THE MAN IN POSSESSION.

Observer, Volume 6, Issue 151, 4 August 1883, Page 10

THE MAN IN POSSESSION.

\/J^.y(\l-/-<MASTER IV. . ' ■ ■ v tjfe/fltassi off as for dear life. Afc first, the mare ehiOT a li^le, and aeemed inclined to be tronble--■Bbtn6 f ,.';.;Bilt she found that- it was a practised haqsTtliatlield th| ; reiae, and resigned herself to obedience; Record ia^ly. Instead of driving down the to the gate which led into the tillage, aJad^jrhich was only about three Hundred yards from iihV house, I turned off sharply on' leaving the yard, and chose the gravel road which, leading to the principal entrance of the mansion, passed on through the entire breadth of the park to another gate on the far side of it, and which Opened into the high-road. By adopting this course; the odds were considerably in my favour, for I, hoped' to reach the park gate and emerge into the high-road before anyone could start in pursuit. Once fairly on the road, I would try j the mettle of the mare. If, unfortunately, we \ should be overtaken, and it came to a close fight — ! which I scarcely doubted — the farther we were from Briteleigh Hall the better, and the greater chance I should have of dividing my pursuers and grappling with them singly. Of one thing I was certain, and it rendered me sanguine of success — as Mr Wintock only kept two horses beside the mare, only two mounted horsemem could follow. He would not try a vehicle ; for his others were heavier than the gig, and would place our pursuers at a great disadvantage. "Soho, soho, lass! — steady!" as the mare, being fresh from the stable, began to lay her ears back and to address herself to her work. It was with difficulty that I could restrain her from dashing off at full speed. We should require her utmost by-and-by. I did not wish to wind my animal at starting, but to husband her strength for along pull. Steadily across the park at a sharp trot. The gate is reached. Throwing the reins to Miss Wintock, I leap down, unbar the gate, and lead the mare through. Up again and off, but rather faster than before, though I still held the mare in check, for I could see there was a heavy drag for her up a long steep hill a few miles distant. If we can only reach its summit, we will then be not more than a dozen miles from Raleigh station, whence we can reach the Metropolis. It ■was rather a trying task for the mare ; but she must and shall do it. Miss Wintock had scarcely spoken since our exit from the Hall, seeming as if fearful of distracting my attention, but evidently in a state of great excitement ; and every Benso is on the alert, for she looks back repeatedly and earnestly through the looming darkness, and start* nervously at the slightest sound. The foot of the hill is gained. It is a much heavier drag for the mare than I had anticipated ; for the road on this part has lately been gravelled, i and with a vehicle behind and two persons in it, no animal can fairly be expected to ascend it at j full trot. Suddenly Miss Wintock grasps my j arm. "Listen ! They are already on our track !" \ I turn my head. The sharp percussive ring of horses' hoofs strikes faintly on the ear. We are ; pursued, and by more than one person ; there are at least two on our trail, and they are following ub at full speed. No doubt the Wintocks have saddled ' the extra horse, and will leave untried no means, fair or foul, to regain their captive. j The mare toils and pants as the steep acclivity "begins to tell upon her powers. It is brutal to I give her the whip, but it must be done. She i must strain every muscle to the utmost, even though I feel that I am doing the plucky animal a gross injustice. We are more than half-way up the hill, and the remainder is not nearly so steep ; in fact simply a gentle rise. With a snort a proud toss of her flowing mane, and a loud neigh of defiance, she pricks up her ears and increases her speed. She has caught the clatter of the rattling hoofs behind, and, with the instinct and emulation of all spirited animals, is determined not to be distanced. Gallant creature ! Not another stroke with the whip, if I have to fight our battle out on foot on the road. Indeed, there was no occasion ; on gaining the ridge of the hill she has bolted. The foam is frothing and dripping in fleeces from her bit ; the wheels are whirling with a fierceness that renders us dizzy. I can hear and feel the strain upon the shafts as her iron clad heels dash the sparks from the flints on the road, and every instant expect them to soap like rotten tow. Will the axles hold and the springs stand ? The friction is enough to make tires and spokes fly asunder. The moon is just rising above the horizon. By her light we can discern two mounted riders coming up behind at a great pace ; one is considerably in advance of the other. No doubt they are' the Wintocks. They are paining rapidly upon us. Ah ! the foremost is George. I recognise the horse also ; it is the swift Bupple bay he usually rides, and which is more than a match for the mare at any time, much more so with a vehicle and,two persons