'I'll lift her, I say!' said a gruff voice behind me.
But at this instant, wild with terror, I distinctly heard other voices
shouting. The men who surrounded me were instantly silent, and all looked
in the direction of the sound, now very near, and I screamed with redoubled
energy. The ruffian behind me thrust his great hand over my mouth.
'It is the gamekeeper,' cried Madame. '_Two_ gamekeepers--we are
safe--thank Heaven!' and she began to call on Dykes by name.
I only remember, feeling myself at liberty--running a few steps--seeing
Dykes' white furious face--clinging to his arm, with which he was bringing
his gun to a level, and saying, 'Don't fire--they'll murder us if you do.'
Madame, screaming lustily, ran up at the same moment.
'Run on to the gate and lock it--I'll be wi' ye in a minute,' cried he to
the other gamekeeper; who started instantly on this mission, for the three
ruffians were already in full retreat for the carriage.
Giddy--wild--fainting--still terror carried me on.
'Now, Madame Rogers--s'pose you take young Misses on--I must run and len'
Bill a hand.'
'No, no; you moste not,' cried Madame.
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