger  anywhere  near  was  fraught  with  ths  utmost 
danger. 

He  knew  that  well  enough,  yet  he  could  not  bear  to 
think  of  departing  until  he  had  rendered  Black  Best  the 
service  he  had  promised. 

If  he  did  leave,  who  could  tell  how  long  it  might  be 
before  he  was  able  to  return  ? 

At  length  he  came  to  a  decision. 

"  I  will  reconnoitre  carefully,"  he  said,  "  and  ascertain 
my  exact  whereabouts.  Above  all,  I  will  try  to  possess 
myself  of  the  tools  which  I  require.  That  will  be  one 
step  accomplished  towards  the  achievement  of  the  whole. 
Then,  if  nothiug  better  offers,  I  will  come  back  and  con- 
ceal myself  in  this  tree,  which  has  hidden  me  so  well 
already." 

Having  arrived  at  this  determination,  he  noted  very 
carefully  the  appearance  of  the  spot  on  which  he  stood  ; 
and  when  quite  certain  that  he  should  not  fail  to  know  it 
again,  he  moved  carefully  away. 

It  was  necessary  that  he  should  be  able  to  find  his  way 
back  there  without  hesitation,  in  case  the  necessity  should 
arise  of  having  to  do  so. 

Then,  having  gained  the  open  space  we  have  so  fre- 
quently had  occasion  to  refer  to,  he  skirted  it,  keeping 
*rell  under  the  shadow  of  the  trees. 

In  this  way  he  proceeded  a  considerable  distance  with- 
out making  a  discovery  of  any  importance. 

At  length,  however,  through  the  trees  he  perceived  an 
irregular  pile  of  buildings,  consisting  of  a  noble  dwelling 
with  numerous  outbuildings  around  it. 

Dick  gazed  at  it  attentively. 

He  did  not  know  it,  but  this  was  the  residence  of  the 
irascible  baronet,  Sir  Humphrey  Yeomans. 


CHAPTER  MCVIIL 

DICS  TURPI*  FINDS  IT  MORE    DIFFICULT   THAN    HB    HAD 
EXPECTED  TO   SHAKE  OFF  HIS  FOES. 

Dick  Turpin  folded  his  arms  and  leaned  his  back  against 
the  trunk  of  a  tree,  with  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  placid 
scene  before  him. 

The  moon  was  shining  through  some  half  transparent 
clouds,  which  did  not  deprive  the  earth  of  much  of  her 
light. 

Viewed  nnder  such  circumstances  as  these,  the  old  Hall 
did  indeed  present  a  picturesque  appearance,  lor  all  its 
roughness  and  ruggedness  were  toued  down. 

Almost  unconsciously  Dick  found  himself  envying  the 
peaceful  inhabitants  of  this  lordly  dwelling. 

But  as  the  feeling  was  one  unworthy  of  fiini,  ^ 
banished  it  as  soon  as  he  was  aware  of  its  existence. 

"I  am  what  I  am,"  he  said — "a  highwayman,  and 
even  my  enemies  are  bound  to  say  a  bold  one.  I  will 
run  my  course.  Something  comes  over  me  even  now 
that  tells  me  I  am  near  its  termination.  No  matter,  I 
will  achieve  what  I  have  determined  to  accomplish.  I 
will  not  be  daunted  by  any  difficulty  now !" 

He  was  silent. 

But  though  his  i'pe  were  closed,  the  most  casual  ob- 
server Souid  have  told  that  his  thoughts  were  hard  at 
work. 

"  Yes,"  he  said,  at  length,  with  the  air  of  one  who  by 
iint  of  much  reflection  has  arrived  at  a  definite  conclu- 
sion— "yes,  my  mind  is  quite  made  up.  I  know  now 
What  I  will  do.  I  am  certain  it  will  be  the  best ;  ber''1*" 
Ihere  will  be  no  obstacle  in  the  way." 

As  he  thus  spoke  he  turned  and  retraced  his  steps. 

His  determination  it  soon  expressed. 


It  was  to  make  his  way  back  to  his  former  hiding- 
place,  and  remain  there  until  he  heard  something  further. 
"  I  am  certain  it  will  prove  to  be  the  wisest  plan,"  he 
continued,  as  he  strode  rapidly  along.  "  I  have  nothing 
to  fear  from  hunger,  for  I  have  provisions  about  me.  Be- 
sides, the  night  is  now  too  far  gone  to  leave  time  for 
much  io  be  accomplished.  I  am  glad  I  thought  of  this. 
By  to-morrow  night  the  ardour  of  my  enemies  will  be 
much  abated,  and  so  far  as  I  can  see  there  will  b«  nothing 
to  prevent  me  from  hiding  in  the  hollow  tree  +ill  then. 
Most  reasonably  may  I  anticipate  that  to-morrow  ni^rht 
they  will  be  tired  out.  I  shall  then  have  every  facility 
for  the  carrying  out  of  my  design." 

Quite  fixed  now  in  his  resolve,  Dick  hurried  on. 
Indeed,  now  the   principal   tiling  he   had   to  fear  was 
that   he   should   meet  with  his  enemies   returning  from 
their  unsuccessful   pursuit  before   he  had  time  to  reach 
the  hollow  tree. 

This  proved,  indeed,  to  be  no  imaginary  danger,  for 
ere  half  the  distance  was  accomplished  a  loud  shout  was 
borne  to  his  ears. 

His  first  impulse  was  to  bound  forward  with  greater 
speed. 

Then  he  stopped   himself,  because  ho  became  aware 
that  he  was  running  directly  towards  his  foes. 
What  was  to  be  done  ? 
Their  coming  now  was  unmistakable. 
They  were  again  searching  among  the  trees. 
Before   Dick  was  a  large    piece  of  water,  apparently  a 
fish-pond. 

Thick  bunches  of  dark  green  flags  and  rushes  could  b* 
seen  here  and  there  above  the  surface  of  the  water,  which 
was  thickly  strewn  with  fallen  leaves. 

Another  shout  and  the  loud  trampling  of  feet  made 
Dick  aware  that  his  pursuers  were  at  the  most  a  few 
yards  off. 

The  next  moment  might  bring  them  before  his  eyes. 
What  was  to  be  done  ? 

To  remain  standing  there  was  nothing  short  of  abso- 
lute madness. 

Yet  what  could  he  do? 

If  he  attempted  to  cross  the  open  space  he  would  in- 
fallibly be  seen. 

If  lie  attempted  to  enter  the  plantation  how  was  he  to 
avoid  being  seen  by  those  who  were  searching  for  him 
so  busily  ? 
He  had  but  one  resource. 
That  was  to  enter  the  pool. 

Naturally  enough,  he  shrunk  from  the  discomfort  this 
would  cause,  but  in  a  short  time  it  became  an  absolute 
necessity. 

He  could  now  almost  detect  the  very  words  spoken  by 
the  searchers ;  and  what  was  more,  every  moment  that 
elapsed  brought  them  nearer  and  nearer  to  hira. 
He  hesitated  till  he  could  hesitate  no  longer. 
Gently  and  slowly  he  waded  in  until  breast  high. 
Then  struck  out  towards  the  centre  of  the  pool. 
Great  as  was  his  caution,  he  could  not  bo  altogether 
noiseless,  and  the  faint  splash  he  made  reached  the  ears 
of  the  officers. 

Their  attention  being  attracted,  they  one  and  all  set  up 
a  cry,  and  hastened  to  the  water's  edge. 

'   What  ia  it — what  is  it?"  asked  the  baronet,  eagerly, 
but  in  a  tone  of  voice   which  showed   that  he  was   fart 
getting  tired  of  his  night's  sport.     "  I  heard  nothing." 
"  1  heard  a  splash,"  said  one. 

"  And  I — and  I " 

"What  was  it?" 

"  That  we  don't  know  :  we  have  come  to  see." 
"You  must  have    fancied  it.      .The   water  is  calm 
enough." 

Such  was  the  case. 

At  the  ursi  alarm  Lick  nad  draVB  hi*  kead  *edai  water 
and  made  his  way  towards  the  bush  ot  rushes  tie*.  bL  to 
him. 

There  he  ventured  to  rise  and  breathe, 
"  What's  that  yonder  ?"  he  heard  some  one  say. 
"  There — there.    Is  it  a  man's  head  ?" 
"  No — no  ;  it  is  too  still." 
"  I  saw  it  move." 
"Fire  at  it,  then  !" 
An  explosion  instantly  followed 

The  rushes  shook  slightly  as  tha  weil-airaed  ballet  cut 
through  them. 


VMi 


KL*£&    BESS;    OR, 


But  do  thing  else  followed. 

Sick,  who  had  again  drawn  his  head  under  water,  was 
unhurt 

He  lifted  it  again  instantly,  convinced  that  that  danger 
was  over,  and  that  the  rushes  would  in  the  dim  moonlight 
prevent  his  head  from  being  observed. 

"There  is  nothing  here,"  said  the  baronet;  "anvone 
i  fan  see  that." 

Yet  the  officers  lingered,  for  they  wes*  by  no  h,.  aus 
satisfied. 

But  as  moment  after  moment  elapsed  without  the 
slightest  movement  being  perceptible  upon  the  surface  of 
the  water,  their  doubts  vanished,  and  they  withdrew. 

Dick  heard  them  for  some  time  calling  to  each  other 
and  crashing  amongst  the  bushes,  but  after  a  time  all 
these  sounds  faded  away,  and  entire  silence  succeeded. 

When  this  was  the  case,  Dick  cautiously  made  his  way 
to  the  shore,  for  he  was  by  no  means  certain  that  the 
officers  had  not  left  one  of  their  number  on  the  watch. 

On  reaching  the  bank,  he  prepared  himself  for  any 
oudden  attack  that  might  be  made  upon  him. 

But  nothing  moved. 

The  silence  seemed  to  deepen. 

Hastily  plunging  among  those  trees  which  his  enemies 
had  so  closely  searched  just  before,  he  shook  the  water 
from  his  apparel. 

His  teeth  chattered  and  he  shook  from  head  to  foot,  for 
the  long  immersion  in  the  water  had  almost  frozen  his 
blood. 

"I  must  move  about  till  I  am  warm,"  he  said  ;  "to  sit 
still  thus  would  be  the  death  of  me,  and  if  I  lighted  a 
are  I  should,  at  once  betray  myself  to  those  who  are  so 
eagerly  searching  for  me." 

No  words  can  describe  the  unutterable  discomfort  he 
new  endured,  and  it  required  him  to  call  up  all  that  reso- 
lution and  stoutness  of  heart  of  which  he  possessed  so 
abundant  a  share  to  prevent  himself  from  falling  at  once 
into  the  deepest  depths  of  despair. 

But  his  resolution  and  active  movements  quickly 
caused  a  glow  to  overspread  his  whole  form ;  and  when 
this  took  place  his  heart  grew  lighter  and  his  former  feel- 
ings returned. 

Had  it  not  been,  however,  for  the  unabated  longing  he 
experienced  to  re-visit  once  more  his  dear  Maud's  last 
resting-place  he  would  never  have  troubled  himself  to 
retain  an  existence  that  for  him  was  full  of  nothing  save 
pain. 

This  object  being  in  view,  endowed  him  with  the 
vigour  of  body  and  mind  that  enabled  him  to  triumph 
over  all  his  difficulties. 

At  length,  not  without  some  trouble,  the  hollow  tree 
was  found. 

In  his  present  forlorn  state  even  this  looked  to  htm 
like  a  friend,  and  ho  hailed  its  appearance  with  keen 
delight. 

"I  shall  baffle  them  yet,"  he  said.  " Despite  all  their 
efforts,  1  shall  triumph  over  them !  That  is  a  satisfaction 
to  obtain  which  is  worth  enduring  a  few  disagreeables.  I 
fancy  now  I  shall  be  safe  for  a  time,  and  »7  next  act 
shall  be  to  perform  the-iast  service  I  shall  *nw  be  able  to 
render  my  poor  Black  Bess." 

Ke  mounted  the  tree  as  he  spoke,  aafi  «iseouced  him- 
self in  the  hollow  portion  of  it  is  the  way  he  had  pre- 
viously done. 

With  what  patience  he  could  fce  prepared  kimssii  to 
wait  till  the  time  came  he  had  appointed  for  attempting 
his  design. 

When  morning  came  he  partook  frugally  of  the  food 
he  carried  with  him,  for  he  knew  not  how  long  a  time 
mipht  elapse  before  he  was  able  to  obtain  more. 

•ast  so  much  as  was  necessary  to  appease  his  hunger 
ho  partook  of,  but  no  more. 

Sad  indeed  were  his  reflections  while  in  thi*  solitary 
situation. 

Ho  looked  back  »B©n  the  past — upon  the  time  when  ae 
had  the  comfo**.  of  the  association  of  faithful  oomra^a 
who  were  now  nc  more. 

He  thought  of  Maud,  too,  until  the  aching  of  his  heart 
was  so  great  and  so  unendurable  that  it  seemed  as 
ihough  his  heart  would  breas. 

"  All  is  over,"  he  murmured,  sadly — "  all  is  over  now. 
The  old  times  will  never  come  back  again.  I  am  alone 
si>4  desolate.  And  why  should  I  take  so  much  pains  to 
preserve  my  life  now  that  existence  is  to  ma  so  insupport- 


able a  burden.     Heaven  help  me !"  be  ejaculate — *  1  ias 
miserable  indeed !" 

He  shivered  as  he  spoke,  for  the  morning  was  a  very 
cold  one,  and  he  had  never  thoroughly  recovered  f vom 
the  effects  of  his  immersion. 

After  some  hesitation,  he  descended  from  the  tree  »a4 
moved  rapidly  about. 

In  this  way  he  succeeded  in  restoring  the  circulation  of 
his  blood,  and  feeling  once  more  returned  to  his  numbed 
extremities. 

With  what  joy  he  hailed  the  rising  sun  need  not  be 
told  ;  and  though  the  season  was  too  far  advanced  for  hia 
beams  to  give  forth  much  warmth,  yet  they  had  * 
wonderful  revivifying  influence  upon  the  highway- 
man. 

In  his  utterly  forlorn  condition  even  the  sun  looked 
like  a  friend.  ^ 

The  day  wore  on, 

Dick  had  no  other  way  of  passing  the  time  sava  by 
pacing  up  and  down  like  a  sentinel. 

Suddenly,  however,  he  stopped. 

His  caution  had  never  once  abated,  and  at  this  moment 
his  quick  ear  caught  a  sound  which  made  him  returu 
with  all  speed  to  his  hiding-place  in  the  old  tree. 

Hardly  had  he  settled  himself  when  he  heard  voices 
and  footsteps  close  at  hand. 

Whether  any  special  or  new  danger  was  thus  boded  be 
knew  not,  and  it  was  for  this  reason  that  he  raised  him 
self  so  as  to  be  able  to  get  a  view  of  what  might  be  about 
to  take  place. 

There  was  a  great  crashing  among  the  branches  and 
bushes  around,  and  then  Mr.  Skellum,  with  a  few  of  his 
men  and  several  of  the  baronet's  servants,  appeared. 

Slowly  and  silently,  Dick  sank  down. 

He  was  now  quite  content  to  listen  to  what  might  bs 
said  and  done. 

What  to  make  of  their  presence  about  that  spot  he 
knew  not ;  but  the  circumstance  was  most  suspicious. 

What  should  have  induced  them  to  return  there  ? 

Something  evidently. 

What  that  something  was  he  waited  patiently  in  the 
hope  of  hearing. 

The  first  words  that  reached  him  were  these  : 

"  I  knew  I  was  right,"  said  some  one,  whose  voice  was 
quite  unfamiliar  to  him.  "I  was  certain  I  saw  some- 
thing move  on  the  water." 

"  Well,  the  bullet  produced  no  effect  upon  it,  did  it  ?" 

"No,  that's  true  enough;  but  still,  if  we  bad  looked  * 
little  closer  we  should  have  found  him." 

"  I  don't  dispute  that,  for  there  are  the  marks  in  the 
mud  at  the  side  which  show  that  somebody  got  out  of  the 
water  lately." 

"Never  mind  talking  about  that,"  said  Skellum, 
peevishly.  "  All  the  talking  in  the  world  won't  alter  ths 
case.  We  haven't  got  him,  and  all  we  can  do  is  to 
look  again." 

"  But  do  you  think  ho  is  here,  Mr.  Skellum  ?w 

"He  may  bo;  at  any  rate,  we  will  satisfy  ourselves 
upon  the  point." 

"  Well,  if  he  is  here,"  said  another  voice,  "  he  is  a 
bigger  fool  than  I  take  him  to  be.  I  know  if  I  was  in 
his  place  I  should  be  off  as  soon  as  I  found  the  oppor- 
tunity, and  the  coast  has  been  clear  quite  long  enough 
for  him." 

"  Never  mind,"  eaid  Skellum,  "  we  will  look.  H* 
may  be  in  hiding  still;  and  if  so,  we  shall  stand  a 
much  better  chance  of  discovering  him  now  than  ws 
should  at  night." 

Nobody  could  deny  tho  truth  of  this  proposition,  and 
without  further  delay  the  search  commouced. 

Dick  Turpin  felt  very  uneasy. 

He  knew  very  well  that  a  search  was  much  more 
likely  to  be  successful  if  carried  on  in  daylight 

What  he  had  overheard  enabled  him  to  understand 
perfectly  all  that  had  happened  ;  and  now  the  circum- 
stance was  brought  to  his  memory,  he  recollected  that  on 
emerging  from  the  pool  his  feet  had  sunk  rather  deeply 
in  the  margin  of  soft  black  mud  which  surrounded  the 
water. 

With  this  evidence  of  his  recent  presence  the  search 
would  be  keen  indeed,  and  he  was  by  no  means  certain 
but  that  he  had  left  such  a  track  behind  him  as  would 
enable  them  to  reach  his  hiding-place. 

This  uneasiness  he  had  to  bear  as  best  he  could,  for  he 


•tilTs    XNTUHT    OY    TflB    HOAVJ. 


1*15 


ID1C&  TUUKif   BVlTtKCJG   TliU   Wusi-1-.j 


m*  qui*©  powviriess  to  mate  ove»  the  slightest  alteratioi 
ia  the  state  of  affairs. 

His  sense  of  hearing  was  all  the  time  kept  upon  the 
fullest  stretch. 

Another  thing  which  troubled  him  was  the  possibility 
that  some  one  o:  other  of  the  baronet's  servants  might 
be  aware  that  a  cavity  existed  in  the  top  of  the  old  tree, 
and  if  so,  the  thought,  would  naturally  ooour  that  it 
would  form  aD  excellent  hiding-place.  . 

Another  source  of  anxiety  was  the  fear  that  in  their 
.^searches  the?  might  stumble  ov*r  the  remains  of  poor 
Black  Bess,  and  If  so,  there  would  be  aa  end  to  all  his 
hope,  of  placing  aw  beaeath  the  soil  la  some  unknown 

8PThe  mention  of  these  things  will  serve  to  makrt  the 
reader  sensible  of  the  amount  of  suspense  endured  by 
1/ick  while  listening  for  every  sound  that  might  be  w.ttted 
to  his  ears. 

vu.  244. — Black  Baas. 


But  ho  heard  nothing  of  a  decisive  character. 
Every  now  and  then  a  auddea  cry  would  make  ha 
heart  heat  at  a  rapid  rate. 

But  silence  would  again  follow,  and  ho  would  be  leU 
in  his  former  doubtful  expectation. 

That  a  very  strict  and  methodical  search  was  bemS 
made  there   could   be   no   doubt^   for    Mr    gkdlnm  wm 
I  anxious  to  satisfy  himself  beyond  all  doubt  that  Dick  vva. 
1     ->wh^re  in  Sir  Humphrey's  grounds. 

«Ls  for  Dick  himself,  he  felt  by  no  meaa  certain  ttatf 
^  had  not  left  such  marks  upon  tLe  sod,  while  pacing  v.v 
and  down  in  the  way  we  have  described,  as  would  levi  i» 
his  detection. 

More  than  once,  different  members   of  the  searching 
party  came  close  to  the  old  tree,  and  on  th  ■&>  occasion 
Dick  would  hold  his  breath. 
I      But  each  time  they  would  pa*s   on,  and  Pick  wviur 
i  breaihe  Again- 


Pbice  One  Halfpenny. 


19*6 


BUICS  BESB;    OK, 


At  last,  many  approaching  footsteps  could  be  heard, 
and  in  a  short  time  it  became  clear  that  the  open  space 
near  the  old  tree  had  been  appointed  as  a  rendezvous. 

"  Are  we  ati  here  ?"  cried  Skellum. 

"  Yes,  all." 

"Good!  We  have  satisfied  ourselves  that  he  is  no* 
here,  and  now  we  must  go  further  afield  to  find  hinv 
Follow  me !" 

So  saying,  he  turned  and  left  the  spot,  fa,lowed  close'y 
by  his  companions. 

Dick  could  scarcely  credit  the  extent  of  his  good  for- 
tune. 

Most  eagerly  did  he  listen  to  their  retreating  steps,  and 
when  all  sounds  had  died  away  he  murmured : 

"Safe — safe  once  more  !  My  enemies  are  baffled,  and 
while  they  are  busy  seeking  for  me  far  away  from  this 
spot  I  shall  be  able  to  accomplish  that  upon  which  I 
have  so  set  my  heart." 

The  search  in  the  little  wood  had  occupied  a  consider- 
able time,  for  already  that  duskiness  which  heralds  the 
approach  of  night   began  to  spread   itself  over  all  sur 
rounding  objects. 

"A  little  while,"  said  Turpin — "only  a  liftle  while,  and 
I  shall  be  able  to  leave  this  tree.  Then,  knowing  that 
the  officers  have  left,  it  will  surely  be  easy  enough  for  me 
to  obtain  a  pickaxe  and  a  spade.  Yes — yes,  I  can  see 
now  that  all  will  be  well." 

Slowly  the  minutes  passed,  as  they  always  do  to  those 
who  have  no  other  occupation  than  to  watch  tho  flight  of 
time. 

Deeper  and  deeper  grew  the  twilight,  nntil  at  length 
the  early  night  had  set  in. 

It  was,  more  strictly  speaking,  evening  ;  but  It  was 
dark,  and  darkness  was  what  the  hunted  highwayman 
wanted. 

"  They  have  gone,"  said  Turpin — "they  have  surely 
gone  by  this  time,  or  I  should  have  heard  something  long 
ere  this.  They  have  gone,  and  now  I  will  venture  to  de- 
scend. I  will  be  cautious  and  careful,  though — very — 
very  careful." 

On  attempting  to  move,  however,  he  found  that  his 
limbs  were  so  much  benumbed  that  he  had  the  utmost 
difficulty  in  drawing  himself  up  out  of  the  cavity. 

He  succeeded  after  many  trials,  and  then  for  some 
moments  lay  helpless  on  the  grass. 

What  au  easy  prey  he  would  then  have  been  to  any- 
one who  had  chanced  to  come  that  way,  for,  in  his  pre- 
sent state,  to  have  re-climbed  the  tree  would  have  been 
an  impossibility.    - 

By  degrees  he  recovered  his  lost  powers,  and  having 
done  so,  made  his  way  towards  the  Hall. 

Almost  at  every  6tep  he  felt  himself  better,  for  of 
course  the  cramped  feeling  caused  by  remaiuing  for  so 
long  in  one  awkward  position  wore  off  as  he  moved. 

Still  it  took  him  a  long  time  to  reach  the  spot  where  he 
had  formerly  stood  gazing  at  tho  residence  of  Sir 
Humphrey  Yeomans. 

Still  availing  himself  of  the  cover  which  the  trees 
afforded  him,  he  crept  on  nearer  aud  nearer  still. 

At  last  he  came  to  a  6tout  he-dge  which  formed  the 
boundary  of  a  small  paddock,  beyond  which  was  an 
orchard  "that  was  contiguous  to  a  garden  and  some  out- 
buildings. 

This,  then,  was  the  point  he  wished  to  gain. 

Unfortunately  for  him,  the  further  the  night  advanced 
the  lighter  it  became,  for  the  moon  was  climbing  the 
eastern  sky,  and  her  beams  were  so  bright  that  distaut 
objects  could  be  distinguished  with  ease,  whereas,  just  at 
the  closo  of  the  day,  before  she  rose,  the  obscurity  was 
ten  times  as  great. 

A  careful  observation,  however,  convinced  Dick  Turpin 
that  no  one  was  near  enough  to  observe  his  movements, 
and  so,  by  the  aid  of  the  branch  of  a  tree,  he  swung  him- 
self over  the  hedge,  along  the  side  of  which  he  crept 
nntil  the  orchard  wall  was  gained. 

Here  once  more  he  paused,  but  finding  all  was  still, 
he  was  emboldened  to  surmount  this  obstacle  au  well. 

He  dropped  down  quickly,  and  was  pleasfcd  to  find 
that  the  fruit  trees  grew  closely  enough  to  each  other  to 
afford  him  excellent  cover  in  his  progress. 

By  the  time  the  orchard  was  crossed  he  found  himself 
very  near  to  the  hall  indeed — so  close  that  it  required 
him  to  double  the  caution  he  had  already  used. 

Looking  into  the  garden,  he  saw  that  it  was  <  f  con- 


siderable extent,  but  now,  owing  to  the  time  of  year,  0 
looked  little  eke  than  an  open  piece  of  ground. 

In  one  comei  was  what  seemed  to  be  a  summer-houw  ; 
but  whether  it  really  was  so,  or  wheMier  it  was  merely  a 
piaee  erested  for  keeping  tools  and  such-like  matters,  he 
could  not  from  his  present  position  ascertain. 

Emboldened  by  the  continued  silence  wLich  prevailed, 
he  at  length  crouched  down  and  ran  towards  it. 

Oa  arriving,  he  was  disappointed  to  find  that  his  first 
conjecture  was  correct.       > 

It  was  a  summer-house,  and  a  ha*fy  St-arch  convinced 
him  that  it  contained  nothing  that  would  be  of  the  least 
service. 

For  one  thing,  however,  it  provided  him  with  a  shelter 
— a  place  where  he  could  stand  aud  reconnoitre  without 
much  fear  of  being  seen. 

But  it  would  appear  as  though  all  the  people  belonging 
to  the  Hall  were  within  doors. 

"  I  must  get  towards  those  outbuildings  yonder, " 
Dick  muttered  at  length.  "They  are  the  stables  doubt- 
less, and  there  I  may  make  sure  of  getting  what  I  waut ; 
besides,  when  once  among  the  buildings  I  shall  be  able  to 
keep  myself  concealed." 

In  another  moment  his  resolution  was  taken. 

As  before,  he  made  a  hasty  rush  across  and  then 
stopped. 

He  was  now  at  the  gable  end  of  what  he  took  to  be  a 
stable,  and  before  making  his  way  to  either  side  it  was 
necessary  for  him  to  be  careful. 

Just  as  he  was  in  the  act  of  peeping  round  the  angle  of 
the  brickwork  he  was  startled  by  heariug  many  voices, 
and  on  the  instant  Mr.  Skellum  and  his  entire  party  of 
officers  came  in  sight. 

Their  appearance  at  this  juncture,  when  they  were  so 
totally  unexpected,  deprived  Dick  of  all  power  of  rno- 
tioa 

He  had  felt  so  convinced  that  they  had  all  quitted  the 
vicinity  that  he  could  scarcely  believe  the  evidence  of 
his  own  eyes. 

There  they  were,  however,  though  for  what  purpose 
he  could  not  pretend  to  guess. 

They  were  advancing,  too,  directly  towards  the  spot  on 
which  Dick  stood. 

What  was  to  be  done  ? 

Drawing  back  as  he  asked  himself  this  (juestica,  thd 
fugitive  gave  one  hasty  glance  around. 

As  be  did  so,  he  gave  himself  up  for  lost. 

Concealment  and  escape  were  equally  impossible. 

He  had  do  other  protection  than  the  end  of  the 
stable. 

There  was  the  summer-house  he  had  just  quitted,  it  is 
true  ;  but  its  position  was  such  that  he  was  sure  he  could 
not  reach  it  without  beiug  seen. 

A  cold  perspiration  bedewed  his  forehead,  and  between 
his  parched  lips  he  whispered : 

"  All  is  over  now  !" 

Aud  yet  while  he  made  this  despairing  speech,  his 
eyes,  eager  and  restless,  as  those  of  a  beast  of  prey, 
settled  upon  an  object  which  in  a  second  revived  his  ex- 
tinct hopes. 

This  was  a  massive  wooden  frame  supporting  a  wind- 
lass. 

"The  well,"  gasped  Dick — "the  well!  Surely  I  can 
hide  there !" 

While  uttering  the  words  he  rushed  forward. 

His  hand  rested  a  moment  on  the  wooden  rolisr  round 
which  the  rope  was  coiled. 

"  How  deep  is  it?"  he  asked. 

The  question  was  a  vain  one,  for,  looking  down,  no- 
thing but  absolute  darkness  could  be  beheld. 

Nor  was  there  time  for  consideration. 

Unless  his  movements  were  characterised  by  the  vlU 
most  rapidity,  he  would  be  seen — it  would  be  too  late. 

It  was,  therefore,  with  a  feeling  of  recklessness  that 
he  seized  the  rope  and  slipped  down  it  with  the  agility  oi 
a  sailor. 


CHAPTER  MCIX 

tUCK    "ST^TUf   FINDS    THK  GARDEN  WELL     IO    Eli  HOS1 
UNPLEASANT  ABIDING   PLACE 

So  short  a  space  of  time  elapsed  from  the  moment  wheo 
Dick  Turpin  first  caught  sight  of  the  police  officers  nntil  ha 
made  his  rapid  descent  Into  the  well  that  a  mere  special** 


THS    H1IGBT   OF   THE    ROAD. 


IU1 


would  bare  been  under  the  impression  that,  so  far  from  j  bility  that  it  would  strike  Dick's  head  before  it  reached 


having  hesitated,  his  mind  had  been  made  up  some  time 
previously  as  to  what  he  should  do  in  such  a  oentlu- 
gency. 

Dick  had  seized  the  rope  very  hastily,  and  in  his  excite- 
ment failed  to  notice  that  a  few  coils  still  encircled  the 
barrel  of  the  windlass,  the  cousequence  of  which  was  that 
be  descended  with  much  greater  rapidity  than  he  Ltd  in- 
tended or 'than  was  at  all  pleasant. 

When  the  end  of  ti.e  rope  was  reached  such  a  stwdijn 
jerk  ensued  as  almost  to  deprive  him  of  his  grasp. 

But  the  shock  over,  he  continued  to  slip  down  until  his 
feet  reached  the  surface  ot  the  water,  and  ttien  lie  paused. 

Tho  well  was  of  considerable  depth,  and  on  looking  up 
Dick  could  only  just  distinguish  a  small  circular  aperture 
over  which  the  bluo  night  sky  seemed  stretched. 

He  remained  a  little  while  listening  with  great  intent- 
ness  and  anxiety,  for  the  rapid  revolution  of  the  windlass 
consequent  upon  his  descent  had  not  taken  place  without 
a  rumbling,  rattling  noise  which  could  scarcely  fail  to 
reach  the  ears  of  the  officers,  and  necessarily  attract  their 
notice. 

But  Dick  found  it  was  most  fatiguing  to  hang  ail  his 
weight  upon  his  arms,  and  wondered  what  the  depth  of 
water  might  be. 

This  was  a  serious  matter,  for  even  if  he  should  have 
the  power  to  hang  by  his  arms  until  the  danger  should 
be  overpast,  his  muscles  would  be  too  exhausted  to  enable 
him  to  climb  the  rope  again. 

He  slipped  down  a  few  inches,  and  then  his  feet  en- 
countered something  which  he  made  out  to  be  the  top  of 
the  large  wooden  bucket. 

On  this  he  was  able  to  stand  easily  enough,  and  his  arms 
were  relieved  of  all  fatigue  save  the  slight  exertion  neces- 
sary to  enable  him  to  steady  himself. 

j't,  was  just  as  he  had  accomplished  this  much,  and  pre- 
pared to  listen  again,  that  he  heard  the  sound  of  voices. 

The  first  words  that  readied  his  ears  with  any  distinct- 
ness were  6poken  by  Mr.  Skellum. 

"But  what  the  devil  was  it?"  he  said,  very  petulantly. 
"It  must  have  been  something.     What  was  it  ?" 

No  one  appeared  able  to  give  any  reply  to  this  question, 
for  a  complete  silence  ensued. 

''It  sounded  to  me  like  the  rattle  of  this  old  windlass  ; 
but,  then,  who  could  have  touched  it?  There's  no  one 
about." 

"  That's  true  enough,  sir,  and  we  must  have  seen  'em 
if  there  was." 

"  Perhaps  it's  the  wind,"  said  another. 

Oh,  how  Dick  Turpin  thanked  him  for  this  suggestion, 
and  how  he  hoped  it  would  be  received  as  a  tolerably 
satisfactory  explanation  of  what  would  otherwise  be  a 
very  mysterious  and  suspicious  occurrence ! 

"  But  the  wind  does  not  blow  strong  enough,"  growled 
Skollum  ;   "  and  besides,  why  don't  it  rattle  uow  ?" 

This  was  another  unanswerable  question. 

The  officers  were  all  greatly  perplexed,  tliat  is  quite 
evident,  and  but  for  the  conviction  they  all  had  that  Dick 
had  got  far  enough  away  by  this  time  they  would  doubt- 
less have  attributed  the  sound  to  him. 

But  the  fact  of  bis  being  there  just  under  their  noses  was 
eo  very  improbable  that  they  never  once  thought  of  it. 

The  reason  was  that  they  knew  Dick  had  had  ample 
opportunities  of  getting  away  had  he  chosen  to  do  ao,  and 
they  could  not  think  ^hat  there  was  anything  to  induce 
him  to  prefer  remaining  there  in  the  very  heart  of  danger. 

u  It  looks  deep,"  said  Skellum;  and  by  the  difference  in 
the  6onnd  of  his  voice  the  highwayinau  fancied  that  he 
must  be  peeping  down  the  well.  "  I  wonder  what  is 
down  ?     Try  the  handle  and  see." 

After  hearing  these  words  Dick  had  just  time  to  let  go  of 
the  rope  and  step  quietly  into  the  water  and  that  was  all. 

Some  of  the  officers  immediately  began  to  wind  np. 

The  bucket  ascended  without  difficulty,  and  on  reaching 
the  top  was  found  to  be  full  of  water. 

This  did  not  help  to  clear  up  the  mystery  in  the  least. 

"  The  water  will  do  for  our  horses,"  said  one  of  the  party. 

Shall  we  have  any  more  ?" 

"  Yes,  in  a  moment." 

The  bucket  was  emptied  and  then  lowered. 

Dick  strained  his  eyes  in  the  hope  of  seeing  it  coming. 

Bat  in  vain. 

Every  now  and  then  it  would  go  with  a  sudden  bump 
fegfcinst  the  brickwork ;  and  there  was  considerable  proba- 


th*  surface  of  the  water,  and  if  so,  the  force  of  the  blow 
would  be  enough  to  deprive  him  of  consciousness. 

He  could  protect  himself  in  no  other  way  than  by  holdiDg 
his  hands  above  his  head,  and  it  was  well  for  him  that  he 
adopted  this  safeguard,  for  the  bottom  of  the  bucket 
struck  his  fingers  so  severe  a  blow  as  almost  to  wring  a 
faint  ejaculation  from  his  lips. 

The  bucket  was  again  drawn  up,  but  still  the  mystery 
was  as  far  from  being  solved  as  ever. 

"  I  wish  I  could  see  to  the  bottom,"  said  Skellum.  "  I 
feel  very  uneasy  and  dissatisfied  about  this  business." 

•Do  you  think  there  is  anybody  down  there,  Mr. 
Skellum?" 

"  I  don't  know  what  to  think.  It's  d — d  odd  there 
should  have  been  that  row." 

"  Let  us  fire  down.  It  can't  do  any  harm,  and  will 
settle  the  question." 

No  opposition  being  made  by  his  leader,  the  man  who 
made  this  proposition  pointed  his  pistol  down  the  well 
and  fired. 

Dick  guessed  some  such  steps  would  be  taken,  and 
wondered  what  he  should  do  in  the  event  of  it. 

He  could  only  think  of  one  thing,  and  that  seemed 
simple  enough. 

It  was  to  remain  standing  perfectly  still. 

He  had  presence  of  mind  enough  to  know  that  by  stand- 
ing with  his  back  pressed  closely  against  the  brickwork 
of  the  well  he  stood  inauy  chances  of  escape. 

No  slight  amount  of  nerve  was  requisite  for  this,  but 
Dick  was  never  deficient  of  that  quality. 

The  event  proved  that  ho  had  adopted  the  right 
course. 

The  bullet  fell  harmlessly  into  the  water,  leaving  him 
unhurt. 

The  explosion  taking  place  in  so  limited  a  space  had  a 
most  deafening  effect. 

The  officers  above  maintained  a  profound  silence  after 
the  discharge. 

No  doubt  they  were  listening  intently. 

No  sound,  however,  uprose  from  the  bottom  of  the 
well. 

"  There's  nothing  there,"  said  the  man  who  had  fired. 

"So  it  seems,"  assented  Skellum,  though  by  the  way 
he  spoke  it  seemed  tolerably  clear  that  he  came  reluct- 
antly to  the  conclusion.  "Gome  on.  It  is  waste  of  time 
to  stay  here.  We  ought  to  have  been  off  long  ago.  I 
wish  I  knew  what  had  caused  the  sound,  though." 

The  officers  had  only  their  suspicions  that  it  might 
have  been  the  rattling  of  the  windlass  that  they  heard. 

Had  they  been  sure  of  it,  unquestionably  they  would 
not  have  departed  until  they  had  made  a  much  closer 
investigation. 

The  sound  of  their  retreating  footsteps  next  reached 
Dick's  ears. 

But  the  highwayman  now  found  himself  in  a  fresh 
dilemma,  and  one  which  seemed  to  be  of  as  serious  a 
character  as  any. 

When  the  officers  had  drawn  up  the  second  quantity  of 
vwter  they  had  omitted  to  lower  the  bucket  again. 

It  now  stood  just  on  the  brink  of  the  well,  and  the  rope 
was  coiled  up  on  the  windlass. 

Dick  was  a  prisoner. 

A  prisoner,  too,  under  the  m06t  uncomfortable  of  cir- 
cumstances. 

Standing  at  the  bottom  of  a  deep  well,  nearly  up  to  hia 
thi°-hs  in  water,  that  was  so  cold  as  to  seem  within  less  than 
a  degree  of  freezing  point,  and  with  hardly  any  hope  of 
getting  out  unseen. 

What  could  be  done? 

It  might  be  that  water  <  as  rarely  fetched  from  tha* 
source,  as  the  labour  of  dra'/icg  up  the  bucket  must  have 
beeu  considerable. 

Then,  suppling  that  water  waa  drawn,  the  bucket 
might  bo  wound  up  a  hundred  times  and  not  left  empty 
at  the  bottom  once.  . 

It  was  not  even  there  when  Dick  descended. 
I     fle  grew  fearfully  anxious. 

His  limbs  were  getting  numbed,  but  b«  'ould  d<5  Bothing 
to  prevent  it,  and  to  shout  aloud  for  succour  would  be  to 
set  a  seal  upon  his  own  destruction. 

Never  before  had  he  been  in  a  situation  of  so  uatru 
perplexity. 

Oh,  how  wistfully  did  he  gaze  up  to  the  circular  aper 


ft48 


BLACK    BBSS ;    OS, 


ture  above,  which  to  him  was  as  inaccessible  as  *he 
moon. 

Many  were  the  plans  ho  tried  to  raise  himself,  but  the 
smooth,  mosegrown  bricks  afforded  not  the  slightesl  Void 
for  either  hands  or  feet ;  and  after  many  vain  attempt,.  \e 
was  obliged  to  abandon  the  project  altogether. 

"  I  must  wait,"  he  said — l*  I  have  no  other  resource— 1 
must  wait.  I  must  call  up  to  my  aid  all  tho  patience  I 
possess,  and  make  a  virtue  of  necessity — I  must  wait — I 
must  wait." 

But  it  was  much  easier  to  come  to  this  determination 
than  to  carry  it  out ;  and  Dick  felt  that  never  before  Lad 
his  fortitude  been  put  to  so  severe  a  trial. 

The  intense  coldness  of  the  water  made  itself  felt  all 
over  him  from  head  to  foot. 

His  limbs  were  as  insensible  as  they  could  have  been 
had  they  been  severed  from  him. 

With  chattering  teeth,  he  murmured: 

"  Will  they  find  me  here  ?  Is  this  to  be  the  ignoble 
end  of  my  career — caught  here  underground,  like  a  rat  in 
a  hole  ?  That  would  be  a  triumph  for  my  enemies 
indeed.  And  yet  how  can  I  help  it?  Even  if  the  bucket 
was  now  at  the  bottom  my  paralysed  limbs  would  not 
allow  me  to  climb  ;  the  rope  would  be  quite  useless  to 
mo." 

He  was  silent  for  a  moment,  and  then,  in  tones  of 
greater  determination,  he  said  : 

"  I  can  at  least  save  myself  from  the  humiliation  of  fall- 
ing into  the  hands  of  my  foes.  I  can  die  here— that  will 
balfle  them." 

It  required,  however,  no  ordinary  amount  of  stoicism  to 
decide  upon  this  course  without  acting  upon  it ;  and 
though  Dick  6poke  the  words  we  have  recorded,  yet  he 
anxiously  and  restlessly  looked  around  and  moved  about 
in  the  hope  of  being  able  to  find  some  means  of  emerging. 

This  restlessness  had  at  least  one  good  effect — it  stimu- 
lated the  languid  circulation  of  his  blood  ;  but  so  far  from 
meeting  with  the  slightest  success,  the  unpleasant  truth 
was  more  and  more  forcibly  pressed  upon  him  that  escape 
was  wholly  and  utterly  impossible. 

Dick  had  thought  his  forced  sojourn  in  the  hollow  of 
the  old  tree  unendurable  enough,  yet  how  delightful  was 
it  when  contrasted  with  his  present  situation  ! 

And  all  the  time  he  kept  his  hearing  on  full  stretch, 
partly  because  he  fancied  that  the  officers  would  return, 
but  in  reality  still  more  so  in  the  hope  that  La  should 
hear  some  one  approaching  with  the  intention  of  drawing 
water  from  the  well. 

The  very  unlikelihood  of  any  person  coming  for  this 
purpose  at  such  a  late  hour  of  the  night  only  shows  how 
elight  a  thing  will  serve  as  a  hold  for  hope  to  seize  upon 
and  cling  to. 

But  minute  after  minute  elapsed  without  any  sound 
ocourring  to  break  the  intense  stillness. 

"  I  am  in  for  a  night  of  it  at  all  events,"  Dick  said  at 
length,  assuming  as  much  resignation  as  he  was  able. 
"For  how  much  longer,  who  can  tell  ?" 

The  conviction  that  there  was  no  chance  of  his  being 
able  to  escape  for  several  hours  to  come  made  him  cast 
about  for  some  means  by  which  he  could  render  his  posi- 
tion a  little  less  uncomfortable  than  it  was. 

This,  as  may  be  easily  imagined,  was  no  easy  matter, 
especially  when  we  remember  the  benumbed  condition  of 
his  limbs. 

Nevertheless,  after  many  fruitless  efforts,  he  contrived 
to  draw  himself  up  in  such  a  way  that  he  supported  him- 
self above  the  surface  of  the  water. 

He  did  this  by  pressing  his  feet  tightly  against  one 
side  and  his  baok  against  the  other. 

Such  a  position  as  this,  however,  was  fatiguing  to  the 
last  degree,  still  it  was  preferable  to  remaining  in  the 
water.  •* 

Thus  the  time  passed  till  morning  came. 

Looking  up,  Dick  could  see  the  change  gradually 
taking  place  in  the  colour  of  the  little  bit  of  sky  visible 
to  him,  until  at  length  it  was  fairly  daylight. 

And  when  this  time  arrived  he  seemed  as  far  off  escape 
as  ever,  for  the  silence  gave  no  signs  of  being  broken. 

He  was  now  in  a  most  commiserable  state,  and  seem- 
ingly all  but  deprived  of  the  use  of  his  limbs. 

His  long  listening,  though,  was  at  length  rewarded 

Footsteps  first  of  all  became  audible. 

Then  voices. 

Were  the  speakers  coming  to  the  well  ? 


That  was  the  question  which  Diok  asked  himself  with 
feverish  anxiousness.  -* 

His  suspense  was  not  destined  to  be  of  long  dura- 
tion. 

Nearer  and  nearer  they  came,  until  they  paused  at  tho 
top. 

By  the  sound  of  th6  voices.,  Diok  could  tell  that  they 
were  two  men. 

"  Now,  then — look  sharp  t*  said  one.  "  Down  with 
the  bucket  I" 

A  clattering  sound  immediately  followed,  and  the 
bucket  was  lowered  into  tho  welL 

Dick  fixed  his  eyes  upon  it  anxiously. 

Would  these  men,  after  having  drawn  the  water  they 
required,  lower  the  bucket  into  the  well  again  ? 

They  might  do  so,  but  there  were  60  many  chances 
that  they  would  not,  that  t>efore  the  bucket  had  accom- 
plished half  the  descent  Dick  had  determined  not  to  run 
the  risk. 

"No,  no!"  ho  muttered.  "I  have  stayed  here  long 
enough.  At  all  ventures,  I  must  be  off.  The  police 
officers  I  have  little  doubt  are  far  enough  off  by  this, 
and  I  can  easily  show  myself  more  than  a  match  for 
these  two  fellows,  even  if  they  should  try  to  molest  me. 
which  is  more  than  doubtful." 

J  ust  as  he  pronounced  the  last  words  the  bucket  reached 
the  water. 

As  quickly  as  his  stiffened  joints  would  permit,  Dick 
seized  the  rope,  placed  his  feet  on  the  edge  of  the  bucket, 
and  waited  to  be  drawn  up. 

So  much  horror  had  he  of  any  longer  continuance 
there  that  it  is  open  to  question  whether  he  would  not 
have  made  the  ascent  even  had  he  been  certain  that  his 
resolute  foe,  Mr.  Skellum,  was  at  the  top  waiting  for 
him. 

"  This  bucket  seems  a  devil  of  a  weight  this  morning, 
Bill!"  were  the  next  words  that  reached  Dick's  ears. 
"  What  is  the  meaning  of  it?" 

"  Oh,  pull  away — I  can  feel  no  difference." 

The  dismal  creaking  of  the  windlass  followed,  and  iXck 
Turpin  comprehended  that  there  was  a  man  at  either  side 
winding  up,  for  the  windlass  was  furnished  with  two 
handles. 

The  strain  was,  of  course,  very  considerable,  and  much 
greater  than  it  was  under  ordinary  circumstances. 

Yet  they  tugged  away  with  hearty  goodwill. 

"  I'll  be  d — d !"  said  the  one  who  had  spoken  first  on 
the  former  occasion — "  I'll  be  d — d  if  there  is  not  some- 
thing in  the  bucket !    Just  you  look  and  see." 

"  Oh,  go  on !  If  there  is  we  shall  know  when  it  gets  to 
the  top,  and  that  will  be  soon  enough." 

While  the  men  stood  turning  the  handles,  it  was  im- 
possible for  them  to  see  down  into  the  well. 

But  the  second  one  began  to  realise  at  last  how  much 
greater  the  weight  was  that  morning  than  it  was  ordi- 
narily. 

"  It  gets  heavier  and  heavier,"  he  caid.  '  What  is 
it?" 

"  Wait  till  it  gets  to  the  top,"  cried  the  other,  as  though 
glad  of  this  chance  of  retaliation. 

But  all  the  rope  was  now  almost  wound  up. 

Creak — creak  went  the  clumsy  wooden  frame,  as  though 
protesting  against  being  called  upon  to  sustain  so  great  a 
weight. 

Suddenly,  one  of  them,  turning  aside,  caught  sight  of 
Dick's  head  and  shoulders. 

The  suddenness  with  which  he  caught  sight  of  this  un- 
expected apparition  terrified  him  to  6uch  a  degree  that  he 
lost  all  command  over  himself. 

Uttering  the  most  hideous  yell  which  it  is  possible  to 
c&aceive  as  coming  from  any  human  throat,  he  let  go  of 
the  handle. 

His  companion,  startled  at  the  sound,  turned  his  head. 

j\t  the  same  time  he  was  not  prepared  for  bearing  all  the 
weight  himself,  and  without  knowing  precisely  how  it-  °*- 
currsd,  the  handle  slipped  out  of  his  hand  also. 

Some  very  remarkable  events  ensued  in  consequence. 

They  took  place,  as  one  may  say,  simultaneously,  and 
the  space  of  time  altogether  occupied  by  them  certainly 
did  not  exceed  a  couple  of  seconds  at  the  very  most. 

But  we  must  describe  them  separately,  and  to  do  so  will 
occupy  several  lines. 

In  the  first  place,  then,  the  man  who  had  first  let  go  ei 
tho  windlass  handle  received  a  sudden  blow  on  the  bridge 


Tint  KNlv^TJT  0»  TUB  fcOAD. 


IM? 


of  hi*  Dose,  and  so  great  was  the  force  of  it  tbat  it  sent 
fcini  fiying  backwards,  as  though  shot. 

The  other,  who  had  the  handle  suatohed  from  his  grasp 
by  the  unexpected  strain,  received  a  tremendous  blow 
under  the  chin,  which  caused  him  to  give  <e&Bt  to  /»  *oud 
scream  of  agony,  and  fall  back  also. 

These  two  blows  were  delivere&^by  the  stout  iron 
handles  of  the  windlass,  and  the  force  of  them  may  be 
gathered  from  the  fact  that  it  was  Dick's  weight  added  to 
that  of  the  bucket  of  water  which  caused  them  to  re- 
volve. 

They  went  round  with  the  rapidity  of  lightning,  and  it 
would  have  been  quite  impossible  to  avoid  the  blows. 

As  for  Dick  Turpin,  he  achieved  the  descent  of  the 
well  in  a  much  less  space  of  time  than  it  had  taken  him 
on  the  previous  occasion. 

The  lower  he  went  of  course  the  greater  was  his  spend, 
and  he  reached  the  bottom  with  such  a  sudden  shock  that 
for  the  moment  all  his  breath  was  shaken  out  of  him. 

"D — n  the  fools!"  he  cried,  wrathfully,  as  soon  as  he 
could  recover  the  use  of  his  voice. 

But  he  became  immediately  conscious  that  he  had 
6poken  with  imprudent  loudness,  and  he  became  silent  ac- 
cordingly. 

A  succession  of  most  dismal  groans  then  reached  his  ears. 

The  two  men  were  both  severely  hurt. 

After  a  minute  or  two,  however,  they  both  contrived  to 
rise  to  their  feet. 

The  one  then  cursed  the  other  most  soundly  for  being 
6uch  a  fool  as  to  let  go,  and  then,  groaning  again,  they  re- 
tired, probably  to  seek  the  hall  to  obtain  some  attention 
to  their  hurls. 

"Now  is  my  time,  or  never,"  6aid  Dick,  with  resolu- 
tion. "If  lam  quick,  all  will  be  well.  But  when  they 
get  to  the  kitchen  they  will  have  suoh  a  tale  to  tell  about 
what  tuey  cave  seen  in  the  well,  that  all  the  inmates  of 
the  place  will  be  brought  here  by  curiosity ;  and  what 
would  become  of  me  then  ?" 

But  Diet  was  very  doubtful  as  to  whether  he  possessed 
the  amount  of  strength  requisite  to  enable  him  to  climb 
the  rope. 

Had  not  the  performance  of  this  feat  been  of  such  ex- 
treme importance,  it  is  quite  certain  that  he  would  never 
have  attempted  it. 

The  certainty  of  how  much  he  had  to  lose  if  he  failed 
enabled  him  to  make  wonderful  efforts. 

Little  by  little  he  ascended. 

He  had  to  rest  very  many  times ;  but  he  did  not  so 
much  regret  this,  because  he  was  conscious  that  each 
time  he  gained  new  strength. 

The  fact  was,  as  he  grew  warmer  by  the  exertion  he 
recovered  more  and  more  his  lost  powers. 

In  much  less  time  than  he  was  aware  of  the  top  was 
gained. 

Before  venturing  to  emerge  he  raised  his  head  just  a 
very  little  above  the  brickwork,  and  looked  carefully 
around. 

Satisfied  by  one  glance  that  the  coast  was  clear,  he, 
with  all  the  quickness  of  which  he  was  capable,  stepped 
out  and  made  a  rash  towards  the  building  in  order  to 
conceal  himself. 

He  was  only  just  in  time,  for  from  another  direction  to 
that  which,  most  fortunately  for  himself,  he  had  taken, 
Kir  Humphrey  Yeomans  and  a  whole  army  of  his  servants 
appeared 

As  may  be  supposed,  they  were  all  in  a  state  of  tre- 
mendous excitement,  while  the  baronet  himself  seemed 
to  be  makiDg  frantic  but  ineffectual  attempts  to  receive 
something  like  a  lucid  explanation  of  what  had  oc- 
curred. 

The  man  who  had  been  struck  under  the  jaw  had  re- 
ceived so  much  injury  that  his  neck  ana  jaws  had 
already  swelled  to  more  than  treble  their  usual  size. 

In  consequence  of  this  he  could  only  make  an  extra- 
ordinary inarticulate  sound,  which  just  enabled  his  hearers 
to  6urmise  that  he  had  seen  something  very  dreadful 
indeed,  and  no  more. 

As  for  the  other,  his  eyes  had  swelled  up  to  snen  a 
degree  that  vision  to  him  was  as  much  an  impossibility 
as  speech  was  to  his  companion. 

He  was  led  by  two  of  his  fellow-servant*. 

"  It's  the  devil,  your  worship !"  ne  kept  bawling  at  the 
lop  of  his  voice.  "  The  devil  is  down  the  weU  i  I  j»m 
•ertain  of  it,  because  I  seed  him!  " 


Tkf*  alone  would  h«  say. 

All  attempts  to  obtain  any  more  detailed  account  were 
fruitless. 

In  vain,  also,  was  it  to  endeavour  to  stop  his 
clamour. 

Dick  waited  to  observe  no  more,  but  withdrew,  in 
order  to  seize  upon  the  present  opportunity  of  coaeealing 
himself. 

The  chance  was  such  a  one  as  would  not  occur 
again. 

But  Dick  was  not  a  little  perplexed  when  he  tried  to 
decide  which  would  be  the  best  course  of  action  for  him 
to  adopt. 

He  wanted  to  get  away  from  the  Hall  altogether,  and 
yet  not  unless  he  could  take  with  him  the  tools  which  he 
came  pur.posely  to  fetch. 

And  then  it  was  broad  daylight — a  most  unfavourable 
time  for  him  to  think  of  setting  about  his  task  of  digging 
a  grave  for  his  mare. 

"  No,"  he  said,  "  I  must  hide  myself  somewhere  here 
till  nightfall,  and  then  beyond  a  doubt  I  shall  be  able  to 
carry  out  my  intention.  But  it  must  be  no  ordinary 
place  of  concealment,  for,  ten  to  one,  suspicion  will  point 
to  me  as  being  the  person  hidden  in  the  well,  and  the. 
cause  of  so  much  alarm.  Where,  then,  can  I  bestow 
myself  ?,r 

The  building  which  afforded  Dick  this  temporary 
shelter  consisted  of  some  outoffiees  connected  with  the 
Hall. 

The  fugitive  looked  keenly  at  the  noble  dwelling. 

"  That  is  the  place,"  he  said,  nodding  his  head.  *'  In 
there  surely  there  are  chambers  never  used  and  rarely 
looked  into ;  and,  such  being  the  case,  cannot  I  find  some 
nook  or  corner  where  I  can  remain  unseen  for  a  few 
hours  ?  Yes,  that  will  be  the  place.  I  fancy  they  will 
scarcely  give  me  credit  for  being  bold  enough  to  hide  in 
the  very  Hall  itself." 

It  did  indeed  indicate  great  boldness  upon  Turpin 's 
part,  or  he  would  never  have  thought  of  such  a 
thing. 

But  his  mind  was  quite  made  up,  and  so,  without  any 
delay,  he  crept  along  the  walls  of  the  outbuildings  to 
one  particular  window  which  at  once  attracted  his 
attention. 

This  window  was  one  of  those  often  seen  in  country 
houses. 

It  opened  inwardly,  like  a  door,  thus  forming  a  ready 
means  of  access  to  the  lawn  and  flower  garden. 

It  now  also  formed  as  ready  a  means  for  Dick  to  obtain 
access  to  the  interior,  and  he  hastened  to  avail  himself  oi 
it. 

He  was  not  aware  of  the  circumstance,  but  the  reader 
may  as  well  be  told  that  this  window  communicated  with 
the  breakfast-room  where  Sir  Humphrey  had  been  sitting, 
just  about  to  commence  his  morning  meal,  when  the  un- 
paralleled uproar  in  the  kitchen  reached  him. 

He  had  opened  the  window  and  passed  through  it 
because  that  was  the  raadiest  mode  of  exit,  and  in  his 
hurry  he  forgot  to  dose  it. 

Little  did  he  think  that  the  next  person  that  would 
step  through  it  into  his  room  would  be  the  much-dr«ade<^ 
fugitive,  Dick  Turpin. 

CHAPTER  MC*. 

DICK    "TC^PIN     IS     CONCEALED    IN   A  WAKDROBE     BY     tH*  . 
DAUGHTER   OF  SIR    HUMPHREY   YEOMANS. 

Such,  however,  proved  to  be  the  case. 

A  moment's  inspection  satisfied  Dick  that  externally 
the  coast  was  clear,  and  internally  that  the  room  was  un- 
occupied. 

This  favourable  conjunction  of  circumstances  he  looked 
upon  as  an  augury  that  after  all  he  was  to  he  suc- 
cessful. 

The  interior  of  the  Hall  was  profoundly  still — so  stilt 
that  Dick  began  to  think  that  all  the  inmates  must,  with 
out  any  exception,  have  turned  out  to  see  what  was  the 
matter  *t  the  welL 

A  huge  wood  fire  was  burning  in  this  breakfast-room, 
diffusing  a  warmth  which  was  10  Dick  delightful  in  the 
extrem**. 

On  the  table,  too.  were  spread  substantial  delicacies,  th« 
bare  sight  of  which  forcibly  reminded  him  that  a  iong 
time  had  elapsed  since  he  had  eaten  anything. 


t360 


BLACK  BBSS  ;    OK, 


To  remove  auv  article  from  the  table  would  only  have 
been  to  make  his  prosonce  known,  and  this  enabled  him 
to  restrain  himself. 

On  a  kind  of  sideboard,  however,  were  seva  ul  beau- 
tiful cut-glass  decanters 

One  containing  brandy. 

No  sooner  did  Dick  perceive  this  than,  regardless  of  a'l 
consequences,  he  seized  upon  it,  put  the  neck  to  hia  lips, 
and  drauk  heartily. 

Then,  carefully  replacing  the  decanter  whore  he  had 
found  it,  he  prepared  himself  for  action,  being  f  ally  con- 
scions  that  he  had  lost  time  enough  already. 

"They  will  never  miss  that,"  he  said,  smacking  nis 
lips;  "and  if  they  do,  it  will  doubtless  be  set  down  to 
one  of  the  servants.  But  it  has  done  me  a  world  of 
good.  I  begin  to  feel  as  though  I  had  blood  in  my  veins 
now." 

While  making  this  reflection,  he  looked  well  around 
the  room. 

But  not  only  did  it  present  evident  traces  of  having 
recently  been  occupied,  but  it  held  out  no  chances  of  con- 
cealment whatever. 

Dick  opened  a  door  cautiously  and  peeped  out. 

Ho  discovered  that  it  communicated  with  tho  main 
entrance-hall  of  the  building. 

He  crossed  the  threshold  aud  closed  the  door. 

Then  he  advanced  slowly,  peering  everywhere,  until 
lie  was  startled  by  hearing  a  footstep  not  far  off. 

It  was  approaching. 

Where  was  he  to  go  ? 

Just  in  front  of  him  was  the  staircase,  and  up  this, 
after  a  brief  pause  of  consideration,  he  bounded,  two 
t^teps  at  the  time. 

lie  reached  the  angle  of  the  stairs  only  just  in  time, 
for  as  he  did  so  the  footstep  could  bo  heard  upon  the  flag- 
stones below. 

Who  it  might  be  Dick  did  not  venture  to  attempt  to 
ascertain. 

Indeed,  all  his  faculties  were  required  in  looking  about 
him,  for  he  could  not  tell  how  suddenly  some  door  or 
other  might  open  aud  cause  his  discovery. 

On  the  landing  above,  however,  the  silence  was  as 
great  as  it  could  have  been  in  any  uninhabited  dwell- 
ing. 

From  this  landing  several  dark  and  narrow  corridors 
branched  off,  apparently  forming  the  means  of  communi- 
cation between  the  various  rooms. 

Dick  chose  what  he  thought  was  the  darkest  and  nar- 
rowest passage  of  all,  and  darted  down  it  with  a  rapid 
step. 

There  was  no  need  to  tread  with  any  excess  of  caution, 
for  the  thick  carpet  with  which  the  floor  was  covered 
effectually  deadened  any  ordinary  sound. 

All  at  once,  however,  the  end  of  this  passage  was 
gained,  aud  Dick  Turpin  found  himself  standing  upon 
another  landing,  which  was  lighted  by  a  magnificent 
stained-glass  window,  and  as  the  sun  happened  to  be 
shining  upon  it,  its  appearance  was  very  beautiful 
indeed. 

His  admiration  prevented  him  from  noticing  so  soon  as 
he  should  have  done  the  opening  of  one  of  the  doors  near 
to  him. 

On  the  threshold  appeared  a  vision  of  loveliness  ten 
thousand  times  more  bewildering  than  the  stained-gla-ss 
window. 

She  was  tastefully  attired  in  a  light  morning  wrapper, 
and  was  about  to  cross  the  landing  when  she  caught 
sight  of  the  form  of  a  stranger. 

She  arrested  her  steps  at  once,  and  uttered  a  loud 
shriek,  then  suddenly  darted  towards  the  staircase. 

All  this  occurred  with  so  much  rapidity  that  Dick,  in 
spite  of  his  usual  self-possession,  was  not  a  little  bewil- 
dered. 

But  be  recovered  himself  sufficiently  to  spring  forward 
nnd  seize  the  young  girl. 

He  saw  that  she  was  about  to  scream  again,  and  so  he 
quickly,  and  yet  with  as  much  gentleness  as  possible, 
placed  his  hand  over  her  mouth. 

"  Unless  the  Hall  is  more  generally  deserted  th*a  t 
talte  it  to  be,"  he  muttered,  "that  shriek  will  discover 
me.  However,  I  will  take  care  not  to  throw  any  «harv.e 
•way." 

Ab  ho  pronounced  these  words  he  6tooped  a  little, 
lifted  the    young    girl    in   his  arms,   and,   despite    her 


struggles,  bore  her  rapidly  towards  the  door  from  which 
she  had  just  emerged. 

Having  done  so,  he  closed  it  with  his  foot,  and  then,  in 
as  calm  a  voice  as  he  was  able  to  command,  he  said  : 

"  I  ask  ten  thousand  pardons  for  my  rudeness,  lady,  bat 
what  1  did  has  only  been  done  from  dire  necessity  and 
in  self-defence.  Believe  me — pray  believe  me  when  1  say 
that  you  have  nothing  whatever  to  fear — no  ground  at  all 
lor  apprehension.  Not  for  worlds  would  I  do  you  the 
least  injury  ;  but  I  appeal  to  you  by  all  you  hold  sacred 
and  dear  to  be  silent,  aud  to  listen  to  what  I  have  to  say 
If  you  will  promise  this  I  will  release  you." 

Dick  spoke  rapidly,  but  nevertheless  his  words  were 
most  impressive. 

The  young  girl  looked  at  him  closely,  and  saw  an  ex- 
pression upon  his  face  which  made  her  resolve  to  trust 
him. 

Dick  could  read  her  thoughts  as  though  they  had  been 
written  before  him,  and  in  consequence  removed  his 
hand. 

"  I  promise,"  she  said,  faintly. 

But  she  was  calm  and  collected,  exhibiting  no  other 
sign  of  terror  than  that  her  gaze  was  fixed  and  stony- 
looking. 

"  It  is  well,"  said  Turpin.  "  My  life  now  is  in  your 
hands — I  trust  entirely  in  your  word.  I  do  so,  because  I 
know  that  1  can  do  so  safely." 

The  young  girl  did  not  reply,  but  gazed  at  Dick  as 
though  she  did  not  exactly  comprehend  the  actual  state  of 
affairs. 

It  was  then,  with  his  head  bent,  and  in  a  voice  whoso 
mournfulness  went  straight  to  her  heart,  that  Dick  said : 

"  Lady,  I  admit  that  in  the  course  of  my  life  I  have 
done  much  which  is  wrong — much  which  makes  me 
liable  to  the  last  penalty  of  the  law.  Do  not  shrink  from 
me — I  will  not  harm  you;  nor  have  I  ever  done  the  teasl 
harm  to  those  you  may  hold  dear.  Under  these  circum- 
stances I  ask  you  for  protection — I  ask  you  to  save  me." 

"  Save  you  ?"  6he  echoed,  more  and  more  surprised. 

"  Yes,  save  me  ;  for  if  you  do  not  conceal  me,  I  shall  be 
taken  and  afterwards  hanged.  You  draw  back  with  un- 
feigned horror — that  serves  to  strengthen  my  conviction 
that  ono  so  fair  and  gentle  as  you  are  would  not  even  by 
these  indirect  means  bring  about  my  death." 

"  Not  for  worlds— not  for  worlds  !" 

"  Heaven  bless  you,  lady,  for  that  assurance  1  I  knew 
ere  you  spoke  you  possessed  a  kiudly  heart." 

"  But  how  can  I  save  you  ?" 

"  Hush— oh,  hush  1" 

Both  became  silent,  and  listened. 

Tap — tap— tap! 

Some  one  was  knocking  gently  upon  the  panel  of  the 
door. 

"  Miss  Milly — Miss  Milly,"  said  a  voice,  "  was  that 
you  ?     Did  you  scream,  or  did  you  hear  some  one  ?" 

Dick  made  a  sign  which  signified  plainly  enough  that 
the  girl — no  doubt  the  lady's  own  waiting-maid — was  to 
be  answered  and  dismissed. 

"  Martha,  »s  that  you  ?" 

"  Yes,  miss.    Can  I  come  in  ?" 

"No — no,"  answered  Milly,  for  so  we  may  as  well  call 
her. 

There  was  no  fear  that  she  would  be  able  to  enter,  for 
at  the  first  intimation  of  danger,  Dick  had  glided  noise- 
lessly over  the  carpet  to  tho  door. 

"  But  did  you  scream,  miss  ?" 

"  Yes — yes." 

"  Oh  dear  !  what  is  the  matter  ?" 

"Nothing — nothing.  Leave  me  now.  I  will  come 
down  directly." 

"Very  well,  miss.  Only  I  thought  as  you  c^reamed 
you  must  have  been  frightened ;  aud  we  have  all  been 
terrified  to  death,  for  there  has  *jme  dreadful  thing  been 
seen  in  the  well.  Leastways,  something  norrible  jumped 
out  of  the  old  well  in  the  garden,  mis.s,  and  it  struck 
Ritson,  the  groom,  on  the  face  aud  blinded  him,  besides 
breaking  his  nose;  and  the  new  stable-boy,  he  struck 
him  on  the  mouth,  and  has  broken  his  jaw,  and  his  n<sck 
has  swelled  up  so  that  he  cannot  speak" 

This  information  was  poured  forth  with  that  glibnosa  of 
utterance  for  which  the  female  sex  is  remarkable. 

A  shade  of  alarm  came  over  the  young  girl's  face. 

It  would  have  been  much  more  serious  than  it  was  had 
she  not  noticed  that  Dick  received  the  intelligence  with  a 


1rtr±  {canaiSr 


•*    THB  ROAD. 


Irf»\ 


•BtftA,  which  seemed  to  say  that  the  report  was  owf  ge- 
rated,  and  that  he  knew  all  about  it. 

"  I  am  all  right,"  answered  Milly.     "  P.l«a*e  say  I  jusl2 
be  down  directly,  when  I  shall  bo  glad  to  hear  all'vbirjC 
this;  and  tell  papa  I  should  have  been  down  to  h/^k<wt 
earlier  only  my  head  ached  so  veiy  badly." 
"  Yes,  miss." 
The  girl  retired. 

Dick  advanced,  and,  bowing  low,  ho  said : 
"  Dear  lady,  you  have  now  given  an  assur  £  c-tf  your 
wish  and  your  intention  to  save  ine.  I  k  ,ew  that  the 
idea  of  handing  me  over  to  the  power  o*  my  enemies 
wonld  be  too  terrible  a  one*  for  you  to  ente'.tain.  You  will 
protect  me,  will  you  net? — you  will  s<ive  me,  will  you 
not?" 

The  young  girl  burst  o.»t  into  t  ,ars,  and  sank  down 
upon  a  chair  a  prey  to  the  deepe.-t    .nguish. 

This  was  something  for  which  Dick  was  hardly  pre- 
pared. 

Wondering  much  what  cou'  d   liave  called  forth  the3o 
expressions  of  grief,  he  stoor\  ^till   watching   her,  know- 
ing full  well  that  this  cours.j  would  be  the  best. 
At  length  he  6poke. 

"What  is  it  I  have    jone  ?"  he  asked — "what  unfor- 
tunate act  or  speech     ■  mine   has  been  the  cause  of  this 
great  grief  ?" 
"  Alas — alas  !" 

"Speak — »pea+  — pray  speak  !" 

"  What  hav©  1  done,"  she  murmured — "  what  have  I 
done  ?  WhK*  may  1  not  suffer  from  this  imprudence  ?  1 
have  had  yju  hero — here,  in  my  own  chamber,  and  have 
r;ot  denounced  your  presence  !  Should  you  now  be  seen, 
vrkiX  w*ill  become  of  me — what  will  be  said  ?" 

"^ou  are  right,  *"  answered  Dick,  touched  by  her  deep 
distress.  "  The  thought  never  once  occurred  to  me.  If 
i*  u^ri  y  vrould  nt.ver  have  compromised  you.  As  it  is,  1 
<*«Ji  tlnnk  you  deeply  and  sincerely,  and  rid  you  of  all 
rurther  peril." 

»\Viiat — oh,  what  would  you  do?"  she  added,  implor- 
ingly, perceiving  that  Dick  stepped  towards  the  door. 

"Do?"  he  iterated.  "Why,  relieve  you  of  my  pre- 
tence, and  so  put  an  end  to  your  embarrassment." 

'■iso,  no — ten  thousand  times  no!  I  will  never,  never 
ccuseut  to  that !  What  is  done  cannot  be  undone ;  but  it 
seems  it  still  lies  in  my  power  to  save  you." 

*  But  1  cannot  accept  even  my  life  at  the  price  of  your 
fair  fame.  No,  no.  Think  not  of  me  ;  I  am  net  worthy 
of  your  consideration." 

The  young  girt  wept  bitterly  still  ;  but  she  had  left  her 
chair,  and  now  stood  tearful,  pale,  and  trembling,  with 
her  back  to  the  room  door. 

"  Here,"  she  said,  "  you  will  be  safe ;  and  if  you  are  not 
seen  I  shall  lose  nothing,  while  you   have  everything   to 


gain,     it  was  selfish  and  wrong  of  me  to  be  so  ready  in    ing. 


while  he  spoke  to  a  huge  and  massive  piece  oi  su.a/$-is 
f&rniture. 

"  It  is.     Why  ?" 
t     Dick  went  towards  it,  and  turning  the  key,  which  was 
in  the  lock,  opened  the  centre  door. 

A  good-sized  closet  was  then  disclosed,  wnich  con- 
tained only  a  few  articles  of  apparel  at  the  back. 

•'  This  is  the  very  thing." 

The  young  girl  locked  at  him  in  wonder. 

"  Look,"  he  said — "  I  will  put  a  double  trust  in  you. 
I  will  enter  here — thus." 

He  suited  the  action  to  the  word. 

"  Now,"  he  said,  "  you  shall  close  this  door,  lock  it, 
and  take  away  the  key.  If  you  like  you  can  betray  me— 
I  shall  then  be  wholly  at  your  mercy." 

The  young  girl  made  an  angry,  impatient  gesture. 

"Pardon  me  for  making  mention  of  such  a  thing.  '  1 
know  full  well  you  would  not  be  guilty  of  such  treachery. 
Do  not  doubt  my  words,  for  I  am  ready  and  auxious  to 
prove  them  by  my  actions." 

"1  do  not  doubt  them." 

"Enough,  then.  When  you  have  locked  the  door, 
keep  good  charge  of  the  key — do  not  let  it  go  out  of  your 
possession." 

"  I  promise  that.     But  what  am  I  to  do  then  ?" 

"  When  night  comes,  let  me  out,  and  I  will  make  my 
escape.  There  shall  be  no  clumsiness  about  it.  You  wiU 
never  hear  of  me  again  after  this  night." 

The  young  girl  sighed  heavily. 

"Carry  out  my  instructions,"  said  Dick,  with  much 
earnestness,  "  and  all  will  be  well.  Lock  the  door  now 
and  descend,  or  wonder  may  be  excited  by  your  delay. 
If  you  are  asked  why  you  screamed,  make  what  excuse 
you  can,  and  do  not  come  near  this  room  again  until  the 
time  comes  for  you  to  release  me." 

With  a  heavy,  aching  heart,  the  young  girl  promised 
compliance  with  bis  mandates,  and  locked  the  door. 

Bitterly  indeed  did  she  reproach  herself  for  having  so 
readily  given  way  at  first  to  the  feelings  of  compassion 
for  Dick's  position  which  instantly  rose  in  her  breast. 

The  consequences  to  her  might  be  serious  indeed. 

But  she  had  gone  too  far  to  retract,  and  the  idea  of 
giving  up  the  fugitive  to  his  foes  was  most  abhorrent  to 
her  nature. 

She  felt  that  she  could  never  do  it. 

"  I  will  save  him  if  I  can,"  she  murmured,  as  she  de- 
scended the  stairs  slowly  and  very  differently  to  her  usual 
manner ;  "  but  I  am  afraid  I  6hall  unconsciously  betray 
him." 

On  descending  to  the  breakfast  parlour,  she  found  the 
baronet  in  a  state  of  great  peplexity  and  fury,  for  all  his 
efforts  to  come  to  something  like  a  clear  conception  of 
what  had  taken  place  at  the  well    had  proved  unavail- 


puttiug  my  own  possible  danger  so  quickly  forward." 

"  That  I  can  never  allow,"  responded  Dick,  "for  the 
selfishness  is  on  my  part ;  but  iu  my  haste  I  never  gave 
it  a  thought  that  you  might  be  a  sufferer  by  lending  me 
your  aid ;  had  I  done  so,  I  repeat,  the  request  would 
never,  never  have  passed  my  lips." 

"  1  believe  you,"  she  said,  gently.  "  And  now  let  that 
pas3.  I  know  you  not,  save  that  you  say  you  are  in 
danger.  If  it  lies  in  my  power  I  will  save  you  from  all 
harm." 

'•  How  feeble  and  how  weak  are  thanks!"  said  Dick,  in 
a  voice  full  of  emotion.  "  Fain  would  I  express  my 
gratitude  to  you,  but " 

"  Enough — enough  !  I  will  leave  you  now,  and  there 
is  no  reason  for  anyone  to  know  that  we  have  met." 

"  Not  a  word  respecting  this  meeting  shall  ever  pass 
my  lips — I  will  pLdge  you  my  sacred  word  of  that." 

"  I  am  satisfied." 

"  But,"  said  Dick,  "  are  you  satisfied  that  in  your  ab- 
sence no  one  will  enter  the  room  ?'' 

••  I  will  lock  the  door." 

"  Are  you  in  the  habit  of  doing  so  ?* 

«  No.    Why  ?" 

"Because  if  you  are  not,  and  yout  door  should  be 
found  fastened,  suspicion  would  be  roused  at  once." 

"  True — true  I     1  am  distracted  !" 

"Let  me  think  for  you,"  said  Dick,  "  for  in  securing 
nay  safety  I  am  also  securing  yours." 

•*  What  do  you  propose  ?" 

•Is  not  that  a  wardrobe  yonder  ?"  asked  Dick,  pduting 


His  lady  was  also  there,  and  both  were  struck  at  the 
first  glauce  with  the  change  which  was  visible  in  the  ap- 
pearance of  their  daughter. 

But  having  been  already  informed  of  her  indisposition, 
they  attributea  the  alteration  to  this  cause. 

The  circumstance,  too,  attracted  less  attention  than  it 
would  have  done  on  any  other  occasion  in  consequence  of 
the  exciting  nature  of  the  events  that  had  taken  place  that 
morning. 

So  preoccupied,  however,  was  Milly,  that  not  even  the 
extraordinary  narrative  could  fix  her  attention. 

Little,  however,  did  the  baronet  imagine  the  subject  of 
his  only  daughter's  thoughts. 

Dick  Turpin,  meanwhile,  locked  up  in  tho  wardrobe  in 
the  manner  described,  felt  more  and  more  uncomfortable 
the  longer  he  reflected  upon  his  situation. 

He  was  perfectly  certain  that  in  an  ordinary  way  Milly 
was  quite  guiltless  of  all  deceit,  and  therefore  ne  feared, 
and  not  unreasonably,  that  her  very  anxiety  to  keep  his 
secret  would  lead  to  a  disclosure. 

"  I  must  ouco  more  resigu  myself  to  circumstances,"  he 
said.  "  I  have  not  mueh  to  complain  about  at  present. 
If  I  cc»,ld  only  sleep,  now,  it  would  refresh  me,  and  make 
me  ready  tor  the  adventures  of  to-night.  I  will  try,  for  I 
shall  l>8  just  as  6afe  here  sleeping  or  waking." 

A  gi  eat  feeling  of  drowsiness  had  been  creeping  over 
Dick  fi  r  some  time  past  and  he  yielded  to  its  influence. 
Tndeei,  he  was  not  abie  to  withstand  its  power. 
This  might   have  been  caused  by  the  confined  space  he 
was  in  ;  and  then  it  must  be  remembered  that  an  unnsualljp 


tf&? 


feuAUK  BUBS;  08. 


p«a«ac»  -rtao. 


*»s  neriod  had  elapsed  since  he  bad  enjoyed   anything 
ju&e  a  good  sleep. 

The  wardroba,  too,  one  would  have  thought  an  un- 
comfortable  place  to  sleep  in,  but  it  served  well  anough 
ior  the  weary  and  exhausted  fugitive. 

In  a  few  minutes  he  was  in  a  deep  slumber,  which  tor 
a  time  made  hita  oblivious  of  all  the  perils  and  perplexities 
of  his  existenTC. 

How  long  he  might  have  remained  in  this  state  of  un- 
consciousness he  could  not  possibly  determine,  but  all  at 
once  his  ears  caught  the  sound  of  voices. 

His  first  thought  was  that  he  was  drearains  i/r  what  had 
lately  happened,  for  it  was  Milly's  voice  wfc.cn  fir?5  struck 
upon  his  ears. 

With  a  vague  sensation  ot  interest,  Diet  listened,  and  as 
no  did  so  he  recovered  all  his  faculties,  for  he  found  him- 
self threatened  by  an  imminent  danger. 

"Now,  mamma,"  were  the  first  words  he  distinguisned 
clearly,  "do  tell  me  why  you  have  so  insisted  upon 
coming  up  into  my  room  with  me  ?" 

"  You  do  not  object  to  that,  surely,  do  you  ?"  And  Dick 
fancied  that  there  seemed  to  be  an  indication  of  suspicion 
in  the  tones. 

"Oh,  no— no,  mamma!  Whatever  made  you  think 
i hat  I  did?  I  was  only  curious,  you  know.  It  is  such 
on  unusual  thing  for  you  to  come  up  with  me." 

"  Oh,  is  it?  Well,  you  surprise  me.  Let  me  see,  tnis 
makes  the  fourth  time  I  have  been  here  during  the  past 
week." 

"Oh  yes — yes— I  know — I  know,"  stammered  Milly, 
with  fast-increasing  confusion.  "  But  my  headache  is 
so  distracting  that  I  do  not  know  what  I  am  saying,  and 
coming  upstairs  seems  to  have  made  it  ten  times  worse." 

"  I  don't  thiuk  you  do  know  what  you  are  saying."  was 
the  reply  ;  "  and  you  seem  to  me  to  have  a— a — well,  I 
may  as  well  say  it— a  remarkably  guilty  air." 

"  Oh,  mamma !" 

"  Well,  well,  don't  distress  yourself,  only  you  seem  ill 
at  ease,  as  though  you  had  a  secret  weighing  on  your 
mind  ;  but  perhaps  it  is  your  headache— at  any  rate,  I 
won't  bother  you  about  it  now.  .Let  it  be ;  we  will  talk 
it  over  another  time." 

Rather  a  long  pause  followed. 

In  his  mind's  eye  he  could  see  the  lady  looking  keenly 
at  her  daughter,  and  waiting  for  her  to  reply. 

But  finding  no  reply  came,  she  continued : 

"I  came  up,  my  dear,  merely  because  I  thought  1  should 
like  to  see  that  crimson  velvet  dress  your  papa  bought 
you  such  a  long  time  ago,  and  which  you  seem  to  have 
such  an  objection  to  wearing." 

"  Why — why,  mamma "  faltered  Milly. 

"Oh,  I  want  none  of  your  excuses,"  was  the  reply. 
'•  I  am  well  aware  that  you  took  a  fanciful  dislike  to  that 
dress,  and  that  it  is  the  hardest  matter  in  the  world  to  get 
you  to  wear  it." 

"  But,  mamma " 

"  Hush,  I  say  !  You  know  how  very  tond  your  papa 
is  of^that  dress,  and  how  muoh  he  wants  you  to  wear  it ; 
and  he  has  been  very  cross  about  it  this  morning.  What 
put  it  into  bis  head  I  don't  know,  without  he  expects 
some  visitor  here  to-morrow,  before  whom  he  wishes 
yon  to  appear  to  every  advantage." 

"Oh,  mamma!"  ejaculated  Milly,  in  so  stifled  a  voice 
that  Dick  fancied  she  must  be  fainting. 

"  What's  the  matter  with  you,  girl — what  is  it  you 
have  oppressing  your  mind  so  much  ?" 

41  N-nothing,  mamma." 

"  Oh,  nonsense !     I  am  sure  there  is,  and  I  am  deter- 
mined to  find  it  out !    But  one  thing  at  a  time.    Let  me 
see  this  crimson  velvet  dress." 
"  Not  to-dav,  mamma — not  to-day." 
"Why  not?" 

"  Let  it  be  to-morrow  !     Anything  but  now  P 
"For  what  reason  ?" 

"  Because — because,"  stammered  Milly,  with  iivnreasing 
distress  and  confusion— "because  my  head  aches  so 
»dly.  Oh,  mamma,"  she  added,  with  a  gush  of  tears, 
"  you  don't  know  how  ill  I  feel !" 

"  Something  is  the  matter  with  you,  I  am  cere.  How- 
evs*.,  I  can't  **unk  you  are  so  bad  as  not  to  'je  able  te  find 
me  the  dre&t-     It  is  hanging  in  the   wardrobe,  is  it 

These  words  at  once  let  Dick  understand  what  Wt.  the 
ca^sa  of  Milly's  extreme  embarrassment. 


A.t  the  same  time  he  was  conscious  that  something  w** 
touching  him,  which  by  the  feel  was  certainly  velvet 

No  doubt  it  was  the  velvet  dreas  just  spoken  of. 

Dick  now  felt  ten  times  more  uncomfortable  than  hn 
had  yet  done,  and  listened  with  the  greatest  intentness  io 
all  that  might  follow.  %* 

In  his  own  mind  he  gave  himself  up  for  discovered. 

Not  that  he  imagined  Milly  would  betray  his  hiding- 

Elace,  but  she  would  manifest  so  much  uneasiness  that 
er  mother's  suspicions  would  be  unappeasably  excited. 

To  the  interrogation  as  to  the  whereabouts  of  tho 
velvet  dress  Milly  made  no  reply  until  her  mother  re- 
peated her  words. 

It  was  then  in  a  taint,  almost  inarticulate  whisper  sho 
pronounced  the  one  word ; 

"  Yes." 

Before  she  gave  the  reply,  her  mother  had  quitted  her 
seat  and  walked  towards  the  wardrobe. 

Dick  heard  her  coming  and  held  his  breath. 

Another  moment  or  two  would  put  the  matter  of  his  dis- 
covery beyond  all  doubt  or  question. 

His  hearing  was  preternaturally  acute — indeed,  every 
one  of  his  faculties  seemed  sharpened  by  the  imminence 
of  his  present  danger — and  he  could  hear  Milly  drawing 
her  breath  in  short  and  fitful  respirations. 

"  Where's  the  key  ?"  were  the  next  words. 

The  question  was  an  ominous  one. 

Dick  wondered  what  reply  Milly  would  make  to  it. 

She  was  silent. 

"Where  is  the  key,  child?"  asked  her  mother,  with 
additional  sternness. 

"  Is — is — is  it  not — not  in  the  lock,  mamma  ?" 

"Of  course  not,"  was  the  sharp  rejoinder;  "if  it  had 
been  do  you  think  I  should  have  asked  you  for  it  ?" 

"It  is  very  strange,"  said  Milly,  making  a  desperave 
effort  to  retain  what  little  composure  she  had  left — "  vej  v 
strange,  indeed  !     The  key  ought  to  be  iu  the  lock.;' 

"  I  know  that — but  it  isn't.  And  I  ask  you  wnere  W 
is?" 

"  Let  me  call  Martha,  mamma — I  daresay  she  will  Know. 
Oh,  my  poor,  poor  head,  I  believe  I  am  half  distracted  r 

"  I  begin  to  think  so  too,"  said  her  mother,  who  began 
to  be  more  puzzled  and  alarmed  than  before.  "  However, 
there  is  some  mystery  in  connection  with  the  velvet 
dress,  and  1  will  have  it  fathomed." 

Milly  uttered  a  faint  scream. 

At  this  juncture  a  faint  tapping  was  heard. 

"  What's  that  ?" 

••  I  don't  know,  mamma." 

"It's  me,  miss,  if  you  please,"  said  a  voice  outside  the 
door. 

"  That's  Martha,"  cried  the  baronet's  wife,  as  6he  stepped 
hastily  across  the  room  ;  "  now  we  shall  find  out  some- 
thing more,  I  have  no  doubt." 

Her  voice  was  full  of  triumph,  and  indicated  anticipated 
satisfaction. 

Milly  now  gave  herself  up  in  despair. 

And  so  did  Dick. 

The  former  was  in  mortal  dread  of  the  consequences  of 
this  adventure,  and  felt  the  most  intense  longing  con- 
ceivable for  the  floor  to  open  and  swallow  her,  never  to 
let  her  be  seen  on  earth  again. 

As  for  Dick,  he  awaited  the  result  with  more  calmness 
than  anyone  could  have  conceived. 

He  knew  what  was  the  worst  that  could  happen  to  him, 
and  he  was  collected  and  prepared  accordingly. 

CHAPTER   MCXI. 

DICK    TURPIN     HAS      SOME      ODD     ADVENTUCES     EEFOEB 
LEAVING  THE   HALX* 

At  this  moment  the  door  opened. 

Martha  entered. 

1 1  want  the  key  of  this  wardrobe."  said  the  baronet 'a 
lady,  somewhat  sharply.    "  Where  is  it?" 

•  The  what,  ray  lady  ?" 

"  The  key  of  the  wardrobe." 

"  It's  in  the  lock,  my  lady." 

"No it  is  not,"  was  the  still  sharper  rejoinder,  for  thn 
coincident  manner  in  which  both  fenced  with  the  ques- 
tion gave  rise  to  still  greater  suspicions. 

But  the  cause  of  Martha's  hesitation  was,  that  she  r 
taken  upon  herself  to  secrete  in  the  wardrobe  some 
1.  Uer.s  sho  bad  received,  and  her  guilty  coas>eienc 


THE    KNIGHT    OF    THE    KOAD. 


IPSSX  TCF.PIN'    DiGS  A  GRAVE   FOP.   BLAu»    Ug&ruj 


» 


aer  lump  to  the  conclusion  that  lwr  mistress  had  heard 
«,wui  the  matter  and  come  to  look  for  the  epistles. 

The  angry  manner  of  her  distress  still  more  embarrassed 
and  confused  her- 

"  It  is  very  strange,"  said  Lady  Yeomans,  glancing 
from  ono  to  tho  other  of  the  guilty  pair.  "It's  very  odd 
indeed,  but  I  will  not  rest  until  the  mystery  is  settled. 
Once  more  I  say,  wnere  is  the  key  ?" 

"I  assure  you,  my  lady,"'  said  the  trembling  Martha, 
"I  don't  Know.  It  is  always  left  in  the  door,  and  if  it  is 
not  there  now  1  am  certain  I  can't  tell  where  it  is." 

"It  is  not  there  now,"  was  tho  stern  answer;  "and  I 
insist  upon  it  being  found  without  any  further  delay !" 

Milly  screamed  again,  and  all  but  fainted. 

"One  of  you  must  know  something  about  it.  No  one 
baa  been  here  but  yourselves.  Give  up  the  key  at  once, 
without  any  more  prevarication,  or  you  will  find  that  I 
•KhII  bo  very  angry  indeed." 

Wo  *1&—  Buck  Rkss. 


A  dead  oileaee  followed. 

It  was  broken  very  abruptly  by  Martha. 

"  Oh,  my  lady  1  if  you  piease  I  was  sent  up  to  *^li  yoa 
something,  only  I  was  so  flustered  that  it  went  cleat  aot 
of  my  head." 

"Sent  to  me ?     By  whom ? " 

"  Sir  Humphrey,  my  lady.  He  is  down  in  the  Bed 
Room,  and  wants  to  see  you  this  very  moment  about 
something  vsry  particular." 

"  What  is  it  ?'* 

"  I  don't  know,  my  lady  ;  but  he  seems  terribly  put  out 
about  something,  and  wa.-,  walking  up  and  down  from  the 
window  to  the  door  for  all  the  world  like  a  lion." 

"  And  he  said  I  was  to  come  to  him  immediately  ?" 

"  Yes,  my  lady." 

Her  mistress  hesitated. 

H£r  desire  to  clear  up  the  present  mystery  was  abo«t 
the  strongest  feeling  she  had  had  for  a  lou<  U.  ;a,  ai*J  a» 


t*t3.  iMO. 


Price  Onh  Halfpenny. 
Ao.  246  will  be  Published  next  Thursday. 


1354 


BL1UK   BESS;    OS, 


ordinary  circumstance  could  have  turned  her  aside  irom 
it. 

But  such  a  message  from  the  baronet  as  Martho  had 
just  delivered  was  not  to  be  neglected. 

She  kuew  the  impatient  disposition  of  her  Ausband 
well,  and  had  long  enough  ago  learned  the  wisdom  of  not 
offering  the  least  opposition  to  him. 

Her  hesitation  only  lasted  about  a  moment,  yet  during 
that  brief  space  of  time  many  reflections  passed  through 
her  mind. 

Her  fear  was  that  during  her  absence  Martha  and  her 
daughter  might  consult  together  about  the  mystery  which 
evidently  existed ;  and  she  knew  Martha  well  enough  to 
dread  that  she  would  be  defeated  if  this  conference  took 
place. 

"  You  shall  come  with  me,  Martha,"  she  said.  "  I  shall 
not  be  more  than  a  moment,  I  daresay ;  and  then  I  will 
come  back  and  have  the  key  of  the  wardrobe  found." 

The  chauge  which  took  place  in  vhe  expression  of 
Martha's  countenance  was  quite  enough  recompense  to 
(lie  lady,  and  she  felicitated  herself  not  a  little  upon  her 
cleverness  and  penetration. 

"  Stay  where  you  are,  miss !"  she .  said  to  her  daughter ; 
"  and  rest  assured  I  shall  be  back  again  in  a  few  moments 
at  the  furthest." 

With  these  words,  she  quitted  the  chamber,  insisting 
that  Martha  should  precede  her,  in  order  that  no  signals 
should  be  exchanged. 

When  the  door  closed,  Dick  waited  while  perhaps  he 
could  have  counted  ten. 

