“Unhand me—let me go,” said the Dandy.
“Not if I know it,” returned the other.
Sutherland shouted out for assistance, and in a few seconds the Cracksman came upon the scene.
“Have at him,” cried Sutherland. “Polish him off if you have any care for me.”
With a yell of indignation the Cracksman precipitated himself upon the officer, who was probably astounded at the strength and savage ferocity displayed by his athletic assailant.
The struggle was a short but desperate one. The Cracksman threw the detective, and when he was down pinned him to the earth with his knee upon his chest.
The Dandy laughed. Escape seemed certain. The officer of the law was at the mercy of the two thieves.
It is not possible to say how the conflict would have ended, but assuredly it would have not been in favour of the detective had not another actor arrived on the stage.
The noise of a horse’s hoofs were heard on the hard road, and in a moment or so a farmer drew the reins of his champing steed.
“What be this?” he ejaculated. “Two upon one—that beant the right thing. Look here, you ugly varmint, leave go of your man. Do you hear?”