The gallant young man, however, still held on, but was unable to use his sword, owing to the rearing of the steed.
Weir then fired, but missed his mark, the shot taking effect in his horse's head. With a cry of pain the mortally-wounded animal broke away, but almost instantly sank to the ground and rolled over.
Unbuckling the belt, Weir disengaged himself as quickly as he could from the prostrate steed, and full of rage that his attempt should be thus foiled, the miscreant might have raised his hand against the defenceless prince, if loud shouts had not warned him that assistance was at hand. He then sought safety in flight, and was speeding towards the back of the field, followed by his men, two of whom had been severely wounded by Atherton.
The shout that had alarmed Weir proceeded from Sergeant Dickson and Tom Syddall.
When he was on his way to the bridge, the sergeant encountered the barber, and the latter satisfied him that the prince had not gone in that direction.
His suspicions being excited, Dickson turned back instantly, and Syddall accompanied him—Helen, of course, continuing with her lover.
Some information picked up caused them to turn into Withy Grove, and they had just tracked that thoroughfare, and were debating whether they should go on to Shude Hill, when the noise of a conflict was heard in the field on the right.
"My forebodings have come true," cried the sergeant, "some villains are attacking the prince."
As the words were uttered, the report of a pistol increased their alarm.
Shouting lustily, Erick drew his claymore, and dashed into the field, followed by Helen and Syddall.