Then  with  his  finger-nails  he  tapped  very  lightly  and 
gently  against  the  panel  of  the  wardrobe. 

"Hist,  hist!"  he  said,  in  a  faint  whisper,  placing  his 
mouth  close  to  the  keyhole.  "  Find  out  whether  they 
have  descended  the  stairs  ;  and  if  so,  let  me  out." 

But  Milly  did  not  move. 

Dick  grew  uneasy. 

Had  she  fainted  ? 

He  tapped  again,  and  this  time  with  more  loudness. 

No  one  can  tell  what  a  relief  it  was  to  him  wi.en  he 
heard  the  young  girl's  trembling  voice. 

"  What  is  it  ?     Oh,  what  shall  I  do  ?" 

41  See  if  they  have  descended." 

In  her  agitated  condition  she  had  some  difficulty  in 
comprehending  what  was  said  to  her. 

But  she  went  to  the  door,  and  peeped  out. 

Then  returning  quickly,  she  said  : 

"  They  have  gone." 

"  Open  the  door,  then,  and  let  me  out." 

"  But  what  will  you  do  ?" 

"  No  matter.    Release  me." 

Milly  trembled  so  excessively  that  she  could  scarcely 
draw  the  key  from  her  pocket. 

But  at  last  she  did  so,  and  the  wardrobe  was  un- 
locked. 

Dick  was  in  a  fever  of  impatience,  and  stepped  forth 
hastily. 

Then,  without  delaying  time  by  saying  a  word,  he 
locked  the  door  again  and  placed  the  key  upon  the  dress- 
ing-table. 

"  There  !"  he  said  "  If  you  are  asked,  you  can  say  you 
were  too  confused  to  think  where  it  was  before,  or  that 
your  head  distracted  you." 

But  Milly  at  this  trying  moment  gave  evidence  of  the 
pure  unselfishness  of  her  disposition,  for  she  said,  in 
earnest,  anxious  tones  : 

"  Never  mind  me  ;  but  tell  me  what  you  will  do  ?  How 
will  you  escape  discovery  ?" 

"  Leave  that  to  me,"  said  Dick,  with  easy  assurance. 
"Best  assured,  though,  that  I  will  compromise  you  no 
longer  ;  I  regret  deeply  having  done  so  to  the  extent  1 
have  already,  and  that  I  should  have  caused  you  not  only 
so  much  distress  of  mind,  but  a)so  been  the  means  of  rous- 
ing your  mother's  suspicions  against  you." 

"  Think  not  of  that,  but  say  what  you  will  do.  I  can- 
not tell  how  soon  she  may  return." 

Dick  went  first  to  the  window  and  looked  out. 

At  a  considerable  distance  beneath  him  could  he  seen 
a  yard,  where  a  man  v  ^  busy  attending  to  &  whole  trssy 
of  dogs. 

He  shrank  back. 

Then  going  rapidly  to  the  door  of  Miily'a  room,  he 
opened  it  and  listened. 

Some  »unda  came  from  below,  bat  they  were  dietsnt 


ones  and  not  of  a  character  to  excite  any  apprehensions 
in  his  breast. 

With  eager  eyes,  Dick  looked  everywhere  around  him, 
hoping  to  perceive  some  place  that  held  out  some  littla 
prospect  of  concealing  him. 

He  saw  nothing,  and  therefore,  though  most  unwillingly, 
he  was  compeU?d  to  call  ur><m  the  trembling  girl  for  her 
assistance. 

"  Do  you  know  of  any  nook  or  corner,"  he  asked,  "  w  here 
I  can  dispose  of  myself  till  nightfall  ?  Surely  there  must 
be  many  such  about  a  building  like  this  one.  If  you  will 
point  out  a  hiding-place,  I  promise  to  take  my  departure 
in  silence  and  in  peace." 

"  Alas !"  replied  Milly,  clasping  her  hands,  while  her 
face  assumed  an  expression  of  intense  fright — "  alas  !  I 
know  of  no  such  place  as  you  require.  What — oh  !  what 
is  to  be  done  ?" 

"  Hush — hush  !"  cried  Dick,  quietly,  "  there  is  no  need 
for  alarm.  Tell  me  of  some  one  apartment  in  the  Hall 
that  is  but  little  used — some  room  where  you  do  not  think 
it  likely  anyone  will  enter  to-day." 

"  My  thoughts  forsake  or  bewilder  me,1'  she  said,  press- 
ing her  hands  over  her  temples.  "  Yet  stay,  there  is  ont 
place — yes,  1  think  I  may  say  there  is  one  place." 

"  What  is  it  ?" 

"  The  library." 

"  The  library?"  echoed  Dick. 

"  Yes— that  is  the  apartment  least  of  all  visited  by  any- 
one save  myself.  There  you  may  chance  to  find  the 
shelter  whhh  yoa  seek." 

"Thanks — thanks!  I  have  no  doubt,  from  what  you 
have  just  said,  that  the  library  will  be,  of  all  others,  the 
place  to  suit  me." 

"  Yes — yes.  It  is  one  of  the  rarest  things  in  the  world 
for  my  father  to  cross  the  threshold  of  that  chamber." 

"  No  doubt — no  doubt.    But  how  am  I  to  find  it  ?" 

"  In  that  I  do  not  think  there  will  be  the  slightest 
difficulty." 

"  You  can  direct  me  easily,  then  ?" 

"lean — lean.  When  you  reach  the  bottom  of  the 
staircase  you  will  see  a  door  almost  opposite  to  you." 

"  Is  that  it  *" 

"It  is." 

"  Then  I  cannot  fail  to  find  it.  Once  more,  many — 
many  thanks  for  all  that  you  have  done  in  my  be- 
half !" 

"  Name  it  no  more." 

She  started  at  the  moment,  for,  just  as  she  spoke,  the 
violent  slamming  of  a  door  was  heard. 

"  That's  father,"  6he  gasped — "  I  am  sure  it  is !" 

"  How  can  you  tell  ?"  asked  Dick,  curiously. 

"  Because  no  one  else  in  the  house  slams  a  door  like 
that." 

"  Oh !" 

Dick  listened,  but  a  most  profound  silence  ensued. 

"  Do  you  think  I  may  venture  to  descend  ?"  he  asked, 
at  last. 

"  I  think  so  ;  but  ob,  be  careful — pray  be  careful !" 

"I  will,  depend  upou  it;  and  my  only  hope  now  is 
that  ere  long  I  shall  be  permitted  the  opportunity  of 
doing  something  for  you  which  will  in  part  requite  what 
you  have  done  for  me." 

"  No  more — no  more  !" 

Like  a  shadow,  Dick  stole  to  the  top  of  the  stair- 
case. 

Leaning  over  the  massive  carved  baluster,  Le  peeped 
down. 

But,  so  far  as  he  could  tell,  no  one  was  near. 

"Farewell!"  he  said,  in  a  whisper,  which  nevertheless 
was  expressive  of  his  deep  giatitude — "  farewell,  should 
we  not  meet  again ;  but  rest  assured  that  I  shall  never — 
never  forget  you.  You  are  inclined  to  think  but  lightly 
of  it,  yet,  believe  me,  you  have  done  no  lesc  than  save 
my  life." 

The  young  girl  did  not  speak. 
\     But    she    made    a     half-imploring,    half-commanding 
gesture,  which  Dick  at  once  understood. 

In  obedience  to  it  he  inclined  his  head  and  commenced 
a  rapid  descent  of  the  staircase,  for  this  was  what  Milly 
wished  him  to  do  without  more  delay. 

But  rapid  as  were  his  movements,  they  nevertheless 
were  characterised  by  the  utmost  caution. 

He  did  not  know  how  soon  some  one  might  appear, 
and  in  the  event  of  the  occurrence  of  each  a  circwa- 


THB   KNIGHT   OF   THJB   ROAD. 


1955 


stance  it  was  impeiative  that  he  should  be  early  ac- 
quainted with  it 

The  thick  carpet  with  which  the  stairs  were  covered 
enabled  him  to  tread  noiselessly,  so  that  there  was  nc 
fear  of  an  alarm  being  raised  in  consequence  of  this. 

Just  as  he  was  about  to  turn  the  £1*31  angle  he  heard 
voices. 

He  ventured  to  lake  a  hasty  glance. 

He  caught  sight  of  Martha  and  her  mistress. 

They  were  ascending.  , 

By  this  it  would  seem  that  her  interview  with  the 
baronet  was  over. 

What  was  Turpin  to  do  now  ? 

To  descend  unseen  by  those  who  were  coming  up  was 
of  course  impossible. 

To  remain  standing  where  he  was  would  only  be  to 
ensure  his  discovery. 

There  was  no  place  near  that  offered  a  chance  of  con- 
cealment even  to  a  mouse. 

Clearly  there  was  but  one  resource— it  was,  to  ascend 
Rgnin. 

He  did  so  with  great  swiftness  and  silence,  though  as 
he  neared  the  top  he  was  filled  with  the  dread  that  Milly, 
on  seeing  him  thus  unexpectedly  return,  would  give 
utterance  to  some  cry  which,  at  the  very  least,  would 
have  the  effect  of  increasing  her  mother's  suspicions. 

But,  to  his  infinite  satisfaction,  he  found,  on  reaching 
the  landing-place,  that  she  had  retired  to  her  own 
chamber. 

At  any  rate,  she  was  nowhere  to  be  seen. 

This  danger  being  at  an  end,  Dick   grew  more  hopeful. 

Crossing  the  landing,  he  opened  the  first  door  which 
presented  itself. 

Crossing  the  threshold,  he  found  himself  in  a  small 
bed-room,  which  had  certainly  not  been  very  long  unoc- 
cupied. 

However,  it  was  empty  now,  and  that  was  enough  for 
Dick. 

Although  the  door  was  closed,  the  voices  of  Martha 
and  her  mistress  were  borne  to  his  ears,  though  he  could 
not  distinguish  what  was  said. 

Ho  listened  intently,  until  a  door  was  shut  somewhat 
violently,  and  the  voices  ceased. 

"Surely — surely,"  muttered  Dick,  "I  may  now  ven- 
ture to  say  that  the  coast  is  clear.  Yet,  before  I  leave 
this  place,  let  me  consider  whether  it  will  be  wibe  to  do 
so." 

He  stepped  further  into  the  room  while  he  spoke. 

The  window  he  found  commanded  a  view  of  the  yard 
where  the  baronet's  dogs  were  kept,  so  that  it  was  quite 
out  of  the  question  to  hope  for  escape  in  that  direction. 

Then,  the  bed-room  itself  was  only  furnished  with  just 
6uch  articles  of  furniture  as  were  iadiupensable,  and  no 
more. 

Not  the  least  chance  of  concealment  presented  itsevf. 

Having  gained  this  knowledge,  Dick  made  his  way 
towards  the  door  again. 

li  It  will  never  do  to  remain  here,"  he  said,  to  himself 
— "that  would  be  running  by  far  too  much  risk.  The 
library — yes,  that,  of  all  others,  is  the  place  for  me.  The 
old  baronet  is  no  reader,  1  will  be  bound,  nor  his  wife 
either.  Milly,  and  Milly  only,  is  in  the  habit  of  repairing 
there.     At  all  hazards,  I  will  go  down  to  the  library." 

Now,  had  Turpin  only  known  it,  he  was  perfectly  safe 
where  he  was,  nor  could  he  have  done  better  than  re- 
main there. 

It  was  only  natural,  however,  that  he  should  fear  that 
some  ono  would  enter  before  the  day  was  over. 

Accordingly  he  opened  the  door. 

All  was  once  more  still. 

Again  he  glided  to  the  top  of  the  staircase. 

Again  he  descended. 

In  less  than  a  moment  the  bottom  was  reached. 

Ue  <.«en  found  himself  again  in  the  entrance-hall,  anu 
not  far  off  he  could  perceive  the  stairs  by  which  he  had 
ascended. 

The  one  at  the  foot  of  which  he  now  stood  seemad  a 
secondary  or  more  private  one. 

The  object  which  attracted  Dick's  attention,  however, 
was  the  large  and  massive-looking  oaken  door  in  front  of 
blt». 

I  Lis,  beyond  doubt,  oommunioal.-d  with  the  library. 

In  spite  of  what  Milly  had  said  lJick  felt  a  strong  dig- 
iLcliuation  to  open  this  door. 


The  deep  silence  which  reigned,  however,  inspired 
him  with  confidence. 

Three  strides  took  him  to  the  mat  outside  the  door. 

Placing  his  hand  upon  the  knob,  he  turned  it  very 
carefully 

The  lock  was  well  oiled,  and  gave  forth  no  sound. 

Then,  with  the  same  geutloness,  he  pushed  open  the 
doot  and  glided  in. 

No  sooner  had  he  don*  so,  however,  than  he  wished 
himself  safely  out  again. 

But  it  was  too  late,  and  finding  such  to  be  the  case,  so 
far  .'rom  attempting  his  escape,  he  swiftly  closed  the  door 
and  turned  the  key  in  the  lo"ck. 

Contrary  to  all  expectation,  he  found  himself  face  to 
face  with  Sir  Humphrey  Yeomans. 

The  baronet  was  seated  at  a  small  writing-table,  and 
had  a  newspaper  spread  out  before  him. 

S"  softly  had  Dick  opened  the  door  that  he  had  never 
hearn  him,  nor  did  he  become  aware  of  his  presence 
until  Dick  fairly  stood  within  the  apartment. 

The  emergency  was  one  which  well  tested  the  high- 
wayman's presence  of  mind. 

Although  startled  for  a  second  or  so,  he  never  doubted 
which  was  the  right  course  for  him' to  pursue. 

The  baronet  had  seen  him. 

This  being  so,  if  he  bad  beat  a  precipitate  retreat  Sir 
Humphrey  would  instantly  have  raised  such  an  alarm  as 
would  have  made  it  quite  an  impossibility  for  him  to 
escape  undetected. 

Difficult  as  it  seemed,  it  was  nevertheless  necessary 
that  he  should  compel  the  baronet  to  be  silent. 

But  how? 

Dick  had  not  determined. 

Action  was  so  necessary  that  it  left  him  no  leisure  for 
further  thought. 

The  unexpected  appearance  of  Dick  so  startled  the 
baronet  at  first  that  he  neither  moved  nor  spoke,  but 
simply  sat  with  his  mouth  open  and  bis  eyes  glaring 
wildly  over  the  top  of  his  spectacles. 

Dick  stepped  swiftly  forward  for  a  few  paces,  and  then 
spoke. 

"  Sir  Humphrey,"  he  said,  in  a  low  and  determined 
voice,  "  1  mean  you  no  harm — I  would  not  injure  you  or 
anythivig  of  yours;  but  the  duration  of  my  forbearance 
depends  entirely  upon  yourself — that  is,  upon  your 
silence  " 

Still  the  baronet  spoke  not. 

Dick  drew  a  pistol  from  his  pocket,  and  deliberately 
cocked  it. 

The  slight  clicking  sound  caused  the  baronet  to  start. 

His  lips  moved 

"Hold!"  said  Dick.  "Say  nothing  until  you  have 
heard  me  speak.  You  see  this  pistol — I  have  taken 
especial  care  to  prepare  it  so  that  there  will  be  no  danger 
of  its  failing  me  in  the  hour  of  need.  If  you  attempt  to 
do  anything  that  will  endanger  my  life  or  liberty,  I  will 
pull  the  trigger  and  put  a  bullet  through  your  head  with- 
out the  least  compunction." 

Sir  Humphrey  shrunk  back  from  the  muzele  of  the 
pistol,  which  was  by  far  too  close  to  his  head  to  feel 
pleasant. 

"  Do  not  attempt  to  play  me  false,"  Dick  continued. 
"  I  own  you  no  ill  will — I  have  never,  to  my  knowledge, 
done  anything  to  injure  you  ;  therefore  why  should  you 
be  so  solicitous  about  giving  me  up  to  the  officers  of 
justice?  I  say  to  you  again,  beware !  for  if  I  saw  you 
make  the  shadow  of  an  attempt  to  betray  me  I  would 
shoot  you  down,  and  think  no  more  of  it  than  I  should  of 
shooting  a  dog !" 

Now,  Dick  could  not  have  spoker  a  more  unfortunate 
sentence  than  the  last. 

it  ie-awoke  all  the  baronet's  fury. 
He  thought  about  his  dogs— his  matchless,   priceless 
bloodhounds,  which  had  cost  him  so  much  trouble,  and 
from  whose  doings  he  expected  such  great  result*. 

They  were  dead,  and  before  him  stood  the  man  who 
had  deprived  them  of  life. 

"  Dog,  eh  ?"  he  begun ;  but  Dick  stopped  him  in  a  very 
forcible  manner. 

"  That  is  too  loud,"  he  said — "  much  too  loud  for  my 
safety.    Speak  lower  or— — n 

He  did  not  finish  the  sentence,  but  brought  the  muzzle 
of  the  pistol  in  contact  with  Sir  Humphrey's  cheek. 
Wonderful  to  relate,  at  the  first  touch  of  the  oold  iron 


1956 


EH.CE.    BES8  ,    OK, 


his  face  lost  all  its  rubicundity,  and  assumed  a  strange, 
disagreeable  tint  which  can  be  compared  to  nothing  save 
dirty  white  wax. 

"Now  what  have  yon  to  remark  ?"  continued  Dick, 
coolly.  "  Speak  on  ;  but  don't  raise  your  voiee  too  high, 
and  don't  say  anything  disagreeable.' 

Sir  Humphrey  turned  his  goggling  ejus  lull  upon  him 
as  he  said : 

"You  are  the  notorious  Dick  Turpin,  I  surposw/"* 

"  What  if  I  am  ?" 

"  Put  down  your  pistol  and  sit  there.  I  wiut,  tc  speak 
to  you;  but  I  can't  while  that  infernal  thing  is  digging 
into  my  cheek !" 

"  Agreed,"  said  Dick.  "  I  will  eit  here ;  but  1  snail 
not  put  down  the  pistol.  I  will  keep  it  in  readiness  to 
use  the  moment  I  find  occasion.  My  own  safety  demands 
that." 

The  baronet  did  not  demur. 

Dick  sat  down  opposite  to  him  on  a  cnair,  between  the 
writing  table  and  the  window. 

Before  Sir  Humphrey  could  speak,  however,  some  one 
knocked  at  the  door. 

A  change  came  over  the  baronet's  face  in  a  moment. 

It  was  a  slight  one,  it  is  true ;  but  Dick  noticed  it  for 
»11  that. 

He  understood  it  also. 

The  hope  instantly  sprang  up  in  the  baronet's  breast 
that  he  should  be  able  to  make  Dick  his  prisoner. 

But  he  reckoned  without  his  host. 

"Mind  what  you  say !"  whispered  the  highwayman, 
once  more  bringing  his  much-dreaded  pistol  into  view. 
"If  you  speak  a  word  that  I  think  will  give  rise  to  a 
suspicion  that  I  am  here,  I  will  blow  your  brains  out  on 
the  spot !" 

This  was  a  terrible  threat,  to  which  the  appearance  of 
the  highwayman's  pistol,  held  in  <vi  unwavering  grasp, 
lent  great  extra  force. 

The  knocking  was  repeated,  and  then  some  one  turned 
the  handle. 

As  Dick  had  locked  the  door,  of  oourse  there  was  no 
fear  of  a  sudden  entrance. 

"  What  have  you  got  the  door  fastened  for  ?"  said  a 
meek  voice. 

Dick  recognised  the  speaker  instantly. 

It  was  the  baronet's  wife. 

By  the  tone  in  which  she  spoke,  as  well  as  by  the  fact. 
that  she  knocked  at  the  door  instead  of  enteriug  boldly, 
Dick  surmised  that  she  stood  in  considerable  dread  of  her 
liege  lord. 

Seeing  Sir  Humphrey  was  about  to  speak  "Mck 
whispered : 

"  Say,  never  mind." 

"  Never  mind  !"  bawled  the  baronet,  with  a  prompuuess 
of  obedience  that  was  really  delightful. 

"Nevermind?  What  do  you  mean?  Open  the  door 
and  let  me  in  !" 

"  I  sha'n't !"  said  the  baronet,  doggedly. 

Of  course  he  spoke  the  words  that  Dick  commanded. 

"  But  you  said  you  wanted  me  as  60on  as  I  could 
return." 

"Never  mind !" 

"Yes — but  I  do  mind !  There's  something  amiss  up- 
stairs, I  am  certain ;  and  I  want  to  speak  to  you  about 
it." 

"Never  mind  !"  answered  Sir  Humphrey,  with  a  per- 
sistency which  must  have  seemed  strange  indeed  to  his 
wife. 

"  But,"  said  she,  determined  to  carry  her  point,  if  such 
a  thing  could  be  at  all  possible,  "  youcg  Lord  Crake  has 
Just  come.  He  is  in  the  Red  Boom,  and  is  waiting:  to  6ee 
you." 

"  Never  mind  !"  ^ 

"  Never  ruind !     Are  you  mad  ?* 

"  Go  to  the  devil !" 

The  force  and  energy  with  which  these  last  woi-ds  were 
pronounced  is  indescribable. 

The  fact  was,  the  poor  baronet  was  suffering  under  a 
double  irritation,  and  his  temper,  never  at  the  be»t  of 
times  a  very  patient  one,  gladly  made  him  seize  upon 
this  opportunity  of  giving  vent  to  the  angry  feelings  in 
his  breast. 

Silence  ensued  for  a  moment;  but  the  good  lady  was 
not  to  he  shaken  off  so  easily. 

"Listen  to  what  I  say— — " 


"  Sha'n't !"  interrupted  the  baronet,  furiously,  and  with- 
out waiting  for  Dick  to  prom nt  him.  "  I  say,  I  sha'u't, 
and  I  tell  you  to  go  to  the  devi). !" 

Hereupon  his  wife  beat  a  retreat ;  but  Dick  allowed 
some  moments  to  elapse  before  he  ventured  to  speak. 

"Sir  Humphrey,"  were  his  first  words,  "you  are  a 
man  of  discretion.  I  see  you  fully  realise  that  your  life 
is  of  far  more  value  than  mine,  and  that  you  are  too  fond 
of  enjoying  the  good  things  of  this  earth  to  wish  to  quit 
it  in  the  hope  of  finding  a  better  state  of  existence  else- 
where." 

The  baronet  ouly  glared  at  him. 

"  Listen,"  said  Turpin,  "and  I  will  let  you  know  what 
I  require  of  you.  Do  not  start  or  seem  60  surprised — it 
is  a  mere  trifle." 

"  What  is  it?"  he  managed  to  gasp  out. 

"  I  want  to  remain  in  the  shelter  of  your  house  until 
night  comes.  It  will  not  be  long,  for  the  day  is  already 
far  spent.  As  soon  as  it  is  dark  I  will  leave  your  house  in 
peace,  never  again  to  return  to  it,  never  again  to  molest 
you  or  yours.  Tell  me  now  whether  you  think  the  favour 
is  not  a  slight  one,  and  such  as  you  may  grant  ?" 

Sir  Humphrey  gave  what  was  unquestionably  a  sigh  of 
relief,  but  he  said,  grimly : 

"  You  have  the  means  of  enforcing  compliance." 

"  I  have,  I  admit ;  but  I  shall  much  regret  if  I  am 
driven  to  extremities.  Knowing  it  to  be  inevitable,  s  ibmit 
with  a  good  grace.  I  again  repeat  that  I  require  no 
more." 

"Be  it  so,"  exclaimed  Sir  Humphrey,  after  a  pause, 
though  the  way  he  spoke  showed  that  his  mortification 
was  very  great — "  be  it  so.  It's  d — d  disagreeable  to  have 
to  submit  in  one's  own  house  to  the  terms  of  a  rascally 
highwayman ;  but  I'd  a  d — d  sight  rather  do  that  than 
lose  my  life  !" 

"  Spoken  like  a  man  of  sense.  I  am  glad  you  have 
philosophy  enough  to  look  at  the  matter  in  so  reasonable 
a  light." 

"  Philosophy  and  reason  be  d — d,  and  you  and  all ! 
You  deserve  hanging." 

"  That  may  be  your  opinion." 

"It  is  my  opinion;  and  further  than  that,  I  think 
hanging  a  d — d  deal  too  good  for  yoa  !  You  ought  to  be 
strung  up  by  the  neck,  if  only  for  one  thing  you  have 
done." 

"  Indeed." 

"I  mean  in  fact,"  growled  the  baronet,  with  increasing 
ill-humour.  "  By  all  that  I  can  hear,  you  had  one  of  the 
best  bits  of  horseflesh  that  man  ever  crossed — -«•" 

At.  these  words,  very  much  to  the  amazom*  ->  j!  bsl 
Humphrey,  Dick  clasped  his  hands  over  his  face  aid  Ut- 
tered a  deep,  remorseful  groan. 

"  I  say  again,  the  best  bit  of  horseflesh  ever  heard  ot. 
What  a  thousand  pities  that  i't  should  come  into  the  pos- 
session of  a  d — d  scoundrel  like  yourself,  who  kuew  no 
better  how  to  use  her  than  to  ride  until  she  dropped  down 
dead  beneath  you.  D — n  it  all !  talk  of  hanging,  you  de- 
serve to  be  drawn  and  quartered  into  the  bargaiu  !" 

Sir  Humphrey,  as  he  spoke,  brought  his  hand  down  upon 
the  table  with  so  much  emphasis  that  it  is  a  wonder  it 
did  not  split  beneath  the  blow,  and  finished  off  with  a  long 
striug  of  oaths  and  imprecations  which  are  best  omitted. 

But  Dick  was  heedless  of  all. 

The  words  uttered  by  the  baronet  struck  deeply  into 
his  heart. 

What  he  suffered  in  the  shape  of  mental  anguish  and 
deep  regret  during  those  few  moments  that  his  face  wai 
hidden  no  one  can  know. 

At  last  he  looked  up. 

"  You  are  right,  sir,"  he  said,  in  a  broken  voice,  "  I  am 
a  villain — a  deep  double-dyed  villain  —  one  fcj*  whom 
no  fate  could  be  too  bad — no  death  too  ignomiuious." 

"  But  did  you  do  it  ?" 

"  Do  what.  ?" 

"  Ride  her  to  death  ?" 

"  What,  my  bonny  Black  Bess?" 

"  "Yes ;  I  ask  yon  whether  it  is  true  taat  yon  rode  your 
famous  mare  to  death  ?"  t 

A  sob  almost  choked  Dick's  utterance. 

"  1  did,"  he  said — "  I  did.  Shame  upon  me  that  J  did 
so  !" 

The  baronet  poshed  back  his  chair. 

"Then,  Mr.  Highwayman."  he  said,  "let  me  tell  you 
lhat  I  don't  envy  you  your  feelings.     D—  n   me.  the  man 


THE  KNIGHT  0»   THE   ROAD. 


1957 


who  could  do  each  a  thing  as  that  is — is — d — n  me,  I  don't 
know  what  I  oould  say  that  would        " 

"  You  cannot  say  anything,"  replied  Dick.  "  But  I  feel 
—I  feel  it  here." 

And  aa  he  spoke  he  struck  himself  sharply  twice  or 
thrice  upon  his  breast. 


-  •  CHAPTER  MCXII. 

DICK   TURPIN  DIGS  A  GRAVE   FOR   POOR   BLACK   BESS. 

Wh  have  before  mentioned  the  peculiar  ideas  Sir  Hum- 
phrey Yeomans  bad  about  horses. 

To  him,  they  almost  came  first  and  foremost  before 
everything ;  and  had  he  only  felt  one  half  as  much  kind- 
ness and  compassion  for  his  fellow-creatures  as  he  did  for 
tbem  he  would  have  been  a  very  humane  man  indeed. 

But  it  was  not  so,  the  fault  perhaps  not  being  so  much 
of  his  heart  as  of  bis  education — if  60  it  may  be  called — 
for  he  had  been  taught  from  infancy  to  show  tyranny 
and  cruelty  to  those  who  were  stated  to  be  his  inferiors. 

Indeed,  the  more  he  thought  about  the  death  of  poor 
Black  Bess  the  more  heinous  did  Dick  Turpin's  crime  ap- 
pear. 

In  comparison  to  this,  the  committing  of  numberless 
highway  robberies  seemed  of  but  slight  consequence. 

For  this  one  fact,  Dick  Turpin  was  in  his  eyes  a  crimi- 
nal of  the  very  deepest  dye ;  aud  after  the  acknowledgment 
he  had  made,  he  (Sir  Humphrey)  would  not  have  hesitated 
to  believe  Dick  guilty  of  any  act,  no  matter  how  atro- 
cious. 

But  the  unfeigned  remorse  displayed  by  the  highway- 
man touched  the  baronet  a  little,  and  in  evidence  of  this 
he  said : 

"Come,  my  good  fellow,  you  seem  to  be  very  much  cut 
up,  and  about  as  sorry  as  I  should  be  if  I  had  done  such 
a  thing.  Tell  me  all  about  it ;  perhaps  when  I  have  heard 
more  particulars  I  may  not  blame  you  as  much  as  I  do 
now  ?" 

Hearing  these  words,  Dick  raised  his  bead  a  little. 

"  It  would  be  churlish  of  me  to  refuse  you  this  satisfac- 
tion after  the  kindness  displayed  towards  me." 

"Make  no  mistake,"  cried  Sir  Humphrey,  quickly  and 
rternly,  "  there  is  no  kindness  in  the  matter.  I  know  my 
life  is  in  your  hands  if  you  choose  to  take  it ;  and  I  am  so 
ronvinced  that  such  is  the  case,  that  I  am  doing  what  I 
^an  to  make  the  best  of  a  bad  job." 

"  As  you  will,"  answered  Dick,  sadly.  "  Still,  it  is 
6trange  to  me  if  yeu  do  not  feel  a  strong  desire  to  learn 
something  more  about  me  than  you  at  present  know." 

"  I  should  like  to  know  whether  what  I  have  heard  is 
true,"  6aid  the  baronet,  after  a  momentary  hesitation. 

"What  is  it?" 

"Why,  whether  your  mare  actually  carried  you  from 
London  to  York  in  twelve  hours?" 

Despite  his  sorrow  and  his  loss,  Dick's  breast  thrilled  a 
little  with  pride  as  he  said  : 

"She  did— at  least,  so  nearly  accomplished  the  great 
feat  that  6he  did  not  give  out  until  she  was  within  the 
hearing  of  York  bells.  She  did  it,"  he  added,  with  increas- 
ing triumph,  "  and  the  achievement  will  never  be  for- 
gotten— never — never !" 

"  And  so  that  reconciles  you  to  it,  does  it  ?" 

"  It  does — a  little.     Still,  had  I  known  the  result " 

"  Known  the  result,"  interrupted  Sir  Humphrey.  "  You 
must  Lave  known  the  result.  Confound  it,  man,  if  you 
had  broaght  your  mare  to  me,  I  would  have  given  you  any 
money  for  her  !  You  could  not  nave  set  her  at  too  high  a 
price." 

"  No  money  would  ever  have  parted  us." 

"  And  yet  you  killed  her !" 

"  I  did — I  did— I  did  kill  her,  and  ever  since  iben  my 
repentance  has  been  most  bitter." 

There  was  another  pause,  and  by  the  baronsi's  manner 
it  seemed  as  though  be  was  about  to  say  something. 

But  if  this  was  his  intention,  he  was  prevented  from 
carrying  it  out,  'or  *here  was  another  summons  at  the 
door. 

Dick  started  at  tU     ound. 

"Sir  Humphrey,"  he  said,  recovering  his  composure 
almost  instantly,  "  I  b*we  no  wish  to  cause  a  repetition  of 
the  disagreeable  scenw  ;7hich  took  place  on  a  former 
occasion.  If  you  will  promise  me  not  to  betray  me — and 
•iter  all,  what  good  would  it  be  to  you  were  you  to  do 


so  t — I  will  stand  behind  those  curtains.  No  one  wiU 
suspect  my  presence,  and  you  could  give  admittance  to 
whom  you  chose." 

While  Dick  spoke  these  words  in  a  rapid  whisper,  the 
knocking  was  repeated  more  than  once,  as  though  the 
person  outs!  le  was  most  solicitous  to  obtain  admission. 
Then,  before  Sir  Humphrey  could  reply,  a  voice  6aid  : 
•*  Papa -papa,  do  let  me  come  iuj  I  want  to  speak  to 
you  sc  very — very  badly — do  let  me  come  in  I" 
Dick  knew  this  voice  also. 

It  was  Milly's. 

The  expression  on  the  baronet's  faco  suffered  consider- 
ably as  those  words  fell  upon  his  ear. 

"  Give  me  your  word,"  said  Dick,  "then  go  and  unlock 
the  door." 

"  Enough — I  promise." 

"  But  you  must  not  leave  the  room." 

Turpin  as  he  spoke  displayed  his  pistol  somewnat  osten- 
tatiously. 

Having  done  so,  he  hastened  to  conceal  himself  behind 
the  massive  folds  of  the  damask  curtain  at  one  side  of  the 
window. 

Evidently  Sir  Humphrey  had  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  best  policy  he  could  adopt  was  to  submit,  for  he 
went  to  the  door  and  turned  the  key. 

The  very  moment  that  he  did  60  his  daughter  entered. 

Her  voice  had  been  sufficient  to  indicate  to  Dick  that 
she  was  labouring  under  great  mental  agitation,  and  he 
fancied  he  understood  the  cause  of  it  when,  peeping 
through  the  curtain,  he  saw  that  the  first  thing  she  did 
upon  entering  was  to  give  a  hurried  glance  around. 

He  was  still  more  inclined  to  think  so  when  he  heard 
her  sigh  deeply  like  one  who  is  suddenly  relieved  of  some 
great  distress. 

But  though  this  had  something  to  do  with  her  agitation, 
there  was  certainly  something  else,  for  she  clung  to  her 
father's  breast  and  burst  into  tears. 

"  Why,  my  dear,"  he  said,  so  kindly,  so  gently  that 
Dick  was  hardly  able  to  believe  his  own  ears,  "  what  is 
the  matter — what  has  happened?" 

"Oh,  papa,"  she  said,  endeavouring  to  repress  her  tears, 
"  I  feel  so — so  very  much  distressed." 

"Well — well,  come  in.  There,  sit  down  beside  me 
and  let  me  know  your  trouble." 

It  really  seemed  that  Sir  Humphrey  was  so  much  con- 
cerned about  his  daughter's  sorrow  as  to  be  oblivious  of 
the  fact  that  Dick  was  present,  an  observer  and  a  listener 
to  all  that  passed. 

"  Come,"  be  said,  with  the  same  gentleness  as  before, 
"  let  me  know  your  trouble  ?     Do  not  be  afraid  to  speak." 

But  Milly  seemed  to  have  a  most  unconquerable  diffi- 
culty in  commencing. 

In  fact,  the  more  she  tried  the  greater  became  her  em- 
barrassment. 

"  At  least,"  said  her  father,  "  let  me  know  the  immediate 
cause  of  this  unusual  agitation.    What  is  it?" 

"  Nothing." 

"  Nothing  ?     Who  is  it,  then  ?" 

"  Lord " 

She  stopped,  more  confused  than  ever 

"  Lord  Crake  ?"  said  Sir  Humphrey,  interrogatively. 

"  Yes,  papa." 

"Well,  what  of  him?" 

"  He  is  here  again." 

"I  know  it." 

"  And  mamma  would  insist  upon  my  going  into  tha 
Red  Room,  where  he  is." 

"Well,  and  if  she  did?  I  see  nothing  terrible  in 
that." 

"  Oh  yes,  there  was,  papa.  I  told  him  that  his  suit  was 
vain— that  I  could  never  love  him ;  but  he  would  not  pay 
the  least  attention  to  my  words.  He  laughed,  and  said 
that  the  match  had  been  agreed  upon  long  and  long  ago, 
and  that  you,  papa,  were  quite  determined  I  shou'd  wed 
«o  other. 

Here  she  broke  down  entirely. 

"Well,  well,"  the  baronet  replied,  a  little  testily, 
Dick  thought,  "  I  must  say  that  my  wishes  and  your 
mother's,  too,  both  went  in  that  direction.  We  considered 
that  the  union  would  be  an  advantageous  one  in  all  re- 
spects." 

"  And  do  you  really  wish  it  ?  Oh,  papa,  do  not  be  w 
unkind  as  to  seal  my  misery  for  life.  Do  not  force  me  k 
marry  a  man  I  cannot  endure  !" 


1958 


BLACK  BBSS      OB, 


"  Is  be,  then,  so  very,  very  distasteful  to  you  ?"  asked 
Sir  Humphrey,  earnestly. 

"More  than  I  can  tell  you, "  6he  replied,  with  a  slight 
shudder.  "  Oh,  listen  to  my  request :  withdraw  your 
consent — do  not  force  this  hated  marriage  upon  me!" 

A  silence  followed  this  appeal. 

It  was  disturbed  only  by  Milly's  sods. 

From  his  post  of  observation  Dick  amiU  perceive  that 
a  struggle  of  a  somewhat  powerful  r.aturo  was  goiug  on 
in  Sir  Humphrey's  breast. 

With  the  keenest  anxiety  he  waited  to  know  what 
would  be  the  result,  for,  need  we  say  it,  he  felt  its  warm- 
est interest  in  the  fair  girl  who  had  saved  him,  and  in 
everything  which  concerned  her. 

"Say  no  to  him  now,  papa,"  she  pleaded,  seeming  to 
gather  hope  and  courage  from  his  continued  silence — 
"  say  no  to  him,  and  so  secure  my  happiness.  Oh,  I  can 
never — never  love  him  !" 

"  It  shall  never  be  said,  my  dear,"  exclaimed  the  baronet, 
at  length,  "  that  I  forced  you  to  do  anything  so  repugnant 
to  your  inclinations  as  this  union  seems  to  be." 

"  Oh,  papa,  how  can  I  thank  you  for  those  words  ?" 

"By  casting  off  this  sadness.  I  blame  you  much  in  the 
affair.  You  should  have  made  me  understand  the  state 
of  your  feelings  earlier,  and  not  have  allowed  matters  to 
have  gone  so  far  as  they  have  now." 

"  Do  not — oh,  do  not  upbraid  me  on  that  account !  Be- 
lieve me,  papa,  I  have  tried  my  best  to  conquer  my  aver- 
sion, because  I  thought,  if  I  could  only  succeed,  how 
pleased  you  would  be.  But,  oh,  papa,  I  found  it  impos- 
sible— quite  impossible !" 

She  clung  to  him  convulsively,  and  he,  with  all  the 
tenderness  he  was  able  to  display,  endeavoured  to  soothe 
and  calm  her. 

"  There,  my  dear  !"  he  said,  kissing  her  tenderly.  "  Be 
calm  now — forget  this  sorrow.  I  will  go  at  once  to  the 
Bed  Room  and  make  Lord  Crake  acquainted  with  the  real 
facts  of  the  case." 

He  rose  and  went  towards  the  door. 

Dick  was  in  a  dilemma. 

He  did  not  like  to  step  forward  and  interfere,  &*:d  yet 
at  the  same  time  he  felt  that  he  should  not  be  right  to 
allow  the  baronet  to  leave  the  room. 

Sir  Humphrey  seemed  to  recollect  all  at  once  the  en- 
gagement he  had  entered  into,  and  he  paused  irresolutely, 
not  knowing  what  to  do. 

"  I  will  keep  my  word,"  he  said,  after  a  moment's 
thought,  "  and  1  leave  behind  me  good  security  that  I 
shall  do  so." 

These  words  were  in  the  highest  degree  enigmatical  to 
Milly,  who  looked  after  her  father  with  surprise  very 
visibly  depicted  upon  her  features. 

But  the  baronet  hurried  off. 

Dick  made  no  attempt  to  stop  him,  for  he  understood 
perfectly  well  what  he  meant 

After  the  door  was  closed  Dick  was  half  inclined  to 
step  forward  and  make  Milly  acquainted  with  his  safety, 
tor  he  fancied  she  must  lie  enduring  no  little  uneasiness  on 
that  very  account. 

But  he  hesitated  and  hesitated  until  the  opportunity 
was  lost ;  and  perhaps  it  was  as  well  that  he  did  so. 

The  baronet  returned  after  a  very  brief  absence. 

His  countenance  wore  a  very  ruffled  look. 

"Now,  my  dear,"  he  6aid,  "be  happy  once  again;  for 
to  see  smiles  upon  your  face  does  me  more  good  thac  all 
else  ;  besides,  1  have  got  through  with  that  very  disagree- 
able business.  Lord  Crake  does  not  like  it,  and  blusters, 
and  talks  a  great  deal  about  what  he  shall  do.  Let  him 
try — I  don't  care  that  for  him  !" 

He  snapped  his  fingers  contemptuously  as  he  spoke. 

But  these  vague  threats  seemed  to  alarm  Milly 
greatly. 

"  Oh,  papa,  be  careful — pray  be  careful !"  she  ejaculated. 
"Do  not  anger  him  too  much — you  do  not  know  him  as  1 
do.  If  you  did,  you  would  not  think  of  despising  hi3 
l meats,  for  I  am  sure  that  t">  trould  not  stop  short  at  any 
villany  or  wickedness." 

"  Pho,  pho !  Milly,  you  are  nervous  and  excited.  1 
think,  too,  that  you  misjudge  Lord  Crake.  However,  let 
things  be  how  they  may,  the  match  is  broken  off  at  once 
and  for  ever." 

The  baronet  spoke  with  great  resolution,  and  Milly, 
again  throwing  her  arms  around  his  neck,  wept  and 
thauked  him  by  turn*. 


Dick  Turpin  was  far  from  being  an  unmoved  witness 
of  this  scene. 

It  displayed  the  baronet  to  him  in  altogtthet  a  new 
light. 

"  What  a  world  of  pities  it  is,"  he  thought,  "  that  a  man 
with  such  a  noble,  gentle  heart  should  have  his  mind  so 
warped  and  distorted  by  old  prejudices!  Nevermind — 
he  must,  in  ejxto  oi  this,  have  the  respect  of  all  who  know 
him  thoroughly.'' 

After  some  time  be  persuaded  Milly  to  leave  him, 
al'eging  for  his  excuse  that  he  had  matters  of  much 
menu'ot  to  attend  to. 

j.' he  moment  sLe  passed  out  he  closed  the  door  and 
locked  it. 

As  ho  did  so,  Dick  emerged  from  his  hiding-place. 
But  the  pistol  was  in  his  pocket. 

He  was  certain  that  there  was  no  need  of  his  weapon 
now. 

By  this  time  the  shades  of  evening  had  begun  to  gather 
thickly. 

Sir  Humphrey  and  Dick  had  both  been  so  closely  occu- 
pied and  so  much  interested  in  what  had  taken  place, 
that  they  both  failed  to  notice  the  obscurity  that  filled 
every  corner  of  the  apartment. 

"Night  will  very  6oon  be  here,"  Dick  said,  as  soon  aa 
he  observed  the  circumstance ;  "and  then  I  shall  relievo 
you  of  my  presence,  which  cannot  fail  to  be  most  distaste- 
ful to  you.  Yet  I  shall  leave  with  deep  rrgret,  and  when 
I  go  I  shall  entertain  a  greater  feeling  of  respect  for  you 
than  for  any  man  I  have  ever  met  with." 

"Because  I  have  connived  at  your  concealment?" 
"No;  that  is  not  the  reason.     It  is  because  you  have 
displayed  a  noble  and  manly  heart." 
A  silence  followed. 

Dick  made  his  way  towards  the  window  and  looked 
out. 

It  was  not  yet  so  dark  as  to  prevent  him  from  seeing  all 
over  the  garden. 

His  eyes  were  riveted  at  once  upon  a  pickaxe  and 
spade  resting  airainst  one  of  the  trees. 

They  had  doubtless  both  been  used  very  recently. 
Whether  they  had  been  forgotten,  or  whether  the  raau 
who  had  left  them  there  would  soon  return  and  remove 
them  to  a  place  of  security,  were  points  upon  which  Dick 
would  have  been  glad  to  be  resolved. 

He  thought  once  of  frankly  telling  the  baronet  what  he 
wanted,  but  a  little  reflection  soon  induced  him  to  alter 
his  determination. 

The  question  might  have  been  asked  for  what  purpose 
he  required  the  tools. 

He  would  in  that  case  have  be6n  in  considerable  diffi- 
culty. 

He  had  made  up  his  mind  that  no  living  creature  save 
himself  should  be  made  aware  with  the  last  resting-placo 
of  poor  Black  Bess. 

The  baronet  above  all  persons  should  be  kept  in  igno- 
rance of  it,  because  after   what  he   had  said   he  would 
doubtless  feel  a  strong  curiosity  to  see  her. 
This  determined  Dick. 

He  would  run  the  risk  of  obtaining  the  tools. 
Darkness  came  on  rapidly,  and  Dick  was  thankful  lor 
it. 

He  was  anxious  for  more  reasons  than  one  to  get  away 
from  the  vicinity  of  the  Hall  with  as  much  speed  as 
possible. 

He  felt  that  already  he  had  lingered  in  one  spot  too 
long,  and  nothing  was  more  )  arobable  than  that  the  officers, 
being  unable  to  hear  any  tidings  of  him  abroad,  would  re- 
turn to  the  baronet's  domains  in  the  hope  of  being  able  tc 
get  upon  the  scent  again. 

Time  passed  on,  until,  in  fact,  e^me  one  for  the  third 
time  knocked  at  the  library  door- 

"  Sir  Humphrey,"  said  Diuk,  :tjt  i3  now  dark  enough 
to  leave,  and   I   hasten  to  relievo  you  of  my  unwelcome 
presence.     I  go,  feeling  a  deep  debt  of  gratitude  is  owing. 
You  may  smile  at  the  gratitude  of  such   a   man  as  I  am. 
But  who  can  say,  perhaps  a  time  may  come  when  I  shall 
have  the  chance  of  befriending  you.    If  the  chance  does 
ccuie,  T  shall  avail  myself  of  it  to  the  utmost ;  aud  iu  any 
rape,  believe  me  when  I  say  that  you  will  find  it  much 
belter  to  have  Dick  Turpiu's  friendship  than  his  enmity. 
The  baronet  made  no  reply,  but  smiled  slightly. 
"  I  will  put  you  to  the  test,  if  you  like,"  he  cried 
"Do  so— do  so," 


SEB   KNIGHT  OP  TH2  ROAD. 


J  95* 


"  Then  you  cannot  requite  what  I  have  done  fo?  you 
better  than  by  maintaining  a  profound  silence  respecting 
the  events  of  this  day.  Do  not  mention  the  occurrence  to 
a  soul." 

"You  may  rely  upon  being  obeyed  in  that  respect. 
Not  a  syllable  shall  ever  pass  my  lips.  But  I  shall  not 
and  will  rot  look  upon  that  as  a  requital.     Farewell." 

He  bowed  deeply  as  he  uttered  the  last  word. 

Then,  with  a  firm  step,  he  walked  towards  the  window, 
which,  like  most  of  them  on  the  ground  floor,  opened  like 
folding  doors. 

To  turn  the  button  and  pass  out  took  Dick  b>»t  a 
moment 

He  cast  a  hasty,  wary  glace©  around,  but  seeing-  no 
one,  made  a  dart  towards  the  tree,  the  position  «f  ""hish 
he  had  most  carefully  noted. 

He  could  scarcely  repress  a  cry  of  gratification  upon 
findhig  that  the  tools  were  still  where  he  had  seen  them. 

Prudence  whispered  to  him  to  be  siknt. 

Shouldering  the  much- wish ed-f or  implements,  he 
hastened  off. 

He  made  his  way  in  the  required  direction  without 
difficulty  and  without  interruption,  for  there  was  ro 
longer  such  a  sharp  look-out  kept  now  the  officers  L«d 
departed. 

He  had  to  pause  and  look  well  about  him  more  than 
once,  in  order  to  make  sure  that  he  was  going  right. 

On  approaching  the  Hall ,  however,  he  had  been  careful 
to  note  every  object  he  passed,  and  so  at  almost  every 
turn  he  found  some  familiar  object. 

Still,  it  was  almost  half  an  hour  before  he  reached  that 
little  iron  gate  in  the  stone  wall  of  which  we  have  had 
occasion  to  make  such  frequent  mention. 

Before  going  to  the  spot  where  the  remains  of  his  poor 
mare  lay,  hastily  covered  with  dead  leaves,  he  looked  up 
and  down  the  high-road,  so  as  to  make  sure  that  none  of 
his  foes  were  near. 

Nothing  could  be  seen — nothing  could  be  heard  ;  so  he 
prepared  to  set  about  his  task  with  rery  great  confi- 
dence. 

But  when  he  reached  the  little  mound  of  loaves  his 
heart  sank. 

A  sob  rose  up  in  his  throat,  and,  struggling  for  utter- 
ance, almost  choked  him. 

With  a  wild  burst  of  grief,  he  threw  himself  at  full 
length  upon  the  mound,  aud  gave  way  unrestrainedly  to 
his  emotion. 

How  long  he  remained  there  he  had  no  clear  idea,  for 
his  mind  was  too  much  troubled  to  pay  any  great  regard 
to  the  flight  of  time. 

Upon  looking  up,  however,  he  saw  that  the  moon  was 
shining  down  upon  him  with  a  soft  and  beautiful  radi- 
ance. 

Sighing  heavily,  he  rose  to  his  feet. 

"All  the  grief  and  all  the  remorse  in  the  world  is  un- 
availing now,"  he  said.  "  It  will  do  me  no  good,  nor  will 
it  bring  back  you  to  life,  my  poor — poor  Boss  !  When  I 
have  performed  my  task  the  earth  will  cover  every  object 
of  my  affection.  Nothing  will  be  left — nothing — 
nothing !" 

This  melancholy  reflection  well-nigh  overcame  him ; 
but,  with  a  sudden  effort,  he  summoned  up  all  his  energy, 
and  set  about  the  task  he  had  made  up  his  mind  to  per- 
form. 

He  worked  with  a  will ;  and  to  have  seen  him,  no  one 
would  have  guessed  that  he  was  so  unaccustomed  as  he 
was  to  the  use  of  spade  and  pickaxe. 

The  ground  was  soft,  and  this  made  a  material  differ- 
ence ;  but  then  he  had  to  make  an  excavation  of  great 
eize. 

But  as  the  moon  rose  higher  and  higher  in  the  aky,  his 
work  steadily  proceeded. 

Only  occasionally  did  he  pause  to  rest,  and  then  only 
for  the  briefest  possible  space  of  time. 

No  sooner  was  his  breath  recovered  than  he  recom- 
menced. 

He  was  anxious  to  get  finished,  for  he  knew  no*  now 
soon  some  untoward  interruption  might  take  place. 

•'  There  is  no  need  to  go  deeper,  I  think,"  he  at  last  ex- 
claimed, while  wiping  the  perspiration  from  his  dripping 
brow.  "No  one  will  suspect  that  you  are  here,  and  by 
means  of  all  these  leaves  I  shall  easily  hide  all  traces  of 
the  earth  having  been  disturbed.  TT;;i\  I  am  certain  it  is 
aeep  enough." 


So  saying,  he  sprang  out  of  the  grave. 

He  then  swept  off  the  leaves  with  which  he  had  covered 
poor  Black  Bess. 

Once  more,  then,  was  her  form  fully  revealed  to 
him. 

He  stood  gazing  at  her  like  one  fascinated. 

The  bright  moon,  now  high  above  the  tree  tops,  enabled 
him  to  see  with  vrry  great  distinctness. 

"  Poor  Bess— poor  Bess!"  he  said,  sadly.  "This  will 
be  the  last  look  that  ever  I  shall  take  at  these  strong  limbs, 
once  so  fleet,  and  now  so  rigid  in  death.  I  have  killed 
you,  and  my  only  satisfaction  is  that  your  fame  is  estab- 
lished ;  and  1  would  ten  times  rather"  see  you  lying  thus 
stiffened  and  stark  at  my  feet  than  know  that  you  had 
fallen  into  other  hands.  This  i  can  endure,  but  I  could 
not  bear  the  knowledge  that  you  had  found  another 
master.  Perhaps  it  is  all  for  the  best— at  any  rate,  it  will 
be  consoling  if  I  can  only  think  so." 

Dick  was  right  enough  thex-e,  and  it  was  really  wonder- 
ful to  observe  what  a  change  was  effected  by  this  reflec- 
tion. 

In  a  steadier  way,  he  now  set  about  finishing  his  work, 
having  the  air  of  oue  who  ha3  made  up  his  mind  that  it 
will  be  best  to  go  through  with  a  disagreeable  business 
without  flinching. 

It  taxed  all  his  powers,  however,  to  roll  Black  Bess  into 
the  grave. 

Her  weight  seemed  to  have  increased  fully  one-half, 
and  he  could  only  move  her  by  what  seemed  imper- 
ceptible distances  at  a  time. 

But  he  persevered,  and  the  body  was  brought  nearer 
and  nearor  to  the  brink. 

At  last,  by  using  the  spade  as  a  lever,  he  was  enabled 
to  roll  her  into  the  grave  altogether. 

As  he  had  been  careral  to  make  the  excavation  large 
enough,  ue  had  nc  further  trouble  as  regarded  placing 
her  in  any  other  position  than  the  one  into  which  she 
chanced  to  falL 

A  few  moments  oi  6ad  reflection  passed,  and  then  he 
threw  in  the  first  shovelful  of  earth. 

It  seemed  to  him  as  though  some  one  had  struck  him 
a  sharp  blow  upon  his  heart. 

This  was  the  first  pang,  and  soon  over. 

Animating  himself  with  all  the  resolution  which  he 
could  command,  he  set  briskly  to  work,  and  shovelled  in 
the  soil. 

This  was  a  work  that  proceeded  with  great  rapidity, 
and  ere  long  the  large  hole  was  completely  tilled  up. 

He  stamped  down  the  earth  with  his  feet,  so  as  to 
make  it  as  firm  and  compact  as  possible ;  yet  when  ho 
reached  the  surface  much  superfluous  earth  rem  lined. 

Convinced  that  it  would  not  do  to  let  it  remain  in  a 
mass  where  it  was,  he,  with  infinite  pains  and  trouble, 
carried  it  away,  distributing  it  by  shovelfuls  over  a  large 
area. 

This  done,  he  returned  to  the  scene  of  his  labours,  and 
covered  the  last  resting-place  of  Black  Bess  with  leaves 
in  such  a  manner  as  would,  he  felt  certain,  coDceal  its 
locality. 

CHAPTER  MCXIII. 

DICK   TURPIN    UNEXPECTEDLY     FI.SD3     HIMSELF   INVOI  VKD 
IN   A    MOST  STRANGE  ADVENTURE. 

His  melancholy  task  thus  brought  to  a  completion,  Dick 
Turpin  flung  away  the  implements  with  which  he  had 
achieved  it,  and,  leaning  against  a  tree,  gave  himself  up 
to  deep  and  bitter  thought. 

There  was  not  oue  pleasant  point  upon  which  his  mind 
could  rest. 

All  was  as  dark,  drear,  and  desolate  as  the  #cene  around 
him,  for  some  scudding  clouds  driven  Iron  the  north- 
wast  had  by  this  time  obscured  the  disc  ot  the  queen  of 
•light. 

As  one  might  say,  unconsciously  Dick's  eyes  were 
fixed  upon  the  leaves  covering  the  grave  of  poor  Black 
Bess,  and  yet  the  idea  occurred  to  him  of  how  much  those 
dead,  withered  leaves  resembled  his  own  blighted 
hopes. 

At  length,  with  a  sudden  start,  ho  aroused  him- 
self. .     _  . 

"  Bess,  my  poor  old  lass,  I  have  kept  my  word.  1  have 
done  for  you  all  that  I  am  able.  Now  I  must  leave  yon 
And  even  at  this  moment  the  conviction  comes  over  m« 


i?fiO 


BLACK    Bi.88;   Oft, 


that  I  have  looked  my  last  upon  this  scene.  I  shall  never 
— never  see  it  more." 

He  looked  around  him  as  veil  as  the  diminished  light 
would  allow  him. 

He  fully  Intended  that  it  should  be  a  parting  glance. 

Having  taken  it,  he  stepped  towards  the  wall. 

He  was  about  to  look  over  to  reconnoitre,  when  he  was 
startled  by  a  clear  whistle. 

The  souud  came  from  somewhere  close  at  hand. 

It  was  only  natural  that  the  fugitive  should  think  it 
■was  in  some  way  connected  with  himself — that  he  should 
come  immediately  to  the  conclusion  that  it  boded  danger 
to  him. 

Before  he  could  make  up  his  mind  to  do  anything,  Low- 
ever,  the  whistle  was  repeated  a  second  aud  third 
time. 

Being  thus  on  his  guard,  and  in  expectation  of  hearing 
it,  Dick  was  able  to  decide  with  tolerable  precision  as  to 
the  source  from  which  the  sound  proceeded. 

His  first  idea  was  that  it  came  from  the  high-road,  and 
was  a  signal  made  by  some  of  his  foes. 

But  now  he  was  certain  that  it  issued  from  the  trees 
Mnong  which  he  stood. 

This  was  altogether  so  strange  and  unlooked-for,  that 
for  a  brief  space  of  time  he  stood  still  in  deep  thought. 

His  brain  worked  busily — so  busily  that  it  would  be 
Impossible  for  us  to  give  even  a  bare  outline  of  what  passed 
through  his  mind. 

Perhaps  if  any  notion  was  more  distinct  than  another 
it  was  that  he  had  been  watched,  and  that  this  was  a 
signal  given  by  some  one  who  had  tracked  him  from  the 
Hall — a  signal  that  would  let  the  officers  form  an  idea 
of  the  whereabouts  of  their  prey. 

Such  a  supposition  was  a  very  likely  one  indeed,  and 
one  that  made  Dick  feel  no  slight  amount  of  anxiety,  for 
he  was  conscious  that  he  should  now  be  found  at  a  great 
disadvantage. 

It  seemed  very  much  like  a  confirmation  of  this  impres- 
sion when  he  heard  the  sound  of  another  whistle  thrice 
repeated. 

It  was  like  the  one  he  had  first  heard,  except  that  it 
was  fainter  in  tone. 

But  evidently  it  came  from  a  considerable  distance   off. 

It  was  succeeded  by  the  trampling  of  horses'  feet. 

"  I  am  right,"  said  Dick,  to  himself,  as  he  took  his  pistols 
from  his  pockets  and  got  them  in  readiness  for  use — "  they 
are  coming  now.  All  will  be  over  in  a  few  moments — I 
am  found,  and  it  will  be  in  vain  to  fly. 

"  Is  this  retribution  ?"  he  murmured,  after  a  brief  pause. 
"  Am  I  to  die  upon  your  grave,  old  girl  ?  Was  it  go  pro- 
phetic a  feeling  that  told  me  I  was  takiug  my  last  look  of 
this  place  ?  It  seems  so  ;  but  one  thiug,  at  least,  is  certain 
— I  will  die  nowhere  else.  If  a  hundred  officers  attack 
me  I  will  fling  away  my  life,  but  I  will  BSTCV  yield — 
never — never !" 

'2hose  who  had  known  Dick  Turpin  could  have  told  how 
terribly  in  earnest  he  was,  by  the  way  he  compressed  his 
lips  and  knitted  his  brows  as  soon  as  he  had  finished 
uttering  his  determination. 

But  he  started  again,  and  listened  if  possible  with 
greater  intentness  than  before. 

His  features  changed  their  expression  to  one  of  puzzled 
doubt. 

The  sounds  of  the  horses'  hoofs  had  not  ceased ;  on  the 
contrary,  they  were  much  more  audible,  but  mingled 
with  their  clatter  could  now  be  distinctly  heard  the 
rumbling  of  wheels. 

"It  is  some  vehicle  which  is  coming,"  ejaculated 
Dick. 

He  drew  a  long  breath,  for  he  began  to  think  it  was 
very  possible  that  he  was  not  concerned  in  the  matter 
at  all. 

But,  beyond  doubt,  a  few  minutes  at  the  most  would 
settle  that  question. 

Dick  waited. 

Nearer  and  nearer  came  the  vehicl^  unt,.,  with  a 
sudden  dash,  it  stopped  somewhere  very  close  indeed  to 
the  little  iron  gate  in  the  garden  walL 

Scarcely  had  the  rumbling  of  wheels  ceased  that!  a 
footstep  was  heard. 

By  the  peculiar  crunching  sound,  Dick  knew  that  it 
was  some  one  treading  with  rather  a  heavy  step  upon  the 
gravelled  pathway. 

W  ho  was  it  r 


Dick  felt  he  would  willingly  give  much  tc  know,  and 
also  to  learn  ^hy  that  carriage  had  been  Drought  an 
strangely  to  the  gate.  ^ 

It  was  mysterious,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  and  therefore 
on  that  account  alone  quite  enough  to  attract  Dick's 
attention. 

But,  in  addition  to  this,  he  seemed  so  much  mixed  up 
in  events  which  had  recently  taken  place  upon  Sir  Hum- 
phrey's estate  as  to  make  him  feel  that  everything  con- 
nected with  it  was  sufficient  to  awaken  and  claim  all  his 
interest. 

This  was  why  it  was  he  stepped  forward  with  great 
caution,  in  fche  hope  of  getting  more  intelligence  than  he 
at  present  possessed. 

We  have  said  that  all  around  the  ground  was  very 
thickly  strewn  with  decaying  fallen  leaves,  and  such  was 
the  care  Dick  made  use  of  in  his  advance  that  his  foot- 
steps were  inaudible  even  to  himself. 

But  he  did  not  venture  to  go  too  near  the  gravel-path, 
lest  he  should  be  discovered. 

Voices  he  could  hear,  but  was  not  able  to  distinguish 
the  words  uttered,  owing  to  the  suppressed  tones  eui 
ployed. 

It  was  fortunate  he  paused,  for  the  conversation  ceased, 
and  his  quick  ear  caught  a  returning  footstep 

Dick  crouched  down  behind  the  trunk  of  the  tree  that 
was  nearest  to  where  he  stood. 

Then  peering  through  the  gloom  as  best  he  could,  he 
caught  a  glimpse  of  a  tall  figure  muffled  in  a  cloak. 

But  the  obscurity  whs  so  great,  and  the  figure  passed 
by  so  quickly,  that  Dick  was  unable  to  form  any  definite 
opiuion  regarding  his  identity. 

He  disappeared,  aud  his  footsteps  soon  ceaeed  to  be 
heard. 

"  I  must  learn  more  of  this  affair,"  murmured  Diek. 
"  I  feel  that  merely  for  my  own  safety's  sake  I  ought  to 
gather  more  intelligence.  I  will  do  it.  But  what  shall 
be  the  first  step  ?" 

It  did  mot  require  much  deliberation  to  enable  him  to 
ccsie  to  a  decision  upon  this  point. 

With  the  same  stealthfulness  as  he  bad  formerly  em- 
ployed, Dick  crept  towards  the  wall. 

On  gaining  it,  he  raised  himself  and  peeped  over  the 
coping. 

To  his  surprise,  he  saw,  drawn  up  quite  close  to  the 
little  iron  gate,  a  large  travelling  carriage. 

It  was  drawn  by  four  horses. 

Upon  one  sat  the  postillion,  and  just  inside  the  vehicle, 
partially  revealed  by  the  light  of  a  lamp,  Dick  fancied  he 
could  detect  some  one  seated  and  leaning  back  with  folded 
arms. 

He  continued  to  gaze  for  several  seconds. 

Then,  finding  that  there  was  really  nothing  of  which 
he  could  take  further  cognisance,  he  retired,  making  use 
of  the  same  silence  and  caution  as  before. 

"  There  is  something  more  in  this  than  appears  at  first 
sight,"  he  murmured.  "  I  must  try  and  find  out  whai 
has  become  of  the  man  in  the  cloak.  It  may  be  he  will 
be  the  one  that  will  throw  a  light  upon  all  these  dark 
proceedings." 

With  these  half-uttered  words  upon  his  lips,  Dick  crept 
onwards  in  the  direction  taken  by  the  stranger. 

He  did  not  actually  tread  upon  the  gravel-path,  but  he 
kept  very  close  indeed  to  *he  edge  of  it. 

Still,  although  he  paused  at  frequent  intervals,  he 
found  that  all  was  profoundly  still. 

No  sounds  whatever  floated  to  his  keen,  listening  ears. 

Further  and  further  on  he  went — so  far  that  he  began 
to  think  that  the  stranger  must  have  abandoned  the 
gravel-path  and  struck  off  in  some  other  direction. 

Just  as  he  paused  in  irresolution,  he  detected  the  faint 
murmuring  of  voices. 

A  little  attention  made  him  aware  of  the  locality 
whence  they  proceeded,  and  he  hastened  in  that  direc- 
tion. 

As  he  went,  he  soon  became  sensible  that  the  way  was 
familiar  to  him.  a 

He  had  trod  that  part  of  the  domains  before. 

All  at  once  he  recolWcted  that  he  was  approaching  the 
pond  where  he  had  had  so  narrow  an  escape  from  being 
wounded  by  the  bullet  from  the  officer's  pistol. 

But  had  to  manifest  if  possible  still  greater  caution  in 
all  his  movements,  owing  to  the  silence  which  pra?*u«(i 
and  the  somewhat  open  nature  of  the  spot. 


TfiE   KNI&aT   OF  THE   EOAt>. 


•TT.CR   TCIiPtN    FAU-S   SESSSOJBSS   BEFORE  THE  GIPSY'S  TK^.J 


\^n.  tkrures  at  ifengta  net  Turpia's  view. 

t>ne  was  male,  the  other  female,  and  that  was  about  all 
be  ooald  distinguish  clearly,  save  that  they  were  talking 
rerr  earnestly  together. 

Sk>  earnestly  indeed,  that  he  was  emboldened  to  ap- 
proach much  nearer  than  he  would  otherwise  have  deemvd 
prudent. 

Nearer  and  yet  nearer  still  he  crept,  in  the  continual 
hope  that  he  should  be  able  to  overhear  »t.  least  a  few  of 
the  words  they  were  exchanging. 

He  was  successful. 

The  first  wo»-l<  he  detected  were  these : 

S*  My  lord,  ak  your  urgings  are  quite  vain — it  is  U3eiess 
for  yuu  to  repeat  them  or  to  add  others.  I  can  never — 
never  love  you.  You  compel  me  to  speak  thus  boldly. 
My  father  bias  put  an  end  to  the  engagement  between  us 
—if  such  it  could  be  called—And  henceforth  we  must  be 
ltrangers." 

Mo.  246.— Eu\ck  Baas. 

No.  24K 


Dick  knew  that  voice 

Every  tcuo  of  K  sent  a  thrill  oi  gratitude  and  pleasur* 
through  his  heart. 

It  was  his  protector — the  baronet's  daughter—  who  had 
spoken. 

Great  as  had  been  the  amount  of  interest  experienced 
from  the  iirst  by  Diok,  it  was  as  nothing  when  taken  ia 
comparison  with  that  which  he  now  felt. 

Why  w*s  she  there? 

What  meant  that  carriage  at  the  gate  ? 

Who  was  her  companion  ? 

It  was  to  the  last  of  these,  three  questions  that  Dirk  was 
able  to  return  the  most  satisfactory  reply. 

It  was  Lord  Crake  who  was  standing  by  her  side — it.e 
rejected  suitor — and  the  individual  who,  no  doubt,  hid 
blown  the  whistle  which  for  a  time  excited  so  much  un- 
easiness in  Dick's  breast. 

But  he  had  not  much  opportunity  for  speculation. 

Peice  One  Hautpknnt. 


19fr 


BLACK    8888;    OB. 


All  his  faculties  were  required  to  listen  to  what  was 
■aid. 

Lord  Crake  did  not  return  any  immediate  reply ;  and 
Milly,  in  a  voice  which  showed  that  her  breast  was  full  of 
agitation,  continued : 

"  You  assured  me,"  she  saV-f,  "  that  it  was  of  the  highest 
importance  to  me  that  I  should  meet  you  on  this  spot 
to-night — that  not  only  my  happiness  depended  upon  it, 
but  absolutely  the  welfare  of  all  those  that  1  hold  dear. 
It  was  this  last  consideration  which  influenced  me  most  — 
which  induced  me,  after  much  hesitation,  to  make  up  my 
inind  to  accede  to  your  request.  I  am  here.  Why  do 
you  not  make  the  communication  to  wbicii  you  have 
referred  ?" 

"Have  you  weighed  well  all  that  you  have  eai'd?" 
asked  her  companion,  in  a  manner  that  scent**  to  alarm 
the  young  girl  greatly. 

"Yes,"  she  answered,  with  an  effort.  "Why  do  you 
ask  ?" 

"  Simply  that  you  should  have  nothing  to  reproach  R<e 
with." 

"How  reproach  you  ?" 
"Listen,  and  I  will  tell  you." 
"  Speak." 

"  You  are  perfectly  certain  that  you  do  not  and  cannot 
love  me?" 

"Perfectly  certain." 

The  answer  was  given  with  great  dignity  and  firm- 
ness. 

"  And  that  no  circumstances  will  occur  that  will  induce 
you  to  love  me  sufficiently  for  you  to  consent  to  become 
my  wife  ?" 

"  I  do  not  believe  it  possible." 
"  Enough.     We  now  understand  each  other." 
"Sir!" 

"You  have  spoken  out  clearly.     Now  it  is  my  turn." 
She  shrank  back  in  affright  at  his  menacing  manner. 
But  he  stepped  up  closely  to   her,  and,  seizing  her  by 
the  wrist,  said,  in  rapid  tones : 

"  Understand  me  clearly.  You  are  in  my  power — 
wholly,  utterly  in  my  power,  and,  such  being  the  case,  I 
do  not  mind  letting  you  know  what  you  may  expect.  In 
the  first  place,  then,  I  care  no  more  for  you  than  you  do 
for  me— and  that  is  little  enough,  no  doubt." 

There  was  much  bitterness  in  the  way  these  words 
were  pronounced. 

But,  without  pausing,  he  continued,  rapidly—so  ra- 
pidly, and  with  so  much  apparent  viudictiveness  that 
Milly,  terrified  and,  as  it  were,  fascinated,  neither  moved 
nor  spoke. 

"But  you  are  an  heiress,  while  I  am  almost  a  bankrupt 
in  purse.  But  it  is  your  wealth  I  covet — aud  your  wealth 
lhat  lam  determined  to  have!  I  tell  you  so  without 
disguise.  I  would  gladly  have  had  it  by  fair  means  ;  but 
since  you  will  not  have  it  so,  why,  rather  than  fail,  I  will 
Lave  it  by  foul !  You  are  alone — no  one  can  hear  you 
even  if  you  should  cry  out.  Those  at  the  Hall  kuow 
nothing  of  your  absence.  I  have  things  all  my  own 
way." 

He  ended  almost  with  a  scream  of  exultation. 
But  Dick  drew  just  a  trifle  nearer,  and  as  he  did  so  he 
6aid  to  himself : 

'•  Not  quite  so  much  as  you  imagine,  my  lord." 
As  for  poor  Milly,  she  was  ready  to  sink  to  the  ground 
with  appreheiision. 
Terror  overpowered  all  her  faculties. 
"Perhaps   now,"    he   continued,  with   a   scorcful    and 
triumphant   air — "  perhaps   now   you   wish  you  had  be- 
haved better  to  me  ,  but  it  is  too  late.     You  are   mine — 
wholly,  irrevocably  mine.     My  last  chance  of  saving  my- 
Heh"  ijom  utter  ruin  lies  in  making  you  my  wife." 
At,  these  dreadful  words  Milly  shrieked  aloud. 
So  loud  and  pierciug  was  the  cry,  and  so  shrilly  did  it 
seem  to  echo  all  around,  that  Dick  fancied  it  could  not  fail 
w reach  the  ears  of  the  inmates  of  the  Hall. 

Lpon  hearing  this  scream,  Turpiu's  first  impure  was 
to  spring  forward,  hut  this  reflection  controlled  hiin 

"  Another  cry  like  that,"  said  Lord  Crake,  with  savage 
bitterness,  "and  y-»u  6hall  dearly  rue  having  given  it 
utterance.  I  tell  yoo  again  that  you  are  mine — that  you 
cannot  escape  me.  Listen — listen  I" 
Milly  appeared  almost  ready  to  sink  to  the  earth. 
Indeed,  it  is  probable  that  the  tight  grasp  which  was 
maintained  upon  her  wrist  kept  her  from  falling. 


Lerd  Crake  weiit  on. 
He  spoke  with  additional  excitement 
"  Close  at  hand  I  have  a  carriage  waiting — fleet  horses 
are  harnessed  to  it — faithful  fellows  of  my  own  are  In 
attendance  That  vehicle  shall  carry  us  to  a  village  some 
twenty  miles  off,  and  when  we  have  passed  a  night  there 
you  will  bo  glad  to  beg  to  be  my  wife  instead  of  indig- 
nantly refusing  as  you  do  now." 

"  Help— mercy — help!"  said  Milly,  faintly. 
But,  with  a  mocking  laugh,  her  companion  advanced  a 
step,  and  flung  his  arms  around  her  as  though' about  to 
bear  her  away  by  main  force  from  the  spot. 

Dick  had  kept  quiet  thus  long  with  great  difficulty. 
He  could  not  have  done  so  but  for  his  firmly-grounded 
expectation- that,  .ere  long  some  one  from  the  Hall  would 
appear  upon  the  scene.  :    .     -•'  . 

But  no  one  cam'ejrand  so  he  resolved  to  interfere. 

It  was  imppssib|&;to  let  matters  go  on  further. 

Other  reasons,- perhaps,  induced-Dick  tn  hold  back  as 
he  liad  done. 

He.  knew  well  that  he  was  near  enough  to  step  forward 
at  any  moment  and  save  Milly  from  any  personal  harm, 
and  he  wished  to  know  to  what  extent  Lord  Crake 
would  commit  himself. 

Precipitation  on  Dick's  part  would  have  ruined  all. 

Besides,  the  disappointment  of  his  lordship  would  be 
all  the  greater,  aud  consequently  his  punishment  all  the 
more  severe,  if  he  was  foiled  in  what  he  believed  to  be  the 
crowning  moment  of  his  success.  • 

But  when  Dick  saw  him  fling  his  arms  around  her  in 
the  manner  we  have  described,  his  intentions  being, 
doubtless,  to  bear  her  to  the  carriage  that"  was  in  waiting, 
he  could  contain' himself  no  longer.  ".     '' 

With  a  sudden  bound,  he  quitted  "his"  place  of  conceal- 
ment and  stood  before  Lord  Crake. 

Dick  held  a  pistol  in  his  hand,  andythe  use  that  he  im- 
mediately made  of  it  was  to  present."  ft"  to  his  lordship's 
breast,  while  he  said,  in  a  suppressed  voice  : 

"  Villain  !  release  your  hold  upon  this  lady  !  And  if 
you  refuse,  or  raise  such  an -.outcry  as  shall  bring  your 
fellows  to  your  aid,  this  momejgfShajrbe  youV  last!" 

It  may  safely'be  asserted  that  his  lordship  could  not 
have  been  more  astonished  if  Dick  had  suddenly  dropped 
from  the  clouds.      .  -  \  ■  « 

It  was  probably  while  under  the  influence  of  this 
amazement  that  he  released  his  hold  upon- hw  captive. 

In  "her  agitation,  6he  did  .noJ,^at .  firat^recognise 
Turpin. 

Finding  in  a  moment"  to  whom  it  was  she  owed  hor 
deliverance,  6he -clung  to  him  for  protection. 

"  bave  me — save  me  J"  she  half  shrieked.  "Save  me 
from  this  man  !  You  spoke- about  your.grajitude — you 
have  nov?  an  opportunity  of  showing.it!  Save  me — save 
me!"  ~      "    ■  -  '  -  .  ,     " 

"  Be  under  no  apprehensions,"  said  Dick ;  "  you  are 
quite  <*ie  I  have  been  watching,  you,  and  should  have 
interfered  before  had  I  thoroughly  understood  the 
matter."  -  .  -^    " 

Dick  still  kept  the  barrel  of  his  pistol  steadily  pointed 
at  Lord  Crake,  who  made  not  the  least  attempt  either  at 
resistance  or  escape. 

But  that  he  should  prove  one  of  the  rankest  cowards  iu 
the  world  will  surprise  no  one,  for  none  but  a  ccwaifl 
could  have  planned  the  base  design  which  Turpiu  had  so 
fortunately  been  able  to  frustrate. 

But  advanciug  footsteps  could  now  be  heard,  and  im- 
mediately afterwards  lights  appeared  here  and  there 
among  the  trees. 

Voices,  too,  were  heard  calling  out,  and  Dick,  believing 
these  new-comers  to  belong  to  the  Hall,  responded  to.  their 
cries  iu  order  to  guide  them  to  the  scene  of  action. 

Upon  observing  this.  Lord  Crake  made  an  attempt  to 
fly  . 

Turpin,  however,  prevented  him  in  a  moment-  by.seiz- 
ing  him  by  the  arm  and  pressing  the  muzzle  of  the  pistol 
against  his  cheek. 

Footsteps  were  now  heard  coming  from  the  direction, 
of  the  iron  gate. 

It  was  at  this  moment,  too,  that  the  first  party  ap- 
peared. 

With  a  glad  cry  of  relief,  Milly  left  Dick's  side  and 
flung  herself  upon  the  breast  of  some  one  that  -Dick 
instantly  recognised  to  be  the  baronet. 

Sir  Humphrey  looked  about  him  in  great  surpriaa, 


THE  K5IGHT  OF  THB  ROAD. 


1&S3 


evidently  unable  to  oomprehend  the  meaning  of  what  he  I      But    the     matter    required     careful     and     continued 

thought. 
This  was  now  out  of  the  question. 
It  was  imperative  that  he  should  make  up  his  mind  at 

once. 


Before  he  could  collect  himself  sufficiently  to  ask  a 
question,  Lord  Drake's  two  accomplice*  came  into 
▼lew..  *a 

No  sooner  did  they  find  themselves  oaofronted  by  so 
large  a  party  than  they  turned  and  fled. 

"  Seize  those  men  !"  cried  Turpin,  in  a  loud  voice.  "Do 
not  allow  them  to  escape  on  any  account!". 

There  was  so  much  commaud  in  the  w.ay  he  spoke  that, 
without  hesitation,  several  set  off  in.  pursuit,  not.  pausing 
to  ask  themselves  .who. had  issued  the  order  and  whether 

they  ought  to  obey  it 

The  sound  of  Dick's  voice  had  the  effect  of  drawing  the 
baronet's  attention  to  him. 

'.'  IIullo  1"  he  exclaimed,  ."  is  it  you  ?  What  is  tne 
meaningof  all  this?" 

••Ask  your  daughter,  and  ask  this  man,"  responded 
Dick. 

Sir  Humphrey  at  once  appealed  to  Milly. 
The  task  of  giving  a  relation  of  what  had  takes   place 
was  almost  beyond  her  powers. 

But  she  said  enough  to  enable,  her  father  to  comprehend 
the  rights  of  the  case. 

His  rage  was  60  great  that  he  was  about  to  inflict  a 
summary  chastisement  upon  his  lordship  there  eud 
then. 

But  a  fresh  event  occurred,  which  produced  an  entire 
revolution. . 

This  was  nothing  less  than  the  return  of  Mr.  Skellum 

and  his  party 

They   had   been   many  miles  •  round   the   country,  and 
although  they  had  everywhere  made  the  closest  ino'iiries, 
they  had  failed  to  learn  any  particulars  of  the  man  tuey 
sought. 

That  he  could  have  got  away  entirely  unseen  they  did 
not  believe  to  be  possible,  and  it  was  this  belief  whieh 
induced  them,  as   a  kind   of  last  hope,  to  return  to  the 
vicinity  of  the  Hall. 

Mr.  Skellunvin  especial  clung  to  the  idea  that  Dick  was 
concealed  somewhere  on  the  premises. 

Very  luckily,  Dick  was  apprised  of  their  approach  be- 
fore they  came-ibto  view.  - 

One  of  those  who  had  started  off  in  pursuit  of  Lord 
Crake's  two  accomplices  came  back  and  said  :  .  - 

"  Your  worship — your  worship,    the   Ltinnon   officers 
haVe-come  back !     They  will  be  here  in  a  minute  !  That's 
what  I  call  lunacy  !" 

"  Hold  this  fellow,  some  one !"  cried  Dick,  referring  to 
hislordship.    ......  . 

Half    a  dozen    eagerly  rushed    forward    and    seized 

him*--  

Dick  was  about  to  dash  off  at  once,  in  the  vague  and 
desperate-  hope  that  he  should  be  able  to  6ecure  his 
safety  by  immediate  flight,'  when  Milly  flung  herself  be- 
fore him  and-arre6ted  his  further  progress. 

"Father — father,  this  man— I  know  not  who  he  is,  save 
that-  h»  ie-ih  terror -of  .the  law,  and  that  the  officers  are 
doing  all  they -can  ■to'take  him  prisoner — I  say  it  is  to 
him, 'and  to-  him -alone,  that -I  owe  my  safety  this  night 
But  for  his  interposition  Lord  Crake  "would  have  carried 
out  his  odious  designs.  Surely  6uch  a  great  -service  as 
this '-should  not  go -unrequited?  No,-  no — a  thousand 
times  no !  You  must  interpose  your  authority — you  must 
pptwent  hi»  captured"   r' 

Sir  "Humphrey,  u>  rule,  was  not  a  very  good 
tiw^k'er."         :  -  *  '      ' 

M<>re  particularly  was  he  puzzled  when  several  things 
were  said  to  him  fc  a  breath,  and  wheu  it  was  necessary 
for  hina  to  decide  suddenly  upon  some  method-  of  w- 
celling.-        <■■"■  •         -  - 

/But  his  faculties  had  'been  much" quickened  by  the  dis- 
covery of  the  imminent  danger  hi  which  his  daugh  er 
had  been  placed  «.-•»""  - ' ,  , 

He  was  able  to  understand  the  p«ril  »*»  whicft-  Drck 
stood. 

4iut-he-knew  not  bow  to  save  him 

The  officers  were  not  more  than  a  m7  yards  distant, 
and  in  a  moment  or  two  would  appear  upon  the  scene. 

Publicly  to  attempt-to  throw  the  sbie.d  of  ■'protection 
b^ture  him- he  knew  to  be  far  beyond  his  povers. 
Wnat,  then,  was  he  to  do  ? 

He  was'willing  to  save  Dick,  for  he  prized  his  daughter 
kijjhly. 


CHAPTER    MCXIV. 

DIC»   T«RPIN    CONCEALS    HIMSELF     US     THE   OLD    8CMMEB- 
HOUSK. 

Whes  Milly  first  spoke,  Dick  had  remained  still,  his 
breast  being  filled  with  the  vague  hope  that  Sir  Humphrey 
might  in  some  way  interpose  and  save  him. 

Unless  something  of  the  kind  was  done,  too,  he  felt 
that  his  chances  of  escaping  his  persistent  foes  were 
slight  indeed. 

But  when  he  saw  the  indecision  which  manifested 
itself  in  the  baronet's  manner,  he  resolved  not  to  linger 
and  not  to  depend  upon  anyone  but  himself  in  procuring 
his  safety. 

"Many  thanks,"  he  said,  gently  striving  to  releasa 
himself  from  Milly's  grasp.  "  The  intention  to  help  me 
is  as  well  appreciated  and  as  much  valued  as  the  very  act 
of  doing  so  would  be.  But  you  must  leave  me  to  shift 
for  myself." 

"Nay,  111  be  d — d  if  I  do!"  said  the  baronet,  with 
great  warmth. 

"  But  I  must  go !"  pleaded  Dick.  "  It  will  be  death  to 
me  if  I  remain  here  another  moment !" 

"  Where  will  you  go  ?" 

"  Leave  that  to  me." 

"  No,  I  tell  you  !" 

"  Too  late— too  late !" 

"  No — no !  Skirt  the  fishpond  here — make  your  way 
as  fast  as  you  can  along  the  path,  and  it  will  bring  you  in 
sight  of  an  old,  dilapidated  summer-house.  Enter  that, 
and  you  are  safe." 

"  How  so  ?"  asked  Dick,  eagerly. 

He  had  released  himself  from  Milly's  detaining  grasp, 
and  was  about  to  dart  off,  when  the  last  words  of  the 
baronet  arrested  him  and  revived  his  hopes. 

"  There  is  a  fireplace  there,"  continued  the  baronet, 
speaking  with  great  haste  and  excitement,  though  he  so 
suppressed  his  voice  that  none  but  his  daughter  and  the 
fugitive  could  hear  him — "press  down  on  the  right-hand 
corner  of  the  mantel-shelf,  and  pull  towards  you — a  recess 
will  be  disclosed' " 

The  baronet  would  doubtless  have  entered  into  further 
particulars,  but  Dick  had  heard  enough  to  answer  his 
purpose. 

"  Thanks — a  thousand  thanks !"  he  cried,  and  then 
rushed  off  at  the  top  of  his  speed  in  the  direction  men- 
tioned by  the  baronet. 

But  he  had  already  lingered  too  long. 

The  police  officers  all  caught  6ight  of  the  flying 
form. 

Mr.  Skellum  held  a    rawn  pistol  in  his  hand. 

"Stop — stop,"  he  yelled — "stop,  or  J  fire  I" 

But  Dick  only  increased  his  pace. 

Skellum  was  as  good  as  his  word. 

He  pulled  the  trigger. 

"  I  believe  *  have  winged  him,"  he  said,  as  coolly  fta . 
though  he  bad  been  speaking  of  a  partridge. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  he  caught  sight  of  8ir 
Humphrey, 

"  1   havo  him  now,  your  worship — I  feel  sure   I  have 
him   now !     Something  seemed  to  tell  me  that  he  wss . 
stil'j  lurking  about  vour  premises  " 

Sir  Humphrey  did  not  speak,  for  the  very  simple  reason 
Jiat  he  knew  not  what  to  6ay. 

He  seemed,  too,  to  have  a  very  great  amount  of  con- 
fidence in  the  hiding-place  he  had  signified  to  Turpin. 

His  only  fear  was  as  to  the  extent  of  the  hurt  he  had 
received. 

On  the  present  occasion  Skellum  was  too  much  excited 
by  the  success  he  had  met  with  to  show  the  baronet  much 
of  that  deference  which  he  had  hitherto  been  so  careful 
to  display.  . 

No  sooner  had  he  finished  speaking  th>.  words  we 
have  just  recorded  than  he  slipped  from  his  horse,  ani, 
calling  to   his   men   to   follow  him,  dashed  off  in   per- 

Ieuit. 
Poor  Milly  was  a  prey  to  a  thousand  terrors. 
It  was  an  instinct  with  her  to  side  with  the  unfoe* 


*«0'i 


BLACK    BESS  ;    OH, 


innate  •  and  the  mere  fact  of  Dick  having  so  many  ene- 
mies to  contend  with  would  doubtless  have  called  forth 
all  her  compassion  ;  but  now  that  he  had  rendered  her 
such  an  important  service,  she  was  doubly  anxious  that 
te  should  be  saved.    C 

Indeed,  when  Skellum  departed  80  suddenly,  sne  was 
just  calming  herself  with  the  intention  of  making  an 
appeal  to  him  to  let  the  highwayman  go  free. 

As  this  appeal  would  have  been  utterly  fruitless,  it 
was  quite  as  well  that  it  should  have  been  kit  "uunade. 

-Oh,  father — father,"  she  exclaimed,  bursting  into 
tears,  and  clinging  convulsively  to  Sir  Humphrey's 
breast,  "  we  shall  see  him  slain  before  our  eyes !" 

"  JJo— no,  my  dear  !  I  believe — that  is,  I  hope  that  he 
is  quite  safe.  If  he  can  only  reach  the  summer-house  in 
time  to  conceal  himself  in  the  recess——" 

H  But  I  am  afraid  he  has  not  had  time.  Do  you  think 
he  has?" 

•'  It  is  hard  to  say.  He  would  make  great  speed  unless 
very  severely  wounded,  which  I  hope  he  is  not" 

Milly  wept  afresh. 

"Have  you  no  power  to  save  him?'  she  asked.  "If 
you  have,  exert  it  for  my  sake." 

"  Openly,  I  have  not ;  but  if  he  has  gained  the  recess 
all  will  be  well." 

•;  Will  not  the  officers  discover  it?" 

1  There  is  little  fear.  The  secret  was,  I  believe,  known 
only  to  me  up  to  to-night.  It  was  a  contrivance  made 
i-  troublous  times,  in  order  to  afford  a  hiding-place  and 
a  m^ans  of  escape." 

-No  more  was  said  then  upon  the  subject,  for  Lord 
Cmke  interrupted  them. 

He  had  been  greatly  disconcerted  by  the  unexpected 
turn  which  affairs  had  taken,  and  not  a  little  astonished 
by  the  arrival  of  the  police  officers,  and  the  events  which 
had  succeeded. 

But  that  base,  unblushing  effrontery  of  which  he  pos- 
sessed no  inconsiderable  share  at  last  came  to  bis  aid. 

Immediately  he  set  about  attempting  to  free  himself 
rrom  his  present  position. 

"  Sir  Humphrey,"  he  cried,  in  a  loud  voice,  "  I  know 
not  what  your  purpose  or  intention  may  be  in  keeping  me 
a  prisoner  thus  ;  but  I  can  assure  you  the  wisest  thing  you 
can  do  is  to  set  me  at  liberty." 

This  cool  request  would  most  likely  have  brought  some 
terrible  expletives  to  the  lips  of  Sir  Humphrey  had  not 
Milly  interposed. 

'•  Yes — yes,"  she  said — "  6et  him  free.  Let  us  never  &»e 
him  more.  We  know  him  now,  and  in  the  future  shall  be 
able  to  beware  of  him." 

'■'•  If  I  do,  may  I " 

'■'■  Hold  !"  interrupted  the  dissolute  young  noble.  "Just 
ask  yourself  what  good  you  are  likely  to  derive  by  push- 
ing this  matter  to  extremities?  I  tried  a  bold  plan — I 
have  failed.  Let  that  be  the  end  of  the  matter  ;  and  the 
quieter  it  is  kept  and  the  less  your  daughter  is  mixed  up 
end  mentioned  with  it,  the  better  it  will  be  for  her  reputa- 
tion." 

"What  effect  this  hint  may  have  had  upon  the  mind  of 
the  hot-tempered  baronet  we  know  not. 

But  he  said  to  those  who  held  Lord  Crake  in  custody: 

"Eelease  him — let  him  go  where  he  likes.  If  I  want 
him  1  shall  be  able  to  find  him,  and  untU  then  he  w4U  only 
be  an  incumbrance." 

The  men  quitted  their  hold  upon  him  with  great  reluct- 
ance. 

They  were  every  one  deeply  devoted  to  tueir  young 
mistress,  and  felt  keenly  the  gross  insula  that  had  been 
offered  her. 

Their  fingers  itched  to  take  6ome  personal  cognisance 
01  the  matter. 

Most  wishful  and  significant  were  the  glances  cast  to- 
wards the  fishpond. 

The  presence  of  their  master,  nowever,  restrained 
them. 

They  were  well  acquainted  with  his  fiery  a«^>&itioa, 
and  had  all  learned  the  wisdom  of  trhowirjr,  implicit 
obedience  to  his  commands. 

''  Fapa — papa,"  said  Milly.  "let  us  leav»  this  place. 
Let  us  follow  the  police  officers  to  the  old  summer-house. 
Who  kuows  what  may  have  happened  ?  Whc  ran  say 
tin  our  presence  will  be  altogether  useless  ?"' 

Having  nothing  to  keep  him  on  the  present  zpri,  the 
baronet  rea-2:!v  ymlded  to  his  dsogh*er's  •*rteb. 


Moreover,  he  was  very  anxious  to  have  bis  own  natural 
curiosity  gratified. 

Their  departure  was  eagerly  watched  by  the  men  who 
had  so  lately  had  charge  of  Lord  Crake.  > .  • 

In  another  moment,  without  a  word  being  exchanges 
— for  all  were  animated  by  the  same  desire— they  turned 
and  pounced  upon  their  late  prisoner,  who  had  not  yet  had 
time  to  get  out  of  their  reach. 

In  vain  be  struggled  and  f ought,  and  called  in  a  loud 
voice  upon  Sir  Humphrey. 

The  Saronet  either  could  not  or  would  not  heat-. 

"  Into  the  old  fishpond  with  him !"  was  the  general  cry. 
"  We  will  make  htm  ford  his  way  across  it.  Come  ou — 
come  on !     We'll  cool  his  love  for  him,  I'll  warrant !" 

