At this moment, a noise was heard outside that increased the uneasiness of the party.
CHAPTER XI.
THE BOROUGHREEVE OF MANCHESTER.
Situated in the front of the house, the room commanded the market-place. Atherton rushed to the window to ascertain what was taking place, and was followed by the baronet.
"Do not show yourself, Sir Richard," cried the young man, motioning him to keep back. "The chief magistrates are outside—Mr. Fielden, the boroughreeve, and Mr. Walley and Mr. Fowden, the constables. They have a posse of peace-officers with them."
"They are come to arrest me!" exclaimed Sir Richard.
"Save yourself, papa!—save yourself!" cried Constance. "Not a moment is to be lost."
Her exhortations were seconded by Monica and Atherton, but Sir Richard did not move, and looked quite stupefied.
"'Tis too late!" cried Atherton. "I hear them on the stairs."
As he spoke the door burst open, and Diggles rushed in—his looks betokening great alarm.
"The magistrates are here, Sir Richard, and their purpose is to arrest you. Flight is impossible. Every exit from the house is guarded. I could not warn you before."