And in an instant he shook me from him, and dealt me a blow with the corner of the desk, that laid me on the ground….
I just recollect the tramp of the yeomanry horses, and the gleam and jingle of their arms, as they galloped into the yard. I caught a glimpse of the tall young officer, as his great grey horse swept through the air, over the high yard-pales—a feat to me utterly astonishing. Half a dozen long strides—the wretched ruffian, staggering across the field with his booty, was caught up.—The clear blade gleamed in the air—and then a fearful yell—and after that I recollect nothing.
* * * * *
Slowly I recovered my consciousness. I was lying on a truckle-bed—stone walls and a grated window! A man stood over me with a large bunch of keys in his hand. He had been wrapping my head with wet towels. I knew, instinctively, where I was.
"Well, young man," said he, in a not unkindly tone—"and a nice job you've made of it! Do you know where you are?".
"Yes," answered I, quietly; "in D * * * * gaol."
"Exactly so!"
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE TRIAL.
The day was come—quickly, thank Heaven; and I stood at the bar, with four or five miserable, haggard labourers, to take my trial for sedition, riot, and arson.