Lord  Crake  stood  in  great  dread  of  his  prospective  pun- 
ishment. 

He  was  one  of  'Jbo&e  effeminate  creatures  to  whom  the 
idea  of  cold  water  is  too  horrible  to  endure  a  moment's 
contemplation. 

And  then  the  water  in  the  pond  too,  so  thickly  over- 
grown with  green  slimy  weeds  as  it  was,  and  so  bitterly 
cold  as  it  would  most  likely  provie,  for  it  was  the  winter 
season. 

But  his  captors  did  not  think  once  of  turning  aside  from 
any  such  consideration  as  this. 

In  vain  he  offered  them  large  6ums  of  money  if  tbey 
would  only  set  bim  at  liberty— if  tbey  would  only  re- 
linquish their  intention  of  giving  him  a  cold  bath. 

1  hen  he  tried  threats,  warning  them  what  would  be 
the  oonsequeuce  if  they  perpetrated  this  assault  upon 
him. 

To  his  mortification  he  discovered  that  no  more  notice 
was  taken  of  his  threats  than  of  his  bribes. 

"Now  then,  my  lads,"  cried  one;  "let  us  go  all  to- 
gether.   Get  ready  J" 

"  Eight  you  are  !" 

' '  One — two— three  V 

At  the  last  word  they  suddenly  ceased  swinging  him  to 
and  fro  between  them,  and  the  consequence  was  he  was 
hurled  forward  through  the  air  several  feet. 

He  came  down  with  a  terrifio  splash  into  the  water ;  and 
as  he  happened  to  reach  it  upon  his  back,  he  floundered 
about  most  tremendously  for  a  moment  or  two,  to  the  in- 
finite amusement  and  satisfaction  of  his  tormentoas. 

At  last,  blinded  and  breathless,  he  gained  his  feet,  and 
made  a  frantic  dash  towards  dry  land. 

But  they  drove  him  off. 

They  were  determined  not  to  let  him  get  out  unless  he 
chose  to  wade  across  and  emerge  upon  the  other 
side. 

But,  6tung  to  rage  and  fury,  he  foolishly  refused  to  do 
this. 

But  the  men  were  firm,  and  all  his  attempts  to  land 
proved  fruitless. 

They  pelted  him  with  stones ;  they  picked  up  handfuls 
of  the  half -dry  mud  at  the  brink  of  the  pond  and  flung  at 
him,  until  his  condition  was  deplorable  indeed. 

In  the  end  he  had  to  succumb. 

But  the  yell  of  delight  and  derision  with  which  he  was 
greeted  when  he  turned  his  back  to  them  and  began  to 
wade  across,  so  infuriated  him  that  he  paused,  and  seemed 
half  inclined  to  commence  the  unequal  contest  again. 

But  he  thought  better  of  it. 

Summoning  up  all  his  energies,  he  made  his  way  across 
the  pond  with  all  the  6peed  that  was  possible. 

But  as  the  sheet  of  water  was  of  considerable  extent* 
the  feat  was  neither  easily  nor  speedily  accomplished. 

When  he  did  reach  the  other  side,  a  more  forlorn- 
looking  object  than  this  dissolute  young  nobleman  pre* 
sented  could  not  by  any  means  be  imagined. 

Dripping  with  wet,  plastered  from  head  to  foot  by  the 
slimy  mud  at  the  bottom  of  the  pond,  and  the  still  more. 
slimy  green  weed  which  floated  on  the  surface,  and  with 
his  features  scarcely  distinguishable,  be  did  indeed  look 
the  very  embodiment  of  wretchednees. 

A  shriek  of  laughter  from  the  men  on  the  opposite  bank 
reached  his  eare.  vi 

Maddened  with  fury,  he  turned  round  and  shook  hjf 
clenched  fists.,  while  <"ursee  and  threats  af  vsngeanc* 
poured  from  his  lips. 

But,  from  a  movement  that  was  made  by  the  throng, 
he  surmised  that  they  were  about  to  run  round  with  *Z& 
view  of  repeating  their  discipline. 

This  was  g^aat.'y  *.c  be  dreaded,  so,  turning  round,  btf 


THB  KNIGHT  OF  THK  ROAD. 


liKSi 


tore  along  &t  the  utmost  speed  he  was  capable  of 
making. 

He  pressed  his  hands  to  his  ears,  so  as  to  shut  ont  the 
derisive  cries  by  which  he  was  pursued,  and  felt  truly 
thankful  when  a  little  clump  of  trees  hid  him  feosa  their 
hated  view.  __   . 

Leaving  him  to  Ms  fate,  however,  we  r^~im  to  "r», 
who  requires  all  our  attention. 

Mr.  Skellum  was  quite  right  when  he  sal""  h*.  aad 
■  winged  him."  ». 

Dice  was  conscious  of  two  things,  whioh  seemed  to  him 
simultaneous,     j 

These  were  a  sharp  blow  on  his  arm,  such  as  might 
be  given  by  a  stick,  and  the,  report  of  a  pistol. 

He  knew  he  was  wounded  in  the  arm  even  before  he 
observed  that  it  was  hanging  by  his  side  numbed  and 
painless. 

Bnt  the  effects,  of  course,  would  quickly  make  them- 
selves felt. 

Still  be  did  not  pause ;  but,  grinding  bis  teeth,  bounded 
forward  with  additional  speed. 

He  heard  his  pursuers  hastening  after  him,  and  he 
would  have  at  once  given  himself  up  for  lost  but  for  the 
hope  of  safety  whioh  the  old  summer-nouse  held  out  to  him. 

That  stimulated  him  to  make  what  we  are  justified  in 
calling  supernatural  exertions. 

It  was  not  until  he  had  run  for  some  distance,  and  felt 
the  warm  blood  trickling  down  his  fingers,  that  he  re- 
membered that  he  was  leaving  a  crimson  trail  behind 
biro,  which  the  officers  would  have  no  trouble  whatever 
in  following.  ( 

Unless  this  wa6  stopped,  even  the  secret  recess  in  the 
old  summer-house  would  prove  valueless  to  him. 

He  was  obliged  to  pause,  though  by  pausing  he  knew 
how  very  greatly  he  was  diminishing  his  cnastju  of 
safety. 

Still  it  was  unavoidable. 

With  great  rapidity  he  tore  off  his  neckcloth,  and  with 
equal  speed  bound  it  roughly  round  his  arm,  so  that  even 
if  the  now  of  blood  was  not  stanched,  yet  it  was  pre- 
vented from  trickling  to  the  ground. 

The  delay  was  so  trifling  as  to  be,  under  ordinary  cir- 
cumstances, almost  unappreciable. 

Yet,  in  the  present  Instance,  it  allowed  his  foes  to  gain 
upon  him  fearfully. 

Nerving  himself  to  make,  if  possible,  increased  exertion, 
.Dick  followed  in  the  direction  indicated  by  the  baronet, 
straining  his  eyes  in  the  continual  ho^e  of  being  able  to 
catch  6ight  of  the  dilapidated  building. 

At  last  he  saw  something  that  was  *  few  shades  darker 
than  other  objects  around  him,  and  towards  this  he  ran, 
convinced  it  was  what  he  wanted. 

Breathless,  and  throbbing  with  pain,  he  dashed  open 
the  partially-closed  door,  and  glared  around  him. 

That  is,  he  endeavoured  to  do  so,  for  the  interior  of 
the  summer-house  was  profoundly  dark. 

Still  he  faneied  he  saw  the  fireplace,  and  strode  across 
the  flooring. 

He  was  right. 

Bemembering  the  directions  he  had  received,  be  pressed 
upon  one  end  of  the  mantel-shelf,  and  then  pulled  towards 
him. 

Having  only  one  hand  to  use,  be  found  this  task  a 
difficult  one 

But  the  exigency  of  his  situation  seemed  to  endow  him 
with  fresh  strength. 

The  whole  mass  came  towards  him. 

Whether  there  really  was  a  recess  or  not,  he  could  not 
perceive ;  but,  pushing  in,  he  found  the  baronet  had  de- 
scribed the  hiding-place  correctly. 

But  by  the  time  this  much  was  done  the  officers  had 
got  to  within  a  dozen  yards  of  him. 

He  bad  still  to  pull  the  fireplace  back  into  its  place 
again,  and  about  this  he  had  not  waited  to  receive  any 
instructions  whatever. 

But  Dick's  fingers  were  busy. 

With  great  haste  he  felt  up  and  down,  and  m  aa  instant 
encountered  a  kind  of  handle,  shaped  something  like  a 
loop.        «V 

This  h<  seized  with  his  right  band,  and  then  pulled 
towards  him  with  all  his  might. 

The  front  Of  the  fireplace  was  made  to  open  on  hinges 
after  the  fashion  of  *  door,  and  he  pulled  until  i*  was  im- 
possible  to  pull  any  further. 


Yet,  even  then  he  did  not  release  his  hold,  bat  stood 
grasping  the  handle,  and  waiting  with  no  trifling  amount 
of  anxiety  the  approach  of  his  foes. 

In  this  respect  he  would  not  have  grumowtd  if  his 
patience  had  been  taxed  a  little  more  severely,  tor 
scarcely  had  he  drawn  the  giate  into  Into  its  place  than 
several  of  his  foes  reached  the  threshold. 

"  Hullo  1"  said  a  voice,  which  he  recognised  at  once 
as  being  Mr.  Skellum 's — "  hullo !  what  place  have  we 
here  ?     Is  he  inside,  I  wonder  ?" 

"  I  believe  I  6aw  him  enter,"  said  another  voice, 
"  though  the  darkness  prevents  me  from  saying  for  cer- 
tain." 

"Well,  we  shall  soon  know,"  continued  Skellum. 
"Out  with  a  light,  some  of  you!  Be  quick,  can't 
yon !" 

The  words  were  scarcely  out  of  his  mouth  before  Dick 
caught  sight  of  a  glimmer  of  light. 

This  naturally  raised  in  his  breast  a  thousand  appre- 
hensions. 

He  made  sure  that  as  he  could  see  this  light  he  could 
not  properlv  have  closed  the  recess. 

If  so,  nothing  could  pr,rvent  his  discovery. 

With  an  anxiousuess  of  which  it  is  possible  for  6ome 
remote  idea  to  be  formed  he  waited  to  hear  what  should 
happen  next 

The  lantern  seemed  to  be  flashed  all  round  the  place, 
and  then  some  one  said  : 

"  There's  no  one  here." 

"  So  it  seems,"  responded  Skellum,  though  by  the  tone 
in  which  he  spoke  it  might  be  inferred  that  he  was  net 
over  well  assured  of  the  fact. 

"  I  fancied  myself  I  saw  him  come  in  here,"  be  con- 
tinued ;  "  and  it  is  certain  he  made  in  a  direct  line  for 
the  place  ;  but  I  must  have  been  deceived,  for  there  is 
not  room  here  to  hide  a  cat." 

Indeed,  the  summer-house,  owing  to  its  disuetude, 
was  absolutely  destitute  of  every  article  of  furniture. 

A  silence  ensued. 

Dick's  heart  beat  at  such  a  fearful  rate,  and  to  him 
apparently  with  60  much  loudness,  that  he  dreaded  « 
would  betray  him. 

The  officers  retired  towards  the  doer, 

Dick  breathed  a  little. 

They  crossed  the  threshold. 

He  breathed  with  tolerable  ease. 

The  officers  went  a  little  way  and  listened. 

But  not  the  faintest  sound  reached  their  ears. 

They  regarded  each  other  with  puzzled  looks. 

This  disappearance,  so  6udden  and  so  complete  as  it 
appeared  to  be,  was  most  mysterious. 

What  had  become  of  him  ? 

He  could  scarcely  have  continued  his  flight,  because, 
had  he  done  so,  the  unavoidable  noise  made  by  his  rapid 
progress  would  have  been  audible  at  a  great  distance. 

"  He  is  hiding  somewhere  again,  sir,  cried  one  of  the 
officers.    "  Why,  he  is  ten  times  worse  to  hunt  than  a  fox." 

"  Never  mina,"  said  Skellum.  "  We  will  take  our  time. 
He  can't  get  far,  that's  one  comfort.  IH  find  out  where 
he  is  hidden,  depend  upon  it." 

That  he  was  hidden  somewhere  was  the  general  im- 
pression. 

It  was  at  this  juncture  that  Sir  Humphrey  and  his 
daughter  made  their  appearance. 

They  were  both  somewhat  breathless,  in  consequence 
of  the  6peed  they  had  made. 

"  Have  you  got  him  ?"  gasped  the  baronet. 

Mr.  Skellum  was  obliged  to  make  the  mortifying  con- 
fession that  be  had  not. 

And  now,  had  he  not  considered  that  the  fact  of  the  pair 
before  him  being  in  collusion  with  the  fugitive  was 
wholly  impossible,  he  must  have  had  his  suspicions 
aroused  by  the  satisfaction  which  Milly  manifested  on 
receipt  of  the  admission. 

It  was  not  that  she  spoke  or  started,  but  she  gave  ner 
father  a  glance  that  was  in  the  highest  degree  expr*s^ 
sive.  ft, 

"  Why,  bless  me,"  puffed  the  baronet,  wiping  his  fac 
with  bis  silk  handkerchief—"  the  fellow  doubles  and  turns 
like  a  fox.    I  thought  you  had  shot  him." 

•  So  I  did,  sir,  there  s  no  mistake  about  that,"  said  Mr 
Skellum,  as  though  he  derived  uncommon  satisfaction 
from  his  knowledge  of  the  fact. 

u  Then  how  the  devil  has  he  contrived  to  sliu  thro^gi 


1966 


BLACK  BESS ;    OK, 


your  fingers  this  time,"  asked  the  baronet,  "  and  you  so 
close  at  his  heel3,  too  ?" 

"  That's  what  1  can't  make  out  just  at  present,"  replied 
Skellum.  "  But  I  don't  despair.  He  is  not  far  away,  I  am 
assured." 

"  Why  do  yon  think  that  ?" 

"  Because  of  the  suddenness  of  his  disappearance.  He 
has  got  into  a  hiding-place  somewhere  close  by — no  doubt 
the  same  in  which  he  had  been  concealed  while  I  searched 
for  him  before." 

The  concern  which  Milly  now  felt  and  unconsciously 
•Hsplayed  in  her  countenance  was  even  still  more  provo- 
cative of  suspicion  than  her  former  satisfaction. 

Luckily,  however,  Mr.  Skellum  did  not  observe  it ;  and 
this  is  not  so  much  to  be  wondered  at  when  it  is  borne 
in  mind  that  there  was  no  other  light  than  issued  from 
the  dark  lantern  of  one  of  the  men. 

"  So  you  do  not  despair  ?"  said  the  baronet. 

14  Not  by  any  manner  of  means.  He  is  hidden  some- 
where within  a  few  yards  of  this  place;  perhaps  he  may 
even  be  able  to  hear  the  words  that  I  now  speak.  But  let 
the  place  of  concealment  be  as  good  and  as  cleverly-con- 
trived as  may  be,  yet  I  will  undertake  to  discover  it." 

The  positive  air  with  which  Mr.  Skellum  spoke  caused 
Milly  to  suffer  much  real  terror. 

In  her  own  heart  from  this  moment  she  g»ve  Dick  up 
for  lost. 

The  baronet  did  the  same,  yet  both  waited  with 
feverish  anxiety  to  learn  the  result  of  the  officers'  move- 
ments. 

"  I  wish  yon  luck  in  your  search,"  said  Sir  Humphrey  ; 
"though,  if  I  spoke  my  opinion,  I  should  say  he  is  far 
enough  off  by  this  time,  and  that  while  you  are  standing 
here  he  is  rapidly  increasing  that  distance," 

But  Skellum  shook  his  head  with  a  very  positive  air. 

"I  could  almost  have  sworn  that  I  saw  him  run  into 
this  summer-house." 

"Into  the  summer-house?"  echoed  Sir  Humphrey  and 
his  daughter,  speaking  both  together. 

"  Yes." 

"  Have  you  looked  ?" 

"  Oh  yes.    We  have  just  had  a  peep." 

"  And  he  is  not  there  ?v 

"It  seems  not,"  responded  Skellum;  "but  I  am  by  no 
oiean8  certain  of  it.  At  any  rate,  I  shall  not  be  satisfied 
until  I  have  had  another  good  look." 

Most  fortunate  indeed  was  it  that  he  turned  upon  his 
heel  at  this  moment. 

Had  he  not  done  so  he  could  not  have  failed  to  see  the 
great  distress  into  which  Milly  was  plunged  by  these  last 
words,  which  seemed  to  her  to  be  the  death-knell  of 
Turpiu's  hopes. 

CHAPTER  MCXV. 

MR.   SKELLUM   MISSES   HIS   PBET   BY  A   HAIR'S   BREADTH. 

Sir  Humphrey  had  too  good  an  opinion  of  the  hiding- 
place  to  feel  afraid  that  it  would  be  found  out  very 
easily,  and  so  he  pressed  his  daughter's  arm  in  a  way  that 
he  intended  should  reassure  her  and  followed  the  police 
officers  into  the  summer-house. 

The  first  thing  they  heard  after  crossing  the  threshold 
was  a  loud  exclamation  from  Mr.  Skellum,  which  seemed 
to  betoken  the  discovery  of  something  important. 

"The  light  here,"  he"  cried-  "  the  light,  I  say." 

The  lantern  of  course  was  immediately  handed  to  hhn, 
and  the  first  use  he  made  of  it  was  to  direct  the  beam  of 
light  on  to  the  ground. 

"Ah,"  he  cried,  "it  seems  I  am  right  after  all." 

"What  is  it — what  is  it?"  asked  the  baronet,  pushing 
forward. 

"Nothing  more  than  a  spot  of  blood,  your  worship," 
was  t  he  reply.  "  Look  here,  it  is  round  and  red,  aud  it  has 
not  been  here  long  either.** 

By  way  of  proving  that  this  assertion  was  corrt.^  he 
smeared  it  with  his  foot,  which  left  no  doubt  of  its 
liquidity,  ....     - 

"  He  has  been  here,"  he  cried.'  a I  thought  it  odd  if  I 
should  be  mistaken.  "He  is  concealed  somewhere  in  or  about 
this  building,  aud  with  your  permission,  Sir  Humphrey, 
we  will  set  about  finding  him." 

"Oh,  certainly— certainly,"  answered  the  baronet,  who 
was  aware  it  wifild  be  most  unwise  to  attempt  to  oppose 
the  police  officer*  ia  such  a  mutter. 


By  the  steps  he  now  took,  Mr.  Skellum  plainly  showed 
that  such  business  as  the  present  was  by  no  means  strange 
to  him. 

Some  of  the  men  he  directed  to  watch  closely  the  ex- 
terior of  the  structure,  while  to  one  he  gave  particular  in-. 
structions. 

For  his  own  part,  he  pulled  out  his  discharged  pistol, 
and  grasping  it  by  the  barrel,  used  the  butt  as  a  hammer. 

Ho  struck  a  couple  of  sharp  blows  with  it  upon,  the 
wooden  wall  of  the  summer-house,  beginning  close  to  the 
doc. 

llio  knocks  were  responded  to  by  the  man  outside, 
whom  he  had  told  to  test  the  outer  side  while  he  tested 
the  inner. 

"  Go  on,"  he  cried — "  all  right." 

The  man  walked  on  responding  to  every  blow  given  by 
his  chief. 

The  sound  was  quite  sufficient  to  enable  the  most  in- 
experienced person  to  pronounce  with  certainty  as  to 
whether  there  was  any  cavity,  recess  or  secret  hiding- 
place  in  the  walls. 

The  examination  went  on  rapidly,  aud  as  the  old 
summer-house  was  not  of  very  great  extent,  it  follows 
that  they  very  soon  got  near  the  fireplace.  :  . 

The  baronet  had  by  no  means  reck*ned  upon  such  a 
rigid  scrutiny  as  this,  and  could  hardly  hope  that  the 
hiding-place  would  hold  out  against  it. 

It  was  in  all  ways  most  unfortunate  that  the  drop  of  ' 
blood  should  have  been  seen  on  the  floor,  because  it  was  . 
that  which  changed  Skelluin's  suspicions  into  certainties. 

The  fireplace  was  now  reached. 

He  had  not  particularly  u<_<iced  this  before,  and  his  first 
act  was  to  peep  up  the  chimney.  ," 

"  Is  there  anyone  there  ?"  asked  one  of  his  men. 

"I  think  not,  for  I  can  see  the  night  sky  through  the  • 
top.     However,  I'll  soon  settle  the  point. 

"  Dick  Turpin,"  he  cried,  •'  I  give  you  warning  that  I  am 
about  to  fire  a  loaded  pistol  up  this  chimney.  If  you  are 
concealed,  speak — if  not,  the  consequence  will  be  upon 
your  head,  not  mine." 

With  these  words  he  very  deliberately  drew  a  pistol 
and  cocked  it. 

No  notice  was  taken  of  his  summons,  and  a  sufficiently 
long  interval  of  silence  succeeding,  he  put  his  arm  up  the 
chimney  and  pulled  the  trigger. 

The  report  in  that  confined  space  was  tremendous. 

But  nothing  was  brought  down  save  a  quantity  of  soot, 
which  age  had  made  almost  as  hard  as  mortar. 

The  crazy  old  building  shook  from  the  shock,  and 
seemed  for  a  moment  as  though  it  would  fall  to  the 
ground. 

The  apprehension  of  this  danger  was  soon  over,  and 
then  Skellum  said : 

"  He  is  not  there." 

This  disappointment,  if  suoh  we  may  term  -it,  did  not 
cause  him  to  relax  his  former  exertions.-  ■ 

In  his  own  mind  he  was  quite  satisfied  that  Dick  was 
hidden  very  close  at  hand,  and  nothing  but  care  and 
patience  were  required  to  unearth  him. 

The  fireplace  came  in  for  a  due  share  of  his  scrutiny." 

His  first  act  was  to  tap  at  the  back  of  it.  -  ■ 

A  most  unmistakably  hollow  sound  was  returned. 

"  Hallo !"  he  said,  and  with  the  word  he  knocked' agaw» 

If  possible,  the  sound  was  more  indicative 'of  the'  exist- 
ence of  a  cavity  than  it  was  before. 

"  Potter!"  bawled  Skellum.  r 

"  Yes,  sir,"  responded  the  man  outside. 

"  Why  the  devil  don't  you  answer  my  knock?" 

"  I  have,  sir." 

"  Knock  again."  _      - 

He  listened,  and  the  sound  of  a  blow  was  heard,  tut  most 
evidently  it  was.  not  delivered  against  the  back  of  the 
fire-place.  ■  ''.'■' 

"  Your  worship,"  he  said,  "I  have  found  dut  the  secret 
at  last;  I  was  sure  I  should  do  so  before  very  long.  But 
you  must  give  me  your  permission  to  look  further 'iuto 
this  business.  Of  course  I  will  undertake  to  do  no  -mot* 
damage  than  I  can  help." 

Milly  now  was  all  but  in  a  swoon. 

She  would  have  given  worlds  to-  get  away,  yet  she 
could  not  command  herself  enough  to  speak  or  to  make 
one  single  movement. 

She  expocted  now  nothing  less  than  to  see  Dick  Turpi* 
slain  before  her  eyes. 


r&fl  &N1GHT  OB  THB  BO  AD. 


13*7 


Her  father  was  almost  as  discomposed  as  she  was ;  and 
H  waaY'perhaps,  more  because  he  fancied  he  onght  to 
ppeals  thai;  any  other  cause,  that  made  him  say  : 

"  What  was  it  you  thought  of  doing,  Mr.  Skellum  ?"'   - 

"I  shall  be  compelled,  your  worship,  ia  the  faithful 
discharge  of  my  duty,  to  break  into  the  hiding-pla*"^ 
which  I  am  sure  exists  here."     .' 

"  Oh,  very  well — of  course,"  muttered  Sir  Humphrey, 
not  knowing  what  other  words  to  make  use  of. 

Being  convinced  that  there  was  some  means  of  gaming 
•  ready  access  to  this  placo  of  concealment  caused  Mr. 
Skellum  to  look  narrowly  for  some  kind  of  secret  fastening. 

While  thus  engaged,  that  chink  through  which  Dick 
had  seen  the  light  of  the  lantern  was  presently  discovered. 

"  Here  we  -have  it !  Now,  ray  lads,  keep  a  sh.-frp  look- 
out round  the  outside,  and  if  he  attempts  to  run  away 
shoot  him  down  !     We  will  stand  no  more  nonsens*  (" 

So  saying,  Mr.  Skellum  drew  the  heavy  cat 'ass  he 
carried  by  his  side  and  inserted  the  point  in  the  crevice 
we  have  mentioned. 

Then  using  the  weapon  is  a  lever,  he  succeeded  in  forc- 
ing open  the  hidden  doorway,  which,  as  it  was  not  se- 
cured by  any  jpring  or  snap,  caused  but  very  little 
trouble. 

A  small  recess  Ike  a  closet  was  then  disclosed,  abo»t 
large  enough  for  a  man  to  3tand  upright  in. 

But  the  recess  was  empty. 

Milly  had  closed  her  eyes,  determined  not  to  be  a  wit- 
ness of  the  slaughter  of  the  man  she  had  befriended ;  and 
when  she  opened  them  again  she  could  scarcely  beJieve 
that  she  saw  aright. 

By  what  unaccountable  magic  had  the  highwaym&n 
contrived  to  disappear  ? 

Mr.  Skellum  was  disconcerted  for  the  moment,  but  we 
must  do  him  the  justice  to  state  that  it  was  for  the  moment 
only. 

"The  light,"  he  cried — "show  me  the  light.  »nd  don't 
relax  your  vigilance  in  the  least!" 

But  before  we  describe  the  furtbor  proceedings  of  the 
officers  we  will  return  co  Dick  t,nZ  give  some  account  of 
his  actions. 

No  sooner,  then,  was  he  conscious  that  his  foes  had 
quitted  the  old  summer-house  on  the  first  oecasJbn  than 
he  turned  round  and  felt  the  walls  of  the  recess,  wondering 
whether  there  was  any  other  means  of  leaving  it  than  that 
by  which  he  had  entered. 

Me  devoutly  hoped  such  would  prove  to  be  the  case, 
and  he  had  tolerable  good  grounds  for  the  indulgence  of 
this  hope,  for  he  remembered  what  the  baronet  was  saying 
when  he  interrupted  him. 

But  his  hands  enabled  him  to  make  no  discovery. 

When  lie  turned  his  back  tc  'he  fireplace  he  all  at  once 
'  becaitie  aware  that  fresh  air  was  blowing  lightly  upon  his 
face. 

This  pointed  in  the  same  direction  as  his  hopes,  and 
teemed  to  go  to  show  that  there  was  an  outlet  at  no  great 
distance. 

With  a  view  of  reaching  the  back  of  the  recers,  he  put 
his  foot  forward,  and  it  was  well  for  him  that  he  exercised 
iome  caution  in  putting  it  down. 

It  was  the  fear  lest  his  foes  should  hear  him  that  made 
him  unusually  careful,  and  he  congratulated  himself  upon 
his  prudence,  for  he  could  find  no  resting-place  to  put  bis 
foot  upou. 

*    He  was,  in  fact,  standing  at  the  top  of  a  rudely-jnade 
staircase  which  descended  very  precipitously. 

When  Dick  made  this  discovery  his  heart  leaped  with 
joy. 

Without  more  ado  he  commenced  making  a  descent,  using 
,  theutmost  caution  in  all  hie  progress  and  keeping  his  one 
hand  well  extended  before  him  to  guard  against  coming 
iuto  sudden  contact  with  any  object. 

It  was  no  slight  thing  thus  to  make   his  fcay  tnrough 
the  total  darkness  in  a  place  that  he  was   utterly   unac- 
quainted with. 
.  For  aught  be  knew,  some  terrible  peril  misrht  it*  to.  his 
path,  and  he  be  unconscious  of  it  until  too  late. 

It  was  but  rarely  Dick  was  without  the  means  ef  pro- 
curing a  light.  '<£ 

Unfortunately,  this  was  one  of  those  rare  occasions, 
and  in  consequence  he  wasted  much  valuable  time,  for  in 
progressing  as  he  did  twice  as  much  time  was  taken  as 
would  have  i>ecu  consumed  kai  he  ouiy  been  able  to  see 
before  him. 


He  was  much  encouraged  by  the  fact  that  an  he  ad- 
vanced the  rush  of  cold  air  was  more  and  more  sensible, 
which  convinced  him  he  was  making  his  v.  ay  towards 
the  outlet. 

Suddenly,  however,  to  his  inexpressible  astonishment, 
this  ceasecf. 

He  stopped,  wondering  what  could  be  the  cause  of  so 
strange  a  circumstance. 

There  was  no  doubt  about  it— the  air  ceased  to  blow 
upon  his  face. 

A  grtat  dread  now  came  over  him — one  that  for  a 
moment  deprived  him  of  all  motion. 

This  was,  that  by  some  meaus  or  other  his  foes  had 
learned  the  whereabouts  of  the  outlet,  and  had  closed  it. 

At  this  reflection  he  leant  against  the  wall  for  sup- 
port. 

He  felt  giddy  and  sick,  and  no  wonder,  for  he  had  lost 
a  great  quantity  of  blood. 

The-ensauguined  fluid  was  indeed  even  now  escaping 
in  much  greater  quantity  than  he  was  aware  of. 

Some  moments  elapsed  before  he  could  make  up  his 
mind  what  to  do,  when  luckily  a  fresh  idea  occurred  tc 
him. 

In  obedience  to  it,  he  turned  and  retraced  his  steps. 

Presently,  as  he  had  almost  been  afraid  to  expect,  he 
felt  the  fresh  air  again  blowing  upon  him. 

This  convinced  him  that  he  must  on  the  former  occa- 
sion have  passed  some  branching-off  passage  which  com- 
muuicated  with  the  open  air,  and  kept  along  the  one  that 
doubtless  led  to  a  secret  doorway  in  some  apartment  iu 
the  Hall. 

Like  most  other  people  at  that  time,  Dick  knew  very 
well  that  there  was  scarcely  a  dwelling  of  any  import- 
ance and  antiquity  throughout  the  land  that  was  unpro- 
vided with  at  least  one  secret  means  of  exit,  and  that 
this  was  a  secret  means  of  communication  with  the  Hall 
he  was  perfectly  certain. 

Using  more  care  than  on  the  former  occasion,  when 
indeed  his  principal  aim  had  been  to  keep  on  in  a  straight 
direction,  he  proceeded  until  he  came  to  a  corner  where 
another  passage  appeared  to  branch  off  at  right  angles. 

As  it  was  so  profoundly  dark,  and  as  he  was  in  too 
much  haste  to  observe  these  things  closely,  he  had  no 
very  clear  notion  of  the  place. 

The  air  blew  on  his  face,  and  he  was  content. 

Heedless  of  the  danger  there  might  be  in  doing  so,  ho 
ran  ou  with  extended  arms,  hoping  to  make  up  for  the 
precious  moments  that  had  been  lost. 

In  point  of  fact,  the  time  to  him  seemed  very  much 
greater  than  it  was  in  reality. 

A  few  moments  more,  and  to  his  great  joy  he  perceived 
a  faint  glimmer  of  twilight  in  advance — so  faint  that  no 
one  could  have  descried  it  unless  after  being  in  total 
darkness  as  long  as  Dick  had. 

He  quickened  his  steps,  and  soon  after  emerged  on  the 
side  of  a  little  hill  which  formed  one  side  of  a  dingle  or 
large  dell,  which  was  thickly  covered  with  thorn-bearing 
bushes. 

So  well  did  these  conceal  the  entrance  to  the  secret 
passage  that,  after  Dick  emerged  and  turned  round,  he 
was  unable  to  perceive  it. 

Just  then,  such  a  fearful  sensation  of  sickness  came 
over  him  that  he  had  much  difficulty  in  saving  himself 
from  falling. 

A  kind  of  stupor,  or  6tate  of  semi-consciousness,  fol- 
lowed. 

But  the  knowledge  of  his  imminent  peril  never  left 
him,  and  it  was  this  knowledge  which  enabled  him,  after 
a  brief  interval,  to  ahake  off  in  some  degree  the  oppres- 
siveness which  weighed  hini  down. 

He  knew,  too,  what  was  the  cause  of  this  deathlike 
sensation,  and  his  first  act  was  to  take  the  neckcloth  and 
fold  it  up  something  iu  the  form  of  a  surgical  bandage. 

When  this  was  done,  it  was  no  easy  task  to  bind  up 
his  left  arm  in  such  a  way  as  to  check  the  effusion  of 
Mood,  nor  did  he  succeed,  though  he  managed  to  stop  tne 
flow  to  a  very  great  estent. 

He  lietenod. 

From  the  silence  which  reigned  around,  he  ventured 
to  hope  that  his  foes  had  once  more  lost  his  trail,  and  it 
was  this  hope  which  animated  him  to  make  all  the  exer- 
tion he  could  to  get  away  from  the  spot. 

Leaving  him  for  a  brief  spaco  to  struggle  on  through 
the  baronet's  doiupjna,  we  will  return  t     the  summer- 


i*>8 


KL4.G&    BBSB;     OS, 


boose,  because  some  events  took  place  tbere  that  were  of 
A  very  startling  character  indeed. 

It  will  be  recollected  that  Mr,  Skeiiam  had  caiied  aioad 
for  a  light.   ^ 

The  lantern  was  n&ndea  to  lam,  ana  to  plunged  wim 
it  into  the  recess. 

But  before  he  had  time  to  make  any  ezamination.,  ne 
was  startled  by  loud  cries  of  alarm  issuing  from  t^e  iips 
of  those  behind  him. 

When  he  first  heard  these  cues  te  naturally  enougn 
jumped  to  the  conclusion  that  Dick  Turpin  was  the  cause 
of  it. 

Therefore  he  drew  back  with  great  alacrity. 

But  at  the  first  glance  he  Saw  into  how  great  a  mistake 
no  had  fallen. 

The  summer-house  was  in  fiamos 

So  intent  had  everybody  been  upon  the  discovery  at 
tne  fireplace  that  the  blaze  was  not  at  first  notioed. 

The  fire  spread.,  however,  with  lightning-!  ike 
rapidity. 

The  summer-house  was,  in  fact,  composed  ol  notolng 
but  wood  ;  and  by  many  long  years  of  exposure  to  the 
elements  it  had  become  as  dry  and  inflammable  as 
paper. 

Even  by  the  time  Mr.  Skellum  had  drawn  back  and 
taken  a  first  glance  the  fury  of  the  flames  so  much 
increased,  and  the  heat  generated  was  so  intense,  that  all 
were  glad  to  draw  back  and  make  what  speed  they  could 
across  the  threshold. 

Indeed,  had  a  light  been  applied  to  a  quantity  of 
shavings,  the  fire  could  not  have  spread  with  more  swift- 
ness and  vigour. 

The  first  inquiry  was  as  to  the  origin  of  the  conflagra- 
tion ;  but  this  was  a  point  upon  which  5hey  were  not  long 
in  doubt. 

From  the  spot  where  the  fire  had  first  been  observed  to 
break  out,  it  was  tolerably  clear  that  the  cause  lay  in  the 
pistol  which  Mr.  Skellum  had  rather  foolishly  fired  up 
the  chimney. 

In  all  probability,  the  fire  had  been  communicated  by 
a  burning  wad  falling  upon  the  woodwork,  which,  once 
alight,  burned  with  a  rapidity  that  appeared  incredible  to 
those  who  were  actually  witnesses  of  it. 

To  enter  the  summer-house  became  in  less  than  a 
moment  an  impossibility,  and,  indeed,  so  great  was  the 
heat  that  it  compelled  them,  though  outside,  to  retire  to  a 
respectful  distance. 

The  unexpectedness  of  this  event  produced  a  great  deal 
of  confusion. 

As  may  be  expected,  Skellum  was  one  of  the  first  to 
recover. 

Yet,  by  the  time  he  had  collected  his  faoulties  the 
summer-house  was  one  mass  of  flames  frcm  top  to 
bottom. 

It  roared  like  a  furnace,  and  thousands  of  sparks  flew 
into  the  air. 

"  This  is  a  d — d  annoying  thing !"  were  his  first  words. 
"  Excuse  me  for  saying  so,  your  worship  but  what 
could  have  been  more  annoying  ?" 

"  1  am  greatly  vexed,  I  confess,"  said  Sir  Humphrey, 
"for  the  old  place  was  a  great  favourite  of  mine,  find  I 
would  not  willingly  have  had  it  destroyed.  I  am  d — uably 
afraid,  too,  that  it  will  set  fire  to  some  of  the  trees." 

"  We  will  try  and  prevent  that,  your  worship,"  replied 
Skellum,  "  though  the  danger  is  greater  than  I  had  at 
first  considered  it." 

As  the  trees  grew  very  closely  indeed  round  the 
tummer-house,  there  was  a  good  deal  of  fear  that  the  fire 
would  be  communicated  to  them. 

Little  of  an  active  character  could,  however,  be 
done.      ^ 

There  was  no  water  near  at  hand,  and  no  means  of 
getting  any  from  the  pool  without  going  first  to  the  Hall 
to  obtain  buckets  for  the  purpose. 

In  the  opinion  of  all  present,  long  before  this  cotiitl  be 
done  the  summer-house  would  be  reduced  to  asV-s. 

The  greatest  fury  of  the  fire,  too,  was  now  over,  and  as 
it  by  degrees  abated,  the  apprehensions  that  the  w>od 
%vould  be  fired  grew  much  less. 

So  rapidly  did  the  whole  affair  take  place  that  certainly 
not  move  than  twelve  nrinutes  elapsed  from  the  moment 
when  the  outbreak  of  fire  was  discovered  until  of  the 
whole  nothing  remained  but  a  mass  of  red-hot  smoulder- 
icg  i-inbei  s  which  cast  up  dense  volumes  of  smoke. 


Mr.  Skellum  did  not  value  the  old  summer  house  on* 
rush ;  but  ht  was  terribly  put  about  to  think  such  ut 
obstacle  should  have  placed  itself  in  the  way  of  his  pur- 
suit of  Dick,  who.  as  he  rightly  dreaded  was  by  thi. 
time  far  enough  off. 

Yet  where  to  look  for  turn  He  Knew  not 

Nothing  had  been  seen  or  heard,  and  the  only  cvnsoja- 
tion  he  could  find  lay  in  the  reflection  that  it  was  jus', 
possible  Dick  was  still  under  earth,  unable  to  emerge  in 
consequence  of  the  conflagration 

That  he  was  doomed  to  be  disappointed  in  this  respect 
the  reader  knows  well  enough  already. 

About  the  existence  of  the  recess  and  knowledge  of 
where  it  led  the  baronet  professed  the  most  profound 
ignorance,  and  Skellum,  with  all  his  impudence,  did  not 
venture  to  doubt  the  truth  of  what  he  stated. 

So  soon  as  the  fire  was  subdued,  or,  rather,  nad  ex- 
hausted itself  for  want  of  further  material,  he  plunged 
among  the  ruins  and  busily  set  to  work  to  remove  the 
mass  of  rubbish  which  had  fallen  over  where  the  fireplace 
had  stood. 

In  this  rather  unpleasant  task  he  was  well  assisted  by 
his  men,  who  could  not  for  shame's  sake  hold  back  when 
their  leader  set  them  the  example  of  working. 

Yet  it  was  most  difficult,  not  to  say  dangerous,  for  tha 
wood,  when  it  came  to  be  disturbed  much  below  the  sur- 
face, was  red-hot,  while  clouds  of  the  most  suffocating 
and  pungent  smoke  continued  to  arise. 

The  opening  had  been  partially  choked  up,  but  not  so 
completely  as  to  prevent  Mr.  Skellum  from  seeing  that 
there  were  steps  leading  downwards  into  the  earth. 

This  discovery  seemed  to  impart  additional  vigour  to 
his  movements. 

In  less  time  than  might  be  thought  the  passage  was  eo- 
tirely  cleared. 

He  was  the  first  to  set  the  example  of  descending- 

In  one  hand  he  held  the  cutlass  with  which  he  had 
been  so  busily  at  work — in  the  other  was  the  dark 
lantern. 

The  cool,  fresh  air  in  the  subterranean  passage  was 
most  delightful  after  the  smoke  in  which  they  had  been 
working  above. 

Having  the  advantage  of  a  light,  it  by  »o  means  took 
Mr.  Skc'ium  so  long  to  make  his  way  along  the  passage 
as  it  had  Dick. 

In  fact,  he  reached  the  point  where  the  passage 
divided  in  something  like  half  the  length  of  time. 

But  seeing  two  paths  before  him  instead  of  one,  Mr. 
Skellum  paused  in  uncertainty. 

Which  way  to  go  he  knew  net 

There  was  nothing  that  would  serve  as  any  indication 
of  the  route  the  fugitive  might  have  taken. 

In  this  dilemma  Mr.  Skellum  did  the  wisest  thing 
under  the  circumstances. 

This  was  to  divide  the  force  into  two  equal  portion* 
allowing  one-half  to  take  one  direction,  the  other  an- 
other. 

He  himself  almost  by  chance  plaeed  himself  at  the 
head  of  those  who  made  their  way  towards  the  open 
air. 

When  he  felt  the  cool  wind  fanning  his  flushed  oody. 
Mr.  Skellum'a  apprehensions  miw6  increased. 

He  was  sadly  afraid  that  the  delay  which  from  one 
cause  or  another  had  taken  place  had  allowed  Dick  to  get 
off  altogether. 

But  remembering  that  he  had  wounded  him  these  fears 
considerably  abated. 

A  few  more  minutes  brought  him  to  the  end  of  the 
passage,  and  then  he  found  himself  about  half-way  down 
the  side  of  the  dell  where  Dick  had  had  so  narrow  an 
escape  frem  swooning. 

Here  he  found  abundant  evidence  that  fee  was  on  the 
right  track,  for  on  the  ground  close  by  was  quite  a  pool  of 
blood. 

This  was  where  Dick  had  stood  while  he  bound  up  his 
wound. 

"  He  must  have  been  here  a  very  few  minutes  sgo,  sir,'' 
said  one  of  the  men ;  '*  the  blood  is  quite  warm." 

Skellum  looked  keenly  around  him.  •£ 

But  no  signs  of  the  fugitive  could  he  behold. 

"  There  is  one  comfort,"  he  said,  though  by  the  «one  of 
bis  voice  one  would  have  judged  that  his  comfort  w*» 
small :  "  a  man  who  has  lost  such  a  quantity  of  biootf 
of  his  veins  as  that  will  not  bo  able  to  go  ve.y  far  . 


THE    KNIGHT   OF   TSS    ROJB. 


(DICK   TURPTN   IMPLORES  SHSLTO  OF  THfc    frARMRR.  t 


feat,  bo  that  we  shall  have  him,  after  all ;  and  when  we 
hare  really  got  him  secure  we  shall  think  little  of  all 
the  trouble  we  have  had." 

"  That's  true  enough,  sir,"  said  the  man  who  had  bo- 
fore  spoken ;  "  and  it  is  a  very  strange  thing  to  me  if  wo 
shall  not  bo  able  to  follow  in  his  track  with  the  almost 


CHAPTER  MCXVI. 

nt  WHICH   DICK  TURTOt  FINDS   UNEXPECTED  SUCCOUR. 

Pick  Turpin  staggered  on  for  a  long  way  without  once 
turning  his  head  to  look  behind  him,  for  all  his  faculties 
were  absorbed  by  one  idea,  and  that  was,  to  get  as  far  as  he 
nould  in  as  little  time  as  was  possible. 

Sheer  exhaustion,  however,  at  length  made  him,  though 
Most  unwittingly,  come  to  a  halt. 

No.  S47  —Black  Bess 


It  was  only  natural  that  he  should  then  look  o«ok  to- 
wards the  spot  he  had  so  lately  quitted. 
He  was  instantly  startled  by  the  ruddy  glow  of   the 

8  "Something is  op  fire,"  he  ejaculated.    "  What  is  it  K 

To  this  question  he  wu  unable  to  return  any  certain 
answer. 

He  little  guessed  that  it  was  the  old  summer-nouse  in 
course  of  demolition  by  fire,  and  even  had  he  guessed  this 
he  would  have  been  far,  very  far,  from  thinking  that  thij 
accidental  circumstance  had  caused  so  much  delay  to  hi* 
pursuers.  ..  ,    .  •■« 

But  for  this  chance  he  could  scarcely  have  tailed  to  he 
overtaken  before  he  had  gone  far. 

Even  now  there  was  the  strongest  probability  that  this 
disaster  would  ere  long  befall  him. 

His  weakness  mt  terriblo— much  greater  than  fa*  wsolf 
admit  to  himself. 


WO,  247. 


Trice  One  Halfpenny. 


l*im 


BLACK    BKBS  ;    UB, 


While  taking  his  forced  rest  he  seemed  to  be  fully  sen- 
sible that  the  longer  he  stood  the  weaker  he  became— the 
l.ss  able  he  felt  to  coutinue  his  flight. 

Without  knowing  it,  he  was  very  close  indeed  upon 
nwc.oning  from  loss  of  blood. 

A  sudden  effort  of  the  mind,  however,  enabled  him 
partially  and  temporarily  to  shake  off  thia  feeling,  and  he 
once  more  staggered  on. 

His  gait  and  progress  were  just  those  of  a  drunken 
man. 

Every  now  and  tbi  n  he  would  reel  from  side  to  side,  or 
with  a  desperate  effort  steady  his  swaying  form  by 
suddenly  taking  hold  of  a  contiguous  tree. 

And,  as  a  matter  of  course,  the  more  he  thus  exerted  his 
bodily  powers  the  greater  became  his  exhaustion. 

By  slow  degrees  consciousness  ebbed  from  him,  yet  not 
to  so  great  an  extent  as  to  deprive  him  of  all  power  o; 
locomotion,  though  his  course  was  a  most  random  and 
devious  one. 

But  the  uppermost  idea  in  his  mind  still  was  that  he  must 
keep  in  motion. 

As  for  his  pursuers,  he  seemed  to  have  forgotten  the  m 
altogether — at  any  rate,  he  did  not  once  pause  or  Cost  a 
single  glance  behind  him. 

Under  these  circumstances,  as  may  be  expected,  his 
course  was  a  most  erratic  one. 

Then  a  mist  seemed  to  come  over  all  thingr 

Yet  he  groped  blindly  forward,  like  one  enveloped  in 
utter  darkness. 

How  long  this  state  continued  he  had  no  means  of 
knowing,  but  most  likely  it  was  not  for  long. 

Suddeuly  the  mist  before  his  vision  rolled  away. 

The  first  object  which  now  attracted  his  attention  was 
a  light. 

Feeble,  glimmering,  and  dim  it  seemed,  and  far  away, 
yet  Dick  fixed  his  eyes  upon  it  with  an  intentness  not  to 
be  described. 

His  hope  was  that  this  light  was  the  indication  of  rest 
and  shelter  shortly  to  be  granted  to  him. 

Had  his  faculties  been  less  confused  than  they  were,  he 
would  scarcely  havfi  imagined  the  likelihood  of  such  a 
thing  as  this. 

As  it  was,  he  fancied  there  was  a  voice  in  his  heart 
which  whispered  to  him,  urging  him  to  make  all  speed  to- 
wards the  light. 

He  did  so,  and  for  a  time  he  rallied  a  little  from  hirt 
faintness. 

At  last,  leaning  against  the  trunk  of  a  tree,  ho  wiped  thu 
perspiration  from  his  brow,  and  endeavoured  to  take  u 
good  outlook  in  advance. 

"  It  is  a  fire,"  he  gasped,  with  the  manner  of  one  who 
finds  himself  unable  to  credit  the  evidence  of  his  senses. 
"  It  is  a  fire — a  fire  of  some  kind.    What  can  it  be  ?" 

He  gazed  with  more  intentness,  and  to  his  great  joy  he 
found  his  sight  grew  clearer. 

A  wild  sensation  of  joy  sprang  up  in  his  breast — so  wild 
that  it  was  very  near  producing  the  worst  circum- 
stances. 

"  Gipsies,"  he  exclaimed,  panting  with  excitement.  "  I 
am  sure  that's  a  gipsy  encampment  yonder.  Courage — 
courage,  then — keep  your  heart  up,  Dict^,  and  all  will  yet 
be  well !" 

The  discovery  he  had  made  did  indeed  exert  a  remark- 
able influence  upon  him. 

Under  its  sway  much  of  his  old  strength  came  back  to 
him. 

"  All  wi!  6e  well — all  will  be  well  now,"  he  cried, 
almost  frenzied  with  joy.  "  The  gipsies  have  ever  shown 
themselves  to  be  real  and  true  friends  of  mine.  Yes,  yes — 
all  will  yet  be  well.  My  enemies  will  again  be  disap- 
pointed, for  the  Zingari,  as  I  know  for  certain,  will  run 
every  risk  to  shield  and  to  protect." 

Certainly,  if  there  was  anything  that  would  have  the 
effect  of  restoring  vigour  to  Dick's  flagging  energies  the 
prospect  before  him  would  have  been  sufficient. 

Indeed,  an  extraordinary  accession  of  strength  did 
come  over  him,  and  he  made  his  way  towards  the  light 
with  a  precision  and  a  speed  that,  judging  by  his  former 
manner,  would  have  been  deemed  absolutely  impossible. 

And  as  he  advanced  it  became  abundantly  manifest  that 
he  had  not  fallen  into  any  error. 

hi  a  short  time  he  was  able  to  make  out  not  only  the  fire, 
but  three  poles  placed  triangularly  above  it,  from  which 
swung  a  large  ircn  pot. 


Bound  this  were  assembled  several  members  ot  the 
gipsy  tribe. 

On  one  side  could  be  seen  a  portion  of  the  tents  forming 
their  encampment. 

More  and  more  animated,  Dick  straggled  on. 

But  he  was  obliged  to  confess  that  his  miud,  though  for 
a  short  time  capable  of  displaying  a  supremacy  over  his 
body,  was  indeed  the  weaker  of  the  two,  and  now  it  began 
t"  yield  very  perceptibly  to  his  physical  faculties. 

The  goal,  however,  was  almost  reached. 

A  mist,  seemiugly  like  blood,  would  at  more  and  more 
frequent  intervals  come  before  his  eyes,  but  yet  it  did  not 
hide  f^m  his  view  the  point  he  so  strongly  wished  to 
gain. 

A  very  little  more  time  now  brought  him  within  a  few 
paces  of  the  fire,  and  not  until  he  had  attained  this  proxi- 
mity were  the  gipsies  conscious  of  his  preseuce,  so  totally 
were  they  all  absorbed  by  some  matter  which  they  had 
under  discussion. 

Dick,  too,  at  this  juncture  felt  that  the  extent  of  his 
powers  had  been  reached. 

He  knew  that  his  senses  were  leaving  him,  yet  ere 
consciousness  entirely  took  its  flight  he  endeavoured  to 
give  utterance  to  his  wishes — to  make  his  supplication  for 
their  assistance  and  protection. 

But  the  effort  was  a  vain  one. 

His  attempt  to  articulate — and  it  was  a  desperate  one 
— produced  no  other  result  than  the  expression  of  a  gasp- 
ing, choking  sound,  half  sob,  half  sigh. 

Then  he  struggled,  and,  as  it  were,  seemed  to  be  fighting 
with  himself. 

Then  he  3lowly  spun  round  upon  his  heels,  seeming  to 
make  frantic  efforts  to  clutch  at  and  hold  by  the  unsub- 
stantial air. 

Then  finally,  with  another  of  those  gasping  sounds,  he 
fell  down  heavily  on  his  back  upon  the  sward,  where  he 
lay  as  motionless  as  death. 

So  sudden,  so  unexpected  was  his  appearance  —  so 
entirely  unprepared  were  all  the  gipsies  for  the  occurrence 
of  any  such  event,  that  up  to  this  moment  they  had  been 
absolutely  incapable  of  all  motion. 

Now,  however,  as  if  by  general  consent,  they  all  sprang 
up,  andi,  with  exclamations  of  wonder  and  surprise  upon 
their  lips,  hurried  to  the  spot  where  the  inanimate  stranger 
lay. 

Keen  and  scrutinising  were  the  glances  which  they 
bent  upon  him,  and  by  the  glances  they  exchanged  aftei 
having  done  so  it  appeared  that  the  new-comer  was  utterly 
unknown  to  them. 

But  a  slim,  active  youth — the  last  to  appear  upon  the 
scene — pressed  forward  as  soon  as  the  re*i,  having  satisfied 
their  curiosity,  would  allow  him  to  do  so. 

With  great  intentness  he  scanned  every  lineament,  and 
as  he  did  so  there  came  over  his  face  an  expression  which 
seemed  to  indicate  that  the  rigid  features  were  known  to 
him. 

"  You  have  seen  this  house-dweller  before,  Sebel  ?"  said 
a  swarthy,  powerful  gipsy,  who  stood  next  to  him. 

"I  have,"  was  the  response — "  I  feel  sure  I  have." 

"  But  where  ?." 

Sebel  was  silent. 

"  Can  you  not  remember  ?" 

"  I  cannot ;  and  yet,  stay !  I  feel  convinced — though  it 
is  long,  long  ago— that  this  stranger  once  came  to  us,  and 
on  that  occasion  he  was  accompanied  by  one  who  bore  no 
inconsiderable  resemblance  to  him." 

"  And  what  was  the  object  of  his  visit  ?" 

"  Shelter  and  concealment." 

These  words  were  echoed  inquiringly  and  surprisedly 
by  most  of  those  who  were  standing  near,  and  it  was  ob- 
servable that  the  whole  group  pressed  much  more  closely 
onward  than  before. 

The  reason  was  simple. 

They  were  all  dominated  by  the  strongest  curiosity 

"Yes,"  said  Sebel,  emphatically,  "I  feel  sure  that  i 
am  right — that  I  make  no  m;st,ake." 

"  And  was  he  concealed  ?" 

11  He  was." 

"  And  broke  bread  with  us  ?"  was  the  eager  inquiry 

"Even  so." 

"  You  are  sure  of  this  ?" 

"  Quite  sure  now — quite  sure." 

"  Enough,"  was  the  general  cry — "  wo  arc  "win.! 
to  assist  him  to  the  utmost  of  our  power.'' 


THH    K..\WUI 


THi.    huAD. 


"  And  he  badly  enough  needs  aid,"  continued  Seb  el. 
"No  doubt,  had  he  been  able,  he  would  have  called  upon  us 
to  shield  him  from  his  toes." 

Although  Dick  lay  so  still  upon  the  grass,  apparently 
bereft  of  life,  yet  there  was  not  one  of  those  who  gazed 
uuon  him  that  was  not  aware  that  it  was  not  death,  but 
only  death's  counterfeit. 

•'  Carry  him  to  the  tent,"  said  the  gipsy  of  whom  we 
have  made  mention.  "  We  will  do  for  him  all  that  lies  in 
our  power  If  he  is  not  saved,  it  will  be  do  fault  jf 
ours." 

Indeed,  it  was  strange  to  see  how  uuauiir.oua  «*«a  me 
opinion  that  Dick  had  every  claim  upon  their  sympathy 
while  in  his  present  situation,  and  all  because  he  had,  to 
use  their  own  phrase,  broken  bread  with  their  tribe,  which 
indeed  almost  sufficed  to  make  him  a  member  if  their 
strange  fraternity. 

Accordingly  the  senseless  fugitive  was  lifted  up  and 
carried  into  the  largest  tent,  where  preparations  were  at 
once  made  properly  to  dress  his  wound  and  also  to  restore 
him  to  his  senses. 

Fortunate  indeed  was  it  for  Dick  that  chance  had  guided 
his  footsteps  to  this  particular  place,  and  that  he  had 
strength  enough  to  reach  it. 

He  could  not  possibly  have  fallen  into  better  hands. 

Many  were  the  secrets  possessed  by  the  gipsies  in  the 
healing  art,  especially  where  hurts  and  wounds  were  con- 
cerned. 

And  not  only  in  this  respect  was  it  that  he  was  well 
off. 

The  gipsies  who  gave  him  shelter  were,  like  himself, 
opposed  to  the  police — their  enemy  was  a  common  one. 

In  both  of  these  respects,  then,  was  Dick  much  better 
off  than  he  could  have  dared  to  hope. 

They  would  defend  him  to  the  last  gasp,  and  not  only 
that — they  were  possessed  of  all  that  cunning  which  has 
passed  into  a  proverb,  and  the  whole  of  it  would  be 
brought  to  bear  as  much  in  Dick's  behalf  as  it  would  have 
been  had  he  actually  become  a  member  of  their  brother- 
hood. 

To  recover  the  fugitive  from  his .  state  of  Insensi- 
bility was  in  the  first  place  no  easy  task,  in  consequence  of 
the  entire  prostration  of  the  system,  which  could  be  only 
got  the  better  of  in  time. 

Sensibility  was  restore!  for  a  moment  or  so,  but  tue  re- 
covery was  so  slight,  and  was  followed  so  rapidly  by  a  re- 
lapse, as  to  make  it  scarcely  worthy  of  the  name. 

"  Nature  must  do  her  work,"  said  tne  old  crone  who 
officiated  as  physician  for  that  portion  of  the  tribe.  "  No 
art  can  restore  his  expended  energies ;  there  must  be  timo 
— time  and  patience." 

But  this  did  not  stay  her  from  unbandaging  the  wound, 
which  upon  examination  proved  to  be  by  no  means  so 
serious  as  was  at  first  thought. 

The  chief  danger  consisted  in  the  tremendous  quantity 
of  blood  which  had  escaped  from  it,  and  from  this  further 
ill  consequences  were  to  be  apprehended. 

But  the  manner  in  which  the  old  gipsy  set  about  her 
task  would  have  done  the  greatest  credit  to  a  skilful 
surgeon. 

She  had  barely  nni-.hed,  however,  when  a  fresh  arrival 
took  place. 

The  new-comer  wua  young,  slim,  and  light  of  build,  but 
with  muscles  like  wire. 

Great  excitement  was  visible  in  his  manner. 

He  h,ad  been  running  hard,  too,  as  was  abundantly  mani- 
fested by  the  w.iy  in  which  he  panted  for  breath. 

As  soon  as  i.e  could  speak  he  exclaimed  : 
•  Off — off '     Strike  your  tents  and   depart — linger  no 
'onger !  Quick--  quick  !" 

An  immediate  stir  followed  these  words,  as  though 
those  who  heard  them  fully  felt  that  there  was  danger  to 
be  apprehended  and  not  a  moment  to  be  lost. 

•What  has  happened — what  is  am'D9?"  asked  n>*«j 
eager  voices. 

"The  Robin  Redbreasts  are  abroad,"  was  the  reply — 
"they  are  forcing  a  way  through  dell  and  brake.  Quick 
—quick  !  Away — away,  or  they  will  be  in  sight  . ' 

i'ne  message  was  well  understood. 

At  that  time,  "  Robin  Redbreast "  was  a  cant  narae  ior  a 
pobce  officer — a  serin  which  had  its  origin  in  the  red 
waistcoat  they  invariably  wore,  and  which  served  in  lieu  of 
•  uniform  to  distinguish  them  from  other  men. 

Whether  the  sripsies  had  lately  been  engaged  in  some 


transaction  which  caused  them  to  be  in  more  than  osir 
dread  of  the  officers  of  justice  we  know  not. 

But  by  the  commotion  which  the  delivery  of  tuis  in 
telligence  occasioned,  and  the  speedy  preparations  whioi: 
were  made  on  every  side  for  an  immediate  and  hasty  flight, 
there  seemed  good  grounds  for  suspecting  such  to  be  the 
case. 

In  much  less  time  than  would  be  considered  requisite 
for  such  an  undertaking,  every  article  which  the  gipsies 
possessed  was  carefully  packed  up,  the  tents  were  struck, 
and  the  horses  harnessed  to  the  caravans.    ; 

At  a  given  signal  the  whole  started,  leaving  scarcely  a 
trace  behind  them  to  indicate  the  route  which  they  had 
t&ken. 

As  for  poor  Dick  Turpin,  he  was  as  insensible  and  un- 
conscious of  all  this  as  he  would  have  been  had  death 
really  and  truly  claimed  him  for  his  own. 

Perfectly  unaware  of  any.  such  thing,  he  was  carried 
from  the  tent  to  which  he  had  first  been  taken,  and  placed 
in  one  of  the  caravans,  as  those  strange  yellow-painted 
houses  on  wheels  are  called. 

Such  an  act  as  this,  and  the  prospect  of  a  journey  of 
indefinite  length,  would  have  terribly  alarmed  a  regular 
practitioner,  who  would  have  maintained  that  perfect 
repose  was  absolutely  necessary  in  such  a  case,  and  that 
without  it  he  would  not  be  answerable  for  the  conse- 
quences. 

But  if  Dick  Turpin  had  been  ever  so  much  averse  to 
such  a  proceeding  as  the  present,  it  would  have  been 
quite  useless,  the  safety  of  the  tribe  being  always  held 
paramount  above  every  individual  consideration. 

As  we  have  said,  however,  all  was  one  to  the  fugitive 
at  this  time.  If  the  gipsies  had  chosen  to  deliver  him 
into  the  hands  of  his  pertinacious  foes,  he  could  not  have 
made  the  least  resistance. 

The  antagonism,  however,  which  we  have  mentioned 
as  existing  between  these  two  parties  made  the  probabili- 
ties of  the  occurrence  of  such  a  danger  very  slight 
indeed. 

How  long  a  time  elapsed  since  he  had  quitted  the  old 
summer-house,  and  what  had  precisely  happened  to  him. 
Dick  Turpin  scarcely  knew. 

He  only  found  it  out  after  his  recovery,  by  dint  of 
much  anxious  thought  and  eager  questioning. 

But  about  the  occurrence  of  one  incident  he  was  in  no 
sort  of  doubt  whatever. 

Without  knowing  how,  he  discovered  that  he  could 
hear  the  sound  of  conversation  going  on  around  him. 

At  first  in  a  dream-like,  semi-conscious  way  he  was 
sensible  of  this  fact,  and  barely  so,  when  the  pronuncia- 
tion of  his  own  name  struck  upon  bis  ears. 

That  hao.  the  effect  of  immediately  startling  him. 

He  opened  his  eyes  to  their  fullest  extent. 

Where  was  he  ? 

That  was  the  anxious  question  which  first  of  all  oc- 
curred to  him. 

He  tried  to  gaze  around  him. 

But  in  vain. 

He  was  environed  by  the  deepest  darkness. 

So  far  as  the  evidence  of  his  eyes  went,  therefore,  he 
might  just  as  well  have  kept  them  closely  shut. 

In  what  situation  he  was  seemed  impossible  for  him  to 
ascertain. 

But  the  darkness  appeared  to  have  the  effect  of  sharpen- 
ing his  hearing  to  a  preternatural  extent. 

He  listened,  therefore,  with  great  eagerness. 

There  was  to  be  beard  more  than  sufficient  to  absorb 
the  whole  of  his  faculties. 

The  first  words  which  he  distinctly  heard— or,  at  least, 
the  first  whose  import  he  was  able  thoroughly  to  com- 
prehend— were  these : 

"Let  me  tell  you,"  said  a  voice,  in  very  resolute  t  -us. 
"  that  you  will  gain  nothing  by  deceiving  us  or  attempt- 
ing to  do  so." 

"We  don't  think  about  such  a  thing."  was  the  some- 
what surlily-spoken  rejoinder,  though  the  voice,  Dick 
was  thoroughly  persuaded,  was  one  which  ho  had  never 
heard  in  his  life  before. 

His  wonder  and  anxiety  increased. 

He  had  no  time  to  reflect,  however,  for  sill  hfe  faculties 
were  fully  absorbed  by  listening. 

"Then,"  said  the  voice  which  had  first  ^puKeu,  "J. 
you  assure  us  that  you  have  seen  no  one  answering  to  t&e 
description  we  have  ijiyen  V 


1972 


•LACK.    BUS;     OK, 


M  Hare  I  not  sf-Ven  ?"  was  the  rejoinder. 

•'You  hare,  bat  that  is  not  an  answer  to  the  ques- 
tion." 

"Then,  if  you  will  take  the  word  of  a  gipsy,  I  tell  yon 
we  know  nothing  of  tho  man  you  seek — we  have  seen 
nothing  of  him." 

"  That  seems  strange  indeed,  and  were  it  not  „j  a 
veadier  belief  would  be  given.  But  we  have  tracked  him 
so  very  close  to  where  you  have  lately  been  that  it  seems 
scarcely  possible  for  you  not  to  have  seen  him." 

"We  have  not  done  so,"  was  the  answer,  very  firmly 
and  very  resolutely  given ;  "  nor  do  we  know  anything 
about  this  hi&  Wa/man,  Dick  Turpin,  that  you  speak  of. 
We  are  on  oui  way  to  York,  near  to  which  city  we  have 
to  meet  another  portion  of  our  tribe,  and  there  you  will 
find  us  if  you  want  to  learn  anything  further  ." 

Some  more  words  passed. 

But  they  were  exchanged  in  so  low  a  tone  that  Dick 
was  not  able  to  distinguish  them. 

But  the  word  "  gipsy "  had,  so  to  speak,  struck  npon 
his  ears  like  a  keynote. 

It  furnished  him  with  the  clue  to  past  events  that  he 
was  short  of. 

He  recollected  perfectly  well  what  had  last  occurred, 
though  the  profound  darkness  prevented  him  from  find- 
ing out  where  he  was. 

The  voice  which  he  had  first  heard  was  familiar  enough 
to  him. 

Scarcely  anyone  could  have  heard  its  peculiar  harsh- 
ness without  retaining  a  distinct  remembrance  of  it  ever 
•iter. 

It  was  Skellum  who  was  speaking. 

Although  he  could  not  make  out  a  single  object,  yet  in 
imagination  Dick  could  see  plainly  enough  a  large  troop 
»f  well-armed,  resolute  police  officers  standing  round. 

From  what  had  been  said,  it  seemed  quite  clear  that 
the  gipsies  had  determined  to  stand  by  him. 

But  would  the  officers  be  satisfied  with  taking  what 
was  declared  for  granted  ? 

The  occurrence  of  this  question  made  him  think  that 
he  could  give  a  good  guess  as  to  where  he  was. 

"Yes,  yes,"  he  said,  mentally — "during  my  insensi- 
bility, the  gipsies  became  aware  of  the  approach  of  the 
officers,  and  have  placed  me  in  some  secret  place  where 
there  is  little  danger  of  my  being  found.  All  I  have  to 
do  is  to  remain  perfectly  still,  and  then  doubtless  all  will 
be  well." 

Dick's  brain  was  not  very  clear,  or  he  would  not  nave 
jumped  to  conclusions  which  a  little  calm  reflection  would 
show  to  be  erroneous. 

How  should  the  gipsies  know  that  the  officers  were  in 
pursuit  of  him,  and  why  should  they  trouble  to  hide  him 
when  he  had  given  no  hint  that  he  required  such  a  ser- 
vice at  their  hands  ? 

Perhaps  it  was  quite  as  well,  however,  that  Dick  should 
have  settled  the  matter  thus,  because  it  had  the  effect  of 
inducing  him  to  remain  perfectly  still,  which,  under  the 
circumstances,  was  the  one  thing  needful. 

A  variety  of  noises  now  made  themselves  heard,  and 
then  came  the  sound  of  horses'  hoofs,  mingled  with  the 
rumbling  of  revolving  wheels. 

The  next  moment,  to  Dick's  increased  surprise,  he 
found  himself  in  motion. 

There  could  be  no  doubfrof  the  fact. 

Of  course  he  was  in  a  vehicle  of  some  kind,  but  what 
he  could  not  guess. 

The  reader  may  perhaps  imagine  what  anxiety  took 
possession  of  his  mind. 

So  great  was  the  inclination  he  felt  to  look  about  him 
that  it  was  only  with  the  utmost  difficulty  he  could  control 
it 

The  rumbling  and  jolting  continued. 

Where  was  he  ? 

His  uneasiness  upon  this  point  at  last  reached  so  great 
a  pitch  as  to  be  unendurable. 

At  all  hazards  he  resolved  to  make  an  effort  to  ascertain 
the  nature  of  his  surroundings. 

But  a  very  simple  thing  prevented  him. 

He  tried  to  rise  from  the  recumbent  position  '**  which 
he  found  himself. 

But  all  his  efforts  could  not  raise  his  head  above  a 
eouple  of  inches,  and  then  he  had  to  allow  it  to  fall  back 
into  its  old  position,  so  much  had  the  exertion  exhausted 
tuiu 


Qis  alarm  consequent  upon  this  discovery  was  terrible 
indeed. 

The  thought  that  he  was  so  powerless  to  help  himself 
was  a  terrible  one  to  bear. 

If  the  officers  by  chance  looked  into  the  conveyance 
and  found  him,  he  would  not  be  able  so  much  as  to  raise 
a  finger  in  his  defence — his  foes  would  be  able  to  do  with 
him  what  they  pleased. 

This  prospect  was  to  him  such  a  dreadful  one  that  his 
heart  seemed  to  congeal  into  a  mass  of  ice  within  his 
breast. 

Truly  it  may  be  said  that  there  was  nothing  Dick 
dreaded  so  much  as  falling  alive  into  the  hands  of  his 
enemies. 

He  had  made  up  his  mind  to  fling  away  his  life  rather 
than  yield  himself  a  living  prisoner. 

But  if  they  came  now,  what  should  he  do  ? 

He  listened,  but  with  sensations  such  as  cannot  be  con- 
ceived except  by  one  in  a  similar  situation. 

He  was  by  no  means  certain  that  the  police  officers 
were  not  within  a  few  yards  of  where  he  then  was, 
for  he  had  not  heard  any  sound  betokening  their  de- 
parture. 

It  might  be  that  the  gipsies  had  driven  cm,  leaving  them 
in  consultation  together  upon  the  road,  and  if  this  was 
the  case,  what  was  more  possible  than  that  the  result  of 
their  deliberation  might  be  to  ride  back  to  the  gipsies  and 
insist  npon  satisfying  their  doubts  by  making  a  strict 
search  ? 

As  these  reflections  crowded  into  his  mind,  Dick  became 
more  and  more  uneasy  and  alarmed. 


CHAPTER  MCXVII. 

MB.   SKlXLVM     IS  COMPELLED    TO    CONFESS     HIMSELF 
DEFEATED. 

A  vert  few  words  will  suffice  to  make  the  reader 
acquainted  with  the  movements  of  the  officers  after 
emerging  from  the  secret  passage  in  the  hill-Ride. 

No  trace  of  Dick  was  to  be  seen ;  but  Skellum  was 
sanguine  in  his  expectations  of  overtaking  him,  and  there- 
fore commenced  a  pursuit  on  foot. 

His  men,  who  were  terribly  fatigued,  grumbled  a  good 
deal  at  this,  and  in  order  to  preserve  among  them  that 
amouut  of  good  feeling  without  the  existence  of  which 
his  plans  could  not  have  been  carried  out,  Mr.  Skellum 
despatched  one  of  their  number  to  the  spot  where  the 
horses  had  been  left,  giving  him  instructions  to  mount 
and  bring  the  rest  with  him  as  quickly  as  possible.  ■ 

This  arrangement  being  made,  there  was  not  much 
difficulty  in  persuading  those  who  remained  to  push 
forward  on  foot  until  they  were  overtaken  by  the  horses, 
which  would  be  5n  a  very  short  time  indeed. 

They  all  saw  that  it  was  much  better  for  them  not  to 
relax  their  efforts  just  at  that  juncture,  as  it  was  quite 
possible  Dick  was  lurking  among  the  bushes  close  at 
hand. 

To  track  him,  however,  was  no  easy  matter,  for, 
having  bound  up  his  arm  in  the  way  we  have  described, 
Dick  left  no  trail  of  sufficient  distinctness  for  them  to 
follow. 

Moreover,  what  made  their  task  all  the  more  difficult 
was  the  very  erratic  course  Dick  had  taken  while  half  un- 
conscious from  loss  of  blood. 

His  wanderings  had  indeed  been  most  perplexing  and 
uncertain. 

And  yet  he  had  been  under  the  impression,  too,  that  all 
the  time  he  had  been  making  his  way  in  a  perfectly 
straight  direction. 

At  length,  to  the  great  relief  of  the  police  officers,  to 
whose  fatigue  disappointment  had  not  a  little  contributed, 
the  horses  overtook  them. 

Getting  into  the  saddle,  they  continued  the  chase,  until 
at  length,  when  almost  ready  to  give  up  in  despair, 
they  perceived  a  horse  emerge  from  a  lane  into  the  high- 
road. 

Of  course  a  man  was  with  it,  and  as  this  was  the  first 
c.iance  they  had  had  of  speaking  to  any  living  being 
since  the  time  of  leaving  the  subterraneous  passage,  the 
officers  pressed  forward  with  great  eagerness,  in  the  hope 
of  gleaning  some  intelligence. 

They  were  disappointed,  for  the  horse  was  one  of 
those  belonging  to  the  gipsies,  and  before  the  officer* 


TH»  KN10HT   OT  THB  ROAD. 


1073 


oould  w. h  the  spot  the  whole  of  the  trioe  had  debouched 
into  th'    high-road. 

Then  ensued  that  conversation  of  which  Dick  had  re- 
covered in  time  to  hear  the  greatest  portion. 

It  may  be  that  the  sudden  jerk,  consequent  upon  the 
stoppage  of  the  conveyance,  had  something  to  do  with 
producing  this  result. 
The  fidelity  of  the  gipsies  was  extraordinary. 
Although  made  acquainted  for  the  first  time  with  the 
name  of  the  fugitive  to  whom  they  had  lent  their  pro- 
tection, and  although  Mr.  Skellum  particularly  dwelt 
upon  the  reward  which  would  be  paid  to  anyone  who 
delivered  him  into  the  hands  of  the  officers  of  justice,  they 
remained  steadfast  and  true. 

Dick  Turpin  had  broken  bread  with  them,  and  the 
peculiar  laws  which  bind  their  fraternity  together  would 
not  suffer  them  to  betray  him. 

After  some  time  Skellum  allowed  them  to  proceed,  as 
the  reader  already  is  aware,  for  there  was  nothing  to 
afford  reasonable  ground  for  suspicion  in  their  be- 
haviour 

Yet,  as  he  sat  upon  his  horse  wondering  what  step  he 
should  take  next,  and  in  what  direction  he  should  go,  he 
gazed  with  a  strange,  indefinable  longing  after  the  re- 
tiring vehicles  until  a  bend  in  the  road  hid  them  from  his 
view. 

Even  then,  had  he  chosen  to  act  blindly  and  wholly 
from  impulse,  he  would  have  ridden  off  after  them ;  but 
he  could  find  so  little,  or,  rather,  no  excuse  for  doing  so, 
that  he  abandoned  the  idea  altogether. 

From  this  it  would  almost  seem  that  there  was  some 
secret  presentiment  in  his  breast,  but  yet   not  strong 
enough  to  cause  him  to  act  in  accordance  with  it. 
His  men  remained  for  some  time  silent 
Ferceiving  that  their  leader  did  not  move,  and  that 
he  exhibited  some  signs  of  irresolution,  one  said : 
"What  are  we  to  do  next,  Mr.  Skellum  ?" 
"  I  don't  know,"  was  the  unsatisfactory  answer 
There  was  a  pause. 

"  I  am  sadly  afraid,"  he  continued,  "  that  we  have  lost 
him.  It  is  a  thousand  pities  we  have  done  so,  for  after 
having  lost  such  an  immoderate  quantity  of  blood  as  we 
have  positive  evidence  of,  it  is  impossible  that  h»  can 
have  got  very  far  away." 

"  What  do  you  think  he  has  done,  then  ?" 
"  Why,  my  own  opinion  is  that  he  has  crawled  into 
some   retired  nook  or    other,  where   we    have    missed 
him." 

This  seemed  a  very  probable  supposition  indeed,  and 
the  opinion  was  shared  in  by  all  without  exception. 

"  It  is  a  thousand  pities  if  he  has  done  so,"  continued 
Mr.  Skellum,  musingly;  "because,  in  the  event  of  it,  he 
will  die  there,  and  we  shall  have  no  hope  of  getting  re- 
compensed for  all  the  trouble  we  have  been  at.  In  his 
present  condition  I  feel  sure  he  would  not  be  able  to  get 
away  again." 

Another  silence  followed,  which  might  have  lasted 
longer  than  it  did  had  it  not  been  broken  by  the 
officer  who  had  been  the  first  to  speak  in  the  former  in- 
stance. 

"  But  what  shall  we  do  ?"  he  asked.     "  I  speak  for  my- 
self, and  I  think  I  can  do  so  for  all  the  rest." 
"  What  do  you  mean — in  what  way  ?" 
a  Why,  I  am  so  utterly  worn  out  that  I  feel  every  mo- 
ment as  though  I  must  fall  off  my  horse  on   to   the 
ground." 

"  And  I — and  I,"  answered  a  chorus  of  voices. 
The  men  by  no  means  exaggerated,  for  the  duty  tney 
had  been  upon  for  so  long  was  tiring  in  the  utmost  de- 
gree. 

Mr.  Skellum  himself  was  all  but  worn  out ;  and,  in- 
deed, the  only  thing  that  had  prevented  htm  from  giving 
out  before  was,  that  he  feared,  if  he  did  so,  all  his  previous 
trouble  would  go  for  nothing. 

Now,  however,  there  seemed  no  help  for  it,  and  conse- 
quently, with  much  less  unwillingness  than  might  have 
been  expected,  he  agreed  to  &jandon  the  pursuit  for  the 
present  and  seek  rest. 

The  only  consolation  he  could  find  lay  in  the  hope  tlw 
ho  might  chance  to  have  some  intelligence  brought  to 
him,  for  the  whole  country  was  so  alarmed  that  it  was 
scarcely  possible  for  Dick  once  to  show  himself  without 
being  recognised. 

AccordJosrlv.  trie  whole  of  the  troop  repaired  to  the 


nearest  inn  on  the  high-road,  and  there  refrsshe<.1  u.^  m- 
selves  with  the  food  and  slumber  they  were  so  nmch  in 
want  of. 

In  the  meantime  Dick  was  being  gradually  carried 
further  and  further  Away  from  them. 

As  moment  after  moment  elapsed  without  making  him 
conscious  of  any  aggressive  proceedings  on  the  part  of 
the  officers,  much  of  his  alarm  began  to  abate. 

Yet,  before  the  feeling  had  quite  left  him,  a  fresh  and 
altogether  different  cause  of  uneasiness  presented  it- 
self. 

All  at  once  it  caind  into  his  head  that  he  had  heard  the 
gipsies  inform  the  police  officers  that  they  were  on  their 
way  to  York. 

The  confusion  of  mind  he  was  in  when  he  had  heard  it, 
and  the  anxiety  which  he  had  suffered  since,  had  driven 
this  circumstance  entirely  out  of  his  remembrance. 

Now  that  it  occurred  to  him  he  wondered  greatly  how 
he  could  have  passed  it  over  in  the  way  he  had. 

Of  all  places  in  the  world  just  at  that  time,  York  was 
the  very  worst  that  he  could  be  taken  to. 

His  own  achievements  in  the  locality  were  doubt- 
less on  every  tongue;  and  the  police  officers,  in  their 
minute  inquiries  and  continual  search,  had  unques- 
tionably circulated  a  tolerably  accurate  description  of  his 
person. 

Should  his  evil  fortune  take  him  to  this  city,  he  felt  that 
it  would  be  well-nigh  an  impossibility  for  him  to  escape 
detection. 

So  strongly  impressed  did  he  become  with  this  idea, 
that  it  caused  him  to  resolve  to  make  the  attempt  to  pre- 
vent it. 

He  would  call  out  aloud.  There  could  be  no  danger  in 
his  doing  so  now  that  the  police  were  so  far  behind  ;  and 
if  he  made  good  use  of  his  voice,  the  gipsies  could  hardlv 
fail  to  hear  him. 

Accordingly,  he  raised  his  voice — or  rather,  he  tried  to 
do  so,  for  all  his  efforts  only  resulted  in  the  emission  of  a 
sound  not  much  above  a  whisper. 

Such  a  low,  hoarse  sound  could  scarcely  be  heard  at  a 
few  yards'  distance. 

How  was  it  likely,  then,  that  it  should  be  audible  to  the 
gipsies,  who  were  walking  along,  conversing  busily  re- 
specting their  encounter  with  the  officers  and  speculating 
upon  its  probable  results  ? 

Even  had  he  cried  out  with  the  full  power  of  his  lungs, 
it  is  very  doubtful  whether  it  could  have  been  heard 
above  the  tremendous  grinding  and  rumbling  of  the 
wheels. 

Yet  Dick  tried  and  tried  again  and  again. 

He  renewed  his  efforts  to  rise,  but  with  less  success 
than  before,  for  his  anxiety  of  mind  and  previous  efforts 
had  greatly  exhausted  him. 

At  length,  with  a  weary  and  heavy  sigh,  he  threw  back 
his  half-raised  body  and  gave  up  in  despair. 

"  It  is  fate,"  he  murmured — "  it  is  fate." 

A  strange,  drowsy  condition  followed,  during  which 
his  thoughts  appeared  to  busy  themselves  without  being 
under  his  control. 

Looking  back  to  the  past,  he  was  struck  with  the  fatal- 
ity which  had  hitherto  attended  his  efforts  to  get  away 
from  York. 

He  could  almost  fancy  that  he  was  under  the  influence 
of  some  spell  or  charm. 

And  now,  on  this  last  occasion,  when  he  had,  as  he 
thought,  bidden  adieu  to  the  old  city  for  ever,  yet  here  he 
was  being  brought  back  to  it,  and  in  a  way  that  it  was  in 
vain  for  him  to  attempt  to  resist. 

"It  is  fate,"  he  murmured  again — "1  leei  tnat  it  iB 
fate.    I  shall  attempt  to  leave  it  no  more." 

A  commotion  of  voices  and  a  sudden  jerk  awoke  him 
from  what  we  may  call  his  waking  dream. 

Where  was  he  ? 

On  this  point  he  was  not  destined  to  remain  for  very 
long  in  ignorance. 

After  the  lapse  of  a  few  minutes  the  door  at  the  hind 
part  of  the  caravan  was  opened,  and  a  gleam  of  light 
appeared. 

"  Hullo,  there  I"  said  a  gruff  voice.  "  Are  you  awake 
there  ?" 

Conceiving  the  question  must  be  addressed  to  him,  Di.-fc 
replied  : 

"  Yes — yes." 

Bat  his  voice  was  so  weak  as  to  be  scarcely  audibl* 


1974 


BUCK     BKfll  ;     OR. 


*  Hert,  Cazza,"  said  the  gruff  voice — "  I  told  you  you 
were  troubliue.  yourself  about  nothing.  Dome  in — he's 
all  right." 

Another  person  now  entered  the  caravan;  and  directly 
afterwards  Dick  caught  sight  of  an  old  woman,  whose  ap- 
pearance was  60  repulsive  that  he  could  scarcely  repress 
the  loathing  which  her  appearance  excited 

She  bent  down  over  him,  while  her  companion  *eld  the 
light,  and  looked  at  him  attentively. 

"He  is  bad,"  she  said,  at  length,  shaking  her  head  to 
and  fro  while  she  spoke — "  very  bad.  He  has  been  strug- 
gling and  chafing  since  I  left  him." 

Dick  tried  to  speak,  but  all  utterance  failed  him. 

The  old  woman  then  produced  a  cup  containing  some 
dark  liquor,  and  without  speaking  a  word  she  plased  tuis 
to  Dick's  lips  and  poured  it  into  his  mouth. 

To  save  himself  from  choking  he  was  obliged  to  swal- 
low ;  but  a  more  nauseous  potion  he  thought  had  never 
been  administered. 

But  ere  half  an  hour  had  elapsed  he  experienced  the 
virtues  of  it. 

Upon  making  the  attempt,  he  found  himself  not  only 
able  to  lift  his  head,  but  even  to  raise  himself  to  a  sitting 
posture. 

His  voice,  too,  had  been  restored  to  him. 

Some  moments,  however,  were  occupied  in  looking 
around  him,  at  the  many  strange  things  which  presented 
themselves  to  view  on  every  side. 

The  caravan  was  crowded  with  articles  of  every  con- 
ceivable description,  many  of  them  euch  as  he  had  never 
ssea  before. 

The  place,  too,  was  not  without  a  certain  air  of  comfort. 

He  was  interrupted  by  the  entrance  of  the  youth  Sebel. 

Dick  did  not  recognise  him  at  first,  though  he  was  in- 
stantly aware  that  he  had  somewhere  seen  him  in  times 
long  past. 

"Who  are  you?"  he  asked.  "Tour  face  is  strongly 
familiar  to  me." 

"  Have  you  forgotten  me  ?     My  name  is  Sebel." 

"  Sebel — Sebel  1"  repeated  Dick,  like  one  who  is  taxing 
his  memory. 

"  1  find  you  have  forgotten  me.  But  when  you  >arue 
before  another  was  with  you,  who — who        " 

Dick  smiled,  and  extended  his  unwounded  arm. 

••  I  recollect,  now,"  he  6aid — "  recollect  quite  well,  i  am 
deeply  grateful.  Tell  me  where  I  am,  and  what  has 
happened." 

With  the  last  portion  of  his  request  the  gipsy-boy 
readily  complied. 

Dick  congratulated  himself  upon  having  had  strength 
sufficient  to  reach  this  place  of  safety. 

"And  we  are  at  York  now  ?" 

"Not  in  the  city,"  was  the  response;  "though  our 
tents  are  not  far  from  it." 

Dick's  face  clouded. 

"  I  must  get  away,"  he  said.  "  I  cannot  remain  here 
I  am  not  safe." 

"Yes,  yes;  quite  safe.  Have  no  concern  on  that 
score." 

"  But  the  officers " 

"  We  will  not  betray  you ;  not  one  would  do  it,  were 
the  reward  ten  times  what  it  is." 

"  You  shall  all  be  rewarded  for  your  fidelity.  But  if  my 
toes  came,  would  they  not  find  me  ?" 

"  No  no;  do  not  make  yourself  uneasy  on  that  account. 
We  could  hide  you  t^bpro  they  would  never  find  you." 

This  was  satisfactory  enough,  and  Dick  drew  a  long 
breath  of  exquisite  relief,  for  he  knew  enough  of  the 
manners  of  these  wanderiug  people  to  feol  certain  that  if 
they  chose  to  protect  him  he  should  be  safe. 

"But  there  is  another  point,"  he  continued,  -upoL 
which  1  suffer  much  uneasiness." 

"  What  is  it,  captain  ?" 

"About  my  wound." 

"I » 

"  Hush !  I  want  you  to  tell  me  truthfully  and  honestly 
what  kind  of  a  wound  it  is.  and  what  is  the  probable  ex- 
tent of  danger  ?' 

"  To  spea;- tht>  entire  truth,  then,  captain,  O^zza  oon- 
siders  it  a  very  bad  flesh  wound." 

"  There  is  no  bone  broken,  then  ?" 

"  None,  captain." 

"  That's  a  relief  indeed." 

"  But  *he  *iys  you  are  in  a  great  state  cf  exhaustion, 


and    that    it   wiD    take    time    and    care    to    bring  yov. 
round." 

"  And  she  thinks  she  can  do  it?" 
'  She  is  certain  ;  that  is,  if  you  will  assist  her  by  keep- 
ing your  mind  as  calm  as  you  can." 

"And  how  long  will  it  take,  under  favourable  circum- 
stances ?" 

"  Many  clays." 

Dick  sighed. 

At  this  moment  Cazza  entered,  and  peremptorily  put  an 
end  to  the  conversation. 

Upon  first  hearing  that  some  time  mast  elapse  before  his 
recovery,  Dick  had  felt  inclined  to  repine,  but  a  moment's 
consideration  went  very  far  towards  convincing  him  that 
he  ought  to  rejoice  instead. 

Upon  the  word  of  the  boy  Sebel  he  put  an  absolute 
trust 

Safety,  then,  was  secured  to  him,  and  if  he  continued 
any  length  of  time  concealed,  without  the  officers  being 
able  to  scent  it  out,  the  vigour  of  their  pursuit  would  be 
much  diminished,  and  his  chances  of  getting  to  the  sea 
coast  much  increased. 

The  enly  point  was,  would  the  officers  find  him  ? 

If  so,  they  would  come  upon  him  in  a  defenceless  state 
indeed. 

When  three  days  passed,  however,  without  the  occur- 
rence of  anything  to  disturb  him,  his  mind  grew  greatly 
calmer,  and  consequently  his  recovery  was  proportion- 
ably  rapid. 

Freedom  from  excitement — absolute  rest,  both  of  mind 
and  body — was  what  he  required;  and  this  he  had  to  per- 
fection. 

It  was  on  the  fourth  evening  that,  feeling  almost  well, 
he  was  sitting  up,  when  the  sound  of  voices  engaged  in 
conversation  came  upon  his  ears. 

Having  nothing  else  to  occupy  his  thoughts,  and  be- 
lieving that  nothing  could  take  place  in  or  about  the 
gipsy  encampment  that  was  not  of  interest  to  him,  he 
listened. 

He  soon  found  out  that  he  was  able  to  distinguish  the 
words  uttered  tolerably  well ;  and  as  they  continued  to  be 
borne  to  hia  ears,  his  interest  wonderfully  increased. 

"  Think  again,"  said  a  voice — "  think  again,  before  you 
reply  either  way  to  what  I  have  proposed." 

Dick  started  at  the  sound,  for  he  was  confident  that  he 
knew  the  speaker. 

For  a  short  time,  however,  his  identity  baffled  him. 

"  I  have  thought,"  was  the  response. 

About  the  identity  of  this  person,  however,  Dick  had 
no  doubts. 

It  was  the  man  who  held  what  may  be  called  a  kind  of 
chieftainship  over  this  portion  of  the  Zingari  tribe. 
•  "  Well,  wait  a  moment,  and  I  will  go  over  the  ground 
again.    Listen  1" 

"I » 

"  Listen,  I  say !" 

The  gipsy  was  silent. 

His  companion  then,  in  a  voice  of  suppressed  excite- 
ment, spoke  as  follows : 

"  There  is  no  risk  to  you  in  the  affair,  none  whatever, 
and  scarcely  any  difficulty.  All  that  I  want  is  some  one 
of  your  number  —  I  don't  care  who — to  personate  the 
heir  to  some  property ;  and  I  want  some  others  to  say 
that  he  entered  your  ranks  when  about  twenty  years  of 
age — that  he  had  then  every  appearance  of  a  gentleman, 
and  only  joined  you  in  consequence  of  some  great  disap- 
pointment in  life  and  reverse  of  fortune.  Do  you  under- 
stand that?" 

"  Yes,  perfectly ;  but " 

"Stay!  Reserve  your  objections  for  the  present.  This 
young  man  being  fonnd,  he  will  have  to  come  forward 
a.id  keep  to  a  tale  which  I  shall  take  care  to  have  him  in- 
fo med  of.  I  will  see  to  lawyers  and  all  that  part  of  the 
business,  and  can  so  arrange  it  that  with  modera^  care 
he  will  have  no  difficulty  iu  proving  himself  to  be  the 
missing  heir  of  the  property.  I  will  take  care  to  furnish 
him  with  the  papers" 

"But " 

"  Nay,  I  have  not  finished.  For  this  you  shall  receive 
any  reward  you  may  think  fit  to  demand — such  an  amount 
as  will  enable  you  and  the  rest  if  your  tribe  to  live  in  inde- 
pendence during  the  remainder  of  your  existence,  instead 
of  continuing  your  present  precarious  livelihood." 

The  man  paused,  as  though  he  wished  the  offer  h# 


I'Mil    KMIOUI    O*     1-UJB    KUAU. 


Wfl 


bad   3u8t    made   to    sink   deeply   info    the   mind   of   his 
bearer. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  Dick  discovered  who  this 
person  was. 

It  was  the  villain  whose  schemes  for  Milly's  misery 
Dick  had  so  signally  defeated — in  a  word,  no  other  than 
Lord  Crake. 

To  find  him  in  a  gipsy's  tent  surprised  Dick  in  no 
slight  degiee. 

But  he  did  not  stop  then  to  indulge  in  any  reflections  ^r 
speculations. 

He  concentrated  all  his  faculties  to  listen,  for  now  that 
ne  had  found  out  who  the  tempter  was,  he  felt  a  doable 
interest  in  every  syllable. 

