Detective and mystery stories; Inheritance and succession -- Juvenile fiction; Schools -- Juvenile fiction
"Don't stand there talking, man, see what is amiss!" The constable had
let go of Ralph, and the mounted man had jumped from his horse. Ralph
caught sight of a trap being driven at full speed over the moor. He
had no need to ask who was in that. Lord Elgert was making good his
escape. With a shout of anger and defiance, Ralph had sprung into the
empty saddle and was off before a single man there could get over his
surprise and hinder him.
"There he goes, there he goes!" he shouted, pointing after the trap.
"That is Lord Elgert, but I will ride him down!" And away he went,
leaving the men open-mouthed.
They found the two dead dogs, they found Mr. Rexworth, and alas! they
found poor, patient Mr. Charlton. He might have attempted to escape,
but he would not leave the injured man. Besides, it was no use now;
there was nowhere else to hide, and he must be taken sooner or later.
And after the galloping mare went Ralph, riding hard. It was
like the old life once more--this wild gallop. He had ridden the
half-wild broncho steeds of Texas, and he had no difficulty with this
well-trained horse.
On he went; on, on, near and nearer to the flying man in front. He
saw Lord Elgert look back at him. A man against a boy! Surely the man
need have no fear in such a contest! And yet Lord Elgert did fear. He
had feared this boy from the very first time he had seen him in Stow
Wood. He had feared him from the moment Ralph had cut that bullet
from the tree, and from the time when he had heard him declare that
he would never rest until he had solved the mystery of his father's
disappearance. That mystery was solved, all his wicked devices were
brought to naught, and now he was fleeing for life and for liberty,
being hunted just as he had made the police hunt Mr. Charlton. The
tables were being turned indeed!
Nearer and nearer Ralph drew, and fiercer and more cruelly did the
man lash the sides of his faithful little mare. Ralph stood up in his
stirrups, and Lord Elgert looked at him over his shoulder. The boy had
the rope in his hands. Ah, the very first thing he did when he had come
to the place was to rope his black bull! Now he was going to serve him
in the same way--to serve him as he had served the two dogs!
Lord Elgert saw the arm of the boy sweep round his head, and he ducked.
But Ralph had not aimed at him, he had a better plan than that. The
noose settled over the little mare. Ralph pulled up, and braced himself
for the shock which he knew would follow--a shock which nearly pulled
him from his saddle. The mare went down, the trap was shattered,
and Lord Elgert, totally unprepared--not even looking where he was
going--was sent flying through the air to fall heavily, striking his
temple against a rugged stump.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account