Sir John's party kept perfectly quiet, save that a couple of the men began to close up so as to be ready when the signal was given, while apparently quite free from apprehension, the poachers came on talking in a low voice, till they were close upon Sir John, when the keeper gave a shrill whistle, sprang up, and shouted to his men. "Stand back all of you," cried a stern voice. "Give up, you scoundrels, the game's over," cried Sir John. "Close in, my lads." He dashed forward at once, and the major and keeper well seconded his efforts, but the latter received a heavy blow on the forehead, and went down, felled like an ox, the major was tripped up, and the man whom Sir John attacked proved too much for him, getting him down and kneeling upon his chest. "Shoot them if they come, and then step forrard," cried a shrill harsh voice, and four reports followed, the poachers sending the shot rattling in amongst the branches over the watchers' heads, the pine needles and twigs pattering down, and the result was that Thompson, Captain Rolph's man, began to retire very rapidly in one direction, closely followed by two more, and while others from the right flank also beat a retreat. The scuffle that took place to right and left was soon over, the keeper's followers not caring to risk their lives in an encounter with armed and desperate men. There was the sound of blows and another shot or two from the poachers, who were eight or nine in number, under the guidance of the man who had felled the keeper, and got Sir John down. "It's all right, my lads," growled a voice. "Tie 'em well and let's be off." "Here, rope!" said a fresh voice; and then there was another scuffle, as Sir John and the major were forced over on their faces, and their wrists tied behind them. "Here, help! Rolph, Rolph!" cried Sir John. "Hold your row, or--" There was a dull sound like the blow of the butt of a gun on a man's head, and Sir John uttered a furious oath. "I'll have you before me, yet, you dog!" he cried. "And commit me for trial then," said the man with a laugh. "Not this time. Now, my lads, ready?" "Ay." "Off!" "Halt!" There was a fierce murmur at this last command, uttered in a good ringing military voice, and Sir John's heart leaped, and the major thought better of the speaker than he had ever thought before, as they both recognised the voice. "Down with him, lads, he's only one," growled another. "Halt, or by Gad I'll fire," cried Rolph again. It all happened in an instant. There was the sound of a blow, which the captain received on his left arm; of another which came full upon his head, and then there was a flash, cutting the darkness and lighting up the faces of a group of men, a ringing report, and a moan, as Rolph fell back heavily to the ground. What followed was a hurried muttering of voices amid painful, hoarse breathing, and, in the darkness, the major could just make out that men were lifting a burden.