The Four Canadian Highwaymen; Or, The Robbers of Markham Swamp

and fight the churls. But the reflection not occupying the hundredth part of a second showed him that such a course was not to be

who with nostrils distended, and neck thrust out, would now lay back o

d also that the officer was engaged as the horse galloped along in putting another charge into his weapon. About fifteen minutes more of fierce riding followed; and although Roland's horse showed no signs of exhaustion, the pursuing beast, which was taller in limb and more lithe, was remorselessly, though slowly, lessening

him further into the heart of its shade and silence. No bird whistled through the glaucous green of this silent, majestic wood; nor was there any treacherous bramble to crackle beneath his feet. For upon this chill, grey carpet no flood of sunshine ever came to coax tiny sprays out of the ground; and the layers of fine needles, or tuf

ontinued his flight directly away from the scene of his offence. In a little while he sobered his pa

itant of the county of York would hear of the deed; and that a

no difficulty in slipping away from the scene of his offence, and in passing across the Channel. Here he remained for a decent season; and when he retur

y, had much to say in correcting morals, and removing evil. The duel they considered one of the most odious sins of society; and no doubt it seemed all the more odious to them because it wa

eeling upon duelling Roland very well knew; and as he thought of Aster, with her sunny hair and glorious, yearning eyes, and the exile that lay before him, a numb feeling of despair began to gather about his heart. He was able t

he began to recall words that she had spoken of which he had never before taken heed. The rippling laugh, half like the notes of a silver bell, and half like the trilling of a bob-o-link's song, came back like music now into his desolate soul, mak

s truth the poet sings;-That a sorrow's cro

ich were really the origin of all this woe, but for his regard for her? No; he saw it all plainly now. He

al father was no less eager that the marriage should be than the bas

the road and the country side. 'But I am safe here, at least for a time;' and he looked grateful

ling sound; and as he advanced he saw that a little stream of water gushed from beneath the base. He drank copiously of the pure, cold spring, and bathed his temples;

and gone round, making a serious flesh wound. Probing with his finger he located the ball which had lodged in the muscles under his left arm. Taking his knife he inserted the hook with which it was luckily supplied, and, after much pain, and rending of the flesh and muscles, extracted the bullet. The blee

fir balsam; and then put the strip across the wound. About a dozen similar pieces were laid across, and these held the wound together; after which he placed a couple of lar

attracted to him. As the afternoon wore on hunger continued to torment him with increasing keenness. Knowing that upon the elevated ground he would be likely to find a hard-wood grove, he set out, and, after an hour's tramp, was rewarded by finding himself in a grove of beeches. He gathered nigh unto a pint of nuts which gave him some relief; and, as he passed outward again to the pine region, he found a rowan tree loaded with crimson fruit. He ate several bunches of the bitter berries, and, having sated his appetite, filled his pockets. Th

resent had no place, and the happy past was lived again? For while he slept he once again met Aster. Tears were in her glorious eyes, and with trembling lips she told him that she thought he would never come. And, taking him to the bank of the little stream that brawled down the rough slope of her father's common, she made him vow that he would never again leave her pi

rs, Alas! it was not t

but the baying

had pursued during the morning. He was well aware that the hounds were brought into the wood at the point where he had entered it; and that they were now far upon hi

a pack of bloodhounds holding the trail, and that keep well in advance of their followers, it was far otherwise. It wa

of time. But the labyrinth of forest-aisles now began to grow dimmer, and a throb of hope came into his heart as he thought of the coming darkness. Yet in this wilderness the dogs would know their game; and there w

to his great joy that there was not a star in the heavens; nor was there to be seen

ring to leeward like a mighty army, which halts its forces to prepare for battle. A heavy storm was brewing, and there would be no light from the m

nnoitre. Approaching cautiously he found that the cause of his alarm was one horse only, tied to a tree which grew by the roadside. His sight having become accustomed to the darkness he was soon able to assure himself that no human being was nigh. Proceeding then to the animal, which he

aker that of Aster's father, the man who was the cause of all the woe and mischief. When his emotion passed he could ha

strate at Markham respecting steps to be taken for the apprehension. Good-bye, sir. I am in haste.' Before the other could reply

ve judged that he must be in the neighbourho

onesome spot; and Roland marvelled to himself if this could be the swamp that concealed so many mysteries, and filled all the country-side with alarm.

e duellist!' a powe

ven with this daring captor. He was astonished to see but one person present, and looked around him for the others. But as his searching gaze could reveal nothing but the sturdy figure at his side, and the gloom-wrapped trees at the roadside,

lp, but remained silently standing upon the road, one hand upon the horse'

you wh

en's o

ng, cruel voice resounded far th

Upper Canada. I have heard about the duel and the fall of Ham. You have rid the world of at least one worthless cur, and

ld have had now for the asking. Yet these men bore the reputes of atrocious criminals to whom every sort of lawlessness was familiar. However, he need not compromise himself by

ll accept

close; for the path is narrow.' So saying the tw