l, was to kick the tables out of the way of the
combatants. Luke's aim was now slightly grazed by a cut made by the
Major, which he had parried. The smart of the wound roused his ire. He
attacked his adversary in his turn, with so much vigor and good will,
that, driven backwards by the irresistible assault, Major Mowbray
stumbled over the ferryman's body, which happened to lie in his way; and
his sword being struck from his grasp, his life became at once at his
assailant's disposal.

Luke sheathed his sword. "Major Mowbray," said he, sternly, "your life
is in my power. I spare it for the blood that is between us--for your
sister's sake. I would not raise my hand against her brother."

"I disclaim your kindred with me, villain!" wrathfully exclaimed the
Major. "I hold you no otherwise than as a wretched impostor, who has set
up claims he cannot justify; and as to my sister, if you dare to couple
her name----" and the Major made an ineffectual attempt to raise
himself, and to regain his sword, which Turpin, however, removed.

"Dare!" echoed Luke, scornfully; "hereafter, you may learn to fear my
threats, and acknowledge the extent of my daring; and in that confidence
I give you life. Listen to me, sir. I am bound for Rookwood. I have
private access to the house--to your sister's chamber--_her
chamber_--mark you that! I shall go armed--attended. This night she
shall be mine. From you--from Ranulph--from Lady Rookwood, from all will
I bear her off. She shall be mine, and you, before the dawn, my brother,
or----" And Luke paused.

"What further villainy remains untold?" inquired the Major, fiercely.

"You shall bewail your sister's memory," replied Luke, gloomily.

"I embrace the latter alternative with rapture," replied the Major--"God
grant her firmness to resist you. But I tremble for her." And the stern
soldier groaned aloud in his agony.

"Here is a cord to bind him," said Turpin; "he must remain a prisoner
here."

"Right," said Alan Rookwood, "unless--but enough blood has been shed
already."

"Ay, marry has there," said Dick, "and I had rather not have given
Conkey Jem a taste of blue plumb, had there been any other mode of
silencing the snitching scoundrel, which there was not. As to the Major,
he's a gallant enemy, and shall have fair play as long as Dick Turpin
stands by. Come, sir," added he, to the Major, as he bound him hand and
foot with the rope, "I'll do it as gently as I can. You had better
submit w