Page:Paul Clifford Vol 1.djvu/317

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PAUL CLIFFORD.
287

than a purse, immediately closed the carriage-door, saying—

"Adieu! my Lord; and let me give you a piece of advice: whenever you get out at a country-inn, and stay half-an-hour while your horses are changing, take your pistols with you, or you may chance to have the charge drawn."

With this admonition the robber withdrew; and seeing that the valet held out to him a long green purse, he said, gently shaking his head.

"Rogues should not prey on each other, my good fellow. You rob your master—so do we—let each keep what he has got."

Long Ned and Tomlinson then backing their horses, the carriage was freed; and away started the post-boys at a pace which seemed to show less regard for life than the robbers themselves had evinced.

Meanwhile the Captain remounted his steed, and the three confederates bounding in gallant style over the hedge through which they had previously gained the road, galloped off in the same direction they had come, the moon, ever