Their courses lay not so far asunder but that
they might, for a time, have proceeded together, and with more mutual
advantage; but the suggestions and solicitations of Forrester on this
subject were alike disregarded by Ralph, with what reason we may not
positively say, but it is possible that it arose from a prudential
reference to the fact that the association of one flying from justice
was not exactly such as the innocent should desire. And this was reason
enough.
They separated; and the youth proceeded to the preparation for his own
contemplated departure. His pistols were in readiness, with his dirk, on
the small table by the side of his bed; his portmanteau lay alike
contiguous; and before seeking his couch, which he did at an early hour,
he himself had seen that his good steed had been well provided with corn
and fodder. The sable groom, too, whose attentions to the noble animal
from the first, stimulated by an occasional bit of silver, had been
unremitted, was now further rewarded, and promised faithfully to be in
readiness at any hour.
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