With the concluding words all five rose from their hiding-place and proceeded to execute the parts assigned them.
Duffel, whose senses were quickened by fear, heard the breaking of a small stick under the tread of one of the party, and looking out, saw his danger; for he recognized his pursuers, though they had not, as yet, ascertained who he was. In a moment he decided upon his course of action, which was to flee for life; and, mounting the horse, which he had in preparation for any emergency, he bounded away at as rapid a rate as he could force the animal into going.
The 'Squire called out to him to stop; but he seemed not to hear.
"Stop!" repeated the 'Squire, "stop, or I'll shoot you!"
Still he heeded not the command or the warning, but made only the greater exertions to get out of reach of gun-shot and make his escape.
Without losing more time, the 'Squire leveled his rifle and fired. The rider tottered for a moment and then fell from his seat. In a minute or two he was surrounded by his pursuers.
"You have killed me, 'Squire," were his first words, as that gentleman came up.
"Well, why did you not stop; I should not have fired if you had done so."
"I did not wish to be taken alive."
At this juncture Mr. Mandeville came round where he had a view of the thief's face, and, with unfeigned horror and amazement, he recognized him, and exclaimed: