Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 52: what you’re looking at

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

Sere ——— | _ Set ey see ee ee oe “There’s one point which i shouid ike to have set at rest.” ‘*'What is that ?” “Why, to what extent my shot was effectuat der where the assassin is, and who he can be ?” “It is easy to ride back a little way,” said (tauds ; ‘and, precious as time is, X think it will be worth our while to do so.” “So do I,” cried Tom. scarcely a moment.”’ They rode off along the highway in thea direction the assassin had taken until, having reached the sr. where they believed ‘f'om’s bullet had struck him, they s aused. They still retained the lantern, and by its aid they perceived upon the ground a few dark red spots of blood. Looking further, they saw that a hole had been forced in the hedge, and to one of the sharp, prickly boughs a shred of clothing was adhering. This shred they took and carefully stowed away. Beyond was a large field. They looked at each other irresolutely. Tom found that his companions were evidently wait- ing for him to speak, and so he said: ‘‘T fancy the rascal is only slightly hurt, axd by this tine he may have got to some place of shelter, where he would, ten to one, remain and defy all our attempts at discovery. Unwillingly, then, I propose that we lsave him to his fate.” ‘And so do we.” “Then forward, for, believe me, I am te tuo full as anxious to reach London as you possibly can be your- selves.” Again putting their horses to a sharp trot, they jour- neyed in the direction of the metropolis, exchanging but few words on the way. Tom was wondering where horses could be hestowed in safety. He had some dim recollection that there was a stable in the neighbourhood of Clare Market, the occupier of which was in league with old Matthew. Vainly, however, did ‘Tom try to remember any further particulars, and finally he was compelled to abandon the effort in despair. Yet in his own mind he decided that they should make their way to the White Horse by the back way. They would then be less likely to be observed by any of the officers. So deeply absorbed was Tom by his reflections, that he paid ‘no attention whatever to anything around him. All at once he was aroused by ejaculations from his companions, who with one accord reined in their horses. “What is it?” he asked, following their examplo in- stinctively—“ what’s amiss ?” “Look there!” said Claude, pointing with his whip. “ Ts it possible you did not notice it?” Tom glanced quickly in the direction indicated, and then ceased to be surprised at his companions’ astouish- ment. They had now arrived within view of that ill-omened spot Tyburn. In journeying to London they could not avoid passing by it. icanarelly their gaze was half-averted as they passed by, and indeed on most occasions the darkness was so in- tense that it was more by imagination than actual vision that they saw the dismal-looking blackened beams. But now Tyburn Tree presented a very different ap- pearance. It was lighted up by the fierce red glow of a fire, the light of which shone with picturesqaa and rembrandt- like effect upon the ancient timber. The tree was cleared—that is to say, Rome of its hor- rible fruit was dependent from it. For some time T'om and his compauious remaroed quite still gazing upon this strange spectacle. “What doesit mean?” asked Tom King at isst m & subdued voice. ‘ How strange !” “Very,” responded Claude; “but I am as much in the dark as you are.” *Soam JI,” added sSixteen-String Jack, ‘but let us weeop a little closer, and then, in all probability, we phall ascertain.” ei @acut a dissentient word this suggestion was acted t won- “ Follow me—it will occupy BLACK BESS; OR, Allowing their horses to proceed at a walk oniy, tA highwaymen gradually drew closer and closer to tae ghastly spot. At length they reached a point from which a distinct and perfect view could be obtained, and then they at onca met with the solution to what had looked a short time before so incomprehensible. Encampod round T'yburn Tree wasa strong detach- ment of sofdiers, and for their own comfort they had kindled two or three blazing fires. The effect indeed was pleasant to behold, for the fire- light flickered prettily upon the polished accoutrements of the soldiers. Their arms were all piled, and the men stood about in clusters here and there quite at their ease. | Outside could be perceived the dark forms of many other persons, in all perhaps two hundred. “It’s clear enough now,” said Tom King, as he set his horse in motion, ‘‘ Tom Davis’s information was correct. To-morrow is appointed for Dick's execution, and these preparations are being made for it.” ‘Yes, no doubt.” * And,” continued Tom, “the authorities have evidently made up their minds that the law shall take effect. Those soldiers have been sent in anticipation of the gathering of a large crowd between now and morning. Whenever it becomes necessary they will form an impregnable square around T'yburn Tree, and so keep the mob from pressing too closely upon it.” * Yes, yes—that’s it. Come on—vwe’ve seen enough.” “ We have,” said Sixteen-String Jack; “ but if I live, the authorities shall be baulked, even though it be at the last moment, and in spite of all these extra precautions that they have taken.” “So say I,” cried Claude, heartily, “‘and yet that sight youder shows that they are terribly in earnest. It won't be a trifle that will stop them.” “ True,” said Tom King. “ But forward now, and let us waste no more breath in conversation. I have already decided where to go and what to do, so follow me aad all will be well in that respect.” His two companions complied without another syllable Riding direct into Lincoln’s Inn Fields, then a very lonely, unfrequented place after nightfall, he turned to the right, and the highwaymen soon found themselves in the midst of the narrow insalubrious streets in that locality. In Vere Street, at the corner of a narrow turning, stood a large public-house, and, upon reacking it, Tom saw at a glance that there was accommodation for horses. Turning up this narrow street, he quickly paused ip front of some large gates, which were closed. A ring at the bell brought the ostler forward. Tom spoke in quick, authoritative tones. ‘‘ Tlere—be quick,” he cried, “take charge of these three horses. We shall be back soon—perhaps in half an heuer, or it may be less or more; but have the horses ready, and it will be something in your pocket.” Without waiting for any reply to these orders, the hig¢kwaymen all alighted from their steeds, and strode off in the directiun of Drury Lane. The ostler wa3 quite surprised at the whole trans&cticn, or rather at the suddenness of it. But grumbling something or other, unintelligible to anyone but himself, he took hold of the horses by their bridles and led them through the gateway. All three of our friends looked after their steeds wist- fully. Goon indeed would have been their satisfaction could they have seen them safely housed, and known just where to find them. The attempt at this, however, might prove an additional source of danyer. The ostler, or some other person, might see and recog: nise them. The distance to White Horse Yard was now insig- nificant—a few hundred yards brought the highbwaymer to the extremity of it. On their way, without appearing to do sv, they kept a vigilant look-out, but saw nothing whatever of a character to excite their suspicions. Pausing at the little door in the wail that has been so often mentioned, Tom pressed upon the secret spring, and waited with anxiety for the result. (E(o) Eomichbooks