"Methinks thou art mocking us, Sam Cubberly," cried Ezra. "Come forth, and show thyself, or I will prick thee with my pike."
A derisive laugh was the only response to this threat, and his choler being roused, he marched towards the back of the barn in search of the audacious rustic. But he had not got far, when an athletic young man suddenly sprang upon him, seized him by the throat, and disarmed him.
Hearing the disturbance, and at once comprehending what was taking place, Careless made an instant attack on Madmannah, and not only succeeded in depriving him of his weapons but forced him to the ground. Material assistance was given by Dame Gives, who prevented the trooper from using his carabine, and now held it at his head.
"Shall I shoot him?" she asked, in a tone that showed she was in earnest.
"Ay, shoot him through the head if he stirs," rejoined Careless.
He then flew to the spot where the king was engaged with Ezra, and between them they dragged the trooper back to his comrade.
"Our safety demands that both these villains be instantly despatched," said Careless. "They have justly forfeited their lives."
"Truly, they deserve death, yet I am inclined to spare them," said Charles. "Hark ye, rogues," he continued; "will you swear to desist from this pursuit if your lives be given you?"
Both readily responded in the affirmative.