elled them forwards. It was like the
meeting of two tides. Here and there, regardless of the bit, and scared
by the firing, a wild colt broke all bounds, and, hurling his rider in
the air, darted off into the green; or, in another case, rushed forward,
and encountering the prostrate cattle cumbering the entrance to the
priory hall, stumbled, and precipitated his master neck-over-heels at
the very feet of his enemy. During all this tumult, a few shots were
fired at the highwayman, which, without doing him a jot of mischief,
tended materially to increase their own confusion.

The voice of Turpin was now heard above the din and turmoil to sound a
parley; and as he appeared disposed to offer no opposition, some of his
antagonists ventured to raise themselves from the ground, and to
approach him.

"I demand to be led to Sir Ranulph Rookwood," said Turpin.

"He is here," said Ranulph, riding up. "Villain, you are my prisoner."

"As you list, Sir Ranulph," returned Dick, coolly; "but let me have a
word in private with you ere you do aught you may repent hereafter."

"No words, sir--deliver up your arms, or----"

"My pistols are at your service," replied Dick. "I have just discharged
them."

"You may have others. We must search you."

"Hold!" cried Dick; "if you will not listen to me, read that paper." And
he handed Ranulph his mother's letter to Mr. Coates. It was without the
superscription, which he had thrown aside.

"My mother's hand!" exclaimed Ranulph, reddening with anger, as he
hastily perused its contents. "And she sent this to you? You lie,
villain--'tis a forgery."

"Let this speak for me," returned Dick, holding out the finger upon
which Lady Rookwood's ring was placed. "Know you that cipher?"

"You have stolen it," retorted Ranulph. "My mother," added he, in a
deep, stern whisper, articulated only for Turpin's hearing, "would never
have entrusted her honor to a highwayman's keeping."

"She has entrusted more--her life," replied Dick, in a careless tone.
"She would have bribed me to do murder."

"Murder!" echoed Ranulph, aghast.

"Ay, to murder your brother," returned Dick; "but let that pass. You
have read that note. I have acted solely upon your mother's
responsibility. Lady Rookwood's _honor_ is pledged for my safety. Of
course her son will set me free."

"Never!"

"Well, as you please. Your mother is in my power. Betray me, and you
betray her."

"No more!" returned Ranulph, sternly. "Go you