At this moment a noise of rapid footsteps was heard within the passage.
"Assistance comes," screamed Lady Rookwood. "Help! help!"
"To the door!" cried Jack. The words were scarcely out of his mouth before Luke dashed into the room, followed by Coates and Tyrconnel.
Palmer and his companions levelled their pistols at the intruders, and the latter would have fired, but Jack's keen eye having discerned Luke amongst the foremost, checked further hostilities for the present. Lady Rookwood, meanwhile, finding herself free from restraint, rushed towards her deliverers, and crouched beneath Luke's protecting arms, which were extended, pistol in hand, over her head. Behind them stood Titus Tyrconnel, flourishing the poker, and Mr. Coates, who, upon the sight of so much warlike preparation, began somewhat to repent having rushed so precipitately into the lion's den.
"Luke Bradley!" exclaimed Palmer, stepping forward.
"Luke Bradley!" echoed Lady Rookwood, recoiling and staring into his face.
"Fear nothing, madam," cried Luke. "I am here to assist you—I will defend you with my life."
"You defend me!" exclaimed Lady Rookwood, doubtfully.
"Even I," cried Luke, "strange as it may sound."
"Holy powers protect me!" ejaculated Titus. "As I live, it is Sir Piers himself."