The manner however in which this was done, only served to confirm the suspicions of the Baronet, which he could not help expressing, as he acknowledged the accuracy of the Highwayman's information, and produced the property, observing, he was sure that ~203~~circumstances of no common kind could have impelled him to this flagrant breach of the laws.

He asked as a favour, that he would grant him an interview at some future period, pledging his honour that he should have no occasion to repent such a singular mark of confidence.
"The Officer replied that he had, and he felt he could with safety trust both his life and his honour in the veracity of Sir -- --, and appointed a meeting at the London Coffee House, Ludgate Hill, only stipulating, that at such meeting both parties were to be unattended.
As the day of meeting approached, the Baronet thought seriously of the solicited rencontre, and after enjoining perfect secresy on the part of his friend, Col.

----, entreated him to be his companion.

The Colonel laughed at the idea, that any man who had robbed another should so indiscreetly place his life in his hands, had no conception of his keeping his appointment, and solemnly assured the Baronet that he would in no case divulge who or what he was, that he might become acquainted with.
"The Colonel ridiculed his friend's credulity as they entered the house, and were shewn to a private room.

The appointed hour was eight in the evening, and, as the clock of St.Paul's struck, a Gentleman inquiring for Sir -- -- was shewn into the room--wine was ordered, and for an hour a general conversation on the popular topics of the day ensued, when the Gentleman, evidently under deeply impressed feelings of embarrassment and disappointment, in which the Colonel seemed to partake, arose, and politely took his leave.
"' Well,' said the Baronet, 'what think you of my Highwayman now 1--am I not right ?--is he not a gentleman ?' "' And this is the robber, is it, Sir ?' said the Colonel--'Be assured he shall swing for it--why, Sir, I know him well, he is a -- -- in my own regiment.' "'Hold,' said the Baronet, 'don't be rash, remember the solemn promise you have given, and do not deceive me--I hold you bound to me, and will not permit you to break your engagement--I have better objects in view than the death of a fellow-creature.' "He then requested to be informed of the general tenor of the young man's conduct, which he found to be excellent, and that he was an indefatigable officer--'Indeed,' said the Colonel, 'it would give me the greatest ~204~~pain to lose him--an incomparably affectionate husband and father.