After a moment's debate, an expedient was suggested, which I hastened to execute.
Time had not been allowed for the ruffian who stood beside the carriage to receive the plunder, when several voices, loud, clamorous, and eager, were heard in the quarter whence the traveller had come.

By trampling with quickness, it was easy to imitate the sound of many feet.

The robbers were alarmed, and one called upon another to attend.

The sounds increased, and, at the next moment, they betook themselves to flight, but not till a pistol was discharged.

Whether it was aimed at the lady in the carriage, or at the coachman, I was not permitted to discover, for the report affrighted the horses, and they set off at full speed.
I could not hope to overtake them: I knew not whither the robbers had fled, and whether, by proceeding, I might not fall into their hands.....
These considerations induced me to resume my feet, and retire from the scene as expeditiously as possible.