more scientifically and
systematically they set to work than we amateurs do! how noiselessly
they bag a hare, smoke a pheasant, or knock a buck down with an air-gun!
how independent are they of any license, except that of a good eye, and
a swift pair of legs! how unnecessary is it for them to ask permission
to shoot over Mr. So-and-so's grounds, or my Lord That's preserves!
they are free of every cover, and indifferent to any alteration in the
game laws. I've some thoughts, when everything else fails, of taking to
poaching myself. In my opinion, a poacher's a highly respectable
character. What say you, Mr. Coates?" turning very gravely to that
gentleman.

"Such a question, sir," replied Coates, bridling up, "scarcely deserves
a serious answer. I make no doubt you will next maintain that a
highwayman is a gentleman."

"Most undoubtedly," replied Palmer, in the same grave tone, which might
have passed for banter, had Jack ever bantered. "I'll maintain and prove
it. I don't see how he can be otherwise. It is as necessary for a man to
be a gentleman before he can turn highwayman, as it is for a doctor to
have his diploma, or an attorney his certificate. Some of the finest
gentlemen of their day, as Captain Lovelace, Hind, Hannum, and Dudley,
were eminent on the road, and they set the fashion. Ever since their day
a real highwayman would consider himself disgraced, if he did not
conduct himself in every way like a gentleman. Of course, there are
pretenders in this line, as in everything else. But these are only
exceptions, and prove the rule. What are the distinguishing
characteristics of a fine gentleman?--perfect knowledge of the
world--perfect independence of character--notoriety--command of
cash--and inordinate success with the women. You grant all these
premises? First, then, it is part of a highwayman's business to be
thoroughly acquainted with the world. He is the easiest and pleasantest
fellow going. There is Tom King, for example: he is the handsomest man
about town, and the best-bred fellow on the road. Then whose
inclinations are so uncontrolled as the highwayman's, so long as the
mopuses last? who produces so great an effect by so few words?--'STAND
AND DELIVER!' is sure to arrest attention. Every one is captivated by an
address so _taking_. As to money, he wins a purse of a hundred guineas
as easily as you would the same sum from the faro table. And wherein
lies the difference? only in the name of the game. W