"I am very much obliged to you for your kindness, Sir Christopher," said Tom: "but I am not at all in fear of the necessity of purchasing my liberty at any price whatsoever. I however give you every one due warning, that the first who tries to pass this way——"
"Scoundrel! my daughters—where are they?" vociferated Mr. Torrens.
"That's it—give it him!" cried Frank Curtis. "I'll be at him when you've done."
"Go on at once," cried Howard.
"And why are you standing idle there?"
"Because it is not my business to interfere."
"Well done, lawyer!" exclaimed Tom. "No fees can recompense you for an ounce of lead in the thigh: for if I do fire, I shall only try to lame—not kill."
"Mr. Curtis—Sir Christopher—will you not help me to arrest this villain who beards us to our very faces?" exclaimed Torrens, in a towering passion.
And again he rushed forward, while Frank Curtis beat a precipitate retreat behind his uncle.
"Stand back! or, by God, I'll fire!" thundered Rainford, suddenly spurring his horse in such a manner that the length of the animal was made to block up nearly the entire width of the bye-lane.