Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 312: what you’re looking at

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_ “ lf—if—_—” he said, and then stopped. “Speak on,” cried Dick. “If, then, you would not mind adding te the wond of obligation——” “Pooh—pooh, State your wish freely and clearly.” ‘You are generous. I was about to ask you to give me your advice in this matter. What do you think would be the best thing for my son to do?” Dick seemed deeply plunge in thought for a few mt ments. Then, looking up, he replied: “My advice is simple enough.” “ And no doubt all the better on that .ery account.” “You shall judge. I should recommend your son to push on with all speed to Sheerness—or the nearest point on the coast where he can geta ship. Then let him em- bark, and as soon as he ig in a place of safety he can com- municate with you.” *‘ Nothing could be simpler and better !’’ cried the land- lord, with the air of one who feels immensely retiewed. “My best thanks, gentlemen, are your due; and should there ever be an opportunity, you may depend [I shall do my best to requite you.” “‘nough—enough! As that point is settled, we will say farewell. It is quite time we took up our posi- tion.” In this the landlord coincided, and after the exchange of a few more words they separated. It was at a quiet, easy pace that Dick Tu way towards the spot that had been describe the landlord. ‘‘ We have abundant cause to congratulate ourselves,” he remarked to his comrades. ‘“ fortis has indeed favoured us to an extraordinary degree.” “You are quite right, Dick,” returned Olaude Duval, “and, what is more, I am inclined to look upon the good luck we have already met with as a presage of the success which is to attend our efforts.” “Tt will be well to think so—at the same time, in spite of every obstacle) Tom Davis must be set at liberty !” x We will do our best, Dick, and we ean do no more.’ “Tam aware of #. I am chiefly concerned to know how many officers are actually in attendance upon the vehicle.” “That is animportant point; but we have no means of ascertaining it.” ‘That is just what I regret. However, as soon as we eommence the attack let us direct all our energies to the liberation of the prisoners, because, as soon as they are free, they will assist us in our struggles with the officers.” This speech was received in silence, from which it may be inferred that Dick’s comrades felt somewhat doubtful regarding this conclusion. Dick did not speak again, but changed his mare’s speed from a walk to a gentle trot. This soon served to bring them to the spot they wished to reach, Upon arriving, they found that the landterd’s descrip- tion of the holloway was perfectly correct, and a close examination convinced them that a better place for their purpose sould not possibly have been found. They looked upon this as a good omen, and were fn the best of spirits accordingly. At one time it would seem as though the high-read had been carried over a high but steep bile more properly, ridge, which extended to the right and left for a consider- able distance. The difficulty and danger consequent upon making s0 sleep an ascent and descent hed tod to the road being made level, or nearly so, by cutting a way through the ridge in question. The consequence was, that for a distance of somethin like two hundred yards the road was bounded by a high end almost perpendicular embankment, which wes some- what higher on one side than the other. These embankments were covered all over witn orake, furze bushes, and such like vegetation, while here and there a huge tree rose up, stretching its giant branches far over the roadway. The size of these trees sufficed to show that this lowering of the road was no modern improvement. in led the to him by ELACE BEES; 68, From these causes this part of the volved in great obscurity. The bigh banks shut out « great deal of light, and cast & orev shadow, and the trees only served to increase the gloom. So dark was it that when they backed their horses close to one side and stood together, the highwaymen were scarcely able to distinguish each other’s counte- nances. They listened for some moments in perfect silence. No sound, however, resembling the approach of the vehicle reached their ears. “ Look to your weapons,” said Dick, at length, and setting the example of examining his own while he spoke. ‘You cannot be too careful, and, above everything, have your firearms in readiness.” His compations goon ascertained that all was well in this aaa and Tom King observed : ‘‘{ have been wondering, Dick, what means you think of adopting in order to bring the vehicle to a standstill. It will not be like calling out to an ordinary driver, bear in mind. The officers, depend upon it, will be sharp enough to know that their best chance will be in lashing their horses onwards, and you may depend this is what they will do. If they once get out of this shadow they will ascertain our exact force, and I fear matters will go hardly with us.” “T have been thinking about all that,” replied Dick, ‘‘and I cannot quite see my way clear at present.” “ How, captain ?” “Why, if we place any obstruction in the road it must be of a somewhat substantial character to bring a heavy vehicle to a standstill.” “ Well, what of that ?” “Why, it will necessarily take some time to oo and then, by the time we have done it, something else may come along.” “You are right, captain.” “Then if we wait till we know the van is co senna not have time to get ready the obstruction at “Some means of stopping the van must most certainly be devised,” replied Claude Duval, “and I should suggest that one of us should ride on towards London for some distance, take up a good position, and then, upon hear- ing the van approach, gallop back and let you know.” “That is about all that can be done, I fancy,” returned Dick. ‘‘ Who will take this duty ?” “T will, if you like,” said Claude. , “Then do so, as you were the first to propose it.” “Then about the obstruction ?” “That can easily be managed,” Sixteen-String Jack cried, ‘for in the yard at the back of the inn we have just left I saw some large, strong, square pieces of wood. One of these brought, and placed right across the road- way, and firmly fixed a foot or two above the ground, will be the thing above all others to stop the van. “Tt will,” said Dick, “and now let us spend no further time in consultation. You, Claude, ride off at once, and give us timely notice of the police officers’ approach ; and you, Jack, obtain one of the pieces of weod you mention. In the meanwhile Tom and myself will remain here together, awaiting your return.” roadway was fn- CoAPTER MIX. DICK TURPIN SND HIS COMPANIONS ATTACK THE PRISONERS’ VAN. Uron tnis understanding both Claude Duval and Sixteen- Btring Jack took their departure. Dick Turpin and Tom King watched them in silence till they had both disappeared im the darkness, then, turn- ing round, the latter said > “Tt will be sharp work, Dick, you may depend; and after this event, rely upon it, the officers will make greater efforts than ever to capture us.” ‘I have been thinking so myseif, and believe the best thing we can arrange to do is to lie quiet for a time somewhere.” “ Unquestionably it would; but what shall you do with Tom Davis ?” “ Get him safely out of the country, I think.” “It would be much the best; for after having bees Gomichbooks.co