The gentleman on the box now discharged his pistol, and the confusion within was redoubled. The white nightcap was popped out like a rabbit's head, and as quickly popped back on hearing the highwayman's voice. Owing to the plunging of the horses, the gentleman had missed his aim.
Prepared for such emergencies as the present, and seldom at any time taken aback, Dick received the fire without flinching. He then lashed the horses out of his course, and rode up, pistol in hand, to the gentleman who had fired.
"Major Mowbray," said he, in a stern tone, "I know you. I meant not either to assault you or these gentlemen. Yet you have attempted my life, sir, a second time. But you are now in my power, and by hell! if you do not answer the questions I put to you, nothing earthly shall save you."
"If you ask aught I may not answer, fire!" said the major; "I will never ask life from such as you."
"Have you seen aught of Sir Luke Rookwood?" asked Dick.
"The villain you mean is not yet secured," replied the major, "but we have traces of him. 'Tis with a view of procuring more efficient assistance that I ride to town."
"They have not met then, since?" said Dick, carelessly.
"Met! whom do you mean?"
"Your sister and Sir Luke," said Dick.
"My sister meet him!" cried the major, angrily—"think you he dares show himself at Rookwood?"