‘You had better take the road through the forest,’ said the landlord to him; ‘it is much nearer, Andrew, my boy, than by going along the road.’ “Andrew did not make any reply, but went his way. “In about half an hour the stranger rose, buttoned up his coat, and, with a thick stick in his hand, went forth alone. “‘I’m going to Darlington,’ he said. “‘But, you said you were a stranger in these parts,’ the old publican remarked, ‘and, if that is so, you may miss your way.’ “‘Never fear,’ said the burly stranger, laughing. ‘I heard you say the path through the woods was much nearer than by the road, so I’ll take the shortest cut.’ “The landlord begged of him not to go, but go he would and did. “What happened afterwards I could only learn from his own lips, as he lay weltering in his blood, about half an hour afterwards, for in that time he was brought in by two rustics, with his throat fearfully gashed. “He could speak, however, and, in reply to questions put to him, he said, “‘I had not gone far along the road, and had just entered the forest path, when I met with two poacher-looking fellows, each with a big stick, and slovenly dressed, with big coats and slouched hats, which almost covered their eyes. “‘They were very civil, and I asked them a great many questions about Darlington. “‘They answered all my questions in a straightforward manner. “‘Have you any strangers living in the village?’ said I. “‘How do you mean?’ said they. “‘Strangers, I mean, who have plenty of money, and don’t seem to do any sort of work for a living.’ “‘Oh, yes,’ said one; ‘there is a flashy-looking chap who stays at the inn, and spends lots of money every night; but what he does none of us know. He says he is a crown officer, but we think he must be a highwayman, or something of that sort, for he has got the cut of one all over.’ “‘They described this fellow to me so well, that I made up my mind it must be no other than Captain Jack, a famous rascal I was bent on capturing. “‘I told the rustics this, and they laughed, but promised to go to the village with me, and assist in his capture. “‘We all walked along quietly, chatting together. “‘I gave them a good ‘pull’ at my brandy flask, and promised them an excellent reward if Captain Jack could be captured. “‘They said they were willing enough if I would pay them before hand. “‘I pulled out my purse to do this, and next moment one of them gave me a sudden blow on the head, and knocked me down. “‘Before I could get my pistols out, the blow was repeated. “‘I struggled hard; but in a second or two one of them pulled out a long knife and jagged my throat, and the blood spurted out all over me. (See cut in No. 15). “‘In a second they robbed me of everything, and darted away into the darkness of the forest. “‘I remained unconscious for some time, but my shouts and cries were heard, and soon afterwards two villagers, who were passing, raised me up and brought me here, and here I am a dying man.’”