s this was done he
mounted and rode off. Before he was well clear of the town the
highwaymen cantered past him on three well-bred active horses. "I
presume we shall meet again," thought Edward, who for some time cantered
at a gentle rate, and then, as his horse was very fresh, he put him to a
faster pace, intending to do a long day's work. He had ridden about
fifteen miles, when he came to a heath, and, as he continued at a fast
trot, he perceived the three highwaymen about a quarter of a mile in
advance of him; they were descending a hill which was between them, and
he soon lost sight of them again. Edward now pulled up his horse to let
him recover his wind, and walked him gently up the hill. He had nearly
gained the summit when he heard the report of firearms, and soon
afterwards a man on horse back, in full speed, galloped over the hill
towards him. He had a pistol in his hand, and his head turned back.
The reason for this was soon evident, as immediately after him appeared
the three highwaymen in pursuit. One fired his pistol at the man who
fled, and missed him. The man then fired in return, and with true aim,
as one of the highwaymen fell. All this was so sudden that Edward had
hardly time to draw his pistol and put spurs to his horse before the
parties were upon him, and were passing him. Edward levelled at the
second highwayman as he passed him, and the man fell. The third
highwayman, perceiving this, turned his horse to the side of the road,
cleared a ditch, and galloped away across the heath. The man who had
been attacked had pulled up his horse when Edward came to his
assistance, and now rode up to him, saying--"I have to thank you, sir,
for your timely aid; for these rascals were too many for me."

"You are not hurt, I trust, sir?" replied Edward.

"No, not the least; the fellow singed my curls though, as you may
perceive. They attacked me but half a mile from here. I was proceeding
north when I heard the clatter of hoofs behind me; I looked round, and
saw at once what they were, and I sprung my horse out of the road to a
thicket close to it, that they might not surround me. One of the three
rode forward to stop my passage, and the other two rode round to the
back of the thicket to get behind me. I then saw that I had separated
them, and could gain a start upon them by riding back again, which I did
as fast as I could, and they immediately gave chase. The result you
saw. Between us we have