The Highwayman | Page 5

Benjamin also laughed. Why should Benjamin find consolation in the
coming of this _posse_? It was not credible that they could be allies of
his. Highwaymen did not work in gangs of half a dozen.
The four horsemen, urged by the shots or by what they saw, came at a
gallop and reined up almost on top of Harry and Benjamin. One of
them, a little man with a lean, brown face, called out, "By your leave,
sir! What's this?"
"It's a rude fellow, sir," Harry said. "I fear a lewd fellow. By trade a
highwayman. The highway, indeed, is his life's love, his adored
mistress. Observe how he cleaves to it." He compressed Benjamin, who
squelched, into the mud, and rose, standing on Benjamin's chest and
stomach.
Benjamin groaned, and the eyes behind his mask rolled towards the
little man.
"Filthy dog," that little man said with sincere disgust. "Can I serve you,
sir?" he touched his hat to the women in the coach.
"Why, Benjamin has a friend, one Ned. Ned hath a pistol or so and two
horses which have bolted with him. But he may yet persuade them to
bring back his pistols and him. Now, if you would be so good, it would
be convenient in you to ride on and destroy Ned."
"It's a pleasure, sir," the little man showed his teeth. "And the fat rogue
there, can I help you with him? Shall we take him on to the
constables?"
"Oh, I thank you, but my Benjamin is docile. I'll e'en tie him up with
his garters, and all will be well."
The little man scowled at Benjamin. "I shall hope to be at his hanging,"

he said incisively. "Sir, your most obedient! Ladies!" he bobbed at
them and rode off, his three companions close about him in eager talk.
As they went, Benjamin let out a cry of anguish: "Captain!"
The little man and his company used their spurs.
Harry looked at their hurry and then down at Benjamin.
"Now why did you call him that, my Benjamin?" said he. "Indeed, why
did you call on him at all?"
From behind the mask Benjamin's prominent eyes stared sullenly. He
said nothing.
Harry shook his head. "I feel that I do not know you, Benjamin. I must
see more of you," With which he fell upon the man again and twitched
off the mask. The wig came with it. Benjamin was revealed the owner
of a big, bald, shiny head with a face which was puffed and purple.
"You were right, Benjamin," said Harry sadly, "You were kind. To
wear a mask was charity, nay, decency--what breeches are to other men.
That obese and flaccid nose--pah, let us talk of something else." He lay
upon Benjamin and tugged at his sword-belt. Benjamin writhed and
groaned. His sword was caught underneath him, the hilt deep in the
small of his back. Harry hauled the sword-belt off at last and gripped at
Benjamin's wrists. He began to struggle again. "Do not be troublesome
or I'll tap the beer on your brain. So." He hauled the belt taut about the
fighting arms and made all fast. Then he sat himself on Benjamin's legs,
which thus ceased to be turbulent, and, taking off the garters, therewith
tied the ankles together.
Sighing satisfaction, Harry picked up the pistol and sword, spoils of
victory, and rose at his leisure. He contemplated the hapless
highwayman with benign interest for a moment, and turned to the
coach. "You are still there, ladies? Benjamin is flattered and so am I.
But the play is over. He will not be amusing for some time, and at any
moment he may be profane. I see him bursting with it. Pray drive on
and remove your chaste ears." He restored to them the jewel-case.

"Put him up on the box, sir," the younger woman cried.
"I beg your pardon, madame?"
"We will take him to the constables at Finchley."
"But why? He is beautiful there, my Benjamin, and I doubt he was
never beautiful before. And I have planted him so firmly. I think if we
leave him there he may grow and blossom. Do not dig him up again yet.
Imagine Benjamin in flower! A thing to dream of."
"You are pleased to be witty, sir. Come, we have lost time enough. Put
the rogue up, and do you mount with us."
Harry became aware that this young woman had a brow of pride. It was
ample and broad and, after the Greek manner, it rose almost in a line
with her admirable nose. A noble head, to be sure, but alarming to a
mere human man. So Harry thought, and he touched his hat and said:
"Madame, your most humble. Pray what do you want