les Syndercomb, or some such ruffian, who is
tarrying in this remote part of the island for some opportunity of
escape. If you are an innocent man, you will remain; if guilty, this
shall be my warrant."

He attempted to pull forth a pistol from his belt, but, before his
purpose could be accomplished, the point of his adversary's rapier
rested on his throat, which, at the same instant, was grasped with more
strength than so slight a person could be supposed to possess. Burrell
cried to his comrade for help, but he was already out of hearing, having
set spurs to his horse the moment he had seen the assault; he then
entreated for quarter in an altered and humbled tone.

"I am neither a robber nor a murderer," replied the youth; "but, not
having pistols, I hold my own safety of too much value to relax my
grasp, till you pledge your honour not to attack me but with the same
weapon I can use in my defence."

Burrell pledged his word "as a Christian and a soldier:" the stranger
withdrew his sword.

"And now," said he, fixing himself firmly in his seat, and rolling his
cloak around his left arm, "if you wish for honourable combat, I am at
your service; if not, sir, I take my way, and you can proceed on yours."
He drew up to his full height, and awaited Burrell's answer, who sat as
if undetermined what course to pursue. He did not long hesitate; the
villain's ready friend--treachery--was at his elbow; in an instant the
pistol was presented to the head of his confiding antagonist, who,
though unprepared for such an act, bent forward previous to the effort
of raising himself in the saddle to give more strength to his good
steel. At the very instant that he bowed himself the ruffian fired! The
ball passed over him--he swayed in his saddle; the next moment, reining
up his horse, he prepared to punish such dastardly conduct as it
deserved; but, as worthless purposes are sometimes accomplished by
worthy instruments, the fleet steed that Burrell rode was far on its way
towards Minster, its track marked by fire-sparks, which glittered in the
thickening darkness.

The youth remained on the same spot until the sound of the horse's hoofs
were lost in the distance, and then, setting spurs to his own gallant
grey, proceeded on his course.

CHAPTER III.

"Now is the time when rakes their revels keep;
Kindlers of riot, enemies of sleep."

GAY.

"A brewer may be like a fox or a cub,
And teach a lecture out