ked doubtfully at the horseman, fearing that when he went up to
the front, more of the cattle would be driven off.

"You need not be afraid, Mr Deane; your cattle are safe enough, I give
you my word for it: none shall be taken till you come back," said the
robber, observing Jack's hesitation.

Jack found Brinsmead looking very disconsolate at the turn affairs had
taken.

"We have fallen among the Philistines, Jack, and it's not likely they
will let us go till they have fleeced us completely."

"Cheer up, Master Brinsmead!" said Jack. "I will speak to them, and see
what can be done."

On this Jack called a parley with their opponents, who seemed prepared
for the proposal; but not without much grief and many doubts did Will
Brinsmead listen to the terms. Seeing, however, that his chance of
escape was hopeless, he at length consented to pay the levier of
black-mail his iniquitous dues. On this Jack rode back to the top of
the rise where he had left the horseman, and told him that the
arrangement was agreed to.

"Well, then, send your people to look after the beasts, and I will come
down and settle with worthy Master Brinsmead. You will not find it
silver thrown away, let me tell you; for we shall take care that not a
crown more will you have to pay till you get safe back to your master
with the profits of your journey."

With many a groan and sigh Brinsmead produced his leathern purse from a
side-pocket carefully secured round him, and counted out the pieces into
the broad palm of the cattle-lifter, who coolly deposited them in his
pouch, as if he had been receiving the result of an honest bargain.
Meantime the waggon without much difficulty was lifted up from its
position, and dragged on one side to allow the beeves to pass by.

"I will give you an acknowledgment if you like, friend," said the robber
with a laugh. "If you will write out the paper, I will sign it with my
mark; for as to writing, it's an art I never learned."

"How came you to know my name?" asked Jack. "I don't remember you."

"We know every body who travels along this road, and maybe we have met
before, though you don't recollect me," answered the robber. "And now
farewell to you, and may you find a good market for your beasts, and
success in all your dealings."

Saying this, the robber turned his horse, and rode up the hill, while
the rest of the band withdrew quickly out of sight. The poor fellows
who had been hurt were placed on ho