"Egad! I hope not," said King. "I'm afraid, in that case, the chances would be against us." "Well, then, the success we anticipate, if you prefer it," rejoined Dick. "I have only to observe one thing more, namely, that I must insist upon standing Sam upon the present occasion. Not a word. I won't hear a syllable. Landlord, I say--what oh!" continued Dick, stepping out of the arbor. "Here, my old Admiral of the White, what's the reckoning?--what's to pay, I say?" "Let ye know directly, sir," replied mine host of the Falstaff. "Order my horse--the black mare," added Dick. "And mine," said King, "the sorrel colt. I'll ride with you a mile or two on the road, Dick; perhaps we may stumble upon something." "Very likely." "We meet at twelve, at D'Osyndar's, Jerry," said King, "if nothing happens." "Agreed," responded Juniper. "What say you to a rubber at bowls, in the mean time?" said the Magus, taking his everlasting pipe from his lips. Jerry nodded acquiescence. And while they went in search of the implements of the game, Turpin and King sauntered gently on the green. It was a delicious evening. The sun was slowly declining, and glowed like a ball of fire amid the thick foliage of a neighboring elm. Whether, like the robber Moor, Tom King was touched by this glorious sunset, we pretend not to determine. Certain it was that a shade of inexpressible melancholy passed across his handsome countenance, as he gazed in the direction of Harrow-on-the Hill, which, lying to the west of the green upon which they walked, stood out with its pointed spire and lofty college against the ruddy sky. He spoke not. But Dick noticed the passing emotion. "What ails you, Tom?" said he, with much kindness of manner--"are you not well, lad?" "Yes, I am well enough," said King; "I know not what came over me, but looking at Harrow, I thought of my school days, and what I was _then_, and that bright prospect reminded me of my boyish hopes." "Tut--tut," said Dick, "this is idle--you are a man now." "I know I am," replied Tom, "but I _have_ been a boy. Had I any faith in presentiments, I should say this is the last sunset I shall ever see." "Here comes our host," said Dick, smiling. "I've no presentiment that this is the last bill I shall ever pay." The bill was brought and settled. As Turpin paid it, the man's conduct was singular, and awakened his suspicions. "Are our horses ready?" asked Dick, quickly. "They are, sir," said the landlord. "Let us be gone," whispered Dick to King; "I don't like this fellow's manner. I thought I heard a carriage draw up at the inn door just now--there may be danger. Be fly!" added he to Jerry and the Magus. "Now, sir," said he to the landlord, "lead the way. Keep on the alert, Tom." Dick's hint was not lost upon the two bowlers. They watched their comrades; and listened intently for any manifestation of alarm. _CHAPTER III_ _A SURPRISE_ Was this well done, Jenny?--_Captain Macheath._