The dash made by Mr Selwood saved him for the time, for though the vicar and his followers, with whom was now the landlord, did not reach the young man, they rent the crowd of assailants so as to make an avenue for him to escape, and he darted off at full speed towards the vicarage. "My house, Glaire," shouted the vicar. "No, the church," amidst the storm of yells and cries, as he tried to fight his way free. "After him, lads!" cried the shrill voice of Sim Slee; "and down wi' them as interferes." "Dal me, if I don't feel the brains of any man as hurts parson," cried the stentorian voice of one of the ringleaders. "Howd him, boys, and them others too. Give up, parson: it's no good to faight for that blaguard." "If you are men and not cowards--" shouted the vicar, but his voice was drowned, he was seized by three men who held him good-temperedly enough in spite of his struggles, and with sinking heart, he found himself, separated from his followers, Big Harry being down with six men sitting on him to quell the mighty heaves he gave to set himself free. "We wean't hurt thee, parson," said one of the men who kept him and his fellows prisoners. "See there, lads!" He went down like a shot, for, by a clever twist learnt in wrestling, the vicar upset him on to the men holding Harry, and then by a mighty effort set himself at liberty, so staggering his captors that Harry got free as well. Then there was a charge, and Tom Podmore was up, and these three ran down the street after the crowd who pursued Richard. "Harry, my lad! Tom, stick to me," cried the vicar, panting for breath. "I shall never forgive myself or be forgiven if harm comes to that young man," he added to himself; and then dashing on with about as unclerical an aspect as was possible, he rapidly gained on Richard's pursuers, with Tom behind him, and Big Harry lumbering like an elephant at his heels. Meanwhile the whole town was at the windows or in the streets; children were crying and women shrieking, while the more prudent tradespeople were busily putting up their "shuts." As for Richard, he had gone off like a hunted hare, doubling here and there to avoid the blows struck at him, and more than once it seemed as if he would escape; but the men had taken their steps well, and knowing that he would make for the station road, there was always a picket ready to cut him off, and drive him back to run the gauntlet afresh.