Black Bess; or, The Knight of the Road — A Tale of the Good Old Times — page 104: what you’re looking at

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

TL I CT EI SS Ama A [nme Se SO ones” CES Eee te far a ta aa cea mL EY 5a CA aD eR 102 That they could prove victorious was quite out of the question. Nevertheless, he drew his hanger and pistols, and so did Sheppard, who had the same unpleasant conviction forced upon him. ; They resolved to fight, and defend the young girl to the eath. Upon seeing his prey before him, like rats im a trap, a howl of rage and triumph burst from Jonathan’s lips. “ Down with them!” he cried. “Take then prisoners, all. Down with them, I say.” a Jonathan’s heavy and sharp sword was in his grasp, and, as he uttered these words, he precipitated himself upon our two friends. In this attack he was baeked up by his men. Jack and Blueskin stood shoulder to shoulder firmly, and repulsed the assault as well as they were able. In obedience to previously given instructions none of Wild’s men used fire-arms. His object was to take all three prisoners. The elashing of swords—the trampling of footsteps, aud the hearse eries of the combatants—were terruiic, and made the old ruin positively tremble beneath them. Lord Donmull stood without. Either from cowardice or else shame at the foul part he was playing. But such a combat as this, where the advantages were all on one side, could not be of long duration. Blueskin opposed himself to Wald. The former was cool, steady, and determined. The other seemed maddened with fury. “Die, wretch!” he cried, as he lifted his sword, and grasped the hilt with both his hands. “ Die, villain!” _ Blueskin put up his weapon to ward off the blow, but it was impossible. The mere foree with which it was brought down was more than sufficient to break through all guard. Down came Jonathan’s sword upon Blueskin’s bead. Its sharp edge cut through his cap and scalp. He fell down as though he had been struck with a sledge-hammer. Blood in an immense quantity gushed from the wound, and dyed the floor. At the moment he fell, the men who had _ been struggling with Jack closed upon and captured him. But he struggled fiercely in their grasp. It was, however, unavailingly. Joy sparkled in the eyes of Jonathan Wild, as, darting forward, he clasped Bess in his arnis. It was in vain she struggled to free herself. She uttered shriek upon shriek. But in the arms of the thief-taker she was like a dove in the talons of a hawk. Seeing her thus taken filled Jack with the utmost fury, and the attempts he made to extricate himself were really superhuman. For a moment he did succeed in gettmg his nght arm free. He struck out furiously with it. But before he could achieve any advantage it was again held behind Lim. ““Ha! ha!” said Jonathan, as he dragged lus shriek- ing victim through the doorway. ‘‘ Ha! ha! Jack, you see what you get by setting yourself up in opposition to me. Ha! ha!” To this speech Jack deigned no reply. “Bring him along, bull-dogs,”’ yelled Wild, as he began the descent of the stars; “ bring him along, and if he es- capes you shall all swing for it—mind that.” This threat, which they well enough knew was no idle one, made them tighten their hold upon Jack. A pair of handeuffs were with professional dexterity slipped over his wrists. Then a belt, which one of Wild’s men took from round his waist, was passed between Jack’s back and elbows and buckled tightly. This left him utterly defenceless, if we may exeept his feet. They dragged him down the stairease after Jonathan ild Blueskin they left for dead upon the floor. It was scarcely possible for any one to survive such a blow upon the crown as that was. So suddenly had all this taken place that Jack had some “Seema SP __ oer, co teat 0 Siar ag 2 BLUESKIN: A ROMANCE. en i aa | woe ane oO" eee ee, A Sr 7 a difficulty in fully realizing the change of circumstances which had taken place. As for Jonathan, his delight knew no bounds. He had succeeded better than even he anticipated. When the men who had Jack in charge reached the ae enclosed garden they found Jonathan waiting for them. Bess had fainted. “Villain! ’’ cried Sheppard, his voice husky with rage aud emotion; “ villain, you have killed her!” “Hal ha!” There was something horrible m the way Wild made this reply, aud Jack felt the blood boil in his veins as he heard it. “You triumph now,” he said, ‘‘ but it will not be for long. The time will soon arrive when you will bitterly repent what you have done to-night.” “Goon,” said Jonathan, with a coolness that made Jack almost mad; ‘‘ go on; [I like to hear you. One thing is certain—you won't have the chance of crowing much longer.’ As he spoke, he gave the word to his men, and they set off through the wood. On reaching its outskirts they mounted. Edgworth Bess was still insensible. Jonathan gave her in charge of one of his janizaries for a moment while he mounted, aud then he placed her ou the saddle before him. Jack now commenced another desperate struggle, but it was 1n vai. Despite all the resistance he eould offer, he was hfted on to the back of one of the horses. A cord was placed reund his ancles, and his feet drawu together by it nnder the horse’s belly. He was then perfectly helpless. One of the men, however, got up behind him. His chances of escape were few indeed. “Forward!” cried Mr. Wild. “Mind your prisoner. If he escapes you know the penalty. My lord!” “Yes, Mr. Wild,” replied Lord Donmull. “Ride close tome. You see Lam right. I have suc- ceeded.” ‘“VYou have. And now what is next to be done P”’ “That point is for your own consideration. We can talk of it as we go.” Lord Donmull was silent. , A multitude of thoughts came thronging through lis rain, After the pause had lasted some time Wild spoke. ‘*S Will you exeuse me,” he said, “if I make you a sug- gestion f”’ What is it, Mr. Wild 2?” “You will not take it amiss, J hope.” ‘“T cannot do that. I am already deeply indebted for your advice. What were you about to say ?” “This. But you must promise to keep a secret.” ‘* Agreed.” ‘** ] have in my house in Newgate-street, or beneath it I ought perhaps to say, some cells.” ** T have had as much whispered to me.” “Indeed. By whom ?” “ Stergs.” ‘Oh! never mind. I was gomeg to tell you in one of those cells this girl may be safely and secretly deposited until such time as you make up your mind concerning her.” ‘Be it so. Mr. Wild. Itis the very thing I should have desired,” “| 7 glad my suggestion meets with your approval, my lord.” te Treat her gently, Wild; treat her gently. Jam notso bad as to wish unnecessary pain inflicted on her, nor— nor’”’ “ What?” Do I wish her death.” ** You do not ?” “No. If she could be induced in some way to legally transfer the estates to me I would spare her hfe, and not only that, allow her a good yearly inconie.”’ “You will have time to think upon it, for, as I. under- stand, you have determined to place her for a short time in my keeping.” “have, AWild, I have. If you will carry oat my instructions.” mene Ee tmaeey a MICOOOKS.CO (Cl) (C >