CHAPTER XVIII.
RIDING WITH A HIGHWAYMAN "Get into the chaise, Mr.Fairfax," said Colonel Preston.
"Thank you," said the adventurer, and accepted the invitation.
"Now we are off," said the colonel, as he took the reins, and touched the horse lightly with the whip.
"Is the road a pleasant one ?" inquired Fairfax.
"The latter part is rather lonely.

For a mile it runs through the woods--still, on a summer day, that is rather pleasant than otherwise.
In the evening, it is not so agreeable." "No, I suppose not," said Fairfax, rather absently.
Colonel Preston would have been startled could he have read the thoughts that were passing through the mind of his companion.

Could he have known his sinister designs, he would scarcely have sat at his side, chatting so easily and indifferently.
"I will postpone my plan till we get to that part of the road he speaks of," thought Fairfax.

"It would not do for me to be interrupted." "I suppose it is quite safe traveling anywhere on the road," remarked the adventurer.
"Oh, yes," said Colonel Preston, with a laugh.

"Thieves and highway robbers do not pay us the compliment of visiting our neighborhood.
They keep in the large cities, or in places that will better reward their efforts." "Precisely," said Fairfax; "I am glad to hear it, for I carry a considerable amount of money about me." "So do I, to-day.