Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 275: what you’re looking at

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

_ Py JF 2 id (ee? Oy. ¢ ‘gh “ a of ee n | ¥ er . uly, “I hate him! He is ever prying into my private aS , . a . “Maeve amar ‘more, he is my bitter foe. Yee,” said the prince, spite.. han ‘ ree “Me pe Fa Py ” , = > oa le 1a Saat ee or AGP - va “ : a orm & : a ¥ +o) > t hee | ‘ ~ ffairs, 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 [ shall be disgraced.” Dick nodded. a ‘But now,” cried the prince, springing to his feet, and pacing the room in exultation, “I have him in my power —completely iu my power! I will crush him!” The princes clenched his hands tightly as he spoke, and the expression on his countenance was one ef unmitigated hatrod. ‘ “Your Royal Highness,” said Dick, also rising to sis feet. : “Well 2” “ Excuse me @ 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 Dick _ suspected that some one was listening at the door, and so he looked on with great suspense and ouriosity to see what the highwayman was about to do. Dick carefully took hold of the knob. Scope 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 sce what was the matter. On his knees on the mat, and rubbing his forehead with a very 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 vou 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!” said the prince, laughing 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.” ‘‘ Hnough !” 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 t make upon your services.” ‘Your Highness, you will always find me ready and willing.” ““T do not doubt it. I cannot unfold my plans to you to-night, however. Oome to me again, and I will be pre- pared. I require a secret agent in an affair of much im- portance.” Dick 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—— “Tf what? Say on!” “Tf 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- tura 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 poeped ont, and found that he commanded @ view of tthe court- ard. : At some distance off he could perceive Black Bess siandiug as still as any statue. * Al] seems well!” he exclaimed, turning back into the . >or : . 4S 3 12. oe tot 7 a ? s Im att ae =) ; <e 5 (By, PN f ry 7 7 “tel ~s “I oe” S26 Trin 8 We bie he RP ded ee) ee ot of € pt < Oe atte Gy so, lr be Sanh Py hi Bide Shae” CRASH, Le A's heh ta + A YHE KNIGHT OF THE ROAD. | ste 1647 apartment. “TI faney there will be no need of your Royal Highness’s interference.” “So muck the better then, for I wish our dealings to be 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 was, yet she was conscious that she was parting with a _ well-tried friend. ory ‘‘ 1 shall never forget you—never {” she cried, through her tearsyas Dick Turpin left the apartment. The highwayman had taken particular notice of the different corridors he had passed through and the various staircases he had ascended, so he was able to find hig wa to the little door by which he had entered with as mu precision as any inhabitant of the place. The yeoman of the guard who had admitied him opened the door and allowed him to pass out. , The next moment he was standing beside Black ess. But just as he was about to place his foot in the stirrup, euree 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! The courtyard is full of my men !” : Dick shook off his grasp, and spoke in indignant ones: “Tam not in the humor to be jested with! Stance 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 2” ‘ What business is that of yours ?” The officer placed a whistle to his lips, and blew it shrilly. “You will get yourself into trouble, you wrong-headed fool!” said Dick. ‘I am afriend 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. He 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. “Relow, there! Guard—guard |” there was an immediate stir and bustle, and then from out of a low doorway there issued several soldiers. “ 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 something 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 ae 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 you post,” « © | EORMIC JOOKS-EGoOmM