Presently the long-expected vehicle made its appearance at the turn of the road, and it rolled rapidly on behind four fleet post-horses.
"You, Ned, with your large steed, stop the horses; you Augustus, bully the post-boys; leave me to do the rest," said the Captain.
"As agreed," returned Ned, laconically. "Now, look at me!" and the horse of the vain highwayman sprang from its shelter. So instantaneous were the operations of these experienced tacticians, that Lovett's orders were almost executed in a briefer time than it had cost him to give them.
The carriage being stopped, and the post-boys white and trembling, with two pistols (levelled by Augustus and Pepper) cocked at their heads, Lovett dismounting, threw open the door of the carriage, and in a very civil tone, and with a very bland address, accosted the inmate.
"Do not be alarmed, my Lord, you are perfectly safe; we only require your watch and purse."
"Really," answered a voice still softer than that of the robber, while a marked and somewhat French countenance, crowned with a fur cap,
