Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 379: what you’re looking at

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

4% of " Ly = > heel . 4 : ren eo ae vives Une tae | . kes b 7 a ¢ : S c _- -- tre » va i , ay. (<> i ry rs - # ‘ — Ma 1a, ‘ i) > f e 2s ae Pn, he Wd Osho We E? San oi Ct ‘ ‘ ye hea ‘ Ada shea : = th merry cae SA SE ae pe . + tA , y x . BEd rhs Sey 4s Wedd . < 4, ~ = tha: spn Bg " C%, “— RY . & rants /! aie as ; fu + 1 4 “? v 4 . ee ri en KIS oe ut Nee e.. ar t* = %} ch bai 29 e" — -—— eee” * tched, w distant object. _ As soon as ever he recovered from the first shock of his astonishment, Tom turned round to look in ths direction upon which his companion’s gaze was riveted He then saw, riding along at a rapid rate, & young man whose appearance was very extraordinary, ier ho wae clad in Indian costume. : Nevertheless, be sat in the sawdle with peculiar grace and the horse which he bestrode was one of the most magnificent-looking creatures that Tom had ever beheld. His speed and action, too, were in eccordance with hia appearance. By this time the day had fairly dawned, though it was not yet light enough for distant objects to be descricd distinctly. It was evident that the horseman had heard the words which had just been pronounced, for he reined-in his steed with great abruptness and looked eagerly about lim. The spot occupied by Tom King and tho Indian girl happened to be in deep shadow, s0 at first, owing to the uncertain light, he failed to perceive them. But she was determined not to let him remain long in ignorance of her whereabouts, for she cried: ‘“« Zariel—Zariel ! Come—come! Iam here!” The words evidently reached the horseman’s ears, for he immediately galloped towards them. As he came nearer, Tom saw that he was both young and handsome, though his beauty was of the Oriental type. "The unmistakable joy and delight visible upon the countenance of the young girl, and the ardour of the horseman, very quickly let our old friend know that this was the lover of whom mention had been made. When he had reached to within a few yards of where they stood the girl bounded forward, again pronouncing the singular but yet musical name. Zariel, secing her approach, at once stopped his horse | and slipped from the saddle and, altogether heedless of ‘l'om's presence, clasped her tightly to his breast. The manner in which the embrace was received was quite enough to let the highwayman know that they were on the best of terms with each other. ‘L’o tell the truth, he was heartily rejoiced at this en- counter, which had taken place just at the moment when his perplexity was greatest. We was conscious also that he was not wanted any longer, so he quickly mounted his steed and rode off. But no sooner were the first transports of joy over between the lovers than the Indian girl poured out a rapid account of what Tom King had done in her behalf. Consequently, before our friend had gone far, he heard a loud voice calling upon him to stop. He obeyed with great willingness, for his eyes having been busily at work glancing around him, disclosed to his view a small party of police officers. hey would have been invisible but for the fact that the just-risen sun, towards which 'l'om’s back was tirned, poured his rosy rays full upon them. Moreover, at this precise moment of time they happened to occupy a slightly-elevated piece of ground. To have gone on any further in that direction would have been madness. So far as he could tell, Tom believed that the police officers had not been sufficiently lynx-eyed to catch aight of him. He turned round, therefore, in a moment, and the nrst thing he saw after having done so was Zariel waving his hand to him. 7 On reaching the spot where the lovers were, ‘fom bowed and paused. “We cannot let you leave us thus, sir!” said “ariel, speaking English with some hesitation and difficulty, and with a peculiar foreign accent. “Lf have just heard of your sympathy and devotion, and cannot allow yeu to rt without making you some recompense for it.” “} seek no recompense,” replied ‘lom, some» aat haughtily. ‘What 1 have done has been cf tay own free will and without any expectations whatever. Le a word, you are quite welcome.” ‘“‘ But we cannot allow you to part this,” said Zariel— - “indeed ws cannot! Surely your position cannot be sach thet it is impossible for me to do something for you ix ss peturn 2” * ros: . px tS Ce?! es % : THE KNIGHT OF THE ROAD. hile her eyes appeared to bo fixed upon some | ~ + ae ae Sr - 2 yet Bens, Pete A pat O3K ei <5. ~~ 7) 4 fia “0 a, « id ‘1751 “There is one question to which I much wish en answer,” said Tom; ‘‘and if you have been riding fer to-night you may be able to answer. That will be quits a sufficient return for what I have done.” . “t Speak—speak !” Tom then gave a close description of Maud’s personal appearance, and asked if he had seen her. ees ‘he reply was a negative. “That is enough!” he said. “ Farewell !” “Nay, nay,” said Zariel; “surely you will not refuse to accept of some slight hospitality? I cannot enter- tain you as I could wisn, ont 4 short distance off there is a dwelling where I reside, and to which you are heartily welcome if you wiil only favour me so far as to come.” ‘hese words caused ‘l'om to hesitate. He was thinking busily. st took him but a moment to decide. - “ remembered the officers of whom ho had caught sight. ; He recollected that it was not until midnight that he should be able to meet with his companions. All the day was before him—tho very period when it was hardest to conceal himself from his foes, and when he could do least towards a discovery of Maud. These considerations rapidly presenting themselves to him induced him to murmur a few words of thanks for the invitation which had been given, and to accept it. There can be no doubt the young Indian was in earnest, for his face lighted up immediately. | “Come, sir,” he said; “henceforth I hope we shall bs to each other as friends and brothers. Follow me; you are heartily welcome to share all I have.” With these words he alighted, lifted tho Indian girl to the saddle before him, and led the way. Tom breathed freely, for the direction was such as to lead him right away from the spot where he had seen the officers standing. After this no words of importance were exchanged, for Tom King purposely kept some distance in the rear, in order that the young couple might converse freely with each other. In a few moments Tom perceived a large, stately- looking edifice surrounded by a high brick wall, and watch he doubted not was destined to be his halting- place. : “T ought to deem myself lucky,” he said, “ for surely beneath this roof I shall be able to remain a few hours unmolested.” His conjecture respecting his destination proved correct. The young Indian prince rode direct towards some fine massive-looking cates. His approach must have been expected, or at least perceived, for immediately upon his arrival one half of the folding doors receded upon its hinges. | A broad, well-kept gravel path was then disclosed, along which they proceeded rapidly, and finally paused in front of the mansion itself. Quite a troop of servants—but all of them Indians, doubtless devoted followers of the prince—came forth, and after many salaams assisted him to alight. But Tom slipped from his horse before anyone had time to reach him. “This way,” said Zariel—“this way. Would that I could give you such a reception as I should wish—such as you shall have if ever you visit me in my owa land !” ‘'om murmured a few words of thanks and crossed the threshold. He looked about him with great interost and curiosity, for all that he beheld possessed the charm of no< velty: | The young prince had endeavoured to make the in- terior of the plainly-built mansion as much like one ot his own palaces as pessibie, and the effect was in conse- quence rather incongruous, and yet by no means un- pleasing. An Oriental repast was quickly laid before them, to which Tom did ample justice. He was able to discover, however, among the {requeur aie in the conversation that the young couple were i ar from being well at ease. His presence could not fail to be a restraint upon them, and therefore he resolved to relieve them of it. CONMIEIOO; KS Elo)