“He knew that I was in the power of his friends, and the young villain became very defiant. He drew his sword, and would have rushed upon me unarmed as I was.”
“Cowardly, cowardly boy!” said the father.
“But, when least expected, I whipped a weapon out of the scabbard of one present, and went at him.”
“Good! excellent! What then?”
“At the first thrust I disarmed him, and the young villain cried for mercy. I granted it, but when least expected, the whole gang dashed at me, furious that their young chief—”
“Chief! you do not mean, then, that Ned Warbeck has joined a band of robbers, and been made their captain?”
“I do, though, just as you say. They rushed at me with savage oaths. I retreated to the door, fighting as I went, and reached my horse. Just as I was about to escape, young Warbeck dashed out upon me, and gave me a sly thrust.”
“Oh, the young imp of the devil!” groaned old Redgill, “just to think of his cunning and roguery; to leave his uncle’s home to be captain of a band of highwaymen! Why, the young varlet will shortly grace a gibbet.”
“Not a doubt of it, and I shall never rest content until I see it come to pass.”
While father and son were thus conversing, one of the clerks entered and announced a stranger.