"Choose for yourselves!" responded Sir Richard. "You have rendered me a great service; but if you would serve me still more, and also serve the good cause which I represent, you will retire quietly. Bide your time. 'Twill soon come."
This short harangue was greeted by a loud cheer, amid which the baronet descended, and shook hands heartily with Atherton, who was standing near him.
"I owe my deliverance to you," he said; "and be sure I shall ever feel grateful."
Just then a rush was made towards them by the constables, who were, however, kept back by the crowd.
"Meddle not with us, and we won't meddle with you," cried Atherton.
Prudently acting upon the advice, the constables kept quiet.
Every facility for escape was afforded Sir Richard by the concourse. A narrow lane was opened for him, through which he passed, accompanied by Atherton.
Without pausing to consider whither they were going, they hurried on, till they reached Smithy Doer—a narrow street, so designated, and leading from the bottom of the market-place, in the direction of Salford Bridge.
Feeling secure, they then stopped to hold a brief consultation.
"It won't do for me to return to the inn," observed Sir Richard. "Nor is it necessary I should return thither. My daughter and her cousin are in no danger, and I shall easily find some means of communicating with them. They will know I am safe."