Word was instantly shouted to the warder of the
drawbridge to stop the villains, but Blood was equal to this
emergency; coolly advancing, he discharged his pistol at the man,
who instantly fell. The thieves then crossed the bridge, passed
through the outward gate, and made for the street close by, where
their horses awaited them, crying the while, "Stop thief! stop
thief!" Before they advanced far, Captain Beekman came up with
Blood, who, turning quickly round, fired his second pistol at the
head of his pursuer; but Beekman, suddenly stooping, escaped
injury, and sprang at the throat of his intended assassin. A
struggle then ensued. Blood was a man of powerful physique, but
Beekman was lithe and vigorous, and succeeded in holding the
rogue until help arrived. In the contest, the regalia fell to
the ground, when a fair diamond and a priceless pearl were lost;
they were, however, eventually recovered. The other thieves were
likewise captured, and all of them secured in the Tower.
Certain death now faced Blood; but the wonderful luck which had
befriended him during life did not desert him now. At this time
the Duke of Buckingham was high in favour with the king, and
desirous of saving one who had secretly served him; or fearing
exposure if Blood made a full confession, his grace impressed
Charles with a desire to see the man who had perpetrated so
daring a deed, saying he must be one possessed of extraordinary
spirit. Giving ready ear to his words, the monarch consented to
have an interview with the robber, for which purpose he gave
orders Blood should be brought to Whitehall.
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