Loosening one of them, Wyat placed a bridle on his neck, sprang upon
his back, and took up Mabel beside him. He then struck his heels
against the sides of the animal, who needed no further incitement to
dash along the passage, and in a few seconds brought them into the
cavern.
The trampling of the horse wakened Fenwolf, who started to his feet,
and ran after them, shouting furiously. But he was too late. Goaded by
Wyat's dagger, the steed dashed furiously on, and plunging with its
double burden into the pool at the bottom of the cavern, disappeared.
VI. Of the Desperate Resolution formed by Tristram and Fenwolf, and
how the Train was laid.
Transported with rage at the escape of the fugitives, Fenwolf turned to
old Tristram, and drawing his knife, threatened to make an end of him.
But the old man, who was armed with a short hunting-sword, stood
upon his defence, and they remained brandishing their weapons at
each other for some minutes, but without striking a blow.
"Well, I leave you to Herne's vengeance," said Fenwolf, returning his
knife to his belt. "You will pay dearly for allowing them to escape."
"I will take my chance," replied Tristram moodily: "my mind is made up
to the worst.
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