I arose from the stool upon which I had been seated, and just at that moment, amidst a crashing of boughs and sticks, a man on horseback bounded over the hedge into the lane at a few yards' distance from where we were: from the impetus of the leap the horse was nearly down on his knees; the rider, however, by dint of vigorous handling of the reins, prevented him from falling, and then rode up to the tent.

''Tis Nat,' said the man; 'what brings him here ?' The new-comer was a stout burly fellow, about the middle age; he had a savage determined look, and his face was nearly covered over with carbuncles; he wore a broad slouching hat, and was dressed in a gray coat, cut in a fashion which I afterwards learnt to be the genuine Newmarket cut, the skirts being exceedingly short; his waistcoat was of red plush, and he wore broad corduroy breeches and white top-boots.

The steed which carried him was of iron gray, spirited and powerful, but covered with sweat and foam.

The fellow glanced fiercely and suspiciously around, and said something to the man of the tent in a harsh and rapid voice.

A short and hurried conversation ensued in the strange tongue.