, with the heavy chariot behind them
their steps were naturally short, and their speed comparatively slow. So
I hurried on, and looking up saw two men sitting on the box, the
coachman and another.

It would have been possible to have caught the horses' heads, and thus
bring them to a standstill, but the sound of Naomi's voice pleading for
help--for I felt sure it was hers--made me careful not to render myself
powerless. I remembered, then, that doubtless the man beside the driver
would carry horse pistols, and the moment I caught the reins would shoot
me down like a farmer shoots vermin.

So I determined to try another measure, more difficult perhaps to
execute, but more effective if I were successful. Bending low by the
horse's side I came up on what farmers call the "further side." Then,
hardening the muscles of my right arm and clenching my fist, I aimed a
blow at the horse's head close below the ear. The animal was protected
somewhat by the headgearing, and my strength had been lessened by my
imprisonment and by the drugs which had been placed in my food, still
the blow I gave was heavy, and the aim was sure. He stopped for a moment
stunned, then he fell heavily, snapping the pole that was placed between
him and the other horse as though it had been a match.

Instantly the men jumped down to see what was the matter, while I
hurried to the carriage-door. I had no need to open it; this was done
for me, and a man from within asked angrily what the trouble was. Before
he could be answered I caught him and hurled him against the hedgeside
as though he had been a child, and never did I feel so thankful as then
that, although God had not given me a clever head, He had bestowed upon
me a body stronger than that which is common among men.

"Naomi, my love!" I gasped.

"Jasper! Oh, thank God!" It was Naomi's voice, and my strength seemed
trebled as I heard it. God pity the man who had dared to oppose me then,
for I would have showed no mercy!

There was another man in the carriage, a priest, I think, but he seemed
too frightened to offer any resistance. So I took her in my arms, and
lifted her as though she were a baby, then I ran down the hill, carrying
my love.

"Don't trouble about the horses, follow that fellow!" I heard a voice
say. "I will give twenty guineas for the man who brings him back, alive
or dead."

As I rushed on I heard a bullet whizz by me, but it did no harm, at the
same time it made me fearful. F