Hastening in the direction of the sound, he discovered Thames Darrell, stretched upon the ground.
"Are you hurt, Thames ?" asked Jack, anxiously.
"Not dangerously, I hope," returned Thames; "but fly--save yourself." "Where are the assassins ?" cried Sheppard.
"Gone," replied the wounded man.

"They imagine their work is done.

But I may yet live to thwart them." "I will carry you to the house, or fetch Mr.Wood," urged Jack.
"No, no," rejoined Thames; "fly--or I will not answer for your safety.
If you desire to please me, you will go." "And leave you thus ?" rejoined Jack.

"I cannot do it." "Go, I insist," cried Thames, "or take the consequences upon yourself.

I cannot protect you." Thus urged, Jack reluctantly departed.