teeming it a matter of indifference at what hour he
reached his destination. Hence it happened that the evening was
considerably advanced before he had passed over half the distance
which he had to go. He had advanced as far as the spot where he
encountered the panther, and was thinking of his peril then, and of
Sassacus, when he suddenly found himself surrounded by a number of
armed men, one of whom demanded his piece. Arundel instantly
recognised in the man who spoke, and appeared to be the leader, the
Assistant Spikeman; and, suspecting mischief wherever he was
concerned, and indignant at being stopped, refused to deliver up the
gun. The refusal was useless, for it was forthwith wrested violently
from his hands, after a struggle, in which he gave and received some
unimportant hurts.

"What means this outrage, Master Spikeman," demanded Arundel, "on one
in the king's peace, and quietly about his own business?"

"We desire your company," replied Spikeman. "It is out of our abundant
affection therefor that we have been so bold, and in consideration of
the motive, we pray you to pardon the offence."

"This is insulting one who is unable to defend himself," answered the
young man; "but be sure, Master Spikeman, that for this, and other
like favors, a day of bitter reckoning will come."

"Spare thy threats, beardless boy," said the Assistant, "and know that
what I do is not without warrant. Thy wisdom consists in submission,
for thou seest we have a force thou art unable to resist. But I may
not waste further words. Place the prisoner in the middle; watch him
closely; treat him well, if submissive; but should he attempt escape,
shoot him down. Forward!"

After these orders, the men started on, taking Arundel with them, who
entertained no purpose of flight, even though a favorable opportunity
should present itself.

If he had doubted at first whither the party were directing their
steps, the doubt was soon dissipated, and he became sure that it was
to the habitation of Sir Christopher. Meanwhile, he had been turning
over in his mind his observations through the day, and became
satisfied that he had been watched, and that the band by which he had
been captured was sent after him, and, by taking a course somewhat
different from his own, and hastening their speed, had succeeded in
throwing themselves in front, so as to cut him off from the Knight's
house, whither they rightly judged he was going. The determination was