One of them, the stoutest of the two, complained bitterly of the indignities he had received from Mr.Bloundel's apprentice (meaning you, of course), averring that nothing but his devotion to his companion had induced him to submit to them; and affirming, with many tremendous oaths, that he would certainly cut the young man's throat the very first opportunity." "He shall not want it then," replied Leonard contemptuously; "neither shall he lack a second application of my cudgel when we meet.

But what of his companion?
What did he say ?" "He laughed heartily at the other's complaints," returned the watchman, "and told him to make himself easy, for he should soon have his revenge.
'To-morrow night,' he said, 'we will carry off Amabel, in spite of the apprentice or her father; and, as I am equally indebted with yourself to the latter, we will pay off old scores with him.'" "How do they intend to effect their purpose ?" demanded Leonard.
"That I cannot precisely tell," replied the watchman.

"All I could hear was, that they meant to enter the house by the back yard about midnight.
And now, if you will make it worth my while, I will help you to catch them in their own trap." "Hum!" said Leonard.

"What is your name ?" "Gregory Swindlehurst," replied the other.
"To help me, you must keep watch with me to-night," rejoined Leonard.
"Can you do so ?" "I see nothing to hinder me, provided I am paid for my trouble," replied Gregory.

"I will find some one to take my place at Mr.Brackley's.