You left the Maypole, alone ?' 'And walked homeward alone, until I had nearly reached the place where you found me, when I heard the gallop of a horse.' 'Behind you ?' said the locksmith.
'Indeed, yes--behind me.

It was a single rider, who soon overtook me, and checking his horse, inquired the way to London.' 'You were on the alert, sir, knowing how many highwaymen there are, scouring the roads in all directions ?' said Varden.
'I was, but I had only a stick, having imprudently left my pistols in their holster-case with the landlord's son.

I directed him as he desired.

Before the words had passed my lips, he rode upon me furiously, as if bent on trampling me down beneath his horse's hoofs.

In starting aside, I slipped and fell.