"Well, now you see what you
have to expect, if you try your trade with me," thought Edward. "I am
very glad that you have been spying." Having replaced his pistols,
Edward paid his reckoning, and went to the stable, desiring the
hostler to saddle his horse and fix on his saddle-bags. As soon as
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 pace, 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 afterward a man on horseback, in full speed,
galloped over the hill toward 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.
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