He attempted to pull forth a pistol from his belt, but, before his

purpose could be accomplished, the point of his adversary's rapier

rested on his throat, which, at the same instant, was grasped with more

strength than so slight a person could be supposed to possess. Burrell

cried to his comrade for help, but he was already out of hearing, having

set spurs to his horse the moment he had seen the assault; he then

entreated for quarter in an altered and humbled tone.

"I am neither a robber nor a murderer," replied the youth; "but, not

having pistols, I hold my own safety of too much value to relax my

grasp, till you pledge your honour not to attack me but with the same

weapon I can use in my defence."

Burrell pledged his word "as a Christian and a soldier:" the stranger

withdrew his sword.

"And now," said he, fixing himself firmly in his seat, and rolling his

cloak around his left arm, "if you wish for honourable combat, I am at

your service; if not, sir, I take my way, and you can proceed on yours."

He drew up to his full height, and awaited Burrell's answer, who sat as

if undetermined what course to pursue. He did not long hesitate; the

villain's ready friend--treachery--was at his elbow; in an instant the

pistol was presented to the head of his confiding antagonist, who,

though unprepared for such an act, bent forward previous to the effort

of raising himself in the saddle to give more strength to his good

steel. At the very instant that he bowed himself the ruffian fired! The

ball passed over him--he swayed in his saddle; the next moment, reining

up his horse, he prepared to punish such dastardly conduct as it

deserved; but, as worthless purposes are sometimes accomplished by

worthy instruments, the fleet steed that Burrell rode was far on its way

towards Minster, its track marked by fire-sparks, which glittered in the

thickening darkness.

The youth remained on the same spot until the sound of the horse's hoofs

were lost in the distance, and then, setting spurs to his own gallant

grey, proceeded on his course.




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