"You know, I find, my height: my strength does not shame my
stature! Look to yourself. Advance and touch this maiden,
and I will fell you and your minions like oxen at their
pasture."
The inspector took a pistol from his pocket and pointed it at
Gerard. "You see," he said, "resistance is quite vain."
"For slaves and cravens, but not for us. I say you shall not
touch her till I am dead at her feet. Now, do your worst."
At this moment two policemen who had been searching the loft
descended with Maclast who had vainly attempted to effect his
escape over a neighbouring roof; the thickset man was already
secured; and Wilkins had been pulled down the chimney and made
his appearance in as grimy a state as such a shelter would
naturally have occasioned. The young man too, their first
prisoner who had been captured before they had entered the
room, was also brought in; there was now abundance of light;
the four prisoners were ranged and well guarded at the end of
the apartment; Gerard standing before Sybil still maintained
his position of defence, and the serjeant was, a few yards
away, in his front with his pistol in his hand.
"Well you are a queer chap," said the serjeant; "but I must do
my duty.
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