behind her. There is no help for it, and we cannot escape an encounter. How furiously our pursuers ride ! George Wintock is within a hundred yards. I fancy I can see by the light of the moon that his visage is ghastly with passion. I can see his.co■adjutor strike the rowels fiercely into the flanks 'of hiss charger, in order to come up with him. The xnare is getting over her pet, and is slackening her apee4. , I tighten my grasp of the reinß and speak, coaxingly to her. She is under command and well in hand. Shall we pull up at once and do battle ? No j we will hold on till the last minute. The foremost rider is close upon us ; the second is not far behind. With loud imprecations they shout to us to stop. I glance at my companion. The,copl- / night air and the hope of escape have wrought? wonders ; the steru, almost fierce light in fchp^e lustrous dark eyes reassures me. "Can ydu take' the reins for a minute ?" ; She s^retc,hed out her delicate fingers by way of reply. .-""' t{, :, H sPuU eyenjy.iind not too tig^^.^^eph^r in; the middle of the road if you ca*§j>^'^ cool and /leji go heip own pace." *"'rf ; '^. '*' ■■ ■';vV'*^*^ „, -": ■■" I'tu^e'di'i^^eorge.Wmtock -was within, a!ya*d- : i of : 'j&?$ 'hi^himtiDgiwhip raised, the hfcayjr handle j

' about to descend upon nij 7*k = ull. , >to my feet and balancing myself as beßtl might, t poised the gig-whip, parrying his blow and keeping him at bay. Finding that I had the longer weapon, he immediately changed his tactices for a dastardly mode of attack, of which no man, let alone a sportsman, who is supposed to love his horse, could ever possibly be guilty. Spurring his steed, he rode past me to the mare's head, and raising himself in the stirrups, aimed a crushing blow just behind the ears, intending to fell her to the ground, in which case we should in the m&le'e have been at his mercy. It was well meant ; but at the critical instant the animal swerved slightly, so as to evade its full force. It was, however, sufficiently powerful to make her stumble and sink almost upon her knees. But the ruffian had for once reckoned without his host. He was within reach of lny whip-handle, and, as the mare rose, I, wrought to a pitch of desperation by our position, and incensed by his cowardly and brutal act, swung the butt-end with resistless sweep, striking him on the side .of the head, breaking the whip-handle into several pieces, and hurling him headlong against the bank by the roadside. I had the satisfaction of seeing his horse gallop riderless away. A shriek burst from Miss Wintock, and I clutched the reins. It was high time, for the poor mare, mad with agony, was up on her bindlegs, fighting with her fore-feet in the air. For a second it seemed as if we should topple over ; the next, she was staggering from side to side like a drunken man. Mechanically, I drew one of my email pistols — in my excitement, I had till that moment entirely forgotten them. " Keep off, sir ! — keep off, as you value your life!" I shouted to the elder Wintock, for he was close upon us. His reply was a torrent of imprecations and threats. " Give it to me ! — You attend to the mare," cried the heroic girl as she snatched the pistol quickly from my hand. " I know how to use it, and will not be retaken alive !" In truth, there was full occupation for both my hands, as momentarily I expected the poor animal to fall in her flurry. It was as much as I could do to keep her on her legs. Encumbered with the mare, there was no chance of defending myself in the gig. I was about to pull up short, jump into the road, and face the enemy on foot, when a heavy blow from the butt-end of Mr Wintock's whip across the back of my head struck me from my seat. Had I not let go the reins with one hand and caught at the side of the gig, I should have fallen on the mare's back. As it was, I slipped sideways to the bottom of tho gig, leaning powerless against the splashboard. The mure gave a lurch, and was nearly down, but with a struggle recovered her footing. Mr Wintock's arm was raised to repeat the blow. I gave myself up for lost, for he struck with tremendous force. Suddenly there was a vivid flash and a loud report. Miss Wintock had fired straight at our assailant, who on the instant had pulled up Bhort, so that the ball struck the animal instead of the man! Stung with the wound, alarmed at the noise, it uttered a loud snort, bounded aside, galloped a short distance, and then fell, Mr Wintock narrowly escaping being crushed as it stumbled and rolled upon the ground. The report of the pistol startled the mare, and seemed to arouse her failing energies. Pricking up her ears, she shook herself till the harness rattled again ; then started forward at a brisk pace, though not nearly 60 f»6t as before. The Wintocks had gof; the worst of the encounter. Yet our plight was but a sorry one. I could scarcely keep my seat in the gig, from the effects of the blow which had almost stunned me. My wound, too, bled profusely, saturating Miss Wintock's white kerchief, -which, as we rode along, she had contrived to bind around