Crime & punishment > Peveril of the Peak > Volume 2

PKVERU. OF THE PEAK.
237
The trampling of the horses was soon heard;
and in obedience-to Bridgenorth’s signal, and in
compliance with his promise, Julian mounted
one which was presented to him, and prepared to
leave the house of his fathers, in which his parents
were now prisoners, and to go, lie knew not whi¬
ther, under the custody of one known to be the
ancient enemy of his race. He was rather sur¬
prised at observing, thatBridgenorth and he were
about to travel without any other attendants.
When they were mounted, and as they rode
slowly towards the outei'-gate of the court-yard,
Bridgenorth said to him, “It is not every one
who would thus unreservedly commit his safety,
by travelling at night, and unaided, with the hot-
brained youth who so lately attempted his life.”
“Master Bridgenorth,” said Julian, “Imight
tell you ti’uly, thatlknewyounotat the time when
I directed my weapon against you; but I must
also add, that the cause in which I used it, might
have rendered me, even had I known you, a slight
respecter of your person. At present, I do know
you ; and have neither malice against your per¬
son , nor the liberty of a parent to fight for. Be¬
sides, you have my word; and when wasaPeveril
known to break it?”
“Ay,” replied his companion, “a Peveril—'a
Peveril of the Peak! —a name which has long
sounded like a w ar-trumpet in the land ; but which
has nowperhaps sounded its last loud note. Imok
back, young man, on the darksome turrets of your