
A storm‑laden October night shrouds the quiet Derbyshire estate, when a frantic cry pierces the darkness and summons the household to a perilous scene. A carriage, careening toward a hidden chalk‑pit after a savage dog startles the horses, leaves the squire, his sister, and the coachman hanging over the abyss. The manor’s servants and the young heir race against time, lanterns flickering, to steady the terrified animal and pull the occupants to safety.
The episode showcases the tight‑knit community of Flixworth Manor, where loyalty and quick thinking clash with raw danger. As the rescue unfolds, readers are introduced to a cast of determined characters—Walter, his brave nephew, the steadfast butler, and the diligent stable‑boy—each revealing a mix of courage and compassion that hints at deeper family bonds and hidden secrets waiting to emerge beyond this harrowing night.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (554K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2007-04-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
An Anglican priest turned novelist, he is best remembered for winning a temperance-fiction prize with Frank Oldfield, a story set partly in England and partly in South Australia. His life also connects to the early history of Adelaide, where he helped lead church and school life in the mid-1800s.
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