Egad, there is more fall than rise, and it is anything but gentle.' 'Odd's truth!' exclaimed Saxon.

'How in the name of all the saints in the calendar do you expect to keep your seat in the presence of an enemy if you lose it on a peaceful high-road ?' 'I can but try, my illustrious,' he answered, rearranging his ruffled clothing.

'Perchance the sudden and unexpected character of my movements may disconcert the said enemy.' 'Well, well, there may be more truth in that than you are aware of,' quoth Saxon, riding upon Lockarby's bridle arm, so that there was scarce room for him to fall between us.

'I had sooner fight a man like that young fool at the inn, who knew a little of the use of his weapon, than one like Micah here, or yourself, who know nothing.

You can tell what the one is after, but the other will invent a system of his own which will serve his turn for the nonce.