"  And  what  else  ?"  asked  the  gipsy. 

'■Nothing." 

"  Nothing  ?"  was  the  reply,  echoed  in  no  little  astonish- 
ment. "  How  nothing?  Supposing  the  scheme  to  suc- 
ceed, what  will  become  of  this  young  man  then  ?" 

"  I  will  tell  you  that,  though  I  had  not  at  first  thought 
of  doing  so.  He  will  come  into  possession  of  all  the  pro- 
perty, and  then  he  will  sell  it  to  me." 

"  Sell  it  to  you  E" 

"  Yes.  That  is,  a  document  will  be  drawn  up  by  which 
he  will  sell  it  me  for  half  its  value,  and  this  will  be  the  re- 
ward I  mentioned." 

"  I  don't  see  it,"  said  the  gipsy.  "  I  can't  see  my  way 
clear  at  all." 

"  Not  see  your  way  clear  ?" 

"No,  I  cannot.  You  are  telling  me  half  a  story.  Pake 
me  altogether  into  your  confidence.  Tell  me  all  from 
first  to  last." 

"  And  supposing  after  I  have  done  so,  and  you  thought 
fit  to  decline,  what  guarantee  should  I  have  that  you 
would  not  come  forward  and  defeat  me  by  laying  bare  my 
scheme  ?" 

■'I  can  give  you  no  other  guarantee  than  a  gipsy's 
word.  If  that  is  not  sufficient,  leave  me,  and  there  will  be 
an  end  of  the  matter." 

A  silence  followed,  during  which  Dick  supposed  L  >.ii 
Crake  was  busily  debating  within  himself. 

The  gipsy  was  the  first  to  6peak. 

"  I  have  only  this  addition  to  make,"  he  said,  "  and  that 
is,  if  you  tell  me  all  and  show  me  that  it  is  safe  to  make 
the  trial,  [  will  join  with  you.  The  hou&e-dwellers  never 
pity  the  gipsy,  and  why  should  I  pity  them  ?'* 

"Very  true,"  said  Lord  Crake,  with  an  amount  of 
triumphant  satisfaction  that  he  could  not  conceal.  "  There 
is  no  reason  why  you  should  show  them  any  extra  con- 
sideration.    Give  me  your  baud  upon  it." 

"  You  will  tell  mo  all  ?" 

"  I  will,  and  satisfy  you  that  success  is  certain." 

"I  must  know  all,"  repeated  the  gipsy,  persistently. 

"  I    will   begin   at  the    beginning   and   end    with    the 
end,"  was  the   rejoinder;  "though    I   promise   you   the 
story  is  a  long  one." 
•  "I  have  nothing  else  better  to  do  than  to  listen  to  it." 

"And  is  there  anyone  to  overhear  us?"  asked  Lord 
Orake,  suspiciously. 

"  No  one." 

"Are  you  sure?" 

"  Quite." 

"  Well,  then,  1  will  commence.    Listen  !" 

We  fancy  this  last  injunction  was  a  superfluous  one  to 
the  gipsy,  and  quite  certain  that  it  was  entirely  so  to  Dick, 
who  felt  that  be  would  not  miss  hearing  any  portion  of  the 
narrative  that  was  about  to  be  given  for  worlds. 

In  a  low,  monotonous,  but  perfectly  distinct  voice,  Lord 
Crake,  then  said : 

"  To  convince  you  that  I  am  about  to  take  you  wholly 
into  my  confidence,  I  shall  not  even  alter  er  suppress  a 
single  name." 

"  It  is  better  so,"  said  the  gipsy,  quietly.  Half  confi- 
dences are  always  dangerous." 

"The  name,  then,  of  the  Marquis  of  Belgarde  must  be 
quite  familiar  to  you." 

Upon  hearing  this,  Dick  started  and  almost  betrayed 
himself  by  giving  utterance  to  an  ejaculation. 

What  name  could  be  belter  known  to  Dick  ? 

In  an  instant  r*  Kvought  before  him  his  true  old  comrade 
Tom  King.  &> 

But  be  could  not  stay  to  think,  for,  the  gipsy  having 
given  an  assent,  Lord  Crake  continued : 

"  lou   may  be   aware,  too,  that  it  came  out  that  in  his 


youth  this  marquis  had  married  much  b  <ej»th  hi* 
station." 

"  He  did.     He  married " 

The  gip*y  ehecued  himself. 

"  Who—  who  ?" 

"  One  of  our  tribe — I  shall  say  no  more." 

He  pronounced  his  determination  so  firmly  that  Lotvl 
Crake  did  uot  repeat  his  query. 

"  Well,  growing  tired  of  her,  the  marquis  left  her,  ana 
some  years  after  married  again.  The  first  wedding  was 
such  a  private  one  and  the  secret  so  well  kept  that  not 
more  than  three  knew  of  it.  This  first  wife,  a  silly  fool, 
possessed  with  all  manner  of  foolish  notions  about  devotion 
and  generosity  to  the  man  she  loved,  would  not  make 
knwn  the  marriage  nor  take  any  steps  to  obtain  a  restitu- 
tion of  her  rights.  Only  on  her  deathbed  did  sh»  reveal 
her  rank." 

"  She  had  a  son,  had  she  not  ?" 

"  Yes,  a  wild  reprobate  ;  but  yet,  with  the  perversity  of 
womankind,  she  loved  him  proportionately  to  his  ill- 
treatment  of  her.     She  told  him  what  and  who  he  was." 

"  What  followed  ?" 

"  After  her  death  he  at  once  resolved  to  regain  his 
own." 

"  He  was  successful  ?" 

"  He  was ;  and  the  young  heir  that  was — his  half- 
brother — suddenly  found  himself  deprived  of  the  snug 
fortune  which  up  to  then  he  had  thought  his  own." 

"  What  became  of  him  ?" 

"He  fled,  nor  could  he  ever  afterwards  be  found.  He 
was  traced  to  London,  and  there  all  trace  of  him  was 
lost." 

"  And  do  you  want  some  one  to  personate  this  missing 
man  ?" 

"  I  do." 

Here  was  another  surprise  for  Dick,  for  that  Tom  King 
was  the  individual  referred  to  was  beyond  all  poscibCvty 
of  doubt. 

His  listening  powers  were  still  in  demand. 

"  A  few  words  will  let  you  into  the  secret  of  the  rest. 
This  new-found  heir,  who  had  passed  all  his  life  among 
the  crime  and  low  life  of  London,  had  no  other  way  of 
showing  his  appreciation  of  the  good  fortune  that  had 
befallen  him  than  by  drinking  all  the  best  and  most  ex- 
pensive drinks  his  money  could  procure.  The  quantity 
he  swallowed  is  incredible,  and  the  end  such  as  anyone 
might  have  foretold.  The  young  girl  he  married,"  and 
who  only  accepted  him  because  of  his  wealth  and  title, 
soon  died  broken-hearted,  sonio  said  ;  but  others — and 
most  likely  they  are  right— whisper  that  her  death  was 
brought  on  by  her  husband's  brutality." 


CHAPTER  MCXVTI1. 

DICK    TUIiPIN     FINDS     HIMSELF     INVOLVED     IN     FliKSH 
DAN  UK  US. 

Lord  Crake  paused  a  little,  as  if  for  breath,  or  else  in 
order  to  nerve  himself  for  what  more  he  had  to  say,  and 
tb«n  continued  : 

On  dying,  this  coroneted  blackguard  made  a  will,  the 
verms  of  which  were  as  outrageous  as  bis  whole  life.  H> 
bequeathed  everything  to  his  illegitimate  bro'her— For  s:. 
he  was,  the  late  earl's  second  marriage  beir^r  no  marring- 
at  all ;  and  not  only  that,  as  there  was  some  doubt  as  tc 
whether  this  precious  fellow  should  be  found,  made  c. 
proviso  that  the  whole  of  the  property  should  go  to  the 
daughter  of  Sir  Humphrey  Yeomans." 

At  the  mention  of  this  last,  naiiie  the  gipsy  gave  utt'i- 
ance  to  an  angry  curse,  and  lucky  was  it  that  he  did  so. 
for  it  drowned  the  slight  exclamation  which  was  forced 
from  Turpin's  lips  before  he  was  aware  of  it. 

"What's  the  matter?"  asked  Lord  Crake. 

"Never  mind — go  on  !" 

"  In  a  minute.  Why  did  you  let  out  that  exclamation 
when  I  pronounced  his  name  ?" 

The  gipsy  was  silent. 

"  It  must  be  that  you  bate  him." 

"Perhaps  I  do.     But  never  mind — go  on  |n 

"  Rot  till  you  have  told  me." 

"  Well  then,"  cried  the  gipsy,  vindictively,  "  I  do  hatfl 
him — he  has  always  been  a  bitter,  unrelenting  foe  f.  ail 
our  tribe." 

Lord  Crake  chuckled,  for  this  was  a  lucky  discovery. 

"  Enough,"  he  said.     "  Now  come*  the  rest  of  the  Uia. 


1976 


ULAUK  BEBB  ;    Ok, 


1  wxZ.  *Jll  you  without  reserve.  From  particular  in- 
quiries which  I  caused  to  be  made,  I  came  with  tolerable 
certainty  to  the  conclusion  that  this  missing  heir  would 
never  be  found.  Accordingly,  this  girl  would  reap  the 
benefit,  and  I  determined  to  make  her  my  wife.  I  fancied 
I  should  succeed.  Her  parents  readily  consented  to  the 
match,  I  was  received  as  an  accepted  lover,  and  congratu- 
lated myself  that  all  was  well.  But  the  girl  I  knew  did 
not  like  me,  though  I  tried  to  vanquish  her  dislike.  It  was 
in  vain,  however,  and  her  father,  who  was  foolish  enough 
to  pay  regard  to  her  whims,  came  to  me  and  stated  that  the 
match  must  be  broken  off.  Nothing  I  could  say  had  the 
least  effect  upon  his  resolution,  which  was  inflexible." 

"  So  you  were  defeated,  then  ?" 

"  I  was,  but  I  vowed  to  be  successful  still,  and,  what  is 
more,  to  have  my~revenge  upon  the  minx." 

"How  so?" 

"  Why,  by  finding  some  one  that  I  could  palm  off  as  the 
missing  heir  to  the  estates.  And  think  how  simple  the 
affair  will  be !  You  have  only  to  pitch  upon  some  one  who 
can  play  the  part  in  a  suitable  manner.  You  can  say  that 
he  came  to  you,  took  the  oath,  and  was  received  as  a 
member  of  your  tribe." 

"  But  will  that  be  enough  ?" asked  the  gipsy,  doubtfully. 

"For  you  it  will ;  and  as  for  the  other  proofs,  you  must 
leave  them  to  me,  and  take  my  word  that  they  shall  be 
forthcoming." 

"  And  you  hope  for  success  ?" 

"  I  am  certain  of  it,  provided  you  perform  your  part  of 
the  contract." 

" Do  you  want  my  decision  now?" 

"  I  do." 

"  But  how  if  I  am  unable  to  find  a  suitable  person  f" 

"  I  am  not  afraid  of  that,  for  by  your  manner  I  am 
almost  satisfied  that  you  have  your  eye  upon  some  one 
already." 

"  But  he  may  not  consent." 

"  You  must  explain  matters  to  him,  and  make  him  under- 
stand how  much  he  will  be  the  gainer." 

"  To  tell  you  the  truth,"  said  the  gipsy,  "  that  Is  the 
only  part  of  it  I  don't  like." 

"  How  ?" 

1  Why,  I  think  you  must  have  some  further  design  in 
your  head." 

Lord  Crake  laughed. 

"  If  you  have  any  ultimate  plot  in  your  head  to  defraud 
us  after  you  have  made  us  your  tools,  beware !  Take  my 
advice — do  not  attempt  it,  or  you  will  suffer  dearly,  for 
it  will  be  a  matter  in  which  the  whole  tribe  will  join,  and 
ycu  will  find  it  impossible  to  escape  the  vengeance  of  so 
many.  If  you  have  thought  of  such  a  thing,  for  your  own 
sake  I  implore  you  to  abandon  the  idea  this  moment." 

"  What  puts  such  a  ridiculous  thing  into  your  head  ?" 
asked  his  lordship,  forcing  a  laugh. 

"  The  terms  you  propose  to  us  seem  to  be  too  good — 
the  prospect  is  too  glittering." 

"  A  fine  notion  that !  But  let  me  tell  you  your  fears 
are  groundless." 

•'I  am  glad  to  hear  it." 

The  gipsy  spoke  as  though  he  was  thoroughly  in 
earnest,  and  no  doubt  he  was  so. 

"I  mean  well  by  you,"  said  Lord  Crake,  "and  the 
reason  is  that  the  property  is  quite  large  enough  to  bear 
a  division,  and  yet  leave  me  as  much  as  I  require.  And 
now  to  go  back  to  Sir  Humphrey  Yeomans  and  his 
daughter.  After  the  insult  I  have  received  at  their 
hands  it  is  only  natural  that  I  should  look  to  be  re- 
venged— and  will  it  not  be  vengeance  to  deprive  her  of 
this  ?" 

"Give  me  your  hand,"  said  the  gipsy.  "I  will  go 
through  with  you  in  this  business — not  so  much  on  account 
of  the  money  which  is  to  be  gained  by  it,  but  rather 
because  I  should  like  to  wring  the  baronet's  proud  heart 
— no  easy  thing  to  do,  as  I  daresay  you  are  aware.  But  his 
daughter  is  his  tender  point." 

"It  is — it  is  !"  answered  Lord  Crake,  with  the  same 
amount  of  vindictiveness  in  his  tones  as  he  had  displayed 
on  a  former  occasion. 

Then  he  muttered : 

"  It  will  go  hard  with  me  if  my  revenge  does  not  reach 
further  than  this  i" 

"  What  do  you  say  ?" 

"  Nothing — nothing.  Am  I  to  look  npon  this  business 
as  being  settled?" 


"  You  may  rely  upon  me.  U  I  fall  short,  it  will  b« 
through  no  fault  of  mine." 

"Do  not  mention  failure.  With  moderate  care  we 
must  succeed,  so  never  think  of  failure." 

By  the  sound  which  now  reached  his  ears,  Dick  could 
tell  that  his  lordship  had  risen  to  his  feet,  aud  conse- 
quently that  the  conference  was  over. 

He  listened,  however,  in  the  hope  that  he  might  hear 
yet  a  few  words  more.  » 

In  this  expectation  he  was  defeated. 

He  caught  only  the  sound  of  their  retreating  foot- 
steps. 

Satisfied  that  they  had  left,  Dick  Turpin  gave  himself 
up  to  those  reflections  to  which  what  he  had  overheard 
could  not  fail  To  give  birth. 

"How  wonderful," he  murmured — "how  truly  wonder- 
ful !  Who  could  havf  believed  that  I,  of  all  others,  should 
overhear  this  nice  little  plot  ?  Sir  Humphrey  will  have 
no  occasion  to  regret  having  acted  towards  me  as  he  did. 
I  could  have  wished  for  nothing  better  than  the  oppor- 
tunity of  rendering  them  such  a  service  as  now  lies  within 
my  power." 

But  even  as  these  words  escaped  him,  he  was  suddenly 
reminded  of  the  great  extent  to  which  he  was  indebted  to 
the  gipsies. 

They  had  unquestionably  saved  his  life  at  a  moment 
when  he  was  very  near  indeed  to  losing  it — when  he 
must  have  perished  but  for  their  assistance. 

Then,  they  had  refused  to  hand  him  over  to  the  police 
when  the  temptation  to  do  so  was  very  strong  indeed. 

In  laying  bare  the  conspiracy  of  which  he  had  been  an 
auditor,  he  must,  of  course,  implicate  them,  or,  at  the  very 
least,  be  the  means  of  bringing  about  their  defeat. 

This  was  embarrassing,  because,  although  in  the  wrong, 
yet  it  was  ill  requiting  them  for  what  they  had  done  on 
his  behalf. 

Dick's  hesitation,  however,  did  not  long  continue. 

His  old  comrade's  memory  and  Milly's  welfare  over- 
balanced all  consideration  he  was  inclined  to  show  the 
gipsies  on  the  grounds  we  have  mentioned. 

He  must  place  himself  in  antagonism  with  one  or  the 
other,  and  there  was  everything  to  induce  him  to  resolve 
that  no  effort  on  his  part  should  be  wanting  to  prevent 
the  consummation  of  so  monstrous  a  fraud. 

"  Tom  cannot  enjoy  those  possessions  himself,"  he  said ; 
"  bnt  next  to  doing  so  would  be  the  satisfaction  that 
they  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  so  worthy  an  object  as 
the  baronet's  daughter.  As  for  Lord  Crake,  if  by  chance 
we  should  ever  meet,  he  will  find  that  there  will  be  an 
account  to  settle  between  us." 

This  discovery,  of  course,  set  Dick's  mind  in  a  state  of 
furious  tumult  again,  nor  could  he  for  the  life  of  him  sub* 
due  it. 

But  he  was  stronger  now,  and  much  better  able  to 
withstand  the  effects  of  any  excitement. 

As  the  gipsy-boy,  SebeL  had  correctly  informed  him, 
his  hurt  was  nothing  more  than  a  flesh  wound,  which, 
under  the  care  of  the  old  sibyl  Cazza,  rapidly  grew 
well. 

Nature  herself  recovered  him  from  the  effects  of  the 
vast  quantity  of  blood  he  had  lost — indeed,  Dick  thought 
himself  quite  well,  though  he  vastly  overrated  his 
strength. 

"  What  steps  shall  I  take  ?"  he  asked  himself.  "  How 
shall  I  act  for  the  best  in  this  matter  ?  How  powerless  I 
am !  With  such  a  look-out  as  is  doubtless  kept  against 
me,  it  will  be  the  most  difficult  thing  in  the  world  for  me 
to  do  that  which  another  ordinarily  situated  would  ac- 
complish with  all  the  ease  imaginable." 

He  ceased  speaking,  but  his  thoughts  continued  to  be 
busily  enough  employed. 

But  deciding  upon  a  definite  line  of  action  in  such  a 
matter  was  of  no  ordinary  difficulty. 

"  Ah !"  he  said,  struck  by  a  sudden  thought  which 
seemed  to  promise  him  a  ready  solution  of  his  difficulty, 
"let  me  think — let  me  tax  my  memory.  Tom  named 
some  solicitors  or  other  in  York  to  whom  he  would  have 
to  apply.  Who  were  they  ?  What  on  earth  could  have 
been  their  names  ?" 

He  taxed  his  memory  vaimy.    The  names  were  lost. 

But  thinking  back  upon  the  events  of  the  past  brought 
to  bis  recollection  the  circumstance  that,  as  a  matter  of 
precaution,  Tom  had  requested  him  to  make  »  memor- 
andum of  these  names. 


*HK   £NI«HT  OF  THE   ROAS. 


1977 


[dictc  turptn  receives  important  information  from  the  ostler.] 


He  at  once  began  to  fumble  in  bis  pockets,  though 
with  very  small  hopes  of  finding  what  he  sought. 

But  in  an  inner  breast  pocket  of  bis  coat  he  found  a 
beautifully-bound  gilt-edged  pocket-book,  which  had  no 
doubt  belonged  to  a  person  of  considerable  distinction. 

Opening  this  with  eager  haste,  Dick  turned  over  the 
vellum  leaves  until  he  oame  to  one  whereon  was  written, 
in  very  straggling,  ill-formed  letters,  the  following 
words : — 

"  Mettra.  Flint  and  Steel, 
'*  Solicitors, 

"  York." 

"  That  is  it  1"  he  almost  cried  aloud,  so  great  was  his 
•xultation  at  this  unhoped-for  discovery.  "  There  is  no 
street  mentioned,  as  I  could  have  wished  ;  but  I  must 
do  my  best  to  find  them  out.  I  shall  manage  it  now  1 
know  their  names." 

Again  he  paused. 

No.  248.— Black  Bess. 


"  I  will  go  to  theBe  men,  although  I  have  little  reason 
enough  to  be  fond  of  lawyers  ;  but  I  will  go  to  them — it 
is  my  duty.  And  if  in  the  execution  of  it  I  should  lus* 
my  life,  what  matters  it? — what  is  existence  that  I 
should  value  it  so  highly  ?" 

But  many  obstacles  stood  in  the  way  of  achieving 
such  a  simple  matter  as  this. 

How  was  he  to  leave  the  gipsy  encampment. 

If  he  could  do  so  secretly,  it  would  be  so  muoh  tho 
better. 

A  moment's  thought,  however,  showed  him  that  this 
was  impossible,  so  he  abandoned  the  idea  at  onoe. 

Before  he  had  settled  any  thing,  the  principal  object  of 
his  thoughts — that  is  to  say,  the  gipsy  himself — entered 
the  caravan. 

How  to  treat  him,  Dick  was  at  a  loss  to  decide  ;  and 
the  worst  of  it  was,  a  very  short  time  was  allowed  him 
to  make  up  his  mind  in. 


N«.  248. 


I'lIlCfc.   U.\2   iiALrPKNNT. 


ms 


BLACK    BESS ;    OS, 


Should  he  admit  that  he  had  overheard  the  plot,  and 
jindeavoar  to  p"*>iade  him  to  change  his  determina- 
tion ? 

No;  tha:  wi/^.d  be  useless,  because  by  the  custom  of 
the  tribe  what  word  is  given  must  be  stood  to. 

"  I  owe  you  many  thanks,"  said  Turpin,  at  length,  a 
slight  amount  of  hesitation  manifesting  itself.  "  But  I 
fancy  I  shall  be  able  to  reward  you,  though  not  as  you 
deserve,  nor  as  I  could  wish." 

"Say  no  more  about  that,"  answered  the  gipsy.  "  Do 
you  find  yourself  much  better?" 

"  Wonderfully  better— so  much  so  that  I  think  I  shall 
t>-y  to  rid,  you  ci  me  to-night." 

"Nay,  nay — think  not  of  such  a  thing." 

"Yes,"  said  Dick — "it  is  imperative." 

"  But  you  are  not  strong  enough  to  walk  a  dozen 
paces." 

"  So  you  think." 

"I  am  certain  of  It.  You  would  be  mad  to  think  of 
attempting  to  go  a  journey  to-night." 

"  But  it  is  imperative,"  said  Dick.  "  I  have  business 
on  hand  which  will  not  bear  even  an  hour's  delay." 

"  At  any  rate,  stay  till  to-raorrow,"  said  the  gipsy, 
earnestly.  "  I  should  be  sorry  for  you  to  fall  into  the 
hands  of  your  enemies  after  having  baffled  them  so  far. 
And  let  me  tell  you  they  have  by  no  means  given  over 
the  pursuit.  They  seem  certain  you  are  hidden  some- 
where, and  believe  they  have  only  to  wait  long  enough 
and  you  will  show  yourself." 

"  Is  it  so  ?"  said  Dick. 

"  I  assure  you  of  it." 

"  To-morrow  night,  then,  is  the  utmost  limit  to  which 
I  can  prolong  my  stay.  I  may  as  well  fall  into  the  hands 
of  my  foes  as  fail  iu  that  which  wholly  depends  upon 
me." 

"  You  are  welcome,"  said  the  gipsy.  "  But  you  know 
best.  You  are  free  to  do  as  you  list ;  and,  what  is  more, 
be  sure  the  tribe  will  always  aid  you  to  whatever  extent 
lies  in  their  power." 

"  Many  thanks !"  said  Dick,  who  at  this  moment  was 
very  near  acknowledging  that  he  had  overheard  Lord 
Crake's  conspiracy. 

But  he  took  a  second  thought,  and  remained  silent. 

What  more  passed  had  no  special  interest. 

The  night  elapsed  without  the  least  alarm,  though 
Dick's  impatience  made  each  hour  seem  three. 

The  day  seemed  to  pas3  even  more  tediously  ;  but  Dick 
had  made  up  his  mind  iust  what  to  do,  and  towards  noon 
he  fell  sound  asleep. 

His  intention  may  be  expressed  very  briefly. 

It  was  to  make  his  way  to  York,  ascertain  the  residence 
of  the  solicitors,  and  disclose  to  them  all  that  he  had  by 
chance  become  acquainted  with. 

How  simple  this  appeared,  and  yet  what  tremendous 
danger  Dick  wou'/J  :  ncur  by  attempting  to  carry  it  into 
effect ! 

Had  it  beer,  ten  times  as  great,  however,  It  would  not 
have  prevented  Turpin  from  executing  his  resolve. 

It  was  dusk  wher.  he  awoke. 

He  started  up  suddenly,  for  he  was  surprised  to  find  so 
many  hours  had  passed  away. 

The  first  object  upon  which  his  eyes  rested  was  the 
form  of  the  gipsy  chief. 

It  was  quite  possible  that  the  slight  sound  made  by  him 
in  entering  the  c-aravau  had  abruptly  terminated  the 
slumber  of  the  fugitive. 

"  So  late !"  were  Dick's  first  words. 

"  Time  enough,'"  was  tlio  laconic  answer.  "It  is  not 
dark  enough  for  you  to  leave  our  tents;  and,  remember, 
if  you  were  seen  departing  we  should  have  to  pay  very 
dearly  for  having  sheltered-you." 

"  I  know'  that,  and  for  my  own  sake  shall  be  careful 
not  to  compromise  you — I  owe  you  too  deep  a  debt  of 
gratitude." 

The  gipsy  made  no  reply  to  this  speech  save  by  nodding 
his  head. 

Then  he  showed  Dick  a  «up  which  he  he)'1  "-arefully  in 
one  hanfl. 

"  Cazza  has  sent  you  this,"  he  said.  "  It  is  a  cordial 
ot  rare  efficacy  and  virtue.  It  will  give"  fresh  strength 
to  your  flagging  limbs.  The  effects  will  hot  be  per- 
manent, of  course,"  he  added,  "but  you  will  experience 
great  benefit  from  the  draught." 

Dick  took  &»  draught  which  was  offered  him. 


It"w%s  three-parts  full  of  some  dark-coloured  deeoS* 
tion.  i 

As  he  received  it   a  momentary    doubt   crossed    bfa 

mind. 

Did  it  mean  treaohery  ? 

Would  the  effects  of  the  potion  be  precisely  opposite 
to  those  declared? 

Was  it  a  plan  to  deliver  him  to  his  foes  ? 

His  suspicions  lasted  bat  a  second. 

He  was  instantly  struck  with  the  reflection  that  if  U 
was  the  intention  of  the  gipsies  to  betray  him,  they  had 
had  abundant  opportunities  for  doing;  so,  and  no  reason 
to  show  why  they  should  have  aided  him  thus  far. 

With  a  feeling  in  his  heart  that  he  had  done  his  bene- 
factors a  deep  wrong  by  allowing  such  a  thought  to  enter 
his  breast,  he  placed  the  cup  to  his  lips  and  drained  it  of 
its  contents  without  either  hesitation  or  dread  of  the  re- 
sult. 

Almost  as  soon  as  he  had  swallowed  the  last  drop  he 
became  sensible  of  its  invigorating  properties. 

His  heart  beat  with  stronger  and  more  regular  pulsa- 
tions, forcing  the  blood  through  every  vein,  while  an  op- 
pressive load  seemed  suddenly  lifted  off  his  mind. 

"  You  feel  the  effects  ?"  6aid  tho  gipsy,  interroga 
tively. 

"  I  do  indeed." 

"Before  you  start,  eat  heartily.  Who  can  say  how 
long  it  will  be  before  you  have  the  opportunity  of  making 
another  meal  ?"' 

"  True,"  said  Turpin — "  very  true.  But  I  must  leave 
at  dark." 

"  That  will  not  be  for  half  an  hour  to  come,  at  the 
very  least ;  so  make  yourself  easy  until  then." 

The  gipsy's  considerate  advice  was  carefully  acted 
upon. 

Dick  had  a  very  largo  amount  about  his  person,  con- 
sisting of  money  and  valuables  of  various  kinds. 

From  this  store  he  amply  satisfied  the  tribe,  who  had 
little  anticipated  such  liberality. 

"  And  now,"  said  the  gipsy  chief,  "  if  you  want  a 
horse  there  is  a  good  ouo  at  your  service.  You  will  find 
it  easy  travelling ;  I  don't  think  you  have  strength  enough 
to  walk  far." 

"  1  feel  the  strength  of  a  hundred  men." 

"  That  is  from  the  draught ;  but  I  warn  you  the  effect 
will  not  last.     Let  me  advise  you  to  take  the  horse." 

But  Dick  very  firmly  and  decidedly  shook  his 
head. 

"  You  have  my  thanks  just  the  same,"  he  said,  "  but  I 
have  made  up  my  mind  to  go  on  foot.  In  this  case  I 
shall  not  run  so  much  risk  of  observation ;  moreover,  I 
am  not  going  far." 

"You  know  your  own  business  best;  but  still,  T  should 
recommend  you  not  to  decline  my  offer." 
.  ■'.' I  will  tell  you  my  great  reason  fordoing  so,"  said 
Dick,  with  a  peculiar  smile.  "But  when  Black  Bess 
staggered  and  fell  dead  beneath  me,  I  made  up  my  mind 
as  I  had  prevented  her  from  having  another  master,  so 
would  I  refuse  to  cross  the  back  of  another  steed.  And 
when  I  even  contemplate  doing  so,  may  I  be  immediately 
visited  by  some  great  misfortune  I" 

The  gipsy  saw  nothing  strange  or  unaccountable  in 
this — on  the  contrary,  the  feeling  was  one  which  he  could 
perfectly  comprehend. 

"Tha  fear  is  a  vngue  one,"  added  Dick,  "but  yet  1 
might  find  souio  other  animal  that  would  supplant  my 
poor  mare  in  my  affections.     I  have  had  no  other  steed,  • 
and  I  will  have  no  other  " 

By  the  time  be  had  expressed  this  determination,  the 
time  for  departure  had  arrived. 

Darkness  completely  shrouded  all  things,  and  under 
the  cover  of  it  Dick  hoped  to  be  able  to  elude  the  utmos*. 
vigilance  of  his  foes. 

On  quitting  the  encampment,  Dick  did  not  make  fc)§  . 
way  towards  York,  though  he  had  been  ca,refcl  to  in- 
quire in  what  direction  the  city  lay. 

As  soon  as  he  felt  certain,  however,  that  he  was  out  of 
sight  of  the  encampment,  he  changed  his  course,  and 
walked  as  nearly  as  he  could  judge  in  a  straight  line  t* 
his  destination. 

The  vigour  imparted  by  the  strengthening  ,a»*Ui 
deceived  him,  and  produced  disastrous  results. 

Overrating  his  powers,  he  was  not  content  with  mafcii.* 
his  way  at  a  moderate  speed,  bat  hurried  on  at  a  pact 


THB   KNIGHT   OF   TELB   KOAD. 


1W» 


mnch  top  fast  to  be  called  a  walk  and  yet  by  no  means  a 
run. 

It  pro\^t,  however,  to  be  a  most  exhaustive  .^le ;  and 
before  he  had  proceeded  three-quarters  of  a  mile  on  his 
fourney  he  was  obliged  to  come  to  a  halt. 

He  was  dead-beat;  and  that  new-found  strength  in 
which  he  bad  so  much  rejoiced  left  him  weaker  than 
before. 

He  struggled  on  for  some  distance  further  ;  but  every 
yard  cost  him  a  tremendous  effort,  for  he  was  reduced  to 
such  a  deplorable  state  of  weakness  that  a  child's  strength 
would  have  been  almost  enough  to  overcome  him 

The  knowledge  of  his  condition  filled  him  with  the 
greatest  apprehensions  lest  his  pursuers  should  chance  to 
obtain  a  clue  to  his  whereabouts. 

To  make  his  position  still  worse,  the  moon  rose ;  and 
though  she  was  some  days  past  the  full,  yet,  as  the 
heavens  were  almost  free  from  clouds,  she  cast  around 
her  a  much  greater  amount  of  light  than  Turpin  wished 
to  have. 

"I  must  rest,"  he  said — 'I  must  rest.  Perhaps  if  I 
remain  perfectly  still  for  a  little  while  my  spent  strength 
will  in  some  degree  return  to  me.  It  was  thoughtless  of 
nio — most  thoughtless  to  act  as  I  have.  I  ought  to  have 
husbanded  my  strength  with  the  utmost  care." 
But  this  after-wisdom  had  now  no  practical  good. 
He  flung  himself  down,  however,  upon  the  smooth 
turf  in  a  meadow,  having  taken  care  to  choose  a  spot  that 
was  cast  into  deep  shadow  by  a  belt  of  trees. 

Here  he  rejnained  he  knew  not  how  long,  for  ho  <Md 
not  trouble  himself  to  take  notice  of  the  flight  of  time. 
As  soon  as  he  felt  somewhat  recovered  he  arose. 
The  moon  was  shining,  as  it  seemed  to  him,  with  ad- 
ditional brilliancy ;  but  perhaps  this  was  caused    by  his 
euddeuly  coming  out  of  the  shadow  of  the  trees. 

Slowly  and  gently,  he  recommenced  his  journey,  care- 
fully avoiding  all  roads  or  frequentated  paths. 

Slight  as  the  exertion  was,  ere  long  it  told  greatly  upon 
him. 

In  a  little  time  he  was  compelled  to  rest,  and  as  ho 
wearily  dragged  himself  onwards  these  rests  became  more 
and  more  frequent. 

"  I  shall  never  reach  York  before  daylight,"  he  mur- 
mured, at  last,  in  a  weak  voice.     "  I  flud  it  will   be  im- 
possible.    What  shall  I  do  ?     Where  shall   I  look  for   a 
Clace  where  I  can  remain  without  much  fear  of  being  found 
y  the  police  officers  ?" 
He  looked  all  around  him,  as  though  in  the  hope  that 
his  eyes  would  light  upon  the  place  he  needed. 
It  was  in  vain. 

He  was  evidently  upon  some  farmer's  land,  for 
everywhere  around  the  land  was  carefully  cultivated,  and 
here  and  there  could  be  seeD  some  implement  of  hus- 
bandry. 

"  There  must  be  a  homestead  not  far  off,"  Dick  said  at 
length.  "Shall  I  venture  to  make  my  way  there?  I 
fancy  I  have  no  better  chance.  Farmers  have  the 
general  reputation  of  being  good-natured  and  generous, 
and  so  I  have  found  them,  I  think,  without  exception. 
Who  k»ows — I  may  be  fortunate  enough  to  find  a 
friend." 

This  was  very  far  indeed  from  being  likely,  yet  Dick 
felt  it  no  slight  consolation  to  keep  the  prospect  of  such  a 
thing  before  his  mind. 

Just  then  he  came  to  a  kind  of  beaten  track,  which,  by 
its  character,  seemed  as  though  it  led  towards  the  farm- 
house. 

He  walked  along  it,  not  so  much,  perhaps,  with  the 
view  of  making  his  way  to  the  door  of  the  habitation  and 
asking  shelter  as  with  the  idea  that  he  might  reach  some 
shed  or  other  outbuilding  where  he  could  repose  his 
wearied  limbs. 

The  ground  had  an  upward  tendency  for  some  distance; 
but  when  the  level  was  gained  Dick  saw  before  him  at  no 
great  distance  a  confused  mass  of  tbatched  roofs,  no 
doubt  covering  the  homestead. 

Very  beautiful  and  very  peaceful  did  the  scene  look  in 
the  silvery  moonlight — so  calm,  so  saggestive  of  happi- 
ness, contentment,  freedom  from  care  or  danger,  that  as 
the  fugitive  gazed  upon  it  his  feelings  mastered  him. 

A  choking  sob  rose  in  bis  throat,  and  for  a  moment  or 
two  the  quiet  scene  ^as  hidden  from  him  by  a  mist  of 
feeart-wept  tears. 


CHAPTER  1TCXIX 


DICK     TURPLN     B 


RECOGNISED     ON 
FARM. 


HI3  ARRIVAL  At  THB 


The  prospect  before  Dick  Turpin,  so  full  of  i^rtcefulnesw 
as  it  was,  made  the  misery  of  his  own  existence  all  the 
more  palpable  from  the  contrast. 

It  was  no  wonder  that,  especially  in  his  present  en- 
feebled 6tate,  he  should  be  overcome  by  his  feelings. 

As  soon  as  he  recovered  himself  a  little,  he  stretched 
out  hip  arms  yearningly  towards  the  humble  abode,  and, 
in  a  broken  voice,  exclaimed : 

"  What  perfect  happiness,  what  freedom  from  all  worldly 
care,  must  be  the  fortunate  lot  of  those  who  dwell  yonder*! 
Life  to  them  must  be  a  calm  and  pleasant  river,  down 
which  they  float  with  a  gentle,  ebbing  tide.  Now  life  to 
me  has  in  it  no  touch  of  enjoyment  or  of  peace — hunted 
from  place  to  place  like  a  wild  beast,  allowed  no  rest,  de- 
prived of  the  opportunity  of  doing  good  when  it  lies  in 
my  power.  All  is  war— nothing  but  war,  which,  even  in 
my  case,  is  productive  of  the  utmost  misery.  Oh !  if  I 
could  only  once  more  gain  that  sequestered  spot  where 
one-half  of  my  heart  lies  buried  beneath  the  churchyard 
sod,  I  should  be  happy— I  should  be  content,  unenvyin.e 
the  most  brilliant  destiny  which  mortal  ever  enjoyed 
upon  this  earth!  Oh  !  if  I  could  only  reach  it— if  I  could 
only  reach  it !" 

The  last  words  were  pronounced  with  a  fervent  ear- 
nestness which  cannot  be  expressed — nothing  could  be 
more  ineffable. 

This  mention  of  the  little  village  on  the  French  sea- 
coast,  however,  so  far  from  increasing  his  dejection,  had 
a  precisely  opposite  effect. 

His  breast  immediately  became  filled  with  the  hope  of 
reaching  this  place  in  a  little  time  ;  and  the  next  words 
which  passed  his  lips  consisted  of  a  strong  determination 
to  brace  up  every  nerve,  to  redouble  all  his  efforts,  \o 
satisfy  this  anxious  longing. 

"  I  will  do  it,"  he  exclaimed— '•' yes,  even  if  the  number 
of  my  foes  was  doubled— even  if  ten  times  as  many  ob- 
stacles lay  before  me  in  my  path  !  I  will  render,  first  of 
all,  this  great  service  to  the  fair  girl  who,  out  of  the 
gentleness  of  her  sweet  nature,  afforded  me  protection 
wheu  I  so  badly  needed  it,  aud  then,  despite  the  endea- 
vours of  all  the  police  officers  in  the  kingdom,  I  will 
fight  my  way  to  the  3ea-shore,  embark,  and  remain  at 
rest." 

He  was  silent  for  a  few  moments. 

Then,  with  a  firmer  and  steadier  footfall  than  he  had 
yet  employed,  he  made  his  way  towards  the  home- 
stead. 

But  the  new-found  vigour  imparted  by  excitement 
vanished  soon,  and  again  and  again  he  was  compelled  to 
rest. 

.  At  last,  after  a  tedious  lapse  of  time,  he  reached  one  of 
the  outlying  sheds — a  place  used  for  a  variety  of  purposes, 
but  now  it  chanced  to  be  almost  filled  with  straw. 

Upon  this  Dick  flung  himself  with  an  over-weary  sigh, 
and  almost  instantly  consciousness  abandoned  him. 

He  fancied  that  certainly  not  more  than  a  moment 
elapsed  before  he  was  startled  by  the  rough  tones  of  some 
strange  voice. 

Opening  his  eyes  quickly,  he  saw  that  there  was  a  dull 
gray  light  visible. 

"  Can  it  be  dawn  ?"  he  asked  .himself,  mentally. 

The  strange  voice  reached  his  ears  again. 

"  I  won't  have  these  horses  here — don't  I  tell  youso! 
Take  them  off  at  once  !" 

"  Yes,  meester — I'll  be  with  you  momently." 

What  a  sigh  of  relief  it  was  that  Dick  gave  utterance 
to  when  these  words  fell  upon  his  sense  of  hearing ! 

The  danger  that  he  so  much  feared  was  rot  pre- 
sent. 

His  natural  thought  on  awaking  was  that  his  enemies 
were  close  by. 

When  he  found  that  this  was  not  the  case  he  moveCL 

Although  the  movement  was  slight,  it  caused  him  an 
infinity  of  pain,  for  all  his  joints  seemed  stiffened  as  if 
with  gout. 

He  was,  too,  very — very  cold. 

But  be  moved  again,  though  the  agony  ft  caused  almost 
wrung  a  groan  from  bis  lips. 

Nothing   save    motion,   however,    would    restore    ihm 


BLACK  BBSS;    OB 


1980 


arrested  circulation  of  hi*  blood,  and  the  sooner  this  was 
over  the  better. 

Still  it  required  him  to  call  up  all  the  fortitude  he  was 
master  of. 

At  length  he  emerged  from  the  straw-filled  shed,  arid, 
standing  upright  by  dint  of  clinging  to  the  woodwork,  he 
looked  about  him. 

The  first  objects  upon  which  his  eyes  fell  weie  those 
of  a  tall,  burly-looking  man  and  a  couple  ef  biases. 

Doubtless  these  were  the  animals  to  which  he  had 
alluded,  for  they  were  munching  at  a  quantity  of  hay. 

"  The  occupier  of  th-'s  place,  no  doubt,"  thought  Di<*k. 
"  Surely,  with  all  this  prosperity  around  him,  he  will  be 
filled  with  compassion  as  soon  as  he  beholds  such  a  miser- 
able wretch  as  I  am  now  !  J  will  drag  myself  towards 
bim — I  wiU  ask  for  shelter  and  protection." 

Dick  moved  but  languidly  and  with  difficulty,  but  the 
farmer  saw  him  not,  his  whole  attention  apparently  behig 
absorbed  by  a  man  who  was  at  work  at  a  little  dis- 
tance. 

But,  suddenly  turning  round,  he  caught  sight  of  Dick 
within  a  few  paces  of  him. 

The  start  he  gave  upon  making  this  discovery  had 
something  ludicrous  in  it. 

Dick  leaned  himself  against  the  side  of  the  building 
where  the  horses  stood. 

He  was  so  giddy  and  faint  that  without  this  support  he 
must  have  fallen  to  the  ground. 

The  farmer,  recovering  from  his  first  6hock  of  surprise, 
bent  upon  him  a  gaze  that  held  out  very  little  prospect 
of  a  friendly  reception. 

He  did  not  speak,  but  scanned  Dick  from  hpad  to 
foot 

The  appearance  of  the  fugitive  was  by  no  means  re- 
commendatory, for  the  vicissitudes  Dick  had  recently 
experienced  had  by  no  means  improved  his  looks. 

"Have  mercy  I"  said  the  fugitive,  feebly — "have 
mercy  and  pity,  for,  as  you  eee,  I  am  in  want  of  both !" 

"I  don't  Know  you!""  growled  the  farmer.  "Who  ere 
you  ? — what  do  you  want  ?" 

"Nothing  more  than  a  few  hours' shelter,"  answered 
Dick,  replying  only  to  the  last  query,  for  he  saw  it 
would  be  useless  to  make  an  appeal  for  much  hospi- 
tality. 

"  Take  it,  then,"  was  the  reply,  spoken  with  a  harsh 
voice.  "  I  don't  encourage  vagrants  as  a  rule,  but  as  you 
look  ill,  and  seem  as  though  you  had  known  better  days, 
I  don't  mind  letting  you  lie  down  on  the  straw  yonder 
for  an  hour  or  two.  But  when  you  are  rested  you  must 
troop  off— 111  have  no  such  varmint  as  you  about  the 
farm.    Mind  that !" 

And  with  this  he  turned  on  bis  heel  and  walked  with 
a  swift  step  towards  the  man  whose  movements  he  bad 
been  watching. 

Dick  heaved  another  sigh. 

"  And  is  this  churl  the  fortunate  inhabitant  of  this  re- 
poseful place  ?  How  unworthy  of  it !  All  its  charms 
are  unappreciated  by  him.  How  strange  6uch  beings 
should  be  so  fortunate !  Lie  down  in  the  straw  1  Well, 
well  — perhaps  that  is  more  consideration  than  many 
would  have  shown  me." 

Dick  had  to  pause  a  minute  or  two,  leaning  against  the 
boarding  of  the  shed,  before  he  could  recover  himself 
sufficiently  to  crawl  back  into  the  place  he  had  just 
left. 
But  his  heart  was  heavy  with  disappointment. 
He  bad  filled  himself  up  with  the  idea  that  the  inmates 
of  the  farm-house  would  willingly  have  done  ail  they 
eould  to  alleviate  his  distress. 

Of  all  the  disappointments  he  could  remember  having 
experienced,  not  one  seemed  half  so  bitter  as  this. 

With  more  dejection  than  he  had  yet  displayed,  he  east 
himself  down  again  upon  the  straw. 

It  was  not  long,  though,  bsfore  inherent  pride  »me  to 
his  aid,  and  enabled  bim  to  shake  off  the  depression  of 
spirits  under  which  he  laboured. 

He  then  found  it  some  relief  to  pour  out  his  resentment 
against  the  churlish  farmer,  although  th<vn  was  no  one 
near  to  interrupt  him. 

He  was  interrupted  by  hearing  some  one  coming. 
This  circumstance,  of  course,   took  his  attention  te- 
etantly. 

But*  whatever  tii.eaainess  he  may  have  experienced 
was  dispelled  when   he  saw  that  it  was  a  shock-headed 


urchin — one  of  the  oddest-looking  creatures  it  had  ever 
been  his  lot  to  behold. 

His  age  might  have  been  guessed  at  fourteen — it  may 
have  been  more,  but  was  probably  less. 

He  was  attired  in  a  kind  of  white  smock  frock,  which 
left  no  part  of  his  person  visible  from  his  neck  to  his 
ankles. 

As  he  approacued,  he  was  amusing  himself  by  whistling 
eome  extraordinary  melody. 

It  w*<uld  seem  as  though  he  had  been  gei»„  *,a  some 
errand  to  the  very  shed  under  the  roof  of  which  Dick 
lay. 

The  boy  little  expected  to  see  a  stranger  there.  His 
distended  cheeks  collepsed,  and  the  whistling  ceased  at 
if  by  magic. 

But  he  recovered  himself  almost  instantly,  and  with  an 
odd  mixture  of  audacity  and  awkwardness,  he  came 
nearer  to  Dick  in  order  to  indulge  his  curiosity  by  a 
closer  view. 

Upon  coming  as  near  as  he  probably  thought  was  con- 
sistent with  prudence  he  stopped,  and  indulged  himself 
with  a  good  stare. 

"  Who  be  ye  ?"  he  asked,  at  length. 

Dick,  who  had  been  looking  closely  at  the  new-comer, 
saw  that  beneath  his  rough  exterior  there  was  a  certain 
amount  of  sharpness  and  intelligence,  though  most  would 
have  called  it  cunning. 

He  fauoied,  also,  that  he  could  perceive  something  like 
an  air  of  friendliness  about  him. 

But  this  might  have  been  fancy,  for  never  before  had 
Dick  felt  such  a  strong,  irresistible  craving  for  com- 
panionship. 

"  Who  be  ye  ?"  said  the  boy,  again,  after  waiting  what 
he  thought,  perhaps,  sufficient  length  of  time  for  Dick  to 
answer.  "  Has  t'  old  farmer  seed  ye  ?  I  reckon  not,  fur 
he  allows  none  of  your  sort  here." 

"I  have  seen  him,"  said  Dick;  "and  he  has  told  me 
that  I  may  rest  here  for  a  short  time." 

"  My  eye,  what  a  wonder !  But  who  be  ye  ?"  he  re- 
iterated, with  more  anxioueness  than  before 

*'A  stranger." 

"  I  could  'a  to'd  thee  that,  mun  !"  he  exclaimed,  with  a 
grin  at  his  own  sharpness.  "  But  I  think  as  how  I  knows 
you,  though  you  be  nationly  altered." 

"  Know  me  ?"  ejaculated  Dick,  with  a  sndden  move- 
ment. 

"  Yes,"  said  the  boy,  nodding — "  I  think  I'se  seed  yon 
afore." 

"  Nonsense — nonsense  !  I  am  a  stranger  here." 

"  That  may  be ;  but  I  seed  ye  at  York." 

Dick  bent  forward  curiously. 

"  I'm  right — I'm  sure  I'm  right !"  continued  the  boy. 
"I  know  where  I  seed  you — it  wor  at  the  Bowling-Green 
at  York.  You  was  a-playing  at  ninepins,  and  after  yo« 
had  gone  the  folks  all  said  as  how  you  were  Dick  Tarpin, 
and  as  how  you  had  rode  a  'oss — leastways,  your  mare, 
Black  Bess — from  London  to  York  in  one  night !" 

The  boy  evidently  recognised  Dick. 

He  spoke  these  words,  too,  in  a  tone  of  voice  that 
sounded  most  dangerously  loud  in  the  ears  of  the  weary 
fugitive. 

He  evidently  failed  to  understand  the  vital  necessity 
which  existed  for  the  use  of  secrecy  and  caution. 

Dick  held  up  his  hand. 

"  Hush — hush !"  he  cried.  "  Come  closer.  Yos  speak 
too  loud." 

But  the  shock-headed  youth  seemed  to  doubt  the  ad- 
visability of  drawing  any  closer. 

*'  Fear  nothing,"  6aid  Dick.  "  I  only  want  to  speak  to 
you." 

"  But  tell  me  who  you  are  ?" 

"  Come  closer,  then.  I  will  not  hurt  you,  and  I  will 
tell  you  all." 

This  assurance  and  the  promise  combined  dispelled  his 
dread,  and,  without  further  hesitation,  he  p'sced  himself 
within  arm's-length. 

"H  you  will  be  my  friend,"  said  Dick,  eai.iestly,  "this 
will  be  the  best  day  you  have  ever  had  Look  here—  i 
have  money  in  abundance.  You  shall  have  as  much  as 
you  require,  provided  you  are  faithful  and  secret." 

Dick  was  not  deceived  when  he  fancied  he  could  de- 
tect the  existence  of  a  certain  brightness  of  intellect  is 
this  lad. 

He  clearly  comprehended  all  that  Dick  said  to  him,  and, 


THB  KNIGHT  OF  THJ3  ROAD. 


1961 


what  was  stranger  still,  the  rudeness  and  uncouthness 
he  had  showed  at  first  wore  off  to  a  remarkable  ex- 
tent. 

"  Go  on,"  he  said.    *mm  a  listening. " 

"  Bnt  will  you  promise  to  serve  me  ?" 

"  Are  yon  Dick  Turpin  ?" 

The  fugitive  hesitated  a  moment  before  he  replied,  but 
feeling  that  it  would  be  worse  than  useless  to  give  a 
denial,  he  said : 

"  I  am." 

No  sooner  had  he  uttered  these  words  than,  to  his 
greater  surprise,  the  boy  manifested  the  utmost  signs  of 
joy  and  satisfaction. 

"  I  thought  it  was,  blest  if  I  didn't !" 

"  Will  you  serve  me  ?" 

"  Yes— that  is " 

"  What  are  your  conditions  ?"  interrupted  Bi*k, 
quickly. 

"That  you  tell  me  all  about  your  ride  to  York  on 
Black  Bess — I  mean  every  one  of  the  particulars." 

The  boy's  eyes  glittered  with  exoitement. 

"  I  promise  that  readily,"  answered  Dick,  as  soon  as 
he  had  recovered  himself  from  the  surprise  into  which 
this  strange  request  had  thrown  him. 

"  That's  all  right,  then.    Hurrah  1" 

«  And  is  that  all  ?" 

"  No,  not  all.    I  want  something  else." 

"  I  thought  so.    What  is  it  ?" 

"Why,  money  enough  to  buy  a  horse,"  he  continued, 
with  growing  excitement. 

"  A  horse  ?" 

"  Yes — and  a  suit  of  first-class  clothes  as  well,  s  j 
brace  or  two  of  pistols,  and  plenty  of  powder  ar>&3 
lead." 

Dick's  amazement  increased. 

"  You  are  an  odd  customer,  and  no  mistake  I"  said  Dick. 
"  What  on  earth  do  you  want  a  horse  and  these  things 
for?" 

"Because,"  was  the  reply,  spoken  with  more  excitement 
than  ever  in  tone  and  gesture—"  because  then  I  should 
set  up  as  highwayman  myself,  and  perhaps  ride  all  the 
way  from  York  to  London." 

Dick  was  so  surprised  at  this  announcement  that  for  a 
moment  or  two  he  was  deprived  of  speech. 

His  first  inclination  was  to  break  out  into  a  hearty 
laugh. 

Prudence,  however,  whispered  that  the  best  thing  he 
could  do  would  be  to  subdue  this  impulse  ;  for  if  indulged 
in,  it  might  change  this  boy  into  a  foe. 

Dick  could  not  afford  to  lose  one  who,  no  matter  with 
what  motives,  was  ready  and  willing  to  be  his  friend. 

A  more  unlikely  figure  for  a  highwayman  was  eertainly 
never  before  beheld. 

"You  don't  know  what  you  are  asking  for,"  said  Dick, 
at  length.  "  U  you  have  any  serious  intention  of  adopt- 
ing suoh  a  course,  take  my  advice  and  abandon  it." 

"  Not  till  I've  given  it  a  good  trial,"  was  the  firm  re- 
joinder. w  I  have  thought  a  good  deal  about  it,  I  have, 
and  the  first  time  I  have  a  chance  I  mean  to  try  it  on." 

This  determination  was  delivered  in  that  particular  way 
which  makes  you  feel  that  any  dissuasive  arguments 
would  be  worse  than  useless. 

"  You  will  not  beway  me  ?"  cried  Dick,  presently,  fixing 
a  keen  glance  upon  him. 

The  boy  made  a  gesture  of  impatience  and  disdain. 

"  Does  the  gaffer  know  you  ? 

"Who's  the  gaffer?" 

"  Why,  the  farmer  yonder." 

"  He  does  not." 

"  I  thought  he  didn't,  because  why :  if  ha  did,  I  ^  would 
send  for  the  officers  pretty  quick — and  do  you  know  they 
are  close  by  here  now  1" 

"  Close  by  ?"  ejaculated  Dick,  with  a  start. 

"  Yes.  I  seed  'em  when  I  fetched  the  cows  up  by  old 
Mobbe's  coppice." 

Dick  was  as  wise  as  ever. 

"  Where  are  they  now  ?" 

"  I  don't  know ;  but  I  will  go  and  see,  if  you  like." 

"  Do  so — do  so  ;  and  yet,  stay,"  added  Dick,  who  could 
hardly  feel  certain  that  the  boy  would  not  be  tempted  to 
betray  him. 

"  What  is  it,  captain  ?" 

"  Do  you  know  what  a  large  reward  there  Is  offered  to 
anyone  who  will  discover  me?" 


"  Yes,  I  do." 

"  It  is  very  large." 

"  I  don't  care  if  it  is.  Lor*  bless  you,  captain,  I  ain't 
such  a  fool  as  I  look — oh  no,  not  by  a  good  many  long 
chalks.     I  know  them  Lunnon  <%3icers  before  to-day." 

"  Indeed  I" 

"  Yes.  Suppose  as  how  1  was  to  tell  them  where  you 
are,  and  be  green  enough  to  think  I  should  get  the  moneys 
what  do  you  think  would  be  the  upshot?  Why,  they 
would  stick  to  all  the  blessed  lot  theirselves,  and  tell  me 
if  I  said  a  word  they'd  swear  a  robbery  on  to  me,  and  tell 
me  I  ought  to  feel  glad  to  get  off.  Oh,  1  knows  'em,  I 
does." 

"  So  it  appears,"  answered  Dick,  who  from  that  moment 
gave  the  boy  credit  for  more  than  an  ordinary  share  of 
intelligence. 

"  Is  that  all  you've  got  to  say,  captain  ?" 

"  Yes." 

11  Then  I'll  go  off  and  see  if  the  officers  «r«  about. 
Don't  you  move  till  I  come  back." 

He  hurriedly  departed,  leaving  Dick  in  anything  bat  a 
comfortable  frame  of  mind. 

In  spite  of  everything,  the  fugitive  felt  wretched  and 
fall  of  doubt. 

Should  the  officers  be  at  hand,  what  should  he  do — how 
could  he  hope  to  escape  them  ? 

The  farmer  if  questioned  would  readilygive  every  infor- 
mation, and  it  seemed  as  though  he  could  not  possibly 
avoid  falling  into  their  hands. 

How  rejoiced  he  felt  when  he  heard  the  sound  of  the 
boy's  returning  footsteps ! 

"  I  can't  see  anything  of  them  now,"  he  said,  in  reply 
to  Dick's  anxious  inquiring  glance,  "but  I  have  heard  as 
how  they  have  been  searching  round  for  you,  and  so  it's 
most  likely  they  will  come  here  before  they  leave  off." 

"  I  must  depart,"  said  Dick,  rising  with  great  difficulty 
— "  I  must  depart.     I  dare  not  remain  here  any  longer." 

"And  if  you  go,"  said  the  boy,  "  what  is  to  save  you 
then  ?" 

"  What  is  to  save  me  if  I  remain  ?" 

"  I  will." 

"  1  b**ks  for  your  good  will,  but  I  fear  it  would  be 
beyond  your  powers  to  accomplish  it." 

"  You  don't  know  what  I  could  do." 

"  I  certainly  do  not." 

"  I  should  hide  you." 

"  And  what  good  would  that  be  ?" 

"The  officers  would  never  find  you." 

Dick  shook  his  head. 

"  The  farmer  would  tell  them  I  was  somewhere  about 
the  premises,  and  they  would  not  leave  until  they  had 
searched  every  corner." 

"  Very  true,"  6aid  the  boy,  scratching  his  head ;  "  I  did 
not  think  of  that." 

Dick  came  towards  the  front  of  the  shed,  as  if  about  to 
emerge. 

But  his  strange  companion  pushed  him  back. 

"  Wait  a  bit,  captain  ;  we  must  think  this  matter  over. 
Ah  !  you  may  smile,  but  I  have  heard  the  fable  about  the 
mouse  that  set  the  lion  free,  and  I  daresay  you  have 
too." 

"I  certainly  have,"  answered  Dick,  more  and  more 
astonished  at  the  boy's  manner. 

"  Very  well,  then.  Now  you  will  hardly  think  it,  but  £ 
have  thought  of  a  plan  to  make  your  safety  quite  cer* 
tain." 

"  You  have  ?" 

"  I  really  have,  captain." 

"  Let  me  hear  it,  and  rest  assured  I  shall  not  suffer  you 
to  be  a  loser  by  what  you  do  for  me." 

"  I  want  nothing  m«re  than  I  have  asked  you  for." 

"  Well,  well— we  shall  see  about  that  I  am  impatient 
to  hear  your  plan." 

"  It's  simple  enough." 

"  So  much  the  better." 

"  All  you  have  to  do  is  to  go  up  to  the  gaffer  yonder, 
and  say  how  very  thankful  you  are  for  his  hospitality, 
and  tell  him  yon  are  going  because  you  have  particular 
business  which  won't  let  you  6tay  any  longer." 

"Well?" 

"  That's  just  to  throw  him  off  the  scent,  you  know. 
Well  when  you  have  said  that,  you  must  walk  away 
towards  the  granary  yonder.    Do  you  see  it  ?" 

"  That  round  place  covered  with  red  tiles?" 


1982 


ELACa    BBSS  ;    OS, 


"Yes,  that's  it.     You' will,  as  I  6aid,  walk  towards  that, 
as  if  you  were  going  straight  away  as  fast  as  you  could." 
"  I  quite  understand." 

"  Well,  then,  you  Be*  the  path  goes  straight  to  the 
granary,  and  then  turns  round  it.  Now,  as  soon  as  ever 
you  turn  the  corner  of  the  building  so  as  to  be  out  of 
sight  of  the  gaffer — for  he  is  almost.  6ura  to  stand  and 
watch  you — you  must  stand  still  with  year  back  close  to 
the  wall  and  wait  till  I  come  to  you." 
"  And  what  else  ?"  said  Dick. 

"  That's  enough  for  the  present  Do  as  I  tell  you.  He's 
coming,  and  if  he  sees  me  speaking  to  you  it  will  be  ail 
up." 

So  saying,  the  boy  hastily  retreated,  leaving  DicK  in 
anything  but  a  settled  state  of  mind. 

A  moment's  consideration  made  him  decide  that  it 
would  be  best  to  follow  the  boy's  instructions. 

Indeed,  any  movement  would  be  better  than  remaining 
where  he  was. 

Accordingly,  he  emerged  from  the  shed  and  walked 
limpingly  towards  the  farmer,  who,  seeing  him  approach, 
waved  him  off  with  an  impatient  and  angry  gesture. 

But  Dick,  who  had  grown  wonderfully  stronger,  con- 
tinued to  advance  towards  him. 

Pausing  when  a  few  yards  from  him,  he  took  off  his  hat 
and  made  a  bow  with  much  of  that  grac«  for  which  ha 
had  once  been  famous. 

"  I  am  grateful,"  he  said,  in  tones  that  were  full  of  the 
deepest  irony — "  very  grateful  to  you  for  your  kind  hospi- 
tality; lam  rested  now,  and  as  I  have  business  which 
will  admit  of  no  delay,  I  am  anxious  to  depart.  Good 
morning!" 

Again  he  bowed,  and  then  immediately  turned  on  his 
heel. 

The  words  must  have  touched  him,  for  he  called  out : 
"  Hi — hi — stop  !     Don't  go  yet !    Come  in  the  house 
and  have  something  to  eat  and  drink." 

But  Dick  firmly  shook  his  head,  and  continued  to  walk 
as  fast  as  his  stiffened  limbs  would  let  him  towards  the 
granary. 

"D — n  him  for  a  fool!"  cried  the  farmer,  angrily. 
"However,  he  can't  say  anything  against  me  now.  I 
asked  him  and  he  refused,  so  that  is  his  look-out." 

The  farmer  seemed  to  derive  abundant  sntisfactioL  from 
this  circumstance,  and,  as  the  boy  had  foretold,  continued 
10  watch  Dick's  receding  figure  until  it  vanished  round 
the  angle  of  the  granary. 

Beyond  this  point  it  was  no  longer  possible  to  observe 
the  path  without  he  had  quitted  his  position,  so  that  he 
never  for  one  moment  suspected  that  Dick  had  stopped. 

With  another  hearty  curse  upon  beggars  and  their 
pride,  he  turned  on  his  heel  and  marched  off  to  superintend 
the  agricultural  operations  that  were  being  carried  on. 

In  the  meanwhile,  Dick,  according  to  the  instructions 
he  had  received,  stopped  close  against  the  wall. 

From  this  point  he  was  able  to  obtain  a  tolerably  ex- 
tensive view,  and  his  first  proceeding  was  to  scan  the 
landscape  with  a  rapid  glance. 

"  All  is  well  in  that  quarter,"  he  said;  "there  are  no 
officers  to  bo  seen  there." 

He  unconsciously  spoke  these  words  in  a  much  louder 
tone  than  was  prudent — at  any  rate,  the  boy  overheard 
them. 

"  Not  there,  captain,"  he  said,  "  but  they're  a  coming 
across  by  Banks's  Meer,  and  will  be  at  the  farm  in  no 
time." 

"  Are  you  sure  of  that  ?" 

"Quite.  But  don't  put  yourself  about,  captain — there 
isn't  the  least  occasion.  If  they  come  from  Lunnon.  and 
think  themselves  mighty  clever,  they  will  find  the  north 
couutry  chaps  a  match  for  them." 


CHAPTER  MCXX. 

MB.   6KEI.LUM    MAKES   A  SEARCH   IN  THE  GRANARY. 

There  was  such  a  degree  of  confidence  and  assurance  in 
the  boy's  manner  that  Dick  Turpin  really  began  in  earnest 
to  believe  that  his  pursuers  were  destined  to  have  one 
more  defeat  added  to  the  long  list  of  those  which  they  bad 
already  experienced. 

"  This  way,  captain — follow  me,  and  you  will  soon  see 
what  sort  of  a  hiding-place  I  intend  for  yon.  Be  quick, 
or  the  officers  may  ratcS  a  glimpse  of  you. 


The  boy  held  open  the  door  of  the  granary,  and  Dlclt 
readily  euough  crossed  the  threshold,  because  it  seemed 
pretty  clear  that  if  he  attempted  to  move  away  from  th« 
shadow  of  the  building  he  would  inevitably  be  seen. 

The  interior  of  the  granary  seemed  at  tirst  to  be  pro- 
foundly dark,  but  Dick's  eyes  growing  accustomed  to  tlw 
gloom  enabled  him  to  perceive  that  his  new  friend  was 
very  busy  with  something  which,  on  closer  inspection 
proved  to  be  a  ladder. 

This  he  placed  against  the  wall  in  one  corner,  and  going 
to  a  little  shelf  just  over  the  door  by  which  he  had  en- 
tered, produced  a  key. 

With  this  in  his  hand  he  hastily  ascended  the  ladder 
and  thrust  it  into  the  lock  of  a  trap-door. 

"rJow,  captain,"  he  said,  "this  door  is  a  dovil  of  a 
weight,  because  it  is  iron,  you  see,  and  I  want  you  to  fielp 
me  to  lift  it  up." 

Dick  also  mounted  the  ladder,  and  willingly  rendered 
the  assistance  required. 

By  their  united  aid  the  trap-door  was  easily  raised,  and 
when  it  had  reached  a  certain  height  the  boy  propped  it 
up  with  an  iron  rod  provided  for  the  purpose,  which  pre- 
vented it  from  falling. 

"  Now,  captain,"  he  said,  "  follow  me,  and  the  sooner 
the  better — there  is  not  a  second  to  lose." 

"  Is  this  where  you  are  going  to  conceal  me?"  asked 
Dick,  glancing  around  him. 

"  This  is  the  place,  captain." 

This  upper  portion  oi  the  granary  was  much  better 
lighted  than  the  lower,  though  here  so  much  gloom 
reigned  that  it  was  not  very  easy  to  distinguish  one 
objt-ct  from  another. 

All  that  the  place  appeared  to  contain,  however,  was  a 
large  quantity  of  either  wheat  or  oats — not  contained  ia 
sacks,  but  spread  upon  the  iioor,  which  was  composed  of 
iron,  and  so  contrived  that  it  could  be  heated  from  below 
when  necessary,  bo  as  to  dry  the  grain  which  laid  upon 
it. 

The  depth  was  considerable — certainly  more  than  a 
yard. 

"Now,  look  here,  captain,"  said  the  boy :  "you  must 
go  over  to  that  corner  yonder,  and  help  me  to  make  a 
•tiole  in  the  corn — you  must  lay  down  in  it,  ;,n  1  1  will 
cover  you  all  over  with  it  so  that  no  one  would  be  able  to 
guess  you  are  here.     Do  you  understand  ?" 

"  Perfectly." 

And  by  way  of  showing  that  he  thought  well  of  the 
plan,  Dick  hastened  to  the  corner  indicated,  and  set  to 
work  to  scoop  up  the  corn. 

A  sufficiently  large  hole  was  made  in  a  very  ilttle  time 
indeed,  and  then,  by  the  boy's  directions,  Dick  laid 
down. 

"  Cover  your  face  with  your  cap,  captain — that's  it ! 
Now  yon  will  be  comfortable.  I  will  throw  the  corn  on 
very  light,  and  you  will  be  able  to  breathe  without  auy 
trouble." 

With  this  wise  suggestion  Dick  at  once  complied. 

With  great  speed  his  new  friend  set  about  completing 
his  task,  which  he  did  with  great  skill ;  and  no  one  to 
have  looked  at  the  surface  of  the  corn  on  the  granary 
floor  would  guess  that  it  had  been  disturbed,  let  alon» 
anyone  hid  under  it. 

"Now,  captain."  were  his  parting  words,  "don't  on 
auy  account  think  of  moving  until  I  come  back  again, 
which  you  may  depend  I  shall  be  sure  to  do  as  soon  as 
ever  it  is  safe  for  me  to  do  60." 

"All  right!"  said  Dick,  though  his  voice  souuded  so 
muffled  and  hollow  that  it  fairly  made  the  toy  jump— 
"  all  right !     Can  you  close  the  trap  ?" 

"  Oli,  yes !     And  now  don't  say  a  word ! 

Dick  was  silent,  and  awaited  the  result  wl»h  no  small 
amount  of  anxiety. 

The  boy  with  great  agility  got  down  on  to  the  ladder, 
lowered  the  trap-door — which  was  a  much  easier  thing 
to  do  than  to  raise  it — and  having  carefully  locked  it. 
placed  the  key  in  its  accustomed  plaeo  on  the  shelf  over 
the  door. 

Listening  for  a  moment,  and  finding  all  silent,  he  slipped 
out  unobserved  and  hastened  to  hia  work. 

There  was  a  bright,  twinkling  glitter  in  his  eyos.as  hn 
shuffled  along,  whistling  a  popular  air  the  while  with  a 
gusto  that  sufficiently  indicated  the  exte-ut  of  bfe'eatia- 
faction. 

Dick  lay  and  listened,  but  in  vain. 


YHB  KNIGHT  0*  tH8  Wtfk 


1983 


iiot  the  least  sound  was  borne  to  his  ears,  which  was 
do  doubt  in  part  owing  to  his  beinf.  >vered  over  in  the 
manner  we  have  described. 

What  seemed  to  him  to  be  an  endless  length  of  time 
gradually  passed  away  without  anything  arising  that 
would  lead  to  the  belief  that  the  police  officers  were 
within  a  hundred  miles  of  the  place. 

Suddenly,  however,  the  murmur  of  voices  arose,  which 
soon  swelled  into  a  loud  chorus ,  but  Dick  ecaki  not  dis- 
tinguish any  of  the  words  that  were  uttered. 

Then  a  door  creaked  open,  and  immediately  afterwards 
Dick  recognised  the  farmer's  voice. 

"  But  don't  I  tell  you  he's  gone !"  he  exclaimed,  In 
tones  that  showed  he  was  in  a  state  of  great  irritation. 
"  I  saw  him  go  myself,  with  my  own  eyes;  and  while 
you  are  poking  about  my  barns  he  is  getting  comfortably 
out  of  the  way." 

"  And  I  tell"  you  he  hasn't  gone!"  was  the  reply.     "  If 
he  had  left  the  premises  I  must  have  seen  him,  or  at  least, 
some  of  my  men,  but  we  have  not.    No  doubt  he  would 
catch  sight  of  us  coming,  and  make  up  his  mind  to  hide." 
It  was  Skellum  who  spoke. 
Dick  had  no  difficulty  in  identifying  him. 
"  Never  tell   me  1"   responded  the  farmer,  impatiently. 
"Where    on    earth    could    he    hide,    I    should    like   to 
know  ?" 

"  I  shall  be  able  to  answer  that  question  best  wnen  I 
have  had  a  good  look  round." 
"  Oh,  very  well — very  well  !" 
11  What  place  do  you  call  this?" 
"  The  granary." 

"  The  granary,  eh!"  said  Skellum,  suspiciously.  "  It's 
devilish  dark.     Let's  have  a  light." 

"  Be  careful,"  remonstrated  the  farmer — "  a  spark 
would  serve  to  set  this  place  on  fire,  and  then  I  should  be 
a  ruined  man." 

"  Do  you  presume  to  obstruct  his  Majesty's  officers  in 
the  execution  of  their  duty?"  asked  Skellum,  fiercely. 

"  No — no.     Only  I " 

"  Very  well,  then,  hold  your  row  1  Smithe*s,  hand  me 
a  light." 

Skellum  took  a  lantern  from  one  of  his  subordinates, 
and  flashed  the  light  of  it  well  around  him. 

"  There's  nobody  here,  anyway.     But  what's  above  ?" 
u  The  drying-room." 

"We'll  just  have  a  look  at  it,  if  merely  for  satisfaction's 
sake.     How  do  you  get  up?" 

"  You  may  well  ask  that.  A  wilful  man,  though,  will 
have  bis  own  way ;  but  I  am  a  Dutchman  if  you  ain't 
losing  precious  minutes." 

"That  does    not    matter  to    you,  does   it?"  retorted 
Skellum.     "Do  you  know  I  have  a  good  mind  to  take 
you  into  custody  on  suspicion  of   your  having  concealed 
Dick  Turpin  somewhere,  or  assisted  him  to  escape  !" 
"  Oh,  pooh— pooh  1" 

"  You  may  pooh-pooh  as  much  as  you  like;  but  I've  a 
d — d  good  mind  to   do  it,  now  then  I     Your  couduct   is 
quite  enough  to  justify  me." 
"  Don't  be  absurd." 

"  Well,  well,  think  yourself  lucky  if  you  get  off  without 
hearing  anything  more  of  this  affair.  Now  tell  me  how 
we  are  to  get  up  into  the  drying-room." 

Skellum's  persistence  in  this  matter  might  well  have 
seemed  strange,  for  there  was  now  no  visible  means  of 
communication  with  the  upper  floor  of  the  grauary,  the 
boy  having  had  the  prudence  to  restore  the  ladder  tj  the 
latter  place. 

But,  to  tell  the  truth,  Skellum  was  not  more  certain  of 
anythiug  in  all  his  life  than  lie  was  that  Dick  must  be 
hidden  somewhere  among  the  farm  buildings. 

The  farmer  had  acknowledged  to  having  seen  him  o«ly 
about  a  quarter  of  an  hour  ago,  and  Skellum  was  abso- 
lutely certain  that  no  living  creature  could  have  crossed 
the  open  fields  surrounding  the  homestead  without  their 
knowledge. 

Havuig  this  conviction,  he  had  resolved  not  to  allow 
a^y  nook  or  corner,  no  matter  how  unlikely  it  might  ap- 
pear, to  pass  unexamined. 

In  appearance  a  more  unlikely  place  for  Dick  to  bo 
concealed  in  was  that  which  Skellum  was  so  resolved  to 
pry  into. 

Ho  saw  the  ladder  f*»)ied  out  and  placed  against  the 
wall,  and  after  that  the  key  taken  off  the  shelf  over  the 
•ntrance  door. 


"If  he  is  up  there,"  Skellum  muttered,  as  he  hpard  tbe 
key  grate  harshly  in  the  rusty  wards,  "  he  must  either 
have  an  accomplice  about  the  farm — which  I  dou't  for  a 
moment  believe — or  else  he  has  gained  an  entrance  by 
some  other  means,  which  is  quite  possible." 

Having  come  to  this  conclusion,  he  followed  the  farmer 
up  the  ladder,  and  by  their  joint  exertions  the  heavy 
trap-door  was  raised  and  fixed  open. 

The  crisis  had  now  arrived. 

Dick  would  either  escape  entirely  or  be  found  at 
once. 

When  he  heard  that  the  farmer  was  one  of  the  explor-r 
ing  party  hw  uneasiness  was  great. 

He  considered,  and  with  good  reason,  that  his  eyes 
would  be  much  more  likely  to  detect  any  liitle  misplace- 
ment of  the  grain  than  the  police  officers',  who  had  never 
been  in  the  place  before. 

"This  place  seems  quiet  enough,"  said  Skellum,  look- 
ing around  and  failing  to  discern  the  least  thing  that  was 
suspicious,  for  the  boy  had  taken  care  to  leave  the  grain 
perfectly  smooth  and  level.  "The  only  thing  that  1 
should  like  to  feel  certain  of  is,  whether  there  is  any  other 
way  in  and  out  than  that." 

He  pointed  to  the  trap  door. 

"  If  I  told  you  there  wasn't  I  don't  suppose  you  would 
take  my  word,"  answered  the  farmer,  testily  ;  "and  I 
don't  suppose  you  will  feel  satisfied  until  you  have  passed 
all  this  corn  through  a  sieve  to  make  sure  he  is  uot 
in  it." 

"I  should  be  inclined  to  take  that  trouble  if  I  could 
discern  the  least  sign  of  its  having  been  disturbed," 
answered  Skellum,  deliberately.  "  It  would  serve  to  hide 
fifty  men." 

He  drew  his  sword  as  he  spoke,  and  thrust  it  several 
times  into  the  corn  round  about  where  he  stood  ;  but  as 
that  happened  to  be  nowhere  near  the  spot  where  Dick 
lay,  it  was,  of  course,  without  success. 

"You  are  sure  there  is  no  other  way  by  which  admit- 
tance can  be  gained  to  this  place?" 

"  I  will  give  you  my  word  of  it;  and  if  you  really  want 
to  capture  the  fellow  set  out  in  pursuit  of  him.  Your  own 
common  sense  ought  to  tell  you  that  I  should  uot  en- 
courage such  a  vagabond  about  the  place ;  if  I  did  I 
should  expect  to  be  robbed  for  my  pains,  and  serve  me 
right  too,"  he  added.  - 

"  It  would,"  replied  Skellum.  "  Give  me  your  hand.  I 
meant  no  harm  ;  only  if  you  had  the  least  idea  what  this 
fellow  has  caused  tne  to  go  through  lately,  you  would 
wonder  at  my  being  in  my  seven  senses  at  all." 

"Very  likely,"  said  the  farmer.  "  I  don't  bear  malice, 
and  only  hope  you  may  catch  him.  It  is  quite  certain 
that  he  can't  be  faraway,  for  wheu  I  saw  him  he  seemed 
io  be  so  weak  that  he  could  hardly  crawl." 

"We  are  bound  to  have  him,"  said  Skellum,  who  was 
inspired  with  fresh  hope  by  these  words.  "  Gome  on — 
come  on !" 

In  rather  a  tumultuous  manner  the  whole  of  the  party 
now  quitted  the  drying-room. 

The  trap-door  was  lowered,  the  steps  removed,  and 
Dick  might  be  said  to  have  added  one  more  to  the  long 
list  of  his  hair-breadth  escapes. 

With  keenly-sensitive  ears,  he  listened  to  the  departure 
of  his  foes,  and  when,  at  length,  he  heard  them  close  the 
granary  door  behind  them  such  a  sensation  of  deep  joy- 
fulness  came  over  him  as  cannot  be  expressed. 

Soou  he  was  left  in  absolute  silence. 

The  position  ho  was  in  was  a  most  irksome  one,  yet  ho 
was  afraid  to  ease  himself  by  making  the  least  movemeut, 
lest  his  enemies  should  return  and  detect  the  disarrange- 
ment of  the  grain. 

Forced  to  be  still,  he  endeavoured  to  reconcile  himfcolf 
as  best  he  could. 

The  silence,  the  stilluess  he  waq  obliged  to  maintain, 
and  perhaps,  too,  the  confined  space  he  had  to  breathe  in, 
added  to  his  excessive  weakness  and  fatigue,  insensibly 
drew  him  into  a  slumber,  which  rendered  him  for  a  while 
happily  oblivious  of  all  his  troubles. 

How  long  this  slumber  lasted  he  had  no  means  of  judg- 
ing; but  suddenly  he  awoke  without  knowing  whether 
anything  had  occurred  to  awaken  him  or  not. 

He  was  in  doubt,  too,  where  he  was,  the  intense  dark- 
ness and  stillness  making  him  think  that  he  must  be  in 
".he  gipsy's  caravan. 
But  a  Blight  tapping  reached  his  ears,  and  then,  with  a 


BLACK    ESSS)     04, 


ash,  the  remembrance  of  what  had  occurred  came  back 
to  him. 

Before  he  could  control  hiinaelf  •ufficiently  to  have 
entire  command  over  his  actions,  be  started  up. 

No    sooner  had    he  done  60  than    he    became    fully 
sensible  of  the  imprudent  nature  of  the  step. 
It  was  now  taken,  and  could  not  be  recalled. 
With  fast-beating  heart,  he  listened. 
The  tapping  came  again. 

"Captain — captain!"  he  heaid  some  one  cry,  in  a 
muffled  voice,  whteii  seemed  at  least  to  be  miles  and 
miles  away. 

Dick  clasped  his  haR^s  over  his  temples,  for  his  bruin 
was  not  quite  clear  y«t- 

Then  the  tapping  was  renewed. 
This  time  it  was  louder  than  before. 
Immediately  after,   a  voice  much  nearer  and  clearer 
■aid: 

"Captain— captain  !  Where  are  you ?  Come  and  help 
me — I  can't  lift  the  trap-door  by  myself." 

The  last  words  were  more  than  sufficient  to  dispel  any 
lingering  doubts. 

"All  right  1"  he  answered.  "I  hear  you  now— I  am 
coming." 

And  now  Dick's  practised  hearing  did  him  good  ser- 
vice. 

Dark  as  it  was,  yet  he  was  able  to  make  his  way  with- 
out hesitation  to  the  trap-door. 

"How  can  I  help  you?"  he  asked,  groping  busily  the 
while  with  both  his  hands  upon  the  floor. 

"  You  will  find  a  ring,"  answered  his  friend.  "  Put 
out  all  your  strength,  and  between  us  we  shall  manage 
it." 

Dick  soon  found  the  iron  riDg  the  boy  had  men- 
tioned. 

By  their  united  exertions  the  ponderous  trap-door  was 
raised. 

"  Have  they  gone  ?"  was  Dick's  first  eager  question  as 
he  caught  sight  of  the  boy. 

"Yes — long  ago.     It's  all  right.     Why   didn't    you 
answer  me  when  I  called  you  first  ?     You  have  kept  me 
here  knocking  for  ten  minutes  at  least." 
"  I  was  asleep." 

"  Asleep  ?  Well,  that's  what  I  call  a  good  'un— blest 
if  it  isn't !  The  idea,  now,  that  you  should  go  off  to 
sleep,  and  the  officers  poking  and  prying  after  you  every- 
where !" 

"It  was  more  like  a  swoon  than  slumber,"  answered 
Dick  ;  "  but  I  fancy  it  must  have  been  the  latter,  I  feel 
•o  wonderfully  refreshed." 

"  Glad  to  hear  it,  captain — you  will  require  to  make 
use  of  all  your  energies." 
"  What  has  happened?" 

"Oh,   it's  all  right  enough  now!      Gaffer    and    the 
officers  have  got  first-rate  friends.     I  thought  once  thay 
would  have  had  a  round  or  two,  but  now  it's  all  right." 
"  How  all  right  ?" 

"  Why,  they  have  searched  everywhere,  and  failed  to 
find  the  least  trace  of  you  ;  and  if  the  gaffer  wasn't  so 
very  positive,  they  would  not  believe  you  had  been  here 
at  all.  As  it  is,  they  vow  and  maintain  that  he  must 
have  been  mistaken  in  the  length  of  time  that  elapsed 
after  yon  left  him." 

" Oh,  that  is  it !     And  bow  has  it  ended  ?" 
"  Why,  being  compelled  to  rest,  they^have  accepted  the 
gaffer's  invitation.    Their  horses  are  all  standing  in  the 
stable,  and  they  are  sitting  in  the  big  kitchen,  feasting 
like  so  many  hungry  wolves." 

"  Some  of  them  are  outside,  watching,  I  suppose  ?" 
"  No,  not  one."  * 

"  Then  I  must  go,  for  such  a  favourable  state  of  things 
may  not  continue  long  " 

" Now,  captain,  just  be  easy,  will  you?  Look  here! 
I  have  brought  you  something  good  in  the  shape  of 
eating  and  drinking.    Take  it,  and  sit  still  a  bit." 

These  words  reminded  Dick  that  a  meal  of  any  kind 
would  be  a  most  acceptable  thing ;  so,  without  hesita- 
tion, he  very  gladly  accepted  the  provisions  which  the 
boy  had  so  thoughtfully  provided  for  him. 

It  was  most  important  that  he  efessld  recover  his 
strength  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  And  now,  captain,  take  my  word  for  it,  you  are  quite 
safe  where  yon  are — that  is,  for  the  present.  I  should 
BOt  recommend  you  to  stay  all  night," 


"I  cannot.  It  is  most  important  I  should  leave  ei 
once." 

"  So  you  shall,  .  ever  fear ;  but  you  must  not  fail  to 
keep  your  word." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"  To  relate  the  particulars  of  your  ride  to  York.'' 

Dick  could  not  refuse  compliance  with  this  favour,  and 
so,  without  any  demur,  he  began,  and  related  with  toler- 
able minuteness  all  those  incidents  which  have  already 
been  placed  before  the  reader. 

Never  did  narrator  have  a  more  attentive  listener. 

Every  word  was  greedily  swallowed  by  his  ears ;  and 
when  Diuk  brought  his  narration  to  a  conclusion,  tie 
drew  a  long  breath  and  said : 

"  Ah,  captain,  I  wish  I  had  got  to  have  it  all  over 
again !" 

"  I  would  gratify  you  if  it  laid  at  all  within  my  power, 
but  I  have  most  particular  business  on  hand.  Tell  me — 
how  far  am  I  from  York  city  ?" 

"  Maybe  three-parts  of  a  mile." 

"No  more ?" 

"Certainly  no  more — rather  less,  if  anything." 

This  was  welcome  news  indeed. 

Dick  drew  from  his  pocket  a  quantity  of  valuables. 

"Here,  my  lad,"  he  said,  "take  these  in  return  for  the 
service  you  have  done  me.  If  I  had  ten  times  as  much, 
you  would  be  equally  welcome  to  it." 

"  No,  no,  captain — I  want  no  more  than  I  asked  you 
for,  nor  I  won't  have  more  either,  so  take  it  back." 

"  Wait  a  moment  1  I  shall  not  take  it  back ;  and  if 
you  have  any  serious  thoughts  of  taking  to  the  road,  let 
me  earnestly  implore  you  to  abandon  the  idea." 

"I  can't  do  it — it  has  been  my  dream  day  and  night 
for — oh,  I  can't  tell  how  long." 

"No  matter,"  said  Dick,  with  a  tinge  of  bitterness  and 
regret  in  his  tones.  "  Look  at  me  !  You  see  what  I  am 
now — a  poor,  miserable,  hunted  wretch,  with  cot  half  my 
stock  of  life  left  in  my  body,  surrounded  by  dangers 
which  I  can  scarcely  hope  to  evade  much  longer,  deprived 
of  every  comfort  and  enjoyment,  short  of  everything — as 
peace,  home,  friends — that  can  make  existence  pleasant. 
This  it  is  to  be  a  highwayman." 

These  words  produced  an  effect,  and  Dick,  pereeiving 
it,  hastened  to  follow  up  with  all  the  dissuasive  argu- 
ments he  could  call  up. 

His  trouble  was  not  thrown  away. 

'•  You  have  conquered,  captain,"  said  the  boy,  at  length, 
though  the  sigh  which  accompanied  the  words  testified 
the  amount  of  disappointment  he  experienced.  "  I  didn't 
consider  the  matter  properly." 

"  You  did  not.  But  you  see  now  what  to  look  forward 
to.  I  have  been  famous,  celebrated,  successful ;  and  yet, 
what  am  I  now  ?  Do  you  think,  if  I  could  have  seen 
the  end,  that  I  should  have  embraced  such  a  career  ?" 

"  And  6hall  you  give  it  up  ?" 

"For  ever.  My  sole  object  now  is  to  get  away  from 
England,  and  when  I  succeed,  no  more  will  be  heard  of 
Dick  Turpin,  the  highwayman." 

An  impressive  silence  followed  these  words. 

The  boy  hardly  knew  how  to  break  it,  and  besides,  ne 
had  not  altogether  recovered  himself  from  this  rude 
awakening  from  his  cherished  day-dream. 

As  for  Dick,  sad,  regretful  reminiscences  deprived  hin» 
of  speech. 

With  a  sudden  effort  he  aroused  himself,  and  having 
insisted  upon  the  boy  receiving  the  valuables  he  had 
drawn  out  of  his  pocket,  he  said : 

"  Now  show  me  the  way  out  of  this  place.  Finish  up 
the  priceless  service  you  have  rendered  me  to-day  by 
putting  me  on  the  nearest  road  to  York." 

"  I  will  go  with  you,  captain,  if  jtz  like." 

"  Many  thanks,  but  for  your  own  sake  you  had  better 
not.  Should  we  chance  to  be  eeen  together,  the  conse- 
quences would  be  most  serious  to  you." 

'•  ft  ever  mind  me." 

"  Bmt  I  do  mind  you,  and  will  not  allow  you  to  make 
any  further  sacrifice.    Be  quick — lead  the  *aj  !'' 

No  longer  attempting  to  carry  his  point,  the  boy 
obeyed. 

The  granary  was  carefully  restored  to  its  usual  state, 
so  as  to  leave  nothing  as  a  clue  to  what  had  taken  place, 

Iand   in  a  few  minutes  afterwards   Dick  once  more  found 
himself  standing  in  the  open  air. 
The  night  was  a  very  dark  one,  and  this,  for  Dick,  waa 


?ME  XN16HT  OS  THi  ROAD. 


13S5 


[DICK  TCRPIN   SHOOTS  THE  (SAME  COlK.] 


•  moat  fortUBate  circumstance,  though  it  made  the  task 
of  keeping  the  proper  road  a  more  difficult  one. 

Suddenly  a  loud  burst  of  unruly  laughter  was  carried 
to  their  ears, 

"The  officers  are  enjoying  themselves  above  a  bit, 
ain't  they,  captain  ?" 

"  It  appears  so.  They  are  close  at  hand,  are  they 
not?" 

"  Yea.    Look— you  see  yonder  light  ?" 

"  Is  that  the  room  they  are  in  ?" 

"  Tes.    They  are  making  merrv  now." 

"  I  shall  defeat  them,"  said  Dick,  with  something  like 
m  return  of  that  energy  which  had  been  his  characteristic 
in  times  of  old.  "  Something  seems  now  to  whisper  to 
tny  heart  and  say  I  shall  defeat  them." 

"  Of  course  you  will,  captain  ;  I  have  no  doubt  of  it. " 

The  sound  of  his  companion's  voioe  brought  him  baok 
to  a  closer  consideration  of  time  present. 

No.  249,— Black  Bsss, 


"  York,"  he  cried—"  where  lies  York  i" 

"  Straight  before  us.  Follow  me  a  little  way,  and  i 
will  show  it  to  you." 

Dick  willingly  complied. 

A  few  steps  took  them  dear  of  all  the  farm  buildings, 
and  pausing  on  a  little  knoll,  the  boy  extended  his  arm . 
and  said  : 

"  There  is  York," 

Dick  looked  eagerly  in  the  direction  thus  pointed 
out. 

A  few  dim  and  twinkling  lights  could  just  be  distin- 
guished in  the  far  distance. 

"  Many  thanks  1"  he  said.  *■  I  could  find  my  way  un- 
erringly with  a  less  guide  than  that.  Farewell !  We 
shall  not  meet  again  ;  but  rest  assured  that  Diok  Turpi  n 
will  always  think  of  you  with  the  deepest  gratitude. 
Follow  my  advice— let  nothing  induce  you  to  return  to 
your  former  project.    Once  more,  farewell !" 


iKtt 


BLACK  BESS  s   OB. 


CHAPTER  MOXXL 

IHF  *-AWTEU'S  CLERK  LEARNS  MORE  THAN  IS  OOCD    FOE 
^  HIM   TO   KNOW. 

Dick  Turfin  turned  upon  his  heel  and  strode  away  with 
as  much  swiftness  as  his  strength  would  permit. 

The  boy  looked  after  him  for  a  few  moments  in  sur- 
prise. 

Then  he  took  a  few  paces  forward,  as  though  he  had 
made  up  bis  mind  to  follow. 

But  be  soon  checked  himself,  for  he  remembered  what 
Dick  had  said. 

"  I  will  stop  here  and  watch  him,  though,"  lie  muttered. 
*  He  didn't  say  a  word  agen  that,  did  he  ?" 

And  with  a  dogged  air,  he  fixed  himself  in  one  position, 
and  remained  without  moving  long  after  Dick's  dusky  form 
had  disappeared. 

As  'or  the  fugitive  himself,  he  could  not  banish  his 
friend's  image  from  bis  mind. 

The  effect  which  bis  fidelity  bad  produced  upon  lflra 
was  marked  indeed. 

Only  those  who  have  been  cut  off  from  all  friendly  in- 
tercourse with  their  fellow-creatures  can  truly  estimate 
Dick's  feelings  on  this  occasion. 

There  was  a  warm  glow  about  his  heart,  and  more  than 
once  he  felt  inclined  to  call  him  to  his  side. 

But  the  recollection  of  the  important  business  he  bad 
under  band  would  make  him  change  his  determination 
and  increase  his  speed. 

Although  dark,  the  hour  was  by  no  means  late ,  and  as 
the  City  of  York  was  such  a  short  distance  off,  be  had 
every  hope  of  being  able  to  complete  his  business  with 
the  lawyers  without  delay. 

