ught Dick, "he said truly. He
will never see another sunset." Aroused by the approaching clatter of
his pursuers, Dick struck into a lane which lies on the right of the
road, now called Shoot-up-hill Lane, and set off at a good pace in the
direction of Hampstead.

"Now," cried Paterson, "put your tits to it, my boys. We must not lose
sight of him for a second in these lanes."

Accordingly, as Turpin was by no means desirous of inconveniencing his
mare in this early stage of the business, and as the ground was still
upon an ascent, the parties preserved their relative distances.

At length, after various twistings and turnings in that deep and devious
lane; after scaring one or two farmers, and riding over a brood or two
of ducks; dipping into the verdant valley of West End, and ascending
another hill, Turpin burst upon the gorsy, sandy, and beautiful heath of
Hampstead. Shaping his course to the left, Dick then made for the lower
part of the heath, and skirted a path that leads towards North End,
passing the furze-crowned summit which is now crested by a clump of
lofty pines.

It was here that the chase first assumed a character of interest. Being
open ground, the pursued and pursuers were in full view of each other;
and as Dick rode swiftly across the heath, with the shouting trio hard
at his heels, the scene had a very animated appearance. He crossed the
hill--the Hendon Road--passed Crackskull Common--and dashed along the
cross road to Highgate.

Hitherto no advantage had been gained by the pursuers; they had not lost
ground, but still they had not gained an inch, and much spurring was
required to maintain their position. As they approached Highgate, Dick
slackened his pace, and the other party redoubled their efforts. To
avoid the town, Dick struck into a narrow path at the right, and rode
easily down the hill.

His pursuers were now within a hundred yards, and shouted to him to
stand. Pointing to a gate which seemed to bar their further progress,
Dick unhesitatingly charged it, clearing it in beautiful style. Not so
with Coates's party; and the time they lost in unfastening the gate,
which none of them chose to leap, enabled Dick to put additional space
betwixt them. It did not, however, appear to be his intention altogether
to outstrip his pursuers: the chase seemed to give him excitement, which
he was willing to prolong as much as was consistent with his safety.
Scudding rapidly past Highgate, like a swift