But it was of no avail. Jonathan again seized her, when the door was thrown open, and Thames Darrell, followed by Mr. Wood and several serving-men, all well armed, rushed into the room. A glance sufficed to show the young man how matters stood. He flew to the window, and would have passed his sword through the thief-taker's body, if the latter had not quickly interposed the person of Mrs. Sheppard, so that if the blow had been stricken she must have received it. “Quilt!--Mendez!--Where are you?” vociferated Wild, sounding his whistle for the third time. “You call in vain,” rejoined Thames. “Your assistants are in my power. Yield, villain!” “Never!” replied Jonathan. “Put down your burthen, monster!” shouted Wood, pointing an immense blunderbuss at him. “Take her,” cried Jonathan; and, flinging the now inanimate body of the poor widow, who had fainted in the struggle, into the arms of Thames, he leapt through the window, and by the time the latter could consign her to Wood, and dart after him, he had disappeared. “Pursue him,” cried Thames to the attendants, “and see that he does not escape.” The order was promptly obeyed. “Jack,” continued Thames, addressing Sheppard, who had only just recovered from the blow, and regained his feet, “I don't ask _how_ you came here, nor do I blame your rashness in doing so. Fortunately, ever since Wild's late murderous attack, the household has all been well armed. A post-chaise seen in the road first alarmed us. On searching the grounds, we found two suspicious-looking fellows in the garden, and had scarcely secured them, when your mother's cries summoned us hither, just in time to preserve her.” “Your arrival was most providential,” said Jack. “You must not remain here another instant,” replied Thames. “My horse is at the door, saddled, with pistols in the holsters,--mount him and fly.” “Thames, I have much to say,” said Jack, “much that concerns your safety.” “Not now,” returned Thames, impatiently. “I cannot--will not suffer you to remain here.” “I will go, if you will consent to meet me at midnight near the old house in Wych Street,” replied Jack. “By that time, I shall have fully considered a plan which occurs to me for defeating the schemes of your enemies.” “Before that time you will be captured, if you expose yourself thus,” rejoined Thames. “However, I will be there. Farewell.” “Till midnight,” replied Jack. And imprinting a kiss upon his mother's cold lips, he left the room. He found the horse where Thames told him he would find him, mounted, and rode off across the fields in the direction of town. CHAPTER XII. THE WELL HOLE.