Luttrell alone, vigilant and dangerous, preserved his calm.

But the situation baffled even him.
Behind the two friends the tything-men had come to a terror-stricken halt.

Diana had risen from her chair in the excitement of the moment and had drawn close to Ruth, who looked on with parted lips and bosom that rose and fell.

Even Blake could not stifle his admiration of Mr.Wilding's coolness and address.

Richard, on the other hand, was concerned only with thoughts for himself, wondering how it would fare with him if Wilding and Trenchard succeeded in getting away.
"Nick," said Mr.Wilding, "will you desire those catchpolls behind us to stand aside?
If Your Grace raises your voice to call for help, if, indeed, any measures are taken calculated to lead to our capture, I can promise Your Grace--notwithstanding my profound reluctance to use violence--that they will be the last measures you will take in life.