Ivan the Terrible; or, Dark Deeds of Night — page 143: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

a x | IVAN THE vo. He was obliged to face one of two dangers, and chose the least as he fondly hoped and imagined. His horse now was becoming very tired, and could not maintain its former pace, for it was carrying double. Without the least compassion for the poor beast the cruel horseman spurred madly onward, and one of the Apprentices coming in his way he struck him with his riding whip. This act was resented on the instant by a blow from a stone, which hit the horseman full in the back. “Who struck thee, lad?” said an old Apprentice, running up to the youth, who had been slashed across the face with the whip. “TI know not,” the youth replied, ‘“‘but it seems to me he must be one of Ivan’s ruffians from the Forge, judging by his dress, his oaths, and villanous face.” “We will soon see,” said the elder Apprentice, running with the Seetness of a deer, and overtaking the horseman. “Tt is! it is!” shouted the Apprentice. ‘Help! ho, help! ‘tis one of Ivan’s crew! ’tis Bob the Bully. Help! ho, help! ges peo off with some fair maid. Quick! Help! help! elp Jessie, with a horror of which we can give no adequate description, heard the name of one mentioned who bore the desperate character of murderer, thief, and libertine. ‘ His ferocity had alone saved him many times from death even among his dwn companions at the “ Forge.” To find herself in his arms was to guess at once that she had eseaped from one dreadful situation to be placed in a worse, and she cried, ‘Are you Bob the Bully the Apprentices are following and shouting after?” Z “Even him, my dear, for want of an honester name,’’ said Bob, laughing ; ‘‘ but I’d advise you to keep a quiet tongue, I will not answer for the consequences.” “ “Let me get down, Iam safe now; I am with friends with these bolds Apprentices, whom I know will protect me. I can reward you, I have money; it shall be yours for the service you have rendered me; but let me down, let me down.” “Peace, you little fool ! Did Inottell you we had been seen and followed out of the way there? Are you mad?” he said, with a curse, to several Apprentices, who tried to stop his horse, af “T will get down if I fling myself on the ground and am killed,” cried Jessie, growing desperate. “T tell you, fool, we are pursued by Lord Barnaby, and he will have you out of the hands of your friends very quickly.” ‘“T care not; let me free; I will not further accompany you! Unhand me,villain! Help! help!” ‘ “Are you mad?” he cried, ‘Sit still, Hell itself shall not rob me of you. Now you are mine, Jessie, by right and title. You gave yourself to me; to get away, you know, is worth the risk.” essie shrieked with horror, and struggled to fling herself - from her seat ; but the ruffian held her firmly, and urged his horse forward by spur and yoice. ~ Jessie screamed for help, The voice of a bold apprentice was again heard, and like an arrow he arrived at the saddle skirt. “Are you taken against your will?” he asked, as well as his panting breath would allow him. “Yes, oh, yes!’ shrieked Jessie. “Save me! saye me from this ruffian |"? Then arose instantly the thrilling cry—a cry, the effect of which we of the present day can have no conception, ‘ Ho there! ’Prentices and clubs! ’Prentices and clubs! Help for a distressed maiden! Help, in the name of Heaven !” The cry was taken up from mouth to mouth, and those who had followed in sport now darted in pursuit in earnest, Shrill cries came from all sides. ! The horse, confused and startled by this medly of voices, and the strange ground over which he was galloping, became alarmed, frightened, and at length, made great efforts to run Away. : . . Bob the Buily soon discovered that he no longer possessed any controul over him. TERRIBLE, 139 _ He still kept his seat, held Jessie firmly, and kept the reins in his hands, endeavouring to gnide an animal which was beaten and frightened and thwarted in its way on every side. He struggled hard at the bridle, but Bob’s wrist was of no common strength ; the horse pulléd against it, and ina few minutes fell upon his side, pitching Bob the Bully upon his head with such violence as almost to kill him. : Jessie became insensible from fright, almost as much as from a blow she received on her temple in her fall, She was soon raised to her feet, and many kind efforts were made by the gallant Apprentices to revive her. . While this kindness was being shown to her, the gruff voice of an officer was heard some yards off forcing his way through the crowd and demanding possession of Jessie. “‘ She has been abducted from my Lord Barnaby’s house,” he exclaimed, ‘“ I suppose in the hope of obtaining money by way of ransom ; but the rogue is in custody, and will be well- punished ere he is many days older. MThis lady is under the especial protection of my lord and master. See that you ney him on your peril. Waythere! Out of the way there.” / The officer uttered this strange tale with much volubility, and he was readily credited. The gazers were gratified by the sight of Bob the Bully being led away, while Jessie was placed ina reeling position upon the horse, which had been raised to his feet and now stood trembling in every limb. ‘¢ Tf was a gallant chase,” exclaimed the officer, “ his lord- ship will be much pleasedynow the brave Apprentices, the bold hearts, take side with the oppressed, and will doubtless give some gracious mark of his favour to those who have dis- tinguished themselves in this matter.” | . A loud cheer followed these words, to which he responded with a polite bend of the head, and then cried, * Advance there, men !” They obeyed the order, and moved slowly forward, bearing the maiden back to the prison she believed at first she had been released from. But just at that moment, when the officer, full of cunning and trickery, had made the Apprentices believe his story, and was laughing in his sleeve, a youth appeared upen the scene, pale, thoughtful and earnest. ‘‘ Whither take ye the maiden?” he asked the officer. “Mind thy own business, varlet. How dare you stop the horse ?,On then, men, I say ! Knock the young villain down if he dares seize your bridle again.” “Stop, I say |” said the youth, in commanding tones, * Stop, sir, stop? Whothe devil are you, sir, that dares order me, you young jackanapes? I’ve a good mind to trounce thee well for thy audacity. Who are ye, lsay? Speak ere I strike thee.” . This altercation between the youth and the angry officer was listened to with great glee and humour by. the numerous Apprentices who had gathered around. “ Who Iam, it matters not just now,” the youth replied ; ‘but that maid, mark me, must be left here in my charge.” * Thy charge, fool ?” “Yes, mine. For you have deceived these worthy youths here, these bold hearts, as you flatteringly called the Ap- prentices.” * Deceived us ?” roared a dozen voices. ‘‘ Aye, lads, deceived ye. Lord Barnaby is a rogue anda libertine ; he wants to destroy the girl.” “Destroy her? No, that shall not be.” ‘« Never, never.” ‘“‘ We will protect and save her.” ‘‘ Yes, with our lives.” Such and like were the expressions of the angry, murmuring crowd of holiday-making Apprentices as they crowded around the officer and his party. — “ Nay, this is a rank imposter,” said the officer, “I know him well ; he is an idiot. Don’t listen to him,” ‘‘ Let the girl answer for herself. Ske knows me not ; but to prove to you, lads, that I tell no lie, look upon me,” he said, throwing off his cloak, “and tell me, do you know me? Am [a liar !” | It was Will Winter! risen from his sick bed ! COMIIchoo SoCOUN