"I'll cut down him who opposes me." The head turnkey, in all probability, would have obeyed.

But, being pushed forward by his subordinate officer, he was compelled to make a stand.
"You'd better surrender quietly, Jack," he cried; "you've no chance."' Instead of regarding him, Jack glanced over the iron bannisters, and measured the distance.

But the fall was too great, and he abandoned the attempt.
"We have him!" cried Jonathan, hurrying down the steps.

"He can't escape." As this was said, Jack turned with the swiftness of thought, and shortening his sword, prepared to plunge it into the thief-taker's heart.

Before he could make the thrust, however, he was seized behind by Ireton, who flung himself upon him.
"Caught!" shouted the head-turnkey.