"You first, Nick." Then came a crackling and rustling of boughs, a head appeared, and at that moment Stead loosed Growler and would have dealt a blow with his stick, but that the assault of the dog had sufficed to send the assailant, roaring and cursing, headlong down the crag. Furious threats came up to him and his dog, but he heard them in silence, though Growler's replies were vociferous. Stead gathered that the fall had in some degree hurt the man for he made an exclamation of pain, and the others bade him stay there and keep back the wench. "We'll have you down though we smoke you out like a wasps' nest, you disloyal adder, you," was one of the threats. "Or serve him like the Spaniard at Porto Santo," said another. Presently after numerous threats and warnings that they had firearms and were determined to use them, two of the men began climbing much more cautiously, holding by the trees, so as not to be suddenly overthrown. However the furious attack of such a dog as Growler, springing from utter darkness was a formidable matter, and the man against whom he had launched himself could not but fall in his turn, but the dog went after him, and the companion, being on his guard, was not overthrown. Stead aimed a blow at the fellow with all his might, but the slouching hat warded off the full force of the bludgeon. Then Stead sprang at him and grappled with him. There was the report of a pistol, and both rolled headlong among the bushes, but at that moment a fresh shout was heard--a cry of "Villains, traitors, robbers--what be at?" and a rush of feet, while in the moonlight appeared Peter Pierce with his fowling piece, another man, Ben, and four or five dogs. The robbers never waited to see how small the reinforcement was, and it made noise enough for the whole hue-and-cry of the parish. Off they dashed, through the wood, the new comers after them. But all Patience knew was that Steadfast was lying senseless at the bottom of the cliff, with poor Growler moaning by him, and licking his face, and that her hands were wet with what must be blood. It was too dark to see anything, but she could hardly bear to leave him, as she hurried back to the hut for the lantern. All this had taken but few minutes, so that she had only to catch it up from the table where Stead's book still lay. By the time she came back, he had opened his eyes, and his hand was on Growler's head. "Are they gone?" he asked faintly. "Yes, and Peter after them. Oh! Stead, you are badly hurt." "They have not got it?" "Oh no, no, you saved it." "Thank God. Is Ben safe?" "Yes, after them with Peter. I sent him out while you were talking to call Peter." "Good--" and his eyes closed again. "Good Growler, poor Growl--" he added, fondling the big head, as the dog moaned. "See to him, Pat." "I must see to you first. Oh! Stead, is it very bad?" "I'll try to get in, if you'll help me."