Herbert saw that this was the favorable moment for escape, and, seizing his hat, dashed out of the house. He ran across the fields as fast as his limbs could carry him, expecting that he would be pursued. Before we follow him, we will describe the scene that took place after his flight.
“Let go my hair, Mrs. Bickford!” exclaimed Abner, tugging vainly to break from the housekeeper's grasp.
“I dare not,” she said. “I'm afraid you'll murder me.”
“You are making a fool of yourself,” retorted Abner. “What should I murder you for? But I will, if you don't let go!”
“Hello, who's talking of murder?” demanded a rough voice.
The speaker was a neighbor, who chanced to be passing, and was led to enter by the uproar, which was plainly audible outside.
“Save me!” exclaimed Mrs. Bickford. “He's threatened to murder me.”
“Stop your nonsense, you old fool!” retorted Abner, vexed at the equivocal position in which he was placed.
“What's all this row about? Mr. Holden, you ought to be ashamed of yourself for attacking a defenseless woman.”
“I didn't intend to,” said Abner, sullenly. “She got in my way, and I stumbled over her; and then she seized me by the hair.”