The Scottish nobleman gained the bet, and the affair made a great noise for many a long year. Daring men of this description were found in every part of the kingdom, frequenting the dark woods, the thick hedges, and the ruinous buildings by the wayside; and, what is remarkable, these desperadoes were conventionally held in high repute, and were deemed heroes. In the time of Charles II., when the English thoroughfares were so infested with such adventurers, we find that one Claude Duval, a highwayman, while he was a terror to all men, was at the same time a true gallant in the esteem of all the ladies. He was as popular and renowned as the greatest chieftains of his age; and, when he was at last apprehended, "dames of high rank visited him in prison, and, with tears, interceded for his life; and, after his execution, the corpse lay in state, with all the pomp of scutcheons, wax-lights, black hangings, and mutes." The order of society in the times to which we refer was vastly different from what it is now. Men's habits and moral sentiments were then of the lowest grade, but, thanks to the clearer light and better teaching of Christianity, the condition of all classes is vastly elevated. The Gospel has effected in the community infinitely more than all law and social regulations otherwise could have accomplished. [From Bentley's Miscellany.] A CHAPTER ON BEARS, THEIR HABITS, HISTORY, ETC. _Slender._ Why do your dogs bark so? be there bears i' the town? _Anne._ I think there are, sir; I heard them talked of. _Slender._ I love the sport well; but I shall as soon quarrel at it as any man in England: you are afraid if you see the bear loose, are you not? _Anne._ Ay, indeed, sir. _Slender._ That's meat and drink to me now! I have seen Sackerson loose twenty times; and have taken him by the chain; but I warrant you the women have so cried and shrieked at it that it passed--but women, indeed can not abide 'em; they are very ill-favored, rough things.--_Merry Wives of Windsor._