As  he  6trode  along,  he  strove  to  concentrate  bis 
thoughts  upon  the  matter  in  hand,  so  that  he  should  be 
able  to  give  a  clear  and  connected  narrative  when  the 
time  came. 

It  so  chanced  that  Dick  did  not  catch  sight  of  a  single 
person  until  after  he  had  entered  the  city. 

He  now  regretted  that  he  had  not  made  some  inquiries 
of  the  boy  about  the  address  of  the  solicitors. 

Doubtless  he  would  have  given  him  such  directions  as 
would  have  enabled  him  to  find  out  their  abode  without 
much  trouble. 

Upon  finding  himself  in  the  streets  of  the  anoient  city, 
he  had  no  other  guide  than  chance. 

He  walked  on  at  random. 

The  quarter  in  which  be  found  himself  seemed  by  no 
means  to  be  the  most  respectable ;  but  Dick  did  not  care 
for  that. 

Upon  turning  a  corner,  his  ears  were  assailed  by  some 
strains  of  music — if  the  vigorous  scraping  of  a  fiddle  can 
i#  so  called. 

Directly  afterwards,  he  discovered  that  the  sounds  pro- 
ceeded from  a  kind  of  public-bouse,  in  the  front  window  of 
which  a  mde  oil  lamp  was  burning. 

Here  Dick  paused  and  took  a  peep  into  the  interior, 
which  he  was  easily  able  to  do,  for  a  large  red  curtain,  by 
which  the  gazing  of  intruders  could  have  been  prevented, 
was  only  partially  drawn  across  the  casement. 

He  beheld  a  group  of  rough-lookiog  individuals  of  both 
sexes  dancing  vigorov  sly  to  the  fiddle. 

"  If  I  could  only  set  a  little  braudy,"  thought  Dick — 
"  only  a  very  little,  1  teel  as  though  it  would  be  putting 
fresh  life  into  me.  Shall  I  run  the  risk  of  entering  ?  I 
think  I  will.  There  could  not  be  a  better  place- than  this ; 
everybody's  attention  seems  to  be  engaged." 

He  hesitated  for  another  moment,  and  then,  turning 
suddenly,  he  crossed  the  threshold. 

He  procured  the  stimulant  he  needed  without  any  diffi- 
culty, and  might  have  left  the  place  unnoticed  bad  he  not 
shown  himself  to  be  a  stranger  by  asking 'to  be  directed  to 
the  solicitors.  •  • 

"  flint  and  Steel  ?*  said  the  woman  who  had  st>.*ed 
him.  and  who  now  bent  upon  him  a  keen,  inquiring  look. 
"  I?  *t  possible  that  you  are  such  a  stranger  here  as  not  x> 
know  that  ?" 

"You  might  guess  it»"  h'e  answered,  quietly,  "jr  I 
should  not  have  troubled  you.     Good  night." 

4  Uuy— stop  I    Do  you  know  *be  Minster  front  ?" 

"  Of  course." 

<:  Then  you  know  Flint  and  Steel's,  for  the  house  Is  Just 
opposite." 


Upon  learning  this,  Dick  retreated  hastily,  scarcely 
pausing  to  bid  the  woman  good  night. 

"  I  must  not  6tay  long  in  York,"  he  muttered.  "  Fortu- 
nately, there  is  nothing  to  detain  me." 

The  streets  were  all  very  quiet. 

Just  then,  the  chiming  of  a  clock  somewhere  close  at 
hand  struck  upon  his  ear. 

He  listened,  and  counted  the  strokes  carefully. 

"Eight  o'clock,"  ho  murmured,  as  the  last  of  the 
musical  sounds  died  away.  "  The  night  is  younger  than  I 
thought  by  one  hour  at  least,  and  if  I  am'not  nearer  the 
Minster  than  I  believed  myself  to  be,  it  ts  very  strange." 

Dick  was  right. 

He  was  indeed  very  cVose  to  York  ufinster,  for  upon 
gaining  the  next  corner  he  found  himself  in  full  view  of 
the  grand  old  edifice,  which  looked  doubly  magnificent  in 
the  obscurity  which  hung  about  it. 

With  a  quicker  and  firmer  step — for  the  brandy  was 
beginning  to  exert  its  influence — Dick  walked  in  the 
wished-for  direction. 

A  very  few  moments  afterwards,  and  he  was  stand- 
ing before  the  principal  front  of  the  building. 

How  to  find  out  precisely  which  was  the  residence  of 
the  solicitors  was  not  so  easy  as  he  had  fancied,  for  there 
was  a  row  of  twenty  houses  before  him,  any  one  of  which 
might  have  been  considered  opposite. 

"  Chance  must  guide  me,"  he  said.  "It  will  not  do  to 
linger,  or  to  inquire  again.    I  will  try  the  middle  bouse." 

He  did  so. 

He  pulled  a  bell-handle  vigorously;  and  after  waiting 
for  a  considerable  time,  a  woman  carrying  a  caudle  made 
her  appearance. 

"Next  door!"  she  said,  harshly,  in  answer* 'to  Dick's 
question,  and  then  abruptly  retired. 

"I  am  fortunate,  I  suppose;"  he  murmured,  as  ha 
stood  before  the  next  house. 

His  eyes  were  tolerably  well  accustomed  to  the  dark- 
ness by  this  time,  and  he  was  just  able  to  make  out  that 
there  was  a  large  brass  plate  on  tbis  door,  though  bo 
could  not  distinguish  the  letters  upon  it. 

This  time  bis  summons  for  admittance  was  promptly 
attended  to. 

A  thin,  loose-jointed  young  man,  with  tow-coloured 
hair,  opened  the  door,  aud,  in  a  disagreeable  voice,  in- 
quired Dick's  business. 

"  I  want  to  see  Mr.  Flint" 

"  Not  at  home !"  was  the  snappish  answer. 

"  Mr.  Steel,  tben." 

"Engaged!" 

"I  will  wait,  then,"  replied  Dickf  and  as  he  6poke  the 
words  he  crossed  the  threshold,  thus  frustrating  the 
young  man  in  his  design  of  slamming  the  door  in  his 
lace. 

"  But  don't  you  know,  fellow,  that  business  hours  are 
over?" 

"  I  am  quite  aware  of  it ;  but  I  come  upon  a  private  and 
important  matter  that  will  brook  not  a  moment's  deiay." 

"  What  is  it  ?" 

"  That  I  decline  to  tell  anyone  but  Mr.  Steel." 

"Then  you  will  have  to  coffie  to-morrow,  for  he  is  en- 
gaged the  whole  of  to-night." 

"  I  cannot  come  to-morrow,"  responded  Dick.  "  I  ani 
in  no  hurry,  and  will  wait  here  uniil  he  is  at  leisure." 

Just  at  that  moment  a  door  a  little  way  along  the 
passage  was  opened,  and  an  elderly  man,  who  wore  a 
large  white  wig,  made  his  appearance.       •    -    <    - 

He  carried  a  wax  candle  in  one  band,  which  bo-  held 
hign  up  above  bis  bead. 

Thon  bowing  very  profoundly,  he  said : 

"  Kxeuse  the  darkness  of  my  dwelling,  your  worship. 
I  heartily  wish  that  I  dwp'Mn  a  place  more  fit  for  you  to 
visit." 

"  Pooh— stuff !  None  of  that  gammon,  Steel — you  know 
d — d  well  I  don't  like  itl" 

Di'-k  started  when  he  heard  tbis  last  voice.    ' 

"Sir  Humphrey,"  he  ejaculated — "and  bere.l  What 
could  be  more  fortunate?" 

It  was  indeed  the  worthy  baronet  who  now  emerged 
from  the  lawyer's  apartment. 

Dick  hastened  towards  him. 

"Sir  Humphrey*""  he  cried,  in  an  earnest  voice,  "jwu 
I  know  me.    Don't  speak  now — ask  the  lawyer  to  go  back 

I'  into  the  room  with  us ;  I  have  something  of  the  most  vital 
interest  to  communicate  to  you." 


THS  KNIGHT  OF  IBB  K0A1). 


Ittt 


The  baronet's  face  became  in  a  moment  the  very  picture 
of  extreme  amazement. 

"  You  here  ?*'  he  exclaimed  at  length.  "  Why,  wh«t 
the  devil— — ,: 

"Hush — hush!*' interrupted  Dick,  for  he  saw  that  tfae 
•ingular-looking  young  man  who  had  opened  the  door 
stood  gaziag  in  open-mouthed  astonishment  upon  the 
scene.  "  Not  another  word,  1  beg  I  Let  me  entreat  ^oo 
to  accede  to  my  request !" 

"  Who  is  this?"  asked  Mr.  Steel,  who  had  been  not  a 
little  startled  by  the  suddenness  with  wb»\'b  Dick  had 
made  his  appearance. 

"Why;  it's-; — " 

"  You  shall  know  in  another  moment,"  cried  Dick,  its  a 
much  louder  voice,  thus  completely  drowning  what  the 
baronet  said.  "  But  I. have  called  to-night  because  I  have 
a  communication  of  tne  utmost  importance  to  make  to 
you." 

"Come  in,  then — come  in.  Shut  the  door,  Rogers. 
What  the  devil  are  you  standing  there  with  it  open  for? " 

These  last  woids  were  addressed  to  the  loose-  jointed 
youug  man,  and  who  was  one  of  the  articled  clerks. 

So  absorbed  were  all  his  faculties  by  what  was  taking 
place,  that  he  was  quite  oblivious  of  the  fact  that  he  had 
omitted  to  close  the  front  door  until  thus  reminded  of  it. 

By  the  time  he  had  turned  round  aud  done  this  the 
little  party  had  entered  -the  room. 

Mr.  Steel  went  in  last,  and  he  carefully  shut  the  door 
behiud  him. 

But  Rogers,"  the  clerk,  was.either  of  an  inquiring  tone 
of  mind,  or  else  especially  interested  in  what  was  taking 
place  -iu  the  lawyer's  sanctum,  for  he  dropped  down  on  his 
knees  ou  the  mat  and  applied  his  ear  closely  to  the  key- 
hole. 

Leaving  him  to  pick  up  what  he  can  in  this  manner,  w© 
will  make  the  reader  acquainted  with  what  actually  took 
place. 

When  the  door  was  closed,  Mr.  Steel  looked  first  at  one 
aud  then  at  the  other,  wondering  which  would  speak 
first. 

He  was  soon  relieved  on  this  head,-  for  Dick  was  fully, 
conscious  that  he  had  not  a  moment  to  lose. 

Addressiug  himself  to  the  baronet,  he  said  : 

"  You,- sir,  know  me,  and  I  fancy  will  give  me  a  better 
character  than  most  people.  Since,  by  your  kind  aid,  I 
succeeded  in*making  my  escape,  I  have. had  many  strange 
adventures;  but  the  most  important  is  that  I  chanced  to 
overhear  the  details  of  a  deep-laid  plot,  which  an  unworthy 
villain  has- planned  against-  your  happiness  and  your 
daughter's." 

If »w'hat  Dick  had  said  at  first  was  not  sufficient  to 
arrest  the  attention  of  Sir  Humphrey,  this  mention  of  his 
daughtet  was  more  than  enough  for  the  purpose. 

A  change  instantly  came  over  his  face,  and  in  a  voice 
aud  manner  entirely  different  from  what  he  generally  em- 
ployed, he  criea  •  ■  ■ 

"Speak  out  quickly — do  not  keep  me  in  suspense*4 

"  Nothing  is  further  from  my  desire." 

Dick  then,  without  one  word  of  preface,  related  what 
he  had  overheard  while  in  the  gipsy's  caravan. 

Before  he  had  spoken  many  words,  Mr.  Steel  b  ame 
deeply  interested,  and,  taking  out  a  pocket-book,  occupied 
himself  by  scribbling  down  copious  notes. 

Dick  had  reflected  upon  what  he  had  to  say,  and  had 
beforehand  called  up  everything  in  his  mind,  so  that  he 
was  able  to  repeat  the  conversation  ahaoct  word  for 
word.  .  . 

The  baronet  drew  a  long  breath  as  s^on  as  the  narrative 
was  concluded. 

Then,  recovering  himself,  he  said,  with  great  fervour 
fbud  heartiness : 

'•  D— n  the  sneaking  rascal !  Milly  was  right  iu^read- 
IJg  his  character.     If  I  had  him  here  I'd " 

"Hush — hush  !"  interrupted  Mr.  Steel,  blandly.-  "No 
Violence,  yeur  worship— no  violence !"    >. 

"Violence  be  d — dl  Am  I  to  learn  all  this,,  and  not 
have  a  word  to  say  for  myself  about  it?  Nol  I  o»ld 
rather  be "  £ 

"  Pardon  me — pray  pardon  me;  but  what  we  have  just 
heard  is  most  impOiiaut.-  Important! — why,  the  word 
seems  a  thousand  times  too  weak  to  express  it.  Thi*  is 
what  I  oail"providential-»-truly  providential.  Of  cout»e," 
tie  added,  turning  to  Dick,  "  you  will  come  forward  at  the 
lane  appointed,  and  take  your  oath  that  all  these  parti- 


culars are  correct  ?  And  then  there  will  be  about  the 
clearest  case  of  conspiracy  that  was  ever  laid  before  a 
oouit  of  justice.  But,  what  the  devil  do  you  keep  shaking 
your  head  in  that  fashion  for?" 

"Because,"  6aid  Dick,  speaking  very  slowly  and  so- 
lemnly— "  because  I  cannot  come  forward  in  the  way  you: 
mention.  I  have  every  desire  to  do  so,  but  circumstances 
render  it  impossible." 

The  solicitor  regarded  him  with  au  air  of  blank  amaze- 
ment. - 

"  Why — why  ?"  he  asked. 

"  Sir  Humphrey  will  tell  you." 

"  Nay— tell  him  yourself." 

"  Then,  Mr.  SteeL  I  have  a  still  greater  secret  to  confide 
in  you — a  still  more  astounding  revelation  to  make  " 

"What  is  it?" 

"  You  have  heard,  I  suppose,  of  one  Dick  Turpiu?" 

"Yes." 

"  The  highwayman  ?" 

"  Yes.    What  of  him  ?" 

"  Nothing  more  than  that  he  now  stands  in  person 
before  you." 

It  would  be  perfectly  useless  to  attempt  to  convey  »iiy 
idea  of  the  effect  which  this  altogether  unexpected  an- 
nouncement had  upon  the  lawyer. 

To  use  a  mild  term,  his  astonishment  would  have 
lasted  much  longer  than  it  did,  had  not  Sir  Humphrey 
exerted  himself  to  put  an  end  to  it. 

"Don't  be  so  dumbfoundered,  man!  It's  all  true — every 
word  of  it.  Never  mind  about  his  being  a  highwayman— 
that  has  got  nothing  to.  do  with  the  matter  in  hand.  He 
is  a  downright  good  fellow,  and  I  would  take  his  word  at 
any  time  for  a  thousaud  pounds." 

On  any  other  occasion  Mr.  Steel  would  have  been 
staggered  by  hearing  the  baronet  speak  in  this  manner, 
for,  of  course,  he  was  well  acquainted  with  his  sentiments 
regarding  poachers  and  such-like. 

But  his  former  surprise  quite  overpowered  this,  and  he 
did  not  even  make  a  remark. 

"  I  need  not  say  any  more  to  convince  you  that  I  cannot 
do  as  you  have  said,"  exclaimed  Dick.  "  But  if  you  will 
take  down  what  I  have  said,  I  am  ready  to  sign  it  in  your 
presence.  *  More  I  cannot  do  ;  and  I  must  leave  it  to  your 
skill  as  a  lawyer  to  make  the  best  use  possible  of  the  in- 
formation I  have  given  you." 

Mr.  Steel  inclined  his  head,  and  Dick  continsed: 
-  "Buftbis  is  not  all:  I  will  also  sign  another  document 
that  will  prove  that  the  half-brother  of  the  late  Marquis 
of  Belgarde  will  never  claim  the  estates,  and  consequently 
Sir  Humphrey's  daughter  will  succeed  to  the  whole  of 
the  property." 

"Indeed!"  said. Mr.  Steel,  with  additional  wonderment. 
"  Is  it  possible" you  can  do  this  ?" 

"You  shall  judge.  The  half-brother  I  have  mentioned 
has  been  for  years  my  closest  and  most  intimate  friend. 
I  would  have  sacrificed  my  life  a  thousand  times  over  to 
have  saved  him  from"  harm,  and  yet,  by  an  accursed 
chance,  it  was  my  hand  which  deprived  him  of  life." 

"Your  hand  ?" 

"  Yes.  It  was  by  the  purest  accident,  though  it  will 
never  cease  to  prey  upon  me  with  heart-corroding 
remorse.  And  yet,  if  he  had  been  put  to  his  choice,  jvoor 
fellow,  he  would  have  infinitely  preferred  dying  07  my 
hand  to '  falling  into  the  power  of  his  foes  and  ending 
his  days  at  Tyburn." 

"  Of  whom  are  you  speaking?"  asked  the  bewildered 
lawyer. 

"  Of  my  best  friend— of  the  truest,  noblest  fellow  that 
ever  breathed  —of  one  who  has  of  late  been  known  as 
Tom  King:,  the  highwayman." 

"  Tom  King  ?"  ejaculated  the  baronet  aud  Mr.  oieel  in 
chorus.  ^ 

"Yes,  or  I  should  say  of  the  Marquis  y  Bolgardt;  aud 
to  prove  to  you  that  he  was  no  other,  I  will  relate  you 
his  life  as  he  related  it  to  me.  It  was  under  a  solemn 
pledge  of  secrecy  ;  but  had  he  the  power,  he  would  not 
blame  me  for  breaking  the  trust  if  he  knew  that  it  was  to 
prevent  the  perpetration  of  a  fraud,  and  to  assist  Sir 
Humphrey's  daughter  to  obtain  possession  of  her  own." 

Dick  then  told  the  whole  history  of  Tom  King,  not 
omitting  one  particular. 

The  climax  of  Mr.  Steel's  amazement  "vm  now 
reached. 

Ho  was  intimately  acquaint*  1  with  all  the  detail^  o|  th« 


1988 


BLACK   BESS  j    OH, 


affair,   and  found  that  what  Dick  said  exactly   tallied 
throughout. 

"  And  yon  will  sign  s  declaration  of  all  this  ?" 

"  Most  willingly.  I  rejoioe  to  think  I  have  the  power 
of  making  this  atonement— for  so  I  consider  it— for  the 
evil  I  have  done ;  and  my  only  regret  is  that  I  cannot^do 
more." 

"  Don't  let  that  be  a  regret,  then,"  said  the  lawyer. 
"Ton  have  done  more  than  enough  already.  I  have 
been  in  practice  now  a  great  many  years,  and  conse- 
quently have  had  a  tolerable  insight  into  life ;  but  this  is 
altogether  unparalleled — absolutely  unparalleled." 

"  I  should  ratber  think  so !"  exclaimed  the  baronet. 

"  There  is  only  one  thing,"  added  Dick,  "  and  that  is, 
that  the  declarations  must  be  signed  now.  My  enemies 
are  CiOse  at  hand,  and  searching  in  every  direction  for  me. 
I  shall  have  to  take  the  greatest  precaution  to  elude  them. 
To  return  here  again  would  be  wholly  out  of  the  question 
—to  stay  very  long  would  be  dangerous  to  a  degree." 

"  You  think  they  will  track  you,  then  ?" 

"ldo." 

"  Then  not  a  moment  shall  be  lost.  And  if  Ica,\do 
anything  for  you,  depend  upon  it  I  will." 

"  Many  thanks." 

,:  I  will  set  about  the  declarations  now." 

He  touched  a  bell  as  he  spoke. 

The  tinkling  sound  was  the  first  intimation  Dick  re- 
ceived of  what  had  taken  place. 

Had  he  been  aware  in  time,  he  would  most  likely  have 
urged  some  objections  to  the  adoption  of  such  a 
course. 

Now,  however,  it  was  too  late  to  interfere. 

A  profound  silence  followed. 

At  least  a  moment  elapsed,  and  then  Mr.  Steel  ex- 
claimed t 

"  Where  the  devil  has  Bogers  gone  to  that  ho  does  not 
answer  the  bell  ?" 

And  again  he  repeated  the  summons,  this  time  ringing 
with  all  the  violence  he  was  capable  of. 

But  no  better  result  followed. 

Dick's  suspicions,  ever  on  the  alert,  were  now 
thoroughly  and  completely  roused. 

"We  must  find  out  where  Mr.  Bogers  is  without 
further  delay,"  he  said,  in  very  significant  tones. 

He  crossed  the  room  with  a  rapid  step  as  he  pronounced 
the  words,  and  opened  the  door  quietly. 

He  peeped  Out  first;  but  the  entrance-hall  of  the 
lawyer's  house  was  deserted. 

Not  a  sign  of  a  human  being  could  be  seen. 

Dick  emerged. 

The  first  thing  which  attracted  his  attention  was  tLat 
the  front  door  was  ajar. 

Hastening  to  it,  he  peeped  out ;  but  seeing  nothing  of 
a  suspicious  nature,  he  quickly  closed  it  again. 

The  lawyer  looked  at  nim  inquiringly. 

"  What  do  you  make  of  all  this  ?  What  are  you  going 
to  do  ?" 

"  What  has  taken  place  is  clear  enough,"  was  the  calm 
response.  "  Your  clerk — whom  I  distrusted  the  moment 
I  saw  him— has  managed  to  hear  enough  of  our  conversa- 
tion to  know  who  I  am.  Having  learned  this,  he  has  set 
off  to  fetch  the  officers;  doubtless  they  will  be  b-re  in  a 
few  moments." 

"  And  can  you  stand  there  like  that  and  talk  quietly 
about  such  an  event  ?"  cried  the  lawyer,  aghast.  "*  I  am 
past  being  surprised  to-night,  or  I  should  be  astounded 
now." 

Dick  smiled.         " 

"All  will  be  well,"  he  said— "take  my  word  for  tt. 
First  of  all,  let  us  proceed  to  business,  for  time  is 
precious.  Believe  me,"  he  added,  with  a  smile,  "there  « 
not  a  moment  to  be  lost." 

"  Well,  you  are  certainly  the  most  extraordinary— 
But  there,  such  words  as  those  do  waste  timo.  What  do 
you  want  me  to  do  ?" 

"Why,  to  put  my  communication  into  as  few  wordcas 
you  possibly  can,  and  then  I  will  sigu  and  attest  it." 

"  But  you  are  running  too  much  risk  by  remaining  here 
like  this.  If  you  really  think  that  the  clerk  has  gone  out 
for  the  purpose  of  fetching  the  police  officers,  you  ought 
not  to  hesitate  a  moment,  but  be  off  at  once." 

It  was  Sir  Humphrey  Yeomans  who  spoke. 

"  Leave  that  to  me,''  answered  Dick,  with  a  Coolo*s* 
seemed  to  his  two  auditors  to  be  nothing  short  of 


madness.  "  Go  on  with  the  writing.  As  (or  jnm,  84r 
Humphrey,"  he  added,  "  you  ought  to  understand  by  this 
time  that  I  am  not  the  worst  hand  in  tho  world  at  eluding 
police  officers." 

"That's  true  enough,  I  admit;  an  if  how  on  earth  you 
could  have  managed  to  get  here  while  the  officers  are 
keeping  such  a  sharp  look-out  ia  every  quarter,  passes 
my  comprehension." 

Dick  made  no  other  reply  to  this  speech  than  a  smile, 
for  he  could  perceive  that  their  voices  confused  the 
lawyer  a  little,  who  was  desirous  ol  being  as  brief  as 
possible,  and  yet  most  anxious  not  to  omit  any  circum- 
stance of  importance. 

For  a  time,  then,  there  was  absolute  silence,  broken 
only  by  the  chirping  of  the  lawyer's  quill  pen  as  it 
hurried  over  the  paper. 

Dick,  in  the  mean wtiile,' was  listening  intently;  but 
without  suffering  any  sign  to  ftnpear  that  he  was  doing 
.». 

Unknown  to  either  the  baronet  or  the  lawyer,  he  had, 
at  the  moment  when  he  closed  the  front  door,  not  only 
turned  the  key  in  the  lock,  but  also  slipped  a  bolt  into  its 
socket. 

Having  done  this,  he  was  quite  sure  the  clerk  would  not 
be  able  to  enter  either  suddenly  or  noiselessly. 

There  was  a  little  anxiety  perceptible  in  the  glance 
which  he  bent  upon  the  lawyer,  who  was  still  writing 
away  as  if  for  a  wager. 

Sir  Humphrey  seemed  plunged  into  a  deep  fit  of  medi- 
tation. 

Dick  was  standing  close  to  the  door  of  the  lawyer's 
sanctum. 

As  this  was  open  he  commanded  a  good  view  of  a  por- 
tion of  the  entrance-hall  and  the  front  door. 

Presently  the  sound  of  a  stealthy  footstep  outside  came 
upon  his  ear. 

It  stopped  upon  the  threshold. 

Then  an  effort  was  quietly  made  to  push  the  door  open ; 
but  being  fastened,  of  course  it  was  a  failure. 

The  whispering  of  several  voices  followed. 

Dick  turned  his  eyes  towards  the  barouet  and  Mr. 
Steel. 

Neither  appeared  aware  of  what  had  taken  place  so 
far. 

Sir  Humphrey  looked  to  be  in  a  profounder  meditation 
than  ever. 

The  lawyer's  pen  was  poing  at  a  wonderful  rate ;  but 
as  his  face  was  bent  down  towards  the  table,  Dick  could 
not  note  its  expression. 

The  conversation  outside  was  not  of  very  long  con- 
tinuance. 

It  was  terminated  by  60me  one  raising  the  ponderous 
knocker  on  the  door,  and  banging  it  down  once  with 
great  violence. 

The  sound  echoed  and  re-echoed  through  the  hous*, 

Sir  Humphrey  started  up,  looking  as  scared  as  if  be 
bad  been  shot. 

Mr.  Steel  dropped  his  pen,  which,  in  return,  discharged 
a  large  blot  of  ink  on  the  white  paper. 

"  God  bless  me !"  he  ejaculated.    "  What's  that  ?" 

"Don't  be  alarmed,  returned  Dick,  with  unruffled 
composure.    "  It's  only  Bogers  come  back." 

"  Only  Bogers !  Well,  that's  a  good  one,  certainly  I 
But  come,  I  have  iust  finished— sign  your  name." 

Dick  very  readily  obeyed  this  injunction,  and  wrote 
his  name  in  full  in  a  tolerably  legible  hand. 

"  There,"  he  6aid,  as  he  threw  down  the  pen,  "  my 
mind  is  lightened  of  a  heavy  load.  I  feel  little  doubt 
that  what  I  have  written  will  defeat  the  machinations  of 
a  villain ;  and  my  sincere  trust  is  that  it  will  suffice  to 
secure  to  Sir  Humphrey's  daughter  that  which  is  lawfully 
W  right.  Should  this  bo  accomplished  I  shall  feel  the* 
1  have  done  something  towards  requiting  the  priceless 
swvice  she  so  generously  and  freely  accorded  me." 

Dab  came  the  knock  at  the  front  door  again. 

This  time  it  seemed  like  a  full  stop  to  Turpin's 
speech. 

OHAPTEB  MCXXII. 

IK  WHICH    DICK    C9RPIN     RESOLVES    TO    SET    ASIDE    IBS 
VOW. 

"  What's  to  be  done  ?"  asked  Mr.  Steel,  a  little  nervously. 
for  the  thought  just  then  occurred  to  him  that  it  wewM 


TUB    KMGHT   OF  THE  ROAU 


1399 


not  be  much  to  his  advantage  if  he  was  found  harbouring 
and  concealing  Dick  Turpin  in  his  house. 

Diok  was  about  to  speak,  but  Sir  Humphrey  interrupted 
him. 

" Do  ?"  he  cried.  "Why,  I  will  soon  tell  you  what  we 
must  do.  By  hook  or  by  crook,  somehow,  wet  must  save 
this  brave  fellow.  It  would  be  the  very  height  of 
baseness  to  allow  him  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  his 
enemies."  v  -" 

The  lawyer  licked  his  lips,  and  glared  around  1ms  fa  a 
nervous,  despairing  way. 

"  I  don't  see  what  is  to  be  done." 

"  Then  I'll  tell  you,"  exclaimed  Sir  Humphrey,  quickly. 
"  I  have  been  thinking  it  over.  Lock  him  up  in  your 
big  safe  yonder,  and  when  the  officers  come  ua-say  that 
he  left  some  time  ago." 

"No — no,"  said  Dick.  "Many  thanks  %,  jou,  Sir 
Humphrey,  for  manifesting  so  much  interest  in  my  safety ; 
but  .  cannot  consent  to  this.  Should  suspicion  be 
directed  towards  my  hiding-place,  and  the  door  conse- 
quently opened,  I  6houH  have  no  chance  of  escape.  Be- 
sides, both  of  yon  would  be  seriously  compromised  as 
well,  which  is  the  consideration  which  weighs  most  with 
me.  No— no.  What  I  want  is  to  get  out  of  the  house 
with  all  speed  possible.  Put  me  in  the  way  of  doing 
that,  and  I  shall  be  satisfied — more  than  satisfied."      ; 

Dab— dab! 

Those  outside  were  growing  impatient,  for  the  boll  was 
pulled  violently. 

"  Now,"  said  Dick,  "  I  dare  not  stay  another  second. 
How  can  I  best  leave  ?" 

But  the  lawyer's  wits  had  either  deserted  him,  or  else 
he  had  some  motive  for  withholding  a  reply  to  Dick's 
question. 

The  latter  now  begun  to  show  signs  of  uneasiness,  as 
well  he  might. 

"  Hark !  he  said.  M  Answer  me  one  question.  Is  there 
a  trap-door  at  the  top  of  your  house  ?" 

"No." 

Dick  made  a  gesture  of  despair. 

"  But  the  attic  window  opens  upon  the  tiles." 

"  Enough,"  said  Dick.  "  Farewell  I  Do  not  keep  the 
officers  any  longer.  When  they  enter,  try  and  induce 
them  to  depart." 

Dick  did  not  stop  to  6ay  another  word. 

In  point  of  fact,  ne  had  stayed  much  too  long  already. 

With  a  rapid  bound  he  gained  the  passage,  and  dashed 
up  the  staircase. 

The  knocking  now  was  both  loud  and  incessant. 

On  gaining  the  first  floor,  Dick  found  himself  involved 
in  darkness  but  by  retaining  his  grasp  upon  the  balusters 
he  was  able  to  continue  bis  ascent  without  much  extra 
difficulty  or  delay. 

Finding  himself  at  the  top,  he  groped  about  until  he 
found  a  door. 

Where  it  led  he  knew  not ;  but  he  adopted  the  course 
most  calculated  to  remove  his  ignorance  on  this  point, 
for  he  lifted  the  latch  without  a  second's  hesitation. 

A  scream  instantly  ensued;  but  Dick,  nevertheless, 
crossed  the  threshold,  closed  the  door  after  him,  and 
bolted  it 

"  Hush !"  he  said. ,"  Make  no  sound— you  have  nothing 
to  fear." 

But  finding  this  mild  remonstrance  had  not  the  effect 
of  silencing  the  female,  he  had  recourse  to  threats. 

"  Another  sound  like  that,"  he  exclaimed,  in  a  furious 
voice,  "  and  it  will  be  your  last !  Your  head  shall  be 
severed  from  your  body  at  one  blow  I" 

This  produced  perfect  stillness. 

The  bed-room  was  very  dark,  but  yet  not  so  profoundly 
so  as  to  prevent  Dick  from  ascertaining  the  »,ositioa.of 
the  window,  though  it  was  covered  with  a  curtain. 

He  grasped  this,  and  not  stopping  to  draw  it  to  one 
side,  gave  it  a  6udden  snatch,  which  brought  down  the 
whole  of  it  upon  him,  well-nigh  smothering  him  with 
dust. 

But  the  next  moment  he  had  the  little  lattice  window 
open,  and  was  crouching  down  on  all-fours  u»  the 
tiles. 

The  roof  of  the  lawyer's  house  was  tremendously 
steep,  but  it  was  protected  by  a  very  low  parapet. 

This  was  not  very  far  below  Dick,  and  he  cautiously 
suffered  himself  t  >  slip  down  until  his  foot  rested  against 


Then,  carefully  raising  himself,  he  peeped  over  10 
order  to  ascertain  whether  he  was  ai  (he  front  or  the  back 
of  the  house.  v 

He  fancied  the  former,  and  found  that  ho  war  not  mu 
taken. 

He  had  drawn  back  at  first,  fanoying  that  the  police 
officers  below  might  see  him. 

But,  upon  more  careful  scrutiny,  he  discoverei  that  not 
one  of  them  could  be  seen. 

This  was  more  than  Dick  had  hoped  fo 

He  nowlooked  round  him  witn  an  anxious  glajice  in 
the  hope  of  finding  some  means  of  descending  safely  and 
speedily  to  the  earth. 

Before  be  had  time  to  decide,  he  was  startled  by  a 
flash  of  light  and  the  sound  of  contentious  voices. 

Looking  behind  him,  ho  found  that  both  proceeded 
from  the  attic  he  had  just  left. 

"  Curses  on  her  squalling !"  he  muttered,  angrily.  "  It 
must  have  had  the  effect  of  bringing  the  officers  at  once 
upon  my  track." 

There  could  be  little  doubt  about  the  correctness  of 
this  supposition. 

She  must  have  told  them,  too,  by  what  means  he  had 
left  the  chamber,  for  the  window  was  dashed  open  with 
great  violence. 

Then  Dick,  finding  himself  hard  pressed,  performed  a 
feat  which  few  indeed  would  have  ventured  to  at- 
tempt. 

The  pieces  of  smooth  stone  with  which  the  top  of  the 
parapet  was  coped  were  certainly  less  than  a  foot  in 
width. 

Nevertheless,  Dick  stepped  confidently  on  to  this  narrow 
path,  and  ran  with  great  swiftness  to  the  further  extreme 
of  the  row  of  houses. 

The  officers  at  the  window  were  so  amazed  at  the  per- 
formance of  this  feat  that  they  forgot  to  move. 

Indeed,  they  expected  every  moment  to  6ee  the  fugitive 
fall  headlong  down. 

And  one  false  step,  one  moment's  giddiness,  and  no- 
thing could  have  saved  Dick  from  being  dashed  to  pieces 
on  the  stones  in  the  street  below  him. 

But  upon  gaining  the  end  of  the  parapet  he  paused. 

The  moment  they  saw  him  still,  the  officers  recovered 
their  motion,  and  with  more  haste  than  was  consistent 
with  either  prudence  or  safety,  scrambled  through  the 
attio  window. 

Before  they  had  all  emerged,  however,  there  aro«e  a 
general  cry  of  horror. 

They  had  witnessed  Dick  standing  at  the  end  of  the 
parapet,  when  suddenly,  to  their  intense  alarm,  they  saw 
him  plunge  over  and  disappear. 

"  He  is  down !"  they  cried,  with  a  simultaneous  yell— 
"hehasfaHen!" 

For  a  second  they  were  so  paralysed  by  the  unex- 
pectedness of  this  event  that  they  knew  not  what  to  do. 

Tken,  recovering  themselves,  they  hurried  in  a 
straggliug  line  along  the  gutter,  being  impelled  to  as- 
certain the  worst  at  once. 

The  corner  was  reached,  but  it  took  them  four  times  as 
long  at  the  very  least  to  do  it  as  Dick  occupied. 

Shuddering  in  anticipation  of  the  awful  sight  which 
would  be  presented  to  them  in  the  street  below,  they 
peeped  over  the  abyss. 

They  looked  down. 

The  ground  was  not  very  clearly  discernible,  it  is  true; 
yet  they  were  certain  they  should  be  able  to  see  so  large 
an  object  as  a  man  on  the  flagstones. 

But  there  was  nothing— positively  nothing. 

They  stared  at  each  other  aghast. 

"  Where  is  he  ?"  was  the  general  question- 
No  one  could  reply. 

Had  they  not  all  witnessed  the  same  thing,  they  might 
have  been  in  doubt  as  to  what  had  occurred. 

But  there  was  no  fear  of  this. 

All  had  seen  him  plainly.  s. 

Where  was  he  ? 

To  have  reached  the  ground  unhurt  after  leaping  from 
so  great  a  height  and  afterwards  to  have  run  away  was 
so  incredible  as  not  to  be  worth  a  moment's  thought. 

No  less  impossible  did  it  seem  for  him  to  have  leaped  to 
the  next  pile  of  building,  which  was  the  width  of  a 
wide  street  distant — some  thirty  feet  at  least. 

Had  he  dissolved  himself  into  air,  his  vanishment  sou* d 
not  hav«  been  more  complete. 


1990 


BLACK    Biibti  ,     OK, 


Amazement  now  gave  place  to  consternation,  which 
was  so  great  that  the  officers  could  do  nothing  but  gaze 
blankly  at  each  other  for  some  moments. 

Recovering,  they  searched  about  in  the  hope  of  finding 
out  something  or  other — they  knew  not  what — by  means 
of  which  the  descent  had  been  accomplished. 

But  there  was  nothing  save  the  almost  smooth  brick 
walls. 

Compelled  at  last  to  confess  themselves  entirely  Doaten, 
they  turned  away  with  the  intention  of  making  their  way 
down  into  the  street,  vaguely  hoping  that  thoy  might 
find  something  here  which  would  put  them  •*•  we  way  or 
clearing  up  this  great  mystery. 

But  they  took  the  precaution  of  leaving  one  of  their 
number  on  the  housetop. 

Although  they  lost  not  a  moment,  yet,  as  a  matter  of 
course,  they  were  some  time  before  they  reached  the 
right  spot,  which  they  had  no  difficulty  in  finding. 

Here,  however,  they  failed  to  find  anything  that  held 
out  the  faintest  promise  of  giving  them  a  clue. 

"  We  have  been  deceived,"  said  one — "  I  feel  sure  of 
it." 

"  But  how  ?"  asked  another.  "  Did  not  we  all  of  us 
see  him  jump  down  ?  And  now  where  is  he  ? — neither 
below  nor  above,  that  I  am  quite  certain." 

Leaving  them  to  clear  up  this  matter  in  the  best  way 
they  were  able,  we  wUl  take  the  reader  at  once  out  of  the 
dark. 

First,  however,  we  should  state  that  these  officers  formed 
no  part  of  Skellum's  band,  but  were  a  portion  of  the  city 
constabulary,  to  the  head  office  of  which  the  clerk  had 
gone  after  overhearing  that  his  master's  strange  visitor 
was  no  other  than  Dick  Turpin,  for  whose  arrest  so  largo 
a  reward  was  offered. 

Whether  Skellum  would  have  been  as  much  at  fault  in 
the  present  business  as  they  were,  we  will  leave  the 
reader  to  judge  for  himself  after  the  explanation  of  what 
took  place  has  been  given. 

At  the  moment,  then,  when  Dick  reached  the  end  of 
the  row  of  houses,  he  gave  himself  up  to  despair. 

He  thought  that  the  only  course  left  opeu  to  him  was 
to  turn  at  bay  and  die  defending  himself  from  his  foes, 
for  to  overleap  the  space  intervening  between  hiui  and 
the  next  block  of  building  was  out  of  the  power  of 
mortal  man,  and  there  were  no  means  visible  by  which 
he  could  even  hope  to  accomplish  a  descent. 

It  was  just  at  this  juncture  that  he  caught  sight  of  a 
huge  waggon  loaded  with  straw. 

It  was  creeping  along  very  slowly,  for  the  horses  were 
weary  and  the  burden  almost  beyond  their  powers  of 
draught. 

The  straw  had  been  piled  up  to  what  seemed  to  bo  a 
most  dangerous  height- 
It  was,  however,  well  secured  by  numerous  wain- 
ropes. 

It  could  be  likened  to  nothing  out  a  huge  stack  of  straw 
on  wheels.  ' 

As  Dick's  eyes  fell  upon  it,  an  idea  suggested  itself  to 
his  mind. 

Compared  with  the  distance  to  the  street  below,  that 
which  intervened  between  himself  and  the  top  of  the 
waggon  seemed  trifling,  though  the  reader  may  be  sure 
that  it  was  by  no  means  inconsiderable. 

Dick's  idea  was  the  desperate  one  of  springing  from  the 
parapet  to  the  moving  mass  beneath.  , 

It  was  a  reckless,  daring  deed,  such  as  no  one  would 
think  of  attempting  unless  he  valued  his  lif«  «sost 
lightly. 

To  Dick,  however,  any  fate  was  preferable  <o  fe.i?<=ar 
into  the  hands  of  his  foes. 

That  was  a  triumph  he  was  firmly  determined  i^ey 
should  never  gain. 

If  he  remained  where  he  stood,  death  was  ««- 
tain. 

If  he  essayed  the  frightful  leap,  tb«re  was  a  faint  auoe 
of  escape. 

Consequently,  he  had  everything  to  gain,  and  nothing 
to  lose,  by  making  the  attempt. 

It  cannot  be  said  that  he  paused  thus  to  r  *&^a  with 
himself. 

In  point  01  fact,  he  did  not;  but  these  conclusions 
seemed  present  to  him  as  though  he  had  an  jyed  at  them 
by  a  long  course  of  reflection. 

Accordingly,  he  made  the  terrific  spring. 


The  straw-laden  waggon  was  immediately  beneath  nio, 
and  luckily  close  to  the  side  of  the  road.  > 

In  a  second  Dick  felt  he  had  alighted  upon  the  yielding, 
slippery  mass ;  but  he  was  breathless,  and  almost  power- 
less. 

Yet  he  had  sense  enough  left  to  be  aware  that  he  was 
sliding  down — falling. 

With  that  irresistible  instinct  comu.on  to  everyone  iu 
such  cases  he  clutched  madly  with  his  hands  in  order  to 
check  his  descent. 

Yet  down  he  went  until  his  convulsive  grasp  encoun- 
tered something  tangible. 

He  held  on  with  the  death-grip  of  a  drowning  man. 

It  was  a  rope  which  he  had  touched,  and  his  fingers 
closed  round  it  with  a  pressure  that  scarce  any  powor 
could  have  loosened. 

In  this  manner,  hanging  by  the  side  of  the  waggon,  he- 
was  carried  for  some  distance — until,  indeed,  he  recovered 
himself  sufficiently  to  comprehend  where  he  was,  and  re- 
collect what  had  happened. 

By  this  time,  the  waggon,  having  turned  a  corner,  car- 
ried him  completely  out  of  sight  of  the  house  from  the  top 
of  which  he  had  leaped,  so  that  his  foes  did  not  even  catch 
a  sight  of  the  vehicle  which  had  enabled  him  to 
escape. 

Dick's  strength  was  tried  severely  by  hanging  there, 
with  his  whole  weight  supported  by  his  hands ;  and  his 
first  consideration  when  he  recovered  possession  of  his 
faculties  was,  how  he  should  extricate  himself  from  his 
present  uncomfortable  position. 

He  glanced  up  to  the  top  of  the  waggon. 

The  driver  was  in  perfect  ignorance  of  what  had  oc- 
curred ;  and  Dick  thought  that  if  he  could  only  manage  to 
climb  up  on  to  the  top  of  the  straw  by  means  of  the  cross 
rope  he  held  by  it  would  be  an  excellent  means  of  getting 
out  of  the  city  unseen  and  undetected. 

But,  alas  !  he  had  hung  down  too  long  for  him  to  re- 
tain the  amount  of  strength  sufficient  for  the  performance 
of  this  feat. 

He  tried  often  befoK  he  relinquished  the  attempt,  but 
each  trial  was  feebler  tnau  the  one  which  preceded  it,  and 
all  he  accomplished  was  the  .  exhaustion  of  his  own- 
strength. 

Eventually,  with  a  heavy  sigh,  he  was  compelled  tc 
own  to  himself  that  the  achi-.vement  was  impossible. 

He  found  it  hard,  however,  to  abandon  this  project,  for 
the  more  he  reflected  upon  it,  the  more  certain  he  felt  it 
would  enable  him  to  get  clear  of  the  city  without  leaving 
the  slightest  clue  behind  him. 

But  abandon  it  he  must ;  and  therefore,  with  true  philo-  . 
sophy,  he  gave  up  speculating  upon  that  which   was  im- 
possible, and  turned  the  whole  of  his  attention  towards 
the  consideration  of  what  he  might  perform. 

One  course  only  appeared  to  lay  open  to  him. 

That  was  to  choose  the  earliest  moment  and  the  best 
opportunity  for  letting  go  his  hold  upon  the  rope  and 
dropping  to  the  ground. 

It  was  most  lucky  for  him  that  the  streets  were  so  com- 
pletely deserted,  otherwise  he  must  have  been  seen  cling- 
ing to  the  side  of  ihe  waggon  by  the  first  chauce  pedestrian  . 

Looking  around  as  well  as  the  darkness  would  allow,  Is 
found  that  he  was  in  a  street  of  a  particularly  quia 
character. 

Surely,  if  any  place  was  suited  to  the  accomplishment 
of  his  purpose,  this  was. 

He  determined  to  hesitate  no  longer. 

Giving  a  kind  of  spring  backward,  so  that  iu  alightiug 
ae  should  escape  the  wheels,  he  released  the  rope. 

He  measured  his  spring  so  well  that  he  alighted  upon 
his  feet  without  experiencing  much  of  a  shock,  though  he. 
was  unable  to  keep  his  balance. 

Dropping  upon  his  hands  and  knees,  he  remained  in 
this  position  until  the  waggon  had  passed  on  to  what  he 
considered  to  be  a  safe  distance. 

The  driver  was  as  unconscious  of  what  had  tal:*n  place 
as  he  was  on  the  former  occasion,  and  the  ponderous 
vehicle  continued  on  its  slow  but  uninterrupted  course. 

"I  must  geftoutof  York,"  he  murmured,  as  he  rose 
"lowly  to  his  fe-;t,  and  brushed  the  dirt  from  his  soiled 
appare*.  "  ^  w*'i  ^e  madness  to  remain  here  any  longer. 
What  an  b2oaPe'"-  *"e  aflded,  aceompauying  the  words 
with  a  lon»Mlr*wa  breath.  "  Who  else,  I  wonder,  would 
have  ventured  suCa  atlaaP  asutb,at  ?"  .  ,  '      :  ' 

Looking  back,  the  feat  be  had  performed  seemed  tu  km 


rna  knight  02  taa  uoad. 


1591 


to  «o  Ian  times  more  prodigious  than  when  ho  h* i  resolved 
upon  it. 

"  My  time  has  not  yet  come,"  he  said  to  himself ;  and  it 
appeared  as  though  he  tried  hard  to  convince  himself 
that  ho  really  thought  this  as  well  as  said  it-  *'  I  feel  no 
inward  monitor  to  tell  me  that  my  career  it  over.  At  any 
rate,  I  was  not  destined  to  perish  through  taking  tkat 
leap." 

He  walked  on  with  more  brisknef,  than  might  havo 
been  expected,  considering  the  state  l*e  wa«  in ;  but  his  re- 
cent miraculous  escape — for  so  we  may  in  justice  term  it — 
revived  in  his  breast  those  hopes  of  quitting  England,  and 
made  the  prospect  of  doing  so  seem  tt-o  ijinea  more  reason- 
able. •'    .  : 

Which  was  the  nearest  and  best  way  out  of  the  city,  he 
had  not  the  remotest  notion,  yet  he  kept  on 

His  back  was  turned  towards  the  old  Minster,  and  he 
was  aware  that  if  he  only  preserved  one  straight,  undo- 
viating  course,  he  must,  sooner  or  later,  leave  the  city 
behind  Lira. 

In  his  progress  he  gazed  keenly  at  every  shadow,  and 
when  any  slight  or  unexpecUd  sound  struck  upon  his 
ear  he  would  instantly  assume  a  posture  of  defence,  as 
though  he  feared  the  attack  of  some  hidden  enemy. 

He  wa3  agreeably  surprised  to  find  that  he  was  much 
nearer  the  suburbs  than  he  had  dared  to  anticipate,  and 
when  he  saw  the  open  country  before  him  the  sight  seemed 
to  infuse  fresh  vigour  into  his  weaned  frame. 

"I  wonder,  now,"  he  said,  "in  what  direction  lam 
going  ?  It  is  rather  important  that  I  should  satisfy  my- 
self upon  this  point.     How  can  I  do  so  ?" 

He  paused  a  moment,  and  then  said  : 

"  It  is  easy  enough.     I  ought  to  have  thought  of  that 
before.     The  stars  are  shining  brightly,  so  that  I  shall 
■  have  no  difficulty  in  ascertaining  my  position." 

He  looked  up  at  the  star-bespangled  firmament  as  he 
spoke. 

He  knew  enough  of  the  constellations  to  pick  out  the 
polar  star,  and  this  amount  of  knowledge  had  on  more 
than  one  occasion  stood  him  in  good  stead. 

"  I  am  going  eastward,"  he  muttered,  in  a  satisfied 
(one.  "This  is  just  as  I  could  wish.  Can  it  be  possible 
that  Fortune  now  is  about  to  turn  my  friend,  and  help 
me  out  of  all  my  difficulties?  It  will  be  a  pleasant  thing 
to  think  so,  at  any  rate." 

In  this  respect  he  was  right  enough,  and  he  trudged 
along  the  far-stretching  high-road  with  redoubled  energy. 

it  was  not  likely,  however,  that  lie  would  be  able  to 
continue  thus  very  long,  and  so  it  proved. 

Indeed,  his  strength  gave  out  much  sooner  than  he 
had  expected,  and  consequently,  ttiough  it  was  much 
against  his  will,  he  sat  himself  down  by  the  roadside  to 
rest  awhile. 

"  I  havo  overrated  my  powers,"  he*  said,  sadly.  "  Who 
■would  have  thought  that  I  should  be  reduced  to  such  a 
stage  of  feebleness  ?  Old  age  seems  to  have  dropped 
upon  me  all  at  once.  I  must  bo  many,  many  miles  now 
from  the  sea  coast — so  many  that  while  in  my  present 
state  it  would  be  absolute  insanity  upon  my  part  to 
dream  of  attempting  it  on  foot;  yet,  if  so,  what  other 
means  of  locomotion  shall  I  adopt?  Let  me  'Uiuk— let 
roe  think." 

He  rested  his  head  between  bis  hands. 

Some  moments  elapsed  before  he  spoke  again,  and  when 
he  did  speak  the  words  were  only  half  uttered,  as  they 
often  are  by  persons  who  have  no  one  to  commune  with 
save  thenis  Ives. 

"With  a  horse,"  ho  murmured,  "i  feel  sure  I  could  do 
it  easily  enough,  and,  what  is  more,  in  one  fifth  part  of 
the  time.  But  yet,  where  am  I  to  obtain  one  ?  And  be- 
sides, have  I  not  said  that  I  would  suffer  anything  rather 
than  cross  another  steed,  accompanying  it  with  the  wish 
that  if  I  even- attempted  to  do  so  the  very  w-'-rst  evi'.s 
might  befali  me?  Yes,  yes — a  Vorse  isv***u  ol  the  ores- 
tion." .  > 

But  the  advantages  which  would  '■..■cfjc  from  his  avail- 
ing himself  #1  the  services  of  onr  pressed  more  and  more 
strongly  upon  his  imagination — to  such  an  extent,  indeed, 
that  presently,  lifting  up  his  head  and  looking  arcund 
him,  he  exclaimed,  in  a  louder  voice : 

•'But  is  it  not  childish  aud  foolish  in  the  estreme  to  be 
•ne  slave  of  such  a  feeling  as  this  ?  Surely — oh,  surely 
53a!  Tnejr  were  hastily-spoken,  ill-considered  wortls, 
wrong  ftv-m  me  bj  remorse  ;  but  when  I  ottered  them  I 


could  not  look  into  the  future  and  see  what  ««li 
occur.  Besides,  it  is  paramount  that  I  should  use  every 
endeavour  to  secure  my  own  safety ;  and  in  thus  refusing 
the  assistance  that  would  be  afforded  me  by  a  horse,  I  am 
throwing  every  chance  away. 

•'  Yes,  yes,"  he  added,  after  another  pause — "  my  mind 
is  now  quite  made  up.  Every  rule  has  its  exception.  I 
will  renew  my  vow  never  to  seek  an  adventure  of  any 
kind  with  another  steed,  but  that  must  not  prevent  me 
from  taking  one  when  I  see  how  imperatively  necessary 
it  is  to  my  escape.** 

Having  come  to  this  conclusion,  he  aroso. 

But,  strange  to  say,  there  was  a  heaviness  now  upon 
his  mind  for  which  he  tried  vainly  to  account,  and  which 
he  as  fruitlessly  endeavoured  to  shake  off. 

Was  it  a  premonition  that  his  wish  would  be  ful- 
filled ? 

The  thought  occurred  to  him,  but  he  refused  to  dwell 
upon  it. 

"  Let  me  think,"  he  eried,  as  though  resolute  to  keep 
his  ideas  fixed  on  one  point — "let  me  consider  which  will 
be  the  best  and  most  advantageous  means  of  obtaining  a 
horse.     Where  shall  I  look  for  one  ?" 

This  was  indeed  a  point  that  required  much  careful 
consideration. 

Secrecy  was  all-important. 

Scarcely  less  so  was  it  that  the  animal  should  be  a  good 
one,  and  properly  equipped  for  the  road. 

"  I  have  it !"  he  cried  at  length,  rising  from  his  seat.  "  I 
will  walk  on  quietly  along  the  road.  1  must  before  going 
very  far  come  up  with  a  public-house;  here,  if  the  place 
holds  out  any  hopes,  I  will  enter,  and  being  there,  will 
ask  to  buy  a  horse.  I  feel  certain  that  I  have  not  yet 
been  in  this  part.  Every  object  is  quite  strange  to  me, 
therefore  I  may  infer  that  the  police  officers  have  not 
been  here  either.  What  fear,  then,  is  there  that  I  shall  be 
recognised  ?     At  any  rate,  I  will  run  the  risk." 

This  was,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  settling  the 
matter. 

Strangely  enough,  the  next  turning  brought  him  in 
view  of  a  light,  which,  upon  a  closer  approach,  he  found 
proceeded  from  a  habitation. 

Whether  an  inn  or  not,  he  knew  not. 

But  he  was  soon  relieved  of  all  uncertainty  upon  this 
bead,  for,  by  the  faint  light  of  the  stars,  he  presently 
caught  sight  of  a  swinging  sign,  of  unusually  large 
dimensions,  which  was  fixed  on  the  top  of  a  stout 
post. 

"A  good  omen,"  he  said.  "Surely  I  am  justified  in 
looking  upon  this  as  a  foretoken  of  good  fortune  in  tha 
future.  No  sooner  have  I  come  to  a  decision  than  I 
behold  the  place  which  of  all  others  I  most  wished  to 
see.  Yes,  yes— the  end  is  drawing  nigh.  All— all  will  be 
well." 

In  one  sense  he  was  right. 

He  tried  to  infuse  some  gladness  into  the  tone  in 
which  he  spoke. 

But  no  failure  could  be  more  complete. 

His  lips  declared  that  all  was  well ;  but  his  heart 
seemed  to  whisper  that  so  far  from  such  being  the  case,  all 
was  81,  and  that,  so  far  from  escaping,  he  w>  rushing 
blindly  aud  madly  to  his  doom. 

Which  was  right,  heart  or  li^s  e    We  shall  quickly  see. 


CHAPTER  MCXXIII. 

LICK.   TURPUJ  FALLS  A  VICTIM  TO  THE  TREACHERY  OF 
THE  OSTLEE. 

It  did  not  take  him  long  to  reach  the  iDn,  or  rather  a 
portion  of  the  outbuildings  adjoining  it  which  abutted 
upon  the  road. 

"Hullo I"  said  a  voice,  suddenly.  "And  may  I  ask 
where  you  are  off  to  at  this  time  of  night  ?" 

Dick  gave  a  tremendous  jump,  f«^.  he  had  not  the  least 
idea  that  anyone  was  present.  -1 

Upon  hearing  this  voice,  however,  and  on  collecting 
himself  a  little,  he  caught  a  glimpse  of  a  thin,  wiry  scan, 
who  was  leaning  In  a  negligent  attitude  against  tns  j:ost 
of  the  gate  leading  into  the  stable-yard. 

Although  Dick  soon  recovered  himself  from  the  tint 
shock  of  surprise,  yet  he  was  far  from  feeling  comfortable 
at  finding  he  had  not  been  alone. 

What  was  more,  he  could  not  in  the  then  agitated  state 


19G2 


BLXGL  828* ;  68, 


of  his  spirits  pretend  to  recollect  what  had  passed  his  lips 
a  short  time  before. 

The  man  unquestionably  had  heard  him. 

Unless  he  had  done  so  he  would  scarcely  have  addressed 
the  fugitive  in  the  way  he  did. 

Dick's  fear  was  that  his  incautious  words  would  give 
this  man  a  clue  to  his  identity. 

"  You  look  as  scared  as  though  you  had  been  up  to  no 
good,''  the  man  continued,  after  a  long  pause.  "Do  you 
always  start  like  that  when  you  are  asked  a  civil  ques- 
tion ?"  ** 

His  interest  in  Dick  seemed  to  increase,  tor  while  thus 
speaking  be  quitted  his  indolent  position  aad  came  closer 
to  the  roadway. 

Dick  then  for  the  first  time  perceived  tbafthn'  man  was 
attired  in  the  garb  of  r^  ostler ;  and;  moreover,  tueie  was 
about  him  an  indescribable  something  which  proclaimed 
his  profession. 

On  discovering  this,  Dick's  feelings  underwent  an  en- 
tire change. 

An  idea  occurred  to  him  which  represented  itself  in  so 
favourable  a  light  that  he  resolved  to  act  upon  it  without 
delay  or  further  deliberation. 

"  You  may  think  yourself  lucky,"  were  the  first  words 
Dick  spoke. 

That  they  very  much  puzzled  the  ostler  the  stare  of 
astonishment  he  gave  sufficiently  testified. 

"  Lucky  1"  he  repeated,  at  length.    "  What  for  ?" 

♦'  For  having  seen  me." 

"  How  so  ? — why  ?" 

"  Because  I  can  put  you  in  the  way  of  earning  in  an 
hour  more  money  than  you  could  get  for  a  year's 
wages." 

"  And  pf ay  how  ? — some  devilry  or  other,  I  suppose  ?" 

H  Nothing  of  the  sort ;  1  want  you  to  render  me  a  ser- 
vice?  for  the  faithful  performance  of  which  i  am  ready  and 
willing  to  pay  liberally." 

"  Indeed  1    And  no  risk  to  me  ?" 

"  Not  a  bit." 

"  Well,  then,  I'm  your  man — what  do  you  want  ?" 

"  Firstly,  that  you  will  keep  my  presence  here  a  secret 
t  rom  everyone." 

"  That's  easily  done." 

"  Scarcely  more  easily  than  the  rest." 

11  Go  on,  then." 

"  You  must  procure  me  a  horse  of  the  best  quality,  with 
trappings  complete;  and  put  me  in  the  way  of  reaching 
the  sea-shore  at  the  nearest  point  where  1  can  obtain  a 
vessel." 

"And  what  else?" 

"Nothing." 

"  Nothing  else  ?" 

"Nothing  whatever." 

"  And  what  are  you  willing  to  pay  for  this  ?" 

"  Wby,  more  for  the  secrecy  than  anything." 

"  You  are  off  on  the  mizzle,  then  ?" 

"  The  what  ?" 

"The  mizzle.  You  have  been  up  to  something  and 
want  to  get  off." 

"  Suppose  that  is  the  case — are  you  willing  to  earn  a 
rood  round  sum  by  assisting  me  ?  No  one  will  know 
anything  of  your  share  in  the  transaction — provided  you 
are  wise  enough  to  keep  a  still  tongue  in  your  head." 

"  Trust  me  for  that." 

"  Do  yon  consent  ?" 

■  I  do ;  but  I  must  know  about  the  amount  beiore  I 
stir  hand  or  foot." 

"  You  shall  have  fifty  pounds." 

"  Not  enough." 

"  A  hundred,  then." 

"  That's  more  like  it." 

"  I  will  give  you  no  more  ;  you  can  either  take  ft  or  de- 
cline the  business  altogether." 

"  WelL  I  sha'nt  do  that." 

-  Can  you  get  me  a  horse  ?" 

"  l  can ;  nothing  could  have  fallen  out  better." 

u  Indeed  f  ^ 

"  Yes  ■,  I  have  one  in  the  stable  now  that  a  gentleman 
bas  left  here  for  me  to  sell  to  the  best  customer  1  can  get. 
1:  ifl  a  real  beauty ;  bnt,  not  to  deceive  you,  is  very  spi- 
rited, and  requires  a  devilish  good  rider  to  master  hin.  " 

"  I  should  uke  him  all  the  better  on  that  very^ccount" 

"  Then  yoe  couldn't  be  better  suited.  Then  irft  a  bar- 
gain.   Give  me  your  b*&&—  there  now,   it's   all   right 


Come  into  the  stable ;   it's  not  worth  while  to  stand  war 
here  in  the  cold." 

"  Yea  are  quite  right — it  is  not," 

Accordingly,  Dick  followed  tht>  ostler  across  the  spa- 
cious inn-yard  to  the  door  of  the  stables,  though  in  his 
progress  he  was  careful  to  keep  one  hand  upon  the  butt  of 
a  pistol  in  such  a  way  that  he  could  instantly  avail  him' 
self  of  the  service  of  the  weapon  should  circumstances  re 
quire  it. 

But  the  ostler  walked  straight  across  without  once 
turning  his  head,  and  Dick  was  fully  impressed  with  the 
belief  that  he  was  acting  in  good  faith. 

Yet,  with  proper  caution,  he  resolved  that  the  belief 
should  not  deprive  him  of  vigilance,  for  as  yet  he  did  not 
know  the  man. 

The  interior  of  the  stable  boasted  no  better  illumination 
than  that  which  a  oandle  stuck  into  a  lantern  afforded, 
and  yet,  by  contrast  with  the  darkness  without,  the  light 
seemed  almost  brilliant. 

Dick,  who  had  been  in  the  obscurity  so  long,  could  not 
help  blinking  a  little. 

The  first  thing  the  ostler  did  was  to  turn  round  and 
indulge  himself  in  a  good  long  stare. 

His  eyes  opened  wider  and  wider,  until  all  at  once, 
with  a  wild  cry,  he  seized  hold  of  Dick's  hand  and 
wrung  it  warmly. 

u  Why,  captain— captain,  whoever  could  have  thought 
it  was  you  I  And  to  find  you  in  such  a  plight,  too !  Well 
— well,  I  thought  your  voice  sounded  as  though  I  had 
heard  it  before,  though  I  could  not  recollect  where.  1 
am  glad  to  see  you — heartily  glad.  But  you  must  tell 
me  how  it  is  I  find  you  in  such  sad  trim  as  this.  Why, 
you  are  almost  a  skeleton  1" 

Dick  was,  if  anything,  more  astonished  at  this  second 
recognition  than  he  was  at  the  first. 

There  could  be  no  mistaking  the  fact  that  the  ostler 
knew  him  ;  and,  judging  by  his  manner,  the  circumstance 
seemed  to  afford  him  the  keenest  delight  and  satisfac- 
tion. 

"  Why,  captain,"  he  continued,  shaking  Dick's  hand 
again  with  almost  painful  violence,  "don't  you  know  me 
— don't  you  remember  me  ?  Don't  look  so  scared.  You 
have  fouud  a  friend  now  if  you  never  had  one  before." 

"  Thanks — thanks !"  said  Dick,  in  reply  to  this  assur- 
ance, which  we  need  scarcely  tell  the  reader  sounded 
most  sweetly  in  his  ears.  "  I  was  overcome  at  first,  but 
don't  be  surprised  at  that.  Nothing  was  further  from  my 
thoughts  than  that  I  should  be  recognised  in  this  part  of 
the  country." 

"  Dq  you  know  me  now,  captain  ?" 

Dick  passed  his  hand  over  his  brow,  as  though  striving 
to  remember. 

"  I  see,  you  have  forgotten  me." 

"  I  see  so  many  faces,"  answered  Dick,  "  that        " 

"  Of  course  you  do.  Well,  well — it  don't  matter.  I 
know  you,  and  that  is  quite  as  well — perhaps  better. 
Don't  be  afraid  to  trust  me.    I  am  your  friend." 

He  struck  himself  lightly  on  the  breast  as  he  spoke, 
as  though  he  meant  to  indicate  that  his  heart  was  entirely 
at  the  service  of  the  fugitive. 

Dick  smiled. 

"  To  utter  my  thanks  would  be  impossible ;  but  they 
shall  speak  in  deeds.  And  now,  where  is  the  horse  you 
spoke  of  ?" 

"  Yonder.  But  before  you  go  to  look  at  him,  let  us 
have  some  talk.  1  think  it  will  be  to  the  benefit  of 
both  of  us." 

There  was  an  earnestness  in  the  man's  tones  that 
seemed  to  constrain  Dick  to  listen. 

"  Are  vou  going  to  leave  the  country  for  a  time  ?" 

"For'rvwr* 

«•  What,  quit  the  road  ?  Never,  captain— nonsense— 
you  must  be  joKing  1" 

"  Believe  me.  I  am  most  serious.  I  have  had  my  last 
adventure  on  the  road." 

Either  a  shadow  was  cast  by  the  flickering  candle  at 
this  moment  upon  the  ostlers  countenance,  or  else  it 
underwent  a  change;  but  it  was  so  transient  that  it 
was  impossible  to  say  which  of  the  two  it  was,  or  whether 
it  was  either. 

"  You  think  so  now,  captain,"  he  said ;  "  but  you  wont 
long  remain  in  that  mini  FU  warrant." 

"Indeed  I  shall.    Nothing  will  induce  me  to  alter  * 

"But— but  what  has  brought  about  this  changer 


*a»  xvtiam  or  in  ac-ax*. 


fTUS   CAPTVSrf   O?   l«CS  TUt:  LM    AT   tllF.  ROADSIDE   t>i».J 


fci  h»v,-  !.>t  all  my  friends — not  one  of  my  associates 
ic  left  to  me.  Even  Bhiok  ite»s  is  lost  to  me  tor  ever ;  aud 
Ibe  remains  of  one  I  loved  dearer  than  life  and  the  whole 
world  lie  under  the  sod  of  another  land  I  My  heart  has 
uecn  too  much  bruised  and  wounded  for  me  to  become  a 
•night  of  the  road  again." 

"Pooh— pooh,  captain  I  Take  my  word  for  it,  that 
U  all  stuff.  You  will  soon  get  the  better  of  it,  and  then 
♦ou  will  wonder  how  ever  it  was  that  you  came  to  hat  e 
inch  ideas.  I>on't  shake  your  head  in  that  solemn  way. 
I' on  will  find  out  1  am  right  before  long." 

'•Mo — no— a  thousand  times  no!" 

w  Have  you,  then,  really  made  up  your  mind?" 

u  1  have." 

-  Then  I  am  sorry  to  hear  it,  and  yet  not  surprised 
•falter." 

•WUy  n^t'* 

BO    •i£*t—  KulCX,    iiliSfc 


-Because  you  are  reduced  to  such  a  dreadful  state 
You  are  out  of  condition,  captain— that's  what's  the 
matter  with  you.  I  know  what  a  horse  is  when  he's  out 
of  condition.  Lor'  bless  you — after  he  has  been  seen  to  a  bit 
no  one  would  believe  him  the  same.  And  men  aud  osses 
is  wonderfully  alike,  captain,  I  assure  you." 

Dick  smiled  at  this,  but  shook  his  head  again  to  imply 
that  his  determination  was  unshaken. 

"I  am  right,"  continued  the  ostler;  "and  mars  my 
words — things  will  'urn  out  to  prove  it.  Let  me  tell  yott 
a  man  don't  live  in  a  svable  all  his  life  without  being  up  to 
a  thing  or  two." 

"  I  am  weak  and  ill,  I  know,"  returned  Dick }  "  but  yoa 
would  not  wonder  at  that  if  you  knew  what  I  have  gono 
through ;  still  it  would  have  no  effect  upon  my  determina- 
tion— it  has  long  been  taken." 

•'  Well,  captain,  of  course  I  ain't  going  to  presume  y& 


So.  260. 


Phiob  One  Haupenjtz. 
/Vo.  251  will  be  Published  next  Monday, 


fwW 


BLACK  BESB  ;    OS, 


to  dictate  to  you,  of  course,  bat  I'm  Dot  going  to  hold  an 
argument  with  you  either  while  you  are  in  your  present 
etate." 
"  Indeed .»" 

*'  I  am  quite  in  earnest.  It  ia  folly  for  you  to  think  of 
continuing  your  journey  while  you  are  in  your  present 
state.  You  couldn't  do  it.  You  shall  stop  here  awhile. 
I'll  keep  you  snug  enough,  never  fear,  and  I  will  get  you. 
plenty  of  good  things,  and  you  will  soon  have  vour 
strength  back  again." 

Dick  was  never  in  all  his  life  more  in  the  humour  to  be 
persuaded  than  he  was  then,  and  at  the  very  time  the 
ostler  was  speaking  such  a  frightful  feeling  of  fatigue  and 
weakness  camo  over  him  that  he  had  much  difficulty  in 
saving  himself  from  falling. 

The  keen-eyed  ostler  noticed  his  condition,  and  tued : 
"  What  did  I  tell  you  1    If  you  persist  in  leaving  here 
while  you  are  like  this  you  will  be  nabbed  before  you  are 
half  a  dozen  hours  older." 

"  But  Could  you  conceal  me,"  asked  Dick,  anxiowdy, 
''  supposing  the  officers  should  call  here  ?" 

"  I'll  take  care  of  all  that.  Look  here,  captain — just  you 
follow  me." 

So  saying,  the  ostler  crossed  the  stable  to  a  place  where 
a  ladder  was  fixed  perpendicularly  against  the  wall. 

Up  this  he  climbed  with  the  agility  which  long  practice 
had  given  him. 

In  the  twin'iling  of  an  eye  he  was  upon  the  loft  above 
holding  his  hand  to  assist  Dick  in  the  ascent.    - 

The  best  way  to  give  an  idea  of  the  pitiable  condition 
to  which  Dick  Turpiu  was  reduced  will  be  to  say  thitthis 
task  was  almost  beyond  his  powers,  and  that  he  would 
never  have  accomplished  it  without  the  aid  of  his  new 
friend. 

"Now,  captain,"  the  03tler  said,  a3  soon  as  Dick  had 
gained  the  floor  of  the  loft  above,  "you  see  this  here 
place.  Good.  Well,  I  will  keep  you  here  as  snug  as  you 
wish  for  as  long  as  you  think  proper.  I'll  take  care  that 
no  one  finds  out  where  you  are,  aud  will  guarantee  you  as 
much  as  ever  you  want  in  the  shape  of  eating  and  drink- 
ing." 

"  I  assure  you  your  offer  is  a  most  agreeable  one,  and 
1  am  more  than  half  inclined  to  accept  of  it." 

"Have  a  whole  mind,  captain,  and  rely  upon  it  you 
will  be  all  right.  How  can  anyone  have  the  least  sus- 
picion you  are  here.  Aud  if  you  stay  you  will  not  only  be 
getting  your  strength  up,  but  the  heat  o!  the  pursuit  after 
you  will  have  cooled  a  little." 

"  I  will  stay,"  6aid  Dick,  with  sudden  resolution.  "  For- 
tunately, I  have  enough  left  even  in  this  extremity  of  my 
fortunes  to  reward  you  most  liberally  for  all  that  you  may 
do  for  me." 

"  We  sha'n't  fall  out  over  that,  captaiu,  I  am  sure.  Now 
listen  to  what  I  am  going  to  say." 

Dick  flung  himself  down  wearily  upon  the  hay  with 
which  the  floor  of  the  loft  was  covered. 

"  That's  right,  captain,"  cried  the  ostler,  approvingly. 
'•  Take  all  the  rest  you  can." 
"  What  were  you  going  to  propose  ?w 
"  Why,  that  you  6tayed  here  until  you  nad  regained 
your  strength.  Of  course,  as  I  said  before,  I  shall  supply 
you  with  everything  for  that  purpose.  Then,  at  the 
proper  time,  1  shall  mount  you  on  the  horse  I  spoke  of, 
and  he  will  carry  you  to  the  sea-coast  like  a  rocket.  He 
is  truly  a  wonderful  animal." 

Dick  could  not  heir  being  sensible  that  the  ostler's 
advice  was  good,  aud  that  ho  could  pot  do  better  than 
follow  it  in  every  particular,  yet  so  much  had  he  fixed  his 
mind-upon  continuing  his  journey  to  the  coast,  that  he 
could  hardly  make  himself  satisfied  to  pause  any- 
where. 

-.  But  this  feeling  was  not  so  overpowering  as  to  blind 
him  to  the  fact  that  it  would  be  by  no  means  lost  time  to  re- 
main here  until  he  was  stronger,  because  then  he  would 
bo  able  to  perform  the  journey  in  half  the  time  he  wouii 
bo  obliged  to  take  while  in  his  present  condition. 

"I  can  see  you  have  decided,  captain,"  the  ostler  con- 
tinued ;  "  I  am  glad  of  it,  for  you  always  treated  me  like 
a  prince  in  the  good  old  times,  and  nothing  pleases  me  so 
much  as  to  be  able  to  do  something  in  return  for  a 
favour." 

Ho  did  not  wait  to  see  whether  Dick  had  any  mora  to 
•ay,  but  lowered  himself  down  into  the  stable  again. 
it  was  not  leng,  however,  before  he  returned,  bringing 


with  him  a  very  tempting  supply  of  provisions,  together 
with  a  bottle  of  wine. 

"  There,"  he  said,  "just  let  me' see  you  pclish  that  lot, 
off ;  and  when  you  have  you  will  be  disposed  to  take  a 
more  cheerful  view  of  the  future  than  you  do  now." 
.Dick  ate  heartily,  and  found    the  wine  particularly 
agreeable  and  refreshing. 

"  Now,  captain;  am  I  not  right  ?" 
*  I  am  better." . 

"  Of  course  you  are.  Now,  look  here :  it  is  *oo  late  now 
for  you  to  think  of  leaving  here  to-night, .eveh-it- yon  had 
made  your  mind  up  to  do  so,  because  we'shall  have  day- 
light here  in  no  time.  So  just  make  yourself  as  comfort- 
able as  you  can  on  the  top  of  the  hay,  and  then  if  you 
don't  like  to  stay  any  longer  you  will  be  ready  to  start  to- 
morrow night  as  soon  as  darkness  sets  in." 

Dick  willingly  enough  assented  to  this,  and  after  a  few 
more  words  the  ostler  left  the  loft.  '*  ■ 

The  reader  will  not  require  to  be  told  thaf'DiCk  now 
felt  himself  under  circumstances  of  greater  security  than 
he  had  known  for  a  long  time  past ;  and  therefore  it  is  not 
surprising  that  ho  should  fall  asleep  very  soon  after  being 
left  alone.  '."  : 

It  was  rather  strange,  though,  that  he  should  place  so 
much  confidence  in  this  ostler,  but  somehow  the  idea  of 
being  doubtful  of  his  good  faith  never  once  occurred  to 
him. 

There  was  such  an  air  of  jollity  and  truth  about  hin 
that  suspicion  was  blinded  and  disarmed. 

Perhaps  had  Dick  not  been  so  utterly  "  out  of  condi- 
tion," as  the  ostler  phrased  it,  he  would  have  been  a  littlo 
cautious,  and  that  there  was  great  need  of  caution  will  be 
quickly  seen. 

No  sooner  had  the  ostler  reached  the  stable  than  he  sat 
himself  down  upon  the  corn-bin  in  an  attitude  of  deep 
thought.  ; 

What  reflections  were  passing  in  his  mind  it  would  be 
hard  for  anyone  to  6ay.  ,  :. 

That  they  were  important,  however,  there  could  be  no 
doubt. 

At  last  he  began  to  mutter  in  an  undertone. 
His  words  ran  to  something  like  the  following  effect : 
"  Which  way  shall  I  decide  ?    Blest  if  I  Can  tell!.  But  I 
must  make  up  my  mind  one  way  or  other.     Is  his   race 
run  ? — that  is  the  question.     If  I  could  only  get  a  reply  to 
that  I  should  know  how  to  act." 

He  rose  up  as  he  spoke,  for  a  faint  sound  from  above 
fell  upon  his  ears. 

After  listening  for  a  second,  and  finding  it  was  not  re- 
peated, he  leaned  his  arms  ou  the  lower  portion  of  the 
stable  door  and  looked  out  into  the  darkness. 

"  He  seems  determined  enough  to  quit  the  road,"  he 
continued  ;  "  and  I  have  heard  say  before  now,  that  when 
he  once  male  up  his  mind  to  a  tiling  there  was  .no  turn- 
ing him.  Let  me  see.  Suppose  it  is  so — why,  should  not 
1  be  a  downright  idiot  to  let  him  get  off  for  the  sake  of  a 
hundred  pounds  or  so  L    Of  course  I  sho.irld !" 

Having  settled  this  point,  he  remained  for  a  short  tima 
silent. 

But  his  mutterings  soon  recommenced. 
"  My  busiuess  is  to  make  the  most  money — that's  just 
the  long  and  the  short  of  it.  If  1  am  careful  and  move 
right,  I  am  in. for  a  good  haul — such  an  amount  as  will 
make  mo  independent  for  the  rest  of  my  days.  But  one 
false  step,  aud  I  lose  the  lot." 

The  ostler's  excitement  continued  to  increase.     . 
f*  Jjet  me  see,"  he  said.     "  I  will  get  the  /bill  out  again, 
and  see  just  how  much  is  offered  for  his  apprehension. 
Let  me  make  sure  about  that."  -         -     -..-...'     •• 

He  sat  himself  down  again  upon  the  corn-bin,  and  from 
a  tattered  pocket-book  produced  one  of  the  printed  bills* 
offering  the  reward  for  tb"  apprehension .  of  Dick 
Turpin.  . 

Unfolding  it  upon  his  knee,  he  spelt  it  over  caiofully.    i 

First,  the  amount  offered  for  his  safe  lodgment  in  any 

one  of  his  Majesty's  prisons  was  one  thousand  pounds, 

and   five   hundred  pounds  more  on  his  -conviction' and 

executi  >n.     -  - ■" 

The  ostler  gave  a  long-drawn  sigh,  and  returned,  the 
bill  to  his  pocket-book. 

"  That's  clear  enough,"  he  said.  "  But  can  I  net  the 
whole  amount? — that's  the  question.  There  is  a  doubt 
about  that — so  let  me  see  how  much  I  should  be  likely  to 
make  bv  standing  his  friend." 


TBB  B.NK3HT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


!£*• 


i'his  seemed  no  e»»y  thing  to  arrive  at. 

u  He  said  he  would  reward  me  liberally — and  I  should 
understand  that  word  to  mean  a  thousand  pounds,  but  1 
don't  suppose  he  does.  Has  he  got  anything  like  such  a 
sum  about  him  ?  That  is  just  what  I  should  like  to  find 
out ;  and  I  don't  intend,  either,  to  lose  sight  °f  the  old 
proverb  about  a  bird  in  the  hand." 

From  tne  foregoing  it  will  be  seen  that  this  north- 
Country  ostler  had  no  higher  motive  than  many  of  our 
most  illustrious  men — to  adopt  that  course  which  would 
turn  out  most  profitable  to  himself — or,  in  other  words,  to 
dispose  of  his  fidelity  to  the  person  who  bid  the  highost 
price  for  it. 

If  Dick  had  only  gnt  enough  to  satisfy  his  avavice, 
Justice  might  catch  her  prisoner  herself. 

This  important  point — because  it  would  entirely  influ- 
ence his  future  conduct — the  ostler  determined  to  clear 
op,  aud  the  means  he  took  to  do  this  were  as' bold  as  they 
were  effectual. 

As  silently  as  possible,  he  made  his  way  up  iiito  the 

lot*.  :  -  •         , 

:  Dick  was  slumbering  heavily. 

"It  would  take  rather  more  than  a  trif.e  to  wake  hi.n 
uow,"  he  murmured.  "That,  wine  wis  strong,  aud  he 
was  quite  exhausted.  It  would  be  easv  enough  to  find 
out- how-much  he- is  worth,-  audldbn't  think  there  would 
be  much  fear  of  waking  him  up  eithei  At  any  rate,  1 
Bhall  rtih-the  risk;"  '  -  -  •  - 

With  these- -words  the  esfle**  very  eautl-*usly  and  gently 
made  an  examination  of  Dick's  pockets. 
■    It'was-'nbtr-veryeasy-iojtvak'e  ^.n  estimate  of  what  he 
was  wbrth,'befeause  thegEeater  part  of  the  wealth  was  In 
the  more  portable  shape  of  p? eeious  -stones.-  ~ 

He  restored  everything  as  -ho  had  found  it  and  shuj>»;  \ 
down  into  the  stable  again.  - 

"Samuel,"  he  saidy  addressing  himself — "Samuel,  you 
have  a  difficult  course  before  you.  One  is  right,  the 
t"ther-is  wrong.  What  have  I  to  guide  me  in  my  choice  ? 
All  depends  upon  it.  I  shall  either  get  all  or  nothing. 
Shall  I  befriend  him,  and  be  content  with  perhaps  an 
amount  equal  to  one-third  of  the  reward?  I  must 
think." 

Samuel  did  think,  but  he  found  it  by  no  means  easy  to 
come  to  a  decision. 
There  were  ho  scruples  in  the  case. 
His  sole  anxiety,  as  we  have  said  before,  was  to  do 
that  which  would  bring  him  the  most  money.  -     • 

Whether  Dick  was  hanged,  or  whether  he  escaped,  was 
to  him  equally  indifferent. 

He  had  no  more  regard  for  serving  Justice  than  he 
had  compunction  in  meditating  the  betrayal  of  one.  who 
had  placed  suvh  utter  confidence  in  him.  : 

"  Suppose  I  make  up  my  mind  to  give  him  up,  what 
are  the  difficulties  in  the  way? — what  chance  .have  1  of 
getting  the  mouey,aud  how  much  risk  of  losing  it  ?  1 
will  sit  down  again  ;  I  can  always  think  with  a  clearer 
head  when  I  am  sitting  on  the  corn-bin, 

"  It  would  never  do  to  call  in  any  assistance,"  he  rumi- 
nated, "  and  certainly  not  the  police,  because  they  would 
want  to -share  the  reward,  and  I. could  not  afford  that. 
No,  no — I  must  scheme  it. somehow.    Supposing  I  was 
tu  bind  him  tightly  with  plenty  of  rope,.and  then,  without 
saying  a  word  to  anybody,,  to  put  a  horse  into-,  one  of  the 
carts  and  drive  to  Yorlc  Castle  with  him?    I  don't  see 
-  anything  very  difficult  about  that ;  and  when  once  I  had 
handed  h'ira.  over  to.  the  Governor's  charge  I  should  be 
making  sure  of  a  thousand  pounds.    No  oaa  could  gain- 
say my  claim  to  it — certaiuly  not.". 
Yet  the  ostler  was  notsatisfied. 
•*«    He  could  hardly,  bring  himself  to  believe  that  it.  was 
possible  he  should    become  possessed  of    so  large    an 
amount.  *•'-'.'.' 

.  The  blood  tingled  in  his  veins,  and  for  some  time  the 
i  a  .iteinent  produced  by  his   anticipations  was  so  great 
mat  ho  could  do  nothing  but  yield  himself    p  to  the  influ- 
ence of  u  «Dd  of  waking  dream. 
At  las    s/N  »  thought  returned. 

11  How  «.»>>  It  would  be  to. bind  him  now  that  he  lies 
deeping — there  would  bn  an  end  to  it.  He  could  not  re- 
sist. He  would  he  powerless.  Fool — fool  that  I  was  not 
to  think  of  that  /efore'  What  valuable  time  I  have  per- 
'  fritted  to  slip  by r.  I'  n  aow  too  -late,  though— now  too 
late,  of  course  I"  - 

And  it;  was  to*    Ia'*S  for,  to  isaa  'nfinite  chagrin,  he 


found,  on  once  more  making  his  way  into  the  hay-loft 
that  Dick  was  awake. 

What  had  aroused  him  it  was,  of  course,  impossible  to 
gueso. 

The  ostler  showed  himself  to  be  an  accomplished  dis- 
sembler. 

UI  thought  I  heard  you  moving,  captain,"  he  said,  with 
the  utmost  self-possession,  aud  without  the  ruffling  of  a 
single  feature,  "and  so  I  came  up  to  see  what  you 
wanted." 

"Thanks — thanks,"  said  Dick — "all  is  so  far  welL 
What  is  the  time?" 

"Just  about  sunrise,  captain." 

"Alas— alas!" 

"  What  is  the  matter  ?" 

"  I  have  -  had  a  dream— an  ugly,  uncomfortable  dream. 
Bah !— I " 

"Pooh,  pooh!  captain — you  must  get  the  better  of  this 
sort  of  thing." 

But  Dick  shuddered  in  a  way  that  showed,  this  dream 
had  produced  no  ordinary  impression  upon  him. 

"1  will  leave  here  at  nightfall,"  he  said — "yes,  yes — I 
will  leave  here  at  nightfall.  I  will  take  this  vision  as  a 
warning :  nothing  snail  induce  mo  to  stay  linger— I  fear, 
indeed,  that  I  have  stayed  too  long  already." 

"  Why,  captain,  you  get  worse  aud  worse,"  cried  the 
ostler,  sjjeakiug  in  as  pleased  a  voice  as  he  could  affect, 
aud  turning  aside  so  as  to  conceal  the  baleful-looking 
light  which  these  words  had  caused  to  blaze  up  in  his 
eyes.  "  Whatever  could  this  dream  be  to  trouble  you  so 
much?" 

"  I  dreamt,"  said  Dick,  "  that  I  was  in  a  deep  sleep, 
end  yet  half  conscious  of  what  was  going  on.  But  at  last 
1  awoke,  and  when  I  opened  my  eyes  it  was  to  find  that 
I  was  surrounded  by  stone  walls;  an  irou  grating  was  in 
front  of  me — I  was  the  inmate  of  a  prison  celL" 

CHAPTER  MCXXIV. 

THE  OSTLEB  DISCOVERS  THAT  THINGS  DO     NOT  TUKN    tflTI 
QUITE  SO  AGREEABLY   A3   HE  ANTICIPATED. 

"  Now,  captain— captain,  do  not  let  such  a  thing  as  that 
trouble  you— pray,  don't,"  cried  the  ostler,  with  a  hearty 
laugh.  '•  After  making  such  a  meal  as  you  did,  and  fall- 
ing .sleep  immediately  afterwards,  you  might  have  ex- 
pected to  dream  about  that  which  you  were  most  in  dread 
of." 

"  It  may  be  so,"  replied  Dick — "  it  may  be  so ;  "  but  I 
shall  not  rest  again  until  I  am  on  my  journey." 

"  Oh  yes,  you  will.  Keep  yourself  quiet,  or  what  will 
you  be  tit  for  at  night  ?  As  soon  as  the  folks  in  the  inn 
are  astir  I  will  see  after  your  breakfast." 

Dick  poured  out  his  thanks  to  this  unworthy  object, 
who,  feeling  uuoomfortabto  at  having  that  whieu  he  felt 
he  was  not  entitled  to,  feigued  that  it  was  necessary  to 
descend  into  the  stable  aud  oeo  to  tne  horses  there. 

Dici*  safd  not  a  word  respecting  his  departure.   - 

The  fact  was,  his  senses  were  all  wrapped  up  in  ponder- 
ing upon  his  dream,  which  had  been  of  unusual  vivid- 
ness... .  ... 

Samuel  no  sooner  reached  the  stable  than  he  walked 
deliberately  to  the  wall  aud  struck  his  head  several  times 
with- great  violence  against  it. 

".I  have  been  a  d— d  fool,"  he  muttered,  grinding  his 
teeth  ferociously.  "  I  do  believe  I  am  the  d — dest  fool 
alive !  Here  have  I  been  argufying  with  myself  when  I 
ought  to  hare  beeu  at  woru.  If  I  Lad  had  a  grain  of 
sense  he  would  have  been  safe  where  he  dreamt  he  was." 

The  ostlor  was  in  a  state  of  very  great  aggravation,  an  J 
sometime  elapsed  before  he  could  bring  himself  to  any- 
thing like  calmness. 

But  a  fresh  thought  occurred  to  him,  which  went  4 
good  way  towards  reconciling  him  to  the  present  aspect 
of  affairs. 

44 1  have  often  hoard,"  ho  said,  "i:)at  nothing  is  done 
,well  which  is  done  in  a  hurry,  aud  I  believe  it  uow.  Ho  v 
could  I  have  overlooked  su^n  a  thing  as  that?  Why,  1 
am  a  double  gaiuer  if  1  can  be  successiul." 

it  will  quicKly  be  seen  to  what  the  treacherous  fellow 
alluded,  for  he  sat  himself  down  in  his  favourite  place, 
and,  holding  one  hand  before. him  with  ihj.  fingers  out- 
spread, he  said :  - 

"Let  me  take  it  all  over  quietly  from  first  to  last,  to 
make  litre  all-  i»  sm&oth,  and  topreveut  any-  unexpected 


BLi.Ci    U£88  i     OB. 


h«^tft  in  the  business.    Now,  drst,  I  will  wait  till  towards 

nigntfall,  and  then  give  him  a  drug  either  in  his  food  or 
drink,  or  boih.  Good  I  Then,  when  he  is  insensible,  1 
shall  make  it  my  first  business  to  search  every  one  of  his 
pockets  thoroughly,  and  make  up  all  his  wealth  ir-to  a 
parcel,  which  X  will  hide  carefully.  Good  again !  >**bei 
a  fool  I  must  have  been  to  think  of  taking  him  to  B  ion 
with  all  that  in  his  pocket  1" 

The  ostler  was  for  a  moment  or  two  so  overcome  _,ith 
astonishment  that  he  cou1'*  r  t  continue  bis  most  sgMee- 
able  meditations. 

"Having  buried  the  parcwi,"be  continued,  "I  will  lift 
him  qu'Vtly  into  the  cart,  and,  without  bis  being  one  bit 
the  wi^or,  drive  him  to  York  Castle.  Once  there,  tL* 
authorities  will  look  to  him.  I  shall  send  in  my  claim  Ue 
the  entire  reward,  and  then,  with  that,  and  what  he 
carries  about  with  him,  I  shall  be  rich — rich  indeed!" 
For  some  moments  he  sat  like  one  entranced. 
He  was  quite  carried  away  by  the  agreeable  prospect 
which  he  had  conjured  up. 

Already  he  saw  himself — what  be  so  longed  to  be — a 
rich  man. 

At  last  he  started  up,  and,  in  tones  that  certainly  were 
louder  than  it  was  prudent  to  make  use  of.  he  cried  : 

"  Were  the  risk  a  thousand  times  what  it  is,  1  would  do 
it!" 

From  this  moment  his  mind  remained  quite  made 
np. 

He  did  not  waver  in  the  least,  and  so  great  were  his 
dissimulative  powers  that  no  one  to  have  gazed  into  his 
countenance  would  have  given  a  guess  at  the  nature  of 
his  thoughts. 

True  to  his  promise,  he  obtained  an  excellent  breakfast 
for  the  hunted  fugitive,  who  little  guessed  in  what  tre- 
mendous danger  he  stood,  though  there  was  a  peculiar 
heaviness  about  his  heart  and  oppression  about  bis  spirits 
'•  hich  he  ought  to  have  understood  and  taken  ae  *  warn* 
icg. 
But,  alas !  he  did  not. 

Perhaps  never  was  there  anyone  in  whom  Dick  was 
more  disposed  to  place  an  absolute  trust  than  in  this 
treacherous,  mercenary  wretch  who  was  so  wholly  unde- 
serving of  it. 

But  Dick  throughout  all  his  career  had  gained  so  much 
by  trusting  people,  and  suffered  so  little  from  treachery, 
that  we  cannot  blame  him,  nor  wonder  at  his  over-conti- 
dtnce  in  this  instance. 

It  was  a  6trange  thing  that  during  the  day  Dick  could 
not  close  his  eyes  in  sleep. 

It  could  not  be  that  bo  feared  anything,  for  he  was 
wholly  ignorant  of  the  ostler's  intention. 

Perhaps  it  was  the  dread  of  renewing  his  dream  that 
influenced  him  in  keeping  awake. 

