Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

1470 for such a purpose, and where they would be least likely to meet with an interruption. It was at last resolved that the meeting-place shov'’d be on Hampstead Heath, ner a tree in a lonely, d2asolata part of it, which was well known to all of tuem This had the advantage of being at no great distance from the metropolis, and yet it was lonely, for in those days, when the Heath was in the open country and more than double the size it is at present, few people ventured to turn aside from the bau:y-kept roads which intersested It. ‘The hour,” said brick, ‘‘may as well be midniyvot; itis easily remembered, and by that time all will be quiet.” “Agreed. And now when shal! the meeting be ?” “T should advise,” replied Dick, ‘that we al] seek out some place of concealment and endeavour to lie hidden until this disturbance blows over. Being thus apart, we shall probably be able to accomplish this very important object—what say you ?” ‘“‘ The advice is good—it could not possibly be better. How long shall we remain separated ?” “Let us say nine days,” answered Turpin—“ that’s the time given for the endurance of a wonder; by then, very likely, the officers will have abated their vigilance ; at any rate, it would be safe to meet then. and our futrre pro- ceedings would be decided upon.” All this while Maud remained perfectly silent, listen- ing attentively to all that was said, and gazing alternately into the countenances of the highwaymen as well as the ebscurity of the place would permit. Now, however, with considerable timidity she spoke. “If you would take a suggestion from me,” she said— “if you would listen to what I have to propose ——” | a, were silent. “It is,” she said, still more hesitatir~ig « ou all endeavour to leave England. Ir .nother ep ea te be in safoty.” “It is. worth consideration,” replied Dick; “but at present |, 1s impracticable.’ “Indeed!” said Maud, with a deeply-disappointed air. “Why impracticable ?” ‘Are you so selfish as to forget the danger in whieh Tom Davis and Ellen are now-in? In their disappoint- ment, who can say what the officers may do? I cannot think of leaving them to their fate. We must ascertain their condition, and do what we can to assist ther ” This proposal met with universal assent. “It would be base indeed,” said Tom King, “ to abandon them after having done so much for us.” “T did not think of their danger,” said Maud—*“ it did not occur to me they would bein any. Do not imagine,” she continued, earnestly, ‘‘that I would wish you to for- sake such true and tried friends.” “Right,” said Dick—‘ quite rigbt! And now, my friends, are we all agreed? If so, the sooner we separate the better.” ‘Quite agreed,” murmured the other three; for they were unable to think of any further arrangements. Still they lingered for several moments. After being for so long in company, the idea of parting was a most unpleasant one. “ As I was the first to speak,” said Tom King, *‘let me be the first to go through the disagreeable ceremony. Farewell !” “Farewell!” returned the others. “Don’t forget the fime and place of meeting.” ‘Depend upon it,” said Tom King, “I shall not. if I am alive and uncaptured, you will see me there.” Taking his horse by the bridle, he walked slewlw of among the trees. ane others gazed after him until he vanished f.v-m their sight. PS Claude went next, aking an cpposite direction. Then Sixteen-String Jack started also by another route, and Dick Turpin and Maud were left alone. Prom this it will be seen that the highwaymen would leave the plantation at four different points, which would make it all the mere dificult for the police officers to observa*+hem, or prevent their departure. We must content ourselves with following their move- ments une at a tine, and it seems only right to give the precedence to Dick Turpin himself. de dzew a long breath—which eould almost be oalled 8 tigh—when the last of his comrades had leit him; then BLACK BESS; OR, suddenly remembering the danger in which he stood, he turned to Maud. “Tt will not be possible to mount at present, because of the low-lying branches of the trees, but I will lead Black Bess out by the shortest path I know of ; then, once more in her life she must carry a double burden.” “As you like,” returned Maud. ‘“ While I am with you I am content. Ilask no more. The danger seems diminisbed more than one half when I share it with you.” Dick did mot reply, vut at once set forward, for he was anxious to get upun the back of Black Bess. He regarded her arching neck and proud, impatient step with feelings of the greatest admiration. “She will carry us bravely!” he ejaculated, in a trinmphant voice. ‘ When once in the saddle I shall not fear all the officers in the kingdom.” He pushed on through the trees as quickly as the nature of the ground would permit, until, at length, by the thin- ness of the vegetation, he was warned that he was near the edge of the plantation. “ We cannot be too cautious,” he said. ‘ Remain kere, Maud, and hold Black Bess by the bridle, so. That will do nicely. Now I will creep forward with what stealth- fulness i am capable, and ascertain whether any officers are near. It may be that this wood is satchel ; at any rate, it is important that the point should be decided.” Me waved his hand whils he spoke, and glided awit and noiselessly over the soft turf betw__s ene tress, CHAPTER OM. DECK TURPIX AND MAUD MAKE A HALT AT THE WOOD PIGEON INN. THEY were anxious moments for Maud that elapsed while Dick was absent on this, as it seemed to her, most perilous errand. Glad enough was she when she caught the sound of his returning footstep and perceived his form. “ All is well, Maud,” he said. “I have looked around cauviously and can see no signs of the officers. Ooma, I think we may venture to mount now.” So saying, he vaulted into the saddle, and, stouping down, lifted Maud on to the back of Black Bess in front of him. “Gently,” he cried—“ gently —gently, Bess !” It was difficult, however, to curb the impatience of Black Bess at this time—she was full of fire and spirit. With cautious steps, however, the wood was left, and the open country gained. Firmly couvinced uow that all was well, and knowing that he was out of danger, Dick uttered a faint cheer. No sooner did the sound reach the ears of Black Bess | than she gave a bound forward that almost unseated Maud. Then, at a long, swinging gallop, she took her course across the open country. Soon the red tint in the sky, proceeding from the blaz- ing inn, disappeared frow view. Still Dick did not offer to check the speed of Black Bess, though, by keeping the reins firmly in his hand, he prevented her from increasing it. In this manner, they continued to gallop over the country until a tolerably wide cross-road was reached. From its appearance, it did not seem as though it was much frequented, for in some places it was thickly over- grown with grass. Believing himself perfectly safe and free from pursuit, Dick diminished his mare’s speed to a walk. He had long ago learned the necessity of restraining hb: *, so that when the moment of danger came she would bu able to put forth all her energies. Taking advantage of this opportunity for conversatiun, Maud asked Dick what his intentions were. “To tell the truth,” he said, “I scarcely know. I havs not made up my miud, but shall be guided by the chapter of events.” “ Bui will it not be better to seek out some place a refuge ?” ‘Tt would be better if some place could be found whers we could remain in quiet ; the difficulty is the diseovery af it.” Maud sighed. (0) JOOKS G (0)