them to become instruments of your vengeance.  But when these misguided men come to know the truth of the case—­when they learn that you have no proofs whatever against Mistress Nutter, and that you are influenced solely by animosity to her, they are quite as likely to desert you as to stand by you.  At all events, we are determined to resist this unjust arrest, and, at the hazard of our lives, to oppose your entrance into the house.”

Nowell and Potts were greatly exasperated by this speech, but they were little prepared for its consequences.  Many of those who had been induced to accompany them, as has been shown, wavered in their resolution of acting against Mistress Nutter, but they now began to declare in her favour.  In vain Potts repeated all his former arguments.  They were no longer of any avail.  Of the troop assembled at the gate more than half marched off, and shaped their course towards the rear of the house—­with what intention it was easy to surmise—­while of those who remained it was very doubtful whether the whole of them would act.

The result of his oration was quite as surprising to Nicholas as to his opponents, and, enchanted by the effect of his eloquence, he could not help glancing up at the window, where he perceived Mistress Nutter, whose smiles showed that she was equally well pleased.

Seeing that, if any further desertions took place, his chances would be at an end, with a menacing gesture at the squire, Roger Nowell ordered the attack to commence immediately.

While some of his men, amongst whom were Baldwyn and old Mitton, battered against the gate with stones, another party, headed by Potts, scaled the walls, which, though of considerable height, presented no very serious obstacles in the way of active assailants.  Elevated on the shoulders of Sparshot, Potts was soon on the summit of the wall, and was about to drop into the garden, when he heard a sound that caused him to suspend his intention.

“What are you about to do, cousin Nicholas?” inquired Richard, as the word of assault was given by the magistrate.

“Let loose Mistress Nutter’s stag-hounds upon them,” replied the squire.  “They are kept in leash by a varlet stationed behind yon yew-tree hedge, who only awaits my signal to let them slip; and by my faith it is time he had it.”

As he spoke, he applied a dog-whistle to his lips, and, blowing a loud call, it was immediately answered by a savage barking, and half a dozen hounds, rough-haired, of prodigious size and power, resembling in make, colour, and ferocity, the Irish wolf-hound bounded towards him.

“Aha!” exclaimed Nicholas, clapping his hands to encourage them:  “we could have dispersed the whole rout with these assistants.  Hyke, Tristam!—­hyke, Hubert!  Upon them!—­upon them!”