284 HIGHWAYS AND HORSES. 



forbearance it's no worse. White-stockings or yourself 

 — for you will observe I've hit him twice — I'll thank 

 you for the studs from your ruffles, and the clasp from 

 your hat — you must have fallen ; I took my choice, 

 and wherever you mention this little affair, be sure to 

 set against your regret for White-stockings the recollec- 

 tion that you owe your life to the forbearance of Dick 

 Turpin." So saying, Turpin clapped spurs to his 

 steed, and an hour after he was riding through London 

 on another horse. 



After the robbery of Mr. Major, the country 

 appeared to be thoroughly roused ; the country 

 gentlemen took to patrolling the county in bodies, but 

 they soon discontinued this when, in November, 

 hunting of another kind commenced. 



An example of Turpin's occasional good-hearted- 

 ness. He is said to have robbed a farmer of the rents 

 he was carrying to his landlord; he was riding a stout 

 cob when stopped by Turpin, The highwayman rode 

 up to him at a brisk trot, and commanded him to 

 ■" stand ! " The unfortunate fellow did so, not, however, 

 without looking round wistfully for help, 



"Your money!" cried Turpin; "look alive, my 

 good man, don't you see you are keeping me 

 waiting ? " 



"Oh, Lord! oh, Lord!" groaned the unfortunate 

 farmer, " Pray have mercy, good Mister Highwayman, 

 on a poor devil who never harmed man or beast ; it's 

 true, gentleman, I have a heavy sum." 



"I'll soon lighten you," interrupted Turpin, "so 

 leave off chattering." 



" It's my ruin, good gentleman," urged the poor 

 fellow, slowly drawing forth a canvas bag. " Take 

 five or ten pounds, and I may recover the loss, though 



