No doubt, such persons assumed every appearance which could insinuate them into the confidence of their destined victims; but Julian thought he discovered in this man's manner, a wild and reckless frankness, which he could not but connect with the idea of sincerity in the present case.

He therefore answered, after a moment's recollection, "I embrace your proposal, sir; although, by doing so, I am reposing a sudden, and perhaps an unwary, confidence." "And what am I, then, reposing in you ?" said the stranger.

"Is not our confidence mutual ?" "No; much the contrary.

I know nothing of you whatever--you have named me; and, knowing me to be Julian Peveril, know you may travel with me in perfect security." "The devil I do!" answered his companion.

"I travel in the same security as with a lighted petard, which I may expect to explode every moment.
Are you not the son of Peveril of the Peak, with whose name Prelacy and Popery are so closely allied, that no old woman of either sex in Derbyshire concludes her prayer without a petition to be freed from all three?
And do you not come from the Popish Countess of Derby, bringing, for aught I know, a whole army of Manxmen in your pocket, with full complement of arms, ammunition, baggage, and a train of field artillery ?" "It is not very likely I should be so poorly mounted," said Julian, laughing, "if I had such a weight to carry.