Roving Jack, The Pirate Hunter — page 215: what you’re looking at

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

i ROVING JACK, THE PIRATE HUNTER. 235 He appeared suddenly, and dashed out of the , gloom that surrounded him, It was Tom King, the gentleman highwayman ; he was armed cap-a-pie, and had his drawn sword in his hand. One sweep of his weapon bore across his arm the struggling maiden like a silken scarf, the next laid her on his saddle, while her assailants, stupefied and awe-struck, were sprawling on the pavement some yards off. Recovering from their surprise, they were again about to rush upon their enemy to regain their prey, when they found the horse and its burden had vanished as in air, The crowd who had witnessed this scene from the windows of the thieves’ cave now opened and made way for a bright and dazzling figure; it was the gipsy girl, Jael. She was accompanied by her pre- server, the gallant Tom King, CHAPTER CIV, WHAT BROUGHT TOM KING TO THE MINT—HIS JOURNEY FROM HERTFORD — THE CRIPPLED HORSES—THE FARRIER AND THE FORGE—HOW THE TABLES WERE TURNED ON SHOTBOLT THE GAOLER, WE must now anticipate the previous chapter, and account for the appearance of Tom King in the purlieus of the Mint, It will be remembered we last left him in the hands of Jonathan Wild, arrested by that individual for a supposed complicity in the murder of the hero of our tale, “ Roving Jack.’’ From circumstances which will be made apparent hereafter, his trial had been postponed, and he had remained since his committal in the county prison of Hertfordshire. From this prison, however, after the lapse of a few weeks, he was removed, and conducted under a strong escort to London, where the gates of New- gate were to open and receive him, While on his road hither the officers of justice and their prisoner met with a trifling incident which led to great results, Having crossed the county’s border, marked by a narrow and rushing stream, they entered Middlesex, and pursued their way along a lane, It was shaded by trees, through which might be seen glimpses of picturesque and woodland scenery. It was whilst travelling this sylvan glade that the leader of the party, Dan Shotbolt, noticed that his horse was lame, a similar misfortune happening to the rest of the party, for each, on examining the beast that bore him, discovered that the animal had lost a shoe. This was a loss indeed, and it was impossible to proceed without its being remedied. But unexpected assistance arrived, in the person of a gaping countryman, who, for the nonce, we must call Zekiel Gosling. “FHulloa, Bumpkin,” cried Shotbolt, addressing the yokel, who gaye no answer to the summons but a vacant stare. “ Hark ye, fellow ;.if you don’t take heed of my words,” continued the gaoler, “you may get into trouble.” On hearing these words, the rustic became more communicative, and touched his forelock in token of obedience, “Tbe only a zimple lad, loike,” said he, “and don’t mean thee any offence, measter.” You know this place ?” CTC OO, “ Ayes, every acre on it. I’ve helped to raise many a crop about here, ’cos I’ve four little children to keep, so, you sées, as I be only a poor ignoramus you munna——” Shotbolt cut the conversation short by inquiring if there were a smithy in the neighbourhood, ‘A what ?” said the obtuse Zekiel.: “A smithy,” replied the officer, with a little im- patience. “Well, I can’t say as how I’ve ever seen one, and yet, in my time, I must ha’,” scratching his head as if to drag out elucidation. Zekiel, with"perfect simplicity, asked in the end if the object required ‘‘ was aloive.” Fool, our horses are lamed, and we have need of a farrier, that they may be re-shod.” ‘Oh, if that be all thee wants,” replied the com- placent countryman, “I can readily be of sarvice to thee, Follow me, and I will take thee to aforge hard by.” In a few minutes the whole party, verging from the main road, came upon a quaint building, in front of which was placed a broad signboard sup- ported by uprights, bearing the words— ‘“ ENOCH HAMMERBRASS, “Warrier, Wheelwright, and Blacksmith,” Attached to the house was a shed and open, and exhibiting all the paraphernalia connected with the above trades, such as anvils, hammers, forges, and a gigantic pair of bellows, ‘This be my uncle’s,” said Zekiel, pointing to the residence to which he had conducted the travellers ; ‘and if any man in England can draw thee out of the quandary thee horses have fa‘en into, I'll stake my loife it be Enoch Hammerbrass.” With these words, the speaker gave several hard raps at the shed-door. There was no answer given to the loud knocking. “My uncle,” continued the same party, “ must be taking a longer afternoon nap than usual, there- fore, I warn ye that he will get up more savage than ever for being waked up.” ‘‘ Who, in the name of the devil, is that kicking up this rumpus ?” said a hoarse voice, It was that of the farrier, Enoch Hammerbrass, whose head, encased in ared woollen night-cap, now emerged from a top window of his dwelling. “Tt be I——” eee Wiese?” ‘‘Thee nephew, Zekiel Gosling. Come down, I mein ha’ a word wi’ ye,” “ What do you want 2” ‘‘ Here be some strangers that——” ‘Strangers? Tell ’em to go to the devil, [’m asleep.” Enoch’s head popped in, then out again at the salutation of Shotbolt, not unlike the child’s puppet of Jack in the Box. “‘ Farrier, you must descend,” cried the officer. “Our horses require your attention. We are ser- vants of the state, so you will refuse to obey me at your peril.” , ’ The blacksmith, rather a shrewd-looking fellow, gave a significant nod, and intimated his attention to orders, by saying, “State servant, eh? Tll be with you directly. I’ve been an old comrade in arms, and know what duty requires.” By the time all the party had dismounted, the farrier had issued from the house, and commenced deliberately lifting up the hoofs of their several steeds, : “They appear each to have lost a shoe,” said SEO AN