Vol.1 f.074 recto

been the first to quit the Maypole on the previous night, and who, extending his hand to the locksmith, welcomed him as his preserver and friend.
" Say no more, sir, say no more,' said Gabriel. "I hope I would have done at least as much for any man in such a strait, and most of all for you, sir. A certain young lady,' he added, with some hesitation, 'has done us many a kind turn, and we naturally feel -- I hope I give you no offence in saying this, sir?'
The young man smiled and shook his head; at the same time moving in his chair as if in pain.
" It's no great matter,' he said, in answer to the locksmith's sympathising look, " a mere uneasiness arising at least as much from being cooped up here, as from the slight wound I have, or from the loss of blood. Be seated, Mr Varden.'
"If I may make so bold, Mr Edward, as to lean upon your chair,' returned the locksmith, accommodating his action to his speech, and bending over him, " I'll stand here for the convenience of speaking low. Barnaby is not in his quietest humour to-night, and at such times talking never does him good.'
They both glanced at the subject of this remark, who had taken a seat on the other side of the fire, and, smiling vacantly, was making puzzles on his fingers with a skein of string.
"Pray, tell me, sir,' said Varden, dropping his voice still lower, "exactly what happened last night. I have my reason for inquiring. You left the Maypole, alone?,
"And walked homeward alone, until I had nearly reached the place where you found me, when I heard the gallop of a horse.'
" Behind you?' said the locksmith.
"Indeed, yes -- behind me. It was a single rider, who soon overtook me, and checking his horse, inquired the way to London.'
"You were on the alert, sir, knowing how many highwaymen there are, scouring the roads in all directions?' said Varden.
"I was, but I had only a stick, having imprudently left my pistols in their holster-case with the landlord's son. I directed him