"It's of no use, so you may give in.

We know you, so come out, fish and all.

You haven't no right up here." Ralph made no reply, but flushing with anger and annoyance, he hurried on over the shallows, with the men now in full pursuit, shouting, too, at the dogs, and urging them to renew their attack.
"What an idiot I have been!" muttered the lad, as he splashed on, wishing that he was on open ground, so that he could run; but wishing was in vain.

He was unarmed, too, save for the stout ash-butt of his spliced rod, and he knew that it would be impossible to defend himself with that for long against four strong men, who were apparently only too eager to get hold of the heir of the rival house, and drag him before their lord.

For that they were Sir Edward Eden's men the lad had not a doubt.
But Ralph had little time for thought; action was the thing, and he splashed on, glancing from right to left to find a spot where he could land and take to his heels--an impossibility there, for he soon saw that his only chance was to climb, and that chance was small.
Then, as the men followed some forty yards behind, he saw the light of hope.