They mounted now, and, pistol in hand, awaited the arrival of the party.

Two troopers came first, trotting carelessly along, laughing and smoking.

A hundred yards behind came the main body, four troopers first, then the lieutenant and Sir Marmaduke, followed by the other six troopers.
With outstretched arm, and pistol pointed through the undergrowth, Mr.Jervoise waited till the officer, who was riding on his side of the road, came abreast of him.

He had already told the boys that he intended to aim at his shoulder.
"They are the enemies of the king," he said, "but I cannot, in cold blood, shoot down a man with whom I have no cause for quarrel.

I can depend upon my aim, and he will not be twelve paces from the muzzle of my pistol." He fired.