Vol.1 f.028 recto

continually; ???? the rider could scarcely see beyond the the animal's head, or
farther on either side than his own arm would have extended. at
that rime, too, all the roads in the neighbourhood of the metropolis were
infested by footpads or highwaymen, and it was a night, of all
others, in which any evil-disposed person of this class might
have pursued his unlawful calling with little fear of
detection.
Still, the traveller dashed forward at the same reckless
pace, regardless alike of the dirt and wet which flew about his head, the profound darkness of the night, and the
??????? probability of encountering some desperate characters abroad. at
every turn and angle of the road, even where a ??? deviation
from the ??? direct course might have been least expected and
could not possibly be seen until he was close upon it, he guided the bridle with an unerring hand, and kept the middle of the road. Thus he sped onward, raising himself in the stirrups, leaning his body forward until it almost touched the horse's neck, and flourishing his heavy whip above his head with the fervour of a madman.
There are times when, the elements being in unusual commotion, those who are bent on daring enterprises, or agitated by great thoughts, whether of good or evil, feel a mysterious sympathy with the tumult of nature, and are roused into corresponding violence. In the midst