The appearance of the stranger was not, however, so decided a manifestation of hostility, as to justify his acting with any haste by the premature use of his defences.

Besides, no man of sense, and such we take our traveller to be, will force a quarrel where he can make his way peacefully, like a Christian and a gentleman.

Our young traveller very quietly observed as he approached the stranger-- "You scare my horse, sir.

Will it please you to give us the road ?" "Give you the road ?--Oh! yes! when you have paid the toll, young master!" The manner of the man was full of insolence, and the blood, in a moment, rushed to the cheeks of the youth.

He divined, by instinct, that there was some trouble in preparation for him, and his teeth were silently clenched together, and his soul nerved itself for anticipated conflict.
He gazed calmly, however, though sternly, at the stranger, who appeared nothing daunted by the expression in the eyes of the traveller.