Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 393: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

S7 Vee A ae ae ) THE KNIGHT OF THB ROAD. ees He may pass without taking any notice of us, cap- “ He is most likely to do so.” ‘Push on, then—we will pass him rapidly.” Just at this moment they reached aspot where the rcad bent round ata somewhat acute angle, and after- wards stretched out fora great distance in a perfectly 3traight line. They then caught sight of the horseman, and Maud uttered a sherp cry. ~s “ What is the matter?” Dick asked, anxiously. “ Nothing—nothing—but—but—yes—yes—I am gure it must be!” “ What—what ?” ‘Captain Hawk!” Maud pointed at the horseman as she pronounced the name. He seemed to be coming on more swiftly than ever. “‘f do believe it is,” said Dick. “Tam certain of it,” answered Maud. : “But by what means short of magic can he have gc ere ?” “T know not, but he seems to haunt us like a shadow.” “He does indeed. Who hecan be puzzles me, and why he should be 30 fond of riding into the very mouth of danger is something which passes my comprehen- sion.” ‘* How furiously he comes now !” “Yes; we will stand aside and allow him free passage, etherwise he may do us a mischief.” Considering the undiminished rate at which this eccen- tric being was coming on, it certainly seemed no more than wise to adopt this precaution. | Very much to the astonishment of all three of our friends, however, they had no sooner made this change than they perceived him slacken speed. He was drawing the rein very tightly. The horse was such a powerful-looking creature that it seemed strange for a slim, slight figure like that of Oaptain Hawk to possess such absolute control over him. The noble animal, however, despite his tricks?%2ss, was perfectly obedient to the rein. : : “What on earth can he be pulling up for?” asked ick. 7 This proceeding was quite as singular as any of his dthers, and only in accordance with that eccentricity which seemed co govern all his actions. Dick wondered whether he had caught sight of Maud eud himself. This was a point about which they were destined not to wait for a very long time in doubt. The captain halted within half a dozen paces of where they stood. * Excuse me,” he said, as he removed his hat from his head and madeabow. “It is odd to introduce oneself thus, but I am not altogether a stranger, since I had the pleasure of rendering that young lady a service a little while ago.” “Tam very glad to see you,” said Dick, “for I feel deeply indebted to——”’ ; “Now, no more of that! JI am indebted to you. Thanks for arresting my attention, or I should have dashed headlong into those fellows. You seem surprised to see ms riding back, but I thought I would, if possible, embrace the opportunity of thanking you for the warn- ing that yeu gave.” CHAPTER MXXXIX. DICK [URPIN TAKES QUITE A FANCY TO CAPTAIN "AWK. THERE was something verging very closely upon the ludicrous in the coolness and carelessness with which Captain Hawk pronounced these words. The idea that a man, instead of getting as far away from his foes as he could, should actually turn round again and gallop back, with no other object than that which he had expressed, was certainly out of all cha- racter. Dick Turpin thought so, and said: “You are very welcome, and I am glad yon got off se easily; still, I should scarcely have expected that yea si should take the trouble, and also run the risk of ——” 1765 *Galloping back again, I suppose you were going to say,” interrupted the captain, with a merry laugh, f ae you! [ think nothing of it, for, éhanks to q Vises? “To Satan ?” echoed Dick. ‘Not his infernal majesty, by any means,” answered the captain, “but to my horse haw whose equal never did and never can exist. Hoe is matchless in every attri- bute that a horse should possess.” Dick gave a peculiar smile. ** You think so,’’ he said. “7 am certain of it.” “Then I beg to differ.” ** Differ ?” ‘Yes, and, without offence, I hope you will permit me to say that, while admitting yours is a noble creature, and one which you ought to prize as you do your own life, yet I have one in my possession that I cannot allow to be inferior to him in any respect whatever.” “ Indeed !” said the stranger, somewhat stifdy. “You are welcome to your own opinion, but you must not ex- pect me to subscribe to it.” “Just so, and allow me to make the same remark.” “Certainly. There is but one steed in the whole world to which I can believe my Satan to be inferior, and that steed [ would give much to see. I have heard much of it by report, but I am not disposed to credit more than half of the wonderful stories that I hear. But even if I ever am so fortunate as to see it, I shall not be very ready to yield the palm.” “Indeed,” said Dick, with the same peculiar smile upon his countenance— ‘and may I ask you what steed it is of which you have heard so much ?” ‘‘The one in the possession of Turpin, the highway- man, and I believe commonly known as Black Bess. But_ what are you laughing at?” ‘‘ Excuse me, at you.” ‘“Atmo! What for?” ‘“‘ Merely for thinking that your steed, however good his qualities may be, could for a moment compare with Black Bess.” “ You don’t think so?” “T am certain.” “ Well, as I told you, I would give much to see this wonderful mare, and scarcely any less to see her rider.” “Then,” said Dick, quietly, ‘‘ you can do so without further trouble.” The captain stared at him incredulously. ** You don’t mean to say that——” “ Well, I do mean to say that this is Bonny Black Bess, and fam Dick Turpin, very much at your Service, and very much obliged to you for your kind behaviour to my wife here.” “ That your wife ?” “It is, I assure you.” The captain was so amazed that he could not utier another word. He sat on his steed like a statue of astonishment. ‘‘ You seem incredulous!” said Dick, after a pause. ‘No, surprised, that’s all,’’ cried Captain Hawk, with something like a return to his former gaiety of manner. ‘‘Dick Turpin,” he said, extending his hand, ‘I am heartily glad to see you! I have longed, wished to do so, and let me say if you want a friend that will stand to you back and edge, you have such a friend in me.” Dick cordially grasped the hand so warmly extended to him. “Beyond being aware that you are called by the name of Captain Hawk, I know nothing of you. Still, be you whom you may, I rejoice to make your acquaintance, and accept your offer as freely as it is made.” “ That's just it!” said the captain. “And if you don’t mind listening I will give you a very brief account of myself. That formality may well be dispensed with in your case, as your reputation is by this time tolerably established.” Dick bowed. “T should feel very much favoured,” he said, “for | have some dim recollection of having heard of you.” “ But there is no reason why you should be detained the while. If yeu have no objection [ will ride for a little way by the side of you, and if we do not go very bast we shall be able to converse at our pase,” ‘ Will it be taking you out of your way ¥” CORNICE OOOKS.EC)