“Again to-night, sir?” gasped Jonas. “Why, only you look here,” and as he turned round he exhibited to his master the seat of his trousers, his cloak, and other parts of his attire all in ribands.
“Never mind, Jonas, you always had a reputation for courage; here’s a guinea for you. Go, prepare yourself.”
Midnight was passed, and at an appointed time Jonas met his master, and both proceeded towards the miller’s.
Colonel Blood sauntered along in the silence of the night towards Harmer’s house, as handsome, bold, and cool-handed a knave as ever lived.
He had just reached the narrow mill bridge, when he perceived the dark figure of a young man leaning over the hand-rail, and gazing in the shining water. Directly he heard the approach of footsteps, he turned, and his eyes sparkled with fierce delight.
“’Tis he!” said the young man, “I cannot be mistaken. I have long desired this meeting. I came to bury myself beneath these shining waters, but ere I do, let me crush the skull of this villain, who has ruined me and blasted all my happiness; for, before his accursed shadow darkened our village, I was happy: but now, alas! Ellen Harmer’s heart is another’s.”
Colonel Blood approached, and had reached the centre of the bridge, when the youth suddenly confronted him with boldness and flashing eyes.
“What, Andrew Gamble!” said Blood, starting back a step or two in surprise.
“Aye!” said Andrew, with a quivering lip. “Does that name startle your wicked heart?”
“Startle me, knave!” said Blood, with an air of great contempt. “Make way, there! why do you cross my path again?”