ut he slipped
away in his poont, and dodged us about in the dark, till Mester Marston
held out that he was makking for the far part of the fen, and we
followed him theer, but lost all sound on him, and then you know, Mester
Dick, we fun you."

With a stern effort to be firm Dick watched the progress of the punt
toward the island that was to have been his abode when he felt huffed at
home, and wondered whether Dave were there now.

"He isn't there," thought Dick; and he turned to telegraph a look at Tom
Tallington, who he felt sure would be as anxious as himself about Dave's
escape.

"Do you want Tom Tallington?" said his father, who, though apparently
paying no attention, had noted every exchange of glances.

"Yes, father; there is more room here," said Dick boldly.

The squire made a sign to Hickathrift, who ceased poling, and the other
two boats came up on either side.

"Come in here, Tom," said Dick eagerly.

Tom obeyed with alacrity and stepped on board, while in short decisive
tones the squire spoke:

"We will divide now, and approach on three sides. You, Marston, and
you, Tallington, get well over so as to command a view all round, for
this man must not escape."

"Escape! No!" said Farmer Tallington fiercely.

"If he is there, I don't think he will escape," said Mr Marston
sternly.

"Hah!" ejaculated the squire; "that is one reason why I waited for you
both to come up. Now, gentlemen, and you, my good fellows, listen.
There must be no violence."

"No violence, eh!" said Farmer Tallington. "Didn't he bon my place?"

"And shoot me?" said Mr Marston sternly.

"Yes, and his is evidently the hand which has committed a score of
outrages, but all the same we must act as if we were the officers of the
law: seize, bind, and hand him over to justice unhurt."

There was a low murmur from the drain-men in Mr Marston's boat.

"Yes, and that is why I speak," said the squire firmly. "I am leader
here, and I insist upon this man being taken uninjured. Let the law
deal with him. It is not our duty to punish him for the crimes."

There was another low murmur here, but the squire paid no heed and went
on:

"In the first place, not a shot is to be fired."

"Not if he shutes at us?" cried Farmer Tallington.

"No: not even if he fires at any of us. If he should draw trigger, rush
in and seize him before he has time to reload, and then, with no more
violence than is necessary, let him be bound."

"Wel