Whatever  the  cause  was,  however,  there  was  the  fact- 
sit  ep  was  impossible. 

Consequently  the  day  was  a  tediously  long  one  to 
Dick. 

He  had  no  other  means  of  whiling  away  tho  time 
saving  peeping  forth  from  the  circular  window  of  the  loft, 
from  which,  in  the  distance,  a  view  of  York  could  be  ob- 
tained. 

Strange  to  say,  he  saw  nothing  of  the  pobce  officers, 
and  as  the  day  elapsed  without  bis  having  done  so  his 
hopes  begun  to  rise  and  much  of  the  weight  was  taken 
off  his  heart. 

All  would  have  been  well,  no  doubt,  but  for  the  act  of 
treachery  the  ostler  meditated. 
Dick  6aw  but  little  of  him  during  daylight. 
The  fact  was,  he  could  not  drive  this  matter  from  his 
mind,  and  he  was  afraid  to  trust  himself  much  in  the  pre- 
sence of  his  intended  victim  lest  his  face  should  betray 
the  black  secret  in  his  heart. 

Dick  Turpiu,  as  soon  as  ever  it  was  dusk,  left  the  loft 
and  descended  into  the  stable. 

"The  coast  seems  clear,  captain,"  the  ostler  ex- 
claimed. 

"  It  does.    I  believe  all  will  be  well." 
"  And  you  are  6till  determined  to  give  up  your  life  on 
the  road  ?" 

"  If  possible,  more  so  than  I  have  ever  been.  My  re- 
solution has  never  ^"wered." 

"  Well,  I'm  sorry  Uj  bear  it,  that  is  all  I  can  s»y,  tor  of 
course  you  are  at  Uba*ty  to  adopt  whatever  course  yua 

L*av  Uituk  pr.,J»r  ■ 


Dick  did  not  think  it  worth  while  to  make  any  reply  to 
this  speech. 

"  Where  is  the  horse  yon  spoke  to  me  about  ?  Let  me 
see  him." 

"  He  is  a  real  beauty— be  is,  and  no  mistake,  and  eo 
you'll  6ay.    Just  look  here!" 

The  ostler  lifted  the  cloth  off  one  of  the  horses  in  the 
stall  as  he  spoke. 

Dick  looked  at  him  with  a  critical  eye. 

"  And  you  say  he  is  a  good  one  ?" 

"Th?re  never  was  a  better;  only,  as  I  told  you,  he 
ta\*s  s  good  rider.  If  I  was  a  gentleman  I  should  prefer 
him  for  that.  I  should  not  care  to  have  an  animal  that 
anyone  could  sit  on  the  back  of." 

"He  will  serve  my  purpose  doubtless.  What  is  the 
price  ?" 

"Only  fifty  guineas,  which  is  what  the  own?r  told  me 
would  be  the  very  lowest  penny  he  woold  tak*.  He  cost 
a  hundred,  and  is  well  worth  it  too." 

"I  will  buy  him,"  said  Dick,  "and  y*o  shall  have 
something  handsome  over  and  above  that  amount  by  way 
of  commission." 

The  ostler  hardly  bad  patience  to  play  his  part  in  this 
portion  of  the  affair,  but  he  was  afraid  of  doiug  anything 
to  rouse  Dick's  suspicions,  which  would,  of  course,  ruin 
his  project  entirely. 

"  And  now,"  Dick  continued,  "  if  yon  will  furnish  me 
with  a  saddle  and  a  bridle,  I  will  be  off  without  any  more 
delay." 

"  You  shall  have  both,  captain ;  and,  what  is  more,  a 
bottle  of  brandy  which  I  have  procured  for  you.  Keep  it 
by  you — it  will  prove  usefuL" 

"  I  will  taste  it  now,"  Dick  answerrd. 

This  was  what  the  ostler  had  calculated  upon. 

As  the  reader  doubtless  more  than  expects,  the  brandy 
was  drugged. 

He  gave  Dick  a  glass,  who,  diawing  the  cork,  nearly 
filled  it  with  the  spirit  from  the  bottle. 

"  You  will  find  that  a  drop  of  splendid  stuff,  captain. 
Lor'  bless  you,  I  know  whereabouts  in  the  cellar  master 
keeps  the  best  of  everything— trust  me  for  that!  Bat 
what's  the  matter  with  you  ?" 

Dick  had  placed  the  fata]  draught  to  his  lips. 

It  was  so  long  since  he  had  tasted  any  of  his  favourite 
spirit  that  in  his  eager  haste  he  swallowed  a  large  mouth- 
ful without  tasting  it. 

It  was  when  he  paused  and  licked  his  lips  with  the  tip 
of  his  tongue  that  the  ostler  broke  off  and  asked  whai 
was  the  matter. 

"  It  seems  to  have  an  odd  taste,"  Dick  said. 

"  Age—age,  captain— nothing  more.    Try  it  again." 

Dick  once  more  placed  the  glass  to  his  lips. 

He  sipped  dubiously. 

A  little  more  had  been  swallowed,  when  be  happened 
suddenly  to  catch  sight  of  the  ostler's  visage. 

The  expression  upon  it  told  him  all  as  plainly  as  the 
longest  explanation. 

Be  was  betrayed. 

1  >.«  excitement  of  the  ostler  had  reached  fever  point , 
and  when  he  saw  Dick  in  the  act  of  swallowing  the 
second  draught,  he  could  no  more  prevent  his  fe»t"res 
displaying  his  triumph  and  exultation  than  he  could  have 
stopped  the  pulsations  of  his  heart. 

This,  coupled  with  the  strange  taste  of  the  spirit,  which 
was  now  very  noticeable,  told  Dick  that  he  had  been  be- 
trayed by  the  being  he  had  so  trusted,  and  who  had 
spoken  so  fairly  to  him. 

"  Villain  !"  he  shrieked,  rather  than  said,  for  the  eon- 
sequences  of  what  would  follow  drinking  the  drugged 
brandy  rushed  with  full  force  upon  his  brain—"  villain  ! 
you  have  betrayed  me !" 

As  he  pronounced  the  last  words,  he  dashed  the  re- 
mainder of  the  spirit  into  the  rascal's  face. 
His  aim  was  good. 

The  ostler  was  temporarily  deprived  of  sight. 
"  Base,  accursed  wretch  I"  continued  Turpin,  now  in  a 
perfect  frerzy.    "  But  yon  shall  not  reap  the  benefit  of 
what  you  have  done!    I  see  through  it  alii    I  can  at 
least  inflict  that  punishment  upon  you  I" 
So  6aying,  he  drew  his  sword. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  the  ostler  recovered  himself 
a  little. 

Maddened  untb  piin.  be  cidc  z  frantic  rosb  imp  a.S* 
fsiriuv 


thb  KKKurr  or  THE  SOAU. 


im 


He  did  not  Me  the  sword. 

Dick  held  It  firmly  in  front  of  him,  with  the  hilt  press- 
ing against  his  breast. 

The  ostler  did  not  pause,  and  consequently  he  was  im- 
paled upon  it. 

"  Villain !"  shrieked  Dick.  •''  Take  your  doom !  Tou 
did  not  think  that  you  had  been  so  cleverly  plotting  j<"ir 
own  destruction  as  well  as  mine !" 

A  fearful  groan  came  from  the  ostler's  lips,  and,  throw- 
ing up  his  arms,  he  fell  backwards  to  the  ground. 

When  the  sword  was  tbus  violently  withdrawn,  Uio 
blood  gushed  forth  in  a  manner  that  seemed  to  indicate 
the  wound  would  prove  a  mortal  one. 

"Such  a  death  is  too  good  for  you,"  said  Dick,  sheath- 
ing bis  sword,  all  covered  with  blood  as  it  was.  "  Yours 
is  a  righteous  fate,  and  may  6uch  ever  be  the  doom  of 
the  traitor !" 

He  reeled  as  he  spoke,  and  a  Etrange  tumult  seemed 
taking  place  in  his  brain. 

"  Vf  hat  will  be  the  end  ?"  he  cried,  clasping  his  hands 
before  bis  eyes,  for  they  throbbed  most  painfully — "  what 
will  be  the  end  ?  What  was  the  strength  of  that  accursed 
drug?" 

It  was  plain  that  every  moment  it  was  asserting  its  in- 
fluence. 

The  dying  ostler  bent  upon  him  a  look  of  hate  that  was 
none  the  less  malignant  because  so  powerless. 

"  Your  race  is  run,"  he  said.  "  This  is  your  last  deed  ! 
But  I  shall  live — live  to  see  you  hanging  in  front  of  Yoik 
Castle  before  many  more  days  are  over  your  head !" 

"Never!"  screamed  Dick,  who  was  now  quite  mad- 
dened by  the  mixture  he  had  swallowed.     '#1—1—" 

He  paused,  and  again  clasped  his  hands  over  his  pain- 
fully-throbbing eyes. 

A  momentary  return  of  consciousness  had  taken  place. 

"  What  can  I  do  ?"  he  murmured,  sadly—"  what  can  1 
do  ?    Water — water .'" 

Looking  around,  his  eyes  fell  upon  a  stable  bucket  full 
of  the  wished-for  liquid. 

He  intended  at  first  to  drink,  but  his  whole  brain 
seemed  to  be  on  fire,  and  it  was  in  obedience  to  an  irre- 
sistible impulse  that  he  plunged  his  head  completely  into 
the  water. 

Ob,  how  coolly  and  refreshingly  it  bubbled  round  his 
neck  and  in  his  ears ! 

Thus  he  remained  until  want  of  breath  compelled  him 
to  withdraw. 

He  was  wonderfully  better,  and  finding  this  to  be  the 
ease,  he  took  a  long  breath  and  repeated  his  bath. 

This  time  be  stayed  longer  still. 

He  was  much  refreshed. 

His  brain  was  chilled — his  eyes  no  longer  seemed 
as  though  they  would  force  themselves  from  their 
sockets. 

"  I  must  not  linger  here,"  he  said—"  this  is  no  place 
for  me.  Away— away !  If  I  can  but  crawl  to  some 
lonely  spot  and  lie  down  and  sleep,  that  will  be  the  best 
way  of  getting  rid  of  the  effects  of  the  drug.  Yes,  yes 
— away— away !     I  must  leave  England — England !" 

The  way  in  which  he  finished  his  sentence  showed 
that  the  water  had  only  produced  a  transient  effect,  and 
one,  too,  that  was  more  apparent  than  real. 

He  staggered  out  of  the  stable. 

Fortunately  for  him,  it  was  growing  dusk,  and  thero 
was  no  one  in  sight. 

Everything  he  looked  at  seemed  in  motion. 

The  ground  rose  and  fell  uuder  his  feet  like  billows  on 
the  ocean. 

The  symptoms  ne  experienced  were  just  those  of  com- 
pleto  intoxication. 

The  fresh  air  appeared  to  affect  him  strongly. 

Whether  it  would  enable  him  to  overcome  the  effects 
of  the  drug,  or  whether  it  would  accelerate  its  action,  was 
hard  indeed  to  say.  ) 

But  Dick  continued  to  stumble  esd  stagger  on. 

Each  moment  he  seemed  about  to  fall,  but  he  would  re- 
cover his  balance  miraculously,  and  resume  his  devious 
way. 

He  knew  he  was  going  on,  but  with  that  faet  it  may  be 
•aid  consciousness  begun  and  ended. 

What  lay  before  him— whether  it  was  turf  or  roadway 
on  which  be  trod — whether  be  was  going  towards  York 
~  .vere  perfect  mysteriaa. 


t'x  stupifled  dW  V  '-u>idlr  beoc-Tsa.  t-h/rf  be  ceased  (a    'ioa 


trouble  himself  in  the  least  degree  upon  these  point*,  or 
to  feel  at  all  curious  about  them. 

Motion  was  more  meohanical  than  aught  else. 

Still,  with  sleepy,  vacant  eyes  he  gazed  around,  but  hta 
glances  had  no  speculation  in  them.         & 

Yet  he  felt  no  desire  to  sleep. 

Whether  this  was  owing  to  his  not  baring  drunk  a 
sufficient  quantity  of  the  drug,  or  his  having  immersed  hit 
head  In  cold  water  in  the  way  we  have  described,  we  know 
not. 

How  long  he  continued  on  this  staggering  course  he 
uad  no  means  of  judging. 

He  fancied  it  must  be  long,  for  he  was  very,  very 
weary. 

Painfully  ho  gazed  from  6ide  to  side,  looking  out  foi 
some  place  of  rest,  but  finding  none. 

Had  he  really  paused  the  probability  is  that  he  woulo 
very  quickly  have  become  totally  insensible. 

More  than  one  chance  passenger  stopped  to  look  at  him . 
and  watch  his  erratic  6fceps,  for  his  motions  were  precisely 
those  of  a  drunken  man,  and  this  was  what  he  was  taken 
to  be. 

Not  one  of  his  observers  chanced  to  guess  at  his  iden- 
tity, and  so,  without  knowing  it,  they  allowed  a  large  sum 
to  slip  through  their  fingers  when  they  might  easily  have 
retained  it 

But  what  a  strange  fatality  it  was  that  directed  Dick, 
while  in  this  helpless  state,  towards  the  City  of  York  ! 

Had  he  turned  precisely  the  opposite  way  there  might 
have  been  some  chance  for  him. 

But  what  hope  had  he  in  thus  rushing  blindly  upon  the 
spot  which  of  ail  others  threaten^  bun  with  the  most 
danger ! 

Yet  so  it  was. 

Every  step  he  took  was  only  carrying  him  nearer  to  his 
foes. 

But  not  even  in  the  dreamy  way  that  he  kn3-v  he  w%s 
in  motion  was  Dick  conscious  of  this  terrible  mistake. 

With  a  6trange  confidence  be  went  on,  his  miud  so 
utterly  stultified  that  he  never  for  one  single  instant  en- 
tertained the  suspicion  that  he  might  be  going  wrong. 

When  he  felt  so  weary  that  it  seemed  as  though  he 
could  not  go  any  further,  he  caught  sight  of  an  inn. 

It  was  not  far  off,  and  on  the  pleasant  bit  of  green  laws 
— if  we  may  eo  term  it — several  rustic  seats  bad  been 
placed  for  the  accommodation  of  those  guests  who  inig'u". 
prefer  to  sit  alfresco  in  the  summer  time. 

Oh,  how  inviting  those  seats  looked  to  the  wora-ou'. 
fugitive  1 

Could  he  only  sit  for  a  short  time  on  one  of  them  be 
believed  he  should  recover  himself  sufficiently  to  take 
steps  for  his  ultimate  escape. 

The  temptation  was  not  to  be  resisted. 

Staggering  on  with  the  same  swaying  gait  until  he 
reached  one  of  the  twisted  wood  tables,  he  §at  himself 
down  on  the  seat  near  it,  and  immediately  buried  his 
burning  forehead  in  bis  hands. 

His  approach  bad  been  noticed  and  commented  on  by 
several,  especially  the  landlord  who,  long  pipe  in  mouth, 
was  watching  the  progress  of  a  rubber  at  bowls. 

"  Francis,"  he  said  addressing  himself  to  the  man  who 
was  waiting  on  the  customers,  "that  cove  yonder  has 
had  enough,  it  seems  to  me.  Don't  fill  him  any  more  if 
you  can  help  it ;  let  him  be  awhile — he  may  recover.  At 
ai>y  rate,  I'D  have  an  eye  upon  him." 

From  this  it  would  seem  that  the  landlord  entertained 
no  suspicion  as  to  the  identity  of  the  new-comer. 

Dick  had  not  sat  at  the  table  long  before  two  or  three 
labouring  men  sat  down  beside  him. 

The  noise  made  by  them  aroused  him. 

The  stupifying  effects  of  the  drug  seemed  to  have  worn 
off  somewhat  even  in  this  brief  space,  but  its  influence 
was  by  no  means  gone. 

It  manifested  itself  in  a  different  manner. 

With  bloodshot,  aching  eyes,  he  glared  around  him. 

He  felt  frenzied — maddened  impelled  to  do  some  Mt~ 
rageous  deed  or  other. 

It  was  as  though  some  demoniac  spirit  had  taken  pos- 
session of  his  breast. 

Ho  was  in  the  mood  to  quarrel  with  anyone — to  inter- 
fere with  anything. 

It  was  such  a  disposition  indeed  which  is  often  mani- 
fested by  those  who  are  in  a  certain  stage  of  iutcsioc* 


i99* 


BLACK   BESS;   OB, 


All  at  once  his  ears  were  assailed  by  a  loud  cheer  com- 
ing from  many  throats. 

"  What'3  that  ?"  he  hickuped,  in  a  thick  voice,  »  M  at 
the  same  time  half  rising — "what's  that,  I  say  ?" 

The  game  at  bowls  had  just  been  concluded,  and  the 
wager  decided. 

It  would  seem  that  no  ordinary  interest  had  attached  to 
the  game,  and  the  triumphant  sounds  wero  in  oonoo*  of 
the  victor. 

But  surely  some  demon  must  nava  taken  possession  of 
Dick's  body  and  directed  its  movements — it  hardly  seems 
credible  that  he  acted  in  accordance  with  the  dictates  of 
his  own  mind. 

After  many  efforts,  he  contrived  to  stand  somewhat 
steadily  upon  his  legs. 

Then  he  rolled  his  heavy,  bloodshot  eyes  around  until 
he  caught  sight  of  the  tumultuous  group  assembled  round 
the  players. 

No  sooner  did  he  comprehend  who  they  trtid  and  what 
they  were  about  than  he  reeled  towards  tUeji. 

"  Whp'3  won  ?"  he  asked,  elbowing  his  way  among  the 
throng — "  who's  won,  I  say  ? — I  don't  care  who  he  is, 
here's  a  man  here  that  can  beat  him— I  can  do  it !  I'll 
bowl  the  winner  or  anybody  here  for  any  money  !  I'll  bet 
anybody  fifty  pounds  to  five  shillings  I  am  the  winner! 

''  What  are  you  all  afraid  of  ?"  he  continued,  in  a  thicker 
apd.  more  inarticulate  voice  than  ever,  and  looking  as 
though  .he  would  be  only  too  glad  to  enter  iuto  a  quarrel 
with  anyone  upon  the  slightest  provocates  '  I  isk  are 
you  all  afraid,  or  do  you  think  I  havo  no  mom  y  about 
me?  If  that's  it  you're  wrong.  Look  here!  What  do 
you. think  of  that,  now  ?" 

While  speaking,  he  plunged  his  hand  into  his  pocket 
and  drew  forth  as  many  guineas  as  he  could  grasp. 

"  Here  you, are.  Here's  money  enough,  and  I'll  bet  you 
all  I  tell  you !" 

With  the  utmost  recklessness,  he  flung  the  coins  upon 
the  nearest  table,  upon  which  many  remained,  but  more 
fell  off  and  rolled  along  the  grass. 

Such  behaviour  as  this  was  well  calculated  to  excite  the 
astonishment  of  the  rustics  assembled  at  the  inn. 

When  they  saw  the  gold,  they  immediately  felt  a  great 
accession  of  respect. 

The  general  idea  was  that  he  was  some  gentleman — no 
doubt  a  lord — who  was  the  worse  for  liquor,  and  from 
whom,  most  likely,  they  would  all  bo  able  to  pick  up  a 
trifle  by  humouring  him. 

Acting  upon  this  idea,  the  man  who  had  just  been 
vanquished  touched  his  hat. 

"I'll  bowl  your  lordship,  if  your  lordship  pleases." 

"Done!"  hickuped  Dick.  "Down  with  your  five 
shillings,  and  here's  my  fifty  pounds." 

He  placed  a  quantity  of  uncounted  gold  upon  the  table 
—certainly  more  thait-the  amount"  he  had  named." 

"  Now,  then,"  he  cried,  "  for  the  game !" 

The  preparations  were  soon  made,  and  Dick  allowed  to 
bowl  first. 

His  antagonist  was  quite  willing  to  make  him  any 
such  allowance  as  this,  because  he  felt' sure  of  winning." 

Dick  poised  the  bowl  with-  tipsy  gravity,  and  affected 
to  take  the  most  careful  aim.' 

But  when  the  biased  ball  left  his  hand,  it  rolled,  as 
might  be  expected,  very  far  way  indeed  from  the 
jack.     ' 

His  other  efforts  were  no  better,  and,  of  course,  there 
was  no  doubt  that  he  bad  lost. 

But  envy  would  not  lot  the  others  allow  one  of  their 
number  to  profit  so  largely  by  what  had  happened. 

Cries  of  shame  were  raised  ;  and  uv.re  than  one  declared 
that  it  was  nothing  but  barefaced  robbery  to  take  the 
gentleman's  money. 

;  "It  is— it  is,"  said  the  landlord.    "  He  is  not  in  a  6t*te 
to  play — he  is  not  steady  enough." 

Incautiously,  the  landlord  spoke  these  worda  in  a  tone 
sufficiently  loud  to  reach  Dick  Turpin's  eara. 

He  turned  round  with  an  angry  scowl,  and  raad»  his  way 
towards  him  with  angry  gestures. 

if  Do  you  insult  me,  you  d — d  tun-bellied  rascal  ?     I'll 

A  hickup  stopped  uis  further  speech ;  and  just  at  the 
same  moment  a  cock  flew  up  on  to  the  low  wall  close  by, 
and,  flapping  his  wingSj  crowed  lustily. 

Dick's  attention"  was.  at  once  attracted  to  this  new 
object. 


"  My  hand  isn't  steady,  isn't  it  ?"  he  muttered.  "  B«* 
you're  a  liar,  Mr.  Landlord,  and  this  shall  prove  it  J" 

At  the  same  time,  and  without  anyone  present  having 
the  least  notion  of  what  he  was  about  to  do,  he  drew  a 
pistol,  and  raising  it,  suddenly  pulled  the  trigger. 

do  rapidly  was  all  this  done  that  there  did  not  seem  to 
be  time  for  him  to  take  aim  ;  certainly  no^  one  was  quick 
eivi^h  tv  prevent  him. 

T lib*1©  was  a  loud  report,  and  the  cot*,  who  had  been 
so  exultant  a  moment  before,  fell  ignominiously  into  the 
dust,  with  his  feathers  all  dabbled  in  blood,  and  in  the  last 
agonies  of  death. 

"  Who  says  my  hand  isn't  steady  now  ?"  Dick  asked, 
with  an  air  of  triumph,  as  he  flung  the  pistol  from 
bim. 

"  I  say  you  are  a  d— d  fool !"  responded  the  landlord, 
angrily.     "  You  shall  pay  dearly  for  it !" 

"  What  do  you  say  ?"  • 

"You  have  shot  my  favourite  bird!"  said  the  landlord, 
displaying  more  violent  passion  than  one  would  havo  ex- 
pected on  such  an  occasion.  "There  isn't  such  a  game 
cock  in  all  the  ridings  of  Yorkshire  as  that !  I  wouldn't 
have  parted  with  him  for  any  money !"  *  . 

Dick  regarded  him  with  a  stupid,  besotted  stare. 

In  the  meanwhile,  some  of  the  bystanders  had  picked 
up  the  game  cock  and  brought  it  towards  the  house. 

The  sight  of  the  bird  thus  suddenly  and  wantonly 
slaughtered  redoubled  the  landlord's  resentment. 

Flourishing  his  clenched  fist  in  Dick's  face,  he  re- 
sumed :  '  '      f 

"  I'll  have  the  law  on  you  for  this !  It  shall  be  the 
dearest  bit  of  ■port  you  ever  had  in  the  whole  course  of 
your  life!" 

"Get  back,"  said  Dick,  drawing  anothor  pistol — "got 
back,  I  say!  What  do  I  care?  If  you  will  get"  upon 
the  top  of  the  wall  and  flap  your  wings  and  crow,  I'll 
d — d  soon  shoot  you ;  and  think  no  more,  about  it  than  I 
did  about  shooting  him !  Perhaps  you'll  think  twice 
before  you  insult  a  gentleman  again." 

During  this  speech  his  voice  grew  thicker  and 
thicker. 

The  last  words  were  all  but  inarticulate. 

A  rush  of  blood  seemed  to  force  its  way  into  his  head, 
his  eyes  cloudud,  and  he  sank  almost  insensible  upon  "th« 
nearest  seat. 

But  the  landlord's  exasperation  was  much  increased  by 
Dick's  threat,  more  especially  as  it  had  been  greeted  by  a 
general  laugh. 

"  I  will  have  the  law  on  him  !"  he  cried.  "  Yes  will  I, 
even  if  he  was  the  King  of  England,  and  if  it  cost  me  all 
the  money  I  am  worth  !" 


CHArTEU  MCXXV. 

DICK   TURPIN   AWAKES  TO    FIND   HIMSELF  THE   INMATE   OF 
A  I*RISOJf     CELL. 

The  landlord  fully  meant  what  he  said'. 

The  game  cock  was  the  one  living'  thing  ahove  all 
others  which  he  loved  and  prized  the  most,  ahd  it  was 
more  than  he  could  endure  to  see  it  thus  wantonly 
slaughtered. 

Accordingly,  ho  beckoned  one  of  his  servants  to  him, 
and  despatched  him  for  the  police.' 

A  very  6hort  time  elapsed  before  he  returned,  accom- 
panied t»y  several  constables  and  police  officers  belonging 
to  the  City  of  York;  but  not  any  of  those  under  .Mr. 
Skellum's  command. 

These  were,  indeed,  in  quite  another  part  of  the 
country,  huuting  vainly  for  traces  of  the  fugitive. 

"  There  he  is,"  said  the  landlord — "arrest  him." 

*  Why,  the  gentleman's  doad  drunk  !  What's  .  the 
charge  ?" 

"  Threatening  my  life  and  shooting  my  game  cock. 
Take  him  up,  I  say  !" 

One  of  the  officers  stepped  up  to  Dick,  w  I  a  wao  as  yet 
unconscious  of  their  arrival,  and  tapped  him  on  the 
shoulder. 

"  You  must  come  with  us,"  he  said.  *•'  D  ra't  make  any 
fuss." 

These  words  are  quite  sufficient  to  sho^  that  the 
officers  had  not  the  remotest  suspiJib**  >f  Dick's 
identity. 

By  this  time  the  poor  fugitive  had  all  but  BuccnmlK»dvto 
the  subtle  influence  of  the  drug. "" 


the  kmght  or  thb  bcui>. 


19W 


He  start*  1  upon  feeling  a  hand  laid  upon  Mm,  and 
totked  up  vr.cantly. 

Yet,  stupified  as  he  was,  he  comprehended  that  iS  was 
an  officer  6tandiug  in  such  close  proximity  to  him. 

With  "■  kud  cry  thrilling  from  his  lips,  he  started  to 
his  feet. 

The  sighi  of  his  toes  galvanised  him  into  life. 
As  sometimes   a  sudden   shock  will    almost   sober   a 
drunken  man,  so  did  the  knowledge  of  the  fearful  peril  in 
which  he  stood  enable  the  fugitive  to  triumph  ovor  the 
insidious  power  of  the  drug. 

In  another  moment  a  most  violent  struggle  com- 
menced. 

The  first  officer  received  a  terrific  blow  upon  tbo  head 
with  the  butt  end  of  Dick's  pistol,  which  laid  him  flat  as 
euddehly  as  if  he  had  been  struck  down  with  a  pole-axe. 

Upon   seeing    this  attack,    the   others  quickly   closed 
r<>uud  him,  calling  in  a  loud  voice  upon  those  standing 
ly  to  render  their  assistance! 
The  struggle  was  terrific. 

Despite  the  number  of  his  foes.  Dick  managed  to  draw 
his  sword;  and  no  doubt  mauy  would  have  suffered 
.•••vcrely  had  it  not  been  wrenched  from  his  hand  by  one 
who  was  bolder  and  stronger  than  the  rest. 
Dick's  strength,  too,  was  beginning  to  fail  him. 
His  blood  was  too' much  loaded  by  the  drug  for  him  to 
l>e  able  very  long  to  retain  the  mastery  over  it. 

Besides,  it  was  not  possible  for  anyone  to  fight  success- 
fully against  such  odds  as  were  opposed  to  him. 
They  hemmed  him  round. 
Many  hands  seized  him. 
The  landlord  clutched  him  by  the  throat. 
Another  officer  managed  to  secure  a  rope  round  one  of 
his  arms. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  a  horseman,  mounted  on  a 
steed  of  jetty  blackness,  was  riding  along  the  high-road 
before  the  inn. 

It  was  now  almost  dark — at  least,  distant  objects  looked 
oli-scure  and  dim. 

Seeing  the  contention  that  was  going  on,  this  stranger, 
animated  apparently  by  curiosity,  rode  up  to  see  what 
was  the  cause  of  it. 

When  he  saw  so  many  attacking  one  who  seemed  to 
be  helplessly  drunk,  he  was  about  to  interfere. 

But  just  as  he  uttered  the  first  words  of  angry  indigna- 
tion, Dick  relapsed  into  total  insensibility,  and  would 
have  fallen  backwards  to  the  ground  had  he  not  been 
held  up  by  those  officers  who  stood  behind  him. 

lie  was  now  securely  pinioned  by  the  rope,  and  even 
now  the  officers  failed  to  recognise  him. 

Indeed,  that  Dick  Turpin  should  be  reduced  to  this 
condition  was  So  unlikely  a  circumstance  that  it  never 
once  occurred  to  them. 

But  the  stranger  who  had  just  arrived  looked  somewhat 
curiously  upon  the  bruised  and  dust-covered  figure  of  the 
fugitive. 

"  Who  is  it?"  bo  asked;  and  as  the  tumult  bad  «»uie- 
what  subsided  his  question  was  attended  to. 

The  landlord — who  was  one  of  those  who  always  had 
an  eye  to  business,  and  fancied  he  6aw  in  the  newcomer  a 
customer — said,  respectfully  : 

"ItVageiitleniau  a  little  overcome,  sir— that's  it,  and, 
as  you  see,  uncommon  violent." 

The  police  officers  looked  upon  the  etranger,  and  im- 
mediately began  to  whisper  to  each  other, 

.•;  That's  Captain  Uawk  !"  cried  one.  "  Seize  him — 
seize  him !" 

But  Captain  Hawk — for  it  was  indeed  no  other — merely 
tightened  the  rein  a  little,  and  his  magnificent  steed  rose 
upon  his  hind  legs,  and  pawed  the  air  with  its  tin  cues 
in  such  a  way  as  to  make  it  particularly  unsafe  tor  auvone 
to  approacn  too  near. 

.  "Good  evening,  gentlonn  u  all!"  he  said,  witn  an 
ironical  bow.  "If  you  are  inclined  to  exercise  the 
muscles  of  your  legs  a  little  you  have  an  excellent  op- 
portunity, for  I  am  off  !     Good  uijrht !" 

"  Ten  thousand  curses  on  the  fellow's  impudence !"  said 
one  of  the  officers,  as  Captain  Hawk  galloped  off.  "That's 
just  about  Lke  him.'  But  he  will  come  it  too  strong  one 
of  these  days-  I  ktiow  he  will,  and  then  it  will  be  all  up 
with  him." 

The  officuw  wave  wise  enough  to  see  that  it  would  be 
quite  labour  in  vain  far  them  to  attempt  to  pursue  a 
moar.*<>^   m»n,   so  they  lid   not  r  ffer   to  stir,  but  turned 


had 


the  whole  of  their  attention  to  the  capture  they 
just  made. 

Captain  Hawk  was  quickly  lost  to  v1*1*  »n  the  dark- 
ness. 

It  may  seem  strange  that  he  should  not  Te«ognise  tha 
prisoner ;  but  it  is  quite  certain  that  he  did  not. 

And  could  a  tolerably  good  idea  be  formed  of  the 
dejected,  wasted,  bruised,  and  bleeding  object  which  Dick 
was  at  that  moment,  the  circumstance  would  by  no  means 
have  been  wondered  at. 

It.  was  also  too  dark  for  anything  to  be  seen  with  due 
distinctness. 

From  a  combination  of  all  these  causes,  then,  it  hap- 
pened thut  Captain  Hawk  passed  by  his  friend  and  left 
him  at  a  moment  when  ho  could  have  been  of  the  utmost 
service  to  him. 

Yet  so  it  was,  and  Dick  was  left  absolutely  at  the  mercy 
of  his  foes. 

The  officers  were  in  no  hurry  to  remove  him;  and, 
having  satisfied  themselves  that  he  was  secure,  they  laid 
him  at  full  length  on  one  of  the  tables,  and  proceeded  to 
regale  themselves  at  the  expense  of  the  landlord,  from 
whose  lips  they  received  a  full  account  of  what  had  taken 
place. 

"  You  are  sure  he's  a  gentleman  ?"  remarked  one  of  the 
officers,  interrogatively. 

"  Quite  sure  of  it.  He  has  no  end  of  money  upon  him, 
and  he  threw  it  about  just  like  dirt." 

"  Then  he  may  think  himself  lucky,  for  if  he  wasn't 
I  can  tell  you  this  would  turn  out  a  very  bad  evening's 
sport  for  b'vn." 

At  lengtn,  a  cart  having  been  procured,  Dick,  still  .as 
insensible  as  at  first,  was  placed  in  it,  and,  at  a  leisurely 
pace,  made  their  way  towards  the  castle,  used  then,  as 
now,  as  a  prison  for  all  kinds  of  criminals. 

On  their  arrival,  the  landlord  of  the  public-house  speci- 
fied his  charge  against  the  prisoner,  swearing  that  he  had 
threatened  to  take  his  life. 

The  officers  also  deposed  to  the  manner.'  in  which,  he 
had  resisted  the  execution  of  their  duty. 

His  name  no  one  knew.  .  . 

Dick  was  still  senseless. 
"  His  pockets  were  examined;    but,  of  course,  nothing 
was  found  that  gave  the  least  clue  to  his  identity. 

The  amount  of  money  found  upon  his  person  gave 
colour  to  the  landlord's  statement  that  he  was  a  gentle- 
man ;  but  the  largeness  of  the  sum  caused  just  a  little 
suspicion. 

Being  looked  upon  also  as  a  more  than  usually  desperate 
character,  he  was  carried  into  -one  of  the  strongest  cells, 
and  there  left  to  come  to  himself  as  best  he  might. 

And  this  was  the  strange  manner  in  which  Dick 
Turpin  at  last  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  his  foes- 

Of  what  avail  were  those  often-made  protestations  that 

he  would  never  surrender  alive  ? 

And  yet  there  he  was,  lying  in  a  cell  perfectly  helpless. 

It  is  true  he  was  not  known,  but  after  what  had  taken 

plaie  the  probability  was  slight  that  he  would  for  very 

long  remain  unrecognised. 

From  what  has  been  related,  the  reader  will  be  able  to 
estimate  tolerably  well  the  strength  of  the  drug  the 
treacherous  ostler  had  administered. 

Had  Dick  drank  off  the  whole  of  the  glass  of  brandy 
the  probability  is  that  he  would  have  fallen,  senseless  as 
soon  as  he  had  swallowed  the  last  drop. 

He  was  quite  unconscious — quite  dead  to  all  around 
him — quite  ignorant  of  where  he  was. 

And  so  he  remained  through    the  long  hours  of  the 
tedious  night,  until  the  first  glimmer  of  light  found  its 
way  into  his  dungeon. 
Then  he  stirred  slightly. 

But  he  did  not  thoroughly  wake  up  lor  some  moment* 
after. 

There  was  an  awful  sensation  in  his  brain  as  though  it 
was  splitting  in  two  pieces. 

His  eyes  were  so  heavy  that  ho  could  scarcely  raise  tha 
lids,  and,  feeble  as  the  light  was  which  found  its  way 
into  that  place,  yet  some  time  elapsed  before  he  could 
^iir  it. 

There  am  I  ?"  he  murmured,  at  last  as  something 
like  returning  recollection  came  over  him.  "What 
happened  last  ?  Why,"  he  added,  almost  with  a  shriek, 
as  be  started  up  and  glared  around  him,  "this  w  tnj 
dream  ag'iin  !" 


0LAC&   B*8S  |   60. 


a.  frightful  seusati«a  of  weakness  and  sickness  at  this 
moment  assaOed  him,  and.  striving  madly  to  clutch  the 
JLr  and  »re  himself,  he  fell  heavily  to  the  ground. 

Here  he  remained  for  somw  time — until,  indeed,  recol- 
lection came  back  to  him.         » 

One  point  was  very  clear. 

That  was  that  he  had  swallowed  a  quantity  trJ  dnij^d 
brandy,  and  that  he  had  discovered  it  just  in  time  to 
punish  the  ostler  for  his  treachery. 

After  that  all  was  blurred  and  indistinct,  nor  could  he, 
with  all  his  ©Sorts,  call  up  a  remembranoe  of  after 
evantt. 

With  respect  to  his  arrival  at  the  roadside  inn,  and 
all  that  had  occurred  there,  his  memory  was  a  perfect 
blank. 

After  this  he  arose. 

Ha  was  not  quite  satisfied  whether  all  tbi?  .fas  or  was 
not  a  dream. 

"I  had  a  vision  like  this  once  before,"  he  said — "  when 
1  awoke  from  my  slumber  in  the  loft.  Is  this  a  repeti- 
tion of  it  or  is  it  the  reality  ?" 

There  was  little  likelihood  that  he  would  remain  very 
long  in  doubt  upon  this  point. 

Struggling  to  his  feet,  he  managed  to  cross  the  narrow 
flooring  of  his  cell. 

One  touch  of  the  cold  stone  sufficed. 

He  was  satisfied  that  he  was  the  inmate  of  a  dungeon. 

To  describe  the  effect  which  this  discovery  had  upon 
turn  is  simply  an  impossibility. 

He  was  stunned — overwhelmed. 

A  slight  wound  causes  much  pain — a  deadly  »ne  causes 
insensibility. 

80  it  was  with  the  effect  which  this  terrible  discovery 
bad  upon  Dick  Turpin. 

"  I  was  warned  of  this,"  he  murmured ;  "  but  the  warn- 
ing came  too  late.  This  is  just  as  I  dreamt,  and  I  feel 
now  just  those  sensations  which  were  presented  to  me 
with  such  horrible  distinctness  ia  my  vision.  To  think 
that  it  should  come  to  this  at  last !  I,  who  have  so  often 
sworn  that  I  would  never  yield  myself  with  life — yet 
here  I  wake  up  and  find  myself  the  inmate  of  a  prison 
cell  1" 

Dick  was  so  dismayed  and  daunted  upon  coming  to  a 
full  realisation  of  his  position  that  he  could  think  of  doing 
nothing. 

Of  one  important  circumstance  he  yet  reunited  in 
ignorance. 

This  was,  that  bis  captors  were  unaware  of  bis 
identity. 

This  was  a  most  vital  thing,  and,  could  he  but  have 
known  it,  would  have  produced  no  slight  amount  of  con- 
tentment. 

It  chanced,  however,  that  he  came  once  very  near  to 
guessing  it. 

He  all  at  once  made  the  discovery  that  his  limbs  were 
f  ntirely  free. 

This  amazed  him  not  a  little,  as  he  naturally  enough 
expected  that  the  first  step  taken  would  be  to  load  him 
with  the  heaviest  irons. 

Why  they  had  omitted  this  precaution  puzzled  him  to 
think. 

The  true  solution  never  once  occurred  to  him. 

It  was  while  in  this  state  of  indecision  and  uncertainty 
that  the  cell  door  was  opened. 

And  now  Dick  observed  another  singularity. 

This  was,  that  the  jailer  had  a  broad  grin  upon  his 
face,  which  looked  anything  but  stern  in  its  expression. 

The  fact  was,  this  man  felt  quite  sure  that  Dick  must 
be  a  real  gentleman,  the  grounds  for  his  belief  being 
the  amount  of  valuables  which  had  been  found  ab<«n 
him. 

Not  being  a  poor  man,  then,  this  turnkey  wm  weil 
enough  acquainted  with  the  mysteries  of  prison  keeping 
ro  be  aware  that  the  proceedings  of  the  preceding  ev  su- 
ing would  bo  looked  upon  as  a  mere  drunken  frolic— such 
»  one  as  it  would  be  a  world  of  pities  if  a  gentleman  could 
not  have  if  he  thought  proper. 

Experience  had  taught  the  jailer  that  there  was  nothing 
1 03t  by  being  civil  in  such  cases. 

His  behaviour,  then,  might  wtH  strike  Dick  with 
astonishment,  who  found  himself  «iiollv  unable  to  account 
tor  it. 

"  Good  morning,  sir,  saving  your  presence,"  he  aaid, 
with  aa  awkward  attempt  to  be  respectful.    "If  yon 


would  like  anything  particular  for  breakfast,  it  can  always 
be  had  in  the  prison  by  paying  for  it." 

Dick  pressed  his  hot  hands  upon  his  burning,  throbbing 
forehead.  « 

"Head  very  bad,  sir?"  tfett  m»n  said,  sympathising!/. 
"  I  can  get  you  something  tint  will  do  you  a  power  of 
g.ied." 

"Do  so—  ao  so,  and  I——" 
'-  Dick  thrust  his  hands  into  his  pockets,  and  in  no  little 
consternation  at  finding  them  empty. 

"Never  mind  the  money — that  will  be  all  right ;  I  will 
be  back  in  a  jiffey." 

The  turnkey  retired,  and  Dick  sank  down  upon 
the  stone  bench,  feeling  as  though  he  could  not  possibly 
endure  the  distracting  agony  in  his  brain. 

It  seemed  to  have  been  increased  a  thousandfold  by 
what  had  just  taken  plaoe. 

Luckily,  the  man  was  not  long. 

On  his  return  he  presented  Dick  with  some  foaming 
beverage,  which  he  drank  off  at  a  draught  without  know* 
ing  what  it  was,  and  almost  without  tasting  it. 

"  You'll  be  better  now,  sir,"  said  the  man,  with  the 
same  deep  respect ;  "  you  won't  be  taken  before  the  magis- 
trate for  at  least  an  hour,  and  by  that  time  you  will  be 
pretty  right.  Don't  mind  it,  sir,  you  will  have  to  pay  a 
tine  -  but  that  won't  hurt  you — perhaps  bind  you  over  to 
keep  the  peace — that's  a  mere  trifle ;  and  when  it's  ail 
over  just  be  good  enough  to  remember  me,  sir — I  have 
tried  to  make  matters  as  pleasant  as  I  could." 

Dick  could  only  reply  to  this  by  a  long  stare  of  astonish- 
ment, which,  under  any  other  circumstances,  would  have 
been  truly  comical. 

Ah,  sir !  I  fancy  you  don't  recollect  anything  about  it 
Well,  so  much  the  better. .  You  will  get  off  all  the  easier 
before  the  beak." 

Dick  was  never  more  amazed. 

Over  and  over  again  he  asked  himself  whether  he  could 
be  awake. 

"dorely — surely,"  he  thought,  "I  must  be  theeportot 
the  vagaries  of  some  wild  dream — all  this  which  seems  so 
actual  must  be  unreal." 

"  I'll  tell  you,  if  you  like,  what  I  beard,"  said  the  jailer, 
only  too  anxious  to  render  a  service  in  any  way  he  could 
think  of. 

"  What — what  ?"  asked  Dick,  feverishly.  "  I  am  dis- 
tracted 1     Tell  me— tell  me  all." 

Thereupon  the  jailer,  keeping  tolerably  well  to  facts, 
gave  a  minute  and  circumstantial  account  of  what  had 
taken  place. 

Yet  although  his  account  was  such  a  full  one,  Dick  was 
not  able  to  comprehend  his  position  properly  for  some 
time. 

But  eventually  it  dawned  upon  him  that,  impossible  as 
it  seemed,  he  had  been  arrested  without  those  who  took 
him  prisoner  guessing  he  was  other  than  an  intoxicated 
person. 

Even  with  the  help  of  the  turnkey's  narration,  he  was 
not  able  to  recollect  even  one  of  the  events  stated  to  have 
taken  place  at  the  inn. 

"  I  must  have  been  nnder  the  influence  of  that  madden- 
ing drug,"  he  said,  as  soon  as  he  was  alone ;  "  and  it  is 
the  accursed  stuff  which  is  now  causing  me  all  this  tor- 
ment. The  rascal  who  caused  all  this  has  met  with  his 
deserts,  tb-ugh  that  does  not  conteDt  me." 

Dick  turpin  ceased,  for  the  wild  and,  as  it  seemed, 
well-nigh  impossible  idea  seized  upon  him  that  he  might 
be  able  to  conceal  his  identity  when  examined  before  the 
magistrate. 

If  so,  as  the  jailer  had  stated,  he  would  escape  by  tho 
payment  of  a  fine,  and  he  knr •?  'limscli  to  bo  possessed 
of  such  an  amount  as  made  that  a  matter  01  small  mo- 
ment. 

His  heart  beat  wildly  at  this  supposition,  and  bfo  hopes 
increased  in  proportion  to  his  former  despair  upon  awak- 
ing and  finding  himself  a  captive. 

The  one  person  he  had  to  dread  was  Skellum. 

Should  that  persevering  hunter  of  highwaymen  chance 
to  be  in  the  Court,  detection  would  be  imminent. 

It  was  quite  likely  he  would  be  elsewhere,  anless  be 
had  already  received  some  inkling  as  to  who  the  prisoner 
was. 

Perplexed  by  these  and  kindred  doubts  and  fears,  Dick 
passed  the  time  until  he  was  aroused  by  the  opening  of 
the  cell  door. 


TtfE  K'NIGHT  6?  TUB  EOAD 


LDICK  TUBPtN  WRITES  A   LETTEE  TO  HI3  BEOTHEE.] 


This  was  to  summon  him  to  appear  at  the  C  mrt. 

"SaVrott  know  nothing  about  it,"  whispered  the 
friendly  outiSerested  turnkey.  .  «  Be  c  vil  oiira 
and.  .ay  how  much  you  regret  haying  swallowed  so  much 

"on  entering  the  Court,  Dick  glanced  around  him  with 
an  anxiety  that  he  strove  vainly  to  conceal. 

«?o  fpw  nersous  were  present,  however,  that  he  was 
able  to  ^sfy  himself  that  the  much- dreaded  Skellum 

WNoTwIstu  rapid  gaze   arrested   by  any  familiar 

^Dick's  name  was  asked,  and  after  a  momentary 
hesitation,  he  answered : 

LmendoPuo?may  perhaps  have  been  entertained  as  to 
whether  this  was  his  real  name  or  an  ««f '•  .    , . 

But  if  so,  most  assuredly  no  one  guessed  him  to  be  the 

No.  261.— Black  Bess.     ^.. 


K<i.   Vfil. 


notorious  highwayman  Dick  Turpiu,  whose  exploit* 
formed  the  theme  of  every  tongue.  nim89lf  had 

But  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  Dick  nimseir  naa 
been  seen  very  little  in  York,  and  the  printed  descrip. 
£>ns  which  had    been   circulated   corresponded   very 

the  aitemtion  was  so  great  as  to  prevent  Captain  Hawk 
XTSt-d  over  by  the  clerk  and  listened 

over  his  features  but  he  succeeded  admirably. 
°VThe ctSge,  divested  of  all  the  legal  ,««>n  wrth 
which  it  wis  enveloped,  was  simply  that  ■ of ^wilfully 
shooting  a  valuable  bird-to  wit,  a  game  cock -and 
making  use  of  such  threats  against  the  prosecutor 
as  to  pit  him  in  fear  of  his  life. 

Thick  Onb  flAi-irrsNNJr. 


#m 


SLiCS  BESS  ;   OS, 


Bearing  in  mind  the  promptings  of  the  turnkey,  Dick 
pleaded  tho  influence  of  the  excess  of  wine  be  had 
•swallowed,  and  solemnly  declared  that  he  was  profoundly 
ignorant  of  al)  the  circumstances,  and  could  not  call  one 
to  hid  remembrance — that,  however,  no  one  was  more 
Borry  or  regretted  what  had  happened  than  himself,  and 
protested  that  the  threat  was  an  unmeaning  one.  ;. 

The  magistrate  felt  disposed  to  take  a  lenient  view  of 
the  case. 

He  assessed  the  value  of  the  game  c>»ck  at  ten  pounds, 
which  Dick  was  to  pay,  together  with  all  costs  an  I 
charges.  A  fine  of  five  pounds  was  also  levied  for  tbo 
attack  upon  the  officers  who  arrested  him  ;  and,  finally,  he 
was  to  be  bound  over  to  keep  the  peace  toward.'  tho 
prosecutor— himself  in  fifty  pounds,  and  some  one  oloo  in 
another  fifty. 

T>ut  for  this  last  most  unfortunate  occurrence  ail  would 
have  gone  well  with  Dick. 

There  was  not  as  yet  the  faintest  suspicion  concerning 
him. 

Where  was  Dick  to  find  anyone  who  would  be  surety 
for  him  ? 

The  thing  was  impossible.  t  '. 

He  asked  to  be  bound  in  himself  for  the  hm  amount, 
offering  to  pay  the  whole  into  the  Court ;  but  this  was 
refused,  and,  as  he  was  not  able  to  name  any  person,  he 
was  removed  to  his  cell  once  more. 

Dick's  vexation  was  intense — indeed,  vexation  is  much 
too  weak  a  term  to  express  the  condition  of  his  mind. 

Every  moment  of  delay  was  fraught  with  danger  to 
him. 

To  bo  compelled  to  remain  in  the  prison  until  he  found 
some  one  to  be  bound  for  him  seemed  equivalent  to  sen- 
tencing him  to  a  life-long  imprisonment. 

But  the  turnkey  gave  Dick  a  hint. 

"It's  disagreeable,  I  know,"  he  said,  "  to  have  to  call 
upon  any  of  your  friends  in  such  a  matter,  but  you  must 
positively  fix  upon  some  one  to  get  you  out  of  the  scrape. 
Surely  you  must  know  sume  oue  who  would  do  you  this 
service  ?" 

It  was  while  the  man  was  speaking  these  words  that 
Dick  remembered  that  he  had  a  brother — at  least,  he  be- 
lieved he  had,  for  a  great  many  years  had  elapsed  «iuce 
he  had  either  seen  or  heard  from  him. 

Whether  ho  would  render  him  this  service  01  t,ot  he 
could  not  tell,  but  his  only  chance  lay  in  trying  it, 

"I  will  write  to  one  friend,"  he  said,  at  length.  "Let 
mc  have  the  necessary  materials.  Here,  take  this.  Eely 
upon  it,  I  shall  not  forget  to  be  grateful." 

Dick  had  claimed  a  portion  of  bis  money,  and  he  now 
slipped  a  couple  of  guineas  into  the  man's  hand. 

"All  right,  sir,"  he  said — "I  will  bring  pens,  ink,  and 
paper  at  once." 

He  did  so,  and  Dick  sat  down  to  commence. 

But  when  about  to  put  pen  to  paper  such  a  ciowd  of 
recollections  of  his  early  days  came  thronging  upon  him 
that  he  was  compelled  to  pause. 

Memory  carried  him  back  to  the  time— and  yet  it  was 
not  to  such  a  very  distant  period  after  all  — when  his 
hands  had  been  altogether  free  from  the  stains  of 
guilt. 

When  he  remembered  where  he  then  was,  and  in  what 
peril  he  stood  of  passing  out  of  this  wor'd  iguomiuiously, 
his  feelings  overwhelmed  him,  ana  for  a  time  he  was 
obliged  to  relinquish  his  task. 

"Brother  George,"  he  murmured,  fit  length,  "I  have 
had  but  few  favours  from  your  hands;  but  I  cannot 
bring  myself  to  believe  that  you  will  be  so  hard-hearted 
as  to  refuse  me  this— now,  when  you  find  that  my  lifu 
is  at  stake,  and  that  a  little  trouble  on  your  part  wj'l 
save  it,  1  am  certain  you  will  not  refuse.  JS*  any  rate,  1 
will  try." 
.    Dick  then  began  his  letter. 

There  was  not  muc^  iu  it,  but  the  few  words  wero  to 
the  point. 

He  told  his  brother  of  his  arrest,  and  the  circumstances 
which  had  led  to  it. 

He  told  him,  too,  that  ftiere  was  not  tho  slightest  sus- 
picion among  the  authorities  as  to  who  he  was,  and  that 
the  finding  of  a  suro!.;?  would  suffice  to  throw  open  tiie 
prison  doors  and  make  him  a  free  man. 

After  that,  he  said,  there  would  be  no  difficulty  in 
doir.g  what  he  had  long  decided  upon,  vie..  1  to  quit, 
England  never  to  return  to  it  again. 


He  concluded  the  letter  by  an  earnest  entreaty  to  Ms 
brother  not  to  desert  him  in  this  the  hour  of  extrew* 
need. 

Having  sealed  it,  ho  callod  in  the  turnkey,  and  delivered 
the  missive  into  his  hands. 

"Pay  for  tho  postage,"  said  Dick,  "so  that  there  may 
be  no  delay  Here  is  a  crown-piece ;  keep  the  change  fo» 
yourself." 

In  a  former  chapter  we  have  mentioned  the  disastrous 
consequences  which  followed  the  dispatch  of  this  letter. 

in  the  first  place,  the  turnkey  was  not  faithful  to  his 
trust. 

Ir.  those  days  postage  was  a  very  different  matter  to 
what  it  is  at  picsent— being,  in  fact,  about  twenty  times 
the  amount. 

The  turnkey  thought  he  might  as  well  appropriate  this 
trifle  as  not,  and  so  the  letter  was  posted  uuprepaiii. 

How  slight  and  trivial  a  circumstance,  and  yet,  beyond 
all  question,  it  sealed  Dick's  fate. 

The  letter,  on  its  arrival,  was  refused  by  his  brother,  on 
accountof  the  sum  demanded  for  the  postage. 

Unluckily,  it  happened  that  he  had  been  hoaxed,  not 
long  before  and  made  to  pay  what  was  to  him  a  serious 
sum  for  what  he  expected  to  be  a  letter,. but  which  was 
nothing  more  than  a  piece  of  blank  paper. 

The  postmark  "  York"  showed  him  it  was  from  a  place 
where,  to  the  best  of  his  knowledge,  he  had  no  friends  or 
relatives,  and — though  half  unwillingly — he  refused  the 
missive. 

He  had  been  laughed  at  on  the  former  occasion,  and 
resolved  not  to  bo  laughed  at  again. 

That  was  Dick's  death-warrant. 

The  letter  was  forwarded  to  the  proper  authorities  in 
London. 

By  them  it  was  opened,  and  the  astounding  discovery 
was  made  that  the  notorious  Dick  Turpiu  was  tho 
writer. 

A  messenger  was  despatched  forthwith  to  seek  out 
Sktdlum,  if  possible,  but,  at  any  rate,  to  take  care  that  the 
prisoner  was  not  allowed  to  get  away. 

After  the  letter  had  been  sent  Dick  suffered  a  world  of 
anxiety. 

Days  passed  without  bringing  him  any  intelligence. 

His  heart  grew  sick. 

Had  there  been  the  least  chance  of  success  ho  would 
have  risked  an  escape. 

But  there  was  none. 

It  was  a  matter  of  great  wonder  to  him  that  he  should 
have  remained  so  long  undiscovered. 

On  the  seventh  day  after  his  former  examination  he 
was  summoned  to  attend  the  Court  again. 


CHAPTER  MCXXVI. 

DICK    TUKPIN  -iS   RECOGNISED   HV    HIS   OLD    FOB,    MB. 
SK1SLLUM. 

"  Have  you  had  no  answer  ?" 

Dick  had  asked  the  question  hundreds  of  times  since  he 
had  despatched  his  letter,  and  the  answer  was  always  the 
same  as  that  which  the  turnkey  no"w  returned  to  him. 

"  Nothing  at.  all,  sir.     It  is  very  strange,  I  think." 

But  on  this  last  occasion  the  answer  affected  Dick  more 
thau  ever. 

"  Brother  George,"  he  murmured,  bending  his  head 
down  sadly,  "  was  it  too  much  to  ask  you  for  so  little 
when  you  knew  my  life  was  at  stake  ?" 

On  reaching  the  Court  he,  as  before,  looked  about  him 
anxiously. 

But  his  worst  anticipations  wero  relieved. 

He  saw  no  one  whose  countenance  he  could  recognise. 

The  circumstance  that  so  long  a  time  had  elapsed  with- 
out the  prisoner  beiug  able  to  find  tho  requisite  security 
had  given  birth,  naturally  enough,  to  some  little  suspicion, 
and  ho  was  called  up  now  in  order  that  some  questions 
might  be  asked  of  him  as  to  his  antecedents. 

How  much  Dick  had  to  dread  from  any  such  iaquiry  as 
this  we  need  not  tell  our  readers. 

But  whatever  condition  his  mind  might  have  been  in, 
his  couutenance  remained  uurutlled. 

In  reply  to  the  interrogations,  he  only  stated  that  bia 
name  was  John  Palmer,  that  he  was  a  native  of  Thaxtod. 
iu  Essex,  where  his  brother  resided,  and  to  whom  he  Lad 
written,  but  without  eliciting  a  'ep'tv. 


THE  KNIGHT  OF  THK   BOAD. 


vm 


■  These  answers  were  taken  down  for  the  purpose  of 
having  due  inquiry  made. 

It  was  just  as  Dick  was  about  to  leave  the  bar  that  an 
unusual  commotion  and  disturbance  took  y^ace  s4  the  en- 
trance of  the  Court. 

The  blood  rushed  back  to  Dick's  heart 

Somehow,  he  felt  conscious  that  he  had  been  dis- 
covered. 

tlo  was  not  for  long  left  in  doubt  upon  the  point. 

Turning  his  head,  he  caught  sight  of  the  detested,  cada- 
verous funn  of  Skellum 

But  surely  Skellum  was  never  seen  in  such  a  state  of 
excitement  as  he  was  then. 

That  he  had  been  making  some  very  great  exertion  was 
manifested,  for  ho  was  so  breathless  and  trembled  so  with 
agitation  that  he  was  bereft  of  speech. 

The  first  words,  however,  that  he  gasped  out  were : 

'•Seize  that  mau  ! — hohl  him  fast,  everybody  ! — take 
every  care  or  he  will  escape  !  Hold  him— hold  him,  I 
say !" 

He  pointed  while  he  spoke  at  the  prisoner  at  the  bar. 

At  tirsi  Dick  seemed  paralysed  at  finding  his  old  enemy 
before  him — the  man  to  whom  most  unquestionably  the 
loss  of  his  faithful  comrade  and  the  death  of  Maud  were 
attributable. 

Then,  with  a  sudden  bound,  his  heart  seemed  to  prompt 
him  to  be  revenged. 

Before  anyone  could  stay  him,  he  sprang  over  the  front 
of  the  doch 

All  thought  he  was  about  to  make  a  desperate  effort  to 
get  free,  and  the  consequence  was  that  the  Court  then 
presented  such  a  scene  ot  tumult  as  had  never  before  been 
witnessed  within  its  walls,  and  such  as  beggars  all  de- 
scription. 

Unfortunately,  Dick  fell  awkwardly  upon  some  benches, 
the  presence  of  which  he  was  not  aware  of ;  and  before  he 
could  extricate  himself  he  found  at  least  a  dozen  men 
piled  upon  him. 

All  his  struggles  were  futile. 

Even  had  he  been  in  possession  of  his  full  vigour  he 
could  scarcely  have  coped  with  so  many  foes. 

But  now,  worn  down  and  enfeebled,  he  absolutely  stood 
no  chance  whatever. 

Probably  no  one  was  more  amazed  at  these  proceedings 
than  the  magistrate,  who,  secure  on  his  high  seat,  was  the 
only  passive  spectator  of  the  riotous  scene. 

It  was  not  without  great  difficulty  that  Dick  was  com- 
pletely overpowered. 

The  intense  longing  he  had  to  revenge  the  deaths  of 
those  he  held  so  dear  lent  him  a  tempo  wry  and  fictitious 
strength. 

It  did  not  endure  many  minutes. 

Busy  hands  manacled  his  wrists,  while  others  tightly 
bound  his  ankles  with  a  cord. 

Further  struggling  was  impossible. 

Helpless  as  a  log  of  wood,  he  was  carried  into  the  dock 
and  placed  upon  a  chair,  for  his  exhaustion  was  now  so 
great  as  to  make  standing  an  impossibility. 

Alter  this  was  done,  the  magistrate  had  no  little  diffi- 
culty in  quelling  the  uproar  ;  and  us  soon  as  ever  anything 
approaching  silence  was  obtained  ho  settled  his  spectacles 
firmly  aud  bent  his  gaze  upon  Mr.  Skellum. 

"  Who  are  you?"  he  asked,  sternly — "what  do  you 
mean  by " 

"  Your  worship,"  interrupted  Skellum,  opcaking  rapidly, 
••you  have  need  to  be  tbaukf ill  that  I  arrived  so  oppor- 
tunely. You  little  guet>3cd  what  a  desperate  character 
Stood  before  you — and,  indeed,  still  stands.  That  he 
ohould  not  be  recognised  does  not  surprise  uie,  for  ho  is 
indeed  strangely — wonderfully  altered!" 

'■Hut  who  are  you?"  bawled  tuo  magistrate,  dipping 
his  pen  very  fiercely  into  the  ink  while  he  spoke 

•'  My  name  is  Antrobus  Skellum,  and  1  am  acting  under 
the  immediate  instructions  of  the  3ecrotary  ol  state." 

"Oh!" 

From  this  moment  the  magistrate  altered  his  demea- 
nour. 

J  The  prisoner  before  you,"  Skellum  continued,  with  a 
vindictive  look  at  Dick — for  nothing  could  be  more  vexa- 
tious to  him  than  finding  after  all  Lis  trouble  ho  was  de- 
prived of  the  satisfaction  of  apprehending  him — "  has 
eaused  a  world  of  trouble,  and  is  guilty  of  more  crimes 
tfaan  1  could  recount." 

•'  Who  is  he  ?"  asked  the  magistrate. 


"  Dick  Turpin,  the  highwayman." 

Had  a  cannon  be<Ti  discharged  in  the  Court  the  effect 
could  scarcely  have  been  greater  than  *his  announcement 
produced. 

"  Good  Heavens!"  ejaculated  the  magistrate.  "Can  it 
be  possible  ?" 

"  Not  only  possible,  but  perfectly  true,  your  worship. 
That  he  should  be  in  custody  without  his  identity  beiug 
suspected  is  perhaps  one  of  the  strangest  events  ia  his 
career." 

The  magistrate  took  off  his  spectacles  and  looked 
earnestly  at  the  prisoner. 

"  You  are  quite  sure  of  what  you  say,  Mr.       -.  *' 

"  Quite  sure.  Hero  is  a  letter  which  he  wrote  to  his 
brother,  asking  him  to  come  forward  and  be  his  surety  for 
fifty  pounds.  The  postage  hflfag  unpaid,  the  letter  was 
refused,  and  when  opened  f.t  the  Dead  Letter  Office,  the 
discovery  wus  made  that  Dick  Turpin  was  the  writer — 
that  the  man  1  had  been  searching  for  night  and  day, 
and  straining  every  nerve  to  apprehend,  was  actually  sate 
in  prison !" 

This  was  a  most  aggravating  reflection  to  Skellum — in 
fact,  he  cm  Id  scarcely  contain  himself. 

And  his  feelings  were  by  no  meaus  mollified  when  ha 
perceived  a  smile  upon  the  lips  of  every  person  in  the 
Court. 

''But  I  am  satisfied,"  he  continued,  in  an  acrimonious 
voice — "quite  satisfied  at  seeing  him  here  a  prisoner 
under  any  circumstances.  I  will  answer  for  it  he  does  not 
escape." 

"What  evidence  do  you  intend  to  bring  forward?" 
asked  the  magistrate. 

"  I  imagine  that  those  letters  and  my  own  oath  as  to  his 
identity  will  be  sufficient  to  warrant  you  in  remanding 
him  for  a  day  or  two." 

"  Oh,  certainly !" 

Mr  Skellum  then  swore  very  positively  to  the  identity 
of  the  prisoner,  who  was  then,  under  an  unusually  strong 
escort,  removed  to  the  strongest  cell  in  the  whole  of  York 
Castle. 

The  intelligence  of  the  remarkable  events  which  had 
occurred  in  the  Court  very  quickly  spread  themselves 
over  the  whole  of  the  city,  causing  an  amount  of  popular 
excitement  which,  till  then,  had  been  unexampled. 

Dick's  first  impulse  upon  finding  himself  alone  ia  his 
cell  was  to  give  full  vent  to  his  despair. 

"It is  fate,"  he  cried — "it  is  my  fate!  All  proves  it. 
Every  effort  I  have  made  to  get  away  from  this  accursed 
place  has  been  a  futile  one — some  strange  circumstance 
has  ever  guided  my  footsteps  back  again  to  it.  I  am  hero, 
aud  I  am  doomed  !" 

But  Dick  Turpin  was  never  one  to  abandon  himself  very 
long  to  despair. 

On  the  present  occasion  he  recovered  much  sooner  than 
might  have  been  expected. 

"  I  know  the  worst  now,"  he  muttered.  "Before  this, 
1  felt  so  undecided  that  I  knew  not  how  to  act.  Now 
there  admits  no  doubt — 1  have  but  one  course  to  follow  ; 
I  will  try  it— I  will  strive  my  best,  for  if  I  fail  I  shall 
lose  nothing." 

Dick  resolved  upon  his  escape. 

He  was  animated  solely  by  that  strong  desire  which  had 
of  late  been  so  much  before  hiin. 

But  for  his  hope  and  confidence  of  being  able  to  regain 
the  spot  where  Maud  lay  so  peacefully,  he  would  have 
resigned  himself  entirely  to  his  fate. 

It  is  questionable,  however,  whether  the  hope  of  free- 
dom would  have  presented  itself  under  such  circumstances 
to  anyone  save  Dick  Turpin. 

Alter  a'l  ',li  trouble  the  authorities  had  had,  and  with 
the  existence  >i  SUCb  a  personal  feeling  as  filled  Skellum's 
breast,  it  was  only  reasonable  to  supp*  ae  that  no  precaution 
would  be  spared  to  keep  him  secure. 

Indeed,  to  have  permitted  him  to  get  free  would  have 
been  a  great  scandal  to  everybodycouuecto:!  withtheaffair 

Yet,  although  not  unmoved  by  these  considerations, 
Ov'ic  never  wavered  in  hi»  resolve. 

!:•'  would  bo  free  or  die  in  the  attempt. 

And  as  to  the  latter,  ho  would  sooner  perish  so  than  fall 
into  the  hands  of  the  hangman,  as  he  would  do  inevitably 
if  he  remaini  d. 

One  discovery,  however,  ho  was  not  long  making  whioa 
threatened  to  be  a  great  impediment  to  his  projected  e*- 
cap*. 


8004 


BLACK    BESS;    OR, 


This  was  that  his  weakness  was  so  great  that  he  could 
scarcely  move. 

Such  a  thing  as  this  might  well  have  east  him  into  ie- 
■pair. 

But  it  did  not. 

"  Let  me  think,"  h*  sauttered.  "  Some  time  must  elapse 
before — before  my  trittl —  say  my  trial." 

The  word  which  had  first  risen  to  his  lips  was  "  ex«cn- 
tioD,"  but  he  could  not  briug  himself  to  pronounce  that 
word. 

"  Between  now  and  then,  if  I  take  proper  measures, 
surely  it  will  be  easy  enough  for  me  to  recover  at  least  a 
considerable  portion  of  my  expended  strength.  Yes,  yes — 
1  will  turn  the  whole  of  my  attention  to  doing  this,  and, 
moreover,  I  shall  have  plenty  of  time  to  think  over  and 
mature  my  plans." 

There  was  another  thought  which  struck  him  too,  and 
wnich  went  far  towards  convincing  him  that  this  enforced 
delay  was  also  most  vital  to  success. 

It  was  only  reasonable  to  thiuk  that  a  much  closer  and 
vigilant  watch  would  be  kept  at  first  than  there  would  be 
wuen  they  had  found,  after  several  nishts,  their  watching 
was  of  no  avail. 

"  Yes,"  he  said,  "there  can  be  no  room  for  doubt  upon 
the  point.  I  will  feign  that  I  am  so  impressed  witn  the 
idea  that  my  fate  is  inevitable  that  I  shall  make  no  effort, 
i  can  do  that  easily;  I  will  throw  them  quite  off  their 
guard." 

After  the  discovery  of  his  identity,  Dick  had  been  re- 
moved to  another  and  stronger  part  of  the  castle,  so  that 
tor  this  reason  he  saw  no  more  of  the  turnkey  who  had 
bi>  thoughtlessly  precipitated  his  recognition. 

But  he  found  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  a  further  supply 
oi  the  money  which  had  been  taken  from  him  on  his  first 
arrival  at  the  castle,  for,  as  is  well  known,  the  usages  of 
orisons  in  this  respect  were  widely  different  to  what  they 
are  at  the  present  day. 

Ai  the  time  of  which  we  write,  if  a  prisoner  happened 
iu  possess  a  tolerably  good  store  of  cash,  confinement  in 
n. s  cell  was  about  the  only  discomfort  he  had  to  endure, 
aud  even  this  was  made  as  light  as  possible. 

Scarcely  any  restriction  was  made  as  to  the  Kinds  of 
provisions  and  drink  that  were  carried  in,  and  Dick 
availed  himself  of  this  state  of  things  to  have  brought  to 
aim  every  nourishing  kind  of  food  and  wine  he  could 
mink  of. 

He  had  to  pay  for  them  most  extravagantly,  it  is  true, 
but  then  he  did  not  care  for  that — noUiing  could  have 
i  a  used  him  less  consideration. 

He  was  pleased  to  find  that  he  was  gaining  flesh  and 
btrengih  daily  in  the  most  surprising  manner. 

Indeed,  when  he  was  bad  up  for  his  next  examination 
he  piesented  something  like  his  former  aspect. 

tie  had  not  troubled  himself  to  inquire  the  precise 
D.uure  of  the  charge  that  was  to  be  brought  forward  against 
hi  in  on  this  occasion. 

Nor  had  he  thought  it  worth  while  to  engage  an?  legal 
assistance. 

The  money  paid  to  any  lawyer  would  have  been  simply 
tii  i  own  away,  for  no  man,  though  never  so  eloquent, 
i,  aid  have  brought  the  trial  to  end  in  the  least  degree  to 
Lia  advantage. 

All  that  was  gone  through  was  a  form  merely. 

Yet,  when  the  details  were  made  known  to  him,  he  could 
iiot  help  feeling  some  degree  of  surprise. 

"  Your  worship,"  said  the  counsel  for  the  prosecution, 
•'  the  charge  I  am  about  to  bring  before  the  prisoner  is  of 
Uie  most  serious  nature  known — it  is  that  of  murder  1" 

Dick  listened  eagerly,  for  at  present  be  could  not  think 
of  what  was  coming. 

■'  I  fixed  upon  this  charge,"  continued  the  counsel, 
"  because  if  proved — and  no  evidence  can  be  clearer  than 
tbai  which  1  possess — it  will  be  sufficient  to  warrant  the 
passing  of  sentence  of  death,  aud  because  it  is  one  of  the 
last  ol  the  long  list  of  crimes  the  prisoner  has  committed." 

biven  after  mis  preiace  it  did  uot  strike  Dick  whax  was 
.•uuiiug. 

••  It  appears  that  only  so  lately  as  the  18th  inst.  the 
p<  isouer  was  in  the  environs  of  York.  Stopping  at  a  small 
•  ■-.blic-house,  he,  with  many  threats  and  curses,  bade  the 
i  -Her  place  a  horse  at  his  service,  and  offering  a  very  con- 
querable sum  in  return  if  he  would  do  so.  This  the  honest 
.•  :iow  very  properly  refused  to  do,  whereupon  the  pri- 
Ki-cr,   with   a   loud  oath    whipped    out   hie  sverd   and 


wounded  the  ostler  therewith  so  grievously  that  in  ■ 
short  time  he  died  from  the  effects. 

"  But  not  without  leaving  some  testamentary  evidence 
behind. 

"Most  fortunately  the  poor  fellow  survived  long 
enough  to  serve  the  ends  of  justice.  Here  Is  his  state- 
ment of  what  took  place,  written  down  from  his  lips, 
and  attested  by  reliable  evidence." 

The  document  in  question  was  handed  to  the  magis- 
trate. 

Glancing  over  it,  his  eyes  rested  upon  the  signatures. 

"  Call  John  Timmis,"  he  said,  in  a  loud  voice. 

A  portly,  jovial-looking  man  responded  to  the  sum- 
mons. 

He  was  placed  in  the  witness-box  at  once. 

The  magistrate  read  over  the  document,  which  was  to 
the  effect  of  what  we  have  just  stated. 

"  Is  that  oorrect  ?"  he  asked. 

"  Every  word  of  it,  your  worship." 

"  How  did  you  discover  what  had  happened  ?'* 

"  We  heard  a  most  awful  groaning,  your  worship ;  and 
on  going  to  see  what  was  the  cause  of  it,  we  saw  the 
ostler  lying  on  his  back  in  the  6table  weltering  in  his 
blood." 

"  Very  good.  And  after  ha  had  made  this  statement, 
what  did  he  do?" 

"  Went  dead,  your  worship." 

It  is  not  our  purpose,  however,  to  enter  minutely  into 
the  proceedings  which  took  place  on  this  occasion. 

The  officers  who  had  chased  him  over  the  house-tops 
were  examined. 

To  them  Dick's  disappearance  was  as  great  a  mystery 
as  ever. 

Then  others  were  produced  who  testified  to  having 
seen  Dick  walking  away  from  the  scene  of  the  murder  on 
the  evening  in  question,  aud  not  long  after  the  hour  when 
it  must  have  beeu  committed. 

Then  Skellum  came  forward,  aud  swore  most  posi- 
tively that  the  prisoner  at  the  bar  was  no  other  than  the 
world-renowned  highwayman,  Dick  Turpiu. 

•'Prisoner  at  the  bar,"  said  the  magistrate,  "what 
have  you  to  say  ?" 

"  I  nave  nothing  to  say." 

"  Do  you  plead  guilty  or  not  guilty  ?" 

"Not  guilty." 

After  this  Dick  Turpln  was  duly  committed  to  take  his 
trial  at  the  next  York  assizes,  on  the  charge  of  wilful 
murder. 

The  magistrate  thought  fit  to  caution  the  Governor  of 
the  prison  to  take  every  possible  precaution  to  prevent 
the  escape  of  the  daring  offender  he  had  entrusted  to  his 
custody. 

Diok  merely  bowed  as  he  left  the  Court. 

"  He  seems  remarkably  quiet,"  said  the  magistrate  te 
Skellum,  in  a  confidential  whisper,  "  I  thought  he  waf 
such  a  desperate  chaiacter." 

'•  So  he  is." 

*  II ow  do  you  account  for  his  present  behaviour?" 

"  I  cannot  account  for  it,  your  worship,"  was  Skellum's 
reply ;  "  but  feeling  convinced  that  it  means  something, 
I  shall  keep  a  doubly  sharp  look-out." 

"  Are  you  sure  you  have  got  the  right  man  ?" 

"  As  sure  as  I  am  of  my  own  identity." 

"  That  is  sufficient,  then." 

Outside  the  Court  nothing  was  talked  of  but  the  par- 
ticulars of  Dick's  extraordinary  arrest;  but,  strangely 
enough,  it  happened  that  Captain  Hawk  was  the  last  to 
hear  anything  about  it. 

CHAPTER  MCXXVIL 

DICK   TCRPIS    HAS   A   MOST   UNEXPECTED   YET   MOST    WEJ> 
COMB   VISITOR. 

From  the  day  when  the  good  old  castle  of  York  had  first 
been  put  to  the  base  uses  of  a  prison  never  had  there 
been  so  much  excitement  in  and  around  its  walls  as  there 
was  when  they  had  Dick  Turpin  for  a  prisoner. 

Double  guards  were  placed  in  all  the  corridors,  and  re- 
lieved at  trequent  intervals,  while  many  men  were  set 
to  patrol  the  outward  walls. 

Of  all  this  Skellum  was  the  presiding  genius— he  was 
indefatigable. 

But  fhis  will  seera  by  no  means  wonderful  when  tt  « 
remembered  hew  much  he  bad  etetakft. 


IBM  KNIGHT  OV  THB  BOAS. 


2005 


Dick  still  preserved  that  calm,  apathetic  behaviour 
which  had  so  surprised  the  magistrate  and  caused  Mr. 
BkelluiD  to  be  more  suspicions  than  ever. 

But  the  prisoner's  composure  was  severely  tried  by  Jut* 
number  of  visitors  who  crowded  the  cell  for  the  purpose 
of  visiting  him.    s» 

Of  these,  nearly  all  vrere  perfect  strangers,  oronght 
6olely  by  a  contemptible  curiosity. 

There  was  not  one  of  them  who  would  have  aided  uiin 
in  auy  way,  yet  they  would  stand  gaping  at  him  aud 
endeavouring  to  enter  into  conversation  with  him  in  a 
manner  that  would  lead  one  to  suppose  that  they  were 
deeply  interested  in  his  fate. 

It  was  in  vain  that  Dick  protested  against  this. 

No  regard  was  paid  to  his  complaints. 

He  was  looked  upon  more  in  the  light  of  a  wild  beast 
than  an  ordinary  mortal,  and  therefore  it  was  no  more 
than  right  that  he  should  be  gazed  at. 

But  among  the  rest  came  the  warm-hearted  baronet, 
Sir  Humphrey  Yeomans. 

Dick's  face  lighted  up  with  pleasure  as  soon  as  he  be- 
held him,  for  he  knew  hut  motive  to  be  a  better  on?  tl.an 
mere  ouriosity. 

"  I  am  truly  6orry  to  see  you  here,"  were  Sir  Hum- 
phrey's first  words.  "  When  I  heard  you  had  tricked 
the  officers  at  the  lawyer's,  I  was  in  the  hopes  that  you 
would  get  clear  away." 

"  Aud  unquestionably  I  should  have  succeeded  in  doing 
this  had  it  not  been  for  the  basest  treachery,"  said  Dick, 
with  a  bitterness  which  he  could  not  suppress.  "  But, 
there,"  he  added,  "it's  no  good  grieving  over  the  past." 

"  Not  a  bit  of  it — not  a  bit  of  it.  I  am  glad  you  think 
60.  What  brings  me  here,  however,  is  to  know  what  I 
can  do  in  your  behalf." 

"  You  are  too  generous,  and  I        * 

"  Pooh,  pooh ! — nothing  of  the  sort.  If  what  you  have 
done  for  me  does  not  deserve  a  return,  I  should  like  to 
know  what  does.  Don't  be  afraid  to  speak,  but  just  say 
what  I  can  do  for  you." 

"lam  afraid  nothing,  though  I  thank  you  ju#i  the 
same." 

"  But  I  insist  upon  doing  something,  if  it  is  ever  so 
little ;  1  sha'n't  rest  if  I  don't  do  something." 

"  I  wish  I  knew  some  way  in  which  you  could  aid 
me,"  answered  Dick  ;  "  but  I  do  not.  I  am  here,  and  I 
know  my  position  well  enough  to  feel  certain  that  the 
authorities  will  only  allow  me  to  leave  hero  when  OS  my 
way  to  the  scaffold." 

"Pooh,  pooh,  I  say!  You  don't  know  what  can  be 
done  in  Eagland  when  money  is  in  the  case,  and  I  sha'n't 
be  inclined  to  spare  a  few  pounds,  I  assure  you." 

"  And  yet.  Sir  Humphrey,  I  trust  you  will  forgive  me 
for  saying  that  I  am  afraid  money  will  be  but  of  slight 
importance  in  my  case." 

•'  J  6hall  not  allow  you  to  be  a  judge,  and  that  puts  into 
my  b<;ad  what  will  be  the  best  thing  I  can  do  for  you.  It 
is  to  send  the  lawyers  to  you ;  they  will  know  best  what 
can  be  done." 

This  offer  Dick  could  not  reject. 

He  had  but  little  hope  that  it  would  eventuate  to  his 
benefit,  but  for  all  that  he  thanked  Sir  Humphrey  warmly, 
because  he  knew  how  well-intentioned  the  offer  was. 

"  Put  every  trust  in  Steel,"  he  said,  when  about  to  de- 
part "  He  is  a  wonderfully  clever  fellow ;  and  if  any- 
body can  do  the  least  good  he  can." 

Again  expressing  his  thanks  as  well  as  he  was  able— 
for  true  gratitude  is  ever  poor  in  thanks — Dick  Turpin 
bade  the  eccentrics  baronet  farewell. 

But  another  visitor  came  that  same  day,  whose  presence 
was,  if  anything,  more  pleasing  to  Dick  than  the  baronet's 
had  been,  and  that  is  saying  a  great  deal. 

Just  when  the  cell  was  beginning  to  grow  dusky  and 
obscure  from  the  decline  of  daylight,  the  cell  door  was 
opened,  and  a  form  whioh  Turpin  at  first  did  not  recog- 
nise crossed  the  threshold. 

This  was  a  young  man  of  very  juvenile  appearance— 
but  this  was  principally  owing  to  the  fact  that  ttiere  was 
only  just  the  faintest  possible  moustache  viable  on  his 
upper  lip. 

His  cheeks  and  chin  were  as  smooth  and  velvety  as 
those  of  a  woman. 

His  hands,  too,  were  white,  small  and  delicate— of  a 
rer?  feminine  apv«arance. 

wa«   5!tircil  to   the  very  extreme  of  th?  then  pre- 


vailing fashion — in  fact,  a  dandified-looking  individual  of 
the  Beau  Brummel  type. 

In  one  hand  he  carried  a  perfume-box  with  a  perfo- 
rated lid,  whioh  he  applied  to  his  nose  continually. 

"Disgusting  odour!"  he  exclaimed,  advancing  with 
the  finikin  step  of  a  dancing  master.  "Odious — odious  I 
Where's  Dick  Turpin  ?  Hi !  you  key-carrier — which  u 
Dick  Turpin  ?     Ah !" 

Having  concluded  this  brilliant  speech,  he  took  a  par- 
ticularly long  sniff  at  his  perfume-box. 

The  turnkey  manifested  the  utmost  respect  and  defer- 
ence towards  this  foppish  individual,  though  he  had  to 
draw  the  back  of  his  hand  across  his  lips  to  conceal  the 
grin  whioh  appeared  there. 

From  his  manner,  however,  it  was  clear  that  the  fresh 
visitor  had  behaved  liberally  to  him. 

"  There  he  is,  if  you  please,  sir,"  the  turnkey  answered. 
"  He  is  quite  harmless.  You  can  go  as  close  as  y<m 
like  to  him  withoct  danger — he  is  securely  chained." 

"  Ah !  is  it  so  ?    Positively — demme !" 

He  screwed  his  eye-glass  into  his  eye  as  he  spoke,  sxd 
stared  for  some  moments  in  silence. 

There  was  an  angry  glare  visible  in  Dick's  eyes. 

This  young  fellow's  manner  was,  as  may  be  supposed, 
most  offensive  to  him. 

"  Monstrous — monstrous  strange  !"  he  ejaculated,  drop* 
ping  his  eye-glass  and  again  having  recourse  to  his 
pounce-box.     "  A  curiosity — a  wonder !     Ah !  demme  !n 

Auother  long  stare  followed. 

Then  turning  to  the  jailer,  he  said: 

"  Here,  you  key-carrier,  take  this— it's  a  guinea.  Get 
something  to  drink  outside — I  want  to  talk  a  little  with 
this  Turpin.  Ah  !  I  profess  he's  a  curiosity — yes,  a  mon- 
strous curiosity  !    Ah,  ah !" 

The  turnkey  took  the  coin  slipped  into  his  hand,  and 
withdrew  without  a  word,  closing  the  door  after 
him. 

No  sooner  had  he  retired  than  a  remaikable  alteration 
took  place  in  the  manner  of  this  very  affected  creature. 

With  a  sudden  stride  that  was  surprisingly  at  variance 
with  his  former  movements,  he  placed  himself  <*uite  close 
to  the  prisoner  aud  held  out  his  hand. 

"  Why,  Dick,  my  friend,"  he  said,  in  a  suppressed 
voice,  and  with  such  a  striking  difference  in  its  tones— 
••is  it  possible  that  my  disguise  is  so  good  as  to  prevent 
you  from  recognising  me  ?  or  is  it  the  darkness  of  this 
detestable  place  ?     I        " 

'•  Beg,  pardon,  sir,"  said  the  turnkey,  opening  the  door 
with  such  suddenness  as  to  cause  the  visitor  to  start  and 
ippear  in  no  slight  degree  disconcerted ;  "  I  forgot  to  say 
that  when  you  wanted  to  leave  all  you  have  to  do  is  to 
tap  against  the  door  here.     I  shall  hear  you." 

"  Very  well,  key-carrier  —  very  well,"  replied  the 
stranger,  only  partially  succeeding  in  his  attempt  to  re- 
sume nia  former  voice  and  manner. 

The  turnkey,  however,  seemed  to  suspect  nothing,  for 
he  withdrew  again  without  uttering  another  syllable. 

"  Confound  the  fellow !"  said  the  stranger,  speaking  in 
what  we  may  suppose  to  be  his  natural  voice ,  "  he  scared 
me  for  the  moment." 

Dick  looked  puzzled  for  a  moment. 

"My  disguise  is  good,"  6aid  the  stranger.  u  But  look ; 
surely  you  will  recognise  me  now." 

He  steod  so  that  what  light  struggled  through  the  win- 
dow of  the  cell  fell  upon  his  face. 

"  Captain  Hawk  1"  ejaculated  Dick. 

"  Hush — hush ;  not  so  loud !  That  confounded  fellow 
might  have  ears  long  enough  to  hear  what  you  say,  and 
that  would  be  decidedly  unpleasant." 

"  This  is  indeed  a  pleasure  and  a  satisfaction !''  Dick 
cried,  with  sparkling  eyes,  and  clasping  the  young  sen's 
outstretched  band.     "  But  why  are  you  here  ?" 

•*  T«  see  you." 

« Is  that  all?" 

"All,  do  you  call  it?  Is  it  not  more  than  enough? 
I  look  upon  it  as  a  slight  favour  to  show  to  one  whom  I 
like  to  consider  a  comrade  and  a  friend." 

u  You  are  675*  generous." 

■'  Not  a  bit  of  it.  I  have  come  here  to  see  you  and  to 
serve  you,  Dick ;  and  as  I  have  done  the  one,  so  will  I 
accomplish  the  other." 

There  could  be  no  mistaking  the  tone  of  resolution  tn 
which  the  captain  spoke. 

Hi*  manner  wa*  that  of  a  man  who  is  detvroii&ed 


?oos 


BLACK  BESS ; 


effect  seme  object,  no  matter  what  obstacles  or  difficulties 
stand  in  the  way. 

The  way  in  which  he  spoke  had  a  great  effect  upon 
Dick  Turpin. 

He  had  a  high  opinion  of  the  enptain. 

He  knew  him  to  be  one  to  rush  on  where  all  others 
would  shrink  back  or  pause,  and  Dick  had  found  07  ex- 
perience how  of  ten  this  ljne  of  action  ensures  S"j«*t:*;sin 
-any  desperate  undertaking. 

And  wbat  could  be  too  desperate  for  Captain  Hawk  ? 

"I  am  *tfnly  sorry  to  see  you  here,  Dick,"  Jsa  said ; 
"but  there  is  one  corcfert  sven  in  that."  • 

"How  so?" 

"  We  know  the  worst." 

Dick  smiled. 

"You  shall  be  free." 

"  1  hope  so." 

"  I  say  it,  and  mean  it.  You  shall  bo  flee,  u  you  have 
to  step  over  my  dead  body  to  make  your  escape  !" 

Ob,  how  grateful  it  was  to  Dick  to  find  such  a 
this  so  unexpectedly,  and  after  what  had  so  lately  takau 
place ! 

His  emotions  overcame  him  to  sush  an  extent,  iimi 
speech  was  impossible. 

But  Captain  Hawk  went  on  speaking  with  the  same 
energy  and  rapidity  of  utterance  as  before. 

"  i  hold  it  as  a  point  of  the  nicest  honour  Lo  set  you 
free;  so  rest  assured  I  shall  not  fail,  fori  consider  I  am  to 
a  great  extent  the  cause  of  your  being  here  now — I  am 
more  than  anybody  else  to  blame  for  it,  and  to  my  last 
day  I  shall  never  cease- to  regret  the  circumstance." 

These  words  were  in  the  highest  degree  enigmatical  to 
Diek. 

He  looked  up  with  an  air  of  puzzled  wonder. 
■    "Yon  to  blame!"  he  murmured.    "  I  don't  understand 
you.     What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"  Neither  more  nor  less  than  I  say." 

"  But  explain." 

"Why,  when  you  were  struggling  with  th.3  police 
before  your  capture,  I  was  close  at  hand — I  rode  up  just 
as  you  were  overpowered." 

"You  did?"  ejaculated  Dick,  in  the  utmost  astonish- 
ment. 

■  "I  did.  And  I  know  you  want  to  ask  the  question 
why  it  was  I  did  not  at  the  least  make  some  attempt -fe)  save 
you." 

"  Nay,  I " 

fc:'But  I  know  you  do ;  and  what  is  more,  I  know  that  is 
what  I  ought  to  have  done.  But  incredible  as  it  may 
seem  to  you,  though  I  saw  you  with  tolerable  plainness, 
1  did  not  recognise  you." 

"Not  recognise  me!"  echoed  Dick,  in  a  way  which 
showed  how  much  this  had  surprised  him. 

"  No,  I  positively  did  not ;  and  if  you  could  only  contrive 
to  form  some  idea  of  how  you  looked  on  that  occasion, 
your  astonishment  would  cease.  You-were  bruised  and 
bleeding,  your  apparel  was  covered  with  dust,  and  surh 
a  change  had  been  wrought  in  your  features  that  they 
were  perfectly  strange  to  me." 

"  It  must  have  been  so,"  responded  Dick,  somewhat 
sadly,  "otherwise  the  officers  would  have  known  me." 

"True." 

"And  wore  not  you  recognised?" 
-  "Well,  I  was;  and,  to  tell  the  truth,  !  wf.s  not  pre- 
pared for  tin-  event,  and  was  thrown  for  a  moment  off  my 
guard.  My  immediate  impulse,  without  the  least  reflec- 
tion, mind  you,  was  to  touch  Satan  a  little,  and  then  the 
next  thing  I  knew  anything  about  was  that  we  were  fly- 
ing over  the  open  country  like  the  wind. ' 

[■tick  sighed  heavily,  for  these  words  reminded  him 
forcibly  of  his  great  ami  irreparable  loss. 

Captain  Hawk  did  not  fail  to  perceive  tn«  effect  his 
words  had  had,  and,  with  a  right,  instinct,  he  foreboro 
from  asking  any  questions  about  Black  Bess — a  thing  be 
was  most  anxious  to  do. 

"  What  causes  me  the  most  remorse,"  he  went  on   ''is 

the  conviction  1  feel  that   I  could,  had  I  but  known,  have 

rescued  you  from  your  captors  ;  and  that,  is  why  I  so  blame 

If,  and  why  1  consider  1  am  the  cause  of  your  being 

here." 

"  But  it  is  wrong  on  your  part  to  think  so." 

"  Don't  try  to  p>  rsuade  me  of  that;  it  would  bo  a,  hope- 
less task,  1  assure  you.  I  do  blame  myself,  aud  I  am 
resolved  to  make  what  reparation  I  am  able.     You  shall 


be  free,  Dick,  and  by  my  agency,  even  if  I  have  to  puH 

down  every  stone  of  York  Castle  to  accomplish  it." 

Dick  smiled  at  the  enthusiasm  he  manifested. 

"  Wait  a  moment,"  he  said;  "you  must  explain  your 
presence  here.  It  is  a  perfect  mystery  how  you  con- 
trived to  gain  admittance." 

"  Nothing  could  be  more  simple." 

"  How  so?" 

"  You  see  this  disguise  ?  I  play  my  part  tolerably 
well,  do  I  not?" 

"  Exceedingly  welL" 

1  Such  a  character  is  easy  enough  to  play,  and  that  13 
why  I  selected  it.  When  my  make-up  was  perfect,  I  called 
upon  Sir  Humphrey  Yeomans,  and  after  a  little  difficulty, 
got  him  to  write  an  order  for  my  admittance. " 

"  But  you  expose  yourself  to  great  danger  by  coming 
here." 

