At length they entered on a portion of the road lined on either side by a natural forest.

Fairfax looked about him.
"I suppose, Colonel Preston, these are the woods you referred to ?" "Yes, sir." "How far do they extend ?" "About a mile." They had traversed about half a mile, when Fairfax said: "If you don't object, Colonel Preston, I will step out a moment.
There's a tree with a peculiar leaf.

I would like to examine it nearer to." "Certainly, Mr.Fairfax," said the colonel, though he wondered what tree it could be, for he saw no tree of an unusual character.
The chaise stopped and Fairfax jumped off.

But he seemed to have forgotten the object of dismounting.

Instead of examining the foliage of a tree, he stepped to the horse's head, and seized him by the bridle.
"What are you going to do, Mr.Fairfax ?" asked Colonel Preston, in surprise.
By this time Fairfax had withdrawn a pistol from his inside pocket, and deliberately pointed it at his companion.
"Good heavens! Mr.Fairfax, what do you mean ?" "Colonel Preston," said the adventurer, "I want all the money you have about you.