my head, in spite of her own nervous agitation. We had gained the level road and our progress was easier. But the mare had been cruelly used, and it was evident would not stand a long journey without rest. In her present 6tate, she must knock up long ere we could reach it. Indeed, I was far from feeling sure that I could myself hold out during 6uch a journey. There was, too, just a chance that Mr Wintock, being well acquainted with the locality, might, by misrepresenting the case, or by bribery, or by an admixture of both, procure fresh horses and aid without returning to Briteleigh Hall, and then recommence the pursuit. It was an ugly fact — I had literally stolen his mare and gig. I had also eloped with his ward ; for so he might term it, though she was no longer a minor. These, on the face of things, were plausible pretexts by which he might almost command assistance from any reasonable person. Before us stretched'a, long dreary common, which we must cross. There might be other dangers, from tramps or from gangs of gipsies, who hot unfrequently encamped in that locality. In my present state I could be but of little use to my fair companion as a defender. Miss Wintock seemed to share my unspoken thoughts. Turning to me, she said : "Mr Meredith, you have been brought into sad trouble on my account. It wonld have been better, perhaps, for you to have left me to my fate." "My dear young lady, do not pain me by indulging such" a thought for a moment. If occasion demanded it, I would gladly do the same again. The risk to me is nothing. I only wish I could see my way clearly what next to do for the best. But I confess myself totally at a loss." I spoke faintly and despondingly. ?' Oan we not seek shelter for a while, at least at the first inn we happen upon ? Your wound could be looked to, and the mare might rest a little." " I fear that would not do. The Wintocks, knowing that we are on the high road, will probably guest that we will make all haste to the Metropolis. Depend upon it, they will not part with you without another effort. It is now getting very late. If we stop at all, we must put up till the morning ; for Ido not see how we can start again from a stvange inn till early dawn. No doubt our pursuers will make every inquiry in following us, and will be quickly on our track, . What if they should overtake us, and give me in charge to a constable for stealing the horse and gig ? Not that I care for myself ; but you would be ieit; ; withoßt^u-;protectoilj ans entirely at-tlieir f mercy.' J Arid/ yeti I fear tibat licould do : but : little , in that way jutefcinow^ ?Indfeefiy I'w&M niy wit'^

end ; for it is plain that -tie. Cannot travel much further in our present plight." r " Then why aot leave the high road at once ? See ! there are lights in that valley yonder to the left j and there is a turning a little farther one, whiich apparently leads that way. Let us try it. Possibly we may find a safe refuge. They will not dream that we dare stay so near the Hall. If they hunt for us at all it will be farther away." The suggestion struck me as a capital one ; and, in fact, there seemed to be no alternative. " Good !" I said ; " very good ! A lady's wit excels a man's invention any time." So saying, I turned the mare's head, and leaving the high road across the common, drove steadily down to the spot where the lights appeared. At about two miles' distance we found a scattered village. The lights we had seen were reflected as from the windows of the only inn in the place. The house was just about to be closed for the night; for the one or two who always stay to the latest minute to drain an extra glass, were departing; some of them with rather an unsteady gait. Ringing the yard bell, I gave the mare and gig into the sleepy hostler's keeping, and, with Miss Wintock on my arm, walked into the house. Boniface was seated in the barparlour, taking it very cosily. Making myself quite at home, I handed my companion to a chair and called for refreshments. While he was serving us, I said : " Landlord, I want a sleeping apartment for this young lady." The fellow was a mere clod, sheepish, carrotyhaired, and bloated ; apparently a good-tempered sort of calf, yet sufficiently astute when his own interest was concerned. He eyed us both for a moment very suspiciously. Truly, neither of us cut a very respectable figure. Miss Wintoek in her plain dark dress, surmounted by old Martha's horridly antiquated bonnet and threadbare shawl ; and I with my wounded head bound up in a blood-stained handkerchief. There was sufficient ' reason for the man's distrust* " Very sorry, sir ! ! —very sorry, indeed ! can't have it. Never let j beds to strange folks this time o' night." i " Well, but my good man, you see " 1 commenced remonstrating. He gruffly cut my speech 6hort. " Noa ! I doan't, and .doan't want to. You can't have any I beds here ; and that's flat." Just then the landlady entered the room. She seemed to be rather a genteel sort of person compared with her spouse, and to be about retiring to rest. lat once appealed to