THE POACHER'S REVENGE. 117 



But the man was too quick for him ; his long powerful 

 arms were round him in an instant, and Lord Middleford 

 found himself dashed violently to the earth, a heavy knee on 

 his chest, and bony fingers clutching his throat. 



" No yer don't. Not jist yet, any 'ow ! " 



" Let me look at that case, and I promise not to move till 

 you have finished your bloody work." 



" Yer seem strange an' anxious about that there ; I'll have a 

 look at it mysen' fust ; " and he once more picked up the little 

 object, keeping his eyes fixed on the prostrate man the while. 



The man started somewhat as he opened the case, and 

 then he looked fixedly at his captive. 



" 'Ose kids are these ? " he asked. 



" Mine." 



"Yorn?" 



"Yes. Why?" 



" Them kids saved my missus's life, and the little un's, too. 

 They was very good to them while I was in quod." His brow 

 grew thoughtful. " S'pose yer wery fond of 'em ? " 



" Don't torture me, man." 



" An' they're wery fond of you ? " 



No answer. A pause, while the man looked steadily at 

 the sweet little faces of the miniatures. 



*' Be quick about your work, fellow." 



" 'Old 'ard. Don't be in a 'urry. S'pose I let yer go, ye'd 

 blab, I s'pect ? " 



"What!" 



" Would yer put the slops on my track if I let yer go ? '* 



" Do you mean to say that you will let me go ? " 



" Yes, if ye'll promise not to split on me. Gimme yer 

 word and I undoes yer." 



" What do you intend doing yourself ? " 



"I'm orf out o' the country, if I ken git. I only comed 

 ter say ' good-bye ' to the missus and the little 'un." 