"  Not  a  bit  of  it.  The  police  are  suck  dunder-headed 
fellows  that  you  have  only  got  to  travel  a  little  out  of 
the  beaten  track  and  they  are  puzzled  completely.  But 
nevei  mind  that — let  us  come  back  to  the  matter  in  hand." 

"  My  escape  ?" 

"Just  so." 

"  A  very  close  watch  is  being  kept. round  the  prison,  is 
there  not  ?" 

"„  Yes,,  very,  and  I  am  glad  to  see  it." 

"Glad  to  see  it?" 

"Yes;  the  very  superfluity  of  precaution  will  undo 
itself.  In  a  night  or  so,  if  all  is  kept  quiet,  they  will  grow 
as  careless  as  possible.  These  violent  measures  never 
last." 

"I  believe  you  are  right,"  answered  Dick,  speaking  in 
a  tone  of  voice  which  showed  that  Captain  Hawk's  words 
had  produced  a  marked  effect  upon  his  spirits. 

"Of  course  I  am  rigid  ;  and  only  consider  how  easy  it 
would  have  been  for  me  to  supply  you  with  a  tool  or  two 
on  this  present  visit.  Out  it  is  not  worth  while  to  regret 
that;  wo  have  time  enough  before  us.  There  is,  how-.- 
ever,  0110  very  important  thing."        # 

"  What  IS  It?" 

"  Why,  that  you  try  your  best  to  recover  your  custom- 
ary strength." 

"  Rely  upon  it,  I  shall  do  so." 

"  'J' hat  is  right,  then.  The  rest  leave  to  me  ;  I  will  take 
care  in  a  short  time  to  supply  you  with  all  things  neces- 
sary tor  a  successful  escape,  as  well  as  give  you  all  possible 
information." 

"  You  an?  indeed  a  true  friend,"  exclaimed  Dick,  en- 
thusiastically, and  grasping  the  young  man's  hand  while 
he  spoke.  "  Until  you  came  my  heart  was  sad  and  heavy, 
for  I  believed  I  had  no  friend;  now,  however,  I  leel  re- 
lieved of  a  heavier  load  than  1  can  possibly  describe." 

"Believe  me,  I  rejoice  to  hear  it;  and  when  your  es- 
cape has  been  effected  I  will  aid  you  to  do  anything  you 
may  decide  upon." 

Dick  was  most  grateful  for  this  assurance. 

Some  more  conversation  passed  between  them,  but  it  is 
not  necessary  to  place  .it  before  our  readers,  because  it 
only  related  to  those  events  that  had  elapsed,  and  about 
which  Captaiu  Hawk  possessed  no  very  definite  i  nformation. 

"  1  must  put  an  end  to  this  visit  now,"  he  said,  at 
length  ;  "  though  I  am  most  reluctant  t-r  I-eave  you  ;  still,  I- 
have  stayed  long  enough  already  to  i,:vo  rise  to  suspicion, 
and  it  is  impossible  to  bo  too  cautions  and  too  prudent." 

Dick  could  not  but  admit  the  force  and  truth  of  this, 
though  the  prospect  of  a  separation  affected  him  strangely. 
Ilis  feelings  can  only  be  understood  by  those  who  have  been 
cutoff  from  all  communication  from  their  fellow-beings, 
and  whose  hearts  have  yearned  for  the  companionship  of 
some  congenial  spirit. 

Agreeably  to  tho  intimation  of  the  turnkey,  Captaiu 
Hawk  tapped  upon  the  panel  of  the  door. 

It  was  opened  with  so  much  promptness  that  he  ra- 
joiced  to  think  the  whole  of  the  conversation  between 
himself  and  his  friend  had  been  prudcutly  carried  on  in  a 
low  tone. 


CHAPTER  MCXXVI1I. 

AF.LOWS  THE   READER    TO   TAKE   A    PEE?    AT  THE   RE- 
MARKABLE  PROCEEDINGS  OF  CAPTAIN    HAWK. 

Laughing  in  his  sleeve  at  the  short-sightedness  of  tc« 
authorities,  Captaiu  Hawk  made  his  way  out  of  the  prison 
unmolested. 


SHE  RJiSGnT  OF  THE  ROAD. 


SOftf 


The  idea  never  once  eutercd  the  minds  of  the  men 
ao  duty  that  this  superfiuical-lookiug  personage  was 
other  than  ho  appeared  to  be. 

On  emerging  into  the  streets,  the  captain  was  fi'a.'prised 
to  find  it  was  so  dark. 

In  fact,  night  had  fairly  s*!  in. 

"  Let  me  see,"  he  said,  walking  with  more  briskness  iban 
was  exactly  consonant .  with  his  assumed  character — "I 
have  much  to  do — very  much.  It  is  plain  that  Dick  relies 
upon  me — perhaps  the  reason  is  that  he  has  no  one  else. 
No  mat  ter,  I  shall  succeed  ;  his  relianco  will  not  prove  to 
be  ill-placed." 

When  he  spoke  again  an  additional  seriousness  might 
have  been  detected  in  the  tones  of  his  voice. 

"It  is  most  certain,"  he  said,  "that  this  enterprise  enn- 
not  be  carried  on  without  money,  and  if  is  equally  certain 
that,  I  ha  .e  not  enough  at  the  present  moment.  The  con- 
clusion that  follows  is  plain  enough  :  the  money  must  be 
had,  though  my  intention  was  to  keep  myself  perfectly 
quiet  ;  but  that  is  out  of  the  question  now." 

At  this  moment  he  turned  a  corner,  and  found  himself 
close  to  an  old  inn — probably  one  of  the  oldest  and  most 
picturesque-looking  habitations  in  the  whole  City  of  York. 

Some  taded  gilt  letters  on  a  weather-beaten  sign-board 
informed  wayfarers  that  the  old  inn  was  known  by  the 
6ign  of  The  Chequers. 

It  was  evident  that  the  place  did  not  lack  custom,  for 
loud  sounds  of  rude  and  boisterous  merriment  issued  from 
its  many  doors  and  windows. 

Captain  Hawk  gave  a  hasty  glaneo  around  him. 

It  was  the  first  time  he  had  done  so  since  he  left  the 
castle,  so  that  for  aught  he  knew  he  might  have  been 
followed  the  whole  of  the  way. 

Nothing  was  visible,  however,  that  would  cause  appre- 
hension. 

Having  satisfied  himself  that  the  coast  was  clear,  he 
soirewbat  suddenly  plunged  into  the  shadow  of  a  wide, 
dark  gateway  communicating  with  the  stables. 

It  was  towards  the  latter  that  his  steps  were  directed. 

His  approach  was  eith«r  seen  or  heard,  for  a  door  was 
opened  and  an  ostler  appeared,  whose  face  was  beaming  all 
over  with  a  grin  of  satisfaction. 

"My  eyes,  captain,"  he  ejaculated,  with  evident  satis- 
faction, "how  first-rate  you  do  look,  to  be'Sure— capital  .'  " 

Captain  Hawk  neither  paused  nor  spoke  until  he  bad 
crossed  the  threshold. 

Then  his  first  WOrds  wera>: 

"Is  Satan  all  right?" 

"Never  was  better,  captain-  -never better,  Fit  take  upon 
myself  to  say  that;  but  do  tell  me,  how  ever  was  it  that 
you  came  to  give  him  such  a  name  ?" 

"  Because  he  has  power  over  the  darkness." 

"  Now,  that's  what  I  call  a  good  answer,  captain — the 
best  1  have  heard  for  many  a  day." 

The  captain  did  not  seem  inclined  to  take  the  ostler's 
word,  for  he  penetrated  still  further  into  the  stables  until 
he  reached  the  stall  where  his  matchless  steed  was  stand- 
ing. 

A  low  whinnying  sound  showed  that  he  was  recognised, 
ana  it  was  with  a  thrill  of  his  nerves  and  a  glow  of  his 
heart  which  cannot  be  described  the  captain  fondly 
caressed  his  horse. 

"You  are  iu  good  trim,"  he  said.  "  It  wul^O  '»e  almost 
a  pity  to  let  you  stand  still,     (jam  !" 

'•  Yes,  captain." 

"Get  Satan  ready  for  me  as  quickly  as  yon  can.  I  will 
past  go  in  and  make  a  few  necessary  changes  in  my 
dress." 

"It's  a  pity,  captain — a  real  pity.  Those  to^«  svt  you 
exact>>\" 

Hawk  smiled,  but  said  nothing. 

Emerging  from  the  stable,  ho  crossed  the  j?ard  and 
»ntered  the  inn  by  a  small  door  which  did  "jot  beam  to  be 
much  used  as  a  means  of  entrance. 

The  passage  beyond  was  very  dark,  but  the  captain 
mu-.it  have  been  wonderfully  well  acquainted  with  it,  for  he 
walked  on  with  the  utmost  confidence. 

At  the  extremity  was  a  door. 

Opening  this,  he  passed  iuto  a  small  apartment  dimly 
lighted  by  a  smouldering  fire. 

A  good  kick  with  his  foot  caused  the  logs  to  break  into 
a  bkze. 

The  flickering  light  which  now  shot  up  showed  that 
iijp  room  was  by  uu  means  destitute  of  ccmfjrts. 


On  the  table  a  light  repast  was  spread,  evidently  in 
anticipation  of  the  captain's  coming. 

The  whole  had  a  most  tempting  look,  and  as  heglauced 
at  the  different  viands  he  pronounced  the- name : 

"Jessie!" 

By  this  he  most  likely  meat',  that. he  knew  to  whom  ho 
was  indebted  for  this  attention  ;  and   by  the  smile  on  his  . 
lips  and  the  sparkle  in  his  eyes,  it  might  be  iufe.'red  that ' 
this  mention  of  her  name  conjured  up  most  agreeable  re- 
collections; 

But  he  was  in  too  much  hurry  and  excitement  to  do 
anything  like  justice  to  the  delicacies  laid  before 
bim. 

A  lew  minutes  sufficed  to  enable  him  to  make  the 
nee'essarj  alterations  in  his  costume. 

Advancing  to  the  door,  he  took  down  a  large  horseman's 
cloak  that  was  hanging  behind  it,  and  just  as  he  did  so  a 
faint  tapping  sound  came  from  without 

Captain  Hawk  opened  the  door  in  a  moment. 

A  young  girl,  whoso  age  at  the  most  could  not  have  ex- 
ceeded seventeen,  just  crossed  the  threshold,  and  stood  in 
an  attitude  of  mingled  timidity  and  grace. 

Her  large,  dark  eyes  were  fixed  in  a  moment  upon  the  • 
captain's  face  with  a  glance  that  was  expressive  of  plea-  ■ 
sure  and  half  reproach. 

"Shall  you  go  out  again  to-night?"  she  asked,  in  a 
sweet,  musical  voice. 

"  Yes,  Jessie ;  I  am  off  now.  In  another  moment  I 
should  have  been  gone." 

"  Without  a  word  ?" 

"  You  might  have  been  unaware  of  my  brief  return. 
But  pever  mind,  my  lass  ;  I  shall  be  back  in  a  few  hours 
after  midlright." 

The  young  girl  sighed  faintly,  and  turned  away,  per- 
haps to  hide  the  tears  that  sprang  up  to  her  eyes. 

"  Au  revoir,  Jessie  !"  cried  the  highwayman,  with  care- 
less gaiety.     "  Don't  be  uneasy  ;  I  shall  soon  return." 

And  with  these  words  on  his  lips,  he  flung  the  cloak 
0"er  his  shoulder,  and  left  the  room. 

Not  once  did  he  glance  back,  and  when  he  again 
emerged  into  the  inn  yard  he  was  whistling  iu  an  un- 
dertone a  portion  of  a  popular  air  from  the  last  new 
opera,. 

Satan  was  quite  ready. 

Seeing  the  captain  approach,  the  ostler  led  the  horse 
into  the  yard. 

After  a  careful  inspection  of  all  the  trappings,  the  cap- 
tain vaulted  into  the  saddle. 

"Keep  a  good  look-out  for  my  return,  Sam,"  he  said, 
"  I  can't  say  when  it  will  be — most  likely  the  moment 
when  you  least  expect  me." 

He  slightly  slackened  the  rein  as  bespoke. 

Satan  had  already  been  chafing  at  the  delay  iu  starting, 
and  bouuded  off  at  once. 

As  he  rode  thus  swiftly  out  of  the  inn  yard,  the  cap- 
tain fancied  he  caught  sight  of  a  pale,  anxious-looking 
face  watching  his  departure. 

"  Poor  Jessie !"   he  muttered.     "  She  is  a   good   iass, 

He  left  the  thought  uuuttered. 

The  Old  Chequers  Inn  stood  quite  on  the  outskirts  of 
the  City  of  York,  and  therefore -a  very  short  time  indeed 
elapsed  before  Captain  Hawk  had  the  open  country  before 
him. 

As  soon  as  this  was  the  case  ho  loosed  the  reins,  and 
allowed  the  horse  to  go  at  his  own  pace. 

This  was  something  tremendous. 

Trees,  hedgerows,  solitary  houses,  and  other  wayside 
objects  flitteu  past  like  swift-fleeting  shadows, 

rt  wild  enthusiasm  took  possession  of  the  high  way - 
nitf.-js  mind  as  he  experienced  the  exhilaration  produced 
by  rapid  motion. 

Away — ft  way — on  and  on,  further  and  further  still. 
until  Satan's  mouth  became  filled  with  white  flakes  of 
foam 

Presently  the  captain  gently  drew  the  rein. 

By  slow  degrees,  Satan's  speed  was  lessened,  until  n 
was  reduced  to  an  easy  trot. 

"Surely  this  is  far  enough  from  York,"  said  Captain 
Hawk.  "  It's  a  dozen  miles  at  least  from  hero  to  the  Old 
Chequers,  and  so  I  don't  ;aro  how  s^on  something  cornea 
in  the  way." 

Stopping  his  horse  altogether— tor  ho  bad  reached ' 
spot  that  seemed  most  favourable  fur  his   purpose— ii*a 


tfxtf 


VLXCZ  BtM;   Oft, 


hignwayman  proceeded  to  make  a  deliberate  and  careful 
examination  of  hid  weapons. 

One  he  paid  especi<u  attention  to. 

This  was  a  pistol. 

It  wus  altogether  a  remarkable  weapon, 

Tbe  barrel  was  of  anusual  length,  and  glittered  like 
polished  silver. 

The  butt  had  nothing  pistol-like  about  it,  beiug,  in  fact, 
more  suggestive  of  the  handle  of  a  carpenter's  saw. 

This  gave  it  an  odd  appearance. 

But,  as  might  be  seen,  this  was  the  captain  s  favourite 
weapon,  strange  and  peculiar  as  it  might  look. 

The  strangest  thing  in  connection  with  it  was,  that  the 
highwayman  addressed  it  just  as  he  would  a  living 
creature. 

It  had  a  name — 

A  most  significant  name- 
Death  ! 

By  this  appellation  the  highwayman  not  only  spoke  of 
but  to  it. 

"  There,  Death,"  he  exclaimed,  putting  the  pistol  in  his 
belt  in  such  a  way  that  he  felt  would  enable  him  to  seize 
it  in  an  instant,  "  I  am  ready  now  for  anything  that  may 
betide !  You  are  my  truest  friend,  for  I  never  knew  you 
to  fail  me  in  the  hour  of  need." 

Although  made  as  plainly,  perhaps,  as  any  firearm 
could  be — we  mean  with  regard  to  the  chased  mountings 
which  are  usually  seen  upon  such  things — yet  it  would 
have  been  hard  to  match  it  with  one  more  beautifully 
finished  in  every  part. 

The  lock  was  everything  that  it  was  supposed  possible 
for  a  lock  to  be  in  those  days,  when  nipples  and  percussion 
caps  were  undreamt  of. 

The  peculiar  formation  of  the  handle  is  worthy  of 
consideration  even  in  these  days,  when  it  hardly  seems 
possible  to  bring  firearms  any  closer  to  perfection. 

The  saw-like  shape  we  have  described,  however,  had 
many  advantages,  which  showed  it  to  be  far  superior  to 
the  stock  in  common  use. 

It  was  expressly  framed  to  suit  the  grasp  of  the 
captain's  hand — the  shape  permitted  a  firm  hold  to  be 
taken  in  a  moment. 

Nor  was  this  all. 

The  butt  being  grooved  so  as  to  receive  each  finger 
separately  enabled  the  weapon  to  be  held  with  remark- 
able steadiness,  and  that  tendency  to  pull  upwards  that 
exists  in  every  pistol  as  now  made  was  completely  done 
away  with. 

Captain  Hawk  could  take  an  instant  steady  and  true 
aim  with  it,  and  as  the  lock  was  gooo,  and  he  paid  par- 
ticular attention  to  the  loading,  it  was  rarely  indeed,  if 
ever,  that  he  failed  to  hit  the  mark  with  it. 

He  always  relied  upon  it  for  use  in  that  emergency 
when  a  shot  would  get  him  out  of  his  difficulty. 

He  listened  intently  for  some  moments  after  the  ex- 
amination of  his  pistols,  but  no  sound  indicating  the 
approach  of  a  traveller  was  borne  to  his  ears. 

"  The  road  is  strangely  deserted,"  he  muttered ;  "  but  I 
must  exercise  my  patience  a  little.  Perhaps,  when  they 
do  begin  to  come,  they  will  follow  quickly." 

He  prepared  to  wait. 

But  Captain  Hawk  happened  to  be  on*  of  those  indi- 
viduals who  find  it  impossible  to  remain  still  for  any 
length  of  time. 

Even  during  the  few  moments  he  did  remain  immovable 
his  brain  was  busily  at  work. 

"That's  a  good  idea,"  he  broke  out,  all  at  once— u  a 
very  good  idea.  I've  a  good  mind  to  try  it  « I  ahculd  bo 
saved  a  world  of  trouble,  1  daresay.'" 

Again  Captain  Hawk  listened. 

But  the  h ighwav  remained  as  silent  as  before. 

This  decided  him. 

He  at  once  set  about  the  execution  of  his  idea- 

What  its  nature  was  will  be  very  quickly  seen  by  his 
actions. 

First  of  tu  he  dismounted,  and  leaving  his  horse  to 
wander  whither  he  pleased,  for  he  knew  he  could  recall 
him  in  an  instant  when  he  wished  to  do  so,  he  went 
towards  the  side  of  the  road. 

By  his  manner  it  was  clear  he  was  looking  for  some- 
thing. 

He  walked  on  for  a  few  yards,  and  stopped  at  a  gate 
that  led  into  a  meadow. 

Ulanciug  across  the  road,  he  was  just  able  to  make  oat 


there  was  a  similar  gate  as  nearly  as  possible  opposite  to 
him. 

"  The  very  thing,"  he  cried — "  nothing  couM  be  better  f" 

The  gate  close  to  which  he  stood  was  only  fastened  by 
means  of  a  piece  of  chain  wrapped  round  the  post ;  con- 
sequently, it  was  easy  enough  to  open  it. 

This  was  his  next  proceeding. 

He  pulled  at  the  gate  until  it  was  at  right  angles  to  tbe 
road,  and  then  by  means  of  a  couple  of  large  stones  lying 
hard  by  he  contrived  to  fix  it  in  this  position. 

Then  crossing  over,  he  treated  the  opposite  gate  in  just 
the  same  way 

From  this  it  will  be  seen  he  had,  with  very  little  ex- 
penditure of  time  and  trouble,  erected  a  barrier  that 
blocked  up  two-thirds  of  the  high-road. 

"  A  couple  of  good  hurdles  now,  if  I  could  only  find 
them,  would  finish  the  job  nicely,"  he  said,  surveying 
what  he  had  already  accomplished  with  great  satisfac- 
tion. 

In  the  country  it  was  nnt  likely  he  would  have  to  look 
far  without  finding  some  hurdles. 

He  found  some  close  at  hand,  and  quickly  selected  two 
which  he  judged  just  fitting  to  his  purpose. 

The  barrier,  though  now  complete — that  is  to  say 
stretching  continuously  from  one  side  of  the  highway 
to  the  other — was  by  no  means  strong. 

Indeed,  very  little  would  suffice  to  bear  it  down. 

But  it  was  strong  enough  to  answer  Captain  Hawk's 
purpose,  especially  when  he  had  fortified  it  by  means  of 
a  few  more  of  the  large  stones,  of  which  plenty  were 
lying  about. 

"  There,"  he  exclaimed,  "  I  am  ready  now,  and  travel- 
lers may  come  just  as  60on  a*  they  think  proper — they 
will  find  me  prepared.    Hi,  Satan !  here,  boy,  here  I" 

He  did  not  raise  his  voice  much. 

But  the  faithful  animal  heard  it. 

Faithfully  and  readily,  as  some  well-trained  dog  might 
do,  the  horse  trotted  to  his  side. 

Mounting  was  by  »o  means  a  lengthy  or  laborious 
action  for  Captain  Hawk  to  accomplish. 

He  seemed  to  give  but  one  spring  from  the  ground  ani 
then  to  be  firmly  fixed  in  his  seat. 

"Ah!"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  thrust  his  right  foot 
carelessly  into  the  stirrup,  "just  in  the  very  nick  of  time! 
Now,  I  call  this  providential.  How  very  kind  to  wait 
till  I  had  finished  I* 

It  was  the  unmistakable  sound  produced  by  the  ap- 
proach of  some  vehicle  which  had  brought  these  words 
to  his  lips. 

And  in  the  easiest  manner  possible  to  conceive,  as 
though  it  was  the  best  sport  imaginable,  he  held  himself 
in  readiness  for  action. 

"  Drawn  by  one  horse,  running  on  two  wheels,  and  on 
the  road  to  York,"  were  the  comments  made  by  the 
captain. 

He  was  quite  right. 

In  less  than  a  moment  he  caught  sight  of  two  star-like 
looking  lights  in  the  distance. 

They  rapidly  approached,  and  ere  long  he  was  able  to 
distinguish  the  upper  portion  of  the  horse  that  was 
harnessed  to  the  gig,  and,  very  dimly,  the  forms  of 
two  persons  sitting  in  it. 

The  horse  was  coming  on  at  a  round  trot,  and  so  great 
was  the  silence  that  the  captain  could  hear  the  murmur 
of  conversation. 

The  speakers  must  have  been  interested  in  what  they 
were  saying  or  they  would  have  seen  the  barrier  before 
them  sooner  than  they  did ;  but  perhaps  one  reason  for 
this  was,  that  knowing  the  roadway  to  be  perfectly  clear 
in  this  part  they  did  not  trouble  themselves  to  keep  a 
good  look-out. 

CHAPTER  MCXXIX. 

CONTINUES  TO   RELATE  THE  REMARKABLE  PROCEED- 
INGS  OF   CAPTAIN   HAWK. 

The  horse,  however,  showed  himself  to  be  far  more 
prudent  and  sagacious. 

Seeing  something  in  his  path,  he  resolutely  came  to  a 
stop,  planting  his  fore  feet  upon  the  roadway  in  a  man- 
ner which  seemed  suggestive  of  his  determination  to  go 
no  further. 

The  stoppage  aroused  the  people  In  the  vehicle. 

The  lamps  at  the  side  enabled  them  to  see  in  a  moment 


THE   KNIGHT  OP  tHS  ROAD. 


2009 


[the  fate  of  antrobus  skei,lum.] 


that  some  atrange-looking  barricade  had  been  stretched 
aoroas  the  road. 

The  discovery  was  accompanied  by  a  shrill  scream. 

"Oh,  Alfred,"  said  a  female  voioe,  "  we  are  lost  and 
undone  1     We  shall  be  robbed,  I  am  sure  we  shall !" 

"And  if  we  are,  whose  fanlt  will  it  be  ?"  was  the 
rough  rejoinder  of  her  companion.  "  It  was  you  who 
would  insist  upon  travelling  to-night,  instead  of  waiting 
till  morning,  as  I  wanted  to  do." 

"Oh,  yon  mean,  pitiful  wretoh— yon  base,  base- 
hearted  villain !  Perhaps  yon  think  I  did  not  see  through 
jonr  pretty  little  plan  ?  I  have  got  eyes  in  my  head,  I 
rather  think  I  I  know  what  yon  wanted  to  stop  for  I 
Fine  doings,  indeed  !"  "\ 

"Don't  make  a  fool  of  yourself ,"  growled  her  hnsband, 
"  bat  just  take  hold  of  tt.3  reins  while  I  jump  down  and 
im  what  this  is  in  front !  Dash  me,  if  I  can  make  it 
oat !" 

5o.  288.— Black  Bess. 


The  lady  screamed  again. 

This  time  with  thrice  as  much  shrillness. 

Dimly  and  inperfectly  she  had  caught  sight  of  the 
form  of  Captain  Hawk. 

"  Oh,  mercy  !  Help !"  she  shrieked.  "  Here  he  is~ 
a  highwayman  !     I  knew  we  were  going  to  be  robbed  i" 

"  Robbed  !"  eiaonlated  the  captain,  in  a  deep  voice. 
"  I  hope  you  will  not  shook  me  by  pronouncing  such  a 
word  while  I  am  by." 

"Oh,  goodness!"  c 

Captain  Hawk  oame  still  nearer. 

He  was  careful,  however,  to  keep  as  much  out  of  tho 
direct  rays  of  the  lamp  as  possible. 

"  Who  are  you,  sir  ?"  asked  the  man  in  the  gig,  with 
a  great  assumption  of  fierceness  and  valour—"  who  are 
you,  I  should  like  to  know  ?" 

"  A  gentleman." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it— I  took  yon  for  a—" 


.to,  3iQ& 


Peick  One  Halfpenny. 
No,  253  will  be  Published  next  Monday. 


Wit, 


niu.cs.  mbs ;  oa, 


Hold  your  row,  will  yea  J"  cried  his  wife.  "  You're 
not  fit  to  be  allowed  to  open  your  mouth  J  Do  you  want 
to  insult  the  gentleman  ?" 

"  Certainly  not;  but  I  should  be  glad  if  he  would  tell 
us  what  it  is  that  stops  the  way.' 

"  A  private  gate,"  replied  Captain  Hawk,  with  the 
utmost  gravity. 

'  A  private  gate  1  What  on  earth  do  you  m^an  by 
that?" 

"  Just  what  I  say." 

"  But  this  is  a  public  road,  and  perfectly  free  to  anyone 
who  may  choose  to  travel  along  it.  No  one  can  put  up  a 
private  gate  on  the  highway." 

"  There  you  are  quite  wrong,"  said  the  captain,  H|or, 
as  you  see,  here  it  is." 
"But  what  is  it  for?" 
41  My  own  co;>ceuience." 
The  travellers  were  bewildered. 
What  to  make  of  the  captain  they  knew  not   ' 
Certainly  hi?  manners  w*re  not  those  of  a  common 
robber. 

Whether  they  had  anything  to  fear  from  him  or  not 
they  20uhl  not  decide. 

He  seemed  quite  at  his  ease,  and  not  in  the  least  hurry 
or  confusion. 

"  Your  o'<-n  convenience,  sir !"  said  the  lady,  at  length, 
perceiving  her  companion  seemed  too  astonished  to  con- 
tinue the  conversation.  "  Excuse  me,  sir,  but  I  do  not 
understand  you." 

"  A  few  words  will  make  all  quite  clear,"  returned  the 
captain,  with  a  great  affectation  of  politeness. 
"  Indeed  sir !" 

"  Yes,  lam  here  to  collect  subscriptions  for  a  charit- 
able and  truly  praiseworthy  object ;  but,  as  1  am  sorry  to 
say,  there  are  some  people  in  the  world  so  void  ot 
principle  that  they  would  shuflle  out  of  such  a  matter.  1 
have  been  compelled  to  set  up  this  temporary  obstruc- 
tion." - 

"  In  other  words,"  growled  the  man,  "you  have  stopped 
up  the  road  simply  in  order  that  you  may  rob  us  with 
greater  ease  and  convenience  to  yourself." 

"  Keally,  sir,"  returned  the  captain,  "I  aw:  »,niy 
surprised  that  so  respectable  a  man  as  you  appe'M  to  be 
should  make  use  ol  such  a  disreputable  won'..  £.>&,!. 
Bah!  I  can't  bear  the  idea  ol  anything  eo  iuml  <nd 
vulgar." 

'•  Good !"  said  the  traveller.  "  I  rather  like  that,  A 
confess.  Rdtv'forsooth  1  What  have  you  in  your  *..,vi 
now,  I  should  like  to  know?  Why  don't  you  call  a 
spade  a  spade  ?" 

"  What  a  fool  you  must  be,"  broke  in  his  better  half, 
"to  insult  the  gentleman  in  that  fashion !" 
"  Gentleman  be  d— d  !  He  is  a  fine  gentleman  !" 
"Such  language,"  said  Captain  Hawk,  professing  the 
utmost  disgust,  "  is  horrible— truly  horrible  !  I  hope  I 
shall  hear  no  more  of  it,  but  that  you  will  pay  attention 
to  what  I  am  going  to  say." 

"Speak  on,  sir— speak  on,  sir,"  said  .the  lady.  "We 
shall  be  glad  to  listen." 

"Thank  you,"  answered  Hawk,  with  a  bow.  "As  I 
said,  I  am  here  to-night  to  receive  subscriptions  for  a 
praiseworthy  object.  Those  who  are  wise  contribute 
liberally,  and  are  allowed  to  ride  on  without  further 
molestation  ;  while  those  who  refuse,  compel  me  to  make 
use  of  arguments." 
The  wife  nudged  her  husband. 

"  Give  him  something,*'  she  said,  "  and  p  rhaps  he  will 
allow  us  to  go  on." 

The  captain's  ears  were  quick  enough  to  catch  the 
import  of  what  was  said,  and  he  replied,  instantly  : 

'•  Certainly  ;  there  will  be  no  further  obstruction  i  but, 
understand  me,  if  you  offer  any  unworthy  sum  1  shall 
resent  *t  as  an  iusult." 

"  And  may  I  ask  the  object  of  this  contribution  ?" 
"  Yea,  cwtaiuly." 

"  "Re  good  enough  to  inform  me,  then." 
"  One  of  my  best  friends  happens  to  be  in  an  unfortu- 
nate situation,   f-om    which    he    may    be    relieved    by 
money. * 

"i  suppose  some  rascally  comrade  of  yours  is  in 
jail  ?" 

•'  H  you  will  insist  on  representing  facts  in  such  a 
vulgar  way,"  said  the  captain,  "  why.  Imust  admit  you 
axe  right."'  ^  ' 


"  I  never  heard  of  anything  so  cool  in  my  life !    17 n 

me,  sir  I  I  could  laugh  ;  but— but   you   are  carrying  the 
joke  a  little  too  far.     You  would  ask  me  for  money,  and 
what  you  intend  to  do  with  it  is  to  help  the  escape  of  one 
of  your  associates  from  prison  1" 
"  It's  no  joke  at  all" 

"  Why,  if  I  gave  you  a  farthing  for  such  a  purpose," 
continued  the  traveller,  "  1  should  be  neither  more  not 
less  than  an  accessary  before  the  fact" 

"Before  or  behind  is  all  one  to  me,"   returned  Hawk 
"I  mean  to  have  your  contribution  notwithstanding." 
"  What  if  I  refuse  compliance  with  your  demana  ?" 
"  You  had  better  not  do  so." 
"But  suppose  I  do?" 

"  I  should  be  compelled  to  hare  recourse  to  arguments/ 
As  he  spoke,  the  highwayman  drew  forth  a  pistol  and 
cocked  it  with  an  audible  click. 

The  sound  was  one  which  jarred  upon  the  ears  of  the 
travellers. 
The  lady  screamed. 
Her  husband  uttered  an  angry  curse, 
"lhave  your  folly  to  thank  for  this  1"  ho  muttered 
wrathf  ully.  "  But  it  serves  me  right  for  not  acting  accord- 
ing to  my  own   judgment.    I  hate  to  ride  in  the  dark, 
and  I  will  never  do  it  again." 

"  Come,  sir,"  said  Hawk,"  I  have  no  more  time  to  spare  , 
Hand  over  1" 
"  What  do  you  want?" 

"As  much  as  you  like.  .  Take  care  how  you  offer  me 
too  little — the  consequence  you  will  find  to  be  rather 
serious.  Be  reasonable,  and  you  will  be  allowed  to.  ride 
on." 

"  Unreasonable,  you  mean." 

"Just  as  you  please,"  returned  the  c-ptain,  as  imper- 
turbably  as  ever. 

Such  a  manner  was,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  intensely 
aggravating. 

'i'Le  traveller  doubtless  thought  to  behave  iu  a  liberal 
manner,  tor  he  opened  a  small  leather  bag  and  took  ..from 
it  several  gold  pieces. 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,"  said  Captain  Hawk—"  I  ought  to 
have  told  yoa  that  1  make  it  part  ot  my  system  never  tc 
take  loose  money.  Be  good  enough  to  hand  me  the  bag 
just  as  it,  is.     Thank  you!" 

While  he  spoke,  the  captain  outstretched  his  arm  and 
toott  hold  ot  the  bag. 

The  traveller  was  so  amazed  at  this  last  speech  that  for 
x  second  or  two  he  could  do  nothing  but  stare. 
When  he  recovered  himself  the  bag  was  gone. 
It  had  found  a  secure  resting-place  at  the  bottom  ol  one 
of  the  highwayman's  pockets. 

"  You  may  pass  on  now,"  he  said.    "  The  contributior 
is  sufficient    Many  thanks!    Goodnight!" 
He  removed  the  hurdles  as  he  spoke. 
The  traveller  seemed  at  first  inclined  to  protest  against 
this  appropriation  ot  his  money. 

Most  likely,  however,  ne  remembered  the  captain's 
pistol,  and  consequently  altered  his  mind. 

Seizing  hold  of  the  whip,  he  gave  the  horse  so  smart  a 
cut  with  it  that  the  poor  beast  suorted  with  pain,  and  set 
off  at  a  highly  dangerous  pace. 

Kapid  as  it  was,  yet,  nevertheless,  Captain  Hawk  caught 
a  tew  words  which  the  traveller  addressed  to  his  wife  that 
seemed  to  indicate  that  he  would  visit  his  annoyance  and 
vexation  upon  her. 

This,  as  the  reader  may  suppose,  occasioned  the  captain 
but  little  uneasiness. 

The  bag,  though  small,  was  weighty,  and,  as  it  appeared 
to  him,  contained  nothing  but  gold. 
If  so,  the  amount  would  be  considerable. 
Too  careless,  however,  t,  take  the  trouble  to  ascertain 
this,  Captain  Hawk  set  to  work  to  restoie  his  barrier  to 
its  former  condition. 

"  Upon  my  word,"  he  said,  "  this  is  a  capital  plan  I 
can't  imagine  how  it  is  I  never  thought  ol  it  before-". 

He  had  barely  time  to  finish  making  his  preparations 
when  his  acute  sense  of  hearing  informed  him  *hat  there 
were  more  travellers  upou  the  road. 

"Justin  time,."  he  muttered,  as  he  regained  his  place 
upon  Satan's  back.     "  I  hope  I  may  be  as  lortuuate  this 
time." 
The  sounds  were  less  equivocal. 

The  captain  was  abie  to  pronounce  with  certainty  upon 
what  was  coming. 


fin  KNIOBX  0*  TEE  BOAS. 


"  Two  horsemen,"  fee  murmured,  "  and  coming  from 
York.  J*  my  late  friends  gave  them  a  hint  of  what  is 
in  store  for  them,  I  may  have  some  trouble.  But  what 
does  it  matter  ?" 

He  hummed  a  few  lines  from  one  of  the  most  popular 
airs,  and  prepared  himself  for  business. 

The  horsemen  came  on  rapidly — so  rapidly  that  the 
captain  began  to  think  they  could  have  no  suspicion  of 
the  existence  of  the  barrier  across  the  roadway. 

JSot  had  they  light  oi  any  kind  to  make  it  visible. 

"  They  have  no  suspicions,"  murmured  Hawk,  getting 
a  pistol  ready  for  use ;  "  and  yet  one  would  have  thought 
that  that  man,  having  been  robbod  himself,  would  have 
been  generous  enough  to  put  others  on  their  guard 
against  suffering  a  like  loss.  But  no — no ;  that  would 
not  be  in  accordance  with  human  nature." 

The  highwayman  was  right  there. 

It  would  be  a  satisfaction  to  the  late  traveller,  beyond 
a  doubt,  when  he  6aw  that  others  were  in  a  fair  way  of 
falling  into  the  enare. 

"  Hullo  1"  6aid  one  of  the  new-comers,  suddenly,  for 
his  horse  stopped  all  at  once,  almost  unseating  him  in 
doing  60 ;  "  what  the  devil  is  the  matter?" 

His  companion  happened  to  be  a  pace  or  two  behind 
him,  and  drew  the  rein. 

"  The  matter  ?"  he  asked.  "  Where  ?  What  do  you 
mean?" 

"  There's  something  in  the  road." 

"What  is  it?" 

*'  That'b  what  I  can't  make  out." 

Up  to  this  moment,  Captain  Hawk  had  kept  himself 
Completely  in  the  background. 

The  two  travellers  bad  not  the  remotest  suspicion  that 
there  was  a  mounted  man  near  them. 
•  Their  surprise,  therefore,  may  be  imagined  when  they 
beheld  the  highwayman  suddeuly  besideThem. 

Where  he  had  come  from  they  could  not  think. 

Hawk  did  not  allow  them  the  opportunity  of  asking. 

"  There  seems  to  be  some  obstruction  in  the  roa3way, 
gentlemen,"  he  6aid,  politely. 

"  There  not  only  seems  to  be,  but  there  actually  is," 
was  the  reply.  "  Some  one  has  been  putting  hurdles  up. 
What  the  devil  does  it  mean  ?" 

"  The  explanation  is  simple  enough,  gentlemen." 

"  Indeed  I    Can  you  give  it  ?" 

"  Certainly." 

"Do  60,  then." 

"  This  is  a  place  appointed  for  toll  taking,"  the  captain 
continued,  with  the  utmost  gravity,  "and  I  have  been 
placed  here  to  collect  the  dues." 

"Tolll"  said  one  of  the  gentlemen.  "Eidiculoqa! 
You  must  be  either  mad  or  drunk !" 

"You  will  find  me  neither  one  nor  the  other." 

"Get  out  of  the  way!  Down  with  the  hurdles, 
Arthur  1" 

"  Touch  them  who  dare !"  exclaimed  Captain  Hawk, 
with  a  sudden  and  startling  alteration  in  his  voice. 
"Gentlemen,"  he  added,  "you  caunot  pass  here  without 
paying  tolls.    If  you  do  so  quietly,  all  will  be  well." 

"  A  highwayman,  by  Jove,  Arthur !" 

"  So  it  seems  ;  but  he  will  find  it  no  easy  matter  to  rob 
the  pair  of  us  single-handed.  Get  your  pistols  ready, 
and  6tand  firm !" 

"As  you  please,"  said  Captain  Hawk,  with  bis  de- 
meanour as  unruffled  as  it  was  at  first,  "  only  I  warn  you, 
if  you  resist,  I  shall  not  let  you  go  until  I  have  taken 
every  article  of  the  least  value  that  you  may  have  about 
your  person.  On  the  other  hand,  if  you  like  to  surrender 
your  purses  quietly,  yon  may  ride  on  without  further 
loss,  or  the  least  fear  of  violence." 

His  words  did  not  fail  to  produce  due  effect. 

The  young  man  who  had  spoken  i.bout  making  a  re- 
sistance now  looked  rather  irresolutely  at  bis  com- 
rade 

"May  we  believe  you  at  your  word*"  he  said,  at 
length. 

"  Most  certain.y,"  answered  Hawk. 

I'-Then,"  eaid  Arthur,  "I  am  not  going  to  risk  a 
shot  for  the  sake'  of  a  purse.  Here  is  mine— take 
it!" 

Aa  he  spoke  he  pulled  a  good-sized  purse  from  his 
pocket,  and  tossed  it  towards  the  highwayman,  who 
was  dexterous  enough  to  catch  it  in  spite  of  the  dark- 
ness 


The  other  travoUcr  required  no  urging  to  follow  hii 
friend's  example. 

No  doubt,  to  both  of  them,  the  loss  of  a  purse  was  a 
trifling  enough  matter— certainly  not  of  sufficient  moment 
to  make  it  worth  while  for  them  to  run  the  least  personal 
risk  in  the  hope  of  retaining  it. 

"  Many  thanks,"  6aid  Captain  Hawk.  "  I  have  now  all 
that  I  require." 

He  knocked  down  the  hurdle  as  he  6a^Ke. 

The  young  man  who  had  been  calledArthur  was  filled 
with  surprise  at  finding  that  the  barrier  was  of  such  a 
frail  description. 

"I'll  give  you  my  word,"  he  said,  "if  I  had  had  any 
idea  the  hurdles  would  have  gone  down  with  a  push,  I 
should  have  tried  to  keep  my  purse.  At  any  rate,  you 
would  have  had  to  gallop  for  it. 

"Take  my  word  for  it,"  responded  the  captain,  signi- 
ficantly, "  things  could  aot  by  any  means  have  turned 
out  better  for  you  than  they  have.  Be  satisfied.  Good 
night !" 

The  young  men  rode  through  the  gap,  and  were  quickly 
lost  to  sight  in  the  darkness. 

Captain  Hawk  remained  a  moment  or  two  in  hesita- 
tion. 

"  I  have  been  tolerably  successful"  he  muttered ;  "  and 
the  hour  is  getting  too  late  for  people  to  be  abroad.  Shall 
I  be  content,  and  make  my  way  back  again?" 

After  a  little  deliberation,  the  captain  resolved  to  wait, 
at  any  rate,  a  short  time  longer  upon  the  chance  that 
there  might  be  some  late  traveller  to  encounter. 

But  all  was  still,  and  all  remained  so  until  the  highway- 
man's patience  was  exhausted. 

"  There's  nothing  more  to  be  done  to-night,"  he 
muttered,  somewhat  reluctantly.  "But  I  will  not  com- 
plain." 

He  dismounted,  in  order  to  remove  all  traces  of  his 
barrier. 

This  did  not  occupy  him  many  minutes,  and  it  was 
just  as  he  had  finished  that  the  distant  hoof  beats  of  a 
horse  reached  his  ears. 

"  Confound  it  1"  he  muttered.  "  What  could  be  more 
annoying  than  this?  Why  couldn't  he  ooine  a  few 
minutes  sooner,  I  should  like  to  know  ?  But  never  ulind 
— is  don't  much  matter." 

It  would  have  required  a  much  more  serious  thing  than 
this  to  ruffle  Captain  Hawk's  composure- 
He  was  one  of  those  happy  individuals  who  always 
make  a   point    of   taking   everything   by   the  smooth 
handle.  - 

Regaining  the  saddle,  he  waited  witb  all  imaginable 
calmness  until  the  traveller  should  reach  husu 

By  this  time  the  waning  moon  had  risen. 

The  sky  was  too  thickly  covered  with  clouds  tor  her 
beams  to  have  much  effect  in  dissipating  the  darkness, 
yet  everj'  now  and  then  the  silvery  orb  would  show  her- 
self through  one  of  the  long,  straggling  rifts. 

It  was  when  she  broke  forth  in  this  way  that  the 
traveller  reached  a  spot  within  a  few  paces  of  where  Cap- 
tain Hawk  was  standing. 

The  moonbeams  fell  with  full  power  upon  the  forms  of 
both. 

A  mutual  recognition  took  place. 

Captain  Hawk  Was  the  first  to  speak. 

"  Skellum !"  he  6aid.    "  By  Jove,  it's  Skellum  I " 


CHAPTER  MCXXX. 

CAPTAIN  HAWK  COMMENCES  HIS  PKEFAKATIOHS  F0» 
EFFECTING  THE  ESCAPE  OF  DICK  TURPIX  FBOM  YORK 
CASTLE. 

It  was  indeed  no  other  than  that  indefatigable  individual 
with  whom  Captain  Hawk  had  so  6trangely  met. 

There  could  be  no  mistaking  him. 

It  was  not  an  easy  matter  to  startle  Skellum. 

But  surely,  if  ever  he  was  startled,  he  was  theju. 

"By  all  that's  d — nable,"  he  at  last  ejaculated,  "it's. 
Captain  Hawk J" 

Almost  before  the  words  had  left  his  lips  he  drew  forth, 
a  pistol,  and  rapidly  levelling  it,  fired  point-blank  at  the 
highwayman. 

But  the  captain  was  prepared,  and  a  slight  touch  of  the 
rein  caused  Satan  to  swerve  so  suddenly  6»  to  foil  the 
i  treacherous  shot. 


2012 


BLACK  BBSS  ;    Oft, 


"  Bullet  lor  bullet,  my  friend !"  cried  Hawk,  in  a  loud 
voice. 

Tbe  report  of  Lis  bright-barreled  pistol  mingled  with 
and  half  drowned  his  words. 

By  what  took  place  it  would  almost  seem  as  though 
Skellum  had  attempted  to  follow  the  highwayman's  plau 
of  avoiding  a  bullet. 

Whether  this  was  so  or  not  is  a  thing  that  cannot  be 
determined. 

But  Skellum's  horse  suddenly  made  an  odd  plunging 
kind  of  movement — one  for  which  his  rider  was  not  pre- 
pared, for  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye  the  thief-hunter  was 
lyiDg  on  the  ground. 

So  rapidly  did  this  take  place,  and  so  entirely  unex- 
pected was  the  occurrence,  that  Optain  Hawk  was  a 
second  or  two  before  he  could  credit  his  own  senses. 

There  lay  Skellum,  however,  upon  the  high-road,  with- 
out displaying  the  least  sign  of  motion. 

Being  cast  completely  over  his  horse's  neck,  he  had 
fallen  in  a  most  awkward  maimer. 

His  head  had  struck  the  ground  first,  and  the  force  of 
the  blow  was  great,  the  roadway  being  as  hard  as  a  mass 
of  iron. 

His  neck  had  then  beut  in  some  strange  way,  and  he 
now  laid  with  his  head  bent  upon  his  breast. 

Mechanically,  Captain  Hawk  returned  his  discharged 
pistol  to  his  belt. 

"  This  is  odd  indeed  1"  he  said,  "  Very— very  6trange  1 
Is  he  dead,  I  wonder !" 

Disposed  as  he  wns  to  make  light  of  almost  everything 
that  took  place,  the  highwayman  on  this  occasion  found 
himself  unusually  serious. 

Skellum  still  remained  as  he  had  fallen. 

Whether  dead  or  only  insensible  it  was  impossible  to 
aay. 

The  captain  deliberated  with  himself  for  a  few  seconds 
as  to  whether  he  should  ride  away  without  taking  any 
more  notice,  or  whether  he  should  really  attempt  to  find 
out  whether  the  fall  had  been  a  mortal  one. 

Tbe  latter  course  was  decided  upon. 

Not  that  he  had  any  feelings  of  compassion  towards  his 
foe,  but  chiefly  on  the  score  of  curiosity. 

"  I  could  hardly  be  content  to  remain  in  a  statu  't  doubt 
upon  the  point,"  he  muttered,  as  he  dismounted  dowly. 
■'It  will,  I  daresay,  be  easy  enough  to  ascertain." 

Nevertheless,  it  was  with  an  inward  sensation  of  re- 
pugnance and  aversion  that  he  approached  the  prostrate 
form. 

He  touched  it  with  his  foot. 

Skellum  never  stirred  or  gave  utterance  to  a  sound. 

Overcoming  his  aversion  by  a  violent  effort,  Hawk 
stooped  down. 

His  foe  was  lying  very  awkwardly,  and  it  was  only  after 
the  exercise  of  muoh  strength  and  trouble  that  he  laid  him, 
(ace  upward,  on  the  roadway. 

The  moon  was  not  shining  very  brightly  now,  but  the 
•louds  showed  a  diffused  light,  which  enabled  him  to  see 
with  sufficient  clearness. 

"  Dead  1"  said  the  captain,  after  a  momentary  inspection 
of  Skellum's  pallid  face.  "  Dead,  for  a  thousand  pounds  1" 

Such  a  sudden  transition  from  life  to  death  as  this 
could  scarcely  have  failed  to  make  an  impression  upon  the 
most  callous  and  unreflecting  heart. 

Certainly  tbe  captain  was  not  unaffected. 

It  cannot  be  said  that  the  death  of  such  a  man  as  Skel- 
lum would  cause  him  any  regret ;  such  would  not  have 
been  the  fact;  yet  he  could  not  but  be  awed  by  the  awful 
suddenness  of  the  event. 

lo  order  to  satisfy  himself  upon  the  point,  he  made  an- 
other and  closer  examination. 

But  the  result  was  the  same. 

Skellum  was  dead ! 

"  He  is  past  all  human  skill  and  pact  all  meddling  in 
human  matters,"  the  captain  said,  as  be  turned  away.  "  It 
will  be  a  shock  to  the  next  person  who  oomes  this  way. 
At  any  rate,  it  is  no  concern  of  mine,  and  the  sooner  I  am 
away  from  the  spot  the  better,  for  it  is  quite  possible  that 
if  it  should  be  known  I  was  the  last  in  his  company,  his 
death  would  be  laid  upon  my  shoulders." 

This  was  a  reasonable  enough  supposition  ;  and  feelii  g 
that  it  was  so,  the  captain  hastened  to  make  bis  way 
back  to  bis  snug  quarters  in  York. 

"  I  wonder  how  Dick  will  receive  the  news !"  he  mur- 
wrorvd     "He  will  b&ve  no  regrets,  I  faaoy.  except  that 


he  died  so  painless  a  death.  Ah,  well!  We  must  take 
things  as  we  find  them— certainly  Dick's  escape  now  looks 
a  far  more  likely  matter,  for  Skellum  was  indefatigable.'-' 

This  was  a  comfortable  reflection,  and  as  it  was  no 
part  of  the  captain's  philosophy  to  make  b'mself  miser- 
able, he  dwelt  upon  it  for  a  considerable  length  of 
time. 

"  I  have  notning  to  fear  now  on  the  score  of  funds," 
he  continued ;  "and  for  the  rest  I  see  nothing  before  me 
to  cause  despair.  If  I  do  not  set  Dick  at  liberty,  I  shall 
never  forgive  myself,  but  always  consider  1  bad  a  hand 
in  his  death." 

This  was  certainly  looking  at  the  matter  from  an  ex- 
treme point  of  view,  for  in  actual  fact  there  was  little 
blame  attached  to  him. 

So  altered  as  Dick  was  at  the  time,  it  was  next  to  an 
impossibility  that  he  should  have  recognised  him. 

But  the  captain  chose  to  think  differently. 

He  blamed  himself  for  having  been  guilty  of  a  most 
fatal  carelessness. 

Should  his  design  succeed,  however,  there  could  be  no 
question  that  he  had  made  an  ample  atonement  for  hie 
fault,  if  so  it  oan  be  called. 

The  high-road  was  quite  deserted,  and  Hawk  reached 
the  Old  Chequers  Inn  without  meeting  with  a  single 
person. 

The  ostler  was  waiting  for  his  return,  and  bo  was 
another. 

Tbe  former  the  a.ptain  saw,  not  the  latter. 

Had  he  chanced  to  glance  up  at  one  of  tbe  win  dows  in 
the  back  part  of  the  inn,  he  could  not  fail  to  catch  a 
glimpse  of  tbe  pale,  interesting  face  of  the  girl  Jessie. 

"  Is  all  well,  Sam  ?" 

•'  Yes,  Oap'n  i  I  think  I  may  venture  to  6ay  so." 

u  Venture  ?    What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"Why,  after  you  had.  gone,  6ome  one  came  here  to 
look  for  you,  so  it  was  quite  as  well  you  made  up  your 
mind  to  take  a  ride  for  an  hour  or  two." 

"  WLo  was  it  ?" 

"  Fed,  that  I  didn't  know  at  first,  but  I  found  out 
afterwards." 

"  Who  was  it,  I  say  ?" 

"1  ^n't  be  impatient,  captain.  They  told  me  his  name 
was  Skellum." 

"Ah!" 

"  And  that  he  was  death  on  to  all  the  highwaymen.'* 

"  And  now  death  is  on  to  him." 

"  What  do  you  say,  oap'n  ?" 

"  Nothing  «t  least,  it  does  not  matter.  Let  me  see 
you  put  Satan  all  right.,  d  I  will  try  a  turn-in  for  au 
hour  or  two." 

"  Can't  you  trust  me  to  do  it,  cap'n  ?" 

"  Yes,  I  daresay  I  could ;  but  I  would  prefer  using  my 
own  eyes  for  all  that." 

The  ostler  said  no  more. 

The  highwayman's  steed  was  taken  into  the  stable  and 
thoroughly  attended  to. 

When  the  operation  was  complete,  the  captain  crossed 
the  inn  yard  again  to  the  little  door  which  we  mentioned 
on  a  former  occasion. 

Now,  as  then,  it  yielded  to  his  touch. 

But  he  took  tbe  precaution  to  secure  it  after  him,  and 
then  stepped  cautiously  along  tbe  passage. 

A  fire  was  6till  burning,  and  the  apartment  presented 
that  appearance  of  comfort  which  nothing  but  the  presence 
of  a  woman  can  impart. 

Very  probably  much  of  this  was  quite  lost  upon 
Captain  Hawk — at  least,  6uch  may  be  inferred  by  the 
indifferent  manner  in  which  he  crossed  the  chamber  and 
entered  an  adjoining  room. 

This  was  fitted  up  with  the  same  neatness  as  a  bed. 
chamber. 

Having  satisfied  himself  that  everything  presented  it* 
usual  aspect,  he  prepared  to  sleep. 

His  right  hand  grasped  the  singularly-shaped  butt  of  hn 
omiuously-named  pistol,  and  so  he  fell  into  a  profound 
dumber. 

The  habit  of  sleeping  with  his  fingers  encircling  hu 
weapon  was  6o  firmly  fixed  that  he  would  have  found  it 
next  to  an  impossibility  to  close  his  eyes  without  doing 
so. 

At  the  Old  Chequers,  however,  hs  htd  snthing  4» 
fear 

Morning  came   without   anything    whatever    baring 


THE   KNIGHT  Of  THB  BOAS. 


ioia 


taken  place  to  disturb  him,  nor  did  ho  awake  until  the 
•an  shone  full  upon  his  face. 

"I  am  later  than  I  intended  to  be,"  he  muttered;  "yet 
If  I  make  haste  I  shall  be  in  time." 

It  was  evident,  by  his  manner,  that  he  had  business  on 
hand  of  more  than  usual  importance. 

His  morning  preparations  were  soon  completed. 

In  one  corner  of  the  room  was  a  large  chest,  and  this 
he  opened  by  means  of  a  key  that  he  took  from  in  inner 
pocket. 

Just  under  the  lid  was  a  small  travelling  portmanteau 
of  the  kind  then  carried  by  almost  everyone  who  had  to 
make  a  journey,  at  the  time  when  locomotion  was  so  dif- 
ferent a  thing  from  what  it  is  now. 

This  he  took  out,  and  nothing  else. 

Carefully  locking  the  chest  again,  he  threw  on  his 
ample  cloak,  which  not  only  to  a  very  great  extent  served 
as  a  disguise,  but  also  concealed  what  he  was  carrying  in 
his  hand,  and  prepared  to  depart. 

He  made  his  way  quickly  to  the  stables,  saw  that 
Satan  was  safe  and  well,  and  then  turning  to  the  ostler, 
said  i 

"  Mind,  I  leave  him  in  your  charge,  and  shall  bold  you 
responsible  if  anything  happens  to  nim." 

"Make  your  mind  easy  about  that,  cap'n.  When  snail 
you  be  back  ?" 

"  I  cannot  say— I  can  only  tell  you  to  be  prepared  at 
any  minute." 

So  saying,  with  an  easy  and  confident  step,  as  though 
he  had  nothing  in  the  world  to  dread  from  recognition, 
he  left  the  inu  yard. 

"  He's  a  rum  un— he  is,"  the  ostler  said,  confidentially 
to  himself.  "  What  I  should  call  a  regular  out-and-out*  r. 
Barn's  wrong  if  something  more  isn't  heard  of  Captain 
Hawk  than  of  any  other  gentleman  highwayman  who 
ever  cried  '  Stand  r  on  the  high-road." 

Having  delivered  himself  of  this  opinion,  the  ostler 
returned  to  his  duties. 

Captain  Hawk  took  the  nearest  way  out  of  the  city,  and 
when  he  had  fairly  gained  the  open  country,  plunged  into 
the  intricacies  of  narrow  lanes  with  a  readiness  which 
showed  that  he  must  have  possessed  a  very  familiar  ac- 
quaintance with  the  locality. 

At  length,  crossing  a  stile,  he  strode  rapidly  along  a 
narrow  footpath,  which  apparently  led  in  a  direct  line 
towards  a  wood,  which  seemed  to  be  of  great  extent. 

"  All's  well  1"  mattered  Hawk,  as  he  glanced  around 
him.    "  Not  a  soul  is  in  sight." 

60  saying,  be  quickened  his  steps. 

On  entering  the  wood,  he  followed  the  footpath  for  a 
short  distance  only,  but  turned  off  to  the  right,  where 
the  trees  grew  most  densely,  and  disappeared. 

It  was  very  nearly  an  hour  after  this  event  that  a  wood- 
cutter, whistling  blithely,  crossed  the  stile  we  have  before 
had  occasion  to  mention. 

It  was  evident  that  the  wood  was  his  destination,  for 
he  followed  precisely  in  the  captain's  steps. 

When  within  perhaps  a  dozen  paces  of  those  trees 
which  formed  a  border  to  the  wood,  he  caught  the  sound 
of  a  footstep,  which  caused  him  to  raise  his  eyes  and  look 
straight  before  him. 

He  then  beheld  emerging  from  the  trees  a  person  who 
by  his  attire  was  a  Eoman  Catholic  priest. 

The  reverend  father  advanced  with  a  devout  footstep, 
apparently  being  busily  engaged  in  communing  with 
himself. 

Now,  this  poor  wood-cutter  happened  to  be  a  Catholic, 
and  upon  catching  sight  of  one  of  the  ministers  of  his  re- 
ligion he  made  a  low  obeisance. 

The  priest  was  to  all  appearances  deeply  absorbed  in  his 
meditations,  for  he  started  when  he  saw  the  wood-fitter 
bending  devoutly  before  him. 

But  regaining  his  composure,  as  one  may  say,  imme- 
diately, he  muttered  some  words  in  a  tone  too  low  for 
•.Lett,  to  be  audible. 

The  wood-cutter  seemed  to  be  satisfied,  however,  for  he 
resumed  his  way. 

"  80  far,  very  good,"  murmured  the  priest,  when  sure 
ihe  man  was  out  of  ear-shot.  "  My  disguise  has  imposed 
upon  you,  at  any  rate,  so  I  may  reasonably  look  for  like 
success  elsewhere." 

As  the  reader  must  know,  this  6eeming  priest  was  no 
other  than  Captain  Hawk,  though  the  disguise  was  so 
ezcftllect  and  the  make-up  so  perfect  that  it  would  have 


required  a  more  than  ordinary  amount  of  a  astuteness  to 
have  guessed  at  his  identity. 

But  Captain  Hawk  had  quite  a  talent  for  disguises. 

On  reaching  the  stile  he  once  more  carefully  surveyed 
the  surrounding  scene. 

"  That  must  be  my  way,"  he  said  at  length.  "  It  cannot 
be  far  from  here,  I  kuow." 

Feeling  quite  sure  that  there  were  no  prying  eyes  upon 
him,  the  captain  strode  along  at  what  would  have  been 
considered  an  unseemly  pace  for  one  of  his  cloth. 

At  length  he  reached  a  handsome  pair  of  lodge  gates, 
apparently  communicating  with  a  mansion  of  no  ordinary 
importance. 

The  gates  were  closed,  but  the  captain  gave  a  summons 
for  admittance. 

The  woman  who  emerged  from  the  lodge  unlocked  the 
gates  without  venturing  to  ask  a  single  question. 

Muttering  something  that  might  be  supposed  a  blessing. 
the  captain  passed  on. 

The  avenue  was  a  long  one,  and  some  time  elapsed 
before  he  came  in  sight  of  the  mansion. 

"A  comfortable  place,"  he  muttered,  when  his  eyes 
first  encountered  it  "Surely  whoever  dwells  there 
6hould  be  happy." 

With  a  degree  of  boldness  which  argued  well  for  the 
captain's  strength  of  nerve,  he  walked  direct  to  the  im- 
posing-looking front-door  and  rang  the  bolt 

"Is  Sir  Humphrey  within ?"  he  asked  of  the  ser- 
vant 

"  He  is,  holy  sir.^1 

The  seeming  prie8t  was  ushered  into  a  small  room, 
there  to  wait  the  baronet's  appearance— for  it  was  to  Sir 
Humphrey  Yeoman's  residence  that  the  captain  had  thus 
boldly  made  his  way. 

He  had  not  long  to  wait  before  the  baronet  made  his 
appearance. 

"  Your  business  ?"  he  said,  briefly ;  for  priests  were  no 
favourites  of  his,  and  he  was  apt  to  treat  them  with  scant 
civility. 

"  Sir  Humphrey,"  said  Captain  Hawk,  in  low,  mono- 
tonous tones,  "  I  come  to  you  in  your  magisterial  capa- 
city." 

The  baronet  inclined  his  head  slightly. 

M I  wish  you  to  favour  me  with  a  letter  that  will  enable 
me  to  have  free  and  unrestrioted  communion  with  a 
prisoner  who  is  now  in  York  Castle,  and  who  is  sadly 
m  want  of  my  spiritual  aid." 

**  Do  you  mean  Dick  Turpin  ?" 

"  I  do." 

"Then,  if  I  thenght  Dick  wanted  you,  and  that  you 
could  do  him  any  good,  I  would  give  you  the  order  in  a 
moment  But  he  interrupted,  "surely  there  can  be 
no  need  for  my  influence  in  this  matter.  The  oells  are 
always  free  to  the  spiritual  advisers  of  the  accused." 

"  Ordinarily,  your  worship,"  said  Hawk,  with  a  great 
show  of  meekness ;  "  but  in  the  present  case,  such 
stringent  precautions  have  been  adopted,  in  consequence 
of  the  dread  the  authorities  have  that  an  escape  would 
be  attempted,  that  I  fear,  unless  proteoted  by  the  signa- 
ture of  some  influential  gentleman  like  yourself,  I  shall 
be  subjected  to  all  kinds  of  impediments." 

"Well,"  said  Sir  Humphrey,  "  as  I  told  you  a  moment 
or  two  ago,  if  I  thought  Dick  wanted  you,  and  that  you 
could  do  him  the  least  good,  you  could  command  me  in 
any  way  you  think  proper." 

During  his  conversation  with  Dick,  Captain  Hawk  bad 
gathered  a  tolerably    clear  notion  of   Sir  Humphrey's 
character,  and  after  such  an  unequivocal  admission  as  he  . 
had  just  made,  he   felt  6trougly  tempted  to   tell    him 
all 

"Believe  me,"  said  the  captain,  after  a  momentary 
pause,  and  raising  his  eyes  for  the  first  time  to  the 
baronet's  countenance — "  believe  me  that  lack  does  want 
me,  and  that  I  can  do  him  much  good." 

The  words  were  pronounced  in  so  significant  a  tone, 
that  the  baronet  could  not  help  beinp  struck  by 
them. 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?"  he  asked. 

"Just  what  I  say." 

"  But  explain  yourself.  If  you  are  a  fnend  of  Dick 
T orpin's,  as  I  suspect  you  are,  despite  your  cloth,  do  sot 
hesitate  to  confide  in  me  " 


2014 


BMCB.  BBSS;  OS, 


OHAPTEB  MOXXXI. 

CAPTADJ    HAWK     PATS    DICK  TURPIN    ANOTTTHX    VISIT  IN 
TOEK  CASTLE. 

"  I  will  not  hesitate,"  said  Captain  Hawk,  with  sudden 
resolution,  "  for  I  know  you  are  to  be  wholly  trusted,  aud 
merefore  I  will  tell  you  all." 

The  baronet  nodded,  as  though  to  intimate  that  this 
was  decidedly  the  best  course  that  could  be  adopted. 

"  This,  then,  is  a  disguise." 

"I thought  as  much." 

"  I  am  Dick's  last  remaining  comrade,  and,  to  a 
certain  extent,  to  blame  for  what  has  happened  to 
him." 

"  How  do  you  mean  ?" 

The  captain  explained. 

"  Go  on." 

"  The  fault  committed  cannot  be  recalled ;  but  one 
thing  remains  to  me,  and  that  is  to  make  reparation.  This 
J  have  sworn  to  do." 

"  And  what  do  you  propose  ?" 

"  To  assist  him  to  escape." 

Sir  Humphrey  looked  grave. 

"  You  need  not  fear  that  I  shall  compromise  you  in  the 
matter.  There  is  no  need  for  anyone  to  know  that  you 
even  suspect  me  to  be  other  thau  I  seem.  Let  me  give 
you  the  assurance  that  I  shall  not  play  my  part  clumsily  ; 
or  if  I  am  discovered,  no  one  will  have  to  suffer  for  it  but 
myself." 

li  But,  seriously,  do  you  think  you  stand  any  chance  of 

6UCCe68?" 

"  Certainly  I  do,  or  I  should  not  contemplate  making 
the  attempt." 

"  Then,  let  me  tell  you  that  in  my  opinion  you  stand 
scarcely  the  ghost  of  a  chance." 

Captain  Hawk  smiled. 

"Leave  that  to  me,  your  worship.  If  you  are  in 
earnest  in  saying  that  you  wish  to  befriend  Dick,  believe 
me  you  cannot  choose  a  more  effectual  way  of  d~  g  so 
than  by  writing  me  the  free  pass  1  require. 

"  You  shall  have  it." 

"  Many  thanks !    Of  course  it  will  be  sufficient ,w 

"Oh  yes i  I  have  only  to  tell  you  that  you  :»U8t  be 
cautious." 

"  For  Dick's  sake,  you  may  rely  upon  it,  1  shall  be." 

Sir  Humphrey  sat  down,  and  takipg  a  pen,  scribbled  a 
few  words  upon  a  sheet  of  paper,  and  then,  with  a  vnst 
deal  of  flourish,  appended  his  signature. 

"  There,"  he  said — "  that  will  do." 

"My  best  thanks  are  your  due,"  answered  Captain 
Hawk,  carefully  securing  the  much-prized  document ; 
1;  and  I  trust  the  next  intelligence  you  may  receive  will 
be  that  Dick  is  once  more  at  liberty." 

"  Get  him  out  of  the  country,  if  you  can.  It  is  a 
thousand  pities  he  should  die  by  such  a  death  as  I  fear 
awaits  him.  Say  from  me  that  as  soon  as  he  reaches 
foreign  parts  he  is  to  write  aud  make  me  acquainted  with 
his  whereabouts." 

"  This  is  most  generous." 

"Tut,  tut!  He  would  do,  and  has  done,  ten  times  as 
much  for  me.  He  showed  me  very  plainly  that  1  was 
blindly  labouring  to  secure  my  daughter's  misery,  not  her 
happiness.  But  never  mind  that  now.  Money  will  be 
required  for  the  accomplishment  of  your  plan.  Take 
this  to  aid  you ;  if  you  want  more,  apply  to  me. ' 

He  placed  a  well-filled  bag  of  money  in  the  captain's 
Viand. 

"Don't  refuse  it,  as  Dick  did,"  he  added.  "He  told 
me  he  had  no  occasion  for  it,  but  you  must  know  better. 
All  I  ask  is  that  you  keep  my  share  in  this  transaction 
a  secret." 

"  Eely  upon  me,"  answered  Captain  Hawk.  "  Thanks 
to  fortune,  I  am  not  short  of  funds  ;  but  yet  your  gift  will 
be  certain  to  prove  useful." 

Little  more  of  any  importance  was  exchanged. 

The  captain  himself  was  by  no  means  inclined  to  pro- 
long the  iuterview,  because  the  day  was  getting  on  apace, 
and  he  had  much  to  do. 

On  taking  his  leave,  he  made  his  way  back  direct  to 
York. 

He  was  careful  to  avoid  passing  near  the  Old  Chequers 
inn. 

On  arriving  at  the  Castle,  which  was  his  destination, 


he  presented  his  pass,  and,  tc  his  great  satisfaction,  wai 
admitted  without  demur. 

To  Dick  Turpin  the  hour*  had  followed  each  other 
very  slowly  since  his  friend  hid  paid  him  his  visit 

He  had  had  no  othet  companionship  but  his  own 
thoughts,  which  were  gloomy  and  sad  indeed,  yet  even 
these  were  preferable  to  the  annoyance  perpetual  inter- 
ruptions  caused  him. 

Having  had  no  intimation  of  the  captain's  intention, 
he  naturally  looked  surprised  when  he  saw  so  monkish- 
looking  an  individual  appear  upon  the  threshold. 

The  jailer  seemed  inclined  to  linger  in  the  cell,  but 
after  a  time  withdrew. 

The  sham  priest  seated  himself  beside  the  prisoner, 
bending  his  head  so  much  forward  that  his  features 
could  not  be  distinguished  by  anyone. 

"Keep  quiet,  Dick,''  ho  said,  in  tones  scarcely  above  a 
whisper.  "  The  cell  door  is  not  shut,  and  if  you  raise 
you*. voice  I  shall  be  in  danger  of  detection." 

Dick  had  to  make  use  of  all  his  self-command  while 
hi?  comrade  thus  spoke. 

Until  he  opened  his  lips  he  had  no  suspicion  of  his 
visitor's  identity — a  6trong  and  convincing  proof  of  the 
captain's  skill  in  disguising  himself. 

"  Give  me  your  hand,"  6aid  Turpin — "  let  me  press  it 
only  for  an  instant,  and  then  1  shall  feel  more  sure  as  to 
who  you  are." 

"  There— there,  that  will  do.  Such  an  action  as  that, 
if  seen,  would  betray  us." 

A  hun  ied  pressure  ot  hands  took  place. 

"  How  strange  it  seems,"  said  Dick,  "  that,  in  defiance 
of  all  the  strongest  regulations  which  have  been  adopted; 
you  shoe  Id  be  able  to  make  your  way  here,  as  it 
seems,  just  when  you  chooso." 

"  It  is  more  in  appearance  than  in  reality.  I  have  seen 
Sir  Humphrey  once  more,  and  my  object  in  doing  so  was 
to  obtain  his  signature.  Armed  with  that,  I  at  once  disarm 
a  thousand  suspicions,  because  it  would  be  considered 
that  he  would  not  give  it  to  me  unless  he  knew  who  I 
was,  and  telt  1  could  be  trusted." 

"1  see,"  said  Dick.  "Such  a  credential  would  be  in- 
valuable." 

"  F-uactlv.  But  never  miud  that.  I  have  other  matters 
ui  greater  importance  thau  that  to  talk  about.  Skellum 
is  dead." 

"What?" 

"  Hwih— hush !  You  must  be  more  cautious  or  we  shall 
be  ruined." 

"Did  I  hear  rightly?" 

"  You  did." 

"  Repeat  it." 

"Skellum  is  dead  J" 

The  captain  then  followed  with  a  description  of  the 
events  of  the  night. 

"  I  lived  in  hopes  of  having  a  reckoning  with  him 
some  day,"  said  Dick.  "I  could  almost  regret  that  he  is 
gone." 

"  Pooh — pooh  I  You  ought  to  look  upon  it  as  a  piece 
of  extraordinary  good  fortune.  Without  his  never- 
ceasing  supervisions  all  these  precautions  will  be  relaxed 
— more  especially  when  it  is  seen  that  there  really  seems 
no  necessity  for  them." 

"  There  is  encouragement  in  that." 

"  Encouragement  1  I  should  think  there  is !  Bof  ore, 
the  escape  was  only  possible — now  it  is  probable:  that 
is,  if  yon  will  perform  your  part." 

"  Can  you  have  any  doubt  about  my  doing  that  ?" 

"  1  ought  not  to  have." 

"  Yoa  have  heard  when  the  trial  is  to  take  place  ?" 

"  At  the  next  assizes." 

*'  Do  you  know  when  they  commence  ?" 

"No.    Do  you?" 

"  Yes — in  three  days'  time," 

"In  three  days ?"  repeated  the  captain.  "  That  leaves 
but  little  time  for  preparation." 

"Too little,  I  fear.  The  time  between  now  and  then 
will  bo  one  of  incessant  preparation.  There  will  hardly 
be  a  chance." 

This  intelligence  pluuged  Captain  Hawk  tor  soma  tima 
iu  deep  reflection. 

Be  had  not  expected  that  the  trial  would  come  oa  .so 
soon,  and  iu  consequence  the  plans  ha  had  laid  *  at*  % 
little  deranged. 

"  Why  are  you  silent  ?"  asked  Dick  Turpio. 


jsa  rssosT  ov  raa  boas. 


501s 


*  I  was  thinking— about  the  escape." 

"No  doubt  you  are  of  the  same  opinion  as  myself." 

"  What  is  that  ?" 

"  Why,  that  it  will  be  wisest  to  defer  the  attempt  until 
after  the  trial ;  not  that  I  have  anything  to  hope  from  it, 
but  because  then  I  believe  the  chances  of  success  will  be 
ho  much  greater." 

"  Aud  three  days  is  not  very  long  to  make  all  prepara- 
tions," added  the  captain. 

"  Not  time  enough,  rely  upon  it.  At  the  triai  I  shall 
take  care  to  behave  as  though  I  was  deeply  impressed 
with  the  feeling  that  it  was  useless  to  resist,  and  that  I 
li  m!  resigned  myself  to  an  inevitable  fate." 

"  No  "doubt  that  will  throw  them  off  their  guard, 
especially  as  you  have  nothing  now  to  fear  from  Skei- 
luiu's  personal  interference.  If  we  could  only  get  the 
guard  removed  which  watches  round  the  exterior  of  the 
prison,  the  rest  would  be  comparatively  easv." 

While  speaking  these  last  words,  he  took  from  beneath 
his  robe  a  small  packet,  which  he  slipped  quietly  and 
stealthily  into  Dick's  hand. 

"  Never  mind  looking  at  it  now ;  secrete  it  somewhere 
uutil  you  are  sure  you  have  a  good  opportunity." 

"Thanks,"  said  Dick,  giving  instant  obedience.  "I 
may  be  sine  it  is  something  valuable." 

'■  I  believe  you  will  rind  it  so.  The  parcel  contains 
several  small  skeleton  keys  of  various  sizes.  They  are 
the  best  things  ot  the  kinl  to  be  had  for  money.  1 
uoticed  yesterday  that  your  irons  were  locked  upon  you, 
not  riveted.  Itou  will  now,  1  hope,  be  able  to  free  your- 
self from  them  in  the  night,  and  enjoy  something  like 
repose ;  only  you  must  be  careful  to  put  them  on  again 
in  the  morning." 

"  If  1  can  manage  that,"  said  Dick,  "it  will  be  a  boon 
indeed.  These  heavy  irons,  so  constantly  upon  my 
limbs,  cramp  me  and  weigh  mo  down.  To  be  rid  of 
them,  if  only  for  an  hour,  would  be  an  indescribable 
relief." 

"Then  I  think  you  will  be  able  to  accomplish*,  to- 
night. In  the  meanwhile,  1  shall  set  carefully  to  work, 
aud  see  that  all  things  are  in  perfect  readiness.  I  will  go 
now,  for  my  visit  has  already  been  a  long  one." 

"And  shall  you  come  again?" 

"  1  think  not  till  after  the  trial ;  at  any  rate,  not  unless 
something  sufficiently  important  occurs  to  warrant  me  in 
doing  so.  1  can  render  no  further  service  that  I  am 
aware  of,  and  by  staying  away  I  diminish  the  chances  of 
my  recognition.  Mot  that  I  study  this  from  a  personal 
motive,  but^because,  it  I  am  taken,  all  hopes  of  your 
escape,  1  am  afraid,  will  vanish." 

"  1  am  sure  they  will;  and  not  only  for  my  sake,  but 
for  your  own,  be  caretul." 

The  captain  laughed  silently. 

Then,  rising,  he  whispered  the  word  farewell. 

Faiu  would  Dick  have  detained  him,  but  he  felt  he  had 
no  reasonable  excuse  lor  so  doing. 

let  it  would  be  hard  to  couvey  any  idea  of  the  desolate 
feeling  which  took  possession  of  his  heart  as  soou  as  the 
door  closed  behind  this  faithful  and  well-tried  friend. 

To  speak  the  truth,  Dick,  upon  reflection,  had  felt  by 
no  means  sanguine  as  to  the  result  of  an  escape. 

He  was  resolved  to  attempt  one,  however,  because,  if  he 
perished  in  the  effort,  he  would  ratter  a  thousand  times 
die  so  than  undergo  the  last  dread  penalty  o:  the  law. 

But  the  intelligence  that  bkellutu  had  so  suddenly  and 
unexpectedly  met  with  hi3  death  materially  changed  his 
feelings  on  the  subject. 

He  was  in  truth  the  barrier  whioh  ho  hat"  most  to 
dread. 

Now  he  was  removed. 

The  prospect  of  being  able  to  relieve  his  body  ol  the 
terrible  weight  of  his  fetters  could  not  fail  to  afford  a 
certain  amount  of  satisfaction. 

It  made  him.  long  impatiently  for  the  approach  of 
night. 

At  about  nine  o'clock  every  evening  the  Governor  made 
a  round  ot  the  entire  prison. 

On  each  occasion  he  had  entered  Dick's  cell  and  satis- 
fied himself  by  a  careful  personal  inspection  that  the 
prisoner  was  safe,  and  that  his  fetters  showed  no  signs 
ot  having  been  tampered  with. 

After  this  visit,  Dick  was  left  uninterrupted  till  the 
aour  of  seven  in  the  morning. 

Punctual  to  the  hoar,  the  Governor  came. 


He  looked  carefully  around  as  usual. 

All  seemed  well. 

When  the  door  was  closed  again  and  the  sound  of  foot- 
steps along  the  corridor  without  had  died  away,  Dick 
could  scarcely  contain  himself. 

He  had  a  chance  now  to  be  comparatively  free  for  nearly 
ten  hours. 

The  packet  or  skeleton  keys  had  been  carefully  secreted, 
aud  now,  with  a  trembling  hand,  he  drew  it  forth. 

The  keys  were  all  small,  of  such  size  as  wo»ld  be  used 
for  a  padlock. 

Dick  tried  several  hastily,  and  at  last  had  me  satisfac- 
tion of  feeling  the  wards  of  the  lock  yield. 

In  less  than  ten  minutes  afterwards  he  had  rid  himself 
of  his  disagreeable  incumbrances  altogether. 

Of  course,  he  had  to  display  the  utmost  caution  in  all 
his  movements,  because  any  unusual  clanking  of  his  irons 
reaching  the  ears  of  the  man  who  watched  outside  might 
so  far  arouse  suspicion  as  to  cause  him  to  look  in. 

In  the  event  of  such  a  thing  a3  this,  not  only  would  he 
be  discovered,  but  such  precautions  adopted  as  would  pre- 
vent him  from  ever  achieving  his  object  again. 

Almost  without  making  a  souud  at  all,  however,  Dick 
laid  his  fetters  one  by  one  aside. 

Then,  with  the  most  intense  sigh  of  relief  which  can  be 
conceived,  he  stood  erect. 

Oh !  it  was  a  glorious  thing  to  be  even  temporarily  free 
from  his  manacles,  for  they  seemed  not  only  to  weigh 
down  the  body,  but  to  crush  the  mind  also. 

He  stretched  every  weary  limb,  aud  then,  taking  care 
to  tread  lightly,  paced  up  and  down  the  cell. 

It  was  the  first  exercise  he  had  been  permitted  to  take 
since  the  discovery  of  his  identity. 

This  action  very  disagreeably  impressed  upon  his  mind 
that  he  wa3  by  no  means  so  strong  as  he  had  fancied  hini- 
selt  to  be. 

The  temporary  depression  which  this  produced  he 
shook  off  by  remembering  that  it  was  quite  as  well  he 
had  found  it  out  now  instead  of  at  a  time  when  it  might 
be  of  the  utmost  importance  for  him  to  possess  full 
strength. 

"  This  exercise  will  benefit  me  wonderfully,"  he 
soliloquised.  "  In  three  days'  time  I  shall  be  thrice  as 
strong  as  I  am  now  " 

Fatigue  at  lengta  compelled  him  to  return  to  his 
seat. 

The  night  was  a  light  one,  for  the  moon  was  shining 
in  the  heavens  unobsrured  by  a  single  cloud. 

Her  beams  chanced  to  find  their  way  into  the  cell  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  light  up  the  greater  part  of. it. 

The  silvery  radiauce  fell  upon  the  worn  and  wasted 
form  of  the  highwayman,  who,  as  he  gazed  at  the  bright 
face  of  the  queen  of  night,  sighed  heavily. 

Most  forcibly  was  brought  to  his  remembrance  the 
time  when,  guided  by  her  rays,  he  had  made  his  way 
across  the  country  on  the  back  of  bonny  Black  Bess. 

Hs  could  not  think  upon  the  past  and  maintain  his 
firmness. 

His  emotions  overcame  him,  and  for  some  time  tie  let 
them  have  their  way  without  the  least  restraint. 

But  by  degrees  the  violence  of  his  feelings  sub- 
sided. 

Gazing  once  more  upon  the  moon,  the  desire  came  into 
his  mind  to  climb  up  to  the  cell  window  and  see  what 
was  visible  from  without. 

He  knew  his  cell  was  at  some  height  above  the  ground, 
and  fancied  it  must  be  in  a  tower,  for  it  was  partly  cir- 
cular in  shape. 

Of  course  he  was  not  long  in  gratifying  a  longing  of 
this  sort  when  once  he  had  decided  upon  it. 

The  grated  aperture  in  the  cell,  by  courtesy  called  a 
window,  was  high  up  in  the  wall,  being  placed,  in  fact, 
close  to  the  juncture  of  the  latter  with  the  ceiling. 

But  Dick's  cell  was  furnished  with  a  chair  and  a  table, 
and  by  placing  one  on  the  other  he  wa3  ablo  to  reach  to 
a  good  height. 

It  was  no  easy  task,  however,  to  make  these  prepara- 
tions without  causing  any  sound  that  would  attract  at- 
tention, tor  at  this  midnight  hour  a  silence  like  that  of 
tho  grave  itself  prevailed  in  the  prison. 

At  length  he  mounted,  and  grasping  the  bars  with  hia 
hands,  pressed  his  face  closely  against  them. 

Oh,  how  sweetly  and  refreshingly  the  cool  night  air 
blew  upon  his  burning  brow  I 


BtlCE   BSSS  ;   OS, 


How  beautiful  the  scene  looked  without  now  er«ry 
abject  was  silvered  over  with  the  moon's  beams ! 

How  ineffable  was  the  yearning  he  felt  to  oreak  *W»y 
trom  his  confinement ! 

For  some  moments  Dick  remained  gazing  in  a  kind  of 
ecstasy  or  trance. 

But  when  calm  reason  came  back  to  his  aid  ne  took 
more  careful  note  of  the  situation  of  his  cell  window. 

In  the  first  place  he  made  the  discovery  that  he  was  at 
a  much  greater  height  from  the  ground  than  he  had 
believed. 

But  as  he  looked  he  saw  that  the  tallest  roofs  anywuf  re 
visible  around  were  considerably  below  him. 

So  far  as  he  was  able  to  tell,  too,  there  was  a  small 
paved  yard  protected  by  a  stone  wall,  which  formed  a 
boundary  to  the  prison. 

While  gafcing  down  he  caught  sight,  of  the  forms  of  two 
men  who  were  advancing  towards  each  other. 

When  within  a  certain  distance  they  paused,  and  ap- 
parently exchanged  some  words,  though  no  sound  reached 
Dick's  listening  ears. 

Then  turning  round,  both  retraced  their  steps. 

CHAPTER  MCXXXIL 

IW  WHICn  DICK  TURPIN  IS  BROUGHT  TO  TRIAJi. 

Dtck  Tdrpin  watched  both  figures  till  they  disappeared 
from  view. 

Then,  after  a  while,  they  appeared  again,  advanced 
to  the  same  spot  and  retired. 

"That  is  the  outside  watch  of  which  the  captain 
spoke ;  and  while  that  is  kept  up,  how  am  I  to  escape  ?" 

There  seemed  to  be  but  one  reply  which  could  be  given 
to  tliii.  question. 

While  ihe  guard  did  its  duty  escape  was  impossible. 

There  was  just  the  possibility  that,  now  Skellum  was 
no  more,  this  precaution  would,  after  the  trial,  fee  dis- 
pensed with  as  superfluous. 

How  frail  a  hope  this  was  everyone  must  see. 

But  it  was  the  prisoner's  only  hope,  and  he  seemed  to 
cling  to  it  with  all  the  more  tenacity  because  he  kne^r  it 
was  so  slight. 

"  Were  it  not  for  those  fellows,"  he  continued,  r:-.,:tly 
afterwards,  "  I  could  see  my  way  clear  enough,  witu  su^1"*  J 
aid  as  Captain  Hawk  could  afford  me.  A  steel  saw  i 
would  be  wanted  to  cut  through  these  bars,  a  ropo  long 
enough  to  enable  me  to  reach  the  ground,  and  then 
another  rope,  flung  over  the  outer  wall  at  the  proper 
moment,  which  would  enable  me  to  scale  that." 

After  this,  escape  seemed  quite  an  easy  matter,  could 
the  men  who  watched  outside  be  anyhow  got  rid  of. 

Dick  remained  watching  for  a  long  time — how  long  he 
did  not  trouble  himself  to  think. 

But  during  the  whole  of  the  period,  the  men  kept  np 
their  patrolling  backwards  and  forwards  with  the  most 
provoking  regularity. 

Wearied  out,  at  length,  with  watching,  and  finding 
that  there  was  nothing  else  to  take  cognizance  of,  and  no 
advantage  in  remaining  there,  he  cautiously  descended. 

Yet  he  felt  this  was  a  privilege  scarcely  to  be  enough 
valued,  and  a  feeling  of  the  greatest  gratitude  towards 
Captain  Hawk  held  possession  of  his  heart. 

There  was  yet  time  enough  for  him  to  enjoy  a  good 
period  of  repose ;  but  his  fear  was  that,  when  once  fall- 
ing asleep,  his  slumber  would  be  so  deep  that  he  would  bo 
unable  to  awake  at  the  proper  moment. 

Nevertheless  he  flung  himself  down  at  full  length,  en- 
Joying  to  the  utmost  the  pleasure  of  stretching  his  limbs 
at  freedom. 

As  may  be  expected,  the  end  of  this  was  tha'  he  un- 
consciously fell  off  to  sleep. 

Awaking  with  a  sudden  start,  he  found  himsert  very 
oold,  and  surrounded  by  an  inteuse  darkness. 

He  knew  well  that  when  the  jailer  paid  him  his  first 
visit  it  was  scarcely  daylight,  and,  therefore,  with  some 
trepidation,  he  se^  about  the  task  of  relocking  the  fetters 
upou  his  limbs. 

Never,  howeTer,  was  any  necessary  act  performed  V.  Ith 
more  unwillingness. 

He  paused  several  times,  for  he  was  strongly  assailed 
with  the  temptation  to  spring  npon  his  jailer  when  he 
nntered,  fling  him  down,  and  trust  to  the  confusion  which 
would  ensue  to  effect  his  escape. 

The  chances  of  success,  however,  if  be  adopted  this 


course,  wore  so  very,  very  slight,  that  he  felt  he  could 
not  afford  to  venture  upon  it. 

It  he  failed — and  the  chances  were  as  ten  thousand  to 
one  that  he  would  fail — more  stringent  precautions  than 
ever  would  be  taken,  instead  of  a  relaxation  of  those 
already  in  force,  which  was  what  he  was  hoping  for. 

An  indiscreet  attempt  would  only  serve  to  mar  aiJ 
chances  of  the  favourable  accomplishment  of  a  better- 
matured  plan. 

Governed  by  these  considerations,  then,  he  went  on 
with  his  unwelcome  task,  though  many  a  heavy,  regretful 
sigh  escaped  his  breast. 

He  had  barely  time  to  finish  and  to  conceal  the  key 
which  had  been  of  such  immense  service  to  him  when 
the  sound  of  distant  footsteps  warned  him  of  the  approach 
of  the  turnkey. 

Upon  entering,  the  man,  according  to  his  custom, 
glanced  around  in  order  to  see  whether  everything  pre- 
sented its  usual  aspect. 

On  the  present  occasion  he  saw  nothing  to  excite  his 
suspicions,  for  Dick  had  been  extremely  careful  to  re- 
store everything  exactly  to  its  former  position. 

The  day  passed  without  the  occurrence  of  any  particular 
incident  to  break  the  monotony  of  prison  life. 

Dick  was  enabled  to  preserve  his  cheerfulness  by  look- 
ing forward  to  the  comparative  freedom  he  should  en- 
joy at  night. 

Towards  evening,  in  accordance  with  Sir  Humphrey's 
recommendation,  Mr.  Steel,  the  solicitor,  paid  Dick  a 
visit. 

"It  would  be  wrong  of  me,"  he  said,  "to lead  you  to 
suppose  that  there  is  the  slightest  chance  of  my  being 
able  to  do  the  least  good  for  you.  Still,  I  will  watch  the 
case,  though  that  must  not  buoy  you  up  with  any  fake 
hopes.  I  am  truly  sorry  for  you,  and  should  rejoice  to 
see  you  at  liberty." 

"  Many  thanks  for  your  kind  wishes,  but  the  caution 
you  have  ju3t  given  me  is  a  needless  one.  I  knew  well 
enough  from  the  first  that  the  trial  would  be  a  mere 
form,  and  that  I  am  as  good  as  sentenced  already.  It 
was  Sir  Humphrey  who  would  insist  that  you  should  try 
to  help  me." 

"  And  so  I  will  ;  and  what  is  more,  I  shall  try  with  all 
my  heart,"  said  the  attorney,  earnestly.  "  I  cannot  forget 
what  you  have  done  :  ana  you  may  depend  that,  should 
arythiug  arise  which  can  possibly  be  turned  to  your 
advantage,  it  shall  be." 

"  You  have  my  best  thanks  for  that  assurance,  though 
still,"  Dick  added,  "  I  know  already  the  termination  of 
the  trial." 

Mr.  Steel  must  have  been  fully  impressed  with  the 
hopelessness  of  Dick's  case?  for  he  never  asked  him  a 
single  question  concerning  it. 

Dick,  however,  thought  fit  to  set  him  right  as  regard \ 
the  facts. 

"  Of  the  particular  crime  laid  to  my  charge  I  am  not 
guilty." 

"  t  am  afraid  that  will  avail  you  little." 

"  I  do  not  expect  much  from  it ;  still,  you  may  as  well 
know  the  actual  truth." 

Dick  then  described  as  well  as  he  was  able  the  way  in 
which  the  ostler  met  his  death. 

Mr.  Steel  shook  his  head. 

"I  will  bear  the  particulars  in  mind,"  he  said;  "but 
you  must  be  aware  that  the  dying  witnessed  testimony  of 
any  person  has  great  weight  in  a  court  of  law,  and  you 
have  only  your  bare  word  to  bring  agaiust  it." 

"  I  understand  you."  said  Dick.  "  Still,  I  should  have 
felt  more  reconciled  had  the  charge  against  me  possessed 
some  foundation." 

The  attorney  left  soon  after,  and  when  Dick  was  left 
to  himself  he  muttered : 

"I  am  now  convinced  that  I  have  no  hope  to  look  for- 
ward to  in  that  quarter." 

His  sole  reliance  rusted  upon  Captain  Hawk. 

It  was  strong,  it  is  true;  but  then,  he  could  *ot  help 
remembering  that,  after  all,  it  was  not  much  to  depend 
upon. 

The  captain  himself  stood  in  hazard  of  his  life,  and 
was  liable  to  detection  at  any  moment— particularly  liable, 
one  would  think,  when  his  habitual  recklessness  and  care- 
lessness of  consequences  is  borne  in  mind. 

Should  he  be  discovered  or  captured,  nothing  could  save 
Dick  from  his  impending  doom- 


tn   JtU»<JBT   0»  TVS    BOAS. 


[DICK  TV«FW    FAll*    IS    HIS   ATl'BJin    TO    KSCATB   FBOM    YORK   CASTLB.J 


When  the  »jrisoner  was  once  again  ireed  from  his  fetters, 
fee  found  himself  able  to  take  a  more  cheerful  view  of 
matters— *  brighter  light  seemed  thrown  spon  the  even* 
4t  the  future. 

