|On that same evening, about nine o'clock, two individuals, who had
recently alighted from a hired carriage at no great distance from
Brackley Hall, and had contrived to cross both bridges, traverse the
courtyard, and get into the garden--these two persons, we say, were
standing near a yew-tree alley, looking towards the ancient mansion,
which could be distinguished through the gloom, with its picturesque
outline of gables and windows.
There were lights in some of the windows, but the general appearance of
the house was exceedingly sombre.
Fortunately for the two individuals we have mentioned, there were no
dogs in the court-yard. These protectors were all with the keeper, Ned
Rushton. Not even a watch-dog was kept at the Hall, so that no alarm was
given.
“Well, I think you may succeed in your design,” said one of the pair,
“if you can only contrive to get the girl out of the house. There's the
difficulty. The carriage is not more than a quarter of a mile off.”
“We must have it much closer at hand presently,” replied the other. “I
wonder we haven't seen Lomax. He ought to be here by this time. I hope
he has not played us false. Let us go towards the house.”
On this, they quitted the garden, crossed the moat, and re-entered the
court--proceeding with the utmost caution. But there did not seem any
one about.
However, they soon discovered that some slight preparations had been
made for them.
Reared against the side of the house was a ladder which could easily be
shifted to any other spot that was required; and not far from the ladder
was an open bay-window without curtains, in the deep recess of which
window a candle was set, that illuminated the chamber, and showed Rose
was its sole occupant.
This arrangement of things appeared so promising, that it almost looked
like a snare.
But Romney did not hesitate. Without giving himself a moment for
reflection, he carried the ladder to the open window, mounted as quickly
as he could, and sprang into the room, followed by Sigebert.
On seeing them, Rose flew towards the door, but was instantly followed
by Romney, who fastened a scarf over her mouth, so as to stifle her
cries.
All this was executed with wonderful success, but it is quite possible
Rose might have made more noise if she had thought proper. She did not
even struggle much when they proceeded to take her through the window.
“She goes very quietly,” thought Sigebert. “I believe we shall have no
trouble whatever with her. In my opinion, she's not at all disinclined
to be carried off.”
Having got first down the ladder, Sigebert received the precious burden
from his principal; but, as soon as Romney landed, he once more took
charge of the fair damsel, and endeavoured to get her out of the court.
Hitherto, she had been quiet enough; but she now made a grand
disturbance.
She quickly succeeded in tearing the scarf from her face, and then
the court rang with her cries; in answer to which came forth Harry
Netterville and Tom Tankard, who had been hidden in the old chapel. Each
being armed with a stout stick, they soundly belaboured both rascals.
After a while, both caitiffs were released, but only for a worse
punishment. As they were running off, in the hope of gaining their
carriage, they were stopped by Chetwynd, and taken in charge by a couple
of police officers, by whom they were conveyed in their own carriage to
Knutsford, where they were locked up in the gaol.