Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 272: what you’re looking at

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

1644 ee ee BLACK BESS ; OR, Tom opened the door, and then caught sight of the in- | on Lis account, we can give all the more attention to what distinct figures of his two comrades, Claude Duval and | she has to say.” Sixteen-String Jack. “Strange things have happened since you left,” he said. ‘You must attend to your horses yourselves.” “We have done so; but what has happened 2” “ Nothing alarming. Come down.” The highwaymen obeyed, and the entrance was sain secured. Maud was standing near the inner doorway. She had learned already from the voices that Dick had not returned. Listening attentively, she heard Olaude Duva! <ay : ‘Has the captain come back ?” “Not yet.” “ Have youseen anything of him?” asked Maud, unable to repress the question. f 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. Ii 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 recited the brief events of the night they broke out into loud execrations upon the inele's villany. CHAPTER OMXOIT. DICK TURPIN TAKES LITTLE RUTH TO ST. JAMES’S PALS CS, AND MAKES A STARTLING DISCOVERY. THE event proved that Sixteen-String 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 & as well as they were able. The hour of twelve had pealed forth from the church in the adjacent village when the listeners were aroused by a summons at the secret entrance. “Ttis the captain!” all cried, but they were dcomed to disappointment. It was Jack the ostler, whose countenance wore an ex- pression of unusual importance. ““ Well,” said Tom King, quickly, ‘“ have you been suc- sessful ?” “Yes, captain.” “ You tracked the carriage ” * Yes.” ‘To what place ?” “St. James’s Palace.” The last words were eehoed bv all in tones of smaze- ment. “‘ And did he enter there?” “He did.” ‘¢ And what else did you learn ?” “Nothing. I came straight back, thinking f% 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 Olaude. ‘“ No doubt she could give much information.” “TJ scarcely like to trouble her at present. Let her be until the captain’s return; then, when we feel no anxicty This was assented to, and by way of a change it was proposed that they should all make their way above ground, and keep a vigilant look-out. But their patience was severely tesvea, 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 them with a thousand appre- hensions. In the space of a few more moments he was surrounded with his faithful companions, and had Manud’s head resting against his breast. A dozen questions were asked him at once, but, holding up his hand, he said: Have patience for a little while, and I will teli you a - 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. “Ab!” he ejaculated, “a stranger. has sbe come irom ?” 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 recital of the captain’s adventures than either of his three comrades. “T will gratuity you,” said Dick, “for though I have been away from you so 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 girlk Where did you find her ?” ‘“‘T will tell you,” said Tom King, who thereupon gave a very full description of the occurrences in tke 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: “T 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 isa 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# Where on earth comicbooks.co