“And did this Ned Warbeck fight a duel with the wounded man?”
“Yes. His name was Phillip Redgill.”
“I have heard of him; as great a rascal as ever lived. And where was the maiden taken to?”
“Nobody knows for certain, colonel. She was insensible when he took her away to a cottage near by, but when the fight was over he came with a coach and galloped away, no one knows whither.”
“I’d give a hundred pounds to find where he has taken her to,” said Blood, with a bitter smile. “I am foiled again, and by a mere boy,” said he to himself; “but I must have her; yes, I will!” he thought. “Take care, Ned Warbeck, take care! you are treading on very dangerous ground when you cross my path. I am not to be trifled with. You may be brave, noble and handsome, but if you endeavour to thwart my plans, I will tread you under my heel like a worm!”
There was nothing now to do upon the spot, so, crestfallen and in a rage, he returned with his soldiers, leaving it to the night-watch to keep order among the excited crowd.
“I will go to the palace,” he said, “and will be the first to inform the king of this strange affair. It will be good excuse for me, for now I can tell the truth for once in my life, and say that in my absence Ellen Harmer was abducted from my mansion. Yes,” he thought, “I will go to the king at once, and be the first to inform him of all that has happened; he will be sure to believe me.”
But Colonel Blood was not the first to see the king, as will quickly be seen; neither was he believed.