We ride to Ardrochan!" And he turned his pony.
[Illustration: "To-night reflect on your misdeeds.

To-morrow we will treat of your ransom."] The money-lender broke into threats and abuse; then, as the pony drew further away, he passed to entreaties.

Tinker never turned his head; he rode on, brimming with joyous triumph; he had a real prisoner.
Mr.Lambert shouted after him till he was hoarse, he shouted after him till his voice was a wheezy croak.

Tinker passed out of sight without a glance back, and, for a while, that iron-hearted, inexorable man of many loans, sobbed like a child with mingled rage and fear.

Then he scrambled down the ladder, and tried the door.