This  went  on  thus  without  the  occurrence  of  aught  ae- 
•srvin*  of  special  mention,  until  the  mo  rain g  of  the  trial 
arrived. 

It  seems  almost  needless  to  say  that  tbe  deepest  Interest 
was  manifested  by  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  city,  and  that 
extraordinary  efforts  were  necessary  in  order  to  have  a 
chance  of  witnessing  the  interesting  pmoeeding*, 

A  great  improvement  had  taken  plae*  in  Dick's  per- 
sonal appearance  since  his  last  examination,  and  on  the 
present  occasion  he  paid  particular  attention  to  his  toilet. 

He  dii  not  succeed,  howler,  in  bis  attempt  to  bear 
some  resemblance  to  his  former  self—bis  old  s  equal  ns- 
umm  would  scarcely  hare  known  bin  now. 

N«.  tfi*.— Bi-acx  Bns> 


In  fact,  at  least  twenty  years  seemed  to  have  been 
added  to  his  age,  while  his  hair  was  perceptibly  streakea 

W  Buf^us  eyes  retained  their  brightness,  and  many  re- 
marked what  an  eagle-like  glanoe  it  was  which  he  gave 
on  first  making  his  appearance  in  the  ^ourt. 

The  general  hum  and  buzz  which  had  hitherto  pre- 
vailed among  the  densely-packed  audita?  ceased  as 
soon  as  he  entered  the  dock. 

It  was  strange  indeed  to  see  so  man',  many  faces  all  so 
closely  peeked,  and  all  turned  towards  one  point 

It  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  If  the  prisoner  did  shrink  a 
little  upon  finding  himself  the  focus  of  so  many  eyes. 

But  the  action  could  hardly  have  been  a  momentary 
one,  and  then,  having  drawn  himself  up  to  his  full 
height,  he  gave  that  rapid  and  searching  glance  around 
him  of  which  we  have  just  made  mentto* 


rWCi   ONB   HAi.FPr-NNY. 


2018 


BLACK  6SSI  •   oa, 


But  ho  dropped  his  eyes  almost  instantly. 
Kapid  as  was  his  glance,  it   had  nevertheless  satisfied 
him  upon  one  point. 
Captain  Hawk  was  in  Court. 

Dick  wondered  at  his  hardihood,  for  the  recognition 
was  instantaneous,  and  he  only  dropped  his  eyes  because 
he  was  afraid  that  his  friend  might  be  indiscrer?  enough 
to  make  some  sign. 

The  expression  on  the  captain's  face  at  the  moment 
when  he  first  caught  sight  of  it  was  such  as  to  mako 
Dick  feel  that  so  far  events  had  gone  on  well. 

The  silence  which  had  greeted  the  prisoner's  first 
appearance  was  of  short  duration. 

A  general  murmur  arose,  so  loud  as  ti/  'prevent  the 
commencement  of  the  business  of  the  Court. 

In  vain  the  usher  bawled  for  silence  till  he  was  as  red 
in  the  face  as  the  trimming  on  his  robe. 

It  was  not  until  the  judge  arose  and  poo^fc^y  declared 
that,  at  all  hazards,  the  Court  should  Uj  cleared,  that 
anything  resembling  order  was  obtained. 

The  usual  formalities  observed  on  such  occasions  were 
then  proceeded  with. 

But  we  will  not  weary  the  reader  by  describing  them 
in  detail. 

The  Clerk  of  the  Arraigns  rose,  and  read  over  the  in- 
dictment. 

The  ceremony,  however,  appeared  to  be  one  which 
might  very  well  have  been  dispensed  with,  for  no  one 
paid  the  least  attention  to  it. 

The  judge  held  a  whispered  conversation  with  the 
Lord-Lieutenant  of  the  county,  who  had  takeu  his  seat 
upon  the  bench. 

The  barristers  at  the  table  below  amused  and  busied 
themselves  in  various  ways. 
At  la^t  the  clerk  stopped  with  a  sudden  jdt*. 
"  Prisoner  at  the  bar,"  he  exclaimed,  "  yon  are  ctierged 
upon    this   indictment  with   the  crime  of  wiliul  tau.'der. 
An.^ou  guilty  or  not  guilty  ?" 

"  Not  guilty  I"  responded  Dick,  in  a  voice,  tuougo  ap- 
parently low,  was  nevertheless  distinctly  audible  in 
every  corner  of  the  Court. 

The  plea  was  recorded,  and  the  business  of  the  trial 
fairly  began. 

It  was  not  until  this  moment  that  Dick  noticed  among 
the  many  influential  gentlemen  who  had  been  accom- 
modated with  seats  on  the  bench  was  his  stanch  friend, 
Sir  Humphrey  Yeomans. 

The  prosecution  was  conducted  by  the  Attorney- 
General  himself. 

"  My  lord  and  gentlemen  of  the  jury,"  he  said,  in  a 
rapid  voice,  "it  is  far  from  my  intention  to  occt»py  your 
time  a*id  attention  for  many  minutes  on  the  present  occa- 
sion. To  those  few  remarks  which  I  have  to  make,  I 
earnestly  desire  you  will  give  your  entire  attention. 

"  The  prisoner  at  the  bar  is,  I  suppose,  entitled  to  the 
claim  of  being  considered  one  of  the  most  notorious 
characters  in  the  land.  His  misdeeds  and  daring  defiauce 
of  justice  are  so  well  known  that  it  is  auiie  unnecessary 
for  me  to  dwell  upon  them  here. 

"Aided  by  numerous  well-paid  accomplices,  and  by  the 
poorer  sort  of  people,  whose  good  will  he  had  gained  by 
a  few  acts  of  interested  liberality,  he  has  succeeded  in 
keeping  at  bay  all  the  many  parties  of  officers  that  have 
been  sent  out  in  pursuit  of  him. 

"  But  that  inevitable  end  which  could  have  been  fore- 
seen by  anyone,  has  come  at  last— his  time  of  triumph  is 
over — he  is  here  ia  the  dock  before  you  on  a  charge 
atfecting  his  life. 

••  In  the  case  of  such  criminals  as  the  prisoner  at  the 
bar  (let  us  be  thankful,  gentlemen,  that  there  are  so  few  of 
i  hem,)  it  is  often  felt  to  be  a  matter  of  some  difficulty  to 
fix  upon  some  specific  charge  against  them,  and  bring  the 
accusation  home  to  them. 

••  When  such  notorious  offenders  are  securea  after  the 
expenditure  of  so  much  time  and  trouble,  it  almost  seems 
that  the  formality  of  a  trial  could  be  done  away  with  an^ 
the  speediest  steps  taken  for  execution. 

"  But  the  English  law  is  jealous  of  the  rights  of  every 
man,  even  when  all  claim  upon  the  forbearance  of  society 
is  forfeited,  as  in  thw  case  of  the  prisoner  at  the  l«r. 

"  It  is  a  mutter  of  gratification  to  me — not  merely  that 
there  is  no  difficulty  in  fixing  upon  a  specific  charge,  but 
because  the  crime  of  which  he  is  accused  has  been  com- 
uiiit  d  only  a  short  time,  and  the  evidence  upon  it  is  so 


clear  and  complete  as  to  leave  no  doubt  of  the  prlsouera 
guilt. 

"  The  crime  is  that  of  muraer — the  on9  which  all  man- 
kind holds  in  the  most  abhor  3uce.  As  you  ar9  well  aware, 
the  penalty  is  death. 

"Leaving  out  of  consideration- all  the  manifold  acts  of 
turpitude  which  have  been  committed  by  the  prisoner  at 
the  bar,  we  will  try  him  on  the  present  elf  ?ge,  for  had  he 
been  ten  times  as  guilty  as  he  ts  the  pv  ^shment  would 
still  have  been  death. 

"  I  shall  now  proceed  to  call  wituess^"  before  you — 
having  first  read  this  deposition  made  by  the  expiring 
man — who  will  be  able  to  show  that  on  the  evening  of  the 
18th  of  the  last  month  the  prisoner  at  the  bar  did  wilfully 
and  with  malice  prepense,  wound  to  the  death  one 
Samuel  Thorpe,  who  held  the  situation  of  ostler  at  the 
Crown  and  Cushion,  the  well-known  inn  on  the  London 
Road." 

The  Attorney-General  then  read  over  the  document 
containing  the  ostler's  deposition. 

As  the  reader  is  aware,  it  gave  anything  but  a  fair  and 
just  account  of  what  had  taken  place,  for  it  stated  that 
Dick  had,  alternately  by  promises  and  threats,  endeavoured 
to  persuade  the  ostler  to  furnish  him  with  a  horse  in 
order  that  ho  might  complete  his  escape.  With  this 
demand  the  ostler  stated  he  resolutely  refused  to 
comply,  and  in  consequence  the  prisoner  had  drawn  his 
sword  and  plunged  it  into  his  breast  before  he  had  time  to 
step  aside  or  defend  himself. 

The  reader,  being  in  possession  of  the  actual  facts  as 
they  occurred,  will  be  able  to  see  how  grossly  the 
mercenary  and  treacherous  ostler  misrepresented  what 
had  occurred. 

Thost  witnesses  who  had  appeared  before  the  magis- 
trate at  the  final  examination  now  again  stood  forward 
and  repeated  the  testimony  they  had  previously  givon. 
which  for  tb**  ^o%»  ^  Was  correct  enough. 

™.T..!.*U    medical    evidence   was    given    respecting,   the 
wound,  and  a  proper  certificate  of  the  ostler's  death. 
With  this,  the  case  for  the  prosecution  closed. 
Mr.   Steel,   to  the  surprise  of    many   in    Court,   then 
rose  up,  and,  after  glancing  around,  said: 
"  My  lord  and  gentlemen  of  the  jury,— 
"  I  am  not  abont,  in  the  ordinary  sense  of  the  term,  to 
defend  the  priwuer  at  the  bar,  but  I  am  here  to  make  to 
you  a  sta. -~n«c}  which  he  desires  should  go  forth. to  the 
world. 

"It  is  „t, «    off  eel  that  he  is  guiltless  of  the  charge  now 
brought  against  him.     He  solemnly  avers  that    ■■  ■ 
The  Attorney-General  jumped  up.    .  £ 

"  My  lord,"  he  said,  "I  protest  against  this  irregularity. 
Ii  my  learned  friend  has  any  evidence  to  offer  on  the 
the  part  of  the  prisoner  at  the  bar,  well  and  good-r-let  it  be 
forthcoming;  but  if,  as  i  imagine,  he  is  only  about  to 
repeat  some  general  declaration  of  innocence  made  by 
the  prisoner,  and  unsupported  by  testimony,. I^submit  that 
the  present  is  not  a  fitting  opportunity  for  doing  so.  I 
feel  certain  your  lordship  will  support  me  in  saying  that 
the  proper  time  for  the  makiug  of  such  a  statement  is 
aft*"-  the  recordation  of  the  verdict." 

Th«  judge  ruled  that  his  learned  friend  was  rigLt.,and 
Mr.  Steel  sat  down  with  his  statement  unmade. 
The  Attorney-General. rose  again. 
"My  lord  and  gentlemen  of  the  jury, — 
"  I  cannot  refrain  from  directing  your  attention  to  the 
singular  manner  in  which  the  identity  o.f  the  prisoner  at 
the  bar  was  discovered.     The  hand  of  Providence  cannot 
be  more  plainly  traceable  thar   in  this   instance.      The 
prisoner,    maddened   with   drink,  is   taken   prisoner   a"pd 
locked  up  without  the  existence  of  tk«  faintest  suspicion 
of  who  he  was— so  greatly  has  he  altered  during  the  la-st 
few  months  of  his  wretched  existence. 

-"But  for  the  merest  chance  he  would  undoubtedly  ha* a 
beet  7*t  at  liberty  again,  when  he  would  doubtless  have 
succeeded  in  effecting  his  escape.  But  the  ends  of  justice 
were  net  then  to  be  set  aside.  He  was  called  upon  to  find 
a  surety  for  his  future  good  conduct.  This  he  could  not 
obtain.  Then  it  seems  he  wrote  a  letter  to  his  brother, 
who  is,  I  am  given  to  understand,  a  worthy,  honest  man, 
requesting  him  to  come  forward  and  be  bail  for  him.  This 
letter  was  posted  unpaid  for,  the  brother  refused  to  pay 
the  postage,  and  the  letter  was  finally  sent  to  London  na 
be  opened  and  returned  to  the  sender.  It  was  then  that 
the  almost  incr»"''*v,fl  disooverr  w*e  raado  that  tbe  write* 


THB  KNIGHT  Ot  THB   ROAD. 


201! 


was  no  other  than  the  famous— or  shall  I  say  in-famous— 
Dick  Turpin,  and  that  he  was  at  that  moment  safely 
within  the  walls  of  York  Castle,  while  the  police  officers 
were  vainly  searohing  for  him  in  every  direction.  His 
identification  followed ;  and  at  the  name  time  he  was 
indicted  for  the  wilful  murder  of  the  ostler  at  the  road- 
side inn." 


CHAPTER  MOXXXIII. 

SENTE.VCE  OF  DKATH   IS   PRONOUNCED   UPON   DICK 
TURPIN. 

What  is  called  nowadays  a   "sensation"  followed  the 
Attorney-General's  remarks. 

Such  a  strange  concatenation  of  circumstances  was  well 
calculated  to  excite  a  more  than  common  degree  of 
interest. 

The  judge  now  proceeded  to  sum  up  the  evidence. 

The  task  was  by  no  means  a  difficult  one,  and  did  not 
occupy  him  many  minutes. 

He  dwelt  upon  the  weight  which  always  attaches  itself 
to  the  testimony  of  one  like  the  ostler,  who  made  his 
statements  in  the  full  belief  that  he  had  not  much  longer 
to  live  in  this  world. 

He  referred,  too,  to  the  extraordinary  manner  in  which 
Dick  had  been  secured. 

He  observed  how  strange  it  was  to  think  that,  after  so 
mac y  fruitless  efforts  to  capture  him,  he  should  at  last  so 
singularly  be  found  in  custody. 

The  evidence  was  so  clear,  he  said,  that  he  did  not  for 
his  own  part  see  how  the  jury  could  have  any  hesitation 
or  difficulty  about  coming  to  a  verdict. 

Tbe  jury  appeared  to  have  no  difficulty. 

Those  who  sat  on  the  front  row  of  seats  turned  round 
to  those  oehind  them  aud  exchanged  a  whisper. 

Then  all  sat  down,  and  the  foreman  rose  up. 

"Gentlemen  of  the  jury,  have  you  considered  your 
verdict  ?" 

"  We  have." 

"  Do  you  find  the  prisoner  at  the  bar  guilty  or  not 
guilty  ?" 

"  Guilty  I" 

This  announcement  took  no  one  by  surprise,  tor  the 
simple  reason  that  every  person  in  Court  had  fully  ex- 
pected it. 

"  Prisoner  at  the  bar,"  said  the  Clerk  of  the  Arraigns, 
".you   have    heard  the  verdict.     Have  you  anything  to 
say  why  sentence  should  not  be  passed  upon  you  ?" 
'Dick  leaned  forward  towards  Mr.  Steel,  who  whispered 
•hergetically  for  a  moment. 

Then  the.  latter,  turuiug  round  to  the  Court,  saic ; 

'•My  lord,  the  prisoner  desires  me  to  make  the  state- 
ment which  1  was  about  to  give  when  interrupted  by  my 
learned  friend.     It  is  brief. 

•"  He  solemnly  avers  that  he  is  guiltless  of  the  crime 
laid  to  his  charge.  He  does  not  pretend  to  dispute  his 
identity ;  but  he  wishes  it  to  be  known  that  what  the 
ostler  has  sworn  to  as  his  dying  deposition  is  not  actually 
in* accordance  with  facts.  The  prisoner  declares  that  the 
ostler  offered  to  aid  him  to  escape,  provided  he  well  paid 
bim  for  doiDg  so ;  but  finding  that  more  money  was  to  be 
m'a'de  by"  surrendering  him  a  prisoner  and  claiming  the 
reward,  he  resolved  upon  that  course.  Accordingly,  he 
administered  some  drugged  brandy  to  the  prisoner,  who 
did  not  discover  it  until  he  had  6wallowed  a  considerable 
portion  of  the  liquor.  Finding  the  plot  discovered,  the 
ostler  rushed  forward  with  the  intention  of  overpowering 
him,  and  in  doing  so  became  impaled  upon  the  point  of 
the  prisoner's  sword,  which  he  held  out  before  him  in  an 
attitude  of  defence  ;  so  that  it  will  be  seen  th?  ost'.ei  was 
•otually  the  author  and  bringer  about  of  his  own  death.' 

The  statement  was  listened  to  attentively. 

As  soon  as  Mr.  Steel  sat  down,  the  judg^  assumed  the 
black  cap,  and  proceeded  to  pass  sentence. 

• "  Prisoner  at  the  bar,"  he  said,  "  you  havfe  this  cfay 
been  found  guilty,  upon  the  clearest  evidence,  of  the 
heinous  crime  of  wilful  murder.  You  must  Jljow  that 
your  bare  statement  can  have  but  little  notice  when 
weighed-  againr*  the  testimony  ul  a  man  at  the  point  of 
death,  and  who  a?}?  \ave  no  motive  for  misrepresenta- 
tion. ♦ 

"  But  leaving  this  poinv  It  is  quite  patent  that  you  are 
reilty  of  innumerable  crimes,  all  of  which  are  punishable 
By  death,  •»ii'd*for  this  reftsOU"!  feel  no  compunction  in  pro- 


nouncing the  sentence  of  the  Court,  which  is,  that  yt** 
be  taken  hence  to  the  place  whence  you  came,  and  thence 
to  the  place  appointed  for  execution,  and  that  you  be  there 
hanged  by  the  neck  until  you  be  dead ;  and  may  Heaven 
extend  that  forgiveness  towards  you  which  the  law  will 
not  permit  us  to  show  on  earth  !" 

An  impressive  silence  followed. 

The  two  men  who  had  stood  beside  Dick  during  tLa 
whole  examination  now  signified  that  it  was  time  for  him 
to  depart. 

Before  leaving,  however,  Dick  tur-.ed  his  eyes  to  the 
spot  where  Captain  Hawk  was  sitting. 

He  was  greeted  in  a  moment  by  a  reassuring  smile. 

That  did  wonders  for  Dick's  heart,  which  had  grown 
very — very  heavy  during  the  progress  of  the  trial. 

He  would  not  have  been  human  had  it  not  done  so. 

But  Captain  Hawk's  smile  gave  him  hope,  and  held  out 
the  assurance  that  after  all  he  might  yet  succeed  in  elud- 
ing the  vigilance  of  his  jailers  and  become  a  free  man. 

Dick  was  now  conducted  to  a  different  cell  to  the  one 
he  had  formerly  occupied,  though  the  resemblance  between 
the  two  was  60  great  that  they  could  scarcely  have  been 
distinguished  from  one  another. 

Like  the  former  one,  this  was  situated  near  the  top  of 
the  castle  keep- 
It  had  one  small  window  near  the  ceiling — a  windov 
that  was  veiy  strongly  barred. 

He  was  again  loaded  with  fetters,  and  left  to  pass  as  bes1 
he  might  the  brief  time  that  was  to  elapse  before  the  day 
came  for  his  execution. 

Dick  longed  earnestly  for  night  to  come. 

He  was  anxious  to  climb  up  to  the  grated  window  and 
peep  out,  in  order  to  ascertain  whether  it  commanded  the 
same  view  as  the  other  one. 

Fortunately,  the  6inall  bunch  of  skeleton  keys  had  not 
been  found,  and  as  soon  as  ever  the  last  visit  was  paid 
Dick  set  to  work  to  put  his  doubts  at  rest. 

Practice  had  now  rendered  him  expert  in  the  removal  ol 
his  fetters. 

Having  freed  himself  from  them,  he  mounted  up  to  the 
window  by  the  same  means  as  before — that  is  to  say,  by 
tbe  aid  of  the  chair  and  table. 

The  night  was  by  no  means  a  favourable  one  for  obser- 
vation, as  there  was  no  moon. 

Still,  he  was  enabled  to  discern  after  awhile  the  roof- 
tops beneath  him  and  the  boundary  wail. 

Whether  the  watch  was  continued  he  was  unable  to  as- 
certain. 

Wearied  out  at  length,  he  laid  down  to  sleep. 

As  might  be  expected,  his  6lumber  was  not  a  very  calm 
or  peaceful  one. 

It  was  disturbed  by  many  images,  and  all  of  them  of  a 
painful  kind. 

As  soon  as  the  prison  was  opened  to  visitors,  Captain 
Hawk  appeared. 

He  was  still  disguised  as  a  Roman  Catholic  priest,  and, 
having  Sir  Humphrey's  credential,  no  suspicion  was  felt 
about  him. 

The  authorities  were  quite  willing  that  the  prisoner, 
should  be  ministered  to  by  a  member  of  any  faith  he 
thought  fit. 

Captain  Hawk  played  his  part  with  more  ability  on  this 
occasion  than  before. 

He  knelt  down  beside  Dick,  and  while  in  this  position 
slipped  into  the  prisoner's  hands  a  smd.ll  steel  6aw. 

Id  was  a  wonderful  tool,  most  exquisitely  made,  of  the 
best  temper,  and  so  small  that  there  could  be  little  or  no 
difficulty  in  keeping  it  concealed. 

"  Dick,"  he  whispered,  "  whatever  you  do,  take  care  of 
that  saw,  for  upon  it  depends  your  freedom." 

"  Fear  nothing  on  that  head,"  said  Turpin.  "  Has  alJ 
gone  well  ?" 

"  Bfatter  than  I  could  wish." 

The  manner  in  which  this  sentence  was  pronounced. 
more  than  the  words  themselves,  revived  Dick's 
hopes. 

His  eyes  sparkled  with  something  like  their  former 
lustre  as  he  glanced  at  his  companion  and  waited  to  hear 
more. 

"  The  outside  guard  ?"  he  said,  interrogatively,  finding 
the  captain  did  not  speak. 

"  It  is  removed." 

1  Removed  ?     Are  you  sure  of  that  ?n 

"Triere    was    no  guard  last  night;   and    I  heard   % 


MM,   9ft, 


whisper  to  the  effect  that  it  woulu  not  be  renewed,  u  tiey 
were  confideut  of  your  eecurity." 

Dick's  lip  curled  with  a  derisive  smile. 

"It  would  be  different  if  Skellum  lived,"  he  said. 

"No  doubt  You  have  good  reason  to  congratulate 
yourself  upon  his  removal." 

"  And  how  have  you  planned  «ny  escape  ?* 

"  Very  simply.  This  cell  of  yours  is  nearly  at  tne  top 
of  the  building. 

"  I  know  it." 

"  That  grated  window  yonder  looks  into  a  small  court- 
yard." 

Dick  nodded. 

"You  must  work  with  the  steel  saw  at  those  bars 
yonder  until  you  are  able  to  remove  them  at  a  moment's 
notice." 

"  But  how  shall  I  reach  i!^  court- yard  ?  You  see  there 
is  no  material  here  by  which  a  rope  could  be  manu- 
factured." 

"  I  will  6npply  you  with  one." 

"How?" 

"  I  shall  find  a  means,  never  fear.  You  don't  want  it 
yet;  snch  a  bulky  object  could  not  be  hidden  very  well. 
I  shall  contrive  to  let  you  have  it  on  the  night  appointed 
for  the  escape." 

"  And  when  will  that  be  ?" 

"  It  depends  partly  on  yourself.  How  long  would  it 
take  you  to  saw  through  those  bars  ?" 

"  Two  nights." 

"  That  will  give  you  plenty  of  time.  On  the  afternoon 
of  the  third  day  from  this,  then,  yon  shall  have  the 
rope." 

"  I  6hall  be  ready." 

"  When  you  reach  the  court-yard,"  said  Captait  £awk, 
"you  must  cross  it  with  all  speed  possible.  Just  oppo- 
site to  you  you  will  find  a  rope  hanging  down.  Seize  it 
and  ascend.  I  6hall  be  on  the  other  side  with  a  couple  of 
good  horses,  and  I  hope  we  shall  get  some  miles  away 
before  your  escape  is  discovered." 

Dick  8  heart  beat  faster. 

"The  plan  is  bold,  simple,  and  straightforward." 

"  And  therefore  almost  certain  to  succeed." 

"  I  think  so." 

"  Captain  Hawk,  you  are  a  true  friend.  Would  that 
our  acquaintance  had  begun  earlier,  and  that  we  knew 
each  other  better  I" 

"  There  is  plenty  of  time  for  that,  Dick.  Depend  upon 
it,  there  are  merry  days  in  store." 

Soon  after  this,  Hawk  took  his  leave. 

Dick  was  in  a  state  of  greater  excitement,  owing  to  the 
brilliancy  of  his  hopes,  than  he  had  been  since  his 
capture. 

He  had  no  little  difficulty  in  restraining  his  emotions 
within  moderate  bounds. 

But,  luckily,  he  did  not  meet  with  many  interruptions. 

His  mind  was  now  exclusively  filled  with  one  object ; 
and  all  the  day  his  eyes  were  fixed  upon  the  little  grated 
window,  while  he  earnestly  prayed  for  night  to  come 
that  he  might  have  the  chance  of  making  a  trial  of  his 

MW, 

On  that  day  Dick  fared  sumptuously,  for  his  appetite 
was  good. 

He  had  to  pay,  as  we  have  said,  a  most  extravagant 
price  for  all  these  luxuries ;  but  Dick  Tnrpin  was  about 
the  last  man  in  the  world  to  trouble  himself  upon  this 
•core. 

His  dinner  was  washed  down  by  a  bottle  of  better 
wine  than  one  could  have  fancied  procurable  within  the 
walls  of  a  prison. 

After  that,  Dick  felt  in  perfect  readiness  for  any- 
thing. 

Never  did  he  have  a  more  difficult  task  than  the  one  of 
simulating  patience  while  be  was  so  anxiously  longing 
for  the  coming  of  night. 

As  if  to  try  him  still  further  the  Governor  was  half  an 
hour  later  than  usual  <n  making,  his  round*  that 
night. 

This  half-hour  seerneC  to  •  "  ';  as  long  as  a  day. 

When  the  visit  was  over,  and  when  the  Governor  and 
his  subordinates  had  retired,  apparently  ander  the  im- 
pression that  all  was  secure,  Dick  sat  for  a  moment  or 
two,  and  then  freed  himself  from  his  fetters. 

With  all  speed  the  table  and  chair  were  placed  beneath 
the  wiudi»w. 


Then  mounting  noiselessly,  Dick  peeped  oat. 

All  things   below  and  around  him  were  wrapped  la 

darkness. 

Deep  silence  prevailed. 

Finding  nothing  was  to  be  gained  by  observation,  the 
prisoner,  with  a  fast-beating  heart,  produced  hit  aaw  and 
set  to  work  with  it. 

The  iron  grating  was  old,  but  strong,  despite  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  rust  bad  corroded. 

Compared  with  the  exquisitely-tempered  steel  saw,  the 
iron  bars  seemed  to  be  of  some  soft  material. 
Diok  worked  steadily  and  perseveringly. 

Yet  after  an  hour's  arduous  toil  he  seewg^  to  have 
done  but  little,  especially  when  compared  with  what  re- 
mained to  be  done. 

The  iron  bars  would  have  to  bo  sawn  through  {a  at 
least  six  places  before  he  could  hope  to  have  the  aperture 
large  enough  to  allow  of  the  passage  of  his  body. 

As  yet  he  had  produced  but  a  slight  impression  upon 
one  of  these  bars. 

But  he  was  working  for  his  life  and  liberty ;  and  when 
two  such  precious  possessions  as  these  are  at  stake  no 
enterprise  is  deemed  too  difficult — no  toil  too  great. 

So  it  was  with  Dick. 

He  worked  with  a  will,  and  when  the  time  came  when 
for  safety's  sake  it  was  absolutely  necessary  he  should 
desist,  he  was  so  fatigued  that  he  eould  scarcely  move. 

With  great  care  he  blew  away  every  atom  of  the  iron 
filings,  so  that  none  of  these  should  be  seen,  and  so 
betray  him. 

He  was,  however,  well  satisfied  with  his  labours,  for  he 
had  certainly  performed  one  half  of  his  allotted  task. 

When  the  turnkey  entered  the  cell  at  the  accustomed 
hour,  he  failed  to  perceive  anything  unusual  in  the  cell, 
or  in  the  prisoner  himself. 

Having  been  not  only  awake,  but  at  work,  during  the 
whole  of  the  night,  Dick  stood  groatly  in  need  of  rest 
and  as  soon  as  he  was  alone  prepared  himself  to  sleep. 

In  a  few  moments  he  was  profoundly  unconscious  of 
everything,  end  remained  so  until  the  removal  of  the 
heavy  fastenings  on  the  outside  of  the  cell  door  aroused 
him. 

Starting  up  suddenly,  be  was  surprised  to  find  that  the 
day  was  already  far  advanced. 

The  opening  door  disclosed  the  form  of  the  priest,  who 
had  come,  as  everyone  m  the  castle  who  knew  anything 
about  it  fully  believed,  to  administer  spiritual  consolation 
to  the  condemned  prisoner. 

And  in  one  sense  so  he  had — the  consolation  of  spirit, 
of  which  Dick  considered  himself  most  in  need. 

The  very  first  glance  at  the  captain's  face  aasnred  the 
prisoner  that  all  continued  to  go  welL 

There  was  no  difficulty  about  communicating  with  each 
other,  for  the  turnkey  left  them  to  themselves,  as  is  usual 
in  such  cases. 

"  All  goes  on  as  you  could  wish  ?"  were  Dick's  first 
words. 

"  Yes,  most  favourably.    And  you  ?" 

"I  worked  duiing  the  whole* of  last  night;  but  the 
bars  are  very  thick,  and  will  have  to  be  sawn  through  in 
many  places." 

"  It  is  a  tedious  labour." 

"  Very." 

"  But  time  will  enable  you  to  eecomplisL:  it* 

"The  task  is  half  performed." 

"  Why,  then,  all  is  well.  Work  with  equal  vigour  to- 
night, and  to-morrow  get  what  rest  you  can.  You  will 
have  need  of  all  your  strength  to-morrow  night" 

"  I  know  it.    And  the  rope  ?" 

"  You  shall  have  it." 

"  But  how  ?" 

'•  I  have  hit  upon  the  means,"  said  Captain  Hawk, 
with  a  satisfied  smile,  "and  I  think  yon  will  give  me 
credit  for  a  little  ingenuity." 

"  I  am  all  impatience  to  know  it" 

"  Well,  then,  every  day  yon  receive  a  good  dianar,  de 
you  not  ?" 

"  Certainly ;  but  how——" 

"Wait  a  moment,  and  y*»  shall  hear.  When  the 
turnkey  comes  in  to-morrow  +tmr,  among  other  things,  a 
fruit  pie  of  6ome  sort.  The  k*af  of  bread  yen  will  receive 
as  usual.'1 

"  Yes— but " 

"Do  not  interrupt  me.    The  turnkey  Nways  bringi 


TBS  ENIOHT  OV  TBI  BOAS. 


2021 


bigfc 


toq  twice  as  much  of  everything  m  yon  want,  because 
all  that  you  leave  he  has  himself. 

"Just  so." 

"  Well,  then,  \  hi»ve  fouuu  out  the  place  whore  ha  is  in 
the  habit  of  procuring  these  delicacies  for  your  table, 
and  I  have  bribed  the  woman  who  serves  him  so  heavily 
that  she  has  consented  to  do  all  that  I  require' 

"And  that  is?" 

"  To  coneeal  one  half  of  the  rone  inside  the  loaf  of  bead 
— the  other  half  will  be  in  the  pie  dish,  covered  with  the 
crust," 

"  I  see— I  see.  But  will  not  these  things  be  examined 
at  the  gate  ?" 

"  No.    I  have  been  careful  to  ascertain  that." 

"  How  is  that  ?" 

"If  anyone  sent  yon  anything  it  would  be  most 
rigorously  searched ;  but  these  things,  you  understand, 
come  from  a  regular  place  of  business,  where  the  people 
could  have  no  interest  in  befriending  prisoners,  and  are 
fetched  in  by  a  turnkey.  This  is  how  it  happens  that  the 
things  escape  scrutiny." 

CHAPTER  MCXXXIV. 

CAPTAIN  HAWS   HAS  A   HARROW  ESCAPE  OF  DETECTION  IN 
THE   VESTIBULE  OF  THE    PRISON. 

••  I  see— I  seel"  responded  Turpi  n,  whose  hopes  rose 

gber.     "  Success  is  certain." 

'  1  think  we  may  really  venture  to  think  so.  Of  course, 
when  the  provisions  come,  you  must  observe  every 
caution.  It  will  be  your  fault  if  the  turnkey  has  any 
suspicions." 

"  It  will  be  my  fault,  and  if  it  happeus  I  shall  be  con- 
tent  to  abide  the  consequences  of  it. ' 

"That  is  enough,  then.  I  will  answer  for  the 
rest." 

"  But,"  said  Dick,  and  then  he  hesitated  as  if  in  doubt 
whether  to  proceed. 

"  But  what  ?     Why  do  you  pause  ?" 

"Because  I  ought  to  feel  certain  I  could  trust 
you." 

"  Of  sourse  you  can.    But  what  was  your  thought  ?" 

"I  was  wondering  whether  it  would  be  possible  to 
make  a  loaf  and  pie-dish  hold  a  sufficient  quantity  of  rope 
to  enable  me  to  escape.  The  cell  window  is  a  long  way 
from  the  ground." 

"  I  ought  to  have  explained,"  said  the  captain,  hastily ; 
"  and  by  no  means  wonder  at  your  question." 

"  I  might  have  known  you  would  not  have  overlooked 
such  an  important  point. 

"  The  fact  is,  I  have  had  the  rope  prepared  especially. 
Being  made  entirely  of  silk,  it  is  consequently  very  fine, 
and  yet  strong  enough  to  bear  ten  times  your  weight. 
Yon  need  be  under  no  apprehensions  about  a  breakage." 

"  Pardon  me — I  see  now  it  was  simple  enough." 

"  Ordinary  rope,"  pursued  the  captain,  "  would  have 
been  by  far  too  bulky  to  be  serviceable ;  but  this  will  be 
just  what  you  require.  At  one  end  is  a  hook,  which  will 
enable  you  to  fasten  it  readily  and  securely." 

"A  thousand  thousand  thanks!  I  feel  now  assured 
that  the  escape  will  be  a  successful  one." 

"  Of  course  it  will — why  doubt  it  ?" 

'"  I  do  not." 

"  Then  I  will  leave  you.  You  understand  what  you 
have  to  do.  because  I  intend  this  to  be  my  last  visit  to  the 
castle.  The  Governor  tried  to  intercept  me  as  I  was  leav- 
ing yesterday,  and  I  want  to  avoid  a  meeting  with  him  if 
I  can  possibly  do  so."  / 

u  Pray  be  careful,"  said  Dick,  with  sudden  alarm  for  the 
aafety  of  bis  friend. 

"  I  will  be  careful ;  make  yourself  quite  easy  on  that 
score ;  1  am  not  likely  to  forget  that  I  hold  your  life  in  ray 
hands." 

"  But  for  your  own  sake '." 

"  To  tell  you  the  truth,  when  there  is  no  one  else  con- 
cerned beside  myself  I  always  laugh  at  danger — it  is  best 
to  despise  it." 

*-  Still,  be  cautious — youi  fife  haugs  upon  a  thread." 

"A  strong  on-*,  I  hope.  But  let  us  leave  this.  I  will 
repeat  once  more  what  you  have  to  do :  descend  by  the 
rope— cross  the  court-yard— seize  the  rope  you  will  find 
thrown  over  the  wall.  On  reaching  the  summit  you  will 
see  roe—  another  moment  we  shall  bo  off  and  away  as 
unn.y  as  the  two  bent  horse?  in  York  can  tako  us." 


Dick  pressed  his  friend's  hand  warmly,  and  renewed  his 
thanks. 

"  So  simple  a  plan,"  he  said,  "  and  depending  on  so  few 
contingencies,  is  certain  to  succeed."    . 

"  If  you  perform  your  part,"  responded  the  captain,  "  I 
have  little  fear  of  the  result." 

With  these  words  the  pair  parted. 

The  captain  pulled  his  broad-brimmed  hat  well  ovar  his 
eyes,  and  gathered  his  gown  around  him. 

"  If  that  confounded  Governor  is  only  out  of  the  way," 
he  muttered,  as  he  followed  the  turnkey  along  the  corri- 
dor, "  all  will  be  well." 

The  outer  vestibule  was  quickly  reached. 

The  captain  Tdrew  a  long  breath  when  he  saw  the 
Governor  was  not  present. 

Ten  strides  took  him  to  tho  outer  door. 

The  man  on  duty  thrust  his  key  into  the  lock  and  was 
in  the  act  of  turning  it  when  Hawk's  quick  ear  caught  the 
sound  of  a  footstep,  and  some  one  behind  him  said : 

"Ahem  1" 

The  turnkey  stopped  unlocking  the  gate  and  turned 
round,  for  he  at  once  recognised  the  voice. 

"  Reverend  sir,"  6aid  the  Governor,  hastening  forward, 
"  a  word  or  two,  if  you  please,  before  you  go."' 

The  captain  was  now,  to  use  his  own  expression,  "in 
for  it." 

The  much-dreaded  ordeal  could  not  be  avoided. 

Now  that  this  interview  was  inevitable  the  captain  put  a 
bold  front  on  the  matter. 

Turning  round,  he  bowed  low,  as  though  to  intimate 
that  he  was  entirely  at  the  Governor's  service. 

"Aheml"  said  the  latter,  again.  "Myself  and  some 
others  are  anxious  to  know  how  yon  have  succeeded  in 
your  interview  with  the  desperate  character  we  have 
now  iu  custody?" 

"  I  don't  think  he  suspects  me,"  thought  Captain  Hawk. 

Then  aloud  he  said : 

"  1  think,  sir,  that  I  have  no  great  reason  to  complain 
Conscientiously,  I  may  say  that  I  have  used  my  best 
endeavours,  and  have  every  hope  that  I  6hall  succeed." 

"Ah  1  that  is  very  satisfactory.  But  as  there  is  an  un- 
easy feeling  abroad  respecting  the  prisoner,  excuse  me  for 
suggesting  that  it  would  be  still  more  satisfactory  if  he 
made  a  confession." 

"  He  has  confessed,"  said  the  captain. 

"  Confessed  ?' ' 

*'  Yes,  this  morning." 

"  And  has  he  signed  it  ?"  asked  the  Governor, 
eagerly. 

"  Not  yet  But  he  has  told  me  all  from  first  to  last. 
At  his  request,  1  am  now  about  to  commit  the  facts  to 
writing  in  as  brief  a  manner  as  I  can.  On  my  next  visit 
he  will  sign  the  document,  and  after  his  execution  he 
desires  that  it  may  be  made  public" 

"  And  does  he  seem  reconciled  to  his  fate  ?" 

"  Through  my  exhortations,  I  think — humbly,  of 
course — that  I  may  6ay  yes." 

"  That  is  very  gratifying.  I  confess  this  was  my  own 
opinion.  But  there  have  been  others  professing  to*  know 
the  man  who  have  stated  that  this  apparent  resignation 
of  his  is  ten  times  more  to  be  dreaded  than  an^  sgg^iiest*- 
tiocs  of  violence." 

The  captain  could  not  repress  a  smile. 

The  Governor  noticed  it,  and  said : 

"  You  smile,  reverend  sir." 

"It  was  at  the  thought  of  how  much  they  were  mis- 
taken." 

"  Believe  me,  it  is  no  slight  relief  to  me  to  hear  you  say 
so.  Until  a  moment  or  so  ago,  I  had  serious  thoughts  of 
renewing  the  outside  guard  round  tho  prison,  which 
some  have  said  ought  never  to  have  been  discon- 
tinued." 

The  captain,  at  hearing  this,  felt  the  perspiration  start 
out  at  every  pore. 

"What  is  your  opinion,  reverend  sir?"  added  the 
Governor.  «. 

"  I  do  not  like  to  take  the  responsibility  of  uttering  it," 
answered  the  captain,  with  a  hesitation  and  embarrass- 
ment which  the  Governor  was  far  from  attributing  to  its 
real  cause ;  "  but  if  I  may  speak  from  the  apparent  state 
of  the  prisoner's  mind,  1  must  say  that  I  think  there  can 
be  no  need  of  it.  He  is,  I  believe,  quite  resigned  to  his 
fate.  I  must  take  my  leave  now,"  he  added,  "  for  I  have 
much  on  my  hands." 


8022 


BLACK    BESS  ;     OR, 


"  And  you  will  be  here  to-morrow  ?" 

"  Yes,  to-morrow,  If  possible ;  at  any  rate,  on  the  n#xt 

day." 

Captain  Hawk  thought  of  those  words  afterwards,  for 
when  he  uttered  them-  nothing  was  further  from  his  in- 
tention. 

The  Governor  bowed,  and  retired. 

The  next  moment  Captain  Hawk,  to  his  i&tense  satis- 
faction, was  outside  the  prison. 

Not  until  then  did  he  venture  to  breathe  freely. 

"  Confound  him  !"  he  ejaculated.  "R«new  the  cstside 
guard !    That  would  be  destruction  to  my  plan.    I  am 

flad  1  know  of  this,  for  I  should  think  twice  now  before 
trusted  myself  inside  those  strong  stone  walls.  Per- 
haps what  I  have  said  will  be  sufficient  to  prevent  him 
from  carrying  out  his  intention.  At  any  rate,  I  can  only 
hope  so." 

In  truth,  it  was  no  slight  thing  that  Captain  Hawk 
should  thus  have  undergone  the  ordeal  of  a  few  ruinates' 
interview  with  the  Governor  of  York  Castle. 

He  was  not  prepared  to  submit  the  excellence  of  his 
disguise  to  so  severe  a  trial. 

In  the  meanwhile,  Dick,  profoundly  ignorant  of  the 
narrow  escape  of  discovery  his  friend  had  just  had,  did 
nothing  but  felicitate  himself  upon  the  tempting  pro? pect 
he  had  before  him. 

The  means  devised  by  Captain  Hawk  were  so  simple 
that  the  more  the  details  were  dwelt  upon  the  greater 
seemed  to  be  the  probability  of  ultimate  complete  suc- 
cess. ■  • 

His  hopes  continued  to  rise,  and  it  may  certainly  be 
said  that  never  was  there  enterprise  about  which  he  felt 
so  sanguine. 

Nothing  of  particular  moment  occurred  to  break  the 
ordinary  routine  of  life  in  bis  cell  until  after  the  Governor 
had  paid  his  usual  nocturnal  visit. 

When  that  was  over,  Dick  renewed  his  work  upon  the 
iron  bars. 

He  laboured  with  even  greater  energy  than  on  the  pre- 
ceding night. 

He  did  not  stop  to  rest  until  he  had  cut  deeply  into 
every  one  of  the  bars  in  such  a  maaner  that  they  could 
bo  completely  severed  in  an  hour  at  the  utmost. 

The  Dight  was  a  rough  and  boisterous  one — just  such 
as  he  would  have  chosen  for  his  projected  escape,  for 
while  the  wind  was  roaring  so  about  the  massive  pile  it 
was  next  to  an  impossibility  for  any  slight  unusual  sound 
to  attract  notice. 

On  this  occasion  Dick  had  beeu  careful  not  to  lose  the 
small  iron  filings,  but  had  collected  them  carefully  and 
raised  them  with  a  small  quantity  of  black  dirt,  of  which 
there  was  a  plentiful  supply  upon  the  floor  and  walls  of 
the  cell. 

The  whole  he  then  moistened  with  some  of  the  wine 
which  had  by  accident  been  spilt  upon  the  table. 

Having  worked  the  whole  up  into  a  soft  mass,  he  ap- 
plied it  to  those  places  where  he  had  used  his  saw,  and 
30  concealed  what  he  had  done. 

Of  course,  bad  anyone  gone  olose  to  the  grating,  a 
tingle  glance  would  have  shown  what  had  been  done. 

But  it  was  not  possible  to  detect  that  aught  was  amiss 
while  standing  on  the  floor  of  the  cell,  and  this  was 
enough,  for  Dick  had  not  to  dread  any  closer  examina- 
tion. 

It  was  probably  Dick's  fancy  which  made  him  think 
that  the  turnkey  looked  more  closely  and  suspiciously 
around  the  cell  than  usual. 

But  he  6aw  nothing. 

The  active  exertions  he  had  made  caused  Dick  to  eat 
with  a  good  appetite. 

Doubtless  this,  being  intended  for  his  last  day,  would 
Lave  seemed  at  least  double  the  length  of  any  other-  but 
Dick  was  60  completely  fatigued  that  he  fell  into  a  deep 
sleep,  and  passed  several  hours  of  it  in  unconsciousness. 

But  his  sleep  was  vexed  with  terrible  visions,  and  when 
he  awok^Ct  was  with  a  sudden  start. 

The  perspiration  stood  out  upon  his  brow  m  large 
drops. 

He  glancea  round  him  wildly  for  a  moment,  and  .hen 
6eemed  actually  to  derive  consolation  from  the  fact  that 
he  was  safe  in  bis  cell. 

"  How  horrible !"  he  murmured,  in  a  hollow  voice.  '•  It 
was  only  a  dream ;  but  if  I  had  another  such  a  one  I 
■fcoold  dread  to  close  m*  eyes  again." 


He  shuddered  from  head  to  foot,  and  some  time  elapsed 
before  he  could  shake  off  the  effects  of  the  terrible  vision 
with  which  he  had  been  visited. 

The  remembrance  of  what  he  had  to  do  in  a  short 
time  assisted  him  greatly  in  recovering  his  composure. 

It  was  truly  comforting  to  think  that  within  all  pro- 
bability not  more  than  four  or  five  hours  had  to  elapse, 
before  he  should  again  be  in  possession  of  that  most  pre- 
cious of  all  things— his  liberty. 

In  the  morning,  at  breakfast,  be  had,  according  to  his 
usual  custom,  ordered  his  dinner,  and  was  careful  to 
carry  out  Captain  Hawk's  injunction. 

At  the  usual  hour  the  turnkey  entered. 

"A  feast  for  a  prince!"  he  said,  as  he  placed  the 
articles  o^e  by  one  upon  the  table.  M I  admire  you, 
captain — I  do  indeed.  I  never  knew  anyone  in  "this, 
prison,  all  the  years  I  have  been  in  it,  make  themselves 
so  comfortable  and  contented  as  you  have.  You  look 
a  hundred  per  cent  better  than  you  did  when  you 
came." 

"  I  am,  thanks  to  your  attention,"  said  Dick,  with  a 
smile. 

"  Well,  perhaps  60.  All  I  can  6ay  is,  if  you  manage 
to  get  through  all  you  have  on  the  table  before  you  you 
won't  hurt."  . 

This  was  no  doubt  right. 

There  seemed  to  be  enough  for  half  a  dozen  men. 

>I  will  try  to  do  justice  to  it,"  said  Dick. 

"  Do,  captain.  Take  your  time.  U  you  want  anything 
else  you  have  only  to  call  out.  I  shall  be  just  on  the 
other  side  of  the  door,  that's  all." 

Dick  was  full  of  impatience  for  this  man  to  be  gone, 
yet  he  dared  not  manifest  the  least  sign  of  this  feel- 
ing. : 

Most  difficult,  however,  was  it  for  him  to  keep  this 
control  over  himself. 

On  the  table  before  him  he  saw  the  loaf  and  the  pie- 
dish  as  well. 

The  moment  the  turnkey  left  him  he  seized. the  firSt- 
named  article,  being  full  of  anxiety  to  satisfy  himself  that 
it  really  contained  the  rope. 

Pulling  the  loaf  apart,  he  found  in  the  centre  of  it  a 
quantity  of  silk  cord. 

There  seemed-  to  be  very  little,  howevor,  though  he 
found  it  was  rolled  up  tightly  into  the  smallest  possible 
compass. 

It  was  very  fine— almost  too  fine  to  enable  anyone. to 
gTasp  it  firmly. 

Dick  hid  this  in  a  moment. 

He  did  not  doubt  now  that  the  remainder  was  In  the 
pie-dish,  so  he  prepared  to  eat  his  dinner. 

He  found  himself  able  to  do  but  scant  justioe  to  it,  his 
thoughts  being  all  the  time  fixed  upon  the  pie. 

His  impatience  increased  to  such  an  extent  that  he  found  - 
it  beyond  his  control. 

He  cut  the  pie  with  a  trembling  hand. 

He  wa-s  not  disappointed. 

The  silk  cord  was  there. 

Pulling  it  out,  he  secreted  it  hastily,  and  finished  his 
meal. 

When  the  things  were  removed  by  the  turnkey,  Dick 
was  in  an  agony  of  suspense  for  the  Governor  to  pay  his 
customary  visit. 

Yet  much  as  he  longed  for,  he  justly  dreaded  this 
ordeal. 

At  the  least  symptom  of  anything  suspiolous,  &  search 
might  be  made,  which  would  inevitably  bring  to  light  the 
much-prized  cord,  and  so  cut  off  all  hopes  of  Mi 
esonpo. 

Under  the  circumstances,  Dick  did  the  very  best  thing 
possible. 

This  was  to  place  himself  at  full  length  upon  the  bench, 
with  the  cord  beneath  him,  and  to  cover  himself  over 
with  the  rug,  as  though  he  had  retired  to  rest  for  the 
night. 

When  the  Governor  entered,  he  affected .  to  nave  been 
just  aroused  from  a  light  6leep. 

Nothing  could  have  looked  more  unsuspicious. 
The  Governor  glanced  round  him  with  a  satisfied  air: 
and,  fully  impressed  with  the  conviction  that  the  prisoner 
was  perfectly  safe,  he  left  the  cell. 

•l  Ha,"  he  6aid  to  the  turnkey,  as  he  strode  along  the 
corridor,  "  what  a  thing  it  is  to  maintain  perfect  discipline 
inside  a  prison  1     I  never  could   account  for  escape*  ta 


TUB   KNIGHT  OJT  THB   ROAD 


9021 


fiay  other  way  than  concluding  that  the  Governors  have 
beeu  remiss  in  their  duty.  I  never  had  au  escape  in  my 
time,  ami  never  *^.all  while  I  continue  to  make  iuv  regular 
nightly  round." 

From  this  it  will  be  seen  that  the  Governor  returned  to 
his  quarters  on  this  occasion  in  as  comfortable  a  state  of 
mind  as  can  be  imagined,  little  thinking  how  truly  use- 
less were  those  visits  of  inspection  upon  the  importance 
of  which  he  so  prided  himself. 

When  Dick  realised  that  ho  was  really  left  alone  for 
the  night,  his  emotions  were  so  great  that  ho  was  com- 
pletely overpowered. 

At  last  he  managed  to  draw  forth  his  skeleton  keys, 
but  his  hands  shoort  so,  and  his  heart  beat  at  such  a 
rapid  rate,  that  he  could  make  no  use  of  them. 

That  he  should  suffer  no  ordinary  amount  cf  excite- 
ment on  such  an  occasion  can  readily  enough  be 
imagined. 

At  last,  however,  he  managed  to  calm  himself. 

The  fetters  were  unfastened  and  laid  upou  the  fl:>of. 

"  In  the  morning,"  he  said,  "  when  they  see  them  here, 
they  will  wonder  by  what  mysterious  agency  1  miuaged 
to  slip  out  of  them. 

And  to  make  this  wonder  the  greater  ho  re-locked  them 
all  again. 

Then,  mounting  to  the  window,  he  commenced  his 
work. 

The  night  was  by  no  means  such  as  he  could  wish. 

A  slight  breeze  was  blowing,  which  drove  several 
detached  masses  of  clouds  across  the  heavens. 

When  the  clouds  covered  the  moon  the  obscurity  was 
deep  enough  for  his  purpose ;  but  the  darkness  did  not 
last  long,  and  when  the  cloud  passed  over  it  made  the 
moonlight  appear,  by  contrast,  to  be  twice  as  bright  as  it 
really  was. 

ttui  ifie  attempt  must  be  made. 

With  hearty  gooil  will  did  Dick  work  ;  and  yet,  for  all 
that,  rather  more  than  an  hour  elapsed  before  he  finished 
his  work  of  sawing  through  the  iron  bars. 

The  top  bar  he  did  not  saw  quite  through,  but  suffi- 
ciently to  enable  him  to  bend  it  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
leave  plenty  of  room  for  him  to  slip  out. 


CHAPTER    MCXXXV. 

T1IE   RESULT  OF    DICK    TLUI'IN's   ATT  KM  FT    TO    KSCAPB 
FKiiM    YOKK    CASTLB. 

Ha  vino  reached  this  stage  in  his  progress  to  freedom, 
Dick  Turpin  for  the  first  time  paused  to  rest. 

Now  that  the  grating  was  positively  removed,  it  did 
indeed  seem  to  him  that  the  most  serious  obstacle  inter- 
vening between  himself  and  liberty  was  no  longer  in  ex- 
istence. 

So  great  was  his  impatience  that  it  had  even  hurried 
him  on  to  doing  it  before  he  examined  the  cord  which  had 
been  so  cleverly  delivered  to  him. 

Nor  did  lie  seem  in  any  hurry  to  do  so. 

Leaning  his  arms  upon  the  edge  of  the  opening  in  the 
wail— for  window  we  cannot  call  it — he  looKed  out  upou 
the  scene  before  him. 

The  rapidity  with  which  he  had  worked  had  greatly 
exhausted  him,  and  now,  with  sensations  of  the  keenest  de- 
light, he  felt  the  cool  night  air  fan  his  temples. 

He  looked  down  at  the  boundary  wall  he  had  to  cross. 

When  the  moon's  disc  happened  to  be  free  from  clouds 
he  could  see  this  plainly  euough. 

Then  he  looked  for  some  signs  of  Captain  Hawk  with 
the  horses  he  had  promised. 

A  keen  paug  shot  through  his  heart  when  he  round  lie 
was  not  to  be  seen. 

A  moment's  reflection,  however,  told  him  how  foolish 
it  was  on  bis  part  to  expect  to  see  anything  of  the  kind. 

Captain  Hawk  would  take  the  utmost  pains  to  keep 
himself  invisible. 

Had  he  been  seen  by  Dick  he  must  have  also  ocon  ex- 
posed to  the  view  of  anyone  else  who  might  happen  to 
look  out  in  that  direction. 

This  was  a  danger  he  would  never  incur,  as  he  Wixaid 
know  if  seen  suspicion  would  be  immediately  excited. 

"  He  is  there  all  right,"  said  Dick,  after  a  pause.  "  I 
will  not  wrong  him  by  doubting  him  for  a  single  moment ; 
beyond  ail  question  he  will  be  as  good  as  his  word." 

Being  now  considerably  resto1,  iJiek  stepped  down  to 
-Tf  miiin  his  cord. 


The  opportunity  was  a  favourable  one,  for  the  mooti 
was  shining  into  his  cell  with  so  much  brigntness  ttiat  he 
had  no  difficulty  at  all  in  seeing  what  he  was  about. 

When  the  cord  was  all  unwound,  and  the  two  pieces 
joined  together,  he  computed  the  total  length  to  be 
between  sixty  and  seventy  feet. 

This,  he  was  quite  sure,  was  moie  than  long  enough  to 
reach  from  the  highest  point  of  the  castle  to  the  fj  j'/inil, 
so  that  all  uneasiness  on  this  head  was  at  an  end. 

He  tried  it  all  and  found  the  strength  very  ejreat ;  nor 
was  it  so  difficult  to  retain  a  firm  grasp  upon  it  as  he  at  first 
imagined. 

At  one  end  of  the  cord  a  strong  iron  hook  was  carefully 
fasteued. 

Having  tested  the  whole  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  and 
found  it  perfectly  secmre,  he  prepared  himself  to  take  a 
last  leave  of  his  cell. 

His  heart  beat  faster,  and  bis  breath  came  and  went  in 
sudden  gasps. 

Who  could  wonder  that  his  excitement  should  now 
have  risen  to  its  highest  pitch  ? 

When  he  stood  once  more  upon  the  chair,  ho  trembled 
so  with  excess  of  agitation  as  to  cause  the  structure  below 
him  to  shake  violently. 

His  first  care  was  to  secure  the  hook. 

This  was  a  matter  of  no  difficulty. 

He  had  left  about  two  inches  of  the  upright  bar  stick- 
ing up  from  the  masonry,  and  a  b.^ter  place  of  fastening 
than  this  could  hardly  be  conceived. 

With  shaking  fingers  he  adjusted  the  hook,  and  pulled 
it  to  make  sure  that  it  was  firm  and  that  the  fragment  of 
the  upright  iron  bar  was  sufficiently  stroug*to  sustain  his 

Weight. 

All  seemed  well. 

His  efforts  only  served  to  make  the  rope  more  secure. 

And  yet  at  this  momeut  he  was  conscious  of  feeling  a 
powerful  disinclination  to  trust  himself  to  the  rope. 

It,  was  one  of  those  stiauge  inward  presentiments  which 
wo  all  feel  at  some  time  or  other,  and  which  are  in  general 
too  apt  to  be  disregarded. 

The  feeling  grew  stronger  and  stronger,  and  it  required 
more  than  an  ordinary  effort  to  shako  it  off. 

But  Dick  did  M. 

"  This  is  folly,"  ho  said — "absolute  folly  and  weakness. 
I  could  not  have  believed  I  was  so  childish.  What  have 
I  to  fear?  All  is  welL  The  rope  is  strong  and  securely 
fixed." 

.  Yet  though  his  lips  declared  all  to  be  well,  his  heart 
whispered  all  was  uot  well. 

"  it  is  the  ease  with  which  I  have  succeeded  that  has 
made  me  so  apprehensive.  I  will  take  effectual  steps  to 
put  an  end  to  it  without  delay." 

So  saying,  he  cautiously  set  himself  to  work  to  pass 
through  the  aperture,  a  proceeding  that  was  by  no  means 
easy. 

Ho  took  care  to  keep  fast  hold  of  the  rope,  and  in  less 
than  a  moment  had  fairly  committed  himself  to  it. 

Slowly  and  caret ully  ho  suffered  the  silken  cord  to  slip 
through  his  hands — lower  and  lower  he  weut. 

Haif  the  descent  was  successfully  accomplished — per- 
haps rather  more  than  half — when,  with  frightful  sudden^ 
uess,  Dick  found  the  rope  was  no  longer  supported  from 
alx  >ve. 

Whether  the  jutting-up  piece  of  iron  bar  had  broken 
away  from  the  mortar  in  which  it  was  embedded — 

Whether  the  cord  had  snapped  — 

Or  whether  the  iron  of  which  the  hook  was  composed 
bad  proved  too  light  and  weak  to  support  his  weight  he 
knew  not. 

But  his  mind  was  filled  with  the  awful  and  appalling 
consciousness  that  he  was  falling  through  the  air. 

The  sensation  was  a  horrible  one. 

involuntarily,  a  dismal  shriek  thrilled  from  his 
lips. 

It  echoed  far  and  wido  in  the  silent  air. 

Then  instantly  came  a  horrid  crashing  sound. 

It  was  succeeded  by  intense  silence. 

But  this  silence  was  of  the  shortest  possible  dura- 
tion. 

It  might  have  been  that  the  prison  officials  had  become 
aware  that  the  prisoner  was  no  longer  a  teuaut  of  hi.'i  ceii 
before  that  awful  shriek  arose  which  startled  e;  dry- 
body. 

Be  this  how  it  may,  it  at  all  events,  is  certain  that,  mik 


SC24 


SLACK.   BBSS,   OR, 


the  rapidity  of  lightning,  liyhts  appealed  at  the  various 
window*  of  tn*  ca>lle  walls.. 

A  huge  bull  s<-ui  forth  a  sonorous  clang. 

Those  booming  sounds,  ntnking  Hie  mVht  »ir,  would 
echo  far  aud  wide  over  the  peaceful  city,  and  at  ouce 
Rppri.se  the  inhabitants  of  what  bad  occurred. 

That  bell  was  nevur  tolled  except  on  the  occasion  of  an 
escape  or  a  fire. 

Dick  lay  upon  the  hard  flagstones  moaning  slightly, 
and  apparently  being  unconscious  of  where  he  was. 

But  where  was  Captain  Hawk  ? 

True  to  his  engagement,  he  was  at  the  proper  spot  at 
the  appointed  hour. 

He  was  fully  alive  to  the  necessity  of  concealing  him- 
self from  the  observation  of  any  of  the  officials  or  inhabit- 
ants of  the  castle,  and  this  ia  fecw  it  happened  that  Dick 
could  not  catch  a  glimpse  of  hi». 

There  being  no  guard  now  round  the  interior  wall,  the 
captain  had  no  fear  of  an  interruption. 

The  horse  he  had  hired  for  Dick  Turpin's  use  he  so- 
cured  by  the  bridle  to  Satan's  saddle,  for  he  knew  his  own 
docile  steed  would  obey  him  in  all  things  by  word  ef 
command,  and  that  there  was  no  need  to  subject  him  to 
any  sort  of  restraint. 

ile  held  the  rope  in  his  hand  which  he  told  Dick  would 
be  found  hanging  down  on  the  inner  side  from  the  top  of 
the  boundary  wall. 

At  one  end  was  secured  a  small  leaden  weight,  so  that 
he  should  have  no  trouble  in  casting  his  line  over. 

Feeling  satisfied  that  all  was  well,  and  judging  that 
the  hour  was  close  at  hand  when  ho  might  catch  a 
glimpse  of  his  comrade,  he  held  himself  prepared  for  im- 
mediate action. 

He  made  his  horse,  Satan,  stand  close  against  the  prison 
wall  in  such  a  manner  that  his  side  was  pressed  against 
the  brickwork. 

Then,  holding  the  rope  coiled  up  over  one  arm,  the 
cap'.ain  mounted ;  but,  instead  of  sitting,  stood  up  on  the 
saddle. 

This  was  rather  a  ticklish  position  to  occupy. 

Nearly  all  depended  upou  the  horse,  however. 

Should  the  auimal  move,  a  fall  would  be  the  almost  cer- 
tain result. 

But  Captain  Hawk  knew  that  Satan  would  stand  as 
immovable  as  the  wall  itself. 

By  reaching  up  his  arms  the  captain  could  put  his 
hands  upon  the  spike-protected  coping  of  the  boundary 
wall,  and  peep  over. 

He  glanced  about  him  rapidly. 

lie  saw,  iu  the  first  place,  that  the  cout-yard  was 
empty. 

That  was  a  great  satisfaction. 

Glancing  upwards,  he  was  just  in  time  to  see  Dick  in 
the  act  of  passing  through  the  window  of  his  cell. 

He  held  his  breath,  and  gazed  with  the  iutensest 
interest. 

From  where  he  stood  the  feat  which  Dick  was  at- 
tempting seemed,  in  good  truth,  a  most  perilous  one. 

The  slender  silk  cord  was  invisible,  and,  in  comparison 
with  the  huge  mass  of  building,  Dick  looked  like  a  fly 
upon  the  wall. 

Until  that  awful  moment  when  there  ceased  to  be  any 
support  from  above  all  went  well,  and  Captain  Hawk 
begun  to  breathe  more  freely,  and  to  think  that,  after  all, 
the  descent  was  not  so  terrible  as  it  seemed. 

Then  he  beheld  his  comrade  fall,  so  suddenly  that  he 
•ould  scarcely  credit  the  evidence  of  his  own  seusea. 

His  first  thought  was  that  Dick  must  have  lost  his  grasp 
in  some  way,  but  the  same  moment  he  saw  that  some- 
thing had  given  way  above. 

The  shriek  was  an  awful  one  which  pealed  from  the 
prisoner's,  lips  when  Lv  felt  himself  falling  headlong 
down. 

Captain  HawK  started,  and  "ttered  a  faint  ejaculation 
©f  horror. 

He  *Tgot  the  unsteadfast  nature  of  his  footing ;  and 
as  it  i »^uired  considerable  nicety  of  balance  to  stand 
upright  upon  the  horse's  back  at  all,  it  follow*  that  this 
start  caused  him  to  slip  and  lose  his  foothold. 

He  made  a  desperate  effort  to  save  himself,  and 
partially  succeeded. 

But  for  all  that  he  fell  heavily  and  awkwardly  under  the 
horse's  feet,  where  he  lay  for  a  few  moments  half  stunned 
aad  wholly  unable  to  move. 


At  fir^t  he  could  hardly  satisfy  hinwlf  whetlifct  o«  >.<4 
'all  that  hail  just  ba|>|»-ii<*d  iv»»  a  fn-ak  »t   tu»  own  tau«-.j. 

To  satisfy  himself,  he  struggled  U>  his  feet. 

He  was  badly  bruised  by  Ins  fall,  aud  the  attempt  cost 
him  great  pain 

Still  more  painful,  however,  was  it  to  remount  his 
steed. 

Satan  had  never  stirred. 

Once  more  he  peeped  over  the  wall. 

At  a  little  distance  from  him,  he  could  8<".e  Dick  on  the 
stones. 

He  was  groaning  faintly. 

"  I  may  be  in  time  to  save  him  yet,  for  he  Is  not  dead," 
was  the  thought  that  flashed  like  lightning  across  the 
highwayman's  brain. 

In  a  second  he  had  thrown  the  weighted  ropo  over  the 
wall. 

Having  done  so,  there  was  no  difficulty  In  securing  H 
to  the  stout  iron  spikes. 

By  the  time  this  was  done,  however,  a  door  opened, 
out  of  which  poured  a  large  and  well-armed  body  of  men, 
many  of  whom  carried  such  lights  as  in  their  haste  and 
confusion  they  had  had  time  to  procure. 

"Lost— lost!"  ejaculated  Captain  Hawk.  "I  am  too 
late !" 

He  was  right. 

The  men,  headed  by  the  Governor,  had  formed  them- 
selves into  a  dense  throng  round  the  prostrate  form. 

To  have  attempted  a  rescue  would  have  been  an  act  of 
such  utter  madness  that  even  the  captain  shrunk  from   it. 

To  have  saved  Dick  would  have  been  impossible,  while 
he  would  have  been  quite  certain  to  bring  about  his  own 
capture. 

The  loud  tolling  of  the  bell  still  continued  ;  and  though 
so  short  a  time  had  elapsed  since  the  alarm  was  given,  yet 
there  were  manifest  signs  that  it  had  widely  spread,  for 
people  came  rushiug  towards  the  castle  from  every  direc- 
tion. 

This  boded  danger  to   Captain   Hawk,  but   he  disre- 
garded it,  and  continued  gazing  down  into  the  court-yar 
like  one  fascinated. 

Many  were  the  ejaculations  of  wonder  which  fell  from 
the  lip3  of  the  assembled  crowd  when  they  saw  Du;k  in 
the  court-yard. 

But  the  Governor,  after  one  glance,  guessed  Just  what 
had  occurred. 

"  Raise  him  quickly  and  gently,  and  carry  him  Inside. 
Thank  Heaven  it  is  no  worse  1" 

Apparently,  the  attempt  to  raise  the  fearfully-bruised 
torm  was  productive  of  the  acutest  pain. 

His  groans  increased  until  they  became  screams. 

"  1  can't  stand  this,"  cried  Captain  Hawk,  "  not  if  I  die 
for  him  1" 

As  he  spoke  he  made  a  desperate  effort  to  raise  himself 
to  the  top  of  the  wall. 

In  an  ordinary  way  there  is  little  doubt  he  would  have 
succeeded  in  his  endeavour. 

But  now,  having  so  recently  been  hurt,  he  felt  his  limb* 
so  stiff  and  sore  as  to  make  the  attempt  an  abortive  oue. 

Before  he  could  renew  it  the  whole  party  had  passed 
through  the  doorway  and  disappeared. 

He  neard  the  ponderous  door  slammed  to,  and  after- 
wards the  clangour  of  the  bars  and  bolts. 

Dick  was  beyond  his  aid  now. 

With  a  heavy  heart  the  captain  placed  himself  in  the 
saddle  and  rode  slowly  away. 

"  I  would  rather  have  given  up  my  life,"  be  murmured, 
with  deep  earnestness,  "than  such  a  calamity  as  this 
should  have  happened.  What  can  1  do  now?  What 
can  be  more  unfortunate  ?  My  next  step,  I  suppose,  will 
be  to  resume  my  old  disguise,  and  ascertain  ihe  extent  of 
his  injuries.  There  may  be  a  chance  that  a  seoond  attempt 
may  saccoed  ;  but  I  fear  it — 1  sadly  fear  tt." 

Captain  Hawk  carried  out  the  intentior  h«  bad  ex- 
pressed. 

Despite  his  own  great  personal  danger  in  doing  so,  he 
preseuted  himself  at  the  earliest  allowed  moment  ou  Xhit 
following  morning  at  the  wicket  ot  the  prison. 

Had  he  not  known  so  well  what  tiad  occurred,  a  glance 
would  have  told  him  that  something  verv  unusual  bad  oo- 
curred  to  disturb  the  monotony  of  the  prison. 

"  four  services  will  be  needed,  1  think,  holy  father," 
said  the  turnkey,  unsuspiciously.  "  The  prisoner  made  a 
desperate  attempt  to  escape  last  night ;  hut  failed,  and  h>» 


THK    K."<Ui4gi'   Ot   Til*    IWAtt. 


&m 


THS    EXECUTION    OF   DICK  TURrm   AT   TOKK   CASTI.B, 


now  ii«s  mors  dead  than  alive  on  a  bod  where  he  is 
olosely  watched.  Not  that  he  is  to  bo  feared  now,  how- 
#ver — ha  cannot  raise  his  hand." 

Captain  Hawk  was  much  distressed  to  hear  this 
account  of  >'.*  companion,  and  hoped  that  he  should  find 
tnh:-*«  no*  ^jiite  so  bad  as  they  had  been  represented  to 
him, 

Merely  enanking  trie  man  for  his  intelligence,  but 
taking  care  to  express  his  astonishment  at  what  he  had 
heard,  the  captain  passed  on. 

He  was  at  once  allowed  to  see  the  prisoner, 

He  fonnd  two  of  the  turnkeys  in  the  celL 

The  different  things  the  captain  had  given  Dick  had 
been  found,  and  the  pair  were  speculating  as  to  the  means 
by  which  the  prisoner  had  obtained  them. 

When  the  captain  bent  down  over  the  bed,  Dick's  face 
lighted  np  with  a  smile  of  recognition, 

Vo.  264.— Black  Bess, 


Hawk  made  a  liasty  and  almost  imperce^  tible  sign  tot 
him  to  be  cautious. 

"  You  little  expeoted  to  find  me  thus  ;  but  all  is  over 
now  :  I  feel  that  I  must  resign  myself  to  my  fate." 

"  Are  you  much  hurt  ?"  asked  the  seeming  priest,  in  a 
voice  of  the  deepest  grief. 

"  No  bones  broke,  the  doctor  says,"  Dick  answered, 
feebly.  "  He  has  caused  me  a  thousand  tortures  by  his 
examination.  Would — oh,  would  t*»<U  I  had  fallen  a 
little  further !" 

He  was  compelled  to  pause  and  utter  j  gi„..n. 

The  two  turnkeys,  having  no  suspicion  that  the  priest 
was  other  than  he  seemed  to  be,  without  being  requested 
to  do  so,  withdrew  to  such  a  distance  as  to  be  out  of  ear- 
shot, though  they  could  still  watob  the  movement*  of 
their  prisoner.  *. 

Seeing  this,  Diok  whispered,  in  a  low  tone  t 


No.  254, 


Ieice'  Oni  Balimnkt. 


1026 


BLA.CK    BE88  ;    OR, 


"  ( Jaotain,  I  feel  that  I  hare  not  long  to  live.  Do  cot 
shake  your  bead,  or  attempt  to  convince  me  that  I  am 
mistaken ;  I  cannot  misunderstand  my  feelings  now.  I 
almost  succeeded,  but  my  fate  is  that  I  shall  remain  here. 
I  know  tho  worst,  and  so  shall  not  shrink,  but  nerve 
myself  as  best  I  may  to  meet  my  doom.  Weie  the  prison 
doors  thrown  open  lo  me  at  this  moment,  I  am  conscious 
that  it  would  be  of  no  advantage  to  me  I  have  an  in- 
ward feeling  which  tells  me  that  the  Injuries  I  have 
received  are  mortal  ones.  Besides,  I  could  read  that  the 
surgeon's  opiuion  was  that  there  were  no  hopes  of  my 
recovery.  What  I  long  for  is  that  I  may  be  allowed  to 
yield  up  my  life  in  this  place,  and  sot  upon  the 
gallows." 

Pain  again  compelled  him  to  pause. 

Captain  Hawk  was  so  much  overcome  by  his  emotions 
that  he  found  himself  unable  reply. 

He  tried  to  gulp  down  the  painful  swelling  that  seemed 
suddenly  to  rise  up  in  his  throat  and  prevent,  all  further 
utterance,  but  the  endeavour  was  a  vain  one. 

CHAPTER  MCXXXVI. 

THE   PARTING   OF  DICIv  TUP.PIS   AND  CAPTAIN   HAWK.— 
THE   EXECUTION — CONCLUSION. 

J>CK  Turpin  fixed  his  lustreless  eyes  upon  the  captain's 
f  aco,  and  went  on : 

"  I  do  not  fear  death,"  he  said.  "  Life  has  long  had  but 
little  charms  for  me,  uow  it  has  none  at  aJL  But  1  aread 
tho  scaffold — the  gaping,  gibing  crowd,  and  the  hateful 
hangman's  loathsome  touch — my  sole  surviving  hope  is 
that  I  may  escape  thid." 

He  paused  again. 

"Never  despair,"  said  Captain  Hawk,  with  an  inef- 
fectual attempt  to  appear  hopeful  himself.     "  I——" 

Dick  shook  his  head. 

*  I  know,"  he  continued — •'  I  can  understand  how  I  feel ; 
the  consciousness  is  strong  upon  me  that  1  have  not  many 
hours  to  live.  After  such  injuries  as  I  have  received  it  is 
a  wonder  thai  I  live  at  all — quite  out  of  the  question  that 
1  can  recover.  I  feel,  too,  that  this  will  be  our  last  meet- 
ing, and  so  I  wish  you  to  listen  to  the  few  words  1  have  to 
fey." 

"Speak — speak,"  said  the  captain,  chokingly,  for  be 
eoulu  plainly  see  that  his  companion  was  not  much  longer 
for  this  wond — "  let  me  know  all  your  wishes."    % 

"  There  are  but  few — very  few." 

••Theyahall  be  as  commands  to  me.  Have  no  fears 
that  they  will  not  be  carried  out." 

•'  After  my  death,  then — do  not  interrupt  me,  because 
I  know  my  death  in  one  shape  or  other  is  certain  to  take 
pace — I  6ay,  when  all  is  over,  endeavour  to  save  my  body 
Irom  desecration  by  the  surgeon.  If  you  can  get  anyone 
to  claim  me  my  body  will  be  given  up.  Let  it  be  interred 
in  some  quiet  nook  in  a  churchyard,  where  the  grass  will 
grow  and  the  trees  wave  over  me.  That  is  all.  Indulge 
my  wish,  but  let  us  not  waste  precious  time  by  dwelling 
upon  this  part  of  the  subject.  You  give  me  your  promise, 
do  you  not?" 

"  I  do,  most  faithfully." 

"  Enough ;  aud  now  for  one  more  request.  Should  you 
ever  visit  London " 

*  I  will  go  at  any  moment  to  serve  you." 

"  Nay,  there  is  no  emergency  in  the  case.  But  when 
you  are  there  again  1  want  you  to  seek  out  one  Matthew 
Gale.  He  is  the  landlord  of  a  public-house  in  Drury  Lane 
—the  sign  is  the  White  Horse.  It  stands  at  the  corner  of 
White  Horse  Yard." 

"  I  will  not  forget  it  " 

"  I  want  you  to  see  him  and  make  him  acquainted  with 
all  the  events  that  have  taken  place.  Tell  him  my  last 
thoughts  were  about  him,  and  that  there  was  hardly 
anything  that  caused  ma  so  much  regret  as  my  inability 
to  see  him." 

"  You  may  depend  that  this  will  be  done." 

"  Thanks.  W  hen  you  see  him  you  will  see  a  true 
friend.  At  any  risk  or  hazard  to  himself  he  will  protect 
you  from  the  officers.  I  owe  him  more  than  I  can 
possibly  express." 

"  And  is  there  nothing  more  that  I  can  do  for  you  ?" 
said  the  captain.  Badly.  "  Think  again,  Dick — think 
again." 

"  Nothing,"  answered  Dick  Turpin,  after  a  long  pnute. 
M I  have  said  all." 


"Then,"  murmured  Captain  Hawk,  earnestly,  "should 
the  worst  happen,  you  need  suffer  no  anxiety  on  tne  score 
of  what  you  have  said  to  me.  But,  believe  me,  I  nave  not 
yet  lost  all  hope  of  saving  you." 

"  There  is  only  one  way  of  saving  me,"  answered  Dick, 
"  and  that  is,  by  giving  me  something  which  I  can  take, 
and  so  make  sure  of  dying  peacefully  here  before  the 
arrival  of  the  time  appointed  for  my  execution." 

"  Poison  !"  exclaimed  Captain  Hawk. 
•  ¥es." 

"  Dick,"  he  said,  "  I  have  called  myself  your  friend,  but 
I  have  done  little  yet  in  the  way  of  friendship." 

Terpin  raised  his  hand  deprecatingly. 

"1  have  tried,"  continued  the  captain,  "but  no  success 
has  attended  my  endeavours.  Siill,  I  have  sworn  to  aid 
you,  and  if  1  can  do  it  in  no  other  way  than  that  which 
you  nave  just  named  I  will  not  shrink. 

"Thanks — thanks!"  was  the  faint  answer.  "That 
would  be  rendering  me  a  service  indeed." 

"  But  I  still  hepe  to  serve  you  better." 

Dick  Turpin,  however,  would  not  permit  himself  to  de- 
rive any  consolation  from  this. 

•'  Farewell,  captain  1"  he  said,  at  length.  "  My  strength 
is  giving  out  so  fast  that  I  shall  not  be  able  C  epeak  much 
longer.  I  repeat  my  wish  that  1  had  known  you  earlier, 
vain  though  that  wiah  be.  Lid  me  farewell,  for  we  may 
not  meet  again." 

There  was  more  despondency  about  Dick  when  he  pro  ■ 
uouueed  these  words  than  he  had  yet  displayed. 

"  I  will  not  say  farewell,"  said  Captain  Hawk,  speaking 
with  a  great  effort.     "  But  I——" 

'•  Yes— yes,"  interrupted  Dick — "indulge  me  V 

"  Farewell,  then !" 

The  parting  words  were  spoken,  and  an  opportunity  was 
seized  when  the  turnkeys  did  not  happen  to  be  looking 
that  way  to  exchange  a  warm  pressure  oi  the  hand. 

Dkk  clasped  the  captain's  convulsively. 

But  the  muscles  relaxed,  aud  the  famous  highwayman, 
worn  out  by  what  had  taken  place,  sunk  back  in  a  state  of 
partial  unconsciousness. 

The  captain  seized  upon  this  opportunity  to  withdraw. 

He  gave  one  lingering  glance,  for  he  seemed  in  the 
depths  of  his  heart  to  be  conscious  that  this  was  their  last 
meeting. 

He  made  his  way  somewhat  precipitately  to  the  vesti- 
bule. 

He  was  dreading  an  interruption,  for  he  knew  that  his 
feelings  were  anything  but  under  his  control,  and  if  the 
Governor  accosted  him  there  would  be  great  danger  of 
discovery. 

On  gaining  the  vestibule  he  crossed  over  to  the  door 
with  a  8wilt  stride. 

It  was  opened,  and  he  was  in  the  act  of  crossing  the 
threshold  when  he  heard  a  voice  6ay  : 

"Stop  him  1— stop  that  priest!     Don't  let  him  go  jet!" 

The  tones  in  which  these  words  were  spoken  carried  to 
the  captain  the  assurance  that  he  was  discovered. 

It  flashed  into  his  mind  instantly  that  he  was  suspected 
of  having  conveyed  the  tools  to  the  prisoner — indeed,  how 
else  could  his  possession  of  them  be  accounted  for  ? 

The  captain  knew  he  could  never  stand  the  test  of  & 
examination,  so  upon  hearing  these  alarming  words  le- 
hind  him  he,  so  far  from  pausing,  gave  a  sudden  boi.ad 
forward. 

It  was  well  that  he  was  so  speedy  in  his  movements,'! or 
the  man  on  the  lock  hastened  to  obey  the  order  whijh. 
had  been  issued. 

Darting  forward,  he  managed  to  get  a  good  grasp  upon 
the  captain's  long  cloak. 

But  Hawk  unclasped  it  in  a  moment,  and  fled  with  the 
utmost  precipitation. 

Fortunately,  the  corner  of  a  street  was  close  at  band, 
and  he  vanished  round  it  in  a  moment. 

The  alarm  inside  the  prison  was  immediate ;  but  by  the 
time  a  small  party  started  in  pursuit  not  a  trace  oi  to* 
seeming  priest  could  be  anywhere  discovered. 

In  York  bnt  one  subject  was  discussed— the  extra* 
ordinary  and  daring  *'»empt  to  CBcape  that  Dick  Turpin 
had  made. 

By  common  consent  the  priest  was  set  down  as  an  ac- 
complice in  the  plot. 

But  the  point  upon  which  there  was  the  greatest 
amount  of  uwcussion  was  whether  the  execution  would 


ram  knight  o?  thb  boad. 


9017 


take  place  on  tbe  day  appointed,  which  was  the  one  suo- 
acediug  that  upon  which  Capuin  Hawk  bad  paid  his  fare- 
well visit. 

The  majority  declared  that  (he  execution  most  be  de- 
ferred on  account  of  tho  serious  injuries  the  prisoner  had 
received  from  his  awful  fall — it  was  generally  reported 
that  he  bad  not  a  single  bone  left  that  was  unbroken. 

Others,  to  use  their  own  phrase,  loudly  declared  that 
the  "  gallows  would  be  cheated  of  its  due." 

Others,  again,  were  strongly  inclined  to  think  that  the 
authorities  would  make  strenuous  efforts  to  carry  out  the 
sentence  of  the  law,  even  if  the  unhappy  victim  sho<«ld 
be  carried  half  dead  to  th«  fatal  tree. 

But  those  who  thought  this  were  in  tbe  minonty, 
though  their  opinion  was  fortified  by  the  circumstance 
that  the  preparations  for  an  execution  went  on  just  as 
though  nothing  of  an  un"»ual  character  had  taken 
pla~e. 

The  greatest  uncertainty  upon  the  point  prevailed  in 
the  old  city  until  a  very  late  hour  at  night,  and  then  the 
rumour  went  that  the  prisoner  bad  so  far  recovered 
that  there  would  be  no  need  for  postponing  the  time 
originally  fixed  upon  for  the  carrying  out  of  his  ten- 
ten  oe. 

Among  the  rest,  Captain  Hawk — who  had  managed  to 
gain  the  shelter  of  the  Old  Chequers  Inn — heard  this 
rumour,  but  he  resolutely  refused  to  give  it  credence. 

Having  seen  Dick  such  a  short  time  before,  he  felt  con- 
fident that  he  could  not  be  taken  to  the  place  of  execu- 
tion so  soon,  and  he  treated  the  report  as  he  would  hare 
done  any  other  impossible  rumour. 

But  on  the  following  morning  the  rumour  gained 
Strength. 

Captain  Hawk  sent  the  ostler  out  to  make  inquiries. 

On  his  return,  the  captain  was  amazed  to  learn  that  the 
preparations  were  going  on  more  actively  than  evwr,  and 
that  everyone  declared  the  sentence  would  be  carried  into 
effect  that  very  day  at  noon. 

Utterly  disregarding  his  own  danger,  the  captain  started 
off. 

His  first  discovery  was  that  a  troop  of  soldiers  had 
arrived,  and  formed  themselves  in  a  circle  round  tho 
scaffold  and  in  a  double  line  to  the  door  of  the  prison. 

To  gain  admittance  was  impossible. 

11  Alas — alas  I"  he  cried.  "Balked  again!  I  cannot 
even  render  you  the  poor  service  of  saving  you  from  tue 
gallows  tree !" 

Yot,  in  spite  of  all  he  saw,  the  captain  clung  to  the  idea 
that  Dick  was  too  greatly  injured  to  be  moved — he  could 
not  believe  but  that  the  authorities  would  wait  until  he 
had  recovered  before  they  proceeded  to  his  immola- 
tion. 

He  did  not  know  that  the  surgeon,  acting  under  the 
advice  and  suggestions  of  those  above  him,  had  adminis- 
tered to  tho  helpless  prisoner  copious  draughts  of  a  medi- 
cine which,  but  for  one  quality,  would  have  been  an  in- 
valuable preparation. 

This  con. pound  caused  an  inconceivable  amount  of 
vigour  to  infuse  itself  into  the  hapless  prisoner's  aching 
limbs — he  seemed  to  grow  comparatively  strong  in  the 
course  of  a  few  hours. 

But  the  effects  of  this  medicine  were  only  transitory, 
and  the  worst  was,  that  with  the  cessation  of  them  came 
tuch  a  frightful  exhaustion  that  it  was  next  to  an  impos- 
sibility for  the  patient  to  rally. 

But  this  was  considered  to  be  of  no  consequence  in  the 
present  case— all  that  the  authorities  desired  \  as  that  the 
prisoner  should  live  long  enough  to  be  made  an  example 
of. 

The  potent  drug  produced  a  speeles  of  stupefaction 
*:pon  Dick  not  unlike  that  which  he  experienced  after 
drinking  the  brandy  given  him  by  the  ostler — tho  feeling 
was  not  quite  so  strong  and  yet  -he  was  partially  uncon- 
scious. 

His  mental  powers  Were  so  much  in  abeyance  ttiu.  je 
offered  no  resistance  to  the  will  of  his  captors — he  rose 
and  moved  mechanically  anywhere  that  they  might  choose 
to  direct  him 

His  limbs  felt  numbed  and  etrange,  but  he  was  released 
from  all  that  pain  which  only  on  the  preceding  day  had 
been  so  excruciating. 

Nevertheless,  in  a  dim,  vague  way  he  was  aware  that 
be  was  about  to  be  led  forth  to  die ;  but  even  this  know- 
ledge did  not  serve  to  make  him  resist. 


By  the  aid  of  the  turnkeys,  he  was  enabled  to  walk  oa 
that  fatal  morning  to  the  outer  door  of  the  prison. 

Here  the  usual  kind  of  procession  was  made,  Dick  still 
being  more  like  an  automaton  than  •  living  being. 

Not  until  this  door  was  opened  and  the  closely-guarded 
prisoner  appeared  did  Captain  Hawk  believe  that  the 
execution  was  really  about  to  take  place. 

The  discovery  of  his  error  came  upon  him  like  a 
thunder-clap. 

Before  he  had  recovered  himself,  the  prisoner,  still 
aiued  by  supporters,  had  traversed  the  short  space  inter- 
vening between  the  prison  door  and  the  scaffold. 

It  would  be  too  painful  to  linger  over  the  last  moments 
of  the  hero  whose  career  we  have  followed  for  so  long 
with  such  deep  interest. 

Captain  Hawk  was  powerless. 

Had  he  been  equal  to  a  hundred  men,  or,  indeed,  had 
he  had  a  thousand  at  his  command,  the  result  would  have 
been  the  same.  The  authorities  were  armed  at  all  points 
against  a  rescue. 

All  know  how  Dick  Turpin  met  his  fate.  On  reaching 
tho  ladder,  he  summoned  up  all  tho  strength  which  he 
possessed,  and  ascended  unaided.  His  limbs  were  not 
properly  under  his  command— one  leg  trembled  as  if  with 
the  palsy.  Anxious  that  the  cause  should  not  be  mis- 
construed, he  stamped  down  his  foot  with  angry  violence, 
and,  by  a  last  exercise  of  his  indomitable  will,  regained 
the  command  oror  his  shaking  limb. 

The  executioner  was  busy  with  his  rope. 

He  had  run  up  the  ladder  first,  and  now  ho  slipped  the 
noose  over  the  victim's  head. 

It  was  just  at  this  very  moment  that  all  tho  sea  of  faces 
and  the  other  varied  objects  around  faded  from  before 
Dick's  eyes,  yet  there  was  no  quailing  in  that  last 
glance. 

He  knew,  though,  that  consciousness  was  going. 

"  Are  you  ready  ?"  he  said,  in  a  hollow  voice. 

These  were  his  last  words. 

"Yes,"  6aid  the  hangman,  descending  a  step  pre- 
paratory to  "  turning  the  prisoner  off,"  as  the  phrase  then 
.vent. 

The  operation  generally  consisted  in  pushing  the  shud- 
dering wretch  off  the  ladder,  and  leaving  him  to  dangle 
at  the  gibbet's  beam  until  life  became  extinct  by  that 
meet  painful  and  cruel  of  all  deaths,  strangulation. 

But  the  office  was  not  performed  for  Dick. 

No  sooner  had  the  hangman  spoke  the  word  than,  with 
a  sudden  bound,  he  threw  himself  off  the  ladder. 

There  was  a  sharp  and  sudden  jerk,  a  convulsive 
plunge,  and  then  all  was  over.  He  who  may  justly  lay 
claim  to  being  the  Prince  of  Highwaymen  had  in  a  moment 
ceased  to  be.  All  that  remained  of  him  was  an  inanimate 
mass  of  clay. 

And  so,  bold  and  defiant  to  the  last,  the  gallant  high- 
wayman met  his  fate. 


Slowly  the  crowd  dispersed. 

At  the  appointed  time  the  body  was  cut  down  and  car- 
ried into  the  prison,  preparatory  to  being  banded  over  to 
the  doctors  for  dissection.  There  were  many  practitioners 
anxious  to  secure  so  interesting  a  subject. 

That  is,  provided  no  one  came  to  claim  the  body,  and 
this  was  scarcely  expected. 

Contrary  to  anticipation,  however,  the  body  was 
claimed  and  carried  away. 

On  the  following  day  the  body  wad  interred  in  one  of 
the  most  picturesque  churchyards  in  the  outskirts  that  the 
City  of  York  could  boast. 

Thousands  fallowed  tho  mourners ;  and  when  the  gra .« 
at  last  was  reached  not  a  square  inch  of  the  churchyard 
was  unoccupied. 

Yet  tho  day  was  one  that  was  calculated  to  keep  all 
those  people  indoors  who  were  not  brought  abroad  by 
necessity. 

The  cold  was  piercing,  and  the  keen  north  wind 
brought  with  it  clouds  of  frozen  ice  and  snow. 

The  clergyman  hastened  to  conclude  the  ceremony,  ana 
when  the  grave  was  filled  up  the  crowd  began  rapidly  to 
disperse. 

Heedless  alike,  however,  of  the  bitter  inclemency  *i  the 
weather  and  of  his  own  personal  danger,  one  individual, 
attired  in  black  and  muffled  in  a  cloak,  remained  long 
after  the  last  lingerer  had  depar'ed. 


BLACK   BM«J  OB,  THB  KNIGHT  OB  THB  HOA& 


li^^W^rfi  the  ground,  and  had  upon 
H  an  expression  of  great  p»m.  _fml  tVl- 1  » 

«  It  was  Fate."  he  said  ;  "  and  who  can  control  that  f 
All  ie  oter  now  !  Had  I  possessed  the  power,  he  would, 
instead  of  Jin*  here,  be  safeandwell.  Butnooueoan 
blame  me  because  I  failed.  ^sffi«„Hv 

After  these  words,  the  reader  will  have  no  difficulty 
M.  recognising  the  speaker, 

U  we*  Gavtain  Hawk: 


He  stood  now  only  at  the  opening  of  m  of  the 
strangest  and  most  vioisaitudmoup  oareera  that  ererfeU 
to  the  lot  of  man.  „v:«w 

But  those  vicissitudes  and  the  strange  errata  which 
happened  on  the  night  after  Dick  Turpm  •  burial  can- 
not  be  chronicled  here.  .„,.  -n,,. 

They  will  be  found  in  the  Second  Series  of  Blaok  Bom, 
which  the  writer  oon&lently  asserts  will  not  bBfoBe* 
inferior  in  the  point  of  interest  to  the  nret 


i 


■VHHBHHBHflNHNraflHIHBI 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 


■HI