her. " Madam, I am requesting the landlord to oblige me with ft night's accommodation for this young lady. We have been attacked on the road and compelled to turn out of our way ; and we cannot possibly reach our destination to-night. I am agreeable to make any shift myself — a shakedown in your hayloft, or a stretch on the settle by the fire here. Put me anywhere you please, so that you make the lady comfortable. You have our mare in the stable and our gig in the yard; put them under lock and key as security, if you like. We are willing to pay to the full any reasonable charge, as well, in advance. What more can you require ?" As I spoke, I took out my purse, not very heavily lined, truly, but sufficiently so for our present need. Money, Miss Wintock had none. The landlady glanced suspiciously at Miss Wintock. She could not make her out at all. Her costume was decidedly not that of a lady ; but the word " attacked " awakened her curiosity. " Deary me ! attacked by them tramps., lam glad they did not rob you, for I see you have j Btill your purse. How did you manage to get I away from them?" And then she hurriedly proceeded with a string of eager questions, scarcely waiting for a reply. ( " She is really a lady born and bred," I interrupted. "You surely will not turn her out again at this hcur of the night ?" I " But I cannot understand why a lady should | come abroad in 6uch a dress as that," she replied I sarcastically ; while she spoke, an idea seemed to I force its way into her mind, and she archly added, " unless it is a runaway match. In that case, my husband and I would rather have ! nothing to do with it. We might get into [ trouble." "I sh'ud think not — I sh'ud think not! No i runaway folks in Bob Simpson's house, if he ! knows it Come, young people, you must go | fudder; we can't have folks like you here'" i blurted out the landlord, moving from the room, ond calling to the hostler : " Ben, putt that 'ere | mare in agen ; lady and gen'lman's a-going on." I I was about to remonstrate further and more strongly ; but Miss Wintock rose indignantly to her feet. Hitherto, her natural shyness, combined with the false and very unpleasant position in which she was placed, had kept her silent. Unpinning the old shawl, and raising the hideous bonnet, she shook her glossy black hair until it : hung down in clustering masses on her shoulders. " Yes, landlord, I am a lady — though you seem to doubt it — and a yery shamefully oppressed and injured one. I am not compelled to enlighten a stranger respecting my private affairs ; but this gentleman has just risked his life in my j service. You see he is not in a fit state to drive I me on to the next town, even if it were not so 1 late. I beg of you as a man — if you have any manhood in you — and for humanity's sake, to accede to his request. I pledge you my word, my honour as a lady," she continued proudly and passionately, with a short scornful laugh, " that you incur no risk. We are not burglars, that you should dread us so." The moment Miss Wintock threw aside her bonnet and began to speak, the landlady fixed an earnest scrutinising look, bending forward with parted lips and scanning her features narrowly. "Why — surely — can it be?" she exclaimed in wonderment, eagerly seizing the young lady by both hands. "Why, Bob, 'tis' Miss Wintock, as I'm alive ! Dori'fc you remember my dear young mistress, that used to be at the Hall ? Oh ! my dear young lady, who could have dreamed of seeing you in such a pickle ! Whatever has happened ? Where have you been so long? The/ slid you left the Haul and went abroiulj n.Cfce). 1 jour poor pa's death. — Stay here ! Ye? ; that you shall— for a twelvemonth if you like, &nd Lave the best bed in the house, too;" The sudden outburst of, the lgpdladv, iook Miss Wintock by surprise, and v the, i fwa||m-hearted' . creature rattled on, in,, such %>fubie "style as to

Bob Simpson hWdj returned" "to after bawling out Ins orders to th^.luoetler from;^ the passage, and had stood as if stttpified during Miss Wintock's tranßformatibnAand: passionate' ;>: appeal. It was more than his very limited 'istook: ' , of brains cquld cope with. He had half tutfttfid.".; away again, possibly with : thtf intentio^ ■ hastening the hostler's movements, ,but hie wife's < exclamations brought him to a sudden halt, j, he remained staring and gaping with opbn motith'i •* as the mutual recognition took place, Mrs Simp-,-son, in her' delight almost forcing Miss "Wmtfl^k , back into the chair from which she had risen, -, .... "Eh! What! Bless me! Miss ' Winfockl < Jump o' my wig, who'd ha' thought it!— How ,'.. d'ye do, miss? Glad to see ye, and thanjk'eet^ kindly ;" and he took her tiny hand in bdttt rJ nifit* great rough clumsy ones' and moved it up and down, as if he were slowly plying a pumja} handle. Off he started again into the : pas&igd .; ; and to the back-door which led into the yard. " Ben !" he shouted, " take that 'ere marejont agen. G-ie her a rub down and feed her well. Lady and genTman ain't a-goin' on agen." . .;' ; i (To be continued.) . . - .