 | CHAPTER III. Condensed novels and other papers |  |
3. CHAPTER III.
Edgardo galloped rapidly towards Sloperton.
When the outline of the Grange had faded away in
the darkness, he reined his magnificent steed beside
the ruins of Guy's Keep.
“It wants but a few minutes of the hour,” he
said, consulting his watch by the light of the moon.
“He dare not break his word. He will come.” He
paused, and peered anxiously into the darkness.
“But come what may, she is mine,” he continued,
as his thoughts reverted fondly to the fair lady he
had quitted. “Yet, if she knew all. If she knew
that I were a disgraced and ruined man—a felon
and an outcast. If she knew that at the age of fourteen
I murdered my Latin tutor and forged my uncle's
will. If she knew that I had three wives
already, and that the fourth victim of misplaced confidence
to be at Sloperton by to-night's train with her baby.
But no; she must not know it. Constance must not
arrive. Burke the Slogger must attend to that.”
“Ha! here he is! Well?”
These words were addressed to a ruffian in a
slouched hat, who suddenly appeared from Guy's
Keep.
“I be's here, measter,” said the villain, with a
disgracefully low accent and complete disregard of
grammatical rules.
“It is well. Listen: I'm in possession of facts
that will send you to the gallows. I know of the
murder of Bill Smithers, the robbery of the toll-gate
keeper, and the making away of the youngest daughter
of Sir Reginald de Walton. A word from me,
and the officers of justice are on your track.”
Burke the Slogger trembled.
“Hark ye! serve my purpose, and I may yet save
you The 5.30 train from Clapham will be due at
Sloperton at 9.25. It must not arrive!”
The villain's eyes sparkled as he nodded at Edgardo.
“Enough—you understand; leave me!”
| CHAPTER III. Condensed novels and other papers | |