AN EMPTY BOAST. 28 1 



abouts have requested me, I've put my signature to 

 the requisition for the military. If I knew two or 

 three whose staunchness I could rely on, demme, but 

 I'd have a try to trap some of these knights of the 

 road. There's Colonel Asher, the Justice's brother; 

 'tis true he's a military man, but I don't value him 

 a straw. The humbug, when I asked his opinion, 

 prated as if he were about to open a campaign on the 

 Rhine aofainst Kingf Louis, instead of nabbing some 

 three or four scurvy desperadoes. No, no ; he's no 

 good! It's one Dick Turpin " (Dick turned his head 

 to conceal a smile) " they talk about most, and I've 

 more than a oruess that there's somethino^ in the notion 

 that he's a lurking-place in the Forest here. I should 

 like no better sport, if they'd let me have three or four 

 of the troopers — though I suppose that would be con- 

 trary to military etiquette — than to unkennel them with 

 a hound or two." 



" You may unkennel one of them without red-coat 

 or hound," cried Dick, suddenly turning his horse 

 against the shoulder of his antaofonist's. "Deliver! 

 and go home safely to tell your friends the Justices that 

 you met Dick Turpin." 



Mr. Major reined back his horse, for the salute 

 was so sudden that he hardly understood its import ; 

 there was, however, no mistaking the look and gesture 

 of Dick. Mr. Major did not lack courage ; he dashed 

 aside the presented pistol with the butt of his riding- 

 whip, struck spur into the flank of White-stockings, 

 passed Dick at a single bound, and had cleared some 

 three strides ere our hero could give chase. Turpin had 

 not fired his pistol ; indeed, so desirous was he not to 

 do mischief, that its being upon half-cock alone secured 

 it from discharge, when struck aside by Mr. Major. 



