But it was not long before they swaggered into an alehouse; and then Tom and Harry went swiftly by, and, taking the straight route up to Highgate, arrived there long before the others could be expected.

Rosamund was tending her flowers in the garden when they came up to the gate, and looked up with a smile and a blush.  She was alone in the house that day, she said, save for the servant woman, who was very deaf.  This suited very well for the present purpose, as they did not desire that the aunt should be alarmed.

They bade Rose remain in the garden for the next few hours, and they would hide in a clump of bushes at the corner and watch what betided.  Harry strode off to fetch William Long, who had promised the help of his sturdy staff right willingly.  In a short time the three men were in their hiding place, whilst Rose went on with her tasks amid the flowers, her heart beating a little with excitement, although she felt no fear.

Presently the sound of lurching steps and foolish laughter approached along the lane.  Rose never looked round, but the colour in her cheeks went and came.  The steps presently stopped at the gate, and those in hiding could see the four bullies, who were already somewhat the worse for drink, leaning upon it and eyeing the maiden at work with silly leers and nudgings.

“Pretty Mistress Rosamund,” said Slippery Seal, in his most wheedling voice, “will you favour a thirsty traveller with a cup of water from your well?”

Rose faced round at that, her face flushed, but her manner quite calm.

“If you are thirsty, sir, there is water to be had in the brook yonder.  My father would not have me speak with strangers on the road.”

“But, fair maid,” said another, “we cannot sure be called strangers.  We have seen your rosy cheeks and bright eyes many times before, we—­”

But before he had finished speaking, Rose had turned her back and was walking up the path towards the house.

“No, no, no!” cried Dicing Dick; “you do not run away like that, pretty Rosamund!”

The next moment he had flung the gate wide, and the whole four were making a dash up the path in pursuit of the girl.  They had probably learned from the servant at the inn that her aunt was out, and had thought they could terrify her into doing their pleasure, and setting food and drink before them.

But they did not get far.  With a sound like a growl and a yell—­such as he had given when he sprang at Montacute’s throat—­Tom dashed out from the thicket, and seized Bully Bullen in a bear-like clasp.  The other two were not many yards behind, and immediately there was a wholesale scrimmage in the little garden; the sound of blows and oaths resounded, and many a yell of pain and rage told that one or another of the bullies had got a well-merited chastisement.