No sooner was this notion suggested than it was acted on by the old huntsman and Fogg, and, wading forward, they pricked the bank with their spears at various points below the level of the water.  All at once Fogg fell forward.  His spear had entered a hole, and had penetrated so deeply that he had lost his balance.  But though, soused over head and ears, he had made a successful hit, for the next moment Jem Device appeared above the water, and ere he could dive again his throat was seized by Grip, and while struggling to free himself from the fangs of the tenacious animal, he was laid hold of by Crouch, and the varlets rushing forward to the latter’s assistance, the ruffian was captured.

Some difficulty was experienced in rescuing the captive from the jaws of the hounds, who, infuriated by his struggles, and perhaps mistaking him for some strange beast of chase, made their sharp teeth meet in various parts of his person, rending his garments from his limbs, and would no doubt have rent the flesh also, if they had been permitted.  At length, after much fighting and struggling, mingled with yells and vociferations, Jem was borne ashore, and flung on the ground, where he presented a wretched spectacle; bleeding, half-drowned, and covered with slime acquired during his occupation of the hole in the bank.  But though unable to offer further resistance, his spirit was not quelled, and his eye glared terribly at his captors.  Fearing they might have further trouble with him when he recovered from his present exhausted condition, Crouch had his hands bound tightly together with one of the dog leashes, and then would fain have questioned him as to how he managed to breathe in a hole below the level of the water; but Jem refused to satisfy his curiosity, and returned only a sullen rejoinder to any questions addressed to him, until the squire, who had crossed the river at some stepping-stones lower down, came up, and the ruffian then inquired, in a half-menacing tone, what he meant to do with him?

“What do I mean to do with you?” cried Nicholas.  “I will tell you, lad.  I shall send you at once to Whalley to be examined before the magistrates; and, as the proofs are pretty clear against you, you will be forwarded without any material delay to Lancaster Castle.”

“An yo winna rescue me by the way, os yo ha dun a sartin notorious witch an murtheress!” replied Jem, fiercely.  “Tak heed whot yo dun, squoire.  If ey speak at aw, ey shan speak out, and to some purpose, ey’n warrant ye.  If ey ge to Lonkester Castle, ey winna ge alone.  Wan o’ yer friends shan ge wi’ me.”

“Cursed villain!  I guess thy meaning,” replied Nicholas; “but thy vindictive purposes will be frustrated.  No credence will be attached to thy false charges; while, as to the lady thou aimest at, she is luckily beyond reach of thy malice.”

“Dunna be too sure o’ that, squoire,” replied Jem.  “Ey con put t’ officers o’ jestis os surely on her track os owd Crouch could set these hounds on an otter.  Lay yer account on it, ey winna dee unavenged.”