Again and again, the crowd of their assailants pulled one or other of them to the ground; but it was not until their strength was utterly exhausted, by their struggles, that both were secured, and bound hand and foot.

Then, at the order of one of the other judges; who, now that all danger was over, appeared upon the scene, they were lifted bodily, carried back to their dungeon, and cast upon the ground.
Panting and breathless, the lads lay for some time, too exhausted to speak.
"I am afraid that I missed that rascally chief inquisitor," Ned said.

"Did you notice, Tom ?" "I scarcely saw, for at the same moment I was struck from behind; but I fancy that he fell, when your pistol exploded." "In that case," Ned said, "we may have a respite, for a day or two.
He will feel inclined to be present at the ceremony of torturing, himself.
"On one thing I am determined.

We will not be taken by the men in black, and submit to having our limbs wrenched, without an effort.
I should think that, if we snatch up some of the iron instruments lying about, we can manage to make such a resistance that they will have to kill us, before we are overcome.

If I could kill myself, I certainly would do so.