be endured.' Lie still I tell you; little, perhaps, do you think that you are performing one of the noblest functions of humanity: yes, Sir, you are filling the pockets of the destitute, and by my present action, I am securing you from any weakness of the flesh likely to impede so praiseworthy an end, and so hazard, the excellence of your action. There, Sir, your hands are tight,—lie still and reflect."
As he said this, with three gentle applications of his feet, the moralist rolled Mr. Smoothson into the ditch, and hastened to join his lengthy comrade in his pleasing occupation.
In the interim, Mauleverer and the third robber (who in the true spirit of government, remained dignified and inactive while his followers plundered what he certainly designed to share, if not to monopolize,) stood within a few feet of each other, face to face.
Mauleverer had now convinced himself that all endeavour to save his property was hopeless, and he had also the consolation of thinking he had done his best to defend it. He therefore bade all his thoughts return to the care of his person. He
