Hacket at once took to his heels, but the other, touching his horse with the spurs, cantered up to him, and brought the double thong of his whip into severe contact with his neck and shoulders. When this was over, the two fiery young men exclaimed:—
“There, now, are our thanks, not merely for your information, but for the good will with which it was given, and that to the very sons of the man whom, by your own account, you have murdered among you. If his blood however, has been shed, there is not a drop of it for which we will not exact a tenfold retribution.”
They then dashed home, at the highest speed of which their horses were capable, and throwing themselves out of the saddle, rushed to the hall-door, where they knocked eagerly.
“Is my father at home, Letty?”
“Yes, sir, he's in the parlor.”
“In the parlor,” exclaimed Alick, looking keenly into her face; “what is he doing in the parlor, eh?”
“Why, he's readin' a letther, sir.”
“Reading a letter, is he?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank God!” exclaimed both the young men, breathing freely; “that will do, Letty—here, Letty, is half-a-crown for you to buy a ribbon.”