They were within five miles of Reigate when suddenly two horsemen rode out from a side road with a shout of "Stand and deliver!" The Squire lashed the horses, and a moment later a pistol was fired, and the ball went through his hat.

By the light of the lamps Mark saw the other man raise his hand, and, leveling his pistol, fired on the instant; then, as there was no reply to his shot, he discharged the second barrel at the first who had fired, and who had at once drawn another pistol.

The two reports rang out almost at the same moment, but Mark's was a little the first.

There was a sharp exclamation of pain from the highwayman, who wrenched round his horse and galloped down the lane from which he had issued, the groom sending two bullets after him.
"Where is the other man ?" Mark exclaimed, as his father reined in the horses.
"Somewhere on the ground there, Mark; I saw him fall from his saddle as we passed him." "Is it any use pursuing the other, father?
I am pretty sure I hit him." "I am quite sure you did, but it is no good our following; the side roads are so cut up by ruts that we should break a spring before we had gone a hundred yards.

No, we will stop and look at this fellow who is unhorsed, Mark." The groom got down, and, taking one of the carriage lamps, proceeded to a spot where the highwayman's horse was standing.