"Never! vile traitor," shouted Dick; "'tis thou art _sold_, not he;" and, almost ere the words were spoken, a ball was lodged in the brain of the treacherous ferryman. Major Mowbray, meanwhile, had rushed furiously upon Luke, who met his assault with determined calmness. The strife was sharp, and threatened a speedy and fatal issue. On the Major's side it was a desperate attack of cut and thrust, which Luke had some difficulty in parrying; but as yet no wounds were inflicted. Soldier as was the Major, Luke was not a whit inferior to him in his knowledge of the science of defence, and in the exercise of the broadsword he was perhaps the more skilful of the two: upon the present occasion his coolness stood him in admirable stead. Seeing him hard pressed, Turpin would have come to his assistance; but Luke shouted to him to stand aside, and all that Dick could do, amid the terrific clash of steel, was to kick the tables out of the way of the combatants. Luke's aim was now slightly grazed by a cut made by the Major, which he had parried. The smart of the wound roused his ire. He attacked his adversary in his turn, with so much vigor and good will, that, driven backwards by the irresistible assault, Major Mowbray stumbled over the ferryman's body, which happened to lie in his way; and his sword being struck from his grasp, his life became at once at his assailant's disposal. Luke sheathed his sword. "Major Mowbray," said he, sternly, "your life is in my power. I spare it for the blood that is between us--for your sister's sake. I would not raise my hand against her brother." "I disclaim your kindred with me, villain!" wrathfully exclaimed the Major. "I hold you no otherwise than as a wretched impostor, who has set up claims he cannot justify; and as to my sister, if you dare to couple her name----" and the Major made an ineffectual attempt to raise himself, and to regain his sword, which Turpin, however, removed. "Dare!" echoed Luke, scornfully; "hereafter, you may learn to fear my threats, and acknowledge the extent of my daring; and in that confidence I give you life. Listen to me, sir. I am bound for Rookwood. I have private access to the house--to your sister's chamber--_her chamber_--mark you that! I shall go armed--attended. This night she shall be mine. From you--from Ranulph--from Lady Rookwood, from all will I bear her off. She shall be mine, and you, before the dawn, my brother, or----" And Luke paused. "What further villainy remains untold?" inquired the Major, fiercely. "You shall bewail your sister's memory," replied Luke, gloomily. "I embrace the latter alternative with rapture," replied the Major--"God grant her firmness to resist you. But I tremble for her." And the stern soldier groaned aloud in his agony. "Here is a cord to bind him," said Turpin; "he must remain a prisoner here." "Right," said Alan Rookwood, "unless--but enough blood has been shed already."