The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 398: what you’re looking at

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FRESH PERILS ool in danger; and, at any rate, we will take her away from her vile companions. See, | am armed with a knife,” he added, unbuttoning his coat, and displaying the weapon which he had brought away with him from the hut. “And I’ve fortunately got my barkers with me,” said the Hangman, producing a pair of pistols. ‘“ But come, let us be off. Jack,’ he added, turning to the Foundling, “of course you will come with us. The more we are, the stronger we shall be.”’. “Oh, you shall not leave me behind,” exclaimed Sally Melmoth. ‘1 shall go with you. I long to be able to say a kind word to a woman who, though the companion of murderers, has dared to save a fellow creature’s life at the - hazard of her own.”’ “Well, you are a brave woman, wile,” said the Hang- man, pretending to tap her affectionately on the counte- nance, “‘ and so you shall come. Now, then, let us all be off.’’ The whole of this colloquy — indeed, the entire scene, from the instant Sir Douglas Huntingdon crossed the threshold of the Jolly Wagoner until he issued forth again — scarcely occupied ten minutes. The theme of the discourse was full of excitement for the baronet, and he found himself hurried away by a torrent of terrible misgivings relative to Nell Gibson on the one hand, and a chivalrous anxiety to redeem his character from any imputation of cowardice on the other. His feelings, therefore, being kept in a whirl the whole time, he neither had calmness enough to perceive that. there was anything sinister in the looks of his new acquaintances, nor leisure to reflect upon the honesty of their motives. But yielding to the impulse which they had so artfully given to his feelings, he unhesitatingly sallied forth in company with the Hangman, Sally Melmoth, and Jack the Foundling. They all proceeded across the fields, the Hangman acting as the guide; and it was quite evident that, despite the Egyptian darkness which prevailed, he was well acquainted with the path. But then, Sir Douglas Huntingdon remem- bered that the man had represented himself as a farmer belonging to the district, and it was therefore natura enough that he should be thus familiar with every inch of the locality. They advanced at a pace which was so rapid as to sustain the hurry of the baronet’s thoughts and the d) (C(O) COnniclooolks