A DESPERATE GANG. 



197 



whose object it was to secure the main outlet from the 

 wood towards the adjacent town — to cut off retreat. The 

 young squire had charge of the other, which, with the 

 under keeper as guide, was to work its way through the 



GOING FOR THE POACHERS. 



wood and drive the gang into the ambuscade. In the last 

 party were six men and a mastiff dog ; four of the men 

 had guns, the gentleman only a stout cudgel. 



They came upon the gang — or rather a part of it, for 

 the poachers were somewhat scattered — in a * drive ' which 



