Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 344: what you’re looking at

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

£716 — life, which would have been a serious calamity for the |shown us? No, no, we know better how to serve s world at large. On the present occasion, however, his impetuosity carried him more forward than usual, and he soca had occasion to repent it. Ail at once Disk Turpin started into view. Bishop eame te a halt at once, and felt for anotner pistol. The former, however, cried in a stern, menacing voice: “You are welcome to try as many shots upon me as you Jike—I don’t mind it, and should never seek for vengeance on that account; but to ailmat 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 itch. 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 hiva in a body. ‘“On, Bess!” cried Turpin, as he ran hastily after her —“on, old lass! Do not stop for me; I can mount easily as you are!” ei 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 Goer poneee his purpose, and adapted her pace accord- ngly. Biddents 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 chances 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 hiscomrades 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. Claude’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 speed would have been very much greater. | Of course the others accommodated the pace of their horses to his, for it was important they should all keep together. Tom Davis soon rightly comprehended his persis... “Put me down,” he said. “I can see just how the jand lies, and it would be much better that 1 should be recaptured than that you should all run the risk of another encounter.” * And is that the sort of return, Tom, that you think weahould make for the unwavering fidelity you have BLACK BESS; OR, ” Se , ‘ “— friend than that.” be Say “Hither we will place you in some place of complete security, or else we will perish in the attempt.” Dick Turpin paid but little attention to this conversa- tion. ‘he pace at which they were going was one that Black Bess could perform 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 ead— 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 notin 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! 1t’s an,escape, old lass, and a narrow one. Most thankful am I tWat it is no worse !” But the satisfaction derived by Dick from this reflectior. was but slight, for the mark was one which his mare would always carry. Auother 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. ‘‘T 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 theruins 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. Ho» seems fatigued already, and for alittle 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 ir your movements.” ‘‘You had better leave me behind,” said Tom Davis; “that will be the easiest. I might slip off and conceal myself behind the hedge without the officers being any the wiser.” ‘You might, itis true; but we do not intend to give you the chance. No, no, Tom—we would never be se 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, maée him endeavour to overtake or, at least, keep pace with the others. I'he officers observed this alteration with mca alarm and dissatisfaction. no more upon the subject,” said Tom King. GEomicbooks.co