Part 55 (1/2)
”No words, sir--deliver up your arms, or----”
”My pistols are at your service,” replied d.i.c.k. ”I have just discharged them.”
”You may have others. We must search you.”
”Hold!” cried d.i.c.k; ”if you will not listen to me, read that paper.” And he handed Ranulph his mother's letter to Mr. Coates. It was without the superscription, which he had thrown aside.
”My mother's hand!” exclaimed Ranulph, reddening with anger, as he hastily perused its contents. ”And she sent this to you? You lie, villain--'tis a forgery.”
”Let this speak for me,” returned d.i.c.k, holding out the finger upon which Lady Rookwood's ring was placed. ”Know you that cipher?”
”You have stolen it,” retorted Ranulph. ”My mother,” added he, in a deep, stern whisper, articulated only for Turpin's hearing, ”would never have entrusted her honor to a highwayman's keeping.”
”She has entrusted more--her life,” replied d.i.c.k, in a careless tone.
”She would have bribed me to do murder.”
”Murder!” echoed Ranulph, aghast.
”Ay, to murder your brother,” returned d.i.c.k; ”but let that pa.s.s. You have read that note. I have acted solely upon your mother's responsibility. Lady Rookwood's _honor_ is pledged for my safety. Of course her son will set me free.”
”Never!”
”Well, as you please. Your mother is in my power. Betray me, and you betray her.”
”No more!” returned Ranulph, sternly. ”Go your ways. You are free.”
”Pledge me your word of honor I am safe.” Ranulph had scarcely given his pledge, when Major Mowbray rode furiously up. A deep flush of anger burnt upon his cheeks; his sword was drawn in his hand. He glanced at Turpin, as if he would have felled him from his saddle.
”This is the ruffian,” cried the major, fiercely, ”by whom I was attacked some months ago, and for whose apprehension the reward of three hundred pounds is offered by his majesty's proclamation, with a free pardon to his accomplices. This is Richard Turpin. He has just added another crime to his many offences. He has robbed my mother and sister.
The postboy knew him the moment he came up. Where are they, villain?
Whither are they gone?--answer!”
”I know not,” replied Turpin, calmly. ”Did not the lad tell you they were rescued?”
”Rescued!--by whom?” asked Ranulph, with great emotion.
”By one who calls himself Sir Luke Rookwood,” answered Turpin, with a meaning smile.
”By him!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Ranulph. ”Where are they now?”
”I have already answered that question,” said d.i.c.k. ”I repeat, I know not.”
”You are my prisoner,” cried the major, seizing Turpin's bridle.
”I have Sir Ranulph's word for my safety,” rejoined Turpin. ”Let go my rein.”
”How is this?” asked Major Mowbray, incredulously.
”Ask me not. Release him,” replied Ranulph.