r ways. You are free."

"Pledge me your word of honor I am safe." Ranulph had scarcely given his
pledge, when Major Mowbray rode furiously up. A deep flush of anger
burnt upon his cheeks; his sword was drawn in his hand. He glanced at
Turpin, as if he would have felled him from his saddle.

"This is the ruffian," cried the major, fiercely, "by whom I was
attacked some months ago, and for whose apprehension the reward of three
hundred pounds is offered by his majesty's proclamation, with a free
pardon to his accomplices. This is Richard Turpin. He has just added
another crime to his many offences. He has robbed my mother and sister.
The postboy knew him the moment he came up. Where are they, villain?
Whither are they gone?--answer!"

"I know not," replied Turpin, calmly. "Did not the lad tell you they
were rescued?"

"Rescued!--by whom?" asked Ranulph, with great emotion.

"By one who calls himself Sir Luke Rookwood," answered Turpin, with a
meaning smile.

"By him!" ejaculated Ranulph. "Where are they now?"

"I have already answered that question," said Dick. "I repeat, I know
not."

"You are my prisoner," cried the major, seizing Turpin's bridle.

"I have Sir Ranulph's word for my safety," rejoined Turpin. "Let go my
rein."

"How is this?" asked Major Mowbray, incredulously.

"Ask me not. Release him," replied Ranulph.

"Ranulph," said the major, "you ask an impossibility. My honor--my
duty--is implicated in this man's capture."

"The honor of all of us is involved in his deliverance," returned
Ranulph, in a whisper. "Let him go. I will explain all hereafter. Let us
search for them--for Eleanor. Surely, after this, you will help us to
find them," added he, addressing Turpin.

"I wish, with all my soul, I could do so," replied the highwayman.

"I see'd the ladies cross the brook, and enter these old ruins,"
interposed the postboy, who had now joined the party. "I see'd 'em from
where I stood on the hill-side; and as I kept a pretty sharp look-out,
and have a tolerably bright eye of my own, I don't think as how they
ever comed out again."

"Some one is hidden within yon fissure in the wall," exclaimed Ranulph;
"I see a figure move."

And he flung himself from his horse, rushing towards the mouth of the
cell. Imitating his example, Major Mowbray followed his friend, sword in
hand.

"The game begins now in right earnest," said Dick to himself; "the old
fox will be soon unearthed. I must look to my s