"Why, ay," said he, "this is indeed to grow young again, and to feel fresh fire within one's veins. Who would have thought so much of life and energy could reside in this little vessel? I am myself once more, and not the same soulless, pulseless lump of clay I was a moment or two back. The damps of that den had destroyed me--and the solitude--the _waking dreams_ I've had--the visions! horrible! I will not think of them. I am better now--ready to execute my plans--_your_ plans I should say, grandson Luke. Are our horses in readiness? Why do we tarry? The hour is arrived, and I would not that my new-blown courage should evaporate ere the great work for which I live be accomplished. That done, I ask no further stimulant. Let us away." "We tarry but for Turpin," said Luke; "I am as impatient as yourself. I fear some mischance must have befallen him, or he would have been true to his appointment. Do you not think so?" he added, addressing the ferryman. "Why," replied Jem, reluctantly, "since you put it home to me, and I can't conceal it no longer, I'll tell you what I didn't tell afore, for fear you should be down in the mouth about it. Dick Turpin can do nothing for you--he's grabb'd." "Turpin apprehended!" ejaculated Luke. "Ay," returned Jem. "I learnt from a farmer who crossed the ferry at nightfall, that he were grabb'd this morning at York, after having ridden his famous cherry-colored prad to death--that's what hurts me more not all the rest; though I fear Dick will scarce cheat the nubbing cheat this go. His time's up, I calculate." "Will you supply his place and accompany us?" asked Luke of the ferryman. "No, no," replied Jem, shaking his head; "there's too much risk, and too little profit, in the business for me--it won't pay." "And what might tempt you to undertake the enterprise?" asked Alan. "More than you have to offer, Master Peter," replied Jem, who had not been enlightened upon the subject of Alan's real name or condition. "How know you that?" demanded Alan. "Name your demand." "Well, then, I'll not say but a hundred pounds, if you had it, might bribe me----" "To part with your soul to the devil, I doubt not," said Luke, fiercely stamping the ground. "Let us be gone. We need not his mercenary aid. We will do without him." "Stay," said Alan, "you shall have the hundred, provided you will assure us of your services." "Cut no more blarneyfied whids, Master Sexton," replied Jem, in a gruff tone. "If I'm to go, I must have the chink down, and that's more nor either of you can do, I'm thinking." "Give me your purse," whispered Alan to his grandson. "Pshaw," continued he, "do you hesitate? This man can do much for us. Think upon Eleanor, and be prudent. You cannot accomplish your task unaided." Taking the amount from the purse, he gave it to the ferryman, adding, "If we succeed, the sum shall be doubled; and now let us set out."