Ainsworth William Harrison - Chetwynd Calverley стр 14.

Evidently, from their peculiar garb, tawny skin, black eyes, and raven locks, these individuals were gipsies. They did not leave their purpose in doubt for a moment, but rushing towards the ladies with threatening gestures, shouted to them to stop.

Mrs. Calverley tried to whip on the ponies, but before they could start off they were checked by one of the gipsies, who seized the reins, while his comrade, addressing Mrs. Calverley, demanded her whip, and, as she hesitated to give it up, he snatched it from her, and threw it on the ground.

Excuse my freedom, my lady, he said, in accents meant to be polite, but that sounded gruff and menacing. We cant allow you to go till weve had some talk with you; but we wont detain you longer nor we can help. We wants any money you may have about you, together with ornaments, rings, watches, ear-rings, and sich like. Deliver em up quietly, and you wont be molested will they, Ekiel?

No, replied the other ruffian, who stood at the heads of the ponies. It would hurt our feelins to use wiolence to two sich lovely creaters.

Meanwhile, Mildred, who wished to preserve her watch, which had been given her by her father, was trying to detach it from the guard, but could not accomplish her object without attracting the attention of the gipsy near Mrs. Calverley.

Dashing round to the other side of the carriage, he caught hold of the chain, and broke it, but failed to secure the watch.

Mildred screamed loudly, though she had little expectation of help.

Look quick, Clynch! shouted Ekiel, in a warning voice.

Give me the watch without more ado! cried the gipsy to Mildred.

But she spread her hands over it, and redoubled her outcries.

Here, take my purse and begone! said Mrs. Calverley.

Thank ye, my lady, rejoined Clynch, quickly appropriating the purse. But thats not enough. We must have everything youve got about you!

You shall have nothing more, fellow! cried Mrs. Calverley, with great spirit. And see! assistance is at hand! If you stay a minute longer you will be caught!

And, as she spoke, a gentleman was seen galloping towards them, followed by a groom.

Baulked of their prey, the gipsies ran off, and made for the morass, with the intricacies of which they seemed well acquainted.

A minute or so afterwards their deliverer came up. A fine-looking young man, between twenty and thirty, and having decidedly a military air, but a stranger to them both.

VII. CAPTAIN DANVERS

The robbers have taken, my purse, replied Mrs. Calverley; and but for your timely aid, they would have carried off all our ornaments.

My chain is gone, said Mildred. But I dont mind it. They did not get my watch, which I value extremely. I owe its preservation entirely to you, sir, she added, with a grateful look at the stranger.

I am happy to find I have been of any service to you, he replied, bowing. Follow the rascals, Tom, he added to his groom, and try to capture one or both of them.

Impossible, I fear, captain, replied the groom. They can go where no horse can go in that marsh, if they know the ground, as they seem to do. But Ill do my best.

And he speeded after the fugitives, who were still in sight.

Hold the reins for a minute, Mildred, while I pick up my whip, said Mrs. Calverley.

Allow me! cried the stranger.

And, jumping down from the saddle, he presented the whip to Mrs. Calverley, who gracefully acknowledged the attention.

We are really very much indebted to you, sir, she said.

You greatly overrate the service, he rejoined. I have literally done nothing. Hearing cries, and perceiving you were stopped by robbers, I galloped on to your aid that is all.

May we learn the name of our deliverer? she asked.

I am Captain Charles Danvers, he replied; nephew to Sir Lycester Barfleur, of Brackley Hall, which you can see through the trees yonder. But I dare say you know the place?

We were on our way thither, to call on Lady Barfleur, when we met with this alarming adventure, observed Mrs. Calverley.

An idea seemed suddenly to occur to Captain Danvers.

Are you not Mrs. Calverley, of Ouselcroft? he inquired.

She replied in the affirmative; adding, And this is my step-daughter, Miss Calverley.

I felt convinced of it! he cried, again bowing. I am indeed fortunate in obtaining an introduction to a young lady of whom I have heard so much.

You can pay compliments as well as rescue ladies from robbers, it seems, Captain Danvers, observed Mildred, slightly blushing. We should have met you, I have no doubt, at Brackley Hall.

Very likely, he rejoined. But I prefer an accidental meeting of this kind; it is more romantic. I hope you are not going to turn back. If you are, you must allow me to escort you. But they will be delighted to see you, I am sure, at Brackley, and you can recount your adventure to them.

And extol your gallantry at the same time, Captain Danvers, laughed Mildred. I have quite recovered from my fright, mamma, so I think we may as well go on.

Do, by all means! cried Captain Danvers, vaulting on his horse.

Mrs. Calverley assented; and they were just setting off, when the groom was seen returning, so they waited until he came up.