"I am less willing to separate than yourself from good company, gentle
youth, as you may perceive; since I so carefully restrain you from a
ride over a road so perilous as this. You have spoken like a fair and
able scholar this afternoon; and talents, such as you possess, come too
seldom into our forests to suffer them, after so brief a sample, to
leave us so abruptly. You must come to terms with the turnpike."
"Take your hands from my horse, sirrah!" was the only response made by
the youth; his tone and manner corresponding with the change in the
situation of the parties. "I would not do you harm willingly; I want no
man's blood on my head; but my pistols, let me assure you, are much more
readily come at than my purse. Tempt me not to use them--stand from the
way."
"It may not be," replied the robber, with a composure and coolness that
underwent no change; "your threats affect me not. I have not taken my
place here without a perfect knowledge of all its dangers and
consequences.
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