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Rh shoot at the gentlemen who detain you; but as though I am generally a dead shot, my eyesight wavers a little in the dark, I think it very possible that I may have the misfortune to shoot you, gentlemen, instead of the robbers! You see, the rascals will be close by you, sufficiently so to put you in jeopardy, unless, indeed, you knock them down with the butt end of your whips. I merely mention this, that you may be prepared. Should such a mistake occur, you need not be uneasy beforehand, for I will take every possible care of your widows; should it not, and should we reach Salthill in safety, I intend to testify my sense of the excellence of your driving, by a present of ten guineas a-piece! Gentlemen, I have done with you. I give you my honour, as a British nobleman, that I am serious in what I have said to you. Do me the favour to mount."

Mauleverer then called his favourite servant, who sat in the dickey in front, (rumble-tumbles not being then in use)—

"Smoothson," said he, "the last time we were attacked on this very road, you behaved damnably. See that you do better this time, or it may be the