d
but an ugly customer. I once saw him at Newmarket, where he was collared
by two constable culls, one on each side. Shaking off one, and dealing
the other a blow in the face with his heavy-handled whip, he stuck spurs
into his mare, and though the whole field gave chase, he distanced them
all, easily."

"And how came you not to try your pace with him, if you were there, as
you boasted a short time ago?" asked Coates.

"So I did, and stuck closer to him than any one else. We were neck and
neck. I was the only person who could have delivered him to the hands of
justice, if I'd felt inclined."

"Zounds!" cried Coates; "If I had a similar opportunity, it should be
neck or nothing. Either he or I should reach the scragging-post first.
I'd take him, dead or alive."

"_You_ take Turpin?" cried Jack, with a sneer.

"I'd engage to do it," replied Coates. "I'll bet you a hundred guineas I
take him, if I ever have the same chance."

"Done!" exclaimed Jack, rapping the table at the same time, so that the
glasses danced upon it.

"That's right," cried Titus. "I'll go you halves."

"What's the matter--what's the matter?" exclaimed Small, awakened from
his doze.

"Only a trifling bet about a highwayman," replied Titus.

"A highwayman!" echoed Small. "Eh! what? there are none in the house, I
hope."

"I hope not," answered Coates. "But this gentleman has taken up the
defence of the notorious Dick Turpin in so singular a manner, that----"

"_Quod factu f[oe]dum est, idem est et Dictu Turpe_," returned Small.
"The less said about that rascal the better."

"So I think," replied Jack. "The fact is as you say, sir--were Dick
here, he would, I am sure, take the _freedom to hide 'em_."

Further discourse was cut short by the sudden opening of the door,
followed by the abrupt entrance of a tall, slender young man, who
hastily advanced towards the table, around which the company were
seated. His appearance excited the utmost astonishment in the whole
group: curiosity was exhibited in every countenance--the magnum remained
poised midway in the hand of Palmer--Dr. Small scorched his thumb in the
bowl of his pipe; and Mr. Coates was almost choked, by swallowing an
inordinate whiff of vapor.

"Young Sir Ranulph!" ejaculated he, as soon as the syncope would permit
him.

"Sir Ranulph here?" echoed Palmer, rising.

"Angels and ministers!" exclaimed Small.

"Odsbodikins!" cried Titus, with a theatrical start; "this is more than