Black Bess; or, The Knight of the Road — A Tale of the Good Old Times — page 286: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

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He would not have felt satisfied—he would have con- sidered himself baulked, cheated of his revenge, if those whom he pursued with so much malevolence had diced any other death than that which the hangman would inflict. Accordingly he endeavoured to banish this idea, and calling to bis men, gave them instructions to surround the plantation, and beat up every bush, to make sure that they were lurking nowhere there. This was a task that occupied some time, but the men set about it in a very systematic manner, and it was very clear that if any one was concealed there they would in- evitably be discovered. For a long time however they had all their trouble for nothing. ‘The only living creatures they disturbed were the legitimate inhabitants of the preserve, who rose in the air and uttered melancholy cries as they were roused from their perches. Suddenly, however, one body of the men—for they had divided themselves into three portions—made a discovery of importance, if one might judge by the loud cry they set up, and which had the immediate effect of drawing all the others towards them. Jonathan Wild made a rush to reach the spa. His janizaries drew back, and allowed him to gee a human form. It was a man, and he was lying extended at full length as though bereft of life. A glance showed Jonathan that he was unfamiliar with it, end he uttered a yell otf disappointment. Bit it was Smith who spoke, and what he said served to appease the thief-taker somewhat. “This is one of those who were in the hut, Mr. Wild.” ““Ahb! Are you sure?” “1 think so. This, if I mistake not, is the body of the poacher who was first wounded by the keepers, and then took refuge in the hut.” “Ts he dead P”’ “Not quite, I think.” “Ah! that is well; we ehall most likely learn from him what we want to know. It is quite clear he was not drowned by the water in the passage.” ** Very clear.” ** Raise him up a little, and let us try to extract some {nformation from him. Keep good guard around,” he added to his men, “perhaps the others are not far distant.” The janizaries, who had for a minute or two been fully occupicd with looking atthe poacher, now bestirred them. selves, and resumed their search. The wounded man, in obedience to Jonathan’s order, was raised to a sitting posture, and then it could be per- ceived that he was not quite dead. Ife uttered a groan, and there was a convulsive twitching about his eyes as he endeavonred to force them open. ‘Hold him still,” growled Wild, “and if he has got any life in him we will soon see it. Hold him still,”" As he spoke, Wild took from his pocket his everlasting braudy flask, and holding the mouth of it to the man’s lips, he poured an immense quantity of it down his throat. Lhe man gasped and strugeled, and seemed upon tho moiut of choking, when he recovered himself and looked around him, He looked scarsd and terrified when he saw Wild and his men standing around him, and he made an abortive effort to rise to lus feet aud fly. But too firm a hold was kept upon him for any such effort to be suc_ bsful. ON Newey ne es eee pe ees An teed Oe eo ae aoe BLUESKIN: A ROMANCE, a a SETTERS SS SEY. ER SS Te i > Crete a te Finding this, and exhausted perhaps by the exertion he had made, he sank into a state of half-unconsciousness. “Speak,” said Wild, “and save your miserable life. Speak, and tell me what has: become of the three men who were with you in the hut.” The poacher raised his head, and looket Jonathan in the face. Then he shuddered, and a gurgling noiso made itself heard in his throat. ' He was evidently trying to speak. But his head dropped, and his jaws fell, while his body doubled up into a strange heap. “Confound him, he’s dead!” cried the thief-taker, exasperated at this unexpected event. ‘ Coufound him, he’s dead! Let us try more brandy.” More brandy was tried; but the fiery spirit had lost its potency. _ The man was quite dead, and beyond its revivifying influence. Jonathan swore in a most awful manner for five minutes, at the end of which time he had exbausted hig’ vocabulary. He had made sure of hearing something from this man; but he was defeated of his expectation. But he turned with all the greatest energy to continue his search about the spot. ne reader knows, his search could only have one result. Those for whom he so assiduously sought were far away from there. But Jonathan would not leave until he had thoroughly searched the neighbourhood. At last, and most reluctantly, he was obliged fo turn back towards London without having achieved anything. Our readers can, without much difficulty, picture his frame of mind, for they have more than once perceived the amiable effect which disappointment had upon his temper. Woe to the unfortunate individual who crossed his way. But though he turned towards London, he had by no means given up his search. CHAPTER CXCVITI. JACK SHEPPARD MEDITATES UPON HIS POSITION, AND RESOLVES TO SHOW WIS ENEMIES THAT THEY HAVE NOT CRUSHED HIM YET. JACK SHEPPARD crushed the paper which he had just purchased in an angry manner, and thrust it into his pocket. He was annoyed to think that attention should be so pointedly directed towards him. But be had scarcely any one to blame but himself—he had merely purchased for bravado’s sake. Taking no further notice of the idle, gaping throng, he turned round the first corner he came to, and in a moment was out of sight. He continned walking for some little time, and then found himself in Soho. This was a quiet quarter of the town, and he looked about him in search of some quiet-looking out-of-the-way public-house, where he could stop until the time came when he had his appointment with his comrade. He was not long in finding that of which he was in search. i. A few paces down the street he saw a projecting sign, but there was not light enough for him to see what was painted upon it. Nor did he care to know. The exterior of the place pleased him; it seemed to be just the place he wanted, and he entered. He walked down the passage to the bar, and asked a girl who was standing there whether he could have a private room for an hour or two. He was replied to in the affirmative, and, taking a small hand-lamp in her hand, the girl conducted him toa scantily- furnished room upon the first-floor. Jack was hungry and thirsty, and having no idea what would happen during the next few hours, he determined to make a good meal while he had the opportunity. He gave his orders accordingly, and a plentiful repast was spread before him, of which he partook heartily. This over, he turned round to thie fire, aud bethinking himself of the paper he had purchased, he drew it from his pocket and began to read. } a ge 0 it) neg a ———— COME DOOKS TCO =}