l, he found himself disabled from plucking the fruit,
which was almost within his reach; for he had left his servants at a
considerable distance behind him; and although they had been at his
back, and supplied him with another horse, they were so indifferently
mounted, that he could not reasonably expect to overtake the flyers, who
profited so much by this disaster that the chaise vanished in a moment.

It may be easily conceived how a young man of his disposition passed his
time, in this tantalizing situation. He ejaculated with great fervency;
but his prayers were not the effects of resignation. He ran back
on foot, with incredible speed, in order to meet his valet, whom he
unhorsed in a twinkling, and, taking his seat, began to exercise his
whip and spurs, after having ordered the Swiss to follow him on the
other gelding, and committed the lame hunter to the care of Pipes.

Matters being adjusted in this manner, our adventurer prosecuted the
race with all his might; and, having made some progress, was informed
by a countryman, that the chaise had struck off into another road, and,
according to his judgment, was by that time about three miles ahead;
though, in all probability, the horses would not be able to hold out
much longer, because they seemed to be quite spent when they passed
his door. Encouraged by this intimation, Peregrine pushed on with great
alacrity, though he could not regain sight of the desired object, till
the clouds of night began to deepen, and even then he enjoyed nothing
more than a transient glimpse; for the carriage was no sooner seen, than
shrouded again from his view. These vexatious circumstances animated his
endeavours, while they irritated his chagrin. In short, he continued his
pursuit, till the night was far advanced, and himself so uncertain about
the object of his care, that he entered a solitary inn, with a view of
obtaining some intelligence, when, to his infinite joy, he perceived the
chaise standing by itself, and the horses panting in the yard.

In full confidence of his having arrived at last at the goal of all his
wishes, he alighted instantaneously, and, running up to the coachman,
with a pistol in his hand, commanded him, in an imperious tone, to
conduct him to the lady's chamber, on pain of death. The driver,
affrighted at this menacing address, protested, with great humility,
that he did not know whither his fare had retired; for that he himself
was paid and dismissed from