They were headed by an athletic-looking, swarthy-featured man, who was armed with a cutlass, which he waved over his head to cheer on his companions.
These desperadoes had been the most active in demolishing the coach, and now, being supported by the rabble, they audaciously approached the very portals of the ancient Hall.

The shouts, yells, and groans which they uttered, and which were echoed by the concourse in the rear, were perfectly frightful.
Jonathan, who with the other constables had reconnoitred this band, and recognised in its ring-leader, Blueskin, commanded the constables to follow him, and made a sally for the purpose of seizing him.

Enfeebled by his wound, Wild had lost much of his strength, though nothing of his ferocity and energy,--and fiercely assailing Blueskin, he made a desperate but unsuccessful attempt to apprehend him.
He was, however, instantly beaten back; and the fury of the mob was so great that it was with difficulty he could effect a retreat.

The whole force of the constables, jailers and others was required to keep the crowd out of the Hall.

The doors were closed and barricaded, and the mob threatened to burst them open if Jack was not delivered to them.
Things now began to wear so serious a aspect that a messenger was secretly despatched to the Savoy for troops, and in half an hour a regiment of the guards arrived, who by dint of great exertion succeeded in partially dispersing the tumultuous assemblage.