This last observation was addressed to the Cracksman, who, in reply to the same, uttered an imprecation, at the same time pressing his knee more firmly on the officer’s chest.
“If ee beant disposed to take heed of words, maybe blows will suit ee better,” cried Ashbrook, for such the newcomer proved to be.
The speaker whirled round his riding whip, and with the butt end of this he dealt a terrific blow on the side of the head of the Cracksman, who howled with pain.
“Just you let ’im go, or maybe I shall give ee a crack on the crown as’ll knock ee silly.”
The Cracksman sprang to his feet, and at once made at the farmer, whom he endeavoured to pull from his horse.
But Ashbrook rained such a shower of blows on the head and shoulders of his brutal assailant, that the latter, blinded with the blood that flowed from the wounds, and staggering from the effects of the punishment he had received, like a coward and bully as he was, turned tail, and took to his heels.
Mr. Sutherland, seeing that the odds were against him, followed the Cracksman.
“He’ll get clear off,” cried the detective. “He can run like an antelope.”
“Who do ee want, then?” inquired the farmer.
“The young un, the swell cove.”