That he might accomplish this end with greater speed
and security, he, leaving his victim securely buckled and tied to
the fellow behind whom he had been mounted, galloped forward in
advance to adjust the rope to the gallows, and make other
necessary preparations.
No sooner did the echo of his horse's hoofs die away, than the
duke, recovering the stupor this sudden attack had caused, became
aware that now was his opportunity to effect escape, if, indeed,
such were possible. He to whom his grace was secured was a burly
man possessed of great strength; the which Lord Ormond, being now
past his sixtieth year, had not. However, life was dear to him,
and therefore he began struggling with the fellow; and finally
getting his foot under the villain's, he unhorsed him, when both
fell heavily to the ground. Meanwhile his grace's coach having
driven to Clarendon House, the footmen had given an account of
the daring manner in which his abduction had been effected. On
this an alarm was immediately raised, and the porter, servants,
and others hastened down Piccadilly in search of their master,
fast as good horses could carry them.
They had proceeded as far as the village of Knightsbridge, when
reports of muskets, cries for help, and sounds of a scuffle they
could not see for darkness, fell upon their ears, and filled them
with alarm. The whole neighbourhood seemed startled, lights
flashed, dogs barked, and many persons rushed towards the scene
of encounter.
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