are not
always put into effect, such a thing as opportunity is frequently
wanting, such was the case here. I went on for a considerable time, in
expectation of coming to some rustic hostelry, but nothing of the kind
presented itself to my eyes; the country in which I now was seemed almost
uninhabited, not a house of any kind was to be seen--at least I saw
none--though it is true houses might be near without my seeing them,
owing to the darkness of the night, for neither moon nor star was abroad.
I heard, occasionally, the bark of dogs; but the sound appeared to come
from an immense distance. The rain still fell, and the ground beneath my
feet was wet and miry; in short, it was a night in which even a tramper
by profession would feel more comfortable in being housed than abroad. I
followed in the rear of the cart, the pony still proceeding at a sturdy
pace, till methought I heard other hoofs than those of my own nag; I
listened for a moment, and distinctly heard the sound of hoofs
approaching at a great rate, and evidently from the quarter towards which
I and my little caravan were moving. We were in a dark lane--so dark
that it was impossible for me to see my own hand. Apprehensive that some
accident might occur, I ran forward, and, seizing the pony by the bridle,
drew him as near as I could to the hedge. On came the hoofs--trot, trot,
trot; and evidently more than those of one horse; their speed as they
advanced appeared to slacken--it was only, however, for a moment. I
heard a voice cry, 'Push on,--this is a desperate robbing place,--never
mind the dark'; and the hoofs came on quicker than before. 'Stop!' said
I, at the top of my voice; 'stop! or--' Before I could finish what I was
about to say there was a stumble, a heavy fall, a cry, and a groan, and
putting out my foot I felt what I conjectured to be the head of a horse
stretched upon the road. 'Lord have mercy upon us! what's the matter?'
exclaimed a voice. 'Spare my life,' cried another voice, apparently from
the ground; 'only spare my life, and take all I have.' 'Where are you,
Master Wise?' cried the other voice. 'Help! here, Master Bat,' cried the
voice from the ground; 'help me up or I shall be murdered.' 'Why, what's
the matter?' said Bat. 'Some one has knocked me down, and is robbing
me,' said the voice from the ground. 'Help! murder!' cried Bat; and,
regardless of the entreaties of the man on the ground that he would stay
and help him up, he