“Found—she is found!” came the voice of Mathews on the road. He was running ahead of the postboys with the chaise lantern. Postboys were poor things on their feet.
Dick waited with the firs behind him. He was silent. His features could not be seen—only his figure.
“Sir,” said Mathews, when still a dozen yards away—“sir, you have found the lady—my wife—I thank you.”
Dick struck him full in the face with the steel guard.
[page [362].
“I have found the greatest villain that lives,” cried Dick, stepping into the road. “He shall soon cease to live.”
Back went Mathews with an oath—back half a dozen steps.
The whiz of Dick’s sword through the air was like the sudden sweep of a hailstorm.