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14 out of Boston, and, having since then learned his plans from the hostler at the State Arms, had spurred after him, hoping that, owing to the drover's delay in Hingham, he might overtake him, as he in fact now had.

Something in the man's voice and looks and strange embarrassment of manner touched the vein of caution in the nature of the Connecticut man, and it was very coldly that he presently said:

"Well I'm beholden to you, sir, and if your brother truly lives nigh hand, and they will sell a meal to a man"—

"Surely they will, friend, surely," replied the robber, who had now recovered his presence of mind. " They'll give you of their best, and ask naught but your good-will in return."

"Nay, then, that's not my fashion," returned Cheeseboro, stolidly. "I pay as I go, among strangers, and ask no favors but of them to whom I can give favors."

"A pest on your proud stomach! But come along, come along, and sith you're so particular, I'll promise you shall pay handsomely for all you get."

"This way, do you say?"

"Ay, 'tis but a bridle path through the wood, but 'tis the shortest way."

"Well, go you first, and show the road."

Without reply the stranger pushed his horse into an obscure path leading, very much as it does