Ay, an' I must have it before I lave this house, an' what is more, you must lug out my share of the black's prog." "You'll get nothing of that," said Rody; "it was Nell here, not you, who took it." "One hundred of it on the nail, this minnit," said the man, "or I bid you farewell, an' then look to yourselves." "It's not mine," said Rody; "if Nell shares it, I have no objection." "I'd give the villain the price of a rope first," she replied.
"Then I am off," said the fellow, "an' you'll curse your conduct." Nell flew between him and the door, and in his struggle to get out, she grasped at the dagger, but failed in securing it.

Rody advanced to separate them, as did Nanse, but the fellow by a strong effort attempted to free himself.

The three were now upon him, and would have easily succeeded in preventing his escape had it not occurred to him that by one blow he might secure the whole sum.

This was instantly directed at Rody, by a back thrust, for he stood behind him.

By the rapid change of their positions, however, the breast of Nell M'Collum received the stab that was designed for another.
A short violent shriek followed, as she staggered back and fell.
"Staunch the blood," she exclaimed, "staunch the blood, an' there may be a chance of life yet." The man threw the dagger down, and was in the act of rushing out, when the door opened, and a posse of constables entered the house.