"Hell and the devil!" cried Jack; "not an instant is to be lost. Alive, lads; bring off all the plunder you can; be handy!"
"Lady Rookwood, I bid you farewell," said Luke, in a tone in which scorn and sorrow were blended. "We shall meet again."
"We have not parted yet," returned she; "will you let this man pass? A thousand pounds for his life."
"Upon the nail?" asked Rust.
"By the living God, if any of you attempt to touch him, I will blow his brains out upon the spot, be he friend or foe," cried Jack. "Luke Bradley, we shall meet again. You shall hear from me."
"Lady Rookwood," said Luke, as he departed, "I shall not forget this night."
"Is all ready?" asked Palmer of his comrades.
"All."
"Then budge."
"Stay!" cried Lady Rookwood, in a whisper to him. "What will purchase that document?"